O! Canada

Off to Montreal for New Year's and after Christmas festivities! Will back in 2007 (unless I find something relelvant enough to blog about). Happy New Year et Bonne Année à tous!

Getting those days in !

Yesterday at school, the faculty put on the annual Faculty Talent (or lack of) Show. It's a great idea, and a fitting end to the calendar year before Christmas Vacation. Because of a lack of space in the school auditorium, there was a limit of 800 tickets sold. At $5 a piece, the tickets go towards scholarships for the senior class. Since our school has 2600 wonderful students, there were quite a few that either didn't want to go, or did not get a ticket before they were sold out. That left a lot of teachers with students in their classrooms from 7:30-12:30. We couldn't teach, we couldn't test, so we were told to watch G movies (we don't have finals until Feb.). Luckily, my class this period is small and are juniors, so we didn't have a problem. Because of mixing classes because of performances, I know that some teachers had upwards of 50 students in their room for this time period. This "do nothing day", coupled with the fact that I was expected to teach 6 weeks of material in a little less than 5 weeks made for some interesting testing. I know the state mandates how many days the students have to be in school, but really, why should I be forced to entertain them for 5 hours? If they want to watch movies, there is an AMC down the road, or they all have these movies at the house to watch anyway. Over the Hedge was actually pretty good. It is one of those movies where kids and adults can both enjoy on two different levels. Oh well, I don't have to be back until January 8th, so life is good. On to shopping!

Winter Break

I'm pretty much perplexed by the lack of issues that I am having at school lately. Besides random chattiness in class (which I can handle...it means the students are more or less engaged), the biggest issue I've had to face was the arrival of a fluent French speaker in my French III class. She's been utterly bored because we are reviewing the past tense, directions, and other random things that are good to know. If this class were taught in English, it would probably be like being 14 years old in a 4th grade class. The other French teacher and I somewhat made the executive decision to put her in the AP French class, that way she could have some semblance of a challenge. The highest level she could officially be in is III, because II is the highest level offered for credit by exam. So right now, she's not struggling, but at least she's not in a class with 8 year olds. I had my Professional Development Assessment recently, and I was pretty I was worried because this year our department got a new head and principal over foreign languages. I wasn't sure how the principal rated her evaluations, so I wasn't sure what to be in store for. Luckily, she came to one of my French III classes, and I spoke French for just about the whole time, so she had no idea what was going on (a fact relayed to me later). I felt really good about the evaluation, and knew that my kids were speaking back to me in French and asking questions, so it was a waiting game. I pulled out the typed evaluation form from my box, and I almost fell over. I had rated exceeds expectations in every category! The rating system is Doesn't Meet, Meets, Proficient, and Exceeds. Proficient is a bit of a misnomer, as it actually translates to an A. Things are falling into place and looking good. Hopefully, getting his marks these last 3 years will help me on my grad school apps. Who knows? Christmas Winter break begins Thursday afternoon after the Faculty Talent Show. The kids are ready, and I am right there with them. I'm hitting the road running with some eggnog. Only 11 days until I leave for Montreal!

Sunday Funnies

2PM But He Is My Son Office manager: He kinda looks like a Ninja Turtle. Receptionist: What? Office manager: A Ninja Turtle. Don't you see it? Receptionist: Ummm... Office manager: You know, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle. Receptionist: Oh, that kind of Ninja Turtle... I don't see it. 2661 Riva Road Annapolis, Maryland Overheard by: aoK via Overheard in the Office, Dec 11, 2006 5PM And Just Like that, Alan's Frame of Reference Exploded Interviewer: So, I see from your resume that you spent two years in Africa with the Peace Corps. Interviewee: Yes. Interviewer: Did you work with any minorities there? Worcester, Massachusetts Overheard by: I was the minority via Overheard in the Office, Dec 12, 2006 'Win Us Over With Money!' We'd Say Lady at register: My great-grandmother had nine strokes and still lived to be 98 years old. Barista: Wow, nine strokes?! Lady at register: Yeah, I think she was doing it on purpose. You know, to get attention. --Starbucks, Broadway via Overheard in New York, Dec 14, 2006 3PM Warning! Warning! Truth Outbreak In Sector Seven! Interviewer: Do you have any questions? Interviewee: Within the firm, are there opportunities for advancement? Interviewer: Basically, it's an entry-level job -- when you begin it's going to be like,'Shut up and color, we're going to micro-manage you.' 15th & Yamhill Portland, Oregon Overheard by: PH factor via Overheard in the Office, Dec 15, 2006 5PM Just the Grilled Water, Then Server: Are you ready? Customer: I don't know what I want. What do you like? Server: When the customer makes up his mind and orders. Cincinnati, Ohio Overheard by: I Like the Grilled Tuna via Overheard in the Office, Dec 15, 2006

Is it 2006 or 1866?

