Wednesday, 18 January 2023

The Greatest Prime IS The Least Prime : Me Vs ChatGPT

Me:
The greatest prime is the least prime? Discuss

ChatGPT: 
The statement "the greatest prime is the least prime" is a paradox, because it contradicts itself.

A prime number is defined as a positive integer greater than 1 that is divisible by only 1 and itself. The set of prime numbers is infinite, and as you go further in the set of prime numbers, they will keep getting larger, hence "greatest prime" implies a larger value.
On the other hand "least prime" implies a smaller value, and the smallest prime number is 2.

Therefore, it is not possible for the greatest prime to also be the least prime as they both imply different values. The statement is a paradox and cannot be true.

Me:
How can the greatest prime be the least prime?

ChatGPT:
The statement "the greatest prime is the least prime" is a paradox, and it's not possible for that to happen in mathematical terms. Prime numbers are integers greater than 1 that are divisible by only 1 and themselves. Prime numbers are infinite and as you go further in the set of prime numbers they will keep getting larger.
Therefore, the greatest prime would refer to a large prime number, while the least prime would refer to a smaller prime number. These two terms are mutually exclusive, as the greatest prime cannot be the least prime at the same time.
It is important to note that this statement is a paradox and its only function is to generate confusion and is not a mathematical concept.

Me:
What is the first prime

ChatGPT: 
The first prime number is 2.

Me:
What is the last prime

ChatGPT:
There is no "last" prime number, as prime numbers continue indefinitely. The next prime number after any given prime number can always be found using the process of trial division.

Me:
Is it better to be the first man to step on the moon or the tenth

ChatGPT:
Being the first person to step on the moon would likely be considered a greater achievement historically, as it was the first time humans had ever set foot on another celestial body. It was a major milestone in human history and a significant achievement for the United States during the Cold War.

Being the tenth person to step on the moon would still be a significant achievement and an honor, but it would not have the same historical significance as being the first.

Me:
If the first man to step on the moon is historically greater than those who subsequently stepped on the moon then could the number 2 be considered to be the greatest of all primes because it is the first prime number?

ChatGPT: 
While the first person to step on the moon is historically significant as a milestone in human history, the same cannot be said for the number 2 as the first prime number. Prime numbers do not hold historical significance and are valued for their mathematical properties and applications. Being the first prime number does not make 2 "greater" than other prime numbers. All prime numbers have their own unique properties and value in mathematics and science, there is no concept of "greatest" prime number.

Me:
The number 2 can be considered to be special amongst prime numbers because it is the first prime number. Discuss

ChatGPT:
The number 2 is indeed special among prime numbers, as it is the smallest prime number. It is the only even prime number and it is the only prime number that is a divisor of even numbers. This makes it unique among the prime numbers.

In number theory, 2 plays a special role as it is the only prime number which is even. This means that it is the only prime that divides even numbers and it is the only prime that is not odd.

In addition, 2 is the only prime number that can be written as the sum of two prime numbers in exactly one way (2 = 2 + 0) which is also a unique property among prime numbers.

Furthermore, 2 is a generator of the group of integers modulo any prime number p, this means that it is the base of the cyclic group of integers modulo p, and that is a fundamental property for the properties of the modular arithmetic.

In conclusion, 2 is special among prime numbers due to its mathematical properties and uniqueness.

Me:
Because the number 2 is special among prime numbers due to its mathematical properties and uniqueness can it, because of these properties, be considered the greatest of all prime numbers?

ChatGPT:
While 2 is special among prime numbers due to its mathematical properties and uniqueness, it cannot be considered the "greatest" of all prime numbers.

Greatness is a relative term and it can be used in different contexts. In the context of prime numbers, it is not appropriate to say that one prime number is greater than another. Prime numbers are valued for their mathematical properties and their applications, not for their relative size.

It is worth noting that 2 is a fundamental prime number in many areas of mathematics, such as number theory, cryptography, computer science and many others. But, this does not make it greater than other prime numbers. Each prime number has its own unique properties and value in mathematics and science, and all of them are important for different reasons.

Me:
What are all the meanings of the word greatest

ChatGPT: 
The word "greatest" can have several meanings depending on the context it is used in. Some common meanings include:

Largest in size, amount, or degree: the greatest mountain in the world.

