Well as many of you know, the Germany Trip is finally coming around. So I'm hunting down all of the esoteric equipment I plan on using during this fabled convention.
Let's start with the photography stuff.
I'm going to be shooting with a Nikon D40x, 2 Nikon Li-Ion batteries, 2x 2Gb San Disk SD card, a AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 G IF-ED lens, (e.g., a wide-angle zoom Nikon lens with auto focus), a Tamron AF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 Tele-Macro (1:2), and a crappy Quantaray 28-90mm f/3.5-5.6 macro lens. Mind you that is a nice pile of crap to take. So now I'm looking for a bag to carry all of that in, along with 2 books, and a laptop in a two strap backpack. Sounds tricky, or even impossible to find. Nay, sayith B&H Photo Video.com . They have one! (this is the link to the bag) How cool!
Now that I have that covered, I'm on a hunt for good shoes. When I find those. I'll let you all know.
Guter Tag mein Freund
Thursday, May 29, 2008
(The following post is also located on the parent blog page.)
Part I
Part II
Dr. Verges' APS Blogpost
Part III
Well, I think it is time I wrap up this 3 part blog post. It has gone on too long for most readers, and that is quite discouraging.
So after the B.R. adventure the APS 20th Anniversary Reception (featuring the best hors d'oeuvres and open bar I've had), occupied the end of the 3rd day. So after having a couple glasses of wine with Dr. Duffy and Dr. Verges, discussing the events we attended. At this point it actually became pretty clear that I intend on doing a ton of research, and it would be ideal if I had grants to help supplement my income. That is, replace having a "job" and R.A., which would put me in the lab concentrating for 20 hours a week. More about that stuff later.
Well after the reception, I darted off to the train for another 50 minute journey.
Sunday, and the last day at the convention! I decided since my hostess pretty much put me up for free, it would be appropriate to repay her in some fashion. So I invited her to join me for the final day and enjoy the Festschrift for Elliot Aronson. For those of you not aware of what a Festschrift is, it is a honoring of someones lifetime achievements while the individual is still alive retiring or nearing death.
Elliot Aronson is officially going to be on my book shelfs due to the nature of his work. It was quite amazing what this man did for the community of psychology. I was awe-stuck to be in the room with him after even a few moments as they discussed his contributions. It was definitely one of those moments I wish I had my Nikon on hand. I'm not familiar with all of Aronson's work, but over the next few months I plan on becoming an expert seeing as his work is applicable to my research goals.
Well, it is about time I draw up some conclusions about the experience as a whole.
The day to day experience was well worth the time, effort, and cost (physical cost of not sleeping) to attend. When I attend next year's APS convention in San Francisco I will have a hotel at the convention hall. In terms of introducing myself, it is by far the most degrading thing to introduce myself by proxy to N.D. (e.g., "Hi, I'm Nate Ring from Holy Cross College Indiana." they always ask, "where is that again?" I respond, "Do you know where N.D. is?" they always say, "YEAH! you go to ND?" I say, "No, I'm across the street...")
So I decided that it would be a brilliant idea to carry a card identifying (business card) myself as a unique and special college, not as some institution in the shadow of a giant. Finally, I am indeed there as an educated individual, and everyone is actually there under the same pretense. Unlike a gathering of MBA's, the psychology community is by far less intra-competitive, and more or less, collaborative.
It was a BRILLIANT time. I learned a ton of things, and it really helped me reaffirm my drive to be a psychologist.
Part I
Part II
Dr. Verges' APS Blogpost
Part III
Well, I think it is time I wrap up this 3 part blog post. It has gone on too long for most readers, and that is quite discouraging.
So after the B.R. adventure the APS 20th Anniversary Reception (featuring the best hors d'oeuvres and open bar I've had), occupied the end of the 3rd day. So after having a couple glasses of wine with Dr. Duffy and Dr. Verges, discussing the events we attended. At this point it actually became pretty clear that I intend on doing a ton of research, and it would be ideal if I had grants to help supplement my income. That is, replace having a "job" and R.A., which would put me in the lab concentrating for 20 hours a week. More about that stuff later.
Well after the reception, I darted off to the train for another 50 minute journey.
