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Matt's LiveJournal
01 December 2008 @ 05:34 pm
02 September 2008 @ 06:19 pm
First day back to Niagara College!
and man is my head killing me! :P
So the day started off kind of sucky, 1. I didn't get much sleep and 2. my alarm clock desided to stop working yesterday. Fortunately my cell phone can also be used as an alarm, so I was up and bleary eyed by 7:00am -ish. Mind you, I thought I set it for 8.
Promptly at 8:47am, Blair and I head off to the college to beat the lineups, only to discover that the lines had already started before anything even opened. So we wait, and we wait, and we wait, at our first stop of the day, for nearly an hour, to get our new photo ID cards. And once we finally get there "Oh, you don't need a new card, you just use last years again *". Jee, thanks for the letting us know!
Fortunately, during our wait, our inside person (ie. a classmate who just happens to be working the first year handouts) spotted us in line and hands us some goody bags, condoms and gum. (All of which is ment for first year students only).
Our next stop was for lockers, in the hallway where are labs are generally located. Only to find that all the full sized lockers there are reserved for art student. No problem we say, and head on over to the next wing, only to find there that all full sized lockers there have been replaced with half-sized lockers. Boo. So back to the first wing again, where we find one unreserved locker and stealthily moved the notice on another to give us some space.
Note: All the while we had been running into a few classmates and chatting.
Next came the textbooks, which took a nice chunk out of my bankaccount. At least they're light weight this year.
Finally, all the important stuff had been completed. So now it's time for free food. Which isn't available for another hour.... "But I'm hungery now! :("
So we wait again, chatting, talking, etc. Then go outside to look at the free stuff, followed by standing in line for food.
By the time we realized how fast the food lineup was, it was all the way to the tents on the other side. So we waited again! :(
Eventually I received one mediocer hamburger and a ginger ale.
After a bit more chatting, we went home, I gave Blair his desk back and I jumped in the pool.
Overall, not too bad a start. :)
and man is my head killing me! :P
So the day started off kind of sucky, 1. I didn't get much sleep and 2. my alarm clock desided to stop working yesterday. Fortunately my cell phone can also be used as an alarm, so I was up and bleary eyed by 7:00am -ish. Mind you, I thought I set it for 8.
Promptly at 8:47am, Blair and I head off to the college to beat the lineups, only to discover that the lines had already started before anything even opened. So we wait, and we wait, and we wait, at our first stop of the day, for nearly an hour, to get our new photo ID cards. And once we finally get there "Oh, you don't need a new card, you just use last years again *". Jee, thanks for the letting us know!
Fortunately, during our wait, our inside person (ie. a classmate who just happens to be working the first year handouts) spotted us in line and hands us some goody bags, condoms and gum. (All of which is ment for first year students only).
Our next stop was for lockers, in the hallway where are labs are generally located. Only to find that all the full sized lockers there are reserved for art student. No problem we say, and head on over to the next wing, only to find there that all full sized lockers there have been replaced with half-sized lockers. Boo. So back to the first wing again, where we find one unreserved locker and stealthily moved the notice on another to give us some space.
Note: All the while we had been running into a few classmates and chatting.
Next came the textbooks, which took a nice chunk out of my bankaccount. At least they're light weight this year.
Finally, all the important stuff had been completed. So now it's time for free food. Which isn't available for another hour.... "But I'm hungery now! :("
So we wait again, chatting, talking, etc. Then go outside to look at the free stuff, followed by standing in line for food.
By the time we realized how fast the food lineup was, it was all the way to the tents on the other side. So we waited again! :(
Eventually I received one mediocer hamburger and a ginger ale.
After a bit more chatting, we went home, I gave Blair his desk back and I jumped in the pool.
Overall, not too bad a start. :)
10 August 2008 @ 08:45 pm
It is almost time for me to head back off to school again, but before I can start a new semester I need to pick an elective to fill my timetable. So I am looking for some ideas on which one of the following electives to pick. Any suggestions?
Psyc.,Developmental
Hist.of Nia. Penin.
Da Vinci Code Mysteries
Canadian Studies
Nutrition:Choices
Philosophy of Science
Social Deviance
Multiculturalism and Diversity
Psyc.,Developmental
This course offers the student a survey of the literature on human development, covering topics across the human lifespan, from conception to death. Through readings and lecture material, students will examine theories of child development and the research that bears on these theories. Students will also examine development across the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive domains. Finally, students will address basic themes in the study of developmental psychology, including: the nature-nurture issue; the special role of early experience; and continuity -- discontinuity in developmental change.
Hist.of Nia. Penin.
