Victor,
I am sure this is just some lame excuse for "humor", although the head
binding and foot binding are true.
On extremely interesting item for sale, however, is the "Advanced
Container", the Klein bottle. (see larger image). This is a topologists
wonder. I do not know your background, but many are familiar with the
"Moebius Strip".
http://www.bonsaikitten.com/vessels.html (Klein Bottle)
This is a length of paper, say 1 foot long by 2 inches wide, that is
formed into a loop by giving the strip a "half twist" and gluing/taping
the narrow ends together. This item is topologically unique in that it
has only 1 side and one edge, in a 3 dimensional universe.
Before performing this joining, one could lay the paper down and draw a
line one one side by starting at one end and continuing down the length
to the other. Turning the paper over would reveal no line (unless you
press too hard). You can run your finger around the edges and find four
of them. This makes a 3 dimensional object.
After the half turn and join, try the same thing. You will find that
your line down the center eventually joins the starting point without
ever lifting your pen, or crossing an edge (glue joint is not
considered). This proves there is only one surface to an apparently
three dimensional object. Doing the same thing with an edge will lead
you right back to the starting point without ever crossing a surface.
This is easily done, and an amazing demonstration of a theory familiar
to most mathematicians and topologists.
Know, the "Klein Bottle". This amazing structure is the equivalent of
the Moebius strip in a truly three dimensional object. Examining it
closely reveals, although convoluted, it only has one surface, unlike a
bottle, as you do NOT cross an edge to reach any portion of the surface.
On top of it, there are NO edges.
These are serious scientific wonders, for those so inclined.
Steve
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Steve Laifman
Editor
http://www.TigersUnited.com
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