Monthly Archive for September, 2008

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Life at Tufts

Published on September 12, 2008 in Tufts. 4 Comments Tags: .

Hello friends and followers!

I’ve been at Tufts University for seventeen days, but it feels like much longer. In that time, many of you have been asking me how I’m doing, and that makes me feel really great! Although this post is a long time coming, rest assured that the delay stems from all the fun I’ve been having.

I’ve missed you, so how about we catch up? I’ll first let you know how I’m doing; then, in the comments or by other means, let me know what you’re up to and how you’re doing. I’m sincere when I say this; tell me about your life.

I have so much to say – so many things, in fact, that I’m going to abandon traditional paragraph structure to get it all out there. Bulleted list, here we go!

  • I love Tufts and I’m having an awesome time.
  • I’m settled in. I’ve adjusted to living with a roommate, and I’m proud to say that I haven’t locked myself out of my room yet.
  • My roommate is great. He’s intelligent, down to earth, and approachable.
  • My room is very comfortable. Over the last few weeks, I’ve decorated it with posters, carpets, and soft (non-harsh) lighting.
  • Everyone here is exceptionally smart and motivated. It’s a terrifying culture shock for me, as you can imagine. I’m not insulting my roots and hometown in the slightest. There’s no other way to say it: everyone here is brilliant.
  • Orientation was awesome. The organizers, mostly upperclassmen, did a great job. They strongly pushed themes of diversity, sustainability, and fun.
  • I’ve made lots of friends in very different circles. I haven’t met a single person here who isn’t interesting.
  • I voluntarily went for a walk in the torrential rain with friends the other day. I suggest you try it sometime.
  • Classes are hard and I’ve got a lot on my plate, but I’m certainly not overwhelmed… yet. This would be much easier if I did any academic work during the second half of my senior year.
  • Speaking of classes, I’m taking six this semester (calculus, physics, engineering graphics, philosophy, computer science, and an unorthodox politics class). As time goes on, I’ll give some more details.
  • With much thought, I decided not to run for the Student Senate. I don’t know what kind of leadership position to seek out at Tufts yet, and I don’t know what organization(s) to hitch my wagon to.
  • I still don’t know what I want to study here. I’ve observed a non-aggressive but tangible culture clash between the School of Engineering and the School of Arts and Science. I’m currently enrolled in the former, but I’m not sure if it’s where I belong. My passions for politics, technology, and access to knowledge are at war for my focus. Right now, there are only casualties, not winners.

As I’m immersed in this intellectually enriching experience, one which I’m loving every minute of, the problem of deciding a major looms in the background. In the coming weeks, I’ll be giving it lots of thought and seeking out the smartest people around to help me. They’re easy to find here.

…

Don’t forget to let me know how you’re doing, as I wrote in the beginning of this post.

I mean it.

Years

Published on September 11, 2008 in Dover, Ricky and Stories. 0 Comments Tags: .

One year ago, I wrote this:

I had an intense experience this morning, and I’ll never forget it. At Dover Middle/High School, HS Student Council members have to say the pledge and read the morning’s announcements each day. This month is my assigned month (and some other people’s), and I had an additional duty this morning. Directly after saying the pledge, I was to instruct the student body to remain standing for a moment of silence to remember everyone impacted or stolen from us six years ago.

While reciting the pledge and this unique announcement, I became very emotional. I was certain that I would be fine before doing it, but upon saying, “I pledge,” I felt immensely sad. Completing sentences was painful, and I’m amazed that I was able to finish the task without stopping completely.

It was obvious that I was troubled by the task, but people were kind enough not to say anything to me about it. I wish I didn’t have to do that this morning. To a much greater extent, I wish no one had to.

That morning was one of the most profound experiences in my life. I remember it, second by second, in its entirety. One year later, the memories of seven years ago elicit the same emotional response from me. My most sincere condolences to those affected by that day.

The Killer Feature of iTunes 8

Published on September 10, 2008 in Apple and Tech. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , , .

My tweets for the night tell the story:

  • I can’t believe everyone missed the biggest feature of iTunes 8.
  • Podcast controls have been moved out of iTunes Preferences (cmd+,) and into their own window from the Podcast view.
  • In that podcast view, one can see the how often iTunes checks for new episodes and how many to keep.
  • The killer feature is that these settings are now able to be applied to podcasts individually, not all-or-nothing. This is amazing.

  • Personally, I’ve been asking for this feature for a very long time. It’s handy.
  • Moving the prefs out of iTunes Preferences signals that podcasting isn’t a focus of Apple’s anymore, though. It’s separated from novices.

What do you think?

A Lasting Impression

Published on September 8, 2008 in A Dover Dilemma, Dover, Press Appearances and Ricky. 2 Comments Tags: .

Twelve days ago, I left Dover Plains and arrived at Tufts University in Boston. My experience thus far is beyond belief – I’m having a blast, meeting so many great people, and am learning so much. Unfortunately, this post isn’t about my experience here in Boston, it’s about life back in Dover. I’ll write about Tufts soon though, trust me.

The efforts I took at bettering the Dover community last year are well documented on this blog. At the time, my friends and mentors appreciated my work. I wrote and said what everyone was thinking, but alas, it didn’t bring about much change by itself.

Since I left town, this may have changed. I’ve been hearing vague reports from anonymous sources that things I had written on my blog in the past have hit the desks of important people in the Dover community. The focus of my first month at Tufts was to become a member of my new community, a challenging task when there’s so much going on back home. For instance, a Google Alert I have to track the term “Richard Mondello” just alerted me that I was in the Harlem Valley Times this last week:

Frame said that she had recently been reading Dover Valedictorian Richard Mondello’s blog with great interest and had taken to heart when Mondello said that he felt that the “community leaders weren’t listening to the youth.”

“It’s a shame,” Frame said and offered to begin meeting with the Dover student council and the board of education on a regular basis.

Galayda mentioned Mondello’s work in organizing the “Register for Change” event and applauded the youth’s determination.

I didn’t know this until just now, four days after the article was published. If I wasn’t proactive about tracking my reputation, I may have ever known!

So, to my friends and mentors back home, I need a favor from you. If you hear and read anything related to me, the Dover Dilemma, or Register for Change, please send me an email and let me know. I’d really appreciate hearing anything you know, whether it be fact or rumor.

While I’m at it, if you’re a Dover student who’d like to continue down the path I set on last year, writing about injustices in Dover High School, you’re welcome to email me an anonymous report that I’ll guest post here.

Thank you. Really.