First is an enterprising gent who decided that building Stonehenge should be no big deal, as long as you have a bit of engineering know-how (and the family to cheer you on):
When we were recently in Savannah, Georgia, I was fascinated by the size of the cargo ships that ran the river. Of course someone has to build them - not hard to picture. But getting them into the water... well, you don't back the trailer down the boat launch, do you. Not with a vessel that size:
Ship Launching - Click here for the most popular videos
Showing posts with label video. Show all posts
Showing posts with label video. Show all posts
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
One More on Climate Change
Still not meaning to get political, I intend this next example to be a warning about looking at data. The fact is, anyone with an agenda can manipulate the presentation of data in this way. Students need to know not only how graphs work, but how the data set can be presented to appear to be something other than it actually is. This video examines a graph commonly used in AGW (Anthropogenic Global Warming) presentations.
Whether dealing with junk science, or with claimed rates of return for a mutual fund, or any number of situations, people need to know to ask questions. They also need to know which questions to ask. Skepticism is always healthy, and especially when someone is reaching for your wallet. More especially when they claim to be doing you good while reaching for your wallet!
Whether dealing with junk science, or with claimed rates of return for a mutual fund, or any number of situations, people need to know to ask questions. They also need to know which questions to ask. Skepticism is always healthy, and especially when someone is reaching for your wallet. More especially when they claim to be doing you good while reaching for your wallet!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Faith versus Science
Devoutly religious types are often accused of accepting faith over science. I think it an unfair characterization; I find that most of the devout people I know are highly educated, and understand science as well or better than the average fellow. Some may disagree with some current scientific theories, but have the historical perspective to understand that today's accepted science can become tomorrow's example of faulty or incomplete understanding.
Those who declare themselves to be intellectually above superstition and religion often lack a certain perspective. G. K. Chesterton described it thus: "When men choose not to believe in God, they do not thereafter believe in nothing, they then become capable of believing in anything."
I find this to be proven in today's culture, and specifically in the on-going debate about Anthropomorphically-caused Global Warming. When warming does not take place as expected, we change the term to Anthropogenic Climate Change (as though the climate of the Earth has never before changed). When questions are raised about observed effects, methodologies used, or possible alternative hypotheses are proposed, the "true believers" respond with fierceness, even calling in some extreme cases for imprisonment or death as a punishment for the heresies. These are the people who accept AGW on faith while assuming a cloak of scientism.
Following is an example of faith in the guise of science trumping true science. Lord Monckton (Christopher Walter Monckton, 3rd Viscount Monckton of Brenchley) interviews a young lady who is in attendance at the Copenhagen climate summit. Her responses to Monckton's questions are interesting; her obstinate refusal to question her beliefs in the face of contradictory scientific evidence is enlightening.
Considering that our kids are being force fed junk science in public schools, it is particularly important that some students (home schoolers and others) learn that the science is not settled. They need to learn skepticism. They need to understand that a new religion is being accepted in our culture, and they need to find ways to argue facts without attacking deeply held belief (evangelism in its essence). They need to understand how wicked men use this new religion (as they have, at times, used Christianity and other religions) to manipulate and control others, while they profit nicely. This whole episode can be instructive, and will prepare our children for future leadership.
Those who declare themselves to be intellectually above superstition and religion often lack a certain perspective. G. K. Chesterton described it thus: "When men choose not to believe in God, they do not thereafter believe in nothing, they then become capable of believing in anything."
I find this to be proven in today's culture, and specifically in the on-going debate about Anthropomorphically-caused Global Warming. When warming does not take place as expected, we change the term to Anthropogenic Climate Change (as though the climate of the Earth has never before changed). When questions are raised about observed effects, methodologies used, or possible alternative hypotheses are proposed, the "true believers" respond with fierceness, even calling in some extreme cases for imprisonment or death as a punishment for the heresies. These are the people who accept AGW on faith while assuming a cloak of scientism.
