Mike The Teacher Q&A Thread

[underdog]

Mike The Teacher is the best, especially when he's on the air with Mr. Bennington. I'm always glued to the radio when he's on. Today, I even had my co-worker ask me to turn up the radio so he could hear what MTT was talking about.

So, yeah, Mike, you're the best!

You also need your own SNV show in a big, big way. :thumbup:

[topless_mike]

i heart Mike the Teacher.
Very smart, very professional, and extremely level head.

Also a great inspiration for losing weight.

Never met him, but would love to shake his hand one day.

Hell of a guy, and a fav poster of mine.

[EliSnow]

Whether or not you agree with the guy, I would think you have to admit he brings interesting ideas and topics that are not usually heard on talk radio.

And he does gel well with Ron. You can hear Ron's excitement and interest in discussing things with Mike. And when the host is excited and genuinely interested in what a person has to say, it leads to a great discussion.

[Chigworthy]

I was about to start this thread too. Love the Mike the Teacher shows. It seems like scientific appreciation has taken a backseat to a lot of other valueless pursuits, unfortunately.

Anyone interested in the corn-dominated gastronomy that we have mired ourselves in should check out "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan. The first quarter of the book is about the rise of corn in our agriculture and how saturated our diet is with it, as well as the negative effects it has. Fuck corn and it's unassuming starchy-sweet goodness!!! Look at it, rustling gently in the breeze and obesitizing our kids. Look at it!!!

[topless_mike]

Look at it, rustling gently in the breeze and obesitizing our kids. Look at it!!!

hey, it was ok for the injuns for however long.

[aceofspades7]

he's good!

[jauble]

You can hear Ron's excitement and interest in discussing things with Mike. And when the host is excited and genuinely interested in what a person has to say, it leads to a great discussion.

I completely agree with this. I really think Ron enjoys having someone other than the usual crowd to discuss big ideas with.

[IamPixie]

Mike is the man. He's great on the air and makes science interesting to dummies like me.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

MTT fan since WNEW

too bad I'm too stoopid to fully understand his greatness

[Jujubees2]

http://www.janbrett.com/images/i_love_my_teacher_coloring.gif

[Midkiff]

LOVE the Mike shows.

[weekapaugjz]

mike the teacher rules!

anytime there is a science themed thread, i can't wait to read mike's point of view on everything. explains everything in an interesting way with supplying the essential information on the subject. mike is truly an inspiration to anyone who wants to challenge their own intellect and learn as much as possible about the world.

[DolaMight]

Mike is the man. He's great on the air and makes science interesting to dummies like me.
He's the best!
http://popsci.typepad.com/popsci/images/bn_globe_1.jpg

[IamPixie]

He's the best!
http://popsci.typepad.com/popsci/images/bn_globe_1.jpg

Oh, Bill. The Poor Man's Mike the Teacher.

[dino_electropolis]

I agree....Mike def brings a refreshing source of energy and information to the show. great guest (despite my insignificant differences of opinion)

[Earlshog]

Radio Gold. Its a very special talent to take such complex subjects and make them interesting ("dumb them down") for those of us with the attention spans of fruit flies.

You are the best Mike!

[hurlmon]

What everyone else said PLUS he takes great pictures at R&F events and eclipses

[jonyrotn]

<------Mike The Teacher fan since day one..

Mike the genius is more like it..I wish I had an inspired, enthusiatic instructor with a pathological charm like Mike, when my brain was still capable of absorbing information of value..Unfortunately, I'm a product of the N.Y.C. School System..Where a good teacher is one who doesn't have a felony conviction...Thank you Mike, for imparting a tiny bit of your infinite knowledge unto us..We're lucky, your students are lucky, the women that share your bed are lucky (hung like a horse, as per wikipedia)..It is my hope that you go forth and share your scientific wisdom with the world via the XM radio waves..
Someone has to fill the vacuum in the cosmos created by Carl Sagan's demise..


EDIT: It's not MIke The Teacher who is hung like a horse, it's Mark Walberg...Fuckin'
Wikipedia...

[mendyweiss]

Mike is the man
He does not suffer fools lightly !!

[dino_electropolis]

<------Mike The Teacher fan since day one..

Mike the genius is more like it..I wish I had an inspired, enthusiatic instructor with a pathological charm like Mike, when my brain was still capable of absorbing information of value..Unfortunately, I'm a product of the N.Y.C. School System..Where a good teacher is one who doesn't have a felony conviction...Thank you Mike, for imparting a tiny bit of your infinite knowledge unto us..We're lucky, your students are lucky, the women that share your bed are lucky (hung like a horse, as per wikipedia)..It is my hope that you go forth and share your scientific wisdom with the world via the XM radio waves..
Someone has to fill the vacuum in the cosmos created by Carl Sagan's demise..


EDIT: It's not MIke The Teacher who is hung like a horse, it's Mark Walberg...Fuckin'
Wikipedia...

my fiance is a 1st grade teacher in Brooklyn...on lincoln's ACTUAL birthday, i asked her what she taught the kids about Lincoln...she said "nothing, b/c the curriculum doesnt require it". In my disgust, i said, "i bet you taught them about Pawksatwanee Phil and Groundhog Day" to which she said, "yeah, but not much b./c most of them already knew about it"

I wish Mike the could tutor my fiance and her disinterested colleagues on how to be a real teacher.

[Chigworthy]

Sounds like it's gonna be a great marriage.

