It's been a while since I've posted something. I don't have much to say this time around, but I figured it's better that I update you all on some small things going on in my life rather than leave my blog abandoned for so long.
So, first thing's first. In my last blog, I mentioned that I was accepted to Tulane University on a $26,000 per year scholarship (I think that was the number; it may have been $24,000; I'll have to check again later). I also said I was waiting on MIT's decision. Unfortunately, I was not accepted there, but life goes on. Emory University in Georgia (the US state, not the country :P ) sent me an E-Mail asking me if I wanted to apply there. They already had my information from the QuestBridge program, and only requested I send them a short-answer essay. Emory was not on my list of schools. It's a top school, but I just never looked into them. However, since the application was free (courtesy of QuestBridge's reputation) and they only needed a short essay, I sent it to them. Now I have another school to wait for...great.
As for my personal life. I've been on Winter Vacation from school for about a week and a half (since the 19th), and I'm finally realizing just how lazy I can be. I actually stayed up until 7:30 AM last night (or, I guess technically it would be "this morning") and slept until 4:00 PM. Ah, sleep. Last night, however, I discovered something about myself. I always knew it on some level, but I confronted it last night as my insomnia led me to think about things I usually ignore. I realized that my one major issue--which some people mistake for laziness--is not following through on things. I counted over 20 stories I've started writing, and only 2 which I've finished. I've begun making at least 10 computer games, and never finished a single one.
And, I realized, this problem has invaded my personal life as well, as I've often told a girl I'd call her back, then not done it. Not because I didn't want to, mind you. Just because I can't follow through with...well, anything really. One of these events may even have cost me a potential relationship. So I made a New Year's Resolution to go back and finish my latest abandoned projects, and from now on to start finishing whatever I start. This actually began today when I did my Emory essay. I had ignored it so long that even the university was sending me E-Mails with subjects like "Wrap it up"! And the whole thing only took me a half an hour. Jeeze, the problem is worse than I thought!
So that's all there is to tell, really. If anyone out there is reading this (that is, if anyone is really interested in my thoughts), please comment. Post your own New Year's Resolutions. Maybe if your self-promises are out in Cyberspace for all to see, it will encourage you to stick with them :) .
-IMP ;) :)
December 29, 2008
December 10, 2008
Yay, college!
My last post summed up my worries about colleges (and whether any would accept me, how to pay for them, etc.) Now I can finally relax.
I recently received an E-Mail from Tulane University (in New Orleans, Louisiana) that said I have been accepted :) ! Yay! That was good news enough...but wait until you read the next paragraph.
Just today, I got the formal letter of acceptance in the mail. I thought nothing of it, having already received the exciting E-Mail, until I opened it and read it. There were two new pieces of information in the letter which I had not previously been told. I was granted the Presidential Scholarship, which comes out to $24,000 per year! That's about half of the tuition and room & board. My financial aid will fill in the rest, so I've basically gotten an offer for all of my expenses paid!
But wait, there's more! I was also invited into the Tulane Honors Program, which according to its web page (http://honors.tulane.edu/) is only offered to very select students!
I'm so excited now. I hadn't realized I was anything really special, but all these offers from the 50th best school in the country (out of 2,618 total universities and colleges) make me wonder. I know MIT is still a much harder school to get into, but my hopes have been lifted, even if only slightly.
-IMP ;) :)
I recently received an E-Mail from Tulane University (in New Orleans, Louisiana) that said I have been accepted :) ! Yay! That was good news enough...but wait until you read the next paragraph.
Just today, I got the formal letter of acceptance in the mail. I thought nothing of it, having already received the exciting E-Mail, until I opened it and read it. There were two new pieces of information in the letter which I had not previously been told. I was granted the Presidential Scholarship, which comes out to $24,000 per year! That's about half of the tuition and room & board. My financial aid will fill in the rest, so I've basically gotten an offer for all of my expenses paid!
But wait, there's more! I was also invited into the Tulane Honors Program, which according to its web page (http://honors.tulane.edu/) is only offered to very select students!
