While our real-life counterparts are in school today, on Math and Musings Franklin and I are in New York City. I’m realizing now we should have spent the summer recording more of these vacation episodes, producing a kind of endless summer on the podcast.
There’s always next year.
This summer I’ve really enjoyed listening to the “new” musical release from Lee Mendelson Film Productions, the soundtrack to It Was a Short Summer, Charlie Brown.
It’s Vince Guaraldi and company, doing what can be described simply as “Charlie Brown jazz.” Some pieces were used in the short film and some are previously-unreleased material, but it’s all top notch.
Though I’ll admit the title is hitting a little close to home today.
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, 16 years young. After running in the 4×400 relay he reminded us that he has school starting in a couple weeks.
Touche, young Quincy.
And for me it’s actually deux jours.
As Quincy said… dang.
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 is only once a week.
Nice to reminisce a bit as I listen today.
Hope you do too.
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 drove to Tennessee because… it was the closest state on my list of states I’d never been to.
Yup.
Remember, the best gift you can give yourself is a good story to tell.
I ever tell you about the time I drove to Tennessee just to say I’d been to Tennessee?
Great way to spend a Monday.
Like George Mallory and Mount Everest, I went because it was there. And someday, yes someday, I’ll say that I’ve been to all 50.
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 of my time.
When Trump wins in November I’m going to remember this and not be surprised.
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 context.
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 me how I possibly survived in an era without cellphones and Wi-Fi.
Honestly I have no idea.
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.
But I haven’t turned the Olympics off my television since Friday.
It’s damn good TV.
And also I’m worried that if I turned it off I’d never be able to figure out how to find it again.
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 about the whole thing.
Enjoy.