[jonyrotn]

my fiance is a 1st grade teacher in Brooklyn...on lincoln's ACTUAL birthday, i asked her what she taught the kids about Lincoln...she said "nothing, b/c the curriculum doesnt require it".
I wish Mike the could tutor my fiance and her disinterested colleagues on how to be a real teacher.

Mike The Teacher for NYC Schools Chancellor? Does he have a Department of Corrections backround?

[dino_electropolis]

Sounds like it's gonna be a great marriage.

HAAAAA!:smile:

[thejives]

I agree!

Great show, today!
If we have to be without Fezzie for a couple of days, a Mike the Teacher Show will help fill in the gap for a little bit.

[underdog]

What everyone else said PLUS he takes great pictures at R&F events and eclipses

Yeah, definitely have to agree with that.

[Jughead]

What everyone else said PLUS he takes great pictures at R&F events and eclipses

His were the first eclipse pictures I saw....Agreed 100%

[AlabamaMan]

His were the first eclipse pictures I saw....Agreed 100%

hey jug, thought you were going to fill out a bracket

[AlabamaMan]

well, the teacher did say " cavers" so that is enough for me

[Kevin]

Here, Here. Mizzle the Tizzle is awesome.

[Earlshog]

nothing new to add, I jut wanted to make sure Mike gets more replies then the Digital Underground appreciation thread.

[moochcassidy]

mike def deserves his own show.

plus he does a mean push up

[lleeder]

His voice and discussions are soothing in a non-gay way. :wub:

[Mike Teacher]

plus he does a mean push up

Mooch has lost serious weight. Looking good bro.

Thanks everyone, means more then you know. A lot more.

[DiabloSammich]

I appreciate him so much he was the subject of the second thread I started on RonFez.net, found here. (http://ronfez.net/forums/showthread.php?t=65481)


I really though it would have taken off. I'm glad the guy is getting his props.


Do the kids still say that? "Props"? If not, I apologize.

[MadMatt]

I have the utmost respect for Mike the Teacher. He truly is a scholar and a gentleman. :thumbup:

I always enjoy his appearances on the show as well as his calls. And I agree with those voices who are calling for a MTT show.

[sailor]

thanks for the vaccination discussion and keeping nerds like me entertained.

[CofyCrakCocaine]

Mike's a great guy. Sharp, on-point, and is an all-round gentleman. He has the same nebulous ranting that I am guilty of but much much smarter- trademark of a plainclothes genius. He's radio gold when he does call in, and even when he bombs it's good times.

Not that I want to be perceived as a kiss-ass round these parts or anything. Um, fuck that guy?

[Tall_James]

Mike rules.

[PapaBear]

Mike rules.
Didn't Ron teach you anything yesterday?

Mike rocks.

[Friday]

Mike has opened my eyes to a number of different events... especially the eclipses, and happenings in space that I would have missed otherwise. For that, I am eternally grateful.

Now... if he can only inspire me to lose the weight I have gained back these past few months.... :p

[nevnut]

Really love it when you are on the show.

Always very interesting and insightful stuff.

:thumbup:

[A.J.]

I like Mike the T's appearances because they lead to interesting discussions on topics you probably wouldn't ordinarily hear about.

[MichiganJim]

I really like Mike the Teach but ...

His answers about autism and vaccinations left a lot to be desired.

The study that he suggested proved no causal relationship to themerosal has been challenged a number of times and many believe is outdated at best.

"Stupid" Imus addresses this issue about once a week with experts on both sides of the issue.

Dave and Casey (and all parents of newborns) really need to research the issue of multiple vaccinations. All pediatricians agree that vaccinations ARE neccesary, but you can ask for a MERCURY FREE vaccine. Mercury is the suspected problem in the preservative themerosal. And even if it is not the causal agent, why inject your child with a neurotoxin that they warn us about regarding our consumption of fish.

Pregnant and nursing mothers are warned against eating to much fish because of the Mercury, but then we inject it into their babies.

Another problem appears to be giving up to seven different vaccines at one appointment, a procedure that started in the late eighties and early nineties. They give these together only as a convenience for the parent and the insurance companies that only want to pay for one office visit. You CAN ask to seperate them. It's more money but if my kids were young I'd go that route.

The autism epidemic is one that truly needs more research before we can make definitive statements. But given that it is an epidemic, we need to be very careful and make good decisions with regard to our babies health.

[Mike Teacher]

I'm wrong a lot. So much info around, so many studies, who do you trust?

Always question. Always assume the man behind the curtain is BS-ing you. A healthy skepticism is REQUIRED in this.

I could never stand the teachers who couldnt say 'I have no idea' and instead they bullshitted you something.

[jimmyolsenblues]

Mike the Teacher is always the most interesting guest with Ron.
When Ron gets excited about science, its fucking great.

[topless_mike]

nothing new to add, I jut wanted to make sure Mike gets more replies then the Digital Underground appreciation thread.

:furious:

[Thebazile78]

I really like Mike the Teach but ...

His answers about autism and vaccinations left a lot to be desired.

The study that he suggested proved no causal relationship to themerosal has been challenged a number of times and many believe is outdated at best.

"Stupid" Imus addresses this issue about once a week with experts on both sides of the issue.

Dave and Casey (and all parents of newborns) really need to research the issue of multiple vaccinations. All pediatricians agree that vaccinations ARE neccesary, but you can ask for a MERCURY FREE vaccine. Mercury is the suspected problem in the preservative themerosal. And even if it is not the causal agent, why inject your child with a neurotoxin that they warn us about regarding our consumption of fish.