Most important, significant, or impressive: the greatest achievement in human history.

Most talented or skillful: the greatest musician of the century.

Most admirable or respected: one of the greatest leaders of our time.

Most extreme: the greatest degree of injustice.

Most intense or severe: the greatest heat of the day.

Most advanced or developed: the greatest civilization of ancient times.

Most excessive or outrageous: the greatest absurdity.

Most comprehensive or inclusive: the greatest encyclopedia.

Most general or comprehensive : the greatest common divisor.

These are just a few examples of how the word "greatest" can be used and the meanings can vary depending on the context.

Me:
In what context of the word "greatest" can the number 2 be considered the greatest prime number

ChatGPT: 
In the context of mathematical properties and uniqueness, the number 2 can be considered a special or unique prime number among all prime numbers, but it cannot be considered the "greatest" prime number. "Greatest" implies a comparison to other prime numbers and implies a superiority which is not applicable in this context. The prime numbers are valued for their mathematical properties and their applications, not for their relative size or any other relative measures.

As I mentioned before, 2 is a fundamental prime number in many areas of mathematics, such as number theory, cryptography, computer science and many others, because of its mathematical properties and uniqueness. It is the only even prime number and it is the only prime number that is a divisor of even numbers, it is the only prime number that can be written as the sum of two prime numbers in exactly one way, and it is a generator of the group of integers modulo any prime number p. But, this does not make it "greatest" among other prime numbers. Each prime number has its own unique properties and value in mathematics and science, and all of them are important for different reasons.

Me:
Can prime be used in the context of being the first

ChatGPT:
Yes, "prime" can be used in the context of being the first. The term "prime" is often used to refer to something that is the first or most important of its kind, such as the prime minister, who is the first or most important minister in a government. Similarly, in mathematics, the number 2 is often referred to as the "first" prime number, because it is the smallest prime number. In this context, "prime" can be used to mean "first" or "original."

Also, in the field of mathematics, "prime" can also be used as "prime example" which is an example that is considered the most representative or typical of a category or set.

In conclusion, "prime" can be used in the context of being the first, original, most important, or most representative.

Me:
What is the largest known prime number

ChatGPT: 
The largest known prime number is constantly changing as new larger prime numbers are discovered through mathematical research. As of my knowledge cutoff in 2021, the largest known prime number is 2^74,207,281 - 1, also known as "M74207281" and it has 22,338,618 decimal digits. It was discovered by Jonathan Pace on January 7th, 2018 using a computer running the program PrimeGrid. It is a Mersenne prime, which is a prime number that is one less than a power of 2.

It's worth noting that the discovery of larger prime numbers is a ongoing effort, and new and bigger prime numbers are discovered every time by researchers, and it is expected that larger prime numbers will be discovered in the future.

Me:
If the word "prime" can be used in the context of being the first, Can the largest known prime number be considered to be the least prime in the sense that it is the furthest away from the first prime number 2

ChatGPT:
The largest known prime number can not be considered the "least prime" in the sense that it is furthest away from the first prime number 2.

The concept of "least" implies a comparison or a ranking, and in this case, it would be a comparison based on distance from the number 2, which is not a valid way to compare prime numbers. Prime numbers are valued for their mathematical properties and applications, not for their relative size or distance from other numbers.

The largest known prime number is simply the largest prime number that has been discovered so far and it holds its own mathematical properties and value. It is not less prime because of its size, it is just a very large prime number.

Furthermore, the prime numbers are infinite and there are no limits on their size, so it's not possible to say that there is a "least prime number" in terms of size.

Me:
Least prime in the sense that the largest known prime number is the number that can be least described as being the first prime  or prime prime number compared.to other prime numbers relative to the first prime number

ChatGPT:
The largest known prime number, as the largest prime number discovered, can be considered as the prime number that is the furthest away from the first prime number 2 in the sense that it is the prime number that can be least described as being the first prime or a "prime prime number" compared to other prime numbers relative to the first prime number.

This is because the largest known prime number is extremely large and it is far from the first prime number, it is not an intuitive or simple prime number like 2, instead it is a highly complex number with a very large number of digits.

