First week of school
Blog Topics:
1. Classes
2. Meteorology
3. Textbooks
4. I want to do and learn everything
**********
1. Well, I've had all of my classes so far and I suppose I should go through and talk a little bit about each one.
The first class I had was CS 140, Intro to Programming: Java.
I had heard mixed reviews about the class going in, but after just one introductory class, I was highly fascinated.
Although Ivanov has a strong accent, I had little problem understanding him.
Based on what I've seen from notes/lectures and heard from other students, the class shouldn't be too hard.
I don't have much programming experience, but what we will be expected to do shouldn't be all that bad.
In fact, I was very interested in the possibilities that may lie forward in the future. The research-type project I am doing in Meteorology may be able to be worked into a Java computer program. I could enter in the variables and have it spit out a forecast. I'm not sure if this will be able to be worked into the class as some sort of project or assignment, but it is definitely something I will look into and play around with, even if it cannot be done for credit in the course.
The next class I had was Softball and we really didn't do anything. We met for about five minutes, discovered that we will not be playing softball on the softball field and class starts next week. That means just seven sessions of softball, but I am very excited for those seven classes.
The third class I had was MTR 298, Air Pollution Meteorology and Global (Climate) Change.
This class should be interesting, but I know what to expect from Owino. Based on the first class, the lectures are going to be fairly long and dry, but I don't think it will be quite as difficult as MTR 310 and 311. He even hinted at the prospect that we could all get As, but we'll have to see where it goes.
MTR 330 was the next to last class I experienced and it's really going to take a few weeks to see how things go. The class basically revolves around hands-on forecasting experience. I'm very excited about doing the Weather People online broadcast and perhaps I will also get some other critical forecasting experience from this class. I am hoping to also work the research project, somehow, into this class and my forecasting as well.
The last class I had was ES 110, Physical Geology and I really think I am going to love this class. The professor seems very cool and laid-back; I have only heard good things about him. A lot of the topics we will cover will be of special interest to me, since it relates to the age of the earth, plate techtonics, etc. It all relates back to religion, at least when it comes to old-earth vs. new-earth "theories". We even get to write a paper of interest in any topic related to Physical Geology, and I may try to write that about the age of the earth.
---
2. Meteorology has become a re-enforced interest lately and some new developments and prospects have made me very excited about the upcoming year and beyond.
I guess the main thing I am focusing on right this moment is the research project.
I had toyed with the idea of making some sort of set of forecasting rules based on 850mb temperatures, but to my knowledge, it was already done and didn't really have a chance to be developed into some sort of Senior Research.
However, the more I have thought and worked with ideas, I think I am work this into not only a convincing Senior Research project, but something of signficant interest and development.
I am working with temperatures and climatology to come up with a series of equations to develop a formula/way of estimating surface temperatures based on 850mb temperatures.
850mb temperatures don't vary significantly throughout the day, unlike surface and lower-level temperatures do. They are heavily influenced by storm systems, but are relatively easy to forecast, especially on the short-term.
My hopes is to develop a forecast mechanism that will also me to plug in variables, including 850mb temperature, and come up with fairly accurate surface temperature forecasts.
This research project really has the potential to be very dynamic, including plenty of research, developing matematical formuals, climatology and much more. I will continue to work on ideas and present the plan to my advisor later this month. If it all works out, this will be my Senior Research for the spring and I will be able to graduate with it.
In summary, the procedure I develop will allow me to forecast temperatures without using MOS or other forecast models, that just spit out temperature numbers. Obviously, I will have to make tweaks here and there, especially under special meteorological conditions, but I think this will really get me thinking and hopefully help me become a better forecaster. And even if the idea gets turned down as a Senior Research, I will still most likely continue to persue it.
On another note, the Broadcast Room has finally been developed into an actual Broadcast Room and prospects for the Weather People in the upcoming semesters are quite high.
We have new equipment and many available resources to really allow the department to flourish and to develop more of a name and positive reputation for us.
I think that our possibilities are endless and I really want to get things going to a hurry.
I feel that with my motivation, determination, experience and new apartment so close to the Weather Center, I can really put a lot of time and effort into pushing progress along.
I also have new plans of revamping the graphics we use on the Weather People and a whole lot of other things.
There is so much I could talk about right now, but I will get into more detail later on.
---
3. In the past, I have pretty much bought all of my books from the bookstore and it has been quite expensive.
Luckily, I was able to just buy two of my textbooks on Amazon.com and probably saved over $100.
