I am not Hindu but I find much of their philosophy to be incredibly fascinating. The following is such an example:
That supreme Brahman is infinite, and this conditioned Brahman is infinite. The infinite proceeds from infinite. If you subtract the infinite from the infinite, the infinite remains alone.
Taken from the Uppanishad.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Sunday, May 01, 2011
Canadian Election 2011
Like many observers of the Canadian Federal election I am still not sure what to make about the surge of the NDP in the polls. While its true that most of the orange swell appears to be disaffected Liberal and Bloc Quebecois voters there is still an argument to be made that these numbers may not show up at the booth where the real decision is made. Third Parties often hit above their true strength in polls (look at the Liberal-Democrats in last year’s British elections) only to come crashing to earth on the day of reckoning. I believe that this will be the case with the NDP although I am still willing to argue that they will put together their best showing yet and pip the Grits for the Status of Official Opposition.
What is of greater importance is whether the Conservatives can profit from this fracture in the left-of-center vote (normally 55-60% of the total electorate at the best of times). I would like to believe that this can happen but still cannot see the Conservatives reaching the critical number levels to make a majority government possible. Not as long as their vote percentage in the People's Republic of Quebec remains in a mediocre third – the Mendoza line of political polling.
Is this a good thing? Apparently so according to many of my colleagues who have been saturated by CBC-Toronto Star bias to believe that a Harper majority is equivalent to coming of the anti-Christ. I of course beg to differ.
So in short it will be - 'as you were' (well almost) - with the Conservatives winning the most seats but not a majority and the Liberals switching second spots with their social democrat adversaries. The real fun and games will occur later on in the week with Ignatieff (assuming he survives politically - which he really ought not to) playing the unusual role of kingmaker as both Harper and Layton scramble to form a government. If Harper comes out on top (the likely outcome) one can expect political stability (with no flash...admittedly) for at least three years. A red-orange coalition will be lucky to survive a year but thats more than enough time to derail the economy with tax-and-spend dogma.
What is of greater importance is whether the Conservatives can profit from this fracture in the left-of-center vote (normally 55-60% of the total electorate at the best of times). I would like to believe that this can happen but still cannot see the Conservatives reaching the critical number levels to make a majority government possible. Not as long as their vote percentage in the People's Republic of Quebec remains in a mediocre third – the Mendoza line of political polling.
Is this a good thing? Apparently so according to many of my colleagues who have been saturated by CBC-Toronto Star bias to believe that a Harper majority is equivalent to coming of the anti-Christ. I of course beg to differ.
So in short it will be - 'as you were' (well almost) - with the Conservatives winning the most seats but not a majority and the Liberals switching second spots with their social democrat adversaries. The real fun and games will occur later on in the week with Ignatieff (assuming he survives politically - which he really ought not to) playing the unusual role of kingmaker as both Harper and Layton scramble to form a government. If Harper comes out on top (the likely outcome) one can expect political stability (with no flash...admittedly) for at least three years. A red-orange coalition will be lucky to survive a year but thats more than enough time to derail the economy with tax-and-spend dogma.
Monday, April 25, 2011
World News
The Republicans backed a toothless budget that failed to cut funding to the uber-leftist NPR and makes only a minor dent in deficit reduction. I have always believed that John Boehner was the wrong man for the job and this budget provides further evidence. Although the Republicans control the House they are still a party in disarray who lack the where-with-all to make a challenge in 2012. I am hoping that someone of the like of Chris Christie will come to the forefront but at the moment Obama and co. are in a strong position to retain the White House.Unfortunately.
Arch relativist - Jimmy Carter - is in North Korea sucking lip with yet another dictator. This time its Kim il-Jung, the meglomaniac, mid-life crisis, one man wrecking operation who has succesfully impoverished his nation of less than twenty million people. Carter is joined in his mission by fellow appeasers Gro Harlem Brundtland, Mary Robinson and Nelson Mandela.
There is an upsurge in NDP support in Quebec which has the do-nothing 'Lie'brals quaking in their boots before the May 2011 Canadian federal election. If polls are to be believed the 70's style high tax socialists may emerge as official opposition replacing the 90's defined middle-of-the road fence sitters in the commons. Still looking to come with a campaign platform that will take them from inept to insipid this may be the worst elections that the Grits are facing since their thumping by pseudo-conservative Brian Mulroney in the 80s.
Arch relativist - Jimmy Carter - is in North Korea sucking lip with yet another dictator. This time its Kim il-Jung, the meglomaniac, mid-life crisis, one man wrecking operation who has succesfully impoverished his nation of less than twenty million people. Carter is joined in his mission by fellow appeasers Gro Harlem Brundtland, Mary Robinson and Nelson Mandela.
There is an upsurge in NDP support in Quebec which has the do-nothing 'Lie'brals quaking in their boots before the May 2011 Canadian federal election. If polls are to be believed the 70's style high tax socialists may emerge as official opposition replacing the 90's defined middle-of-the road fence sitters in the commons. Still looking to come with a campaign platform that will take them from inept to insipid this may be the worst elections that the Grits are facing since their thumping by pseudo-conservative Brian Mulroney in the 80s.
Footer Update
Liverpool's season has been on the up and up since I last wrote with victories against Manchester City (3-0) and Birmingham (5-0) as well as a gritty draw (1-1) with Arsenal at the Emirates. I stand by my earlier suggestion that the season is a stinker but if the stars align it may be possible for the Reds to pip Spurs for fifth and earn a place in the Europa Cup.
The real excitement is in Spain. I am hoping that Barca will win the Spanish League (which they should) but they may come up short against Mourinho's squad in the Champion's League who seem to have found their stride. In the other clash Manchester United should come through against Schalke but I doubt that the Devils have enough in the tank to take care of either of the Spanish giants.
The real excitement is in Spain. I am hoping that Barca will win the Spanish League (which they should) but they may come up short against Mourinho's squad in the Champion's League who seem to have found their stride. In the other clash Manchester United should come through against Schalke but I doubt that the Devils have enough in the tank to take care of either of the Spanish giants.
