The new 2009 is coming. I do not plan to have a big celebration. It is going to be a calm new year at home. I wish I could have done the car purchasing, and will have fun outside for the incoming new year. But unfortunately, no deal is made in 2008.
Anyhow, it is exciting to begin a new year. I hope everything goes well in 2009. Good luck to everybody!
Cashback for your online purchase
I've done most of my purchase online. However, I have not used the cashback website to save my money until recently. The only thing we need to do is to enter the website you dicide to purchase from a cashback website. Then, it will automatically track your order and make cashback.
Windows live cashback is the most well known cashback site. Log in at http://www.live.com/cashback with your live id, and then enjoy your cashback.
Another website is cashbaq.com . Once you have registed, you will get $5 rewards. It contains some cashback rewards which is not shown at live cashback website.
Enjoy your cashback experience!
Windows live cashback is the most well known cashback site. Log in at http://www.live.com/cashback with your live id, and then enjoy your cashback.
Another website is cashbaq.com . Once you have registed, you will get $5 rewards. It contains some cashback rewards which is not shown at live cashback website.
Enjoy your cashback experience!
Night in campus
I have missed the last shuttle yesterday. Actually, it left eariler than the schedule. Then, I spent the whole night in my office, dealing with probability and have a short nap.
It is really uncomfortable to spend the night on campus. I will never try this again. Maybe next time, I will arrive at the shuttle stop earlier.
Well, even if I was so unlucky, there is some good news. I have bought a new GPS online at bestbuy.com . It is a great deal, and only last for 1 day. I quickly made the order, and the product is quickly out of stock after I finished the order. I am not going to log on to the internet at 5am usually. Today is a special case, and it is the most excited thing (maybe the only excited thing) of this night.
It is really uncomfortable to spend the night on campus. I will never try this again. Maybe next time, I will arrive at the shuttle stop earlier.
Well, even if I was so unlucky, there is some good news. I have bought a new GPS online at bestbuy.com . It is a great deal, and only last for 1 day. I quickly made the order, and the product is quickly out of stock after I finished the order. I am not going to log on to the internet at 5am usually. Today is a special case, and it is the most excited thing (maybe the only excited thing) of this night.
Graduate student discount at union
I have never heard of such information about the discount at the union.
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Have your Graduate Student ID ready to show the cashier. If you have any problems accessing these discounts, please contact Andy Mrusko at amrusko@umd.edu. We appreciate your patience in the opening weeks as each unit gets familiar with these new discounts.
Monday:
2:00-4:00pm: $1.00 off any salad at Saladworks
Tuesday:
10:00am-Noon: 10% off UPS and FedEx shipping at Mail Boxes, Etc.
Wednesday:
3:00-7:00pm: 10% off everything at the Maryland Food Co-op
Thursday:
2:00pm-Closing: 20% off Terp Shop, General Books, and Supplies at the University Book Center
Friday:
7:00-10:00am: 15% off everything at the Coffee Bar
Saturday:
Noon-4:00pm: Half-price bowling and billiards for graduate students and their families at the TerpZone
Everyday:
$2 off the $4 Giant Popcorn Bucket at the Hoff Theater
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Next time I come to the union, I will try to use these oppertunities of discounts.
I've also heard that TAs could have 15% off when shopping at UBC. I've not attempted yet. Some time later, I wlll have a try~~
======
Have your Graduate Student ID ready to show the cashier. If you have any problems accessing these discounts, please contact Andy Mrusko at amrusko@umd.edu. We appreciate your patience in the opening weeks as each unit gets familiar with these new discounts.
Monday:
2:00-4:00pm: $1.00 off any salad at Saladworks
Tuesday:
10:00am-Noon: 10% off UPS and FedEx shipping at Mail Boxes, Etc.
Wednesday:
3:00-7:00pm: 10% off everything at the Maryland Food Co-op
Thursday:
2:00pm-Closing: 20% off Terp Shop, General Books, and Supplies at the University Book Center
Friday:
7:00-10:00am: 15% off everything at the Coffee Bar
Saturday:
Noon-4:00pm: Half-price bowling and billiards for graduate students and their families at the TerpZone
Everyday:
$2 off the $4 Giant Popcorn Bucket at the Hoff Theater
=======
Next time I come to the union, I will try to use these oppertunities of discounts.
I've also heard that TAs could have 15% off when shopping at UBC. I've not attempted yet. Some time later, I wlll have a try~~
Study in my office
My office is far from Math building. So I didn't come to the place very often. However, now, I start to like this place.
I used to go home very early in the afternoon. After coming home, I turn on the computer, and then, I waste a lot of time in the internet, or some PC games.
One day last week, I miss the shuttle. As the next shuttle will depart 1 hour later, I decide to have a rest in my office. Then, I realized that it is definitely a good place to study - large, bright and quiet. Nobody is in the office in the evening, it seems that I own the office myself. I have computers to use. But as the system is Linux, without support of Chinese. This avoid me wasting my time online.
Study in my office is really a good idea. After hours of efficient study, I will come home about 10pm or 11pm. When at the shuttle, I could make phone calls free. So the shuttle time is not that boring. After home, I still have some time to waste before going to bed. Haha~~
I like my office!!
I used to go home very early in the afternoon. After coming home, I turn on the computer, and then, I waste a lot of time in the internet, or some PC games.
One day last week, I miss the shuttle. As the next shuttle will depart 1 hour later, I decide to have a rest in my office. Then, I realized that it is definitely a good place to study - large, bright and quiet. Nobody is in the office in the evening, it seems that I own the office myself. I have computers to use. But as the system is Linux, without support of Chinese. This avoid me wasting my time online.
