2008 Olympics: Closing Thoughts

I thought NBC did a fabulous job with the Olympics. However, I was still glad I recorded them and could fast forward later. For example, I didn’t have to watch a single commercial for Deal or No Deal. Did those of that watched the Olympics live eventually just give in and think, “Okay, I’ll watch it. Leave me alone.”
Of the few commercials I saw there was one I particularly enjoyed. Two youth soccer teams competed for the championship. They showed the winners celebrating with trophies and elation, while the losing team was left defeated and deflated. Then a parent on the losing team brought all the kids McDonalds and the emotions of the boys trade places. Also, in the spirit of the games, I liked the Visa commercials with Morgan Freeman.
I fast forwarded many of the preliminary events, and all of the medal ceremonies, until the last day during the gold medal ceremony for the Men’s Volleyball Team. I guess I got a little sentimental with the Olympics nearing the end, and I watched that one.
During one of the diving events a participant failed to do his best dive and the female commentator said, “They may need to add more water to the pool after that entry.”

One night I found myself watching women run a marathon.

Clearly, this is not a made for TV event.

I would have preferred to just see the highlights. It reminded me of other things that go on too long to enjoy watching them in their entirety like: golf, the closing ceremonies, and the Sex in the City Movie.
I got to go. I may be hallucinating. I think I just saw Jackie Chan sing a solo during the closing ceremonies.

My Goal as an Educator

At a conference I was asked what qualities I would like my students to have in 5-10 years. I came up with seven. I don’t know what to title all of them, and I may revise the list over time, but below are my initial thoughts. I shouldn't be surprised that only one directly relates to mathematics. Teaching math is my job description, but not necessarily my primary objective.

• Lifelong Learner- Always seek to gain further understanding in all areas of life

• Perseverance- Sometimes things are tough, but we still have to get through them

• Integrity- "Doing the right thing even when no one else is looking." (I got that definition from one of my students during a class discussion)

• Problem-Solving Capacity- Increased ability to think and reason

• Expression- Ability to express oneself with words

• Appropriate Conduct- The knowledge and understanding of the appropriate way to act depending on the situation

• Consideration/Selflessness- There are other people in this world besides you; act like it.

Deep Thoughts

I was watching the Olympics and one of the commentators said, "Experience favors those who win."

I'm still trying to figure that one out.

Also, I'm wondering if this only applies to track and field.

Electric Scooter

I was shopping for a bicycle on Craigslist, but came across an ad for this scooter.

The ad read:

Scooter does not work, but charger is new and does work.

I found the information about the charger to be irrelevant at that point.

Sacramento Weather

A few days ago I was listening to radio and the reporter said, "It will be a little cooler today and tomorrow, highs in the mid-nineties."

Emphasis on the word "little."

2008 Olympics

Is Bob Costas getting younger?

Britney Spears

I read on the cover of one of the tabloids in large print, "Brit's Private Mommy Moments."

Not anymore.

Driving to the Gym

I recently moved downtown and I love being in walking distance of so many places. It is fabulous. There are ample places to eat or drink within a few blocsk of my place. But when is it no longer walking distance? For example, I drive to the library and the gym. The other day I was contemplating if it was reasonble to be driving to go workout instead of walking or running, and I met a girl in the parking garage. I discovered she had driven only 7 blocks to the gym. She had driven seven blocks to the gym. A little ironic. Where's the line?

Oscillation

The oscillating feature on my new fan is nice, but I rarely use it. When I turn on a fan I just point it in the direction in which I desire the airflow. If I wanted to read the newspaper daily I wouldn't call and order a subscription, pay full price, and then ask them to deliver it every fourth day.