Re: [Phys-L] Halfway point ???

[John Denker <jsd@av8n.com>]

On 04/03/2015 03:06 PM, Bob Sciamanda wrote:
> But of what use is this unexplained statement in a media presentation
> to the general public?  What does the general public think of as 
> "halfway between here and there"?  Should such "hidden technical
> meanings" be used to play games with the general public? To what
> end?

Those are all fine questions, but perhaps they should be 
aimed at a taller lightning rod.

As I see it, there are various inequalities:

*) I try to hold myself to higher standards than anybody
 else.  Similarly, I try to hold my team to higher 
 standards than the other team.

*) I think cops should set a good example by adhering to 
 the laws more closely than the general public.

*) I think lawyers should be sanctioned when they lie
 to the judge.

*) I think teachers should be held to higher standards
 than students.

 For example, if a student asks an insanely ill-posed
 question, it is great sport for the teacher to dig
 down to find something that the student actually 
 understands, to dig through the rubble to find something
 that might serve as a foundation for constructing the
 correct concept.

*) I think textbook authors should be held to higher
 standards than rank-and-file teachers.

*) At the other end of the spectrum, as the saying goes,
 you can't judge of Egypt by Aïda.  I'm not going to write
 to Warner Bros to complain that the Road Runner relies 
 on incorrect physics.

 Wimp.com doesn't have a mission statement AFAICT, but
 if they did, I'll bet factual accuracy wouldn't be
 on it ... much less pedagogical clarity.

==>  My suggestion:  Why don't we make a fuss about all
 the incomprehensible and/or outright wrong stuff in 
 the widely-used textbooks, and in the state-mandated
 standards and tests ... before we start worrying over 
 some low-budget entertainment site.