If I Told You What Time it is, Would You Believe Me?

January 14th, 2010 Thomasso

In my own little stunned world I walk aimlessly around bumping into things as I think about all the stuff I need to memorize for next week’s quiz/exam/test. One person asked me what time it was, and I answered with what I read from a broken watch I was wearing. Now I would not even believe myself if I looked at it and was late for a class. Among other things besides the broken watch, I have a schedule that does not allow for any error or delay. My work and classes are so tightly pack together that one train, traffic jam, vehicle breakdown would throw the timetable into chaos. The distance I travel from one town to the other to meet the deadlines is ridiculous in my opinion, but so many others do it to, so I cannot be that stupid.

I wrote in my French assignment, “Quelle heure est-il?” but I could not pronounce the phrase out loud, so my instructor asked me to focus on saying each word aloud several times on my own. This is the problem I have with French. Phonetics is my weak point becuase I have no way of pronouncing each work correctly other than the world wide web for guidance and some poorly laid out dictionaries. The instructor asked me in my last class in French, “What time is it?” And I spewed out something like, “il est deux heures dix.” Even though I should have said something that sounded like, “eel ay duh ur dees,” (it it 2:10hr) it came out something like, “el a hu hur dess.” He was very kind and patient, and accepted the answer, but quickly moved onto the next student.

My next big adventure is advance statistics, or my fourth class of Stats. Now, I have a choice on whether or not I should have this course. This is considered one of the five evils in university on the Liberal Arts side of academia. I’m taking the challenge becuase this course will allow me to move past my four year degree and into any program beyond, like an honours degree. To have this with a BA is a very good mark of achievement, and it will open up a lot of doors. But it is one of the five evils, and it carries with it a very high attrition rate among third and fourth year students. There are two main reason for taking this course now in my overall course load: An Olympic size break, and the prof who is teaching it this term. The university is shut down for almost four weeks in February for the Olympics. Bonus! And the prof who is teaching it this term has a very good reputation for teaching Stats–she  is almost a legend on campus and becuase of this her classes are always packed.

[Tom Whining Alert - Ignore this line] This term’s textbook list is a hit to the wallet! I have to wait until tomorrow to buy the rest of them becuase the bill is about $500.00.

So Stats is going to be action packed reading once I get my books for it as I have a quiz and lab for next week, and over 70 pages of the first two chapters should have being read already. On top of that, 70 more pages of text have to be read and understood by next Thursday for that quiz. The lab I have to do on campus, and the average amount of time to do it is roughly four hours! Could you imagine someone pulling off five courses like this per term–you would never sleep.

In my own little world I walk around aimlessly bumping into things trying to memorise everything… .

Posted in Diatribe, General, Homework and deadlines, University classes | 2 Comments »

Overcoming Fear and Seeing the True Universe for the Very the First Time.

December 18th, 2009 Thomasso

It was sixteen weeks ago that I took up the challenge of doing a hard-based third year science course, the last of my science requirement in my degree program, and back then I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I embarked on Astro Physics. The fourteen week long course took me on some very wild rides as I fumbled with my scientific calculator, and gawked at the streams of formulas with enough Greek letters to make a bowl of soup with, and it made me ponder the true extent of our universe.

Last night I wrote my final for that class. At the end of the 3 hour exam, which I managed to complete before the required time period was up, I got my list of overall marks from the professor. I was elated with joy when she said that my final mark may hinged between a B or an A, depending on the outcome of my final exam. (I was happy that it was not the difference between a C or a B.) I remembered how hard the mid-term was. I squeaked in a borderline B+/A- in the mid-term, after putting a lot of hours repetitiously memorising the 150 pages of texts for that exam. The big blow to the chest was that the final exam was accumulative, meaning that it covered everything from day one till the final moment of the last class. I had to work harder for it!

