The Hub

30August2010

Poll: Worst Color(s) You Can Dye Your Hair. Ever.

Posted by andrew01pd2015 under: Uncategorized.

It might happen.

26August2010

Science News Analysis: Oil Spills Killed?

Posted by andrew01pd2015 under: Mr. Saich.

Article Information

Article: http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/62530/title/Deep-sea_oil_plume_goes_missing
Source: http://www.sciencenews.org/
Author: Janet Raloff
Date of Publication: August 24, 2010

Article Synopsis and Personal Reflections

One year ago, the Gulf of Mexico was in splendid form. The body of water was a beachside paradise: it featured a long history, a thriving stock of marine life, and an even more abundant number of decades-old fishing industries. Miles upon miles of uncontaminated seawater stretched as far as one’s eye could see.

On April 20, 2010, this fisherman’s haven was greatly stricken. Following the explosion of one otherwise inconspicuous oil drilling rig, gasoline began to spill out at dizzying rates in the Gulf of Mexico. In a matter of days, the site’s entire ecosystem was maimed, eleven million gallons of petrol reportedly immersed the Gulf in a cloud of haze, and the Deepwater Horizon oil spill was born. Dubbed the largest marine oil spill in history, the effects of the Deepwater Horizon spill continue to linger today, months after its occurrence. Numerous deep-sea oil plumes have emerged due to this man-made disaster, which may continue spewing gasoline for years to come.

However, a recent scientific discovery sheds hope on this calamitous event.

In the eyes of microbial researcher Terry Hazen, the deep-sea oil plumes that populate the Gulf of Mexico may disperse far more rapidly than originally hypothesized. According to an article in Science, Hazen has identified the presence of an unknown microorganism in certain deep-sea plumes. These colonies of “mystery microbes” have succeeded in devouring entire oil plumes in the span of two or three weeks. Similarly, other scientists in Hazen’s field have met with near-identical findings: during a lab experiment, it was noted that tanks of petroleum only last three to eighteen days before being fully consumed by these plume microbes.

Undoubtedly, Terry Hazen’s conclusions have been met with a fair dose of controversy. Researchers who are skeptical in this area have commented that the bacteria may only be devouring certain particles, that scientific probes may be gathering imprecise information, and that the entire claim is-quite simply- “too good to be true.” Additionally, numerous other deep-sea oil plumes plaguing the Gulf of Mexico continue to belch oil into the waters.

Personally, if Terry’s findings are correct, humankind may be on the verge of something quite revolutionary. If the “mystery microbes” could be harnessed in large numbers and utilized correctly, oil spills could well be a thing of the past. In gathering large populations of this bacteria, human lives would be saved, animals would escape being mired in petroleum, and the global economy would easily grow in structure and stability. In time, these miniscule creatures would stem one of the largest issues facing our world today.

Questions:

1. What instruments did Terry Hazen use to gauge the effects of the plume microbe on gasoline?
2. Are there other microbes present in our world which are proficient in consuming petroleum?
3. If it does not play any role in consuming oil, what are the functions of this newly-discovered species of bacteria?

Vocabulary:

Geochemist- one who studies the chemical composition of the earth, in addition to its rocks and minerals

Vestigial- a small remnant of something that was, at one time, far larger and conspicuous

Alkane- a thoroughly soaked (saturated) hydrocarbon

Biodegradation- the decomposition of something by bacteria or other living organisms

Microbe- a microorganism or bacteria

http://news.sciencemag.org/sciencenow/assets/2010/04/18/sn-microbecensus-slideshow/images/1.jpg

25August2010

Español Introducción

Posted by andrew01pd2015 under: Uncategorized.

22August2010

Welcome Back (Again)

Posted by andrew01pd2015 under: Uncategorized.

Well viewers, another year’s kicking in, and I’ve got some news for you.

Last year, I never really used my blog, aside from posting Humanities Journals, Science Reflections, etc. Admittedly, I had a few ideas in mind when the year opened, but got lazy on the follow-through. This being my final year here, I’m gonna amp things up a bit.

I’ll still be posting my homework assignments and whatnot up here on the blog, but I’ll also be posting some casual things here as well. Rest assured, everything here will be school appropriate, if slightly irrelevant to what we’re learning.

The ink is dry. Let’s make this year something special.

