Friday, November 19, 2010
[No audio output device installed] solution for Window Vista.
I had this exact same problem as well as the crashing flash shockwave issue.
Being the tinkerer I am, I started to do this and that with my computer.
Delete files. Restore files.
Delete some more, restore some more.
Then I let myself into the msconfig menu.
In there, I was able to get my sound working.
The same issue occurred after the fix, and I repeated the same actions and got my sound back, so it is a reproducible result.
Hopefully this will end your soundless Vista problem.
Step 1 : In the startup menu, type in 'msconfig' in the search bar and press enter.
Step 2 : Go to the 'Services' tab.
Step 3 : Uncheck the box named 'Windows Audio Endpoint Builder'.
Step 4 : Reboot.
Step 5 : Once rebooted, go to msconfig again and recheck the 'Windows Audio Endpoint Builder'.
Step 6 : Reboot.
Step 7 : Listen to your music files. NOW.
Enjoy. I hope this works for all the suffering folks out there. If not, you have my sympathy.
Being the tinkerer I am, I started to do this and that with my computer.
Delete files. Restore files.
Delete some more, restore some more.
Then I let myself into the msconfig menu.
In there, I was able to get my sound working.
The same issue occurred after the fix, and I repeated the same actions and got my sound back, so it is a reproducible result.
Hopefully this will end your soundless Vista problem.
Step 1 : In the startup menu, type in 'msconfig' in the search bar and press enter.
Step 2 : Go to the 'Services' tab.
Step 3 : Uncheck the box named 'Windows Audio Endpoint Builder'.
Step 4 : Reboot.
Step 5 : Once rebooted, go to msconfig again and recheck the 'Windows Audio Endpoint Builder'.
Step 6 : Reboot.
Step 7 : Listen to your music files. NOW.
Enjoy. I hope this works for all the suffering folks out there. If not, you have my sympathy.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Listen.
I'm not a very talkative guy. I know that as a fact.
But sometimes, quite to my surprise, I find myself talking and talking and talking to no end; it's as if I talk all I want that has been bottled up inside me.
This assignment is a bit like that.
I listen.
then I speak.
It's simple really, but the hard part is actually finding somebody to have an hour long conversation with.
For me, it was quite an uncomfortable topic to discuss.
My friend's friend had committed suicide, (where I will not be handing out facts without my friend's foremost and absolute agreement), and the dialog began from there.
"So your roommate," I started out testily, "Did you see everything that happened to him?"
He shook his head, turning around in his chair to listen to me.
"I don't feel too bad recounting that stuff now." he shrugged, "Therapy helps, I guess."
I let out a sigh in my mind. It would seem that the biggest obstacle that made this line of conversation so prohibitive was now gone. Trying to be the honest but discreet guy I wanted to be, I started out a simple conversation starter.
"So, can you tell me what happened?"
He thought for a moment and inclined to do so. After all, I was also a close friend to the guy who committed suicide as well.
And so began his chronological explanation of the night the tragic even happened. At this point, all I knew about the suicide was that he was possibly drunk.
Due to the sensitive nature of the subject, I cannot state any specific facts on this post, but as time drew on, the explanation came quite vividly to my mind. I knew his face. I knew his room. I could picture it all happening. A disturbing experience, at the very least. However, I listened intently. This was like another experience for me, one that I had yet to even hear of, much less (and god forbid,), experience. There was no question to ask. The details were given to me in extreme clarity and detail. Occasionally I would ask for details and odd facts which may help clear up the seemingly complicated web of processes, both in material and mind. However, I had to ask one big question that had been repeating itself ever since I heard of the tragedy.
"Why,", I breathed, "would he do something as stupid and random as that?"
".... I wouldn't call him stupid." he replied back, but with an expression showing agreement to my statement. Curious, I asked, "Why?"
Then I got a handful of facts, all of them just like a key to each and every single suspicion I had about his acts. It was as if the last missing pieces of the puzzles were put back into the picture. It all made sense now. It made sense why he would have wanted to kill himself. He was in an army program. He was expected to show up for court for underage drinking. He felt that the offence would severely undermine his placement in the program. He was drunk. He had made a wrong decision.
I agreed with him. Now he didn't seem like an idiot to me. Now I truly felt the reason why he took his own life. It almost justified it. However, nothing can justify taking one's own life away. In the end, I merely nodded.
"Still, he's an idiot for doing so. Look how many people he shocked."
I asked him to tell me the story.
I mirrored my own feelings by expressing my opinion about his death.
I did not paraphrase.
I guessed at several of the events that had happened, but there was nothing of importance that would be considered a tide-turner.
I agreed with him on the unfortunate nature of his decision as well as the circumstances that bought it forth.
I built on the small fact that he was drunk to an extension of his personal campus life.
I could not compare. What would I have to compare against such an event?
