I am presently reading Neal Stephenson, Anathem.  In the first chapter, the author describes a remarkable building and clock with a compound of intellectuals.  The building that houses the clock is called the Mynster and is decribed thus: At many concents (large communites of avouts) the large centrally located building that houses the clock and thus serves as the venue for auts and other gatherings of the entire population.  The description is like no other I've read, and I've read my share of Science Fiction and Fantasy.  For those with imagination mixed with mathematics/geometry, read Anathem and see if you can illustrate various views of the Mynster and clock (unique geometrically-shaped counter weights broken into days, years, decades, etc.).  Stay in touch with me if you decide to tackle the challenge - a large bite of creativity to keep you busy for quite some time.

Bill

Is the Book called Anathem or Anthem...?

The book is called Anathem - the author goes into detail explaining this word.  Check it out!

Awareness is the responsibility to act upon contingencies and open the tao to enlightenment.

Me

Anthem is a song by Rush...;)

I do seem to remember someone who is trying to build a 1,000 year clock

it's actually a 10,000 year clock!  the people behind it are the Long Now Foundation. at the Maker's Faire in San Mateo earlier this year, my brother (who is a physicist) spent some time talking w/ the long now clock guys, but I was elsewhere, talking with the Science Tarot people ;)

I too have just started reading Anathem, so there are definitely some mysterious cycles at work here.

The Long Now Foundation is quite an interesting group - worth a study.  I'm wondering if the author of Anathem has been influenced by Herman Hess, The Glass Bead Game?

Bill

RUSH!  Now there's a band!

Bill