Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

A Sophie Germain prime is a prime number such that is also a prime number. That is, ,  where and are both prime.  For example, . The sequence begins Sophie Germain () explored these primes [more…]

If you think I can remember 1924, you’re wrong. One relies upon our friends at the British Newspaper Archive. Ten decades ago some newspapers did publish on Christmas Day. The Sutton & Epsom Advertiser was [more…]

“Then Herod secretly called the wise men, and learned from them exactly what time the star appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child, and when [more…]