The time is skewed and my body is breaking down.
I leave this page here.
RIP, Karl Kowall.
You will always be in our hearts.
But sometimes, quite to my surprise, I find myself talking and talking and talking to no end; it's as if I talk all I want that has been bottled up inside me.
This assignment is a bit like that.
I listen.
then I speak.
It's simple really, but the hard part is actually finding somebody to have an hour long conversation with.
For me, it was quite an uncomfortable topic to discuss.
My friend's friend had committed suicide, (where I will not be handing out facts without my friend's foremost and absolute agreement), and the dialog began from there.
"So your roommate," I started out testily, "Did you see everything that happened to him?"
He shook his head, turning around in his chair to listen to me.
"I don't feel too bad recounting that stuff now." he shrugged, "Therapy helps, I guess."
I let out a sigh in my mind. It would seem that the biggest obstacle that made this line of conversation so prohibitive was now gone. Trying to be the honest but discreet guy I wanted to be, I started out a simple conversation starter.
"So, can you tell me what happened?"
He thought for a moment and inclined to do so. After all, I was also a close friend to the guy who committed suicide as well.
And so began his chronological explanation of the night the tragic even happened. At this point, all I knew about the suicide was that he was possibly drunk.
Due to the sensitive nature of the subject, I cannot state any specific facts on this post, but as time drew on, the explanation came quite vividly to my mind. I knew his face. I knew his room. I could picture it all happening. A disturbing experience, at the very least. However, I listened intently. This was like another experience for me, one that I had yet to even hear of, much less (and god forbid,), experience. There was no question to ask. The details were given to me in extreme clarity and detail. Occasionally I would ask for details and odd facts which may help clear up the seemingly complicated web of processes, both in material and mind. However, I had to ask one big question that had been repeating itself ever since I heard of the tragedy.
"Why,", I breathed, "would he do something as stupid and random as that?"
".... I wouldn't call him stupid." he replied back, but with an expression showing agreement to my statement. Curious, I asked, "Why?"
Then I got a handful of facts, all of them just like a key to each and every single suspicion I had about his acts. It was as if the last missing pieces of the puzzles were put back into the picture. It all made sense now. It made sense why he would have wanted to kill himself. He was in an army program. He was expected to show up for court for underage drinking. He felt that the offence would severely undermine his placement in the program. He was drunk. He had made a wrong decision.
I agreed with him. Now he didn't seem like an idiot to me. Now I truly felt the reason why he took his own life. It almost justified it. However, nothing can justify taking one's own life away. In the end, I merely nodded.
"Still, he's an idiot for doing so. Look how many people he shocked."
I asked him to tell me the story.
I mirrored my own feelings by expressing my opinion about his death.
I did not paraphrase.
I guessed at several of the events that had happened, but there was nothing of importance that would be considered a tide-turner.
I agreed with him on the unfortunate nature of his decision as well as the circumstances that bought it forth.
I built on the small fact that he was drunk to an extension of his personal campus life.
I could not compare. What would I have to compare against such an event?
The time is skewed and my body is breaking down.
I leave this page here.
RIP, Karl Kowall.
You will always be in our hearts.
Friday, October 22, 2010
The Multiple uses of..
Duck tape?
Duct Tape?
It's the eternal question. What is it's original name? If it's the former, then why the name 'Duck'?
Actually it was neither.
Duct tape was invented by the Johnson & Johnson company under the name of Drybak. It was white waterproof cloth that was used in hospitals before and during WWII. It didn't attain it's distinctive pearl-grey color and name until the end of WWII, when sealing ducts officially took off as a legitimate source of income.
And hence, the name Duct Tape.
The problem is almost everybody; myself included, calls the product 'Duck Tape'. One company in Ohio actually sells it's brand under the name 'Duck Tape' with a cute duck character emblazoned on it.
Nobody uses duct tape to seal ducts nowadays. Heck, even the air-conditioning installation people don't use it for duct sealing nowadays. There's another tape that does the job even better!
Here are just a few of the examples where duct tape is actually being used for around me.
It was used to fix the loose handle divider on my bokken.
It was used to hold the light fixture up under my bed so I wouldn't have to struggle in the dark when my roommate turned the lights off.
It was used to wrap up glassware when my friend's family moved from Canada to Korea.
My grandfather used it to make a makeshift rope.
My friend Alex recently used it to piece his broken mechanical pencil together.
I could probably write a whole blog on the uses of duct tape.
But if you look at it, duct tape is usually used for a general purpose. For sticking two things that aren't supposed to be stuck together.
A bit like marriage.
Perhaps it's most significant use in the history of mankind which I did not know before aside from it's usage in WWII was when it was used to fix a spacecraft in 1970, when the square carbon dioxide regulators in the failed command module had to be modified to fit in the round receptacles of the lunar module, which was being used as a lifeboat at that time. The makeshift contraption of duct tape and other materials worked, and allowed the crew to return to Earth.
