I don’t deserve a Ph.D.

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I went to Berkeley this past week to file my thesis. I made my final corrections, collected my signatures, and headed off to the graduate division.

I was so happy, I think I was skipping across campus.

But when I met with the person in charge, it became clear that there was a problem with the title page.

I got my name wrong.

It’s not quite as bad as it sounds. I included my middle name, which was not on file with the registrar. This left me with two options: (1) reprint the title pages and collect a new round of signatures or (2) change my name with the registrar. I probably could have pulled off option 1 with some quick feet, but with the end of the semester fast approaching, I really didn’t want to take the chance. Thankfully, my new Illinois license has my full middle name, so the second option became viable. The registrar was able to do this, but the system didn’t update in time for me to file the thesis myself. Good thing I have some mighty trustworthy labmates to sort this out on Monday.

And then I’ll be a doctor.

People cheat on the written test? I’m never driving again…

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Melissa and I had our first experience with the Illinois DMV yesterday. If you ever need an IL driver’s license, Deerfield is the spot. Short lines, friendly people. I like it.

Our tale of woe from the DMV has to do with a fellow IL resident. You see, our compatriot requested a copy of the written test in English. This was strange since he didn’t understand the worker’s instructions that were spoken in English. He then sat down, filled out the exam, and returned it to the counter. Every single answer was wrong. Even recognizing a red octagon as a stop sign. The DMV worker’s theory was that he had a copy of the test at home, and that he memorized the answers for that test. However, they have multiple tests at the DMV. Our friend’s ignorance of English probably didn’t help him understand these accusations. He did know one phrase in English though. As he left, he said “I try again tomorrow.”

The Tipping Point (Malcolm Gladwell)

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[The Tipping Point (Malcolm Gladwell)] The Tipping Point evolved from an explanation of word-of-mouth into a study on epidemic theory on social trends. Like Gladwell’s other book, Blink, the chapters are layed out as a series of personal anecdotes and sociological or psychological experiments which support the chapter’s hypothesis. Highlights include the fall and rise of Hush Puppies and the rise, fall of Airwalks (no relation), development of Sesame Street and Blue’s Clues, and the innovative corporate architecture of the Gore Corporation. It’s not quite as entertaining a read as Blink, but being structured around the concepts of connectors, mavens, and salesmen, the thesis of the book is much more apparent.

Gladwell’s blog

Worst Items to Move

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There are three qualities you don’t want in items when you’re planning to move: heavy, oddly shapen, and larger than a box. My strategy for packing these things was to pile them on as many pillows and soft, unbreakable items as possible and hope that they didn’t get throw onto, into, and through more fragile items.

Here are were the worst items from our recent move:

[Satellite dish]
#3 – Satellite dish – Not very heavy, but terrible shape for packing. If anyone knows of a use for this (other than signing up for dish tv service), let me know.

[Bicycle trainer]
#2 – Bicycle trainer – Just as bad a shape as the dish, but heavier. At least it’s increasing in value moving from sunny CA to the frozen tundra.

[Chubby's table]
#1 – Chubby’s table – This table from a defunct burger place has been passed around since its glory days in El Cerrito Plaza. It’s also the worst item to move. Yes, the base is removable from the top, but that base is heavy. It also has sharp edges which thankfully didn’t slice off any limbs or digits.