In 1986 at the Tulane Conference, the pedagogy of calculus was reviewed, and
their first recommendation was to focus on conceptual understanding. To 
convey ideas, teachers should present topics geometrically, numerically, and
algebraically. Recently, this has been expanded to include a verbal description
of the topic. Students have preferred learning mechanisms; hopefully by
presenting four different perspectives, calculus teachers can cater to the
students' tastes. 

<p>
Many textbooks could benefit from a similar multiple exposition of topics. My
accounting <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0072358602/qid%3D1047004489">textbook</a> really needs to provide an algebraic derivation of 
accounting's "rules". That which seems arbitrary is actually (and always) quite 
well founded upon the axioms of accounting, as accounting is completely 
internally consistent. Unfortunately, the authors leave the algebra as an 
exercise for the reader. 

<p>
It's interesting to note that Miles/Gallon <a
href="http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/info.shtml#estimates">fuel efficiency</a>
ratings are done by the <a href="http://www.epa.gov/otaq/mpg.htm">EPA</a>, and
that the maximum speed when testing highway conditions is 60mph. I guess we
have to read up on individual cars to determine their most fuel efficient 
highway speed. I'm searching for some balance between safety, fuel efficiency,
and utility, so I think I'm leaning towards a station wagon of some kind(VW
Jetta Wagon TDI, or a Volvo 240, Saturn SW/LW, or something else?) 

<p>