I'm so excited now. I hadn't realized I was anything really special, but all these offers from the 50th best school in the country (out of 2,618 total universities and colleges) make me wonder. I know MIT is still a much harder school to get into, but my hopes have been lifted, even if only slightly.
-IMP ;) :)
December 3, 2008
University Anxiety
Recently, I achieved Finalist status in the QuestBridge College Match scholarship program (http://www.questbridge.org). This program awards 100% scholarships (including 4 years of tuition, room, board, books, and "personal finances") to its winners for whichever university or college they choose (from a limited list, of course). I chose MIT.
I recently found out that I did not, in fact, win the scholarship. However, since MIT already has all my information from that program, they have given me the opportunity to apply (without QuestBridge) Early Action. "Early Action" simply means that I will receive my admission decision earlier than Regular Action; it is not binding like the Early Decision process, so I can still keep my options open. I chose to take this opportunity.
According to the E-Mail I receieved from MIT, I will find out their decision in "mid-December", which I'm guessing is around Dec. 15, give or take a few days. This is only about 2 weeks away! The anxiety is setting in.
I'm beginning to wonder if I set my sights too high with MIT. But then, I also applied to some less competitive colleges (Rensselaer Polytech being one), so I don't have to worry about not getting into any university.
As of now, I am simultaneously nervous and excited. Within the same two-week span, I find out I didn't get the QuestBridge scholarship, I will find out if I'm accepted to MIT or not, and my high school's first semester will end. What's so special about the beginning of the second semester? I graduate soon, of course!
My graduation date is May 15. That's only 5 months away! At times it seems as if it's only creeping forward like some slow-motion video, but at other times (such as now) it seems to be rushing towards me head-on. I'm excited about being out on my own for the first time. I'm excited about living the college life, and persuing what could be the beginnings of a lifelong career in Biochemistry.
At the same time, I'm a bit frightened about my future. I don't doubt I will make it out unscathed and prosperous; that's all somewhere between University and Life. What does scare me is the beginning of it all, my freshman year at college. Will I be able to do it all right? Will I find my classes, will I adjust to the new teaching style? Will I manage to pass my first year and not flunk out the first semester?
I know these are irrational fears commonly held by those beginning their life in the so-called "Real World" (and I don't mean the MTV show), and yet I can't seem to shake them. Perhaps I'll feel better once I find out to which colleges I've been accepted. Perhaps it will take longer, and I'll only relax once my first semester at University is complete. I don't know, but right now, I can do nothing about it but wait. Sit and wait for that letter in the mail beginning with the six endorphinous words: "We are pleased to inform you..."
-IMP ;) :)
P.S. I know "endorphinous" is not a real word, but it seems like the best word to describe how I will feel if and when that message comes. Besides, we define words, not the other way around :) .
I recently found out that I did not, in fact, win the scholarship. However, since MIT already has all my information from that program, they have given me the opportunity to apply (without QuestBridge) Early Action. "Early Action" simply means that I will receive my admission decision earlier than Regular Action; it is not binding like the Early Decision process, so I can still keep my options open. I chose to take this opportunity.
According to the E-Mail I receieved from MIT, I will find out their decision in "mid-December", which I'm guessing is around Dec. 15, give or take a few days. This is only about 2 weeks away! The anxiety is setting in.
I'm beginning to wonder if I set my sights too high with MIT. But then, I also applied to some less competitive colleges (Rensselaer Polytech being one), so I don't have to worry about not getting into any university.
As of now, I am simultaneously nervous and excited. Within the same two-week span, I find out I didn't get the QuestBridge scholarship, I will find out if I'm accepted to MIT or not, and my high school's first semester will end. What's so special about the beginning of the second semester? I graduate soon, of course!
My graduation date is May 15. That's only 5 months away! At times it seems as if it's only creeping forward like some slow-motion video, but at other times (such as now) it seems to be rushing towards me head-on. I'm excited about being out on my own for the first time. I'm excited about living the college life, and persuing what could be the beginnings of a lifelong career in Biochemistry.
