It is with a frowny-faced emoticon that I share the following news. After 13 months, 98 posts, 20 subscribers, 163 comments, 5,665 unique visitors from 90 different countries/territories, and 10,336 page views, I have officially been “downsized” from the payroll of Arizona State University. In an email that was supposed to be delivered to me on December 3rd, the following sadness was shared:

Hello Alan,
I am sorry to inform you that due to budget constraints we will be unable to continue your employment with UTO beyond the end of this semester.  You have done some very creative and innovative work for us and we really appreciate it.  If opportunities arise in the future we will certainly keep you in mind.  Thanks for being such a true supporter of technology and ASU.

This email never got to me. So you can imagine my confusion last Saturday morning at about 1:15 am as I was getting ready for bed when I read this email from the person who approves my time card (who had also been Cc’d on the original email):

Hi Alan,
It has been a pleasure working with you.  I am sorry that budgets are so tight at this time. I hope that we will have the opportunity to work together again in the future. I wish you continued success at ASU.  If you need a reference for another position, please feel free to use me as a contact. I just approved all the time you have posted - if there are any additional hours, just send me an email so that I can approve them for you. Again thank you!

Although this makes me sad, I’m not angry. I assumed my position would not last much longer due to budget cuts that are spreading around the country. I am excited to see what the future will bring. As graduation gets closer for me, this will allow me to focus on some other priorities to help me prepare for medical school applications. I still need to take the MCAT, so this will free up some time to prepare for that beast of a test. Next semester I will be participating in some faculty research projects in the Physics and Nutrition departments, so I am sure I will need some time for this.

I am also the Webmaster for the Student Nutrition Council, a student organization for nutrition-related majors. If anyone has seen the current website, you know that I have my work cut out for me. I am planning on making this site my project during winter break. We’re waiting on the ASU web development team to grant us access to a fancy new subdomain. We’re hoping for nutrition.asu.edu. I want to turn the site into a resource for all students - not just nutrition majors. I’ll set it up as a Wordpress blog since that’s where most of my supersonic website ninja skills are. We also have a Facebook page that I will incorporate into the site. Exciting stuff for anyone interested in food…

What’s Going To Happen To The Stew?

I was happy to learn that the geekstew.asu.edu site will remain accessible going forward.  This means you will still be able to access any of the content on the site, just like before. Although I am no longer getting paid, I will continue to post articles here from time to time. It will definitely not be as frequent as before. If my previous personal blog is any indication…this means it will be slim. In a sense, this Stew has been thinned out. Just like in the days of the depression when mothers added more and more liquid to less and less chunky stuff in order to survive.

If you’re not sure what I mean, check out the 5 stellar videos by 93-year-old Clara. She demonstrates a few recipes from the Depression Era, including a two-part series on Peppers and Eggs. Here’s a screen shot of her adorable grandma face:

Thank You and Good Night

I want to say a BIG HUGE ALL-CAPS THANK YOU to the folks down at UTO that allowed me to spend this last year representing their department. I am honored that they took a chance on a little guy like me and gave me a paid blogging position. It still blows my mind that I’ve been able to earn a part time income writing and reading about gadgets and gizmos and lifehacks and such. Beyond the actual writing aspect, this job has taught me so much. I’ve learned my way around HTML and CSS. I’ve learned how to stick to something for an extended period of time without necessarily seeing the immediate benefits. I’ve learned how to establish an effective presence on the Internet. I’ve met some incredibly talented people along the way.

Thank you especially to Adrian Sannier. Thank you for allowing me to create something from the ground up and watch it grow. This has been way better than growing a Chia Pet. I am happy whenever I can meet a forward-thinking, open-minded person who likes to spend his time in the clouds dreaming of “what would happen if…”

Thank you to my faithful readers. A blogger’s life is one of feverish uncertainty. Sure, there are tools out there that help us track visitors and clicks and subscriptions and page views. So I’m pretty sure you’re out there. I met one of you on the bus between the Polytechnic Campus and the Tempe Campus last semester. I’m pretty sure you know who you are…feel free to reveal yourself in the comments below.