Pregnant and nursing mothers are warned against eating to much fish because of the Mercury, but then we inject it into their babies.

Another problem appears to be giving up to seven different vaccines at one appointment, a procedure that started in the late eighties and early nineties. They give these together only as a convenience for the parent and the insurance companies that only want to pay for one office visit. You CAN ask to seperate them. It's more money but if my kids were young I'd go that route.

The autism epidemic is one that truly needs more research before we can make definitive statements. But given that it is an epidemic, we need to be very careful and make good decisions with regard to our babies health.

Dude, you're one of the no-vaccine/cure autism advocates. I appreciate your dedication, but honestly think you need to check your facts too.

(1) The use of the preservative thimerosal in infant vaccines has been discouraged by the FDA since 2001: (http://www.fda.gov/CBER/vaccine/thimfaq.htm#q4)

Available data has been reviewed in several public forums including the Workshop on Thimerosal, held in Bethesda in August 1999 and sponsored by the National Vaccine Advisory Committee, two meetings of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the CDC, held in October 1999 and June 2000, and by the Institute of Medicine's Immunization Safety Review Committee in July 2001 and February 2004. Data reviewed did not demonstrate convincing evidence of toxicity from doses of thimerosal used in vaccines. In case reports of accidental high-dose exposures in humans to thimerosal or ethyl mercury toxicity was demonstrated only at exposures that were 100 or 1000 times that found in vaccines.

In its report of October 1, 2001, the IOM's Immunization Safety Review Committee concluded that the evidence is inadequate to either accept or reject a causal relationship between thimerosal exposure from childhood vaccines and the neurodevelopmental disorders of autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and speech or language delay. At that time the committee's conclusion was based on the fact that there were no published epidemiological studies examining the potential association between thimerosal-containing vaccines and neurodevelopmental disorders. The Committee did conclude that the hypothesis that exposure to thimerosal-containing vaccines could be associated with neurodevelopmental disorders was biologically plausible. However, additional studies were needed to establish or reject a causal relationship. The Committee stated that the effort to remove thimerosal from vaccines was "a prudent measure in support of the public health goal to reduce mercury exposure of infants and children as much as possible."

In 2004, the IOM's Immunization Safety Review Committee again examined the hypothesis that vaccines, specifically the MMR vaccines and thimerosal containing vaccines, are causally associated with autism. In this report, the committee incorporated new epidemiological evidence from the U.S., Denmark, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, and studies of biologic mechanisms related to vaccines and autism that had become available since its report in 2001. The committee concluded that this body of evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism, and that hypotheses generated to date concerning a biological mechanism for such causality are theoretical only. Further, the committee stated that the benefits of vaccination are proven and the hypothesis of susceptible populations is presently speculative, and that widespread rejection of vaccines would lead to increases in incidences of serious infectious diseases like measles, whooping cough and Hib bacterial meningitis

FDA is continuing its efforts toward reducing or removing thimerosal from all existing vaccines. Much progress has been made to date. FDA has been actively working with manufacturers, particularly those that manufacture childhood vaccines, to reach the goal of eliminating thimerosal from vaccines, and has been collaborating with other PHS agencies to further evaluate the potential health effects of thimerosal. Since 2001, all vaccines recommended for children 6 years of age and younger have contained either no thimerosal or only trace amounts, with the exception of inactivated influenza vaccines, which are marketed in both the preservative-free and thimerosal-preservative-containing formulations. Thimerosal-preservative free influenza vaccine licensed for use in children six to 59 months of age is available in limited supply. Nevertheless, FDA is in discussions with manufacturers of influenza vaccine regarding their capacity to increase the supply of vaccine without thimerosal as a preservative. Additionally, new pediatric vaccines that have received licensure do not contain thimerosal.

An update on this was published in the NY Times Science/Health section after a 2007 study indicated no causal relationship between thimerosal as a preservative and an increased occurrence of autism. (http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/27/health/27vaccine.html?_r=1&st=cse&sq=diet+%2B+autism&scp=5&oref=slogin)

(2) Imus is an advocate who believes that thimerosal is causative of autism. That's a disputed position, not only in the health community but also among advocates in various health conditions.

(3) Mercury in fish is a real concern for all women of childbearing age, especially those who are pregnant or breast feeding. It is also a concern for very young children. The FDA and EPA have the following recommendations for limiting consumption of fishes found to be high in this toxin: (http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fish/advice/index.html)

For most people, the risk from mercury by eating fish and shellfish is not a health concern. Yet, some fish and shellfish contain higher levels of mercury that may harm an unborn baby or young child's developing nervous system. The risks from mercury in fish and shellfish depend on the amount of fish and shellfish eaten and the levels of mercury in the fish and shellfish. Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are advising women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children to avoid some types of fish and eat fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury.

By following these 3 recommendations for selecting and eating fish or shellfish, women and young children will receive the benefits of eating fish and shellfish and be confident that they have reduced their exposure to the harmful effects of mercury.

1. Do not eat Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, or Tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury.
2. Eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury.
* Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish.
* Another commonly eaten fish, albacore ("white") tuna has more mercury than canned light tuna. So, when choosing your two meals of fish and shellfish, you may eat up to 6 ounces (one average meal) of albacore tuna per week.
3. Check local advisories about the safety of fish caught by family and friends in your local lakes, rivers, and coastal areas. If no advice is available, eat up to 6 ounces (one average meal) per week of fish you catch from local waters, but don't consume any other fish during that week.