Following is an example of faith in the guise of science trumping true science. Lord Monckton (Christopher Walter Monckton, 3rd Viscount Monckton of Brenchley) interviews a young lady who is in attendance at the Copenhagen climate summit. Her responses to Monckton's questions are interesting; her obstinate refusal to question her beliefs in the face of contradictory scientific evidence is enlightening.
Considering that our kids are being force fed junk science in public schools, it is particularly important that some students (home schoolers and others) learn that the science is not settled. They need to learn skepticism. They need to understand that a new religion is being accepted in our culture, and they need to find ways to argue facts without attacking deeply held belief (evangelism in its essence). They need to understand how wicked men use this new religion (as they have, at times, used Christianity and other religions) to manipulate and control others, while they profit nicely. This whole episode can be instructive, and will prepare our children for future leadership.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Water Droplets in Super Slow Motion
Slow motion photography and videography can reveal some very interesting phenomena. Here we see a drop of water bouncing on a larger volume of water - an unexpected sight.
This reaction reminds me of the Leidenfrost Effect; of course, the physics behind each is quite different.
When one first sees such an unusual effect, being contrary to what one might believe would happen under such a circumstance, a strong spark of interest is ignited. What fun.
This reaction reminds me of the Leidenfrost Effect; of course, the physics behind each is quite different.
When one first sees such an unusual effect, being contrary to what one might believe would happen under such a circumstance, a strong spark of interest is ignited. What fun.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Veteran's Day
It is easy to explain to our kids, in a technical way, what Veteran's Day means. How do you capture some of the emotion involved?
In this case, video can be a powerful tool. This is a nice little visit to the Memorial with some WWII Vets.
In this case, video can be a powerful tool. This is a nice little visit to the Memorial with some WWII Vets.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Another Reason to Home-School
It seems odd, but I have trouble working up some righteous anger over this - it has gone so far that it is now in the realm of being ridiculous.
You may have seen the classroom video (since removed from YouTube) of children singing (chanting) their praises of our President. Well, really, they are singing what the instructors taught, as I truly doubt these young children would sing songs about equal work for equal pay.
The religious imagery used is just silly. Taken from the children's hymn ("Jesus Loves the Little Children"), the verse is changed from:
Red and yellow
Black and white
They are precious in His sight.
Jesus loves the little children
Of the world.
To:
Red and yellow
Black and white
They are equal in His sight.
Barack Hussein Obama.
The Principal of the school, on learning of this controversy, was justifiably outraged. Outraged, that is, that the video was leaked without permission. The indoctrination and pseudo-religious motif were not, evidently, problematic.
Let us forget the political aspect of this event; we can only laugh at the religious implications of these teachers using slightly altered Christian hymns to make obeisance to any political figure. But we can ask ourselves these questions: What did the teachers think they were going to accomplish? What did the teachers think the students would gain from the exercise? After all, isn't school about the kids, not the teachers? Why did they think this was in any way appropriate in a public school setting?
Of course, if we lack a Masters Degree in Education, we are told we are not qualified to second guess these educational experts. As parents, however, we are qualified to make decisions on whether this type of activity, rare as it may be, truly meets the educational needs of our children. That is why we home school.
You may have seen the classroom video (since removed from YouTube) of children singing (chanting) their praises of our President. Well, really, they are singing what the instructors taught, as I truly doubt these young children would sing songs about equal work for equal pay.
The religious imagery used is just silly. Taken from the children's hymn ("Jesus Loves the Little Children"), the verse is changed from:
Red and yellow
Black and white
They are precious in His sight.
Jesus loves the little children
Of the world.
To:
Red and yellow
Black and white
They are equal in His sight.
Barack Hussein Obama.
The Principal of the school, on learning of this controversy, was justifiably outraged. Outraged, that is, that the video was leaked without permission. The indoctrination and pseudo-religious motif were not, evidently, problematic.
