Monday Morning Reminders

It has been a crazy 7 days since my daughter had her tonsils and adenoids removed. I thought to help me get things organized and to help out my fellow readers I would create a reminder list of things currently going on with the blog and things to look forward to.

Things currently going on

1. Teacher Mystery Challenge #6 - This was posted last week, but due to Thanksgiving I am keeping this going through Saturday. Get your votes in.

2. Squidward Lego Figurine Challenge #2 - This is also up and running. Some have posted their guess as to where he is. There is still time to post your ideas before time is up.

3. I am always accepting new artwork and blogger headers for the blog. Each week I post a new one that has been submitted. Don't forget to turn your doodles into me so I can use them. Remember the title, "Coffee For The Brain" has to be somewhere in the image.

4. I posted six book reviews all last week. Looking for a good book, then check these out for some new ideas.

5. Nerd Factory Episode #9 will be posted and up and running on Sunday.

6. Pirate vs. Ninja - The Great Nerd Debate is still up and running through Saturday. Get your votes and comments in by Friday as I will be bringing this debate to a close and offering up a new topic to discuss. I posted a video of my choice along with my reasons so take a look at that.

7. Random Thoughts video posted yesterday along with links to all ideas.

8. Author Interview posted yesterday - Kristina Springer

9. Check back everyday as I will be posting some new videos that I have been working on and some new things that I will really, really need your help with.

Nerd Update: Random Thoughts

Here is the latest video of the random thoughts that have been plaguing my brain over the course of the last week. Feel free to post your thoughts and ideas to this video in the comments.




Adam Sandler - Turkey Song

Super Mario Bros for the Wii




Here is the link to the Pee Wee Herman website Pee Wee Herman

Did you watch him on Conan the other night?

Part 1: http://bit.ly/7zdgl2

Part 2: http://bit.ly/8EaQDd

Thanksgiving Pageant: http://bit.ly/4ZHbLa

Here is the link to the "What Cereal Should I Eat"

Not mentioned in the video, but this is A funny picture

Author Interview: Kristina Springer

SWEET!
I cannot tell you how excited I am to post this interview by the author of the Espressologist (click for my review), Kristina Springer. She is super nice and so wonderful to work with(she very willingly answered my interview questions). Without wasting any other blog space, I present to you the interview.

Hi Aaron,

Thanks! These were so fun! Hope you had a great Thanksgiving and I hope your daughter is feeling better!

1. Growing up, when I was reading books I never really even considered authors to be human. I never gave a thought to actually talking to them or sending them letters. Now authors do interviews (like this), Skype conferences, blogs, email, etc. How does the utilization of all the latest technology and internet help you as a writer? Do you think it helps you or is it more of problem trying to fit it all in?

I LOVE IT! Seriously, it’s awesome having all this instant feedback and communication. I like reading all the reviews and chatting with readers via e-mail, facebook, and twitter.

2. How did you come up with the idea to write Espressologist? I am sure that you have been asked this a million times, but how does one shift to the young adult genre?

I came up with the idea while sitting in a Starbucks. I was people watching and it hit me that I could pretty much tell what they were going to order. I thought I’d write a sort of guide book and call it Espressology but then I thought no, I’ll make it a fiction book and have a matchmaking barista who practices Espressology.

As far as making the shift to young adult writing—I never really made a shift. When I first started writing fiction it was young adult. If I ever decide to shift to writing adult fiction I’ll let you know how it goes!

3. How were you able to figure out the what type of person went with each drink? Did you compose your own little study?

Yes! I watched people like CRAZY. Maybe I should say they thought I was crazy. I got so many weird looks while writing this book. I seriously studied every person that came in to the coffee shop (I wrote the whole book from the same table at my local Starbucks) and eavesdropped on their orders and then hung over the counter to watch them being made. Like Jane, I had a good feel for what people were going to order to begin with. But I eavesdropped a lot to make sure I was right!

7. I was on your website and noticed you like to listen to audiobooks. Which audiobook(s) is/are your favorite(s)?

Ugh, that’s hard! I’ve listened to so many since I started listening to them in the car like ten years ago. Stephen King’s audiobooks were always really good stuff. And everything Sophie Kinsella. Jane Green too. The latest one that I really enjoyed listening to was The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan.

10. Do you listen to music when you write? If so, what would be a playlist on your ipod?

Nope! Well, I take that back. Starbucks always has something playing. But I seriously tune it out.

11. What other books would you recommend young adults to read besides your own?

Oh wow, there are so many great great books out there. If you’re looking for the funniest book ever, Kristin Walker’s A MATCH MADE IN HIGH SCHOOL is hysterical (out 2/1/10). Or if you’re into zombies, THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH is awesome. Or if you want a really unique twist on fairies, Aprilynne Pike’s WINGS is really cool. And for another fun romance with matchmaking, check out Rhonda Stapleton’s STUPID CUPID. It’s so cute and the main character is really fun.

12. If I go to a coffee shop I usually order a mocha cappuccino or a peppermint mocha. Do you have any insight on me based on these orders?

