Nipon

Spellchecker for TextShop

2011-12-26T19:16:00.003-08:00

1. Download this http://people.ict.usc.edu/~leuski/cocoaspell/

2. Turn off spellcheck in Textshop

3. Turn on the dictionary you want in the system preferences under Spelling (new item)

4. Make sure your latex filter is on

5. Restart! (you might get away with restarting just Textshop)

6. Go to textshop and open spell checker

7. Click on the dictionary list. You should be able to see English (Aspell).

8. Select it and you are done.

optional: If you have new commands defined, you can add them in the system setting.

*** Keynote may spend a lot of time thinking because of the change. I recommend using the original dictionary when working with Keynote.

No output from Eclipse

2011-02-18T10:45:00.002-08:00

How to obtain output from C++ code through Eclipse with the following specs:
- Windows 7
- Eclipse + CDT package
- 64 bit machine
- 64 bit JDK

Solution:
1) Project->Properties->Run/Debug Settings, choose the .exe file and press "Edit"
2) In the "Environment" tag, press "New", set it as:
"Name:PATH"
"Value:C:\MinGW\bin"

Source:
http://www.eclipse.org/forums/index.php?t=msg&goto=648408&S=0808235fefe28b2cc928d76d8a3eae35

OpenAFS, "The RPC server is unavailable"

2011-02-14T14:33:00.003-08:00

This post is for those who

- have a 64-bit machine with windows 7

- installed openAFS and Kerberos 64-bit

- have the whole AFS token system working fine BUT

- keep receiving "The RPC server is unavailable" message upon accessing the AFS directory.

Solution: (worked for me)

- Remove two lines corresponding to your AFS location in C:\Program Files\OpenAFS\Client\CellServDB. For some reason in my case the ip was specified to something bad and kept AFS confusing.

Clear Matlab Path

2010-09-14T12:36:00.001-07:00

If you are tired of rerunning Matlab because you need to refresh your path, here is your remedy:

type: "rehash" to reset your path setting.

How to install Dell 2130cn on my Mac?

2010-04-21T14:45:00.002-07:00

1. Download and install the following (order matters!)

http://www.openprinting.org/download/printdriver/macosx/gplgs-8.64so-ub.dmg
http://www.openprinting.org/download/printdriver/macosx/foomatic-rip-4.0.2.211.dmg
http://www.openprinting.org/download/printdriver/macosx/pxlmono-1.6.dmg

2. Go to printer menu
3. Add +
4. Select LPD
5. Address
6. Printer Using -> Select a diver to use (You might have to repeat this step if the option closes automatically)
7. Select Generic PCL 6/PCL XL Printer Foomatic/pxlcolor
8. Add the printer
9. In your browser type: http://127.0.0.1:631/printers/
10. Click on Set Printer Options for the new printer
11. Change Printing mode: Normal
* If you have duplexer and would like to use it by default: Change Double-Sided printing: On (Flip on Long/Short Edge)

Enjoy!

Fury of the Furries Desert theme song 2

2010-03-23T14:25:00.004-07:00

I was looking for this song so bad today, and I finally found it. Thanks internet, youtube, and the nice uploader gdreyband. It refreshed many memories in my mind. I bet it does to you if you ended up here! :)

A talented presenter

2010-01-29T13:12:00.003-08:00

I was amazed how things are presented to each other in the world. Every day we encounter new people, new objects and new fragrances. The unique community among all of them is that, the presentation is happening in a very high level way in the beginning. When you look at people or hold an object for the first time, you would get a high level representation, such as how do they look or how do they feel. If you are getting more interested you can study them delve deeper into them.

Well I am keeping a note for myself for my future presentations.
"Let the audience through the layers of your work so they feel comfortable. Think of meeting someone for the first time and s/he start talking about her/his number of brain cells and how they are connected together. This is not the way to present your research!"

My Canon A75 does not turn on anymore!

2010-01-26T07:51:00.002-08:00

I am sure if you are reading this, you are already positive that your batteries are charged. These are the tricks that I have found worth trying:

Trick 1 (worked for me)
- Set the camera in "Playback"
- Start hitting the on/off button while pressing the set button (button to take photos)

Trick2 (did not work for me but apparently worked for others)
- Take out batteries and the flash card
- Wait 1 minute
- Press on/off and set button couple of times
- Load and go

It is not a human who is singing!

2010-01-14T21:28:00.001-08:00

Uyama Hiroto - Stratus

2009-11-20T11:30:00.003-08:00

I am sure in the future I will look for this lovely song. So I will log it forever...

Basquash! An Epic Failure

2009-10-25T17:17:00.004-07:00

In case you have started to see Basquash! I have one little piece of advice:
If you are already disappointed at it, well stop right now. It will get even worst!
If you still think it has been a good one so far, I suggest stop seeing it from now as you have to bare a lot of disappointment. BTW I have a little word with the Nike company:
Dude, even if I had the slightest interest in the Nike brand, thanks to this poor advertisement, it is all gone. I hope the drop sale in your shoes in Japan or other parts where this anime has been aired or distributed will give a good feedback about mixing brands in Animes: Epic fail! There is a good reason why sponsors like Square Enix, Aniplex, etc. are putting just a sign in the beginning or at the end of episodes and they are way more popular now. The reason is simple: They respect watchers! You are greedy. Well you might say pizza hut did it, why cant I do it. Honestly that one was a borderline. Many people started complaining about it and even called Code Geass the pizza hut series. Well the story was really good and there were not many ads in the anime, but good lord, you crossed the line way over. I hope the low rating of this series would be a good lesson for the rest of the big brands marketing managers thinking of forcing their product into animes: Just dont do it! Your sale will go down. Really down. Always remember: Respect the audience!

I think the only thing I liked about this series was the first ending song.

DJ is fun

2009-09-15T20:19:00.004-07:00

I finally got the bare minimum of a DJ set. It feels really good when you can make two songs to dance on the same rhythm! =)

Broken Wings Song

2009-08-31T19:53:00.002-07:00

Broken Wings [Piano] - Trinity Blood

Wireless Electricity

2009-08-26T16:41:00.001-07:00

Basquash Ending 1 : Free - Yu Yamada

2009-08-25T08:18:00.006-07:00

Use HQ if you have good connection =)

Multiple Choice

2009-08-24T12:26:00.005-07:00

What is this scene about?
a) I went to a trip to stay away from research for a while and David my friend happened to be there.
b) Me and my friend (David) went fishing together and we are not sure if we are good fishermen.
c) During my trip I happened to take the picture of a guy named David and he is not so happy about the result.
d) Our vehicle research team went on a one day trip to test our planning algorithms on an autonomous underwater vehicle. David is thinking about how to sustain 1:30 driving towards Boston after the morning drive and the long day of testing and programming.

Twitter

2009-08-02T04:21:00.004-07:00

http://twitter.com/nipon_e

Situation in Iran

2009-06-19T04:48:00.002-07:00

Found a website about the people got killed in recent shootings in Iran. I could spot even people about 12 years old... I am so sad.

Elections in Iran

2009-06-13T09:35:00.005-07:00

I am speechless to see the extend of lies and distrust in my country. It clearly showed that from now on in Iran voting is not an option anymore.

Giant Leaps

2009-06-11T17:40:00.002-07:00

It was such a stunning feeling to be within a crowd where most descent people in the field of air space discussing the cutting edge space related problems. It made me understand how little I know about our world. The excitement reached its peak when the speaker invited Neil Armstrong on the spot...

