Troop Weblog

Getting the most out of my time in Iraq

I’ve had a few folks ask what life is like over here, and I’ve tried to answer those questions. In summary, it’s hot, the days are long, it’s hot, work can be boring sometimes, but it’s always hot, sometimes we are very busy, and it’s hot then too. But in my off time (1-2 hours after work before I go to bed) and when things are slow at the end of the day in the office, I’ve tried to make good use of my time. Rich and I work out six days a week in the afternoon, and we have organized PT three mornings a week; I’m taking care of my body. But, what about my mind? I’ve been reading lots of books, I read a lot of news online, and writing in this Blog are all minor mental exercises. To really stretch our minds Rich and I were searching in vain for a good mental challenge. Then the answer came in the mail. Some friends mailed Rich a Rubik’s Cube. Remember that crazy game/toy from the early 80s?

When we first started we were hard pressed to solve the cube at all. But with some effort we memorized some of the simple algorithms and permutations. Within two weeks we were consistently solving the cube in less than 5 minutes. We were very impressed with ourselves, but 5 minutes does not a cool party trick make. So we kept at it. Rich was first to break the 5 and 4 minute barriers. But, after a few days of rest for my fingers I shattered the 3 minute barrier with a scorching 2:37. I’ve whittled that down to 2:00 flat. We’re investigating new methods and new finger skills to improve our time. Our goal is to break the 1 minute mark.

Here are some world records to put our times in perspective:

The best time for restoring the cube in an official championship was 12.11 sec by Shotaro Makisumi (Japan) at the Caltech Spring Tournament on 3 April 2004. On the same occasion, he set the record for the average from five attempts (where the best one and the slowest one did not count) with 15.38 sec

One handed record: 25.95 sec by Christopher Hardwick (USA) at the US Championships on 10 July 2004.

Blindfold, fastest time: 3:37 minutes (including memorizing), Shotaro Makisumi (Japan) at the US Championships on 10 July 2004.

Blindfold, most cubes: three cubes: Geir Ugelstad (Norway), 14 Dec 1998 in Stockholm and Ralf Laue (Germany), 3 Feb 2001 in Halle/Saale.

The most expensive Rubik's Cube was the Masterpiece Cube, produced by Diamond Cutters International in 1995. The actual-size, fully functional cube features 22.5 karats of amethyst, 34 karats of rubies, and 34 karats of emeralds, all set in 18-karat gold. It has been valued at about US-$ 1.5 million.

So you can see we have some room for improvement. But, worry not; we are hard at work and practicing everyday.

I’m also planning on bringing my guitar back when I go home on leave. Rich is an accomplished guitar musician and he’s agreed to teach me as long as I don’t ask him to teach me Stairway to Heaven in the first lesson. I was taking piano lessons before I left, but I think it will be easier to bring the guitar back. At any rate practicing guitar should help me strengthen my left hand and practice some rhythm. Both of which should help me when I pick up piano again when I get home.

Additionally, I’m teaching myself to juggle as well. I think juggling three items will come pretty fast, but I’m going to have to get someone to teach me four and five items.

If anyone has some advice on some other ways to keep my mind nimble I’d love to hear what you think. (Note: I don’t like crossword puzzles)

Posted by Daniel at August 18, 2004 12:08 PM