Sunday, April 03, 2011
What a stinker of a season
The English football season has been disappointing and I never thought that I would say this but a part of me wishes that it were over. Yes over......Man U,the kings of the comeback (but really the force of three seasons ago), are winning the title by default as both Chelsea and Arsenal spiral into mediocrity. Man City are doing enough to stay in the top four but are hardly setting the world on fire (as their expense book would indicate) while Spurs have clearly set their sights on taking the Champions League at Wembley and seem content with a Europa League place next year.
However the performance of all of the above dwarfs my team, Liverpool, who except for the handful of performances (against Chelsea and Man U at Anfield), have been downright awful. Pathetic is a better word perhaps.
The Reds are in six spot courtesy of the insipidness of the rest of the league rather than their own stealth. The loss count has ballooned to 12 games (the same as bottom placed Wigan) and the likes of West Ham, West Brom, Blackpool (twice), Blackburn and Wolves can all gloat, having at one time or another, taken the three points from Liverpool.
If this were not bad enough Liverpool can add to their failures an inglorious exit from the Europa League at the hands of minnows Sporting Braga, whose 'world class defense' (once guilty of being at the receiving end of a 6-0 Arsenal thrashing) completely shut out the not-so-big red machine 'attack' over two legs. Couple this with first effort losses against Northampton and Man U in the Cups and the case for shutting the door on this season is made ever more clearer.
Fortunately there is always next year (the beauty of sports) but until then I will bury my head, watch reruns of the glory years and hope against all evidence that the Reds can recover from the malaise that has been the story of 2010-2011. Good luck guys.
However the performance of all of the above dwarfs my team, Liverpool, who except for the handful of performances (against Chelsea and Man U at Anfield), have been downright awful. Pathetic is a better word perhaps.
The Reds are in six spot courtesy of the insipidness of the rest of the league rather than their own stealth. The loss count has ballooned to 12 games (the same as bottom placed Wigan) and the likes of West Ham, West Brom, Blackpool (twice), Blackburn and Wolves can all gloat, having at one time or another, taken the three points from Liverpool.
If this were not bad enough Liverpool can add to their failures an inglorious exit from the Europa League at the hands of minnows Sporting Braga, whose 'world class defense' (once guilty of being at the receiving end of a 6-0 Arsenal thrashing) completely shut out the not-so-big red machine 'attack' over two legs. Couple this with first effort losses against Northampton and Man U in the Cups and the case for shutting the door on this season is made ever more clearer.
Fortunately there is always next year (the beauty of sports) but until then I will bury my head, watch reruns of the glory years and hope against all evidence that the Reds can recover from the malaise that has been the story of 2010-2011. Good luck guys.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
The Ein Sof
The Ein Sof is a kabbalistic term that attempts to clarify (as much as possible)the elusive nature of G-d. It literally means 'there is no end'.
Here are my thoughts on the Ein Sof and how it fits into my worldview.
1. All power ultimately resides with the Ein Sof. The Ein Sof cannot be defined, reduced or even truly conceptualized however its presence is ubiquitous.
2. We are individual souls derived from the Ein Sof. Our abstraction from the Ein Sof does not in anyway reduce the Ein Sof.
3. The Ein Sof transcends all matter and energy and is synonymous with all that there really is.
4. The Ein Sof interacts with our defined universe via the matter world of the physicality.
5. The laws of physics do not limit the Ein Sof as all its constraints and realities are a product of the Ein Sof.
6. The Ein Sof is consequently the cause of why something as opposed to nothing exists.
7. As Ein Sof Derived Souls (known hence forth as ESDS) we can interact with the Ein Sof by following the path of goodness.
8. This involves the extension of our sense of self and a concerted focus on the positive growth of our being.
9. Several world religions have addressed this dynamic but have unfortunately allowed themselves to lose focus in the vortex of cultural noise.
10. Meaningful belief has to extend beyond this ‘noise’ to reclaim the connection with the Ein Sof
11. This brings us the greatest joy.
12. The most direct approach toward the goodness involves the elucidation of perspective. This substantiates itself in a prioritization of goals, daily events and thoughts. Perspective is a triage for the mind, it places our challenges in context so that we never lose sight of the goodness of the Ein Sof.
13. We must be thankful for what we have. I call this a consolidation of reality.
14. Once such a step has been undertaken the mind framework towards the goodness is rooted. This catalyzes the drive.
Here are my thoughts on the Ein Sof and how it fits into my worldview.
1. All power ultimately resides with the Ein Sof. The Ein Sof cannot be defined, reduced or even truly conceptualized however its presence is ubiquitous.
2. We are individual souls derived from the Ein Sof. Our abstraction from the Ein Sof does not in anyway reduce the Ein Sof.
3. The Ein Sof transcends all matter and energy and is synonymous with all that there really is.
4. The Ein Sof interacts with our defined universe via the matter world of the physicality.
5. The laws of physics do not limit the Ein Sof as all its constraints and realities are a product of the Ein Sof.
6. The Ein Sof is consequently the cause of why something as opposed to nothing exists.
7. As Ein Sof Derived Souls (known hence forth as ESDS) we can interact with the Ein Sof by following the path of goodness.
8. This involves the extension of our sense of self and a concerted focus on the positive growth of our being.
9. Several world religions have addressed this dynamic but have unfortunately allowed themselves to lose focus in the vortex of cultural noise.
10. Meaningful belief has to extend beyond this ‘noise’ to reclaim the connection with the Ein Sof
11. This brings us the greatest joy.
12. The most direct approach toward the goodness involves the elucidation of perspective. This substantiates itself in a prioritization of goals, daily events and thoughts. Perspective is a triage for the mind, it places our challenges in context so that we never lose sight of the goodness of the Ein Sof.