Cherries

2009-06-06T08:42:00.002-07:00

While I was biting a cheery I realized that damn, I miss
cherries...
dishes of fruits for the new year...
cup of teas filled with passion and love...
everyday conversations with old friends...
and my beloved parents...

How to remove Ask.com from Firefox

2009-05-16T08:29:00.002-07:00

I got very pissed off when I installed bit-torrent software and it automatically changed firefox's default search engine to this filthy creature. After uninstalling and removing anything related to ask.com, I still had one issue: the defualt search engine used for the keywords I put in the address bar was ask.com !! Here is the solution to take care of the last bit of its defilement:

1. Open firefix
2. in the address bar type: about:config
3. in the filter menu type: keyword.URL
4. Change the value to: http://www.google.com/search?ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&q=

This is very sad to see a company forces people to use their product. They are blind to see that more people are refering to their products as trojans rather than search engines...

Shoppingly shopping

2009-04-18T18:35:00.003-07:00

I went to Macy's after awhile. When I was ready to pay for my cloths, I looked at whole pile of cloths that I tried. More than 12 pants and 6 shirts. I agree that I am picky when it comes to cloths ;)

NSERC

2009-04-07T05:47:00.002-07:00

I obtained NSERC Scholarship for 3 years. While it is not enough to cover all of the expenses in Boston, I am guessing that it would increase my freedom of research.Yay!

Flying as a human is not that far...

2009-04-03T05:41:00.003-07:00

Iran within the eyes of non-commercial TVs

2009-04-02T06:46:00.001-07:00

RideBack ED (Younha - Kioku )

2009-03-27T15:09:00.002-07:00

karega warattemo
kizuitara anata wo omotteru
kare to tsunagu te mo
kanjiteru anata no nukumori

omoide wo kiritotte
mune kara oidashitatte
kioku wo ketobashitatte
imada ni anata wo

imadoki da sugisari kisetsu wo meguri
ano egao shiroku kasundemo
kokoro wa sou anata wo wasurenai
mou nidoto aenakutatte

waraiau shashin wo taoshitemo
afuredasu omoi wo kakushitemo
kokoro wa wasurenai

anata to no kioku

2009-03-01T05:16:00.001-08:00

Improvising on the scene

2009-02-16T05:26:00.001-08:00

Crappy Cameras Nice Photos

2009-02-04T20:59:00.003-08:00

Is it just me or you also think this is an artistic picture with lots of effects? :)

I passed my quals!

2009-01-28T18:25:00.003-08:00

Though I feel sad as I my lab mate did not make it through :(

When your mind tricks you!

2009-01-27T12:47:00.004-08:00

I had my qual exam today starting at 9 AM. I went to bed early about 11:00 just to make sure that I will wake up in time. I woke up with a bad feeling that I am late, since I did not hear my iphone ringing. It was 9:21 AM. God I was screwed. As I was putting on cloths to get to school, I noticed my mom helping me getting ready... but wait a minute my mom is not anywhere close to where I am now... It was a dream and I was fortunate to realize it while I was in it...

I woke up again, got out of the bed, and reached for my iphone, it was 9:21 AM. Damn it! This time it was real. My iphone, my room even the sunshine coming through my window. I was confused to do what? I lost half of my presentation time already... Being wondered about how the hell did it happen as I set two alarms, I decided to get dresses and go to my session anyway. I slammed the door with anger and ... I woke up again! It was 4:51 AM... Yes both of them were dreams!

Update: I just came back from my quals. Everythings went well. I am looking for the results coming out tomorrow.

Magicions have hard times too!

2009-01-27T07:41:00.001-08:00

Adblock

Chomsky on Gaza

2009-01-15T08:26:00.002-08:00

It was very packed. I got there 15 minutes earlier and I had to find a seat outside where live broadcast was available. I heard about him a lot, but seeing him with a gentle, yet formidable face was very touching. He talked without any sense of fear and cited historical event on Gaza crisis. He also answered several questions at the end of the talk calmly, though you could see the depth of his knowledge throughout his words. I have high respect for him.

More info on the event (Video soon)
Details of the talk

A mind with unreliable short memory

2009-01-13T05:02:00.003-08:00

Scenario 1:

- I took off the bus and set out to loon mountain for snowboarding. I was happy since I left all unnecessary items inside the bus.

- Changing my cloths, I realized that I left my mittens inside the bus...

- The bus left and would not be back in 7 hours.

- I went to a shop to buy a new pair of gloves.

- After through inspection of 3 pairs, I picked the one I liked but... I brought my university ID instead of credit card!

-Finally the kind seller agreed to let me borrow the gloves and pay for it after the bus arrival. I had to leave my ID there, but it made my day since I could finally go snowboarding ignoring the fact that I dont have money to buy lunch!

Scenario 2:

- I rented a car and drove it to the Hobby airport in Houston.

- Having one of my eyes on the road and the other one on the iphone to make sure I am not losing my way. It was 3 AM.

- I got to the parking lot, found the specific place, parked the car, made sure that my luggage is out, locked the car, and dropped the keys inside the box.

- Talking with the happy shuttle driver, I got to the departure section of the airport. I left the shuttle but... the luggage was not with me!

- Driving back the whole way to the parking lot, I found the luggage next to the drop box.

-The happy drive suggested more vitamins...

If I could fly

2008-12-28T23:17:00.002-08:00

A thousand people on the street,
The rain is trying to drown my feet.
The cold bites into every bone.

The solemn faces pass me by,
The grave veneer on buried smiles.
A crowded train to take me home.

If I close my eyes a minute,
See a world within a minute.
Stand alone and grow my wings to take me high.

If I could fly,
See the world beneath me,
Feel as though I'm set free.
Oh, if I could fly.

A simple smile can change a day,
An understanding look can say
"I know exactly how you feel".

But we have learned to build our walls
So very strong and very tall
For fear of what the world might steal.

If I close my eyes a minute,
See a world within a minute.
Stand alone and grow my wings to take me high.

If I could fly,
See the world beneath me,
Feel as though I'm set free.
Oh, if I could fly.

If I could fly,
See the world beneath me,
Feel as though I'm set free.
Oh, if I could fly.

Bite the apple

2008-12-12T08:18:00.004-08:00

It often happens to you to float in your thoughts and think: am I taking the right path? would I regret in the future about my current decision? Well who knows, I still believe that life is an apple. Just staring at it would not solve anything. You should bite it !

Moorche va Moorchekhaar

2008-12-06T08:05:00.002-08:00

In the end, everything is about maximization.

2008-10-26T08:01:00.006-07:00

I begin to realize what life means. In the end everything is about maximization but make sure you are maximizing the right objective function... I was listening to this song which I found interesting and coherent with the topic so I posted it together with the lyrics.

