The Not Happy Thread

I understood concrete math. If someone said to me, "This is the formula. Let me show you how it works. Now here is a problem for you using that formula. Do it like I did." then I'd be able do it. If I do many, many problems using that formula, I can do it like I'm some kind of math wizard.

But abstract math? Uh, no. Fat chance of me grasping that concept.

 

A computer can plug numbers into a formula. The real fun of math is in the abstractions. An elegant proof is like solving a diabolical puzzle. When you see the solution, it's a profound rush.

Math is a language, or more precisely, a continuum of languages. There is even a mathematics of formal grammars. The nice thing about the languages of mathematics is that by applying the transformation rules on a mathematical sentence, you can make the most amazing discoveries about the universe. Mathematics is the heart and soul of physics.

Sorry if this is off topic, but you have poked my passion. One of them, anyway.

 

And I have just glazed over like a cannabis addict.

 

I wish I could say the same, I had the greatest Chemistry teacher last year and that's what made me love Chemistry. This year I've also got a Russian teacher, she isn't quite so small though quite the opposite. I'm hating the subject more and more everyday, its ridiculous how bad she is but then again not having a teacher at all would be worse so.

edit: forgot to mention Houda + Math = Syntax Error. It isn't exactly compatible with my brain sort of like mixing Mac and PC always bound to have problems

 

Baha, nice pun.

Job hunting is depressing. I got a call about a job I applied for and it was going well until they were like 'can you drive?' and I'm like 'no'. Turns out it's not easily accessible by public transport. Darn it.

 

That sucks Eunoia It was a lot like that for me when I was job searching. Are you looking for graduate jobs or just money-for-now jobs atm?

 

^ It does. It was a cool job with amazing pay as well (for an entry-level job that is). I guess I'm looking for graduate jobs but anything that is in my kind of subject area. I'm even willing to relocate but that doesn't help, they all want a) experience b) qualifications I don't have c) experience d) be able to drive e) experience. Methinks I'll have to go to a temping agency and hope that they can help.

 

Why can't you drive?

 

^ Because I haven't learnt? And I don't intend to (the thought terrifies me).

 

I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.
- Frank Herbert, Dune, the Bene Gesserit Litany against fear

 

I was like that, once upon a time. I'm glad I did though. There is so much more opportunity for just about everything. It took a while to get over my fear though.

Edit:
Crud, three posts while I was writing mine. Shoot. Who was this in reference to? The poster afraid of learning how to drive.

 

I wouldn't get out on the road anymore either... There are some crazy people out there. I used to love driving when I first started. Now that I have a job to drive to, I start driving along with the maniacs who see 7s instead of 5s on the speed limit signs. And I still have been trying to find that hidden sign on my rear bumper that reads "It's okay to cut me off today, I enjoy it!" If I were you, use public transportation. You'll meet a few weirdos there too, but at least they won't be trying to kill you with a four wheeled supercharged machine.

(At least, I don't know of any supercharged wheelchairs...)


EDIT: Uh... wow, really off topic apparently... I guess when I clicked the "Most recent post" thing in the main forum, it decided to take me to a different page. Oh well...

 

It's probably worth mentioning of all the Americans here that us Brits don't learn to drive as early as you guys do. We also have to pay ridiculous amounts (£25 for an hour long lesson) and insurance for young people has rocketed beyond belief. It's actually not worth it.

I'm not sure how it varies from state to state, but I've heard from a few forumers that you guys even learn to drive in school? Or that you get taught for free?

I dunno, it's just very different over here. Oh, and about being scared to drive, I am too. Know why? Because I'm frightened a kitty cat, or dog, or some sort of innocent animal will run out in front of me and I won't be able to swerve or stop in time. (Screw hitting people, they're all idiots )

 

I can't eat anything with lactose. Now I can't eat anything with gluten. I shall feed with light and water from now on.

 

I took a driving class in high school, free, and it was a very good class. But with today's budget crunches, free high school driver training has probably gone the way of the dodo.

My classes were excellent, including practicing loss of traction in snow, and what to do if the gas pedal gets stuck in full acceleration. For the latter, the instructor showed up with an "injured" foot and a cane, which he used to jam the gas pedal to the floor.

 

I also learned how to drive in high school. At that time there was no special license required to drive a motorcycle.

A mentor would just say, "Kid, this is a Harley-Davidson. That's the clutch. Don't hit anything expensive."

A few years ago, after driving for four decades, I got a DVD entitled, "Ride Like a Pro III." it covers a lot of the basics of slow speed, heavy bike riding. I think I learned more from that DVD than I did from every mentor I ever had.

 

Cheers for the responses. Like Ashleigh said, it's different for us Brits. It's expensive just to learn to drive, never mind actually having a car, insurance etc. I don't think it's as essential to drive here. Good thing too or else I'd be screwed. Public transport isn't too bad in some parts anyway but I think bus services in a lot of areas could be improved, especially in isolated places and such where it's needed the most (ironic that - the places that need public transport the most have a lousy service).

@Cassiopeia Phoenix: That sucks.

 

Good night last night, but my god I'm paying the consequences.

 

If you want to take a nicer approach, type and print out a No Soliciting sign and tape it on your door. My mom did that after we had a bad incident where we had our door open while waiting for some family to arrive, and the JWs showed up at our door and almost walked in. After we put up the sign they haven't knocked since, and those scary guys that try to sell us meat don't show up either.

Also, on the topic of driving, I'm 18 and haven't gotten my license yet (I have my temps). I'm happy to know I'm not the only one...most of my friends think it's strange I haven't been driving. My Senior year was very hectic not leaving me time to practice, but I've also had to wait to feel comfortable. I get sorta freaked when I drive. My parents are going to schedule with a driving school soon though...so wish me luck. :/

 

The free aspect is dependent from school to school. Sure there was driver's ed, but it was strictly lecture time and no practical time. 25 pounds sounds about comparable to what you have to pay per lesson currently. Insurance also differs from state to state. My state they have to have insurance to drive. We also have to be 16 to get our license which comes first by taking a test, getting a permit, practicing forever and a year with a licensed driver then going back and taking the driving test, then getting our photo. Each step along the way costs money. Driving here is not cheap, contrary to what you have been told. However, I have been told some states allow driving as young as 14, which I think is insane, but I don't live in those states.

 

Just got back from work and my hands feel like arse! Had to clean the deep-fat fryers today.

 

So glad I left fast food. Sorry Lemex.

 

Sadly, rumours of Ray Bradbury's demise do not seem to have been exaggerated

 

io9 have been carrying the story. Sad day for literature.

 

Just heard about Ray Bradbury. It's always sad to see a writer like that pass away. RIP.