What is the newest installment of 'Random Thoughts' on Physics Forums?

[WWGD]

Why does idiotic hotmail assume by default that when you reply to an email, youre replying to
yourself? I was upset because someone had not responded to an exchange of several emails. Then
I found out my reply to them had been sent to my own account only. Sounds ridiculous.

 

[Borg]

Why does idiotic hotmail assume by default that when you reply to an email, youre replying to
yourself? I was upset because someone had not responded to an exchange of several emails. Then
I found out my reply to them had been sent to my own account only. Sounds ridiculous.

I don't use hotmail but I have that problem in Outlook when I use Reply from the Sent Items folder. For that, it correctly sets the sender if you use Reply All.

 

[WWGD]

I don't use hotmail but I have that problem in Outlook when I use Reply from the Sent Items folder. For that, it correctly sets the sender if you use Reply All.

Yes, I meant outlook. Not sure of the difference between the two. I just hit the reply button and by default it lists me , only, as the addressee.

 

[WWGD]

Seems in the UK they are planning to introduce a beer named " Nelson Mandela". I can see how the song " Free Nelson Mandela" will become confusing. Specially if you hear it at a bar.

 

[Ibix]

Seems in the UK they are planning to introduce a beer named " Nelson Mandela".

Well that'll change the meaning of the Mandela effect.

 

[fresh_42]

Seems in the UK they are planning to introduce a beer named " Nelson Mandela". I can see how the song " Free Nelson Mandela" will become confusing. Specially if you hear it at a bar.

Which brewery? Which kind of beer?

 

[WWGD]

Which brewery? Which kind of beer?

Not sure. Now that you ask, someone may have been putting me on. Which I admit would only be fair, as I have been doing it to others myself , basically for ever.

 

[fresh_42]

Not sure. Now that you ask, someone may have been putting me on. Which I admit would only be fair, as I have been doing it to others myself , basically for ever.

Don't mess with beer! We even have an elative in German which emphasizes this demand. If we want to say that we mean something especially serious (ernst), we say "beerserious" (bierernst).

 

[WWGD]

Don't mess with beer! We even have an elative in German which emphasizes this demand. If we want to say that we mean something especially serious (ernst), we say "beerserious" (bierernst).

Maybe you can also ref John McEnroe : " You cannot be serious!"

 

[Keith_McClary]

Which brewery? Which kind of beer?

https://untappd.com/b/ad-hop-brewing-nelson-mandela/1712636

This beer is no longer being produced by the brewery.

 

[Borg]

Yes, I meant outlook. Not sure of the difference between the two. I just hit the reply button and by default it lists me , only, as the addressee.

Reply All should fix it then.

 

[WWGD]

Reply All should fix it then.

True enough. I'll have to make a small effort to remember. I am too used to assuming the reply will go to the person who sent the email. I fail to see what sense it makes to send myself a reply. It, yes, it's a me problem.

 

[etotheipi]

When sheep fall asleep, do they count us?

 

[WWGD]

When sheep fall asleep, do they count us?

I've found that tightening my face , feet like 10 times in a row helps me get to sleep faster and more deeply. I ( think I ) understand there is a neurological basis for this: when the brain detects eye lids, face are relaxed, it triggers a relaxation response. But it may just be pop science.

 

[etotheipi]

Sleeping's really fricking weird, just how like one minute you're awake and then somehow your brain does something and then you just wake up a bit later and never remember actually falling asleep.

 

[WWGD]

Sleeping's really fricking weird, just how like one minute you're awake and then somehow your does something and then you just wake up a bit later and never remember actually falling asleep.

True. I've always been curious about the transition. Is it continuous? Discreet? Something else?

 

[etotheipi]

And the harder you try the harder it gets. Do you ever find that when things are more stressful e.g. with exams or whatever, you get like really restless nights where you focus really hard on one particular thing like a maths problem or something, but then wake up and realize that it was all complete garbage? Like I remember once thinking I'd figured out something about orbits of planets or some sh*t, scribbled some stuff at like 3 am and didn't sleep at all the whole night, but then when I was less tired the next day realized none of the scribbles made any sense at all and had no idea what I was actually thinking about?

