San Francisco is known for it's wide diversity in people, the number of jobs headquartered there, the high cost of rent, and the wide variety of food choices that we all love to eat, whether people are residents of the city or from anywhere in the Bay Area. A few number of San Francisco schools have been top ranked, and has been praised for their encouragement of students to study and stay in class without doing drugs or alcohol. However, the latest test for students at San Francisco public schools that I graded at San Jose State University (SJSU) has revealed some surprising trouble among students. People who have listened to the news thought that the troubling trend in hiring teachers was the only thing in their minds that many school districts have a hard time with. But i n this blog, while I cannot disclose any private and confidential information for safety and privacy reasons (name, school, age, grade level, etc.), I've uncovered my findings about the surprise sample number of students that failed to perform well on the exam.
While I'm mainly an English major, I reported to SJSU's math department in the morning to help out in grading exams, and I'm dedicated in being honest in getting accurate results with the help of my fellow exam helpers who are also SJSU students. The procedures are straightforward, and even though I may not know the problems a while back, the scoring instructions are on a sheet that I was given. Each exam consists of two problems, both eight points each divided into a number of parts ranging from one to eight. Some problems may be worth one point while others are two points, but the total number of points per problem cannot exceed eight. No partial credit is given in such official exams.
While my assignment is to grade the second problem of the exam, the first part of the problem that I briefly looked at consists of plotting points along a typical graph. That part of the problem is what I felt that students have managed to figure out, but in a survey of about 45 students, roughly half of the students managed to pass the exam. However, my grading of the second problem in the revealed a huge troubling trend among the students that took the exam. For example, there were five parts to the second problem, but the last three parts of the exam were two points each. As the exam contains confidential information about the students, I cannot go into the specifics on the problem.
The problem consist of an equation and a given graph using a hyperbola, but the students must be able to label the x and y-axis, as well as drawing a hyperbola. I was able to find a surprise amount of students not labeling the x and y-axis correctly on the exam, which are some of the mistakes that can build from one part of the problem to the next, ultimately resulting in lower scores. The number of low scores on the second problem of the exam were surprising to me. Nearly every single student that I surveyed never got a score above four points. Some students did get five points on the first problem of the exam, but not on the second problem.
I also found out that in at least one student, he wrote on the exam that he was "never taught" on the graphing of the axis and the parabolas. It came out to be a surprise for me, as I rarely have seen such excuses. However, the scoring by official people like me is fair game, as the problems in math that I briefly looked at are considered "straightforward."
The "straightforward" term to me referenced of what Gavilan College (and my former instructor) Russell Lee have referenced in many of his courses in both math and physics, and he wants everyone to see for himself why doing homework will likely result in a "straightforward" and "conceptual understanding of the course material" in math, as well as in physics. Most math teachers and professors would understand that basic math is very important for success in the future. The message is very clear to students that homework is very crucial to success in math courses.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Confidential information is not used in any of my blogs in order to protect and respect the privacy of others. Those information may contain names of people that are under 18. Actual number of students is not disclosed in this blog, as neither any SJSU instructor nor students or volunteers has access to any confidential information. In case any confidential information is mentioned on my blogs like this one, the use of photos or videos is strictly prohibited. The sample number of students are NOT actual number of students, and are NOT official numbers - those are only for estimates and may differ from the actual number.
THIS BLOG IS ONLY INTENDED FOR PRIVATE USE OF THE READERS. THE REPRODUCTION OF THIS WRITTEN BLOG FOR COMMERCIAL USE WITHOUT ADVANCED INQUIRIES IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS BLOG ARE ONLY OF THE BLOGGER AND NOT OF ANYONE ELSE.
Original Work: Kyle Chak
E-mail: chak595301@gmail.com
Twitter: @KyleSChak
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Sunday, August 9, 2015
INVESTIGATION: Napa's VINE Transit Under the Blogger's Microscope - Actual Truth about the Website?
As my previous blogs have been investigating about Bay Area transit systems, I've been keeping an eye on any loopholes and problems that transit agencies that the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) never caught their eye on. Problems that I've been exposing for the past year have included the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), Caltrain, SamTrans, AC Transit, and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (MUNI). With four more transit systems now accepting the Clipper card, it's been easier to get around town. That is, unless you encountered a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Napa's VINE transit website.
I was first made aware of the expansion of Clipper in both Napa and Solano counties through social media, the same method used in following Bay Area transit agencies like AC Transit, MUNI, SamTrans, and VTA. Not long after the debut of Clipper in Napa and Solano counties, I found two major holes that questioned some claims made by Fairfield and Suisun Transit (FAST) and the Vine system. Those questions were directed to the Clipper Card's social media pages and their response was something that they never saw coming.