Now, if you will excuse me, I need to study for a Physics exam.

Below is the previously referenced ominous video from Dr. Crow.

Before you read on, a word of warning. This should not be considered a replacement for studying the concepts that have been presented during class. Having a slew of programs in your calculator will not do you any good if you don’t know which one to use.

And a disclaimer: I am not a computer programmer. I learned this stuff from my TI-85 user manual that I found online. This won’t be rocket science, but it should be pretty helpful. Also, I have only used Texas Instruments calculators, so if you’ve got an HP or Casio or anything else, I’m sorry to get your hopes up.

Basic Functions

Before getting started, there are a few basic vocabulary words you’ll need to know. There are more than what I am about to list, but these are the only ones I’ve used.

• PRGM: Short for Program. Look for this button on your calculator to open up the interface where you will write your program.
• I/O: Short for Input/Output. This is a main menu of the calculator where you will spend most of your time.
• DISP: Short for Display. Found under the I/O menu. This command allows you to display a variable or custom text on a new line.
• PROMPT: Found under the I/O menu. This command allows you to ask for values when running the program.

Sample Program

I was going to make a video showing the step-by-step process for writing a program. After searching online, it looks like someone has already done this. There is no audio, but this is a pretty good video.

Using This On An Exam

As I mentioned previously in this series, ASU allows us to bring in a letter-sized formula sheet to each exam. As I am studying for an exam, I first fill up my formula sheet with everything that I think I will need. If there are any particularly tricky formulas, I will take the time to write a program on my calculator. I will make a note of any calculator programs on my formula sheet by writing the program’s name next to the one on my formula sheet.

Conversions

For some reason, physics professors like to test our conversion skills. You know - meters to millimeters, feet-per-second to kilometers-per-second. While there is a conversion tool on most calculators that enables you to easily convert units, I often run into conversions that aren’t built in.

A quick Google search can help you find a conversion. If there is a particular conversion that you will need that is not in your calculator, this is the perfect situation where you can write a simple program for it. Something like this:

: DISP “nano Coulomb to Coulomb”
: PROMPT nC
: DISP (nC)*(1.0e-9)

Wrap Up

If I had to do it again, I probably would not have written a post series during the week of Thanksgiving. I’m stuffed with turkey, and I would rather be watching football or napping than writing about physics. It’s been fun though, and I hope it will help out at least one person out there.

Best of luck to anyone taking on the task of understanding the fascinating world of physics. My basic exposure to the subject has changed the way I look at the world. Like I said in the first post of this series, it is a subject that can be related to EVERYTHING.

Even video games.

Like World of Goo.

Juggling

My teacher related this skill to a physics concept known as parallax. Using both eyes, humans are able to perceive the distance and movement of objects. A unique image is formed on the retina of each eye, and these images combine to form a single image which is processed by the brain. The ability to accurately perceive distance is altered when only one eye is used. (A more detailed description of parallax is on Wikipedia - which is where the following picture comes from)

For extra credit, we were required to juggle for a certain period of time with both eyes open, and then again with one eye closed. This was no easy task to begin with - even with both eyes open. I taught myself in my parents’ family room with grapefruits. The awkward size of the grapefruit forced me to let go of each grapefruit at the right time, preventing me from getting caught with too many in my hand. (Anyone who has tried to juggle knows what I’m talking about.) By the time I was finished with the semester, I was actually teaching juggling lessons to middle-aged men in my neighborhood. One of them turned out to be pretty good:

∆V (”change in velocity”)

Anyone with a basic knowledge of the symbols used in math and science knows that the Greek letter ∆ (”delta”) represents “change.” The “V” in this case represents velocity. Velocity is a vector quantity. This means that it is described by a unit that includes speed and direction. In the case of velocity, it is often shown in “meters per second east” or “meters per second west,” or something similar. For another extra credit assignment, we were given the task to bring in a photograph of someone making the symbol for ∆V. Since I didn’t make a high school scrap book, I took a new ∆V picture so you get the idea of what I’m talking about:

Okay. That’s enough memories. I wanted to share with you a couple of resources that can help keep all those physics formulas organized. I don’t know how other universities operate, but at ASU, we have been able to bring a handmade formula sheet (letter-size paper, front and back) to exams. This can be very helpful, and it can also be a huge waste of time if it is not done properly.

