T-minus eight hours until my first test at La Follette. My first statistics exam is schedule tonight from 6:00-8:00 and I have no idea how it's going to turn out. I have been studying quite a bit but still can't get a reading on how I'll do. Some problems I am very confident, others not so much.
Our professor tried to reassure us the other day saying, "I don't expect people to do well on the exam. Just get your first 50 points and then the rest is gravy." Not the most comforting thing, but at least he tried.
Some people are stressing over the exam. I don't really know why. I've somewhat given up on absolutely freaking out about tests and other school work. It's simply not worth the trouble. It's not in the interest of professors to fail you out of the program. In the end, everything passes as it should and life goes on whether the assignment went well or poorly. Regardless of how the test goes, we're all heading out for celebratory/conciliatory drinks at the local watering hole afterward. Yippee!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Monday, October 6, 2008
VP Debate Reactions
The "Beers for Biden, Pies for Palin" vice-presidential debate party was a resounding success. Six of my policy cohorts came over and nearly two full apple pies were consumed along with two dozen bottles of beer... fantastic. I myself enjoyed three slices of pie - well I say enjoyed until the last three bites of the third when it became mildly painful to finish (my marginal utility for each successive bite was falling close to zero).
In terms of the debate, I thought the night was quite revealing. Neither candidate is an exceptional debater but they stuck to their strengths and it turned out to be a rather instructional for me as a voter. Firmly an Obama/Biden supporter, it reaffirmed many reasons why. For any number of reasons (Iraq, Afghanistan, health care, education, energy, etc.) the Obama/Biden ticket resonates with me and it was reassuring to see first hand Joe Biden's mastery of the area, foreign policy, where Obama strikes me as the weakest. Previously relatively unknown to me, Biden made a strong impression as a knowledgeable and capable politician. Not flawless however, as he has made gaffes and has been forced to change or compromise some of his positions as part of the Democratic ticket.
On the other side, Sarah Palin did well for herself and the Republican party. She did not have any disastrous moments of 'Deer-in-Headlights Syndrome' and answered the questions in a way that really should help solidify the Republican base of voters. However, I hope it was as painfully obvious others who saw the debate as it was to me that she is painfully underqualified and illequipped to be the vice-president of the United States. She had three talking points that reocurred over and over again regardless whether the question was about education, foreign policy, health care or whaterver: she and John McCain are Mavericks (whatever that means exactly), she's an outsider from an energy producing state, and doesn't like taxes. It was amazing how many times she mentioned these things and how little substance there was to them. Not that it was terribly unexpected, but she dodged every other question and reverted back the talking points that the McCain handlers scripted for her.
In the end, I would say Biden won the debate by a good amount. He dictated the pace of the debate and answered questions directly and with good information. His knowledge of foreign policy is impressive. Palin on the other hand held her own and did fine. The talking points came through strongly but there was little, if any, substance to her rhetoric.
In terms of the debate, I thought the night was quite revealing. Neither candidate is an exceptional debater but they stuck to their strengths and it turned out to be a rather instructional for me as a voter. Firmly an Obama/Biden supporter, it reaffirmed many reasons why. For any number of reasons (Iraq, Afghanistan, health care, education, energy, etc.) the Obama/Biden ticket resonates with me and it was reassuring to see first hand Joe Biden's mastery of the area, foreign policy, where Obama strikes me as the weakest. Previously relatively unknown to me, Biden made a strong impression as a knowledgeable and capable politician. Not flawless however, as he has made gaffes and has been forced to change or compromise some of his positions as part of the Democratic ticket.
On the other side, Sarah Palin did well for herself and the Republican party. She did not have any disastrous moments of 'Deer-in-Headlights Syndrome' and answered the questions in a way that really should help solidify the Republican base of voters. However, I hope it was as painfully obvious others who saw the debate as it was to me that she is painfully underqualified and illequipped to be the vice-president of the United States. She had three talking points that reocurred over and over again regardless whether the question was about education, foreign policy, health care or whaterver: she and John McCain are Mavericks (whatever that means exactly), she's an outsider from an energy producing state, and doesn't like taxes. It was amazing how many times she mentioned these things and how little substance there was to them. Not that it was terribly unexpected, but she dodged every other question and reverted back the talking points that the McCain handlers scripted for her.
