Psy - Gentleman

I expect another mega-hit.

From Nobody to Somebody

Greetings to fellow graduate Postechians, undergraduate Postechians, faculty and staff members of POSTECH, all of whom deserve my thanks for making POSTECH better. Looking back over the year 2012, it was a special year for the newborn Graduate Students Association (GSA) with lots of things to remember. I remember working on the revival of the 2011-abolished medical Co-op plan, issuing proclamation on cleaning workers in POSTECH, helping with absentee ballot applications, supporting Science and Technology Policy Town Meeting, and explanatory meetings we had in departments. And I think 2013 will be another very special year for GSA as a test bed for sustainability.

Every researcher who has ever published a peer-reviewed journal paper or given a conference talk will understand the phrase “From nobody to somebody”. In the academic world, you are nobody until you produce your first academic fruit. Yet, once you do it, suddenly you become “somebody” to talk to about your topic. You have ownership of the research results; it is called “authorship”. 2012 is the year graduate students became “somebody” from “nobody”. Before the birth of GSA, there was no association that could represent graduate student’s voice, and the opinion of graduates was very limitedly reflected. Now that the GSA is set up, graduate students are considered as members with a mouth to speak seriously. We have come from nowhere to somewhere. We can stand up with the pride and the power of influence.

I remember a saying from Gandhi, “Speed is irrelevant if you are going in the wrong direction.” If we keep going in the right direction, whether it’s fast or slow is the second concern. GSA’s direction is definitely to promote and protect the rights and interests of graduate students. In 2012, we have tried to make a system to sustainably maintain this direction. We have assigned a permanent secretary to consistently work toward our goals over the years; we have made a system that an acting president assigned from GSA executive council can take charge in the absence of the GSA president. 

Lastly, I want to emphasize to all Postechians, including students and staffs, please back us up with your support and patience so that GSA can sustainably develop as a guardian of graduates’ rights and interests. And, fellow graduate Postechians! As you have become “somebody from nobody,” please recognize and exercise your ownership in 2013.

January 1, 2013, Jong-Chan Lee

http://times.postech.ac.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=6668

Radiation Pressure Tricks

I recently saw interesting articles about some tricks on radiation pressure of photons. Here I share them as if you are interested too.

reversing the radiation pressure... "tractor beam" concept could actually been demonstrated?!
<Miniature Star Trek-Style ‘Tractor Beam’ Created in Lab>

idea to nudge asteroids away with radiation pressure...?!
<How to Save the Earth from Killer Asteroids by Using a Paintball Gun>

New Year of London

New York's new year begins with Gangnam Style,

London's new year begins with fireworks.

I wish a new year filled with joy and happiness to all of my friends and family.

Design Taste for Compact Hatchbacks

I like hatchback style cars. And the world market for compact hatchbacks seems to be rapidly growing. I just would like to share my personal design picks for compact hatchbacks. It just takes account of design, no nothing else. Only the newest models are concerned and the best comes first.

Any criticism accepted.

Benz A-class

Kia Ceed

BMW Mini

Hyundai i30

Volkswagen Golf

Fiat 500L

BMW 1-series

Volkswagen Beetle

Citroen DS3

Visiting Dr. Hwang's

Today, Prof. Myung-Sik Kim, Seung-Hwoi and me were invited to Dr. Hwang's house.

I and Prof. Kim discussed a lot about the Chaebol. My opinion was that the Chaebol has some usage to Korea: a risk taking jump in to the new industries. And I emphasized the danger of speculator funds who can drain national wealth. Prof. Kim claimed that the Chaebol must be treated the same as other companies by the government. And he put emphasis on the consumer movements rather than governmental policies.

By the way, we were served with a three-course-meal as well as the appetiser. The appetiser was Chung-mu kimbob styled seasoned radish and baby octopus. First course was the rice and red-bean porridge; second was the boiled beef tail; third course was the bean sprouts rice soup. Those fantastic dishes all were made by Dr. Hwang! I also enjoyed very much with the wines, especially 'Psi' of Ribera del Duero. I first thought that Prof. Kim bought this wine because of the symbol Psi, but it turned out he was actually a wine lover. His selection was excellent and we enjoyed the wine very much.

Rainy Christmas Season in London

Well. Yes, I didn't expect a white Christmas in London. But raining four days in a row? Okay, it may be a time to read papers and work.