Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Ziggy Stardust: Electrical Wizard!
One of my favorite unsung heroes of modern science is Nikola Tesla, whose inventions ranged from the practical (alternating current electricity!) to the surreal (death rays!). So imagine my surprise to learn on the radio this evening that having harnessed the power of Niagra Falls, Tesla is finally ready to make the move to the big screen.
Yes, according to the folks at Dark Horizons , Nikola Tesla, everyone's favorite Croatian physicist and inventor, is slated to appear as a character in the upcoming film The Prestige. The new film, starring Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman, tells the story of rival magicians in the late 1870s attempting to outdo one another in their quest for the ultimate illusion.
And who do they seek out in their respective quests? The Thin White Duke, of course!
Yes, that's right...David Bowie IS Nikola Tesla in The Prestige. (Coming soon to theaters near you.)
And although I am a little shocked, I have to admit...the resemblance is rather eerie...
One of my favorite unsung heroes of modern science is Nikola Tesla, whose inventions ranged from the practical (alternating current electricity!) to the surreal (death rays!). So imagine my surprise to learn on the radio this evening that having harnessed the power of Niagra Falls, Tesla is finally ready to make the move to the big screen.
Yes, according to the folks at Dark Horizons , Nikola Tesla, everyone's favorite Croatian physicist and inventor, is slated to appear as a character in the upcoming film The Prestige. The new film, starring Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman, tells the story of rival magicians in the late 1870s attempting to outdo one another in their quest for the ultimate illusion.
And who do they seek out in their respective quests? The Thin White Duke, of course!
Yes, that's right...David Bowie IS Nikola Tesla in The Prestige. (Coming soon to theaters near you.)
And although I am a little shocked, I have to admit...the resemblance is rather eerie...
Monday, November 28, 2005
A man with a plastic rectangle...
In an unexpected sequence of events, Fibonacci Day had an unfortunate ending. Despite the Invisible Dad's successful identification of several archaic pieces of scientific equipment locked in my classroom cabinets and subsequent dinner with both him and the Invisible Sister at my favorite gastropub in town, it was time to return to my stately penthouse. And what better way to celebrate the incumbent long weekend than by installing a new version of Xandros Linux on my computer? Dad swore it would take only a few minutes and there would be no problems. When will either of us learn? Better is the enemy of good.
The long and short of it? My Linux partition slowly began to devour the rest of the hard drive. We soon discovered it was the result of a combination of bad sectors and a faulty power supply. We reformatted the hard drive after salvaging the majority of the information it contained. (My old test backups were among the missing data...) After sending it back on warranty, it was time to buy a new hard drive. Bye-bye 40 GB hard drive...hello 120 GB hard drive!
But when it seemed like the data might be recovered, I also received an early holiday present. You've probably already guessed what it is, but in case you didn't...I'm typing this entry on it.
Yup...I finally got me a top of the line laptop: DVD, CD-RW, wireless, the works. Even got the Windows XP that everyone's been talking about. (Not sure what to think of that last one just yet.) But I do enjoy typing up blog entries from my easy chair while listening to a new Billy Joel CD (courtesy of the Invisible Mom). And now thanks to my grandmother, I've got enough turkey and stuffing to last a few weeks.
New computers and Thanksgiving leftovers: a wonderful combination if ever there were one.
In an unexpected sequence of events, Fibonacci Day had an unfortunate ending. Despite the Invisible Dad's successful identification of several archaic pieces of scientific equipment locked in my classroom cabinets and subsequent dinner with both him and the Invisible Sister at my favorite gastropub in town, it was time to return to my stately penthouse. And what better way to celebrate the incumbent long weekend than by installing a new version of Xandros Linux on my computer? Dad swore it would take only a few minutes and there would be no problems. When will either of us learn? Better is the enemy of good.
The long and short of it? My Linux partition slowly began to devour the rest of the hard drive. We soon discovered it was the result of a combination of bad sectors and a faulty power supply. We reformatted the hard drive after salvaging the majority of the information it contained. (My old test backups were among the missing data...) After sending it back on warranty, it was time to buy a new hard drive. Bye-bye 40 GB hard drive...hello 120 GB hard drive!
But when it seemed like the data might be recovered, I also received an early holiday present. You've probably already guessed what it is, but in case you didn't...I'm typing this entry on it.
Yup...I finally got me a top of the line laptop: DVD, CD-RW, wireless, the works. Even got the Windows XP that everyone's been talking about. (Not sure what to think of that last one just yet.) But I do enjoy typing up blog entries from my easy chair while listening to a new Billy Joel CD (courtesy of the Invisible Mom). And now thanks to my grandmother, I've got enough turkey and stuffing to last a few weeks.
New computers and Thanksgiving leftovers: a wonderful combination if ever there were one.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Happy Fibonacci Day!
What better way to wrap up a short week than a day with an extended homeroom? Especially if you have no homeroom. :)
Today, all my classes are playing periodic table bingo. It's fun, it's easy, and the Tastykakes I plan to offer as prizes harken back to my high school chemistry teacher's proud tradition of cannoli day. Sadly, I can't find a copy of The Dot and the Line around here...