FAST transit managed to redesign their website that included plenty of Clipper card information, and Vine Transit followed shortly thereafter. However, yet another hole was found when Clipper Card's Facebook page claimed that the Clipper card can be used on the Vine's subsidiaries such as American Canyon Transit, Calistoga Shuttle and the St. Helena Shuttle. However, my check of the FAQ on the Vine's page is questioning to me, as the Vine failed to put updated information regarding the use of the Clipper card on the subsidiaries. Furthermore, American Canyon's page on their transit system never mentioned the Clipper card on their website, which remains in doubt to the claims that Clipper card users may have been misled about Clipper card usage on the Vine's subsidiaries.
My first investigation onto the Vine's outdated website has revealed that there has been many holes that I found of which they are unaware of who's accountable until I asked the tough questions and inquires to Clipper card's social media page. Questions still remains on who is going to make sure that the Vine's website will have someone that will update their FAQ and ensure that accurate information is vital to riders who is a Napa County resident or a visitor to Napa County. Until those things are sorted out, expect some confusion about Napa Vine's website in relation to the Clipper card through e-mails, inquiries, and so-on.
Original Work: Kyle Chak
E-mail: chak595301@gmail.com
Twitter: @KyleSChak
I was first made aware of the expansion of Clipper in both Napa and Solano counties through social media, the same method used in following Bay Area transit agencies like AC Transit, MUNI, SamTrans, and VTA. Not long after the debut of Clipper in Napa and Solano counties, I found two major holes that questioned some claims made by Fairfield and Suisun Transit (FAST) and the Vine system. Those questions were directed to the Clipper Card's social media pages and their response was something that they never saw coming.
FAST transit managed to redesign their website that included plenty of Clipper card information, and Vine Transit followed shortly thereafter. However, yet another hole was found when Clipper Card's Facebook page claimed that the Clipper card can be used on the Vine's subsidiaries such as American Canyon Transit, Calistoga Shuttle and the St. Helena Shuttle. However, my check of the FAQ on the Vine's page is questioning to me, as the Vine failed to put updated information regarding the use of the Clipper card on the subsidiaries. Furthermore, American Canyon's page on their transit system never mentioned the Clipper card on their website, which remains in doubt to the claims that Clipper card users may have been misled about Clipper card usage on the Vine's subsidiaries.
My first investigation onto the Vine's outdated website has revealed that there has been many holes that I found of which they are unaware of who's accountable until I asked the tough questions and inquires to Clipper card's social media page. Questions still remains on who is going to make sure that the Vine's website will have someone that will update their FAQ and ensure that accurate information is vital to riders who is a Napa County resident or a visitor to Napa County. Until those things are sorted out, expect some confusion about Napa Vine's website in relation to the Clipper card through e-mails, inquiries, and so-on.
Original Work: Kyle Chak
E-mail: chak595301@gmail.com
Twitter: @KyleSChak
Saturday, July 4, 2015
Marketplace: Canadian Prices vs. Ibotta App? How Much Savings Are There?
I tested out various Walmart stores to find out about the deals in the Ibotta app, and find out for myself if the item actually exist. Take a Gilroy Walmart store, for instance - the largest store I can find so far among the stores that I've tested. I shopped there in early June 2015 to find the deals that are available. The first item on the list is Red Baron Brick Oven Crust Pizza. The cost to buy that item is $3.74, with a $1 savings available in the app. A couple of tasks later and you get the maximum savings available. The next item on the list is the Totino's Party Pizza. The cost is only $1.36, but there is a 30 cent savings thanks to what is known as the "Any Brand" item of a certain size.
Tom Harrington and Erica Johnson might want some frozen soup that the two could make at their homes in Toronto and Vancouver, respectively. The item is called Campbell's Reserve Frozen Soups, which the price is $5.98, but Ibotta puts that item on the list for a savings of $2. Perhaps an item on their side dish is corn, which I found a Great Value Whole Kernel Golden Corn (8oz size) for 98 cents - that item is part of the "Any Brand" frozen vegetables that puts a savings of only 20 cents, making the purchase cheaper.
