O.T. From a Retired US History Teacher ; this might make you smile!

[Two Flints]

Hello SSS,

This was sent to me by a friend, and as a retired U.S. History Public School Teacher, I thought it was pretty funny (even though it was sent to me by a math teacher).  Two Flints 

The Evolution of Math in the United States

Last week I purchased a burger and fries at McDonalds for $3.58.

The counter girl took my $4.00 and I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies. While looking at the screen on her register, I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried. Why do I tell you this?

Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1960s...

Teaching Math In 1960

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?

Teaching Math In 1970

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

Teaching Math In 1980

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

Teaching Math In 1990

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20 Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

Teaching Math In 2000

A logger cuts down a beautiful forest because he is selfish and inconsiderate and cares nothing for the habitat of animals or the preservation of our woodlands. He does this so he can make a profit of $20. What do you think of this way of making a living? Topic for class participation after answering the question: How did the birds and squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers.)

Teaching Math In 2006

Un ranchero vende una carretera de madera para $100. El cuesto de la produccion era $80. Cuantos tortillas se puede comprar?

[geo]

i laughed and sighed at the same time and then printed it out to share with those over 40 who will appreciate this. anyone younger will have a question: where's the punchline? thanks for sharing...geo.

[Two Flints]

Thanks Geo,

When I taught the U.S. Constitution, I really went into quite a bit of detail on the Electoral College...but administrators thought it wasn't that important However, during recent Presidential Elections the Electoral College and its significance was continually discussed in the news...and my kids knew what was going on or what could happen regarding the Popular Vote and the Electoral Vote.  I think I was vindicated

The math topic I posted reminded me of what also goes on in Social Studies classrooms today, generalities are more important than facts.

Two Flints 

[geo]

i'm surprised that those two subjects are still taught in any sort of depth. when my daughter (now 40) graduated from high school (one of the best in harford county, md) she had been taught no history or social science at all and had to rely on me for, especially, recent historical perspective. maths, sciences, languages were well instructed though. guess that analytical stuff was too iffy. geo.

[Forty Rod]

The math topic I posted reminded me of what also goes on in Social Studies classrooms today, generalities are more important than facts.

Two Flints 

Having been a public school teacher (NOT capitalized), and having been affiliated with many teachers and administrators since leaving the profession, I can tell you that even generalities today often take a back seat to out and out left wing union-sponsored PC bulls---!  That's why my grandson is enrolled in a fully acredited private elemetnary school with conservation political, educational, and Christian values.

[Harve Curry]

  That sounds about right Two Flints.
My Dad was a public school teacher in Yuma. He taught history, math and english during the late 1970's to the 1990's and died in 1994. Dad brought in to class copies of a Colt SAA, 1851 Navy, Harpers Ferry pistol, among some others,. He used them to show the evolution of US arms to his students, hands on without primers or powder.  I have them hanging on the wall behind me. Also an original 1850 foot officers sword. I recall he got in trouble with my Mom after buying it for $25 in the 1960's .
I don't think a teacher could get away with bringing arms into school anymore.

[Two Flints]

Harve,

When I was more involved with the Mountain Man Era, I was allowed to bring my flint lock rifle, flint lock pistol, throwing knife and throwing tomahawk to my US History classroom (this was before 9/11).  I had on my elk skin clothing and all the other items connected with my persona.  The kids were amazed with the flint lock and the one shot and loading procedure.

After 9/11, forget it.  Even thought there were four or five former students serving on the town police force and I have lived here my entire life, also two of the officers on the town force were former classmates of mine at our high school, they would not let me do the demo again.

Two Flints

[Harve Curry]

Howdy Two Flints,
Wow, with up to 7 people on the police force that knew you well. That is disappointing.

This morning I'm going out to the sheriffs place to shoot an original Pennsylvannia rifle, a Bown & Tetley made in the 1830's.
Her name is Geraldine, she uses .440" balls with pillow ticking patch and shoots real good with 45grFF.
Our county sheriff is good about letting his neighbors use a gravel pile as a backstop to shoot whatever we got. We can squeeze 300 yards out of it. Once, leaning on his patrol car, he signaled for me to pull over and had a rifle cased on the trunk. Thought I was in trouble. Then he asked "hey you know about ol guns, what is this?" , as he uncased a copy of a Zouave. I changed to a Democrat so I could vote for him in the primary .
, Bill

[Will Ketchum]

When my boys were in school in the 80s they had a little flint lock rifle that they each brought for show & tell.  Now my grandkids can't even have a picture of a gun.   Somehow I don't feel any safer

Will Ketchum

[Harve Curry]

Maybe this will work, pictures of shooting old Geraldine and my 1865 Spencer over a chronograph today. Both shot into 1" at 50 yards.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w202/NewMexicoOutfitter/JimDeweyshootinGeraldine9-10-07.jpg[/img]]

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w202/NewMexicoOutfitter/BillWeddleSpencer9-10-07008.jpg[/img]]

[Two Flints]

Shouldn't your Spencer cap be worn when shooting your Spencer

[Harve Curry]

That was the plan, but you didn't see the other hat Jim had on . So I loaned him my Spencer cap since it was adjustable.

May I be forgiven? I did get the pictures on by myself, 

There's a story behind the Bown & Tetley, Jim got it as a Christmas present when he was 12 in 1953. He found it in a Michigan gun shop and hounded his parents so they put it on the list. Originally it was a 42 cal.but was well worn, stock cracks, hammer surface worn off. A gunsmith name Shufelt let Jim work on it. They rebored and recut rifling to .452" each land is .010". There are 8 lands, one for each time they turned the octagon barrel to another flat. It was done using an old wooden rifling machine.
So Jm has had 3 wives and kept custody of Geraldine for 54 years now.

[Two Flints]

   Yup, you're forgiven. 

My flintlocks were all made by Jack Garner former owner of Tennessee Valley Manufacturing in Corinth, MS.  My first flintlock was a 50 caliber, 42" barrel "poor boy" Tennessee rifle that was a pre-marital present from my wife.  Later I added a 36 caliber, 42" flintlock rifle, and after watching the "Last of the Mohicans",  I ordered a Virginia-style flintlock with a 44" barrel. What a beauty. There is just something very elegant about a flintlock rifle that defies description.

Two Flints