I’d say you are a pretty fun and friendly person. Most often happy. Young at heart. I’m sensing you have a He-man, GI Joe, or Star Wars collection (Ok, I may be reaching a bit here but you’ll have to let me know if I’m right! :-) ).(She is right by the way, I have all three currently in my basement)

Here are some additional random questions that you could answer if you feels like it(though not really necessary, but students wanted me to add). These come from the Teacher Mystery Challenge that I have on my blog. They thought it would be cool to hear answers from an author.

1. What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite?

None. I’ve never liked koolaid.

2. What do you think of hot dogs?

Yuck.

3. Favorite Holiday movie or tv special?

Let me just say I’m a Hallmark channel cheesy Christmas movieaholic. I’ll watch them all. Heck, I’m watching one right now while I answer these questions. But as for favorites? I’ll watch the TV show Christmas specials again and again—like the Little House on the Prairie special Christmas one—can’t remember if it has an official name.

4. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?

Are you teasing me? Coffee! :-)

5. Can you do push ups? If yes, how many?

Yes. Lots of the on your knees pushups. Just tried the regular pushups and got to 8. Ouch.

6. Favorite hobby?

Writing! And reading

7. Middle name?

Marie

8. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment?

Fun, hope, pumpkins.

9. Current worry?

Having company tomorrow- need to clean.

10. Dum da dum dummmm what is that?

Monsters! I don’t know.

11. Where would you like to go?

Italy.

12. Do you own slippers?

Yes, but I never wear them.

13. What color shirt are you wearing right now?

White.

14. Can you whistle?

Yes

15. Favorite color?

Pink

16. Would you be a pirate?

No

17. What was the last song that was stuck in your head?

The one my daughter’s high school musical doll sings over and over and over again. Not sure of the title.

18. What’s in your pocket right now?

Nothing

19. Best toy as a child?

That thing you can sit and spin on. So fun. They should make those in adult sizes.

20. What is your favorite candy?

Twix

21. Favorite Sports Team?

I should probably say Cubs or Bears or something but I don’t actually follow sports.

22. What are you currently reading?

Hate List by Jennifer Brown

23. What is your favorite book of all time?

That’s hard! I don’t have one favorite. I have favorite authors though—Meg Cabot, Lauren Myracle, and Sophie Kinsella.

24. If you could meet anyone living or dead who would it be and why?

My mom’s mom. Because I never met her.

25. What would we find in your refrigerator right now?

Turkey Burger, grapes, lots of milk, eggs, apples, turkey, wheat tortillas, cheese, ummmm condiments… I can’t remember what else.

26. What is one fact that readers would not know about you prior to asking this question?

I have three brothers.

27. If you were an animal/a can of soup/some other random object, which one would you be?

A Christmas Tree.

Best,

Kristina

THE ESPRESSOLOGIST, *In stores now* from Farrar, Straus and Giroux

MY FAKE BOYFRIEND IS BETTER THAN YOURS, Fall 2010, Farrar, Straus and Giroux

www.kristinaspringer.com

Girl in the Arena by Lisa Haines
*acquired from the local library*

What if bloodsports were legal?
What if Roman gladiators still existed and were a major part of our society?

These are two questions that popped in my mind right away when I began to read this book. This book takes place in modern times except that gladiator fighting has still continued to press on. Yes, this would be classified as another steam-punk novel. Yes, I am about done with my educational dissertation on what exactly a "steam-punk" novel is and what it contains.

The main character is a girl named Lyn. She has been raised in the GSA -- Gladiator Sport Association. Her mother has been married to seven gladiators and learning what happens when she is no longer allowed to marry a gladiator(there are very specific rules to the GSA). Yes, you figured it out. Her seventh step-father dies and the whole book takes an interesting twist.

The gladiator culture has its own set of standards from the types of clothes you were, how you conduct yourself in public, during fights, etc. Lyn is expected to attend the Gladiator Wives College, like the other Glads daughters she knows. It was interesting to read about how to conduct yourself, what clothes to wear, etc. as you could find similar comparisons to our American culture.

Another reviewer of this book posed these questions and these were the same things that I was thinking about when I finished the book.

What if violence like this were an everyday part of life?
What would the media do to keep the bloodletting going?
How far would they go... until people said, "Enough"?

We are a culture who expects that next "shocking" moment and yet we sit and will criticize the person/people involved. And then we wait for the next moment. We are a contradictory society. This novel really makes you stop to think how we would react. I have my own predictions and thoughts, but this is not the place to post those thoughts.

Overall, I thought this book was an entertaining read. I was disappointed in the fact that there was not more fighting and violence(shock value! Where was it?). However, I did like the twist the author put in the novel when Lyn is forced to make a major decision. A cool read that I recommend you check out. Another book with a solid, strong willed female main character.

Book Review: The Amanda Project: Book 1: Invisible I

I grabbed this book because I was interested in the concept. This is a book that has clues hidden throughout the book. You can create an account on the website for the book to help provide clues, solve the mystery, provide stories and poems. It is a continuation of the story. It will be interesting to see what they use to craft the upcoming books in the series.