8June2010

What I’ve Gathered From Science This Year

Posted by andrew01pd2015 under: Uncategorized.

As I progress through my life at school, it seems a larger and larger emphasis is placed on one individual class: Science. It was not until sixth grade that I had a mandatory Science class, and-even then- I only managed to extract small details about the mechanics of life, physics, and other phenomenons. Undoubtedly, Science this year stood as a far more complex, intricate course, and I gathered a great amount of knowledge from it. Below are three of the most prominent science skills that I have absorbed this year:

1. Firstly, I learned how to type up an actual, legitimate lab report. We spent a considerable deal of time learning the sections that comprise this paper, and composed several of these works throughout the year.

2. I learned how to use instruments of science, including the beaker, ruler, and weight scale. Moreover, Mrs. McDaid told us how to identify error within certain tools.

3. Lastly, I learned how to work cooperatively with my peers through Science class. Oftentimes, students were assigned a task that required a group of many people to work together, and I learned not only how to brainstorm with others, but how to lead a team so as to ensure an optimal end product.

1June2010

A Day In the Life…

Posted by andrew01pd2015 under: Art- Maddock; Uncategorized.

The most important things in life aren’t things. This past quarter in Art, we’ve been delving into our values as living entities, pin-pointing six aspects of life that we value above all others, and transforming them into three-dimensional figures. We then proceeded to combine these symbols into one individual sculpture, spray-painted them in a certain fashion, and pasted personally significant words onto the piece. Although the Window to the Soul 3D may appear as a relatively simple venture in comparison to previous projects, it actually proved exceptionally straining and mind-numbing. In my eyes, my finished product is a clear-cut representation of my life principles, a single beacon that captures the essence of my very spirit. In working on this project, I realized the near-worthlessness of material items, and found that my life truly revolves around “things that aren’t things.” In re-assessing my love of companionship and joy, I feel this assignment has enlightened and taught me a great many things. Art is the language of life. I welcome you to step into the wonderful realm of my soul.

1June2010

Tips and Tricks: Artist Statement

Posted by andrew01pd2015 under: Art- Maddock.

QUESTIONS:

1. What is an artist’s statement?

In a nutshell, an artist’s statement is a written piece that provides insight into an individual’s work. It should be easy-to-read, and provide background on the artist’s thoughts, visions, and world.

2. What is the purpose of an artist’s statement?

An artist’s statement sheds light on an artist’s work and personal interpretations. Moreover, the artist may unravel more about himself in composing this evaluation.

3. How long should the artist’s statement be?

Although the proper length of an artist’s statement has been long debated, anything from one hundred words to an entire page of text is considered the norm of such reflections.

4. Who will be the intended audience of your artist’s statement?

My intended audience will most likely be Mr. Maddock, in addition to a certain amount of student around my age. Nonetheless, anyone in the world is free to read and enjoy my thoughts on the sculpture.

5. What are five strategies artists can use to begin the process of writing an artist’s statement?

Among other tactics, an individual should consider drafting with his favorite writing materials, lug around a notebook so as to jot down words down when inspiration strikes, and indulge in constant five-minute free-writing sessions. Additionally, you may refer to a dictionary for a well-versed statement, and skim through quote databases for a final product that truly engages and amuses.

6. What is the best way for you to start your Window to the Soul Sculpture artist’s statement?

I’ll most likely begin my Window to the Soul Sculpture artist’s statement with something witty. A quote will probably suffice, so long as a fifty-word introductory sentence can be avoided.

4May2010

You’ve Been Photoshopped!

Posted by andrew01pd2015 under: Uncategorized.

Photo: Tiger In White

Before:

Composition Guidelines: Positive and Negative Space

After:Photoshop Methods: Cropping, Brightness and Contrast, Black and White, Color Balancing

Photo: Sleeping Wolf

Before:

Composition Guidelines: Perspective

After:

Photoshop Methods: Cropping, Brightness and Contrast, Black and White, Color Balancing

Photo: White Fox

Before:Composition Guidelines: Rule of Thirds

After:

Photoshop Methods: Cropping, Brightness and Contrast, Color Balancing

Photo: Lemur Fever

Before:

Composition Guidelines: Pattern

After:

Photoshop Methods: Cropping, Brightness and Contrast, Color Balancing

11April2010

E-Journal: Attack of the Machines

Posted by andrew01pd2015 under: Uncategorized.