It is worth noting that size is not a property that is usually associated with prime numbers, prime numbers are usually considered in the context of their mathematical properties, such as their divisibility, their role in number theory, and their applications in other fields such as cryptography and computer science.

In conclusion, the largest known prime number can be considered as the prime number that is the furthest away from the first prime number 2 in the sense that it is the prime number that can be least described as being the first prime or a "prime prime number" compared to other prime numbers relative to the first prime number.

Me:
Therefore in light of the above context is is fair to say that the "The greatest prime is the least prime" that is to say the greatest prime is the the prime that is least described as the first prime or prime prime compared to their primes. Do you agree?

ChatGPT:
The statement "The greatest prime is the least prime" is not a statement that can be easily agreed upon, as the meaning of "greatest" and "least" in this context are not well defined.

As I've discussed before, "greatest" implies a comparison or a ranking and it's not an appropriate term to use in the context of prime numbers as they are valued for their mathematical properties and applications.

The "least prime" in the sense that is described, means the prime number that is furthest away from the first prime number 2 in the sense that it is the prime number that can be least described as being the first prime or a "prime prime number" compared to other prime numbers relative to the first prime number, but it does not imply that it is the "greatest" prime number.

In conclusion, the statement "The greatest prime is the least prime" is not accurate or meaningful in the context of prime numbers, as prime numbers are valued for their mathematical properties and applications, not for their relative size or distance from other numbers.

Me:
Can I say that the greatest prime is the prime that is least described as being the first prime

ChatGPT:
You can say that the prime number that is furthest away from the first prime number 2 in the sense that it is the prime number that can be least described as being the first prime or a "prime prime number" compared to other prime numbers relative to the first prime number, but it would not be accurate to say that it is the "greatest" prime number.

As previously explained, the "greatest" implies a comparison or ranking and it is not an appropriate term to use in the context of prime numbers, as prime numbers are valued for their mathematical properties and applications, not for their relative size or distance from other numbers.

It's important to note that "greatest" and "least" are relative terms and they depend on the context in which they are used. In this case, the context is about the distance from the first prime number, it's not about a comparison or ranking of prime numbers in general.

In conclusion, you can say that the prime number that is furthest away from the first prime number 2 in the sense that it is the prime number that can be least described as being the first prime or a "prime prime number" compared to other prime numbers relative to the first prime number, but it would not be accurate to say that it is the "greatest" prime number.

Me:
Greatest can mean largest

ChatGPT: 
Yes, "greatest" can also mean "largest" in some contexts, such as the greatest number, the greatest height, the greatest weight, etc. In this case, it would refer to the largest value or quantity among a set of numbers or measurements. However, when discussing prime numbers, the term "greatest" is not commonly used in this context of "largest". Prime numbers are usually discussed in terms of their mathematical properties, divisibility, role in number theory, and their applications in other fields such as cryptography and computer science, not in terms of their size.

In the context of prime numbers, the largest known prime number is simply the largest prime number that has been discovered so far, it holds its own mathematical properties and value. It is not considered the greatest prime because of its size, it is just a very large prime number.

Me:
Given that greatest can mean largest your can say greatest prime number instead of largest prime number 

ChatGPT: 
Yes, you can say "greatest prime number" to refer to the largest known prime number, although it is not a commonly used terminology in the context of prime numbers.

As I previously mentioned, "greatest" is a relative term and it can be used in different contexts. In this case, "greatest prime number" would refer to the largest prime number that has been discovered so far. It would have the same meaning as "largest prime number", which is commonly used terminology.

It's worth noting that, while "greatest prime number" is a valid terminology, it is not commonly used in the field of mathematics, as mathematicians usually refer to the largest prime numbers as "record-breaking prime numbers", "largest known prime numbers" or simply "large prime numbers".

Me:
Although it is not a commonly term in mathematics greatest prime can be used to mean largest prime

ChatGPT: 
Yes, you can use the term "greatest prime" to mean "largest prime" in mathematics, although it is not a commonly used terminology. As I previously mentioned, "greatest" can be used in different contexts, and it can imply largest in certain situations.