 

[dlgoff]

I've often said, "my biggest regret in life was not going to Graduate School."

Well, I decided to go to the https://physics.ku.edu/overview-physics-ms and printed out all the relevant documentation. I looked in my file cabinet and found my GRE Interpretation Booklet for Candidates 1972-73. My scores in Math and Physics were well above what's required but I'm wondering if they would be accepted or if I could do it again if I had to retake the GRE.

Thoughts?

 

[WWGD]

I've often said, "my biggest regret in life was not going to Graduate School."

Well, I decided to go to the https://physics.ku.edu/overview-physics-ms and printed out all the relevant documentation. I looked in my file cabinet and found my GRE Interpretation Booklet for Candidates 1972-73. My scores in Math and Physics were well above what's required but I'm wondering if they would be accepted or if I could do it again if I had to retake the GRE.

Thoughts?

What is your major, main goal? Do you have funding? The more info the better. Good luck if you go. Have you simulated what it will be like to have an idea of what to expect?

 

[WWGD]

And the harder you try the harder it gets. Do you ever find that when things are more stressful e.g. with exams or whatever, you get like really restless nights where you focus really hard on one particular thing like a maths problem or something, but then wake up and realize that it was all complete garbage? Like I remember once thinking I'd figured out something about orbits of planets or some sh*t, scribbled some stuff at like 3 am and didn't sleep at all the whole night, but then when I was less tired the next day realized none of the scribbles made any sense at all and had no idea what I was actually thinking about?

One thing that helped me in that regard was someone saying: whatever problems I have now will still be there by the time O wake up. At least then I will be refreshed if I go to sleep now. Also, just seems that many of the thoughts that come about are noise. I just tell those thoughts: get out of here, stop with the nonsense. It , or something else , seems to have helped in that regard ; now I just ignore it.

 

[dlgoff]

What is your major, main goal? Do you have funding? The more info the better. Good luck if you go.

My main goal is just to learn. I'm retired so making more money isn't an issue. There is funding available through the university via research, etc.

And thanks for the good luck. Also, I've kept all my undergrad texts so I can do some relearning.

 

[WWGD]

My main goal is just to learn. I'm retired so making more money isn't an issue. There is funding available through the university via research, etc.

And thanks for the good luck. Also, I've kept all my undergrad texts so I can do some relearning.

For now I can think of a couple of things. You probably already thought about it, but just in case * :
1) Do you have a clear idea of concentration for your thesis? If you have a very clear idea, you may be able to look for a orof to help and get an early start on your thesis.

2) I suggest you try to mimic now the effort you will be doing then, e.g., focusing and studying for , say 4-5 hours a day

3) Plan your diet and an exercise regime to better deal with pressure.

*Not Justin Case. See previous episodes.

 

[dlgoff]

For now I can think of a couple of things. You probably already thought about it, but just in case * :
1) Do you have a clear idea of concentration for your thesis? If you have a very clear idea, you may be able to look for a orof to help and get an early start on your thesis.

2) I suggest you try to mimic now the effort you will be doing then, e.g., focusing and studying for , say 4-5 hours a day

3) Plan your diet and an exercise regime to better deal with pressure.

*Not Justin Case. See previous episodes.

1) I've been doing home research on an electro-optical device.
2)4-5 hours a day isn't much IMO
3)I live on a 5 acre plot and do a lot of gardening => food and exercise.
previous episodes? In undergrad school I worked with a professor (now emeritus) with the university's particle accelerator. Plus I was a TA for a physics 1 lab; so I've done a lot of grading.

 

[WWGD]

Well, it may be a good omen: you made the comment/question on Richard Feynman's birthday anniversary. :).

 

[dlgoff]

Well, it may be a good omen: you made the comment/question on Richard Feynman's birthday anniversary. :).

I guess I don't remember that. Do you have a link to that thread?

Anyway, I hope it's a good omen. :)

 

[etotheipi]

went to borrow gravitation by mtw this morning, it's a pretty apt title since it feels like it weighs like half the chandrasekhar mass

 

[fresh_42]

went to borrow gravitation by mtw this morning, it's a pretty apt title since it feels like it weighs like half the chandrasekhar mass

Why did you borrow gravitation? So many people are trying to get rid of it: Zero-G customers, weight watchers, literally every space agency on the planet, roller coasters ...