The story is told through the eyes of Callista Leary. Callista is a member of the I-girls which is a popular clique. The key factor to this story is the fact that Callista is friends with a new girl named Amanda Valentino. Nobody knows they are friends because only I-girls are friends with I-girls. One day Amanda does not come to school and Callista finds herself being called to the vice principal's office along with two other students who are not considered "cool". Callista finds herself working with Nia and Hal to figure out where Amanda is based on the clues she left behind.

I did not like Callista at all in the beginning. She was part of this clique who thought they were so much better than everyone else. However, I did find myself liking her as the story progressed. It is hard to read a book when you don't like the main character so it took me a while to get into this book. However, I think that this book will really appeal to the middle school crowd as they will be able to relate to all the issues a lot more than me. I thought that the book did a really nice job conveying the idea that not everyone is as they seem. I see this in school all the time where if students really knew what went on at home with some of their peers they would be blown away and would change how they treat each other. It is sad at times knowing that we are so judgemental of others, but it is reality.

The whole story of Amanda missing is not as central to the story line as I thought it was going to be. The story really follows Callista and her own slef reflection of herself. The mystery of Amanda is what will keep this series going. There is also the mystery of Callista's mother who is also missing for reasons that were not yet revealed.

Check this book out. Check out www.theamandaproject.com. The site is created as if created by the three main characters (Callie, Hal, and Nia). I will be interested in seeing how everything plays out. Stella Lennon is identified as the creator of the cover. If you go to the website you will find out that it is a pseudonym. The future books will be told from the other main characters, Hal and Nia.

This was a fun read. It is the first book in a planned eight book series. A lot of things are laid out, a lot of things are not solved, but I will probably continue to read this series.

Book Review: Sweet Farts

Sweet Farts
by Raymond Bean

*book acquired from the library*

This is a book that I had to pick up and read when I read the title. How could you not be interested in a book about farting? A clever title with the play on words of a great candy.

Here is brief synopsis of the book from Amazon

Someone has been farting up a storm at school and everyone thinks Keith Emerson is to blame. Unfortunately for Keith, it has earned him the nickname "S.B.D." (silent but deadly). To make matters worse, Keith's dad is a self proclaimed "Fart Machine" who really stinks it up at home. With the science fair quickly approaching, Keith decides he has had enough. He comes up with a science fair project idea to turn the foul smell of human gas into something sweet smelling. The idea lands him in the principal's office, and in big trouble with his mom. With the help of his little sister Emma, his dad, his crazy grandma, and Benjamin Franklin (great American scientist), Keith will attempt to make the greatest scientific discovery of all time, the cure for the common fart.

This was a fast read. It was only around 140 pages. This is not a high level read. You do not need to think while reading. There is nothing that is amazing or confusing. It is a book about farting and what happens when you deal with farts for a science experiment. I thought it was a humorous book. The ending was completely cheesy, but what book isn't that is geared for the age level of 8-12? This was another light, easy read, but quite fun. If you like farting and know someone who farts all the time(like maybe your dad or mom or sister or YOU!), then check this book out. There is even history included as Ben Franklin really did try to solve the problem of farting back in the day. Now that is something you don't learn in school! This book brought back memories of being in junior high and blaming people for farting. I will never forget the time in 7th grade math class when.......(like I would tell you that story here!)

Nerd Update: Things I am Thankful For

I decided to create a video on things that I am thankful for this Thanksgiving holiday. Watch. Enjoy. Post your ideas on things that you are thankful for in the comments. Have a great Thanksgiving.

Mr. Maurer

Book Review: I am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to be Your Class President

I am a Genius of Unspeakable Evil and I Want to be Your Class President
by Josh Lieb
Age Group - 11 and up
Book acquired from local library



I was attracted to this book only because it was referenced a reviewed by both Jon Stewart and Judd Apatow. This book read as if it was created from the brainstorming sessions of The Daily Show and Superbad. Probably boys. Go figure since the author is the head write of The Daily Show. I don't know if I was in for a intelligent humorous read, but I found myself laughing out loud and really enjoying this story of a kid named Oliver. This book will appeal to more than just young adult boys. I think many adults will find humor in this book as their are some pretty intelligent bits of humor throughout.

Oliver is the main character. He is a lazy, geeky kid who everyone makes fun of for being "chubby" or fat. What nobody realizes is that he is a super genius and a multi-billionaire on the down low. He has crafted this massive underground empire. He keeps it all under lock and key and hence the dorky image that he has created. However, he decides to run for class president and finds himself in the most difficult campaign that he has encountered. Why does he care to be class president? Despite his tough guy image that he tries to get across to the reader I think he just really wants his dad to accept him and be proud of who he is(his dad has no idea that he is a genius and quite wealthy either)

I have once again read a book where the narrator is an unreliable character. I was awestruck by this concept when I read LIAR and now I have come across it again. He wants so bad to be evil and tough. He tries to be a bad guy by stating in one part that he does not love, but not even two sentences later he is discussing trying to make his mother smile. You see this repeatedly throughout. The whole premise of him trying to grab the attention of his father already throws his evil image out the window.

