I saw the following commercial yesterday: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1UvQtQJC20. Take a look at it, and ask yourself, “What’s wrong with this commercial?” At first, you might not recognize anything as being “wrong” with it. Look again, and listen carefully.
In the commercial, the following statement is made: “The future of our nation and our children depends on math, science, and technology.” I completely agree with this statement, and this belief influences my teaching. So, what’s the problem?
Before I answer my question, take a look at another commercial by “Connect a Million Minds”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLejHiFzsEo. Now, isn’t that better!?! The same statement is made at the end of the commercial. So, why is this commercial so much better? When looking at this commercial, I get the feeling that math, science, and technology are for EVERYONE. When I look at the first commercial, I see the same old message: math, science, and technology are for geeks. This must change!
If the future of our nation depends on math, science, and technology, then EVERY member of our society should be encouraged and expected to increase literacy in math, science, and technology. This responsibility should not and cannot be shouldered by geeks alone.
I am hopeful for the day when it is just as alarming to hear, “I’m not good at math,” as it is to hear, “I’m not good at reading.”
Note: Because I think this issue is so important, I posted this blog on my Facebook page, too.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
I'm getting old!
Well, I just ordered my first pair of medical compression hose (20-30 mmHg). I shouldn't even know what compression hose are, but I do! For two years, a varicose vein in my right thigh has been giving me fits. I finally met with a vein specialist two weeks ago. To determine the optimal treatment option for my vein, I'll be having a vein mapping done in three months. Until then, I must wear compression hose, which I will do to satisfy insurance requirements.
Earlier today, I went to the eye doctor to pick up my new prescription sunglasses. As soon as I looked through the glasses, I noticed that something major was wrong. I automatically had a headache. After confirming that the prescription for the sunglasses was correct, I realized that the curvature of the lenses was the problem. Because my eyes have astigmatism, they prefer lenses that are as flat as possible. The sunglasses had much greater curvature than my regular glasses. Thus, I had to send the sunglasses back to adjust the curvature. I'll be waiting another three weeks for the modified sunglasses to arrive.
Varicose veins and overly sensitive eyes... fascinating, right?
Earlier today, I went to the eye doctor to pick up my new prescription sunglasses. As soon as I looked through the glasses, I noticed that something major was wrong. I automatically had a headache. After confirming that the prescription for the sunglasses was correct, I realized that the curvature of the lenses was the problem. Because my eyes have astigmatism, they prefer lenses that are as flat as possible. The sunglasses had much greater curvature than my regular glasses. Thus, I had to send the sunglasses back to adjust the curvature. I'll be waiting another three weeks for the modified sunglasses to arrive.
Varicose veins and overly sensitive eyes... fascinating, right?
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Where did the "s" go?
During the past few weeks, I have noticed that when I am saying the contractions "isn't" and "doesn't" I often accidentally leave out the "s" and instead say "i'n't" and "doe'n't" (I left the "e" in the spelling here to emphasize that what I am saying does not sound like "don't"). Observe that apostrophes appear twice in each word because I'm leaving out "s" and "n" when speaking and, thus, forming double contractions. Of course, I immediately attributed my dropping the "s" to my return to North Carolina. After all, the southern accent is a bit more pronounced here than in Virginia. At first, evidence seemed to support my claim. While walking through the mall or visiting with people, I constantly heard others sprinkling "i'n't" and "doe'n't" into conversation.
The double contractions, however, are not limited to southern speech. I now hear them while listening to people speak on national television shows. So, where did the "s" go? Why did it leave?
I'm determined to bring the "s" back to my speech. After all, there really is no need for double contractions here. In addition to carefully thinking about saying "yellow" instead of "yallow" (which is a southern thing), I'll be listening for the "s" when I shorten "is not" and "does not" while speaking. Of course, my task would be easier if others also would include the "s"!
The double contractions, however, are not limited to southern speech. I now hear them while listening to people speak on national television shows. So, where did the "s" go? Why did it leave?
I'm determined to bring the "s" back to my speech. After all, there really is no need for double contractions here. In addition to carefully thinking about saying "yellow" instead of "yallow" (which is a southern thing), I'll be listening for the "s" when I shorten "is not" and "does not" while speaking. Of course, my task would be easier if others also would include the "s"!
Friday, March 5, 2010
Spring Break
It finally has arrived... Spring Break! Excluding the first few years of my life and the 2.5 years I worked at Aon, I always have looked forward to this week during the spring semester when I have the opportunity to "recharge my battery." Even though I usually spend the week catching up or planning ahead, it's always nice to know that I can sleep a little later each morning and stop working at a decent hour each afternoon. Although I'm not teaching this semester, I'm very much looking forward to Jay being on break next week. He's been working long hours for several weeks and definitely will benefit from the extra rest.
During my time working at home, I've realized how much I am connected to academia. I do not think of the passage of time in terms of seasons or months. I think of it in terms of semesters. More than once, I have caught myself telling someone about a certain event and mentioning that it occurred "last semester" even though the event was not academic in nature. Although I am enjoying so many things about my time at home, I often find that I feel like a "fish out of water." It is no surprise to me that I miss teaching quite a bit. What is a surprise to me is how much I miss the busy schedule that comes with the job of teaching. This semester, Fridays are like any other day of the week. I no longer need the weekend to rest, grade papers, and prepare for the upcoming work week. Like Fridays, spring break has lost some of its pizazz. I haven't been counting down the days to spring break because I need time to be refreshed... I already am. I find that I'm already feeling the same way about summer break. Having time to recharge is much more appreciated when it's actually needed. I do hope that I remember this when I return to academia!
During my time working at home, I've realized how much I am connected to academia. I do not think of the passage of time in terms of seasons or months. I think of it in terms of semesters. More than once, I have caught myself telling someone about a certain event and mentioning that it occurred "last semester" even though the event was not academic in nature. Although I am enjoying so many things about my time at home, I often find that I feel like a "fish out of water." It is no surprise to me that I miss teaching quite a bit. What is a surprise to me is how much I miss the busy schedule that comes with the job of teaching. This semester, Fridays are like any other day of the week. I no longer need the weekend to rest, grade papers, and prepare for the upcoming work week. Like Fridays, spring break has lost some of its pizazz. I haven't been counting down the days to spring break because I need time to be refreshed... I already am. I find that I'm already feeling the same way about summer break. Having time to recharge is much more appreciated when it's actually needed. I do hope that I remember this when I return to academia!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Great Line
Last week, Jay and I had some of Cookout's french fries with their Cajun seasoning. The seasoning tastes great; however, those who eat at Cookout know that the smell of the seasoning tends to stick around long after the meal has ended. Even after brushing teeth, gargling, and chewing gum, the odor remains.
The long-lasting smell of the seasoning reminded us of a great line Jack delivered during one of this season's episodes of 30 Rock: "Good God, Lemon, your breath. When did you find time to eat a diaper you found on the beach?" Isn't that a perfect line?
The long-lasting smell of the seasoning reminded us of a great line Jack delivered during one of this season's episodes of 30 Rock: "Good God, Lemon, your breath. When did you find time to eat a diaper you found on the beach?" Isn't that a perfect line?
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