Great one-liners from PF members

[sysprog]

And ever since the 13th amendment, you can't even buy us. Only rent.

Who said (appx) that?

 

[jbriggs444]

Who said (appx) that?

To explain the joke...

A "network analyzer" is an entity which analyzes networks in much the same way that a computer is an entity which computes. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_(occupation)

By this definition, I am a network analyzer. The 13th amendment to the U.S. constitution states:

"Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."

So (tongue in cheek and barring the existence of a chain gang in the machine room), if you fall backward onto a human network analyzer, he is not company property but is likely rented for wages.

 

[sysprog]

Thanks, @jbriggs444

 

[strangerep]

A "network analyzer" is an entity which analyzes networks in much the same way that a computer is an entity which computes. [...]

I avoided becoming a network analyzer because the modern internet was making it more and more like this guy's job.

 

[sysprog]

Mathematics may appear subjective to those who don't take the time to learn it. $-$ @PeroK

 

[PeroK]

Mathematics may appear subjective to those who don't take the time to learn it. $-$ @PeroK

I must be honest, I was quite pleased with that one myself!

 

[fresh_42]

I must be honest, I was quite pleased with that one myself!

It can also appear subjective to those who took the time. Whether or not one accepts the continuum hypothesis might be a question only relevant for set theorists, but the axiom of choice decides over an entire branch: algebra. So all who do not believe in the axiom of choice will have a hard time in mathematics.

 

[pbuk]

So all who do not believe in the axiom of choice will have a hard time in mathematics.

But I thought you are a constructivist?

 

[fresh_42]

But I thought you are a constructivist?

I generally make decisions that maximize the number of options. I think this makes sense as it restricts possibilities only when necessary. However, my mathematical confession is rather conservative:

AC $\checkmark$
CH $\checkmark$
binary logic $\checkmark$
reductio ad absurdum $\checkmark$
Platonism $\checkmark$

ERH $\checkmark$
NP$\neq$P $\checkmark$

The last two until proven otherwise, but I doubt this will ever happen.

 

[valenumr]

I generally make decisions that maximize the number of options. I think this makes sense as it restricts possibilities only when necessary. However, my mathematical confession is rather conservative:

AC $\checkmark$
CH $\checkmark$
binary logic $\checkmark$
reductio ad absurdum $\checkmark$
Platonism $\checkmark$

ERH $\checkmark$
NP$\neq$P $\checkmark$

The last two until proven otherwise, but I doubt this will ever happen.

My uneducated guess is that ERH is true, but not P=NP. In any case, maybe your latex on the last point isn't rendering properly.

 

[fresh_42]

My uneducated guess is that ERH is true, but not P=NP. In any case, maybe your latex on the last point isn't rendering properly.

Had been sloppiness on my side.

 

[valenumr]

View attachment 274912

I'm just finding this thread, but that is awesome. They totally should have used cubits.

 

[valenumr]

Had been sloppiness on my side.

You're latex was fine. My eyesight however...

 

[fresh_42]

You're latex was fine. My eyesight however...

Nothing wrong with your eyesight. I corrected the post while you were typing. I often see mistakes not before the final version can be seen, i.e. after "send". The preview is of no help since it alters the edit box. In an earlier version of the software, we had the edit and preview box in parallel which was much better. Now it is an either or so I often push "send" and correct it afterward.

 

[valenumr]

Nothing wrong with your eyesight. I corrected the post while you were typing. I often see mistakes not before the final version can be seen, i.e. after "send". The preview is of no help since it alters the edit box. In an earlier version of the software, we had the edit and preview box in parallel which was much better. Now it is an either or so I often push "send" and correct it afterward.

I am terrible at if printing typos. Or also conveying coherent thoughts. A preview would be nice, but I'd likely not pay it notice

 

[valenumr]

I don't understand the fuss. I've measured them before with a tachyometer.

I observed them many years ago with the tachometer a designed many years from now.

 

[valenumr]

When the 5V capacitor explodes, scares you, and you try to get away, you don't want to trip and hit your head on the network analyzer cart. $-$ @DaveE

In my younger days, I attempted to "troubleshoot" a very large camera flash. The capacitor discharge was, uh, stimulating.

 

[valenumr]

It can also appear subjective to those who took the time. Whether or not one accepts the continuum hypothesis might be a question only relevant for set theorists, but the axiom of choice decides over an entire branch: algebra. So all who do not believe in the axiom of choice will have a hard time in mathematics.

Don't forget incompleteness!

 

[fresh_42]

Don't forget incompleteness!

I don't bother completeness. I simply change to the next meta-level.

 

[valenumr]

It can also appear subjective to those who took the time. Whether or not one accepts the continuum hypothesis might be a question only relevant for set theorists, but the axiom of choice decides over an entire branch: algebra. So all who do not believe in the axiom of choice will have a hard time in mathematics.

I thought it was the case that one implied the other, at least almost, but I can't remember which direction. Either way, my "gut" tells me that there is nothing between the set of integers and the set of reals.

 

[sysprog]

(whisper) Hey guys, there's plenty of room for discussion in re the axiom of choice and the continuum hypothesis available elsewhere on PF; thanks for not continuing those topics here.