Let us forget the political aspect of this event; we can only laugh at the religious implications of these teachers using slightly altered Christian hymns to make obeisance to any political figure. But we can ask ourselves these questions: What did the teachers think they were going to accomplish? What did the teachers think the students would gain from the exercise? After all, isn't school about the kids, not the teachers? Why did they think this was in any way appropriate in a public school setting?
Of course, if we lack a Masters Degree in Education, we are told we are not qualified to second guess these educational experts. As parents, however, we are qualified to make decisions on whether this type of activity, rare as it may be, truly meets the educational needs of our children. That is why we home school.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Long Time No Post
Man, what a month. Not much time to post new stuff - been testing the kids (standardized tests required by the State of Colorado, assessments for St. Thomas Aquinas Academy), been dealing with church-related stuff, and... well, we are now dog people. More on that later.
Meanwhile, just to get back into posting... is that Alan?
Meanwhile, just to get back into posting... is that Alan?
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Friday, August 14, 2009
How an Automotive Differential Works
OK, so I am not a car aficionado - if it runs, I drive it. If it breaks, with a few relatively easy exceptions, I take it to the mechanic. When I do work on cars, it is usually with the assistance of a series of expletives I would rather my children not hear.
And knowing the terminology? Well, I think the doomaflogit is connected to the thingamabobber.
But I do have a strong interest in things mechanical (coupled with poor mechanical ability, a dangerous combination!), and my youngest daughter, even at age seven, is very much interested in how things work.
So I found this video very interesting and easy to understand.
And knowing the terminology? Well, I think the doomaflogit is connected to the thingamabobber.
But I do have a strong interest in things mechanical (coupled with poor mechanical ability, a dangerous combination!), and my youngest daughter, even at age seven, is very much interested in how things work.
So I found this video very interesting and easy to understand.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
What's the weather like... in Space?
A neat little page crammed with a ton of information, SpaceWeather.com is well worth the trip. I first came across this site when looking for a report on sunspot activity (yes, I am one of those who believe the sun has more of an effect on Earth's climate than does my car). Well, there on the front page is an image of the Sun with the latest sunspot activity (none, as of this writing).
Poke around a little, and you will find all kinds of interesting information and links. For instance, how about a link to the NASA web site, and a ground level view of the lunar lander Challenger lifting off. Or, how about a wake-up call the next time the Northern Lights are visible (there is a charge for this service)?
This is a great site for daily information for serious amateur astronomers, and a fun site to explore for anyone interested in astronomy.
Poke around a little, and you will find all kinds of interesting information and links. For instance, how about a link to the NASA web site, and a ground level view of the lunar lander Challenger lifting off. Or, how about a wake-up call the next time the Northern Lights are visible (there is a charge for this service)?
This is a great site for daily information for serious amateur astronomers, and a fun site to explore for anyone interested in astronomy.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Spelling Bee - Numb what?
Kind of cute, this poor fellow thought the judges threw him a rude word. His shock then relief is funny.
Does the healthcare debate teach us about economics?
Or is this more of a civics lesson?
I start by reminding myself that this is not a political blog - and yet, I have to admit to varying degrees of upset and frustration as I see the current Congress and Administration move us rapidly down a disastrous road.
To concentrate on one aspect of this disturbing push, the "debate" over the health care system provides a lesson that we do not have to glean from history; we can watch it and experience it in person.
Economics: one side claims they will reduce health care costs, cover more people, and improve services; the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office claims the plan will actually cost over a trillion dollars; the opposing side claims the cost will be much higher than that, or else rationing will be necessary. Can we know the truth?
The history of our own country could be a guide. Ask your student to research the debate over Medicare and Medicaid. Both were touted as cures to the problems of our health care system. Compare the cost estimates generated by their proponents in Congress, the estimates of cost generated by the CBO, and the actual costs. For a more advanced economic comparison, consider that Medicare and Medicaid underpay hospitals and doctors, who then shift those costs onto patients covered by private insurance. What does Medicare/Medicaid really cost?
