I interrupt this blog...

For the following Public Service Announcement:

Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $2.58. The counter-girl took my $3 as I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel & 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 1958:

1. Teaching math in 1958:
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100.
His cost of production is 4/5 of the price.
What is his profit?

2. Teaching math in 1968:
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?

3. Teaching Math in 1978:
A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100.
His cost of production is $80.
Did he make a profit?

4. Teaching Math in 1988:
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.

5. Teaching Math in 1998: 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 & squirrels feel as the logger cut down their homes? (There are no wrong answers, & if you feel like crying, it's okay.)

6. Teaching Math in 2008:
Un hachero vende una carretada de madera para $100.
El costo de la producciones es $80.
Cuanto dinero ha hecho?


I know this isn't as great as pictures of Nate, but Carrie has been working a lot these past two weeks, so I thought I would give her a break and interject something that I thought was pretty funny.