Pile Challenge

Welcome to the Official Pile Challenge Page!

It's that time of year again folks, so let's kick off Pile Challenge 2004! Hey, it may be small, but it's fierce. After all, size doesn't matter. It's quality, not quantity. Due to the recent warm weather, the pile has been limited in size. Perhaps this unprecedented occurrence will make date estimation more difficult, or potentially just leave us with our initial conclusion that this is the worst pile ever. Only time will tell...

Statistical Analysis of the Pile
(based on March 5th satellite image files)

In both the Gynormosity Factor and the Grime Quotient (Figures 1 and 2, respectively, below), it can be seen that the 2004 pile is well below the 5 year pile trend. In fact, not since the rainstorm affected pile of 2000 have such disappointing results been seen (excepting the pile of '82, with it's Gynormosity Factor of 0.3, however this is taken by pilologists to be a very rare event).

The Lane-McDonald quotient, however, suggests that initial appearances could be deceiving, and the longevity of this pile may surprise some (see Figure 3). This simple calculation, developed by leading pilologists and reputed to be the best indication of a pile's melt date, suggests that the pile will surpass that of 2000, however will not reach the May 3rd date of the previous year.

Time for Bets!

The official rules can be found from the link at the top of the page. All bets must be in by 5:00PM (Atlantic) on Friday March 12th. Below are pictures of the pile as of March 5th. Once all bets come in, they will be listed on this page. Due to the large number of people expected to participate this year, multiple bets on a single day will be accepted. Winnings will be evenly divided among the participants who select the winning date. Bets are $5 and refusal to pay may cause Brian to cry like a baby, and no one wants that. Bets should be emailed to the Pile Executive Officer.

Pile Dates

March 24 - State of Pile: Stable

The "ass shot" of the pile is still flattering, even as it continues to melt. The recent cold and new snow have given the pile a bit of a face lift.

Security remains a concern as potential vandals try to influence the biggest competition on campus

As one can clearly see from this vantage point, the gynormosity factor has dropped below 1, signaling a strong possibility of mid-April meltation. Unfortunately, our lone March date pile contestant, Louis, may have been over zealous when estimating the rate of meltation. Don't forget to carry the one in those calculations!

Despite a bit of new snow, there was no addition made to the Pile by physical plant. The snow did not accumulate enough to plow the parking lot adjacent to the building, sparing early April contestants. Also, from this particular view, one can see the newly installed, Dr. Evil inspired, roof-top escape rocket, which the biology department is particularly proud of.

April 1- State of Pile: Enthusiastic, but in decline

Although on its last legs, no one can deny the puckish spirit of this little pile. Despite rapid decline in size and the ever increasing temperature, the little mound of dirt and snow persists. Godspeed.

This shot from the side of the pile captures the substantial withering that has occurred since its former glory. It is moments like this that remind me of my own mortality.

This ghastly image is a depressing sight to all those involved. Well, all those except Haseeb and Jay who are standing in a good position to win this contest. Damn the cruel forces of nature that allow such a hapless, carefree pile to be destined to meet such an untimely end.

April 5 - State of Pile: Optimistically Rejuvenated

A refreshing snowfall brings renewed hope to those of us who chose later dates. Despite heavy rain over the weekend, the pile still persists.

This shot from later in the afternoon shows the extent of the revitalization. Hazaa!

April 6 - State of Pile: Aggressively Defiant

The pile marches on and it's not gonna take any crap from you or anybody. This front view captures the pile as it obviously states a comment of "Bring it."

Rodney saunters away from the pile a broken man after the harsh demeanor of the pile turned him into a quivering wreck. Although some might consider such treatment unwarranted, it is clear that the pile's actions were a result of "that sucker messin' where he shouldn't be messin' if he knows what's good for him."

April 12 - State of Pile: Miraculously Changed States

Somehow defying the laws of nature, our little pile transformed itself from snow and ice into a pile of mud and sand.

This picture shows the official snow check. The conclusion was drawn from the test that all remnants of snow had fully metamorphosed into dirt on this date.

Due to this strange twist of events, we are left to declare Chris "Fancy-pants" Lane and Gary Saunders as the winners of this year's pile challenge. Photos of the winners' reactions will be added to the site shortly.