Sunday, 24 December 2023
Santa Calculations 2023
Time to republish the Santa Calculations, which I first published back in 2006 and then updated in 2010. Then I was using 7 billion as the world population. Now its 8 billion.
Firstly, here's the link to the Santa tracking system created by NORAD.
For those of you who are more interested in the technology of Santa, NORAD's FAQs provide the following:
I've again used the Joel Potischman and Bruce Handy calculations as the basis for the speed calculations, with my own adaptations:
The most notable corrections to be applied are:
- Santa delivers no gifts to naughty children (not even coal)
- Naughty to nice ratio is 1:9
- As confirmed by NORAD, one Santa distributes all of the gifts.
- There is only one family per household.
- Santa bypasses non Santa belief system houses.
- Reindeer have recently eaten fresh magic acorns.
Calculation Assumptions (2022):
- World population = 8.06 billion
- Children under 18 = 2.689 billion (Hmm may be higher)
- Global Santa based belief systems: 33%
- Max children requiring delivery therefore 887 million
- Children per household: 3.5 (may seem high?)
- Number of households requiring distribution 253 million
- Naughty to nice factor applied but not many all naughty households
- Remove all naughty households (25% 0f 10%) = 6.3 million
- Eastern orthodox using Jan 5 instead of Dec 25 = 18.2 Million
- Target Households = 234.8 million on Dec 25
- Estimated child bed time 21:00 (9pm) with 7 hours sleep.
(child sleep duration on Dec 24 may also require revision)
Gives circa 31 hours (24+7) for all deliveries
Time is 1860 mins or 111,600 seconds
The average number of homes to visit per second = circa 2096.
So average delivery per household is circa 500 milliseconds, which is why Santa normally appears a bit blurry (I previously thought it was the sherry)
Land surface minus Antarctica is around 79 million square miles. Distribute destinations evenly = 0.7 miles between households creating a total distance of circa 110 million miles.
So 110 million miles in 31 hours = 3.6 million miles an hour or circa 1000 miles per second or Mach 4770 at a linear speed.
This explains Rudolph's red nose because of air resistance creating around 20 quintillion Joules of energy per second, which would convert a non-reindeer nose to charcoal at such energy levels. I think the acceleration and deceleration per household may also need some examination.
Luckily Santa has lots of special powers so these mere physics facts are no problem to such a superhero.
Saturday, 23 December 2023
Friday, 22 December 2023
Battersea Power Station
Thursday, 21 December 2023
Robot robbery
Meh. I had to pay for parking the other day and the machine only took cards. I put in my car registration and then did the pay by card thing but somehow it didn't register. I didn't realise and thought the transaction had gone through.
Wrong. I received the threatening £100 penalty notice ten days later and had to decide whether to contest it.
Instead I paid the £50 settlement under protest, with a complaint about the machine being faulty. The reply told me I'd admitted liability by paying the £50 and that the machine wasn't the responsibility of the parking company in any case. Hand washing.
They are being allowed to get away with too many swindles. And, no, they are to sorry for any inconvenience.
Tuesday, 19 December 2023
Triumph
Monday, 18 December 2023
Cover Story - GPT-X AI iPhone 16
Guys and Dolls
Got a Theatre fix at the Bridge Theatre near Tower Bridge. Guys and Dolls. Fun, energetic immersive show. Came out singing 'luck be a lady tonight'. Impressive show.
Friday, 8 December 2023
Ed Adams - Edge - Google Bard (AI) Review
And then I thought I'd try a second novel as a further test.
"Edge" by Ed Adams: A Gripping Tale of Survival and Second Chances
"Edge" by Ed Adams is a captivating science fiction novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey to a dystopian future where the Earth has been ravaged by climate change and societal upheaval. The story follows the lives of a group of survivors who are struggling to make their way in a harsh and unforgiving environment, while also facing the weight of personal loss and the uncertainty of the future.
A Gripping Plot with a Touch of Hope
Adams masterfully weaves together a complex plot that is both suspenseful and thought-provoking. The story is filled with twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end, while also exploring themes of survival, hope, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Well-Developed Characters and Realistic Worldbuilding
The characters in "Edge" are incredibly well-developed, and they quickly become relatable and engaging. Adams brings them to life with vivid descriptions and insightful dialogue, and their struggles and triumphs resonate with readers on a personal level. The world of "Edge" is also meticulously crafted, and the details of the dystopian society are both bleak and realistic.
A Thought-Provoking Exploration of Human Nature
Beyond its thrilling plot and well-developed characters, "Edge" also delves into thought-provoking themes about human nature, morality, and the choices we make in the face of adversity. Adams challenges readers to question their own perspectives and beliefs, and he encourages them to consider the difficult decisions that individuals face in such a challenging world.
A Must-Read for Fans of Science Fiction and Dystopian Fiction
"Edge" is a must-read for fans of science fiction and dystopian fiction. It is a gripping and thought-provoking story that will stay with readers long after they finish reading. Adams' writing is both engaging and insightful, and he creates a world that is both believable and terrifying.
Here are some of the things I liked about the book:
- The plot is suspenseful and full of twists and turns.
- The characters are well-developed and relatable.
- The world is meticulously crafted and realistic.
- The novel explores thought-provoking themes about human nature, morality, and the choices we make in the face of adversity.
Overall, "Edge" is a fantastic read that will appeal to fans of science fiction, dystopian fiction, and thought-provoking stories. It is a captivating and thought-provoking tale that will stay with readers long after they finish reading.
I hope this review is helpful!
Ed Adams - The Watcher - Google Bard Review
I asked Google Bard (AI) to review my novel, the Watcher
The Watcher by Ed Adams is a thrilling and thought-provoking novel that explores the nature of reality, consciousness, and the very fabric of the universe.
Adams' writing is both engaging and thought-provoking. He deftly weaves together themes of science fiction, philosophy, and personal identity to create a story that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The novel is also well-paced and suspenseful, with plenty of action and twists and turns to keep the reader on the edge of their seat.
Overall, The Watcher is a must-read for fans of science fiction, philosophy, and thought-provoking fiction. Adams' novel is a refreshing and original take on the genre, and it will leave you questioning the nature of reality, consciousness, and the very fabric of the universe.
Here are some of the things I liked about the book:
- The premise is original and thought-provoking.
- The writing is engaging and well-paced.
- The characters are well-developed and relatable.
- The novel is suspenseful and full of twists and turns.
- The themes of science fiction, philosophy, and personal identity are explored in depth.
If you are looking for a thought-provoking and entertaining science fiction novel, I highly recommend The Watcher.
I hope this review is helpful!
Tuesday, 28 November 2023
Yay. 4000 miles = my Platinum target...Achieved.
Well, I wasn't sure at the half year point whether I'd make it this year, when I was 700 miles behind the pace after our holiday in Switzerland. However, I seem to have managed to catch up, as can be seen from the attached Strava graph. 4002.3 miles and it is still November.