5 favourites from 5 on the 5th...

5 on the 5th is nearly upon us once more, and to celebrate I thought I'd post five of my favourite contributions towards this monthly event.

Taking part is simple - just take 5 pictures on the 5th of the month and post them online, leaving a comment at the state of the nation UK. Stephen will then post a link in his blog from which you can browse the other contributions. There is normally a theme, although the pictures could be of anything you choose!

So, have a think about taking part while you (hopefully) enjoy these!



Andrew

For more about me and the things I like, click on the directory and link buttons under the masthead. For my previous 5 on the 5th pics, click here.

Tales of the City

I've been meaning to read this ever since the Channel 4 adaptation in 1993, which starred Olympia Dukakis and Laura Linney.

The novel was first published in 1978 after being serialised in the San Francisco Chronicle. In it Armistead Maupin captures the spirit and atmosphere of a society with liberal attitudes to sex, sexuality and drugs. As such, the book does not seem as dated as it might have done.

The book follows the stories of around eight archetypal characters, from the naïve Mary Ann to the wise (but mysterious) Mrs Madrigal, the openly and flamboyantly gay (Michael) to the secretive and sinister (Norman). Centred on the lodgings run by Mrs Madrigal, and the "family" of residents, this is a book about friendship, relationships and the (often unexpected) connections between people.

While some of the references may be dated and specific to San Francisco, the book is a joy to read. The short chapters and easy-going style make it eminently readable.


Andrew

For more book reviews and links to other strands of the website, click on the "directory" link below the masthead.

He bangs, he bangs

I just found a link to this statement in which Ricky Martin has acknowledged, on his website, that he is gay. But should it be news?

As a gay man, I've never thought of my sexuality as being a defining feature. Indeed, I think it's immaterial to most aspects of my life. The art I like, the books I read, the TV I watch are not determined by the sexuality of the artist, author or actors. While I like some music by gay acts or enjoy films such as Beautiful Thing, this is just because these are things I like.

My sexuality has little bearing on the things I choose to do, or indeed my work. While it's not something that's a secret, it's not something I shout about either. If it comes up in conversation, then fine, if not then that's also fine. So should it be any different for celebrities?

Well, ideally not. In an ideal world the gender of your sleeping partners shouldn't be newsworthy at all. In an ideal world artists shouldn't have to choose between living a lie, or at least publicly denying the truth, or risking career-damaging publicity.

Given the world we do live in, though, perhaps it should be newsworthy. Perhaps a critical mass of openly gay stars is required to help change attitudes and, clichéd as it may sound, to act as role models for those who are coming to terms with their sexuality in less than ideal circumstances.

I don't know what the answer to my question is but I hope that the media can leave Mr Martin to continue with his life and career without too much more fuss.


Andrew

Fermat's Last Theorem

Mathematics has never had a reputation as being the most exciting subject in the world. Writing a book about how a 300 year old Theorem was proved does not sound like a sure fire winner. Making the book accessible to the lay reader, and topping international best-seller lists, sounds even more far-fetched.

Simon Singh attacks the task with relish. Fermat's Theorem has its roots in Ancient Greece and Singh's book outlines a history of the development of Mathematics, particularly those parts which have a bearing on the theorem in question.

At times, some points are over simplified and repeated needlessly, while at others, some steps in the explanation of the mathematics involved are not explained enough. For the most part, however, the pitch is right for the lay reader with, in my case, only high school knowledge of Maths.

Fermat's theorem, which is based in Pythagorean thought, appears simple but required deeply complex and abstract Maths to prove it. Singh outlines the thought structure of the proof and some of the key ideas involved with broad brush strokes.

The secret to Singh's success, though, lies not in his explanatory powers but the way he fleshes out the various theories and conjectures described with the backgrounds of the main players. By doing so, he gives the story a human edge and provides a narrative edge to the facts and figures of the tale.

The end result is a fascinating and - particularly towards the end - gripping tale of how one of the longest standing problems in Mathematics was solved. An early candidate to be my favourite book this year, I'll happily recommend it to anyone.


Andrew

For more information about me or the blog, click here.

An Answer for Monday

Yesterday I posed a question, lifted from Simon Singh's book "Fermat's Last Theorem". The puzzle was related to Game Theory, which uses Mathematics to explain how people play games. Using Game Theory could give competitors (or enemies) an edge when playing (or waging war).

The answer to the query posed is:

Mr Black's options are:

"First, Mr Black could aim at Mr Grey. If he is successful, the next shot would be taken by Mr White. Mr White has only one opponent left. Mr Black, and as Mr White is a perfect shot then Mr Black is a dead man.

A better option is for Mr Black to aim at Mr White. If he is successful, then the next shot will be taken by Mr Grey. Mr Grey hits his target only two times out of three and so there is a chance that Mr Black will survive to fire back at Mr Grey and possibly win the truel.

It appears that the second option is the strategy which Mr Black should adopt. However, there is a third and even better option. Mr Black could aim into the air. Mr Grey has the next shot and he will aim at Mr White, because he is the more dangerous opponent. If Mr White survives then he will aim at Mr Grey because he is the more dangerous opponent. By aiming into the air, Mr Black is allowing Mr Grey to eliminate Mr White or vice versa.

This is Mr Black's best strategy. Eventually Mr Grey or Mr White will die and then Mr Black will aim at whoever survives. Mr Black has manipulated the situation so that, instead of having the first shot in a truel, he has first shot in a duel."

So, did you get it right?...


Andrew

For more information about me and this blog, click on the Directory link above.