Random Thoughts 2.27.10

http://www.healthymagination.com/?c_id=googhealthymagination

Hot Dog Issue

The question from the video was...What food would you like to see redesigned? As a bonus draw a picture of the new design and email to me at aarmau@gmail.com

Here is a little added bonus article

Sing for your supper with these top 10 Food Songs (And now “Be Our Guest” is in my head possibly forever)

Winner of my 3rd Book Give Away Contest is....

Lauren you are the winner. The email has been sent and the book is ready to depart my world. Thanks to all who joined and will try to get another one going soon.

Teacher Mystery Challenge #16

I did not post a challenge last week as I wanted your defeat to sting a little. You were wrong on the last mystery challenge. Challenge #15 was Mrs. Gilmore. Nice try though. Here is another one. Get your votes in.

1. What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite? berry
2. What do you think of hot dogs? only will eat cheese dogs roasted over a fire
3. Favorite Holiday movie or tv special? It’s a Wonderful life
4. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? oj
5. Can you do push ups? If yes, how many? yes, 15-20
6. Favorite hobby? My family
7. Middle name? Diane
8. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? OMG! LOL! Is it Fri. yet
9. Current worry? money
10. Dum da dum dummmm what is that? IDK
11. Where would you like to go? Australia
12. Do you own slippers? yes
13. What color shirt are you wearing right now? pink
14. Can you whistle? sorta
15. Favorite color? purple
16. Would you be a pirate? no
17. What was the last song that was stuck in your head? The Friday song
18. What’s in your pocket right now? No pockets
19. Best toy as a child? My bike
20. What is your favorite candy? chocolate
21. Favorite Sports Team? Vikings
22. What are you currently reading? For Better or ForWorse
23. What is your favorite book of all time? Codependent no more
24. If you could meet anyone living or dead who would it be and why? My grandpa, he died when my Dad was 11 and I would like to have known him
25. What would we find in your refrigerator right now? leftovers
26. What is one fact that students would not know about you prior to asking this question? I have been in education for 27 years
27. If you were an animal/a can of soup/some other random object, which one would you be? A dog

Mariah Carey 100 percent for the Precious soundtrack

I heard this song during the Olympics. Does she really say "100 percenter"?
Mariah Carey 100 percent for the Precious soundtrack

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Movie News

In case you haven’t heard, the wildly popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney is being made into a movie! Sure to be a hit with all of the book readers, get ready for the release in April by re-reading the books. You can watch the just-released video trailer for the movie

Book Review: Wanting Mor

Wanting Mor

by Rukhsana Khan

*acquired from the public library*

I have made it a goal this year to make sure that I read more novels that have a main character that is not white. I am striving to be more diverse in my reading and then help promote these books on my blog. The key is to find the books and then to enjoy them. I came across another book recently and it was Wanting Mor.
This is the story of a girl named Jameela who lives in a very poor part of Afghanistan. The land is war torn from the Taliban and the other conflicts going on in the Middle East. She has a cleft lip from not having proper medical access and education is near impossible to find. Jameela relies on her Muslim religion to bring her through the times knowing that if she can survive the obstacles she will be rewarded. However, things are really tested when her mother, Mor, dies in her sleep and her father starts to act irrational. He makes Jameela pack up and move to Kabul with him. Once they arrive she becomes a slave to her stepmother. It is not an enjoyable life. Eventually, she is left on the street corner by her father and she has to move into an orphanage that is operated by the army that has killed so much of her family and friends. The ending and final events are very powerful. This is a must read.

What makes this story even more powerful is that fact that it is based on a true story. Additionally, it also made me realize how fortunate we are. I cannot believe that in this day and age that people have it so rough. I am blinded by this fact and this novel really spoke to me. It also further drives my frustration as a teacher when our students take for granted the education provided to them. They have no idea how lucky they are. Jameela in the story would have sacrificed anything to just be able to learn how to read. Here in America we have people who think that school is not worth it and that drives me insane. This book really had me reflecting on my life and my perspectives. This is must read for the Western world to understand life in the Middle East. I will be promoting this book at my school because I think it is one that needs to be read.
Inspired by a true story, and set in a world far removed from that of Western readers, this powerful novel reveals that the desire for identity and self-understanding is universal.

