NPR: 10 Year Anniversary of Blogging
Hard to believe that there have been blogs since 1999. This is an interesting report and very creative. They do the 'audio blog' concept. Interesting.
I began blogging in 2003. It'll be 5 years in 2008. It really is amazing how much information is out there on the internet now. I just don't have enough time to take it all in. I am finding myself more disconnected now because of it... which is odd. But, there are tons of tools now to help search, find, and more importantly - learn more effectively.
What I am talking about are the Web 2.0 technologies. These include Wikis, Social Bookmark Sharing (my personal fav is del.ici.ous), blogs, YouTube, etc. It is amazing to see how the internet has expanded.
I am working on trying to incorporate wikis into my 5th six week's digital projects. This way the kids can be working on the computers from home and collaborating on their work. Should be interesting. I am sure the first time I try it there will be some bumps in the road. But, nothing ventured... nothing gained.
And isn't that the message of blogging? Putting your ideas, stories, pictures, videos and thoughts out there on the internet for all to read is definitely venturing. And I believe that I have gained quite a lot in the process.
Monday, December 24, 2007
Shift_Happens
Shift Happens
From: jbrenman, 9 months ago
This is a stylization of a slideshow originally created by Karl Fisch, examining globalization and America’s future in the 21st century. It is designed to stand alone, without having to be presented in person. Enjoy!
SlideShare Link
Sunday, December 23, 2007
"We are the Champions!"
Que Queen "We are the Champions!"
Norma won our family fantasy football league tonight. She is the official 2007 "Leather Helmet League" Champion! We keep the league crown in the house. I won last year and Norma's "Aidan's Armadillos" take it this year.
Norma defeated her brother-in-law Brian for the win. Brian had a great season and it is a shame someone had to lose. But, it is the first ever championship for Norma. She is pretty pumped!
In my $money$ league, I won the whole enchilada. Sweet victory for my first time in an auction draft league. It is a really competitive league and I am just amazed that I was lucky enough to win! Awesome. I will actually get some mula for this! $$$ Comes in handy this time of year.
Way to go Dragons!
Norma won our family fantasy football league tonight. She is the official 2007 "Leather Helmet League" Champion! We keep the league crown in the house. I won last year and Norma's "Aidan's Armadillos" take it this year.
Norma defeated her brother-in-law Brian for the win. Brian had a great season and it is a shame someone had to lose. But, it is the first ever championship for Norma. She is pretty pumped!
In my $money$ league, I won the whole enchilada. Sweet victory for my first time in an auction draft league. It is a really competitive league and I am just amazed that I was lucky enough to win! Awesome. I will actually get some mula for this! $$$ Comes in handy this time of year.
Way to go Dragons!
The End... of Xbox 360
Well, I don't know. Maybe I am getting too old and this is a sign? My 360 died again today. This is #4. I don't really know if I want another one or not... but, I did pay good money for the thing.
I haven't played in MONTHS. Last night I booted it up and played a game of football and actually won. I was thinking, we'll looks like I'll play a bit over the holiday. Funny thing happened... the dvd-rom started making this TERRIBLE sound. I bumped it and it seemed to keep working ok.
Tonight I booted it up again. Terrible Sound again... then a horrible scraping noise. I popped the disc out and it was all scratched up in a circular pattern. Put the disc back in after shutting down and restarting - error "unplayable disc." So I figured my game disc is just shot. Put in another disc just to see what would happen - same error "unplayable disc." The drive will make this burping sound a couple of times and then - nothing. Unplayable.
I just don't have the energy or will to call 1-800-myxbox right now. Maybe tomorrow...
or maybe never.
I haven't played in MONTHS. Last night I booted it up and played a game of football and actually won. I was thinking, we'll looks like I'll play a bit over the holiday. Funny thing happened... the dvd-rom started making this TERRIBLE sound. I bumped it and it seemed to keep working ok.
Tonight I booted it up again. Terrible Sound again... then a horrible scraping noise. I popped the disc out and it was all scratched up in a circular pattern. Put the disc back in after shutting down and restarting - error "unplayable disc." So I figured my game disc is just shot. Put in another disc just to see what would happen - same error "unplayable disc." The drive will make this burping sound a couple of times and then - nothing. Unplayable.
I just don't have the energy or will to call 1-800-myxbox right now. Maybe tomorrow...
or maybe never.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Visit from Uncle George
Aidan really loves his Uncle George and Aunt Marla. We had a really nice time with them today. They drove in from San Antonio this afternoon. Aidan and George played quite a bit and Aidan really had a great time. He's such a boy and loves to get physical and jump and wrestle.
Tonight we went to Fuddruckers in Town Center and had a real nice meal. Tomorrow we'll open some Christmas presents and spend some time together before they head back to SA.