Even nowadays duct tape is being used in space shuttles, for example in cases of 'acute psychosis' where NASA instructs the crew to restrain the affected crew-member using duct tape.
What have I learned from this?
An object engineered is the engineer of it's purpose.
It is actually degrading for an object to be used solely for the purpose it was built for. It does not promote cross-thinking where you overlap ideas and go 'Hey-- I could use this in that way!', or put more simply, to think outside the box. Such method of thinking and reasoning benefits the human race by allowing ideas to merge and hybridize, creating a unique blend of solutions where there hadn't been one regardless of the fact whether there was a problem regarding it in the first place.
What would I add to this marvelous piece of engineering marvel?
Hmm. tough question. I could add incisions to make detachment more easy, but that would compromise the integrity of the tape. I could add a stronger adhesive, but the adhesion level of duct tape is such that there is a type of specialized duct tape which actually has a lowered level of adhesiveness as to avoid messy residues after the tape had been removed.
If I could disregard all technical limitations, I vote to put a color mimicking coat on the surface of the tape so when the tape is put in place it will won't stand out as much. Imagine! You could put together that vase you totally broke and she won't even notice it!
I pity the the fellow who made a suit out of duct tape though. Not only will the suit be transparent, it'll also hurt like hell when taking it off.
Duct Tape?
It's the eternal question. What is it's original name? If it's the former, then why the name 'Duck'?
Actually it was neither.
Duct tape was invented by the Johnson & Johnson company under the name of Drybak. It was white waterproof cloth that was used in hospitals before and during WWII. It didn't attain it's distinctive pearl-grey color and name until the end of WWII, when sealing ducts officially took off as a legitimate source of income.
And hence, the name Duct Tape.
The problem is almost everybody; myself included, calls the product 'Duck Tape'. One company in Ohio actually sells it's brand under the name 'Duck Tape' with a cute duck character emblazoned on it.
Duct tape, by rigorous definition, is a reinforced polyethylene pressure sensitive tape with a rubber adhesive on the back.
It has a standard width of 48 mm, and was used in the WWII to hold together gun casings, jeeps, and even airplanes.
Nobody uses duct tape to seal ducts nowadays. Heck, even the air-conditioning installation people don't use it for duct sealing nowadays. There's another tape that does the job even better!
Here are just a few of the examples where duct tape is actually being used for around me.
It was used to fix the loose handle divider on my bokken.
It was used to hold the light fixture up under my bed so I wouldn't have to struggle in the dark when my roommate turned the lights off.
It was used to wrap up glassware when my friend's family moved from Canada to Korea.
My grandfather used it to make a makeshift rope.
My friend Alex recently used it to piece his broken mechanical pencil together.
I could probably write a whole blog on the uses of duct tape.
But if you look at it, duct tape is usually used for a general purpose. For sticking two things that aren't supposed to be stuck together.
A bit like marriage.
Perhaps it's most significant use in the history of mankind which I did not know before aside from it's usage in WWII was when it was used to fix a spacecraft in 1970, when the square carbon dioxide regulators in the failed command module had to be modified to fit in the round receptacles of the lunar module, which was being used as a lifeboat at that time. The makeshift contraption of duct tape and other materials worked, and allowed the crew to return to Earth.
Even nowadays duct tape is being used in space shuttles, for example in cases of 'acute psychosis' where NASA instructs the crew to restrain the affected crew-member using duct tape.
What have I learned from this?
An object engineered is the engineer of it's purpose.
It is actually degrading for an object to be used solely for the purpose it was built for. It does not promote cross-thinking where you overlap ideas and go 'Hey-- I could use this in that way!', or put more simply, to think outside the box. Such method of thinking and reasoning benefits the human race by allowing ideas to merge and hybridize, creating a unique blend of solutions where there hadn't been one regardless of the fact whether there was a problem regarding it in the first place.
What would I add to this marvelous piece of engineering marvel?
Hmm. tough question. I could add incisions to make detachment more easy, but that would compromise the integrity of the tape. I could add a stronger adhesive, but the adhesion level of duct tape is such that there is a type of specialized duct tape which actually has a lowered level of adhesiveness as to avoid messy residues after the tape had been removed.
If I could disregard all technical limitations, I vote to put a color mimicking coat on the surface of the tape so when the tape is put in place it will won't stand out as much. Imagine! You could put together that vase you totally broke and she won't even notice it!
I pity the the fellow who made a suit out of duct tape though. Not only will the suit be transparent, it'll also hurt like hell when taking it off.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Toulmin's model. An argument generalized.
Let's keep this short and sweet.
Joking, I'm sorry people. That just won't happen here, so please bear with me.
So we were introduced to the Toulmin model a while ago, and I must admit, it's a rather interesting concept.