Follow these same recommendations when feeding fish and shellfish to your young child, but serve smaller portions.

(4) Use of the phrase "autism epidemic" is highly controversial. (http://www.google.com/search?q=autism+epidemic&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a) In some circles, it's not considered an "epidemic" ... between the expansion of the autism spectrum (a diagnostic tool) and a greater sensitivity in parents and other caretakers to their children's development, many more diagnoses are being made. That in and of itself does not necessarily indicate an "epidemic" but rather new diagnostic criteria.

(5) Recommending that people do not vaccinate their children actually causes a larger public health crisis than a risk of autism. (http://www.google.com/search?q=risks+of+not+vaccinating+children&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a) Vaccinate your babies.

(6) Here's the childhood vaccination schedule, from the American Academy of Pediatrics. (http://www.cispimmunize.org/IZSchedule_Childhood.pdf) I admit that "well-baby" coverage differs from insurer to insurer. (My coverage is great, to tell the truth; I just checked it. But, if I switch jobs, it could change.)

(7) A small study in Scandinavia indicated that some forms of autism may be controlled by diet. This specialized diet is gluten, dairy and preservative-free. Many parents of children with autism or ADHD will try pretty much anything (like my aunt, who has been using diet to control my cousin's ADHD for almost 10 years now) to make a difference in their child's life. I applaud them for their time and concern but remain skeptical of any long-term results without a large, clinical, double-blind trial. (Which isn't going to happen any time soon because we're talking about children here.)

Anyway, Mike's information is far from outdated, but rather it's constantly in flux.

[hurlmon]

So when is the Saturday night Science show going to happen?

[Flea_Man]

Mike is fucking brilliant and great radio. Nice guy too.

[Mike Teacher]

Anyway, Mike's information is far from outdated, but rather it's constantly in flux.

=

Bingo!

Someone is actually listening. Wonderful. Meaning, many seem to think that I am taking a side and/or arguing the wrong position.

I'm taking All sides and All positions. You have to be able not only to look at all sides of an issue, you should be able to *debate* all sides of an issue, even the side you might disagree with, if you are to really underestand an issue.

Sagan would have poeple list if they were pro-choice or pro-life on a card; the next assignment, a speech supporting the side you disagree with, including evidence.

So... often if Ron asks about something I will argue one way, and then argue the complete opposite, and say; thats where the debate is today.

Teachers have to open the minds of kids, so they gotta hit an issue from every angle, even ones that may be unpopular. Teach them how to think, not what to think.

[Snoogans]

Mike you know anything about this star in Orion that supposed to explode so bright the whole world will see it?

[Mike Teacher]

Mike you know anything about this star in Orion that supposed to explode so bright the whole world will see it?

Didnt hear about Orion but we're overdue for a supernova. There was one in 1987 but we need one that we know happens but hasnt happened recently: A supernova where the star gets so bright it's full moon bright or brighter at night for months.

[NewYorkDragons80]

I wish Mike the could tutor my fiance and her disinterested colleagues on how to be a real teacher.
I wish you would teach her... WITH A FIST (j/k)

I only heard about 15 mins, but Mike was terrific. Question to Mr.Teacher - I agree that we're HUGELY corn dependent, but what were cows eating before corn feed came around?

[underdog]

I only heard about 15 mins, but Mike was terrific. Question to Mr.Teacher - I agree that we're HUGELY corn dependent, but what were cows eating before corn feed came around?

Maize.

[Thebazile78]

Anyway, Mike's information is far from outdated, but rather it's constantly in flux.

=

Bingo!

Someone is actually listening. Wonderful. Meaning, many seem to think that I am taking a side and/or arguing the wrong position.

I'm taking All sides and All positions. You have to be able not only to look at all sides of an issue, you should be able to *debate* all sides of an issue, even the side you might disagree with, if you are to really underestand an issue.

Sagan would have poeple list if they were pro-choice or pro-life on a card; the next assignment, a speech supporting the side you disagree with, including evidence.

So... often if Ron asks about something I will argue one way, and then argue the complete opposite, and say; thats where the debate is today.

Teachers have to open the minds of kids, so they gotta hit an issue from every angle, even ones that may be unpopular. Teach them how to think, not what to think.

I corrected my mother with something like that a few years ago...she was convinced that dinosaur paleontology was a finite arena of research.

I pointed her to Paul Sereno's work in Patagonia, the opening of the Gobi by the Chinese government, work that Jack Horner has been doing recently (other than mugging for the Jurassic Park movies...), the recovery of soft tissue from a T-Rex, and I just read about a mummified Edmontosaurus being studied in the Dakotas the other day ... FASCINATING.

Information is CONSTANTLY changing as our technology catches up to our questions. That's what makes experimentation so much fun. And it's why being intellectually curious is EXACTLY what this country needs. Thank you!

[Thebazile78]

I wish you would teach her... WITH A FIST (j/k)

I only heard about 15 mins, but Mike was terrific. Question to Mr.Teacher - I agree that we're HUGELY corn dependent, but what were cows eating before corn feed came around?

Maize.

Ha ha ha. Corn = maize. (I got that from a nutritional anthropologist. (http://www.goodeatsfanpage.com/References/TheInterviews/DebDuchon1.htm))

And cows ate grass. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cattle#Cattle_husbandry) (They still do.)