Teen Book Drop

Check out the video and the widget to the left on my sidebar. This is a great opportunity to help in whatever you want. Help spread the joy of reading. Will I be doing this? You bet your socks I am. I just need to decided what books and where in public I wish to place them. If you plan on doing this, then please leave a comment and if you know what book(s) also share that as well. I hope some of you will take part. It is simple, easy, and will help someone in some way. You never realize the impact we can have by our small actions. Now on to brainstorming my books.

What is your favorite Olympic moment?

What's yours?

And why?

Doesn't matter the year, the city or the season.

If you can find a video please provide the link and I will post it for others to view.

My Favorite Moments in Olympic 2010 Figure Skating

Optical Illusion for Mental Patients

Click the picture to learn about this mental hospital in Tokyo. What appears to be doors are actually just wall paintings; doctors and patients enter and exit the rooms through sliding bookshelves and hidden openings in the wall.

Weather Conditions Star Wars Style

What a perfect way to gauge the weather for nerds like me. Check out the link, type in your city and feel right at home.

http://www.tomscott.com/weather/starwars/

Another Addiction

http://www.buzzfeed.com/expresident/alphabet-shoot

Good luck and I will add to the Addiction Page

Book Review: Lagoon by Lilli Carre

The Lagoon by Lilli Carre
*acquired from the public library*

http://www.fantagraphics.com/thelagoon

Here is a good description of the novel according to GoodReads.com


A haunting, lyrical graphic novel debut. A family is seduced by the song of the Creature from the Black Lagoon in talented young cartoonist Lilli Carre's first long-form work, and how each member reacts to the Creature's siren call in The Lagoon is the crux of the story. Carre experimented with nib pens and brushes while drawing this black-and-white graphic novel, giving the art a different feel from her previous, Eisner-and-Harvey-Award-nominated story, The Tale of Woodsman Pete. Lagoon was influenced by the films Creature from the Black Lagoon and Night of the Hunter, but reads more like the gothic family narratives of Flannery O'Connor. Rhythms - taps, the ticking of a metronome - are punctuated by silences that pace this "sound"-driven story. Older teen and adult readers are invited to imagine the enigmatic Creature's haunting, ever-shifting tune as it reverberates through weedy waters, eventually escaping the lagoon to creep into windows at night.


My Review

I like graphic novels. I try to make sure that I read one or two each month because I know that they are very popular among certain crowds. I have read some good ones this year. This one I cannot honestly say I just did not quite understand. I think part of the reason is that I am not smart enough to understand the artwork and understanding the storyline(s). Basically, this creature makes music and people are seduced by the music in different ways. I read the book and when I finished I was like, "Okay, the book is done, move on." There are reviews that just adore this book and I guess I just missed the whole point. I know that the author is amazing and people love the work created. I am going to take the blame on not enjoying this novel. I think I just am not smart enough to find the beauty of the story and the artwork. At least I enjoyed the fact that the sea creature smoked a cigarette when not in the water. Not sure of the purpose of that, but it is what it is. If you like graphic novels, then you might really like this if you know what to look. Don't let my review deter you from reading, but this was just not my cup of tea.

Rock Sugar

In 1989, Hollywood heavy metal band Rock Sugar was stranded on a desert island.

For the last 20 years, the only music they had to listen to was the 80’s pop cd collection of a 13 year old girl.

And now…Rock Sugar has come home.

Be sure to go to YouTube to check out their other videos

HAPPY MONDAY!

Why not provide you another great dose of dancing to start your week off right. Enjoy!



Don't forget to....
1. Sign up for the book giveaway
2. Provide me a topic or idea for my next random thoughts video
3. Post comments on the posts that you like
4. Sign up to help add some entries to the Wreck This Journal Challenge

Come on! Don't be scared.

I NEED YOUR HELP

So, I have decided to do something totally irrational during a time in my life that could not possibly be any busier. I have decided to organize my books. I have pulled most of them from all nooks and crannies in my house and begun to sort(looking at the picture it probably is a mess, but I call it organized chaos. Here is where I need your help. I am going to reshuffle my office around and begin to have an organized and neat office(a very lofty goal). What I need is a suggestion from all of you on what type of bookcase I should purchase. I want my collection to be seen and not hidden from view. I would also like the book case to house my cd collection. So......I need a large bookshelf that will look nice. My walls are a mocha color and I have plenty of room to make a bookshelf fit. What are your suggestions? Please help because I am not good at this sort of thing.