13. We must be thankful for what we have. I call this a consolidation of reality.
14. Once such a step has been undertaken the mind framework towards the goodness is rooted. This catalyzes the drive.
On Libya
I am still lukewarm about outside involvement in the Libyan civil war. While I have no sympathy for the detestable Gaddafi I am not sure whether the rebel forces that are fighting to seize power will be that much better if they should seize power. Its difficult to pin down their makeup but there is no doubt that fundamentalist elements exist within its ranks (possibly with ties to al-Qaeda or Iran) and by shifting our hand toward the rebels we may be galvanizing Islamism further. Still by remaining on the sidelines we run the risk of ignoring the flagrant human rights abuses that have characterized Gaddafi’s counterinsurgency so there is truism in the argument that we have a moral obligation to act. The decision by the UN to champion a no-fly zone policy seems a reasonable compromise (and will certainly even the odds that are currently stacked against the rebels) but I would be loathe, like the US Secretary of Defence Robert Gates, to see Western ground troop involvement in this arena. We will have to wait and see.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Five Areas I regularly study
1. Astronomy/Cosmology – The universe fascinates me. It is large beyond all perspective but is governed by the same laws of physics that influence us in our seemingly localized milieu.
2. Modern World History (1789- present) – I started reading history books as a kid (thanks to my father and grandfather) and have been hooked ever since. In fact I wrote a history quiz book that one can find and buy on:
http://www.xlibrispublishing.co.uk/bookstore/author.aspx?authorid=6210
History was my first passion and we have been locked in an embrace ever since. I particular enjoy the modern period as it provides the immediate framework from which today’s world has evolved.
3. Political Philosophy – I enjoy struggling with ideas and relish dissecting the arguments from all sides that define the political spectrum. Part of this is a consequence of a personal investigation into World History but I prefer to see it as a richer to understand the human spirit.
4. Geography – My fascination with the world has bought me a greater understanding of geography. My mind loves organizing facts and stats into useful patterns and geography provides an excellent vehicle for such a recourse.
5. International Sports – What can I say I am a bit of a junky. Football (soccer) Tennis, Boxing, Cricket, Track and Field and rugby all appeal to me. I don’t watch as much as I used to (the responsibility of parenthood) but I have an encyclopaedic knowledge of past winners and key events.
2. Modern World History (1789- present) – I started reading history books as a kid (thanks to my father and grandfather) and have been hooked ever since. In fact I wrote a history quiz book that one can find and buy on:
http://www.xlibrispublishing.co.uk/bookstore/author.aspx?authorid=6210
History was my first passion and we have been locked in an embrace ever since. I particular enjoy the modern period as it provides the immediate framework from which today’s world has evolved.
3. Political Philosophy – I enjoy struggling with ideas and relish dissecting the arguments from all sides that define the political spectrum. Part of this is a consequence of a personal investigation into World History but I prefer to see it as a richer to understand the human spirit.
4. Geography – My fascination with the world has bought me a greater understanding of geography. My mind loves organizing facts and stats into useful patterns and geography provides an excellent vehicle for such a recourse.
5. International Sports – What can I say I am a bit of a junky. Football (soccer) Tennis, Boxing, Cricket, Track and Field and rugby all appeal to me. I don’t watch as much as I used to (the responsibility of parenthood) but I have an encyclopaedic knowledge of past winners and key events.
Methods I have used to acquire knowledge
1. Listening to others. As a teacher I have found that I have learnt a lot from my students and the questions that they ask. Such questions force me to dig deeper and in doing so I have acquired a more thorough understanding of the subject
2. I was sick a lot as a child and therefore spent much time by myself…reading and learning. Having supportive parents helped as well.
3. Rising to the challenge – I love teaching new courses which force me to broaden my horizons and increase my knowledge base.
4. Magazines…… New Scientist, The Economist, BBC History Magazine, National Geographic, Time, World Football, Military History, Scientific American, Omni plus as a child Look and Learn and World of Knowledge
5. Watching Documentaries – You Tube is a great source for this.
6. Reading Reference Books – Guinness Book of Records, World Almanac, Pears Encyclopedia, Chronicle Series, World Book as a kid.
7. Reading Books in general – I normally have on the go 3-4 books that I read at a time.
8. The Internet …Its amazing how much knowledge is at your finger tips if you know where to find it.
9. Completing Quiz Books - The Isaac Asimov Super Quiz Series was great as was the British series Mastermind.
10. Schooling – Completing two science degrees plus an education degree has helped but it has not served to provide me with the bulk of my knowledge.
11. Experience…The Greatest teacher… this has no doubt served me well in both my engineering and teaching capacity. The key though is to reflect meaningfully on the experience.
2. I was sick a lot as a child and therefore spent much time by myself…reading and learning. Having supportive parents helped as well.
3. Rising to the challenge – I love teaching new courses which force me to broaden my horizons and increase my knowledge base.
4. Magazines…… New Scientist, The Economist, BBC History Magazine, National Geographic, Time, World Football, Military History, Scientific American, Omni plus as a child Look and Learn and World of Knowledge
5. Watching Documentaries – You Tube is a great source for this.
6. Reading Reference Books – Guinness Book of Records, World Almanac, Pears Encyclopedia, Chronicle Series, World Book as a kid.
7. Reading Books in general – I normally have on the go 3-4 books that I read at a time.
8. The Internet …Its amazing how much knowledge is at your finger tips if you know where to find it.
9. Completing Quiz Books - The Isaac Asimov Super Quiz Series was great as was the British series Mastermind.
10. Schooling – Completing two science degrees plus an education degree has helped but it has not served to provide me with the bulk of my knowledge.
11. Experience…The Greatest teacher… this has no doubt served me well in both my engineering and teaching capacity. The key though is to reflect meaningfully on the experience.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
The Itamar Massacre
The Japanese Earthquake and the Itamar massacres have greatly disturbed me. I can understand the former (gut wrenching as it is ) as an act of nature but the latter sickens me in that it was perpetrated by human beings...baby killers who thought nothing about decapitating the head of an infant slitting her throat, while murdering both her parents and two of her siblings in cold blood. There is absolutely no excuse for such barbarism other than the understanding of its manifestation as an obvious outcome from a collective psyche schooled in the art of blood lust, hate and violence.
