On the lighter side

Holiday greetings--

The following exam is provided for those unable to relax over the holidays.
It consists of 4 short answer questions and 1 essay.

···

_______

How many PCTers does it take to

1. Change a light bulb if the light bulb controls for change? _____

2. Change a light bulb if the PCTer(s) control(s)s for change and the
light bulb doesn't care? ________

3. Change a light bulb if the PCTer(s) control(s) for change and the light
bulb controls for no change. Your answer should discuss loop gain of
appropriate systems, potential for layered protocols to reach mutually
acceptable solution, whether information theory is relevant to either control
system. Provide the names of 3 reviewers who agree with you answer and
a working model in ADA or COBOL. Cite references in three languages, at
least one of which is not alphabetic.

4. Propose a means whereby two PCTers might determine whether a light bulb
found on table might control for no change. HINT: flirting won't do it.

5. Translate and provide correct grammar for the following:

   "De apibis et filibus apiarem semper dubitandum est."
---------------------------------------

The very best holiday wishes to all. May all your perceptions be closely
alligned with your higher level control system, this day and forever more.

Bill Cunningham

From Tom Bourbon (921223 08:43 CST -- by the dim light of a new and

                   foggy day amid the palms)
Thanks, Bill Cunningham, for a luminous little post with which to start
the day. To you, and everyone else on csg-l, may Boss Reality tred
lightly on the controlled variables of you and of those you love.
Happy holidays.
   Tom Bourbon

[From Rick Marken (921223.9000)]

Bill Cunningham --

Holiday greetings to you too. Great exam. I'm still working on it.
I think I got one:

4. Propose a means whereby two PCTers might determine whether a light bulb
Found on table might control for no change. HINT: flirting won't do it.

Suppose one PCTer tries to screw the bulb in -- the other tries to screw
it out. Does this count as flirting? Or are we approaching "safe sockets".

The very best holiday wishes to all. May all your perceptions be closely
alligned with your higher level control system, this day and forever more.

And may all your goals be adjustable.

Regards

Rick