tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-325972362011-11-27T18:32:20.441-06:00Just some thoughts and happenings as a graduate student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.comBlogger321100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-31565694165535765652008-10-21T23:31:00.001-05:002008-10-21T23:47:18.849-05:00

All of grad school can be broken down into three parts:ResearchCoursework (classes, seminars, projects, etc)FundingI've talked before about research. By far it takes up the most amount of time in grad school. It's also by far the most important aspect of grad school. We learn early on that everything else is secondary. We should put only as much time into studying as we need to pass classes (

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-14997558292737943872008-02-10T15:37:00.000-06:002008-02-10T16:17:14.408-06:00

One thing that teaching a recitation this semester has done is to motivate me to reanalyze my understanding of "the basics" of organic chemistry. In my first semester of organic I was flooded with knowledge. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday I would record pages of reaction schemes, mechanisms, and the inevitable rules for chemistry. As a student I didn't have the knowledge or understanding

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-57009616665491678182008-01-12T14:03:00.001-06:002008-01-12T14:37:27.830-06:00

pro·cras·ti·nate:transitive verb : to put off intentionally and habitually intransitive verb : to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be doneOk, so I'm not really procrastinating (unlike usual), just taking a short break from studying for my cume (cumulative exam) on Monday. Classes begin Monday along with teaching, and it's going to be a hectic semester just like last.

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-61314435561383279132007-11-03T19:40:00.000-05:002007-11-03T19:40:23.864-05:00

Graduates from grad school either walk away with a Masters or a PhD. The difference between a good PhD and a Masters is the level of commitment to the work (PhD's take a lot more work and a lot more time) and an intrinsic understanding of the scientific process. This is not to say that a Masters student does not have these skills, but rather that a good PhD must have these skills. As I am

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-49212334658004526992007-10-28T21:33:00.000-05:002008-02-10T15:37:10.410-06:00

I have to give Westinghouse credit, it didn't take them a year to repair my TV. Only 51 weeks. Just about a week before I purchased my TV, but the following year, Westinghouse shipped me a fully functional, not-dropped-in-warehouse TV. So far it's been working well. No power issue, no HDMI glitches, no scratches. Still has that remote-only-works-within-10-degrees-and-2-feet-from-TV problem,

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-66410992896343077892007-10-27T14:45:00.000-05:002007-10-27T15:30:00.211-05:00

Well, it's been a while since the trip, but I still remember most of it (does that mean I didn't get enough drinks comped?) Let's see, I got married, got in a fight with her actual husband, went to jail, won a million dollars, lost two... Ok, so it wasn't quite that exciting, but it was a fun vacation.It was surprisingly cheap for a 5-day vacation. By scheduling the trip to leave at an odd

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-86000503388329458332007-10-27T14:42:00.000-05:002007-10-27T14:45:39.566-05:00

No, the blog is not dead. It may have been in a coma for a few months, but I still plan to keep it updated. I don't really have an excuse for the summer (does laziness count?), but this Fall semester has really been busy. From what I've heard the third semester is the busiest for this school's curriculum. Classes are in full swing, cumes (cumulative exams) are beginning, the RUI is fast

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-35689585552834980292007-04-11T17:13:00.000-05:002007-04-11T17:13:42.269-05:00

Just over a day left and then and I'm off to Las Vegas. Will certainly be nice to have a vacation (first real break since Christmas). The weather is looking great (low of 50˚C for the whole weekend, and most days it'll be in the low to mid 70's) with an extremely small chance of rain on Sunday. Should be a good, relaxing weekend. I have plenty of music, podcasts, and movies to watch on the

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-1930100279232049702007-04-11T16:45:00.000-05:002007-04-11T17:11:14.809-05:00

I really don't want to turn my blog into a stream of random rants, but I feel that this rant is worth a say. In short, never buy a Westinghouse Digital television.[RANT]This past summer I decided to use some of my savings to buy a new TV, as my computer monitor was a good deal bigger than my old one. After some extensive research, I found that Westinghouse Digital was one of very few companies

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-35273145289945908952007-04-11T16:27:00.001-05:002007-04-11T16:45:10.912-05:00

So I think I finally made something interesting in lab this past month. The only problem is that I have no idea what it is, and have even less an idea of how it was made. It all started with some benzyl bromide I was purifying. I dried it over sieves and then distilled it. Looked good in the NMR and was clear and colorless as it should be. Wrapped it in aluminum foil and brought it into the

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-87832001956917858252007-03-12T22:44:00.000-05:002007-03-12T23:18:56.006-05:00