It generalizes the structure of sound arguments.
Now, generalization is a wicked word to use, becasue you are implying that such a 'generalization' can be applied to a whole sleuth of situations and occasions, no two completely alike.
So this time I'll be asking,
'Is the Toulmin model a valid method of human argument generalization?'
Claim : The Toulmin's model is not a valid method of human argument.
Grounds : There are simply too many variables that come into play; truth, falsified information, human error, differance in conception, culture, general un/acceptance of ethic decisions, era, and so on.
Warrant : The Toulmin Model is a generalization of sound humane argument. Generalization means that such a model is based off recurring patterns that can be observed. However, patterns in this world are never exactly alike; there is at least a small amount of discrepancy which may compromise the overall integrity of a pattern as an identical copy to itself.
Backing : Even if there are two identical scenarios, very nearly identical to the smallest details, there must be al least one differance since if there are no differances the occurances are the one and the same, which does not qualify as two scenarios.
Qualifier : The definition of 'identical' is simply 'the same down to the utmost details, with no differance whatsoever'.
Rebuttal : The Toulmin's Model does not account for the probability factors within this universe. The Model simply provides as with a guideline, if you will, on the general direction of human argument which it may adopt.
Besides, you're using the Toulmin's Model to argue that it is in fact, not true.
Ever hear of irony?
Joking, I'm sorry people. That just won't happen here, so please bear with me.
So we were introduced to the Toulmin model a while ago, and I must admit, it's a rather interesting concept.
It generalizes the structure of sound arguments.
Now, generalization is a wicked word to use, becasue you are implying that such a 'generalization' can be applied to a whole sleuth of situations and occasions, no two completely alike.
So this time I'll be asking,
'Is the Toulmin model a valid method of human argument generalization?'
Claim : The Toulmin's model is not a valid method of human argument.
Grounds : There are simply too many variables that come into play; truth, falsified information, human error, differance in conception, culture, general un/acceptance of ethic decisions, era, and so on.
Warrant : The Toulmin Model is a generalization of sound humane argument. Generalization means that such a model is based off recurring patterns that can be observed. However, patterns in this world are never exactly alike; there is at least a small amount of discrepancy which may compromise the overall integrity of a pattern as an identical copy to itself.
Backing : Even if there are two identical scenarios, very nearly identical to the smallest details, there must be al least one differance since if there are no differances the occurances are the one and the same, which does not qualify as two scenarios.
Qualifier : The definition of 'identical' is simply 'the same down to the utmost details, with no differance whatsoever'.
Rebuttal : The Toulmin's Model does not account for the probability factors within this universe. The Model simply provides as with a guideline, if you will, on the general direction of human argument which it may adopt.
Besides, you're using the Toulmin's Model to argue that it is in fact, not true.
Ever hear of irony?
Monday, September 27, 2010
Blog #3 Free Writing and Directed Writing
Oh well, even though it's late, it's better late than never!
Free writing :
Ah, free writing! How I enjoy it! Although confined to the linguistical limitations of it's kind, I still find the freedom of expression if offers a gift of.. ingenuous humane neccesity of expression over the development of humanoids on this particular planet (Yes, I think my cousin might be an ape!). Marvelling in this brilliant invention of mankind, we, as readers and writes, have to ask ourselves-
(Dirty Harry) One question.. do I feel lucky? Well, do ya? Punk?
Oh, definitely. language, as I view it is an engineering marvel. Look at this thing, it's all over the place! It's up, it's down. It's all around you, look around! If you really cared, look under that seat you're sitting on right now. See there? Mine reads Perry. What about yours?
"But how is this language shenanigan even a form of engineering?" some argue hotly. "It wasn't designed by a specific somebody," as they might argue, "and what's more, it's differrent all over the place! There's no congruency! It's simply a vague form of expression which we humans just happen to use the most!"
Really?
Brushing my indignation away for a moment, let us look into what this 'language' is all about.
What is 'language' anyways? Og pummeling his brother Tog with a big club(Translation : You ate my share too?!) could be a form of language if we consider it's very basic function;
To message.
In our case above, the message "Don't" has been clearly delivered to our friend Tog here, who is weeping his pain away in the dingy corner of his cave. To message is the foremost and basic function of language, and the capability of language expanded as more and more messages had to be delivered to different people in differeng places, different time, and eventually, to a seller on Ebay in China who tried to scam me on a deal just yesterday. As language began to develop, it gained additonal functions which were varients of the original purpose. What would Tog to if he wanted to remind himself to beat up Og one day? Address a message to himself. What would Og do to boast about his victory over his brother to his favorite maiden? Address a message to her. What would a dying person do if he/she wanted to leave a message for those who would be born in the future? Address a message to the future. This was a procedure that took a very, very long time to grow, die out, and trim itself out to what we see as 'language' today. All of us are participants in this gigantic engineering project to develop a system capable of representing and delivering the human intellect across the restraits of time and borders. This is a global project, where not only the inhabitants of one group, ethnic, country nor continent is the limit of participants, but the entire globe itself.
