Saturday, December 19, 2009

Physics Groupie News

Founding Father Thomas Paine must have had the oft-tragic life of a scientist in mind when he uttered the words “These are the times that try men’s souls.” These simple words describe the beginnings of the American Revolution, but also the life of Paine himself. Throughout most of his life, his writings inspired passion, but also brought him great criticism. I can certainly relate.

The past couple of months have been nothing less than frustration and anxiety incarnate for the Physics Groupie for personal reasons I’d rather not delve into in a public forum. Suffice it to say life has been a struggle. I did manage, however, to submit an important piece of science writing this past Friday that I’ve been toiling over for months which is a huge load off my mind. Now, I’m about to start my first science book project (I’ve published three computer books in the past, but never a science title). This will likely become a year-long project, and I’m still debating how to integrate The Science Lifestyle Blog into the mix. Time will tell where I, this bag of molecular flotsam, will land, but I hope I can muster more posts here on this blog which has grown to personify me like nothing before.

Reasoned Greetings to all!

[PS. No more pen name!]
Posted by at 4:14 PM

1 comments:

  1. Paine might indeed have been a scientist at heart (he invented a smokeless candle and a new bridge) but I think he was definitely an educator at heart. I'm a fifth-grade teacher in Colorado, and a crucial part of teaching civics is providing students with our primary sources: the founding documents. This is critical in understanding what “We the People” means. Today, like 230 years ago, those documents instill in students the belief that all voices are important. Every one of our citizens is needed to pursue liberty. Futures do not have to be inevitable and "Little voices" can make dramatic impacts on events. That is Paine's greatest contribution to our country. His pamphlet, Common Sense, spoke to all the voices in the 13 colonies during a time of great indecision. He gave a vast number of citizens a vision of what each could do, 176 days before the Declaration. A belief that power should radiate from the citizens. That message is still foundational for all our students today.

    Mark Wilensky,
    author of "The Elementary Common Sense of Thomas Paine: An Interactive Adaptation for All Ages"
    ReplyDelete

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