The Auction

In one of my favorite TV shows, Dr. Gaius Baltar is called in to help with questioning a prisoner. He says, “You’ve tried the stick; it’s time to try the carrot.” That was me two months ago. But, you know… without the creepy smirk. Not...

Bad News: Santa is Dead

Whoa, parents! I haven’t given away anything. I’m just the mathematical messenger. Santa is Dead (There should be a source citation for the physics here, but I’ve long since deleted it in favor of this colorful presentation with pictures.) Ho Ho...

Christmas Boxes

When I was a kid, I loved the Friday after Thanksgiving. My dad would trundle all five of us kids out to the garage to carry in boxes of Christmas decorations and we’d set to work draping the house in greens and reds. Huddled over a cardboard box, I’d blow...

Nancy’s Christmas Gift

(Names and details have been changed for confidentiality.) “…and was recently examined for ADHD.” I lean back at my desk with relief and close the e-mail. I wonder if she got prescribed anything. Maybe that will calm her down. That’s the problem with students like...