From Dinosaurs to glaciers, saints to buccaneers, spies to international wars, Niagara has experienced it all. Let us examine, through our own unique Internet web-site, the history and development of one of the most exciting and little-known regional pasts in Canada. In addition to exploring the events which have given us the present and discovering the unknown mysteries of Niagara, learn how to research on the Internet, create web pages, e-mail and conference on the net, and contribute your own research to our growing internet site.
Da Vinci Code Mysteries
Dan Brown’s book The Da Vinci Code has sparked historical, philosophic, religious and conspiracy theories on many levels. We will be examining some of these controversies to try and discover why so many are passionate about the possibilities suggested in the book and what the implications might be if there is truth to the suggestions. This is a totally online course and will require internet connectivity which is available in the college labs or which most students have themselves.
Canadian Studies
This course develops a better understanding of Canada and its regions through a multi-disciplinary approach that combines methodologies from history, geography (physical and human), cultural studies and political science. Theories of region are linked to historical and current experiences to gain insight into the political, social and economic issues surrounding the interactions of Canada's regions. Political regions (provinces and territories), cultural regions, economic regions, aboriginal regions, and urban/rural regions are some of the units that will be explored.
Nutrition:Choices
Students will study how food is used by the different body systems and how health is affected when certain food elements are either deficient or in excess in a person's diet. The course will examine the impact of healthy eating on disease prevention and explore the mysteries of energy production, obesity and eating disorders. Popular trends such as The Mediterranean Diet, vegetarianism, the use of supplements and DNA altered foods will be evaluated. Students will also look at the world wide impact of issues such as global hunger, poverty and overpopulation. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to analyze their own dietary habits to make changes that significantly improve their personal health and well-being.
Philosophy of Science
This course examines concepts and language used in science. By exploring selected theory and application in the fields of biology, chemistry and physics, students will better understand the ‘science’ behind many of the issues emerging in the natural world today.
Social Deviance
In this course you will learn about the many facets that surround the notions of being deviant. At the end of this course, you will be able to make that important connection between theory and reality and you will come to see that deviance is not simply about marginal people and odd behaviours. Studying how deviance is defined and how people react to it tells us about how our society is organized—how power, privilege and resources are distributed as well as how social order is achieved.
Multiculturalism and Diversity
Participation in this course will provide students with the fundamental theories and principles that are required to understand the elements of diversity as they pertain to Canada's past and present policies and perspectives on multiculturalism. Official multiculturalism is used as a basis for describing the relationships among the diverse groups that are part of Canada. Students will examine the various forms of stereotyping, prejudice, discrimination and racism as they relate to the division of cultures and classes in society. By learning to identify, develop, and apply the key cross-cultural communications skills and intercultural competencies that are required in Canada today, students in the course will develop the essential tools that will enable them to effectively interact with various cultures in today's diverse society.
05 August 2008 @ 03:17 pm
I think I have finally decided on which cell phone I am going to buy. Of course, I say that every week and each time it is a different selection, and this week is no exception.
This time, I have decided to forgo the PSP in exchange for a more midrange walkman phone and get a separate digital camera as well.
Here is what I am looking at:
- Sony Ericssion W580i Cell Phone [link]
- Sony Cyber-shot DSCW110B Digital Camera [link]
The choice of the W580i cell phone is not without some irony, as it was the very first cell phone I was looking at a few months back (talk about going around in circles, or ending up where you started!). It is a bit on the pricey side, true, at $299, but it boasts long battery life, good media playback, a pedometer, and I know this phone will receive two bars in my basement apartment, as I once brought over a friend who had it. (As opposed to the W300i my roommate had, and he was always running outside to make and receive calls)
The camera, on the other hand, is more of an unnecessary luxury purchase. In part, it is to make up for the lack of a good camera on the W580i, but also to finally update my 2002 2.0MP Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P31 digital camera. Which by today's standards is an electronic brick.
Of course, I'll also need to purchase memory sticks for both of them as well (and, go figure, they both take different kinds, darn!).
But that's the plan this week. What do you guys think?
01 August 2008 @ 05:59 pm
Why does it always have to be so complicated?? All I wanted to do was to buy myself a new cell phone, but do you think it would be as simple as it used to be, where I could just pick the phone I liked the look of? Nope! Now, because of the new trends in cell phones, I have to consider all the extras that come with it too. Today's cell phones offer cameras, media players, and more in addition to the usual phone.
After a couple of weeks of searching and researching I think I finally found the cell phone I like. However, yes there is yet another problem. You see these silly things aren't cheep. In fact for the price of the phone I want, I could buy a cheaper cell phone, a new digital camera, and a PSP. Now I'm stuck between these two choices and need some more opinions.