Well, I'm not the most creative, so I haven't been able to think of anything good to write about. Nothing real exciting with research, no dramatic breakthroughs...yet. Still finding it hard to remove water from every reactant and tool (glassware, etc) used, so I think that might be part of the problem. Makes me miss the days when my chemistry was so unreactive (and thus took feats of the

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-64147603576881792007-02-06T21:27:00.000-06:002007-04-11T17:15:07.968-05:00

I've also been working on my new web page while waiting for reactions to stir/reflux/etc. I started learning PHP, XHTML, CSS, and refreshing my MySQL syntax knowledge over the break. I'd say I'm pretty proficient with dynamic web programming now (though still learning PHP as I code along). I've started a beta version of my site and it's looking nice. Just getting the layout set and working on

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-33221701178636958692007-02-06T21:24:00.000-06:002007-10-02T18:47:22.242-05:00

On another note, I decided to give in and give up on the "getting ATI's drivers to work on Linux" and just spend the $30 to get a new video card for my desktop. With a nice, fast Nvidia video card, I can get OpenGL and other 3-D hw accel working within minutes (as opposed to the months is usually takes to get ATI working properly, only to have it break with a kernel update). I'm running beryl

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-35863325677051632432007-02-06T21:20:00.000-06:002007-02-06T21:24:54.282-06:00

Went home for Christmas and New Years. Managed to get three weeks off, though I have a feeling this will be the last year I'll have that much time to spare. Was a really relaxing break. Got to see the family, and several friends around Milwaukee, and Madison. Got to see my Godson walking and starting to talk too. Really makes the Christmas parties lively.Getting back, it feels like I'm

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-76934773815527215772007-02-06T20:37:00.000-06:002007-02-06T21:20:32.735-06:00

As usual, I've fallen behind in keeping things up to date. To be honest, I'm quite surprised I kept my blog updated for more than half of the semester! But now a new semester has started and it's time to get my blog updated again. So take a look at the next few posts to catch up on activity since Christmas.

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-19866291154612352992006-11-23T21:42:00.000-06:002006-11-23T23:20:40.982-06:00

If you've read my web page you've read my woes about setting up a server and having it die about a week before I moved to Nebraska. Late October I began working on using my desktop as both a Linux desktop and a Linux server. As I didn't want to spend the time configuring it from scratch I decided to make some changes and additions and getting it working as both with what was already installed.

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-1162528237032612552006-11-02T22:25:00.000-06:002006-11-05T23:11:56.075-06:00

I saw an article today claiming that spending 38 hours a week in the lab is not enough for a PhD. So I've been thinking, considering that I haven't even spent that much time a week in the lab. There are 168 hours in a week. My T.A. position requires 20 hours a week. With 8 hours of sleep a night (though I usually don't get that much) that takes off 56 hours. Take another 1 hour a day for

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-1162443922065273152006-11-01T19:49:00.000-06:002006-11-05T23:11:55.955-06:00

After I graduated I assumed I'd be done pulling all-nighters working on homework and studying for exams. Guess it never stops though. Manged to put off my o-chem homework and spent an all-nighter Thursday to finish it for Friday, and then again on Sunday to finish another assignment (same class) for Monday. Manged to get both done though and found a good pizza place in town that delivers until

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-1162445753167772302006-10-26T21:17:00.000-05:002006-11-05T23:11:56.015-06:00

After a long struggle with a free computer that promptly died (after a summer of getting it running and perfected) I finally managed to throw together a new web page. It's not much yet, and the format will likely change several times still, but I'm adding features bit by bit. Hope to get my desktop converted to a dual-purpose desktop/server sometime this week. Just have to work on getting the

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-1160078918683952562006-10-05T15:08:00.000-05:002006-11-05T23:11:55.893-06:00

I'm starting to think that the light bulbs in my apartment hate me. In the course of two days three light bulbs have burned out on me. Looks like I'll have to make a run to get some more and probably grab a few spares while I'm at it. Got my bar stools in today. Managed to fit both in my car and they were easily assembled when I got home. Just need to cut off some strands of fabric that

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-1158990822812957732006-09-23T00:45:00.000-05:002006-11-05T23:11:55.833-06:00

Earlier this week it finally got "cold." I can recall seeing next to everyone walking around with Fall jackets and some even with hats. I even chickened out and decided to wear my jeans a couple of days, though I kept with no jacket and a short sleeved shirt. Sure is nice to have my patio door and window open now and not have to worry about paying for AC or hearing the fan and compressor run

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-1158990334840388062006-09-15T10:37:00.000-05:002006-11-05T23:11:55.778-06:00

