Robert G. Scharein: Knot theory is a branch of algebraic
topology where one studies what is known as the placement problem,
or the embedding of one topological space into another.
In response to a
question from Christian Romney: the above web page was the
inspiration for my current favicon.ico.
Placement problems. Embedding of one topological space
into another.
Intertwingled knotty problems.
During my school years I consistently placed at the top of my class... 99th percentile, Gifted Program and all that jazz. Yet somehow not a day goes by that I don't pull up an entry by you or the dozen or so other 'top' bloggers in this space and feel like my brain has atrophied from lack of use. I wonder what the average IQ of your readers is. Probably 120 < x < 160. I've been intertwingled for a few years now and I just can't figure out how the blazes you manage to have your hands in Apache/Jakarta/PHP/ECMA/ATOM/work and still have time for family. I can barely find enough time to do my job, read my daily blogs and email and come home to some QT with the family. What's your secret? BTW, you should probably add intertwingled to your blog's spell-checker dictionary.
Perhaps it would have been better stated that Sam's readers (and of course Sam) are all probably well above average intelligence because it takes a lot of mental horsepower to understand a fraction of the posts and comments. I thought it was a complement to all. Didn't mean to focus on IQ tests as an adequate measure of across the board intelligence. However, whether we personally agree with them or not, these tests and percentiles are the yardsticks by which intellect is officially measured/compared in this country. In any case, I'd still love to know how one person manages not only to stay on the bleeding edge of technology - but to define it - and still have time for a fulfilling home life. It's something I find extremely difficult to balance. From what I read in blogs like Sam's, Don Box's, and Mark's I am very sincerely and humbly in awe of your ability to have such a profound impact on technology while maintaining a rich and fulfilling family life. I for one would love to be more involved in extracurricular projects like ATOM, but can't seem to find time for it given my commitments to work and family.
Cheers,
Christian
Sam Ruby posts regarding the knot image he has as a favicon. He links to the source Knot Theory page, which has a few animations, including this unknot: untangling (mpg, 106k)....
I take a perverse pleasure in integrating disparate things too. I really need to find a company that'll take me and let me put "Perverse Disparity Integrator" on business cards....
Sam Ruby’s entry Knot Theory really gets at the essence of what he finds interesting. And I’m right there in my own taste and interests. I’ve always admired his “intertwingly” address, though I believe it comes from Ted Nelson’s quote:......
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Sam Ruby’s entry Knot Theory really gets at the essence of what he finds interesting. And I’m right there in my own taste and interests. I’ve always admired his “intertwingly” address, though I believe it comes from Ted...
Robert G. Scharein: Knot theory is a branch of algebraic
topology where one studies what is known as the placement problem,
or the embedding of one topological space into another.