Here's the rundown:
Option 1:
Sony Ericsson K850i ($470) [link]
Option 2:
Sony Ericsson W200a ($100) [link]
Cyber-shot DSCS730 ($140) [link]
PSP ($170) [link]
Option 1 offers a cell phone, a 5.0 MP Camera, an FM Radio, an MP3 player and a video player at 240x320 all rolled into one, and an all-in-one device is very tempting for its portability. On the other hand, Option 2 offers a cell phone, a 7.2 MP Camera with 3x optical zoom, an MP3 player, a video player at 480x272, games and WiFi. To me, option 2 offers more per dollar value, more potential for fun, probably better battery life, easier replacements, and leaves me less "anchored" to the cell phone company. The only downside is that I would be carrying three devices instead of one.
None the less though, I find myself leaning towards option 2.
But I want to hear what you think too, so what say you?
23 June 2008 @ 10:15 am
Happy Birthday To Me!!
I live in a tree,
I... no wait, that's not right.
Today's my Birthday, Yay!
So, what did you all get me?
20 June 2008 @ 03:08 pm
- A new bicycle
- A new mouse and keyboard
- A hard drive enclosure for my old hard drives
- The Wacom Medium Bamboo Fun Tablet Black [link]*
- A new DVD/CD-ROM Drive **
* While my current tablet works just fine, I feel like upgrading to a bigger one. Also, I want the copy of Adobe Photoshop Elements 5 (or 6) that comes with it, as my copy of Elements 2 is not Vista compatible. (5 is compatible after being patched and 6 is compatible on it's own).
** The DVD/CD burning software that came with my old/current drive is not vista compatible, and for the price of new software I can just buy a new drive and get the software that comes with it... I think.
16 June 2008 @ 02:12 pm
I don't get it! How come I can get a 95% average in college, but I can't get a single summer job. No matter how many resumes I've handed out, no one is calling back. What the heck am I doing wrong?!?
22 May 2008 @ 11:25 pm
My mission, to build myself a new computer. To make a faster, stronger, and more powerful pc then ever before, at least for me.
Over the last year, I bought the following new stuff:
Now all that's left is to replace the aging motherboard and, of course, all the parts that go with it.
Keeping a max budget of $1,200 in mind, I've picked out, but not yet bought, the following new parts:
After an exhausting amount of research I find myself still struggling to settle on a particular motherboard. The Asus Maximus Formula, listed above, is so far my top fav.
Once this new creation of mine is complete, I want to install Microsoft Vista Business on it. Then if all goes well, and since I'm under my set budget, I'm thinking of buying additional 2GB of RAM and a fast 4GB USB Flash Drive to dedicate to Vista's ReadyBoost option (a speed enhancement trick).
I'm actually looking forward to seeing how this turns out. I feel it's going to be better then my current computer, no matter what. But seeing as to how I'm new to the whole "Build your own pc" crowed, if anyone wants to offer some words of wisdom or even suggest possibly better parts, feel free.
Cheers!
Update: 2008-05-23
Getting in to the sprite of things, as well as a little ahead of myself, I just purchased both Portal [link] and Unreal Tournament 3 - Collectors Edition [link]. They are to be played on the new PC once finished.
Update: 2008-05-24
As was suggested, I decided to change to a faster RAM. Also, for the time being, I'm thinking of going straight to 4GB of RAM rather then starting at 2GB because today I'm a little power hungry. As such the chart above has been updated to reflect these changes.
Over the last year, I bought the following new stuff:
| Name | Links |
| Samsung SynceMaster 206BW 22" Widescreen Monitor | [link] |
| Logitech X-230 2.1 Speakers | [link] |
| NZXT Hush Tower/Case | [link] |
| Enermax Liberty 500W Power Supply | [link] |
| WD My Book - Home Edition External Backup Harddrive | [link] |
Now all that's left is to replace the aging motherboard and, of course, all the parts that go with it.
Keeping a max budget of $1,200 in mind, I've picked out, but not yet bought, the following new parts:
| Name | Price | Links |
| Asus Maximus Formula | $254.99 | [link] |
| Kingston ValueRAM 2GB DDR2-1066 (Kit of 2) (x2) | $179.98 | [link] |
| Intel Core 2 Quad Q6700 | $299.99 | [link] |
| EVGA e-GeForce 8800GT Superclocked 512MB | $239.99 | [link] |
| Western Digital Caviar 250GB SATAII (x2) | $117.98 | [link] |
| Total: | $1,092.93 |
After an exhausting amount of research I find myself still struggling to settle on a particular motherboard. The Asus Maximus Formula, listed above, is so far my top fav.
