Category Archives: Uncategorized

… do people think that they can get away with a job offer that says nothing about the job, but requires a lot from the applicants:

Subject: PhD Position in Scientific Computing

A university degree in computer science, mathematics or a comparable qualification as well as a solid background in numerical computation and in numerical algorithms are required. Strong interest and background in numerical matrix computations (numerical linear algebra) and their interaction with state-of-the-art processor architectures (multi-core, FPGA, etc.) as well as excellent programming skills (C, C++, Python, Fortran) are highly desirable. A high degree of commitment, self-motivation and creativity are very important.

The position is funded by [...]

The employment is expected to extend in total over a period of three to four years, provided that expected study and research results are achieved. The tentative starting date of the position is September 2008 (negotiable), and the initial contract will cover the first year. Further extension of the contract depends on performance.

We invite applicants to send [...]

Highway Number 1-35, originally uploaded by Markus.Weimer.

Last weekend, we spend a lot of time on highway one from San Francisco to Los Angeles. This is by far the most beautiful piece of coastal road I have driven so far, and I have seen most of the coastlines of Florida and south-eastern and eastern Australia.

It’s the kind of road you would expect to see in a car commercial. The kind of road which makes you think “this can’t be real” when you see it on TV. It is real and it’s the coast of California

More pictures can be found on flickr.

Today, we went to the beautiful Nappa valley north of San Francisco. That’s where all the wineries are. And we had absolutely delicious vegetarian food in this restaurant named “Ubuntu” in Nappa.

It’s the kind of vegetarian food that does not try to emulate meat yet is really, really tasty, once you get past the menu. Who would have thought that a pizza with strawberries would easily make it onto my “best pizzas ever” list?

Y! Research Summit Summer 2008, originally uploaded by Markus.Weimer.

I had a very interesting and inspiring week: Yahoo! had its yearly research summit in the valley, which even included a mini conference with poster session for the research interns

The picture was shot during the picnic at and I have a few more which I can share with those who also attended the meeting. Drop me a line.

Who is that guy?, originally uploaded by Markus.Weimer.

One is a famous computer scientist. But who is that asian guy that wanted to be on the picture?

… und dann ist es wieder Zeit, gegen den schleichenden Abbau unserer Rechte zu demonstrieren:

Bürgerrechtler rufen bundesweit zur Teilnahme an einer Demonstration gegen die ausufernde Überwachung durch Wirtschaft und Staat auf. Am Samstag, den 11. Oktober 2008 werden besorgte Bürgerinnen und Bürger in Berlin unter dem Motto “Freiheit statt Angst – Stoppt den Überwachungswahn!” auf die Straße gehen. Treffpunkt ist der Alexanderplatz um 14.00 Uhr.

Ich will da hin. Wer noch?

My car, originally uploaded by Markus.Weimer.

After asking for a more fuel efficient rental car, this is what I got…