Linux Definitions: 749 of 1105 |
Proof techniques #2: Proof by Oddity.
SAMPLE: To prove that horses have an infinite number of legs.
(1) Horses have an even number of legs.
(2) They have two legs in back and fore legs in front.
(3) This makes a total of six legs, which certainly is an odd number of
legs for a horse.
(4) But the only number that is both odd and even is infinity.
(5) Therefore, horses must have an infinite number of legs.
Topics is be covered in future issues include proof by:
Intimidation
Gesticulation (handwaving)
"Try it; it works"
Constipation (I was just sitting there and ...)
Blatant assertion
Changing all the 2's to _n's
Mutual consent
Lack of a counterexample, and
"It stands to reason"
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Linux Definitions: 750 of 1105 |
prototype, n.:
First stage in the life cycle of a computer product, followed by
pre-alpha, alpha, beta, release version, corrected release version,
upgrade, corrected upgrade, etc. Unlike its successors, the
prototype is not expected to work.
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Linux Definitions: 751 of 1105 |
Pryor's Observation:
How long you live has nothing to do
with how long you are going to be dead.
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Linux Definitions: 752 of 1105 |
Pudder's Law:
Anything that begins well will end badly.
(Note: The converse of Pudder's law is not true.)
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Linux Definitions: 753 of 1105 |
purpitation, n.:
To take something off the grocery shelf, decide you
don't want it, and then put it in another section.
-- "Sniglets", Rich Hall & Friends
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Linux Definitions: 754 of 1105 |
Putt's Law:
Technology is dominated by two types of people:
Those who understand what they do not manage.
Those who manage what they do not understand.
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Linux Definitions: 755 of 1105 |
QOTD:
"It's not the despair... I can stand the despair. It's the hope."
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Linux Definitions: 756 of 1105 |
QOTD:
"A child of 5 could understand this! Fetch me a child of 5."
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Linux Definitions: 757 of 1105 |
QOTD:
"A university faculty is 500 egotists with a common parking problem."
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Linux Definitions: 758 of 1105 |
QOTD:
"Do you smell something burning or is it me?"
-- Joan of Arc
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