Unindicted co-conspirator #2 called from Oslo to ask the following question: Here’s a simple-sounding problem: Imagine a circular fence that encloses one acre of grass. If you tie a goat to the inside of the fence, how long a rope do you need to allow the animal access to exactly half an acre? – Quanta […]
Category: Random Acts of WLBOTTness
Paterfamilias In junior high, many years ago, before the internet, before the internal combustion engine, even before the introduction of Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Smoky Ghost Pepper Puffs, we had a school newspaper. I remember one article, where the reporter asked students, “What is a paterfamilias?” and this yielded a variety of goofy junior high responses. […]