The victimizers have their champions, candy was handed out to passing drivers in Gaza by the terror proponents of Hamas, to commemorate such an 'achievement' and its only a matter of time before the killers have schools named after. Meanwhile western leftists carry out spin control to minimize the evil, with the typical litany of rationalizations that they would never accept if the situation were reversed. Has the world gone insane? I believe it did some time ago and as a Jew who sees how cheaply Jewish life has again become the pain is lingering. Once again the Jews are alone in their struggle against base evil. However base evil in a modern framework knows no limit, and if good is not free to counter it then the slippery slope to universal barbarism lies not to far from the horizon.
The victimizers have their champions, candy was handed out to passing drivers in Gaza by the terror proponents of Hamas, to commemorate such an 'achievement' and its only a matter of time before the killers have schools named after. Meanwhile western leftists carry out spin control to minimize the evil, with the typical litany of rationalizations that they would never accept if the situation were reversed. Has the world gone insane? I believe it did some time ago and as a Jew who sees how cheaply Jewish life has again become the pain is lingering. Once again the Jews are alone in their struggle against base evil. However base evil in a modern framework knows no limit, and if good is not free to counter it then the slippery slope to universal barbarism lies not to far from the horizon.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
This Blog is still alive
I have resurrected Worldoreason. Be on the lookout for some more entries.
Gavin
Gavin
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Pinball Design - Physics
Grade 12 Practical Physics Project
Pinball Machine Design
Objective: Design a Pinball machine using springs, metal, plastic or wooden barriers and various cushioning devices. A scoring apparatus is needed. The game board should be no larger than 1m by 1m in size (can have adjuncts for scoring and a base that are not included in the board size). Outline all the physics principles involved in the game, provide a schematic for the structure of the game board, illustrate and describe all regions of significant energy transfer and design the game so that it has visual appeal.
Significant Due Dates:
2nd Monday in October: Provide a rough schematic of the design to the teacher.
3rd Monday in October: Sign up for group discussions with teacher
3rd Monday in November: Provide teacher with two page progress report.
7th January 2011: Game Testing Day and Submission of Report Documents.
Final Report Document must include:
Work Log (who did, what, when)
Description of Physics Principles Involved
Neat drawing of game schematic (preferably AUTOCAD)
Outline of all regions of energy loss. Must include one sample calculation based on reasonable assumptions.
Group Size:
No more than three people per group. No singlet groups.
Marks:
The project will count for 10% of your final grades. Even though the students will work as a team – each student will be evaluated individually (therefore it is critical that the work log reflect accurately the levels of effort).
Sample Sites to look at:
http://www.marvin3m.com/fix.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinball
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/design-your-own-pinball-machine-919500/
Marking Checklist
Game
Movability of Barriers……………………. /5
Smoothness of Impacts…………………… /3
Effectiveness of Cushioning……………….../2
Spring Release Method…………………….../2
Number of Barriers…………………………. /5
(less than 1=1, 2=3, 3=4, 5 or more = 5)
Sound Effects………………………………../3
Light Effects…………………………………/4
Scoring Mechanism Accuracy………………./5
Originality and Creativity of Design…………/6
Total: /35
Documentation:
Lead Abstract…………………………………….../2
Quality of Worklog………………………………../5
Visual Schematic…………………………………. /3
Sample Energy Calculation………………………. /3
Outline of all Physics Principles Involved
Factors to consider……………………………….. /7
Individual Reflections…………………………….../2
Overall Report (Language, grammar etc)…………../2
Bibliography………………………………………../1
Total: /25
For #4 – Please be concise. Any physics principles missed will result in mark deduction from the 8.
TOTAL MARKS: 35 + 25 = 60
Pinball Machine Design
Objective: Design a Pinball machine using springs, metal, plastic or wooden barriers and various cushioning devices. A scoring apparatus is needed. The game board should be no larger than 1m by 1m in size (can have adjuncts for scoring and a base that are not included in the board size). Outline all the physics principles involved in the game, provide a schematic for the structure of the game board, illustrate and describe all regions of significant energy transfer and design the game so that it has visual appeal.
Significant Due Dates:
2nd Monday in October: Provide a rough schematic of the design to the teacher.
3rd Monday in October: Sign up for group discussions with teacher
3rd Monday in November: Provide teacher with two page progress report.
7th January 2011: Game Testing Day and Submission of Report Documents.
Final Report Document must include:
Work Log (who did, what, when)
Description of Physics Principles Involved
Neat drawing of game schematic (preferably AUTOCAD)
Outline of all regions of energy loss. Must include one sample calculation based on reasonable assumptions.
Group Size:
No more than three people per group. No singlet groups.
Marks:
The project will count for 10% of your final grades. Even though the students will work as a team – each student will be evaluated individually (therefore it is critical that the work log reflect accurately the levels of effort).
Sample Sites to look at:
http://www.marvin3m.com/fix.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinball
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/design-your-own-pinball-machine-919500/
Marking Checklist
Game
Movability of Barriers……………………. /5
Smoothness of Impacts…………………… /3
Effectiveness of Cushioning……………….../2
Spring Release Method…………………….../2
Number of Barriers…………………………. /5
(less than 1=1, 2=3, 3=4, 5 or more = 5)
Sound Effects………………………………../3
Light Effects…………………………………/4
Scoring Mechanism Accuracy………………./5
Originality and Creativity of Design…………/6
Total: /35
Documentation:
Lead Abstract…………………………………….../2
Quality of Worklog………………………………../5
Visual Schematic…………………………………. /3
Sample Energy Calculation………………………. /3
Outline of all Physics Principles Involved
Factors to consider……………………………….. /7
Individual Reflections…………………………….../2
Overall Report (Language, grammar etc)…………../2
Bibliography………………………………………../1
Total: /25
For #4 – Please be concise. Any physics principles missed will result in mark deduction from the 8.
