Assorted musings and updates

[onefixedstar]

I learned yesterday that I've been accepted into a graduate program at the London School of Economics and Political Science. It seems unlikely at this point that I'll actually go, largely because I don't think I can swing the funding. I was originally focused on going to Cambridge and it wasn't until after I'd applied to the two that I learned from various discussions that the LSE might be a better choice academically. By then I'd already indicated that I was going to apply for an ORS scholarship through Cambridge and not the LSE, and without that, I don't think they'll give me enough money to go. Which is okay. One of my main reasons for applying to England was to see how I measure up on an international scale. Now I know that I can succeed beyond the boundaries of my own country. I've also become rather attached to the idea of moving to Toronto. I think returning to my roots as an adult could be fun. Of course, the idea of living in London is also appealing. Right now I'm trying to decide whether or not I should bother sending in the financial aid forms, on the off-chance that the LSE does have a large, unassigned scholarship just sitting around.

I saw The Matrix: Reloaded on Saturday. I know some critics were less than impressed, but I enjoyed it. Two parts I especially enjoyed were the dance scene at the temple and the realization that the prophecy was an instrument of control, not of freedom. The first was an affirmation of the importance of the body. The second appealed to me because it carried a message about one of the potential consequences of blind faith, which something I've never been good at. I liked the idea that those who thought they were going to be humanity's saviours should end up aiding its oppressors--it very effectively undercuts the messiah message. Of course, that will probably all be undone in the third movie.

I'm working on my paper for the Halifax conference today. Right now I'm trying to sort out the differences between space and place with an emphasis on how each concept can be applied to the Internet. It would be much easier if there were any consensus on the issue, but there doesn't seem to be consensus on much of anything in sociology. That's part of it's charm, I suppose. Sociology forces a different view of progress on its practioners--progress does not come solely from building on those who came before to reach new levels, it comes from adding perspectives to gain a more complete view of the way things are.

Comments

Conference Papers

[a-just-society.livejournal.com]

Working on conference papers for Halifax is a waste of time. I should know, given that I'm doing the same thing myself. Basically, the only reason that people will be in the room will be to have a nice nap to work off their hangovers from a night of heavy drinking at the pub the night before.

This of course is assuming that they show up at all - many people will just be hanging out at the piers munching down on cheap seafood. Not to disillusion you about the conference process, but I speak from three prior Learneds' experience!

Re: Conference Papers

[onefixedstar.livejournal.com]

Actually, I hate presenting, so I'd be quite happy if no one showed up. I'm going to Halifax primarily so that I have something to put on my c.v., not because I expect to make an impression. (Yes, I know a conference is only a conference and publications are better, but it's easier and faster to be accepted to present at a conference, and it's an excuse to visit Halifax.) However, even if no one is there except for my fellow presenters (one of whom is my roommate who's heard it all before), I still need to have something to say.