At the same time, I'm a bit frightened about my future. I don't doubt I will make it out unscathed and prosperous; that's all somewhere between University and Life. What does scare me is the beginning of it all, my freshman year at college. Will I be able to do it all right? Will I find my classes, will I adjust to the new teaching style? Will I manage to pass my first year and not flunk out the first semester?
I know these are irrational fears commonly held by those beginning their life in the so-called "Real World" (and I don't mean the MTV show), and yet I can't seem to shake them. Perhaps I'll feel better once I find out to which colleges I've been accepted. Perhaps it will take longer, and I'll only relax once my first semester at University is complete. I don't know, but right now, I can do nothing about it but wait. Sit and wait for that letter in the mail beginning with the six endorphinous words: "We are pleased to inform you..."
-IMP ;) :)
P.S. I know "endorphinous" is not a real word, but it seems like the best word to describe how I will feel if and when that message comes. Besides, we define words, not the other way around :) .
November 29, 2008
Giving Thanks
So, Thursday was Thanksgiving here in the U.S. Sorry I couldn't post anything then, but family and all were here. Plus, who would post a blog when there's turkey and chocolate pie to eat?
What I wanted to do was post what I'm thankful for, and maybe even get some comments letting me know what everyone else is thankful for. So here's my list:
So, now that my diary moment is over, I'd like to hear from you guys. If anyone at all is actually reading this (I know it's a fairly new, relatively unknown blog), post your Thanks List. I'm sure we'd all like to see what you have to be thankful for, whether it be a new baby, a new television, or just the food on your table. Lord knows that sometimes, food and love are all we need!
Happy thanksgiving,
-IMP ;) :)
What I wanted to do was post what I'm thankful for, and maybe even get some comments letting me know what everyone else is thankful for. So here's my list:
- My family. I know this sounds cliché, but my family has been there all 18 years of my life, and they will remain there for me even as I get ready to go off on my own to college in August. I love them with all my heart (even my annoying older sister), and I really am thankful for them.
- My nephew. Yes, he falls into the "family" category, but he also gets a category all his own. This two-year-old has shown me that age does not matter. He's smarter than a lot of adults I know, and way more generous. It seems to me that a two-year-old knows more about being human than most other humans. And for this insight, I thank him. Love you, Squish!
- My friends. I have many friends, but only two I would consider best friends. I've known them both four years, and I can't imagine having not met them. I know they're both there for me if I need them, and they know I'm there for them. This kind of love is something anyone would be incredibly lucky to have. I thank them both, and (if you're reading this, you know who you are!) I want you both to know I love you :) .
- My opportunities. I have a 100% scholarship (minus books) to a prestigious private school that I could never afford otherwise. The past four years have given me the opportunity to apply to some amazing colleges, including several Ivy League universities. I am thankful for that. Which brings me to...
- ...QuestBridge. This is a scholarship program about which I learned from my guidance counselor. If I win a scholarship from them, I get 100% tuition to MIT, my dream school. I am a finalist, and I find out Monday night (via E-Mail) if I have it or not. Even if I don't, just the opportunity to apply for such an amazing offer is something that I can't help but be thankful for.
So, now that my diary moment is over, I'd like to hear from you guys. If anyone at all is actually reading this (I know it's a fairly new, relatively unknown blog), post your Thanks List. I'm sure we'd all like to see what you have to be thankful for, whether it be a new baby, a new television, or just the food on your table. Lord knows that sometimes, food and love are all we need!
Happy thanksgiving,
-IMP ;) :)
November 24, 2008
Pseudo-hologram idea...
If you read my first post, you'll see I mentioned, in addition to poems, songs, and stories, I will sometimes post ideas for inventions. And here is one of them.
Go here to see where it all started: http://if.invisionfree.com/topic/5028913/1/#new
Read through it all, as the idea has evolved throughout that thread.
Basically, I was inspired by the CNN "holograms" (video explanation here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FD2362cHM_U) to figure out how a real hologram could be created. Now, I have never taken any electrical or mechanical engineering courses before, and I plan to start only in August or September. So I don't know too much about the subject, but this is what I've come up with.
