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Highlight of yesterday: I said "But I'm too shy!" and everyone burst out laughing.

* * *

We've turned Kris (vyncentvega) and Matt's office into a quantum mechanics sweatshop. The whole class (sans Sid, who's too good for us) was there this afternoon, plugging away on the assignment. It was sweet.

Afterwards we all went out to Fridays for dinner, because "we haven't done this enough." It's true: I think it was the first time.

* * *

It was a good week. All schoolwork completed, and much progress on numerous personal projects (c.f. nibot_lab).

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I'm feeling restless. And quite sleepy too.

Today I stopped in at the public library. Paid $15.25 (forgot to turn in a book before winter break -- woops!) in fines and checked out the Lonely Planet guide to Montreal and Quebec City.

I poked around the Village Gate, a really odd sort of "mall" that really defies everything you associate with that word. It's some old industrial space that is full of interesting little shops (one populated with the bulky giant forms of old pinball and videogame machines, a couple used book stores, a sushi restaurant, and, upstairs, the officespace of rochester's avant-guard architecture and design firms) yet still feels dim and abandoned. It's between the railroad freight switching yards and University Avenue in what I think is a rather forgotten sector of town. Although most sections of Rochester have that forgotten feel to them.

Nearby is the Starry Nites cafe, a really neat little place that does its endearing best to project a European atmosphere, and, to a large extent, succeeds; I stopped in for a cookie and a coffee. Nearby also you'll see signs that say "art space for rent," and in roll-up garages of old brick buildings, you'll smell burnt propane, see welding and metal and other signs of creative craftmanship.

Brette and I went to the potluck at the EcoHouse tonight, which was wonderful as always. The EcoHouse folks really have a great thing going. We've resolved to get rochester_coop up and running for next semester, preferably this June. They have something new at EcoHouse since I was last there: an indoor hydroponics garden, growing various vegetables: lettuce, tomato, arugula (!?), etc. Is there any limit to their awesomeness?

What to do tomorrow?
- Pick up beer brewing equipment and stop in at Nickel City in Buffalo?
- Visit Dana in Ithaca?
- Stay home and study / hack on LIGO stuff?
- Visit open houses / search for a co-op house?

picture: LIGO panorama

Panorama of LIGO Hanford Observatory

Thanks for vyncentvega for making it. Click for the full-size version. The corner station is in the center of the picture, and the two arms (which form a 90 degree angle) can be seen extending out of either side. The black tank on the right is full of liquid nitrogen.