On the off chance that you are reading further, I have recently completed my MS degree at the University of Utah in computer science. My my studies focused on the field of computer graphics. Read my thesis here. It remains to be seen how I will be applying this degree to any actual employment.
For those of you interested in the back history, I graduated from Carleton College in 1997 with a double major in mathematics and computer science. For those of you who are currently looking for an undergraduate school, I heartily recommend it. My only complaint is that I had to leave after graduation.
Following graduation, I spent three years in Boston, MA working for The MITRE Corporation doing research and development in computer security. I recommend it as well as a place with interesting work, great people, and a broad diversity of interests.
Aikido is a Japanese martial art based on a philosophy of non-aggression. I have been studying it for about 9 years. I practice Yoshokai style Aikido in Minneapolis. Information on Aikido in general can be found on the AikidoFAQ site.
While I was in Utah I took Tae Kwon Do (in the absense of a Yoshokai Aikido club). Needless to say, differences abound, but I am enjoying trying something different. The UU TaeKwon Do club has a web page for those who are interested.
On the creative side, I enjoy writing short stories and role-playing. On the latter front, I'm a big fan of the GURPS system in particular and Steve Jackson Games in general, although I play any system that I have a chance to try out. I am currently working on a Nobilis campaign based on R. Sean Borgstrom's book. The unoffical Nobilis site is located at www.chancel.org , while my page containing my own thoughts on the system is located here.
Finally, when I am not inside (often in front of a computer screen) I enjoy skiing (downhill - cross country is too much like real excercise), snow-boarding, sailing, wind-surfing, hiking, and kayaking.
Before I decided to accept happiness in my life, I was planning to be a Physics major. I later decided that it wasn't worth the pain. However, I still appreciate the humor of this report on the properties of twinkies.
The online comics I am keeping track of:
Ok, so I haven't been surfing the net too much. I guess, after spending 7 years (and counting) in computer science, it doesn't rank as much of a diversion anymore.
Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed your little excursion. If you would like to comment on my web page, or have any questions about Carleton, MITRE, or UofU, my address is: cms@cs.utah.edu