This book will make you laugh. It will make you think about whether we truly no the people around us. This book is perfect for middle school. I will warn that there is some mild language used, but nothing that I have not heard from middle school students before. There is some profanity and some quick references to talk of middle school life. I would not recommend this book to 5th grade, 6th grade I think most could handle and after that anyone would be game.

There are some pictures that are posted throughout the book. I love them. The one with the kid that has his finger in his nose makes me laugh every time I looked at it. As some other reviewers have mentioned, this reminds me of Diary of a Wimpy Kid. It really follows the same logic, but just at a higher level. I think this could be another book that misses the radar of the popular books, but will still find a large following. I hope that it spreads because anytime a book makes me laugh out loud, then I know it is a good one. Once again, I recommend this book. It is a fast quick read that will help you waste away a few hours, but you won't be sad that you wasted those hours with this book.


P.S. By the way, you have to check out the website

Book Review: When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me
by Rebecca Stead

OMG! I thought novel covers of the 60's and 70's were over. Is this not one of the boring est covers of the year? The back of the book does not provide any information either. Why did I read this book do you ask? Well, this book has been receiving some great reviews online. This book was in my TBR pile about a month ago, but I never go to it. However, after reading some additional reviews I put it on hold at the library again and forced myself to read it.

It was a fast read. It is under 200 pages. The main character is a girl named Miranda who lives in New York in the year 1979. She is twelve years old and she lives with her Mother who is training for her spot on the $20,000 Pyramid game show. Miranda receives some mysterious notes that she is trying to figure out what they all mean. Her favorite novel is A Wrinkle In Time(a classic that I loved growing up). Yes, this book does deal with time-travel and has many ties in or themes with the book and also to the time period.

This is a well written and captivating book.I like how Miranda receives several mysterious and incomprehensible notes. Don't read the rest of this sentence if you don't want any important plot lines given out, but it turns out that she is receiving messages from someone in the future who is traveling back in time to save a friend of hers. The reader does not piece this all together until the end.

I am glad I read this book. I did enjoy it. It was an ideal read for a weekend read where I wanted nothing to involved. It was not the best, but not the worst. It took some reading to get to the first mysterious note. It was a bit slow. Many of you know me by now to know that I want blood, weird creatures, depressing, or just bizarre reading. This book does not really fit my mold. However, I do encourage you to read. I think many middle school students will really enjoy this book. It is one that can read in an afternoon.

Now after two books that are not my typical reads, I am off to my bizarre world of weird reads.

Time to read a good series AGAIN

Very rarely do I reread books. It would have to be a book that really holds a dear place for me and there are only three books that I can think of that I have read more than once due to my love for the words.

1. Tuesdays with Morrie - Mitch Albom
2. Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger
3. Breakfast of Champions - Kurt Vonnegut

* I thought about placing Harry Potter in the mix as I read all the books twice, but that was due to refreshing my memory of events in anticipation of each new release.

I was on YouTube and found myself super excited about the upcoming release (Feb. 2010) of the book Percy Jackson and the Olympians: Lightning Thief. I was trying to remember all that went on in the book as I remember booktalking the book quite heavily and really enjoying the storyline. However, that was a couple years ago. I have decided to go ahead and read the series again amongst my massive TBR pile. One more thing to add to my list.

Here is the trailer that caught my eye. The movie looks quite good based on these couple minutes.

Fun With Toys: Loving Words According to Vacuum Cleaners

I was not going to post this on the blog because it is so not funny and actually quite dumb. However, people are watching it from my YouTube channel and I even received some comments and email from people. So, needless to say I have decided to post it here for you to waste 36 seconds of your life.

Book Review: Espressologist by Kristina Springer

The Espressologist
by Kristina Springer

*book acquired from the library*

For ages 12 and up

From the inside jacket

What’s your drink of choice? Is it a small pumpkin spice latte? Then you’re lots of fun and a bit sassy. Or a medium americano? You prefer simplicity in life. Or perhaps it’s a small decaf soy sugar-free hazelnut caffe latte? Some might call you a yuppie. Seventeen-year-old barista Jane Turner has this theory that you can tell a lot about a person by their regular coffee drink. She scribbles it all down in a notebook and calls it Espressology. So it’s not a totally crazy idea when Jane starts hooking up some of her friends based on their coffee orders. Like her best friend, Em, a medium hot chocolate, and Cam, a toffee nut latte. But when her boss, Derek, gets wind of Jane’s Espressology, he makes it an in-store holiday promotion, promising customers their perfect matches for the price of their favorite coffee. Things are going better than Derek could ever have hoped, so why is Jane so freaked out? Does it have anything to do with Em dating Cam? She’s the one who set them up! She should be happy for them, right?

