My name is Duc.  I currently reside in the Philadelphia area attending Drexel University pursuing my Masters degree in Computer Science.   My current interest is Artificial Intelligence.  That is subject to change, last year I was fascinated by Human Computer Interaction, because in the future, I see computers being more ubiquitous in our everyday lives.  However, I feel that this will only happen if computers and applications are "smarter" and can "think" for us, hence my new focus on AI.

I am a geek, dork, and/or nerd, whichever term you prefer.  But hopefully, that does not spur negative connotations.  I don't think I'm too socially inept.  I own a Mac, envy *nix, and shun Windows.  The industry rapidly changes though, so I am open to new ideas.  So, if Microsoft can get it together, more power to them.  Myspace and Facebook is a guilty pleasure.  I know Java, C, and I am interested in dynamic scripting languages.  I embrace technology and simple elegant design.  Computers and technology is here to help us, not to be feared.

I am an avid runner.  I'm not particularly fast or great.  I am just really into it right now.  I ran my first marathon in April in Kentucky (3:56).  Wasn't satisfied so I am training again to run in Philadelphia in November.

I like beer.  All kinds.  I am particularly smitten by Belgian ales.  But I am not too snobby to turn up my nose to piss water like 'Natty Lite' or PBR.  Hey, sometimes you make do with what you got.  My preferences in beer changes with my mood.

I am a fairweather sports fan.  Football season is fun because it allows me to relax, turn off my brain and drink beer (see above).  Soccer is awesome, the World Cup just finished up and I am still riding the excitement high.  Cycling is exciting sans doping scandals.  Something about the teamwork and strategy fascinates me, not to mention a human being able to propel themselves down a mountain at 80kph.  Baseball is cool during the playoffs.  The NCAA Basketball Tourney is fun (my brother went to the UMd).

I like music.  All kinds.  I'm hardly a music connoiseur, I enjoy most shows I've been to at World Cafe Live.  I have a musical background:  piano, marching band, school musicals, choir, etc.  Another remnant from my childhood, I love the Bouncing Souls.  I can appreciate everything from opera to hard core rap.