Getting Through 2012
I’m planning to live at least until age 90, and I better not be disappointed or there’s going to be trouble. (What kind of trouble and with whom is yet to be determined.) Since I’m going to be 60 soon, I figure I’ve got the last third of my life still to go. Assuming, of course, we get through 2012 OK.
Were the Mayan’s Just Nervous Nellies?
I’m banking on the fact that the Mayans — who got us all worried about 2012 in the first place — were simply Nervous Nellie types who were an easily-embarrassed, socially-awkward group of people. Perhaps what THEY would consider an apocalyptic nightmare, WE would consider nothing more than an awkward situation.
- “Does this hat and scarf combo look like an apocalyptic nightmare? Be honest!”
Crunching My Own Numbers
I suppose this is as good a time as any to confess that when it comes to theories about time, space and things of that ilk; I prefer to crunch all my own numbers. I guess I’m just old-fashioned that way. And my numbers don’t mind being crunched either. They can stay flat for days and spring right back into their original shapes the minute I remove the rock.
My Trusty Fingers
I guess you could say that I like to look at numbers from a different perspective. One in which there are no hard and fast rules. I prefer my number rules to be easy and slow. Which is why, no matter how many mathematicians I’m with at any given moment, I still prefer to perform all my own number crunching using nothing more than my brain, a sharpened pencil and my trusty fingers.
The Number Zero
Take the number zero, for instance. Any third-grade mathematician will tell you that if you multiply any number by zero you will get zero.
Just for Argument’s Sake
So let us say, for argument’s sake, that you have seven oranges. Let’s also say, for argument’s sake, that oranges give you a rash so you won’t be eating any during this demonstration. Let’s also say, as well, that you live in an alternate universe so as not to complicate things with the pesky laws of physics and other overly-fussy things like that. Let’s also say, for argument’s sake that oranges are dangerous. (Sorry to be doing all these things for argument’s sake, but argument tends to pitch a fit when things aren’t done for its sake.)
Why are we making the oranges dangerous? Because, Dearest Reader, we’re going to need some motivation for making them disappear.
That’s right, I said disappear! So let’s lay all our oranges out on the table. Just in a straight line. Nothing fancy. Don’t let any of them roll off. Now run and get a marking pen and next to the seven oranges write neatly: 7 x 0 = 0. HA!! Now, mathematically, you have zero oranges!
So where did all the oranges go?
I’ll bet you my entire life savings that some crazy, socially-awkward Mayan in an alternate universe ate them.
But before you take that bet, be forewarned! I crunch all my own numbers.
Until next time . . . I love you
Linda Vernon Humor 
Wow, you are So right my little genius!
If you have 7 oranges and you throw an X and a 0 at them, you still have 7 oranges staring you in the face. Where did they go? NOWHERE! Unless that damn calculator messes things up.
Notice carefully it’s only when you add in a “calculator” that things get wierd and we are supposed to just adapt. Then again, Einstein would be the first to say that it’s all an illusion anyway…so pick yours carefully.
“Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one.” Einstein
Joy
I’m suddenly finding myself craving and orange. Unfortunately you multiplied them all by zero so I’m out of luck.
Great post! I especially enjoyed the Mayan’s outfit. I’ve seen people in (mostly non profit types) wear similar outfits. The people I’m talking about are usually women who believe that it’s a good thing to wear their hair long, gray and snarly. They also tend to adorn an abundance of Native American themed jewelry and apparel. They also smell a little like spiced-sweat.
Hahaha they do at that. I’m going to go eat an orange in a parallel universe.