An item that might not be in their mind is a product named Smartcandy that comes in two varieties - coated and sour gummy. Both of them that I bought exclusively at the Gilroy location comes at $2.98 and the savings are $1 on Ibotta. It would certainly be a great snack for Harrington and Johnson if they decide to take a break - a healthy way to snack themselves! Finally, two more items that would make a great breakfast choice in their mind - a 64oz Juicy Juice and Challenge Cream Cheese Spread. The juice only cost $2.68, with a 50 cent savings on Ibotta, while the cream cheese only cost $2.44 with a 75 cent savings on Ibotta. (Note that all Challenge dairy products are made in the Tri-Valley, specifically in Dublin - not Ireland, but as in Dublin, California.)
When I tallied up the number of "big green" that I could save, I reported a $7.75 savings on Ibotta. However, there are certain steps that I must take to actually redeem the app. You must scan the barcode of each item you have purchased on the app. When you are done, and you have received the reciept, you must click "Redeem" under a store's category (in this case, Walmart). Check the items to make sure that the items are scanned, then you can upload a reciept. In some cases, there is a QR code that can be scanned so that a digital receipt can be visible. Up to 24 hours later, if your receipt is successful, you can redeem them at a local merchant or transfer them to PayPal or Venmo, which in either case can be transferred to your bank.
As for Canadians that wish to save money on apps, I personally never found any apps that could help them save a little bit of dough. So therefore, like car dealerships in the United States part of the story, I feel that Canadians are being left out of the competition. But so far, I have yet to see Tom Harrington or Erica Johnson shop at Walmart to see for themselves. However, if the Ibotta app does come to Canada, I do challenge both Harrington and Johnson to see if they can put even more savings than what I saw on Marketplace's "Price Wars."
Original Work: Kyle Chak
E-mail: chak595301@gmail.com
Twitter: @KyleSChak
#OnlyOnKyle
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
INVESTIGATION: Stockton Police To Look for Participants in Sideshows
My blog has been investigating Bay Area Racing for over a year, and many of San Jose city streets have been the targets of speeding cars that have awaken neighbors from many neighborhoods that are trying to get their peace and quiet. While I've saw a Mercury News article about Milpitas Square being the target of sideshows that resulted in assistance from Fremont, San Jose, and the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department, I've now learned that a Central Valley police department is likely putting Bay Area Racing under the microscope.
I'm referring to the Stockton police department, which a KCRA news report said that they are looking for cars involved in sideshows that residents were saying there are getting tired of. So I've decided to look deeper into the report and quickly found out for myself that there are Bay Area ties.
POLICE ACCUSATIONS OF BAY AREA RACING?
Bay Area Racing, founded by Dean Hodel, has been responsible for implementing several events both at public places and on public city streets around San Jose, Milpitas, unincorporated Santa Clara County, Stockton, and Tracy. One of my blogs have previously said that Bay Area Racing being accused by police departments in Milpitas, San Jose, Fremont, and the Santa Clara County Sheriff of organizing the event outside 99 Ranch Market at Milpitas Square. Hodel was responsible for being part of what was the making of the "Bay Area Racing Movie" or "BAR Movie" for short until the movie plans were cancelled.
I also indicated in my blog about residents in San Jose being awakened by the loud roar of cars on several major public roads throughout the city, including some San Jose State University professors that live near the affected areas. When a KCRA news report highlighted Stockton police of describing many residents getting sick and tired of screeching cars, San Jose is not the only city that local residents are sick and tired of. Stockton police have decided to take action and swarm the cities of Sacramento and Modesto looking for cars that participated in the sideshows. It still remains unclear if San Jose, Milpitas, or the Santa Clara County Sheriff is also doing the same. My investigation also revealed that Bay Area Racing has made falsified promises of having "no burnouts" in a poster that went up on Instagram in late January.
A FEW CITATIONS SO FAR
Some San Jose and Stockton residents do want Hodel in jail for planning, promoting, participating, organizing, and executing the event despite that he is not directly involved in any of the races in San Jose, Milpitas, Tracy, and Stockton. This is already true in other countries such as Hong Kong and Singapore, where planning, promoting, participating, organizing, and executing the illegal stunts could land anyone directly in jail and include other forms of punishments including longer jail sentences for the former and caning for the latter country. Singapore, in particular, has a very low tolerance for anyone trying to promote illegal street racing and burnouts on public roads - participants in the race under their definition includes every person from the racing organizer to participants.
Despite Hodel's promises to look for a venue in Santa Clara County that handles legal street racing, questions still remain up in the air as to whether Stockton and/or San Jose police will be using the same tactic as what Singapore and Hong Kong does to crack down on all forms of illegal racing on public roads.
IMPORTANT NOTE(S): For my personal safety, please do not link this blog to a news story without the permission of the author. This blog is based on a year-long investigation that includes the hard-hitting facts about what others do not mention. Please remember that the author of this blog reserves the right to delete this blog at any time without warning. All inquiries should be done by e-mail if you have any questions, and all responses should be in the "Comments" section of this blog. ALL COMMENTING RULES IN THIS BLOG APPLIES AND ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED.
