Category Archives: ramblings

My philosophy of education

Posted on 2011 September 4 by mongreldogs

The new school year is about to start, and it’s customary to take a moment and philosophize.  But I’m really busy, so I’m going to dust off something else and let that stand in.  Back in 2010 December, I was … Continue reading →

Posted in philosophy, ramblings, teaching, Writing | Leave a comment

Can seeing a US flag turn you Republican?

Posted on 2011 July 10 by mongreldogs

And if so, what cn be done about it? A study referenced in Discover has the provocative conclusion that seeing a small American flag while completing a political questionnaire can induce the respondents into being more Republican, even up to … Continue reading →

Posted in Health of the Republic, philosophy, politics, ramblings | Leave a comment

Information in Action: What is a parent?

Posted on 2010 November 14 by mongreldogs

I was just watching a season 2 episode of Castle called “When the Bough Breaks” and it annoyed me, by going along with a societal convention that annoys me.  In it, a young Czech immigrant is murdered and, after a … Continue reading →

Posted in philosophy, ramblings, television | Leave a comment

Lego-mania

Posted on 2010 June 27 by mongreldogs

This is a mostly-pointless TED talk that celebrates the vast Lego culture … It’s fun even if it isn’t all that deep.

Posted in humor, ramblings, video | Leave a comment

Days of miracle and wonder, indeed

Posted on 2010 June 24 by mongreldogs

For about ten years, I’ve been running a project in my Honors Physics course called Days of Miracle and Wonder (yes, title taken from a Paul Simon song).  In it, the students are asked to create a business case for … Continue reading →

Posted in movie, personal, ramblings, science fiction, teaching | Leave a comment

Yay, “Liberal” Media!

Posted on 2010 January 6 by mongreldogs

Headline at ABC News: “Democrats are Dropping Like Flies” Reality: Not seeking reelection for US House US Senate Governor Democrats 10 2 3 Republicans 14 6 4 So the retiring Republicans outnumber the retiring Democrats in every chamber– and in … Continue reading →

Posted in politics, ramblings, television | Leave a comment

What Michael Steel Won’t Let Me Post

Posted on 2009 December 30 by mongreldogs

OK, that’s melodramatic.  All that’s occurred so far is that their mediocre site has choked several times since I’ve tried to post a comment in response to a blog post there.  The post blames President Obama for the jobs lost … Continue reading →

Posted in Health of the Republic, personal, politics, ramblings | Leave a comment

Me-tooing a clever description

Posted on 2009 December 29 by mongreldogs

One of the unsung heros of the health care debate is the Congressional Budget Office, an agency that few really understand and fewer appreciate.  Ezra Klein has a tidbit on them, including a description so pithy I can’t help but … Continue reading →

Posted in health, law, ramblings | Leave a comment

The Start of Summer

Posted on 2009 May 10 by mongreldogs

Everyone has their own unique signs that summer is upon us, the signature sound that signals the academic year is winding down. For me, it’s “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears. More below the fold.

Posted in movie, personal, ramblings, review, teaching | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Strip Polka — another silly Facebook meme

Posted on 2009 February 8 by mongreldogs

OK, this is another silly Facebook object trouve meme. Let’s see how this turns out. INSTRUCTIONS:: 1. Put your iPod or other music player on shuffle. 2. For each question, press the “next” button to get your answer. 3. YOU … Continue reading →

Posted in music, personal, ramblings | Tagged , , | Leave a comment