My students had their first chem 109 exam today. It sure was different to be on the other side of the looking glass. Staring at a bunch of nervous students and passing out the horror that would be their first exam. If only I could have been in these shoes when I took my first exam, would I understand how and why the "stupid" questions were set up the way they were. Don't get me wrong, I still

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-1157874312268720712006-09-10T02:35:00.000-05:002006-11-05T23:11:55.721-06:00

Finally, a productive weekend. Today I managed to sleep in late, clean up the rest of my books (minus a small box), and organize four years of undergraduate notes and handouts into binders. I have 8 binder (two of which have three subjects each) all filled with sorted notes and handouts from my undergraduate career. Tomorrow, or since it's past midnight today, I'll bring all of my chemistry

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-1157329525899448682006-09-02T19:07:00.000-05:002006-11-05T23:11:55.661-06:00

After these last few rainfalls the nights have been getting cooler. Last night was the first night I've had the AC off and been able to open some windows. Didn't last long though as when I woke up it was in the 80s again. Not sure how long it'll take me to get used to this weather, though I have a feeling winter won't be as bad as I'm used to back in Wisconsin.Ordered my bar stools this past

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-1156658506379829302006-08-31T22:00:00.000-05:002006-11-05T23:11:55.597-06:00

Was playing around with Google a bit today and now you can read my blog in Spanish!

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-1156657743681554832006-08-26T22:48:00.000-05:002006-11-05T23:11:55.526-06:00

Seems like the first "real" weekend I've had in a long time. Slept in late, got up and made some breakfast, power went out (thankfully my computer has a battery ;) ), but Lincoln's power company had it back up and running pretty quickly. Unfortunately losing power while cooking eggs on an electric stove can be problematic...but in the end breakfast turned out well. Got through a good chunk of

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-1156403533488035092006-08-24T01:57:00.000-05:002006-11-05T23:11:55.458-06:00

Long lab day today, starting at 8am and going until 10:30pm. Looks like my Wednesdays will be a blast to deal with this semester. Anyway, as of 2am I have finished unpacking (with the exception of three boxes of books still and a bag of paperwork) everything. I'll probably still move a few things around, but that can be done anytime, and changed on whim. Suddenly the apartment looks a lot

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-1156016327627083162006-08-19T14:37:00.000-05:002006-11-05T23:11:55.391-06:00

About a week and a half later I am nearly finished unpacking and just about everything in the apartment is fixed. Got my TV and stereo all set up and finally have a nice bed to sleep on. Now I just have to read through about 200 pages of research papers to pick out a project and get all prepped to start teaching a gen chem lab on Tuesday and Wednesday. Not to mention classes on early MWF (so

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-1155357333203898732006-08-11T23:24:00.000-05:002006-11-05T23:11:55.332-06:00

Lab starting at 9am. Formal lunch at noon. Lunch was a nice, formal gathering of all the 1st-year grads and a good portion of the chemistry faculty and staff. It was a full banquet with catering for water, ice tea, and lemonade. Funny how formal it was considering all of us grad students were wearing shorts and T-shirts. I can also recall one of the grads commenting on the smell of lab

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-1155356647700963602006-08-10T20:56:00.000-05:002006-11-05T23:11:55.274-06:00

Early morning today compared to what I'm used to. Managed to find my parking lot by pure accident (took a wrong turn and ended up finding it), and then realized that I didn't have my parking permit. Ended up going to the first part of orientation by plugging a meter and then had to get parking straightened out during the second portion. Didn't miss anything important though and made it back in

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-1155356074423864572006-08-09T20:04:00.000-05:002006-11-05T23:11:55.216-06:00

Certainly has been a long day today. Woke up around 4am and left to drive to Nebraska (NE) around 5am. 10 hour drive awaited me, followed by what turned out to be a couple of hours of unpacking...in 90 degree weather. Fortunately my new apartment has air conditioning!The drive here wasn't so bad. Turned out to go by pretty quickly. Stopped a few times for gas and once for food. Didn't make

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32597236.post-1155354437557725662006-08-08T22:26:00.000-05:002006-11-05T23:11:55.149-06:00

Seemed like just yesterday that I walked down the red carpet to receive my diploma (although it was just a blank plaque, and I still haven't received my paper copy in the mail yet). Where did the summer go? Well, now that I'm moving off to Nebraska to start yet another 4 (or more) years of schooling, I wanted to find a way to keep everyone apprised of my life. Since blogging is the new latest

Jaysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02808811044696007693noreply@blogger.com0