Popcorn is a beloved snack worldwide, but have you ever wondered why it pops? The secret lies in the unique structure of popcorn kernels. Each kernel contains a small amount of water trapped inside a hard, starchy shell. When heated, the water turns into steam, building up pressure inside the kernel. Once the temperature reaches around 180°C (356°F), the pressure becomes too great, and the kernel bursts open, turning inside out and forming the fluffy snack we love.
Unlike other types of corn, only popcorn kernels have the perfect combination of water content and a strong shell that can withstand the build-up of steam. If the shell has even the tiniest crack, the steam escapes, preventing the kernel from popping.
The fascinating physics of popcorn has even been studied by scientists who analyze the speed and force of popping kernels. Some studies suggest that a popping kernel can launch itself as high as 15 inches in the air! Next time you enjoy a bowl of popcorn, you can impress your friends with the science behind this delicious, explosive snack.
The high five, one of the most widely recognized celebratory gestures, has a surprisingly recent origin. Though many assume it has been around for centuries, the first recorded high five happened on October 2, 1977, during a baseball game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros. Outfielder Dusty Baker had just hit his 30th home run of the season when his teammate, Glenn Burke, greeted him at home plate with an upraised hand. Baker instinctively slapped it, and thus, the high five was born.
Since then, the high five has evolved into a universal sign of victory, camaraderie, and excitement. It has even made its way into pop culture, sports traditions, and workplace morale-boosting activities. In some cases, psychologists argue that a simple high five can improve motivation and social bonding, making it more than just a fun gesture.
Interestingly, some historians believe the high five was preceded by the low five, a gesture commonly exchanged in African American communities during the early 20th century. However, it was Burke and Baker’s spontaneous exchange that officially brought the high five into mainstream sports and society.
Date: Feb. 15, 2025 From: 10:03pm to 10:08pm Date: Feb. 15, 2025 From: 10:10pm to 10:16pm Date: Feb. 16, 2025 From: 09:00pm to 09:14pm Date: Feb.16, 2025 From: 09:15pm to 09:20pm
Essay I: Summary of your activities in your contents including new contents created
This week, I focused on writing two blog posts covering interesting news events. The first article explored Jisoo’s solo EP ‘Amortage’, detailing her transition from BLACKPINK to launching her own label and signing with Warner Records. I analyzed the artistic direction of her lead single ‘Earthquake’, breaking down its production, lyrics, and the visually stunning music video. Additionally, I highlighted fan reactions, chart performance, and her upcoming ‘Lights, Love, Action!’ fan meeting tour. The second article provided an in-depth recap of the 2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, where Mac McClung made history by securing his third consecutive victory. I covered the standout performances, including McClung’s perfect-score dunks, his tribute to past legends, and the intense competition with rising stars like Stephon Castle. The post also discussed the contest’s new judging format, which incorporated fan voting for the first time. Through these two pieces, I captured key highlights from both the music and sports worlds, offering readers detailed insights into two of the most talked-about events of the week.
In my GA4 exploration, I discovered that the majority of traffic to my IS 5320 Web Analytics Project comes from the homepage, which received 63 out of 96 total views, with an average engagement time of 26 seconds. In contrast, other pages like “My Hobbies” and “My Career” had fewer views but relatively higher average engagement times. Most users (91.67%) accessed the site via desktop, with Seattle being the top location, contributing 15 out of 24 active users. These insights indicate strong local engagement, primarily through desktops, and suggest opportunities to optimize content and improve user interaction across other pages.
Essay III: What have you started to see that you have not known/seen before in your site?
Through my GA4 exploration, I discovered several insights about my site that I hadn’t noticed before. One key finding is that while my homepage receives the most views, some other pages, like “My Hobbies” and “My Career,” have higher engagement times, suggesting that users who visit these pages may find the content more engaging. I also didn’t realize that the vast majority of users (over 91%) access my site via desktop rather than mobile. Additionally, most of my traffic comes from Seattle, which indicates strong local engagement, but I was surprised to see a few users from other locations like Kyoto and Redmond. These insights help me better understand my audience and highlight opportunities to optimize mobile accessibility and improve engagement across different pages.
