A Brewster Smythe's Open Salon Blog

Let's Make a Mistake On Purpose!

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 13:02:44 -0500

Since I hate and have no inclinations towards college math, I decided to spice it up with Einstein quotes to give me a little motivation to keep at it. I found that Einstein has some pretty wild thoughts. What I love to do more than anything is find out if anyone is paying attention, and of course, they are not!

"Technological progress is like an axe in the hands of a pathological criminal" was the heading or beheading of my last post. I knew I could only use so many characters and so decided to use a quote that went beyond the specified amount.

Why did I do this? Well, for one thing, I was procrastinating. I didn't want to work on graphs and linear equations and so I was trying to find any way I could to avoid the work. Secondly, I wanted to see if anyone had the cajones to spit in my eye like they did about Einstein's God quote. The God quote has been used many times and always attributed to Einstein, but of course the Internet is filled with those who, instead of looking for innovation, and adventure, find it more satisfying to argue about Einstein's beliefs in a personal god.

Anyway, I was overjoyed to be able to put off working on linear equations for yet another day. I have worked on them today, and found them to be easy when done algebraically, but not on graphs.

Even though, the T-83 Graphing Calculator is supposed to be a gift to those who can't do math, you have to know how to use it, before it is much help.

Einstein: "Technological progress is like an axe in the han

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:01:38 -0500

Could it be that we are quickly leaving behind the solid periods of reflection, and thought that is so necessary to good judgement?

One important discipline that I have acquired as I have set about this math attack is the necessity to study those areas of life that are hard.

The other day my mother, who is 79, told me that today when she read the newspaper coupons she didn't know what half of the contraptions are that are being adverstised. This isn't from a lack of memory or anything lacking in her intellect. It is just because she is from a generation that has or thinks they have no need for mobile apps or the ipad.

Those of us who come from the babyboomer generation have to find ourselves contemplating this place we find ourselves in. Squeezed between two generations. One, children of a Depression-ravanged parentage and the other, adults witnessing a Great Recession, and walking around with Tweets, and IPhones coming out of their ears.

Tomorrow, I will tackle the intricacies of linear equations. Today, I will throw a pot roast in my crock pot and reflect-while I still can.

"God is Subtle, But He is Not Malicious" - Albert Einstein

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 09:01:31 -0500

Unfortunately, I was not surprised to learn yesterday that only 25% of high school seniors are proficient at math- it was my cross to know that I would have been one of the 75% that was not.

I took a math quiz this morning with the following question included.

Use the equation an = n + 3/3 to complete the following table. Then, of course there was the laundry list beginning with an- and the number starting with 1 to 5. Now, I have been taught this little exercise in the past and been told to pick a number -any number-to begin this exercise.

That's where I begin to lose the logic in algebra. But, I have a lot of problems with logic in a lot of places. Like, where is the logic in a roomful of Republicans spouting off inane talking points to a President whose knows they are full of crap? And, doing it in front of the whole world, no less?

No logic there!

Back to my math challenge? I am finding myself with a lazy mind and an unmotivated heart when it comes to math-but I also believe that I need this discipline and I want to be able to help my grandsons learn this stuff too. Hell, they will probably know more than I do about it in a couple years.

There was no algebra in fourth grade classes in the 60's- perhaps that is why we have such poor instructors today- and why only 25% of high school seniors are proficient in math.

Y = mx+b - And I have to Take My Grandsons to School

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 12:01:40 -0500

What is it about math quizzes that bring out my procrastination key? Perhaps, it is because I am never sure about my skills. Or perhaps it is because I just don't want to do it.

In his recent State of the Union speech Obama stated that we need to get on board with math and science- but what if we were never on board to beging with?

Do not worry about your difficulties in Mathematics. I can assure you mine are still greater." Albert Einstein. When I read this quote I thought to myself, "Can that really be true?' Certainly, it was because Einstein was in enthralled with the beauty of the unfathomable.

Me? I believe I have become a lazy American. I like what I like and do what it easy- perhaps I have become complacent. Perhaps I would prefer to eat hamburgers and french fries, irregardless of the health consequences than face the facts and realize that I need to stick more salmon and spinach down my gullet.

Perhaps, instead of watching Law and Order- I should be practicing linear equations so I can explain the concept to my grandsons when they get there.

This morning, though, I dropped off the boys at their elementary school, and then I went to Walmart, where I did buy some salmon- and then I searched my semi-active brain for other ways to divert my attention from the fact that I had to take a math quiz this morning..

Soon- I will be counting the real number line.

Einstein's Definition of Insanity - Why Math?

Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:01:16 -0500

My hatred for math began in the third grade when a very mean looking teacher slapped his ruler down on my desk and said he would not move until I answered his math questions.

Needless to say this violent act by this wrongly occupied elementary school teacher did nothing to help me enjoy math. Along with the prevailing propoganda at the time that girls were not supposed to be good at math and add in the fact that I was probably more in love with books than numbers and you find a person not in love with math.

Life rolled on. I took required math course, (no algebra) and got our of high school. Then a few years later, decided to obtain an associates degree in business. Math was required, but not very much algebra, and I slid through with nary a backward glance.

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results”. Albert Einsten said this long ago, and it still hold true. Because I decided to get another degree and this time algebra became the bane of my existence and I failed miserably.

So, here I am again facing algebra.

Why? Well, I really want this degree. But, beyond that, is the fact that I have found a certain elegance in the slope and y intercept.

This time I have decided to do it in front of the world and see if I can do better. And, this time, I am bringing along a very old tutor- Einstein at his most articulate.

Come along with me while I slip and slide through x and y coordinates. See me cry as I try to understand arithmetic sequences. After all, is only for one semester.

I hope!