Sunday, and the last day at the convention! I decided since my hostess pretty much put me up for free, it would be appropriate to repay her in some fashion. So I invited her to join me for the final day and enjoy the Festschrift for Elliot Aronson. For those of you not aware of what a Festschrift is, it is a honoring of someones lifetime achievements while the individual is still alive retiring or nearing death.Elliot Aronson is officially going to be on my book shelfs due to the nature of his work. It was quite amazing what this man did for the community of psychology. I was awe-stuck to be in the room with him after even a few moments as they discussed his contributions. It was definitely one of those moments I wish I had my Nikon on hand. I'm not familiar with all of Aronson's work, but over the next few months I plan on becoming an expert seeing as his work is applicable to my research goals.
Well, it is about time I draw up some conclusions about the experience as a whole.
The day to day experience was well worth the time, effort, and cost (physical cost of not sleeping) to attend. When I attend next year's APS convention in San Francisco I will have a hotel at the convention hall. In terms of introducing myself, it is by far the most degrading thing to introduce myself by proxy to N.D. (e.g., "Hi, I'm Nate Ring from Holy Cross College Indiana." they always ask, "where is that again?" I respond, "Do you know where N.D. is?" they always say, "YEAH! you go to ND?" I say, "No, I'm across the street...")
So I decided that it would be a brilliant idea to carry a card identifying (business card) myself as a unique and special college, not as some institution in the shadow of a giant. Finally, I am indeed there as an educated individual, and everyone is actually there under the same pretense. Unlike a gathering of MBA's, the psychology community is by far less intra-competitive, and more or less, collaborative.
It was a BRILLIANT time. I learned a ton of things, and it really helped me reaffirm my drive to be a psychologist.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
APS Convention: Part Deux
(The following post is also located on the parent blog page.)
Well I ended on the midpoint of Day 2 but I have to jump back to day 1 to mention Shelley Taylor's address and discussion about her research.
As the day was wrapping up (day 1, my mistake), there was the presidential address (not the U.S.A. president, it was the APS president.) Needless to say, during that particular address I learned more about the cortisone levels in developmental psychology (also life-span psychology) than I have in a month by Shelley Taylor. I'd go into great detail about that, but I'm not really quite prepared to cite her work at the moment nor am I willing to even summarize it.
The end of day two actually there was a symposium entitled, "Psychology as a Hub Science." Truly a facinating discussion from Daniel Kahneman Princeton University, Claude Steele Stanford University, and Richard F. Thompson University of Southern California--GIANTS in the field of psychology. While sitting through the symposium a real sense of satisfaction swept through me mostly because I could understand everything those men were discussing. Moreover, if I was to sit down and discuss the issues they presented I could have meaningful interactions with them, but that never happened.
Day 3
Well this day didn't go as smooth as the other two, considering I woke up 10 minutes late and missed the 6:00 train. So I had to wait for the 7:45 train, which made me very late. But when I got there I stumbled into Dr. Verges and Dr. Duffy again during the poster sessions.
Because I keep talking about poster sessions, let me briefly explain what they are. Undergraduate, graduate, post-doctoral, and professors all do research which they summarize into a poster and then present it during these sessions.
After this poster I attended some more symposiums and invited talks. I kind of embarrassed myself by sitting in on the Psi Beta workshop for teaching physiology. Mind you this particular thing was for TEACHING, not to teach... My logic was, "Hey! Psi Beta, not too many of those events going on....ever...I'll go to that!" Not even close. Oops!
Well after that I attended the invited symposium entitled, "Diverse Approaches to the Study of Religiosity," where Gary Bertson, The Ohio State University; Nick Epley, The University of Chicago; Howard C. Nusbaum, The University of Chicago; Lynda Powell, Rush University Medical Center; and Louise C. Hawkly, The University of Chicago; all spoke. Why did I list each of these people...well that's actually for me when I go back and reference this when looking at grad schools :-P.
I'm still kind of kicking myself for not attending more of these talks and symposiums, although I was just so beat from the traveling that it almost took the glisten off of the whole day. Then I had a cup of coffee! Wow oh Wow did that pump me up! Back to the poster sessions I went. Needless to say, I ended up talking with one of the fellows I met there about his research for just under an hour. We picked each others brains, and it was a wonderful thing. Shortly thereafter I attended David E. Meyers' address. Although, after his address I had to go shopping. The pants I wore that day were quite uncomfortable, so I took a jog over to Banana Republic and found THESE! (because I'm a nerd, I D/L'd the images, so Front | Back).
Ok, Lets make this the end of Part Deux
Well I ended on the midpoint of Day 2 but I have to jump back to day 1 to mention Shelley Taylor's address and discussion about her research.
