Jeff Wragg

Who wants to be a genius?

Jeff — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 14:58:27 +0000

If an IQ enhancing treatment would cost you 10 years off your life, how many IQ points would you require it to add before you went for it?

New theme – Provocative Questions

Jeff — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 15:24:34 +0000

I think I’ve decided on a theme for my blog. I will ask provocative questions. Please do not interpret the way I ask the question to imply my position on it. Here is the first of many…

Would you resort to cannibalism to save yourself? Would it make a difference if dinner was a stranger, a friend, or a family member? Not murder, just cannibalism. Would you save your child by resorting to cannibalism?

Meeting Prospective Physics and Astro Majors

Jeff — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 12:14:22 +0000

I have had a couple of visitors lately. People seem reluctant to ask to see more of our department. We are very happy to show prospective students around, so they can get a feel of the atmosphere, students and faculty in the department. I like them to meet faculty, to get a sense of research activities, and to meet students to get a sense of our community.

I often get a strong sense of apology from prospective students because they are unsure of what they want to do. I always tell them to pursue that which makes them happy. For me, that meant majoring in physics so I could figure out how everything works. Most physics majors share that sense. Even if they know they want to study physics (or something else) there is a sense of uncertainty about the details of their future. Mostly that works itself out as you go along.

In full swing

Jeff — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 13:26:48 +0000

The semester is now in full swing. I define that by having had a test in each class, and committee meetings. So pretty much one of everything has now happened.

I was quite pleased with the performance of my students in physics 102 on their first test. The very fun bunch of students in physics 230 also did well on their test. Their brains are being twisted into physics mode quite nicely.

The department shares the College’s concern about budget cuts, hoping they will not too seriously affect students. Speaking of students, our majors are a scary bunch. They have already browbeaten me into having a Halloween party. I was disappointed that the party last year didn’t prevent them from wanting a repeat. I’ll have to go even further down dark pathways of the costume world to do that. With any luck I can completely ruin their appetites, and I won’t have to buy any party food.