2025 NBA Slam Dunk Contest – A Historic Three-PeatThe 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend in San Francisco delivered an unforgettable Slam Dunk Contest, with Mac McClung achieving a historic third consecutive victory. His performance not only captivated the audience but also solidified his legacy in the event’s history.
The Contenders This year’s contest featured a blend of emerging talent and seasoned performers:
Mac McClung (Orlando Magic): The two-time defending champion aimed for an unprecedented third title. Matas Buzelis (Chicago Bulls): A promising rookie making his contest debut. Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs): Another rookie known for his dynamic athleticism. Andre Jackson Jr. (Milwaukee Bucks): Recognized for his defensive prowess and aerial feats. Highlights of the Night McClung’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He commenced with a jaw-dropping dunk, leaping over a Kia sedan and executing a reverse slam, earning a perfect score from all five judges. This act paid homage to Blake Griffin’s iconic 2011 dunk, with McClung elevating the challenge by clearing the car’s roof.
Throughout the contest, McClung maintained perfection, securing four consecutive 50-point scores. His array of dunks showcased a blend of creativity, precision, and athleticism, culminating in his third straight Slam Dunk Contest title. This achievement places him alongside Nate Robinson as the only players to win the contest three times and distinguishes him as the first to do so consecutively.
Stephon Castle also delivered an impressive performance, finishing as the runner-up with a final-round score of 99.6, including a perfect score on his second dunk. Despite his efforts, McClung’s flawless execution secured the championship.
Judges and Fan Participation The panel of judges featured esteemed figures such as Tracy McGrady, Kevin Garnett, Jason Richardson, and Baron Davis. For the first time, fan voting was incorporated, with the average fan score serving as the fifth judge, adding an interactive dimension to the event.
McClung’s historic victory has ignited discussions about his place among the all-time greats in dunk contest history. Analysts and fans alike have praised his innovative approach and consistency, with some suggesting his performances rank alongside legends like Michael Jordan and Vince Carter.
As the NBA All-Star Weekend concluded, McClung’s remarkable achievement stood out as a testament to his dedication and flair, ensuring his legacy in the annals of the Slam Dunk Contest.
On February 14, 2025, Jisoo, renowned as a member of BLACKPINK, unveiled her debut solo extended play (EP) titled ‘Amortage’. This release signifies a pivotal moment in her career, marking her evolution as an independent artist.
A Journey to ‘Amortage’ Following the conclusion of BLACKPINK’s ‘Born Pink World Tour’ in 2023, Jisoo announced her departure from YG Entertainment to pursue solo endeavors. In February 2024, she established her own label, Blissoo, laying the foundation for her solo projects. By January 2025, Jisoo had signed a global deal with Warner Records, setting the stage for the release of ‘Amortage’.
The EP’s title, ‘Amortage’, is a fusion of ‘amor’ (Latin for ‘love’) and ‘montage’, reflecting its exploration of various facets of love and relationships. Comprising four tracks—’Earthquake’, ‘Your Love’, ‘Tears’, and ‘Hugs & Kisses’—the EP showcases Jisoo’s versatility, featuring songs in both Korean and English.
The Lead Single: ‘Earthquake’ ‘Earthquake’ serves as the EP’s lead single, blending electronic elements with Jisoo’s distinctive vocals. The lyrics delve into the exhilaration of newfound love and the intensity of emotions that accompany it. Critics have lauded the track for its dynamic production and Jisoo’s expressive delivery.
The accompanying music video, directed by Christian Breslauer, presents a compelling narrative. It portrays Jisoo in an office setting, receiving an unexpected message from a lover. The storyline intensifies as she undergoes a lie detector test, symbolizing the scrutiny of her true feelings. The video culminates with a dramatic escape, metaphorically representing a break from constraints.