But engineers seem to be an exception, no?
Directed Writing (as a continuum of Free writing)
Quick Planning
1.Particular importance which communication holds for Engineers
2.Modes of communication available
3.Suggestions of optimal communication.
Language, in where we communicate with each other, holds quite a significance not only to all humans but engineers in particular. Seeing that language itself is one big engineered product, it could be said that it is an engineer's duty to appreciate and understand such an aspect of language and thus utilize it with a deeper understanding of the system than any other. However, Engineering involves very specific figures and meaning, and if any of the information is misdirected or misinterpreted in the process of being transfered from one place or time to another,the implications are greater than they would have been in any other environment or line of work. Since human error is always present in amy line of profession involving human interaction, this can be attributed to why communicaion holds the paramount importance it does in Engineering.
An engineer may utilize the following types of communication in his/her carreer. They are as following; Digital communication, Analog communication. Digital Communication emcompasses all information relevant to engineering that is sent from one processor to another, regardless of space and time thanks to it's abundance, speed of transaction, longetivity of information depending on the nature of storage medium, and perhaps most important of all, accuracy thanks to the computing power computers possess in comparison to a that of a humans in terms of calculations per unit of time. Analog communication involves Verbal Communication and Written Communication (exerpt from starr.blogspot.com). Both are prone to human error, such as limitations in terms of memory as well as clarity of information which may occur when the factions communicating use different languages or systems compared to another, as well as limitation by space and time. However, they also allow for human correction and clarification through repeated discussions and communication. It should be noted, however, that this is also prone to human error, which is the fundamental underlying flaw in Analog Communication.
Suggestions for optimal communications would be to utilize the best of both of both communications available. Communication should be conducted in a proper fashion which allows for the accuracy and speed of Digital communication as well as the rectifying/self-feedback nature of Analog Communication to be utilized at the same time. Through the utilization of both strengths, coupled with undelayed, concise but all-inclusive decisions from engineers, proper communication should become one of the many cornerstones upon which the engineering legacy of humanity should rest upon.
Free writing :
Ah, free writing! How I enjoy it! Although confined to the linguistical limitations of it's kind, I still find the freedom of expression if offers a gift of.. ingenuous humane neccesity of expression over the development of humanoids on this particular planet (Yes, I think my cousin might be an ape!). Marvelling in this brilliant invention of mankind, we, as readers and writes, have to ask ourselves-
(Dirty Harry) One question.. do I feel lucky? Well, do ya? Punk?
Oh, definitely. language, as I view it is an engineering marvel. Look at this thing, it's all over the place! It's up, it's down. It's all around you, look around! If you really cared, look under that seat you're sitting on right now. See there? Mine reads Perry. What about yours?
"But how is this language shenanigan even a form of engineering?" some argue hotly. "It wasn't designed by a specific somebody," as they might argue, "and what's more, it's differrent all over the place! There's no congruency! It's simply a vague form of expression which we humans just happen to use the most!"
Really?
Brushing my indignation away for a moment, let us look into what this 'language' is all about.
What is 'language' anyways? Og pummeling his brother Tog with a big club(Translation : You ate my share too?!) could be a form of language if we consider it's very basic function;
To message.
In our case above, the message "Don't" has been clearly delivered to our friend Tog here, who is weeping his pain away in the dingy corner of his cave. To message is the foremost and basic function of language, and the capability of language expanded as more and more messages had to be delivered to different people in differeng places, different time, and eventually, to a seller on Ebay in China who tried to scam me on a deal just yesterday. As language began to develop, it gained additonal functions which were varients of the original purpose. What would Tog to if he wanted to remind himself to beat up Og one day? Address a message to himself. What would Og do to boast about his victory over his brother to his favorite maiden? Address a message to her. What would a dying person do if he/she wanted to leave a message for those who would be born in the future? Address a message to the future. This was a procedure that took a very, very long time to grow, die out, and trim itself out to what we see as 'language' today. All of us are participants in this gigantic engineering project to develop a system capable of representing and delivering the human intellect across the restraits of time and borders. This is a global project, where not only the inhabitants of one group, ethnic, country nor continent is the limit of participants, but the entire globe itself.
But engineers seem to be an exception, no?
Directed Writing (as a continuum of Free writing)
Quick Planning
1.Particular importance which communication holds for Engineers
2.Modes of communication available
3.Suggestions of optimal communication.