Now jump forward, and apply the factor by which Medicare/Medicaid costs were underestimated to the current cost estimates for the plans being proposed by Congress and the administration. How much will this experiment cost? And, considering there will be no private insurers to shift the costs onto, how much revenue will have to be raised (through increased taxes) to pay for this new system?
Wait a minute (I hear you say) - the President and Congress have said that private insurance will still be allowed. But.. let us shift to a civics lesson now. How do politicians assure you that you will have what you want, while they take it away from you? This editorial in Investors Business Daily (highly recommended, by the way, for any students who are of an age to begin investing [and yes, I admit that my girls watch the financial channel with me, and have more than a nodding acquaintance with the stock markets even though they are not yet out of grade school]) is an excellent lesson in the duplicitous nature of the political beast.
More civics: what happens to a government when there are no longer checks and balances? When the Congress and the Executive are in lock step with each other, and the party in control has a majority of sufficient size to block dissension, where are the checks and balances?
The Judicial is supposed to be the final check, but is the nationalization of a portion of our economy unconstitutional? If there is a chance for court intervention, would any particular citizen have standing before the court? OK, this may be getting into questions most homeschoolers will not be able to answer, because I think scholars will be divided on the answer. It makes for an interesting thought experiment, though.
Ah, but the final check and balance comes from the so-called Fourth Estate. No, not the conventional press, as few in the legacy media seem to have an interest in providing detail in this debate. Yes, they publish the press releases and cover the media events, and perhaps add a little editorial comment disguised as news, but have they provided us with a look at how these proposals work in other countries? Surprisingly, no! However, there are those enterprising folks in the so-called New Media who have. Take this young fellow, who was raised in Canada and has friends in Canada. He has given us a patient's-eye view of the Canadian system:
An entertaining look. For a more general look, taken from various British publications, try this list of links. Harry Erwin's "Letters from England" cover a variety of topics, but he often has reports on the British health care system. This is from a Google search of Jerry Pournelle's blog - another site with some tremendous information on it.
So, we have a lesson for our students. A lesson in looking beyond the speeches, diving deeper than the press releases, ferreting out the lies and distortions. A lesson in using the resources that are now easily available through the Web, and a lesson in critical thinking. And the lesson for the home school teacher? Perhaps for most a reinforcement than a lesson; we can provide our children with mental tools, with critical skills, that the public schools (and many private schools) will not encourage or develop in their students - much to the detriment of our society and our culture.
I start by reminding myself that this is not a political blog - and yet, I have to admit to varying degrees of upset and frustration as I see the current Congress and Administration move us rapidly down a disastrous road.
To concentrate on one aspect of this disturbing push, the "debate" over the health care system provides a lesson that we do not have to glean from history; we can watch it and experience it in person.
Economics: one side claims they will reduce health care costs, cover more people, and improve services; the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office claims the plan will actually cost over a trillion dollars; the opposing side claims the cost will be much higher than that, or else rationing will be necessary. Can we know the truth?
The history of our own country could be a guide. Ask your student to research the debate over Medicare and Medicaid. Both were touted as cures to the problems of our health care system. Compare the cost estimates generated by their proponents in Congress, the estimates of cost generated by the CBO, and the actual costs. For a more advanced economic comparison, consider that Medicare and Medicaid underpay hospitals and doctors, who then shift those costs onto patients covered by private insurance. What does Medicare/Medicaid really cost?
Now jump forward, and apply the factor by which Medicare/Medicaid costs were underestimated to the current cost estimates for the plans being proposed by Congress and the administration. How much will this experiment cost? And, considering there will be no private insurers to shift the costs onto, how much revenue will have to be raised (through increased taxes) to pay for this new system?