Massive Dodgeball

I am thinking that my middle school could pull this off and beat this record!

Who Knew The Ocean Was So Deep?

http://i.imgur.com/m3ZxZ.jpg

How Awesome Is This? You go dog!

Music Memory Lane: Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise

When I was in high school, my buddy Adam and I would go to one of several music shops that we visited frequently and about once a month we would randomly pick out about 5-7 cds to try and find some new amazing musician. One of those trips lead me to one of my favorite cds of all time and it was Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise first major label cd. This cd is unbelievable from track 1 to the last note. Very rarely does one find a cd that is perfect from beginning to end. However, this cd is an all time classic. This cd has not left my car in about 2 weeks and every morning I find myself singing at the top of my lungs. This cd just grabs at the soul and does not let go. His voice is not perfect, but it is honest and raw. For some reason the fact the he is blind just adds another powerful level to his music. Anyways, as I dig through my books I have begun to dig through my cds and this is one that I share here for you to explore. If you like blues, rock, and a cd that will grab you and not let go, then find this cd online(I am sure you can get it cheap) and find some awesome music.

Wreck This Journal - Challenge for all NERD CLANSMEN

Check 0ut the video to learn about the new, awesome, amazing challenge that I have put together.



Email me at aarmau@gmail.com or post in the comments if you would like to join this challenge. I will get the journal to you ASAP. I look forward to this challenge. Should be a great piece of artwork when all is said and done.

I have created a separate page for this challenge. Just look to the top of the blog. This is where I will post the artwork that is submitted to the journal.

Book Review: Writing on the Wall

This book I read very quickly. I was quickly sucked into the storyline and was not able to stop until I finished the book to know how it would end. The book revolves around two teens, Megan and Donnie. They meet by happenstance and a friendship develops. Both have things in their lives that are similar. They both have little father interaction. Donnie has a secret about his father that he does not tell Megan and Megan has a father that is rarely home. As these two continue to learn more about each other more secrets form. This is a story of how important friendships are when we go through pivotal events in our lives. Megan and Donnie meet almost every day in a rented storage unit that they purchased. This storage unit becomes their home away from home and their safety zone where they can open up and be themselves without worrying what others say or think.

As I read the book I kept thinking about how realistic this storyline was. I could relate to the importance of friends growing up. The author, Christopher Cleary has written a wonderful novel. This would be a book that I would recommend to anyone looking for a book about growing up, trying to figure out who we are, and how to deal with issues that we don't always have control over. I would recommend this novel for students in 8th grade or higher for a couple reasons. One, Megan and Donnie become more than friends and there are references to sex, but nothing that I think is offensive. Second, many of the topics are part of life while in high school. Some family issues of suicide and depression are also topics that one needs to be aware of. Overall, don't let these things detract you from reading this book. I am glad that I came across this book by a misguided search on Amazon.

Here is a link to the book publisher and other info

Welcome Back To School

I went a little post crazy this weekend making up for the time that I was sick. Here are some things to check out in case you have not been on the blog the last few days.

1. Random Thoughts 2.14.10 Video - 10 minutes of useless information, two new addicting games, and discussion of Ghostbusters
2. Random Thoughts 2.15.20 Video - Some information on presidents
3. Teacher Mystery Challenge #15
4. Book Give Away Contest is coming to a close at the end of the week.
5. A few other posts for you to check out that don't really fit any specific criteria. Just scroll down the blog I have posted about 6 times since Sunday.

It feels great to be back to being healthy and nerdy.

Watch the video below and if this does not make you ready to begin your day, then check your pulse because you might be dead.

Inside the International Space Station

Random Thoughts: Presidents Day

Check out the video. Post your president facts in the comments. Let us help one another learn some useful knowledge about the leaders of our nation.

Don't forget to watch my Random Thoughts Video from 2.14.10(scroll down the blog). That one is loaded with information and some stories for good discussion.