Finally had a chance to finish watching Transformers tonight. Quality summer flick. I liked it. It is amazing what technology can do these days. Those transformations were incredible. And they looked awesome on my hd tv. Sweet.
Norma and I are both vying for Super Bowl wins in two separate leagues tomorrow. Fantasy Football. What a blast. Marion Barber got me off to a good start tonight with 24 points. I'm up 24-13. :) Sunday will be a big day. My defense goes Monday Night on Christmas Eve and might just rack up the win for me? (Keeping my fingers crossed... and toes too) Their is actually $money$ riding on this!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Hawaii
During 6th period today my building principal and associate principal came to my door. They had a wide-eyed look that made my heart stop I was so scared. I figured something serious must be going on. They said, "Sorry but can we talk to you outside for a minute?" I drew in a deep breath and stepped outside.
They said, "Hey we have a conference coming up that we would like you to attend.... it is in March... right after Spring Break... and thing is, it's in Hawaii." I said, "No, where is it really?" I didn't believe them at all.
They said, "No seriously. Hawaii. We are sending a number of teachers and principals to a conference on new learning strategies and we really want you to go." I was stunned. My principal said, "Of course you will need to talk to Norma about it."
I'm still kind of shocked about it all. To imagine me going to Hawaii. That is not something I ever planned to do. It is too dang expensive and not very practical for any real purpose. But, I am going. Norma wrote me back an email that period that said, "Of course you have to go RETARD!" I was worried that she might be upset. Last summer I went to San Diego for AVID training, now this!
Really crazy.
I still can't believe it and I am typing about it... so I'll write more later.
They said, "Hey we have a conference coming up that we would like you to attend.... it is in March... right after Spring Break... and thing is, it's in Hawaii." I said, "No, where is it really?" I didn't believe them at all.
They said, "No seriously. Hawaii. We are sending a number of teachers and principals to a conference on new learning strategies and we really want you to go." I was stunned. My principal said, "Of course you will need to talk to Norma about it."
I'm still kind of shocked about it all. To imagine me going to Hawaii. That is not something I ever planned to do. It is too dang expensive and not very practical for any real purpose. But, I am going. Norma wrote me back an email that period that said, "Of course you have to go RETARD!" I was worried that she might be upset. Last summer I went to San Diego for AVID training, now this!
Really crazy.
I still can't believe it and I am typing about it... so I'll write more later.
End of the Semester
Today was a really wild day. We have 1/2 days on Wed/Thu/Fri to end the semester. There are a couple of finals each day. Today was my AVID class final. They wrote essays that they have been working on for weeks and today they had to come in and write them out. An easy final, but the kids really put a lot of work into it. AVID is an elective, so it's not meant to be super hard.
The kids really poured their hearts out on these essays. I have been sitting and reading them tonight and just crying like crazy. I don't understand why I am such a sap... but I am.
One student wrote about how AVID has changed his life. He said that before AVID he was doing drugs, fighting and running with gangs. Now he really is starting to believe that he can go to college. Amazing.
Another student broke down the AVID class very scientifically: the big binder for organization, tutoring to help with classes, guest speakers, college trips, inspirational and motivational videos... it was a real piece of work. She basically put down on paper what the program is perfectly. Next year she's going to have to read that to our new freshman groups. (She doesn't know that yet!)
It really has me in a sentimental mood. Sometimes all the work that you are doing and all that you are accomplishing gets hidden because you are just trying to clear the next hurdle. That's why I love teaching so much. There is a finish line. We cross it tomorrow at 10:25 and then I can look back and critique how the race was run. I feel pretty confident I will be happy with where we are at!
Funny thing happened this afternoon: a technology recruiter (i.e. head hunter) called me on the phone. He said, "What is your current situation?" (obviously implying he had a job for me) I almost laughed. I said, "Hey thanks for calling, but I am a teacher and will be one until I retire. I am very happy with where I am at right now."
It is a pretty cool thing to be able to pass up that kind of money so easily. But, my total compensation as a teacher is not in raw dollars alone. The energy and enthusiasm that kids give back to me is priceless. I am indeed very lucky to be a teacher.
The kids really poured their hearts out on these essays. I have been sitting and reading them tonight and just crying like crazy. I don't understand why I am such a sap... but I am.
One student wrote about how AVID has changed his life. He said that before AVID he was doing drugs, fighting and running with gangs. Now he really is starting to believe that he can go to college. Amazing.
Another student broke down the AVID class very scientifically: the big binder for organization, tutoring to help with classes, guest speakers, college trips, inspirational and motivational videos... it was a real piece of work. She basically put down on paper what the program is perfectly. Next year she's going to have to read that to our new freshman groups. (She doesn't know that yet!)
