links for 2008-09-04

"In other words, what is your probability of ruin, given a starting bankroll of D dollars, an advantage of p, and a target of T dollars?"

A very nice explanation of one of the slipperier concepts in optics.

"John McCain is one of only two men who has a chance to become president of the United States of America, and by running an entire 600-word article about him, we are acknowledging that we are aware of that fact," a statement from the newspaper's editorial board read in part.

"Colleges and universities are sending very mixed messages to faculty members on where integrated research, teaching, and/or service work fits in their progression through the reappointment, tenure, and promotion systems that literally make or break their careers as professors."

"Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD) typically emit linearly polarized light, and most decent sunglasses act as polarizing filters. This can cause some problems, if you happen to have some gadget whose display is inconveniently set to emit light with horizontal polarization â since reflected light tends to become polarized parallel to the surface from which it reflects, sunglasses are made to filter that light. "