I remember sitting in the class, dumbfounded, when we were given our Math labs. Physics has a dual whammy with it, in that it deals with theory and Math all in one, and they are inter twined. You can not happily wonder through the course with just the theory and not take in any of the Math components–you would never be able to answer any of the questions, or get full marks for them. So seeing numbers, huge numbers, written in scientific notation like this, scared the pants off me. But once I figured out to enter them into the calculator, and properly understand them, then the wheels started to turn for me.

I was hard on myself. I only saw the people in the class that were getting all of the questions. I did not see that the class mean was only 67 percent, or that a quarter of the class was very close to fail mark of 60 percent, depending on what benchmark you use from what degree program you are in. I made sure that I allowed myself several hours per week going over the notes, textbook and labs.  Disappointment came from the labs becuase of the level of Math that was involved. One lab, I got 7 out of 30 marks becuase of not moving the decimal point far enough to the right when converting measurements when calculating Mass into Solar Units. In another lab I was given only fifty percent becuase my line on the graph was “sketched in” as opposed to a nice thin line drawn in. My graph making skills lacked in the Physics department. On top of that, I saw one student hand in a computer generated graph, and the prof accepted it–”hey I could have done that!”

Oh, I guess I should explain what the four numbers mean eh? Well, the first two are part of the world of Physics known as Physical Constants, the first is the speed of light measured in metres per second, and the next one is the mass, in kilograms, of a electron. The next two are are Astronomical Constants, AU, or Astronomical Unit which equals the distance form the Earth to the Sun in kilometres, and last one is the mass of the Earth in kilograms.

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Wow, I’ve been Gone This Long?

December 10th, 2009 Thomasso

Not exactly been keeping up with the blog, but I can sure tell you that I have being keeping busy. A little recap might be in order here.

Two weeks ago I started into the last stretch of the semester. One of my classes dealt directly with the Olympics. In fact, it was that class that I spent most of my time on. One of the problems that I had with it, along with most of the other students, was having the majority of the assignments so close to the end of it. The biggest assignment was the research paper. Gathering data for that was a huge undertaking, and added to it, becuase this was considered a non-published paper, we sort of had to treat it as if it was going to be published, meaning that it had to passed an ethic board. The joke is, not one University in the world would ever allow one of its students to officially criticize any part of the Olympics if was part of being a host for any of the Games.  Being so close to Vancouver and the 2010 Games, you could imaging how a paper that compares criminalizing the poor while hosting the Games–ya, it would fly like a lead balloon by an ethics board who wanted to keep its funding!

The research paper got completed on time. I was able to find huge amounts of data to support my thesis, but I completed it right to the wire.

Also added to that class was a poster, again it had to deal with any number of social problems with the Olympics, and one media review and a public debate summery.

Today is officially the last class for the Fall 2009 semester. All I have after today is a Physics exam on the 17th, and that is it. I’m free until January 10, or thing like that? These fourteen weeks felt like fourteen years. I am feeling pain from all these night sitting in this chair. You think I need glasses before, well, I think I have this monitor’s image burnt into the back of my eyes. I wonder if LCD monitors give off lethal radiation like the old tub ones?

Work is going. Actually it is going very smooth. Everyone around me is acting strange and getting all excited and blowing fuses. Maybe it is me, I am the one who is “weird” or something, and everyone around me is going through their normal cycles? Maybe that is the secret to work now in these day, try not to care? Somewhere in there is another Psychology research paper?

Julia, I will call this weekend when I get some time. It will be in the afternoon, so hopefully you are not working or on night shift. Everyone else, I will get to you very soon.

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Need to Write a Post Before the Month is Finished: Neglecting the Blog.

November 30th, 2009 Thomasso

I really shouldn’t be doing, but I need to-the need to write something. This is the big week where everything comes to a head for my fall courses, and time is in short supply. There is just so much to do, big projects, research papers, presentations, and then of course the finals.

The last week has being a blur. I actually thought today was Tuesday and was planning my day around that notion. Yeah, I felt stupid when I finally realized that it was only Monday and that I still had four more days left in this week. My brain is in overload right now, so dealing with the bigger things is just not happening in right order.