I've always heard that Vidor, a very small town in southeast Texas, was quite racist. It seems that this woman proves the theory in this report on CNN's Paula Zhan show. Doesn't seem she's very discriminatory towards some things (namely, from whence comes her next meal)...

Reading Meme...

In case anyone was interested, here is my response to the reading questionaire I lifted from the wonderful Ms. Whatsit. 1. How old were you when you learned to read and who taught you? According to my mom, she used to read me Whinnie the Pooh every night. I don't really remember having it read to me all the time, but now my mom says she hates the book becuause she had to read it so much! I think that I followed my parents' examples. They were always reading. 2. Did you own any books as a child? If so, what’s the first one that you remember owning? If not, do you recall any of the first titles that you borrowed from the library? I fondly remember "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie". Every summmer I used to participate in the local library reading challenge. We used to get goodie bags filled with stuff (probably bookmarks) depending on hours read. I borrowed tons and tons of books over the years. 3. What’s the first book that you bought with your own money? I think that the first book I bought was probably in 5th or 6th grade. Previously, it was money my parents gave me for the book fair (I used to love the red, green and yellow cases filled with books--man, I was a nerd). In 5th or 6th grade, RL Stine started writing a Fear Street series. I read all of these scary books, and I think the first was "The Girlfriend" 4. Were you a re-reader as a child? If so, which book did you re-read most often? I never really read a book more than once. I was always ready to get going on the next one! 5. What’s the first adult book that captured your interest and how old were you when you read it? I find it hard to believe, but I think that I went through a sort of a lull with reading when it started to become required in school. Though it was my senior year, "Beowulf" captured me, and I tore it up on my senior essay. 6. Are there children’s books that you passed by as a child that you have learned to love as an adult? Which ones? My senior year of college, I took Children's Literature. We actually had tests on books like "Where the Wild Things Are", and "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom". I remember reading "Tuck Everlasting" and "Goodbye Moon", and thinking that they would have been pretty good reads as a child.

Red Meat

Not what you're thinking...I discoverd this webite through a friend my freshman year of college. Back then, the internet was still finding its way, and Napster was the king of online downloads. Those were the days. It was the first time mostof us had heard anything about really, really fast internet without having dial-up. I digress. Red Meat follows the subversive lives of these rather strange comic strip characters. Recently, while trying very hard not to do lesson plans, I rediscovered this wonderful little spot on the web. I have posted two below for you to enjoy:

Sunday Funnies

10AM And So Igneous to Use a Dictionary Coworker: I just love paying bills online -- it is just so easy. Blonde coworker: I know, it's so great. Coworker: The computer has really made things efficient. Blonde coworker: I know -- it is, like, sooo Antarctic to pay your bills by check nowadays. 30th floor, 55 East 52nd Street New York, New York Overheard by: Greg Case via Overheard in the Office, Dec 6, 2006 12PM He Spells 'Foxtrot' with a 'Ph' Employee: Thanks for calling iTransact, can I help you? Customer: Yes, I'd like to cancel my account, please. Employee: No problem, sir. Can I have your name, please? Customer: Yes, it's 'Frank.' That's 'F' as in 'Frank,' R-A-N-K. Farmington, Utah via Overheard in the Office, Dec 6, 2006 11AM Nope, Sold Them to the Gypsies to Pay the Bills Student: Mrs. Smith*, do you have any kids? Mrs. Smith: No, I don't have children. Student: Did somebody steal them? 1212 Cheyenne Boulevard Birmingham, Alabama Overheard by: Sheri via Overheard in the Office, Dec 6, 2006 I'm Pretty Sure She Means Harvard Woman on cell: Yeah, my flight to Kansas City is delayed...Well it's either this or back to the mental institution. --Women's restroom, LaGuardia Airport Overheard by: morgan from missouri via Overheard in New York, Jul 18, 2006 We Also Would Have Accepted 'Date Rape' Bartender: What's your favorite word? Drunk rich girl: Credit card! Bartender: What's your other favorite word? Drunk rich girl: Money! Bartender: No, the other one... Drunk rich girl: Shots! --Doc Holliday's, Ave A Overheard by: Your Mom via Overheard in New York, Dec 7, 2006