Wait a minute (I hear you say) - the President and Congress have said that private insurance will still be allowed. But.. let us shift to a civics lesson now. How do politicians assure you that you will have what you want, while they take it away from you? This editorial in Investors Business Daily (highly recommended, by the way, for any students who are of an age to begin investing [and yes, I admit that my girls watch the financial channel with me, and have more than a nodding acquaintance with the stock markets even though they are not yet out of grade school]) is an excellent lesson in the duplicitous nature of the political beast.
More civics: what happens to a government when there are no longer checks and balances? When the Congress and the Executive are in lock step with each other, and the party in control has a majority of sufficient size to block dissension, where are the checks and balances?
The Judicial is supposed to be the final check, but is the nationalization of a portion of our economy unconstitutional? If there is a chance for court intervention, would any particular citizen have standing before the court? OK, this may be getting into questions most homeschoolers will not be able to answer, because I think scholars will be divided on the answer. It makes for an interesting thought experiment, though.
Ah, but the final check and balance comes from the so-called Fourth Estate. No, not the conventional press, as few in the legacy media seem to have an interest in providing detail in this debate. Yes, they publish the press releases and cover the media events, and perhaps add a little editorial comment disguised as news, but have they provided us with a look at how these proposals work in other countries? Surprisingly, no! However, there are those enterprising folks in the so-called New Media who have. Take this young fellow, who was raised in Canada and has friends in Canada. He has given us a patient's-eye view of the Canadian system:
An entertaining look. For a more general look, taken from various British publications, try this list of links. Harry Erwin's "Letters from England" cover a variety of topics, but he often has reports on the British health care system. This is from a Google search of Jerry Pournelle's blog - another site with some tremendous information on it.
So, we have a lesson for our students. A lesson in looking beyond the speeches, diving deeper than the press releases, ferreting out the lies and distortions. A lesson in using the resources that are now easily available through the Web, and a lesson in critical thinking. And the lesson for the home school teacher? Perhaps for most a reinforcement than a lesson; we can provide our children with mental tools, with critical skills, that the public schools (and many private schools) will not encourage or develop in their students - much to the detriment of our society and our culture.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Physics and Astronomy Symbols
A very cool link to a project of the University of Nottingham called Sixty Symbols. Clicking on a symbol will give you an explanation of the symbol, and a professorial explanation of why the symbol and what it represents is important.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Daddy, How Do You Make a Car?
My youngest always has another easy-to-answer question! With her talent for math, and her interest in how things work, I suspect we may have a budding engineer.
Anyway, I've shown her a variety of YouTube videos on modern manufacture, some older newsreels (they tend heavily toward a pro-labor movement emphasis, not so much the actual assembly), and the like.
Here is an interesting video about manufacture for the 1939 World's Fair - animation, color, and 3-D effects. Must have wowed them in '39!
Anyway, I've shown her a variety of YouTube videos on modern manufacture, some older newsreels (they tend heavily toward a pro-labor movement emphasis, not so much the actual assembly), and the like.
Here is an interesting video about manufacture for the 1939 World's Fair - animation, color, and 3-D effects. Must have wowed them in '39!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Government Budgets Illustrated
This short video is an interesting look at our federal budget, and the effect of cutting what one would think is a very large amount from that budget. Fact is, these numbers are so large that few can visualize how much money is involved, or how one huge number relates to another.
The concept behind this visualization is the same used by the math program we use here (Math-U-See) -- use manipulatives, that is, tangible/physical items that bring a material representation to an intellectual concept.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Thank God for the United States Marine Corps
Not normal home-school stuff here, but let me tell you a little story....
We took a long weekend to drive down into the San Luis Valley in southern Colorado. Sandhill Cranes migrate through this area in the spring, and it is a sight to behold. Hundreds, perhaps even thousands of the birds in the fields and in the air. If you have never heard their call, check out this video.
The festival is always fun, the kids get to eat, shop, view the cranes, and maybe even learn a little about birding. And, frankly, the trip down there is through some beautiful countryside, the sight of these magnificent birds against the snow covered peaks is awesome, and the entire experience is great! Don't expect to find gourmet food or five star lodging, but do expect to find friendly people.
