Category: General

No, I am not Dead :)

Ryan
Jan 17 |08:57

Welcome to 2011, everyone. It has been quite awhile (read: six months?) since my last post and quite a lot has happened since that time. A brief update:

  • Finished my degree
  • Received a Gold Record (soon to be Platinum) for my work on an album
  • Took the LSAT
  • Took the LSAT, again
  • Went to Europe for vacation
  • Went to Europe, again (I’m there now)
  • Visited a few Law Schools

I still have applications to finish as I am immensely behind on turning them in and deadlines are approaching — this is horrible for a few reasons, chiefly fiscal and acceptance related in nature.

Speaking of fiscal matters, the plethora of articles about law school graduates facing insurmountable debt with no employment options is nothing short of frightening. While I think the employment numbers that law school provide are somewhat misleading, I think that the employment situations of many graduates is also a bit misleading. I am quite well connected and have respectable credentials; with that in mind, I know that I can be gainfully employed after law school.

The New York Times article, though, has me really making sure that it is the route I want to go. I’m trying to decide whether to apply this year or take a shot at working for myself for a year to see what I can do and apply after that if things are not going well. I’ve really enjoyed my work with the LSAT Proctor on the iPhone and working with the iOS system. I think I can do a lot more with it and I’m considering giving it a shot.

I visited Stetson University in Florida to check out the facilities and faculty and it has been a long time since I was that excited. The aforementioned disjunct and jumbled logic you’ve seen out of the past few paragraphs only goes to show my flux in the decision field, right now. I’m currently moving forward on all fronts. I’m applying to law school, working on new apps for the iOS/iPhone/iTouch/iPad system and am taking things day-to-day.

Some people have asked me if I have any plans of making the LSAT Proctor pay-based and the answer is an emphatic “no.” I have gotten a lot of feedback from people saying that it has helped them immensely and the amount of downloads per day on the iPhone and Bandwidth used per day on the website show that it is a resounding success. I’m glad that it helps you guys – I’m glad that it is one of the few tools for you that doesn’t cost you money – I don’t plan to take that away from you.

I’m in Nottingham, UK right now working on a few things and trying to sort out some decisions — I’ll be in touch soon. If there is anyone out there still reading these… I’ve missed writing for you all.

 

Defcon: 1

Ryan
May 18 |08:12

Well, yesterday was pretty much miserable. My professors for the semester are fantastic; I think I’ll really like them as people but the workload for the courses is going to be overbearing. While I was concerned before, I am now actually wondering whether I can study for the LSAT and complete these courses during the same period. It is the first time where I am considering postponing my LSAT. I can’t fully accept the idea of doing it, though. I had my Early Shakespeare course yesterday and American Literature from 1912 – 1950 in the evening. During a regular semester I wouldn’t really be too concerned but on top of the aforementioned 12-odd plays for Shakespeare, I will have three to four 2-page (single-spaced) assignments due each class in American Literature. I will have to see what British Literature is like this evening to have a full grasp of what I have gotten myself into for the semester. It just seems that 10 pages a day, plus work and LSAT preparations is going to leave me neglecting something (besides my health and girlfriend).

I also ran out of time on a Logic Game section yesterday so that defeated my spirit a little bit. I have a haircut appointment this morning (it’s much-needed) and then I am heading to the library all day for LSAT preparations and then class. I’m going to neglect reading Oedipus Rex and second time for the moment and finish the papers sometime either tonight or tomorrow before class while I focus on LSAT for the remainder of the day. British Literature from 1912-1950 will most likely be no-less intensive. I know that it could be worse and my major could be something in the engineering or physics disciplines, but regardless of any inherent difficulties, I need to do well in the courses. An A or C in engineering is weighted the same as an A or C in english.

I’m going to stop by my professor’s office hours on Wednesday to introduce myself and just let him know a little more about what I am trying to do. It is a rare occurence for me, but I think it will help me greatly if he knows that any lethargy is not due to apathy but rather a full course load. Professors are people too and no one likes to see someone half asleep while they are talking, especially if it is a subject in which they are passionate about.

