Tech Trek ~ Part 2

*Go read Tech Trek ~ Part 1 before this one if you haven't already.*

              Classes throughout the week were the one of the most interesting diverse classes I've had. I really enjoyed listening about how Pixar movies are made by woman by the name of Danielle Feinberg. She is a long time Pixar employee who has worked on the lighting of many movies such as Monsters Inc., The Incredibles, and Finding Nemo. The lecture started out with explaining the philosophy of Pixar movies. The story itself is more important than the money made on it. According to her, that's what makes the movies so brilliant and entertaining. She demonstrated making and animated figure by using a software called maya. Coordinates in math turn out to be useful (who new) and are used to structure objects and people in movies. Turns out, a simple wavy line can turn into a 3-D vase.

             A woman came and spoke to us about the Night Sky. I learned more about our universe and what makes it so special. I learned the earth has and SPF of 250 and that the northern lights are the effect of the sun's rays affecting the magnetic sphere. Later in the week, we went star gazing out in an open field with large telescopes. Much of what I learned at the speech, I saw out there. I looked at the Moon's many craters and Saturn's icy rings. I saw Betelguese, the star that was the closest to Earth and the closest to exploding. It was beautiful looking at the stars.

            And as my brother has requested I shall talk about food. Yes, food. We had 3 meals a day and the Stanford campus turns out to have delicious food in their cafeteria. Although the meal timings were a bit weird (dinner started at 5:30) all of us made the most of what we had. Breakfast consisted of fruit, eggs, cereal, french toast, pancakes, pastries, and donuts. Lots and lots of donuts. Lunch was different everyday. It varied from Mexican fajitas to Thai curry and rice to even Indian food. Pasta was a constant at both lunch and dinner as well as pizza. Dinner also had many options and there was always a desert. Whether it was coconut creme pie or carrot cake, it was always there to feast on. Then there was the soda machine. We went absolutely nuts on it. With no one to supervise our eating habits, some of us had soda for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And lets not forget the ice cream machine. Oh, the ice cream machine. There was always a large line to get a large serving of that desert. Being inventive, I stuck vanilla ice cream into my root beer soda and made a root beer float. Now that was yummy. Now there's one more reason to go to Stanford for college. The food is good.

            There were a few more classes I had like Robotics and the Spaghetti Bridge challenge. It truly learned a lot that week and had so much fun. I made new friends, met new people, and got to meet people that had the same interests as I do. I will never forget this experience I had and what I learned.

Tech Trek ~ Part 1

                I raced past my brother to the front door steps. As I clumsily reached in the mailbox, I found what I was looking for. A white envelope with words "Tech Trek." I opened it up hastily and read the first few words. I was accepted! After the long wait, the day finally arrived that I was anxiously waiting for. It was truly an amazing week. I experienced a few of my most life changing events all played out in a week. I got accepted into a camp called Tech Trek earlier in the school year. My science teacher introduced it to us by showing us a video of a previous camp. The camp I would be applying to would take place at Stanford for a week. It was sponsored by an organization called AAUW. The camp was meant to encourage girls at my age to be interested in the math and science fields. To apply into this camp, I had to write an essay describing how I thought math and science affected my daily life and then be interviewed. They only selected a couple of girls to be sponsored and be able to attend Tech Trek. I happened to be one of those girls thanks to the encouragement from my family and friends.

                 I was so excited the day I was going to Tech Trek, that I couldn't sleep most of the night. Which turned out to be a bad decision because I got very little sleep for the rest of the week. Sleeping at 12 talking and then waking up at 6:30 to another busy day is not a fun experience. By the time I got home a week later, I could barely keep myself from crashing onto my bed and sleeping like a bear. Hibernating until some force (mom) woke me up. But, it was all worth it. Going to this camp would have to be one of my biggest achievements. My family and I walked together to the area in front of our dorm building. Finally, I got to see all the girls that would become my friends for the next week. I met my dorm group which consisted of 12 girls and our dorm mom. I placed all my bags into my room which was small and had two beds, a desk, and a couple of closets/ drawers. My room mate walked in then with her mom. She had ginger hair and reminded me of one of my all tine favorite characters, Ginny Weasley. We learned so much about each other that week and we definitely bonded over our love of Harry Potter. The rest of my dorm group was filled with wonderful people that I became friends with over our week together.

