Orientation
August 21, 2008

Today was Orientation day for High Tech High North County. Time for all the students to pick up their schedules and re-socialize with friends. Since the newcoming Freshman came by as well, it was a good time for everyone to start getting to know each other. The biggest concern, though, for most students, was which class they got into. And more importantly, which of their friends are in the same class.
By the way, here’s mine:
1/3. Humanities with Mrs. Fisk
2. Multimedia with Mr. D
4/5. Chemistry with Mr. Fozi

Orientation was also a great opportunity for the returning students to see their old teachers again. Good to see Mrs. P and Mrs. Clark again!

Can’t wait till school starts this Monday, will update soon!
Prank Pwnage Target: Nikki Hinostro
August 11, 2008
Yes, the very Principal of High Tech High North County, Nikki Hinostro, was the main target of our [Curtis, Mr. A, and I] devious prank.
After spending a lot of time with all these computers, we noticed something interesting: the iMac boxes have a very life-like, actual size picture of a real iMac.
So we decided to have some fun with it. Everything turns into a project at High Tech High.
So here’s what we did. Basically, we cut up the “iMac” on the box, luckily the exact size of a real iMac.
After the painstakingly annoying job of cutting the box, here’s what we got.
To pretty it up a bit, we sanded those nasty edges to make sure it at least looked a little bit real. We attached some extra cardboard from the box to the back of the stand, so it could stand up well. Once everything was finished, we set it up on Nikki’s desk, where she would see it right when she walked in. We even added a keyboard and mouse for added effect! It really looked amazing when seen from a distance.
The trap was set, and in comes our target.
She starts walking into her supposedly, untouched, office. Nothing much to see except a…new computer?! No way?!!!

What?!! So you’re saying it’s not a real computer?! I totally thought it was real!!!!
Definitely a fun little activity to liven up the day. AND, she said she’d leave it on her desk for everyone to see. w00t!
OWNED!
Update!
August 11, 2008
It has definitely been a while since I’ve last written here. I apologize for neglecting my Digital Portfolio for so long. But here are most of the major updates since I’ve last written. [More to come]
Got my first DSLR!
Yes, the DSLR (one of those huge cameras) I’ve been saving up for has finally arrived! After some searching on Craigslist, I was able to find an amazing deal, and am now extremely happy with my Sony Alpha A-100.
Taking pictures is my new official hobby; I never knew what kind of experience photography could be. Feel free to take a look at my Zooomr.
Note: Shameless plug- Zooomr is my all time favorite photo sharing site, and is where I officially post all my photos. The reason I adore their service so much is that it provides something many of its competitors don’t have – Unlimited Storage, absolutely free. More on this later though.
My entire summer had something to do with Technology [or school]
Many people who know me would probably expect this, but almost my entire summer was spent with technology. The majority of this tech time was helping out Jason [tech guy] with the new computers for the the new students. Curtis and I labeld just about 150 computers. Individually. By hand. Watching a little Family Guy at the same time definitely helped pass the time.
It was all worth it though; I was able to get an insight on the inner workings of our school’s network. And being able to work with all those computers was the only way I can see my summer being spent.
More updates/stories coming, and I’m going to stay dedicated to this blog [I hope]
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Canoe: The Final Outcome
June 15, 2008
I apologize that I couldn’t get any pictures of the process, but this is all I’ve got so far; if there’s more I’ll post it immediately. Constructive criticism please?

Conflicts in Africa: Final Product
June 15, 2008

This image is relevant to the project; I’ll explain later.

You Suck At Math
June 12, 2008
One of my latest Physics projects was Mathemagician. The idea came from a popular TED talk, by Arthur Benjamin, doing “Mathemagics”. Watch it, it’s amazing.
The main point of the project is to teach a Math concept, by any means we choose; as long as we get our point across and teach something
I was inspired by Donnie Hoyle’s amazing video series, You Suck At Photoshop. I thought his videos were just hilarious, and they worked; much of what I learned about from Photoshop was from his videos. So my partner Ryan and I decided to do our own version for this project: You Suck At Math.
Please Enjoy, and feel free to tell me what you think. Also mention if you learned something from me.
FULL Project Overview: Wind Chimes
May 16, 2008

Project Description
The goal of the Wind Chimes Project is for us to explore the Mathematics and Physics behind sound waves and wind chimes. We are to engineer our own wind chimes from raw materials that ride the wind to produce melodic tunes for enjoyment. Read the rest of this entry »
Past Project: Motorcycle Diaries and Latin America
May 15, 2008
This part of the assignment was basically a reflection after reading Motorcycle Diaries. We were to write about our top 3 locations Che Guevera and Alberto traveled to over the course of the book.
The Bohemian Rhapsody…on Piano
May 13, 2008
A little over a week ago, I had a piano recital. I know, boring right? But in addition to the usual classical music normally played at recitals, I wanted to change things a little bit, and decided on a classic: The Bohemian Rhapsody, by the legendary Queen. Though there were numerous mistakes throughout, tt was definitely my favorite song to perform at a recital. Hope you enjoy!
I also played Bach’s Invention No. 1, and the theme song from St. Elmo’s Fire, though I’ll upload those later.