In the end, I would say Biden won the debate by a good amount. He dictated the pace of the debate and answered questions directly and with good information. His knowledge of foreign policy is impressive. Palin on the other hand held her own and did fine. The talking points came through strongly but there was little, if any, substance to her rhetoric.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Beer for Biden, Pie for Palin
Tonight Scott, my roommate, and I are hosting a Vice Presidential Debate Party. Yes, yes quite dorky perhaps but I am policy student and it comes with the territory. The theme of the party, as all good parties have some type, is "Beer for Biden, Pie for Palin." Beer is an obvious choice and we decided on pie because, well, we like alliteration too. More directly however, a couple girls in our program went apple picking over last weekend and came back with an excess of 10lbs of apples. Apparently one of the girls already made more than a gallon of apple sauce and there are still plenty of apples left over for some delicious pie.
I am quite curious to see how the debate tonight turns out. Admittedly I am quite partisan toward Obama-Biden, but I am always interested to hear what the McCain-Palin campaign has to say. McCain definitely played a wild card in choosing Sarah Palin as his running mate and up to about a week ago I would say it was paying off. Palin's interview with Katie Couric was a disaster, but that makes this debate all the more interesting. All the politically minded folk around the country are waiting to see what happens tonight; it could be a real boon for either campaign for sure.
I am quite curious to see how the debate tonight turns out. Admittedly I am quite partisan toward Obama-Biden, but I am always interested to hear what the McCain-Palin campaign has to say. McCain definitely played a wild card in choosing Sarah Palin as his running mate and up to about a week ago I would say it was paying off. Palin's interview with Katie Couric was a disaster, but that makes this debate all the more interesting. All the politically minded folk around the country are waiting to see what happens tonight; it could be a real boon for either campaign for sure.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
A Little Morning Excitement
I stared certain doom in the face a couple mornings ago and didn't bat an eye. Running a little late to class, but perhaps more of a result of a nice tail wind or the fact that I was feeling ambitious, I was biking hard toward campus. I had just crossed the street and was standing up and accelerating away when a combination of bad events occurred simultaneously. First, my foot slipped off the front of the pedal and dropped to the ground. Second, somehow my chain came off the crank. Next, because my foot had fallen off and was dragged on the ground, my crotch had also dropped onto the nose of the seat and then onto the top tube of the frame.
Now wobbling semi-uncontrollably, the light post that I usually zip past without a second thought became a real concern. The pole was rapidly approaching and I was still struggling to get my bike under control. I employed the sophisticated technique of grinding my foot, grabbing the brakes, swearing, and steering fearfully and managed to skid to a stop just past the pole no worse for the wear, really. Topping things off however, my front wheel somehow developed a nice wobble and so I had to limp to my building on campus. Fortunately, I avoided disaster but it definitely not the way to start the morning.
Now wobbling semi-uncontrollably, the light post that I usually zip past without a second thought became a real concern. The pole was rapidly approaching and I was still struggling to get my bike under control. I employed the sophisticated technique of grinding my foot, grabbing the brakes, swearing, and steering fearfully and managed to skid to a stop just past the pole no worse for the wear, really. Topping things off however, my front wheel somehow developed a nice wobble and so I had to limp to my building on campus. Fortunately, I avoided disaster but it definitely not the way to start the morning.
Monday, September 15, 2008
VICTORY!
The Fighting Bobs moved to 1-0 with a pulsating 2-1 victory in our first game of the season. Despite showing up only a few minutes before kick off, the Bobs started quickly and went ahead 1-0 in the first half. The first opportunity to play together, our eclectic gang of policy dorks looked strong throughout the game and opened up a 2-0 lead in the early stages of the second half. Yours truly netted a fine goal, slipping the ball past an oncoming keeper after a mazey run through the opposition's defense. Our attack created chances but we could not capitalize. They pulled on back later in the half and the game tightened up a bit. Balls flashed across the face of the goal and we clanged the woodwork but could not finish. Stout defending secured the win and now we move on to the second game with high hopes and expectations of good things to come.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Classes, Homework and IM Soccer
After coasting through the first week of pseudo-classes, everything has picked up in earnest starting this week. I have officially completed my first full week of graduate school and to this point things are going well.
My microeconomics of public policy is my favorite class at this point. For some reason I understand the conceptual elements of economics rather well and by in large am enjoying the lectures. Unexpected, but certainly not unappreciated, hopefully my understanding of the material will continue throughout the semester.