Here, people look for heaven
Livin' in a fear of God
Losing themselves, hiding forever
Afraid of what they're not
She spent her whole life
Chasing stardust
And then when she could taste it
A million dollars of pride
And still unhappy

So sad, she couldn't feel, she couldn't feel
I know the story
So sad, she couldn't feel, she couldn't feel
I know the score

Here I am, I've walked a promise
But it can take so long
Here I am, I've walked the shadows
It's time that I move on
With myself, I share the silence
I jus' walk along
Walk along

Here, people hide in darkness
Watchin' their shadows grow
Tears of gold or nothing matters
Selling themselves out short
Take diamonds for hope and fame for caring
The things she couldn't give up
She blows out the candle of love
And loses her way out

So mad, she couldn't see, she couldn't see
I know the story
So mad, she couldn't see, she couldn't see
I know the score

Here I am, I've walked a promise
But it can take so long
Here I am, I've walked the shadows
It's time that I move on
With myself, I share the silence
I jus' walk along
I walk along

People here choose not to listen
Afraid of what they might hear
Believing in lies and contradiction
Can be so safe and warm
And so many people tried to tell her
You know she wouldn't listen
A million voices called out
She jus' walked away

So loud, she couldn't hear, she couldn't hear
I know the story
So loud, she couldn't hear, she wouldn't hear
I know the score

Here I am, I've walked a promise
But it can take so long
Here I am, I've walked the shadows
It's time that I move on
With myself, I share the silence
I jus' walk along
I walk along

Contributed by Orihara Kaoru
http://www.touyaxyukito.com

GINA

2008-10-03T06:25:00.004-07:00

Good old days!

2008-09-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

Ironic

2008-09-17T19:06:00.007-07:00

I always enjoyed this music. Yesterday I started to pick up some parts of the text that I could not before. Being carious about the rest I pulled up the text. Now I know why like this music and I enjoy it even more...

An old man turned ninety-eight
He won the lottery and died the next day
It's a black fly in your Chardonnay
It's a death row pardon two minutes too late
And isn't it ironic... don't you think

It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures

Mr. Play It Safe was afraid to fly
He packed his suitcase and kissed his kids goodbye
He waited his whole damn life to take that flight
And as the plane crashed down he thought
"Well isn't this nice..."
And isn't it ironic... don't you think

It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures

Well life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
When you think everything's okay and everything's going right
And life has a funny way of helping you out when
You think everything's gone wrong and everything blows up
In your face

A traffic jam when you're already late
A no-smoking sign on your cigarette break
It's like ten thousand spoons when all you need is a knife
It's meeting the man of my dreams
And then meeting his beautiful wife
And isn't it ironic...don't you think
A little too ironic...and, yeah, I really do think...

It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures

Life has a funny way of sneaking up on you
Life has a funny, funny way of helping you out
Helping you out

Kaiba: Simple yet very complex...

2008-09-02T19:49:00.004-07:00

I was waiting for such an anime for a long time. You dont see any fancy visual effects or goo goo eye. Story starts in a different world where you can trade your memories or get a new body. At first glance, you dont get it at all, but after awhile you realize that it reflects most of our today's life problems in a very beautiful way.

Canada Post: From anywhere... to nowhere

2008-08-25T11:58:00.004-07:00

*19 Aug - Canada Post office
- I want to send this to Calgary fast together with a return packet.
- You can use Canada Xpress post with 24H expected time.
- Does it require signature?
- No Sir.
- Excellent.

*21 Aug - Tracking online

2008/08/20	AM	CALGARY	Item arrived at postal facility. Item on hold.
2008/08/20	07:50	CALGARY	Item out for delivery
2008/08/19	15:30	EDMONTON	Item accepted at the Post Office

Shipping Options and Features for this Item:
Signature Required

*21 Aug - Canada Post (Customer Service)
- Why is it on hold after 2 days?
- The receiver requested to put a hold on the item.
- Thanks! (#@$%^@#$)

*21 Aug - Receiver's Office
- Would you please remove the hold on my item?
- Sir. we already received your package and sent you back your packet.
- Thanks! (#@$%@#$%)

*25 Aug - Checking mailbox
>>> Empty!

*25 Aug - Tracking online

2008/08/20	AM	CALGARY	Item arrived at postal facility. Item on hold.
2008/08/20	07:50	CALGARY	Item out for delivery
2008/08/19	15:30	EDMONTON	Item accepted at the Post Office

Shipping Options and Features for this Item:
Signature Required

*25 Aug - Canada Post (Customer Service)
- Why is my package still on hold? Are you sure it is up to date? My receiver claims that he received the package.
- Your receiver put a hold on the item. We cant give you more information as it is private!
- Can I come and pick my package up?
- No, it does not belong to you anymore!
- (@$%@#$%^@#)

*25 Aug - Receiver's Office
>>> They changed the phone service system from my last contact. Now they dont answer the phone anymore!

*25 Aug Later - Checking mailbox
>>> Found my packet! The receiver was right, they posted the item on 21th of August.

*25 Aug Later - Tracking online

2008/08/20	AM	CALGARY	Item arrived at postal facility. Item on hold.
2008/08/20	07:50	CALGARY	Item out for delivery
2008/08/19	15:30	EDMONTON	Item accepted at the Post Office

Shipping Options and Features for this Item:
Signature Required

Canada Post: From anywhere... to nowhere

PR

2008-08-14T11:50:00.002-07:00

I finally finished my Permanent Residency process!

US Vs. Canada

2008-08-13T11:03:00.001-07:00

6 month and half have been passed since I arrived in Boston. How do I evaluate my experience so far?

* General Life US vs. Canada
- Smiles US < Canada
- Options US > Canada
- Stress US > Canada
- Discrimination US > Canada
- Willing to Help US < Canada

*Academic Life MIT vs. UofA

- Sleep Hours MIT < UofA
- Funding for International Students: MIT << UofA
- Opportunities MIT >> UofA
- Course Work MIT >> UofA
- Course Quality MIT > UofA
- Competition: MIT > UofA
- Easy Collaboration: MIT < UofA
- Quality and Diversity of Talks: MIT > UofA
- Budget for Living: MIT < UofA
- Pure Theory Research: MIT << UofA
- Applications: MIT >> UofA
- Free Food: MIT > UofA

Whats up?

2008-06-28T11:52:00.004-07:00

I know, I know... I haven't been writing something for a while. There were several reasons, some of them are:
* The new lab that I joined at the beginning of the summer is moving to a new place, so most days I was involved with moving things around. It is not still finished!
* My permanent residency for Canada has been approved and I am planning to go there in August.
* One paper that Mike and I wrote got accepted to a conference in Finland, and I WAS planning to go there and here is the reason behind "WAS":

My original plan was to go to Finland->Canada->US. Very easy!
The thing is that you can apply for a return visa only from outside of US. I was hoping to go to Finland and book the appointment right after my arrival to Canada. The online website USED TO give out appointments for next 4 weeks for Calgary. Yes ... USED TO, they changed it to 8 weeks which screwed me up! But they provided me with an option to apply for emergency application... As you might guess I was rejected for that, but! they told me to apply from Finland. Well why not? I go there, apply, go back to Canada, and then post my passport. I was happy for HALF OF A DAY since all of their appointments where open. They emailed me to apply from other countries like Italy or Dubai! After describing the whole situation they told me that I can apply but I should notice that:
* They might hold my passport for a while! -> I have to stay in Finland
* Since they dont know Iranians well, it might take a long time for them to approve my application!

Well I have had enough, Finland can wait...

Goodbye to the Normal

2008-06-15T04:53:00.000-07:00

Spring and Winter

2008-05-31T14:57:00.003-07:00

Every spring means another winter...

Every winter means another spring...

Christ de Burgh + Arian ?

2008-05-27T16:53:00.001-07:00

Thick Walls

2008-05-20T08:06:00.002-07:00

End of a semster and an undeterministic future in horizon...