Then, the Invisible Dad and Sister are coming to Underwood to: a. visit. b. check out the 70 year old equipment we have in the physics lab.
All in all, the makings of a pretty good day.
And hey...thanks to Mathnet and Dan Brown I know that today possesses a mathematical significance as well.
You know, I'll be watching the clock for 8:11 to roll around.
What better way to wrap up a short week than a day with an extended homeroom? Especially if you have no homeroom. :)
Today, all my classes are playing periodic table bingo. It's fun, it's easy, and the Tastykakes I plan to offer as prizes harken back to my high school chemistry teacher's proud tradition of cannoli day. Sadly, I can't find a copy of The Dot and the Line around here...
Then, the Invisible Dad and Sister are coming to Underwood to: a. visit. b. check out the 70 year old equipment we have in the physics lab.
All in all, the makings of a pretty good day.
And hey...thanks to Mathnet and Dan Brown I know that today possesses a mathematical significance as well.
You know, I'll be watching the clock for 8:11 to roll around.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Ring of Fire (Alarms)
Maybe I'm being vain here, but as Underwood High's resident mad scientist, I always figured that if anyone would be responsible for the building catching on fire, it would be me performing one last climactic demonstration on the reactivity of alkali metals. ("And now students we're going to put this fist sized chunk of potassium into this bucket of water...") The school itself is old, and despite the presence of large amounts of asbestos, has many delightfully flammable bits. Still, in my time there the only fire alarms that I've heard going off were the results of either: a. fire drills b. student pranksters pulling the lever and running.
So I was shocked to learn this afternoon around 5:30 when the fire alarm started ringing, it was not a case of either of the aforementioned scenarios, but rather one of the disciplinarians who smelled smoke coming out of one of the walls. I quickly gathered my things and went, along with the rest of the students and staff out of the building as a half dozen fire engines pulled up to the school. This seemed like overkill to me, but later on, when I found out the cause, it made some sense. Apparently, there was a minor electrical fire within the walls, and given the shoddy wiring throughout the school, things could have almost certainly gotten worse had professionals not intervened.
The thing that puzzled me was that the alarm were not audible on the fourth floor. A chemistry teacher colleague of mine was working in her room and only discovered the situation well after the rest of the staff had left. Normally, perhaps an announcement could have been made, but tonight there was no announcement to the rest of the building due to the principal's new habit of locking the main office.
Q: And why pray tell is the office locked after school?
A: Because people are stealing computer equipment (speakers, etc.) from the secretaries' desks after hours, of course!
The ending of the story? Despite my quiet little hope that this would have lasting repercussions, there almost certainly will be school tomorrow. Oh, and if you hear anything about the fire on the news or so forth, just be aware that I am fine, albeit a little more concerned about whether the labs have working fire extinguishers.
Maybe I'm being vain here, but as Underwood High's resident mad scientist, I always figured that if anyone would be responsible for the building catching on fire, it would be me performing one last climactic demonstration on the reactivity of alkali metals. ("And now students we're going to put this fist sized chunk of potassium into this bucket of water...") The school itself is old, and despite the presence of large amounts of asbestos, has many delightfully flammable bits. Still, in my time there the only fire alarms that I've heard going off were the results of either: a. fire drills b. student pranksters pulling the lever and running.
So I was shocked to learn this afternoon around 5:30 when the fire alarm started ringing, it was not a case of either of the aforementioned scenarios, but rather one of the disciplinarians who smelled smoke coming out of one of the walls. I quickly gathered my things and went, along with the rest of the students and staff out of the building as a half dozen fire engines pulled up to the school. This seemed like overkill to me, but later on, when I found out the cause, it made some sense. Apparently, there was a minor electrical fire within the walls, and given the shoddy wiring throughout the school, things could have almost certainly gotten worse had professionals not intervened.
The thing that puzzled me was that the alarm were not audible on the fourth floor. A chemistry teacher colleague of mine was working in her room and only discovered the situation well after the rest of the staff had left. Normally, perhaps an announcement could have been made, but tonight there was no announcement to the rest of the building due to the principal's new habit of locking the main office.
Q: And why pray tell is the office locked after school?
A: Because people are stealing computer equipment (speakers, etc.) from the secretaries' desks after hours, of course!
The ending of the story? Despite my quiet little hope that this would have lasting repercussions, there almost certainly will be school tomorrow. Oh, and if you hear anything about the fire on the news or so forth, just be aware that I am fine, albeit a little more concerned about whether the labs have working fire extinguishers.
Didn't Ann Landers Establish a Precedent?
From the Underwood H.S. "Advice Column Sample" distributed to all homerooms yesterday morning:
I have this boyfriend that I love so much. I like his friend and we had sex. I am having someone's baby but I don't know who the daddy is. Something else happened, I had sex with my boyfriend's father. What should I do?
You know, if you ignore the fourth sentence, this almost sounds like a normal advice column. But no...we have to have a little twist because it's Underwood.
So it goes...
