On Thu, 29 May 2003 16:11:59 +0000, Sean Charles wrote
> On Thursday, May 29, 2003, at 02:50 PM, jan ziak wrote:
> 
> > On Thu, 29 May 2003 09:48:12 +0000, Sean Charles wrote
> >>>
> >>> form sequences of those signs - but this is sufficient to express any
> >>> number
> >>> you can think of.
> >>>
> >> NO NO NO NO NO! Come on, get your facts right, this is basic computer
> >> theory, BINARY is NOT capable of expressing any number you can think of.
> >> Variable BCD yes but binary NO.
> >
> > i mentioned sequences of bits also...perhaps we have misunderstood each 
> > other.
> >
> >
> >
> NO, even an endless sequence of binary bits won't represent some numbers 
> exactly. In order to represent *any* number exactly requires another level 
> of interpretation to be placed upon those bits. Thus, while the 
> representation may be binary, the implied context is not binary, it might 
> be IEEE format which happens to use 32 bits.
> 

i think there is a misunderstanding between us - i tacitly assumed that the 
bit sequence will get interpreted (by me, you, or a computer program).

> We are now entering the realms of information theory methinks, and here is 
> my favourite story which hopefully conveys the above point a little more 
> clearly...
> 

the story is ok.

> One day, on a beach far away, a newly-wed couple are walking on the beach 
> on the first day of their honeymoon. They stop to watch the sea lapping 
> little waves up the beach and over the sea-weed. They look down and see a 
> piece of wood with strange markings.
> 
> "Look how the sea has etched that pattern into it" they remark and go on 
> their way.
> 
> A while later, a man is to be seen pacing up and down: his is extremely 
> upset. He happens upon the piece of wood and, crying loudly, sinks to his 
> knees and beats his head in deep despair.
> 
> The piece of wood you see bore the name of his brothers fishinbg-boat; 
> lost at sea in a bad storm two nights ago........
> 
> The story basically sums up why I think SETI is a waste of time and money,
>   the best thing they have done is produce a cool looking screen-saver.
> 
> Sean Charles.