From: hippo Newsgroups: alt.fan.pratchett Subject: [I] Mathematical geekery amd some parting wibble Date: Wed, 22 Aug 2001 11:25:54 +0100 (apologies for the portmanteau nature of this post, but thought it best to get out and run before *they* catch up with me) It is apparent from a few threads on here and discussion on lspace irc : that quite a considerable number of the readership are about to embark on or are actually in the middle of university courses in Mathematics and related subjects (CompSci and the like). Mwahahaha, this ancient old fart of a hippo read Mathematics at university, and failed, for a variety of reasons we needn't bother about here. As a result of this and subsequent OU undergrad and postgrad courses, this hippo's branch of lspace is bulging with textbooks which *aren't being used* (cries of shame,shame). I've 'passed' on some to one or two afpers in the past and discussed possible purchase of some with others at meet and irc, but it's only fair to let everyone have a chance, so I'm happy to *loan* stuff to folk, if they are interested (I will try and prepare a catalogue before term time but I'm happy to recommend stuff on receipt of e-mail (I worked in a uni Maths department for ten years so I'm not completely clueless as to the subject matter) provided they collect/pay for postage/arrange to meet at an afpmeet (that's if I ever go to any others :( ) (items to be returned at the end of the course or passed on to other afpers by prior arrangement). Contact me by email with [mathbooks] in the header and I will keep you advised of what's available If you have any specific titles, do say, it's possible I have a copy or two. Other matters : despite strenuous efforts and the frustration of having the free time to travel at the moment, I have been unable to track down reasonably priced accommodation in the SE. for the forthcoming bank holiday meets. Oh well, had to break the addiction somehow ;-) Its probably just as well. As some on irc have unfortunately witnessed I seem to be getting depressed again, so in order not to bring bad vibes to irc, here, and especially to meets, I'm taking an indefinite break. I must apologise to those of you who know me on irc recently , hey, behaviour not becoming that of a responsible net user, never mind that of an online Pratchett fan. Ok, some people have long memories, and know I've tried to *escape* in the past, but this time, well we'll see. I hope the very kind afper who was so understanding at ccde, reads this. I shall be eternally grateful, I think they know who they are. I suppose I ought to bow out with a filk (I have a strange feeling that someone has done this before, it might even have been YT but have another version :) ) TTTO "We are the Champions' by Queen I've penned some filks Not very good They never scan well As really they should And bad mistakes E-mailed a few I've had my share of flames Kicked out of chat But I've come through But I need to get out, get out and out of this You are the afpers, you're friends No place for rudeness. that offends You are the afpers You are the afpers No time for old fart Cause you are the Pratchett fans online I've been to the cons And ccde's You've bought me sweets and choccies And everything that goes with it Hugs and a squeeze :) But I don't feel at home here, can't understand why I cannot match the challenge of kindness and friendship Just sit back and cry But I need to get out, get out and out of this You are the afpers, you're friends No place for rudeness. that offends You are the afpers You are the afpers No time for old fart Cause you are the Pratchett fans online You are the afpers, you're friends No place for rudeness. that offends You are the afpers You are the afpers No time for old fart Cause you are the afpers So long and thanks for all the fi^W hugs, chocolate, massages, punes, posts, laughs and fun .... (arrgh it's Dickie and his acceptance speech ... ) There are some really kind and generous people in Pratchett fandom. I'll miss you. a sad old hippo