TOTAL MARKS: 35 + 25 = 60
Teaching Physics - A Philosophy
Its been a while since I last blogged (I seem to be saying this more often than not) so I thought I would bounce back with a few quick update. The school year is underway and I am more focused than ever in honing my teaching skills. I have three great classes this semester (all in Physics), in what can only be described as a dream timetable. However all great opportunities come with great responsibility (a twist on the Spiderman theme). My self accepted mission is to work on my student’s cognitive skills and critical thinking attributes. I wish to hone for them a deeper understanding of the physics. Physics is a philosophy but too often it is taught as a type of Applied Mathematics. Many students can’t see beyond the mathematics (which is vital tool but by no means the defining entity of the discipline) which is a shame. Fortunately there are several pedagogical instruments that can assist a teacher in this realm. These include
Building Projects – Over the years my students have built mousetraps, balloon cars, egg drop protection devices, rollercoasters, robots, Rube Goldberg machines. This year I plan to have them build either pinball machines or safe lock devices. Each of these projects has been selected for their adherence to principles of physics – conservation of energy, momentum, Newton’s laws of motion, electric fields etc. A detailed report submitted in accordance with the physical build will further expound on the physics learnt.
Self Design Labs – These are open ended labs based on student directed procedure that are undertaken to discover the relationship between a series of entities, optimize a system or study the ramifications of cause and effect
Physics Essays – Yes one can write and speculate in physics with the same enthusiasm as that shown in the humanities. The discussion of the Big Ideas especially as it relates to the historical evolution of the subject or the topics of modern physics
Building Projects – Over the years my students have built mousetraps, balloon cars, egg drop protection devices, rollercoasters, robots, Rube Goldberg machines. This year I plan to have them build either pinball machines or safe lock devices. Each of these projects has been selected for their adherence to principles of physics – conservation of energy, momentum, Newton’s laws of motion, electric fields etc. A detailed report submitted in accordance with the physical build will further expound on the physics learnt.
Self Design Labs – These are open ended labs based on student directed procedure that are undertaken to discover the relationship between a series of entities, optimize a system or study the ramifications of cause and effect
Physics Essays – Yes one can write and speculate in physics with the same enthusiasm as that shown in the humanities. The discussion of the Big Ideas especially as it relates to the historical evolution of the subject or the topics of modern physics
Friday, September 03, 2010
Some good advice.....
These are some oldies but they hold me in good stead
1. Treat others as you would want them to treat you.
2. Look for the positives before the negatives
3. Try not to take things personally
4. Act with conviction
5. Perform with best capacity
6. Expand one's sense of self
7. Appreciate the challenge
8. Don't sell yourself short
9. Think before speaking
10. Be on the alert for meaning
1. Treat others as you would want them to treat you.
2. Look for the positives before the negatives
3. Try not to take things personally
4. Act with conviction
5. Perform with best capacity
6. Expand one's sense of self
7. Appreciate the challenge
8. Don't sell yourself short
9. Think before speaking
10. Be on the alert for meaning
Monday, August 30, 2010
New from New Scientist...for Now
I have been catching up on a stack of New Scientist Magazines. Here are some cool ideas that worth noting
1. Life Simulation program - The Game of Life program may one day tell us about our beginnings.
2. Himalayan Glaciers are not melting as fast as expected
3. Right handed molecules may dominate life on Mars.
4. Sea snail venom could be a possible pain reliever
5. Male voice strength related to muscular build...
6. On and Off switch could be the guide to the emergence of complex life.
7. Plastic may decay quicker than we think
8. Sterile neutrinos may be the source of Dark Matter
9. Stem Cells restore sight to blind people
10 Female Viagra a no-go
11. Modest solar activity can cause chaos with terrestrial technology (so may be it could be more responsible for global warming than conventional wisdom seems to believe)
12. Frozen tissue (from a dead animal) may be reprogrammed to bring endangered species back to life.
13. Einstein's Equivalence Principle - will be put to the test using atoms from Bose-Einstein condensate.
14. Chimpanzees kill to win New territory (sounds like another primate we know too well).
15. Quantum Machines will explore the boundary between the quantum and everyday worlds.
1. Life Simulation program - The Game of Life program may one day tell us about our beginnings.
2. Himalayan Glaciers are not melting as fast as expected
3. Right handed molecules may dominate life on Mars.
4. Sea snail venom could be a possible pain reliever
5. Male voice strength related to muscular build...
6. On and Off switch could be the guide to the emergence of complex life.
7. Plastic may decay quicker than we think
8. Sterile neutrinos may be the source of Dark Matter
9. Stem Cells restore sight to blind people
10 Female Viagra a no-go
11. Modest solar activity can cause chaos with terrestrial technology (so may be it could be more responsible for global warming than conventional wisdom seems to believe)
12. Frozen tissue (from a dead animal) may be reprogrammed to bring endangered species back to life.
13. Einstein's Equivalence Principle - will be put to the test using atoms from Bose-Einstein condensate.
14. Chimpanzees kill to win New territory (sounds like another primate we know too well).
15. Quantum Machines will explore the boundary between the quantum and everyday worlds.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Some Great Events in the History of Western Civilization prior to 1000 AD
Some brainstorming - Here is a list of some key events in the history of Western Civilization prior to 1000AD. There is obviously room for more detail but each one of these has been vital to the evolution of the culture.