 

[Ibix]

went to borrow gravitation by mtw this morning,

Lift with your legs, not your back.

 

[WWGD]

True enough. I'll have to make a small effort to remember. I am too used to assuming the reply will go to the person who sent the email. I fail to see what sense it makes to send myself a reply. It, yes, it's a me problem.

But still, I know I should just drop it, but what sense does it make design-wise to assume that the default is by someone to send themselves messages?

 

[WWGD]

I guess I don't remember that. Do you have a link to that thread?

Anyway, I hope it's a good omen. :)

Not really a thread, just a short exchange about someone's name being Justin Case= Just in Case.

 

[fresh_42]

9 of 10 people in STEM fields are men. It is time to change this. We must start to tell the world that we actually do vegan science! O.k., perhaps not biology, but they have the best ratio anyway.

 

[BigDon]

Well, this is my last time logging in here. I have one or two more posts I'd like to share, then it's back into the Void with me.

I have to quit, doctor's orders. Too many flashy things here I don't normally deal with, as I normally cruise the 'net with every bell and whistle turned off, but can't log in or post here under those conditions.

I especially liked meeting poster BillTre, as we have a lot of common interests.

 

[WWGD]

9 of 10 people in STEM fields are men. It is time to change this. We must start to tell the world that we actually do vegan science! O.k., perhaps not biology, but they have the best ratio anyway.

Women obtain stem degrees at a much lower rate than men. Let them do what they choose to do. I don't see anyone stopping them.

 

[WWGD]

Well, this is my last time logging in here. I have one or two more posts I'd like to share, then it's back into the Void with me.

I have to quit, doctor's orders. Too many flashy things here I don't normally deal with, as I normally cruise the 'net with every bell and whistle turned off, but can't log in or post here under those conditions.

I especially liked meeting poster BillTre, as we have a lot of common interests.

Not sure I understand. Are you having trouble logging in, or navigating PF?

 

[WWGD]

The height of confidence: looking in the back of the book to see if your results agree with the book. If they do, say : " They got it right!".

 

[Jarvis323]

Let them do what they choose to do. I don't see anyone stopping them.

I agree, but people don't make choices in a vacuum. This paper offers some insight into the subject.

https://www.washington.edu/news/201...men-than-others-uw-study-may-have-the-answer/

 

[WWGD]

I agree, but people don't make choices in a vacuum. This paper offers some insight into the subject.

https://www.washington.edu/news/201...men-than-others-uw-study-may-have-the-answer/

Still, in Nordic countries, the gold standard for equality, the same holds. And if you group by race, Asian Americans obtain them at a higher rate than Whites , who obtain them at a higher rate than Blacks and Latinos. Should we seek equality here too? How about for teachers, rn's, who are mostly female? I saw during my studies, several very generous scholarships for women and " non-traditional" students that went unused. I know it is just a data point; still, if you need/expect society to approve of what you do, you have your own issues to address. I don't remember anyone cheering me into getting my degree, nor feeling welcome among my group. On the contrary, often. It frankly seems some people don't realize life is hard for all and most of us just have to rough it out. Now, if this was Afghanistan or some other place, I'd agree. But it is nowhere near that way in the West.

Edit: It is also the case that women nowadays obtain around 60% of all college degrees, including graduate ones. This has not been addressed to my knowledge.

 

[WWGD]

Why does dimensional analysis work?

How else will it be able to pay for food and rent?

Kind of hard to understand just what they're asking.

 

[Frabjous]

Why does dimensional analysis work?

It’s as easy as 1 2 3
or 4 for relativity

 

[Jarvis323]

Still, in Nordic countries, the gold standard for equality, the same holds. And if you group by race, Asian Americans obtain them at a higher rate than Whites , who obtain them at a higher rate than Blacks and Latinos. Should we seek equality here too? How about for teachers, rn's, who are mostly female? I saw during my studies, several very generous scholarships for women and " non-traditional" students that went unused. I know it is just a data point; still, if you need/expect society to approve of what you do, you have your own issues to address. I don't remember anyone cheering me into getting my degree, nor feeling welcome among my group. On the contrary, often. It frankly seems some people don't realize life is hard for all and most of us just have to rough it out. Now, if this was Afghanistan or some other place, I'd agree. But it is nowhere near that way in the West.