                 The next morning started out with getting up at 6:30 for the first time in a month. It was definitely not welcomed. My first class of the day was going to be my core class, Marine Biology. Marine Biology was one of the four core classes that were offered. We introduced ourselves to each other and started what would be a wonderful week learning from depths of the ocean to invertebrates to marsh life. A definite highlight of the class would have to be dissecting a squid. It was white, a foot and a half long and had wavy tentacles. As much as I hated cutting open animals, I was fascinated by the many components it took to have a living squid. We even cut open the ink sack and used a stick to write our names with. Maybe now the door of becoming a doctor would open thanks to my newfound interest in biology. Also, when learning about invertebrates, we designed and created our own low tide animal that could retain the most water by using ordinary objects like foam, bottle caps, beads, and a hot glue gun. Well that was what I used, anyway. I made mine into what looked like a turtle and was voted ad top 3 most creative in the class. On another day, we took a small field trip into the Baylands Marsh nearby. We looked at the plants and animals living there with binoculars. I learned so much the entire week from my Marine Biology teacher and I was so glad I chose that course as my core class.

Music and Our Life

            Music today is thought of as useless sounds coming out of Ipods and listened to 24/7 by teenagers like me. Or so parents think. Apparently, it's distracting, time wasting, and addictive. It also causes children to sing loudly randomly, turn on the music radio, and fall into the hands of immense fangirling. Basically a nuisance. But, in reality, music is of high importance among teenagers. For the reasons of entertainment, discussion, or people to look up to.

            If you look at the statistics, music is a huge part of a teenagers life. It is shown by the New York Times, that teens listen to an average of 2.5 hours of music each day. Some studies have even shown they can have the earplugs stuck in their ears for up to 3-4 hours. That time can go buy quickly by hearing a couple of songs on the radio in the car, or a few on iTunes while on the computer while typing an essay, or searching new songs. The most popular ways of getting to music are iTunes, youtube, music apps, and the radio.

           Music, in my opinion has more pros than cons . Music and artists are inspirations for teenagers all over the world. They are on the front cover of popular magazines, they make lots of money, and are therefore successful, most of the time. The lyrics itself in a song can be very meaningful and convey a powerful message. But unfortunately, sometimes, lyrics and the artist can also convey bad messages. Some songs revolve around drugs and other bad influences. The singers themselves can also be performing drugs and teenagers who want to be just like them may do the same. The music they listen to, often makes them who they are. Also, teenagers who want to produce music, express themselves through the music they make. The write music based on their feelings and experiences. It can also be a way of relaxing and escaping reality for a short while.

            Music is like an outlet to people, not only teenagers. The tough teenage years just require a need to let out more steam than other age groups. Music provides a whole new world, where anything is possible and bridges the gaps of our cultural world.

Wild Roses

                                             

           So I recently read a very good book that I stumbled upon called Wild Roses by Deb Calleti. The plot was very interesting and the characters intrigued me. Read the summary I wrote and tell me what you think!

           17 year old Cassie lives with her mother and step-father. After her mother and father divorced, her mother soon re-married a renowned violinist by the name of Dino Cavalli. Dino is a true genius when it comes to playing and composing and is very dedicated to this form of art. As the day of his important concert approaches, Dino stops taking his pills, as he claims they stop him from composing. Although already on the brink of genius into insanity, Dino everyday becomes more paranoid, disturbed, and suspicious. Cassie dealt not only with a problematic step-father, but also with her longing father, stalker of a friend, and unreachable crush Ian, a student of Dino's. Follow Cassie on her roller coaster life as she realizes the true depths of love and genius.

           I enjoyed reading this book very much because of it's great plot, characters, and emotions. Cassie, Ian, Dino were only some of the important characters that had their strong feelings showed throughout the story. Cassie was a supportive family member and friend, but also realized it was her life and she could make her own decisions. Ian was determined to achieve his spot in a prestigious college for music. Dino showed although he had hardships in his life, he could accomplish great things. And the book was very well written, which wouldn't let me put it down and start something else. So in my opinion, I think this book is definitely worth the read!

Are Advertisements Really Worth It?

          "Nationwide is on your side." An ever popular jingle stuck in peoples heads. Everywhere you look you see advertisements. Whether it's by drinking orange juice for breakfast and looking at the carton or seeing some Got Milk? ad watching the annual Super Bowl, we spot them daily during our lives. But do they really affect consumers as a whole? Do silly commercials really make you want to get up from your couch on a lazy day and buy Colgate toothpaste? Or make you remember that brand when buying your next t.v? In my opinion, sometimes yes and sometimes no. It depends on the type of advertisement.

          Printing media such as newspapers and fliers used to be popular and used a lot and is also cheaper, however the Internet is more often used nowadays. Billboards can be seen throughout the city with bright colors and flashy lights trying to catch the consumers eye. Radio advertising using adds such as Sleep Train are aired in between songs or interviews. Celebrity advertisement is also used massively as the audience would be persuaded to buy a product based on other celebrities "choices." Televised commercials are seen all the time between t.v. serials and episodes. Whether for Burger King or that vacuum cleaner no one wants. There are billions of types advertising techniques used from the ones listed above or to even coffee cup advertising.

