DreamNid's Hangout

Nasa's X-43 speeds up to Mach 7

Yesturday, NASA conducted the test flight for its X-43 un-manned plane for the second time. Ok, maybe you will want to call it an R/C plane considering the small size.

Ok, size isn't everything. This plane by no means uses conventional propulsion. Instead, it uses scramjet engines. You can find out scramjets here.

The X-43 was attached to a Peageaus booster that was attached to a B-52. The Peageaus booster allowed the X-43 to start with an intial speed of Mach 5, which is the speed needed to make the scramjet technology work. The scramjet engine operated for about 10 seconds in which it was able to speed up to Mach 7. Afterwards, it glided back down and crashed into the water on purpose.

From the slashdot article, it seems that NASA is not going to continue on with the project due to increased concentration on the Bush's space initiative. Unless they are continuing scramjet research on another project, that will be a mistake as scramjet is a promising engine for mid-stage propulsion to the outer atmosphere. I thought they were interested in cost-effective propulsion?

Oh well, I guess bureaucracy overtakes science.

Three Mile Island Anniversery

Continuing with nuclear diasters, the Three Miles Island Accident will be "celebrating" its 25th anniversery.

If you're like me and want to know what exactly happened, check out the Presidential Report. I think this incident is a prime example that having the "proper" certification and training isn't everything.

Chernobyl

Elena made a photo journal about her ride through Chernobyl. I highly encourage you to take a quick look at what has happened in the area. These pictures serve as a reminder of the power of an atom and how we must recognize its destructive power to both human and nature.

Cool VIA Case

Yet another "I forgot to post this" entry.

Check out this pretty stylish mini-pc computer case from VIA called the Epia. Imagine having this case on your desk :-).

I wonder if RIT will build a super cluster using these cases...

RIT Housing

I forgot to mention this a couple days ago. Last week, my friends and I found out we are the proud owners of a Riverknoll apartment on-campus. That was actually pretty surprising considering almost everybody else was assigned to the RIT Inn, and we managed to get our second choice.

We decided to check it out today. I think we all disappointed in the appearance (since the apartments were supposed to be temporary housing) and how small it appeared to be, but at least we will be pretty close to the academic buildings. Of course, RIT Housing would have been helpful if they posted some pictures of what the apartments look like. Of course, they decide to make the virtual tour after the housing selection. Oh well.

Below is a map where the apartments are relative to where I'm living now. Good-bye 20 minutes walks to class :-)

On a second note, the fraternity housing were really really nice. They looked liked like new modern homes from the outside. My room mate was telling me that they cost over 1 million dollars each to contruct :-S. I have to remember to bring my camera next time.

Another Personality Test

I'm not totally sure if the test is very accurate, but it is somewhat interesting. I love how they will ask you the same question 3 times! Are they trying to trick you to see if you will answer it the same way?

As a reference, my Meyer Brigg Type is ISTP (Introversion, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving)

"Under God"

My room mate and I was watching "The Ahbram's Report" and they debating about removing the phrase "Under God" from the Pledge of Alliegience. My personal opinion? Keep it in. In today's world, the word "god" has taken on several different meanings. If you take the denotative view in the pledge, "god" doesn't have to refer to a religion. Rather, "under god" dictates that you will do actions for the goodwill of society.

Even if athiests don't agree with the above, they are not forced to say the line. Even then, the whole debate is so insignificant that the time for the debate would be much better spent elsewhere.

Ahh... wonderful weather

After last week's cold spell, yesturday marked the return of nice warm weather. It shows in the campus too. Everybody is outside in the Quad mingling around, studying, or reading a book. The Spring quarter also makred the return of the hourly chimes. I'm not sure why they took it away during the winter, but perhaps the chimes are supposed to be cheerful and liven up the mood. RIT appears to be a real college once more. If this warm weather holds out for another week, my parents and Dylan wouldn't be able to experience the real weather. Oh well, they'll probably want to get out sooner when they realized coming here during a cold spree was a mistake :-P

Comcast Buying TechTV

Comcast announced that they are going to purchase TechTV, ending months of speculation that the media giant is going after the technology news outlet. The channel will be added to the G4 gaming channel. I'm sure they will still keep the ScreenSavers, but there is no indication what the sale will do for the rest of the TechTV employees. Since TechTV isn't really showing any good shows except for the ScreenSavers, maybe this sale will help them stand out more. *shrugs*

Link to CNET article

Snow?!#$!@

I can't believe it is snowing right now! We had some nice temperatures last week so everybody thought we were out of the blue. But no, nature thought we needed more and is piling 6-12 inches of snow by the next morning. Oh well, the 40 degrees days were nice while they lasted. It sure made going to classes a lot easier. The walkways are again deserted :-(

Time to post :-)

I have to announce my third fire alarm that went off yesturday at 9:00 PM. I was taking a nap too :-( If RIT was cruel, they could make the fire alarm go off at 8:00 AM since it is a very good alarm clock.

My classes are pretty cool, except AC Circuits. My professor does not really lecture what we need to do for the homework. He spends most of the time "facilitating" the class (answering questions and lecturing on important topics). Although most of my classes are related to my major, there seems to be more homework :-(. Oh well, at least my classes starts around 11 AM hehe.

Neat CD/DVD Labeling System

HP and other CD/DVD-RW manufacturers are featuring a neat way of labeling your CDs. Like the Yamaha T@2 system, these burners are able to burn a label right onto the CD, except these burners do it on the label side. It isn't clear whether you'll need special CDs, but it sure beats wasting paper and ink.

Copyright © 2004 PC World Magazine

Sigh

There is only more day till the mayhem starts again. I wish we had another week, but I guess there is nothing that I can do about it.

On an interesting note, RIT updated their webpages. They made it more contemporary by using a bluish theme (like any other website out there, including Sandburg's) but overall, it has a nice feel to it. While I was checking the new site out, I came across some interesting information. According to this page, only 1/5 of the people who enrolled will graduate with a degree. Of course, I realized I should be using the enrollment numbers from 5 years ago, but I'm assumming the numbers are still comparable. Only 6 people received a doctorate degree. No wonder why there is a retention committee. I would want more students to graduate...
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I disagree with the newest controversy with Bush's campaign commercials. I'm probably going to get a lot of critcism, but I want to express my opinions First off, I have to admit that I did not know anyone in NY; therefore, I don't know the feeling to lose a loved one. However, why are these people saying that Bush should not use these scenes in the campaigns? There should be no surprised that Bush will center his campaign around Sept 11 since that represented his presidency. Personally, I see nothing wrong with the scene showing a flag in front of the WTC. According to these reasonings, movies like "Tora Tora Tora" should not be made (although the movie itself was controversial). These people should accept that the events did happen and not try to wipe them from their memories.
Ironically, the media kept showing these commericals over and over. I wonder if they received any complaints about them showing these commercials.