I picked this book up because I saw the word Espresso in the title. I had to read the book because it dealt with coffee. For some reason I did not notice the froth on the cover was in the shape of a heart nor the little phrase that says, "Get a little love with your latte". I was oblivious to these things. They all made sense when I started to read about Jane and her matchmaking skills in love/relationships based on coffee drinks. This was a fun read. I am not into love and romance books, but I found myself really enjoying this novel. I think because coffee was involved and how she recorded the people who ordered certain drinks. Or the way that the author made everything light hearted and enjoyable, but not too cheesy. How can you turn away from a book that starts with an opening paragraph like this:

Large Nonfat Four-shot Caffe LatteCocky sex-deprived butthead guy drink. Expect only the utmost stupidity to come out of his mouth. So-so body, could stand to work out more. Crappy dresser. Dramatically stares at a woman who comes in with a boob job. He looks like he is going to hurt himself in the contortions he is twisting into…

I read this book in one sitting. I could not put it down for some reason. I can honestly say this is the first time I actually enjoyed reading about people hooking up and dating and/or falling in love. I was intrigued by the descriptions of the people based on their drink choice. I lived in coffee shops while in high school so I can just imagine this actually taking place. I am interested in knowing what I am based on my coffee drink selections. I am definitely a mocha cappuccino when I order at a coffee shop. However, when it is cold and snowing, then it is nothing but peppermint mocha. I will have to see what I can find out about myself based on my drink selections or try to interview the author. I have been told and also have read online that this book has overtones of Jane Austen's Emma. I have not ready anything by Jane Austen as that is not my cup of joe, but I know some of you are avid fans of Jane Austen and thought I would share this with you.

If you want a fun, easy, enjoyable read that deals with caffeine, coffee, and love, then give this a try. I guarantee you will be pleased with your selection. And by the way, I did drink a pot of coffee while reading and am drinking coffee now while I write this review.

Nerd Factory - Episode 8

This episode contains

The answer to TM Challenge #5

World Toilet Day
Unique Talent Day
Sinkie Day

New Characters for the show
Question of the Week
Upcoming Events

My Decision: Pirate or Ninja?

I told you that I would post my decision on this great nerd debate. Here it is. Let me know your thoughts on whether you would be a pirate or ninja.

Teacher Mystery Challenge #6

Here is the next teacher in our Teacher Mystery Challenge Series

What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite? Cherry

What do you think of hot dogs? Love ‘em

Favorite Holiday movie or tv special? A Christmas Story. “You’ll shoot your eye out kid.”

What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Coffee with caramel

Can you do push ups? If yes, how many? Um…I think so.

Favorite hobby? Hiking

Middle name? Alec

Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? I’m full. The bell is going to ring soon. Tonight is going to be awesome.

Current worry? My future schedule.

Where would you like to go? South

Do you own slippers? Yes

What color shirt are you wearing right now? Navy Blue

Can you whistle? Loud

Favorite color? Navy Blue

Would you be a pirate? Absolutely

What’s in your pocket right now? Keys, a flash drive, Burt’s Bees and my cell phone.

Best toy as a child? G.I. Joe

What is your favorite candy? Candy Corn

What are you currently reading? The God Particle

What is your favorite book of all time? Ishmael

Where is my Squidward Lego Figurine? Pt.2

I have taken a picture of my little Squidward Lego figurine. Your job is to tell me where he is positioned? It may be a location or on an object or some other category that I have not thought of yet.

Additionally, if you would like to BORROW my Squidward and take a picture for me to use, then please let me know. Or you could take a picture and I could crop him into the picture if that would be easier.

Let the new challenge begin.

Nerd Clansmen, don't let me down. Take a guess and use those brains.

I have posted the answer to the first challenge in the comments after all the guesses. You can access that post here or over in the sidebar.

Until next time............

Nerd Update: Hairball Article from my old teaching days

As I was walking with some former students in the hallway a few days ago, we were reminiscing about the good old days of 6th grade literature. One of the things that came to mind while we were talking was an article about a girl who ate her hair. With a little help from Google and the fact that I am a pack rat who stores everything on my flash drives I was able to find the article.

The reason I share this with you all? Because the picture of the hairball is so gross and to add to the idea that it was sitting in her intestines just blows me out of the water. So, go ahead and read the article and check out the picture. Don't say I didn't warn you - the hairball is 10 lbs!


Click here if you would like some hair to go with your lunch.

The Great Debate: Ninja or Pirate

Seriously, I was posed this question the other day in the hallway by a fellow educator. Ever since this question has been posed to me I have been constantly thinking about it. This question has been long debated in the world of nerds and geeks. Being that if you follow this blog you are one of my allied Nerd Clansmen I figured why not throw it out there to see what you have to say. Pirates hate Ninja, Ninja hate Pirates. This question really forces you to dig deep to decide on what qualifications you stand by in your decision. What side do I align with do you ask? Well, I will post a video by the end of the week with my thoughts and my decision. In the meantime, go ahead and post a comment(s) on your alliance along with your reasons for doing so. I will be adding information about pirates and ninja throughout the week. Be sure to check back to see the info I share along with the votes and comments of everyone. You can also cast your vote over in the sidebar above where you vote for the Teacher Mystery Challenge.

This will be the only thing posted this week as I want everyone to focus on this great intelligent debate. I will have my video posted Friday, but other than that this week will be devoted to this topic and also to catch up on all the videos I posted last week and the weekend(I got a little carried away with recording myself)


Let the Great Nerd Debate begin......................