Can you name all the presidents in 8 minutes?
How many of the presidents of the United States can you name?
Try it here



"Too Late to Apologize: A Declaration" by T.J. and the Revo, is a parody of "Apologize" by OneRepublic. A perfect video for President's Day.

Another Addicting Game: One Button Bob

Here is another addicting game to waste time. One Button Bob

What are your favorite movie quotes?

But the worst thing I ever done - I mixed a pot of fake puke at home and then I went to this movie theater, hid the puke in my jacket, climbed up to the balcony and then, t-t-then, I made a noise like this: hua-hua-hua-huaaaaaaa - and then I dumped it over the side, all over the people in the audience. And then, this was horrible, all the people started getting sick and throwing up all over each other. I never felt so bad in my entire life.
- Chunk, Goonies

What are some of you favorite movie quotes of all time? Remember to stick with ones that are suitable for me to post. I know some classic quotes that I would love to post, but remember this is geared with the middle school students in mind. Good luck!

Random Thoughts 2.14.10: I am ALIVE!!!!!!!!!!!

Addicting Mouse Sugar Cube Game

Addicting Tetris Game.....good luck

Someone has objected to the Merriam-Webster dictionary

Mom forces son to kill pet hamster…..but at least Im not grounded!

Bill Murray and Ghostbusters

Bryan Adams Video

The new Karate Kid movie Trailer......why ruin the original? Why? Why? Why?

Brayn Adams Video

Teacher Mystery Challenge

You were correct again last week with choosing Mrs. Dierickx. You are on fire. Here is the next dose.

1. What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite? grape
2. What do you think of hot dogs? They’re ok, if they are grilled
3. Favorite Holiday movie or tv special? Elf
4. What do you prefer to drink in the morning? milk
5. Can you do push ups? Is yes, how many? Yes. Depends on the day
6. Favorite hobby? singing
7. Middle name? Dawn
8. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? Tired, overwhelmed, happy
9. Current worry? I can’t get caught up from being sick!
10. Dum da dum dummmm what is that? The suspense music for old mysteries.
11. Where would you like to go? Back to Australia
12. Do you own slippers? yes
13. What color shirt are you wearing right now? Hot pink
14. Can you whistle? yes
15. Favorite color? pink
16. Would you be a pirate? nope
17. What was the last song that was stuck in your head? “I gotta feelin’” Black Eyed Peas
18. What’s in your pocket right now? nothing
19. Best toy as a child? Tinker toys
20. What is your favorite candy? Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups
21. Favorite Sports Team? I don’t have a favorite team. I just love watching football and baseball.
22. What are you currently reading? Parenting magazine
23. What is your favorite book of all time? Tie-- Dragon Tears & Twilight Eyes by Dean Koontz
24. If you could meet anyone living or dead who would it be and why? Walt Disney, I think he had an amazing mind and was super creative…I’d love to talk to him about how it all started and if he ever thought it would turn into this!
25. What would we find in your refrigerator right now? Not much…water, milk, broccoli, carrots, cheese, and condiments
26. What is one fact that students would not know about you prior to asking this question? I was in marching band, concert band, jazz band, choir, musicals, and drama in high school.
27. If you were an animal/a can of soup/some other random object, which one would you be? I would be an eagle. . . so I could soar all over and rest high in the trees.

Book Review: Hard Work by Roy Williams

Hard Work by Roy Williams

*acquired from the public library*

If you follow college basketball or even if you at least watch ESPN, then you know that Roy Williams is currently the head coach for North Carolina. This is his biography of his life and how he worked to the position that he is in today. The title is perfect because Roy worked his butt off to coach at the college level and be the success that he is. This is a must read for anyone who watches college basketball and enjoys the story of a great coach and leader.

I know this is not young adult, but I think this book applies to everyone. This is a great motivational read to always believe in yourself, your gut instincts, and to always do what is right. Roy stands by his word to his players, family, and friends even when the other decision could be the better choice.

My goal this year is to read more books about being successful and a good leader. These are two things that I am trying to work on myself. This book was the first in my quest and I was not disappointed. I have a new appreciation for Roy Williams after reading this book. Check out the trailer below to learn more. If you are looking for a book about a great person who worked very hard to achieve his dreams, then search no more. If you need something to motivate you to be a good person, then search no more. If you are looking for a great sport read, then search no more.