Study in my office is really a good idea. After hours of efficient study, I will come home about 10pm or 11pm. When at the shuttle, I could make phone calls free. So the shuttle time is not that boring. After home, I still have some time to waste before going to bed. Haha~~
I like my office!!
Barack Obama, the new US prisident
Minutes ago, Obama has won the campaign of president in 2008 with a great lead. I've heard lot of people yelling outside and celebrate the victory.
Congratulations to Obama!
Well, this is an expected result of the campaign. Actually it will have no direct impact on me. Life will not change by the replacement of the president. The only thing I wish is that less tax in the future. Hopefully it will come true under the new policy of the new president.
Congratulations to Obama!
Well, this is an expected result of the campaign. Actually it will have no direct impact on me. Life will not change by the replacement of the president. The only thing I wish is that less tax in the future. Hopefully it will come true under the new policy of the new president.
One extra hour
The time has changed. It is the first day of my life which has 25 hours. That is crazy!!
It seems like I have borrowed an hour from one day in April next year. Americans are really good at using future items.
It is much more difficult to count time difference after the change of the time. The Eastern summer time is 12 hours behind the time in China. It is very easy to calculate the time just by replacing AM to PM. But the Eastern stardard time now is 13 hours after Beijing time. Hopefully I will not make a mistake.
Happy 25-hour day!
It seems like I have borrowed an hour from one day in April next year. Americans are really good at using future items.
It is much more difficult to count time difference after the change of the time. The Eastern summer time is 12 hours behind the time in China. It is very easy to calculate the time just by replacing AM to PM. But the Eastern stardard time now is 13 hours after Beijing time. Hopefully I will not make a mistake.
Happy 25-hour day!
Halloween
It's my first Halloween in U.S. I went to Target and by some candy. Although I have been told that few people will come as I live in an apartment, I still insist to by some.
After back home, some kids came and said "Trick or Treat". Hopefully I've got some candies in my hand. Those kids are wearing beautiful costume. They are very pretty. I gave them candies and received "thank you".
Well, this is my Halloween. It's interesting. Maybe next time, I would like to go to DC and attend some Halloween parties.
Happy Halloween!!!!
After back home, some kids came and said "Trick or Treat". Hopefully I've got some candies in my hand. Those kids are wearing beautiful costume. They are very pretty. I gave them candies and received "thank you".
Well, this is my Halloween. It's interesting. Maybe next time, I would like to go to DC and attend some Halloween parties.
Happy Halloween!!!!
Paintball
What a happy day!
I've been to a place in VA to play paintball. We've got 20 persons play together. And it is really interesting.
As a total, I have killed more than 10 people. But I only survive in 2 games (out of maybe 8 games).
The first round, my gun had some problem, and our team won without any shoot from me. And of course I survived this time. That is a big victory.
Starting from the second round, I chose to attack rather than defense. Each time, I killed 1 or 2 people and dead. It is really painful when been shot. Actually nobody didn't feel injured after the game.
I've been shot at the chest once and it broke my cover and hit me heavily. This shot is not legal because I have dead and they should not shoot a deadman who is walking out of the field. Anyway, this is my biggest hurt.
We've taken some pictures after the game. I might post some photos on my picture blog (Jeff's digital diary) later.
I've been to a place in VA to play paintball. We've got 20 persons play together. And it is really interesting.
As a total, I have killed more than 10 people. But I only survive in 2 games (out of maybe 8 games).
The first round, my gun had some problem, and our team won without any shoot from me. And of course I survived this time. That is a big victory.
Starting from the second round, I chose to attack rather than defense. Each time, I killed 1 or 2 people and dead. It is really painful when been shot. Actually nobody didn't feel injured after the game.
I've been shot at the chest once and it broke my cover and hit me heavily. This shot is not legal because I have dead and they should not shoot a deadman who is walking out of the field. Anyway, this is my biggest hurt.
We've taken some pictures after the game. I might post some photos on my picture blog (Jeff's digital diary) later.
Jeff's new picture blog
I have received the camera on Monday. It is now able for me to record my everyday life using this tiny pretty camera.
So, Jeff has opened a new picture blog called "Jeff's Digital Diary" at sina. It is written in Chinese with a lot of photos I have recently shot with my new camera.
Welcome!!
Jeff's Digital Diary
==================
==================
http://blog.sina.com.cn/jefftan520
http://pblog.jefftan.cn
So, Jeff has opened a new picture blog called "Jeff's Digital Diary" at sina. It is written in Chinese with a lot of photos I have recently shot with my new camera.
Welcome!!
Jeff's Digital Diary
==================
==================
http://blog.sina.com.cn/jefftan520
http://pblog.jefftan.cn
Camera
Based on the original plan, I have made the order of my new camera today. Thanks to Linyan's advice, I believe that I have made a wise decision. I cost $169, and get a satisfied Canon digital camera, together with case bundle as well as a 2G memory card.
Even if it will take days for the delivery, I can't wait to put some pictures of the cute camera. They are from the website.
Life is becoming better and better. I am going to think about what I show buy in November. Haha~~
Even if it will take days for the delivery, I can't wait to put some pictures of the cute camera. They are from the website.
Life is becoming better and better. I am going to think about what I show buy in November. Haha~~
New cellphone number
I have got a new cellphone number (301)-283-1083.
Actually, I love my former phone number. It ends with 88. But t-mobile is really driving me mad by making mistakes after mistakes. This time, they said that I must change the number starting with 301 in order to set up the family plan. Again, it is definitely different with what they said earlier. They took me more money that they should for the last payment. Then I need to use the t-mobile phone for one more month in order to use the part of extra money I paid last time. If it is not because of that, I will change a company for sure. Now, I have to change my phone number to adjust their ridiculous rule.