It’s been over three years since the machines took over, and the world remains ravaged and broken. Humankind itself has also assumed a bleary and dispirited complexion, its population diminishing exponentially. Indeed, it grieves me immensely that mankind has brought unto itself such calamity, and that the peoples of a once-great time have regressed into such a pitiable and faith-deprived species.

No one could have believed that, during the final decade of the twenty-third century, a squad of American military researchers had wrought a chemical of inconceivable power. Indeed, while much of the world was idling about, busying itself with the most trivial of pursuits, a team of intellects had developed the so-called “cornerstone of great change:” a liquid substance with the atomic number 777, credited with the incredulous ability to restore life itself into all things.

This extraordinary secret soon met the attention of the media, and the concoction soon garnered household acclaim as “Liquid Life” and “Chemical X.” In actuality nonetheless, the chemical was dubbed Ragnarium, and was promptly commissioned for real-world application.

For a time, Ragnarium heralded a glorious time for humankind, granting everlasting life and freeing man from the sins of Adam and Eve. War became altogether senseless, and the world enjoyed a considerable length of unperturbed peace and tranquility. Moreover, the creators of this elixir, Steve Landon, Bill Dufresne, Andy Lolo, and Vito Martin, were lauded endlessly for crafting so invaluable a material.

In time, Landon and Dufresne became corrupt, lusting all the more for wealth and global renown. Thus, they called on Andy Lolo and Vito Martin to help them in another venture: the formation of a machine that would bring drawings to life. With the incorporation of this new contraption, Landon and Dufresne claimed, the world would finally appreciate the full-fledged beauty of art.

It is worth describing the four inventors of Ragnarium, as this group of personalities was peculiar indeed. The group, though consisting of so few individuals, can be divided into two factions. The first of these was composed of Steve Landon and Bill Dufresne, both former Marines who excelled in terms of mathematics and engineering. These two men appeared as very respectable people on the surface, yet were actually consumed by greed and lust, each constantly seeking new methods to greater expand his authority.

The other pair of scientists, Andy Lolo and Vito Martin, were considerably more upright than their counterparts. Andy, in particular, was an individual many marveled. Previously serving as a simpleton field medic, the Hawaiian was drafted off the military after his profound knowledge and singular love of learning was unearthed. Being a pious and steadfast Lutheran, Andy was never lacking in terms of generosity, donating much of his grants to charities. In spite of this, Andy Lolo was a mute, and therefore relied on his astoundingly-developed literature to communicate.

Vito Martin was Andy’s best friend, oftentimes watching the Hawaiian sunset with his buddy. Vito was very much like Andy, also possessing a seemingly-unrivalled level of intelligence. He was also a man of high virtue, yet was a frequent victim of peer pressure, being characteristically meek. Vito was frequently manipulated, and suffered a substantial amount of pain due to this quality.

After five years of grueling and mind-numbing innovation, the four professors managed to fabricate Optoma Prime, a Ragnarium-infused projector that would allow any projected image to become animate. Pleased considerably with this invention, Landon and Dufresne then- unbeknownst to their other two co-workers- proceeded to construct the DEFILER chip, which would allow them to possess dominion over all items that went through Optoma Prime.

It was another year before Andy and Vito learned of the DEFILER chip’s existence, and organized a meeting with Steve and Bill, so as to address their disapproval of this add-on. Lolo, being highly steadfast in his understanding of justice, frowned upon his sinister co-workers. Vito shared this view, yet greatly feared Landon and Dufresne as individuals.

The day of the confrontation arrived, wherein all four of the professors congregated in a local Burger King. Andy promptly communicated his disgust of the chip, writing a paper addressing his distaste of the two corrupt scientists, and how he would obliterate the DEFILER were he ever presented with such a chance to do so. Vito remained silent for the majority of the meal, sipping his soda and unable to muster enough strength to defy his nefarious colleagues.

A week following the meeting, Andy was assassinated, found dead in his home in Honolulu. In the days that ensued, Vito rifled and sifted through the entire laboratory, seeking to find a trace of Optoma Prime or the chip. Ultimately nonetheless, an empty-handed and disheveled Vito fled to Lima, fearing for his own life. There he secluded himself for months, sorrowfully awaiting the calamity that would soon inflict humankind. Indeed, prior to escaping, Vito had discovered that Optoma Prime was a living entity. The incorporation of the DEFILER chip would debase the projector, allowing it to create mechanical abominations for its own purposes.

