The origins of units came up during our TA meeting the other day, and I thought I'd quickly outline the definitions of some of the more common units we use today. I apologize for thinking that this is interesting.

-Second: At first the sun defined the second in that it was one 60th of a minute, which was one 60th of an hour, which was one 24th of a day. Today the scientific definition for the second is the amount of time it takes a caesium 133 atom to oscillate 9,192,631,770 times. This is actually how atomic clocks keep time. It's quite exact. Of course, now we have to add leap seconds every now and then to keep the sun consistent with our caesium.

-Meter: Originally defined as the length of pendulum whose period of oscillation is 2 seconds, it was later changed to one ten millionth the distance from the Earth's equator to the North Pole. Now we define the meter as the distance that light in a vacuum travels in one 299,792,485th of a second.

-Kilogram: My personal favorite. This unit was originally defined as being the amount of mass in one liter of water, but it has a much more interesting meaning now. On the outskirts of Paris lies a mysterious institute known as the International Bureau of Weights and Measures. Deep with the confines of this complex lies a fortified, climate controlled vault; three simultaneous keys must be turned to gain access to this most hallowed of places. Inside, probably gleaming brighter than the pedestal of gold on which it surely must stand, lies a treasure beyond wealth: in hushed, furtive tones the French name it "Le Grand K." It is the International Prototype Kilogram, and the amount of mass in this physical object is actually the scientific definition of the kilogram. Since any change in this quantity would actually affect all of science, the most stringent of constraints are imposed to prevent such devilry: it was constructed as a sphere made of a platinum-iridium alloy to minimize surface area, thermal conductivity, magnetic and electrical susceptibility, and prevent oxidation. And no, I did not make any of that up.

A replica of a replica of Le Grand K that is owned by Denmark

Enough about units, but more about the French. Yesterday I watched a humorous movie that originated in that country entitled A Town Called Panic, which uses some fascinating stop motion, hilarious voice acting, and a cast composed of plastic toys to tell a delightful tale of misadventure.

We went to a new place for Sushi called Jusco Sushi Buffet yesterday, and overall it was a disappointment. It was "all-you-can-eat" in the sense that you could keep ordering food without paying more, but the rate at which the cuisine was delivered precluded any such intentions. It was still quite tasty though. This week will be my first real week back. I teach twice and homework is due in every class. Hopefully I'll be able to get some stuff done today other than Donkey Kong levels.

With nothing else to say I shall cut to the chase. Today I introduce the antagonist of Kentaro Miura's spectacular manga Berserk. His name is Griffith.

Griffith is the leader of the Band of the Hawk, a troop of mercenaries that is renowned for its prowess and skill. He is a master swordsman, a brilliant strategist and his charisma is irresistible. His country views him as a hero, yet beneath his radiant exterior lies a cold, black heart filled only with ambition. After losing for the first time in his life to his friend and the protagonist Guts in a duel, Griffith loses control and is eventually captured and tortured by the ruling government. Even after being freed by his friends in the Band of the Hawk, he receives an offer to become a demon and has no problem accepting and achieving his dream from atop the corpses of his comrades; he commits the ultimate betrayal and slaughters all but two of the Band for his own desires. As a near-divine being he now conquers his way across the lands, daring to lead a new Band of the Hawk and is sought by the revenge-minded Guts.