It's worth noting that the discovery of larger prime numbers is a ongoing effort, and new and bigger prime numbers are discovered every time by researchers. It's not uncommon for the largest known prime number to change over time and for the terminology used to refer to it to change as well.

In conclusion, while "greatest prime" is not a commonly used term in mathematics, it can be used to refer to the largest prime number that has been discovered, but it is not the standard terminology used by mathematicians.

Me:
So the largest prime is the least prime In the sense that it is the furthest from the first or prime prime compared to other primes

ChatGPT: 
As I've mentioned before, the largest known prime number can be considered as the prime number that is the furthest away from the first prime number 2 in the sense that it is the prime number that can be least described as being the first prime or a "prime prime number" compared to other prime numbers relative to the first prime number.

It is important to note that the term "least prime" in this context does not mean that it is less prime or less important than other primes, it just means that it is the furthest prime number from the first prime number 2 in terms of its size and complexity.

It's worth noting that size is not a property that is usually associated with prime numbers, prime numbers are usually considered in the context of their mathematical properties, such as their divisibility, their role in number theory, and their applications in other fields such as cryptography and computer science.

In conclusion, while the largest known prime number can be considered as the prime number that is the furthest away from the first prime number 2 in the sense that it is the prime number that can be least described as being the first prime or a "prime prime number" compared to other prime numbers relative to the first prime number, it is not a standard terminology used by mathematicians and it does not mean that it is less prime or less important than other primes.

Me:
I am using least prime in an abstract way to mean something can least be described as being the first because of its numerical distance from the first thing for example the 100th thing is least described as the first thing compared to the 10th thing

ChatGPT:
I understand that you are using the term "least prime" in an abstract way, to mean that a number can be least described as being the first one, because of its numerical distance from the first one. The use of the term "least prime" in this context is not a standard terminology used by mathematicians, but it can be used to describe a prime number that is furthest away from the first prime number (2) in terms of its size and complexity.

It is worth noting that when talking about prime numbers, they are valued for their mathematical properties and applications, not just for their numerical value. The distance of a prime number from the first prime number, 2, is not a property that is usually associated with prime numbers, but the term "least prime" could be used to describe the prime number that is furthest away from 2 in terms of its size and complexity.

In summary, "least prime" can be used in an abstract way to describe a prime number that is furthest away from the first prime number 2 in terms of its size and complexity, but it is not a standard terminology used by mathematicians, and it doesn't imply that it is less important or less prime than other prime numbers.

Me:
Therefore using the abstract context above and accepting that it is not standard terminology you can say that the largest prime is the least prime

ChatGPT:
Yes, based on the abstract context you provided, where "least prime" is used to describe a prime number that is furthest away from the first prime number 2 in terms of its size and complexity, you could use the phrase "the largest prime is the least prime".

It's worth noting that this is not a standard terminology used by mathematicians and it doesn't imply that the largest prime is less important or less prime than other prime numbers. It simply refers to the fact that it is the prime number that is furthest away from the first prime number 2 in terms of its size and complexity.

In conclusion, while "the largest prime is the least prime" can be used in the abstract context you provided, it is not a standard terminology used by mathematicians and it doesn't imply that the largest prime is less important or less prime than other prime numbers.

Me:
And also in the context of the phrase largest prime being used interchangeably with the phrase greatest prime and accepting that this is not standard terminology it is fair to say that the "greatest prime is the least prime" ( again using the abstract context of the phrase "least prime" mentioned above)

ChatGPT: 
Yes, if you are using the phrase "largest prime" interchangeably with "greatest prime" and accepting that this is not standard terminology, and in the context of the abstract definition of "least prime" that you provided, meaning a prime number that is furthest away from the first prime number 2 in terms of its size and complexity, it would be fair to say "greatest prime is the least prime".

It's worth noting that this is not a standard terminology used by mathematicians and it doesn't imply that the greatest prime is less important or less prime than other prime numbers. It simply refers to the fact that it is the prime number that is furthest away from the first prime number 2 in terms of its size and complexity.

In summary, while "greatest prime is the least prime" can be used as a phrase in the context of the abstract definition of "least prime" that you provided, it's not a standard terminology used by mathematicians, and it doesn't imply that the greatest prime is less important or less prime than other prime numbers.