[jauble]

Maize.

:lol:

I think this qualifies you for a potential beanie cup.

[Snoogans]

Didnt hear about Orion but we're overdue for a supernova. There was one in 1987 but we need one that we know happens but hasnt happened recently: A supernova where the star gets so bright it's full moon bright or brighter at night for months.

yea according to this thing i was watching, and they said even in day time it will be plainly visible to the entire planet. And they think its gonna happen soon. Then again the discovery channel thinks everything is gonna happen tomorrow

[PanterA]

i just want to throw in my appreciation for Mikey 2 T's. i always enjoy hearing his calls and his appearances on the show. even when he's long winded on his opinions, i hang on every word. he's educated and funny. i would love for him to have his own saturday night show. hey mike, how can i get into one of your classes? i would love to pass notes to the junior high girls.

[underdog]

:lol:

I think this qualifies you for a potential beanie cup.

YES! My hopes are up so high right now!

[ralphbxny]

Mike Teacher Fan since Day 1

[jonyrotn]

Teachers have to open the minds of kids, so they gotta Teach them how to think, not what to think.


This quote should be on every textbook in the country..No, the continent..On second thought, this quote should be on every textbook produced, world wide..

[WampusCrandle]

hey, mike the teacher, i was just wondering about your thoughts on libraries. you did brush on the subject some time ago, i vaguely remember fez not liking libraries. i work in one part time, school the other. many people seem to think that libraries are not useful anymore, that they are some kind of silly relics of yesterday. what do you think?

may i just say, you sound like a gentleman and a scholar on air!

[Mike Teacher]

hey, mike the teacher, i was just wondering about your thoughts on libraries. you did brush on the subject some time ago, i vaguely remember fez not liking libraries. i work in one part time, school the other. many people seem to think that libraries are not useful anymore, that they are some kind of silly relics of yesterday. what do you think?

may i just say, you sound like a gentleman and a scholar on air!

OK for those with any inteerest in this, well yer reading this; and ongoing debate =

Ron loves libraries. Fez hates them.

Ron argues you can find the books that you cant find on internet and/or in the major bookstores, which is becoming just about All bookstores.

Fez dislikes the vibe, the attitude. I dont speak for either, but I think thats what it is so far.

=

Before the internet they were the among the most important things we have, and maybe still.

In oldern times books and maps were like Gold; knowledge was power. They were smuggled stolen bought and sold secretly. Laws regarding the ownership of books were in place in a lot of places.

Science is a way of thinking, and the sum total of knowledge we have about the Universe. The libraries were the repositers [?] of that knwoledge. And they may be still. Because paper has outlasted every data storage method yet invented.

NASA and other companies are having problems: they have oceans of data, but its stored on tape, and no one makes the machines anymore to read the tapes.

Sounds weird that this could happen with CDs and DVDs but why not? They could be a ghost in a decade; my guess, less. What about in 50 years? 100? What will they think about the shiny silver discs?

We need some standard way of storing data; some are talking about quantum coomputers where its something like one atoms per bit. At that size you could hold the sum total of the data on the internet + all the libraries in the world in a space smaller then a salt grain. Easily. So maybe future iPods, the ones you plug into your skin, can boast 'Entire Knwoledge of Humanity Pre-Installed' on the package.

=

I'm a book addict. I;m in love with books. It's an illness, I fully admit. behind me the shelves groan, as they do in many other rooms in the house. For many things, my tiny library can beat the internet, and has stuff the internet doesnt have. Go figure.

Holy shit am I long winded.

[Mike Teacher]

Hey Mods can I request replacing 'Appreciation' with 'Q+A' or something les 'Dig Mike'

I'd like the thread to go on, and I appreciate everything and all blah blah blah you know what I mean its pompous after a while at least for me.

Pompous sucks.

And man have you Mods missed some quo[censored by Xn0020000003]

[AlabamaMan]

OK for those with any inteerest in this, well yer reading this; and ongoing debate =

Ron loves libraries. Fez hates them.

Ron argues you can find the books that you cant find on internet and/or in the major bookstores, which is becoming just about All bookstores.

Fez dislikes the vibe, the attitude. I dont speak for either, but I think thats what it is so far.

=

Before the internet they were the among the most important things we have, and maybe still.

In oldern times books and maps were like Gold; knowledge was power. They were smuggled stolen bought and sold secretly. Laws regarding the ownership of books were in place in a lot of places.

Science is a way of thinking, and the sum total of knowledge we have about the Universe. The libraries were the repositers [?] of that knwoledge. And they may be still. Because paper has outlasted every data storage method yet invented.

NASA and other companies are having problems: they have oceans of data, but its stored on tape, and no one makes the machines anymore to read the tapes.

Sounds weird that this could happen with CDs and DVDs but why not? They could be a ghost in a decade; my guess, less. What about in 50 years? 100? What will they think about the shiny silver discs?

We need some standard way of storing data; some are talking about quantum coomputers where its something like one atoms per bit. At that size you could hold the sum total of the data on the internet + all the libraries in the world in a space smaller then a salt grain. Easily. So maybe future iPods, the ones you plug into your skin, can boast 'Entire Knwoledge of Humanity Pre-Installed' on the package.

=

I'm a book addict. I;m in love with books. It's an illness, I fully admit. behind me the shelves groan, as they do in many other rooms in the house. For many things, my tiny library can beat the internet, and has stuff the internet doesnt have. Go figure.

