Been in California since Friday. First time seeing the pacific. Came to San Diego. Seems pretty nice. I never realized there were mountains this far south in CA, but they are the barest saddest looking mountains I've ever seen. Only trees on them were obviously planted by people (ie palm trees). We are staying right in the middle of them, and its ( Read more... )

Well, here goes ( Read more... )

I have a lot of decisions to make.

Hawaii or Reykjavik?

DC then Israel or Israel then Rochester then DC?

If I don't go to Israel first, will I end up never going?

Can I actually leave the eyebooger dog for a year?

Stay in Rochester for the whole summer or leave after I defend?

I need a first draft of my dissertation in March.

The surprising thing is, we don't ordinarily regard species like the cow and the potato, the tulip and the dog, as nature's more extraordinary creatures. Domesticated species don't command our respect the way their wild cousins do. Evolution may reward interdependence, but our thinking selves continue to prize self-reliance. The wolf is somehow ( Read more... )

I found out today is National Puppy Day, and really, what a glorious day to have! Last week had a National Potato Chip day...so with all these crazy days, I decided to find out if there are any "interesting" days on my Birthday ( Read more... )

I don't understand the human mind. mine or anyone elses. I don't understand "crazy" or how it happens or why. Part of me likes to blame it on the person, but I know its not true. It's just easier to assign blame like that. I don't understand how in the span of 8 months someone's personality and train of thoughts can change so drastically. I don't ( Read more... )

[ ] 13 Going on 30 ( Read more... )

This week some NYTimes blogger posted his Top Ten American Films list. Most of the movies on the list that I've seen are certainly noteworthy, however I think he is missing quite a few. Here is the list if you are interested: Top Ten American MoviesWhat entertained me most was not the list itself (since it is just some lawyer/blogger/professor's ( Read more... )

A few months ago I submitted a paper to a journal for a special issue on hyperspectral analysis. After three revisions according to reviewers comments, the paper was finally rejected. This kind of bothered me, but I knew there were holes I just didn't have time to fix by the deadlines ( Read more... )

My advisor present my research at a defense conference in DC yesterday. This was not a government conference, but a conference run by the company that makes IDL/ENVI. I could not go myself because I do not have a security clearance, but I was still listed as primary author/presenter. For that honor, I was given a plaque for participation. My ( Read more... )