Time to pickup my books that Amazon delivered to the studio, yesterday and get this afro trimmed down to the level of “respectable human being,” I like my haircut to portray a facade.

 

CPR 460: No Exit

Ryan
May 17 |09:04

After reviewing my classrooms for the summer, a common theme was quickly discovered. I have three classes during the Summer A period spread through various days and time slots; they all share one thing in common, though. They all take place in the same room: Cooper Hall Room 460.

I have been at the University of South Florida for the better part of seven years and I have taken a few dozen courses in Cooper Hall, but I have never been to the fourth floor. I actually looked up the room online to make sure that it wasn’t some type of scheduling error. Now, it isn’t too weird to have all of your classes in the same room during Summer session as the number of classes offered is severely reduced and the school wants to keep expenses to a minimum. As it is my last semester and this session is looking to be hellacious, the ominous one-room schedule is starting to remind me of Satre’s play, No Exit. If you are familiar with the play, you’ll understand what I mean.

Summer sessions are a bane and a boon. They are a boon in the sense that parking will be easier and the semester will finish far quicker, but they are a boon in the sense that while the session will indeed be shorter, it will be far more laborious throughout the duration. I write this entry as I lay in bed trying to convince myself to get ready and walk out the door. The sooner it begins, the sooner it ends.

Wish me luck.

 

Three Down… Three to Go.

Ryan
Apr 29 |16:12

This morning was a little tumultuous for me as I finished two papers and completed a website that was due today — while I feel good about the papers, the website was not my best effort. At least it is finished. One more paper and two exams to go until my focus turns back to LSAT.

When I got back to the studio, I learned that an old friend of mine is going to be coming in to record a quick track on Saturday so that was a nice little surprise. I chatted with his manager for a bit, whom I haven’t talked to in awhile either, and sat down for lunch.

I love working in the music industry, but I can’t wait for the day when I can either focus on just my job or just school. I have been doing this full-time managing gig plus school for too long. It wouldn’t be that bad if there was redundancy for my position but when I’m not there it just means there is more work to do when I get back to my desk.

I can’t complain too much… my job essentially consists of hanging out with rock stars all day. Luckily, the majority of them are pretty good people as well.

A few of you have come over from the LSAT Blog to thank me for the LSAT Cacophony. I am glad it is helping people out; thanks to Steve for helping to spread the word.

To answer a question a few people have had: yes, i will be making some more of them. There will be a few different formats… I won’t say too much as it would ruin the surprise. Keep an eye out for news!

If you are looking for an LSAT Distraction, check out Shimon, the jazz-playing, improving robot. If you are reading this, Georgia Tech arts department, I will fully fund a session for Shimon to record here at Morrisound Recording in Tampa. Just call and ask for Ryan.

 

The Briar Patch

Ryan
Apr 27 |08:41

Yesterday was quite an exhuasting and hectic day, overall. It was also the first day since I began my test preparations that I failed to get any studying done toward the LSAT. I wish I could say that I felt disappointed in myself, but I don’t. I waited entirely too long to finish my Business Report for Professional Writing and found myself struggling at work to finish it before it was due at 6pm. For some reason as well, I also chose Monday as the day I was going to ride my bicycle to work. This ensured that when I returned home, I promptly laid on my bed and passed out.

It was refreshing, though; I think I needed it. With exams commencing next week, I need to walk a tightrope carefully balancing my habits for the LSAT and studying/work for finals. The LSAT Blog has a nice little article on study habits and self-control that is topical to this discussion.

While I won’t be riding my bike to class and then work today, I am going to try to ride it to work at least once a week. When it comes to Summer sessions, I believe that day will be Friday as it has me running around the least. You might seem more and more posts about me trying to get in shape and/or eat healthier as this blog reaches maturation. It is a goal, albeit a distant one, that I hold in high esteem. I can’t say, honestly, that I am happy about the current status of my health habits.

I am going to take the week to finish up my papers that are due, while filling the free moments with some LSAT prep as oppossed to my former routine that flipped the two variables. I’ll resume LSAT prep as a full time effort once this week finishes.

 
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