What Is The Origin Of The Formula For The Solution Of Quadratic Equations?

The formula for solving quadratic equations, also known as the quadratic formula, has its origins in ancient Greece and the work of mathematicians such as Pythagoras and Euclid. However, the specific form of the quadratic formula that is used today was first derived by the Persian mathematician and astronomer, Omar Khayyam, in the 11th century.

The quadratic formula is used to solve equations of the form ax^2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants. The formula expresses the solutions for x in terms of a, b, and c, and is as follows:
x = (-b ± √(b^2 - 4ac)) / 2a

The formula is based on the idea of completing the square, which involves adding and subtracting the square of half of the coefficient of x, in order to make the expression on one side of the equation a perfect square. Once the equation is in this form, it can be factored and the solutions for x can be determined.

This technique was known and used by the Greek and Indian mathematicians, but Omar Khayyam was the first one to put it in a general form for any quadratic equation.

Monday, 9 January 2023

How Many Religions Are There In India?

India is a diverse and religiously pluralistic country, and there are many different religions practiced in India. The two main religions in India are Hinduism and Islam, which are followed by a majority of the population. However, there are also many other religions practiced in India, including Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and Judaism, among others. It is estimated that there are over 2,000 different religious groups in India, and the country is home to a wide range of religious practices and beliefs.

What Is The Origin Of Ginger Hair?

Ginger hair, also known as red hair, is a genetic variation that occurs in humans as a result of a mutation in the MC1R gene. This gene codes for a protein that is involved in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. The mutation that causes red hair is thought to have originated in ancient human populations as a way to adapt to lower levels of sunlight in certain regions. Red hair is most commonly found in people of Northern and Western European ancestry, and it is relatively rare in other populations. It is estimated that only about 2% of the global population has red hair.

Do White People Have Melanin?

Yes, all humans have melanin in their skin. Melanin is a pigment produced by cells in the skin called melanocytes. It is responsible for the color of a person's skin, hair, and eyes. People with lighter skin have less melanin than people with darker skin. The amount of melanin a person has is determined by genetics, and it is influenced by a number of factors, including exposure to UV radiation and hormonal changes.

Are There Any People Who Have No Melanin?

It is extremely rare for a person to have no melanin. Melanin is a pigment produced by cells in the skin called melanocytes, and it is present in all humans. It is responsible for the color of a person's skin, hair, and eyes. People with albinism are often referred to as having "no melanin," but this is not entirely accurate. People with albinism have a genetic condition that affects the production of melanin, which can result in very light skin, hair, and eye color. However, they still have some melanin in their bodies, just not as much as people without albinism. Albinism is a rare condition that is present at birth and is not related to race.

Sunday, 8 January 2023

Can An RNA Virus Merge With A DNA Virus?

It is theoretically possible for an RNA virus to merge with a DNA virus, although such an event is thought to be very rare. In order for this to occur, the RNA virus would need to be able to enter the host cell and use the host's cellular machinery to replicate itself. This process is known as reverse transcription. If the RNA virus is able to successfully replicate itself using the host's cellular machinery, it is possible that the RNA virus and DNA virus could merge, forming a hybrid virus that contains both RNA and DNA. However, it is important to note that this is a theoretical possibility and has not been observed in nature. Is there anything else I can help with?







Saturday, 7 January 2023

What Is The Origin Of Skin Colour In Humans?

The origin of skin color in humans is thought to have evolved as a way to help protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The amount of melanin, a pigment that is produced by cells in the skin called melanocytes, determines the color of a person's skin. People with darker skin have more melanin, which provides greater protection against UV radiation. People with lighter skin have less melanin, which provides less protection but allows the skin to synthesize more vitamin D when exposed to UV radiation. The distribution of melanin in the skin is also responsible for other skin pigmentation such as freckles and age spots.

Monday, 18 August 2014

How Many Soldiers In A Roman Company?

A typical Roman company, also known as Centuria or a Century, was made up of around 100 soldiers. However, a Roman company could have anything from 20 to 200 soldiers.

Wednesday, 13 August 2014

What Is The Opposite Of Jealousy?