Fan Engagement and Future Plans To commemorate the EP’s release, Jisoo hosted a fan meeting titled ‘Soo in Love’ at CGV Cheongdam CineCity in Gangnam. She also announced the ‘Lights, Love, Action!’ fan meeting tour, set to span seven cities across Asia, aiming to connect with her fanbase on a more personal level.
‘Amortage’ not only highlights Jisoo’s growth as an artist but also underscores her commitment to exploring diverse musical landscapes. As she embarks on this new chapter, fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the impact of her solo endeavors.
The website’s menu is structured for smooth navigation and clear content categorization, making it easy for visitors to find relevant topics. The primary menu includes:
Home – The main landing page. ITrends – A section dedicated to technology topics, covering CMS, Docker, and Virtual Host Services. My Life – A personal space featuring content related to hobbies and career. HWS – A separate category for specialized content (potentially related to homework or other specific topics).
Part II: New Content Updates and Links
Several new articles have been added under the ITrends section, focusing on key technological concepts. Recent additions include:
To improve content organization and navigation, the website’s categories have been structured as follows:
ITrends – Focused on technology topics, with subcategories including: CMS, Docker, Virtual Host Services My Life – Personal content, categorized into: Hobbies, Career HWS – A specialized category for other related content.
Part IV: Category Search and Tag Cloud Plugin To further enhance navigation and engagement, a Tag Cloud Plugin has been integrated into the sidebar. This feature:
Displays frequently used tags in a visually dynamic way.
Allows users to click on a tag and instantly access related posts.
Improves user experience by making content discovery more intuitive.
Choosing a career path isn’t always straightforward, but for me, it became clear through hands-on experience. My journey in the world of data began with two impactful internships—one in data engineering and the other in data analysis. These experiences not only shaped my skills but also helped me discover my passion for working with data.
Starting with Data Engineering My first internship was as a Data Engineer Intern, and it was here that I first realized how powerful data can be. I worked with SQL, Python, and ETL processes, helping to build and maintain data pipelines that ensured businesses had clean and reliable data. This experience introduced me to the technical side of data management—how raw information is transformed and structured to be useful.
Through this role, I developed a strong foundation in data processing, database management, and automation, but most importantly, it sparked my curiosity about how businesses use data to make informed decisions.
Exploring Data Analysis My second internship as a Data Analyst Intern took me deeper into the world of data-driven decision-making. Here, I focused on analyzing trends, visualizing insights, and helping businesses understand their data. I worked with tools like Excel, SQL, and Python to extract meaningful insights, and I realized how much I enjoyed the process of turning raw numbers into actionable strategies.
This internship helped me see the direct impact of data analysis—how businesses use insights to optimize operations, improve marketing strategies, and enhance customer experiences. It solidified my passion for solving problems with data and helped me decide on my future career path.
Looking Ahead: My Future in Data Analytics After these experiences, I’m certain that I want to build my career as a Data Analyst. I enjoy digging into complex datasets, uncovering patterns, and making sense of numbers to drive decision-making. Moving forward, I plan to continue honing my skills in data visualization, machine learning, and business intelligence tools to become a more well-rounded analyst.
The field of data analytics is constantly evolving, and I’m excited to grow along with it. Whether it’s working in business strategy, marketing analytics, or financial forecasting, I know that data will always play a crucial role in shaping the future—and I want to be a part of it.
Everyone needs an escape—something that helps them unwind, reset, and have fun. For me, that escape comes from three main things: going to the gym, playing video games, and watching NBA games. These hobbies aren’t just ways to pass the time; they bring me excitement, challenge, and a sense of achievement in different ways.
