keeping up with the math related talk, here are two posts which offer a contrast in expectations.

the way we teach mathematics here in the states:

http://kitchentablemath.blogspot.com/2007/03/first-grade-probability.html

the way math is taught in much of the rest of the world

http://kitchentablemath.blogspot.com/2007/03/despair.html

i also used the propotional method of solving, and came up with the same answer as the author.  i tried simultanetous equations and that didn't work either.  i did eventually stumble on the right approach.  for me, this example encapsulates a lot of problems our society faces.  some of you may feel that this is not cycling related. 

my take on it is that the problems we face as cyclists are a symptom of a much greater and more general problem: that our society is colossally stupid about a number of things.  while our imperialist exploitative overlords corporate executives sip starbucks and encourage their serfs employees to think outside the box, or whatever brainless motivational mantra of the moment they espouse, they never stop to ponder why they sit in traffic for 70 minutes each way each day.  they complain about their employees taking so many sick days but never stop to ponder whether the problem might be exacerbated by the lack of time to exercise and the commuting side-effects of pollution and stress. 

there has been a massive switch in outlook from objectivity to subjectivity.  you can see it everywhere.  journalists now strive to provide "balance" to a story, giving equal credence and hearing to both sides, even if one side is factual and the other non-factual or illusory.  to come right out and say that such and such is demonstrably true is inappropriate if there are people who feel strongly that the opposite is true.  things like logical inference, rhetoric, and debating are completely absent from the education that most people receive.  after the 1960's, many school districts replaced civics with a new curriculum called american government.  there are few examples i can think of that so clearly show the lowering of exectations, and regression from striving for excellence to the lowest common denominator.  should racing union thought seek to write off the current crop of adults and focus on the young pioneers?  my thinking is yes and i will provide a formal thesis along these lines at the upcoming party congress.  the union must seek to foster change by sowing seeds in fertile ground.

- - - posted by scott