It really has me in a sentimental mood. Sometimes all the work that you are doing and all that you are accomplishing gets hidden because you are just trying to clear the next hurdle. That's why I love teaching so much. There is a finish line. We cross it tomorrow at 10:25 and then I can look back and critique how the race was run. I feel pretty confident I will be happy with where we are at!
Funny thing happened this afternoon: a technology recruiter (i.e. head hunter) called me on the phone. He said, "What is your current situation?" (obviously implying he had a job for me) I almost laughed. I said, "Hey thanks for calling, but I am a teacher and will be one until I retire. I am very happy with where I am at right now."
It is a pretty cool thing to be able to pass up that kind of money so easily. But, my total compensation as a teacher is not in raw dollars alone. The energy and enthusiasm that kids give back to me is priceless. I am indeed very lucky to be a teacher.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Sad Times in Humble
Our school district has gone through a really tough week. At the school where Norma and I used to work HHS, they lost their principal this week. He had a series of heart attacks. He was a young man it is such a terrible loss for the community.
Tomorrow at AHS we are going to replace our usual red/white/blue with purple to support our sister school. I have a drawer full of old Humble shirts. So I am actually very happy to wear one and support everyone that is going through such a tough time over there.
We also lost our school board president the very next day to a heart problem. That was also a terribly tragic loss. He was young as well and it is just a shock to everyone. He spoke at our back to school meeting last year and was so impressive.
Of course, these terrible tragedies have reminded me so much this week of my dad. Tonight in the car coming home I was telling Norma the story about how great a whistler my dad was. He could do one of those 'fingers to the lips' whistles that would 'bring the cows home.' And that whistle used to bring me home for dinner when I was all over the neighborhood. I swear you could hear it for miles away.
Aidan was in the back seat and said, "Daddy's Dad?" And Norma tried to explain we were talking about Pap Pap (what all the grandkids called my dad). Aidan said, "Pap Pap? Nooooo... not Pap Pap... Pappy!" It is because he knows Norma's dad's name is Pappy. But, I started to explain that my dad isn't around anymore... boy did I start to cry. It really hits me at the strangest times. I was very happily going along and explaining it with no problem and then POW.
So tonight before his bath I picked up Aidan and showed him the pictures of my dad holding him. They are along the steps going upstairs. Aidan looked at the pictures, then back at me and said, "Your dad." Just like, ok. I get it now. Then he said something that really made me laugh, "My Daddy looks YOUNG." And he reached out and touched my beard and laughed. I guess I didn't have as much grey back then! Observant little sucker!
I really miss my Dad and I want to keep his memory alive by telling stories to Aidan. But, I am going to have to learn to stop crying someday. That makes it a lot harder.
Tomorrow at AHS we are going to replace our usual red/white/blue with purple to support our sister school. I have a drawer full of old Humble shirts. So I am actually very happy to wear one and support everyone that is going through such a tough time over there.
We also lost our school board president the very next day to a heart problem. That was also a terribly tragic loss. He was young as well and it is just a shock to everyone. He spoke at our back to school meeting last year and was so impressive.
Of course, these terrible tragedies have reminded me so much this week of my dad. Tonight in the car coming home I was telling Norma the story about how great a whistler my dad was. He could do one of those 'fingers to the lips' whistles that would 'bring the cows home.' And that whistle used to bring me home for dinner when I was all over the neighborhood. I swear you could hear it for miles away.
Aidan was in the back seat and said, "Daddy's Dad?" And Norma tried to explain we were talking about Pap Pap (what all the grandkids called my dad). Aidan said, "Pap Pap? Nooooo... not Pap Pap... Pappy!" It is because he knows Norma's dad's name is Pappy. But, I started to explain that my dad isn't around anymore... boy did I start to cry. It really hits me at the strangest times. I was very happily going along and explaining it with no problem and then POW.
So tonight before his bath I picked up Aidan and showed him the pictures of my dad holding him. They are along the steps going upstairs. Aidan looked at the pictures, then back at me and said, "Your dad." Just like, ok. I get it now. Then he said something that really made me laugh, "My Daddy looks YOUNG." And he reached out and touched my beard and laughed. I guess I didn't have as much grey back then! Observant little sucker!
I really miss my Dad and I want to keep his memory alive by telling stories to Aidan. But, I am going to have to learn to stop crying someday. That makes it a lot harder.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Isn't Santa Great?
I love this time of year. Mostly for this reason, "Aidan... you do know that Santa is listening, right?" It makes everything a lot better. :)
Today we finished the tree and decorating inside. We even put up lights outside. We have been a bit behind. I say "we" -- but Norma is the Christmas decorator-extraordinare. She is really festive about Christmas. She loves it.
We have presents purchased for all the little ones in the family... just have to get some for the big people just yet. Those are harder to buy.
Christmas will be here before we know it!
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Saturday, December 01, 2007
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