I HATE T-MOBILE.
I would like to say goodbye to this company asap.
Actually, I love my former phone number. It ends with 88. But t-mobile is really driving me mad by making mistakes after mistakes. This time, they said that I must change the number starting with 301 in order to set up the family plan. Again, it is definitely different with what they said earlier. They took me more money that they should for the last payment. Then I need to use the t-mobile phone for one more month in order to use the part of extra money I paid last time. If it is not because of that, I will change a company for sure. Now, I have to change my phone number to adjust their ridiculous rule.
I HATE T-MOBILE.
I would like to say goodbye to this company asap.
700 Billion Dollars - Approved
The US House of Representatives at last approved the 700 billion dollar rescue plan to fight against the financial crisis. It is really difficult to approve the plan, and the first round of voting denied the plan. However, under big pressure from many sides, the plan is finally got approved. Obviously, the stock market rises a lot because of the decision from the House.
Well, I don't have money in stock market, and my money in the bank is definitely safe. But I have to pay tax for my income because I am a hired person in U.S. The 700 billion dollar means a higher burden on taxpayers. I do not want to be the one who is going to pay more taxes in the future.
I still don't know the detail of this plan. But since it has become law, I really hope it will work and it is going to rescue the nearly dead financial system of U.S. Although the investment bank has already disappear in Wall Street, it is still possible and necessary to maintain the financial system from being totally collapsed.
And for me, please do not add tax!!
Well, I don't have money in stock market, and my money in the bank is definitely safe. But I have to pay tax for my income because I am a hired person in U.S. The 700 billion dollar means a higher burden on taxpayers. I do not want to be the one who is going to pay more taxes in the future.
I still don't know the detail of this plan. But since it has become law, I really hope it will work and it is going to rescue the nearly dead financial system of U.S. Although the investment bank has already disappear in Wall Street, it is still possible and necessary to maintain the financial system from being totally collapsed.
And for me, please do not add tax!!
PDE
There are a lot of things to learn on PDE, not only what the homework covers, but also other tough problems. I really do not want to do such large calculation or boring proofs.
The first exam is going to be held two weeks later. Time is so tight. I need to cheer up and go over all things covered in the lecture. Hopefully I will be just fine in the exam.
It's time for academics. Keep trying~~~
The first exam is going to be held two weeks later. Time is so tight. I need to cheer up and go over all things covered in the lecture. Hopefully I will be just fine in the exam.
It's time for academics. Keep trying~~~
iPod Nano
It's SHOW TIME!!
I have finally received my iPod. It is the newest 4th generation of Nano, very cute and good looking. Starting from tomorrow, I am going to check 4 things before I come out, which are keys, wallet, cellphone, and my NANO.
A first look on the tiny pretty Nano
A closer view
Nano is very thin and light.
It feels wonderful when controlled by hands 
I do have an iPod now!!
This iPod is my first electrical equipment I have bought since I came to US. And I really use my money to pay for that. That is just amazing. Next time when I take the shuttle, I will never feel boring again.
Kiss my little Nano!!
Taikonaut
I like this new word very much. I believe whole Chinese feel the same.
The Shenzhou-7 spacecraft has been in the space for one day. A few hours later, China will take the first step in the space. What an amazing moment it is going to be!!
Go, taikonaut!!! Go, China!!!
The Shenzhou-7 spacecraft has been in the space for one day. A few hours later, China will take the first step in the space. What an amazing moment it is going to be!!
Go, taikonaut!!! Go, China!!!
First exam for MATH141
It is the first time of my life that I care about an exam which I am not taking. It is my students' exam.
Before the exam, I have tried my best to help them reviewing the textbook. I even emphasis those points which might appear to be in the exam in my opinion. I have done a lot. And I just want to know the result.
Two news after the exam, one is good, and the other is bad. The good news is, I have given them the right estimation of the exam, and all questions in the exam are within the key points I have told them. But the bad news is, they are still performing not so good as I expected. The average point is just 70. I really can not believe that.
I turn to be a little bit sad after gathering the scores. I am not sure it is them to be blamed, or me. Well, life has to go on. They still have 4 exams. I need to try my best all the time. Hopefully they can be better and better.
I've got two students whose scores are 99. Congratulations for them!! And I just want more~~~
Before the exam, I have tried my best to help them reviewing the textbook. I even emphasis those points which might appear to be in the exam in my opinion. I have done a lot. And I just want to know the result.
Two news after the exam, one is good, and the other is bad. The good news is, I have given them the right estimation of the exam, and all questions in the exam are within the key points I have told them. But the bad news is, they are still performing not so good as I expected. The average point is just 70. I really can not believe that.
I turn to be a little bit sad after gathering the scores. I am not sure it is them to be blamed, or me. Well, life has to go on. They still have 4 exams. I need to try my best all the time. Hopefully they can be better and better.
I've got two students whose scores are 99. Congratulations for them!! And I just want more~~~
Get Paid
Actually, it is my second time I get paid. But I have used the money of my first pay check to buy furniture and pay mandatory fee of this semester. So I did not feel to be paid last time.
This time, I see more money in my check card. That is a real increase of money. Even not much, I am still very exited.
I quickly made a decision to buy an ipod and a sports bag. The new 4th generation of ipod nano is really amazing. And I do need a sports bag to go to the gym. With no hesitate, I came to the Internet, and bought them online.
Someone said, I can't save money for a car if I use money like that. But I don't care. I should make my life much more confortable. So what not starting with the ipod?
