On Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:30:27 -0700, Michael Smith wrote: >"The machine could make the toss come out heads every time" > >Maybe it was just an extended pattern that we all know sometimes >occurs in random sequences! lol
Indeed but couldn't we calculate the probability of such an extended run under the assumption that the process producing it has p=q=.50? As the run becomes more improbably, alternative hypotheses would have to be seriously considered as replacements for the original assumptions. Then again, if such a coin tossing experiment was continued for an infinite number of trials under constant conditions perhaps something peculiar, something wonderful could happen, like a new pattern of outcomes emerge under the constant conditions which, when interpreted, turns out to be the plans for how construct a machine that would transcend time and space, an intergalactic subway system, if you will. I think somebody, somewhere found something similar when carrying out Pi to an infinite number of digits but I can't remember which journal I read it in. Send me something. ;-) -Mike Palij New York University [email protected] --- To make changes to your subscription contact: Bill Southerly ([email protected])
