Giving Thanks

On Thanksgiving day, nothing more appropriate than giving thanks.
University Qualifying Exam is done!

Step 2: University Qualifying Exam (UQE)

Upcoming Wednesday (Nov-21), I'll be taking the University Qualifying Exam. Officially, this is step 2 out of 3 for the phd, although I try not to think of it as such, and rather focus on the things I need to do before graduate. 

At this stage I will be presenting my research to a committee of 5 faculty, namely what I plan to do to earn my phd (i.e. this is why the exam is sometimes referred to as "thesis proposal"). Upon success on this exam, I will earn a diploma and a title: phd candidate.

Email sent by the department services to my committee (and me) reminding them of the exam date and place.

Road to November 6, 2012

I know that after 8 years of George Bush, the bar was set very low, but I believe I'm witnessing history from a very close distance: Barack Obama is one of the best speakers people of my generation will ever have the chance to hear.

I'll leave you with his last official act in the campaign. Tomorrow he'll be chilling out with some homies, playing his traditional basketball game.

If you don't have the time to watch the entire video jump to minute 20, give or take.

Will "HOPE" and "CHANGE" continue? I think so, and I'm not alone :)
http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/
This blog, now sponsored by the NYTimes, was originally created by a rising star on data-based predictions named Nate Silver (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nate_Silver)

Fired up? Ready to go!

On my way to the laundry

As I was going to the laundry today, I came across with something you don't see everyday...
This ad was posted on the community bulletin board in my neighborhood.

"Loving married couple looking for someone to act as a gestational surrogate mother. You must have already had one healthy pregnancy.  

You will be compensated and have your expenses paid. Please contact us if you would like to help us start our family. We have been married for three years. We live in Mesa.

We would like to meet you and your family. We want to get to know you and you to get to know us. 

Thank you for considering giving us such a wonderful gift. Please call Jessica at xxxxxxxx."