The dichotomy paradox

A mathematician, a physicist and an engineer were asked to answer the following question. A group of boys are lined up on one wall of a dance hall, and an equal number of girls are lined up on the opposite wall. Both groups are then instructed to advance toward each other by one quarter the distance separating them, every ten seconds (i.e., if they are distance d apart at time 0, they are d/2 at t=10, d/4 at t=20, d/8 at t=30, and so on.) When do they meet at the center of the dance hall? The mathematician said they would never actually meet because the series is infinite. The physicist said they would meet when time equals infinity. The engineer said that within one minute they would be close enough for all practical purposes.

: 30 Jul 2007 20:45 |  Comments (2) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Harry Potter

Everyone on the Tube is reading it. I mean everyone! What’s the big deal? It’s only a book isn’t it?

: 24 Jul 2007 22:32 |  Comments (4) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

School Reunion

Well officially it was George’s birthday barbeque, but since it’s the closest I’m ever going to get now to a school reunion, I may as well call it that.

So it seems everyone is now working in various places along the M4 corridor, and almost everyone has ended up working in IT related jobs. Furthermore, everyone is looking to get themselves on the property ladder. In a way, I’m no different.

The highlight of the evening… well there wasn’t one as such, as everyone seems to have matured to the extent that alcohol-induced antics are becoming a thing of the past. But nevertheless it’s always good to cross paths again with those with whom we spent our childhood. Hopefully I can be less of a stranger to them from now on.

: 15 Jul 2007 23:37 |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Why am I awake at this time in the morning?

Any rational person in my situation would be asleep.

: 05 Jul 2007 04:22 |  Comments (2) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Is this the most boring Wimbledon ever?

Really. No British interest after the second day. No competition in the men’s tournament because the identity of the winner was known 51 weeks ago. No play for three quarters of each day because it’s always raining. No five set matches finishing 19-17 in the fifth with both competitors drenched in sweat. No real upsets of the recognised pecking order. No timeless classic appearing in the tournament for the twentieth time.

Honestly, if I weren’t so sports-orientated, it would be easy to overlook the fact that it was happening this year at all.

: 03 Jul 2007 20:27 |  Comments (6) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Minor injustice

It wasn’t my fault. Yes, I was caught holding the instrument and yes, i was at the scene of the misdemeanor when it was spotted. But that doesn’t mean it was me who was responsible. I was innocently doing my business in the wrong place at the wrong time. I hope you realise this. I hope that when the dust settles you recognise that you’ve got the wrong man here. I’ll take it on the chin and know better next time. But the real culprit is still laughing his head off somewhere.

: 02 Jul 2007 21:57 |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

So what happened to June then?

This time last year, it was blazing hot. Temperatures continuously in the high twenties for three whole weeks. Shorts, vests, and sandals all round. Sleeping out in the garden all day because it was warm enough to do so. Waking up every morning to the sun’s rays on your bed.

Why are there floods everywhere now and why am I shivering on my way in to work in the mornings?

: 28 Jun 2007 22:58 |  Comments (5) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Little sister

My little sister turns 20 years of age today.

My God that makes me feel old. Worryingly old.

: 24 Jun 2007 03:11 |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Two sides of the same coin

Pain. Every movement feels like climbing a mountain. Each breath just can’t quite be long enough. The limbs are numb. Even when still, there’s pressure on the body. The brain is confused. The future is known, but it can’t be imagined. The present is far too much a weight to bear.

Strength. There is a sense of total awareness, universal focus. Not an ounce of doubt. Not a stone too heavy, nor a reach too far. The power comes without effort. This present is insufficient. Hunger is abound. Thirst is unquenchable. No resistance is felt. Oppression is silenced.

: 20 Jun 2007 23:08 |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Three professions

A biologist, a statistician, and a mathematician are sitting outside a cafe on a sunny morning, enjoying a cappucino, and geneally watching the world go by. Across the road from them is a large building in clear view. A man and a woman walk along the pavement, and enter the building through an open door. A short while later, a man, a woman, and a child emerge from the building. The three coffee-goers look at each other in bewilderment.

“It is simple”, says the bioligist, “I can explain what we have just seen. The man and the woman have obviously reproduced whilst in the building”.

“No”, says the statistician, “what we have seen is just an example of observational error – on average there were two-and-a-half people both entering and leaving the building”.

“Nonsense”, says the mathematician. “The situation as it stands does not require explanation for it is very simple. The bottom line is that if one more person goes inside, then the building wil be empty”.

: 13 Jun 2007 22:36 |  Comments (1) |  Close comments |  Report a problem