From the Underwood H.S. "Advice Column Sample" distributed to all homerooms yesterday morning:
I have this boyfriend that I love so much. I like his friend and we had sex. I am having someone's baby but I don't know who the daddy is. Something else happened, I had sex with my boyfriend's father. What should I do?
You know, if you ignore the fourth sentence, this almost sounds like a normal advice column. But no...we have to have a little twist because it's Underwood.
So it goes...
Monday, November 14, 2005
Science Re-"Defined"
So, according to the New York Times those zany Kansans are at it again. Apparently in an ingenious attempt to circumvent criticism about potential changes to its biology standards which might allow for the teaching of intelligent design, the State Board of Education in Topeka has decided to redefine science itself.
Now before you start panicking about how the Kansans should all be shipped to Oz where magic works and the rational world is cast aside for a Technicolor fantasy, rest assured that the original definition remains mostly intact. Nonetheless, the changes are rather devious and will move a long way towards forwarding the ultimate agenda of opening the door for alternative theories of, among other things, evolution.
To understand the impact of the changes, consider this excerpt from the original definition of science:
"Science is the human activity of seeking natural explanations for what we observe in the world around us."
Now read the altered version:
[Science is] "a systematic method of continuing investigation that uses observation, hypothesis testing, measurement, experimentation, logical argument and theory building to lead to more adequate explanations of natural phenomena."
At first glance, both definitions appear to promote systematic discussions of natural phenomena, complete with such tried and true aspects as hypothesizing, experimentation, and logical arguments. But notice the change in adjectives before "explanations"? There has been a subtle move from "natural" to "adequate."
In other words, if there is not an explanation to be found in nature...we might as well move towards other, adequate explanations, even if they are not natural. And once you introduce the supernatural into the system...well, all bets are off. I am astounded at the potential hypocrisy of an educational association allowing, with one swift and subtle adjustment of adjectives, all manner of "theories" (and I use the term loosely) into the science classroom that can not be proven or disproven via experimentation. This, as I told my students earlier in the year, is bad science...and I can only shudder at the potential ramifications.
Really, it's enough to make me wonder...what would the flying spaghetti monster do?
* Obviously, I've rescinded my little embargo against the Times, despite my continued ire at being denied access to my favorite columnists. (They're still on the Enemies List though...have no doubt of that!)
So, according to the New York Times those zany Kansans are at it again. Apparently in an ingenious attempt to circumvent criticism about potential changes to its biology standards which might allow for the teaching of intelligent design, the State Board of Education in Topeka has decided to redefine science itself.
Now before you start panicking about how the Kansans should all be shipped to Oz where magic works and the rational world is cast aside for a Technicolor fantasy, rest assured that the original definition remains mostly intact. Nonetheless, the changes are rather devious and will move a long way towards forwarding the ultimate agenda of opening the door for alternative theories of, among other things, evolution.
To understand the impact of the changes, consider this excerpt from the original definition of science:
"Science is the human activity of seeking natural explanations for what we observe in the world around us."
Now read the altered version:
[Science is] "a systematic method of continuing investigation that uses observation, hypothesis testing, measurement, experimentation, logical argument and theory building to lead to more adequate explanations of natural phenomena."
At first glance, both definitions appear to promote systematic discussions of natural phenomena, complete with such tried and true aspects as hypothesizing, experimentation, and logical arguments. But notice the change in adjectives before "explanations"? There has been a subtle move from "natural" to "adequate."
In other words, if there is not an explanation to be found in nature...we might as well move towards other, adequate explanations, even if they are not natural. And once you introduce the supernatural into the system...well, all bets are off. I am astounded at the potential hypocrisy of an educational association allowing, with one swift and subtle adjustment of adjectives, all manner of "theories" (and I use the term loosely) into the science classroom that can not be proven or disproven via experimentation. This, as I told my students earlier in the year, is bad science...and I can only shudder at the potential ramifications.
Really, it's enough to make me wonder...what would the flying spaghetti monster do?
* Obviously, I've rescinded my little embargo against the Times, despite my continued ire at being denied access to my favorite columnists. (They're still on the Enemies List though...have no doubt of that!)
Sunday, November 13, 2005
What We Call "Soccer"
So I realized this evening that it has been far too long since I checked the InvisiblE-mail. Despite a month of absence, there were only two unread pieces of mail, which speaks somewhat to the relative popularity (or lack thereof) of the blog. Still, I try to answer my mail. So, I wrote a quick reply to a reader who stumbled upon the blog and was wishing me luck with the rest of the year.
And then I opened the second letter...and well, I'll just let you read it.
Some major highlights:
1. Apparently, I'm in an Internet directory in Bangkok. That's not at all strange. Nope. Not strange at all!
2. Irish soccer teams are really desparate for players if they're putting out a worldwide search for anyone ages 17-29. (And of course, e-mail users and bloggers are typically known for their athletic prowess!)
3. Irish soccer teams may be desparate, but they take nifty vacations in Thailand.
4. Capitalization appears to be a pick-and-choose kind of thing in ireland. (I mean...Ireland)
5. If you read the end, it almost seems like one could finagle this e-mail into a free trip to Dublin. I suppose it depends on the definition of "compensated." Any friend, brother, etc. who wants in on this?