My friends in my classes are feeling it too. I can see the difference in attitude from all of them. I now know why academics can be so anal all the time – this is where it comes from. You are pushed so hard, and the need to preform with perfection is so great that somewhere along the lines you loose your humanity. This is a dangerous time for students who are around those they care about because at any time they can snap and fly off the handle, or do or say something really stupid.

I think the worse thing that can happen to someone in this situation are those who come to the conclusion that they just don’t care any more.

Well, I have spent enough time here. I have cleared my head enough to continue writing on with my current paper that meeds to be handed in next week. At least I got the final post in for November, before the month is finished. It is these little accomplishments that count too, and I have to learn to recognise them.

Posted in Bitching about work, Diatribe, General, Homework and deadlines, University classes | 1 Comment »

Tom’s Two Rants and a Vent Post, Really I am Happy

September 11th, 2009 Thomasso

I guess time sort of got away on me there. I was going to finish my post, the second part to the “One Box to Many,” that I wrote three weeks ago, but I got tied up with the start of the fall semester and a unexpected serge at work.

I have a couple of vents I want to get off my chest. The first has to do with federal politics. I am not a big fan of the Liberals, nor the Conservatives. In fact, I see any right wing government as a social detriment to everyone. Hey, this is my opinion, and I am sorry if you do not agree, but I just do not trust them. My vent comes from the ads that are popping up on the airwaves. I do not care if there is another election, I just do not want to suffer through more right wing mud slinging and political propaganda.  Damn it, the vehicle ads are enough to wreck a good show on the TV anyway, we do not need added distractions. Please stop it.

People think Fort Langley is turning into a police state. No, that is not true. The criminals who are getting caught are because neighbours are starting to take a vested interest in their own community now. From the guy who passed out on the bench only metres from the pub, to the young woman who threw a beer bottle that smashed on the road on Glover, are probably wondering why they were confronted with a COP (constable on patrol) in mere seconds. Simple, folks phoned and complained about you. So rather having police patrolling 24/7, people are taking up the cause. I say “good for you” for doing that. How else are crimes like vandalism and drunkenness going to be nipped in the butt if everyone turns a blind eye? Go get them Fort Langley!

The School Boards and the bad old BC Government. I cannot say there was not any warning on this one. Yes, we are in a economic crunch, and everyone is suffering. But we like our roads, schools and courts to run. Someone has to pay for that. With so many unemployed, and other revenue lost due to extreme cutbacks by the consumers, the deficit was predictably going to hit records numbers. Even a government that was facing an election could not hide that one. Sure they “low balled” the numbers, but all of us should have known that know one could have really said they did not see that coming. The money must flow, so if you do not have it, well, at least there are still some support system still in place to help you out. But I like the guy in Langley City who will not fork out the $25.00 for his Son’s school gym swag. That is one way of dealing with it. I must keep an eye on that story as it progresses; it could be big.

There, venting all done now. I feel great. Summer almost done—must enjoy!

The photo was done with POV-Ray and Kpov Modeler (KDE), and edited with the GIMP.

Posted in Diatribe, General, Homework and deadlines, Humour, Photographs, Social Justice, Social economics | 1 Comment »

Asphyxiated with Bibliophile Tendencies

July 7th, 2009 Thomasso

Is it me, or did summer just end? It is cold outside now.

I actually have the heat on, and it’s July?

I just went through a period of two huge homework assignments.  The glum weather has even made my ambitiousness to aggressively research texts weak as all I want to do is sleep. The amount of reading I have done in the last three days is almost 450 pages from about 25 sources. Now, I have about a week to get this data into presentation format and then write two papers on these topics by the 15th of this month.

Fortunately, I have already started my drafts on the papers, and the presentation is a group one, so we will be gathering this weekend to delegate and organize. Based on experience our five member group should be able to have a finished format by then, and then another meeting to do a dress rehearsal before curtain time. This presentation will be a total of 25 percent of the overall course for each of us: half personal performance, and half group effort. (I’m bragging now…).