Hard Work, by Roy Williams - Book Trailer - The most amazing videos are a click away

Book Review: The Crazy Man

The Crazy Man by Pamela Porter

**acquired from the public library

This is a story that takes place in 1965. The main character is a 12 year old girl named Emaline. Her father farms wheat, but life is tough and things are beginning to take a toll. Everything takes a change for the worse when her dog Princess runs out in front of the tractor. Emaline decides to hop off the tractor to safe Princess and in an instant her dad runs her legs over. From this point on things are not the same. Dad shoots the dog and then leaves the family without saying a word.



Emaline and her mother must now figure out how to live and survive. Emaline has her injury and mom does not know how to farm. They end up hiring Angus from the mental hospital to for ma their land. This creates a whole set of problems for the town.



This is an awesome middle grade book. This book deals with real life issues of grief, sadness, overcoming obstacles, and dealing with prejudice and treatment of others. It is written in free verse which is perfect for this type of story. There is much to be said about this book. I read it in one sitting and I am now in pursuit of trying to contact this author for an interview. In the meantime read this book and fall in love with a great story.

60 Things to do at McDonalds

60 things to do while driving through at McDonalds. *I DID NOT WRITE THIS-A fellow blogger posted this*

**I don't recommend you try these things. These are just things to think and laugh about on a Friday.**

1. Say "Amen" after you say your order.

2. Order a large cheese pizza.

3. Terminate the order by saying, "Remember, we never had this conversation." and then drive off.

4. Tell the order taker a rival fast food place is down the street and you're going with the lowest bidder.

5. When they say "may i take your order?" say "surprise me!"

6. Answer their questions with questions.

7. Use these bonus words in the conversation: ROBUST, FREE-SPIRITED, COST-EFFICIENT, UKRAINIAN PUCE.

8. Sing your order.

9. Spell out your order.

10. Talk about your social life.

11. Rattle off your order with a determined air. If they ask if you would like drinks with that, panic and become disoriented.

12. Tell the order taker you're depressed. Get him/her to cheer you up.

13. Change your accent every three seconds.

14. After ordering say "and once your done throw it out and do it again cuz you won't get it right the first time!"

15. Act like you know the order taker from somewhere. Say "Bed-Wetters' Camp, right?"

16. Start your order with "I'd like. . . ". A little later, slap yourself and say "No, I don't."

17. Ask to rent a burger.

18. Ask if there is a warranty on your meal.

19. Order with the radio turned up at full blast.

20. Ask if you get to keep the bag. When they say "yes" start crying with happiness and call your whole family to tell them the big news.

21. Tell them to double-check to make sure your burger is, in fact, dead.

22. Imitate the order taker's voice.

23. Eliminate verbs from your speech.

24. When they say "What would you like?" say, "Huh? Oh, you mean now."

25. Amuse the order taker with little-known facts about country music.

26. Ask if they have any idea what is at stake with this meal.

27. Order just one fry.

28. Doze off in the middle of the order, catch yourself, and say "Where was I? Who are you?"

29. Order two different meals and then say, "No, they'll start fighting."

30. Ask for the guy who took your order last time.

31. Take a picture of the person at the window.

32. Hand the person at the window a box of pizza and say, "that will be $7.95"

33. If he/she suggests anything, adamantly declare, "I shall not be swayed by your sweet words."

34. Wonder aloud if you should trim those nose hairs.

35. Start the conversation with "My order at McDonalds, Take 1, and ... action!"

36. Ask if the burger is organically grown.

37. When they repeat your order, say "Again, with a little more OOMPH this time."

38. State your order and say, "that's as far as this relationship is going to get".

39. Ask if they're familiar with the term "spanking a burger." Make up a description to go with the term. Ask that this be done to your burger.

40. Tell them to take the first bite.

41. Teach the order taker a secret code. Take your order using that code.

42. When the order is repeated, change it slightly. When it is repeated again, change it again. On the third time, say "You just don't get it, do you?"

