A Guardian article War of the Worlds, makes the case that Osama bin Laden was inspired by Asimov’s Foundation series. How? There are lots of parallels, starting with the fact that “al-Qaida” is the word used in the title when Foundation was translated into Arabic. Apparently the Japanese nutgroup Aum Shinrikyo was also influenced by the book. Ironically, Asimov was a pacifist. Talk about unintended consequences. UPDATE: According to this link via GeekPress, this story doesn’t hold up. As Roseanne Rosannadanna would say, “Nevermind”.
August 26, 2002
Science Fiction Leads to Terrorism
The Mathematics of Bingo
How many numbers have to be called out before someone yells “Bingo!”? It depends. Since I’m gearing up to teach the game design course again, this article about Probabilities in Bingo caught my eye. One of the new assignments or exercises I’m thinking about adding to the course involves figuring out what makes things fun. That will take a combination of motivation theory and math to figure out. [from Science News via Geek Press]
Another Year Begins
It’s hard to believe that I’ve been here this long. Today my 22nd summer in San Diego officially came to a close with the Fall College of Education Assembly. Lots of new faces in other departments. Grim news ahead as another budget cut is likely after the elections.
Not to worry. We’ve got enough equipment and faculty to stick it out for a lean year or two. I’m looking forward to getting started again.