Ok...enough highlights...read on!
FROM:THE PRESIDENT
DOYLES FOOTBALL CLUB DUBLIN
RE:FOOTBALL PLAYERS NEEDED.
Dear,
I know you must be very surprised to be reading from me,considering the fact that you dont know the identity of the person writing you,but be rest assured that i am writing you with good intentions.
I am mrs nancy doyles,the president and owner of DOYLES FOOTBALL CLUB,a clubside based in dublin,republic of ireland.I got your e-mail contact adress from an internet directory here in bangkok thailand,while browsing the web,searching for talented,fit and skilled young football stars to build my new team with.
DOYLES FOOTBALL CLUB is a clubside i inherited from my late husband,mr patrick doyles.The clubside was disbanded after my husband's untimely death 2 years ago,but was re-opened late this year to carry on with my late husbands dreams of taking the team to greater heights.
For best results for the team,i hired the services of an experienced english coach that has been a former assistant coach in a premiership side in london,i also hired the services of many experienced english technical advisers and assistant coaches.I trust that with their services and that of talented young boys,the sky will be the limit for DOYLES F.C and our aim is to be at the top of the irish league,and onward gradual progress to the premier league.This feats can't be achieved without the help and assistance of young football stars.
DOYLES FOOTBALL CLUBis a football club we want to build around young football stars because we want to start from the grass roots level.The team is currently in bangkok thailand on a 2 months training and trial tour of Thailand.
REASON FOR CONTACTING YOU:If you can play active football well,or if you can not play,but knows or have a brother or a friend that can play well,please contact me on mail by replying to the e-mail adress below.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:each player must be 17 - 29 years old,each player must report at the teams hotel camp here in bangkok thailand for the screening and trial of the player.Interested players should reply to the adress below for more informations on the travel procedures.
So far we have gotten 8 players from africa,5 from south america,4 asians and 3 europeans,1 american has confirmed his flight ticket and will join the rest of the team next week.
The selected players will return to the teams base in dublin,and must sign a compulsory 1 year contract with the team for the kickoff of the irish league,starting early next year.The dropped players will be compensated and they will return to their home country with their return tickets.
best regards and hoping to hear from you soonest.
nancy doyles.
Below is my open reply to this e-mail:
Dear Ms. Doyles:
Thank you for the kind letter.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to help Doyles F.C. make it to the top of the irish league, much less the premiere league. If I left, my students would have no one at whom to throw paper balls and hurl verbal abuse, and ultimately, the children must come first, even if I must pass up a trip to Dublin (or Bangkok!).
Any chance I could still get a Doyles F.C. T-shirt (XL) so that I can show my support for the team? It would really shut up those pesky Arsenal fans.
Best of luck in the coming season.
-Invisible Ben
So I realized this evening that it has been far too long since I checked the InvisiblE-mail. Despite a month of absence, there were only two unread pieces of mail, which speaks somewhat to the relative popularity (or lack thereof) of the blog. Still, I try to answer my mail. So, I wrote a quick reply to a reader who stumbled upon the blog and was wishing me luck with the rest of the year.
And then I opened the second letter...and well, I'll just let you read it.
Some major highlights:
1. Apparently, I'm in an Internet directory in Bangkok. That's not at all strange. Nope. Not strange at all!
2. Irish soccer teams are really desparate for players if they're putting out a worldwide search for anyone ages 17-29. (And of course, e-mail users and bloggers are typically known for their athletic prowess!)
3. Irish soccer teams may be desparate, but they take nifty vacations in Thailand.
4. Capitalization appears to be a pick-and-choose kind of thing in ireland. (I mean...Ireland)
5. If you read the end, it almost seems like one could finagle this e-mail into a free trip to Dublin. I suppose it depends on the definition of "compensated." Any friend, brother, etc. who wants in on this?
Ok...enough highlights...read on!
FROM:THE PRESIDENT
DOYLES FOOTBALL CLUB DUBLIN
RE:FOOTBALL PLAYERS NEEDED.
Dear,
I know you must be very surprised to be reading from me,considering the fact that you dont know the identity of the person writing you,but be rest assured that i am writing you with good intentions.
I am mrs nancy doyles,the president and owner of DOYLES FOOTBALL CLUB,a clubside based in dublin,republic of ireland.I got your e-mail contact adress from an internet directory here in bangkok thailand,while browsing the web,searching for talented,fit and skilled young football stars to build my new team with.
DOYLES FOOTBALL CLUB is a clubside i inherited from my late husband,mr patrick doyles.The clubside was disbanded after my husband's untimely death 2 years ago,but was re-opened late this year to carry on with my late husbands dreams of taking the team to greater heights.
For best results for the team,i hired the services of an experienced english coach that has been a former assistant coach in a premiership side in london,i also hired the services of many experienced english technical advisers and assistant coaches.I trust that with their services and that of talented young boys,the sky will be the limit for DOYLES F.C and our aim is to be at the top of the irish league,and onward gradual progress to the premier league.This feats can't be achieved without the help and assistance of young football stars.