2008-05-16T19:07:00.004-07:00

I finally managed to get through one semester here. It was a nice, and sometimes rough experience. Now I have to think about the near future so here is what I have in my mind for summer:

1 Start catching up on the RA here in the first month of summer.
2 Visit Alex in NYC.
3 Go to canada to finish my PR application.
4 Apply for a return visa to US.
5 If obtain visa
6 ____if get grant for UAI conference
7 ______go to helsinki (finland) from Canada
8 ______if time/money allows
9 _________go to Iran for a visit
10______else
11 ________return to US
12 ______end
13 ___else
14______if time and budget allows
14 _________go to Iran for a visit
15 ______else
16 _________return to US
17 ______end
18 ___end
19 else
20 ___print "Khob felan felan shode mikhasti nari biroon!"
21 ___try finish Phd in Canada
22 end

Compiled with 2 warnings and many errors!

Final Fantasy VIII - Revisit

2008-05-06T13:30:00.002-07:00

A tribute to those who appreciate FF VIII

Matrix XP

2008-04-18T07:49:00.000-07:00

The calmness after the storm

2008-04-16T11:15:00.004-07:00

Perhaps my last two weeks of life were like a fast storm: windy, rainy with thunderstorms. Now I can appreciate the cool breeze even more...

One step

2008-04-13T06:20:00.003-07:00

I finally joined CSAIL. I am expected to start my research on exploration for underwater robots starting summer with Brian Williams.

Fly, Space... Astrounaut?

2008-04-03T20:28:00.003-07:00

Since I was a child, I have always dreamed of going to space and see the Earth from far away and gaze at the morning sun. After a long time, I realized that I am still following my dreams and today I felt one step closer after I shook the hands of a person who made his dreams come truth, Daniel C. Burbank. I wish I can grant the same happiness to someone else in the future! :)

2008-03-29T13:27:00.002-07:00

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Storywriter

2008-03-28T14:00:00.001-07:00

Simply Flawless...

2008-03-07T20:04:00.005-08:00

Simply Flawless...

______
________
__________

Ok, maybe I should write a bit about myself. It has been really busy since I have been here. Homeworks, grading, projects, labs, TAs... They kept me busier than I thought. I like courses here a lot although they are demanding. A few days ago, I felt the moisture in the breeze which usually comes from the sea. After pondering a few seconds, I felt a bit sad. I have been living here for more than a month but never got the chance to see the ocean... I can see a few new footsteps in my life. Some of them are leading to the skies...

PS: Dont forget to get the songs. The links are on the post and they were my motivation to come all the way here and drop a few lines.

Resonant Chamber

2008-03-04T15:15:00.002-08:00

I highly suggest viewing the high quality version of this here

Looking for a song.

2008-02-24T19:47:00.002-08:00

Anyone who can find a nice quality version of this song, will have a nice reward from me! Only the first person will have it though :)

True Tears

2008-02-17T21:48:00.002-08:00

This series gives a nice definition of love and tears... You can have a bite here

虹色の回路に
無数の言葉たち
半分だけでも
ここならば進んで行ける

突然のメロディ
また加速して行く
心を掴んだ
ひとひらの影も消し去る

眼差し　キラキラ
あまり大きくない道でもいいね

そして
駆け出す　飛び込む　奇跡へ
見上げる　手を振る　光へ
止まらない気持ちを繋いで行く
リフレクティア

揺らめく　近付く　明日へ
奏でる　夢見る　未来へ
まっさらな空　どこまでも連れて
涙の終わり　合図に

無意識のメロディ
風になるように
記憶の隙間が
一瞬を求め続ける

まぼろし　フフフフ
踏み出せるならきっと大丈夫

そして
重ねる　促す　願いを
導く　追い越す　時間を
ガラスに通せば浮かんでくる
螺旋の模様

数える　束ねる　想いを
広げる　彩る　笑顔を
透明な空　包まれる度に
生まれ変わって行くから

ざわめく予感　少しの空想に
いつか打ち明けたい秘密

流れて　描いて　開いて
映して　鳴らして　廻って
小さな嘘さえ
指の先を通り過ぎる

隔てて　壊して　走って
還って　満たして　歌って
淡くて遠い日々を救い出す
反射したら

駆け出す　飛び込む　奇跡へ
見上げる　手を振る　光へ
織り成すオーブで私を呼ぶ
リフレクティア

揺らめく　近付く　明日へ
奏でる　夢見る　未来へ
まっさらな空　どこまでも連れて
限りなく舞い上がるよ
---------------------------------------
the countless words
within the rainbow circuit
even if it's only half
I can move on if it's from here

the sudden melody
begins accelerating again
erasing even a petal's shadow
that grasped the heart

the gaze sparkles
it's alright even if the path isn't too big

and then
start running, jump into the miracle
look up, wave to the light
connecting the unstoppable feelings
REFLECTIA

the wavering tomorrow that gets closer
ringing the future dreamt of
taking the clear sky along to wherever
with the tears ending as a signal

the unconscious melody
as if to become the wind
the gaps in the memories
continues to yearn for that moment

the airy illusion
it's surely fine if we can step out

and then
overlap the urging wishes
guide the passing time
the spiral pattern
that appears through the glass

count the bundled feelings
spread the colorful smiles
each time the transparent sky embraces
I am reborn

the stirring premonition at the slightest vision
the secret I want to open up about some day

float, draw, open it
reflect, ring, turn around
even the smallest lies falls through
the fingertips

isolate, destroy, run
return, fulfill, sing
after saving the faint distant days
and reflecting them

start running, jump into the miracle
look up, wave to the light
calling me with an interweaving orb
REFLECTIA

the wavering tomorrow that gets closer
ringing the future dreamt of
taking the clear sky along to wherever
I flutter up endlessly

Is it different?

2008-02-05T19:47:00.001-08:00

It is less than a week that I arrived here in Boston. I am currently living in the Sidney Pacific dorm on campus. There are still tons of things that I should take care of but meanwhile I would like to highlight a few things that I found interesting about MIT campus.

* Everything is fast-peaced, and you better used to it quickly!
* I attended one of the talks in CSAIL by Prof. Hirose Fukushima today and enjoyed it very much. It was very similar to Friday AI talks in UofA
* I am TAing one course in EECS department. Profs spend TONS of times to prepare for the course. The quality of teaching is really high.
* There are many complimentary scheduled shuttle buses on campus to get you where you want to go! :)

Feel the air

2008-01-29T22:25:00.001-08:00

Tonight is going to be my last night in room 532 of IHouse - Edmonton. I will fly tomorrow night to Boston and leave my room with all of its memories... By the way, do you know how hard is it to pack all of the stuff that you gathered in 3.5 years? It is amazing how easily people buy things, as if they are not going to move somewhere else... But each jump comes with its prices. I am optimistic. I am going to fly and feel the air...

Poets of the fall - Lift

2008-01-17T22:51:00.000-08:00

This is simply one of the best songs I have heard in a long time. I give it 9.3 out of 10. The name of the song is "lift" and it lifts you easily as you let yourself go. I love this song...

