So today I discovered why, exactly, that staple of the Stereotypical Professor's wardrobe is so omnipresent.
( It's because of Manuscript Elbow and Shoulder )

Apparently, there is a concept known as the photonic Robin Hood effect, in which some sort of fibre optic mixing technique allows for redistribution of power from wavelengths which have power (long) to wavelengths without (short).

In general, FWM is deleterious in WDM systems because it causes loss to each ( Read more... )

So, papers are due at 5 pm today. It is just after 11 am here and I have ONE paper. One. (From my darling hardworking duck, who shared with me that the class is talking about getting together for a medieval movie night next semester. OMFG, so CUTE! ...I have invited them to come heckle Sword of the Valiant, if they dare ( Read more... )

My dissertation prospectus is FINALLY filed. Though not before my supervisor sent yet another round of revisions (including revising his own revisions, classic) with generally interesting comments completely at odds with his "ok, let's get this done!" approach. Mixed signals, thy name is Feudal Overlord. How did it end? I threw a (polite) hissy ( Read more... )

( This is not your grandmother's blackboard. Chalk is for the WEAK! )

So, sadness over Ghana's loss. I was not going to be happy with the outcome either way--two non-Euro nations facing off against each other at this stage means one less non-Euro nation making it to the finals. WOE. And I was not initially cheering for Ghana because, hello, heart-rending defeat on Saturday. I NEED TIME, OK? But they were playing ( Read more... )

( Because Deviouslint found unicorns in her Psalms, and I am going mad )

OK, people. It's time for some social justice signal boosting.

( I will silently judge you if you do not click here )

( For funsies! )

( There are children in India who don't have email, be grateful! )