As the day was wrapping up (day 1, my mistake), there was the presidential address (not the U.S.A. president, it was the APS president.) Needless to say, during that particular address I learned more about the cortisone levels in developmental psychology (also life-span psychology) than I have in a month by Shelley Taylor. I'd go into great detail about that, but I'm not really quite prepared to cite her work at the moment nor am I willing to even summarize it.
The end of day two actually there was a symposium entitled, "Psychology as a Hub Science." Truly a facinating discussion from Daniel Kahneman Princeton University, Claude Steele Stanford University, and Richard F. Thompson University of Southern California--GIANTS in the field of psychology. While sitting through the symposium a real sense of satisfaction swept through me mostly because I could understand everything those men were discussing. Moreover, if I was to sit down and discuss the issues they presented I could have meaningful interactions with them, but that never happened.
Day 3
Well this day didn't go as smooth as the other two, considering I woke up 10 minutes late and missed the 6:00 train. So I had to wait for the 7:45 train, which made me very late. But when I got there I stumbled into Dr. Verges and Dr. Duffy again during the poster sessions.
Because I keep talking about poster sessions, let me briefly explain what they are. Undergraduate, graduate, post-doctoral, and professors all do research which they summarize into a poster and then present it during these sessions.
After this poster I attended some more symposiums and invited talks. I kind of embarrassed myself by sitting in on the Psi Beta workshop for teaching physiology. Mind you this particular thing was for TEACHING, not to teach... My logic was, "Hey! Psi Beta, not too many of those events going on....ever...I'll go to that!" Not even close. Oops!
Well after that I attended the invited symposium entitled, "Diverse Approaches to the Study of Religiosity," where Gary Bertson, The Ohio State University; Nick Epley, The University of Chicago; Howard C. Nusbaum, The University of Chicago; Lynda Powell, Rush University Medical Center; and Louise C. Hawkly, The University of Chicago; all spoke. Why did I list each of these people...well that's actually for me when I go back and reference this when looking at grad schools :-P.
I'm still kind of kicking myself for not attending more of these talks and symposiums, although I was just so beat from the traveling that it almost took the glisten off of the whole day. Then I had a cup of coffee! Wow oh Wow did that pump me up! Back to the poster sessions I went. Needless to say, I ended up talking with one of the fellows I met there about his research for just under an hour. We picked each others brains, and it was a wonderful thing. Shortly thereafter I attended David E. Meyers' address. Although, after his address I had to go shopping. The pants I wore that day were quite uncomfortable, so I took a jog over to Banana Republic and found THESE! (because I'm a nerd, I D/L'd the images, so Front | Back).
Ok, Lets make this the end of Part Deux
APS Convention: Part 1;
(The following post is also located at the parent blog page.)
OK. Well after my first convention and real exposure to the world scientific psychology I am truly exited to pursue a Ph.D later in the future. I'm not going to talk about the symposiums at first, but I will talk about the super fun I had in the city walking around, having drinks, eating, living the life!
OK. Well after my first convention and real exposure to the world scientific psychology I am truly exited to pursue a Ph.D later in the future. I'm not going to talk about the symposiums at first, but I will talk about the super fun I had in the city walking around, having drinks, eating, living the life!
So, I get to the train station at around 5:00 on Thursday morning after a hour long drive and realize that I have another hour! So I sit there, ruing in my victory and efficient timing. After about 20 minutes the train rolls up. I didn't know earlier that there was two train times. Anyway, I boarded and a sense of satisfaction swept over me, "finally I was going to attend this convention.
The first day at the convention was kind of a boring day though, mostly because I didn't pay for the teaching institute sessions which comprised a large portion of the first days activities, but the APSSC student kick off was that night. Needless to say it was a blast. I met some really energetic Canadians who were already drunk, but a hell of a lot of fun. I actually heard on of the girls say, "eh."! I laughed my ass off at her, and later had to explain myself. She thought it was strange I didn't have an accent.
During the conference it was my running line to introduce myself, and then say "I'm from Holy Cross College," and then the people would look at me with a blank stare. So I'd have to say after that, "A college located in South Bend. We are just starting the psychology major." More blank stares. "H.C.C. is across the street from Notre Dame...." At that then they'd talk about someone they know who went there and blah blah blah. That is really quite annoying to have to constantly identify yourself by N.D.
So after the kick off, I owe a friend of mine a huge debt of gratitude for letting me stay at her home--K. Higgins. She lives in a nearby area and saved me a pile of money. So K. if you read this, thanks again!
Back to my events. Day 2!
