Dowsing

[prog]

I followed through with yesterday's discovery, came to the library, and succeeded in finding that elusive algorithm. Hurray. Pleased to find it doesn't involve math any hairier than prime numbers and basic graph theory (the latter of which my software can already handle, since it treats chemical compounds as undirected graphs). Hmf... I really should learn some more math to alleviate fears of possibly running into linear algebra AAAARGH! and whatnot. This fall, I shall do this. Yes. So say I.

Have explored enough of the HMS library to discover the best wireless reception points (yes, I did in fact wander hesitatingly around the floor holding my laptop before me like a divining rod, but I'll bet you dollars to donuts that many if not all who saw me knew exactly what I was doing), and to conclude that I should probably start including a short cat-5 cable among my backpack's standard contents. Nearly every power plug in the library has an Ethernet drop beside it; wow. (And there are many power plugs.)

Phineas' headbone and the other anatomical curiosities aren't viewable on Sundays, but other interesting artifacts lie scattered around the main part of the building, including some centuries-old Harvard steins, a book illustrated by Bruegel the Elder, and giant oil paintings of doctors hard at work during various parts of the second millenium (inlcuding the inevitable "guys with ruffled collars dissecting a cadaver" one).

Comments

Do not fear Linear Algebra

[kyroraz.livejournal.com]

I remember fearing calculus, LA isn't all that bad either.
Do not fear it. It's a good thing.

Re: Do not fear Linear Algebra

[prog.livejournal.com]

I do not fear learning it; I fear that something I want to do is impossible (or at least very difficult) due to calculus-knowledge being a prerequisite. I want to learn the math so that this becomes a non-issue.

[cortezopossum.livejournal.com]

The biggest problem I had with Linear Algebra was the fact that that the regular teacher never taught the class. Instead it was mostly taught by one of those stereotypical T.A.'s who can barely speak english. It took about 2 weeks to figure out that whenever he said something that went 'pooOOF' he was about to describe a 'proof'.