mercury is in retrograde

First final down, two more to go.  I wouldn't say it went well, but it also didn't go poorly, and all it really had to do was not be a disaster.  I think I just needed to pass it, really.  Or get a C on it if I wanted an A in the class.  Anyway, no more epsilon-delta proofs for a while, which is good.  Ugh, that algebra final, though, I can't even think about it.  I still have time to study, I still have time to study, I still have time to study....

In cheerier news, my fandom stocking is up.  I think I may have most of yours already (at least those that have already been posted), but if not, link away. :)

 

Aaand once again I appear to have fallen off the planet.  I'm actually online a lot, I just don't have all that much to update about.  Anyway, things have been all right.  I survived midterms--my algebraic disaster was averted by a generous grade curve, and I managed an A on my analysis exam.  Today's adventure was that feeling when you think you're finally getting real analysis, and then you open your book and it isn't words.  Apparently my professor has an extremely subtle plan for us that involves spending two days on uniform continuity when the book cares waaaay more about set closure, compactness, and covers.  Or, at least, I hope he does, because the problem set he assigned for this week is looking pretty darn cryptic at this point. :P  

And then there was Visit All The Libraries.  I had to pick up holds at the public library and the school library.  I've been reading a lot of Batman and Bat-family comics, as well as some regular books.  The last comic I read was one I actually bought as opposed to libraried, and it was the 0 issue of the new Batman and Robin.  I must admit that while I am still irritated by the New 52, it was really good.  I am currently reading To Say Nothing of the Dog, by Connie Willis.  I think some of you guys (eve11 for sure) told me I should read Connie Willis a long time ago and I finally took you up on it.

Also: there has been a spate of ficathons lately, so although I have posted nothing lately I have been writing.  If you are interested in this recent commentficcery, here is the linkage.  Erm, I don't know about summaries--the first two were for an autumn-themed ficathon and the other was for an Eleven/Amy ficathon, if that helps.

Amy/Rory, for the prompt footsteps in the fog, smoke on the air
Amy/Rory, for the prompt don't you know I'm not your ghost anymore
Eleven, Amy, Rory, for the prompt I didn't want to know who he was, or what you did, or that it didn't mean anything.

That concludes this update.  *end transmission*

Internet has reached peak sketchiness, and I can no longer get online even with an ethernet cable.  Am currently in the basement computer lab of another dorm.  If I disappear, assume I've still no access in my room and am too busy with analysis homework to derp around in the lab anymore.  But analysis, scary though it's been, is getting better!  I got five problems done today, which is more than the past two days combined.  And I got a new library card and picked up some graphic novels--mostly Batman.  Have been managing to keep up with Pond Life, although if the internet doesn't come back that will be harder.

I wrote some fic last week before school started and it's just come out of beta (thank you, arliddian !), so I will try to post that eventually when I have time to make the changes.

Otherwise, carry on!  Have good starts to your school years, or whatever you're up to of late! :)

ETA: The internet appears to have come back on.  Fingers are crossed.

The authors of my number theory textbook apparently like to make up ridiculous stories about mathematicians to illustrate various principles.  Right now I am reading about how Gauss was abducted by aliens from Venus, allegedly to help me learn about modular arithmetic.  I kid you not, this sentence comes directly from the book: "Gauss was surprised to find that life on Venus was similar to life in Germany--the locals worked hard at high-paying technical jobs, the beer was good, and all of the hovercraft ran on schedule."

Alternate history: check
Jokes about national stereotypes: check
Puns: check
Intermediate-level college math: also check

Other things I've "learned" from this book: 

Emmy Noether worked night shifts as a university security guard and employed the principle of induction to check IDs before a showing of "Raiders of the Lost Arctangent."
Euclid was a baker who thought that too much interest in pie was irrational.  He invented the Euclidean Algorithm to help him bake rectangular cakes using square pans.

This has got to be the silliest and most hilarious math text I've ever seen, but my professor says the mathematics is very good.  I can neither confirm nor deny this, but it is pretty clear about most things once it gets down to talking about them.  The really weird part is that these object lesson joke stories actually do sort of help.  

Happy Pi Approximation Day, everyone!  Because I am obsessed with math, today I wore a math shirt to work (it's still business casual if I'm wearing it with a skirt and cardigan, right? :P ), and I'm planning to bake a pi pie when I get home and work on my Möbius knitting.

I am a creative writing major.  Math is my life now.  I feel this is problematic.  It is all my own fault. 

You'll have to forgive me if I start speaking  in Mathematica code.  I love the math department dearly, but this is a bit of an overload. 

I have no ideas for fic!  I've got some good prompts, but I'm just not writing.  Maybe some math prompts would help? (*looks pleadingly at eve11 *)

Title: Drift
Fandom: Doctor Who
Characters: Eleven
Word Count: 394
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I own no Who, as usual.
Summary:  It’s so quiet he’s certain the silence will kill him if the lack of air doesn’t get him first.  
A/N: Written for Challenge 3 at whoverse_las 

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Title: Waves
Fandom: Doctor Who
Characters: Eleven, Amy
Word Count: 469
Rating: G
Disclaimer: I own no Who, as usual.

Summary:The important thing, he thinks, watching Amy paddle in the sea, is to keep your head above water. Concentrate on the fixed points.  Post -"Cold Blood."

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