The first time I purchased glasses online, I was very uneasy because it was new territory. If you are ordering glasses online for the first time, or just want some tips to help make a repeat attempt go more smoothly, read the following tips:
 

Get an updated eye exam.  It is no good buying new glasses if your prescription information is different from your last visit.
Have your doctor measure your Pupillary Distance (PD).  This measurement from one pupil to the next is generally recorded in millimeters (mm).  Eye doctors will take …

Citing references in papers has always been a tough nut to crack. Everyone has their own preferences and style when it comes to writing, and different scientific journals all have their own specifications for how to cite references. Some people swear by LaTeX and BibTeX, others use word and Endnote.
While writing my thesis, I’ve come across a set of applications that I believe can be useful for almost any and everyone who is writing a paper.

Recently, we noticed our stock of WASP and WASP Solderless kits were running a bit low. Just in time for the World Maker Faire (be sure to stop by and say “hello”), we thought you might be interested in seeing what goes into making a new swarm of WASPs. This article is complete with lots of pictures showing every step.

I recently had an MRI and wanted to make an animated GIF out of the images. I found a couple of great little programs that made this task a breeze.

Now that some time has passed, I am able to reflect thoughtfully and professionally over the Maker Faire that was held in Durham on Sunday, April 25th.
From a teacher’s perspective, four makers in particular presented things I just “need” to have in my classroom.  This is my wish list:

Classroom Visits for “Scrap” from the ScrapExchange
Leatherbound Books
ShopBot Tyro
DIY Multi-Touch Screen

Find reasons and more information about each of my choices after the jump.

In the first part of this two-part series, I went over some of the basics of graduate school applications.  In this part, I’ll go over some more detailed aspects you should consider when choosing a program and tell you some tips that might help you get in even if you don’t fully meet the requirements.
After each detailed section, there’s a “TLDR” notice. This stands for “Too Long; Didn’t Read” and gives just the basics of the section.

The Repticon (Reptile and Exotic Animal Convention) first came to Charlotte, North Carolina in January of 2009.  We attended and had such an interesting time, we couldn’t resist when in it came back into the area.
Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children ages five to twelve, and free for children four and under.  It is a great deal considering it provides several hours of amusement and learning.
If you are looking for a specific reptile or other exotic pet, it is a perfect venue to meet the breeder and haggle …

From time to time, people ask my advice for how to get accepted into Graduate school. Reading the school websites, and talking to professors and administrators isn’t enough.  Not to mention you need people skills to get in.  In this, the first of a two-part series, I’ll break down the very basics of what many programs require, and give you tips and tricks to help out.  The second half will be advanced tips, that show that you really want in the program.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m …