Holy shit am I long winded.
And the whole time I thought it was called the "intranet"

[Thebazile78]

OK for those with any inteerest in this, well yer reading this; and ongoing debate =

Ron loves libraries. Fez hates them.

Ron argues you can find the books that you cant find on internet and/or in the major bookstores, which is becoming just about All bookstores.

Fez dislikes the vibe, the attitude. I dont speak for either, but I think thats what it is so far.

=

Before the internet they were the among the most important things we have, and maybe still.

In oldern times books and maps were like Gold; knowledge was power. They were smuggled stolen bought and sold secretly. Laws regarding the ownership of books were in place in a lot of places.

Science is a way of thinking, and the sum total of knowledge we have about the Universe. The libraries were the repositers [?] of that knwoledge. And they may be still. Because paper has outlasted every data storage method yet invented.

NASA and other companies are having problems: they have oceans of data, but its stored on tape, and no one makes the machines anymore to read the tapes.

Sounds weird that this could happen with CDs and DVDs but why not? They could be a ghost in a decade; my guess, less. What about in 50 years? 100? What will they think about the shiny silver discs?

We need some standard way of storing data; some are talking about quantum coomputers where its something like one atoms per bit. At that size you could hold the sum total of the data on the internet + all the libraries in the world in a space smaller then a salt grain. Easily. So maybe future iPods, the ones you plug into your skin, can boast 'Entire Knwoledge of Humanity Pre-Installed' on the package.

=

I'm a book addict. I;m in love with books. It's an illness, I fully admit. behind me the shelves groan, as they do in many other rooms in the house. For many things, my tiny library can beat the internet, and has stuff the internet doesnt have. Go figure.

Holy shit am I long winded.

Dude, I work in publishing and, despite a drive for delivering our publications "online first" we are very much aware of the fact that print is not going away any time soon. (For anyone who doubts this, just look at Kindle...yipe!)

The other reason for libraries being kind of "elitist" is the fact that, prior to Gutenberg and his moveable type press, books were made by hand. Copied on vellum, by hand, by scribes (and eventually monks in European countries) .... if you've never seen an Illuminated Manuscript, it's kind of difficult to fully understand how expertly crafted books were in the pre-press days. Since the process was so labor-intensive, only the wealthy could afford to sponsor book production ... and boy did they ever shell out! Gold leaf, vivid pigments (blues, purples, reds, greens and, in some cases, even yellows!) ink and vellum (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vellum) (which is thin-stretched animal skin, usually from a sheep or calf) ... the costs add up. Just look at the photographs of the Tres Riches Hours du Duc de Berry (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Les_Tr%C3%A8s_Riches_Heures_du_duc_de_Berry) and you'll be impressed ... seeing them in person is mindblowing.

Libraries serve as repositories (that was the word you were looking for before) of not only our "information" but really our knowledge...books, both fiction and nonfiction, are touchstones of how the vast amounts of information we have access to in any age are processed by the people receiving that information.

When I worked at my college library as a freshman, I commented to my dad that my entire town library could fit INSIDE the Reference Room. And it certainly could have.

I've always loved the library because I couldn't always afford to buy books I was interested in reading. However, I hated my grammar school library and would turn down weekly visits to check out books by the time I was in the 3rd grade because the selections were so limited. By high school I'd given up on the local libraries altogether ... between the space limitations and the lack of resource materials, it was pretty hopeless to find anything my father hadn't already acquired over the years. I'd only use the library for the most recent edition of an encyclopedia and would buy books I wanted to read instead of checking them out of the library.

In college, many of my classes required you to use the library for additional sources (that would be on the exam), reserved texts for projects and other specific requirements. But that was still changing because of the increased development of the internet as a great "primary source" for information. (Without Project Gutenberg (http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page), I probably wouldn't have passed a couple of my Ancient History courses!)

Libraries are great resources. Ron is truly correct about finding out-of-print and "back-issues" of a lot of things. But, after reading MTT's summation of Fez's problem, I thinkhis issue is less about the library itself and more about his overall psycho-social profile...he also prefers to watch TV and movies rather than read, doesn't he?

I am also a "book addict" ... I had to re-organize my bookshelves recently to ensure that my new books wouldn't overtake the living room. It's working for the books.

[jonyrotn]

There's to many smart people on this board..I'm glad to be able to dumb it down a bit..:tongue:

[diesprockets]

QUESTION, regarding tapwater being full of trace amounts of drugs and whatnot, is top quality reverse-osmosis bottled water free of all these contaminants,thanks teach, awesome on the radio you were.

[midwestjeff]

QUESTION, regarding tapwater being full of trace amounts of drugs and whatnot, is top quality reverse-osmosis bottled water free of all these contaminants,thanks teach, awesome on the radio you were.

"One technology, reverse osmosis, removes virtually all pharmaceutical contaminants but is very expensive for large-scale use and leaves several gallons of polluted water for every one that is made drinkable."

This is from an article I read. I'm no Mike the Teacher, but I can copy and paste.

[Mike Teacher]

QUESTION, regarding tapwater being full of trace amounts of drugs and whatnot, is top quality reverse-osmosis bottled water free of all these contaminants,thanks teach, awesome on the radio you were.

Ya I think MidwestJeff has it; its a great Q coz it depends on how 'top quality' you want to go, to get rid of *all* the chemicals, man that would be seriously expensive for large amounts of water.

