Accepted to RSI!
Whaddup, brahs!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
I'm supposed to be working on my IB Chem and History IA's. But instead, I thought I'd share an essay I wrote on systems chemistry not too long ago. (P.S. WTP and RSI got mailed!)
The self-assembly of individual molecules into complex systems and structures is truly intriguing and a topic worthy of exploration. And quite often, the result of such self-assembly is an emergent structure that has properties that are counter-intuitive or unexpected when analyzing just its isolated subcomponents. Whereas the characteristics of a singular molecule are constrained by the number of bonds formed by the component atoms, structures composed of molecules do not seem to be as limited. This enables, essentially, the whole to be greater than the sum of the parts. How do weak intermolecular forces between molecules result in dimers, trimers, or other molecular aggregates? More importantly, how do they determine the physiochemical properties of the resulting structures? Conversely, how can we go about predicting the properties of structures just based on their individual components? These questions I find are the most fascinating within the realms of system chemistry, for their answers would provide insight into the workings of the world around us and explain previously inexplicable phenomena. This exciting new field has the potential to solve not only scientific problems, but social, medical, and historical ones as well. By viewing chemical systems as a whole instead of isolating certain reactions, we gain deeper insight into the function of that system. In thermodynamically or kinetically controlled systems, which I find the most fascinating, this is possible by collecting quantitative data regarding the macroscopic concentrations of the system to determine the microscopic properties of the constituents. Answering these smaller questions will aid researchers in discovering the organizational principles that lay behind complex systems, allowing us to understand their mechanisms and perhaps to alter and recreate them. This information could lead to the development of model biological networks which mimic the behavior of real biological systems, creating a useful tool for predicting their behavior. This in turn could provide the answers to various biological problems, such as the origin of life and the mechanism of hemostasis, and lead to the development of new ways of manipulating biological systems, which I find to be a truly invigorating prospect.
The self-assembly of individual molecules into complex systems and structures is truly intriguing and a topic worthy of exploration. And quite often, the result of such self-assembly is an emergent structure that has properties that are counter-intuitive or unexpected when analyzing just its isolated subcomponents. Whereas the characteristics of a singular molecule are constrained by the number of bonds formed by the component atoms, structures composed of molecules do not seem to be as limited. This enables, essentially, the whole to be greater than the sum of the parts. How do weak intermolecular forces between molecules result in dimers, trimers, or other molecular aggregates? More importantly, how do they determine the physiochemical properties of the resulting structures? Conversely, how can we go about predicting the properties of structures just based on their individual components? These questions I find are the most fascinating within the realms of system chemistry, for their answers would provide insight into the workings of the world around us and explain previously inexplicable phenomena. This exciting new field has the potential to solve not only scientific problems, but social, medical, and historical ones as well. By viewing chemical systems as a whole instead of isolating certain reactions, we gain deeper insight into the function of that system. In thermodynamically or kinetically controlled systems, which I find the most fascinating, this is possible by collecting quantitative data regarding the macroscopic concentrations of the system to determine the microscopic properties of the constituents. Answering these smaller questions will aid researchers in discovering the organizational principles that lay behind complex systems, allowing us to understand their mechanisms and perhaps to alter and recreate them. This information could lead to the development of model biological networks which mimic the behavior of real biological systems, creating a useful tool for predicting their behavior. This in turn could provide the answers to various biological problems, such as the origin of life and the mechanism of hemostasis, and lead to the development of new ways of manipulating biological systems, which I find to be a truly invigorating prospect.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Awesome Links
In the midst of my heaps of homework, I have found some relief in the following links:
No doubt, this is where my honeymoon is going to be. Incredibly beautiful. Just stunning. I've always wanted to say in one of those huts on the water with the little ladders that go straight into the sea. Just way beyond cool.
Then this is just really awesome. I have no idea how the guy does it, and he claims no photoshop is used. Pay extra attention to the last photo; it took me a while to find him. Just mind blowing.
Now its back to essays, lab reports, and Javanese gamelan. I'll be thrilled when I finally send in my RSI, WTP, and TASP applications. I'm so ready to be done with summer program apps right now.
No doubt, this is where my honeymoon is going to be. Incredibly beautiful. Just stunning. I've always wanted to say in one of those huts on the water with the little ladders that go straight into the sea. Just way beyond cool.
Then this is just really awesome. I have no idea how the guy does it, and he claims no photoshop is used. Pay extra attention to the last photo; it took me a while to find him. Just mind blowing.
Now its back to essays, lab reports, and Javanese gamelan. I'll be thrilled when I finally send in my RSI, WTP, and TASP applications. I'm so ready to be done with summer program apps right now.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Questionaire
1.How far away is the last person you kissed?
20 or so miles perhaps
2.Has someone ever told you they would be with you forever?
I don't think so
3.Last person you were in the car with?
