The Valley Girl

We have our share of "Valley Girl" students here who seem to only live for social interaction. I had a confrontation with one of the chosen ones today. When she wasn't chatting away to her neighbors while supposedly completing a lab she was interrupting me with what she thought were witty remarks. Finally I had enough and asked her to sit down. A little while later I was going to let her back in the lab. I asked her if she thought she could stay on task and complete the lab if I let her back with her group. Her response was to smirk at the other students and then dramatically roll her eyes. That sealed her fate.

I called her mom and with the dear one throwing a tantrum in the background to the point that I could barely hear mom talking. I proceeded to tell mom how her darling was not winning the 'Student of the Day Award For Behavior' today. Afterwards I informed the student that she could behave and stay in class or she could get out at the end of the 9 week period. Another eye roll and she replied "Just wait. I'll get mom on MY side!" What a lovely child. Tell her what she has won, Vanna! She will go on an all expense paid trip to the office for any future infraction in my class. Maybe I'll even roll my eyes when I send her. It's simply karma, baby!

Technorati Tags: Behavior, Discipline, School

The New Telescope

Last year my Meade 8" telescope electronics and one motor died on me. Repairs did not fix all of the problems with it so I ordered an Orion 10 inch Dobson Intelliscope. It has a 14000 item 'Goto' pad. The main difference between it and the Meade is that I move the scope manually to locate celestial items. The Goto feature is more for the students than for me since I plan on using it at an "Astronomy Night" at the school for the physical science kids and another teacher's earth/space science students.

The telescope just came and has been unpacked. There is quite a bit to assemble, but as you can see from the photograph the ever-helpful Beau and Luvey are assisting me in putting it all together!

Technorati Tags: Telescope, Astronomy, Cats

T'ai Chi

I hate exercise. I know, it's healthy and I will add years to my life with a good exercise regimen. Actually I do walk a lot. I just do not have the patience or inclination to sweat buckets of perspiration after teaching all day. That's why I love t'ai chi. It relieves the pent up stresses of the day while gently stretching the muscles and joints. Afterwards I feel balanced and calm. I started with the David Carradine AM/PM DVD and really was hooked on it. After that I stepped up to the more intricate and demanding DVD "The Method". It takes you up to an intermediate level. I have another DVD for the time I am ready to advance to an even higher level. I highly recommend t'ai chi for anyone who wants a gentle workout that leaves you feeling great.

Technorati Tags: Tai Chi, Relax, Exercise

First Triops Tattoo Photo!

It is still healing but here is the first photo of the new triops tattoo.

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Happy hump day!

...to everyone out there. There are a couple of bits of news. First, I got the triops tattoo. It was a very interesting experience. Ms. Deborah did her usual excellent work while my wife Karen, Deborah, another tattoo artist, and a friend of Deborah's chatted about Ed Wood films. I sat facing a picture of Jesus and a photo of Elvis so you just know it was an interesting conversation! In a few days after it heals I will unveil what I am calling 'King Triops'. It's unique.

We heard that the 20 pound cat Bowser that we have been trying to adopt out was finally adopted Sunday! (see photo) We've been trying for 6 months to find him a good home and this huge sweetheart has one now thanks to Goliath and Bebe's World. He deserves it. I only wish we had been volunteering that day so we could have been a part of it.

We are making a music video on organic body chemicals in the Anatomy class now. Final taping is Friday and it's gone well so far. The music they are writing lyrics to is "Satisfaction" by the Rolling Stones. I'm doing rhythm guitar duty on a Seagull acoustic and a student is handling lead on an ESP electric and my Fender Blues Deluxe amp. I'm not quitting my day job but I think we will pull it together enough to do a halfway creditable job. At least I hope we do.

Till next time, take care and be good out there!

Technorati Tags: Tattoo, Music, Cat, School

Tattoo Day!

Tuesday afternoon I go in for my custom triops tattoo. A reader wanted to see my cat face tattoo on the other arm. Here it is.

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Mystery Painting

A lot of families have a painting that has been passed down through the generations. Here is mine. It is an unsigned picture that was originally hanging in a Tennessee farmhouse of my great-great grandmother's on my mother's side. Sorry about the glare in the top portion of the photo. The frame it is in is a decorative gilt design. It dates to the mid 1800's. Other than that I have no information about it. OK painting experts out there. What can you tell me about this photo? The well has a bucket with a rope and pole. The dress is apparently period dress. The picture was willed to me from mom when she died and I have always been curious as far as the exact date of it as well as any other information I could learn.

Technorati Tags: Painting

Oh, My Aching Feet!!!

Yes, boys and girls, these are my poor feet after two days of walking around the room during labs. I wear the softest Florsheim shoes I can buy. Still, with all the walking I do during teaching I was hobbling around by the end of the second day. I took my shoes and socks off and blood was covering my left toes. It seems that a nail was torn out and a piece of skin was gone from one toe. I've been bandaging two toes the past couple of days. It actually looks a lot better now in this photo but boy, do they ache! And people say that teachers sit all day and are lazy. Sure!

Technorati Tags: Aching, Teach, Feet, School

My tattoo

I have always wanted a tattoo. Several years ago I broke down and got this tattoo of our former bunny Lady Fawn. It was expertly done by the artist Deborah Inksmith locally. She also did a cat face on my other arm but the bunny is my favorite. My students have heard about my tattoos and they always ask to see them each year. I guess they are fascinated by their 'nerdy' science teacher having tattoos. I keep threatening my wife that one day I will go into a biker bar with a sleeveless t-shirt and my bunny and cat tattoos showing. I wonder how long I would live?

I have an appointment with Deborah in 2 weeks to have a custom tattoo of a triops put on an arm. I'm looking forward to this unique tattoo. It's probably the only triops tattoo in the world. I will post it after it heals.

The Calm Before The Storm

Here is a shot of my classroom today before the students invade here on their first school day Friday. I've been cleaning, unpacking, and putting up posters all week.

and here is a view of Bartram High School's courtyard area. I am enjoying the peace while it lasts!

Technorati Tags: Classroom, Teaching, School