The problem with most machine-based random number generators is that they’re not TRULY random, so if you need genuine randomness it is sometimes necessary to link your code to an external random process like a physical noise source or the current rate of US tariffs on a given country.

Today is #InternationalRomaDay. Opre Romani!

This is an example of how the “don’t comply in advance” idea falls apart.

Better download any NIST spectra you might need. Who knows if they will stay online after the atomic spectroscopy group gets shut down. www.npr.org/2025/03/26/n...

I’m assuming everyone dresses up for their lectures, right? #AcademicSky

Yes!

See? Linux really can run on anything!

Ganesha in space! I didn’t know Sunita Williams took a murthi with her. Very cool 🙏🏼

This is very handy no matter what field of research you are in.

Well I just found out that my university is halting all new PhD applications. I’m glad we’re not rescinding any like UMass Medical but still…

In retrospect of course it was going to be the park rangers.

Me to my eldest child: “I’ve obtained a microwave for recreational purposes.” Them: “as one does” It’s nice to have someone who understands me on that level.

Left wing, right wing… same bird. www.npr.org/2025/03/13/n...

Is this just a really weird psyop to get conservatives to go green?

The tech industry leadership seems to have concluded that AI will soon reach "PhD level". I wonder how much of them are thinking that they will soon be able to keep getting their cool shit without having the nerdy (science) baggage that come with it. www.nature.com/articles/d41...

100%!

My lotus root looks like a disappointed alien.

Is there any chance we can convince Trump that Daylight Savings is woke? Might as well get something out of that.

After the Trump administration cut $400 million of funding to Columbia University over "antisemitism" because of pro-Palestine protests, Charlie Kirk is now warning college campuses that if he's not "treated well" when TPUSA arrives, they'll be next. www.mediamatters.org/charlie-kirk...

This is one of the most moving videos on YouTube that I have watched. Mad respect for @xylafoxlin.bsky.social for sharing something so personal and yet so very much important for the flying public and the pilots that are forced to suffer in silence. youtu.be/aj0H8oVS7qg?...

These days I feel far more like Beaker than Dr. Honeydew. #Beaker #muppetlabs

Using the sun to take a schleiren photograph of a supersonic jet is extremely cool! boomsupersonic.com/press-releas...

Fingers crossed that the furnace cement will work. I tried a test with two pieces of alumina and it appears to hold.

🧪🌎

Oh snap! Literally.

Today did not go well. My furnace tube broke in half while trying to grow a sample of metallic carbon. This sucks because we are close to getting the last bit of data for the paper. 😑

I do have to admit that I like the smell of a new book.

One step closer to having the data I need to (hopefully) get a groundbreaking paper published...

I can’t possibly imagine why a creature that collects teeth would be scary. 😬

I'm used to having floaters in my vision but this morning one of them seemed really active. Turns out it was an ant on my glasses. 🐜

All the projects I have in mind vying for my attention.

Eat the rich? Yuck! Use them for biofuel.