Category Archives: ramblings

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.

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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.

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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 →

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The (non) Importance of Caring

Posted on 2009 February 3 by mongreldogs

A former student of mine at some point had a facebook status that read, Why should I study something I don’t care about?  Why should teachers teach something they don’t care about? Actually, to be 100% accurate, the student’s status … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing, personal, ramblings, teaching | Tagged , | Leave a comment