Squiggle

Seriously, the number of physics professors that default to using ξ or ζ as their symbol of choice makes me think that there’s some collective brainwashing going on.

Project Progress

Corollary: Your folder of started projects is overflowing.

Fast Start

The inability for us to estimate how much content is too little for people viewing our work for the first time is probably one of the key reasons I don’t like most presentations.

Correction Key

Ah, do I ever love the RG one. It’s my go-to strategy when trying to finish an assignment where I don’t understand all the steps.

Exponent

This is absolutely based on a true story, and it makes me aware of every single footnote I write. I spent so much time trying to figure out how in the world the author arrived at the equation!

Title Filter

Okay, I’m exaggerating, but only barely. It really does boggle the mind at times when I browse the arXiv.

Potholes

“Can’t we fix all of these terrible roads so people actually want to ride on them?”

“If they are really motivated, they will persevere.”

Ballpark Estimate

My experience has been that graduate students are a bit more loose with their notion of “accurate”.

Overloaded

“Don’t you think it would be a good idea to spread the load out a bit?”

“No no, I’m sure you can do it. Hey, I have this friend who also wants to give you a few things. Their name is Mathematics.”

Project Dilation

If you get too good at being a scientist, outside forces (talks, committees, prizes, etc.) will react to stop you from decreasing your gamma factor to one.