I got the Computer Science book for about $60, which saved me $28 from the bookstore price.
The Physical Geology book was only $35 online.
The great thing to note is that both books are the latest edition and NEW! I was a bit surprised that I was able to find such copies and reduced prices. In the past, I have tried to find books online for a good idea, but I was generally unsuccessful. To top things off, the prices include expidited shipping, so I should receive the books early next week, just in time for class.
---
4. If you didn't already determine that I want to pretty much do and learn just about everything that I can, the following thoughts may finally convince you.
CS 140 has sparked a refreshed interest in computers and computer programming.
I've always used computers a lot and I have developed simple web pages and other computer-related interfaces in the past.
I feel that this class could actually be enjoyable and benefical to me.
If and when I do work out a series of equations or some sort of way to forecast temperatures, a computer program that I develop may make it easier to derive the final outputs.
Also, I was initially annoyed that the required Computer Science courses will be of limited interest and would have no relevance to Meteorology at all, but it's now appearing that this won't be the case.
As I still have one more semester of classes to go, I am optimistic that I can work one or two additional classes of interest into my schedule, before I finally graduate. I'm really hoping that I can take Astronomy next semester and who knows, perhaps a course in philosophy or religion can be worked in as well.
In addition to wanting to be a forecaster/meteorologist, I want to write, I want to do independent research, I have experience in sales/retail, I have a desire to teach, I love to travel, I want to learn more about science, people, our world, the universe, etc. I could go on and on, but I think it's time to rap things up.
*********
In summary:
I've had all of my classes so far and I am fairly happy about all of them. I don't think any particular class will be difficult and I am already fascinated by each class in one way or another.
Meteorology is becoming a stronger interest of mine and it's branching out from just class and career. I am working on more research in the field and I am excited about where I will go with forecasting in the upcoming months.
I was able to pick up two textbooks online for a pretty great deal and with some luck, perhaps I can also get other required texts online for a bargain. I'm kind of fed up with the student bookstore and this is the first semester I have really been able to save some money by buying online.
I want to learn, explore and do so much in life. College has helped me do that and I want to take advantage of my senior year as much as possible. I have plans of strengthening the Meteorology Department, I am taking/hope to take more classes of interest in the upcoming semesters and I just want to continue to learn more about myself, others and the world around all of us.
Quincy
1. Classes
2. Meteorology
3. Textbooks
4. I want to do and learn everything
**********
1. Well, I've had all of my classes so far and I suppose I should go through and talk a little bit about each one.
The first class I had was CS 140, Intro to Programming: Java.
I had heard mixed reviews about the class going in, but after just one introductory class, I was highly fascinated.
Although Ivanov has a strong accent, I had little problem understanding him.
Based on what I've seen from notes/lectures and heard from other students, the class shouldn't be too hard.
I don't have much programming experience, but what we will be expected to do shouldn't be all that bad.
In fact, I was very interested in the possibilities that may lie forward in the future. The research-type project I am doing in Meteorology may be able to be worked into a Java computer program. I could enter in the variables and have it spit out a forecast. I'm not sure if this will be able to be worked into the class as some sort of project or assignment, but it is definitely something I will look into and play around with, even if it cannot be done for credit in the course.
The next class I had was Softball and we really didn't do anything. We met for about five minutes, discovered that we will not be playing softball on the softball field and class starts next week. That means just seven sessions of softball, but I am very excited for those seven classes.
The third class I had was MTR 298, Air Pollution Meteorology and Global (Climate) Change.
This class should be interesting, but I know what to expect from Owino. Based on the first class, the lectures are going to be fairly long and dry, but I don't think it will be quite as difficult as MTR 310 and 311. He even hinted at the prospect that we could all get As, but we'll have to see where it goes.
MTR 330 was the next to last class I experienced and it's really going to take a few weeks to see how things go. The class basically revolves around hands-on forecasting experience. I'm very excited about doing the Weather People online broadcast and perhaps I will also get some other critical forecasting experience from this class. I am hoping to also work the research project, somehow, into this class and my forecasting as well.
The last class I had was ES 110, Physical Geology and I really think I am going to love this class. The professor seems very cool and laid-back; I have only heard good things about him. A lot of the topics we will cover will be of special interest to me, since it relates to the age of the earth, plate techtonics, etc. It all relates back to religion, at least when it comes to old-earth vs. new-earth "theories". We even get to write a paper of interest in any topic related to Physical Geology, and I may try to write that about the age of the earth.
---
2. Meteorology has become a re-enforced interest lately and some new developments and prospects have made me very excited about the upcoming year and beyond.