Language, in where we communicate with each other, holds quite a significance not only to all humans but engineers in particular. Seeing that language itself is one big engineered product, it could be said that it is an engineer's duty to appreciate and understand such an aspect of language and thus utilize it with a deeper understanding of the system than any other. However, Engineering involves very specific figures and meaning, and if any of the information is misdirected or misinterpreted in the process of being transfered from one place or time to another,the implications are greater than they would have been in any other environment or line of work. Since human error is always present in amy line of profession involving human interaction, this can be attributed to why communicaion holds the paramount importance it does in Engineering.
An engineer may utilize the following types of communication in his/her carreer. They are as following; Digital communication, Analog communication. Digital Communication emcompasses all information relevant to engineering that is sent from one processor to another, regardless of space and time thanks to it's abundance, speed of transaction, longetivity of information depending on the nature of storage medium, and perhaps most important of all, accuracy thanks to the computing power computers possess in comparison to a that of a humans in terms of calculations per unit of time. Analog communication involves Verbal Communication and Written Communication (exerpt from starr.blogspot.com). Both are prone to human error, such as limitations in terms of memory as well as clarity of information which may occur when the factions communicating use different languages or systems compared to another, as well as limitation by space and time. However, they also allow for human correction and clarification through repeated discussions and communication. It should be noted, however, that this is also prone to human error, which is the fundamental underlying flaw in Analog Communication.
Suggestions for optimal communications would be to utilize the best of both of both communications available. Communication should be conducted in a proper fashion which allows for the accuracy and speed of Digital communication as well as the rectifying/self-feedback nature of Analog Communication to be utilized at the same time. Through the utilization of both strengths, coupled with undelayed, concise but all-inclusive decisions from engineers, proper communication should become one of the many cornerstones upon which the engineering legacy of humanity should rest upon.
Friday, September 17, 2010
My 'Connection' experience.
To be truly honest, we connect with people all the time. We talk with them, we open doors for them... Hey! Even giving somebody a stern look qualifies as establishing some sort of connection, right?
Unfortunately, We can't have all that we want in life, any my definition of 'Connection' is one of them too. People who are very concerned with the business aspect of their lives (not to imply that there is even a single person who does not think about their business aspects in life,) have tried with disturbing enthusiasm and excitement to drill this definition inside my head. This is what I have gleaned from all that argument around me.
"A 'Connection' is a link between one and another, quite possibly multiple individuals who seek out to gain any sort of benefit by establishing and maintaining a relationship."
Well said, Mr.Engineer. Think about it, don't we all? I could befriend a guy who is very good at math not because I don't necessarily love him as a person, but as a person who can help me out of tough spots on that homework that's due some thirty minutes later. I could befriend a person on Facebook, (in lack of a better word, since 'befriending' somebody on Facebook usually means another click the 'befriendee' has to execute and no more.) just because I think I could get her to go out with me... er, someday.
In this materialistic world where the survival of the fittest still takes an important role in the survivalability of each and every individual, I think to be 'fit' means to amass the largest quantity of materials one could possibly acquire with his/her own ability. This so called material can be anything, from a coin to a word of useful advice on raiding that drug-dealer hangout. Connecting with other people is an odd but efficient method of creating resources, allowing for a win-win situation for both ends of the line. It creates a relatively great potential of earning something while losing almost nothing, and thus can be seen as a way to multiply the sources and materials one may have in his/her arsenal.
Alright, enough with the rant. Now that I have my newly defined meaning of 'Connecting', let us spare a bit of time in recalling a not-too-long-ago experience in 'Connecting' with my RA.
My RA is in his third year in UIUC,and is a MCB Major with a minor in Chemistry. As awesome as that sounds, I could see just how much of a toll the it was taking on the friendly face when I sat facing him on the dining table at lunch.
"You look half dead, Hani, what on earth happened?" I asked, somewhat mildly stricken and amused by the ominous marks of fatigue on his visage. "Nothing much," he replied. "Just stayed up till 5, doing an assignment." I cringed as I put the glass of watery orange juice down from my lips. Not being an MCB major nor wanting to be pecky, I refrained from asking what the assignment was about. Hani's half closed eyelids drifted from one food to the next on his plate, then closed as he slumped back on his seat. I took this momentary pause to think of a topic which I might be able to connect with him. I had just the right topic. "You took MCB 150, right?" I inquired, and Hani gave an affirmative nod, wrenching his eyelids open with some effort. "I took the first exam of the year for it just yesterday, and to be frank.." I sighed, shrugging my shoulders, "I don't think I exactly rap..e.... er, did exactly too well on the exam."
Hani was looking at me. Half an eyelid open, sure, but looking nonetheless. "Yeah, the first exam is always the hardest," Hani commented, "It's because nobody knows how to properly study for them.." He leaned forward, and I pressed on. "Can you give me any advice? I'm not sure if my method's working out well or not." I asked, and for the next ten minutes, I was told secrets so deep and profound to the point where I'm reluctant to openly share the knowledge on here in fear that it will be widely adopted by students; you may call me selfish if you want, but I will be forever reluctant to reveal the secret know-hows of an MCB major. Not without his consent, at least.
