The final Wreck This Journal artwork

Wreck This Journal is complete and finalized after a successful first year launch. Post some new ideas for me to try next year. Doodle Pad?

Health article as I prepare to run a race

I have decided that I want to be able to complete a half marathon. I know it sounds like a stupid goal as I am one of the many that absolutely hate running. I don't understand the joy from running, but I am also a person who needs to sign up for races or competitions to stay motivated to work out. As many already know(who work with me or are friends of mine) I work out M-F at 5:00 in the morning. I usually start my day out at 4:30 where I decide what I will post on this blog for the day and check my routine websites. Cardio is always something that has lacked. Even when I have been in good shape, I find ways to avoid running. A few years ago I was in great shape for the Chicago Urbanathlon. Here are my goals for the summer and into the fall.

Goal #1: Run in one of the two half marathons in September(either the Quad City one or the Waterloo Park to Park)

To achieve this goal I have created checkpoint goals

Goal #2: Spend the last week and the next two weeks to build a base of running where I am putting in 15 miles each week to establish a foundation
** I completed 13 miles this week and feel good making 15 this week**

Goal #3: Follow a half marathon 12 week workout when the timing presents itself. So, I will need to start this training in mid July when it is nice and cool. HA!

Goal #4: To stay motivated for the training for the half marathon I will run the Bix 7 and keep me focused up until mid July

These four goals all lead to my ultimate goal

Ultimate Goal: run the entire Chicago Urbanathlon without walking.

I have a good plan(at least I think I do) to get things going. That is always the first step. I have gone back to really trying to eat healthy. I think I will need to shed about 13-15 lbs in order for my joints to hold up. I have lost a few lbs just this week so headed in the right direction. I will keep you posted.

In the meantime I came across this article about drinking water and the benefits. Many of us already know the benefits but it is always a good reminder.

Here is another about whether or not you are getting enough.

**thanks to Mike Young from Athletic Lab for sharing on Twitter**

Book Review: Trackers by Patrick Carman

I have been in a reading frenzy lately where I have been back in my groove just reading book after book. The books have been enjoyable so that always helps. Trackers by Patrick Carman is his latest novel that combines puzzles, web, videos, computer technology, and the whole media based book concept that he used with his Skeleton Creek series. If you enjoy Skeleton Creek, then you will love this book. It is not spooky like Skeleton Creek, but instead is more of a cyber mystery adventure. The main character is a boy who is a computer genius. He helps his father out in the computer shop fixing computers, hard drives, and anything else computer related. He has also created over time his own inventions made out of game controllers and various bits and pieces. He has his own little place in the shop called the Vault which is a computer heaven. He finds himself involved in an intricate plot along with his three friends when his Vault is hacked and all of his inventions, computer coding, software is hacked. This was thought to be impossible. These four set out on a high paced adventure to retrieve everything back. He is after a girl named Zara who has been involved in the taking of his work. Without saying more the journey begins and it is a fun one.

As you read you do stop to watch the video segments along the way. You login to a website to watch the clips. There are also a glyphmaster puzzle challenge, a map that updates while you read, and a invention/gadget link to check out the items they use in the book. If you don't have access to internet while reading, then you can read the transcripts in the back of the book. I really liked this book. I read it in one day. I was hooked. I love computers, love technology, and adventure. You need to read this especially if you have read Skeleton Creek and enjoyed that format. This one will create much buzz at my school next year when we are back in session. Patrick Carman has been on fire with his writing and I hope it continues. I would love to have an online book club discussion with Patrick Carman in the future. I think my students would sign up like crazy. Go out and read the book.

iPad App Review: iChunk

Leave it up to my son.....

So Aiden and Addy go to the store with Amanda the other day. They are allowed to pick out some candy, but instead Aiden uncovers a secret item in the grocery. Seriously, have you ever seen marshmallows this big before? I have not until today. Here is your challenge: Find something in the grocery store you think nobody knows about and either email me a picture of it for me to post here or post a picture reply to my Dailybooth account where I will also post these pictures. I await your photos while eating massive marshmallows.

A Time To Reflect Upon Receiving Email

Alright, I will tell you upfront that is going to be a long post (you probably know that already by glancing at your screen). As we draw close to ending another school year here at our awesome middle school it is inevitable to not do some reflecting. I have been meaning to reflect on several things, but with the chaos that life has been lately I just have not had time. Today, time stopped and my “A-HA” or confirmation moment happened. I received an email today that confirmed my belief in the super awesomeness of middle school kids at a time when they are absolutely crazy. Before I get to the email and post the request of this student, I want to share with you my thought process as time stood still for me and allowed to stop and reflect on who I am, what I do, and the decision on whether not my actions are worth it.