Times when I just can't
Bring myself to say it loud
'Fraid that what I'll say comes out somehow awry

That is when it seems
We move in circles day to day
Twist the drama of the play to get us by

And it feels like fear
Like I'll disappear
Gets so hard to steer
Yet I go on
Do we need debate
When it seems too late
Like I bleed but wait
Like nothing's wrong

You lift my spirit, take me higher, make me fly,
Touch the moon up in the sky, when you are mine
You lift me higher, take my spirit, make it fly,
Where all new wonders will appear

Like the other day
I thought you won't be coming back
I came to realize my lackluster dreams

And among the schemes
And all the tricks we try to play
Only dreams will hold their sway and defy

When it feels like fear...
Like I'll disappear
Gets so hard to steer
Yet I go on
Do we need debate
When it seems too late
Like I bleed but wait
Like nothing's wrong

You lift my spirit, take me higher, make me fly,
Touch the moon up in the sky, when you are mine
You lift me higher, take my spirit, make it fly,
Where all new wonders will appear, oooohhhh

You lift my spirit, take me higher, make me fly,
Touch the moon up in the sky, when you are mine
You lift me higher, take my spirit, make it fly,
Where all new wonders will appear

Take me high
Make me fly

Sad Farewell to Edmonton

2008-01-16T20:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I was called by the US Embassy of Calgary. My visa is ready... This was what I hoped for right? Maybe... I can not yet put my mind at ease... I am going to leave Edmonton in about two weeks after 3 years and 5 months. I am going to leave this city with all of my memories: laughter with my friends under its sunshine, fighting the harsh wind chills in its winters, drinking coffee and hot chocolate with my colleagues in its buildings, and many more. I am going to miss Edmonton, its calmness, its sunshine and my memories in every single corner of it.

US Embassy

2008-01-08T21:56:00.000-08:00

This was one of the most confusing moments of my life. Part of me wanted to move on and expected an acceptance, while the other part of me was sad and thoughtful about why not finishing my PhD here? Why not staying in Canada and continue working with my nice supervisors? and many more unanswered questions... This solo melody was shattered as the guy smiled and said: "I am sure you already know about our clearance process. we will contact you soon!"

The secret

2007-12-28T09:57:00.000-08:00

I still have not investigated this, but at the first glance this idea seems to be interesting as I have spent a lot of time thinking about similar theories.

The Decision

2007-12-17T17:00:00.001-08:00

I finally decided to go there for my PhD. It is going to be tough though,
* They wont let me transfer my courses
* I have to take 11 courses
* It is the department of Aero/Astro not Computer Science
I will have an interview with US Embassy on the 8th of Jan.
Wish me luck!

NIPS 2007

2007-12-09T01:57:00.000-08:00

I finally found some time to write about this conference. I think the overall conference was really good although I was not happy with the reviewing process as our paper with a 9, a 7, and a 6 got rejected in the final evaluation. I think one of the SPCs ignored most of the reviewers. Well I hope for a better luck next year. I found workshops more interesting than the conference as I attended the hierarecal reinforcement learning. Also I got to go for snowboarding with Alex. It was a lot of fun. Sadly, I hurt my knees a bit on the first day so I could only stare at the mountains for the following days.

Middle Eastern Potluck

2007-11-23T22:47:00.000-08:00

It was so yummy! I cooked the lamb shanks "Mahiche" and Ali did the "Baghali polo" part. It was delicious! Also many people cooked lots of east Asian food.

Gatts

2007-11-21T20:49:00.001-08:00

Perhaps this would not be favored by many audiences but those who know how to listen to it would be stunned by its utmost hidden beauty.

How hard is it for an Iranian to get out of US?

2007-11-19T21:08:00.000-08:00

SSSS
--------
If you are from "certain" countries and you have traveled within US, you know what I am talking about. This is a sign which can be seen on a boarding pass. I have not googled it yet, but I am guessing it means something like "Super Suspicious Security Sign" or "Suspicious^4". If your boarding pass carries such mark your security check in the airport would be a little bit different. All of your belongings would be searched for explosives and you might have ended up with a body check. I think they mainly check for electrical devices and if you are unlucky a bit like me, the system that detects the smell of explosive, might have a false positive alarm! If that happen, the rest is up to you and your luck. In my case, I was lucky, since they double checked my camera with another machine and they received a negative sign. They apologized for the inconvenience, but I think I began to hate this SSSS sign.

Special Registry
---------------------
As I described in my previous post, entering to and departing from US is a bit tricky for people like me. When I entered from the Montreal border the registration took so long that I missed my flight. This time the outgoing registry also took a lot of time in Chicago airport. The US registry office is located in Terminal 5 (International Terminal) which is a bit far for people traveling to Canada since their flight are not counted as international and fly from internal terminals. Yes, I missed my 9:45 AM connection to Calgary and consequently my connection from Calgary to Edmonton. After running between United Airline and Air Canada, I was put in the waiting list for the flight to Edmonton on 7:55 PM. This means more than 10 hours... What should I do in between? Well they put another SSSS on my boarding card and that filled a bit of the time again! I got some food and desert and refreshed myself. Currently, the time is 2:25 PM and I am sitting near a young boy writing these lines. Fortunately, I could find a power plug to put some juice into my laptop.

Still in Chicago
------------------
You might not believe it if I tell you that I encountered the worst case scenario. The only hope to get inside my bed tonight and forget about the rough day was shattered a few hours ago as the flight had some fuel problems and they had to even cancel the flight of some of the confirmed passengers. Currently it is 11:15 PM here and my flight is going to be tomorrow at 9:25 AM. The nice person in the customer service made sure to secure the fun for me tomorrow as well. I have a new SSSS on my card again! This is the last time I am flying with United Airlines. They lack all kinds of concepts for taking good care of their customers.

A simple complicated trip to US!

2007-11-12T20:09:00.000-08:00

* 11:00 PM Edmonton
I convinced myself to not goof around with my computer as my flight was early in the morning at 6:30 AM. I set two alarms to 5:00 AM and went to bed around 11:15 PM.

* 4:30 AM Edmonton
I woke up suddenly! Something told me that I have to go to the airport now instead of setting out at 5:00 AM! I don't know what was it but I trusted the feeling.

* 2:20 PM Montreal
I was happy. The journey was so far so good. I finished going through Toronto and Montreal, had my checkin sorted and my passport was checked the only thing which was left was my "special security check". My flight to Boston was at 3:15 PM, so I thought that I have enough time...

* 3:10 PM Montreal.
I was still with an officer. He asked me all sort of questions like what am I doing in US, what is my exact plan in US, where do I stay, what is my credit card number, ... why my uncle changed his name after migrated to US, ... While being wondered about why I am going through this again as I did this last year, my puzzled face turned into an angry/sad face. "He missed his flight, so he should reschedule." said the other officer who entered the room.

* 4:10 PM Montreal..
I rescheduled my flight for 6:50 PM (boarding on 6:15 PM) as I had enough time, I ordered some food and rested a bit to forget what happened a few hours ago and continue my happy trip to US.

* 6:10 PM Montreal...
I felt an strange feeling, as I found the gate that I had to board empty! "Oh this flight has been postponed to gate 78", said the Air Canada staff at the gate. The strange look on the face of a young man gave me a little bit of hope that I am not alone on this. We rushed through the gate 78. Nobody was there! The staff on the neighbor gate told me: "Relax, the gate has not been opened yet." Well it is all good I can rest a bit more. Apparently the flight has been delayed a bit since she added that the time on the monitor is the boarding time. It showed 6:50 PM. I felt a bit relieved and started to look for a plug to do something with the remaining 40 minutes.