Cramster.com

The folks at Cramster define themselves as “a global study community comprised of students and teachers helping each other understand how to solve problems for mathematically-based subjects (e.g. Physics, Calculus, Stats, Chemistry, ME, EE, CS, etc).” With a free membership, you can have access to practice exams, equation sheets, and step-by-step solution guides from real text book problems. You can even create a quiz that is customized to specific topics. The community contributes content to the site, so there are formula sheets that you can download and print out.

To be honest, I have not spent a lot of time on this site. I just know that it’s well-designed and easy to navigate. If there is anyone out there that is a regular user, let me know how it’s helped you in the comments.

Zoho Writer + LaTeX

Writer is free web-based document editor has a feature that has become a lifesaver for both taking notes and writing lab reports. Using the powerful LaTeX document preparation system, Zoho Writer features an integrated equation editor that is very simple to use. (I have heard that Microsoft offers a similar service within Microsoft Word, but I don’t have any experience with it. If you do, let me know how you like it in the comments.)

Among all the icons at the top of a new Writer document is a button with the square root symbol in it. Clicking this will open the equation editor:

The following box will open over your document. This is where the magic happens:

The Symbols / Functions area will change, depending on the menu that you select. Above, you can see the available Greek Lowercase symbols. Below are the options under the functions menu:

The Commands area never changes. The LaTeX Syntax area is where you can type your equation. It is not as simple as typing an email, but the LaTeX language is really easy to learn. Once you have an equation typed, it will display a preview. If you have a mistake in your syntax, you will be notified in the preview area. Here is an example using the formula for the de Broglie Wavelength:

Clicking the blue Insert button below the preview will send the formula to your document. You can go back and edit the formula at any time. Writer also generates a unique URL of formula image that can be placed into a website or blog. To do this, right-click on the formula in your document, and go to Image Properties:

From the Image Properties dialog box, right click on the preview picture and choose “Copy Image Location.” This will send the URL of your formula to your clipboard:

Here is what the formula looks like when I insert the image into my blog. Sorry for the repetition; I just wanted to show that there are no surprises using this method:

Wrap Up

So there you have it. A resource for study tools, and a resource for creating your own study tools. These may not be the only (or the best) resources out there, so please leave a comment if you have found something that you love. The bottom line is to find something that works for you and your learning style.

On Friday, I will wrap up this post series by helping you pimp your calculator. No, we will not be adding spinners to the case or an HD widescreen display. It will be a step-by-step guide on some basic calculator programming that will (hopefully) speed things up on exams. Running out of time has always been an issue for me when taking an exam.

If you didn’t get a chance to read Part 1 of this series - what are you waiting for? Go do it: Staying Phocused During Lecture.

Enjoy your Turkey Day tomorrow.

Now that I am almost finished with my second semester, I wanted to share my observations along with a few things that have helped me survive thrive. The intended audience is anyone preparing to take their first college physics class. It’s also a good read for anyone still in college. This post series will be presented in three separate posts: Staying Phocused During Lecture (today), Phun With Physics Phormulas (on Wednesday), and Phreakin’ Simple Calculator Programming (on Friday). I know, the last title is a stretch, but I had to keep the Ph- theme going.

Staying Focused During Lecture

Lecture time can be a confusing time. Especially if you are floating around in a sea of faces and laptops. In my experience, the lecture is not the place where concepts are internalized. It is a place for students to be exposed to new concepts.

Each lecture usually covers one or two new concepts a handful of new formulas. Additionaly, if your professor uses some type of class participation tool (ASU uses eInstruction), you may be expected to answer questions during the lecture that will test your knowledge of what is being presented. Here are a few basic rules that will help you phocus:

Turn Off Your Cell Phone and Hide It From Yourself

Unless you are a doctor, a nurse, or a superhero, the phone calls and text messages can wait.

