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University Daily Kansan
Friday, Nov. 15, 1957
(Daily Kansan photo)
WILL KU WIN TOMORROW?—This IBM electronic computer may not be able to answer that question, but it can solve problems nearly as difficult. Shown here with his "pet" is Urs Hochstrasser, associate professor of mathematics and director of the KU computation center.
Computer Effective As Man Behind It
From screwdriver to electronic computer, it's the same old story—a tool or machine is only as good as the man behind it.
The tool is the electronic computer, IBM 650, in the computation center 8-C Strong. The man behind it is Urs Hochstrasser, associate professor of mathematics and director of the center.
IBM 650 can answer a problem in times ranging from two seconds to two years. If the information fed into the machine is incorrect, however, the value of the machine is reduced to zero.
"One of the most difficult things is feeding the machine." Prof. Hochstrasser said in speaking of the machine's operation. "No one can introduce a problem into the computer without some error, however slight."
The computation center and the computer are used by various departments of the University to solve difficult problems which can be translated into digital form. IBM 60 cannot work with letters of the alphabet.
The first step in introducing a problem into the machine is to punch it out in the regular IBM card form. The cards are run through a tabulator which compiles all the card information on a single sheet for checking. The cards are then fed into a sorting machine to be separated into the desired order.
The cards are then placed on a machine for input into the main body of the computer. The problem, if punched out correctly, is solved and delivered back to the input machine and punched out on fresh IBM cards.
"Our greatest difficulty at the center is lack of personnel." Prof. Hochstrasser said. Those who work in the center are Prof. Hochstrasser, a secretary, Mrs. Kay Pool, and four part-time assistants. Thirty persons at the University can operate the computer.
If placed compactly the component parts of the computer would occupy an average-size kitchen. The main part of the computer, the "memory" and the control unit, generates enough heat to furnish the average home and therefore has an extensive cooling system.
The National Science Foundation recently granted $20,000 to the University to add equipment to the computer.
Although a sufficiently difficult
problem can keep the computer busy for two years, the average problem at the computation center takes from one-half to two hours.
The computation center was set up in Strong in April of this year and began its operation in May. When the new School of Business building is completed, the center will move there.
He Can Stand It, Loyalty Will Help
Thursday he asked her: "How about going to the Faculty Club Saturday to see the Notre Dame-Oklahoma game on television?"
A faculty member noted for his loyalty to his alma mater, isn't speaking to his wife.
"Fine, if you can stand the carnage," his wife replied.
Road Builders Plan Conference
The Kansas Asphalt Paving conference is being held in the Student Union today and Saturday with faculty and students of the School of Engineering taking part.
About 150 persons are attending the conference which includes speakers from various road building agencies.
George W. Bradshaw, chairman of the civil engineering departments, presided at the opening session at which Dean John S. McNown, of the School of Engineering and Architecture gave the welcoming speech. E. A. McFarland, manager of the Lawrence center of University Extension, will preside at a session tonight.
Union Plans Buffet Reception Saturday
Films of the KU-K-State game will be shown in the Trophy Room of the Student Union and the Jaya-hawk buffet will be held in the Union ballroom from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday.
There will be a reception in the South Lounge of the Union immediately following the game.
Nine Finalists Named For Speaking Contest
Nine finalists were named from 41 students at the tryouts for the 33rd annual campus problems speaking contest held Thursday in Strong Auditorium.
They will give 7-minute speeches at the finals at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Strung auditorium. Three places will be named at the finals and a prize given for first place.
Named were Lee Baird, Newton senior, with the topic, "My Fair Instructor"; Marcia Bierlein, Pittsburg junior, "Westrn Civ at KU";
John Brown, Lawrence freshman, "Defense of Greek Organizations";
Dave Buxton, Kechi senior, "Studies Versus Activities"; John Cessna, Independence, Mo. freshman, "Cheating and Dishonest Work at KU."
Kim Heller, Fargo, N.D. freshman.
"The English Department at KU";
Brad Lashbrook, Kansas City, Kan.
Senior; "Water"; Kenneth Megilg,
Independence, Kan. freshman.
"The Entrance Exams for KU"; Mary
Thornton. Clay Center junior.
"Racial Discrimination."
Five minute speeches were given for the tryouts which were held at 4 and 7:30 p.m.
Judges were, E. C. Buehler, professor of speech, James Reover, Miss Barbara Conroy, John Knightly and James Kohlenberg, assistant instructors of speech.
Gary Lehman, assistant instructor of speech, is chairman of the contest.
Children Want Moon Land
WASHINGTON — (UP) — Two boys and a girl from Illinois have out in their bid for cosmic real estate speculation. They sent the government a check for $3 and a request for deeds on three acres of the moon.
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Hawk-Talk
The TV viewer won't want to miss "On Borrowed Time" at the Union 4:30 Sunday. In color, with sets provided by Hallmark Card Co., it features Ed Wynn. Guaranteed to be out in time for Steve Allen.
The Present Political Situation In Russia will be discussed at a political science forum at the Union Tuesday afternoon at 4. We tried to get Georgi Zhukov for a panelist but couldn't contact him at his home address.
Hey men, here's a good cheap date. Drop the studies (if you've picked them up) and head for the Trail Room come Wednesday eve. Bring along your dancing shoes and cut a rug to the music of Harry Winters and his aggregation. In living color. The mayhem starts at 9.
Here's the perfect chance for the "indoor sportsman." Bridge lessons 7:30 Tuesday evening at the Union.
Here's a perfect chance to cut your 4 o'clock class Thursday. English Professor James Wortham reads the poetry of John Milton at the Union's Poetry Hour.
Men, do the girls shy away from you? Are you a black sheep in any crowd? What you need are dancing lessons. Learn to be a whiz in the things that really count. Come on out to the dancing lessons 7.30 Thursday at the Union. Learn how to stand on your own two feet.
A week from tomorrow, the day Chuck Mather and his boys bag a tiger, there will be a back slapping party for the alums in the morning at the Union. Here's a good chance for former Jay-hawkers to gather and relive the gory past.
Then, starting at high noon will be the Jayhawk buffet. Just about the only place in town you can get all you want to eat for just $1.50. Good eating too. Fill your plate high. If you can't eat it all at the time stick the rest in your pocket. You'll probably get hungry at the game afterwards.
Then don't forget the reception at the union after the game.
Also, be sure to get your tickets now for the big homecoming dance that evening. It's supposed to be the greatest thing since long underwear. The main attraction will be Mr. Ralph Flanagan and company. Tickets can be purchased at the Union, and after the 18th, at the information booth on Jayhawk Boulevard.
The theme will be Song of the South and the decorations will be great. So, be sure and be there. You'll see all your friends there.
Student Union Activities