DOYLES FOOTBALL CLUBis a football club we want to build around young football stars because we want to start from the grass roots level.The team is currently in bangkok thailand on a 2 months training and trial tour of Thailand.
REASON FOR CONTACTING YOU:If you can play active football well,or if you can not play,but knows or have a brother or a friend that can play well,please contact me on mail by replying to the e-mail adress below.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:each player must be 17 - 29 years old,each player must report at the teams hotel camp here in bangkok thailand for the screening and trial of the player.Interested players should reply to the adress below for more informations on the travel procedures.
So far we have gotten 8 players from africa,5 from south america,4 asians and 3 europeans,1 american has confirmed his flight ticket and will join the rest of the team next week.
The selected players will return to the teams base in dublin,and must sign a compulsory 1 year contract with the team for the kickoff of the irish league,starting early next year.The dropped players will be compensated and they will return to their home country with their return tickets.
best regards and hoping to hear from you soonest.
nancy doyles.
Below is my open reply to this e-mail:
Dear Ms. Doyles:
Thank you for the kind letter.
Unfortunately, I will not be able to help Doyles F.C. make it to the top of the irish league, much less the premiere league. If I left, my students would have no one at whom to throw paper balls and hurl verbal abuse, and ultimately, the children must come first, even if I must pass up a trip to Dublin (or Bangkok!).
Any chance I could still get a Doyles F.C. T-shirt (XL) so that I can show my support for the team? It would really shut up those pesky Arsenal fans.
Best of luck in the coming season.
-Invisible Ben
Sic Transit Gloria Mundi
A followup...
One thing I didn't mention was that the local movie theater in New Haven, where I saw such fine films as Fight Club and X2 for the first time closed.
As I walked past on Veterans Day, the marquis had a poignant bit of Latin from this entry's title posted instead of a the latest Hollywood blockbuster's name.
It is, after all, only a place, but it still sucks when the good things of our past disappear.
A followup...
One thing I didn't mention was that the local movie theater in New Haven, where I saw such fine films as Fight Club and X2 for the first time closed.
As I walked past on Veterans Day, the marquis had a poignant bit of Latin from this entry's title posted instead of a the latest Hollywood blockbuster's name.
It is, after all, only a place, but it still sucks when the good things of our past disappear.
Four Days Off: The Movie
To begin with, you should know that the school district gave everyone, teachers and students alike, Veterans Day off. This was deemed a good thing on the whole, a chance for everyone to catch their breath and enjoy a three day weekend before Thanksgiving. Given the whole three day weekend thing, you may wonder why this blog post seems to have a numerical discrepancy in its title. The answer is that I took the day before Veterans Day off to undertake a rather daring adventure. It's the sort of stuff from which an interesting independent film could be made.
I can see the trailer now...
1 teacher
2 days
3 major graduate institutions
4 friends from both high school and college
5 prestigious professors
6 entirely different states
This fall...in a theater near you, you will believe Ben will apply...
GRAD SCHOOL!
Yeah, so the fun began on Wednesday at 4 PM, when I bolted home from school, in anticipation of the cab I had called earlier that morning. The plan was to catch the cab, get to the station around 4:30, and possibly catch an early train to Boston. Unfortunately, the cab showed up 45 minutes late. Fortunately, there was still the 5:45 train to catch, so after grabbing some dinner, I was able to plop myself down and read some Neal Stephenson on my way up to South Station.
Unrelated side note: Cryptonomicon was definitely worth the quarter I paid for it at the local library's used book sale.
Arrived in Boston around midnight, and caught the T over to Cambridge. My old friends Mathman (whose blog still needs to be updated...) and Throat had generously offered me a place to stay the night. All I had to do was navigate my way from South Station to near M.I.T. Thankfully, the Boston public transit system worked like a charm, and I only had to dodge raindrops the twenty feet or so between the station and Throat's new car. (By the way if anyone would like a vintage British automobile, I know a guy who's looking to sell.)
A five minute drive later and we were back at the Mathpad watching the end of a basketball game, dining on homemade chocolate desserts, and discussing my plans for the coming day. Mathman's knowledge of the MIT campus proved most valuable, as I had only been there once before and even now, after a second visit,can not explain the arcane numerology that defines their campus. I'm sure there is a logic to it. Maybe if I convert all the building numbers (D-52, C-11) into hexadecimal or something...
In any event, the next morning, some quick goodbyes and then to MIT to meet with folks there about graduate programs. All in all a positive experience, though I remain daunted by statistics of how many apply and how few are accepted. I know such things shouldn't bother me, but they do.
The professors at MIT helped guide me back to the subway, and I bolted over to that other school in Cambridge. Realizing I had plenty of time before my appointment, I quickly saluted Car Talk Plaza and shambled slowly across the Yahd, pausing to note how empty and austere it seemed compared to similar quads I had dealt with in college. Perhaps it was just too windy that November day. But no...things seemed to be hopping at the Science Center. I dodged the ticket sellers, the dancers, the t-shirt vendors (apparently their shirts are of the opinion that Yale sucks!...who knew?!?), and assorted rabble to enter the building, which if you've never been looks something like it is being slowly assimilated by a malevolent air conditioner.