I started this blog last year as a way for my social studies classes to communicate with students from Australia. We did some other basic things like watch Greek Olympics through Lego stop animation, but nothing more than that. It was simply a test run. On August 11, 2009 when we started this school year I decided to post book reviews. This was going to be my connection with students that I was missing in my new job as talented and gifted teacher without a set class. Over the course of the school year leading up to today (5/28/10) I have made 389 posts (this one would be 390), made 79 YouTube videos, created a Dailybooth account, held an online book club discussion with Jennifer Brown of the powerful novel Hate List, worked online with the super cool and amazing author Jacquelyn Wheeler (and had my name mentioned in the book), and created and had fun with multiple bloggers and students through challenges and various activities. I don’t state all this to toot my own horn, but I state it because I had no idea that so much would happen over the course of one school year. I have had over 30,000 visitors to my blog with almost 20,000 of these visitors/hits coming from outside of my school (I would think it would be opposite). I have 54 followers and people have accessed my blog from the following locations(the numbers represent different cities within the country):

United States (US)1,856 Canada (CA)62 United Kingdom (GB)60 Australia (AU)33 Philippines (PH)13 Sweden (SE)12 New Zealand (NZ)12 India (IN)11 Germany (DE)10 Spain (ES)7 Netherlands (NL)7 Malaysia (MY)7 Brazil (BR)7 Mexico (MX)7 Turkey (TR)6 France (FR)6 Russian Federation (RU)6 Ireland (IE)5 Hong Kong (HK)4 Europe (EU)4 Trinidad and Tobago (TT)3 Norway (NO)3 Indonesia (ID)3 Jamaica (JM)3 Portugal (PT)3 Thailand (TH)3 Romania (RO)3 Argentina (AR)3 South Africa (ZA)3 United Arab Emirates (AE)3 Serbia (RS)2 Italy (IT)2 Japan (JP)2 Denmark (DK)2 Sudan (SD)2 Taiwan (TW)2 Israel (IL)2 Poland (PL)1 Switzerland (CH)1 Lithuania (LT)1 Ukraine (UA)1 Austria (AT)1 Slovakia (SK)1 Czech Republic (CZ)1 Belgium (BE)1 Hungary (HU)1 Morocco (MA)1 El Salvador (SV)1 Puerto Rico (PR)1 Saudi Arabia (SA)1 Sri Lanka (LK)1 Singapore (SG)1 Chile (CL)1 Kenya (KE)1 Bahamas (BS)1 Bahrain (BH)1 Bulgaria (BG)1 Slovenia (SI)1 Greece (GR)1 Korea, Republic of (KR)1 Pakistan (PK)1 Tunisia (TN)1 Croatia (HR)1

I look at all of this data in my reflection for one reason. Why do I do this? What is my purpose? I don’t do it for fame or recognition (although it would be nice to be famous for my thoughts and posts). I do it because I need an outlet. This is my release. This blog, my videos, my random things I do don’t feel like a job. I feel like this is my platform to release my geeky, nerdy, chaotic thoughts that roam my head. There are times when I thought about just shutting it all down because I wasn’t sure that this was what I should do or had time for. However, I could not stay away. It was and is my addiction, my passion. I look to the summer and I have many goals and changes that I want to bring to this blog and my online world to prepare for the next school year, but I also have times where I think about just not doing it all until next fall. That is until I received my email today from Frankie. Frankie is a sixth grader. Frankie leaves comments to my posts. Frankie corresponds with me via the blog. Frankie is a faithful nerd clansmen to the blog. Frankie has taken everything I have spent time writing about here and washed it all away to showcase the real reason that I do this. I do it for that one person who notices, who likes it, and hopefully finds a connection. Maybe I am making this out to be larger than what it is meant to be, but I cannot express how proud I am of a student coming forward to share this email and passion for writing when nobody asked or offered any incentive. Here is the email and yes I have approval to post this.

Dear Mr. Maurer,

This is Frankie, a sixth grader at the school you teach at. I was wondering - do you know of anyone who loves to write and is looking for a good challenge? There are these (I wouldn't call them competitions, but they are sort of like that) things called WriMos, which is short for Writing Months. Such as the base foundation for many of the WriMos, NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). They are all about writing a set goal for yourself (the automatic one is 50,000) and write that much in one month. I did one in January (JanNoWriMo) and, since it was my first, set a goal for 30,000 words in 31 days. I did it, and had an immense sense of achievement for myself as a person with my perseverance and myself as a writer for getting a decent plot to go along with.
The basic thing is to get a daily goal and get it each day. It is difficult, and I lost some sleep for it, but it was all really fun. There are forums on each site (links at the bottom) that people can speak on about their writing and get encouragement from others. Also, not all of the WriMos are for writing novels. There is one called Screnzy (Script Frenzy) where you can write things like stage plays and screenplays.
Anywho, I found it fun and was wondering if you would pass it on. I follow your blog, so I was wondering if you could write something about it there.


Thanks!
Frankie

http://www.nanowrimo.org/

http://julnowrimo.com/ ]http://julnowrimo.com/

http://www.maynowrimo.webs.com/ ]http://www.maynowrimo.webs.com/

http://www.feath.com/afmain.htm ]http://www.feath.com/afmain.htm

http://ywp.scriptfrenzy.org/ ]http://ywp.scriptfrenzy.org/


-----------------

"I love talking about nothing. It's the only thing I know about." - Oscar Wilder

Speechless!!!!!!!!!! Yes, a sixth grader who set a goal to write 30,000 words, accomplished the goal and for what? A grade? Money? Any extrinsic reward which we all know does not work long term (just read Drive by Daniel Pink). No, none of these things except for pure intrinsic motivation and sense of achievement. How wonderful? To work towards something on her own time, her own goals, private and away from school. Who knew about it? Not I. No, but Frankie has filled me with hope that there are so many amazing kids who walk the hallways full of amazingness. Could I pass this information on about writing for Frankie? YES!!!! She beat me! I could not complete my goal when I was writing for NANOWRIMO, but I have been working on my book so in the end it worked out. Frankie, this post is for you and all the other amazing kids who have talent and intrinsic motivation to push themselves to a new level in whatever avenue they are pursuing.