43. When you're given the price, say "Ooooooo, that sounds complicated. I hate math."

44. Bargain with the price.

45. When they say "Will that be all?", snicker and say "We'll find out, won't we?"

46. Ask how many dolphins were killed to make that burger.

47. Wear a detective suit and pass the person at the window a briefcase and then drive off.

48. Ask if the burger has had it's shots.

49. Don't say a word. Just stare.

50. Speak in a different language.

51. Add "Mc" to the beginning of everything you say.

52. Once you've gotten through the drive through tell them that your conversation was compromised and that they should destroy the burgers then speed off.

53. Tell them you are a vegetarian trying to break the habit and then order a burger.

54. Ask for chicken nuggets without the chicken.

55. Go to the drive thru with a couple of ppl.......when he asks for your order....scream like a girl and start itching yourself.

56. When the order taker for the drive through asks you how you are today say, "On the verge of committing suicide you?"

57. Start playing peek-a-boo with the employee then refer to then as mommy or daddy and say that its storytime and you don't wanna go to bed.

58. Talk like a robot and recruit the guy at the window to take over the world.

59. When you get to the food window make sure you are facing directly forwards, say nothing, have a creepy grin on your face, and then slowly rotate your head to face the server. Take the food calmly, slowly rotate your head back, still grinning, then drive off.

60. When you get to the window, hit the order taker with a water balloon and just sit and stare at them.

Third Book In Hunger Games Announced

The third book in the Hunger Games series was announced today. Here is a picture of the cover. Many thought it was going to be called The Victors, but this title was not expected. What do you think of the title? There is no additional information provided. We don't know what the final book will be about or anything else. So, I open up the discussion of........what are your predictions for the final book? If you are going to spoil anything from the first two books, then please provide a SPOILER ALERT to help those who have not read the book(s) yet.

Here is the article in which I came across this information.

Publishers Weekly article

All I can say is "Nice Try, Big Guy!"

Horrible Backflip Attempt | Sports | SPIKE.com

Book Review: Salt by Maurice Gee

Did you read Hunger Games and love it?

Did you read Maze Runner and love it?

If you answered yes to either of these questions, then read this book. Salt by Maurice Gee is another dystopia young adult novel that is amazing. I rank it right up there with the two title mentioned above. This genre keeps picking up more and more momentum and I love it.

Maurice Gee has won an award for best young adult book in New Zealand. I had no idea who this author was until this novel and now Maurice may soon become another one of my favorite writers as this trilogy continues to unfold.

Hari is one of the main characters. His world is controlled by Company. He father has been enslaved force to work the Deep Salt mines where no one ever returns. If the bodies are found, then it is discovered that they have died from a terrible illness. Hari is poor and has to fight for food to survive and live off rats the size of humans and other crazy things. Hari is determined to save his father.

Pearl is from the other aspect. She is wealthy and lives a luxiourous life. She has been forced to marry someone she does not want to marry and decides to run away with her maid, Tealeaf.

Pearl, Tealeaf, and Hari all cross paths on their two different journeys. They realize that they all together have a special ability of silent speaking with Hari being able to communicate with animals.

They decided to work together to find Deep Salt and and uncover the mysteries of this place. Additionally, they decide to help try and stop the several fighting forces who are in battle for power.

I don't know how else to describe this book. It is more gritty and abrasive than Hunger Games in my mind. It really grabbed my attention like Hunger Games. I just had to know what was going to happen. It is a trilogy so I know two more awesome books are coming the line.

I think anyone who reads this book will love it. It is full of action, violence, some great main characters with Tealeaf being an awesome secondary character. The ending brings some closure, but leaves you a feeling that you know something is bound to wrong(which it will or else two books would not be coming). Go read this now.

Is this guy for real?

This has been going around the internet, but I could not resist sharing this in case you have not seen it. I cannot believe this is not a joke. But with all the snow we just had the other day(s) this is fitting.

Great Nerd Debate

I came across this link and thought what a perfect topic for discussion. Here is the picture and I have posted the link below to give due credit. Post your thoughts in the comments.



http://www.businesspundit.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/INPgh.jpg

Short Conversation with my son last night

After providing my son one hour to write his name on 20 Spongebob Valentine Cards for school Monday.

Wife: Aiden how are they coming along?
Aiden:(In a loud voice, but not a yell) It is just too hard to concentrate right now

We realized at that moment that one
1. Scooby Doo monsters place him in a trance of ultimate fixation
Aiden: Dad, don't worry. These monsters are just big costumes that people wear. They are not REAL monsters.
2. As soon as he wrote his name for that one special girl nobody else mattered. Yes, he is only in preschool, but he had the one card picked out right away.