My sister
4.Any plans for tomorrow?
Go to school for the first time in 2 weeks
5.How long does it take for you to take a shower?
15 minutes about
6. Would you wear odd socks?
Yes
7.Is tomorrow going to be a good day?
It'll be nice to see people, but I fear the novelty will wear away quickly
8.Did you kiss anyone Friday?
No, which is quite sad considering it was New Years
10.What's on your mind RIGHT NOW?
turning in my IA before 11:59 and finishing some essays
11.Who was the last person you talked to?
Jon
12.What is the WORST subject they teach at school?
School in general? everything has worth. but my school fails at the sciences, which is regretful because it's my favorite subject
13.Have you seen anyone lately that you don't get along with?
I get along with most people. You have to be really annoying for me to not like you.
15.Have you ever been in a car accident?
I've been rear-ended, but nothing serious.
16.Whats the closest thing to you that's green?
Its a tie between a highlighter and a name tag from when I worked an art show at the museum.
17.Where would you like to be right now?
On some sort of adventure, preferably in a foreign country.
18.Write down some lyrics to the song your listening to:
Gaudete, gaudete, Christus est natus ex Maria virgine, gaudete
19.How many dogs do you have?
None, regretfully
20.is anything bugging you right now?
My lack of focus
21.How is life going for you right now?
Could be better. People are really bringing me down.
22.Is there someone you care about more than yourself?
Indeed.
23.What made you laugh today?
Nothing, yet.
24.What was the last movie you watched?
The Dark Knight
25.What's the last conversation you had about?
What the heck to put in an analysis for the IA
26.What were you doing at 7:00 this morning?
Sleeping
27.Do you like your hair long or short?
Longgg
29.Do you like the rain?
I do, especially when I am inside or in a bathing suit.
30.Do you think you'll have a Valentine this year?
I would hope so.
31.The last person you kissed needs you at 3 AM, would you go?
If it were up to me, yes.
32.Would you honestly say you'd risk your life for someone else
Yes
33.If you could go back 4 months and change things,would you?
Rewind a few years and I would. But four months, no.
34.What do you want to name your future kids?
Isabel, Lilly, William
34.Could you see yourself with someone forever?
I'm not sure. I think so.
35.What was the first thing you thought when you woke up?
It's cold.
36.Do you think you can last in a relationship for 6 months or more?
A year, five months, and counting. <3
37.Do you forgive or forget?
Forgive, but not forget
38.Do you trust people?
I have a very hard time of it given past experience. I have one or two people I sincerely trust. But people in general are dirty bastards, if you ask me.
39.What are you not looking forward to?
School tomorrow. Exams.
40.Do you get mad easily?
Not in the least. You have to do something really awful to me to get me angry.
41.Has anyone ever told you that you have pretty eyes?
Um, only when the sun is in them. That's when people notice they're green.
42.Do you have strange dreams?
On occasion.
43.Ever licked someone’s cheek or forehead?
hahaha... yea.
44.Last time you fell asleep in someone’s arms?
:] I think I was in Europe.
46.What do you have on you at all times?
phone
47.Would you go out in public without getting dressed up or put together?
Yes
48.Do you like fruity or minty gum?
Minty preferred, but I like both
50. Favorite film of all time?
Oooh, I have no idea.
52. First album you ever went and bought with your own money?
Hahaha a Switchfoot album.
53. Think back five months ago, were you single?
Nope.
54. Do you believe in celebrating anniversaries?
The year markers, yes. But nothing big or flashy.
55. Do you think someone is thinking about you right now?
I doubt it.
57. Are you a jealous person?
Never outwardly. Occasionally it festers on the inside.
58. Does it take a lot to make you cry?
Recently, not really. Movies and books get me really easily.
59. Do you have a friend of the opposite sex you can talk to?
Yes
61. Do you like to cuddle/snuggle?
You don't even know; I freakin' love it
62. Is there anybody you wish you could be spending time with right now?
Two people, yes.
63. What does the 16th txt in your phone say?
My phone doesn't work like that
64. Would you like anybody to text or call you right now?
Not really, especially since my phone is dead and my charger broke.
65. Is your life anything like it was a year ago?
Remotely.
66. This time last year, can you remember who you liked?
My boyfriend.
67. You can only drink ONE liquid for the rest of your life, what is it?
Tea or lemonade.
68. Have you lost contact with someone you wish you didn't?
Yes.
69. What is the last thing you said out loud?
"Yes."
70. When was the last time you cried?
Two days ago.
71. Do you have friends you can tell stuff to and you're sure they won't tell?
One friend and one boyfriend.
72. What is the last thing you did before you went to bed last night?
Talk on the phone.
73. What can't you wait for?
Another tea party.
74. Have you ever told anyone you would marry them?
No.