Vito’s predictions soon became ruinous reality, and the altered Optoma Prime served as a rift of destruction, allowing mechanical beasts to infiltrate our world. These monstrosities whittled down billions of humans, invincible due to the sheer quantity of Ragnarium that flowed through their mechanical veins.

In such a fashion have we arrived to the present-day. I am Vito Martin, now little more than a gray-haired shadow of my former self. In spite of this, I stand as the founder of FLAW, a group of human insurgents dedicated to ensuring the continuation of mankind. We have developed bullets of Ultimanium, the only substance capable of killing the Machines. Yet I take the greatest pride in my most recently-completed masterpiece: a time machine that may allow us to completely re-write history and save humanity. By Friday, I hope to warp a group of armed mercenaries to the past, in a last-ditch effort to discuss matters with the Landon and Dufresne of a time long gone. I hope that this means of intervention will give them a change of mind. I hope that this campaign will save the lives of billions, including Andy’s. I hope that, in another plane of existence, man will acknowledge the full depths of his vanity, and repent.

I hope that, one day, I may again watch the brilliant Hawaiian sunset, with the illustrious Andy Lolo at my side.

7April2010

Who’s That Handsome Devil?

Posted by andrew01pd2015 under: Art- Maddock; SLC; Uncategorized.

Life’s Like A Bottle Of Pills

Looks can be deceiving. On the surface, the above piece looks little more than a commonplace water color. In reality nonetheless, this project- the outcome of my third quarter in art class this year- stands as the finished product of my Window to the Soul: an artistic walk into my own personality.

Undoubtedly, this undertaking was more strenuous and long-term than any other project we’ve been assigned with this year. A number of precautions and planning is infused within this one piece, as I first had to select six items that somehow reflected my personality before doing any actual hands-on work. After selecting these traits, I then had to symbolize them artistically, sketching a innovative representation for each. I then proceeded to practice drawing my self-portrait, using a variety of colorful methods. Finally, with the pre-figuring segment of the project done, I got to work on my piece: first devoting a fair bit of time drawing my reflection on a large sheet of water color paper, then adding my symbols and painting everything in. Prior to using water colors, Mr. Maddock gave us all a little tutorial into color scheme, which I personally believe enriched the overall presentability of my work.

I strived to make my six symbols the focal points of the entire composition, specially designing simple-to-comprehend emblems to signify each patch of my personality. Evidently, my chosen items are a dollar bill, a literal “friend ship,” a DVD, a video game controller, in addition to a succulent depiction of a burger. The dollar bill represents my fond love of money, the ship my steadfast appreciation of my buddies, the DVD disc shows my love of the cinematic world, the video game controller screams of my devotion as a “gamer,” and the burger obviously tells of the infinite delight found within Burger King. My father’s name (Ed) is emblazoned boldly on my DVD, as he is also a die-hard  cinephile.

The “Window to the Soul” assignment was nothing sort of surreal. While the planning portion of the project was rather strenuous, I loved using the water colors. Although I’m no artistic genius, I believe that there is infinite potential bound within this particular medium. Blending with watercolors is quite an invigorating experience, but I especially love how you can get an entire monochromatic scale of one color… based completely on how much water you decide to use. The incorporation of water colors within this project definitely proved to be an enjoyable element.

Undoubtedly, the most difficult portion of this assignment was drawing my face on the final sheet of paper. Prior to actually working on the project, we only practiced sketching our portraits on small, A4 sized paged. The sheets we used to compose our final works on were considerably larger, and it therefore required a lot of skill, thinking, and effort to recreate my self-portrait on a larger surface. In spite of this, I used my strongly-developed sense of proportion to draw my face, and am well content with the outcome of my efforts.

Were I bestowed with a chance to further enhance my project, I’d probably give the background a little touch-up. In addition to blending more noticeably, I’d also strive to fill in some of the more evident streaks of white that plague my “rainbow’s” brilliance. That being said, there are a spectrum of things I like about this composition as well, such as its vitamin-bottle structure. Here’s to another job well done!