Boston Celtics

Combinatorial optimization problems arise across logistics, scheduling, and engineering, and C++ remains a language of choice when performance matters. This lecture takes a practical look at solving such problems in C++, using the Electric Vehicle Routing Problem as a running example. We begin with an exact solver, formulating the problem as a mixed-integer program and trying to solve it through GLPK's C API directly from C++. Exact methods, however, quickly hit their limits on real-world instances. The second half of the talk turns to metaheuristics: how they are designed, why C++ is particularly well suited for implementing them, and what design choices matter most in practice. We'll walk through a concrete implementation, touching on data structures for fast neighborhood evaluation, generic algorithm design with templates, and the performance considerations that separate a prototype from a production-ready solver. The goal is not to advocate for one approach over another, but to show how C++ supports the full spectrum of optimization techniques.

Welcome, readers! Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.** The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

A cookie covered in creamy frosting can brighten anyone’s day! National Frosted Cookie Day is all about that simple joy. **DETAILS:** We'll celebrate the occasion by visiting Cheryl's Cookies headqtrs. cookie shop, trying to decide which seasonal treats to choose! **NEXT:** we'll head west on Polaris Pkwy to Bonefish Grill for Happy Hour eats n drinks. We can share our sweet finds for dessert... *In a busy world, National Frosted Cookie Day offers a little sweetness that reminds us to slow down and enjoy the moment.*