75. What's the worst way to say "i love you?"
Insincerely.
76. Seven days from now will you be in a relationship?
I think so.
77. Are you mad about anything?
People.
78. What is the last thing you got in trouble for with your parents?
My mother misunderstood me and thought I died.
79. Are you mean?
I really don't think so, though I've been told my intentions can be misinterpreted.
80. Were you happy when you woke up today?
Not particularly.
81. Has a boy/girl called you babe or baby in the past two days?
Yes
82. Do you hate it when people smoke around you?
Hate it, no. Though it does irk me.
83. Do you have anything that belongs to an ex boyfriend/girlfriend?
Nope.
84. Has anybody ever given you butterflies?
Yup.
85. How long do you think you will live?
Probably into my 80's or 90's. Maybe thats wishful thinking considering all the carcinogens and pollutants floating about nowadays.
86. Does it bother you when people respond with one word?
Yes, though I'm guilty as well
87. Do you believe once a cheater, always a cheater?
Not really.
88. Who disgusts you?
People who refuse to have an open mind.
90. What are you currently craving?
Another day of break. Or a day to actually just sleep in.
91. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?
Straight
92. Do you drink tea?
All the time.
93. How do you feel about chocolate covered strawberries?
Delicious
94. Do you currently have feelings for anybody?
Yes I do
95. Have you ever stripped for money?
No, and I'm not planning on it.
96. Is the last person you kissed more than a year older than you?
A month and a half younger.
97. Ever kissed someone with the letters c, a, s,d,m, k, or j as their first initial and who?
Yup. No comment.
98. Two days from now this time, where will you be?
School.
99. Do you think you are a good person?
I always try, and probably succeed about 90% of the time.
20 or so miles perhaps
2.Has someone ever told you they would be with you forever?
I don't think so
3.Last person you were in the car with?
My sister
4.Any plans for tomorrow?
Go to school for the first time in 2 weeks
5.How long does it take for you to take a shower?
15 minutes about
6. Would you wear odd socks?
Yes
7.Is tomorrow going to be a good day?
It'll be nice to see people, but I fear the novelty will wear away quickly
8.Did you kiss anyone Friday?
No, which is quite sad considering it was New Years
10.What's on your mind RIGHT NOW?
turning in my IA before 11:59 and finishing some essays
11.Who was the last person you talked to?
Jon
12.What is the WORST subject they teach at school?
School in general? everything has worth. but my school fails at the sciences, which is regretful because it's my favorite subject
13.Have you seen anyone lately that you don't get along with?
I get along with most people. You have to be really annoying for me to not like you.
15.Have you ever been in a car accident?
I've been rear-ended, but nothing serious.
16.Whats the closest thing to you that's green?
Its a tie between a highlighter and a name tag from when I worked an art show at the museum.
17.Where would you like to be right now?
On some sort of adventure, preferably in a foreign country.
18.Write down some lyrics to the song your listening to:
Gaudete, gaudete, Christus est natus ex Maria virgine, gaudete
19.How many dogs do you have?
None, regretfully
20.is anything bugging you right now?
My lack of focus
21.How is life going for you right now?
Could be better. People are really bringing me down.
22.Is there someone you care about more than yourself?
Indeed.
23.What made you laugh today?
Nothing, yet.
24.What was the last movie you watched?
The Dark Knight
25.What's the last conversation you had about?
What the heck to put in an analysis for the IA
26.What were you doing at 7:00 this morning?
Sleeping
27.Do you like your hair long or short?
Longgg
29.Do you like the rain?
I do, especially when I am inside or in a bathing suit.
30.Do you think you'll have a Valentine this year?
I would hope so.
31.The last person you kissed needs you at 3 AM, would you go?
If it were up to me, yes.
32.Would you honestly say you'd risk your life for someone else
Yes
33.If you could go back 4 months and change things,would you?
Rewind a few years and I would. But four months, no.
34.What do you want to name your future kids?
Isabel, Lilly, William
34.Could you see yourself with someone forever?
I'm not sure. I think so.
35.What was the first thing you thought when you woke up?
It's cold.
36.Do you think you can last in a relationship for 6 months or more?
A year, five months, and counting. <3
37.Do you forgive or forget?
Forgive, but not forget
38.Do you trust people?
I have a very hard time of it given past experience. I have one or two people I sincerely trust. But people in general are dirty bastards, if you ask me.
39.What are you not looking forward to?
School tomorrow. Exams.
40.Do you get mad easily?
Not in the least. You have to do something really awful to me to get me angry.
41.Has anyone ever told you that you have pretty eyes?
Um, only when the sun is in them. That's when people notice they're green.
42.Do you have strange dreams?
On occasion.
43.Ever licked someone’s cheek or forehead?
hahaha... yea.
44.Last time you fell asleep in someone’s arms?
:] I think I was in Europe.
