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Archive for the Thoughts / Outlook category.

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It’s safe to say that the barrier to entry into the market of personal flying is no longer reserved for the supper rich. Not only can you easily get your own pilot license, but you can also afford to get your own plane. Icon’s A5 is a new line of sport planes that are portable, safe, and most importantly affordable.

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With more and more of these innovation coming to market, it wont be too far off when we are all flying instead of driving automobiles. For more info on this development see whats up at Icon Aircraft.

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Dr. Randy Pausch, the Carnegie Mellon University computer science professor whose final lecture inspired millions, died in Virginia of pancreatic cancer (Oct. 23, 1960 - July 25, 2008) . He was the founder of the Entertainment Technology Center (ETC) at Carnegie Mellon University and worked on the Alice 3D authoring system, an animated computer programming educational system for high school and college students.

“It’s not difficult to find educators in CS who are as personable as Dr. Pausch was but it is definitely rare to find one filled with such kindness and an undeniable love for life, ” said John Biggs of Tech Crunch and I couldn’t agree more with this statement.

He is survived by his wife and children Dylan, Logan, and Chloe. Donations can be made to the Carnegie Mellon’s Randy Pausch Memorial Fund.

Dr Pausch gave his last lecture at the university Sept. 18, 2007, before a packed McConomy Auditorium. In his moving presentation, “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams,” Pausch talked about his lessons learned and gave advice to students on how to achieve their own career and personal goals.

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By chance, I found this very interesting and inspirational lecture by Randy Pausch, a computer science professor who has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer (see his blog). It was his last lecture at Carnegie Mellon University and he gave some excellent advice on how to live your life and achieve your most outrageous dreams. His words were very moving and I recommend you all watch the lecture partially, if not in its entirety. My favorite quote from the lecture is when he implies that obstacles (brick walls) are intended to stop other people and overcoming them just proves to us how much we want something.

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Struggling but Growing

posted by Tommy

Struggle is a fact of life. Some endure it more then others but, those who make positives out of it are the ones that really become successful.

Since I have graduated from University it’s been nothing but, hard work. From starting my own business to my present employment as a business consultant, I’ve seen the worst of the worst and have tried to learn from every wrong doing. My conclusions of it all is that we all make mistakes in life (even me), and we should face these short-comings, learn from them and ensure that it doesn’t occur again. This method has helped me so far. I’ve had many struggles as a professional (in only a year’s time) but, I’ve taken them as lessons. Sure the world would be awesome if it was stress free but, we would then all be identical. Now what’s the fun in that? The great thing about life is our uniqueness: how we laugh, how we deal with stress, how we love…

All I can say to all my buddies struggle in the professional world and even those still in Uni is to remain positive, complain to relive the tension but, always learn from the hardship…

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Starting a new Slate

posted by Tommy

It’s been 2.5 weeks since the breakup and I am still trying to move on. Why is it always so hard. I play the fool and try to pretend that I can’t feel, when deep inside all I am is in pain. She who I thought was perfect was in fact more then perfect but, just not suit for me. I wish her the very best and will always be her friend but, will she propose the same for me. No grief, no despair, no regrets, just an aching to start a new chapter in my life.

Whats next? Well I’m starting from scratch, building a new foundation, embarking on a new beginning. In a matter of weeks I have meet some awesome friends and conquered some outstanding goals. Life is what you make of it. Stand still and watch the world past you by. Be active get what you want out of this world. “I’m Leaving my mark!”

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Nottingham University

Nottingham University, my school away from home has been voted Britain’s ’University of the Year’ 2006/07 by judges of the prestigious ’Times Higher Awards 2006’. The panel praises the institution for its pioneering campuses in China and Malaysia, and its outstanding performance in international Higher Education in 2006.

The editor of the Times Higher, John O’Leary, said “At home and abroad Nottingham has made great strides….the University is stealing a march on its competitors worldwide.”

Having gone to the school personally I can say that without a doubt it’s a challenging university that provides a diverse offerings, which you really don’t see in Universities today. Sure they are known for their pubs on campus and their wild social gatherings but, isn’t that part of education and personal development. The enactment to become more social and the practice of networking. Nottingham fosters students to be great speakers and even better writers. Their student union is among the best, offering students a great balance between learning and fun. Although some Americans that have studied abroad at this university may say it is easy, it’s far from it. To graduate from Nottingham University it takes great dedication and intelligences. If I could go back in time I would I study my entire university career at the University of Nottingham. Not only because I had a lot of fun but, because I believe Nottingham University provides its graduates with the capability to perform duties in their field of study as well as the ambition to be great among others. What other University allows its students to so easily take course among their multiple universities that spans across countries (UK & Asia) like Nottingham does? Their commitment to a dynamic international strategy which is fulfilling potential, enhancing cultural understanding, honing expertise and developing talent across continents puts them among the best. So with all that said I’m not surprised they were praised with this honor.