So where does the Marine Corps fit into this story?
As we descended into the valley, my attention was on the road, as a driver ahead of us was pulling over to the shoulder. My wife exclaimed, "Did that just happen, or is it old?" I looked where she was looking, and saw the overturned car. It was still smoking/steaming, so I pulled over and called it in. She hopped out, and started back to the wreck, and I turned our car around and drove back to the accident site.
When I got out, I handed the phone to my wife, and headed toward the wreck, hoping that the first aid I learned a hundred years ago in Boy Scouts would suffice. There were two women at the scene, with one man laying on the ground. I was relieved when one of the women told the man on the ground that she was trained in emergency first aid and CPR. I asked if there was anyone else in the car, and yes, there was a woman in there. She was being helped out, so I escorted her up the grade to the side of the road.
When I returned, the first woman was trying to get the man to his feet. "Should we move him?" asked the second woman. "From my experience with overturned, smoking vehicles in the Marines - yes, we move him. If that car blows up, we don't want to be near it."
OK, if she wasn't in charge of this scene before, she is now. I helped her get this man to his feet. Once he was up, head bleeding, dazed, he looked at me and politely said "Hello". We must observe the proprieties, mustn't we. I grinned and kept him moving.
When we had him to the road side, another danger was evident - we are away from the possible fire, but the danger of a car hitting one of the parked cars was high, as we were just past a blind curve in the road. I sent my wife for our first aid kit, and our Marine started issuing more orders. She had already sent someone to a nearby house to phone emergency on a land line, and as she started to tend to this gentleman's head wound she said "I need someone to flag traffic." I took off - never in the military, but I know how to follow orders! When the emergency crews arrived they noted, pleased, that everything was already under control.
I regret I didn't get this woman's name, but I did shake her hand and thank her for her service. I also told her how lucky the injured man was to have her there. She humbly said she was just happy to be able to help. She is not currently enlisted, but she is a shining example of all the Corps represents.
As I told my girls, if I am ever in that kind of situation, send in the Marines!
We took a long weekend to drive down into the San Luis Valley in southern Colorado. Sandhill Cranes migrate through this area in the spring, and it is a sight to behold. Hundreds, perhaps even thousands of the birds in the fields and in the air. If you have never heard their call, check out this video.
The festival is always fun, the kids get to eat, shop, view the cranes, and maybe even learn a little about birding. And, frankly, the trip down there is through some beautiful countryside, the sight of these magnificent birds against the snow covered peaks is awesome, and the entire experience is great! Don't expect to find gourmet food or five star lodging, but do expect to find friendly people.
So where does the Marine Corps fit into this story?
As we descended into the valley, my attention was on the road, as a driver ahead of us was pulling over to the shoulder. My wife exclaimed, "Did that just happen, or is it old?" I looked where she was looking, and saw the overturned car. It was still smoking/steaming, so I pulled over and called it in. She hopped out, and started back to the wreck, and I turned our car around and drove back to the accident site.
When I got out, I handed the phone to my wife, and headed toward the wreck, hoping that the first aid I learned a hundred years ago in Boy Scouts would suffice. There were two women at the scene, with one man laying on the ground. I was relieved when one of the women told the man on the ground that she was trained in emergency first aid and CPR. I asked if there was anyone else in the car, and yes, there was a woman in there. She was being helped out, so I escorted her up the grade to the side of the road.
When I returned, the first woman was trying to get the man to his feet. "Should we move him?" asked the second woman. "From my experience with overturned, smoking vehicles in the Marines - yes, we move him. If that car blows up, we don't want to be near it."
OK, if she wasn't in charge of this scene before, she is now. I helped her get this man to his feet. Once he was up, head bleeding, dazed, he looked at me and politely said "Hello". We must observe the proprieties, mustn't we. I grinned and kept him moving.