Since (as far as I can see) there's no way to project images onto thin air, any hologram must be faked, such as by projecting a 3D image from a 2D screen (so that looking away from the screen makes the image disappear). So I've come up with my idea that should make fake holograms seem as close to real as possible.
The idea is that instead of trying to project the hologram into the room, we project it only to the viewer's eyes. A pair of glasses would have 2 small LCD screens inside them instead of lenses. On the outside, two cameras would capture whatever image you're looking at. Around the frames of the lenses would be two (one per lens) sonic (SONAR) emitters. Perhaps each pair of glasses can emit a slightly different supersonic frequency to identify unique viewers.
Now, in all 8 corners of the room (top-left-front, top-right-front, bottom-left-front, bottom-right-front, and all 4 for the back wall) would be sonic (SONAR) receivers. These would pick up the emissions from the glasses and, using a technique similar to that of the ZPen, determine location of the pair of glasses that emitted the sound.
All of this data (the camera image and the location/orientation of the glasses) would be sent via bluetooth to a computer nearby. This computer would have software that renders an interactive 3D object, such as is doen with video games. But before each frame of the "video" is rendered, the virtual camera is moved to match the position/orientation of the viewer based on SONAR data. This 3D object or character is then overlayed on top of the cameras' images, then sent back to the glassses for display.
From what I can tell, this would produce the illusion that a 3D object or character is actually in the room, and even when you move your head it seems to stay where it is. Another advantage is that each pair of glasses can be processed individually by the software, so multiple viewers can see the same "hologram" from multiple angles at the same time.
From research and some estimation, my best guess is that one pair of glasses and one set of transmitters, plus required software, would collectively cost about $200. But seeing the applications of such technology in university lecture halls, theme parks, advertising, product pitches, etc., and seeing how flexible it would be (simply downloading new files for the software could create new "holograms" with the same system, without needing to buy any more hardware), I think $200 is reasonable.
What do you all think? For those with experience, could this idea work? Why or why not? And for everyone else, would you be willing to pay $200 for a pseudo hologram? Again, why or why not?
Let me know in the comments!
-IMP ;) :)
Go here to see where it all started: http://if.invisionfree.com/topic/5028913/1/#new
Read through it all, as the idea has evolved throughout that thread.
Basically, I was inspired by the CNN "holograms" (video explanation here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FD2362cHM_U) to figure out how a real hologram could be created. Now, I have never taken any electrical or mechanical engineering courses before, and I plan to start only in August or September. So I don't know too much about the subject, but this is what I've come up with.
Since (as far as I can see) there's no way to project images onto thin air, any hologram must be faked, such as by projecting a 3D image from a 2D screen (so that looking away from the screen makes the image disappear). So I've come up with my idea that should make fake holograms seem as close to real as possible.
The idea is that instead of trying to project the hologram into the room, we project it only to the viewer's eyes. A pair of glasses would have 2 small LCD screens inside them instead of lenses. On the outside, two cameras would capture whatever image you're looking at. Around the frames of the lenses would be two (one per lens) sonic (SONAR) emitters. Perhaps each pair of glasses can emit a slightly different supersonic frequency to identify unique viewers.
Now, in all 8 corners of the room (top-left-front, top-right-front, bottom-left-front, bottom-right-front, and all 4 for the back wall) would be sonic (SONAR) receivers. These would pick up the emissions from the glasses and, using a technique similar to that of the ZPen, determine location of the pair of glasses that emitted the sound.
All of this data (the camera image and the location/orientation of the glasses) would be sent via bluetooth to a computer nearby. This computer would have software that renders an interactive 3D object, such as is doen with video games. But before each frame of the "video" is rendered, the virtual camera is moved to match the position/orientation of the viewer based on SONAR data. This 3D object or character is then overlayed on top of the cameras' images, then sent back to the glassses for display.
From what I can tell, this would produce the illusion that a 3D object or character is actually in the room, and even when you move your head it seems to stay where it is. Another advantage is that each pair of glasses can be processed individually by the software, so multiple viewers can see the same "hologram" from multiple angles at the same time.