Signing off with an Ahoy! There me hearty or a silent escape into the darkness

Nerd Factory - Episode 7

This video contains

1. Teacher Mystery Challenge #4 Answer

2. A new trick for you to figure out(this is a good one.....)

3.Tidbits on all the stuff coming in for the challenges

4. Brain Buster Quiz: Coffee

5. Star of the Week 1989: Another example from the past

Saturday Morning Insights

Alrighty then, I have a few things to share on this wonderful morning.

1. The Exquisite Corpse Adventure is now up to Episode 4 which was created by Susan Cooper. I hope you have had a chance to check out the previous episodes. It is quite cool to see how the authors each take their own spin on the story. This has been fun to follow. Don't forget that I still have the challenge for us to create our own little story. All you have to do is post a sentence or more and I will add to the storyline. We have had one submission and looking for more.

2. My children have now been sick for one straight week. Our house has been a bundle of joy with illness and lack of sleep. I wish I had this for my family.

3. I have tried to create a video quiz using YouTube. I know this one works, but I already know a few things that I would tweak for future quizzes. Anyways, here it is. Be sure to post your score to the comments here on the blog.



4. I have been having lots of fun working on this blog. Actually, it has become my addiction to keep me distracted from doing all the things that I should be doing instead of this. Please don't hesitate to let me know ideas or suggestions of things that you would like to see on the blog. I cannot promise I will use or do every single idea, but I would like to keep this entertaining for everyone who does use the blog.

5. I posted a lot of videos this past week. This will not always happen, but I had lots of ideas floating through my head. This next week will be focused on the Great Nerd Debate and book reviews that I need to post.

Enjoy your weekend!
Coffeechug

Teacher Mystery Challenge #5

Here is latest edition of Teacher Mystery Challenge

Good Luck: Your record is now 3-1

What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite? Grape
What do you think of hot dogs? YUCKY! Who wants to eat ground up pig parts??
Favorite Holiday movie or tv special? Sound of Music
What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Green tea with honey and milk
Can you do push ups? If yes, how many? Yes, how ever many the fitness instructor says to do that day.
Favorite hobby? Travelling
Middle name? Marie
Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? I wish tomorrow weren’t Monday. I’m hungry. What should I make for dinner?
Current worry? Worried about my niece and nephew’s safely when they aren’t with my brother.
Dum da dum dummmm what is that? HUH?????
Where would you like to go? Bulgaria
Do you own slippers? Do socks count????
What color shirt are you wearing right now? Blue
Can you whistle? I can whistle, but not carry a tune.
Favorite color? Purple right now
Would you be a pirate? I’m more the Peter Pan type.
What was the last song that was stuck in your head? Change from the Vision Quest soundtrack
What’s in your pocket right now? Nothing
Best toy as a child? Lite Bright
What is your favorite candy? 100 Grand Bar
Favorite Sports Team? Bears
What are you currently reading? Made in the USA by Billie Letts
What is your favorite book of all time? I love reading and can’t really pick one favorite.
If you could meet anyone living or dead who would it be and why? I would love to see my grandparents again.
What would we find in your refrigerator right now? Food
What is one fact that students would not know about you prior to asking this question? I still have a baby tooth.
If you were an animal/a can of soup/some other random object, which one would you be? Butterfly

Book Review: Boneshaker

This is a steampunk novel. Steampunk? What in the world is that? Well, I am creating a post about steampunk, but essentially it is cyber-punk but not with using the future elements.

Anyways, I don't know why, but this book just did not live up to all the hype that I was reading about it. I think it may have been due to the fact that I just came off a three book reading purge that caught me so off guard. Honestly, the last three books were by far in my favorite top 5 of the year. At some point the roller coaster has to come to an end and this book might have been the end of the ride. What I am saying is that I don't think it was so much the book as it was me.

For a quick summary you can go here

This was not a fast read. The words were very tiny and it came over a little over 400 pages. I just kept waiting for something super awesome to happen and it never did. Obviously, I finished the book so it must have been good. Of course, there was a poisonous gas, killer zombies, killing and violence, etc.

I know that two sequels are planned by this author so that is good news. I know I will end up reading the series. I just reread what I typed and I feel bad about how gloom this review is, but the setting was quite gloomy. I don't do ratings, but I would give this book a 3.5/5. I think many of you will like this book. If you like a boy who is in need of finding answers to his father and you liked what you read with the summary link above, then you will enjoy this read.

Nerd Update: Miley Cyrus Does Not Know a Jay-Z Song?

I know, I know, teachers should not know about music and pop culture, but I am not as old as I look. Anyways, here is my latest video because I am a little upset. Why? Check the clip.





Here is the link to the music video from YouTube. This will help ensure that I am not alone in having this song stuck in my head for another week.

Nerd Toy: Electronic Guitar T-Shirt

This is the coolest thing I have seen in a long time. Check out the shirt at Think Geek. The picture below comes from the website as well.(just giving credit where it is due)



Yes, you actually play the t-shirt.

Yes, I bought one and will make a video when it comes in the mail.

