Wednesday, October 03, 2007

2007 visualization winners, including visualizing the flight of a bat

13 comments:

Greybishop said...

The inherent beauty of science.

If they had presented science this way when I was in school, I might be wearing a lab coat instead of a sarcasm shirt...

Sawsee said...

I always thought that teachers should be one of the highest paying professions, that have up-to-date books and materials. I seem to remember text books that were at least 20 years old.

There's nothing wrong with a good 'sarcasm' shirt!

(I'm not being sarcastic)

Greybishop said...

That's a very good point Sawsee.

I wrote a short story (someday I'll novelize it) in the sci-fi genre years ago. The aliens in the story had 5 "sexes". As they matured, they would physically change from male, to female, to incubator, to parent and finally teacher. Not all individuals would "grow" from one "sex" to the next. Some never matured beyond being "Male" while others skipped all the steps and became "Teachers" right off.

Even though I have none of my own, I always find it strange that the people entrusted to teach children aren't the most scrutinized, tested, best trained and highest paid element of society.

Sawsee said...

Hey GB! Your storyline sounds very cool!

Yes, i totally agree. I had nightmare teachers in grade 1 and grade 5. Both teachers were very aggressive physically and would throw pencils, glue bottles, books etc at a student. One time, the teacher threw a pencil (the giant grade 1 pencil kind) at the student sitting behind me. She missed and the pencil hit my desk and bounced up and soared through my scalp. Luckily, it barely touched skin, so I had a barely visible record of the incident. My parents never believed me and so I grew to dislike school.

I did have a few great teachers and they made all the difference in my attitude and my grades!

Greybishop said...

As Spidey says (hey, all of life's questions are answered in comic books), "With great power comes great responsibility."

Teachers (if someone would only recognize this) have the most power over the future of the nation. More than politicians or big business. They should be compensated accordingly, but also should be watched very closely, trained very well and tested regularly.

Sawsee said...

I'll add another group, and I hope I don't get clobbered for saying this...but, unfortunately, there are many people who should not be parents.

Greybishop said...

Sawsee, I agree wholeheartedly.

Perhaps we need to impliment my idea of licensing EVERYTHING based not on ageism as we now do it, but rather on tested intelligence and WISDOM.

Below certain scores you would be unable to vote or drive or teach or parent...

Sawsee said...

or have sharp objects.

I'm not sure if you saw in the news about the creep from Edmonton who abused his daughter and others for over 14 years?

Greybishop said...

No, I didn't see that one, but I've seen enough stories like it over the years.

The vast majority of parents love and cherish their kids. Like many human endeavours, a tiny minority spoil things. While I know that my idea seems draconian, licensing and testing for parenting rights sometimes seems like a good idea.

Such a shame that there are situations that make me think like that.

Sawsee said...

I've thought many times, there should be a 'good news' channel or outlet that does highlight the great, positve influence many people have. Unfortunately, as you say, a few bad ones does make it harder for the good ones.

I can't imagine being a teacher these days with possible false accusations and few tools to help the troubled.

Greybishop said...

I view places like your blog as my own personal "good news channel".

It's easy to be depressed by the state of the planet if all you do is watch CNN, but I try to balance that by visiting websites that highlight advances in science, great are, funny news storys and positive human acheivement.

You probably don't here this often enough, so for myself and those that frequent your blog, thanks again for having a positively charged spot for us to enjoy.

Greybishop said...

The above should read "advances in scienc, great arT, funny news storIEs and positive human acheivement."

Sheesh.

Anonymous said...

Hi sawsee!!!
I agree with GB... Thanks so much for this wonderful fountain of light and knowledge!
:)