Edit: It is also the case that women nowadays obtain around 60% of all college degrees, including graduate ones. This has not been addressed to my knowledge.

I think the concepts discussed in the paper apply to any form of self identity. The take away is that people shy away from paths that they (perhaps even only subconsciously) perceive they aren't welcomed to, or cutout for. So the obvious improvement we can make in society is to identify ways to prevent people from forming these kinds of perceptions when they're harmful. That's why you see so much in terms of efforts to increase, and also overtly highlight diversity. It's an implementation of a strategy to improve peoples self confidence and show them examples of valid life paths that they otherwise might shy away from, e.g. due to self doubt.

 

[WWGD]

I think the concepts discussed in the paper apply to any form of self identity. The take away is that people shy away from paths that they (perhaps even only subconsciously) perceive they aren't welcomed to, or cutout for. So the obvious improvement we can make in society is to identify ways to prevent people from forming these kinds of perceptions when they're harmful. That's why you see so much in terms of efforts to increase, and also overtly highlight diversity. It's an implementation of a strategy to improve peoples self confidence and show them examples of valid life paths that they otherwise might shy away from, e.g. due to self doubt.

It would be great if we could have a society that is supportive and where all feel welcome in most environments. But that will not likely happen any time soon. And that applies to most of us. To be realistic, it makes more sense to look within for strength. It is harsh, but if you need approval to the extent you make your choices, however subconsciously, in order to avoid not feeling accepted, it's more a personal than an environmental/ societal issue.

 

[WWGD]

Basically this is imo more of a far left issue; far right has its obvious ones ( stability for it's sake as the greatest good, etc), but that's another ( long) conversation. When someone feels uncomfortable in a setting, it's then assumed to be a societal rather than individual issue; specially for selected groups. As trite as it may be, I don't buy either end. Maybe those who lack confidence or do not feel accepted should at least make an effort to look into themselves rather than expect others, society to change. Of course, this applies within reason.

 

[WWGD]

I ultimately see the two as part of a system of checks and balances. Conservatism is biased towards stability and continuity , while the left is biased towards change. But neither change nor stability are good for their sake alone. Change is needed at times, but sinetimrs it can be harmful. My 2 bits.

 

[Jarvis323]

, however subconsciously, in order to avoid not feeling accepted, it's more a personal than an environmental/ societal issue.

I don't think you can separate the individual from the environment. You are part of your environment, and your environment is part of you. We shape our environment and our environment shapes us. This is why it's such a complex issue.

From historical analysis, without placing an intellectual focus on it, looking inwards and outwards, democratizing our ambitions, and actively trying to do better, we've ended up with thousands of years of terrible oppression.

We've come a long way, but no reason to believe we've just fixed the problems and now we can just move on and let things be and emerge as they will. It's rather a topic well deserving of deep study.

And it goes further than just issues of race and gender, as it pertains to how people view themselves in relation to their environment. There are some other big hurdles I think that people need to get over in terms of destructive collective/group behavior; especially as we become so numerous and technologically advanced.

 

[kyphysics]

*wonders if I've tipped WAY too low*

I don't have any pandemic curbside food pick-up experience. Today was a first. I went to Five Guys burgers and ordered a $33-ish meal (pre-tax). I tipped on my online order $3.50.

As I was eating, I had random thoughts/fears of whether this was right to do? I began Googling "how much to tip curbside" and saw some very high figures. Lots of articles say to tip 20% (although, some differ or don't say on whether that is off the sub-total or fully taxed total)...some say 15%. None really said 10% that I can recall.

My fries were sort of cold and I wondered if I tipped way too low and offended the employees. My rationale was that I was ordering from a place that ALREADY puts food in a to-go bag. There is literally nothing different from what they'd be doing vs. me ordering carryout or dine-in. Same bag! The ONLY difference is the employee walking a few feet extra (probably takes a total of one minute) to deliver me the food in my trunk right outside the restaurant (they have reserved parking in those slots). I could see myself tipping 15% or more for maybe a steakhouse curbside pick-up or maybe even Panera bread, where their food packaging procedures are different. But, with Five Guys, the way they serve food is the exact same whether dine in or whatever. That was the reason for my low tip (a little over 10% of the sub-total).