24

I've been watching "24" since about July 4th weekend. I have written previously about my affinity for this show. If you've never seen it, it's like watching a never ending action movie. There are more twists and turns than a crazy straw! I have somehow managed to get myself pretty far into the series, which started in 2001. In January, the 6th season will begin. I currently find myself in the midst of the 4th (!) season. 24 is a pretty serious show, but still manages to how a few comical situations/side jokes every now and again. Chloe O'Brian is an analyst within CTU (counter terrorism unit). She has very, very poor social skills. During a rather serious point in a storyline, Chloe's boss ask her to complete a task. She makes a bit of a "potato face", and her boss responds: "Chloe, we don't have time for your personality disorder. Get to work". (potato face? hmmm...) You might have to see the show to appreciate it, but I thought it was pretty funny. She has to be the most bizzare characters. Ms. O'Brian has quite the penchant for making strange comments at strange times. I would hurt myself, badly, if I had to work with her on a daily basis.

Sunday Funnies

Let Them Learn Facts Dude: So there was this ad, it was like a modern version of the French Revolution, and it said, “Let them eat cake.” Chick: …Wait. What does that have to do with–? Dude: Oh, oh, you have to be a history major to get that! It’s ’cause Marie Antoinette actually said that. She was German, you know. NYU New York, NY Dude: I don’t remember who she is; was she an actress? I want to say she’s Hitler’s wife. No, not Hitler…Napoleon! University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, Wisconsin Via Overheard at College Imagine a World Where Blondes Understand Things Asian Violinists Can't Grasp Girl with violin case: I asked Weijing and she said it was OK. Hag with eye tick: She must not have understood you. She's not blond, you know. She's Chinese. Girl with violin case: Um, I'm pretty sure she understood me. --Juilliard via Overheard in New York, Sep 24, 2006 Coming Up Next on This Is Your Life, Pauly Shore's Parents Discuss His Birth Thug: ...'cause most doctors will tell you, most doctors will actually tell you that a little marijuana is good for the baby. Pregnant girlfriend: Really? --14th St Overheard by: Rationalization Whiplash via Overheard in New York, Jul 28, 2006 1PM Despite What You May Have Heard Thrift store connoisseur: Well, I don't like underwear with stains anyway... 19043 Wentworth Avenue Lansing, Illinois Overheard by: Rusti via Overheard in the Office, Dec 1, 2006

Citation du Jour (Quote of the Day)

"Je ne suis pas d'accord avec ce que vous dites, mais je me battrai jusqu'à la mort pour que vous ayez le droit de le dire." "I do not agree with what you say, but I will fight up to death so that you have the right to say it." Voltaire From Wikipedia: François-Marie Arouet (21 November 1694 – 30 May 1778), better known by the pen name Voltaire, was a French Enlightenment writer, essayist, deist and philosopher. Voltaire was known for his sharp wit, philosophical writings, and defense of civil liberties, including freedom of religion and the right to a fair trial. He was an outspoken supporter of social reform despite strict censorship laws in France and harsh penalties for those who broke them. A satirical polemicist, he frequently made use of his works to criticize Church dogma and the French institutions of his day. Voltaire is considered one of the most influential figures of his time. It's too bad many people neither wrote nor think like this anymore.

Eighties Flashback

I was perusing Ms. Whatsit's blog recently, and I saw a meme that she posted concerning early reading and favorite books. It got me thinking of my favorite books, and the first books I read. I will post my own version later, but there was one specific series of books that came to mind right off the bat: In a Dark, Dark Room, and Bony-Legs. These books used to scare the living daylights out of me when I was 8 and 9. In a Dark, Dark Room contained many stories, but the one that sticks out to this day involved a young couple. The young girl, from birth, had a ribbon tied around her neck. Her husband begged and begged for her to tell him why she wore this ribbon and never removed it. Her answer was always, "When the time is right". The couple grew older, and on her deathbed, she finally tells her husband that the time is right. He finally removes the ribbon, and dun....dun....dun....her HEAD falls off! There was an actual image of her severed head! This was really traumatic as an 8 year-old, but it was almost like a bad accident--you had to look at it. I can remember gathering around during recess and reading this story, everytime the page was about to turn to the climax, I got shivers! Bony-Legs is Hansel and Gretel on crack. See, Bony is this old witch with steel teeth that likes to eat children. I feel like I remember something about screaming children in a pot...I'll spare the details, but in the end, a buttery gate saves the day!I must say that these books are more than likely part of the root cause of some of my craziness today (coupled with a very, very bizzare episode of Unsolved Mysteries that still has an effect on the way I sleep)!