These are in amounts so small as to be almost indetectable. I did water chemistry research on a vessel, many of the tests we have are parts per million and/or parts per billion, and it goes to parts per trillion and beyond...

THose very small concentrations *seem* OK for humans but who know with the mix of it all and w/ bioaccumulation in the food chain, well you Sushi eaters go right on ahead, I wouldnt eat raw fish; no way.

Take me down the the Parasite City
Where the fish looks clean but its really shitty
Whoooa lord I'm gonna die of food poisoning.

=

To answer the Q on everyone's mind for today...

YES: If they did find His body, Easter would be cancelled.

[Melissa the Accountant]

Mike, your Parasite City parody cracked me up! So Axl's "dancing" was probably just a symptom of his intestinal parasites. Those guys were probably responsible for his entire music career!

I've always loved the library because I couldn't always afford to buy books I was interested in reading. However, I hated my grammar school library and would turn down weekly visits to check out books by the time I was in the 3rd grade because the selections were so limited. By high school I'd given up on the local libraries altogether ... between the space limitations and the lack of resource materials, it was pretty hopeless to find anything my father hadn't already acquired over the years. I'd only use the library for the most recent edition of an encyclopedia and would buy books I wanted to read instead of checking them out of the library.

Oh, this is so true. Once you've exhausted your grade school's pathetic collection of "Hank the Cow Dog" books, where can you turn? I grew up in rural Kansas, and over the years have made my way to Kansas City. One of the things I really didn't like about living in a town rather than a metropolitan area was that we didn't have much access to reading material that wasn't mainstream. When I moved up here and got my library card, it was great. It's rare that I'm trying to look for a specific book or a topic that doesn't have coverage somewhere in our library system. I'm not saying our local libraries are as comprehensive as you'll get in other areas of the country, but they are such a far cry from a small town library that it isn't funny. Not to knock my old town, they tried, but they just didn't have the resources. And frankly, it wasn't important to as many people.

It's just nice to go around and have your pick of everything from the shelves.

[Zorro]

Why is the sky blue?

[bobrobot]

Why is the sky blue?

To match yer eyes... Cutie Pie!!!

http://www.moma.org/collection/provenance/items/images/133.36.jpg

[Snoogans]

Why is the sky blue?

thats what color the gasses in the atmosphere appear when the sunrays pass through it. Really its just clear

[Indie_Trucker]

sushi rules. Maybe you can try some veggie sushi. And there is alot of cooked sushi too.

[deepinthewoods]

Lieber Mike;

Whilst driving to a record convention in Eugene, Oregon in the wee small hours this February last I caught an interview on NPR's New Dimensions. Leonard Schlain had been working on a book about Leonardo Da Vinci's brain, and the subject of Da Vinci being gay came up (apparently supported by court documents at the time). But more imporatantly this lead to a strange, not entirely fleshed out hypothesis called "the theory of eights." This theory puts forth the biological and evolutionary imperative for human homosexuality, baldness and color-blindness. Apparently these traits appear in about 8 percent of the human (male?)population (each. And it is understood that this 8 percent of bald men represents those who go subtantially bald at an early age). Anyway, the theory holds forth that for early man hunting groups of roughly 10-12 individuals would frequently necessiitate a bald individual who might spot game without giving away the now dreaded bands of hairy thugs that had been seen hunting and killing the various delicious paleolithic and pre-paleolithic animals wandering about the earth at that time. Also, a color-blind individual in a hunting party could obviously see through an animal's natural camouflage, thus keeping the tribe in brontosaurus burgers. Finally, having a gay who did not intend on reproducing made for a sexually non-competitive able bodied male figure who could sort of hang back at camp and tend children or whatever while other important caveman business were transacted elsewhere. Thoughts?

[Mike Teacher]

Why is the sky blue?

It would be SO cool if anyone who read the above did the following...

Not Google a thing and answer the Q as best you can, or

admit they have no idea why the sky is blue.

OR: Same with...

Q: Why is it hotter in Summer then in Winter?

For some reason, some feel there is some sort of shame or inadequacy in the 'I have no idea' answer. That answer is truthful and honest, and has nothing negative whatsoever connected with it. I dont know shit about so much stuff its embarrasing. Who won the super bowl;? I can answer that. Ask another NFL Q and prepare for 'I have no idea'; include politics fiction philsophy world history most math etc et al

=

Its not easy to answer, about half the science teachers I know get close. About 5% can really tell me why the sky is blue in a way someone from say, 8th grade, could understand.

[jonyrotn]

Lieber Mike;

Whilst driving to a record convention in Eugene, Oregon in the wee small hours this February last I caught an interview on NPR's New Dimensions. Leonard Schlain had been working on a book about Leonardo Da Vinci's brain, and the subject of Da Vinci being gay came up (apparently supported by court documents at the time). But more imporatantly this lead to a strange, not entirely fleshed out hypothesis called "the theory of eights." This theory puts forth the biological and evolutionary imperative for human homosexuality, baldness and color-blindness. Apparently these traits appear in about 8 percent of the human (male?)population (each. And it is understood that this 8 percent of bald men represents those who go subtantially bald at an early age). Anyway, the theory holds forth that for early man hunting groups of roughly 10-12 individuals would frequently necessiitate a bald individual who might spot game without giving away the now dreaded bands of hairy thugs that had been seen hunting and killing the various delicious paleolithic and pre-paleolithic animals wandering about the earth at that time. Also, a color-blind individual in a hunting party could obviously see through an animal's natural camouflage, thus keeping the tribe in brontosaurus burgers. Finally, having a gay who did not intend on reproducing made for a sexually non-competitive able bodied male figure who could sort of hang back at camp and tend children or whatever while other important caveman business were transacted elsewhere. Thoughts?