* 6:50 PM Montreal....
Founding the gate empty again, I screamed "Shiiiit!" in my chest. After talking to the old man there, he replied young man the flight went on 6:50 PM. People started boarding on 6:20. God knows how much I hated the earlier staff that I talked toat that moment... "Next flight 8:00 PM", he added while giving me the new boarding pass. Wasn't that big of a deal, until I remembered the last sentence of my conversation with the staff of the bed & breakfast in Boston:

- We will only be open till 9:00 PM, you are not going to arrive afterwards, are you?
- No I will be in town by 4:38 PM (you wish...)

* 7:00 PM Montreal.....
After calling the bed & breakfast and explaining the story he promised to put the keys in a password protected box! I took the plane on 8:10 PM.

* 9:10 PM Boston
I was only thinking of one thing. Get to my room ASAP. Got the first cab. Surprisingly the english of the driver was poor and I could barely communicate with him. He told me that he know the address. We wandered about 10 minutes around the address...

* 10:30 PM Boston / Now
I am finally home. They had a letter attached to the wall for me and the instruction was accurate, a bit like James Bond movies!

" Set the password to xxxx"
" Push down the light black trigger and the same time pull out the notch on the top"
" There are two keys there. Only pick the one with your names on it!"

Anyway, now I am so tired and I have lots of meetings tomorrow. If you actually reached this part of the story, you should have liked it and be tired of the reading at the same time so here is some tim bits:

* If you are Iranian, never enter US boarder in connection flights.
* Don't trust the word of every staff in the airport. Double check it at least with someone else.
* If you are a computer addicted person, bear with it for the last 30 minutes of your boarding time. Don't wonder around for a power plug. I know you can schedule time but just don't take the risk!

Binkan na Fuukei

2007-11-09T09:50:00.000-08:00

Close your eyes, clear your mind and listen to this.

Romaji
Awai nami ni saraware nagara
Sotto, sotto
Kiete mo kamawanai kedo

Mada nokoru kimochi ha dokoka he
Ah... iro wo otosu deshou

Ake no hoshi ga hikari wo miseta
Yowai, yowai
Kokoro ni furisosogu

Demo toki ha onaji omoi dake wo
Ah... egaki tsudukereba

Dare mo shirazu hi ga sasu made ni
Sotto, sotto
Yokan wo kanjiteta
Kokoro ga kanjiteta

Translation
As I was cleansed by the soft waves
Gently, gently
I don't mind fading away

The remaining emotions venture somewhere else
Ah... it loses its colors, right?

The dawn stars showed me the light
Softly, softly
They rain down upon my heart

But time just paints the same feelings
Ah... over and over again

Without anyone noticing, as far as the sun shines
Gently, gently
I felt a premonition
I felt your heart

I am angry! >:(

2007-11-08T15:59:00.000-08:00

You know the feeling of getting angry. Sometimes the cause is your friend, sometimes your family, sometimes your teacher, and sometimes your neighbors... but I am angry at myself who forced me to go out in this cold weather walk for 30 min to reach a talk which was scheduled for Tuesday not Thursday! >:(

Trip to US

2007-11-05T21:41:00.000-08:00

12 Nov Edmonton -> Boston
14 Nov Boston -> Newark
17 Nov Newark -> Baltimore
19 Nov Baltimore -> Edmonton

Wish me luck! :)

Broken Wings

2007-10-27T22:47:00.000-07:00

Ah... I wish someday I can play this. Here is the note!
It is simply marvelous...

It is ALIVE!

2007-10-25T10:40:00.001-07:00

God knows how much I missed my PC and finally it is all back and alive with a new body ofcourse:

* MB Gigabyte P35-DS3R
* CPU Quad core intel Q6600
* RAM 2 GB Kingston PC2-5300 Dual Channel
* Mouse Razer chopperhead 2000 DPI
* HDD 1.5 TB + 80 GB (OS)
* GC NVIDIA Geforce 8600 GT

Welcome back to the world! :)

DirectCanada + Purolator = Bad choice!

2007-10-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

composed by you at 08:53 AM Oct 22, 2007

I think this was the last time that I am going to order parts from your shop. I filled my order 6 days ago and used your fast air shipping which is supposed to take one day. Previously I asked why my previous order is on pending and oddly enough I did not receive any answer. While your prices are competitive I rather pay extra 5-10$ for companies with better customer care like NCIX.
Please feel more responsibility.
Thanks.

reply from DirectCanada Support at 01:42 PM Oct 22, 2007

Hi Alborz
I apologize for any inconvenience that was caused, I can see that your package is already availible for pick-up, here is the tracking number, i'm sorry you didnt recieve a tracking number, but this package was shipped on time.
Purolator Air FCY0028280

reply from you at 06:08 PM Oct 22, 2007

Ok so here is the real story!
PUROLATOR tried to give the package to me on 17th and I was not home. They did NOT leave any notice. Since you did not update the shipment section of the order (it is sill not updated even for my previous package!) I did not have any access to track my package. Now after one week they are telling me that they tried to CALL me but could not find me. Now they say, that they can attempt another delivery tomorrow between 9 AM - 5 PM and they can not shrink this gap. This means I have to stay at home the whole day for one package! It is really unfortunate!!!
Bottom line is that if you dont want to irritate your customers and lose them after 1 or 2 times of shopping:
* Send the tracking number to the customer ASAP through the email.
* Switch from PUROLATOR COURIER to Canada post or some other courier who feels more responsible!

Hoo haa! Roomba!

2007-10-21T16:37:00.001-07:00

OK, it might be a bit weird to hear it from a person from Comp-Sci but this little fella can sweep! Every time I want to go outside, I would just push the button. When I am back, it is on its charger and the room is cleaned. I would be really happy if it will continue like this for at least a year without requiring iRobot's maintenance!

What's up?

2007-10-19T16:22:00.000-07:00

I went to Calgary on Wednesday and came back today. As usual, I went to Atlas with my friends (Sina, Ali, and Ali (the new one!)) to have a nice persian cuisine. Another night we went to a place called pizza 3000. Why 3000? I really don't have any ideas but the pizza was delicious, especially with unlimited toppings! My US visa appointment was fast and easy. The officer was nice and he did not ask any question. I am waiting for my clearance though. The road was also nice specially with nice music (my mama knows what I am talking about!) and neighbor cars who matched up my exact speed! Don't ask about the numbers! ;) About my PC, all of the parts, aside from my CPU, is here. I can barely wait for the last item to rock with my new PC!

UPS (based on a true story)

2007-10-16T12:56:00.001-07:00

Act 1:
Opening the door, a UPS notice caught my attention. "We tried to reach you today on 1:30. but you were not home. Another attempt will be made on Monday between 10:30-2:00."

Act 2:
- UPS customer service. How may I help you?
- I am calling regarding a failed package delivery attempt on Friday. I am going to miss the next attempt as well since I am not going to be home!
- Just sign the back and ask someone else to receive the package.

Act 3:
-Hi Hesam! Are you going to be around on Monday 10:30-2:00 ?
- Yeah
- Can you receive my package from UPS?
- OK

I signed the notice and noted to deliver my package to Hesam.

Act 4:
I saw another notice of failed delivery on the door! Calling Hesam, I realized that UPS ignored my previous notice and put up another notice. They will try the final attempt on the next day 200-5:00 PM. I called UPS customer service right after.

(Explained the story)
- Sorry, I realize the frustration. An agent will call you within an hour.
The phone did not ring that night!

