Tuesday, October 12, 2004
SHOE-LACE KNOT RESEARCHER WINS NOBEL MATH PRIZE
Dr. Edmund Fidbacher won the 2004 Nobel Prize in Mathematics for his elegant proof that at least five motions must be utilized in order to tie one's shoe. "I am thrilled; in fact, I was so excited, I forgot to tie my shoes when I ran to the phone!" exclaimed the professor, referring to the fateful phone call that informed him of his win. "For years I tried to get shoelacing down to less than 5 moves, but it simply cannot be done, which I proved back in 1974. Glad to finally get some recognition!" So what are the 5 steps? "Twist left lace under right, pull tight, make left lace loop, circle loop with right lace, pull right lace through left lace. And if you figure out a shorter way, I'll kill you."
