2004-10-17

pauraque_bk: (conlangery)
2004-10-17 04:27 pm

Math problem.

I need a formula that will tell me, for a given number of days in a year and a given number of days in a month, how many years it will take for the cycles to match up -- in other words, if we start with the new moon on the first day of the year, how many years until the new moon falls on that day again? (Assumption being that a month is shorter than a year.)

This is driving me crazy. Left-brainers, please help!
pauraque_bk: (conlangery)
2004-10-17 04:27 pm

Math problem.

I need a formula that will tell me, for a given number of days in a year and a given number of days in a month, how many years it will take for the cycles to match up -- in other words, if we start with the new moon on the first day of the year, how many years until the new moon falls on that day again? (Assumption being that a month is shorter than a year.)

This is driving me crazy. Left-brainers, please help!
pauraque_bk: (chamber of secrets)
2004-10-17 11:05 pm

CoS 9

CoS 9: The Writing on the Wall

Snape loomed behind them [as Dumbledore examined Mrs Norris], half in shadow, wearing a most peculiar expression: it was as though he was trying hard not to smile. (108)
What's this about? I'm surprised Harry didn't immediately jump to suspecting Snape was somehow involved in the attack.

'He did it, he did it!' Filch spat, his pouchy face purpling. 'You saw what he wrote on the wall! He found -- in my office -- he knows I'm a -- I'm a --' Filch's face worked horribly. 'He knows I'm a Squib!' he finished. (108-109)
So, Squibs are indeed considered "enemies of the heir". I'd wondered. Filch is accusing Harry of a hate crime... and the petrification of Mrs Norris really was one.

I'm not clear on how Squibs get lumped in with Muggleborns; by the logic that Binns attributes to Salazar, they're not a threat. Unless there was some sense that intermarriage between Squibs and normal wizards would dilute the blood, so they should be ostracized?

very superstitious, ladder 'bout to fall... )


Past re-read posts are here.
pauraque_bk: (chamber of secrets)
2004-10-17 11:05 pm

CoS 9

CoS 9: The Writing on the Wall

Snape loomed behind them [as Dumbledore examined Mrs Norris], half in shadow, wearing a most peculiar expression: it was as though he was trying hard not to smile. (108)
What's this about? I'm surprised Harry didn't immediately jump to suspecting Snape was somehow involved in the attack.

'He did it, he did it!' Filch spat, his pouchy face purpling. 'You saw what he wrote on the wall! He found -- in my office -- he knows I'm a -- I'm a --' Filch's face worked horribly. 'He knows I'm a Squib!' he finished. (108-109)
So, Squibs are indeed considered "enemies of the heir". I'd wondered. Filch is accusing Harry of a hate crime... and the petrification of Mrs Norris really was one.

I'm not clear on how Squibs get lumped in with Muggleborns; by the logic that Binns attributes to Salazar, they're not a threat. Unless there was some sense that intermarriage between Squibs and normal wizards would dilute the blood, so they should be ostracized?

very superstitious, ladder 'bout to fall... )


Past re-read posts are here.