Gayle Brennan Spencer – sending random thoughts to and from South Austin
Above: A mock wedding is always part of the pre-Lenten Carnaval in San Martin Tilcajete, Mexico
Is everyone on a diet? I think this is the first time that there is not one food post represented in the top 12 posts that you have frequented during the past year.
The following list represents the biannual results of the most-read postcards, with the numbers in parentheses indicating rankings from six months ago when applicable.
Continue reading “Biannual Roundup: What posts you’ve traveled most”
Above: Monument commemorating a hometown hero, Archimedes
Certain things first became clear to me by a mechanical method, although they had to be demonstrated by geometry afterwards because their investigation by the said method did not furnish an actual demonstration. But it is of course easier, when we have previously acquired by the method, some knowledge of the questions, to supply the proof than it is to find it without any previous knowledge.”
Archimedes (About 287-211 BC)
Seriously? The above is an example of Archimedes-speak that is babble to me. Math is far from one of my languages – Greek to me. In fact, I would almost consider Archimedes an enemy – the Father of Mathematical Physics, the Father of Integral Calculus and the man who tortured himself long enough to figure out such seemingly unsolvable puzzles as Pi.
Except, a visit to Siracusa convinced me that in times of war, or peace, you definitely would want Archimedes with all his math and inventions on your side.
Continue reading “Postcard from Siracusa, Sicily: Why everybody wants math nerd on their side”
Above: Detail on Rathaus, City Hall, on Romerberg Plaza
Pristine. Perfect condition. How could ancient medieval buildings in the the historic center of Frankfurt am Main possibly look this good? Their appearance is particularly amazing in the midst of so many mid-century structures.
The answer lies in the tenacity of the people in this region. Below is how the plaza appeared following the arrival of Allied troops as World War II drew to its costly close.
Continue reading “Postcard from Frankfurt, Germany: Impressions prior to following in Goethe’s path”
Postcards from Barton Springs 