Here is a video of a guy playing the shirt. I am so jacked up on nerdiness right now!

Nerd Update - Walmart Sells What???????

This is not a joke! I promise you that this is the truth. Wal-Mart really does sell everything. There is nothing this store does not sell. I was wasting time on the internet and look what I found.....




Here is the hyperlink in case you still don't believe me.

http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_constraint=0&ic=48_0&search_query=casket

Where is Squidward the Lego figurine?

The words to the Squidward Theme Song

Where oh where oh where is Squidward?

Where of where oh where is Squidward?

Way down yonder in a mystery place.

Come on girls, let's go find him,

Come on boys, let's go find him,

Come on girls, let's go find him,

Way down yonder in a mystery place

Pickin' up Squidward, put 'em in your pockets,

Pickin' up Squidward, put 'em in your pockets,

Pickin' up Squidward, put 'em in your pockets,

Way down yonder post your answers to my blog







Take a guess and post your answer to the comments!

Nerd Factory - Episode #6

This episode contains

1. My thoughts on vampires
2. Teacher Mystery Challenge 3 Answer
3. Quick Reminders
4. Math Magic Trick
5. Future Things to Consider

Book Review: Liar by Justine Larbalestier

I have referenced this book a couple times in the last week on some posts and I have finally finished the novel. Let me tell you that I NEED somebody else to read this book so I can DISCUSS this novel. I don't know what to think and need to speak my thoughts.

With that being said I can tell you a few things, but only a few as the author has made it very clear to not spoil anything about the book for the people who have not read it yet. If you don't believe me, then check our her blog.

The main character is not your typical narrator. I have not read anything of the likes of Micah before. She is completely unreliable as she is a compulsive liar. Micah goes against everything you are forced to read in school and probably most of what you read for enjoyment. I am trying to think of narrators who were liars.......let me ponder some more.

My thoughts on this book are befuddled because I need to talk about it. I have many questions. I don't think I have read a book that left me with this many questions. I did not know hat to expect when I picked this book up, but I was very interested based on the jacket sleeve.

I cannot add much about the plot because I don't want to add any bias to you if you choose to read the novel. I laughed, became angry, confused, but thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it because I was never comfortable in predicting what would happen next. It was just too hard to know exactly where the next twist would happen. Micah lies and lies and lies and does so much that you don't know what is real and what is not. Some lies were so obvious, but yet...AGGHHH I cannot say. Some I could figure out and others I refused to believe were true and they were. Others I really believed only to find out they were lies and I thought to myself, "You are such an idiot for believing Micah!"

There were a couple things that I did not care for, but when is a book ever perfect. This is a book that will keep you guessing right up to the very end. The major "twist" of the novel you will never expect, but then again it is so far out there that maybe you don't believe it yourself. Maybe I don't believe. Who knows what I think. Read the book and let us talk.

Here is the trailer in case this helps at all.

My favorite author WINS!!!! John Green

*This is a special edition of Saturday Morning Insights*

Paper Towns by John Green is the Top Teen Read of 2009! Congratulations to one of the greatest authors of our time, John Green!

I know this came out a couple weeks ago, but I kept forgetting to post about it on my blog. I am now marking this off my checklist of things to put on my blog. Not that this is not important because it is, it is just that I have so much to share that I became temporarily sidetracked.

Here is the whole Top 10 Teen Reads list:

1. Paper Towns by John Green(I have read)
   
2. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer(Yes, I have read)
   
3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins(Yes, LOVED IT!, Why only #3?)
   
4. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare(In my TBR pile)
   
5. Identical by Ellen Hopkins(Of course I have read this, her stuff blows my mind)
   
6. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman(Booktalked this bad boy already, yes I read it)
   
7. Wake by Lisa McMann(Also read this one, quite good, still need to read the sequels)
   
8. Untamed by P.C. and Kristin Cast (Have not read nor considered reading as of this time)
   
9. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart (Was in my TBR pile only to be lost in shuffle before being returned without being read... So Sorry!)
   
10. Graceling by Kristin Cashore(Also read this one, a fantastic story!)
    

Until next time

Teacher Mystery Challenge #4

So far you guys have been right on guessing 3/3 on the teachers. Time to add a little intrigue with the next one. Good luck! This challenge is one tough cookie.

What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite? Fruit punch
What do you think of hot dogs? Can only tolerate them at Cardinals baseball games.
Favorite Holiday movie or tv special? A Charlie Brown Christmas
What do you prefer to drink in the morning? Diet Pepsi
Can you do push ups? If yes, how many? None, if I do them correctly
Favorite hobby? Watching soccer
Middle name? Rae
Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? 1. It feels like a sauna in my room. 2. Can I come up with two more thoughts? 3.
Dum da dum dummmm what is that? I have no idea!
Where would you like to go? Hawaii
Do you own slippers? Yes
What color shirt are you wearing right now? Black and white
Can you whistle? Not very well
Favorite color? Red
Would you be a pirate? Probably not
What’s in your pocket right now? No pockets
Best toy as a child? Easy Bake Oven
What is your favorite candy? Twizzlers
Favorite Sports Team? Hawkeyes and Cardinals
What are you currently reading? No Place Like Home by Mary Higgins Clark
What is your favorite book of all time? Where The Red Fern Grows
If you could meet anyone living or dead who would it be and why? Princess Diana, because I would like to know the truth about her life of royalty
What would we find in your refrigerator right now? Needs to be cleaned- so who knows!
What is one fact that students would not know about you prior to asking this question? I have an irrational fear of birds and black bears.

