Miscellany

A friend is making a cork board from wine corks; if you have any you'd like to get rid of, I'd be happy to get them to her.

I got to play backgammon last night, courtesy of ZZBottom. I haven't played in ages; it was a lot of fun; low-key base 6 entertainment. That *and* a viewing of some JP architectural details. Thanks.

Continuing to skirt the issue, the NYTimes ran an article today about a boy who wore a dress, make-up, and hose to school. There's a lot about the kid himself, who has done some other things seen as non-PC by the school in the past. The part I like most is that he's already said he might wear a dress, makeup, and all, again, except for the hose. I hate hose.

Everyone's talking about the Matrix flix, and of course I start to think about intrepid scalars, undaunted by matrices of any size, not to mention those matrices that try to push boundaries, trying to multiply with other matrices of incompatible dimensions. Definitely a period chick flick. Mmmm... matrices in hoop skirts. Though if there are transformation matrices, rotating geomtric figures through n-space, perhaps it should be an sf adventure?

Happy holidays!

The holidays are almost upon us. Thanksgiving, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Hanuka, Boxing Day, Christmas, and Bathtub Party Day. Yup, December 5 is Bathtub Party Day. I'm feeling inadequate, since my tub is extremely deficient when viewed as a party space. I wonder if hot tubs are frequently used instead.

Hilchot Yom Bathtub
1.1 Baths shall not start to be drawn before twilight to be in honor of the holiday.
1.2 Minimum dimensions of the tub are the standard size of that time and place; he who has a larger tub is blessed, for he shall party more.
1.3 The minimum amount of water is 40 hin [about 160 liters]. One who is wise will draw more, for splashing can occur. Rav says, any bubble bath is not included in this amount. Shmuel says, bubble bath is such a small part of the whole, it can be included. Rabi Chaninah bar Papa says, a shower does not fulfill the obligation, unless 40 hin are in the tub at one time.
1.4 A whirlpool or hot tub is necessary to fulfill the command to party in the best fashion.
1.5 One may not party alone.
1.6 A meal is not required, lest the food get wet. Nevertheless, it is praiseworthy to have snack foods for guests.
1.7 The essence of the holiday is in the evening. However, if one parties during the day, the obligation is fulfilled.