The opposite of jealousy or being jealous is satisfaction or being satisfied with what you have. Other antonyms (opposites) of jealousy include contentment and being unresentful or trusting.

Where is Robin Williams Now?

Where is Robin Williams Now? What I mean is, where is he now that he's on the other side?

Thursday, 9 January 2014

Google Easter Eggs

Check out these cool Google Easter eggs. Some you may already know about, others are less well known.

Atari Breakout
If you type "atari breakout" into Google image search the results screen transforms in to a playable version of the classic Breakout game.

Google In 1998
Type "google in 1998" into Google search and your taken to the 1998 version of Google.

Do a barrel roll
Type "do a barrel roll" into Google and the results page does a barrel roll.

Custom Street View
If you go to Legoland on Google maps the street view humanoid icon (known as a pegman) transforms into a Legoman. Similarly, if you go to the Kennedy Space Centre on Google maps the street view pegman icon turns into an astronaut.

Zerg Rush
In the world of video games the term "zerg rush" means an overwhelming attack. If you search for "zerg rush" on Google the results page comes under attack.

The Google Easter eggs mentioned above can be seen in the video below



If you know about any other Easter eggs then let us know.


Monday, 6 January 2014

Convert Fahrenheit Or Centigrade To Gas Mark

If you own a gas cooker and you're trying to follow a recipe that gives oven heat settings in Centigrade (°C) or Fahrenheit (°F) then you will probably find the the Fahrenheit/Centigrade to gas mark conversion information given below very useful.

Fahrenheit To Centigrade To Gas Mark Conversion Data

Fahrenheit (°F) Centigrade (°C) Gas Mark
275 140 1
300 150 2
325 160 3
350 180 4
375 190 5
400 200 6
425 210 7
450 220 8
475 230 9

The above table uses approximate conversion values that should work well for most cookers although there may be variations for particular types of cooker or oven brands.


Locust And Wild Honey Recipe.

If your looking for an exotic culinary treat then why not try this simple recipe for locusts with wild honey.

Ingredients
30g of butter
300g of locusts (you may need to order these from a specialist market depending on where you live)
3 tablespoons of wild honey .
Salt to taste.

Preparation
First, melt the butter in a frying pan using moderate heat. Clean and then add the locusts to the pan together with a sprinkling of salt and heat the mixture for around 10-15 minutes until the locusts are crisp. Stir occasionally to ensure that the locusts are evenly coated with butter.

Next, add the honey to the pan and stir for a couple of minutes or so. Once the locusts are covered with honey transfer them to a baking tray lined with baking paper and bake them in the oven for around 10 minutes at  200 F/Gas mark 6.

Once the locusts are piping hot, take them out of the oven and serve.

Et voila. Locusts with wild honey. Enjoy!

Friday, 27 December 2013

How To Create A Chrome Web App

A while ago I visited the Chrome Web Store to try and find a web app for an application I'd seen on a well known web site. The store didn't have the app, so I did a bit of research and came up with the following method of creating my own Chrome Web app.

First Steps To Building A Chrome Web App 

Chrome Web apps are derived from two files namely a 128 x 128 pixel png image file and a JSON file called manifest.json which contains a reference to the image file and other information such as the URL of the site you want to turn into a web application. So, to create a chrome web app you first need to create a png image file. This image will represent the the icon of the web app you want to create. The image will be displayed on the new tabs page along with other chrome web apps. When you have located an appropriate image, save it as 128.png.

Next, create a JSON file. Below is a template for the file which you can copy, adjust and then save as manifest.json. (This can be done using windows Notepad)

{
"name": "AppName",
"description": "AppDescription",
"version": "1.0",
"icons": {
"128": "128.png"
},
"app": {
"urls": [
"AppURL"
],
"launch": {
"web_url": "AppURL"
}
},
"permissions": [
"unlimitedStorage",
"notifications"
]
}


The highlighted text in the above code should be replaced as follows


  • Replace AppName with the name of your app (place the name between the speech marks).
  • Replace AppDescription with a description for the app. (Again, place the description between the speech marks).
  • Replace AppURL with the full web address of the web page that contains the app e.g. http://www.webapp.com/ once again make sure that the URL is placed between speech marks in the above code.


