Math in the Media: Arguing on Pi-Day

I cannot say that we, as mathematicians, do not have our fair share of math-arguments and inside jokes and math puns and such.  You know, stuff that the "outside" world would either groan at or simply walk away from in a head-shaking fashion.  But Pi-Day, March 14, or 3/14, does seem to bring things like this to the surface....

Here are two articles that have leaked out into the "real" world.  The first is not a real debate or controversy, really..., but it is kinda fun in a strange sort of way.  It is an argument for a better way to generally represent the constant that arises from comparing the diameter or radius of a circle to its circumference.  Since pi radians represents only half a turn around a circle, why not have the universal constant simply be 2pi, representing a full turn around the circle.  Call this number tau = 2pi.  The article, in the Verge, is kind of a rant on pi's fame:

Stop Celebrating Pi Day and embrace Tau as the true circle constant

I am not sure about this one, but the accompanying "Tau Manifesto" is a pretty good read. 

The other is really more of a comedy routine, designed to educate and highlight some real math.  The sort of sweetened medicine you were forced to take as a child.  Broadcast via Mother Jones, the interview/debate

What is the greatest number of all time?

is an argument between two mathematicians Tom Garrity and Colin Adams.  Clever....

Enjoy Pi-Day!!!