Next time when I got paid, I will consider to buy a new camera.
This time, I see more money in my check card. That is a real increase of money. Even not much, I am still very exited.
I quickly made a decision to buy an ipod and a sports bag. The new 4th generation of ipod nano is really amazing. And I do need a sports bag to go to the gym. With no hesitate, I came to the Internet, and bought them online.
Someone said, I can't save money for a car if I use money like that. But I don't care. I should make my life much more confortable. So what not starting with the ipod?
Next time when I got paid, I will consider to buy a new camera.
TA
It is a long time since the last article. I am busy starting my new semester. I have got new beds, bookcase and desk in my new room. I have done something of my courses. But the most exciting and difficult thing is to be a teacher.
I believe that my first TA class is just a mass. I can not find the feeling of being a TA. But starting from the second time, the situation changes. I can handle the class and make some interesting lectures and discussions. Definitely, my English is improving at a very high speed. It's time consuming, but it's great opportunity to learn how to teach, and how to treat people in American way.
American kids are really lack of solid background on mathematics, but they are interesting and full of new thoughts. We are starting to become friend. I am very happy to see that my office hours are always full of people, and someone invited me to play pingpong together. I like this kind of feeling. I hope I will become the friends of all my students.
Well, there are much more difficulties in front of me, and I am sure I will overcome all of them.
I believe that my first TA class is just a mass. I can not find the feeling of being a TA. But starting from the second time, the situation changes. I can handle the class and make some interesting lectures and discussions. Definitely, my English is improving at a very high speed. It's time consuming, but it's great opportunity to learn how to teach, and how to treat people in American way.
American kids are really lack of solid background on mathematics, but they are interesting and full of new thoughts. We are starting to become friend. I am very happy to see that my office hours are always full of people, and someone invited me to play pingpong together. I like this kind of feeling. I hope I will become the friends of all my students.
Well, there are much more difficulties in front of me, and I am sure I will overcome all of them.
ITA Pass
It sounds impossible, but I did pass the ITA test.
That's something strange because I never thought I will pass the exam, and I have already planned to take MEI English courses. However, I get passed, with a high score:
Interview: 4/5
Listening Dictation: 20/20
Micro-teaching presentation: 5/5
Well, the bad news is that the department is not going to pay me for attending the English class, which I thought is valuable to take part in. Moreover, I will get tough TA job the whole semester. But the good news is that my English is not that bad - at least my oral English is just fine. This might help me get out of the dark of my poor 3** GRE verbal score.
I hope I will perform nice as a teaching assistant. And please, do not give me a sole-contact class. A discussion on MTH 140 will be just fine.
That's something strange because I never thought I will pass the exam, and I have already planned to take MEI English courses. However, I get passed, with a high score:
Interview: 4/5
Listening Dictation: 20/20
Micro-teaching presentation: 5/5
Well, the bad news is that the department is not going to pay me for attending the English class, which I thought is valuable to take part in. Moreover, I will get tough TA job the whole semester. But the good news is that my English is not that bad - at least my oral English is just fine. This might help me get out of the dark of my poor 3** GRE verbal score.
I hope I will perform nice as a teaching assistant. And please, do not give me a sole-contact class. A discussion on MTH 140 will be just fine.
Cooking
It is the first time for me to cook myself, and I succeed!
After days of McDonald and other junk food, I finally decide to cook myself. Obviously, it is my first time, alone.
I plan to make some rice and just one dish, and that is, "tomato with egg". It seems to be easy and fundamental, but I've spent more than 30 minutes to get everything done. Luckily, both rice and tomato w/ egg taste delicious.
I am so surprised to see my successful cooking as it is my first time. And I do not need to eat McDonald today and tomorrow.
Next time, I'll figure out how to cook with PaiGu. Bless myself~~~
After days of McDonald and other junk food, I finally decide to cook myself. Obviously, it is my first time, alone.
I plan to make some rice and just one dish, and that is, "tomato with egg". It seems to be easy and fundamental, but I've spent more than 30 minutes to get everything done. Luckily, both rice and tomato w/ egg taste delicious.
I am so surprised to see my successful cooking as it is my first time. And I do not need to eat McDonald today and tomorrow.
Next time, I'll figure out how to cook with PaiGu. Bless myself~~~
The first week in UMD
I'm currently at the computer lab of math department in University of Maryland. I am so surprised that I have already had access to enter the lab just one week after coming to US. Also, printer and copy machines are free to use by math graduates. That's cool!
The study environment is excellent. The only problem is to find delicious food. As I have not yet started to cook myself, I eat hamburgers and junk food nearly everyday. This is now driving me mad. I hope the situation will be much better when the new term starts. There might be more kinds of food to choose for me when the fall term starts.
The living place is pretty clean, and large. The only problem is its distance to campus. It takes more than 30 minutes to come to the campus by shuttle bus. Today, I took the 6:15am bus just in order to arrive school by 8:30. That's crazy~~
Well, it's time for lunch. No hamburgers, I wish!
The study environment is excellent. The only problem is to find delicious food. As I have not yet started to cook myself, I eat hamburgers and junk food nearly everyday. This is now driving me mad. I hope the situation will be much better when the new term starts. There might be more kinds of food to choose for me when the fall term starts.
The living place is pretty clean, and large. The only problem is its distance to campus. It takes more than 30 minutes to come to the campus by shuttle bus. Today, I took the 6:15am bus just in order to arrive school by 8:30. That's crazy~~
Well, it's time for lunch. No hamburgers, I wish!
New home, fresh life
I have successfully arrived in Maryland yesterday evening. Thanks to the airport pickup volunteers, I have no difficulty on finding my living place.