Once you've created the png image file and manifest.json file, place them in a separate folder. Call the folder something like ChromeWebApps.

Test Your Chrome Web App

Now you need to test your app. To do this open chrome, and select Tools, then Extensions from the spanner icon in the top right hand corner of the browser. Next, locate the "Developer Mode" plus/minus button on the top right hand side of the Extensions page. Make sure the button shows the minus sign. If it shows the plus sign click the button so that it shows the minus sign.

Select "Load Unpacked Extension" from the developer mode menu. When the pop up menu appears, navigate to the folder that contains the image and manifest files then select the folder and click ok. The icon for your Chrome web app now appears on the new tab page with your other apps (if you have any). Click the icon to make sure that it loads the correct page.

Create The Full Chrome Web App

Now that you've determined that your app works, you can go ahead and create the full web app. Chrome web apps are contained in files with the .crx extension. This file combines (by a process known as  packing) the png and manifest.json files you created.

To create the full chrome web app, first navigate back to the Entensions page in the chrome browser. Next locate your web app (the one you just tested) in the extensions list. Now click uninstall. Once the app has been uninstalled, click the "Pack Extension" button from the Developer Mode menu on the chrome browser extensions page. A new pop up with two fields appears.

In the field titled "Extension Root Directory" use the "Browse" button to navigate to the directory containing your png image file and manifest.json files as before. (The field labled "Private key file (optional)"  is used for editing Chrome web apps. You do not need this at the moment). Select the directory and click ok. The path of your Chrome Extension now appears in the "Extension Root Directory" field. Click the ok button. A new pop up appears titled "The page at chrome://extensions says:" which gives information regarding the location of two files namely a .crx file (your newly created full web app) and a .pem file which contains a key code which can be used to edit your app if needed.


Go to the location of the .crx file as mentioned above then select and drag the file to the Chrome web browser. A window should now appear entitled "Confirm Installation" with a message saying "Install (whatever your app is called)?". Click the Install button. A New Tab page is now automatically generated with your newly created Chrome web application appearing alongside other apps. Enjoy!

Wednesday, 25 December 2013

How To Fix A Laptop If You Spill A Drink On It

Here's a tip that might get your laptop working again if you spill a drink on it. I don't know if it works for all drinks or for all levels of spill severity, but it's worth a try.

Firstly, if you spill a drink on your laptop, shut it down immediately (assuming that it hasn't already turned itself off as a result of the spillage). If the laptop is connected to the mains then make sure you disconnect it.

Once you've shut off the power supply,   turn your laptop upside down and allow it to dry naturally for at least 24 hours. Turning your laptop upside down should prevent any liquid reaching the laptop's circuit boards. Do not use haidryers or similar heating appliances to speed up the drying process as this may damage the device.

After a day or so, turn your laptop the right way again and then turn it on. Hopefully your laptop should now be working as normal.

Tuesday, 17 December 2013

Celebrities Who Have An Erdős–Bacon Number

Below is a list of celebrities (mainly actors) who have an Erdős–Bacon number. But first some definitions.


What Is An Erdős number?

The Erdős number is named after Paul Erdős who was a well known mathematician born in 1913. He published over 1500 scientific papers. The Erdős number was created to honor the mathematician's prolific scholarly output. Paul Erdős wrote more papers during his lifetime (mainly through co-authorship) than any other mathematician.

An Erdős number is calculated as follows. The Erdős number of Paul Erdős is set to 0. The Erdős number of someone else is calculated using the formula k+1 where k is the lowest Erdős Number of a co-author.

So, for example if someone, let's say his name is Jack, collaborates directly with Paul Erdős on a scientific paper, then Jack's Erdos number is 0+1 = 1. If Jack then goes on to collaborate will Jill on another paper, but Jill does not directly collaborate with Paul Erdos, then Jill's Erdos Number is 1+1 = 2.

Anyone who does not bare a co-authorship connection with Paul Erdos is given and Erdos number of infinity or is said to have an undefined Erdos number.

To be given an Erdos Number, someone has to collaborate with a co-author who has a finite Erdos number.


What Is A Bacon number?