1. The Agricultural Revolution in Mesopotamia and Egypt
2. Birth of Irrigation Science
3. Coming of the Bronze Age
4. The Early Development of the City (Akkad, Ur, Erich, Lagesh etc)
5. Hebrews introduce Ethical Monotheism
6. Iron Age championed by the Hittites. Age of Glory for Asia Minor Civilizations.
7. Egyptians and Babylonians inspire numerical revolution
8 Code of Hammurabi and the Ten Commandments
9. Phoenicians explore, settle and trade across much of the Mediterranean. Minoans dominate Crete.
10. Homer writes the Iliad and Odyssey. Growth of Mycenean Civilization.
11. Milesians kick start the scientific revolution by looking for a non-divine explanation for the nature of things.
12. System of Greek City States (Polis). Greek colonies spread throughout Eastern Mediterranean and Italy.
13. Athenian Democracy is born.
14. The Era of the Athenian Trio (Plato, Socrates, Aristotle). Birth of formal logic and reason as well as academic classification and systems of questioning
15. Greeks drive disciplines of Math and Science forward building on contribution from Near East.
16. The Persian Wars
17. Rome becomes a Republic (decline of the Etruscans)
18. Celts dominate Western Europe
19. Rise of Macedonia. Empire of Alexander the Great.
20. The post Alexander Hellenic Era - Spread of Greek culture
21. Rome dominates the Italian Peninsula
22. Rome defeats Carthage in the Punic Wars (three altogether)
23. Rome eclipses Greece as Principal Western Power
24. Roman contribution to Western Civilization: Roads, Sewers, Baths, Galley Ships, System of Law etc.
25. Transition of Rome from Republic to Empire. The Rise of the Julian Dynasty.
26. Writing of Christian gospels. Spread of Pauline version of Christianity. Decline of Paganism.
27 . Roman culture permeates much of Europe.
28. Roman Empire splits and then reforms before finally splitting into East and West.
29. Religious toleration in Rome Empire promised by Edict of Milan.
30. Council of Nicea sets ground rules for Christianity.
31. Rome adopts Christianity as State Religion.
32. Rome is sacked by the Visigoths, Vandals and Ostrogoths. Decline of the Western Empire.
33. Atilla the Hun is defeated but not before laying waste to much of the Western Empire
34. Fall of Western Empire in 476 AD. Vandals driven from Spain spread to North Africa.
35. Arianism rivals Catholicism as chief religious force in early Dark Ages Europe. Arianism will however lose out to Catholicism in the long run.
36. Franks dominate France and Germany. Lombards powerful in Italy.
37. Justinian builds up Byzantine Empire in the East but it will decline in strength after his death.
38. Saxons invade Britain.
39. Merovingian Dynasty in France converts to Christianity (under Clovis).
40. Christianity spreads throughout Western Europe driven by Order of Irish Monks.
41. Arab invasions threaten the integrity of Western and Eastern Europe.
42. Charles Martel prevents the Arab take over of France by defeating Muslim forces at Poitiers.
43. Muslim influence in Spain grows.
44. Feudal system dominates Western Europe
45. Vikings attack and set up colonies in Britain, Normandy and Sicily - amongst others.
46. Byzantine Empire undergoes revival under Basil II but will gradually shrink under Arab and Persian pressure.
47. Christian Power in North Africa in decline.
48. Charlemagne declared Holy Roman Emperor after saving the Pope from the Lombards.
49. Charlemagne's court develops into a central portal of learning.
50. Scholasticism dominates Western philosophy.
51. Charlemagne's great Empire divides into three portions after his death roughly resembling the modern areas of France, West Germany and Northern Italy
51. Alfred the Great consolidates Saxon Power in England.
52. Great Monasteries (and Monastic Orders) dominate religious cultural milieu of France.
53. German King Otto the Great establishes himself as Holy Roman Emperor.
1. The Agricultural Revolution in Mesopotamia and Egypt
2. Birth of Irrigation Science
3. Coming of the Bronze Age
4. The Early Development of the City (Akkad, Ur, Erich, Lagesh etc)
5. Hebrews introduce Ethical Monotheism
6. Iron Age championed by the Hittites. Age of Glory for Asia Minor Civilizations.
7. Egyptians and Babylonians inspire numerical revolution
8 Code of Hammurabi and the Ten Commandments
9. Phoenicians explore, settle and trade across much of the Mediterranean. Minoans dominate Crete.
10. Homer writes the Iliad and Odyssey. Growth of Mycenean Civilization.
11. Milesians kick start the scientific revolution by looking for a non-divine explanation for the nature of things.
12. System of Greek City States (Polis). Greek colonies spread throughout Eastern Mediterranean and Italy.
13. Athenian Democracy is born.
14. The Era of the Athenian Trio (Plato, Socrates, Aristotle). Birth of formal logic and reason as well as academic classification and systems of questioning
15. Greeks drive disciplines of Math and Science forward building on contribution from Near East.
16. The Persian Wars
17. Rome becomes a Republic (decline of the Etruscans)
18. Celts dominate Western Europe
19. Rise of Macedonia. Empire of Alexander the Great.
20. The post Alexander Hellenic Era - Spread of Greek culture
21. Rome dominates the Italian Peninsula
22. Rome defeats Carthage in the Punic Wars (three altogether)
23. Rome eclipses Greece as Principal Western Power
24. Roman contribution to Western Civilization: Roads, Sewers, Baths, Galley Ships, System of Law etc.
25. Transition of Rome from Republic to Empire. The Rise of the Julian Dynasty.
26. Writing of Christian gospels. Spread of Pauline version of Christianity. Decline of Paganism.
27 . Roman culture permeates much of Europe.
28. Roman Empire splits and then reforms before finally splitting into East and West.
29. Religious toleration in Rome Empire promised by Edict of Milan.
30. Council of Nicea sets ground rules for Christianity.
31. Rome adopts Christianity as State Religion.
32. Rome is sacked by the Visigoths, Vandals and Ostrogoths. Decline of the Western Empire.
33. Atilla the Hun is defeated but not before laying waste to much of the Western Empire
34. Fall of Western Empire in 476 AD. Vandals driven from Spain spread to North Africa.
35. Arianism rivals Catholicism as chief religious force in early Dark Ages Europe. Arianism will however lose out to Catholicism in the long run.