From research and some estimation, my best guess is that one pair of glasses and one set of transmitters, plus required software, would collectively cost about $200. But seeing the applications of such technology in university lecture halls, theme parks, advertising, product pitches, etc., and seeing how flexible it would be (simply downloading new files for the software could create new "holograms" with the same system, without needing to buy any more hardware), I think $200 is reasonable.
What do you all think? For those with experience, could this idea work? Why or why not? And for everyone else, would you be willing to pay $200 for a pseudo hologram? Again, why or why not?
Let me know in the comments!
-IMP ;) :)
November 23, 2008
Some poems and the beginnings of a song
Here are some poems I wrote, to get my Blog Ball rolling. I wrote these on November 4th, before the election results were in, hence the "Why Vote?" poem. And unless you've read Kurt Vonnegut's "Cat's Cradle", you won't understand the "Nationwide Cheer" poem. Just know it's satire, as is the "Sandbox" poem. I like satire. It's like sarcasm with a purpose :) .
Anyway, here they are.
Anyway, the title promised poems and an unfinished song. So here's the song, or at least what I have of it (one verse and a chorus). I call it "Let You Go". It's kind of a rock song in the style of Nickleback and the like.
-IMP ;) :)
Anyway, here they are.
Yes, I know. Some are depressing. But those cynical ideas always seem to produce the best poetry, don't they? Poe's "The Raven" was all about insanity. Go figure.Preparations
As its hands creep closer to midnight,
Are we ready for the clock to chime?
Are we ready for the soldiers' courage;
Ready for the innocents' murders?
Are we ready for the prideful patriotism;
Ready for the hidden prejudice?
Are we ready to fight for our country;
Ready to kill for it?
Ready to die?
Are we ready to end the wars;
Ready for the destruction left behind?
Are we ready for all of this?
Are we ready for any of it?
Why Vote?
I vote because I have a voice.
I vote because my voice matters.
I vote because my voice makes a difference.
I vote because my voice longs to be heard.
I vote because my voice will not be silenced.
Most of all, I vote because I can.
Robots
Robots.
Everywhere, robots roam.
They carry out their programming.
They are unaware of their existence, unaware that they are robots.
They long to be something more. Convince themselves they are intelligent.
They are stupid. They know only what they are told to know.
They believe they can think, but their thoughts are predefined.
They call themselves “humans”.
I call them robots.
Dreamland
What are dreams, if not reality?
As I sleep, somewhere my dreams are real.
Somewhere, I am president; somewhere I am a prisoner.
Somewhere, the world is ending; somewhere it has only begun.
Somewhere, I have the girl of my dreams; somewhere I have lost her.
Somewhere, I know everything; somewhere, I know nothing.
Somewhere, I am happy; somewhere my depression is overwhelming.
Somewhere, everything happens;
But right here, I am content to dream.
LingerStay with me.
Don't leave, I beg.
But you will leave anyway.
You always do.
I love you so, but you are fleeting; I have no chance to tell you.
Stay with me.
Please, Peace; linger on.
The Journey
We walk the stairs, climbing forever upward.
We pass clouds, and it gets colder.
Yet the warm rays of the Sun comfort us;
We will soon be Home. Heaven is near.
Now we are falling. Dropping quickly, faster and faster.
The stairs have dissolved under us, they offer no more support.
We hit the ground hard, but do not die.
Instead, we keep falling, through the ground, digging ditches with our bodies.
It gets hot; we sweat and gasp for breath.
Hell has received its bounty, and we are no longer deceived.
Heaven is not for Man. Not anymore.
Sandbox
We love our country; we are forever loyal.
All hail those lines in the sand!
They separate us from the savages.
They keep us safe from cannibalistic primitives.
We alone are evolved; we alone are advanced.
The others have their own sand lines;
But their lines are pointless. They mean nothing.
They are outside our borders, outside our sandbox.
They must pay; they must not intrude.
Our sand lines protect us from them.
