"Even tiny steps can further scientific knowledge." Your post really hit a chord with me, Flora. I like the thought that even the act of novices playing around with scientific ideas can increase the pool of scientific knowledge. This will sound silly, but this year I have often felt that studying mathematics was kind of a "luxury topic" in certain ways. Sometimes I was worried that it was selfish to study mathematics because, even though I enjoyed it, what good would come from it? Who could I help with math? But it is impossible to tell from the onset what will make a difference in the future... One should study and play with what "interests" them, and the value will emerge later... Not to miss an opportunity to quote Oprah... "What I know is, is that if you do work that you love, and the work fulfills you, the rest will come." - Oprah Winfrey