Set your ringer to SILENT (News Flash: Yes, we can still hear it vibrating…), and put it in your backpack or purse.

Make sure it’s not easily accessible so you won’t be tempted to whip it out and send some emoticon-laced message to your BFF on FB.

Download and Disconnect

Your professor probably uses PowerPoint to prepare his or her lecture notes. (How’s that for alliteration?) Print out the slides before class. If you use a laptop to take notes, download the slides before coming to class.

Resist the temptation to go online during lecture. It is so, so easy to open a new tab or browser window to check your Facebook or Myspace account. And we all know how easy it is to get sucked into those black holes of social bliss.

Temporarily disable your Wi-Fi card if you want. (This will increase your battery life too!)

Color Your Notebook, But Don’t Make it Pretty

For those you using a laptop (Unless you are sporting a tablet-style laptop), you know the frustration of not being able to quickly hand write a note on the computer. Especially in a physics class where variables, square-root signs, and parenthesis are coming at you fast and furious like Rocky the Flying Squirrel.

Keep a 1-subject spiral notebook (the kind with graph paper instead of lined paper) by your side, along with 3-4 different colored pens.

Create a color system for your notes so you can make sense of the chicken scratch when you refer to them again. (Example: Green = “know for exam,” Red = “Formula,” etc.)

Don’t worry about making mistakes.

Don’t worry about using all the space on every page.

If you can’t find a notebook style that tickles your fancy, you can customize and download your own graph paper here. Or, just use the ones I have already made:

• Basic Graph Paper
• Cornell-Style (Right)
• Cornell-Style (Left)

If you are not familiar with the Cornell method of note-taking, Lifehacker.com’s Gina Trapani explains why this can help you Take Study-Worthy Lecture Notes.

Replenish Your Electrolytes

Before heading off to class, there is nothing better for you than a healthy breakfast. Let’s be honest though, this is a difficult habit to maintain. Especially if you’re up all night trying to BS a paper that you’ve procrastinated and you’ve slept through your snooze button three times and now you’ve barely got time to throw on your sweat pants and brush your teeth. (IMHO: No matter how late you are, you always have time to brush your teeth. Trust me.)

As a Nutrition major, I have learned a thing or two about food. I will spare the details and get right to the nitty gritty.

If you don’t eat, your blood sugar (”glucose”) will decrease. Your body will compensate by breaking down your stored glucose (”glycogen”) and sending it into the blood stream. Some side effects of low blood sugar include: difficulty concentrating, restlessness, nausea, and (obviously) hunger.

The primary source of fuel for your brain is glucose. If you don’t have enough glucose intake or glycogen storage, your body (and brain) will not be functioning at its peak.

Keep some (quiet) snacks in your backpack that you (quietly) munch on during lecture. Avoid anything super-crunchy-super-loud-super-annoying-to-your-classmates. Opt for things that offer nutrient-dense like fruit. Chewy granola bars are good. Bananas are good too.

Make sure to stay hydrated too. Dehydration can cause similar side effects, and it’s easier to skimp on water consumption when it’s colder outside.

Wrap Up

I don’t claim to be the guru for always paying attention in class. If you’ve been reading Geek Stew for a while, you know that I have Attention Defecit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). It makes it really hard for me to focus on stuff for a long period of time. I have to wear earplugs when I take exams. My brain never stops jumping around.

It’s taken me a while to get to a point where I feel like I can get something out of a lecture. Hopefully the tips above will help you out if you’re struggling.

Stay tuned later on this week as I continue this post series about my experiences in Physics class. I’ll be showing you a simple way to make a formula sheet, as well as some hacks for your graphing calculator to speed you up during exams.

Please share any tips in the comments that have helped you phocus during lecture.