Original Work: Kyle Chak
E-mail: chak595301@gmail.com
Twitter: @KyleSChak
I'm referring to the Stockton police department, which a KCRA news report said that they are looking for cars involved in sideshows that residents were saying there are getting tired of. So I've decided to look deeper into the report and quickly found out for myself that there are Bay Area ties.
POLICE ACCUSATIONS OF BAY AREA RACING?
Bay Area Racing, founded by Dean Hodel, has been responsible for implementing several events both at public places and on public city streets around San Jose, Milpitas, unincorporated Santa Clara County, Stockton, and Tracy. One of my blogs have previously said that Bay Area Racing being accused by police departments in Milpitas, San Jose, Fremont, and the Santa Clara County Sheriff of organizing the event outside 99 Ranch Market at Milpitas Square. Hodel was responsible for being part of what was the making of the "Bay Area Racing Movie" or "BAR Movie" for short until the movie plans were cancelled.
I also indicated in my blog about residents in San Jose being awakened by the loud roar of cars on several major public roads throughout the city, including some San Jose State University professors that live near the affected areas. When a KCRA news report highlighted Stockton police of describing many residents getting sick and tired of screeching cars, San Jose is not the only city that local residents are sick and tired of. Stockton police have decided to take action and swarm the cities of Sacramento and Modesto looking for cars that participated in the sideshows. It still remains unclear if San Jose, Milpitas, or the Santa Clara County Sheriff is also doing the same. My investigation also revealed that Bay Area Racing has made falsified promises of having "no burnouts" in a poster that went up on Instagram in late January.
A FEW CITATIONS SO FAR
My year-long investigation into the involvement of Bay Area Racing uncovered a few citations by the San Jose police department, but more cars have yet to be found. So far, I found that San Jose police has not released any information relating to citations and criminal charges involving Bay Area Racing, as do the Stockton police department, leaving me unanswered questions including to any information about his headquarters, and what his motivation behind the founding of Bay Area Racing.
Some San Jose and Stockton residents do want Hodel in jail for planning, promoting, participating, organizing, and executing the event despite that he is not directly involved in any of the races in San Jose, Milpitas, Tracy, and Stockton. This is already true in other countries such as Hong Kong and Singapore, where planning, promoting, participating, organizing, and executing the illegal stunts could land anyone directly in jail and include other forms of punishments including longer jail sentences for the former and caning for the latter country. Singapore, in particular, has a very low tolerance for anyone trying to promote illegal street racing and burnouts on public roads - participants in the race under their definition includes every person from the racing organizer to participants.
Despite Hodel's promises to look for a venue in Santa Clara County that handles legal street racing, questions still remain up in the air as to whether Stockton and/or San Jose police will be using the same tactic as what Singapore and Hong Kong does to crack down on all forms of illegal racing on public roads.
IMPORTANT NOTE(S): For my personal safety, please do not link this blog to a news story without the permission of the author. This blog is based on a year-long investigation that includes the hard-hitting facts about what others do not mention. Please remember that the author of this blog reserves the right to delete this blog at any time without warning. All inquiries should be done by e-mail if you have any questions, and all responses should be in the "Comments" section of this blog. ALL COMMENTING RULES IN THIS BLOG APPLIES AND ARE STRICTLY ENFORCED.
Original Work: Kyle Chak
E-mail: chak595301@gmail.com
Twitter: @KyleSChak
Friday, June 5, 2015
Gallucci's Next Venture? The Kickstarter Project: Labels Warning of Consequences of Theft on Cell Phones
Nearly three years ago, I backed my first project on Kickstarter that started my backing of such projects. That founder is named Wesley LaPorte, who is the older brother of my high school classmate, Trenton. That product is called the PhoneSoap, which uses ultralight UV rays to instantly kill cell phones. Wesley invented the idea through research that ultralight UV rays do kill bacteria without the need of harsh chemical cleaners. Wesley is considered a genius at the project due to the ability to have ideas outside of the box.
Three years later, Anthony Gallucci is trying to learn from LaPorte's successful run. Gallucci was born in Southern California and came to Santa Clara County of where he attended San Jose State University. Gallucci to many people that he knows is an "outgoing, optimistic, driven, people person" and "think outside of the box type of guy" as he described. It is not exactly known of what made Gallucci decided to come to the Bay Area. Perhaps it's an opportunity for technology even though San Jose has already reached a million people. To my own personality, he is also described as a person that can also laugh a lot.