Well Day 2 started at 5:00 with me stumbling into the bathroom to take a shower to wake up. Getting up Friday and staying up wasn't bad at all. I expected to have a really rough time the day after that long drive, train ride, and being on my feet all day. So I hopped on the train, and scooted to Chicago again. I got in and meandered around for a little while and then attended the poster sessions. More N.D. identifying, but some highly amusing posters at this point.
I finally stumbled into Dr. Verges and Dr. Duffy during one of the posters and went out for lunch with them. I also meet some of Dr. Duffy's undergraduate students who were presenting at the conference. We all went to this little calzone place, it was AMAZING! I don't remember what it was called, but thats quite O.K. I could find it if I wanted to later.
After lunch the APSSC symposiums started up, and needless to say I learned a ton from those in regard to getting into graduate school, how to find the right graduate school, and what to do while I'm there. It actually changed my outlook on the whole process from being an application-acceptance to a investigation-application-interview-level of fitness-acceptance process. HCC has not prepared me for that. Maybe I just haven't been paying attention to something in class....
After that I attended one of the most interesting, and insightful invited talks, The Deadly 13th Grade: diagnosing and treating. (or something to that effect). Anyway, it really reminded me of how the transition from high school to the university was very difficult due to expectations of professors. A lot of information I was not prepared for thanks to the, "just get them through high school" attitude that is the major function of the SBCSC (South Bend Community School Corporation). I honestly don't know of a single general ed. teacher in high school who says, "you'll need this for college, and maybe you should try these things," or ,"college is different in these ways, it is time you learn how to do that." Strange they do not prep for college, but they teach to the test (something I have been working on for the past month as a post so bare with me on that).
To make sure this isn't overwhelming I'm going to break it up here!
Read the next post
The first day at the convention was kind of a boring day though, mostly because I didn't pay for the teaching institute sessions which comprised a large portion of the first days activities, but the APSSC student kick off was that night. Needless to say it was a blast. I met some really energetic Canadians who were already drunk, but a hell of a lot of fun. I actually heard on of the girls say, "eh."! I laughed my ass off at her, and later had to explain myself. She thought it was strange I didn't have an accent.
During the conference it was my running line to introduce myself, and then say "I'm from Holy Cross College," and then the people would look at me with a blank stare. So I'd have to say after that, "A college located in South Bend. We are just starting the psychology major." More blank stares. "H.C.C. is across the street from Notre Dame...." At that then they'd talk about someone they know who went there and blah blah blah. That is really quite annoying to have to constantly identify yourself by N.D.
So after the kick off, I owe a friend of mine a huge debt of gratitude for letting me stay at her home--K. Higgins. She lives in a nearby area and saved me a pile of money. So K. if you read this, thanks again!
Back to my events. Day 2!
Well Day 2 started at 5:00 with me stumbling into the bathroom to take a shower to wake up. Getting up Friday and staying up wasn't bad at all. I expected to have a really rough time the day after that long drive, train ride, and being on my feet all day. So I hopped on the train, and scooted to Chicago again. I got in and meandered around for a little while and then attended the poster sessions. More N.D. identifying, but some highly amusing posters at this point.
I finally stumbled into Dr. Verges and Dr. Duffy during one of the posters and went out for lunch with them. I also meet some of Dr. Duffy's undergraduate students who were presenting at the conference. We all went to this little calzone place, it was AMAZING! I don't remember what it was called, but thats quite O.K. I could find it if I wanted to later.
After lunch the APSSC symposiums started up, and needless to say I learned a ton from those in regard to getting into graduate school, how to find the right graduate school, and what to do while I'm there. It actually changed my outlook on the whole process from being an application-acceptance to a investigation-application-interview-level of fitness-acceptance process. HCC has not prepared me for that. Maybe I just haven't been paying attention to something in class....
After that I attended one of the most interesting, and insightful invited talks, The Deadly 13th Grade: diagnosing and treating. (or something to that effect). Anyway, it really reminded me of how the transition from high school to the university was very difficult due to expectations of professors. A lot of information I was not prepared for thanks to the, "just get them through high school" attitude that is the major function of the SBCSC (South Bend Community School Corporation). I honestly don't know of a single general ed. teacher in high school who says, "you'll need this for college, and maybe you should try these things," or ,"college is different in these ways, it is time you learn how to do that." Strange they do not prep for college, but they teach to the test (something I have been working on for the past month as a post so bare with me on that).
To make sure this isn't overwhelming I'm going to break it up here!
Read the next post
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