Technically, the meeting started Tuesday, but all that happened was a welcome reception, which I missed due to travel. The real beginning of the meeting was Wednesday morning, with the traditional unscheduled half-hour welcome from local dignitaries. That was followed by the Prize Session, featuring the frighteningly smart Misha Lukin, who was awarded the I.I.… Continue reading DAMOP Day One
Author: Chad Orzel
Dorky Poll: How Do You Like Your Waves?
I made it to Charlottesville, and am all checked in to the Econo Lodge, which is a little more Econo than I was expecting. It’s an old-school motel, with rooms that open right into the parking lot, the sort of place where the towels are tiny and scratchy, the pillows and mattresses are thin, and… Continue reading Dorky Poll: How Do You Like Your Waves?
Good Talks Are Bosons
I’m leaving this afternoon for Charlottesville, VA and the 40th annual DAMOP conference. At this meeting, we will once again be confirming the prediction of the bosonic character of interesting talks. Bosons, as you know, are quantum particles that happily occupy the same state as other bosons, and as you can see from the meeting… Continue reading Good Talks Are Bosons
links for 2009-05-19
Solar charging an electric motorcycle – how long? | Dot Physics "Questions to be answered: How much energy would the bike need to go 50 miles? How much power (average) could you expect to get from the solar panels? Andâ¦how long would it take to charge this sucker. I am sure you can store enough… Continue reading links for 2009-05-19
Shhhhhhhhhh!!!!!
Confessions of a Science Librarian has joined ScienceBlogs. So, no more eating Chinese food in the stacks, and try to keep the noise down.
Sciences vs. Humanities, Primary vs. Secondary
Thoreau offers without qualification some observations about the different approach to books taken by sciences vs. humanities. Specifically, he notes that despite frequent claims that it is the Most Important Book Ever, nobody actually reads Newton’s Principia Mathematica This is totally different from humanities. In humanities, people make a point of reading the original thinkers.… Continue reading Sciences vs. Humanities, Primary vs. Secondary
Grammar Nerd Poll
This has nothing to do with the substance of Steve Benen’s post about conservative preparations for judicial confirmation hearings, but the quote he used from a New York Times article is the proximate cause for this Grammar Nerd Poll: What is the plural of “memorandum”? A) “Memorandums” B) “Memoranda” C) “More than one memorandum” D)… Continue reading Grammar Nerd Poll
Physics vs. Chemistry
The Experimental Error blog considers the difference between disciplines (via Tom): I often contemplate the differences between these two areas of study. Also, I hear fellow undergrads argue for one or the other, usually divided along the lines of their respective major. Anymore, I think they’re so interrelated that I find it hard to find… Continue reading Physics vs. Chemistry
links for 2009-05-17
Tor.com / Science fiction and fantasy / Blog posts / Magic, family, uncertainty: Lisa Goldsteinâs <em>Tourists</em> A brilliant book that ought to be much better known than it is. (tags: culture SF books review fantasy tor) The Big Lebowski | Film | A.V. Club "Inspired by Raymond Chandler detective novelsâand the hazy L.A. vibe of… Continue reading links for 2009-05-17
What Should I Do in Charlottesville?
From Tuesday to Saturday, I will be at the 2009 DAMOP meeting at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA. I have been to Charlottesville three times before, and based on that experience, I know these things: The White Spot is worth a visit if you’re a fan of greasy spoon diners. Getting stuck in… Continue reading What Should I Do in Charlottesville?