It ain't the USA it's those 'academic' Nerds. Most folks' still say 'math' as a single class or 'mathematics' when speaking of well, Mathematics . Then again ya got yourself those who wants to show their smarts.
On a whim I took an online idiot test a few years back and according to the site missed Mensa by two points. They suggested I study and try again. Since I didn't know what a Mensa was I went back to playing "Blossom Blast" and reading the gnews.
I took the IQ test at the VA facility in Indianapolis, the one for "psychological studies", aka filbert factory. The tech showed me my score, then in a low voice he said "They always shave off 5 points." I really didn't care, I wasn't familiar with the scale and that was just a number to me. But it did get the VA to pay full ride at Purdue. That was nice. After I was done there they paid off >$100,000 in student loans.
I took the IQ test at the VA facility in Indianapolis, the one for "psychological studies", aka filbert factory. The tech showed me my score, then in a low voice he said "They always shave off 5 points." I really didn't care, I wasn't familiar with the scale and that was just a number to me. But it did get the VA to pay full ride at Purdue. That was nice. After I was done there they paid off >$100,00 in student loans.
Sweet! Im sure you know the scale has been adjusted many times - Upward as we get more intelligent - The "average" kept climbing. Until recently that is, we are now experiencing a fall in intelligence and im sure the scale will be adjusted again.
How I made it through high school is a bigger mystery than the size of the Universe. Skated through on my good looks and charming personality I guess. Didn't really care for academics and hated "Maths". Read a couple chapters and take the test. " B's & C's " satisfied the parents and left me free for more interesting endeavors. Knowing and being friends with the office staff ie: Junior&Senior girls, I'd request a bathroom break, stop at the office and request a hall pass and next thing you know I'm Umpiring the girl's third hour PE class. The PE teacher Mr. Swoik was a great guy ! Shouted out " Where you suppose to be?" and with a dumb look I said, 'I'm on a break". He said, stand behind the plate and call. Yeah real dumb. IQ has nothing to do with intelligence.
I was captain of my primary school - They brought in the yearly "academic award" because of me...i was as surprised as anyone when they called my name...i went to school for the girls. I was then Captain of my high school and was made school representative for the entire NT...Boring meetings with adults. When i got to college i rebelled...bored with being "good" i started smoking cigs and Mary Jane, got into a metal band (which im sure ive posted from Youtube) and chased skirt with gusto...Never been the same since. I remember one college teacher writing "Luke tried his hardest to fail this year...and almost succeeded". I got my University entry score at a trot...but never went.
I held secret tutoring sessions for my friends in high school. We were officially "pooling our homework time". I liked it because I had to regurgitate what the teachers said without losing the essence of the lessons. Mental weight lifting as it were.
I had three uncles-by-marriage who had been engineering ratings when they were in the USN. Their best help was telling me to get all the "Shop" classes in I could get. I almost slept through Machinist Mate "A" and "C" schools when the USN sent me to them. Got three months in San Diego out of one, much fun.
Ahh, those high school dazes. If only I had 'applied' myself. I try to take at least some credit for my oldest Grandson, he didn't quite get a Full Ride but did receive a scholarship that covers over three years of University. But my wife has her Master's and the daughter was straight "A's so I don't really get much credit. Although they say, no Dad you're pretty (?) intelligent. Gotta Love that family bond.
Most people who know me would consider me gregarious. But that's not from the home life. When all five of us were home the TV did most of the talking. Strange now to think that five people could go long periods without interacting. It wasn't until Mom let the cat out of the bag about "Dad's" suspicion about me not being one of his get. We never had a conversation, not one. I saved his life twice and he didn't acknowledge that in any way or change his attitude toward me. /venting
But you knew he knew…I could have invented sliced bread and my parents would have said ‘oh that’s nice’…I think I was 13 when I decided to quit trying to impress them.
Watched the Moon rise last night with Jupiter chasing it. This morning I watch them set . Neat how this time of year the moon rises in the northeast and sets in the north-northwest.
Oh I can't wait because next year everything will be cheaper, unemployment will be a thing of the Past, taxes will drop to unprecedented levels and we'll all Love each other again. World Peace will be attained, we'll have that super-duper light speed rocket engine and so much Goodly things !