Quantum states, Salad, Steak, and Sleeping Puppies

A few days ago I read about the quantum computing experiment which basically claimed to have used a “quantum based optical computer” to solve a problem – without even turning it on! Okay, that’s just crazy talk. I read the original article twice. I understood none of it. Today, a [3QD post][2] has culled a number of resources helping to explain the whole thing, including [this wonderful explanation][3]. I still don’t get it, but I don’t get it less than before, which I think is good.

[2]:  http://3quarksdaily.blogs.com/3quarksdaily/2006/02/quantum_computi.html

[3]:  http://3quarksdaily.blogs.com/3quarksdaily/2006/02/quantum_computi.html