As with MIT, my meeting was interesting and informative. I also stumbled into an old undergraduate associate of mine from New Haven who was now enrolled in the program. He had also studied at the original Cambridge...in England...and was now pursuing his work on this side of the pond. Seemed like he enjoyed the program, which is good. If you talk with graduate students, and they grumble, perhaps that isn't the best of programs.
After that, it was back on the T to South Station, where I wandered aimlessly between train terminal and bus terminal before deciding that the train trip, though slightly more expensive, had the benefit of leaving before 7 that night. So back on the train again, through Rhode Island into Connecticut, and finally arrival in New Haven. I walked north towards the campus of my beloved alma mater, only to realize that in my rush to schedule appointments I had not actually finalized my sleeping arrangements. I scurried to the campus library and took advantage of non-password protected library computers to look up some phone numbers. Then it was off to hit the blue phones. But no one was home! The lesson? Cell phone numbers are becoming increasingly relevant. Some people don't even have landlines!
Eventually, a fortunate break. My old friend the Scotsman, despite having graduated, was still residing in the Elm City, living the good life with the Maestro. A quick cell call later and I was off to the Maestro's place, which is not, as you might think in Tuscany. (There are no rooms to rent there!) My only detour was a quick visit to my residential college, which had just finished being remodeled. The place looked outstanding despite my inability to access any of the new features without a student ID. The basement steam tunnels have been thoroughly cleaned up and integrated with the college next door. There's a full kitchen down there. A renovated game room. A cleaned up printing press. It's astounding.
But not quite as astounding as my accommodations for the evening...a vintage 19th century house updated for the 21st century with HDTV and a hot tub. Let no one say that the Maestro does not know how to host a weary traveler. Good food (homemade pasta and meat sauce!), good drink, good conversation... The Maestro, the Scotsman, and I reminisced about the good old days when our singing group's members didn't all hate each other. It's been 5 years since the group formed and then quickly collapsed, so our thoughts had started to reek slightly of nostalgia. But we caught up on all the gossip, started brainstorming a possible fifth anniversary reunion, and laughed at the comedic genius of Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert. (I do miss cable a little bit...) And then to cap it all off...no sleeping on the couch for the guest! The Maestro knows better. A full double bed for the Invisible Ben? Outstanding!
The four star accommodations continued that morning as we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast of french toast and eggs, and then headed off on our merry ways. Two more interviews, first at the Hall of Graduate Studies (Haggis!) and then the Medical School...both very interesting and thought-provoking. Then, back to the Maestro's house to gauge my options. Although I was relatively certain I could crash an additional night without too much difficulty, I had work that needed to be done back here, and decided I would take a late train back home. So after a quick Thai dinner, which was joined midway through by the Scotsman, I talked myself into and eventually out of staying in New Haven and bid farewell to my friends at the trian station.
Although the train left New Haven on time, from that point on there were several very frustrating delays, especially around New York and Newark, so I only ended up getting home around midnight and then waited another twenty minutes for a cab to make it back here.
All in all, an exciting adventure. Can I say I learned something? Yeah, I did, but that doesn't not necessarily make my life easier. Graduate school applications are a tricky business, and having more information can be simultaneously helpful and overwhelming. But on the whole, it was a very positive experience. I really enjoyed catching up with old friends, visiting different campuses, and traveling. I don't really leave town enough.
To Mathman, Throat, the Scotsman, and the Maestro if you're reading this, thank you so much for the hospitality. If you're ever in my neck of the woods, don't hesitate to drop me a line.
And to those of you I missed during my travels...and there were a few, there will be another time I'm sure.
Perhaps coming soon to a theater near you.
To begin with, you should know that the school district gave everyone, teachers and students alike, Veterans Day off. This was deemed a good thing on the whole, a chance for everyone to catch their breath and enjoy a three day weekend before Thanksgiving. Given the whole three day weekend thing, you may wonder why this blog post seems to have a numerical discrepancy in its title. The answer is that I took the day before Veterans Day off to undertake a rather daring adventure. It's the sort of stuff from which an interesting independent film could be made.
I can see the trailer now...
1 teacher
2 days
3 major graduate institutions
4 friends from both high school and college
5 prestigious professors
6 entirely different states
This fall...in a theater near you, you will believe Ben will apply...
GRAD SCHOOL!
Yeah, so the fun began on Wednesday at 4 PM, when I bolted home from school, in anticipation of the cab I had called earlier that morning. The plan was to catch the cab, get to the station around 4:30, and possibly catch an early train to Boston. Unfortunately, the cab showed up 45 minutes late. Fortunately, there was still the 5:45 train to catch, so after grabbing some dinner, I was able to plop myself down and read some Neal Stephenson on my way up to South Station.
Unrelated side note: Cryptonomicon was definitely worth the quarter I paid for it at the local library's used book sale.