 

[sysprog]

I don't understand it. I just quote experts. $-$ @Hornbein

 

[DrClaude]

Two lines, but it made me laugh

I come from quantum computing, where measurement is *extremely* well delineated. In your circuit diagrams, it's the box that has an M in it .

 

[berkeman]

The only accurate visualization of curved spacetime I know is to just look out at the real universe.

 

[Tom.G]

More like a Spoonerism... but worth a chuckle.

From a thread on Covid Variant Omicron (B1.1.529).

I would like greater availability of the Pfizer pill, which is 90% effective at parenting death.

 

[sysprog]

The self defeating mindset is really a problem. If you don't believe it, you'll most likely not going to pass. $-$ @0kelvin

 

[sysprog]

Yes, one can add riptides, sharp rocks, 'rogue' waves, cold water, strong currents, kelp tangles, live and dead jellyfish, oil and sewer spills, stoned surfers and boogey boarders, and sociopathic yachtsmen firing guns near shore to the dangers of open ocean swimming. $-$ @Klystron

 

[sysprog]

It would be pretty ironic if I had accidentally used the word “deliberately”. ##-# @Dale

 

[sysprog]

Why don't you calculate the escape velocity of the Moon from that and check online to see whether you are right? $-$ @PeroK

 

[Vanadium 50]

Writing your question with the erroneous assumption in bold is not going to make the assumption true.

 

[Ibix]

If you can blow up the sun, powering a dipping bird may not be high on your list of tasks remaining to be accomplished.

I guess it depends how big a dipping bird...

 

[sysprog]

What did work-energy ever do to you to deserve this abuse? $-$ @russ_watters

 

[sysprog]

Breaking an incalculable problem into two incalculable steps may not get you very far. $-$ @Vanadium 50

 

[berkeman]

From a thread in Academic Guidance where we were trying to help a struggling Engineering student who kept alluding to using cheating to get by...

Its probably worth pointing out that when engineers cheat, people die.

 

[fresh_42]

From a thread in Academic Guidance where we were trying to help a struggling Engineering student who kept alluding to using cheating to get by...

Its probably worth pointing out that when engineers cheat, people die.

When Ferdinand Sauerbruch [a famous surgeon] had Max Liebermann [a famous painter] portray him, he soon found sitting too long. But the artist reassured him: "There's no other way. If you make a mistake, the green lawn will cover it up the next day. But you can see my mistake hanging on the wall for a hundred years."

 

[valenumr]

From a thread in Academic Guidance where we were trying to help a struggling Engineering student who kept alluding to using cheating to get by...

It's a very good point. I remember very distinctly the Kansas city walkway collapse, and it really came down to a poor engineering decision. The original design should have been fine.

 

[berkeman]

LOL, this was asked of me in a thread today...

Odd. Why is Google your friend if you're looking it up in Wikipedia?

 

[sysprog]

The universe is not Euclidean. That doesn't mean there isn't (still) Euclidean geometry. $-$ @PeroK

 

[PeroK]

The universe is not Euclidean. That doesn't mean there isn't (still) Euclidean geometry. $-$ @PeroK

I'm glad someone understood what I meant!

 

[Ibix]

I would describe your theory in tauro-scatological terms.

 

[gmax137]

I would describe your theory in tauro-scatological terms.

That one took me a few minutes.

 

[PeroK]

That one took me a few minutes.

I stole it from Tom Wolfe, in The Bonfire of the Vanities.

 

[berkeman]

That one took me a few minutes.

It probably helps if you click the up-arrow in the quote to see the context of his reply.

 

[gmax137]

It probably helps if you click the up-arrow in the quote to see the context of his reply.

I tried that, and still sat and stared at it until the light bulb lit.

 

[DaveE]

Vanadium 50 said:
Its probably worth pointing out that when engineers cheat, people die.

Sometimes, that's the rub. Usually though, the people they work for make a bit more money, at least for a while until the market decides your product sucks or the regulators and lawyers find out.

Hence the quality/safety problem that isn't uncommon in engineering: Do I quit, or do what my idiot boss wants? This is often an extremely complex and subtle issue. No ethics class will give you the answer to your particular dilemma. Other times it's not a dilemma, you might be clueless working beyond your expertise, à la Dunning-Kruger.

Are the engineers that designed the Ford Pinto worse than the engineers that designed the Toyota Corolla? I think probably not, they just worked for different people.

 

[Astronuc]

I tried that, and still sat and stared at it until the light bulb lit.

You have one of those energy efficient bulbs that take a while to brighten?

 

[sysprog]

Do I quit, or do what my idiot boss wants?

Chicago Police: Who called the Police?
Beautiful girl (PhD candidate) working at coffee shop counter: My idiot boss.
Police: Why did he call the Police?
Beautiful: Because he's an idiot.
CPD: Tell your idiot boss don't call the Police unless he has a good reason.
BG: Well, I'll tell him, but I don't think he'll listen.
CPD [Leaves without comment]: (maybe a bit of a harrumph).

 

[anorlunda]

This might be a chance to teach the most useful general rule in all of science:

(Some of it) + (The rest of it) = (All of it)

 

[sysprog]

Mass is constant in a closed system. But in an open system where stuff can come in or out, it manifestly isn't constant, as the example of a person eating shows. $-$ @Ibix

 

[sysprog]

If I know it I will be able to figure it out. $-$ @rudransh verma