We finally finished after about 90 minutes of patience. Good times

Care to share about your hair?

I was reading a recent post on the blog of Justine Larbalestier about hair and it had me thinking back to different parts of my life where hair was a central piece of a past event in my life. I have created this post to provide an opportunity for my fellow readers to post a story from your life that deals with hair.

I will provide one story about myself growing up.

When I was in 2nd grade the fashion at the time was to have laser lines in your hair. My mother would not allow me to have laser lines in my hair. However, another fashion statement that was popular was the side spike(where you spike part of the top of your head). In my city(Elkhart) the more narrow the side spike the better. So I would spend all morning using gel, mousse, hairspray(Hairnet), and various other products to make sure my hair was perfect, cemented in place, and protected from the harsh environment of school. My hair would have survived any major disaster. Not only did I have a side spike during this time period, but I also had the back of my head permed. Yes, I admit this(it took some courage). I remember my neighbor perming my hair on my backyard porch. I remember having to use a pick to "puff" out the curls or should I say rat nest. What a terrible idea! It was like a poofy mullet. I will have to ask my parents to find a picture for me to submit. So no laser lines, but I could support the fashion statement of ugliness.

Here is an example that is as close as I can get to what I had. Mine was not this extreme, but you get the idea. I did not have the poof on top as I had the side spike and my perm in the back was not that long, but it did look just as bad.
So I have shared a terrible moment in my life that no friend or family member of mine lets me live down. It is now your turn to share some memories. I have others and will look to post some more when others begin to share. Don't be scared, share your hair!

Teacher Mystery Challenge #14

You guys did a nice job voting. We were back to around 100 votes which has not happened in a long time. You were correct in the voting with Mr. Winter being the man in action. 39 of you voted for him and were correct. Here is the next challenge. Keep your victory train chugging down the road.

1. What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite? Cherry

2. What do you think of hot dogs? Amazing, especially sitting at Bucsh Stadium watching a Cardinal victory.

3. Favorite Holiday movie or tv special? Garfield’s Christmas

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

5. Can you do push ups? Is yes, how many? Kinda…only a few

6. Favorite hobby? Shopping at Hobby Lobby and thinking of creative project, then making the projects

7. Middle name? Marie

8. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment? I am tired…I can’t think of another thought…I need to go get my morning soda

9. Current worry? That my husband will have a safe trip to Indiana this week

10. Dum da dum dummmm what is that? Wedding song????

11. Where would you like to go? Jamaica

12. Do you own slippers? Yes I love them in the winter

13. What color shirt are you wearing right now? Pink

14. Can you whistle? Kinda

15. Favorite color? Pink

16. Would you be a pirate? No

17. What was the last song that was stuck in your head? “If tomorrow never comes…” It was just on the radio

18. What’s in your pocket right now? Nothing

19. Best toy as a child? Don’t remember

20. What is your favorite candy? Reeses

21. Favorite Sports Team? Iowa State

22. What are you currently reading? Harvesting Hearts

23. What is your favorite book of all time? My Sister’s Keeper

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

25. What would we find in your refrigerator right now? Milk…that is about it…I haven’t been to the store in a long time.

26. What is one fact that students would not know about you prior to asking this question? I was a cheerleader in high school

27. If you were an animal/a can of soup/some other random object, which one would you be? A blanket because I would love to always be cuddled up in bed.

I am still alive

Sorry for not having any posts the last couple days. I was hit hard with bronchitis and when I thought I was feeling better I pushed myself too far and found myself feeling the worse I have every felt in my entire life. After about 30 plus hours of not having the strength to even get out of bed I am feeling better and will be hopefully back to normal in a couple days. I will not have video ready to go Monday, but will try to get back to regular routine of posting each day. Thanks

Great Nerd Debate...Actually a Challenge

***************************UPDATE #2******************************

Thanks to all of you who have provided suggestions for this challenge. I knew that the Nerd Clansmen would pull through for me. I have placed all suggestions provided via email to the comment section so please be sure to check these out. I have had an awesome time remembering the good old music videos. Keep it up everyone!

