Today I went to my first Old Library Luncheon, which, despite its name, is held in the Junior Common Room. Once again, despite the room’s name, it was populated by the Senior Common Room members, that is, and me. That’s right. I alone gave any semblance of legitimacy to the room, and, therefore, the event. These things happen pretty weekly, or biweekly — it’s hard to know. They schedule is very inconvenient to anyone in the math department. But the Kaplans are no longer in the math department proper. [Bob still has his @math email, though.]

I admitted to Chief that “the grown-ups scare me.” He told me that the Kaplans are no more grown-ups than he is. He is, you know, right. They run this marvelous program for elementary through high schoolers called the Math Circle. They’re both brilliant and patient teachers, mathematicians, and effectively Scottish. There’s no way we couldn’t be friends. I was relieved to find them at the lunch.

Ann Porter, a new resident tutor, was hooked by Bob’s casual mention of different sized infinities. Sitting with him is something like dining with a Jesuit. Ask a simple question, and before you know it, you’re converted. But I’m in the choir. So perhaps my view is a bit unfair.

Anyway, it’s time to wrestle with different locations of infinity. I promised Verena a lecture on ADM mass, which is taken at spatial infinity. There are other defintions of mass; the Bondi mass is measured from null infinity.

If anyone else would like to listen to me drone on about mass, PLEASE come tonight at 7:30pm in SC 411. If you would, please email me first. I want to make sure not to walk there if I don’t have to.

To Spatial Infinity, and Beyond!