Recent content by jmason52

This may be a dumb question. If so, I apologize. I have now completed all the basic math courses, calculus thru DE, and am taking upper division physics courses. All my math was application based, ie solving problems; we did no proofs whatsoever. So now, while I am able to solve directed...

First, you have to remember that the Navy's purchasing requirements are somewhat hampered by the Government's social policies, and second, the way we write contracts in the federal Government almost forces extreme prices (remember the $400 hammers?) because we dictate every little design item...

I know how you feel. I think I should have won this year's Nobel Peace Prize cause I haven't slapped anyone yet today. Sigh . . .

This may hijack this thread, and for that, I apologize in advance. As a government contracting officer, I want to post my "Power to the People" rant and get it over with. Both sides of the Congressional aisle are playing partisan politics with this budget, just like they do every year. I...

I am in the process of applying for graduate school in Physics. I already have a BS degree in Biology, so am only taking the requisite courses both at a local community college, and as an undergraduate at the university in question. Last week, I made an appointment to speak with the chairman...

Case in point: Not all that long ago, Sec of Defense Gates recommended eliminating one of the many, duplicative fighter jet programs currently being built. (Every service needs their own very specific fighter, you see, because it is the color of the pilot's uniform, not the mission required...

In simple harmonic motion of a spring, the Position as a Function of Time Equation is: x(t) = Acos(wt+phi). How does one determine whether to use "cos" or "sin" when setting up the basic equation from the data given in a problem? Is it as simple as: use "sin" when x starts at equilibrium...

TBBT is the only show I watch that's not on the science or history channel. Sadly, I really identify with Howard (its a good thing I enjoy brisket on Sundays with the family. lol). My favorite epsiode was when Howard snuck a date into the tracking room to let her drive the Mars (?) rover...

Physics II. And I'm debating adding either Calculus III or Linear Algebra. Might as well completely fill up the weekends. lol

If you can't understand why a project has developed the way it has (history) or how to describe a double helix (art) or be able to write a simple papern (English) that's readable to those who might or might not give you funding on it's basis, then you can never consider yourself educated. To...

Actually, its a good idea on several fronts. It gets you used to thinking logically again, you can brush the rust off your math skills, and not least of all, it gives you a chance to establish good study habits and grades early. Also check with your CC on their local transfer programs. A lot...

I work in government contracting. I can unequivocally say it's the inflexible, inept, and totally smothering beaureaucracy. Sometimes I think that if I hear the phrase "Because we've always done it this way" ONE MORE TIME, I may go postal. lol

Not sure if I heard this in a movie or read it somewhere, but somehow, it just seems to fit: Why is Physics so hard? Cause if it was easy then anybody could do it.

I'm in the same boat. Just turned 58 and plan to retire in 2 years. For the last year, I've been taking basic Freshman/Sophomore math and physics classes at a local community college with idea of applying for the Physics PhD program at the local university. I have your same concerns, but...

I am taking Calculus II and Intro to Computer Programming via distance learning this semester, so I can give you some of my experiences. I find that I basically teach myself, which, I think, is a good thing in that by the time I am ready to take a quiz on something, I truly understand how it...