It was time for both of us to leave the table, and I offered to take his plate in return for his advice. "No-- no,no,no" he protested as he pulled back the dish I was trying to pull away from him. "It's fine, I'll do it." he grinned. "Gotta suck it up, y'know." And with that, he took his leave from the dining hall.
And so ended my short meeting with my RA. It's not as if it was my first time meeting him in person, and in reality I am quite close to him before this event as you can tell by the way I went on with the conversation.
In this relationship, I have strengthened the bond which I previously had, from that of a student - RA relationship to a Freshman - Junior relationship, (or more accurately, to that of a senpai-kouhai relationship)
So in this relationship, I have gained something my retaining and managing my relationship. Furthermore, I have a deeper insight into the study methods which I may be able to employ in the near future and what's more is that I am now interested in the position of an RA myself.
Unfortunately, We can't have all that we want in life, any my definition of 'Connection' is one of them too. People who are very concerned with the business aspect of their lives (not to imply that there is even a single person who does not think about their business aspects in life,) have tried with disturbing enthusiasm and excitement to drill this definition inside my head. This is what I have gleaned from all that argument around me.
"A 'Connection' is a link between one and another, quite possibly multiple individuals who seek out to gain any sort of benefit by establishing and maintaining a relationship."
Well said, Mr.Engineer. Think about it, don't we all? I could befriend a guy who is very good at math not because I don't necessarily love him as a person, but as a person who can help me out of tough spots on that homework that's due some thirty minutes later. I could befriend a person on Facebook, (in lack of a better word, since 'befriending' somebody on Facebook usually means another click the 'befriendee' has to execute and no more.) just because I think I could get her to go out with me... er, someday.
In this materialistic world where the survival of the fittest still takes an important role in the survivalability of each and every individual, I think to be 'fit' means to amass the largest quantity of materials one could possibly acquire with his/her own ability. This so called material can be anything, from a coin to a word of useful advice on raiding that drug-dealer hangout. Connecting with other people is an odd but efficient method of creating resources, allowing for a win-win situation for both ends of the line. It creates a relatively great potential of earning something while losing almost nothing, and thus can be seen as a way to multiply the sources and materials one may have in his/her arsenal.
Alright, enough with the rant. Now that I have my newly defined meaning of 'Connecting', let us spare a bit of time in recalling a not-too-long-ago experience in 'Connecting' with my RA.
My RA is in his third year in UIUC,and is a MCB Major with a minor in Chemistry. As awesome as that sounds, I could see just how much of a toll the it was taking on the friendly face when I sat facing him on the dining table at lunch.
"You look half dead, Hani, what on earth happened?" I asked, somewhat mildly stricken and amused by the ominous marks of fatigue on his visage. "Nothing much," he replied. "Just stayed up till 5, doing an assignment." I cringed as I put the glass of watery orange juice down from my lips. Not being an MCB major nor wanting to be pecky, I refrained from asking what the assignment was about. Hani's half closed eyelids drifted from one food to the next on his plate, then closed as he slumped back on his seat. I took this momentary pause to think of a topic which I might be able to connect with him. I had just the right topic. "You took MCB 150, right?" I inquired, and Hani gave an affirmative nod, wrenching his eyelids open with some effort. "I took the first exam of the year for it just yesterday, and to be frank.." I sighed, shrugging my shoulders, "I don't think I exactly rap..e.... er, did exactly too well on the exam."
Hani was looking at me. Half an eyelid open, sure, but looking nonetheless. "Yeah, the first exam is always the hardest," Hani commented, "It's because nobody knows how to properly study for them.." He leaned forward, and I pressed on. "Can you give me any advice? I'm not sure if my method's working out well or not." I asked, and for the next ten minutes, I was told secrets so deep and profound to the point where I'm reluctant to openly share the knowledge on here in fear that it will be widely adopted by students; you may call me selfish if you want, but I will be forever reluctant to reveal the secret know-hows of an MCB major. Not without his consent, at least.
It was time for both of us to leave the table, and I offered to take his plate in return for his advice. "No-- no,no,no" he protested as he pulled back the dish I was trying to pull away from him. "It's fine, I'll do it." he grinned. "Gotta suck it up, y'know." And with that, he took his leave from the dining hall.
And so ended my short meeting with my RA. It's not as if it was my first time meeting him in person, and in reality I am quite close to him before this event as you can tell by the way I went on with the conversation.
In this relationship, I have strengthened the bond which I previously had, from that of a student - RA relationship to a Freshman - Junior relationship, (or more accurately, to that of a senpai-kouhai relationship)
So in this relationship, I have gained something my retaining and managing my relationship. Furthermore, I have a deeper insight into the study methods which I may be able to employ in the near future and what's more is that I am now interested in the position of an RA myself.