Arrived in Boston around midnight, and caught the T over to Cambridge. My old friends Mathman (whose blog still needs to be updated...) and Throat had generously offered me a place to stay the night. All I had to do was navigate my way from South Station to near M.I.T. Thankfully, the Boston public transit system worked like a charm, and I only had to dodge raindrops the twenty feet or so between the station and Throat's new car. (By the way if anyone would like a vintage British automobile, I know a guy who's looking to sell.)
A five minute drive later and we were back at the Mathpad watching the end of a basketball game, dining on homemade chocolate desserts, and discussing my plans for the coming day. Mathman's knowledge of the MIT campus proved most valuable, as I had only been there once before and even now, after a second visit,can not explain the arcane numerology that defines their campus. I'm sure there is a logic to it. Maybe if I convert all the building numbers (D-52, C-11) into hexadecimal or something...
In any event, the next morning, some quick goodbyes and then to MIT to meet with folks there about graduate programs. All in all a positive experience, though I remain daunted by statistics of how many apply and how few are accepted. I know such things shouldn't bother me, but they do.
The professors at MIT helped guide me back to the subway, and I bolted over to that other school in Cambridge. Realizing I had plenty of time before my appointment, I quickly saluted Car Talk Plaza and shambled slowly across the Yahd, pausing to note how empty and austere it seemed compared to similar quads I had dealt with in college. Perhaps it was just too windy that November day. But no...things seemed to be hopping at the Science Center. I dodged the ticket sellers, the dancers, the t-shirt vendors (apparently their shirts are of the opinion that Yale sucks!...who knew?!?), and assorted rabble to enter the building, which if you've never been looks something like it is being slowly assimilated by a malevolent air conditioner.
As with MIT, my meeting was interesting and informative. I also stumbled into an old undergraduate associate of mine from New Haven who was now enrolled in the program. He had also studied at the original Cambridge...in England...and was now pursuing his work on this side of the pond. Seemed like he enjoyed the program, which is good. If you talk with graduate students, and they grumble, perhaps that isn't the best of programs.
After that, it was back on the T to South Station, where I wandered aimlessly between train terminal and bus terminal before deciding that the train trip, though slightly more expensive, had the benefit of leaving before 7 that night. So back on the train again, through Rhode Island into Connecticut, and finally arrival in New Haven. I walked north towards the campus of my beloved alma mater, only to realize that in my rush to schedule appointments I had not actually finalized my sleeping arrangements. I scurried to the campus library and took advantage of non-password protected library computers to look up some phone numbers. Then it was off to hit the blue phones. But no one was home! The lesson? Cell phone numbers are becoming increasingly relevant. Some people don't even have landlines!
Eventually, a fortunate break. My old friend the Scotsman, despite having graduated, was still residing in the Elm City, living the good life with the Maestro. A quick cell call later and I was off to the Maestro's place, which is not, as you might think in Tuscany. (There are no rooms to rent there!) My only detour was a quick visit to my residential college, which had just finished being remodeled. The place looked outstanding despite my inability to access any of the new features without a student ID. The basement steam tunnels have been thoroughly cleaned up and integrated with the college next door. There's a full kitchen down there. A renovated game room. A cleaned up printing press. It's astounding.
But not quite as astounding as my accommodations for the evening...a vintage 19th century house updated for the 21st century with HDTV and a hot tub. Let no one say that the Maestro does not know how to host a weary traveler. Good food (homemade pasta and meat sauce!), good drink, good conversation... The Maestro, the Scotsman, and I reminisced about the good old days when our singing group's members didn't all hate each other. It's been 5 years since the group formed and then quickly collapsed, so our thoughts had started to reek slightly of nostalgia. But we caught up on all the gossip, started brainstorming a possible fifth anniversary reunion, and laughed at the comedic genius of Jon Stewart and Steven Colbert. (I do miss cable a little bit...) And then to cap it all off...no sleeping on the couch for the guest! The Maestro knows better. A full double bed for the Invisible Ben? Outstanding!
The four star accommodations continued that morning as we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast of french toast and eggs, and then headed off on our merry ways. Two more interviews, first at the Hall of Graduate Studies (Haggis!) and then the Medical School...both very interesting and thought-provoking. Then, back to the Maestro's house to gauge my options. Although I was relatively certain I could crash an additional night without too much difficulty, I had work that needed to be done back here, and decided I would take a late train back home. So after a quick Thai dinner, which was joined midway through by the Scotsman, I talked myself into and eventually out of staying in New Haven and bid farewell to my friends at the trian station.
Although the train left New Haven on time, from that point on there were several very frustrating delays, especially around New York and Newark, so I only ended up getting home around midnight and then waited another twenty minutes for a cab to make it back here.
All in all, an exciting adventure. Can I say I learned something? Yeah, I did, but that doesn't not necessarily make my life easier. Graduate school applications are a tricky business, and having more information can be simultaneously helpful and overwhelming. But on the whole, it was a very positive experience. I really enjoyed catching up with old friends, visiting different campuses, and traveling. I don't really leave town enough.
To Mathman, Throat, the Scotsman, and the Maestro if you're reading this, thank you so much for the hospitality. If you're ever in my neck of the woods, don't hesitate to drop me a line.