Once this new creation of mine is complete, I want to install Microsoft Vista Business on it. Then if all goes well, and since I'm under my set budget, I'm thinking of buying additional 2GB of RAM and a fast 4GB USB Flash Drive to dedicate to Vista's ReadyBoost option (a speed enhancement trick).
I'm actually looking forward to seeing how this turns out. I feel it's going to be better then my current computer, no matter what. But seeing as to how I'm new to the whole "Build your own pc" crowed, if anyone wants to offer some words of wisdom or even suggest possibly better parts, feel free.
Cheers!
Update: 2008-05-23
Getting in to the sprite of things, as well as a little ahead of myself, I just purchased both Portal [link] and Unreal Tournament 3 - Collectors Edition [link]. They are to be played on the new PC once finished.
Update: 2008-05-24
As was suggested, I decided to change to a faster RAM. Also, for the time being, I'm thinking of going straight to 4GB of RAM rather then starting at 2GB because today I'm a little power hungry. As such the chart above has been updated to reflect these changes.
Current Mood: happy
13 April 2008 @ 12:43 pm
Home sick today with I-don't-know-what.
Which sucks, because I have two tests and an assignment for Monday.
Which sucks, because I have two tests and an assignment for Monday.
Current Mood: blah
03 April 2008 @ 07:06 pm
There's nothing quite as entertaining as when a person asks "Who got the highest mark?" and everyone else in the room points at you.
That made me smile :)
That made me smile :)
Current Mood: happy
14 March 2008 @ 02:49 pm
01 February 2008 @ 08:51 am
Woo Hoo! Snow Day! The college is closed and all classes are canceled! Of course I had the luck of not finding out until I was already on my way, as I learned it from the bus driver, oh well. So I went all the way there, chatted with a classmate, then came home. At least now I don't have to worry about report and quiz that were due today, yay! Too bad I didn't make it back in time to warn my roommate though. Poor guy, he'll probably walk all the way there before he finds out.
So what am I going to do with my new extended weekend? Well first I'm going to catch up on some sleep since I was up at 6 am finishing that report. Then I'm going to do some homework. Next, if the weather has improves, I may do some groceries. Then, after all that, I'm going to play!
So what am I going to do with my new extended weekend? Well first I'm going to catch up on some sleep since I was up at 6 am finishing that report. Then I'm going to do some homework. Next, if the weather has improves, I may do some groceries. Then, after all that, I'm going to play!
Current Mood: happy
06 January 2008 @ 08:03 pm
End of Chapter 1
Your Score:
Optics and Waves - 93%
Comp. Prog. and Appl. - 97%
Hlth. & Safety for Technology - 92%
Writing Strategies - 93%
Future Trends in Adv. Techy - 95%
Mathmatics I - EX
Cumulative Score: 94%
Beginning Chapter 2
Your Score:
Optics and Waves - 93%
Comp. Prog. and Appl. - 97%
Hlth. & Safety for Technology - 92%
Writing Strategies - 93%
Future Trends in Adv. Techy - 95%
Mathmatics I - EX
Cumulative Score: 94%
Beginning Chapter 2
02 January 2008 @ 03:35 pm
Woo Hoo!
I'm now up to 1 GB of RAM!
Thanks Tim for the "Christmas present"!
I'm now up to 1 GB of RAM!
Thanks Tim for the "Christmas present"!
26 December 2007 @ 01:39 pm
25 December 2007 @ 12:55 am
20 November 2007 @ 04:47 pm
How to Conquer the World
An in class essay by Matthew Reitsma
Many of us have thought about, toyed with the idea, and joked about it, but how does one go about conquering the world? It is a simple matter, albeit time consuming, but not difficult. In order to successfully conquer the world, one must first build a large high-powered laser to blast any opposition with, construct a giant robot to mobilize the laser, and lastly, mount an attack, carefully cutting down all who stand in the way.
The first step in conquering the world lies in learning about lasers, designing a large high-powered world-conquering laser, and finally building that laser. In order to construct it, one needs to first learn the basics. Begin by enrolling in a photonics course, such as the one offered at Niagara College. Then, after successfully graduating, take all the knowledge acquired and begin designing one's new world-conquering laser. Of course, to build anything of size, one needs space. Take advantage of a parent's garage, as this should allow for a free, low-profile place to work. Also, take advantage of any nearby junkyards and scavenge for cheap parts. Once all that has been settled, construction of the laser can begin. During construction, be sure to follow any and all safety precautions in order to avoid accidental injuries and/or explosions, as these might draw unwanted attention. Finally, after the laser has been built and tested, a method of mobilizing that laser is required in order to conquer the world.