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Ayumi thats a funny Picture…Why are you always so cute!
If it wasn’t for you I don’t think I would have went to Asia.
Thanks for for being there for me as well.
The times we spent together were really awesome.
You’ll always be a friend! Sashimi for Sure!

Sweet Tommytommy remember last summer when we meet? you made me have a great summer. thanks for showing so much heart in me. I can still recall the first time I saw at that food drive. I think about all the fun we have alot and although we are no longer a couple your still one of my best friend. sashimi this weekend ok

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Education Needed

posted by Tommy

When I think back on my life and see all that I have, I can’t help but feel guilty. Do I really need three computers? Do I really need a nice car? No not really but growing up in a capitalist world, we have been raised to attain wants rather then just needs. Now is that right? I see justice is being able to enjoy the money you’ve worked hard to earn, but that doesn’t mean piss it away either. I have been fortunate enough to have the greatest parents in the world which were willing to sacrifice there own desire to give my sister and I all that we wanted (iPods, cars, education, etc.). I know there are places in the world where parents want to do that for there children as well, but given the environment and the economical conditions that is just not possible. There child may be extremely smart but without the funds may not be able to reach their potential.

The lack of education throughout rural areas is a huge concern and I’m glad to see people are doing something about it. “Education for the Children of China (ECC) Fund, Inc. is giving underprivileged children in rural China a chance to receive guidance and education. The disparity in educational and income levels between the large metropolis and rural areas of China is drastic. As such, children from the rural areas seldom have the money to attend classes. Although China’s economy has grown tremendously with adequate foreign corporate investments in recent years, statistics show that over six hundred counties in China are well below poverty levels. Further, there are over 6,000,000 people in China whose annual income does not exceed 2000 Yuan (US $250). The educational levels in these areas are much lower when compared to that of more prosperous regions of China.”

More notable about ECC is that it was established by young volunteers who have great interests in the Chinese culture and history. It’s important that our youths realize they are needed to make a change in the world for the better. It can be an interest as broad as Chinese culture, but finding ways to make a difference and preserve the world is extremely important. If we all can pitch in, like the volunteers at ECC, the world would be a lot better place to live in for everyone…

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Studying Abroad is the single greatest experience one can par-take in during their college career. It gives you the a great exposure to other cultures, customs, and values. With the invention of the internet business has become global, these experiences can be key to providing you with the edge to succeed in your future academics and professional career. From my knowledge of having studied abroad last spring, it’s an experience like no other. You take part in activities and learn curtain things that could not be learnt from reading a book or in a classroom. I can sit here and go on and on about how great studying abroad can be but instead I’m gonna let you see for your self….

Check out AIFS STUDY ABROAD VIDEO and see what an advantage study abroad can be. The short movie shows testimonials from students just like you overseas and has great shots and footage of AIFS locations! Learn how AIFS all-inclusive programs enhanced the lives of these participants abroad…

*Remember You don’t have to go through AIFS they are just one of the options. Go and visit your universities study abroad office for more information…

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AE Live Your life 06

posted by Tommy

AE Live your Life

The leaders and heroes of tomorrow are making a difference today.

American Eagle’s Live Your Life campaign is something I strongly support. It allows passionate people who wish to make a difference in the world the possibility to do so. These great individuals are recognized every year by American Eagle. This year’s (2006) AE Live Your Life winners include Becca, Michael, Melody, Elizabeth, Josh, and Arielle. They all with different goals but are united with a common interest, to make an impact in the world. Becca at age 14 is sharing her love for science by setting up education camps for girls nationwide. Michael at age 18 is fight to lower medication cost so that patients can concentrate more recovery rather then their bill. Melody is a gifted 21 year old pianist, and she hopes to spread her joy of music through inter-city after school programs for. Elizabeth at age 18 has a message and is not afraid to be heard. She is uses her passion for poetry and illustration to motivate individuals and communities nationwide. Josh, a 21 year old cancer survivor is a true testament to the words “defying odds.” With Support of friends, family, and AE Josh hopes to become the best one-legged skier the world has ever seen, and while doing so he hopes inspire other individuals to chase their dreams no matter the obstacles in front of them. Finally, Arielle a strong 23 year old who is fighting a disease that is impairing her hearing and vision has set out make known of this disease’s importance. With the support of AE and local communities she fighting to raise money for research as well as advocated early testing among today’s youths.

These are all great individuals and they all have inspired me to continue making a difference in the world wherever I can. Sometimes it’s not what you know but, it’s the effort that you but forth that really makes you succeed. These AE winners all had the determination to find and achieve there dreams and that’s what makes them great, and that’s what made them succeed.

Please do check out these great individuals, the lives they live and the examples they are providing for people around the world.

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