Too old to teach

[deja]

Note that both of these logging trucks seem to be attached to engines and running on rails, but that doesn't affect the math problem in any way.

This may have been true Pre-1990, but certainly not today...

[topazg]

I love the way that "too old to teach" has become a deep and researched discussion into the semantic uses of the word "truck" over the different eras

[DrStraw]

I love the way that "too old to teach" has become a deep and researched discussion into the semantic uses of the word "truck" over the different eras

We may be too old to teach but we are not too old to learn.

[Mike Novack]

I'm on campus now, so I don't have access to my OED. However, I seem to recall that the term truck goes back hundreds of years to refer to the wheeled cart that ship's cannons were mounted upon. (I may have come across this use in the Master and Commander series of books.)

And that the more likely remote origin of the RR "truck" since the recoil carriages of ship cannons were four wheel heavy load bearers as opposed to "carts" which we distinguish from "wagons" by being two wheeled as opposed to four wheeled. Field artillery was usually mounted on two wheeled mounts (easier to quickly turn) though when caissons traveled they sometimes had the "tailstock" supported by another (smaller wheeled) cart.

But I rather suspect that the direct connection would be from mining.

[Aidoneus]

My eyes are getting to old to read the OED, even with the included magnifying glass!

With some strain, I can see the oldest use for trucke (1364) is connected with exchange of commodities or barter. Hence, the terms early use for wages and various transactions. Its nautical use dates to 1611 for the solid wooden wheels attached to the undercarriage of ship's cannons. Its more general usage to describe a wheeled vehicle, or wagon, used for transporting heavy materials seems to date to 1774.

Keep on trucking!

[DrStraw]

My eyes are getting to old to read the OED, even with the included magnifying glass!

You are far from being the oldest person on here. Perhaps you need a better optometrist or ophthamologist.

[Aidoneus]

My eyes are getting to old to read the OED, even with the included magnifying glass!

You are far from being the oldest person on here. Perhaps you need a better optometrist or ophthamologist.

Maybe so, as I didn't notice leaving off an "o" in too old.

[Aidoneus]

Every semester I debate whether I can show this video "Why Am I Failing English" to my class: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KPtzDX0Xndw

Edit: And revenge on us old people. "Why Your Server Hates You Old People" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOJRF7w1ms8

[Aidoneus]

Yesterday at Purdue I have a student who showed up as everyone was exiting the classroom. She showed me her schedule, and I confirmed that she was in my class. She claimed she couldn't find the room. OK. I point out the first homework assignment is still on the board and urge her to read her email announcements and the syllabus. Later that day, she sends me an email apology for missing class and asks me what is the textbook for the course. I just tell her, again, to read the syllabus, which contains this information along with the grading scale and assignments. Ever hear the expression "helicopter parents"? More and more we seem to get students who want someone else to do everything for them.

Student: I should take notes?! No, put them online for me, please! Better yet, make a video so I don't have to read anything.

[gowan]

I'm not sure I want any truck with this discussion