This is wild but it makes sense..But what about the poor bald, gay color blind fella.I guess that's the rule of Marc with AC..

It would be SO cool if anyone who read the above did the following...

Not Google a thing and answer the Q as best you can, or

admit they have no idea why the sky is blue.

OR: Same with...

Q: Why is it hotter in Summer then in Winter?

For some reason, some feel there is some sort of shame or inadequacy in the 'I have no idea' answer. That answer is truthful and honest, and has nothing negative whatsoever connected with it. I dont know shit about so much stuff its embarrasing. Who won the super bowl;? I can answer that. Ask another NFL Q and prepare for 'I have no idea'; include politics fiction philsophy world history most math etc et al
Its not easy to answer, about half the science teachers I know get close. About 5% can really tell me why the sky is blue in a way someone from say, 8th grade, could understand.
Over the break our judges reeveluated an answer given by one of our contestants earlier, and it's been deemed to be CORRECT....So Mike you've been awarded the $1200 and the scoreboard now reflects that change..The score is Mike The Teacher, our champion with $18,600 and the rest of our players have yet to crack the board..On to double Jepory..

[IamFogHat]

Hey Mike. Here's my question: Ron's Rhino vs. Lobster argument reminded me of a Ricky Gervais Podcast episode where Karl asks if a spider the same size as a tiger would beat it in a fight, and Ricky's initial response is that the spider would obviously win. And this made me think, biologically speaking, if an animal was a certain size larger (disregarding critical mass issues, etc.,) and its strength grew proportionally, would it automatically become the stronger, more deadly animal in comparison with the other animals that were already that size?

[jonyrotn]

Hey Mike. Here's my question: Ron's Rhino vs. Lobster argument reminded me of a Ricky Gervais Podcast episode where Karl asks if a spider the same size as a tiger would beat it in a fight, and Ricky's initial response is that the spider would obviously win. And this made me think, biologically speaking, if an animal was a certain size larger (disregarding critical mass issues, etc.,) and its strength grew proportionally, would it automatically become the stronger, more deadly animal in comparison with the other animals that were already that size?
I think this would mean that, that ant would finally be able to move that rubber tree plant..Thank god..I'm so sick of that song..

[Snoogans]

It would be SO cool if anyone who read the above did the following...

Not Google a thing and answer the Q as best you can, or

admit they have no idea why the sky is blue.

OR: Same with...

Q: Why is it hotter in Summer then in Winter?

For some reason, some feel there is some sort of shame or inadequacy in the 'I have no idea' answer. That answer is truthful and honest, and has nothing negative whatsoever connected with it. I dont know shit about so much stuff its embarrasing. Who won the super bowl;? I can answer that. Ask another NFL Q and prepare for 'I have no idea'; include politics fiction philsophy world history most math etc et al

=

Its not easy to answer, about half the science teachers I know get close. About 5% can really tell me why the sky is blue in a way someone from say, 8th grade, could understand.
I answered it earlier in this thread without looking anything up. No one has told me if I was right or not

[Mike Teacher]

Hey Mike. Here's my question: Ron's Rhino vs. Lobster argument reminded me of a Ricky Gervais Podcast episode where Karl asks if a spider the same size as a tiger would beat it in a fight, and Ricky's initial response is that the spider would obviously win. And this made me think, biologically speaking, if an animal was a certain size larger (disregarding critical mass issues, etc.,) and its strength grew proportionally, would it automatically become the stronger, more deadly animal in comparison with the other animals that were already that size?

I think if we disregard the weight thing yeah the 'powers' of said species would become so great...

Problem really is this; the 'higher' up the animal on the chart of life, almost always = easier to kill. Killing a mammal is easy, rip the arm or two off a lobster and while it may not enjoy the experience, it will live. Shoot a man sized spider and I think it will just laugh and keep on coming. The Mist is out on DVD today ya? That should give us all the answers.

Spiders and Lobsters and Tigers and Humans are so utterly different; the nervous systems, the regenerative powers...

and IMHO: A Spider and/or Lobster would destroy a Tiger and/or human quickly, 'lower' lifeform = heartier. Damn lobster is wearing armor and has two huge claws. Tigers kill by grabbing the neck of victim and choking/breaking said neck. Thats about all they got. Spiders only got the fangs and the web, looking badass dont mean shit, but one sting and the man is done. Tiger might have a chance if it can bit the spider into a few dozen parts w/o getting stung.

[diesprockets]

thanks MWJ and MIKE ,ro bottled water is all i drink,large scale of course is not possible or practical tap water scares the shit out of me, COOK YOUR FISH, mike the teacher i knew you were full of common sense ,this seals it DONT EAT RAW FISH PEOPLE , jesus christ, parasites anyone, no doctor or properly educated person would EVER eat raw fish, it's just trendy horseshit, people are just lemmings ,SEAWEED,RICE, RAWFISH, AND WHATNOT all manipulated into a gross roll by some UNWASHED HANDS served to a white ,gullible sucker,my god, and people wonder why they have worms and such in their colon

[Ritalin]

Dear Mike the Teacher,

What do you think of this shirt on me? Does it make me look gay?

I'll hang up and listen for my answer.