Really enjoyed the read. Thanks for sharing. I’m surprised by the random page implementation.

Usually in a database each record has an integer primary key. The keys would be assigned sequentially as pages are created. Then the “random page” function could select a random integer between zero and the largest page index. If that index isn’t used (because the page was deleted), you could either try again with a new random number or then march up to the next non empty index.

Professional scientist here. I would take a table of logarithms. In a world without computers, the logarithm table and slide rule are the essential tools of how things got built. We built the Golden Gate Bridge and put a man on the moon using nothing more than log tables.

Any one person can remember the gist of the scientific method and write it down on a page. To write down a quality logarithm table you would need 500 pages.

I’m going crazy, but if this compiles at all I bet it generates the same machine code when compiled with each line reversed.

Yeah, came here to say that too. There are lots of goofy pictures of Bush. His goofy smile after dodging the shoe is classic. The man deserves to be mocked. The moment Bush was told about 9/11 while reading to kids was not in good taste.