NAME

       tm - meditate

SYNOPSIS

       tm [-number] [time]

DESCRIPTION

       Tm  causes  UNIX to go into a state in which all current activities are suspended for time
       minutes (default is 20).  At the beginning of this period, tm generates a  set  of  number
       (default  3)  transcendental  numbers.   Then  it  prints a two- to six-character nonsense
       syllable (mantra) on every logged-in terminal (a different  syllable  on  each  terminal).
       For  the  remainder  of  the  time interval, it repeats these numbers to itself, in random
       order,  binary  digit  by  binary  digit   (memory   permitting),   while   simultaneously
       contemplating its kernel.

       It  is  suggested  that  users  utilize  the  time  thus  provided  to  do some meditating
       themselves.   One  possibility  is  to  close  one's  eyes,  attempt  to  shut  out  one's
       surroundings, and concentrate on the mantra supplied by tm.

       At  the  end of the time interval, UNIX returns to the suspended activities, refreshed and
       reinvigorated.  Hopefully, so do the users.

FILES

       Tm does not use any files, in an attempt to isolate itself from  external  influences  and
       distractions.

DIAGNOSTICS

       If  disturbed  for  any reason during the interval of meditation, tm locks the keyboard on
       every terminal, prints an unprintable expletive, and  unlocks  the  keyboard.   Subsequent
       UNIX  operation  may be marked by an unusual number of lost or scrambled files and dropped
       lines.

BUGS

       If number is greater than 32,767 (decimal), tm appears to generate  rational  numbers  for
       the  entire  time  interval,  after  which  the  behavior  of the system may be completely
       irrational (i.e., transcendental).

WARNING

       Attempts to use flog(1) on tm are invariably counterproductive.

                                                                                            TM(1)