September 10, 2007

OK, I'm back. Took a little break this weekend, I couldn't get into the news or anything so I didn't have much to say. But it Monday, another day of school, and all is well. Tonight was open house. Many parents came to the classes to meet the teacher (me) and to find out about the course, expectations, and so on. We are allotted 15 minutes for each class, then the bell rings and the parents move on. I always worry that I won't have enough content to keep the parents occupied for 15 minutes, but I always seems to go on past the bell. So that doesn't leave me up there in the front of the class as the target of questions about individual students. This isn't the forum for that.

On the way home this evening, (it was about 8:30 pm - that's right I was at work for 14 hours today) I drove with the windows down. It was a nice reliefs from the constant air conditioning I have been experiencing since the beginning of June(!). What I noticed was how much the temperature fluctuates on my ride home. If the fluctuation was enough for my to tell just by my skin, it must be a difference of somewhere between 5-10 degrees. Another coincidence (I think not) was that the cooler temperatures were where there were more trees. Could it be that the immediate temperature can be a function of the amount of trees in the vicinity? Is it possible that as we cut down more trees we are exposing ourselves to higher immediate temperatures? I suspect "yes" in my non-professional opinion. I am suggesting (and I could be totally wrong, I admit) that if there was less development in this area that the summers may be a bit more bearable (not to mention other things dealing with the infrastructure of the county). That sounds like a theory worth researching.

"Oops, [she] did it again." Looks like Britney Spears has flopped "one more time." From what I read, her performance on the MTV music awards was the most memorable part of the show. The critics complain that she seemed lethargic, out of shape, disinterested, forgot dance steps, and did a horrible job lip-sync-ing her song. What surprises me is that I can not find it on YouTube! I was certain that it would be easy to find. Let me look again. Hey I found it! Maybe rehab didn't work this time? It also looks like those shorts were fitted a few months ago.


-MC

August 10, 2007

Another day down, one day closer to going back to work, although I did some work today. Not much, really, I just made some DVD jackets for some of the videos I've converted to DVD. Next week promises to be really exciting (not really). I am sure I will enjoy being outside supervising the painting of the wall in 95 degree heat. I can't wait! And of course on Friday I begin workdays before school begins. It is always an exciting and anxious time. Exciting because no matter what happened last year, you get a fresh start. Anything you feel didn't go so well you have the chance to try again and get it right. That is one of the nice things about teaching, a clean start each year. How many other jobs can promise that? On the other hand, so much depends on the chemistry of the classes. Every class is different, even if you teach the same subject. Which means that a teacher will have to vary what is done from one class to the next even if the same content is being taught. Likewise, the behavior of the students is such a variable that could cause the same variation between class periods. So there is quite a bit of anxiety regarding class composition.

I am going to try something new. I am going to add a couple or few news stories each day that I find interesting, complete with my personal commentary. So "let's run it up the flagpole and see who salutes it." (That is a line from the movie "12 Angry Men." Juror #12 is in the advertising industry and he says that they come up with these catchy little sayings to introduce new ideas.)

Today's Headlines:

The Case of Kenneth Foster: Texas Prepares to Execute Man for Driving a Car Near Scene of Murder
You have got to love Texas. They are always looking for new ways of finding someone to execute. What can you expect from the state that elected Bush as governor? Evidently, in the state of Texas, you don't even have to kill someone to earn the death penalty. Prosecution, defense, and jury all agree that Kenneth Foster was not involved in nor did he plan the murder of Michael LaHood. Foster was the driver of the car of the murderer and was some 80 feet away, in the car, when the murder took place. Now, I don't know exactly how innocent Foster is, but the death penalty? Looks like cruel and unusual punishment - the penalty does not fit the crime - which would be a violation of the 8th Amendment to the United States Constitution (it looks like Texas has a legacy of trampling the Constitution, that is why Bush was such a good fit for governor).

8th Amendment:
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel
and unusual punishments inflicted.

Dry N.C. Begs for a Hurricane
Well, if you read the article, they don't really want a hurricane, but it is so dry in North Carolina that people would almost welcome a hurricane to end the problem. Record breaking heat in the area combined with exceptionally dry air masses are also creating the potential for wildfires. Despite the unbearable heat (heat index of 105 - actual 98), I was outside finishing the wiring of the speakers on the deck/porch. I also made sure to caulk the holes to prevent the pesky wasps from gaining free entry in to the screened in porch which would, inevitably, put a damper on any dining plans we may be having at the time. But all this heat is really getting to Evan who wants to play outside during recess at school.





Visit the US Drought Monitor Website for a nationwide view of drought conditions.

Giant Lego Man Found in Dutch Sea On a lighter note, what would a giant Lego man be doing in the sea? Publicity stunt or a giant's lost toy? You decide! Check out the Video too!

August 9, 2007

Democrats Give in to Bush's Surveillance Demands
Again, the Constitution is being trampled. Out of fear of looking soft on terror, Democrats gave in to the White House's requests regarding Surveillance. In this case, sensationalism is winning out over principles and rights. The essence of our country and democracy is being lost. In this, the terrorists of 9/11 have been successful. Remember, the right thing to do is not always the popular thing to do.

"So this is how democracy dies - with thunderous applause." - Senator
Amidala, "Star Wars, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith."

Today was a rather slow day. I didn't do too much and before I knew it, it was time to pick Evan up from school. My grandfather is slated to come home from the hospital tomorrow, which is, of course, good news. My sister had her a physical therapy session today, the first since Tuesday's surgery. I don't know how that was, but I am sure it was not without pain.

My summer is drawing to a close as beginning Monday I will be up at school supervising the seniors as they decorate the newly inaugurated "Senior Wall." Although the supervision will essentially cut my summer break short by a week, I am kind of excited to greet the students back for their final year. It is a bit exciting. I am the only advisor to stick with them since freshman year. I am looking forward to it. But I am not looking forward to doing it in the intense heat! The high temperatures everyday this week have been above 100 degrees. Today I saw readings of over 105! The air conditioner was struggling to get the house to the 77 degrees we keep it set. Evan has been disappointed at school, with it being so hot, they have not had recess. Instead they have been exercising in their classroom to a video. In addition, I did not allow Evan to attend soccer practice today. Although the practice did not begin until 7pm, it was still 97 degrees, and in my and Michelle's opinion, that is a dangerous temperature to have children running around in. We were both surprised to see that the Town of Apex did not suspend outdoor activities today due to the intense heat and the heat advisories. Tomorrow promises to be just as hot and humid as today. I know it is going to be a hot one when it is already 80 degrees, in the shade, at 8:30 in the morning!