36. Franks dominate France and Germany. Lombards powerful in Italy.
37. Justinian builds up Byzantine Empire in the East but it will decline in strength after his death.
38. Saxons invade Britain.
39. Merovingian Dynasty in France converts to Christianity (under Clovis).
40. Christianity spreads throughout Western Europe driven by Order of Irish Monks.
41. Arab invasions threaten the integrity of Western and Eastern Europe.
42. Charles Martel prevents the Arab take over of France by defeating Muslim forces at Poitiers.
43. Muslim influence in Spain grows.
44. Feudal system dominates Western Europe
45. Vikings attack and set up colonies in Britain, Normandy and Sicily - amongst others.
46. Byzantine Empire undergoes revival under Basil II but will gradually shrink under Arab and Persian pressure.
47. Christian Power in North Africa in decline.
48. Charlemagne declared Holy Roman Emperor after saving the Pope from the Lombards.
49. Charlemagne's court develops into a central portal of learning.
50. Scholasticism dominates Western philosophy.
51. Charlemagne's great Empire divides into three portions after his death roughly resembling the modern areas of France, West Germany and Northern Italy
51. Alfred the Great consolidates Saxon Power in England.
52. Great Monasteries (and Monastic Orders) dominate religious cultural milieu of France.
53. German King Otto the Great establishes himself as Holy Roman Emperor.
Friday, August 20, 2010
What makes Life Interesting?
41 Areas of study that have interested me over the years and the period (in brackets) when I was most focused on them.
(1996- ) means that I have been most interested in the topic from 1996 to the present
IQ Testing (1984-1987, 1998)
Myers Briggs Personality Testing (2001, 2010-)
Global Warming Debate (2006-2009)
Human Genetics (1988-1991)
Neuroroscience (1988, 1989)
Astronomy (1985-1986, 2009-)
Cosmology (1997-)
Religion and Science Debate (2006-)
British History (1976-1985, 1989, 1997-2004)
Education Philosophy (2007-)
Eastern Philosophies (2000-2003, 2010-)
French History (1984,1985, 1998. 2008) – particularly Napoleon and the French Revolution
American History (1992-)
Leftist mindset (2001-)
Jewish Philosophy (2005-)
Telecommunications (1995-2001)
Conservatism (1994-)
Macroeconomics (2008-2009)
Science Fiction Alternative Worlds (1992-2000)
World War II (1982-1986, 1989, 1994, 2005-2007)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (1994-1997)
Modern Physics (1984-1987, 2001-)
Classic Physics ((1984-1987, 2001-)
Chemistry (1986, 1988-1992, 2002-2003)
Evolutionary Theory (1989, 2005-)
British Football (1976-1986, 1994-)
Ancient Rome (1977,1978, 2002-2006)
James Bond Universe (1977-1986)
International Tennis (1978-1987, 2003-2008)
Cricket (1980-1984)
Boxing (1977-1987)
Batman (1975-1979, 2005-2008)
Judge Dredd (1980-)
British Comics (1977-1985, 2003-)
South African History (1984-1986, 1994)
Cold War (1982-1989, 1994-1996)
Endocrinology (1989-1991)
Kabbalah (2010-)
Baseball (1988-1994)
International Politics (1976-)
Mathematics (1984-1986)
(1996- ) means that I have been most interested in the topic from 1996 to the present
IQ Testing (1984-1987, 1998)
Myers Briggs Personality Testing (2001, 2010-)
Global Warming Debate (2006-2009)
Human Genetics (1988-1991)
Neuroroscience (1988, 1989)
Astronomy (1985-1986, 2009-)
Cosmology (1997-)
Religion and Science Debate (2006-)
British History (1976-1985, 1989, 1997-2004)
Education Philosophy (2007-)
Eastern Philosophies (2000-2003, 2010-)
French History (1984,1985, 1998. 2008) – particularly Napoleon and the French Revolution
American History (1992-)
Leftist mindset (2001-)
Jewish Philosophy (2005-)
Telecommunications (1995-2001)
Conservatism (1994-)
Macroeconomics (2008-2009)
Science Fiction Alternative Worlds (1992-2000)
World War II (1982-1986, 1989, 1994, 2005-2007)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (1994-1997)
Modern Physics (1984-1987, 2001-)
Classic Physics ((1984-1987, 2001-)
Chemistry (1986, 1988-1992, 2002-2003)
Evolutionary Theory (1989, 2005-)
British Football (1976-1986, 1994-)
Ancient Rome (1977,1978, 2002-2006)
James Bond Universe (1977-1986)
International Tennis (1978-1987, 2003-2008)
Cricket (1980-1984)
Boxing (1977-1987)
Batman (1975-1979, 2005-2008)
Judge Dredd (1980-)
British Comics (1977-1985, 2003-)
South African History (1984-1986, 1994)
Cold War (1982-1989, 1994-1996)
Endocrinology (1989-1991)
Kabbalah (2010-)
Baseball (1988-1994)
International Politics (1976-)
Mathematics (1984-1986)
Thursday, August 19, 2010
50 Things I don't like about the US
Excessive Materialism
US military support for Saudi Arabia
Culture of Litigation
Affirmative Action overload
Fred Phelps and his wack jobs
Very insular reporting of news by local media
Way too many elections
The Hype on College Sport
The over use of Standardized testing
Us vs Them politics – pick your team Democrat or Republican
Corrupt local governments: Detroit, Washington, Chicago
High per capita energy use
Movement to introduce intelligent design into the Science curriculum
West Coast Drug Culture
Race merchants – Jackson, Sharpton and co.
Sensationalist Driven News Media
Military Industrial Complex
Hollywood value system
Crassness of the nouveau riche
Extremely arrogant superstars
American Idol
Oprah Winfrey and her gang of hangers on.
The ACLU sabotaging the fight against international Jihadism
The bias of the All-powerful NY Times
Ward Churchill, Norman Finkelstein and Noam Chomsky
Overly lax pollution laws
Society of Have and Have not
Government bailout of car companies
Obese epidemic
New York snootiness
Activist Court Judges who walk over the constitution
Anti-Semitic haven: Rense, Stormfront, Aryan Nation etc.