The next step in conquering the world lies in the construction of a giant combat-ready robot capable of carrying one's laser to victory. To build this all powerful robot, start by hooking up with any friends who have engineering degrees in robotics or, at the very least, enjoy a hobby in robots. Work with these people and first draft out several designs for a variety of possible robots that will be compatible with the laser system. Finalize the design and begin construction, again taking advantage of any garages and junkyards for space and cheap parts. Make sure, while building the robot, to avoid such things as artificial intelligence (AI) as an AI might turn against their creator and hamper one's goal of world conquest. Also, avoid nuclear power as the uranium needed for the nuclear power can be quite troublesome to acquire and is generally bad for one's health. Finally, after successful completion of the giant robot, one can now begin their attack to conquer the world.
The final step in conquering the world lies in the attack strategy. One should always begin by disabling all military installations as theses will be where the majority of any opposition will come from. Also, be sure to minimize casualties as a larger number of fearful people should help encourage a quicker surrender. Go on and continue to cut down all that stand in one's way of world-conquest. Once all opposition has been dealt with, proclaim oneself ruler of the world.
By building a large high-powered laser, by constructing a giant combat-ready robot to mobilize that laser, and by a careful strategic-attack of all that stand in one's way, one can easily conquer the world or any world for that matter. Of course, be sure to minimize any loss of life as there is little use in a conquered world if there is no one left to instill fear into and rule over.
*****
Grade received, 90%.
An in class essay by Matthew Reitsma
Many of us have thought about, toyed with the idea, and joked about it, but how does one go about conquering the world? It is a simple matter, albeit time consuming, but not difficult. In order to successfully conquer the world, one must first build a large high-powered laser to blast any opposition with, construct a giant robot to mobilize the laser, and lastly, mount an attack, carefully cutting down all who stand in the way.
The first step in conquering the world lies in learning about lasers, designing a large high-powered world-conquering laser, and finally building that laser. In order to construct it, one needs to first learn the basics. Begin by enrolling in a photonics course, such as the one offered at Niagara College. Then, after successfully graduating, take all the knowledge acquired and begin designing one's new world-conquering laser. Of course, to build anything of size, one needs space. Take advantage of a parent's garage, as this should allow for a free, low-profile place to work. Also, take advantage of any nearby junkyards and scavenge for cheap parts. Once all that has been settled, construction of the laser can begin. During construction, be sure to follow any and all safety precautions in order to avoid accidental injuries and/or explosions, as these might draw unwanted attention. Finally, after the laser has been built and tested, a method of mobilizing that laser is required in order to conquer the world.
The next step in conquering the world lies in the construction of a giant combat-ready robot capable of carrying one's laser to victory. To build this all powerful robot, start by hooking up with any friends who have engineering degrees in robotics or, at the very least, enjoy a hobby in robots. Work with these people and first draft out several designs for a variety of possible robots that will be compatible with the laser system. Finalize the design and begin construction, again taking advantage of any garages and junkyards for space and cheap parts. Make sure, while building the robot, to avoid such things as artificial intelligence (AI) as an AI might turn against their creator and hamper one's goal of world conquest. Also, avoid nuclear power as the uranium needed for the nuclear power can be quite troublesome to acquire and is generally bad for one's health. Finally, after successful completion of the giant robot, one can now begin their attack to conquer the world.
The final step in conquering the world lies in the attack strategy. One should always begin by disabling all military installations as theses will be where the majority of any opposition will come from. Also, be sure to minimize casualties as a larger number of fearful people should help encourage a quicker surrender. Go on and continue to cut down all that stand in one's way of world-conquest. Once all opposition has been dealt with, proclaim oneself ruler of the world.
By building a large high-powered laser, by constructing a giant combat-ready robot to mobilize that laser, and by a careful strategic-attack of all that stand in one's way, one can easily conquer the world or any world for that matter. Of course, be sure to minimize any loss of life as there is little use in a conquered world if there is no one left to instill fear into and rule over.
*****
Grade received, 90%.
18 November 2007 @ 09:35 pm
I had a pretty good weekend. Didn't get everything I wanted done, in fact I didn't get a lot of things done. But I feel relaxed and ready for another week of school, that has to count for something.
Current Mood: good
15 November 2007 @ 06:23 pm
It's like writer's block in a way. I've been facing a blank page, knowing something has to be written there, but nothing wants to come out, there's no inspiration. Fortunately I was able to find just a little of that much needed inspiration last night and again today, and I was able to finish up most of my lab report. All that's left now is a one page background and to re-read the report. If all goes well, I'll have lab 5 done for tomorrow and lab 6 I will aim to have done for Monday.