It's not so easy to find a start every year for the daily bulletin on the BOINC Pentathlon. One of the first exercises is to search for the meaning of the number that defines this pentathlon. This year, ladies and gentlemen, it's nine. For the ninth time, the ultimate competition takes place in the Boinc world.
The number 9 is the smallest odd composite number, and the smallest odd composite number which is not a Fermat pseudo prime number. Alright? Well, if that's too mathematical, take a look at the natural sciences. Yes, there were 9 planets and maybe there will be 10 next year; all a question of definition. In China, the 9 is assigned to the dragon. Is this perhaps an indication of what we are facing this year? But the dragon will not have it easy, because the 9-headed hydra from Greek mythology might have something against it.
As always, the challenge is the same for all teams.
The teams will encounter 5 disciplines: marathon, swimming, sprint, cross-country, endurance. While the marathon goes on for the whole duration of the Pentathlon, the teams will face tough matches in the other disciplines for 3-7 days. New this year: the announcement period for some disciplines has been shortened.
This means having to act even faster, but also more tactical opportunities for the brave. Who distributes resources wrongly, loses out. If you do it right, you can have legendary triumphs.
After a clear victory last year, SETI.USA faces the challenge of defending the title. The expectation is certainly high not only among the Americans. Planet3DNow and SETI.Germany will do anything to steal the beef from the burger. The big unknown is the power of Team China. Can the Chinese play a role in the fight for total gold? Do they already have the strength for the victory? And which other team can cause a stir in the overall ranking this year? L'Alliance Francophone, the Czech National Team, Overclock.net, BOINC@Poland, or ????
The past year has already shown the trend. It's getting more and more exciting in the disciplines. More and more teams have realistic chances on precious metal. It is therefore not too bold of me to say: Here is the action! Over are the days of SUSA, SG or P3D deciding everything and distributing among themselves. By clever tactics, surprises are always possible, no, even guaranteed. Overclock.net's individual victory in cross country last year and Team China's silver medal in the sprint are warning examples.
Rarely has the situation been as unclear as this year. Increasing crunching costs have troubled many teams, some were just about to hoist the white flag and capitulate. Also, it hasn't become easier for the organizers to find suitable projects. But real crunchers do not give up that easily. It's time to dust off the hardware, safeguard the electric outlets, stock up on a large supply of caffeine, and if at all possible send the wife to the hairdresser or the husband to the pub.
The heroic battle for credits in the service of science awakens languid spirits. Anyone who isn't tingling with anticipation of the challenge is already dead. Do you want to feel life? Let's go!
Be there, because one thing is certain:
It will be exciting at the Boinc Pentathlon.
Starting 05.05.18 - with the daily bulletin too.
Yours, Jeeper
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