This is the part about my degree program that I dread most, these group presentations. I am so happy that I will need only three more courses that are upper level fourth year, and these are fairly light compared to the ones that I have just completed. I sort of saved the best for last; so to speak, not that these courses are easy, but only just in terms of extra curricular activities such as group work. I want my very last semester to be a mellow one.

I’ll be burning the candle at both ends this week.

Posted in Bitching about weather, Diatribe, General, Homework and deadlines | 8 Comments »

I need more time…, At Least 24 More Hours!

May 31st, 2009 Thomasso

OK, the paper writing did not go as well as I planed, even though I got a lot done, there is still just so much more to do. I’ve fully completed one of my assignments, and started the other, but I can see that I’m going to need every night until next Thursday to get it finished, and here’s hoping that work doesn’t turn me into a zombie with the summer heat and possible explosion of new duties that are expected. I’m sure it will all get done—I’ve done it before—working under pressure like this—late nights going into classes half asleep.

I finally got to talk to my sister J.M. who lives on Vancouver Island. Today is her and husband’s twelfth year anniversary.  I am so happy for them. She told me that they are staying home and her husband is doing all the cooking. They have a son and daughter too who will be their helping with the celebrations, so they will be one big happy family.

J.M. Told me that her going back to college and getting her licence to become a care worker, (I know I’m using the wrong terminology) was the best thing she has ever done, and she is already getting lots of job offers. She might be the breadwinner in the home for the next while as the rescission rumbles onward. Her husband, who is in construction, has been since laid off. Sounds a lot like everyone I know around here in the Lower mainland, and Fraser Valley area. Everyone is moving very slowly, and not spending any of their hard earned money. Hang in there J.M. and family!

Well, that’s all for now. I’m going to try and add some more words to my last paper. Next week is going to hot and miserable with all these class assignments due!

Just adding this becuae I got destracted while looking out my window.

What a sunset! I just had to get a shot of it. Tobad, by the time I got my camera set up and outside, I missed the best part of it. It was incredable. Of course, I’m a sucker for a good sunset anyways.

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Let the Day Begin: I’m Writing, You’re Getting Time Off.

May 30th, 2009 Thomasso

It is about 8:00am and I’m getting ready for the day. Actually I’m planning for the next two days as I have three assignment that need to be ready for first thing next week. Each assignment is a paper that will either critically review, prepare an analysis or follow a research format. One paper, the critical review I estimate will take about twenty hours to complete, and is due for Monday. The other two papers should only require about four to five hours each based of past experience.

So, for those of you who were expecting to come over for a visit or need help of some sort, I please ask that you hold off until this is over.  I know that there were some who I promised to help, but I’m afraid that I will have to back down from those commitments because of my class assignments. Everyone who knows me well enough should know by now that these sorts of conflicting issues happens form time to time and I have little control over them.

While you are all out enjoying the super nice weekend, I will be pounding away on my keyboard fixated on my monitor trying to defeat writer’s block. But don’t worry, in the future it will all pay off.

Posted in Diatribe, General, Homework and deadlines | 4 Comments »

Reading Writing and Wondering: all at the same time!

May 27th, 2009 Thomasso

I have a few minutes before I call it a night. My homework quota just got increased because of an oversight—a small chapter just got turning into a big chapter resulting in four more hours of extra reading. What happened was the prof started to give us the homework assignment last week, and we ran over our allotted three hour time period for that class, so everyone started leaving the class she was telling us what was needed for next weeks class. She forgot to mention that we needed some extra reading that she was posting on the class website too. Some force, perhaps my subconscious, or academic intuition told me to check the web site one more time. Sure enough there was a new file sitting in the page titled with next weeks topic on it.

When I went to print it off, it was 33 pages of legalese in point 9 font. I thought to myself, “There goes the night…. Damn!”