           I think the least effective means of advertisement are billboards on the freeway. I don't think it's worth the amount of money (tens of thousands of dollars) paid for the add to be there. You may simply dismiss them without a second thought or just don't see them at all. And in the dark, at, night, without light shining on them, they would appear to be useless. But also, the most effective way of getting to an audience would be social media or online advertisement. Social media carries information about some brand or restaurant from friend to friend. Either by Twitter or Instagram social media really takes things far. Just a simple friend, for example, posting a photo of her wearing TOMS could make her friends want a pair too. Or a famous actor declaring his love for, say, Taco Bell, could encourage fans worldwide to eat there. So all together, I think advertisements, for the most part, make a huge difference in what the world wants.

The Deadly Picnic

Hey everyone. So this post is quite different from my other ones. This short story is actually one I did for my science class and I thought why not post it on here. My teacher gave us guidelines and we were to create a story out of it. It was supposed to be the follow-up activity for a detective/ observation project. My dad read it and claimed he got a "heart attack" from the whole "romance" theme going on. Personally, I thought it was a fun story to write and a lot different from others I have written. Let me know what you think :)

The Deadly Picnic

Friday night. October 11th. The day I lost my mind.

I was driving to Rita’s house in the morning in my beat-up old car. The paint was peeling and the glass was cracked. Next to me was my purse with all my necessities in it including my red lipstick, glasses, and money. On my way to Rita’s, I saw my boyfriend Gaven talking to another woman outside my favorite store which sold the best petite clothes in this town! I had gotten used to the fact that he associated with other woman, but this was different. Oh well, I’ll just ask him about it tonight on our dinner picnic date.

Ding. Rita opened up the door and welcomed me inside. The inside of her house always surprised me. All the shelves were filled with guns of all sorts of shapes and sizes. After all, her father owned a rifle range. Rita and I walked upstairs to her bedroom and talked about our jobs and gossiped about other people and employees. I was walking out of her bedroom to get a drink when a picture caught my eye. It was a photograph of Rita and Gaven kissing. I was so shocked that Rita ran into me and I didn’t even notice. She asked what was wrong, but I ignored her. My thoughts were too jumbled up to think. Maybe Rita is his ex-girlfriend? Or maybe they got carried away? or maybe... My thoughts were interrupted by Rita’s hand waving in my face and telling me to snap out of it. She asked me again if anything was wrong, but I said it was nothing. I also told her I had leave. On the way out of the door, I grabbed a small gun of one of her shelves. I thought to myself that she wouldn’t notice if one little gun disappeared. I stuffed it into my purse before she turned around. Bye, I waved and got into my rickety old car.

Gaven was going to pick me up at 7:00 p.m. for our date tonight. It was already 6:30. Why does time pass so quickly? I put on a small dress and a pair of my favorite five size heels. To top it off, I added my red lipstick I keep with me all the time. The doorbell rang and I knew it was Gaven. I grabbed my purse and opened the door and he hugged me. We walked out of my apartment I share with my BFF Peggy and we went inside his car. Unlike mine, Gaven’s car was a new, red, luxury car which was far better than my old, beat-up one. We drove a few miles out of Centerville and stopped at a daisy field. We got out of the car and he told me he brought some of my favorite foods, and a lot of chocolate cake. I wondered why. He hated chocolate cake, potato salad, fried chicken, and all the other delights that I loved. If I didn’t know any better, I would think he was trying to butter me up for something I didn’t like. I guess I didn’t know any better.

While I was stuffing myself with the creamy potato salad, Gaven told me there was something I should know. I just nodded, not paying much attention to him and taking a sip of wine. He said something really fast which sounded like- “IreaysrybuIacdelychtdonubtIddntmnita.” All I could say was “WHAT?!” He took a deep breath and started again and said “I am really sorry, but I accidentally cheated on you, but I really didn’t mean it, and please don’t be mad at me.” Then suddenly I felt a angry, hot feeling inside me. I dropped my wine and screamed “YOU CHEATED ON ME!!! How could you? And with who?” Gaven replied with a pathetic “somebody I met at a store...” Then it hit me. The woman I saw with Gaven while driving to Rita’s was the girl he cheated on me with. Then I asked him “And what about Rita? Are you cheating on me with her too?” Gaven just stared at me blankly. At that moment I was so mad that I felt around in my purse for something I could hit him with. I felt around, and took out the gun I had taken from Rita earlier.