All hail the lines in the sand!
Nationwide CheerGranfalloon!
They yell the word, loving how it sounds.
Granfalloon!
The slogan resonates, filling all with pride.
Granfalloon!
I tell them what it means.
Granfalloon!
They do not see--
Granfalloon!
They are a granfalloon. They are deceiving themselves.
Granfalloon!
Stop! Do not shout the word! Do you not see--
Granfalloon!
It is not a title to be proud of! Please, stop yelling it!
Granfalloon!
Enough! This is not right!
Granfalloon!
The Purpose of Poems
Poems.
Why are they here?
What purpose do they serve?They neither hurt nor heal.
They do not protect, they do not caress.
They cannot feel, observe, nor ever respond.
Why are they here?
What do they do?
I wonder the same thing.
Yet here I am, writing a poem.
Horseman's Return
The Headless Horseman rides again.
He rides through the forest he used to know.
It is different; the years have changed it.
It seems much colder, much darker.
He meets a traveler, and practices his skill.
No response. No fear. Not even a startled jump.
The traveler moves on, unfazed.
Distressed, the Horseman leaves the woods.
He rides into the city; it is bigger than he remembers.
He meets a taxi, but its passengers see nothing.
They are busy in their own affairs.
He comes to a bridge, tired. Even the homeless man feels no fear.
He curls up under a newspaper, cold and wet; it has begun to rain.
No head.
No brain.
No heart.
Like everyone else.
Anyway, the title promised poems and an unfinished song. So here's the song, or at least what I have of it (one verse and a chorus). I call it "Let You Go". It's kind of a rock song in the style of Nickleback and the like.
They say I'm 6 feet tall, I can stand to fallWell, that's all I have of it so far. I play a little piano, and I have a MIDI keyboard, so if anyone who can sing likes the song (when it's done, of course), please E-Mail me. Although I can write and play, I have a bit of an issue with singing (tone-deaf), so if I could get a singer on board I could actually get a song produced and complete.
But now I'm 6 feet underground
Thought it was you who ended it with your pretending
But that's not what I'm hearing now
'Cause the last time that I saw you I knew
That you would run to all your friends
The last time that I heard your voice
It was the day when, day when
[Chorus]
You came to me with all your problems
Wanted me to fix your soul
I gave you advice, told you what I thought was right
But you turned and let me go...
Why did you let me go?...
My turn to let you go
-IMP ;) :)
First Blog Post...Ever!
Hey, everyone (if anyone's actually reading this). This is my first time ever posting any blog (I know, *gasp!*). I'm not really into any type of social-networking sites (I don't have a MySpace, Facebook, Freindster, or any of that; I prefer actual contact with my friends :) ). However, I often have a lot of thoughts running through my mind, so instead of staying up all night thinking, I've decided a blog might help get my ideas and thoughts out.
Good, the introduction is over. Now I'll tell you all what you can expect from this blog:
And so, my journey through the Blogosphere begins!
-IMP ;) :)
Good, the introduction is over. Now I'll tell you all what you can expect from this blog:
- Day-to-day accounts, whenever I can get on. I probably won't post every day, due to being busy or else just having nothing to say. But when an idea does come, expect it here within 24 hours.
- Poetry, stories, and songs. I'm an amateur writer, although my friends and family (and some strangers on the Internet) seem to think I have real talent. I often will churn out poems that reflect my current thoughts, songs that come to mind, or stories whose ideas intrigue me. Note that I have only ever finished one story, so don't expect a full one. Starting things I never finish is just one of my vices; hence why short poems are ideal :) .
- Possibly some political views. I tend to avoid politics, but there are times when I need to get things off my chest. These posts will be rare, so collect them :) . They may be worth something one day.
- Maybe some games. I develop computer games in my spare time using Game Maker (http://www.yoyogames.com), and sometimes I like to show them off. Of course, these games often fall victim to the vice previously mentioned, so these may also be rare (although my current project is one I'm trying hard to remain dedicated to).
And so, my journey through the Blogosphere begins!
-IMP ;) :)
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