Reading (For Dummies)

What to do

I'm trying to decide what to do about school. I got back another exam result today. I did so-so...not great but hey I didn't fail (so I can retake the exam lots and lots and lots of times until I get a good grade).

But, I think Dresden isn't for me.

Some time ago I asked Doug for advice. He gave me a real gem, words to think about these days.

I've been washing back and forth upon this for a long time, trying to figure out what to do with my life after Syracuse. Japan seemed like the coolest option, Dresden was a second bet. It doesn't seem to be agreeing with me so much. So, I'm going to apply for some PhD programs while staying in Dresden for a little bit longer, maybe another semester or two (might as well learn a few things while I'm waiting on my grad applications). In the meantime, advice from my nerdy friends is appreciated. Where to go? What's good?

My particular interests these days include artifical intelligence, natural language processing, operating system/software security, and of course formal methods. I'm always becoming more interested in legal aspects of security, and these ridiculous laws being passed and patents being approved lately, as well. I have a few places in mind (which I won't mention for fear of tainting the advice), but what has good programs in not only these highly technical areas but also at least offers a few courses on intellectual property/computer policy? The latter bit is what I'm really not sure about. I don't think I want to go to into computer policy like Doug, but talking the talk and maybe contributing a few cents to improve life in the US would be worthwhile to me...