News

I was reading an article today called I’m a computer scientist, not your tech support and I came across this:

Computer science is a major enabler of the most exciting science research going on today…

… which is just common sense but it is sooooo true.

Computer Science has enabled thousands of researchers to push the limit of their respective areas of research: in cosmetics, litterature, chemistry, economics…

As said by Bernard Chazelle, a well-known Computer Scientist from Princeton:

Science now has two Esperantos, Math and Computer Science

That’s why, I suppose, my little sister who is always the first to tell us that she does not like Computer Science is enjoying her Ada programming lectures at University even though she is technically studying to become a Chemist…

PS: This is my 200th post!

Today, the 22nd of September 2006, is the last day of the Grumman F-14 Tomcat.

 

After more than 30 years of good and active service, it is being retired by the US Navy. There are many (ex-)pilots and military people who are still fond of the F-14 and some of them have even created a farewell website.

I can say that the F-14 has had a major influence on people of my age. Have a look at the discussion on Slashdot for proof. I have so many good memories of the F-14. It was so impressive. When I was a kid, my dream was to become an F-14 pilot. With my cousin Aman, we improvised dogfights in the backyard mimicking the US pilots against Russians with their Migs and Sukhois. It was fun!

The defining moment was 1986 when the fantastic Top Gun film by Tony Scott featuring Tom Cruise and (aha!) Kelly McGillis was released. It immediately became my favourite film and, in fact, still is (just don’t tell Christina…)

Like all kids at that time, I wanted to become like Tom Cruise and have a girl friend like Kelly. I have not been successful with the Tom Cruise part but I think I’ve managed to get a girl friend (who is my wife now) as fantastic as Kelly McGillis was (n’est ce pas Christina?)

Thanks for everything F-14!

Charlie: Excuse me, Lieutenant. Is there something wrong?
Maverick: Yes ma’am, the data on the MiG is inaccurate.
Charlie: How’s that, Lieutenant?
Maverick: Well, I just happened to see a MiG 28 do a…
Goose: We!
Maverick: Uh, sorry Goose. WE happened to see a MiG 28 do a 4g negative dive.
Charlie: Where did you see this?
Maverick: Uh, that’s classified.
Charlie: It’s what?
Maverick: It’s classified. I could tell you, but then I’d have to kill you.