Staying Active: My Gym Routine One of my favorite ways to stay energized is by hitting the gym. There’s something about lifting weights, pushing through a tough workout, and seeing progress over time that keeps me motivated. It’s not just about physical fitness; it’s also about the mental clarity that comes with it. No matter how stressful the day is, a solid workout helps me reset and feel accomplished.
Gaming: Strategy, Fun, and Competition I’ve always enjoyed playing video games, but recently, I’ve been hooked on Teamfight Tactics (TFT). It’s a strategy-based game where you build and position teams to outplay opponents. The mix of luck, planning, and adaptability makes every match feel different, and I love the challenge of improving my decision-making skills. Whether I win or lose, I always learn something new—and that’s what keeps me coming back for more.
Basketball & the Denver Nuggets Basketball has always been one of my favorite sports to watch, and lately, I’ve been following the Denver Nuggets closely. Their teamwork, skill, and dominance on the court make every game exciting. Nikola Jokić has been an absolute powerhouse, and watching him play is nothing short of inspiring. Whether it’s a regular season matchup or a high-stakes playoff game, there’s nothing like the thrill of an intense NBA battle.
A Content Management System (CMS) is a software platform that allows users to create, manage, and modify digital content without requiring extensive technical skills. WordPress is one of the most popular CMS platforms, powering over 40% of websites globally. Originally developed as a blogging platform, WordPress has evolved into a versatile CMS that supports websites of all types, including business sites, e-commerce stores, portfolios, and forums. Its user-friendly interface and flexibility enable individuals and organizations to build websites with minimal coding knowledge. WordPress provides pre-designed templates (themes) and an extensive library of plugins that add functionality, such as SEO optimization, contact forms, and payment gateways, making it an accessible tool for both beginners and professionals.
WordPress is an open-source platform, meaning its code is freely available and continuously improved by a global community of developers. This feature encourages innovation and customization, allowing users to tailor their websites to meet specific needs. Additionally, WordPress supports multiple languages and offers tools for content scheduling, media management, and role-based access control. Its scalability and support for advanced features, such as custom post types and integrations with third-party applications, make it suitable for small blogs as well as large-scale websites. By combining ease of use with powerful customization options, WordPress has become a cornerstone of modern web development.
References
WordPress. “What Is WordPress?” WordPress.org. WordPress, n.d.
Starr, Jeff. Digging into WordPress. 3rd ed., Independent Publishing, 2019.
Duckett, Jon. HTML and CSS: Design and Build Websites. Wiley, 2011.
A container is a lightweight, portable, and self-contained unit of software that includes everything needed to run an application—such as code, runtime, libraries, and dependencies. Docker is a leading containerization platform that simplifies the creation, deployment, and management of containers. Unlike virtual machines (VMs), containers share the host operating system’s kernel, making them more efficient in terms of resource usage and startup time. This allows developers to build applications that work consistently across different environments, from a developer’s laptop to production servers. Containers also enable microservices architecture, where applications are broken into smaller, manageable components, each running in its own container. This modular approach improves scalability, agility, and fault isolation, as updates or issues in one container do not affect others.
Docker has become popular due to its ability to streamline development and deployment processes. Developers use Dockerfiles to define container configurations and Docker images to package the application along with its dependencies. These images are stored in repositories like Docker Hub, making them easily shareable and deployable. Additionally, Docker supports orchestration tools like Kubernetes, which manage large-scale containerized applications by automating tasks such as scaling, load balancing, and monitoring. By enabling rapid application deployment, consistent environments, and efficient resource utilization, Docker containers have revolutionized how software is developed and deployed in modern IT ecosystems.
References
Docker. “What Is a Container?” Docker Documentation. Docker, n.d.
Burns, Brendan, et al. Designing Distributed Systems: Patterns and Paradigms for Scalable, Reliable Services. O’Reilly Media, 2018.
Boettiger, Carl. “An Introduction to Docker for Reproducible Research.” ACM SIGOPS Operating Systems Review, vol. 49, no. 1, 2015, pp. 71-79. Web.
