Mathematicians

As a mathematician, I take care not to be caught doing philosophy. When I buy my copy of Philosophy Now, I ask the newsagent to wrap it up in a brown paper bag in the hope that it will be mistaken for a girly-mag.

Mike Alder, Newton’s Flaming Laser Sword

Silver Lake Memoirs

History: Ice cutting at Silver Lake more than 100 years ago

My favorite quote:

The secret incentive of [the Silver Lake Fire Depart­ment] was to be found in the water tub of that wagon. Prohibition by this time was the law of the land.

Before the volunteers started from the shed at Pop Neilson’s, a keg of beer was put into the tub of the wagon. By the time they returned to Pop’s, that beer, immersed in the cold waters of Silver Lake, was just right for a refreshing drink.