I guess the main thing I am focusing on right this moment is the research project.
I had toyed with the idea of making some sort of set of forecasting rules based on 850mb temperatures, but to my knowledge, it was already done and didn't really have a chance to be developed into some sort of Senior Research.
However, the more I have thought and worked with ideas, I think I am work this into not only a convincing Senior Research project, but something of signficant interest and development.
I am working with temperatures and climatology to come up with a series of equations to develop a formula/way of estimating surface temperatures based on 850mb temperatures.
850mb temperatures don't vary significantly throughout the day, unlike surface and lower-level temperatures do. They are heavily influenced by storm systems, but are relatively easy to forecast, especially on the short-term.
My hopes is to develop a forecast mechanism that will also me to plug in variables, including 850mb temperature, and come up with fairly accurate surface temperature forecasts.
This research project really has the potential to be very dynamic, including plenty of research, developing matematical formuals, climatology and much more. I will continue to work on ideas and present the plan to my advisor later this month. If it all works out, this will be my Senior Research for the spring and I will be able to graduate with it.
In summary, the procedure I develop will allow me to forecast temperatures without using MOS or other forecast models, that just spit out temperature numbers. Obviously, I will have to make tweaks here and there, especially under special meteorological conditions, but I think this will really get me thinking and hopefully help me become a better forecaster. And even if the idea gets turned down as a Senior Research, I will still most likely continue to persue it.
On another note, the Broadcast Room has finally been developed into an actual Broadcast Room and prospects for the Weather People in the upcoming semesters are quite high.
We have new equipment and many available resources to really allow the department to flourish and to develop more of a name and positive reputation for us.
I think that our possibilities are endless and I really want to get things going to a hurry.
I feel that with my motivation, determination, experience and new apartment so close to the Weather Center, I can really put a lot of time and effort into pushing progress along.
I also have new plans of revamping the graphics we use on the Weather People and a whole lot of other things.
There is so much I could talk about right now, but I will get into more detail later on.
---
3. In the past, I have pretty much bought all of my books from the bookstore and it has been quite expensive.
Luckily, I was able to just buy two of my textbooks on Amazon.com and probably saved over $100.
I got the Computer Science book for about $60, which saved me $28 from the bookstore price.
The Physical Geology book was only $35 online.
The great thing to note is that both books are the latest edition and NEW! I was a bit surprised that I was able to find such copies and reduced prices. In the past, I have tried to find books online for a good idea, but I was generally unsuccessful. To top things off, the prices include expidited shipping, so I should receive the books early next week, just in time for class.
---
4. If you didn't already determine that I want to pretty much do and learn just about everything that I can, the following thoughts may finally convince you.
CS 140 has sparked a refreshed interest in computers and computer programming.
I've always used computers a lot and I have developed simple web pages and other computer-related interfaces in the past.
I feel that this class could actually be enjoyable and benefical to me.
If and when I do work out a series of equations or some sort of way to forecast temperatures, a computer program that I develop may make it easier to derive the final outputs.
Also, I was initially annoyed that the required Computer Science courses will be of limited interest and would have no relevance to Meteorology at all, but it's now appearing that this won't be the case.
As I still have one more semester of classes to go, I am optimistic that I can work one or two additional classes of interest into my schedule, before I finally graduate. I'm really hoping that I can take Astronomy next semester and who knows, perhaps a course in philosophy or religion can be worked in as well.
In addition to wanting to be a forecaster/meteorologist, I want to write, I want to do independent research, I have experience in sales/retail, I have a desire to teach, I love to travel, I want to learn more about science, people, our world, the universe, etc. I could go on and on, but I think it's time to rap things up.
*********
In summary:
I've had all of my classes so far and I am fairly happy about all of them. I don't think any particular class will be difficult and I am already fascinated by each class in one way or another.
Meteorology is becoming a stronger interest of mine and it's branching out from just class and career. I am working on more research in the field and I am excited about where I will go with forecasting in the upcoming months.
I was able to pick up two textbooks online for a pretty great deal and with some luck, perhaps I can also get other required texts online for a bargain. I'm kind of fed up with the student bookstore and this is the first semester I have really been able to save some money by buying online.
I want to learn, explore and do so much in life. College has helped me do that and I want to take advantage of my senior year as much as possible. I have plans of strengthening the Meteorology Department, I am taking/hope to take more classes of interest in the upcoming semesters and I just want to continue to learn more about myself, others and the world around all of us.
Quincy