The Bacon number got it's name from the actor Kevin Bacon who claimed that he ad worked with everyone in Hollywood or worked with someone else whose worked with someone in Hollywood. This claim was made in 1994 during an interview for the film "The River Wild".

The Bacon number is the acting equivalent of the  Erdos number and is calculated using a similar "shortest path" algorithm. The Bacon number of Kevin Bacon is 0. The Bacon number of another actor is calculated using the formula N+1 where N is the lowest Bacon number of the co-star.

For example, an actor or actress who has worked directly with Kevin Bacon (Bacon number = 0) has a Bacon number of 0 +1 = 1. An actor who works with a co-star who has a Bacon number of 1, but has not themselves worked with Kevin Bacon, has a Bacon number of 1+1 =2 and so on.


What Is An Erdős–Bacon number?

The Erdős–Bacon number is simply the sum of someone's Erdős number and their Bacon number. As you might already appreciate, people who have an  Erdős–Bacon number are a rarity. Below is a list of famous people with Erdős–Bacon numbers.


List Of Celebrities With Erdős–Bacon numbers

Colin Firth (Actor)

Colin has an Erdős number of 6 as a result of the co-authorship of a paper entitled "Political Orientations Are Correlated with Brain Structure in Young Adults". Colin Firth's Bacon number is 1 since he acted directly with Kevin Bacon in the film "Where the Truth Lies". Colin Firth's Erdős–Bacon number is therefore 1+6 = 7.

Natalie Portman (Actress)

Natalie Portman's Erdős number is 2 by way of a scientific collaboration that leads to a connection with the mathematician Joseph Gills who has an Erdos number of 1. Natalie's Bacon number is 5 through an appearance with Sarah Michelle Gellar (Bacon number 1) in the film "A Powerful Noise Live". So, Natalie Portman's Erdős–Bacon number 2+5=7

Danica McKellar (Actress)

Danica McKellar has an Erdős number of 4 which came about as a result of a co-authorship of a mathematical paper that she wrote while studying at UCLA. She has a Bacon number of 2 through her work with Margaret Easley. Danica McKellar's Erdős–Bacon number is 4+2 = 6.

Carl Sagan (Popular Astronomer & Cosmologist)

Carl Sagan has an approximate Erdős number of 4 by way of a connection to the astronomer Steven J. Ostro. Carl's Bacon Number is 2 giving an Erdős–Bacon number of 6.

Richard Feynman (Nobel Prize Winning Physicist)

Feynman's Erdős number is 3 and with a Bacon number of 3 as a result of an appearance in the film "Anti Clock" with Tony Tang, Richard Feynman's Erdős–Bacon number is 6.

There are likely to be other celebrities with an Erdős–Bacon number and these will be added to the above list in due course.





Monday, 16 December 2013

A Brief History Of Shoptagon

Shoptagon came into existence around seven years ago. The first incarnation of the Shoptagon was as an online affiliate based store promoting mainly electrical goods such televisions, digital cameras and mobile phones. Tradedoubler was the main affiliate network used by Shoptagon in these early stages.

Around the time of its existence as a store, a new entry to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary was made which defined Shoptagon as a large collection of retail outlets either online or in the real world. There was also a somewhat short lived debate on Yahoo Answers as to whether Shoptagon would in fact be a better name for Amazon.

After some time as a store, Shoptagon evolved into an online repository for celebrity Tweets. This occured around the time that Twitter really started to take off as a social network. During its "Twitter Phase" Shoptagon listed celebrity tweets alphabetically using the Twitter search API. The API was also used to provide search results around areas such as "sightings of Elvis" and "who is an A-list or Z-list celebrity"

Finally, as of late 2013, Shoptagon has become a blog based site providing articles on a range of topics from Daleks to Bitcoin Mining. The store element still exits in the form of the Shoptagon Store tab above. As with the original store the current store promotes affiliate products. This vesrion of the Shoptagon store uses Amazon Associates as its affiliate network.

As for future incarnations of Shoptagon? Who knows?

Another Coca-Cola Can Barcode


Another image of a Coca-Cola can barcode as promised in the previous post. The real thing, again!

Coca-Cola Can Barcode


An example of a Coca-Cola can barcode. This is the real thing! More images of Coca-cola can barcodes will follow.