Monday, August 30, 2010
What am I passionate about?
My passion lies in the creation from zero, zilch, nada to infinity and beyond.
I love the act of creation. Music, Art, or perhaps even a comedy gag show which brings smile to people's faces, you name it.
My interest however, is slightly biased towards a more robotic angle, and that coupled with my experience of having my leg snapped in half as well as my close-up encounter with a person with actual prosthetic legs has led me to select Bioengineering to see if I can create something that may make a difference in the future of those who are maimed and injured, torn away from their previous glory by a crippled body.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
At the Illini Union, on a MAC running a Windows.
This is my first blog entry, and ah.
How nice it seems to have an english blog.
This blog is to be used mainly for my ENG 198 class, but I will post some nitbits and whatnots whenever I feel like doing so
(The availability of internet is hardly a restriction.)
Well, off to class. Ta-ta, everybody. See you guys around, and forgive me if I ask your name over and over again, I am the zenith of forgetfulness.
I can only hope I'll forget to forget someday.
Oh, and the homework assignment.
The concept of the missing basics were, to be honest, a disappointment. Not a disappointment in the sense that "Oh, those aren't much of a problem, are they now?" but a disappointment in the fact that the engineers who develop the modern day and world as we know of it may come to lack such basic skills which are required in not only extraordinary circumstances, but in everyday lives and activities. (Hell, or is this proof that engineers do not have a life of their own? But I digress.) It is something that definitely needs to be improved, for not only the sake of our engineering futures, but also our everyday social life. Regarding communications, Are they not able to communicate their ideas and thoughts in the comprehensive, organized manner that the scientific society wants? Or is the problem much more complicated than that, because the expectations of such traits is much more pronounced and sophisticated that what would be required of normal beings? I will come to find what such problems may be along with my self-evaluation upon those matters by attending this class.
The concrete steps would be, I guess, will be to understand how to convey your ideas and thoughts in a direct, clear manner and identifying to whom you should communicate in such a manner, as well as keeping tabs and tracks of progress within one's work so that he/she may be in full control of the situation/lab/engineering project which may contain important information. One must be able to understand what he/she is doing before relaying the information with clarity to another being, and for that, he or she must have a good grasp on what he/she is doing. One must act with a purpose, and if it is to be for the greater, general good, then I think there are certain measures and steps that must be followed, and such documentation and declaration are one of those many things which we require to present an engineering product to the real world.
How nice it seems to have an english blog.
This blog is to be used mainly for my ENG 198 class, but I will post some nitbits and whatnots whenever I feel like doing so
(The availability of internet is hardly a restriction.)
Well, off to class. Ta-ta, everybody. See you guys around, and forgive me if I ask your name over and over again, I am the zenith of forgetfulness.
I can only hope I'll forget to forget someday.
Oh, and the homework assignment.
First, let us identify the main problems. That 11 MB PowerPoint presentation in a line goes like this.
Engineers do not know how to : Ask good questions, Look up what has happened where they're interested, Ask around 'Who's who?', Know basic terminology, Know or invent new terminology, Be comfortable with foreign objects, Understand the matter at hand, Division of problems, Measure real life data, Draw comprehensive and accurate graphs, Communicate.
Whoa, looks like we don't have much here, Mr.Engineer.
I'm joking, but the lecture says that such problems are prevalent in some of today's engineers (included myself, which I totally agree) and thus becomes a hindrance in future engineerings. I agree that some of them, especially the communicating part, may be serious problems for some engineers.
The concept of the missing basics were, to be honest, a disappointment. Not a disappointment in the sense that "Oh, those aren't much of a problem, are they now?" but a disappointment in the fact that the engineers who develop the modern day and world as we know of it may come to lack such basic skills which are required in not only extraordinary circumstances, but in everyday lives and activities. (Hell, or is this proof that engineers do not have a life of their own? But I digress.) It is something that definitely needs to be improved, for not only the sake of our engineering futures, but also our everyday social life. Regarding communications, Are they not able to communicate their ideas and thoughts in the comprehensive, organized manner that the scientific society wants? Or is the problem much more complicated than that, because the expectations of such traits is much more pronounced and sophisticated that what would be required of normal beings? I will come to find what such problems may be along with my self-evaluation upon those matters by attending this class.
The concrete steps would be, I guess, will be to understand how to convey your ideas and thoughts in a direct, clear manner and identifying to whom you should communicate in such a manner, as well as keeping tabs and tracks of progress within one's work so that he/she may be in full control of the situation/lab/engineering project which may contain important information. One must be able to understand what he/she is doing before relaying the information with clarity to another being, and for that, he or she must have a good grasp on what he/she is doing. One must act with a purpose, and if it is to be for the greater, general good, then I think there are certain measures and steps that must be followed, and such documentation and declaration are one of those many things which we require to present an engineering product to the real world.
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