Writer's Block
While I love science, there are nights like these where I need a mental break from science. Unlike Dave Letterman, this scientist does have an off position. So let's look at the week in review. In a fascinating conversation with a colleague I learned that I am not the only one worried about seeing a small number of students at the college level -and in a highly selective institution - struggle with algebra. It does not seem serious at this point and it may never be, but it's something to watch. I also learned how concerned admissions folks are about science and math in the US and how much work they put in to recruiting top science students. It really was reassuring to hear of their efforts, to be honest.
And then there was this. The web was abuzz when poor Bill Nye fainted on stage and the audience rushed to their iphones and blackberries to tell the world about it while he lay there helpless. It's an odd thing and I feel badly for him. On the bright side, anthroplogists will probably study it for decades so Nye can take heart in that perhaps...