Saturday, August 30, 2008

How do you solve a problem like Maria? You start with some good R&D.

After watching the Sound of Music again (I was there!) I have decided to redirect my studies to research on how to solve a problem like Maria. I am currently applying for funding from the NSF on how to catch a cloud and pin it down. Of course the initial research will be on climate control as it pertains to clouds, and also development of an adequate pin. Keeping a wave upon the sand is also proving to be difficult, but I think with the right sand we can make it happen. Of course holding a moonbeam in your hand is quite easy once we've mastered climate control, and also possibly the use of moon rocks and/or laser technology.

Of course solving a problem like Maria doesn't actually solve the Maria problem, but I think it's an important step and the nuns would really appreciate it. It's high time the fields of engineering, science and technology catch up to solve the problems of nuns in Austria.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Qualifying Examination (aka, "Quals")

Studying for the Qual. A grueling exam designed to test my knowledge in graduate level theoretical physics (classical mechanics and electromagnetics), quantum mechanics, and thermodynamics. A 5 hour exam that is only 5 questions long. It is also designed to break me. But I won't let it. I'm studying. Studying fun topics like electrostatics, relativity, lorentz transformations, quantum scattering, canonical ensembles, lagrangian dynamics, and perturbation theory. What a treat.

Of course there is the real possibility that I will fail this exam on Friday. I have spent most of the time that I should have been studying, working on research. On the bright side, at least I enjoy my job enough that I'd rather do it than other stuff.

Anyway, that's what I've been doing, and not blogging. Well, mostly the research. I'll blog a bit more about that perhaps when I finish this test... Wish me luck!