back in session

I'm finally a student again. After waiting to speak with a billing representative for over a half hour, the hold was taken off my account. I then immediately registered for my classes.

MATH 331, Abstract Algebra I
MATH 401, Modern Analysis I
MATH 480, Math Competition Seminar
MATH 300, Numerical Analysis
CS 281, Systems Architecture I
PSCI 360, Constitution and Judicial Procedure

Looks great, huh? And only 19 credits.

So far today, I've had Numerical Analysis and Abstract Algebra. Both professors have been recently hired by the math department. Both seem cool.

In a few minutes, I'm going to meet with the head of the math department, Dr. Woerdeman, about the math competition seminar. It's just one credit, and I'm a sucker for competition. Too bad I'm going to get my butt whooped on the Putnam.

It's going to be about two weeks till I have internet access at my place, so updates may be scarce. Things are going pretty well, though.

this post brought to you by lynx

"If it is possible to make yourself into a great hacker, the way to do it may be to make the following deal with yourself: you never have to work on boring projects (unless your family will starve otherwise), and in return, you'll never allow yourself to do a half-assed job." — Great Hackers by Paul Graham.

If I have any choice whatsoever, my next co-op is going to be entirely different.

And for those who don't care about programming, here's How to Not Be an Obsessive Girlfriend.

a good day for wapo

There's a tought-provoking opinion piece arguing that most of New Orleans will not be rebuilt: A Sad Truth: Cities Aren't Forever. What do you think? Should we pour billions into rebuilding this city whose best days are likely gone?

In case you haven't heard yet, Michael Brown has resigned from his position as director of FEMA. Good riddance to bad rubbish. Now, for your enjoyment is an editorial by a conservative newspaper lambasting Mr. Brown for obvious reasons and President Bush and Congress for giving him the job. Goodbye, 'Brownie'.

Interestingly enough, Jimmy Carter wrote an opinion piece for the Post about drilling in ANWR: Artic Folly. And just in case, the editors of the Post would like to remind you that "Former President Carter is the founder of the Carter Center in Atlanta." Yeah, that Jimmy Carter.

An now it's time for the big finish: Bush's Approval Rating Drops To New Low in Wake of Storm: He Says Race Didn't Affect Efforts; Blacks in Poll Disagree. Tada!

Edit: Holy Crap! Bush Takes Responsibility for Katrina Failures