I have not finished reading all of my texts yet. I guess this will be a case of reading right up until class. The only good that become of this is that the readings will be very fresh in my mind and my recall will be at its best. Other then that, sleep deprivation and sore eyes follow close behind.

At least I get to focus on one of my favourite topics which is tort law.  As a criminologist, tort law takes on a different light when dealing with normative laws. I actually found a good argument in the textbook that talks about the argument of no-fault liability versus tort law. I automatically jumped to the conclusion of labour law and the WCB (In British Columbia) where in a growing frequency of cases where insurance that is given out for negligence is far to low in proportion to the damages that was caused. When I compare these two, I can see why keeping tort law is beneficial rather than having no-fault insurance. Perhaps Canada needs a further Right leaning government to achieve this? I think that is a great discussion topic.

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Yes, Week Fourteen: The Last Class for the Winter Term.

April 8th, 2009 Thomasso

A bunch of stuff to talk about today. I have so much news about myself and everything around me that I can only get just a bit in this post because of time restraints. So, here I go….

At the top of my list are all the drivers who have bad habits, especially those who who like to cut people off by ignoring stop signs; swerve into other lanes without signalling; those who tailgate and follow way to close; smokers who throw their cigarettes butts out of their windows so that they land on the vehicle behind them; and last but not least, drivers who do not let pedestrians cross along the cross walk because they are in so much of a hurry to catch up to the car in front of them.  This brings me to what I think is stellar news: The Albion Ferry will close on July 31, 2009! What does this have to do with drivers with poor driving skills? Well, Fort Langley will once again be a place of peace and quiet, and have roads without ignorant drivers who swarm us every 15 minutes. This means that pedestrians, i.e., ME, will no longer have to deal with drivers hitting, cutting, or running into me because they see a “meat-bag” cutting them off on “their” so called road. For those of you happy motorists who travel through Fort Langley and enjoy running into people along cross-walks, you obviously did not pass your driver’s exam because you have to yield the right of way along cross-walks—yes it is right there in the law books. Oh, you are shocked that there is such a Law on the books? Then you should have your licences taken away! Obey the Law!

I am looking forward to when the Ferry closes on July 31. I think this is good. I have thought about the pros and cons on this subject for a long time, but have come to the conclusion that the pros out weigh it all. Once the bridge is finished then there is just no point in having the ferry running any more. Sure, the ferry people are going loose their jobs, and yes, drivers will have to pay a toll, but hey, just think how fast your commute will be. Any self respecting conservative thinking person will appreciate the benefits that privatisation is brining to the lower mainland.

My last official class of the semester ended today. I can’t believe that I spent 12 hours at the University. So far my marks are 93%, 89,2% & 88.9%. In my CRIM3100 class I was told that I tied in highest marks for that class; however, remember that I still have a final to do for that class. Last night I stayed up until 11:00pm writing my last draft from my other criminology class, and I had to work on my psychology paper which was dealing with the topic of moral values and violent criminal behaviour. Both papers were due today.

In classes today, the grand topic or theme, was the economy and gang shootings. These are two very big topics that everyone has an opinion on.  I had ask my economics professor, of whom I had over a year ago, what he thinks is going to happen here in the Metro Vancouver area over the next couple of years. His answer shocked me as he pointed me to a website talking about a me named “Dr. Doom.” OK, if this guy is the Nostradomus of our era, then we are all in big trouble. If the US keeps printing money like crazy, then it devalues, and we get the great depression of the 1930s all over again. And will Canada be OK? We are tied so closely to the US that we are just a toothpick beside the sponge of death on lake kitchen sink. Anyway, this is a bad time to graduate into…. Can we say, PhD. in particle physics working at a greasy-spoon for low wages! Oh, and there is a connection to the gang Shootings and money: people owe people money–and if they can’t pay, well, gangs have their own methods of collections. Plus fighting over turf is an issue too.  I think we are at shooting number 50 now….since the spike in stats started?

Damn, it was a great day!

Posted in Criminology, General, Homework and deadlines, Law and Order, Social Justice, University classes | 1 Comment »