so get this:

when i image my arrays (before i can take spectra), i have use this one computer to take data -- it's where the data acquisition software was programmed -- which isn't connected to the network, so i have to transfer the file onto 3.5" floppy, go out to the windows machine (the only networked computer with a floppy drive), upload the file onto my physics account, then go to a unix computer -- the only platform supporting the image compilation software, download the file and analyze it. three computers. just to get a damn picture of the crystal.

retarded? yes.

very.

i was relaying this woeful situation to my buddy d-mac, who replied, 'what, do they make you use stone tools, too?'

they kinda do, actually. i can't believe how ghetto some of the equipment is in this lab. they like to attach optics to posts using hot glue gun glue. and the ol' supervisor doesn't seem to think this is a problem.

~sigh~.

you know what? i promise to be less disparaging when i start my new program. i really do. i'll be positive and exuberant and revelling in how very cool the world of publishing is and how tremendously awesome my courses are.

i promise.