Random Blog

I just attended the Admitted Student Program of Harvey Mudd College this past weekend (April 9-10) and, wow, even with my high expectations of what HMC is like and of the students, it still exceeded my expectations. I went even though I am sure of going, just to get a feel for what it is like.

First of all, the students are awesome. Everyone that I've met there has been friendly. They answer your questions, give you tips for the future, tell you what they've been through, and help you with everything that you might need help on.

The faculty is also one that I look forward to working with in the near future. I've attended a couple of classes (Intro to Astrophysics, General Chemistry, and some class on digital circuits I think) and a lecture on string theory by Vatche Sahakian. I've fallen in love (no, not literally) with the physics department at HMC. The lecture was very interesting, and the astrophysics class was just as good. Now I'm also giving some thought about doing physics instead of engineering.

The food was amazingly good. Much better than what I'd expect for food at a college. Sunday night was prime rib night. And I don't think that was done just to get us to pay $40k a year; Diego, my host's suite-mate, said that it is normal, and many students from the other 4Cs come over for sunday dinner.

The other surprising thing was that the I didn't actually see any Mudders do homework at all over the weekend. All were watching movies, TV shows, playing games, or just chillin'. From what everyone hears about the workload, I was expecting everyone to work their butt off, but no, they just sat around and seemed quite relaxed about everything.

After this whole experience, I am glad that I chose HMC and that I'll be going next year. And hopefully it really isn't as bad as they say and that they are just trying to scare us prefroshs. But I doubt it.

Posted by on April 13, 2006 9:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

In this article, Mathewson is essentially saying that Apple switched to Intel in order to compete with Microsoft in the OS market.

I personally don't think so. The reason is that Apple is a hardware company, and that is where they make most of their money. I've heard that their profit margin is up to 30% for hardware. And they can't possibly make that much on operating systems alone. Sure they make more in terms of profit margin, but in terms of money, it is not possible. For example, the 20" iMac currently sells for $1699, and so that'll be a profit of about $500 using the 30% number, or $340 using 20%. By selling copies of OS X can never reach that height, at least not in the short run. Also, if they become a software company, their business model has to change completely. Right now, yes, they are great at making software, but all that work is just to cause more hardware sales. OS X for the computers and iTunes + iTMS for the iPod. I personally don't see how Apple could possibly only sell software in the future.

Posted by on April 22, 2006 8:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Just got back from the FBLA California SLC (State Leadership Conference).

It was a fun experience. I really only went for the competition aspect, but it was the mingling with the people that was the best part. After we arrived at the Hyatt Regency in Irvine, we sat down to begin studying Economics for both the upcoming AP test and my FBLA event. It was fun, and thanks to Sam for clarifying what crowding out is, it got me an extra question right on the test.

Then we went to Souplantation for lunch, which was horrid, but good for the price compared to what the hotel's cafe offered. The spit balls (we didn't really use spit, it was just water) were fun though. Sorry Felby. :-P

Next, the two tests I had (first Econ then Tech Concepts) were alright. Econ was easier for me though. Then we all went to our Advisor's room for some pizza, and then we each went to our own rooms for some movies. Or we were supposed to. Turns out no coverups were needed, and the whole thing was mostly eventless. Other than a sweet piggyback ride, and finding out that a MINI has the potential of fitting 5 people. Anyways, later we attended a dance after we finished Stewie Griffin - The Untold Story.

Then, we went to my room, and the girls and Jeff from next door came in to watch Tomorrow Never Dies. A half hour before the movie ended (where the action actually starts) they began their post-curfew spot check. Well, let's just say that it didn't turn out too pretty. When our advisor came, there were 5 misplaced people in our room, Jeff and the four girls. All our lights were off, so since Jeff sat by the laptop, and was in a dark spot, he wasn't spotted. The girls were also hiding behind the bed and wall. After the check, Jeff easily slipped into his room, but the girls were a problem. Their room was all the way at the other end of the hall way, and people were actually patrolling. So, after a couple of rounds of coming back to our room to check if we have "found" the girls yet, they finally decided to make a dash for the elevator, so that it appears they were just taking a walk/drink/etc. Well, I heard it didn't turn out too well. Anyways, that mostly completes our day. We watched Constantine on HBO, and later finished Armageddon. Then, we went to sleep at around 3:30 or so.

Next day, we went to Downtown Disney. We got food at Ralph Brennan's Jazz Kitchen. I ordered a oyster po boy. It was awesome, especially the oyster. It was breaded and fried to the most perfect condition. The outside was very crispy, and the oysters were still very soft. The only complaint I have of the sandwich was that the sauce was a little too spicy. I would highly recommend this restaurant, and wouldn't hesitate to go again. Then, three girls went shopping, and the rest of us saw either Silent Hill or Sentinel. I saw Sentinel, and it was mediocre. The acting is no doubt good, but the plot was plain boring. The ending had no "wow" factor, as they gave it away slowly. There was no epiphany. After a bit more of walking around, including visiting the World of Disney (the store), and playing with the various toys they had (the "pincher" was the best :P), we went back to the Hyatt, and got ready for the awards ceremony. Not many surprises here, other than Sam, I guess. He got 3rd in Networking Concepts, and 2nd in Technology Concepts. I got 3rd in Economics, and 9th in Technology Concepts. Benson also got something, I think 6th in business procedures. Then, unexpectedly, Ashley gave me two pecks to the cheek. The drive home after that was nice and smooth, making it home in 30 min or so.

Well, it was a fun experience, and if I had the chance, I would've done it again. Now, time for homework and lost sleep.

Update: Pictures are up. Thanks Benson!

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Posted by on April 30, 2006 1:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)