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Two Cups of Mathematics

With the holidays in full force, many of you are no doubt spending time in the kitchen; those of you who aren’t are nevertheless reaping the benefits provided by those who are.  ‘Tis the season of baked goods, and if you are lucky enough to have a family member who knows how to bake, then for . . . → Read More: Two Cups of Mathematics

An Introduction to Pumpkin Chunkin’

In a recent episode of ABC’s Modern Family, Cameron and Mitchell (the show’s unambiguously gay duo) are with some friends talking about Thanksgiving when Cameron decides to tell a story from his youth which, in his opinion, is quite compelling.  Mitchell knows better, but doesn’t have the heart to tell him that this particular story suffers . . . → Read More: An Introduction to Pumpkin Chunkin’

11/11/11. Great.

To the question making the news circuit today (“Does today’s date have any special significance?”) I believe an article at Scientific American provides the most compelling answer: no.  Not only does the article brush aside suggestions that this day might have some deeper meaning, but it also spends some time discussing why such numerological curiosities capture . . . → Read More: 11/11/11. Great.

Math + Halloween, Part 4

It’s that time of year again.  If you are looking for some math-themed costume ideas, then look no further.  Though it gets harder to keep this tradition with each passing year, here are a few ideas is you’re looking to rock that mathematical look at whatever event you are planning to attend during this frightful Halloween . . . → Read More: Math + Halloween, Part 4

More Shameless Self-Promotion

Hi all.  As a small gift for you going into this weekend, here‘s a link to an article from The Numbers Guy at the Wall Street Journal.  I was one of several people interviewed for my thoughts on the preponderance of math holidays that have been in the news recently.  If you’ve been reading this blog . . . → Read More: More Shameless Self-Promotion

Second Annual Tau Day: Interview and Ideas!

Last year marked the dawn of a new era in mathematical holidays.  Spearheaded by Dr. Michael Hartl, Tau Day (celebrated today, June 28th) is an attempt to draw awareness to what he sees as a fundamental error in the definition of the beloved circle constant .  In particular, he (and others) argue that the more natural . . . → Read More: Second Annual Tau Day: Interview and Ideas!

Pi Day Post Mortem

Dessert aside, long-time readers are probably already aware of my decidedly mixed feelings towards Pi Day (see, for example, here).  Nevertheless, the holiday seems only to be growing in popularity, and so I feel compelled to take it to task once again.

In my earlier post, I complained about mathematical mistakes that frequently appeared in Pi Day . . . → Read More: Pi Day Post Mortem

Math Clock Showdown

When shopping for gifts for someone, there are a few wells from which one frequently draws inspiration.  A person’s favorite TV show, for example, or favorite band; such preferences can often provide good fodder for gift ideas.  One’s career can also be included in this list – in my case, the result is that I am . . . → Read More: Math Clock Showdown

Math Goes Trick Or Treating Yet Again

Another year, another night of dressing in costumes on a quest for candy and/or debauchery.  In previous years, I’ve tried to encourage mathematically influenced Halloween costumes (see here and here), and so if for no other reason than the sake of consistency, this year will be no different.  Here are some new ideas for 2010:

1. The . . . → Read More: Math Goes Trick Or Treating Yet Again

Happy Tau Day?

In the past, I’ve used this blog as a platform to make clear my mixed feelings about Pi Day, a math themed holiday celebrated every year on March 14th (3/14, har har) in honor of the beloved mathematical constant .  My thoughts on the subject can be found here.

It would seem that I am not alone . . . → Read More: Happy Tau Day?