Cinema du Lyon

The names of the numbers: one, two, three, ten, twenty, thirty, … are different, of course, in the various languages. Number symbols (see Arabic_numerals, Babylonian_numerals, Egyptian_numerals, Greek_numbers, Indian_numerals, Mayan_mathematics) have also differed widely. Those we are accustomed to, which we call Arabic numerals, came into use relatively late in history. In primitive ages, before the invention of writing, there were names for numbers but no number symbols. Without referring to any particular number symbols, or any particular language, let us see how an extended counting process can be carried out using only the ten fingers of man. In one South African tribe, it goes along smoothly in the following manner.

 

 Twelve Eight RePulse [00:06:30m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (504)

The Met Office revised its seasonal forecast for the UK’s summer weather in June, July and August 2009, following a period of wet weather across the country.

Earlier this year, the organisation had declared that there was a 65% probability that the summer would be warmer and drier than average, and that it was “odds on for a barbecue summer”. Residents and tourists were advised to seek ways to stay cool, to find shade during the hottest times of the day, and to stay hydrated.

However, following a long period of wet and windy weather across the UK recently, it has adjusted its forecast. According to the Met Office, August will have near or above average rainfall – around 84.6mm – while temperatures will probably be near or above the average for the year, which is 14.7 degrees Celsius.

The Met office defended its earlier seasonal forecast. In a statement, it said: “We acknowledge that the weather we have seen through the last month has been disappointing, especially after the fine weather through June and the heatwave at the end of June and beginning of July.

“At no time did the Met Office state that summer 2009 would be hot and dry throughout, or forecast a ’scorcher’.”

 

 That Was August [00:07:47m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (662)