Hi there. So I’ve been exceptionally busy. Ok not that busy, but busy enough. I’m done with one course this semester, as the semester is divided into two terms.

Algebraic number theory has been killing my time. I have reached a conclusion. Do not take courses without the required prerequisites. It’s so much tougher taking a course, missing two prerequisite courses. A professor once told me that prerequisites were just kind of made up by instructors, but sometimes they make sense. For instance, linear algebra before computer graphics. Well, take at least three semesters of algebra and one of number theory before algebraic number theory.

The autumn has been gorgeous here. Most trees still have plenty of leaves on them. It’s a refreshing change from the bitter Laramie cold. Sure it rains quite often, but it’s not rain, rain. It’s more a drizzle, with an occasional downpour.

Fellowship applications are a pain in the butt. I’ve written a ridiculous number of pages on my research goals as a graduate student, previous research experience, how I’ll expand scientific diversity (I’m a white male, how do I know, all the other white guys haven’t done much to advance diversity), and why I want to continue to higher education. I’m glad my education has taught me how to sell myself. And I’m glad this website keeps my writing chops in shape.

But props to the Feds for offering fellowships to conduct research as a graduate student. Of course, I’m ignoring the fact that if I lived in Europe, I’d get paid for all of my university education. Yes, most Europeans actually get paid to attend college. Dutch PhD students earn a ridiculously huge stipend. This isn’t from a 100% reliable source, but Dutch PhD candidates earning something like 2,300 euros per month, which is a over $2,900 at current exchange rates. Did I mention that Dutch students don’t really have to apply for a university the way we do? After high school, they can pretty much just attend any college in the country. Compare that with the capitalistic system in the States.

On a side note, I’m now a published author. I wrote an article and it’s going to be in a journal now. See, in the science world it doesn’t matter that it’s not in a journal yet, it matters that it’s been reviewed and accepted.

And lastly, for those of you in Laramie, there’s definitely going to be a spring keg race, just wait till Jimmy and I return. Not too sure if he’ll be in beer drinking form, as water is vodka in Russia. I’ve even learned that vodka actually means “little water.”