Last Wednesday, my wife was hit by a drunk driver as she was coming home from the gym. I was at home studying for an exam when I got her frantic phone call. Luckily it was right down the street from our house, so I was there within a few minutes. I won’t go into details about the accident, but the following tidbits should give you an idea of what we’ve been dealing with for the past week:

1. The jerk that hit her had an open 18-pack of Tecate Cerveza with several empty cans on the floor of his van.
2. He tried to leave the scene of the crime. Twice.
3. My wife ran after his (flaming, sparking, smoking) minivan, into the intersection, ripped his door open and yelled at him to get out of his car.
4. My wife has red hair. She just came from the gym. She had just been hit at around 35 mph from behind, slammed into the car in front of her, and her airbag deployed. She was not a happy camper. I would not have liked to be on the receiving end of item #3 above.
5. There is almost $13,000 dollars in damage to our car. My wife is doing well. The jerk that hit her is 100% at fault.

Here is some choppy video I took with my cell phone at the accident:

Many thanks to the witnesses that stopped, to the police officers that were on the scene, and to the many friends and family that have asked how we are doing. I’m glad she’s alive.

So…you might be wondering how I will tie this event into a post on a technology-themed blog. Sit tight - here it comes.

This isn’t the first time one of us has been in a car accident. My wife was hit a couple months before we got married, and I was rear-ended about a year ago. I guess you could say we’re pretty good at it. With this experience, I know that there are a ton of phone calls to make, receipts to save, people to contact. It can be a nightmare just keeping everything straight. That’s probably why most people call a lawyer.

Since there were no broken bones, and everybody (surprisingly) had insurance, we decided to try to get through this on our own. While I was on hold with the insurance company the next morning, I logged into my Zoho Creator account and built an application for us to manage all the details related to the accident. It took me about an hour to build it. You can demo and download my Accident Tracker application in the Creator Marketplace. Below are a few screenshots of what it includes:

Collapsible sidebar with links to main functions:

Tabbed menus along top to easily switch between views:

Record notes from a conversation:

(This screen pulls data from the contacts you have added so you can tie a conversation back to a person.)

View Past Conversations:

(With Creator’s built-in features, it’s easy to filter this list however you want. This makes it easy to reference an old conversation.)

Behind the scenes:

(Creator makes it easy to notify me of any additions. I have it set up to send an email to my account and my wife’s account anytime a new conversation is logged. This way we can both keep each other updated if we happen to talk to someone.)

I’ve also set this up so I can upload scanned documents. This came in handy when I was trying to pick up our rental car on Saturday. I needed to give my insurance company some information from the accident report. My father-in-law had his laptop with him, so I pulled up the app and opened the document I had previously uploaded. Wam, bam, thank-you m’am. I would not have been able to get my rental car without it.

A friend of my wife was pondering the validity of a time-honored cliche several years ago. I’ll paraphrase what he said. “I know that when life gives you lemons, you’re supposed to make lemonade. So what am I supposed to do when life gives me turds? Am I supposed to make a turd salad?”

While I’m not happy that life has handed us a pile of turds lately, it gave me the opportunity to brush up on my computer-hacking skills. So if anyone’s hungry for some salad, let me know. And for crying out loud - DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE.

We had my brothers over for dinner on Sunday. About 30 minutes before they left, my brothers informed me that they had signed up to perform “The Meantime” by Phantom Planet in a talent show at ASU. Sweet. No problem. We come from a musically-inclined family. (Two of them have their music up on MySpace: William, Michael )

I was excited to come watch.

Turns out, they didn’t want me to come watch. They wanted needed me to participate. They had the drums covered. They had the bass covered. They needed a vocalist. For a song that I had not heard before. And the talent show was less than 24 hours away.

Maybe it’s all the Rock Band I’ve been playing lately. Or maybe it was my food-induced comatose state. Or maybe I’m just crazy. At any rate, I reluctantly agreed to help them out. I downloaded the song, added it to my iPod, printed out the lyrics, and said yes.

After class got out Monday at 4:00pm, I raced over to my brother’s house where we practiced for about an hour and a half. The show was at 7:00pm, and we were the first act. (gulp) My brother’s wife was on camera duty. If you listen hard enough, you can hear my wife laughing at my sweet dance moves. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be watching:

Alan Bradford: Vocals, tambourine, cowbell, stairs

Robert Bradford: Bass Guitar, red hair, MBA

William Bradford: Drums, giggling

Enjoy: