3 Tests!

I have three tests next week, so I'm studying a lot this weekend. Check back next week for a blog update!

An Awesome Hack (Fire Trucks Anyone?)

MIT has a "hacking" culture. For those of you who do not know, "hacking" is another word for "pulling a prank." There are a number of other meanings, too (like exploring buildings, etc.). So, at MIT a prank is called a "hack." There are acually many rules for hacking (people have to be respectful, and most people are), so most of the hacks are actually very well done and do not disrupt the flow of the university.

Yesterday on the morning of 9/11 (say a prayer for all of those who were affected on that terrifying day), a fire truck appeared on the top of the Great Dome! Not a full-fledged one, mind you, but a large truck nonetheless. A similar hack was pulled quite a few years ago with a car, and it is one of the most memorable hacks in the Institute's history. (Update) It was verifed in The Tech (MIT's newspaper) that the hack was to commemorate the 5th anniversary of 9/11. A painted seal on the door states "Meminimus" which is Latin for "We remember." There are also toy dalmations sitting on the outside of the truck. The hack has been getting quite a bit of publicity lately. It was supposed to be taken down from 10-11 today, but it was still up at 3:30. I think this hack will be remembered for a long time to come.

To read the Tech article, go here: http://www-tech.mit.edu/V126/PDF/N37.pdf
Here are some more pictures of the hack: http://web.mit.edu/liz_b/Public/DomeHack/domehack.htm

MIT Ranked 1st in Engineering by USNews

This was announced a few weeks ago, but I never discussed it. MIT moved up in the USNews college rankings from #6 to #4 overall (of course we all think it should be #1) and was ranked 1st in Engineering!

U.S. News: http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/brief/t1natudoc_brief.php
MIT Article: http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2006/usnews-undergrad.html

Go MIT!

New MIT website!

I just finished making a new website about MIT! It has a FAQ and lots of other things to explore. Go to http://www.mit.edu/~avihess/ to visit it!. The website is called Smoots: Student Life At MIT and it aims to provide information to prospective students, incoming freshman, parents, and other people curious about MIT.