Act 5:
- Hi, Is this Alborz?
- Yeah
- I am calling regarding your package which is scheduled for today.
- Great! I was wondering if you can ship the package after 5 instead of 2:00-5:00.
- Oh! Actually the driver is already out and I wanted to confirm with you to be home around 11-12!
- What?! there is no way that I can be there. The notice mentioned 2-5!
- Yeah, but the driver is coming from Quebec. So ... OK, I will try to contact the driver and let him know. I will let you know after 11.

Act 6:
(11:00 AM)
- Hey Alborz! where are you?
- In the department. Whats up?
- There is a package for you and they need your signature! I met the UPS guy by luck.
- Ah damn it! Can you do it?
- I will try.

Act 7:
(11:30)
- Is it Alborz?
- Yeah
- I am calling from UPS to inform you that your package was successfully delivered to your destination.
- Thanks!

Seasons' Call

2007-10-15T07:19:00.000-07:00

I'm against to the tangling wind
I am looking for the lost season
slightly but my way aims towards your eyes
pushed by a shining memory

How many cuts should I repeat?
How many fates should I accept?
Does it have an end?

You always coursing through all my body
So I won't have fear, Even tomorrow
Because I always feel you in me.

the good of you crossing my dry throat
dampens to my heart
How many cuts should I repeat?
How many fates should I accept?
Does it have an end?

far away the aspect of that bird
that it would go away jumping towards the sky
always informs me about a huge love
Because I always feel you in me.

You taught me how to love. I feel.
I can do anything.
I'd like to expand the world that you draw in a dream ahead your eyes
So I won't have fear, Even tomorrow
My beloved season calls me.
Because I always feel you in me.

Waiting ...

2007-10-13T12:56:00.000-07:00

My motherboard is here, BUT it does not support my AGP 8X card anymore. Darn! I need a PCI-E graphic card. I ordered a new one recently hope to get it soon. I am waiting to receive:
* RAM
* Graphic Card
* Driving License
* Mouse Feet (Nice for reviving old mice)
* Roomba

PS: Next week is my Visa appointment with US Embassy in Calgary. Wish me luck! :)

Updates on the catasrophy

2007-10-10T19:04:00.000-07:00

Pentium 4 3.0 GHz √
2 GB Kingston RAM √
Ari Radeon 9800 Pro √
Gigabyte 8PI1000 Pro 3 x

Thanks to Charls (our department's hardware staff), I could diagnose some of my computer parts. I could not believe what I saw. If you look at the board (top picture), you could identify the left bottom dead capacitor which also leaked some stuff on the top. We could also find some other dead parts such as regulators. On the back (bottom picture), you will notice the top right part of the board with a different color. Yes it is true, it was burned from the heat! I will go ahead and ask Gigabyte for more clarification on this. I used the Zalman P4 cpu fan which is known to be pretty descent, also my case is usually open so the air circulation should be enough ...

Too many things are happening

2007-10-07T19:38:00.000-07:00

It has been crazy since my last post:
* I had an accident with my bike and I was lucky to be in one piece with a few scratches and bruises: The bike's seat broke. No further questions will be answered ...
* Right before the long weekend my computer died! At first I though it was my power supply, but it was worse. It is my mainboard or CPU or both! :( I started to buy some stuff to make it alive again. I bought 2 GB of new DDR2 Kingston RAM and Gigabyte Mainboard. If I find my CPU to be broken as well I had to buy another CPU too ... Sigh I feel I am getting broke!
* During the process of buying those part I was tempted and finally ordered this as well! If you are in computers you know what I mean.
* I had an eye exam to be able to wear contacts during skiing. Damn it is so hard to put them in!
* My visa appointment is on 18th of Oct. in Calgary. I better start preparing documents.
* My aunt finally posted the Roomba to my address. I cant wait to have my hands on it! >:)

Geile Zeit

2007-10-02T20:13:00.000-07:00

English Translation

Awesome Time

Have you thought - have you hoped,
That everything is getting better,
Have you cried - have you prayed/begged,
Because everything is different,
Where is the time - where is the sea,
It's missing - it's missing here
You ask me where it stayed,
The nights come - the days go
You turn and go on your way,
Haven't you seen the broken pieces,
On which you go further,
Where is the light - Where is your star,
It's missing - It's missing here,
You ask me where it stayed
Is everything becoming different - Is everything becoming different - Is everything becoming different

Yeah, I know it was an awesome time,
For us it was not a path too far - Your missing here
Yeah, I know it was an awesome time,
Hey, I'm sorry - It's over

You want away here - You want out here
You want the time back,
You breathe in - You breathe out
Yet nothing changes,
Where is the night - where is the path,
How far - How far still
You ask me where we were,

The lights are out -
It is hard to understand,
You watch helplessly as the clock hands are turning,
You see your star,
It can't be destroyed any more,
Because you know that it was awesome,
That it was awesome,

Iran's cartoon on Columbus Dispatch

2007-10-01T17:06:00.001-07:00

Cartoon disrespectful of Iran, its people

Monday, September 10, 2007 3:25 AM

"The editorial cartoon by Michael Ramirez in Tuesday's Dispatch that pictured Iran as a sewer with cockroaches coming out of it was extremely offensive. Iran, once known as Persia, has a long and cultured history.

I am not a Muslim nor of Middle Eastern descent, nor do I like terrorists. But to reduce a nation of men, women and children to a sinkhole spewing out insects is disgusting." CAROL JEVREM

I am speechless. Why on earth should anyone disrespect a country like this? I am wondering about the reaction of Michael if somebody does the same thing to United States or Japan, his mother's homeland.

Avril Lavigne - The best damn thing

2007-09-27T22:55:00.000-07:00

Unlike most people I think these two are the best tracks of this album. She is SO alive in here songs! I like her :)

PS: please remove the songs after 24 hours or buy the originals.

Naruto Shippuuden - Opening

2007-09-26T13:43:00.000-07:00

Song: Hero's Come Back
Artist: nobodyknows+
Well it is a different music. I think the combination of their voices is weird but cool!

Bad Day

2007-09-21T14:22:00.000-07:00

* Waiting for FedEx to ship you something between 9:00 AM- 4:30 PM! or you have to go somewhere really far to get your parcel personally.
* Rushing to the bank because it is Friday and you need to get some jobs done and you find the bank totally crowded.
* Having someone in the bank who does not know her job: Please put your initials here, ... oh you did sorry I meant the signature.
* Watching the same person attending to another cheque while you are standing right in front of her and be in a hurry for a meeting in 3 minutes.
* Having your bike's sear broken while you are rushing to your meeting.
* Getting to the lab while panting a lot and figuring out that the person you were supposed to meet is still not there...

I think I am having a BAD DAY!

Roomba!

2007-09-19T12:47:00.000-07:00

At last I convinced myself to have a Roomba in my room! I could find a sweet deal from HSN to buy it although they only ship to US so I had to ask my aunt to receive my package and then ship it to me. The cool thing about this model is the lighthouse technology which will allow it to vacuum separate rooms. The lighthouse station works as a virtual wall till the room is cleaned! I am eager to receive mine :)

Smell the home and fly with Iran-Air!

2007-09-14T20:15:00.000-07:00

Sweet Home:
------------------
It was 5:00 AM, and I was half sleep as we went to bed at 2:00 AM after a fun visit to my aunt's house. I raised up my attention level as my friend (I call her mom) sent me an SMS that she is in the airport with her brother, so I better hurry up and catch my flight. After a little bit of dizziness, we were good to go. Our black car's engine was on and I was driving on the roads.