Okay, so here is the deal. I have this challenge for you. I think this will be another great challenge that will produce some interesting results. Here are the ramifications:

Topic: Music Videos
Rules
1. Music Video has to be a song that was at one time popular.
2. Music Video has to also be a song that the average person has completely forgotten about.
3. Music Video has to be really cheesy or so old school that it forces a smile on our face.
4. Music Video has to be a clean version of the song and appropriate for me to share on my blog.
5. Have fun and do your best to surprise us.

I am excited for this challenge because I love music and I cannot wait to see what the viewers will gather for this challenge. To start things off I am going with the following video. Enjoy, make the same remark that I did, "OMG! I forgot all about this song" and then laugh at the horrible fashion statements captured in the video. Good luck and I look forward to making a future post of all videos.

Here is the link to my video. The embed option has been disabled so you will have to access it this way.

** UPDATE**

YES!!! I told you someone would pull through. WORD! I received this suggestion via email. Here is for you to enjoy! Keep them coming!

a-ha - New Music - More Music Videos

Here is another Mr. Maurer suggestion. "It's getting kinda hectic......I will attack and you don't want that!

I Won An Award! Yahoo!

I won the Kreativ Blogger award from the Life (and Lies) of Inanimate Flying Objects

Kreativ Blogger award: tell 7 secrets and tag 7 people.

Ok! here we go.

1. I am a pack rat. My office is so crammed with "stuff" that I feel is important. I have a very hard time throwing away old magazines(especially Rolling Stone and any fitness magazines). I am trying to slowly give away and trade books that I don't read, but so far that is not going according to plan as I give one away I acquire 2-3 more.

2. 40, 34, and 32 are my favorite numbers. I was the number 40 all through high school, 32 when I was in college and 34 is the number of Charles Barkley when he played for Phoenix and he was my all time favorite basketball player.

3. My favorite candy is sour cherry balls. Yes, I live for Valentine's Day because this is the only time of the year when you can find bags and bags of this delicious treat.

4. I have this addiction where I cannot stop checking out materials from the library. I have tried to stop checking out books so I can read the 50 or so books I have purchased that are sitting on my shelves, but so far I have not had the will power to do so. I have about 30 items currently checked out which is pretty normal.

5. My favorite cartoon of all time is He-Man. I loved this cartoon growing up and now my children watch this also now that I have purchased the dvd set. "I have the power!"

6. I am very allergic to poison ivy. I look at a picture of it and I swear I will have it the next day.

7. I am still working on writing my own book, but really struggle to make time to write. I plan on devoting my summer to writing when things calm down.

I’m tagging some creative bloggers…

1. http://www.wondrousreads.com/

2. http://blackeyedsusans.blogspot.com/

3. http://justanotherbookaddict.blogspot.com/

4. http://www.abookdork.com/

5. http://aflightofminds.blogspot.com/

6. http://agoodaddiction.blogspot.com/

7. http://thehidingspot.blogspot.com/

Book Review: I Kill Giants

I checked this out from the library.

This was an interesting comic book. This has all the parts of the series combined so there was no waiting which was nice. Had I had to wait or find the other parts individually I probably would have dropped this entirely. However, when you read from start to finish I was really pleased with taking the time to do so.

This comic deals with a girl name Barbara. The title comes from her in the first few pages when she declares that she kills giants. She wears bunny rabbit ears on her head and has a very quick witted tongue. She fired back at some bullies in the comic and I found myself laughing out loud. She is not part of the cool group. She reads, carries around a purse with a hammer on it called Coveleski, plays D&D, and keeps to herself. I kept trying to figure out where this novel was going. I was not sure if the giants were real or if she was seriously messed up in the head.

You will have to read this yourself to find out if she is crazy or if the "giants" are real. The ending really caught me off guard. Once I finished I realized that I just read about a girl trying to find her way in life while dealing with some pretty harsh realities. If you like comics, then read this one as it will hold your interest and have you thinking about several different things while reading.

Student creates Slap Bracelet Blog

How awesome is this? This student created blog devoted to my campaign of bringing the slap bracelet back in style. Check it out here and help us with our quest to make this the latest "wrist bling".

Check it out here