The room I live is pretty large, but unfurnished. Luckily, they have a mat. Therefore I could sleep on it temporarily. The place is very quilt. And it is convenience to use university shuttle bus to come to school.
The two roommates are very friendly to me. With their help, I have created a bank account and a cellphone number. All seems to be wonderful.
This is my new life. I am loving it.
The room I live is pretty large, but unfurnished. Luckily, they have a mat. Therefore I could sleep on it temporarily. The place is very quilt. And it is convenience to use university shuttle bus to come to school.
The two roommates are very friendly to me. With their help, I have created a bank account and a cellphone number. All seems to be wonderful.
This is my new life. I am loving it.
Ready to Maryland
Today, I am going to leave Chengdu, heading to Maryland.
I will stay in Beijing for one day and arrive at D.C. on Aug 11. It's a pity to miss the rest of the Olympic games. I hope China can win as many gold medals as possible. Maybe I will have a visit to Olympic park this night, if it won't rain heavily.
Well, it's time for the new period of my life. I am ready to study and living in a different country. I believe myself. NO PROBLEM!!
See you all in USA.
I will stay in Beijing for one day and arrive at D.C. on Aug 11. It's a pity to miss the rest of the Olympic games. I hope China can win as many gold medals as possible. Maybe I will have a visit to Olympic park this night, if it won't rain heavily.
Well, it's time for the new period of my life. I am ready to study and living in a different country. I believe myself. NO PROBLEM!!
See you all in USA.
Driver's License
Today, I receive my driver's license. After 2 weeks' learning, I have successfully passed all tests. Now, I am a real driver!!
Although I still need to pass paper test and road test in Maryland, I do not have to learn to drive in America. This saves plenty of money and energy.
I need to practise more before coming to Maryland. Maybe I will buy a car. This license makes everything possible.
Bravo~~~
Although I still need to pass paper test and road test in Maryland, I do not have to learn to drive in America. This saves plenty of money and energy.
I need to practise more before coming to Maryland. Maybe I will buy a car. This license makes everything possible.
Bravo~~~
Future room
The most lucky thing in this week is, I have finally found a good place to live in Maryland.
Since it is the first semester of my graduate study, I believe that the most important thing is to find best roommates. The good news is, one of my future roommate is in math department, and another is a PKU graduate student. This will help me a lot to adjust the living and study environment in UMD.
There is a 6-mile distance between the campus and the apartment. This may be the only problem. It seems that a car is needed, or I have to spend more than half an hour to go to school by shuttle bus.
I believe this choice is a wise one. I don't know if I would like to move to another place more close to school sometimes later, but I am really willing to live in this place for a year.
The mailing address is,
11370 Evans Trail. Apt. 202
Beltsville, MD, 20705
Ok, you can now feel free to send me some gifts. Haha~~~
Since it is the first semester of my graduate study, I believe that the most important thing is to find best roommates. The good news is, one of my future roommate is in math department, and another is a PKU graduate student. This will help me a lot to adjust the living and study environment in UMD.
There is a 6-mile distance between the campus and the apartment. This may be the only problem. It seems that a car is needed, or I have to spend more than half an hour to go to school by shuttle bus.
I believe this choice is a wise one. I don't know if I would like to move to another place more close to school sometimes later, but I am really willing to live in this place for a year.
The mailing address is,
11370 Evans Trail. Apt. 202
Beltsville, MD, 20705
Ok, you can now feel free to send me some gifts. Haha~~~
Goodbye, Beida
Finally, it is the time to say goodbye to Beida, the place I have lived for four years. I love this place, and the people here. In this beautiful garden, we have too many lovely memories. Classroom 1114, Library 401, Triangle, Yiyuan, Tennis field, ... It is really hard to say goodbye. But nobody choose to cry out, even we are nearly not able to control ourselves. We hug each other, bless all our friends.
One day, I will be back to Beida, to see this old garden, and the former friends. At that time, I will say to this motherland: I am a forever PKUer, and Beida will be proud of me.
One day, I will be back to Beida, to see this old garden, and the former friends. At that time, I will say to this motherland: I am a forever PKUer, and Beida will be proud of me.
Graduate Thesis
My graduate thesis starts at January. It is a long time of research and paperwork.
The topic of my thesis is "Numerical Analysis and Algorithm Design on Natural Neighbor Method". It is a branch of Computational Geometry. I entered a co-program of math and geology school in Peking University, mainly focus on the natural neighbor interpolation method. I have a great time with my advisor Dr. Tiao Lu, and graduate students from geology school. It is a good experience and the result is pretty acceptable.
I am satisfied with my thesis. It shows that I really have done something in my last semester of my undergraduate study. The full version of my thesis and related package code can be downloaded in my homepage, http://jefftan.cn/my/research.html .
The work has done, and I am going to graduate from Peking University very soon. Hope I will have happy days in the following graduate study, at Maryland.
The topic of my thesis is "Numerical Analysis and Algorithm Design on Natural Neighbor Method". It is a branch of Computational Geometry. I entered a co-program of math and geology school in Peking University, mainly focus on the natural neighbor interpolation method. I have a great time with my advisor Dr. Tiao Lu, and graduate students from geology school. It is a good experience and the result is pretty acceptable.
I am satisfied with my thesis. It shows that I really have done something in my last semester of my undergraduate study. The full version of my thesis and related package code can be downloaded in my homepage, http://jefftan.cn/my/research.html .
The work has done, and I am going to graduate from Peking University very soon. Hope I will have happy days in the following graduate study, at Maryland.
