Use it or you lose it

Maths, I mean. I can't remember what I was looking for on the department's website, but I found these 'extra-curicular' problems for students. "Ah-ha" says I, this should provide some amusement and satisfaction. Well, it turns out that I can't remember how to deal with differentiation with two variables, or standard values for trig functions. I guess maths is, like many things, a muscle, and if you fail to exercise it, it will shrivel up.

Anyway, what I'm really here for is a rant. I think I have met the most objectionable person this evening, at the staff LGBT network's first evening drink meet-up. I was clearly a disappointment by being (a) a scientist, (b) British and (c) not educated in the states. And I am 'staff' rather than 'Faculty'. She complained that nearly all of her students are straight, so I asked if she had questioned them on the subject. Apparent not, but her gaydar is wonderful. She could tell that I was gay straightaway, because of my hair. I await to see what other conclusions can be arrived at.