Guess Your Number

This was sent to me from my dad.
I thought I would share with all my fellow Nerd Clansmen.
This will drive you up a wall!!

CLICK ON HOUSE
Please don't ask me how this works because I really don't know.



Until next time......

I Won An Award!

The rules of the "One Lovely Blog Award" are:

Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Thanks to Jennifer @ Reading with Tequila for giving me the award.

Here is my list of 15 other blogs. There are many more that I wanted to add, but I played by the rules this time.


1. http://guyslitwire.blogspot.com/

2. http://presentinglenore.blogspot.com/

3. http://charlotteslibrary.blogspot.com/

4. http://www.writingya.blogspot.com/

5. http://thehidingspot.blogspot.com/

6. http://eplteen.wordpress.com/

7. http://graphicclassroom.blogspot.com/

8. http://stephsureads.blogspot.com/

9. http://booksbytheircover.blogspot.com/

10. http://aleapopculture.blogspot.com/

11. http://jkrbooks.typepad.com/blog/

12. http://katiesbookblog-katie.blogspot.com/

13. http://www.libraryloungelizard.com/

14. http://www.thecompulsivereader.com/

15. http://bedtimebooktalks.blogspot.com/

Did You Know - Version 4.0

This is the Did You Know version 4.0

I throw the questions out for you to consider,

"Are you part of the change or slowly falling behind with the technological advances?"

OR

"What do we need to do in order to prepare to be ready for the future?"

Book Review: Hold Still by Nina Lacour

Hold Still

by Nina Lacour

Caitlin and Ingrid were best friends. Ingrid has committed suicide and now Caitlin must learn to cope and deal with life without her. This story is a sad and agonizing read. It had a real impact on me while reading. I wrote down several passages that made my heart and brain stop and really caused me to pause for a little bit. I am not sure if it is because I had classmates that committed suicide when I was in high school or the fact that even though we have "best friends", do we really know who they are and what they are feeling? Once again, I have been moved by another novel. I must honestly say that this has been one of the best years for young adult literature.

Back to the review....I am writing this and I feel heartbroken, despite the fact that I know Caitlin is not a real person and despite the fact that I feel that if she were real that she would turn out ok. Some reviews of this book discuss that there are some slow parts. To me there was not a slow moment. I honestly felt like this book was written on my high school life. I took photography class. I had a teacher who was so amazing that I did not realize how she impacted my life until I was out of high school. I also had a group of friends who met at coffeeshops and we drew pictures and recorded our thoughts in this huge notebook which are elements of the story. I could relate on every level to Caitlin except the building of a treehouse(and that is because I am terrible with tools!)

If you like books that are sad, deal with real issues like depression and suicide, then read this book. There are moments of happiness, but done in such a realistic way that it does not feel cheesy or fake. The book deals with the death of a teenage, but there is also that glimmer of promise and acceptings things for what they are. This author has created an outstanding novel for her first run. I look forward to reading her future books.

There are scenes of profanity and the attractions of the opposite sex that one endures in high school in the book. Nothing that is inappropriate, but just throwing this out to the middle school readers and the parents because I want you to be forewarned. Everything is done in a realistic and authentic way. Much praise goes to this author and her book.

Hold Still book trailer

Teaser Tuesday

So...here are the rules. Please add your own if you wish or comment as you please.

* Grab your current read.
* Let the book fall open to a random page.
* Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
* You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from…that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given.
* Please avoid spoilers!


My Teaser:

Ask and Answer by Patrick Ness (book 2 of the Chaos Walking series)

"You're late."
"That's enough, Magnus," Mistress Coyle says, lowering her hands and stepping forward to the cart. "And put your rifles down. She's with me."
"What?" I say, still frozen to my spot.

Six Sentence Saturday

Welcome to Six Sentence Saturday.

Where I try to express my thoughts on recent reads using only 6 sentences!!!!.

I have taken this idea from many different blogs. I really liked the idea. I am not going to rate the books as that will go into my review when they are finished. These will be books that I am currently reading, but have not finished. I will also change the parameters in that I can only write six sentences total no matter how many books I write about. I have to choose my words wisely.

For this edition of Six Sentence Saturday I am going to focus on one book only. The book is Liar by Justine Larbelestier.

Liar is a book that I have no idea on how to describe it. I am only about 1/3 of the way through, but I have never read a book where I question everything that I am reading. It’s from the point of view of a compulsive liar, Micah. As I read I don't know if what Micah is describing is actually true or not. I will not indulge anymore becuase......
1. I don't want to ruin the book(even though I am not close to being done)
2. I don't really know what is true or not yet