"This is the only time you'll work so hard for free..."

Last week, I got the best advice....

"This is the only time in your life you'll work so hard for free."

It was from Mike in the Student Machine Shop when he was referencing the fact that some of the administration didn't want to make floats for Picnic Day, or do other crazy design projects like the Shigley Hauler (did I mention that we have to write poetry for this project?).

Make the most of your undergraduate career. You won't forget it.

Engineering Pranks

Being an engineer should be tons of fun when you are one, so why not spread the joy by pulling engineering-style pranks in the computer lab?

1. Flip the screen! If you see someone forget to lock the screen, hit ctrl-alt-arrow key. Holding control-alt and an arrow key (any direction but up) will rotate the screen that way! (it usually only works on older OS, which is perfect for most computer labs.)

2. My desktop doesn't work! Take a screen shot of the desktop (make sure nothing is highlighted and you can't see the mouse!) Paste it into Paint and save it. Move all icons from the desktop into a folder, then set your new background. Everything will look the same, but none of the icons will work!

These are the easiest pranks that involve no downloads and wont do any damage to the system.

To prevent these from happening to you:

ctrl-alt-del to get to the menu prompt, then hit "Lock my Computer". You will just need to enter your password to get back onto the system, and will be safe from pranksters!

*note, this is only for PCs. Sorry Macs!

Times have changed...only a little

What image comes to mind when you think "engineer"? Probably the one below.

*Image Courtesy of the Boeing Company

Skinny tie, pocket protector, clip board, the headsets that have come back in style....

But! Times have changed. Below is are the characteristics of your modern engineering student:

• UC Davis Engineering Sweatshirt- Gotta shown them liberal arts majors who's boss. :-)
• Jeans- Always gotta be ready to work in the machine shop...
• New Balance/Boots- What's wrong with comfort and practicality?
• Nalgene/Water Bottle- Who would ever want to buy water? Plus, Nalgene is borderline hipster.
• Frizzy hair- Don't blame me.  I was working hard on my Controls homework last night.

What are other characteristics of engineering students?