Friday, August 29, 2008

Radical Times

Ok, at the moment I'm trying to characterise the Jacobson radical of the factor algebra of the algebra of complex functions from a ring under multiplicative convolution. If you think that sounds convoluted I probably shouldn't add that this was the simplest explanation I could come up with. I've typed up a rough sketch of some of the background work I've done on this algebra, what it is and how it works. The Jacobson radical however is proving elusive, despite all my best efforts. Essentially I've a big set of objects with some structure and I'm trying to find a little very structured bit inside it that has special properties. Tricky stuff :) Hopefully once I've found out what it looks like I'll be able to use it to prove a theorem that another researcher in the field has already proved a different way. Made especially difficult since I can't seem to find his proof or any mention of it.

Also, I've been aksed to review an article on an area related to mine for a recognised journal. Unfortunately I've not much experience with this area which means an awful lot of background reading. I don't think my review will be up to much although I think I've found a neater way to define one of the objects they use. My lack of global vision on the topic precludes any idea of the overall relevence of the work.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Science Demands Your Vote!

Please go to the Science for a succesul Ireland website, watch the three videos and vote for the one you think is best. Personally I think this is video B and I'm not at all biased by the fact that Suzanne is my friend...

A warning update!

Contrary to my most recent post I would now advise that the book 'The Phd Process' be read ONLY before starting a phd. Under no circumstances should this book be read during a particular tough part of one's phd adventure. Unless you wish to be filled with dread, depression and self-loathing. Consider yourselves warned.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Recently Read Pop-Sci (Math)

'Mathematics: A very short introduction' by Timothy Gowers
'Letters to a young mathematician' by Ian Stewart
'A mathematician's apology' by G.H. Hardy with foreword by J.P. Snow (brilliant!)
Currently reading the 'further reading' sections of these books.

Also reading 'The Ph.D. Process: A student's guide to Graduate school in the sciences'. Heavily lab-science based but still has some interesting and noteworthy ideas. Everyone should read this before they graduate if they're even considering a postgraduate degree in the sciences.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Serenity Characters :)

Your results:
You are Kaylee Frye (Ship Mechanic)
























Kaylee Frye (Ship Mechanic)
100%
Derrial Book (Shepherd)
85%
Dr. Simon Tam (Ship Medic)
85%
Zoe Washburne (Second-in-command)
65%
River (Stowaway)
60%
Malcolm Reynolds (Captain)
55%
Wash (Ship Pilot)
50%
Inara Serra (Companion)
40%
Alliance
40%
Jayne Cobb (Mercenary)
20%
A Reaver (Cannibal)
20%
You are good at fixing things.
You are usually cheerful.
You appreciate being treated
with delicacy and specialness.


Click here to take the "Which Serenity character am I?" quiz...

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Joss Whedon strikes again.

Please take 30 mins of your day to enjoy the delights of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. You will then find yourself inexorably impatient for the next act. For your convenience there is currently Act I and Act II provided.

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Subtraction

Subtraction

A cute little comic from one of may favourites.