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Hampshire College changes speed limits to honor math professor
- bfg 11y agoI have fond memories of taking a class with David Kelly and listening to his ranting about why 17 is objectively the best number. ("For example, the average length of a Giraffe's tongue is 17 inches! What more do you need?") He also hated the number 23 "because it's the mortal enemy of 17, I don't have time to explain why." While I was in the class the movie "23" came out: he urged us all to boycott the film, or better, form a picket line.
- rabble 11y agoNot only is it cool to honor David Kelly, it's also probably more useful to have a speed limit like 17 vs 15. The thinking is that 15 feels generic where as 17 is specific.
- klenwell 11y agoI've heard this is the reason why Disneyland sets their parking lot speed limit to 14 MPH. I can confirm that it is 14 MPH. Never bothered to confirm that this is the reason why.
- Dirlewanger 11y agoWhat? Those are completely arbitrary descriptors. I think 15 feels specific because it's a multiple of 5. While I don't know the history of using multiples of 5 as speed limits, I do know I'm easily able to tell when I'm driving at a multiple of 5 due to my car's speedometer layout.
- osxrand 11y agoWe do that (amongst a few friends), we pick a time such as 3:22 to meet up. I wish I could recall why we started doing this, but it always feels purposeful.
- braythwayt 11y agoThe advice to use specific times to encourage punctuality has been going around for decades, if not longer. I recall reading this advice in the 1970s. I don't know if there's any basis for this practice in fact, but I know of at least one second-order effect: When someone invites me to a meeting at an odd time, I always presume they are making an effort to get everyone to show up on time, and that motivates me to make sure I'm not the straggler!
- osxrand 11y agoHah, I'll have to pay attention to see whether or not my thinking works along those lines as well next time!
- cli 11y agoDoes it have to do with the video game Dota 2? 322 is a famous number in the Dota community because a pro player once bet against himself for a payout of $322.
- osxrand 11y agoNope, it does not. He finished at the gym around that time and I was free around that time so that day that was the time picked :)
- Amorymeltzer 11y agoIn college I woke up at 8:17; now I wake up at 5:53. Just seemed like good numbers!
- mzs 11y agoThat's sweet! It should be noted that Michael Spivak shares the blame for Yellow Pig and 17: http://www.vinc17.org/yp17/index.en.html http://www.vinc17.org/yp17/index.en.html
- deleted 11y ago[deleted]
- RareAvis 11y agoHey all, I've never registered or written on HN; I'm most definitively not a hacker. I barely speak computer. I am an F '85 alumnus. I just wanted to say hello, my guess is that most of the responders here went to Hampshire, too. I know a few who are diehard computer-builders, but, since I left that notorious social media platform, I've not been in touch. I'm in Vermont, if any of you are of that crew, You'd likely guess who I am based on that tid bit. I doubt it, I simply wanted to extend my well wishes, and send my support. Saudade; nostalgia brings fond memories. Be Well, and Take Good Care... ~RA
- leephillips 11y agoDavid Kelly was my advisor (1976 - 80). He is one of the greatest educators I've ever encountered, in any subject.