Re: [Paddlewise] OFF-TOPIC Re: High School Physics Revisited

>
> From: MAX <MAX_at_solomax.com>> 
> Rich Kulawiec wrote:
> > 
> > On Fri, Jul 24, 1998 at 11:01:41AM -0300, MAX wrote:
> > > At 06:20 AM 24/07/98 -0400, Mark H. Hunt wrote:
> > > >      Let's see....Take my mind back to high school physics
> > > >class....hmmm....OK I'm there....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz....ah refreshing. Thanks
> > >
> > > I haven't laughed so hard in a long time.  Thanx Mark!
> > 
> > Y'know, I don't find this nearly as funny.  At least here in the US,
> > we now live in a society with an aversion to science.  
>
>
> I apologize. I really do enjoy the high level of intelligent
> conversation on this newsgroup.  I just liked the way how Mark expressed
> his view. I thought it was humorous - a nice break from the intellectual
> stimulus. It was like a kid making a wise crack from the back of the
> class. I'm sure I am not the only one who got a chuckle out of it. Who
> knows... maybe I was. I'm probably the least "mature" of anyone on this
> newsgroup. 
> 
> MAX


Nahhhhhh.... *I'm* the least mature of anyone here! :-p

I thought it was funny as well as a relief.  I disagree with the 
statement that "we now live in a society with an aversion to science" 
and have seen no evidence to support that we are less interested in 
science today than in the past.  I see more science related programs 
on TV now than ever before and entire news segments devoted to science 
and discovery (and it's not just PBS).  Participation in school science 
competitions are nationwide and fun for kids.  Science museums requiring
hefty donations from the public have been constructed, many with areas
devoted especially to children as their audience (I've stood in lines
to get into science museums).  I don't have kids but I see an awful 
*lot* of interest in and fascination with science in the children of 
friends of mine.   Much of the pseudoscience is regarded by the public 
as simply entertainment and recreation (afterall, more newspapers have 
moved the horoscope section to the entertainment section with 
disclaimers).  Why, Psychic Friends Network even went bankrupt! 
(wonder if Dion saw *that* coming :-)  I think the fact that we are 
aware of pseudoscience indicates progress.   Debunking is popular and 
interesting.  My crowd does not see science or scientists as "boring" 
and "nerds"... as long as the scientists maintain a sense of humor...
or look like Mel Gibson :-)  

Cheers,

Jackie
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