I worry I violated industry etiquette. Any random thoughts?

 

[Frabjous]

I ultimately see the two as part of a system of checks and balances. Conservatism is biased towards stability and continuity , while the left is biased towards change. But neither change nor stability are good for their sake alone. Change is needed at times, but sinetimrs it can be harmful. My 2 bits.

One could also conceptualize it as part of the positive/negative liberty debate.

 

[Frabjous]

*wonders if I've tipped WAY too low*

I don't have any pandemic curbside food pick-up experience. Today was a first. I went to Five Guys burgers and ordered a $33-ish meal (pre-tax). I tipped on my online order $3.50.

As I was eating, I had random thoughts/fears of whether this was right to do? I began Googling "how much to tip curbside" and saw some very high figures. Lots of articles say to tip 20% (although, some differ or don't say on whether that is off the sub-total or fully taxed total)...some say 15%. None really said 10% that I can recall.

My fries were sort of cold and I wondered if I tipped way too low and offended the employees. My rationale was that I was ordering from a place that ALREADY puts food in a to-go bag. There is literally nothing different from what they'd be doing vs. me ordering carryout or dine-in. Same bag! The ONLY difference is the employee walking a few feet extra (probably takes a total of one minute) to deliver me the food in my trunk right outside the restaurant (they have reserved parking in those slots). I could see myself tipping 15% or more for maybe a steakhouse curbside pick-up or maybe even Panera bread, where their food packaging procedures are different. But, with Five Guys, the way they serve food is the exact same whether dine in or whatever. That was the reason for my low tip (a little over 10% of the sub-total).

I worry I violated industry etiquette. Any random thoughts?

I‘ve been a big tipper during Covid; however, I would guess your issue is that it took longer for you to get there than it took to prepare your food.

 

[WWGD]

I don't think you can separate the individual from the environment. You are part of your environment, and your environment is part of you. We shape our environment and our environment shapes us. This is why it's such a complex issue.

From historical analysis, without placing an intellectual focus on it, looking inwards and outwards, democratizing our ambitions, and actively trying to do better, we've ended up with thousands of years of terrible oppression.

We've come a long way, but no reason to believe we've just fixed the problems and now we can just move on and let things be and emerge as they will. It's rather a topic well deserving of deep study.

And it goes further than just issues of race and gender, as it pertains to how people view themselves in relation to their environment. There are some other big hurdles I think that people need to get over in terms of destructive collective/group behavior; especially as we become so numerous and technologically advanced.

Just how far into oppression and privilege is the US at least, when several majority groups do better than the majority group in terms of income, education

 

[kyphysics]

I‘ve been a big tipper during Covid; however, I would guess your issue is that it took longer for you to get there than it took to prepare your food.

Interesting thoughts. I actually never considered my own driving time. The main thing I considered was what type of extra service was being provided to me?

I realized practically none, aside from walking my bag to my car. As mentioned, the packing of the order is 100% the same as if I just ordered carryout or dine-in. Their style is fast food bagging (no trays or plates, etc.) even for dine-in. That was the main reason I tipped "lower."

Good point about this being a pandemic and maybe considering that. I totally blew that part and didn't consider it in my newbie curbside tipping experience.

 

[WWGD]

Just how far into oppression and privilege is the US at least, when several majority groups do better than the majority group in terms of income, educationView attachment 283004

Several preventive and punitive measures have been taken to prevent racism or oppression of different sorts. Problem I see isthe left believes unequal outcomes are necessarily a sign of structual inequality. I don't think this is necessarily the case. I prefer the mixed approach: partially personal, partially societal. You are affected by society, sure, but for most cases, you can choose how to react. I don't believe that nowadays , at least in the West, that oppression is pervasive.

Edit:And the narrative of a clean description of the west as the oppressor and the restvas oppressed is factually incorrect. Look at the Japanese, Pol Pot, Great Leap Forward, etc. Ultimately, every group has oppressed and has itself oppressed others.