Greetings from The Farm

So I recently moved into my new apartment at Stanford ('The Farm', as it is known by some -- not the most endearing nickname, if you as me, but I suppose it's no worse than 'The Hill').  I figure my name is listed under 'Contributors' so I'd best contribute (as should the rest of you) now that I have stories to tell.

This summer brought me the great pleasure of driving across the country.  Ten odd days and near-as-makes-no-difference 4000 miles later, I arrived in Seattle and can now say that I've driven nearly every inch of I-90.  I recommend that everyone drive across the country at least once in his or her lifetime although you might want to wait until gas (electricity? hydrogen?? ethanol?!!) is cheaper.  And when you do, take some time to stop and see the sights.  For me, that meant spending some time in Chicago, the Badlands, the Black Hills and Glacier NP -- all worthwhile stops.  Documenting of this grand adventure can be found on Facebook (of course) and Flickr (www.flickr.com/photos/keithtwong).

Back at home, I spent much of the summer as my mom's free laborer (finish carpentry, painting, yardwork... oh joy!), but also took a break to relax in the San Juan Islands with a certain guest by the name of Alison.  Visiting the San Juans is another thing to put on your list of 'must do before I die' activities -- especially if you work right next to the ferry terminal (::cough:: Jaime).  I also bought a new bike (carbon fiber!), rode up a couple mountains, hiked up one more mountain, did a couple races, etc., etc..

So that concludes the fun and games.  I drove (go figure) down to California last weekend and have been hanging out until orientation starts next week.  Upon moving to CA, one is supposed to register his or her car here.  Of course, the EPA allows CA to have its own stricter emissions requirements.  My car did not hesitate to fail the smog test.  Another few hundred dollars put into a car worth how much?  Why do I have a car?

I'm sure you will all be happy to hear that 3/4ths of the bay area contingent (Derrick, you slacker) managed to meet up last weekend.  Hopefully we can improve attendance in the future.

So... Stanford.  Maybe you have heard me say this before, but my opinion is that they're trying to create a small utopian society.  Not a bad goal I suppose.  The campus looks perfect.  Always.  Everything you could ever need can be found on Stanford property.  Everyone gets around campus on bikes (good thing too -- it's a big campus).  Campus buses are all free.  There is a nice big greenway (well, it's all brown right now) between campus and all of the surroundings.  Sounds great?  Well, I'm glad I went to Cornell for undergrad.  I get the feeling that Cornell is a more humble, down-to-earth place (though far from the most humble, down-to-earth school).  The good news is that the ChE faculty and students I've met here seem like quite reasonable and relaxed people, which is, in fact, largely why I chose to come here.  It will certainly be interesting to get to know a whole new set of profs.  They're an interesting breed.

So, there you go.  A lot of writing from one who says little.  Time for the rest of you to get on your horse and fill everyone in on what's happening in your corner of the world.

Cheers,

Keith