Line up at the Entrance:
--------------------------------
It was a mess! Four international flights, within the same timelines. I realized the depth of the misery, as I noticed the long line up of the passengers tailed out side of the opening doors!

FIFO, LIFO, Queue !?:
------------------------------
Perhaps one of the most noticeable features of an Iranian community is the way a queue formed. Actually, we Iranians are taking advantage of more advanced queues called Iranian Queues (IQ!) rather than simple FIFO (First In First Out) queues. An IQ is a multithread queue, in which each person holds a priority which is a noisy function of time plus a hidden variable of the environment (for example finding a relative who is working in the environment can increase the priority to +infinity). I was in a complicated IQ. Another thread was merged with my line as it was suddenly decided to be used for business class against what was stated on its board. One of the entities of the IQ was hopping in the middle of the various lines and a few other entities were following him! You could sense some hidden variables being tweaked all the time. I was finally checked out at the business class line!!

Customs:
-------------
It was fast. The person started to write something on a paper: my passport number + "Expired Passport Issue". Actually, I was going to be arrested... Explaining that I renewed my passport outside of Iran, I was free to go.

Iran-Air 747_200 - Still not ready:
--------------------------------------------
It matched my expectations perfectly. Broken voices of the staff on the main TV and few broken monitors with noisy videos. An infinitesimal mistake in assigning the seat number of a few people brought about a large discussion among passengers. Crying babies and lost items gave the plane a better flavor of Iran. This flavor was reinforced as I received a rude impression from one of the crews who was asked to give me some water. The plain took off harply with only 1:15 delay.

Iran-Air 747_200 - The End:
--------------------------------------
The sad moment of saying farewell to Iran-Air was getting close as the plane landed in London. Walking through the usual IQ, I asked the crew: "Why didn't you show a single film or the flight's data on the screens?". "This was the backup plane, the main one was not ready", he replied. I left the plane as another passenger whispered in my ears: "That meant to thank God for being alive and don't expect more."

Ice-cream with Iranian Toppings

2007-09-14T20:12:00.000-07:00

After about 2 years of absence in "Real" Iranian community, I finally remembered the old concepts of our culture in London Airport. I just passed through the gate and boarded the plane, and as you might have guessed:
* Most people entered the gate using Iranian Queuing algorithm(AKA IQ!)
* Staffs only talk in Farsi
* I can smell a lot of perfume in the air. Why?
a: I sniffed an aromatic tissue!
b: IranAir uses aromatic liquids for air conditioning
c: Iranians always wear lots of perfume
d: Most perfume shops in the airport have lots of free samples

Last time I had a really bad experience, I hope this time I enjoy my flight with Iran-Air. Even if I do not hate it, I will be happy. Iran, here I come!

AAAI 2007 at a Glance

2007-07-25T15:46:00.000-07:00

AAAI 2007
So far, it has been a nice experience. I had the chance to talk to intelligent people like, Ronald Parr, Randall Davis, and David L. Waltz. I also met cool graduate student such as Jacob Beal, and my friend Alex Strehl. The Man Vs Machine Poker competition drew lots of attention and ended with 1 draw, 1 win, and 2 losses for the computer. Notice that human players were professional players and internationally known to the world. In terms of the papers, I liked many of them that I should select from later on, but here is potential list:

POMDPs:
Point-Based Policy Iteration
Shihao Ji, Ronald Parr, Hui Li, Xuejun Liao, Lawrence Carin

Indefinite-Horizon POMDPs with Action-Based Termination
Eric A. Hansen

Search:
Near-Optimal Search in Continuous Domains, Samuel Ieong, Nicolas Lambert, Yoav Shoham, Ronen Brafman

RL:
Nectar: Temporal Difference and Policy Search Methods for Reinforcement Learning: An Empirical Comparison, Matthew E. Taylor, Shimon Whiteson, Peter Stone

A Reinforcement Learning Algorithm with Polynomial Interaction Complexity for Only-Costly-Observable MDPs
Roy Fox, Moshe Tennenholtz

Compact Spectral Bases for Value Function Approximation Using Kronecker Factorization
Jeff Johns, Sridhar Mahadevan, Chang Wang

Efficient Structure Learning in Factored-State MDPs
Alexander L. Strehl, Carlos Diuk, Michael L. Littman

Cogntion:
Predicate Projection in a Bimodal Spatial Reasoning System
Samuel Wintermute, John E. Laird

Etc.:
PLOW: A Collaborative Task Learning Agent
James Allen, Nathanael Chambers, George Ferguson, Lucian Galescu, Hyuckchul Jung, Mary Swift, William Taysom

Recognition of Hand Drawn Chemical Diagrams
Tom Y. Ouyang, Randall Davis

Acquiring Visibly Intelligent Behavior with Example-Guided Neuroevolution
Bobby D. Bryant, Risto Miikkulainen

Victoria, you can not hide anymore!

2007-07-23T20:04:00.000-07:00

Currently, I am sitting on one of the sits on the Queen of Victoria ferry and enjoying the beautiful scenery. You know sometime you plan in every single detail of your trip and then it gets all messed up? A while ago, I planned to go to Victoria for a one day visit. I used all of my talent in searching the internet and asked my friend in Victoria and considered all of the options which can take me from UBC campus to the Victoria island. Nowadays, we have nice online services such as trip planners. You can specify your departure location, destination, and your desired time, and the website takes care of the rest. So everything was set. Here was the plan:
* 5:30 Wake up
* 5:45 Prepare
* 6:03 Bus # 17 to Vancouver Downtown
* 6:40 Switch Bus to Airport Station
* 7:05 Switch Bus to Tsawwassen Depot
* 8:00 Boarding Ship
* 9:40 Victoria

Well seemed pretty good to me! Although ... Here is what actually happened:

* 5:40 Woke up
* 5:45 realized the mistake on the date of planning!
* 5:50 realized that there is no bus to the ferry for my desired time!!
* 5:55 Prepare!!!
* 6:05 Talking to the people on the lobby
* 6:15 Taking a cab to Central Station
* 6:30 Buying a ticket package to Victoria!
* 6:45 Boarding the bus
* 8:00 Boarding the ship
* 9:40 Victoria

It worked in the end so I can not complain! :) The view on the deck is spectacular. Small islands full of trees surrounded with water.

Contradiction

2007-07-23T01:14:00.000-07:00

Should I feel guilty that I was half-sleep during the talk of someone like James E. Smith ? Well I did not after seeing Stuart Russell in my row with half-closed eyes!

Why parallel?

2007-07-06T15:56:00.000-07:00

First of all, I just realized that it has been a while since I posted something here. It is a bit odd since I was not busy at all so maybe my business has a high correlation with me posting stuff :S

I am running many experiments and some of them are taking a lot of time. No, ... A LOT! you might say: "Come on you guys are in CS and should have the best computers and stuff to run programs". Well the answer might be true, but corresponding to that demands are higher as well. If you want to say my experiments are statistically significant, you should run them at least 30 times, which in my case it can translate into 7 days! I finally decided to implement a script to take advantage of many CPUs on the network at the same time to run these separate parts in parallel so I can see my results 30 times faster! It was a lot of pain and involved wrestling with Linux commands but it was finished today, thanks to the help of my lab mates! Is it working that fast? well due to my lack of luck our main cluster is down, but I am aiming to run it as soon as it is back. Wish me luck! :)