Statistics on the other hand is already proving to be a bit more prickly. I say without reservation that stats will by my nemesis for this semester and the prospect of another stats class in the spring is loathsome. Stats is quite abstract and I am not suited for that type of number manipulation. I will manage but I think it will involve a fair amount of head-bashing and sluggish progress. Hopefully things will improve as the course wears on.
My homework for this semester will largely consist of problem sets for both econ and stats. These weekly assignments haven't been too difficult so far, but it is still way to early to tell how they will be. I've got a study group for both and we get together to go over the problems, correct errors and complain about the assignments. From what I understand, study groups in grad school are about whining about how difficult and stressful life is as they are for actually doing school work. Misery loves company after all.
However, I my proudest accomplishment thus far relates to intramural soccer. I am quite pleased with myself for organizing an IM soccer team for the LaFollette School. Appropriately our name is "The Fighting Bobs" (in honor of our namesake Robert 'Fighting Bob' LaFollette. Little do the rest of my teammates know that I am a Fighting Scot; they will never know the insidious pleasure I am taking in our team name. We had a bunch of people sign up and in compliance with our unknown skill level, I signed us up for the co-ed recreational division. Our first game is this Sunday so we'll see how we do.
My microeconomics of public policy is my favorite class at this point. For some reason I understand the conceptual elements of economics rather well and by in large am enjoying the lectures. Unexpected, but certainly not unappreciated, hopefully my understanding of the material will continue throughout the semester.
Statistics on the other hand is already proving to be a bit more prickly. I say without reservation that stats will by my nemesis for this semester and the prospect of another stats class in the spring is loathsome. Stats is quite abstract and I am not suited for that type of number manipulation. I will manage but I think it will involve a fair amount of head-bashing and sluggish progress. Hopefully things will improve as the course wears on.
My homework for this semester will largely consist of problem sets for both econ and stats. These weekly assignments haven't been too difficult so far, but it is still way to early to tell how they will be. I've got a study group for both and we get together to go over the problems, correct errors and complain about the assignments. From what I understand, study groups in grad school are about whining about how difficult and stressful life is as they are for actually doing school work. Misery loves company after all.
However, I my proudest accomplishment thus far relates to intramural soccer. I am quite pleased with myself for organizing an IM soccer team for the LaFollette School. Appropriately our name is "The Fighting Bobs" (in honor of our namesake Robert 'Fighting Bob' LaFollette. Little do the rest of my teammates know that I am a Fighting Scot; they will never know the insidious pleasure I am taking in our team name. We had a bunch of people sign up and in compliance with our unknown skill level, I signed us up for the co-ed recreational division. Our first game is this Sunday so we'll see how we do.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
One Day Down
On day of classes down, whew! Only three more months to go - piece cake right? I had my first official day of classes yesterday and it was a breeze. Man if grad school is like this, I'm going to stroll right through it without breaking a sweat. If only...
I had my statistics class and it followed the standard formula for the first day: pass out the syllabus, talk about the course briefly, send students away early. I am hoping for more of the same today but we shall see what the afternoon holds. I suspect things will pick up in earnest on Thursday and then it's going to be nose to the books until the middle of December.
I have Statistical Methodology, Microeconomic Analysis, and Intro to Public Affairs. Three courses doesn't seem that bad, especially compared to some other graduate programs (law, medicine, PhD), but I have been assured by second-year students that they lay it on pretty heavy. Stats is meant to be especially difficult and since I'm not much of a math guy, my hope rests on latching on to a smart study group and hanging on.
I am a little anxious for the start of the semester but I also feel ready to get going. This has been a long time coming and those who know me, know how well I deal with waiting. That said, we'll see what I'm saying a month from now when the first round of midterms are looming.
I had my statistics class and it followed the standard formula for the first day: pass out the syllabus, talk about the course briefly, send students away early. I am hoping for more of the same today but we shall see what the afternoon holds. I suspect things will pick up in earnest on Thursday and then it's going to be nose to the books until the middle of December.
I have Statistical Methodology, Microeconomic Analysis, and Intro to Public Affairs. Three courses doesn't seem that bad, especially compared to some other graduate programs (law, medicine, PhD), but I have been assured by second-year students that they lay it on pretty heavy. Stats is meant to be especially difficult and since I'm not much of a math guy, my hope rests on latching on to a smart study group and hanging on.
I am a little anxious for the start of the semester but I also feel ready to get going. This has been a long time coming and those who know me, know how well I deal with waiting. That said, we'll see what I'm saying a month from now when the first round of midterms are looming.
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