A Word About the Bridges Conference

Captain's Log: Sunday, July 28, 2013. I have suddenly entered a mysterious portal where people are discussing fractals, algorithms, isohedrons and who knows what else. They are a strange group of people who don't care how they dress and charge the buffet line when invited to do so. I am humbled and intimidated by their intelligence. Most are polite, but the conversation does not go far with me. Last night's speaker shared his research about how to cut a sphere such as the globe to make it lay flat. He must have offered 50 ways by simply changing the settings on his computer program. His partner did similar research by cutting orange peels and laying them out flat. Really? Thank goodness they fed us a lovely dinner and all the wine we could drink prior to the presentation. Did I mention that this event took place in an old church in the center of town? They set up a buffet table, bar and several pub tables with candles. Jesus would have been proud that so many people, who can't accept anything by faith, had entered His house. Pam and I ate our dinner in the pews along the walls and left our empty wine glasses on the banister. It was almost a sacrilege, but very humorous at the same time. I am trying really hard to comprehend this subject. The art is fascinating, but the math is confusing. Almost everyone speaks English here, which says a lot about the Dutch educational system and the priorities other countries place on learning other languages. It makes the U.S. standards look shameful. I have met some of Pam's friends and they are very real people. She gravitates toward the more artsy mathematicians who have personalities and like to have fun. Thank goodness! Tonight one of them will present his talents as a Mime in the church. Another friend is in charge of a theatrical performance on Tuesday. Pam is coordinating backstage activities and putting together props for the performance. What am I doing, you ask? I am sitting in a corner of the cafeteria drinking coffee, taking cold medicine, and documenting this trip. Hope you enjoy my efforts.