Visa Passed
Today, I came to American Embassy to have a visa interview. To be frank, I was a little nervous because I did not spend much time to prepare. But after 3 hours of waiting and a less-than-one-minute talk with VO, my visa is approved.
I have heard that F1 visas with scholarship are easy to pass, especially in mathematics field. That is really true. I was only asked 2 questions before got passed. So quick!
I remember last summer, my visa to Canada was too late for me to catch up the summer program. This time, I do not let such thing happens again.
Thanks to all friends helping me in my visa application process. And bless all fliers get your visa passed.
I have heard that F1 visas with scholarship are easy to pass, especially in mathematics field. That is really true. I was only asked 2 questions before got passed. So quick!
I remember last summer, my visa to Canada was too late for me to catch up the summer program. This time, I do not let such thing happens again.
Thanks to all friends helping me in my visa application process. And bless all fliers get your visa passed.
Year 22
Today is the 22nd birthday of mine.
This year's birthday is unusual. I have not invited friends to celebrate, and will not do this at the rest of the day. The reason is obvious. The whole China is now mourning for the tens of thousands of death in Wenchuan earthquake 8 days ago.
The days between 19th to 21st of May are of mourning across China for the victims of Wenchuan earthquake. We should stop any public entertainment, including the birthday celebration, of course. The earthquake is a tragedy. But we people in Sichuan, as well as all Chinese will defeat this disaster at last.
This birthday, I do not require a cake. But I really want to light a handle, and make a wish, for the people in Sichuan. We are the best!
加油，四川！加油，中国！
This year's birthday is unusual. I have not invited friends to celebrate, and will not do this at the rest of the day. The reason is obvious. The whole China is now mourning for the tens of thousands of death in Wenchuan earthquake 8 days ago.
The days between 19th to 21st of May are of mourning across China for the victims of Wenchuan earthquake. We should stop any public entertainment, including the birthday celebration, of course. The earthquake is a tragedy. But we people in Sichuan, as well as all Chinese will defeat this disaster at last.
This birthday, I do not require a cake. But I really want to light a handle, and make a wish, for the people in Sichuan. We are the best!
加油，四川！加油，中国！
Huge Earthquake in Sichuan
5.12, it is a day the whole China will never forget. A huge earthquake happened in Wenchuan, Sichuan. It is the biggest disaster of the recent 30 years in China.
The earthquake has the seismicity of 7.8, which is the same as the 1976's Tangshan earthquake, the disaster killed 260,000 lives.
(The seismicity has been modified to be 8.0 several days after the earthquake.)
When I know this big news, I was really shocked! CHENGDU HAPPENS AN EARTHQUAKE! I called my relatives immediately, but all the mobile phones can not be connected. The situation kept unchanged for hours. I remember that the only thing I did in these hours was making calls.
The news on Internet shows that the situation was terrible. All Sichuan students here were anxious a lot about families. I did not want to imagine the condition in Chengdu, as the city is less that 100km from the center of the earthquake.
Finally, I received telephone call from dad and knew he was safe. He dailed the call using telephone, while at that time, cell phone service was totally unavailable.
I kept connecting to my other family members and friends in Chengdu. It was not until the mid-night had I confirmed that all of them were safe.
Today, I made many calls to everybody I know in Chengdu. They told me that the situation in Chengdu was not very serious. But the seisesthesia continues from time to time.
Now, the situation at the center of the earthquake is still unknown, and plus the heavy rain in Sichuan, it is rather difficult for succors to get in. The Wenchuan might look like hell now.
The whole country, and the whole world is now hurrily try their best to save lives. I really hope that we can save as many people as we could.
In this disaster, we have lost more than ten thousand people. But I believe that Chinese people can face the problem and win the battle with the disaster. We Chinese are the best!!
The only warm news in this tragedy is that my family are all safe. Thanks to my friends' concern about my family. Especially, I want to thanks to my American family - the Howatts. Thanks to worry about my family at the other side of the world.
CHEER UP, CHINA! WE WILL DEFEAT THE DISASTER!!
The earthquake has the seismicity of 7.8, which is the same as the 1976's Tangshan earthquake, the disaster killed 260,000 lives.
(The seismicity has been modified to be 8.0 several days after the earthquake.)
When I know this big news, I was really shocked! CHENGDU HAPPENS AN EARTHQUAKE! I called my relatives immediately, but all the mobile phones can not be connected. The situation kept unchanged for hours. I remember that the only thing I did in these hours was making calls.
The news on Internet shows that the situation was terrible. All Sichuan students here were anxious a lot about families. I did not want to imagine the condition in Chengdu, as the city is less that 100km from the center of the earthquake.
Finally, I received telephone call from dad and knew he was safe. He dailed the call using telephone, while at that time, cell phone service was totally unavailable.
I kept connecting to my other family members and friends in Chengdu. It was not until the mid-night had I confirmed that all of them were safe.
Today, I made many calls to everybody I know in Chengdu. They told me that the situation in Chengdu was not very serious. But the seisesthesia continues from time to time.
Now, the situation at the center of the earthquake is still unknown, and plus the heavy rain in Sichuan, it is rather difficult for succors to get in. The Wenchuan might look like hell now.
The whole country, and the whole world is now hurrily try their best to save lives. I really hope that we can save as many people as we could.
In this disaster, we have lost more than ten thousand people. But I believe that Chinese people can face the problem and win the battle with the disaster. We Chinese are the best!!
The only warm news in this tragedy is that my family are all safe. Thanks to my friends' concern about my family. Especially, I want to thanks to my American family - the Howatts. Thanks to worry about my family at the other side of the world.
