I've graduated from [[Haverford High School|high school]]! ([http://www.flickr.com/photos/theplaz/sets/72157619434958955/ pictures on flickr]) It has not really sunk in yet; it just feels like a normal summer vacation. I am sad to be leaving my friends behind. In addition, I tried out to give the commencement speech, but Chris Denny won. You can [[:Image:Graduation Speech.doc|read my speech online]].
Our Senior Prank was regarded as the best ever. Even the Principal joined in. [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VPl5d6K7c8 Watch the YouTube video]
Up until the last minute, I was involved with [[Haverford High School]]. With 3 other students, I wrote a [http://docs.google.com/View?docid=ah57cjpv95pz_2d5dbb7ch new technology policy draft] and presented it to the superintendent. I have an opinion/editorial in the school newspaper, The Fordian. I hear that the school is using my policy as a base for changes next year, and that they are currently planning a 3-month test period. Plans, however, are not finalized. The best part, however, was to [[On Activism|pass on a tradition of activism]] to the 3 other students. I am also staying in touch on the new TV studio.
I did my Senior Project on [[:Image:Senior Project.doc|Electronic Voting Machine Insecurity]]. Check out the very extensive 26-page paper and the [[:Image:Electronic Voting Machine Insecurity.ppt|PowerPoint presentation]]. I covered this topic from almost every angle and found that constant vigilance is needed to protect this fragile system.
All of the OneNote Notebooks from [[12th Grade]] are now online. Unfortunately, they only works in Internet Explorer and Opera, because of the method I use. (Come on Microsoft!)
I got a new desktop! My old desktop, an [http://www.flickr.com/photos/theplaz/3588140890/in/set-72157619121772802/ Inspiron 600m] from [[8th Grade]] was no longer able to chug through Facebook JavaScript. In addition, because I will be going away soon, I needed my own high powered desktop to be able to edit HD video and manage all of my files. I purchased a new [http://www.flickr.com/photos/theplaz/sets/72157619121772802/ Dell Inspiron 537 desktop]. It has an Intel Q9400 2.66GHz Quad-Core processor and 4GB of RAM. I bought 2 20" Dell displays and a dual DVI ATI graphics card to handle them. I installed Windows 7 RC 64-bit. It was all about $1000, and well worth it! [http://www.flickr.com/photos/theplaz/sets/72157619121772802/ Pictures on Flickr].
Next year, I will be at [http://mit.edu MIT]! ''([[Why MIT]])'' I've already signed up for the housing lottery, taken an essay placement test, and put down 5 options for an advising seminar. I most want to get into [http://student.mit.edu/cgi-data/fas/Freshman_Advising_Seminars_A-J.html#6_A53 6.A53 Entrepreneurship and China] since you learn about global entrepreneurship and get to take a 1 month trip to China for $1000. I am also interested in [http://student.mit.edu/cgi-data/fas/Freshman_Advising_Seminars_K-Z.html#6_A54 learning more about the electric grid (6.A54)], [http://student.mit.edu/cgi-data/fas/Freshman_Advising_Seminars_K-Z.html#15_A03 operations research (15.A03)], and [http://student.mit.edu/cgi-data/fas/Freshman_Advising_Seminars_A-J.html#MAS_A19 designing consumer electronics at the Media Lab (MAS.A19)]. Finally, I may get the opportunity to have Walter Bender, the director of the OLPC UI "Sugar", as my adviser in [http://student.mit.edu/cgi-data/fas/Freshman_Advising_Seminars_A-J.html#MAS_A12 Games, Puzzlers, and Other Things to Think With (MAS.A12)].
Remember, I am on [http://theweeklyspin.com The Weekly Spin] where my friends and I talk about the most interesting technology stories each week. [http://theweeklyspin.com/feed Subscribe to the weekly audio]
I will be going to New York City tomorrow, look for (geotagged) pictures! Meanwhile, look for pictures from [http://www.flickr.com/photos/theplaz/sets/72157618295521515/ Dorney Park], and [http://www.flickr.com/photos/theplaz/sets/72157618778975428/ my families' Prius taken apart] to clean.
Lastly, I am planning on redesigning the CSS drop down menu for ThePlaz.com. It was one of the first things I coded 4 years ago. It works on some browsers, but breaks on others. I can do better.
-[[User:ThePlaz|ThePlaz]] 22:04, 9 June 2009 (EDT)
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