This is my Grandpa...

**Scallops** · 18th August 2009, 04:55 AM

We're all very proud of him

- he received his first PhD (earned) in 1939 and is still getting them! He still does consulting work for UNESCO as a mathematics advisor and we all still keep in regular contact with him via email etc.

Grandpa invented those little coloured blocks that little kids learn Mathematical units with - they are known (amongst other things) as Dienes blocks. Grandpa went onto being Professor of Mathematics at the University of London, then at the University of Adelaide (where I studied) and finally at Harvard before moving to Nova Scotia. He also worked with Professor Venn to invent the Venn-Dienes diagram, to describe mathematical sets and subsets.

It just goes to show - if you don't use it - you lose it!

novanewsnow.com > County of Kings > Wolfville's Dr. Zoltan Dienes to receive Hungarian honour

**catfishman** · 18th August 2009, 05:15 AM

Thats pretty amazing, i just hope i am half as switched on as he is if i get anywhere near that age !!!

**Chucaro** · 18th August 2009, 06:16 AM

That is fantastic Scallops, no wonder you are proud of him.
We need more people like him to show the lost members of our young generation that all is possible in this life.
Also is a very good example to the old grneration, there is a lot to do in this life after the retirement age.
Thank you for posting and our congratulations to him.

**Captain_Rightfoot** · 18th August 2009, 06:26 AM

That's really great mate. Now book a flight and go and say hello to him!

**BBC** · 18th August 2009, 06:29 AM

Scallops,

That is something to be really proud of.

In the 'modern' developed world our commercialising of life has turned all our attention on youth, beauty, stupidity, etc. A real value in life is being able to admire and learn from the people that can show us the way. That starts with respecting our elders and questioning why it is, that so much attention can be absorbed by the 'Paris Hiltons' of the world?

**zulu Delta 534** · 18th August 2009, 07:06 AM

I hope Kat woman takes good note of that photograph. She now knows what you will possibly look like in future years.
That beard would look good flowing in a S2a.
I can see why you are proud of him. It is good to see the recognition being bestowed albeit a long time coming.
Regards
Glen

**Chucaro** · 18th August 2009, 07:49 AM

Scallops HERE is a book abouth him and the blocks and the book can be order from this page.

For those that do not remember about the blocks HERE is a good link

Cheers

**V8Ian** · 18th August 2009, 07:55 AM

Good one Scallops, so no calculators in your house eh?

**blitz** · 18th August 2009, 08:37 AM

People like your grand father are so inspirational - it goes to show that we all have the ability to make a difference for better in the world, no matter how big or small the contribution.

Blythe

**Scallops** · 18th August 2009, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by zulu Delta 534

I hope Kat woman takes good note of that photograph. She now knows what you will possibly look like in future years.
That beard would look good flowing in a S2a.....

Regards
Glen

Exactly!

A series 2 is a must - I'll grow the beard once I get one

Originally Posted by Chucaro

Scallops HERE is a book about him and the blocks and the book can be order from this page.

For those that do not remember about the blocks HERE is a good link

Cheers

Thanks Chucaro - Zoltan is sending me a copy of each of his books, complete with a personal message inside. My Aunt (Zoltan's daughter), which BTW - is abaddonxi's partner's mum (work that out!

), is visiting him soon and bringing them back to Oz for me.

Grandpa has his own web site too, of course....

http://www.zoltandienes.com/

Originally Posted by V8Ian

Good one Scallops, so no calculators in your house eh?

No - of course not - I just ring Grandpa!

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