THE "LUCCI" BRAND
Mobile devices are very vulnerable to theft, and many police shows like Singapore's Crimewatch have showcased what happens when phones are stolen from a person. The product that Gallucci plans to invent is a warning label that reminds every user about the theft of mobile devices and the serious consequences for stealing. When asked about how he approached the "Lucci" brand, he told me that when three million smartphones were stolen in 2013, he was not satisfied with what the market currently offered. That created a hole in the vulnerability to smartphones, of which theft of mobile devices will result in prosecution. As for the naming of the "Lucci" brand, the name is possibly derived from the last name "Gallucci."
During the Downtown Pleasanton First Wednesday party, I visited booths from three police departments to see what they thought of the "Lucci" project. So far, they do like the idea, which my main point is that I'm trying to spread the message about the project citing concerns of cell phone theft not only in public places locally, but also throughout the Bay Area and in many countries around the world. Most police departments in the Bay Area have not yet seen the "Lucci" product prior to the introduction to the new label with a major warning concerning cell phone theft.
Major countries around the world have different punishments for cell phone thefts. The sentencing for such thefts range from less than a year to over 3 years in prison (1 to 3 years in prison for the United States); some countries can also add additional enhancements to the punishments such as a random number of strokes (3 minimum) depending on the severity of the offense. Many police forces around the world do remind people to be vigilant.
According to Gallucci, if the project is successful on Kickstarter, he does plan to sell the product online, hoping to learn a lesson from how LaPorte has success with his projects. The project associated with the consequences of theft on cell phones is only the first foray into a bigger project in he hopes to achieve more success. The only hope for the Kickstarter project is the need for support from people who wants to educate others against cell phone theft. There is one clear reason why - he plans a project that will sound off the anti-theft alarm without the use of a cable, so if anyone plans to protect their phones, this project is the first step.
The "Lucci" Kickstarter Project: Click here for more details and to back the project.
Original Work: Kyle Chak
E-mail: chak595301@gmail.com
Twitter: @KyleSChak
Three years later, Anthony Gallucci is trying to learn from LaPorte's successful run. Gallucci was born in Southern California and came to Santa Clara County of where he attended San Jose State University. Gallucci to many people that he knows is an "outgoing, optimistic, driven, people person" and "think outside of the box type of guy" as he described. It is not exactly known of what made Gallucci decided to come to the Bay Area. Perhaps it's an opportunity for technology even though San Jose has already reached a million people. To my own personality, he is also described as a person that can also laugh a lot.
THE "LUCCI" BRAND
Mobile devices are very vulnerable to theft, and many police shows like Singapore's Crimewatch have showcased what happens when phones are stolen from a person. The product that Gallucci plans to invent is a warning label that reminds every user about the theft of mobile devices and the serious consequences for stealing. When asked about how he approached the "Lucci" brand, he told me that when three million smartphones were stolen in 2013, he was not satisfied with what the market currently offered. That created a hole in the vulnerability to smartphones, of which theft of mobile devices will result in prosecution. As for the naming of the "Lucci" brand, the name is possibly derived from the last name "Gallucci."
During the Downtown Pleasanton First Wednesday party, I visited booths from three police departments to see what they thought of the "Lucci" project. So far, they do like the idea, which my main point is that I'm trying to spread the message about the project citing concerns of cell phone theft not only in public places locally, but also throughout the Bay Area and in many countries around the world. Most police departments in the Bay Area have not yet seen the "Lucci" product prior to the introduction to the new label with a major warning concerning cell phone theft.
Major countries around the world have different punishments for cell phone thefts. The sentencing for such thefts range from less than a year to over 3 years in prison (1 to 3 years in prison for the United States); some countries can also add additional enhancements to the punishments such as a random number of strokes (3 minimum) depending on the severity of the offense. Many police forces around the world do remind people to be vigilant.
According to Gallucci, if the project is successful on Kickstarter, he does plan to sell the product online, hoping to learn a lesson from how LaPorte has success with his projects. The project associated with the consequences of theft on cell phones is only the first foray into a bigger project in he hopes to achieve more success. The only hope for the Kickstarter project is the need for support from people who wants to educate others against cell phone theft. There is one clear reason why - he plans a project that will sound off the anti-theft alarm without the use of a cable, so if anyone plans to protect their phones, this project is the first step.
The "Lucci" Kickstarter Project: Click here for more details and to back the project.
Original Work: Kyle Chak
E-mail: chak595301@gmail.com
Twitter: @KyleSChak
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