OTOH, I have the rest of the day off points and laughs.
And it also provided me with a new worst joke, one that requires a postgraduate degree in maths to understand. I think this is if not the worst joke ever, at least the new standard for the most obscure.
I expect almost no-one to get it, and no-one to find it funny, but for the record, here goes: Q. What’s silver and equivalent to the axiom of choice? A. Tychonose’s theorem. To understand this you need to know that: (1) Tychonov’s theorem is equivalent to the axiom of choice (2) Tycho [Brahe] supposedly had a silver nose (3) The joke is a reference to a similar joke “What’s yellow and equivalent to the axiom of choice/Zorn’s lemon” based on Zorn’s Lemma, which is also equivalent to Tychonov (and hence AC).
:eek: Wow, the first person I told it to got it. I think I’m quitting while I’m ahead.
Why do you know Tychonov’s theorem? I don’t know if it’s scarier that it has applications in astrophysics, or that you can remember it from your degree…
Aside: Oops, we’ve hijacked another thread. I think this hijack might be the worst to date
OK, good reason. So many people respond with “AGGH! NOO!! Abstract concepts! Get a room for that sort of thing,” that I forget the few people I know who absorb theorems like a sponge
What the heck is the deal with the axiom of choice? Is it one of those things that, if one assumes it to be true or not, one ends up with two totally separate but equally valid forms of mathematics, like Euclidean vs. Non-Euclidean geometry? In any case, it’s definitely something which, instinctively, seems true to me. True and useful. Assuming I know what it is. (It states that if you have a non-empty set, you can always “grab” one of its members, right?)
Oh, and Angua, yay for you for having heard of SIRTF, which is, with only very slight exaggeration, my father’s life’s work. Go my dad!
Exactly. I haven’t studied anything about the mathematics based on the converse but I’m assured it’s consistent. And yes, AC does seem obvious - that’s why it’s often chosen as an axiom But think about the parallel postulate in geometry - it seems self-evident, until someone points out non-euclidean geometry, and you “DOH! Of course.”
What AC actually says is that if you have an infinite number of sets, you can choose an element from each. So it’s not quite as odd as not being able to choose an element from one set.
Sorry to hear your romantic woes, Angua. I’m hardly one to talk about affairs of the heart but that you’ve had this problem before with him and he hasn’t respected your views strongly suggests that you two are not meant for each other.
Long distance relationships can work but they require a lot more work than you’ve indicated has been applied.
Thanks guys for your kind words. He knows my views and feelings, what happens next is entirely up to him. qts, I’m prepared to put the work in for such a relationship, but am sick and tired of always being the one who compromises/backs down. That, I feel is not an equal partnership.
Now, we go back to your regularly scheduled hijack.
I do hope things work out for you.
I find that when I feel a strong sense of relief that I have usually just done the right thing.
Can I just clear up a point?
You are a young female who is highly intelligent, thoughtful, likes chocolate and Terry Pratchett…
…then please accept this (virtual) stick, which you will need to beat men off with! (Ah, if only I was 20 years younger myself )
Well, there’s no juicy gossip if theat’s what you’re after!
Basically, two of my officemates and I had planned a theatre trip to Stratford in early September (well before my relationship hit the rocks). One of my officemates, I think I can say with total certainty, fancies me. He doesn’t however, know that I’m no longer in a relationship. He spent the entire evening being incredibly charming and gentlemanly, engaging in intelligent conversation, and every now and then, looking at me, in a kind of “you’re really nice, but oh so unavailable” kind of way.
This carried on over dinner afterwards. I was sat opposite him, and every so often, he’d just look at me. I think our other officemate felt like a bit of a third wheel. Still, it was fun
Thanks. Although I’m fairly sure I don’t want anything happening between my officemate and I. Mainly because we share an office. I don’t want things to be awkward between us. So, I’m more than happy to be good friends and nothing more.
I have however, agreed to go to the theatre again with him next weekend.
Is this one of the officemates that’s too chatty today for poor uncaffeinated Angua? Maybe if he or you moved to another office? Double good: Decreased chatter, AND a charming, intelligent gentleman beau!
Well, it was originally just the two of us, but then one of my other office mates wanted to come along as well, and seeing as my brother’s going to be visiting, he’ll be coming along as well.
No, he’d gone home by this point.
Mind you, the CPU on his computer burnt out a couple of days ago. So he’s having to use the spare computer, at the desk next to mine.