46.What do you have on you at all times?
phone
47.Would you go out in public without getting dressed up or put together?
Yes
48.Do you like fruity or minty gum?
Minty preferred, but I like both
50. Favorite film of all time?
Oooh, I have no idea.
52. First album you ever went and bought with your own money?
Hahaha a Switchfoot album.
53. Think back five months ago, were you single?
Nope.
54. Do you believe in celebrating anniversaries?
The year markers, yes. But nothing big or flashy.
55. Do you think someone is thinking about you right now?
I doubt it.
57. Are you a jealous person?
Never outwardly. Occasionally it festers on the inside.
58. Does it take a lot to make you cry?
Recently, not really. Movies and books get me really easily.
59. Do you have a friend of the opposite sex you can talk to?
Yes
61. Do you like to cuddle/snuggle?
You don't even know; I freakin' love it
62. Is there anybody you wish you could be spending time with right now?
Two people, yes.
63. What does the 16th txt in your phone say?
My phone doesn't work like that
64. Would you like anybody to text or call you right now?
Not really, especially since my phone is dead and my charger broke.
65. Is your life anything like it was a year ago?
Remotely.
66. This time last year, can you remember who you liked?
My boyfriend.
67. You can only drink ONE liquid for the rest of your life, what is it?
Tea or lemonade.
68. Have you lost contact with someone you wish you didn't?
Yes.
69. What is the last thing you said out loud?
"Yes."
70. When was the last time you cried?
Two days ago.
71. Do you have friends you can tell stuff to and you're sure they won't tell?
One friend and one boyfriend.
72. What is the last thing you did before you went to bed last night?
Talk on the phone.
73. What can't you wait for?
Another tea party.
74. Have you ever told anyone you would marry them?
No.
75. What's the worst way to say "i love you?"
Insincerely.
76. Seven days from now will you be in a relationship?
I think so.
77. Are you mad about anything?
People.
78. What is the last thing you got in trouble for with your parents?
My mother misunderstood me and thought I died.
79. Are you mean?
I really don't think so, though I've been told my intentions can be misinterpreted.
80. Were you happy when you woke up today?
Not particularly.
81. Has a boy/girl called you babe or baby in the past two days?
Yes
82. Do you hate it when people smoke around you?
Hate it, no. Though it does irk me.
83. Do you have anything that belongs to an ex boyfriend/girlfriend?
Nope.
84. Has anybody ever given you butterflies?
Yup.
85. How long do you think you will live?
Probably into my 80's or 90's. Maybe thats wishful thinking considering all the carcinogens and pollutants floating about nowadays.
86. Does it bother you when people respond with one word?
Yes, though I'm guilty as well
87. Do you believe once a cheater, always a cheater?
Not really.
88. Who disgusts you?
People who refuse to have an open mind.
90. What are you currently craving?
Another day of break. Or a day to actually just sleep in.
91. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?
Straight
92. Do you drink tea?
All the time.
93. How do you feel about chocolate covered strawberries?
Delicious
94. Do you currently have feelings for anybody?
Yes I do
95. Have you ever stripped for money?
No, and I'm not planning on it.
96. Is the last person you kissed more than a year older than you?
A month and a half younger.
97. Ever kissed someone with the letters c, a, s,d,m, k, or j as their first initial and who?
Yup. No comment.
98. Two days from now this time, where will you be?
School.
99. Do you think you are a good person?
I always try, and probably succeed about 90% of the time.
WooWoo! High School Junior
Ahh, it is the last day of winter break. And I accomplished about half of the things I planned on doing.
40 hours of community service? check
History research paper draft? check
Summer program essays? err... got a few done
After school science program curriculum? I emailed a lady...
Reading:
The Fountainhead? 100 pages
Kant's Groundwork on the Metaphysic of Morals? halfway
Descartes' Discourse on Method? ....
Junior year is insane. Though I do feel bad for the people who have yet to take the ACT and SAT (I'm done!!). Plus, I did get to go to a tea party yesterday.
I have no idea why I decided to make this blog. Probably because my history teacher is huge into this kind of thing, and it does seem an effective way to aggregate my thoughts. Goodness knows I'm terrible at keeping journals.
40 hours of community service? check
History research paper draft? check
Summer program essays? err... got a few done
After school science program curriculum? I emailed a lady...
Reading:
The Fountainhead? 100 pages
Kant's Groundwork on the Metaphysic of Morals? halfway
Descartes' Discourse on Method? ....
Junior year is insane. Though I do feel bad for the people who have yet to take the ACT and SAT (I'm done!!). Plus, I did get to go to a tea party yesterday.
I have no idea why I decided to make this blog. Probably because my history teacher is huge into this kind of thing, and it does seem an effective way to aggregate my thoughts. Goodness knows I'm terrible at keeping journals.
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