CHEER UP, CHINA! WE WILL DEFEAT THE DISASTER!!
The Get-together of Maryland PKUers 2008
Today, the 5 PKUers to University of Maryland in Fall 2008 get together to have a small party. All of these future schoolmates are very kind. It is a really pleasant day for me.
We 5 people are majored in different subjects, including maths, biology, chemistry, CS and management. The only pity is that the other 4 peers are all girls. My plan to find a roommate is forced to delay for a while. Bad luck!
I hope to find some Chinese guys to live together in Maryland for the first semester. This will save about $300 a month. Therefore, I might have enough money for a car.
Anyway, it is definitely lucky to get to know these 4 beautiful and kind ladies. The tragic situation for Chinese male students abroad is unlikely to fall onto my head. Haha~~~
We 5 people are majored in different subjects, including maths, biology, chemistry, CS and management. The only pity is that the other 4 peers are all girls. My plan to find a roommate is forced to delay for a while. Bad luck!
I hope to find some Chinese guys to live together in Maryland for the first semester. This will save about $300 a month. Therefore, I might have enough money for a car.
Anyway, it is definitely lucky to get to know these 4 beautiful and kind ladies. The tragic situation for Chinese male students abroad is unlikely to fall onto my head. Haha~~~
Happy 110 Anniversary to Peking University
110 Anniversary might be the biggest festival of my 4-year study in Peking University. Chairman Hu stays a whole day in PKU to celebrate the birthday of the best university of China. The news of CCTV (XinWenLianBo) uses half of its time to broadcast this great event. Today, we have many other shows including lectures, gala evening, etc. Although I do not get tickets to these ceremonies, I could taste the happiness all around the campus.Happy birthday, Peking University!
Murder Rate in US states
Nation "Homicide/100,000"
United States 4.28
State "Homicide/100,000"
New Hampshire 1.4
North Dakota 1.4
Maine 1.4
Iowa 1.6
Utah 1.9
Delaware 2
Idaho 2.2
Minnesota 2.2
Wyoming 2.2
South Dakota 2.3
Nebraska 2.3
Rhode Island 2.4
Oregon 2.5
Connecticut 2.6
Massachusetts 2.6
Vermont 2.6
Hawaii 2.6
Wisconsin 2.8
Washington 3.1
Montana 3.2
West Virginia 3.7
Colorado 4.4
Kansas 4.5
New Jersey 4.5
Ohio 4.5
New York 4.6
Indiana 5.1
Georgia 5.11
Virginia 5.2
Pennsylvania 5.2
Oklahoma 5.3
Florida 5.4
Alabama 5.6
Alaska 5.6
Kentucky 5.7
Tennessee 5.9
Illinois 6.1
Texas 6.1
Missouri 6.2
North Carolina 6.2
Arkansas 6.4
Michigan 6.4
California 6.7
Georgia 6.9
South Carolina 6.9
Arizona 7.2
Nevada 7.4
Mississippi 7.8
New Mexico 8.9
Maryland 9.4
Louisiana 12.7
District of Columbia 35.8
It seems that Maryland has a high murder rate. I have also hread from former students in UMCP that Maryland is not safe at night time. A lot of crimes happen at night, or even in the evening. Oh~~ SO AFRAID ......
I hope the rate might be low arround the area of the campus. And I would not always stay at home after 7pm.
100 Days before Beijing Olympics
April 30th, 2008 - today is definitely not a normal day. The Beijing Olympic Games will be hold in just 100 days.
It is a big day of all Chinese people as well as foreigners. I have seen millions of red stars on the MSN, thousands of volunteers protecting the Olympic torch, and billions of people looking forward to a success of this world biggest game.
Cheer up, China! Cheer up, Beijing 2008!
It is a big day of all Chinese people as well as foreigners. I have seen millions of red stars on the MSN, thousands of volunteers protecting the Olympic torch, and billions of people looking forward to a success of this world biggest game.
Cheer up, China! Cheer up, Beijing 2008!
It's visa time
Only a week later, the available time for visa has moved for 1 month later. Now, I can only arrange for a visa time on May 28th.
Well, the time is still enough - if I get passed in the first attempt. However, Sun Hao's visa has been checked for about a month. I hope it is just because his research specialty is sensitive. For ones whose major are mathematics and related realms, nearly everyone with fully financial support from the university has been passed immediately. I hope I will have the same result.
Although there are still 1 month for the face interview, I hereby bless myself to pass, and so do other flyers.
Well, the time is still enough - if I get passed in the first attempt. However, Sun Hao's visa has been checked for about a month. I hope it is just because his research specialty is sensitive. For ones whose major are mathematics and related realms, nearly everyone with fully financial support from the university has been passed immediately. I hope I will have the same result.
Although there are still 1 month for the face interview, I hereby bless myself to pass, and so do other flyers.
Fight for a driver license
Hearing from former students in UMD, I know that a driver license is very important for future life in US. And, it is highly recommended to get one in China before coming to the graduate school. That is to say, only 4 months left before I have to pass the driver license test.
The first step is the theoretical test. This test should be taken more than 1 month before test on the road. So it will be timeless to have this test after graduate from Peking University. I need to do it earlier.
Also, I want to learn to drive in Chengdu at home. What I need to do is going back home to attend the paper test during the semester.
I really did that early this week. I flied to Chengdu on Wednesday night and took the test on Friday. I have back to Beijing on Sunday to catch up the course on Monday.
The test is just easy, I manage to pass it with only 1-day preparation. That's lucky.
During the summer break, I will try my best to learn to control the car and get the license before coming to UMD. I believe I can handle this task.
