From someone who is reasonably adept with ceramics and just bought another 100 pounds of clay this morning (aka I know how much 50 pounds of clay weighs) because I'm making a six foot tall piece in an intermediate/advanced ceramics class that I'm taking for fun: 50 pounds of clay is actually a lot, and not everyone can make a pot that big. So if someone managed to make one 50 pound pot, it would still require quite a lot of work. Plus, there's the assumption that the majority of the people in the class are interested in learning, so they will be trying to make something good.
My mom has potted for over 40 years. We had a kiln and a wheel in our house throughout my childhood. I know a fair bit about it, even though I haven't done that much of it myself.
At the end of the day, 50 pounds weights 50 pounds. it'd be hard to lift, but to make a crappy hugely thick base with something resembling a pot on top wouldn't take much effort.
If university taught me anything, it's that most people don't seem to be just interested in learning.
One book I've given is Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis. It is deeply philosophical, beginning with astute observations about human nature, continuing with an evaluation of possible worldviews and their consistency with logic and evidence, and concluding with an enlightening discussion of Christian theology. Regardless of a person's beliefs or lack thereof, it provides interesting ideas to consider and challenge.
I was looking to see if someone had suggested On Writing Well! I agree that it is an excellent resource, especially for those who are already familiar with basic grammar rules and are interested in improving their style.
Based on numerous conversations I've had with self-identifying feminists, I would say the primary message seems to be that a person's gender (regardless of what it is) shouldn't decide their opportunities in life. Opinions on the extent or existence of systemic societal discrimination against women tend to depend largely on individual experience
(and admittedly, on occasion, misinterpreted and badly gathered statistics) I think. And of course, there are as many versions of feminism as there are feminists because no two people are exactly alike.
After reading the problem but before reading the solution, I came up with 0^ln(x+1). Did I do my math correctly, and is this a legitimate alternative answer?
f has to be monotonic and increasing, and such as f(x) < 0 if x < 0 , and f(x) > 0 if x > 0 (note the strict inequalities, that makes it a condition slightly stronger than monotonic).
I'm not exactly a child anymore, but between the end of spring semester and the beginning of a summer studying abroad, I've had three entirely free weeks. The first three days, I was extremely restless. I thrive on accomplishing things and am accustomed to a very full schedule. But as this article suggests, empty time isn't useless; having no deadlines and no forced deliverables encourages self reflection and exploration. Looking back, having a few days of emptiness forced me to evaluate my interests and goals and then rediscover things that I'm genuinely excited about. I finished a couple of books that have been on my shelf forever, learned (at least the basics of) python, and spent some time working through interesting CTFs. I'm not sure if I'll ever have such an opportunity again, to simultaneously not work, not study, and have zero major responsiblities, but I'm incredibly grateful for the time I've had.