Culture of Self Promotion
Lack of discipline in school system
Disparity in the school system
Gangsta culture
Jimmy Carter, Pat Buchanan, Helen Thomas
Adoration of the Kennedys
Proliferation of unhealthy foods in the supermarket
Cavalier banking system
Ridiculously short allowable maternity leaves
Inflated prison system resulting from misguided war on drugs
Professional sporting system ruled too a fault by the all-mighty dollar
Monsanto
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae
Weak federal policy in preventing illegal immigration
Exaggerated understanding of success in the War of 1812
Urban sprawl
US history of co-operation with Nazi Germany
Ineptness of the CIA and US military Intelligence
US military support for Saudi Arabia
Culture of Litigation
Affirmative Action overload
Fred Phelps and his wack jobs
Very insular reporting of news by local media
Way too many elections
The Hype on College Sport
The over use of Standardized testing
Us vs Them politics – pick your team Democrat or Republican
Corrupt local governments: Detroit, Washington, Chicago
High per capita energy use
Movement to introduce intelligent design into the Science curriculum
West Coast Drug Culture
Race merchants – Jackson, Sharpton and co.
Sensationalist Driven News Media
Military Industrial Complex
Hollywood value system
Crassness of the nouveau riche
Extremely arrogant superstars
American Idol
Oprah Winfrey and her gang of hangers on.
The ACLU sabotaging the fight against international Jihadism
The bias of the All-powerful NY Times
Ward Churchill, Norman Finkelstein and Noam Chomsky
Overly lax pollution laws
Society of Have and Have not
Government bailout of car companies
Obese epidemic
New York snootiness
Activist Court Judges who walk over the constitution
Anti-Semitic haven: Rense, Stormfront, Aryan Nation etc.
Culture of Self Promotion
Lack of discipline in school system
Disparity in the school system
Gangsta culture
Jimmy Carter, Pat Buchanan, Helen Thomas
Adoration of the Kennedys
Proliferation of unhealthy foods in the supermarket
Cavalier banking system
Ridiculously short allowable maternity leaves
Inflated prison system resulting from misguided war on drugs
Professional sporting system ruled too a fault by the all-mighty dollar
Monsanto
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae
Weak federal policy in preventing illegal immigration
Exaggerated understanding of success in the War of 1812
Urban sprawl
US history of co-operation with Nazi Germany
Ineptness of the CIA and US military Intelligence
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
50 Things I like about the US
Spirit of Small Government
The US Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence
Cities like Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, New Orleans and New York
The US Open Tennis
Ronald Reagan
Civil War History
The Grand Canyon
Cape Kennedy
US action in WWI and WWII in defeating the Central and Axis Powers respectively
Sci-Fi authors such as Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein, Ben Bova
Spiderman and Batman
Hawaii
Victor Davis Hanson
Bill Buckley
Encyclopedia Britannica
History of the American Revolution
Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright
Harry Truman
Disneyworld
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland
Finger Lakes Region
Greenwich Village
Emphasis on Freedom of Speech
Mount Palomar Observatory
Edgar Allen Poe
HP Lovecraft
Universal Studios
Library of Congress
Colorado Physics – PHET
Redwood Trees of California
Oregon Coast
History of the Wild West
Small villages of New England
Alan Dershowitz
Cooperstown
Mad Magazine
Utah Desert
Gone with the Wind
All in the Family
Alaska
Family Ties
The rich Jewish culture of New York
Cape Cod
Wyoming Country – Yellowstone National Park
Judeo-Christian heritage
California beachfront
Napa Valley
US Contribution to Aerospace Engineering
Free Enterprise
Nation built by Immigrants
Coming soon next Thursday: 50 Things I don't like
The US Constitution, Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence
Cities like Boston, San Francisco, Seattle, New Orleans and New York
The US Open Tennis
Ronald Reagan
Civil War History
The Grand Canyon
Cape Kennedy
US action in WWI and WWII in defeating the Central and Axis Powers respectively
Sci-Fi authors such as Isaac Asimov, Robert Heinlein, Ben Bova
Spiderman and Batman
Hawaii
Victor Davis Hanson
Bill Buckley
Encyclopedia Britannica
History of the American Revolution
Architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright
Harry Truman
Disneyworld
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland
Finger Lakes Region
Greenwich Village
Emphasis on Freedom of Speech
Mount Palomar Observatory
Edgar Allen Poe
HP Lovecraft
Universal Studios
Library of Congress
Colorado Physics – PHET
Redwood Trees of California
Oregon Coast
History of the Wild West
Small villages of New England
Alan Dershowitz
Cooperstown
Mad Magazine
Utah Desert
Gone with the Wind
All in the Family
Alaska
Family Ties
The rich Jewish culture of New York
Cape Cod
Wyoming Country – Yellowstone National Park
Judeo-Christian heritage
California beachfront
Napa Valley
US Contribution to Aerospace Engineering
Free Enterprise
Nation built by Immigrants
Coming soon next Thursday: 50 Things I don't like
Friday, August 06, 2010
Key Ingredients for Success
As civilizations progress positively they become more likely to encapsulate these characteristics.
Democratic Institutions
Freedom of Press
Freedom of Action
Freedom of Religion
Appreciation for the Vital role of Science and Technology
Rule of Law
Private Ownership of Property
Personal Responsibility – Recognizable Free Will
Accountability of Political Office
Social Service Institutions
Prison Reform
Necessary Dissent
High Levels of Education
Low levels of bribery and corruption
If a state fails it is normally missing several of these ingredients.
Democratic Institutions
Freedom of Press
Freedom of Action
Freedom of Religion
Appreciation for the Vital role of Science and Technology
Rule of Law
Private Ownership of Property
Personal Responsibility – Recognizable Free Will
Accountability of Political Office
Social Service Institutions
Prison Reform
Necessary Dissent
High Levels of Education
Low levels of bribery and corruption
If a state fails it is normally missing several of these ingredients.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)