When we had him to the road side, another danger was evident - we are away from the possible fire, but the danger of a car hitting one of the parked cars was high, as we were just past a blind curve in the road. I sent my wife for our first aid kit, and our Marine started issuing more orders. She had already sent someone to a nearby house to phone emergency on a land line, and as she started to tend to this gentleman's head wound she said "I need someone to flag traffic." I took off - never in the military, but I know how to follow orders! When the emergency crews arrived they noted, pleased, that everything was already under control.
I regret I didn't get this woman's name, but I did shake her hand and thank her for her service. I also told her how lucky the injured man was to have her there. She humbly said she was just happy to be able to help. She is not currently enlisted, but she is a shining example of all the Corps represents.
As I told my girls, if I am ever in that kind of situation, send in the Marines!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
Dancing - manly yet fun
I have committed to dancing at my daughters' recitals again this year. No, I am not a dancer - the instructor is patient, the dance fairly easy, and I pay attention, so I get by. Last year was a bit of James Brown (love the music, but I am as far from funky as you can get); the previous year was a Viennese Waltz to Chicago's Color My World.
At any rate, with that in mind, I came across a superb example of dance from a couple of fellows not normally known for dancing.
Nah, I'm not anywhere near that talented!
At any rate, with that in mind, I came across a superb example of dance from a couple of fellows not normally known for dancing.
Nah, I'm not anywhere near that talented!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Learning Italian
We are starting a study of Italian. We know a bit of Mandarin Chinese, and some phrases in French and German, but in starting our foreign language course we decided on Italian.
I came across this site - not a comprehensive course by any means, but a neat little site with audio examples of pronunciation. Worth a look - and the links to music sung by Pavarotti and Bocelli are well worth the time to enjoy.
I came across this site - not a comprehensive course by any means, but a neat little site with audio examples of pronunciation. Worth a look - and the links to music sung by Pavarotti and Bocelli are well worth the time to enjoy.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Can Economics be Fun?
A very important subject, one which I think gets short shrift in modern curricula, and one which is increasingly important, is basic economics. Many people roll their glazed eyes at the thought of subjecting themselves (or their kids) to some boring economics lecture or book.
If you are younger than I (and many are) you may not know of Free to Choose, a wonderful book by Nobel Prize winning economist Milton Friedman. Dr. Friedman helps explain in clear language what markets are and how interactions between the players in markets affects all that we do.
Even better than the book is the PBS series that the book spawned. Better in that Dr. Friedman relays in a short video the basic principles of a chapter of his book, not by lecturing, but by traveling the world and demonstrating examples of those principles. Then the action shifts to a university setting, where an audience watches Dr. Friedman debate the merits of his arguments with a variety of opposing views. My wife and I used to watch this as often as possible when it first appeared in 1980.
I was thrilled to learn that The Idea Channel has the DVD set available for purchase, and also has streaming video of each segment on line at no charge! Please, take the time to view one or two if you haven't already seen this tremendous series. It is well worth the time, and is an easy way to impart basic economic principles to your students.
If you are younger than I (and many are) you may not know of Free to Choose, a wonderful book by Nobel Prize winning economist Milton Friedman. Dr. Friedman helps explain in clear language what markets are and how interactions between the players in markets affects all that we do.
Even better than the book is the PBS series that the book spawned. Better in that Dr. Friedman relays in a short video the basic principles of a chapter of his book, not by lecturing, but by traveling the world and demonstrating examples of those principles. Then the action shifts to a university setting, where an audience watches Dr. Friedman debate the merits of his arguments with a variety of opposing views. My wife and I used to watch this as often as possible when it first appeared in 1980.
I was thrilled to learn that The Idea Channel has the DVD set available for purchase, and also has streaming video of each segment on line at no charge! Please, take the time to view one or two if you haven't already seen this tremendous series. It is well worth the time, and is an easy way to impart basic economic principles to your students.
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