I’ve picked up a few French phrases the past deux semaines watching les Jeux Olympiques. Among others I’d say “apropos” and “touche.” These are the sentiments that came to mind when reading the viral Tweet of American sprinter Quincy Wilson, … Continue reading
Today on Math and Musings Franklin and I discuss our recent trip to New York City. Actually the trip was like a month ago and I’ve been to several other cities and states since, but for better or worse the podcast … Continue reading
Someday I’ll enjoy saying that I’ve been to all 50 states. I’d been stalled at 38 for several years, actually, not just because of Covid but because, well, they just get harder and harder to collect. Two days ago I … Continue reading
I’m traveling through southern Virginia these days, among other things enjoying cheap prices and little traffic. This is real America, that 97 percent of the country outside the few bubbles that make the news and where I spend 97 percent … Continue reading
To fully celebrate the 2024 Paris Olympics, Franklin and I compete in a few “summer games” ourselves on today’s episode of Math and Musings. Topics include swimming, barbecues, and gummy candies in the shape of army men. It makes sense in … Continue reading
When I was a kid and the power went out it was mildly annoying. In 2024, though, when that tantalizing Internet (and the useless things like lights and refrigerators) are unavailable, somehow I can’t even function. My students often ask … Continue reading
Most of the athletes are closer to my son’s age than my own. Most of the sports I haven’t thought about since 2021. When they show celebrities in the crowd it’s only 50-50 that I actually know who they are. … Continue reading
Paris 2024 Olympic Ceremonies are tonight, and we’ve got you covered at Math and Musings. On today’s episode I quiz Franklin with some Olympic trivia, then he turns the tables on me as well. Luckily both of us are quite good-natured … Continue reading
I’ve just finished reading Ellen Jovin’s Rebel with a Clause: Tales and Tips from a Roving Grammarian, one of the more insightful and entertaining books I’ve read in quite some time. I have but one complaint: Damn, I wish I’d thought … Continue reading
When we were students in college, Joe Sullivan and I talked about producing an academic report on what the real reason was every time a politician dropped out of a race. The pol usually gave some version of, I want to spend … Continue reading