Jensen's original paper on fine structure is in general very well written, but I really shouldn't sit for a while puzzled, then have to write a marginal note to remind myself on future readings that "[circled thing] is a period, not a multiplication sign."

The long weekend was wonderfully relaxing. Thursday, I went out to Zyg (a fellow bass in Newman choir)'s place. My gratin dauphinoise were well received, though everyone kept calling them "scallop potatoes". I didn't really mind, as they used the phrase in utterances like those scallop potatoes are really good, who made those?, so I'll accept a ( Read more... )

A lot of people ask me what I actually do as a logician who's ABT but feels miles away from a T. It's a decent question and the advisor meeting I've just had gives a pretty decent snapshot. Ofcourse, in addition to this kind of stuff, I also teach, go to seminars and engage in various "professional activities ( Read more... )

I've just finished reading Jamie O'Neill's Killbrack. It's one of his earlier novels, before At Swim, Two Boys which is what brought him fame. People are right that this isn't as good as that, but it's still worth a read ( Read more... )

1. In December, I'm going to go see The Sound of Music in London (new stage production). The lead was chosen by a Pop Idol / American Idol / X factor / etc. -esque process, which means my sisters are excited. I'm excited just because it's The Sound of Music and supercool. Do you think I should ring them up and ask if they'll need a spare Rolf ( Read more... )

I need coiffurial advice. Most people reading this are probably familiar with my current hairstyle -- it's pretty much the same as the one in this picture taken two years ago. I've also had it for about four or five straight years now (and had it previous to some other intermediate styles). If I want to keep this style, it needs cutting in the ( Read more... )

Why, even before breakfast this morning I removed a bike lock key from my key ring and added a filing cabinet key. I should probably reflect on this critically, talking about the loss of youthful pleasure and increasing burden of responsibility I find in my life, but I'm far too exciting to do that.

So, the following "fact" came up in the topology class I'm helping teach. Lots of people seem pretty sure it's true but I've stared at it for five minutes and can't prove it. Call a rational a "p2" rational if it can be written in the form p/2^n for some prime, p, and natural, n. Given ε >0, can we find a p2 rational in the interval [1/3, 1/3+ ε ( Read more... )

I've just finished reading Margaret Atwood's Penelopiad -- her retelling of the Iliad / Odyssey from the point of view of Penelope and the twelve hung maids*. Apart from the short length, it's very typical Atwood (which means it's very good ( Read more... )

Haven't updated in a while. Can't think of anything hugely intelligent to write, so I'll just fill you in on my weekend ( Read more... )