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Pile Challenge

Every year (almost), the Saunders lab gets together and organizes the Pile Challenge. Contestants gamble on the melting date of a large pile of snow that is created near the biology building. To find out more check out the links below.

Return of the Pile

Welcome to the 2005 Pile Challenge! The original pile returns this year in full force. After a two year absence, the classic pile is back! The two-peaked pile is in its old place, outside of the Aitken Residence, east of the Argue Research Wing. Time to place your bets! All bets must be received by March 25, 2005. See the PEO (Pile Executive Officer) Rev. McDonald, in Room 270 or email him: PEO. Since we have a two peaked pile, BOTH peaks must be gone to declare official meltation.

Here are a few more pile shots:

  

The PEO evaluating the size of the pile

  

A view from the Top:

  

Here is where we have the Pile Monitor View:

Also note the two peaks! Both must be gone on the official meltation date!

  

What does the pile look like from the Pile Monitor view?

 

  

How will the location of the pile affect meltation rates?

1) The original/2005 pile is located on the eastern face of the building (yes el map de crap from the UNB website features an upside-down map, south on top!) and receives morning sunlight. The 2003-2004 pile which has southern exposure receives all-day sunlight. Will this change in location lead to an overall decrease in meltation rate? Only time will tell.

2) We should also point out that the pile is located directly in front of one of the UNB all-male residences. What effect this may have on meltation is unknown, but possible effects include contamination of the pile by unknown substances that prevail near all-male dormatories or a higher solute concentration, particularly in correspondence with pub crawls or "spontaneous gatherings". Please note: pile officials do not condone spontaneous gatherings, particularly any that may affect pile meltation. Such acts fall under Article 234 section IV, subsection iii, paragraph 3a, line 39 of the official pile Rules and Regulations, as Acts of God, as defined by the NPAC (National Pile Association of Canada), and are thereby hereunder exempt from pile molestation charges and accuations. Complaints of molestation which are found to fall under Article 234 section IV, subsection iii, paragraph 3a, line 39 of the official pile Rules and Regulations, as Acts of God, as defined by the NPAC will be considered null and void, excepting in instances whereby the offence was committed by parties or individuals of the age of majority who are lacking one leg and are not exceeding a height of 1.27m and a girth of 1.18m measured across the spleen on the occasion of the first Tuesday or third Thursday or last Monday of odd numbered months consisting of 31 days, in response to severe itching.

3) Penguins.

  

For your predicting pleasure, we have gruelled for hours to summarize all known pile literature and data in several easy to follow, proactive, clear, concise, and precise graphical representations.

An unprecedented jump in peak number in the year 2005 caused a significant effect on the R-squared value in the over all trend in peak number over the years. Will this change in R-squared value cause a decrease in meltation rates? Only time will tell.

  

Will the constant lack of penguin sightings homogenize meltation rates? There seems to be a strong correlation between penguin sitings and pile meltation rates. Only time will tell.

  

To help you see past trends in what time has told, we provide this excellent chronological summary of the history of time and what time has told (told to individuals and parties of no relation to time itself, excluding third cousins).

  

DUE TO UNFORSEEN TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES, AS WELL AS A BUNCH OF OTHER LAME EXCUSES.... THERE HAS BEEN A SLIGHT DELAY IN GETTING THE WEBSITE POSTED. HERE ARE SOME OTHER PHOTOS OF THE PILE AS OF APRIL 5, 2005. GET YOUR BETS IN BY APRIL 11.

  

Note the seperation of the two peaks.

  

LET THE BIDDING BEGIN

  

Offical Rules


Bets are $5, winner/s takes all! Please make sure that you understand the following rules:

1. Pile judging will occur at 5pm (AST) daily, until the pile is gone. "Gone" is defined as "being able to touch ground with one's finger, through the epicenter of the former pile, without encountering snow or ice.

2. Pile molestation, in any form, is absolutely unacceptable. This includes (but is not limited to) salting, urination, stomping, giant magnifying glasses, heavy breathing, setting fires on or near the pile, spreading the snow, addition of foreign substances, automobile impact etc. Everyone is on the honor system for this one.

3. We follow a "Price Is Right" line of reasoning - the closest date without going over is the winner.

4. No prior knowledge of other people's guesses is allowed when making a bet. Days can be shared be several individuals, with the winnings split between them.

The status of pile can be remotely checked on this web page. Photographic updates will be available weekly, until "crunch time", at which point daily photos will be posted.

Bets will be accepted until April 11 (5:00PM AST). If you are not in New Brunswick, please email us to reserve your day.

A summary of the bets will be placed on this website, then the fun begins! Best of luck to all who enter.