Fighting~~
The first step is the theoretical test. This test should be taken more than 1 month before test on the road. So it will be timeless to have this test after graduate from Peking University. I need to do it earlier.
Also, I want to learn to drive in Chengdu at home. What I need to do is going back home to attend the paper test during the semester.
I really did that early this week. I flied to Chengdu on Wednesday night and took the test on Friday. I have back to Beijing on Sunday to catch up the course on Monday.
The test is just easy, I manage to pass it with only 1-day preparation. That's lucky.
During the summer break, I will try my best to learn to control the car and get the license before coming to UMD. I believe I can handle this task.
Fighting~~
Exchange rate: 1USD < 7RMB
Chinese RMB keeps increase in value than US Dollar. Yesterday, from the data of Bank of China, the rate has passed 1:7, which means, $1 now worth less than ￥7.
It seems that the US economy is facing a big problem. For me, the total amount of the offer worth less and less when judging by RMB.
I really hope that US will not get into another economic criteria, at least during my graduate period in US.
Start to search for a house
Where to live? This is the first problem when going to study in Amercia. I have heard from many friends that it is necessary to begin searching for a place to live asap.
Recently, I have received renting information from "Graduate Hills and Gardens", a place near UMD which offers rooms. They have 3 kinds of rooms for renting: efficiency, one bedroom and two bedroom.
I believe that the efficiency one should should not be welcomed because it is much smaller than one bedroom but only $42/month cheaper than one bedroom. The two bedroom plan seems interesting. One might only pay less than $600 a month with a roommate.
Well, it is not the only place to rent a room. I may ask for some details later. And meanwhile, it will be wise to search for another apartment and make a contrast.
Recently, I have received renting information from "Graduate Hills and Gardens", a place near UMD which offers rooms. They have 3 kinds of rooms for renting: efficiency, one bedroom and two bedroom.
Efficiency: RENT for UMD graduate student - $883/month
One Bedroom: RENT for UMD graduate student - $925/month
Two Bedroom: RENT for UMD graduate student - $1136/month
I believe that the efficiency one should should not be welcomed because it is much smaller than one bedroom but only $42/month cheaper than one bedroom. The two bedroom plan seems interesting. One might only pay less than $600 a month with a roommate.
Well, it is not the only place to rent a room. I may ask for some details later. And meanwhile, it will be wise to search for another apartment and make a contrast.
Funny Stony Brook
The most funny school in my application process is SUNY Stony Brook.
I receive a letter from AMS program after having withdrawn the application. The letter shows admission but undecided financial aid. I reply for the letter out of politeness. But a letter two days later tells me that no financial aid will be offered. It seems that they totally disregard my response. What should I do other than ignoring this letter?
A week later, I receive a letter from a professor of Stony Brook, inviting me to be his graduate student with financial aid. The professor writes a lot to persuade me to Stony Brook. I am so moved, but of course, I have accepted the offer from U of Maryland, and applied math in Maryland is much better than that in Stony Brook. At last, I decide to response this letter and thanks for the invitation without accept it.
What I am not satisfied with is the performance of the coordinators in Stony Brook. It seems that they do not pay enough attention to the reply from prospective students. This involves both students and faculties searching for applications.
Three different letters(aids-undecided, admission only, offer) from Stony Brook come to my email box after withdrawing the application. It is so funny.
Thank god I have not yet received any rejection letter after withdrawing the program. My friend has such experience, and he feels uncomfortable about that. I think this might be a happy ending - you don't like me, and I don't like you. So let's say goodbye.
Well, hope everybody can have a happy ending. Surely not the former one, but find schools that likes you and you like.
I receive a letter from AMS program after having withdrawn the application. The letter shows admission but undecided financial aid. I reply for the letter out of politeness. But a letter two days later tells me that no financial aid will be offered. It seems that they totally disregard my response. What should I do other than ignoring this letter?
A week later, I receive a letter from a professor of Stony Brook, inviting me to be his graduate student with financial aid. The professor writes a lot to persuade me to Stony Brook. I am so moved, but of course, I have accepted the offer from U of Maryland, and applied math in Maryland is much better than that in Stony Brook. At last, I decide to response this letter and thanks for the invitation without accept it.
What I am not satisfied with is the performance of the coordinators in Stony Brook. It seems that they do not pay enough attention to the reply from prospective students. This involves both students and faculties searching for applications.
Three different letters(aids-undecided, admission only, offer) from Stony Brook come to my email box after withdrawing the application. It is so funny.
Thank god I have not yet received any rejection letter after withdrawing the program. My friend has such experience, and he feels uncomfortable about that. I think this might be a happy ending - you don't like me, and I don't like you. So let's say goodbye.
Well, hope everybody can have a happy ending. Surely not the former one, but find schools that likes you and you like.
Maryland, Fall 2008
This is my last semester in Peking University. I am heading to University of Maryland on August. It seems that a 5-year Ph.D. in Maryland is not the best choice. However, with a poor GRE score, Maryland is already an acceptable place for graduate study.
Although the general ranking of U Maryland is only around 50 in U.S., the AMSC program is one of the best place for students majored in applied mathematics. I have the confidence that Maryland will be an ideal place for my research and my life.
As early as I accept the offer from University of Maryland, my Maryland life has begun. I am looking forward to this new part of life. Hopefully it will be interesting and full of memory.
Although the general ranking of U Maryland is only around 50 in U.S., the AMSC program is one of the best place for students majored in applied mathematics. I have the confidence that Maryland will be an ideal place for my research and my life.
As early as I accept the offer from University of Maryland, my Maryland life has begun. I am looking forward to this new part of life. Hopefully it will be interesting and full of memory.
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