So I was thinking...

When I was supposed to be doing my math homework, about my math homework. It came about the first week of the semester. The teacher told us we would not be needing the $150 book I bought,  because we could purchase it online. However, even that would be unnecessary.  Hold up, Teach. What's the scam? A math class without a book? So we are going to listen to you talk and take notes and then just take tests? Does this mean no homework?!

Needless to say, I was stoked.

But then he kindly informed us that in turn for not buying a book, and all, we need to buy the homework online. Wait. What did this fool just say?! Yup. We have to BUY our homework. wait. ONLINE? how are we supposed to do math homework in Calc 2 online? Well I was upset, and unsure if I would like it. But now, being 9 weeks into the semester, I find that i like it better than the conventional form of Math homework. Although there are some glitches that if you input the answers into the wrong format or use the wrong variable because of habit or something it will count you wrong, but the teacher has the power to override the system if you bring it up. So this nifty little website gives you the question, and a spot to put the answers. It also offers help on some of them including a read about it- where it shows you the pages in the book where the topic is covered, a watch it- where you can see the instructor doing and explaining a similar problem, and a master it- where you actually do another problem that is graded step by step. Its actually a sweet program that i'm sure will be seen in more classrooms in the future. 

Go math!

The introduction of the iPad...

should be a holiday! psych...

Look, we've all already decided, and I have already blogged about this. But why not look at it from a different angle? From that of a dedicated college student.

Can you see me, there, in the background? No? You have to look through the back window... I'm not in the library, I'm outside... Still can't see? Let me zoom in...

(At least I spelled 'College' right)

So what I'm getting after here is that the iPad, if programmed a little better, and switched around for the new audience, could be brilliant for a college student. Its about the size of a standard laptop, but with no flipping, it is a bit lighter, but still the size of any folder. So it fits easily in any drawstring bag or backpack, or can be carried by hand. So if the price was dropped down a little, this could be an essential to any college life. With the downloading of textbooks being so much cheaper than buying them hardcover, as long as they are all available online, this could be a huge moneymaker for both Apple and textbook companies. with the Wi-Fi enabled, the students could access their work from just about anywhere and not be dragged down by the weak wireless connection of the University or the constant switching of networks. I don't think the iPad will do well as a computer, but if students could use it as an electronic textbook and a presentation board, this will be a homerun hitter for Apple and textbook companies. But goodluck getting them to work together. Even if the schools want it. Especially seeing as the schools could make these necessities and run their programs through these 'laptops'.

It takes two to tango...

IT IS MARCH. And everyone knows what that means, grab your brackets, your favorite pizza and nachos combo, a cold one, and a bunch of friends- it is time to dance! That's right folks, step right up and watch 65 teams full grown college boys aided by old old men run up and down a 94 foot wooden heaven for 40 minutes. Could it get any better than this?! Well it could if my team was in it...

They played awful this year, even as defending champs.

"What is this, Amateur Hour?"

No, well, yes, actually. This is a college tournament, so technically...

Bottom line- This is the greatest time of the year. Why? Because basketball is everywhere. No- not the garbage that they sell tickets to and call the NBA, and its more structured than even the summer league at the Rucker, this is basketball at its finest. The competition is fierce, the intensity is high, and the fans are crazy. 

I hate Duke, but that shot by Laettner? Well done.


CBS is the television home for the NCAA Men's basketball championship this year, as they have been the past few years. So yes, we have to put up with the terrible commentating and play by play that consists of obvious observations and wrong analysis. But they have a website. Why is this good? scratch that... Why is this superb? because then I can have a game on my tv, as many as I want running on my computer, and not have to pay attention to anyone thats talking. Turn up the music and announce the game in my head. That's the best part about college basketball. Even if your team isn't in it, it is still college basketball. There is still that excitement in everygame, still strategy, still emotion, still the feeling like you are there. No matter what the game is, wether it be my Tar Heels playing at home vs those duke-boys, or if its Oakland against Rockford two schools nobody hears about in D1 basketball, I still love to watch. So with that said, thank you technology and thank you CBS for using it to put all the games online... With a mute button. 

Tell us, Mr. Vitale- Who is the cinderella at this ball?

Oh you can't? Because CBS isn't worthy of your basketball expertise?

Shame.