And to those of you I missed during my travels...and there were a few, there will be another time I'm sure.
Perhaps coming soon to a theater near you.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Of Guns and Gridlock
I really have very little to discuss regarding the shooting a week ago, which is surprising considering the seriousness of the incident. The student involved was not one of mine, and I can say next to nothing about his attackers except that they were from a rival gang. I did learn that students' choices of baseball hats has something to do with local gang affiliations, favoring teams whose names start with the same one or two letters as their streets. (A gang on Boxer Road for example, might all wear Red Sox caps with the B on them.) I knew about gang colors,but for some reason this connection never became obvious until last week.
The incident itself happened early in the morning, maybe around 8 o'clock, and my first notification came not from the principal or any other administrator, but rather from a fellow chemistry teacher and the school lab technician, both of whom had their heads stuck out the window when I walked towards my room on the third floor. Apparently there had been some commotion: I saw a fire truck come by sirens blaring and security guards motioning students away from its destination. The administration quickly imposed an extended homeroom period, lasting until 9, though this was shortened until 8:40 without further comment.
Later that day it was announced that a student had been shot. Thankfully, it was only a hip wound, and the student is expected to fully recover. Unfortunately, the media had a bit of a field day and the school's reputation for violence got a renewed lifespan on the weekend of the annual high school fair.
The principal took the whole thing pretty hard. She decided today that she needed to meet with all of the students for a town hall meeting. At 11:30, I directed my students to go to the gym, where the boys basketball team had spread a tarp to protect the new gym floors from the dozens of metal chairs laid out in rows. Unfortunately, even with advance notice and knowledge of the schedule, the administration left teachers and students alike stranded in the hallway for approximately 25 minutes in front of the gym waiting for our turn. A dozen teachers and a couple hundred students jammed into a hallway...it was about as fun as you can imagine. When we finally got inside and seated, the principal poured out her heart, imploring the students to leave the foolishness at home and focus on work. She showed them the district wide benchmark figures, which indicate nearly 80% below basic skills in mathematics and around 70% below basic in reading. (I wanted to learn about science, but that data is never provided...)
She was about to introduce a new speaker from a local community anti-violence program, but I can't report on what was said since by that point it was twenty before 1, and I had to leave or I would miss my lunch. The assembly finally ended around 1:20, almost two full hours after we had been told to arrive. It was yet another astounding example of a well-intended plan whose impact was severely undermined due to shoddy execution.
Oh, and on a final note the transit strike has done very little to dampen attendance. In fact, I'm actually getting MORE students. Nothing like having 39 kids on roster in your lowest reading level class. Nothing in the world.
I really have very little to discuss regarding the shooting a week ago, which is surprising considering the seriousness of the incident. The student involved was not one of mine, and I can say next to nothing about his attackers except that they were from a rival gang. I did learn that students' choices of baseball hats has something to do with local gang affiliations, favoring teams whose names start with the same one or two letters as their streets. (A gang on Boxer Road for example, might all wear Red Sox caps with the B on them.) I knew about gang colors,but for some reason this connection never became obvious until last week.
The incident itself happened early in the morning, maybe around 8 o'clock, and my first notification came not from the principal or any other administrator, but rather from a fellow chemistry teacher and the school lab technician, both of whom had their heads stuck out the window when I walked towards my room on the third floor. Apparently there had been some commotion: I saw a fire truck come by sirens blaring and security guards motioning students away from its destination. The administration quickly imposed an extended homeroom period, lasting until 9, though this was shortened until 8:40 without further comment.
Later that day it was announced that a student had been shot. Thankfully, it was only a hip wound, and the student is expected to fully recover. Unfortunately, the media had a bit of a field day and the school's reputation for violence got a renewed lifespan on the weekend of the annual high school fair.
The principal took the whole thing pretty hard. She decided today that she needed to meet with all of the students for a town hall meeting. At 11:30, I directed my students to go to the gym, where the boys basketball team had spread a tarp to protect the new gym floors from the dozens of metal chairs laid out in rows. Unfortunately, even with advance notice and knowledge of the schedule, the administration left teachers and students alike stranded in the hallway for approximately 25 minutes in front of the gym waiting for our turn. A dozen teachers and a couple hundred students jammed into a hallway...it was about as fun as you can imagine. When we finally got inside and seated, the principal poured out her heart, imploring the students to leave the foolishness at home and focus on work. She showed them the district wide benchmark figures, which indicate nearly 80% below basic skills in mathematics and around 70% below basic in reading. (I wanted to learn about science, but that data is never provided...)
She was about to introduce a new speaker from a local community anti-violence program, but I can't report on what was said since by that point it was twenty before 1, and I had to leave or I would miss my lunch. The assembly finally ended around 1:20, almost two full hours after we had been told to arrive. It was yet another astounding example of a well-intended plan whose impact was severely undermined due to shoddy execution.
Oh, and on a final note the transit strike has done very little to dampen attendance. In fact, I'm actually getting MORE students. Nothing like having 39 kids on roster in your lowest reading level class. Nothing in the world.
