A-"Muse"-ing Thoughts

Dissertation Update - March 2010

Well, here it is... the update I have been ANXIOUS to be able to share with everyone (including myself... LOL).  I'm DONE!!!

I'm done writing the dissertation.....

I'm done editing the dissertation.....

I'm done submitting the dissertation to the doctoral committee.....

I'm done revising the dissertation.....

I'm done waiting to hear what's going to happen.....

I am GRADUATING!!!!  I got official word... everything has been approved and accepted.  

I am officially Dr. Ryan C. Nielsen!  Wooohooo

What is still not done....

1) To receive the printed and bound copies of my dissertation; and

2) To walk in the graduation this June!!!

I owe so much thanks and more to my wonderful wife, Christianna, who supported me through it all the way to the end, sometimes with the hard truth types of support - but much needed all the same!  

List of Unusual Deaths

So I have to admit something.  I own most of the books in the series titled "The Darwin Awards", which is all about "individuals who ensure the long-term survival of our species by removing themselves from the gene pool in a sublimely idiotic fashion."  Basically it is about people who make very stupid decisions that end up causing their untimely death.  It always amazes me the decisions that people make in their life which can result in the end of their life.

Today I found on wikipedia the following list:  "The List of Unusual Deaths" which accounts the unusual deaths of people for centuries.  Many of these cannot be verified, but many others can.  Makes for some interesting reading - as well as some insights on things NOT to do if you want to live a long, happy life.  Strange, I know... but give it a try - you might find yourself even chuckling a little bit, as well as your jaw dropping, and also a bit of pity.

What Book Am I?

Well, I don't know that I fully agree with the results of this quiz, but fun to take anyway....

You're A Theory of Justice!
by John Rawls
In the beginning, you lived in a town. The town had many problems! Rather than moving, you decided to come up with the idea for the best town ever. Going all the way back to the original position, you created the idea for the best town ever! Lo and behold, the best town ever looked almost identical to the town you lived in. You decided to stay in the town. Now you resent people mistaking your refined thought experiments for "the wall of stupidity" in high school debate rounds.
Take the Book Quiz at the Blue Pyramid.