I was so mad then, that I was thinking of even shooting him with it, not to kill him, but just so he would feel what it was like be hurt that badly by someone that you loved. He was looking at me like I was an alien from Mars and I vaguely remember him trying to calm me down, but I was worked up from all the anger I felt and I couldn’t think straight. I then tackled him from behind and shot him with the gun.

I then realized. that. I. just. killed. my. boyfriend. I was a school teacher. Not a killer! I then broke down, and started crying. What should I do? I also then realized I could go to jail for this. I slowly got up, took one last look at the now dead Gaven, and ran to his car. I got inside and drove to an abandoned parking lot near my apartment. I ditched Gaven’s car and unlocked the door to my safe abode. I crashed onto my bed and hoped that it was only a dream and that I would wake up tomorrow to my cellphone ringing for a call from Gaven.

No. Such. Luck.

Comment and tell me what you think!

One Down. Six to Go.

      I recently visited a Wonder of the World to end the year of 2012. In India, we toured the city of Agra and visited the Taj Mahal. We drove to this city that has attracted many tourists from all over the world including my family and I. Our first stop was exploring the tomb of King Akbar. The entrance was a large gate with Arabic writing carved in it because he was Muslim. The main tomb was also an enormous and grand structure with complex designs and arches. Once we stepped inside, I was amazed by the stunning artwork and paintings on the walls. The burial chamber with Akbar's tomb was white with four windows. Light came through these windows and lit up the entire room and provided ventilation. The tomb glowed and I was filled with wonder. I then realized how people feel when visiting ancient Egyptian pyramids. The feeling of the presence of someone of great importance was intriguing.
   
       We shortly arrived at a 5-star hotel. The place was beautiful and exquisite and we dropped of our bags at the hotel room. The rooms were big, the bed was huge, and the t.v. was in English! What more could you ask for? Oh, I forgot, they also had American plugs so I could finally charge my iPod! :) And the breakfast, the next morning was even better than Hawaii's! It had foods of much variety and it was delicious!  My parents also wanted me to see the luxurious part of India and I was enjoying it very much! Our next stop was finally the incredible Taj Mahal. We arrived with a tour guide, and already outside the gate, there was a humongous line just to pass security. And the pushy ladies behind us were not helping the mood at all. To make things even worse, the ladies line took forever while the mens' went by as quickly as a classroom getting emptied when school ends. This was due to the purses and bags the women carried with them.  Once our group was rejoined, I was awed by the... gate in front of me. Even the gate was impressive. It had 22 small domes all lined up on the top symbolizing the years it took to build it. The building was decorated in stones and Arabic. We finally got our first glimpse of the magnificent burial site for Mughal emperor Shah Jahan's wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The fascinating site was made of marble and had semi-precious stones inlaid inside of it in the design of flowers. Also, the words of the Qur'an were written in stone on the outside of the entrance in a rectangle. The fountain of clear blue water shot up continuously to add to the wondrous scene. What also stunned me was the amount of people and their ethnic differences. There were people from all over the world and different languages could be heard everywhere. People were taking pictures in all sorts of positions, but the most common was where they would appear to be picking up the Taj Mahal from the tip. Even I did it. :) The line to enter this monument was enormous but it was worth the wait. The line wrapped around the building twice! Waiting in line gave me the chance to take photos and take in the scene around me. After much pushing and anxious wait, our turn arrived to step inside the resting ground of Mumtaz Mahal and then later Shah Jahan. Unfortunately, due to security, much of the section was closed. And no photography was allowed, but people like disobeying rules, so you can predict what happened. :P Our tour guide showed us something interesting between all the crowded jostling. When a light was fixed on a particular reddish-orange stone, it would glow like fire. Also past the partitions, we could see the tomb of Shah Jahan and his wife.  It was truly one of the best experiences I had during my trip in India.
   
      Eventually, the next day, I saw the Agra Fort which was also impressive. Pretty nice place to be put  on house arrest like Shah Jahan was. By his own son. They must have had a great father - son relationship. From some of the rooms, we could see the Taj Mahal in the distance. Or so we were told. It was a foggy day and we couldn't see more than half a mile in front of us. The fort was surrounded by two pits that were once filled. One was a moat with alligators and the other used to have wild animals like tigers in them. Unfortunately, more than half of the fort was closed for visitors, because it is being used by the army. The fort was very well maintained, but still looked old. Overall, Agra was one of my favorite parts of the entire trip. I really hope I can go back there again sometime soon and you all should definitely visit it. Just don't stop in Jatipura on your way there. It will not give you good memories.

Just 6 more Wonders of the World to go visit. :)