So, who else is interested? If you like to write, then please leave a comment or email me. It would be cool to form a communication among everyone and maybe create a writing circle/group. I have offered for Frankie to write a post for the blog for me. Who knows if she will or not and in the end what does it matter either way? I hope someone responds and maybe you will begin to write without ever letting us know. That too is okay. That is why I write this because all along I have had people like Frankie following my blog (thank you, thank you) without me thinking much of it. I hope I have made an impact in some way. And in the end it is all worth it because we have the power as humans to affect others.

To wrap all of this up into two sentences I would say this – My motivation to keep this blog going is due to that one person, that one Frankie in the world who likes it and takes something away from it even if it is just a laugh to start the day off on the right foot. And please let Frankie (via my blog or email) know if you are interested in writing because it takes courage to come forward and share a passion like writing at the middle school level. Good night and good luck.

Reading and Freedom to Read

I just finished reading a recent article published by Dan Gutman that I came across in the May 2010 issue of School Library Journal. This article is also published online and the link is posted here. Please read the article and then continue to read my post so it all makes sense.

I agree with Dan Gutman on every level in this article. We have the right to read what we want just as we have the right to choose the decisions we make in every aspect of our lives. We know upfront that some decisions are just wrong and will lead to consequences, but at least we have that right to make the wrong choice. I am a firm believer in not banning books. It really drives me crazy to think that one person can ban a book from a mass audience. I am a firm believer that it is the job of the parents to be aware of what their child is reading. Yes, teachers should help aid in the process, but in the end it comes down the family dynamics and the beliefs and values of each individual family. I have posted this before about how adults will be offended by the content in a book, but do not bat an eye about letting a child watch an R rated movie, play violent video games, or listen to music that they should not be listening too. I find it so ironic that they believe the printed word is that powerful. I wish it were because if the printed word held that much power, then I would write notes everyday for students that stated, “Doing schoolwork is important, please be sure to get all work done and to your highest ability.” I am not stating that the printed word does not have an impact, but the kids today are more easily persuaded through the visual stimuli of tv shows, movies, music, etc. If a parent does not want their child to read a certain book then that is fine. That is their choice. However, like Dan mentioned in the article it is not their right to prevent others from reading that same book. Some parents are very up to date with the contents of the reading material and choose what can be read and what cannot be read by their children. That is awesome that they are that involved. Other parents find it a miracle for their child to actually read so they don’t care what it is(within reason) as long as they are reading. Every child presents its own factors in our decision making.

I am glad this article was published. It really ignited my flame and my passion for reading and writing my own book. I give many book talks throughout the school year and I always discuss a wide array of books from the lower level novels to books that are geared towards reluctant readers to novels that challenge the good readers and finishing off with upper YA books. I find books that are new and off the beaten path so I am not going over all the same books that students already know. With every book talk I always start with the idea that they know their limitations of reading level, content that is appropriate, etc. I tell them that I am merely suggesting books that I have enjoyed and that does not mean they are for everyone or will everyone like the books. However, I am providing them the choice to make a decision for themselves about what to read. In the end isn’t that our goal, to teach the youth how to make educated decisions so they are successful in all avenues of life? Why not help them by allowing them to choose their own books instead of banning books.

P.S. By the way, I love the list of challenged books and now plan to read all the books that I have not read off that list just to see what all the hub bub is about. As if I need more to read.

Book Review: Ubuntu

This is another book that I was reading to better myself as a person, coach, teacher, and leader. This book explains how the African philosophy Ubuntu can apply to business and life in America. It follows the story of a man named John who is a manager for a large corporation in Chicago. His team is not performing well and he finds himself disgruntled and upset by his team for not turning in quality work. He has devoted so much time to his job that he is also separated from his wife and daughter. John must come into the office over a three day weekend to fix the errors of his team or risk losing his job. Simon, an employee who is on his team shows up to help. Simon is the only one who had all his paperwork done correctly, but stays to help. Simon came from Africa and begins to teach John about Ubuntu. The story continues from there with Simon winning a vacation to Africa through the company and John comes along.

What I liked about this book is that it takes a philosophy that is great in ideas and puts it into a realistic situation. Along the way there are little phrases and emphasize key points of Ubuntu. I took some notes and plan on using some of the ideas in my coaching next year especially the overall message that Ubuntu means “we are all in this together”.

It was a fast read. The story moves along quickly and it is interesting to see how all these different people in the story apply Ubuntu to their lives and jobs. It makes complete sense and carries some strong ideas that would make life easier for everyone if we thought this way. If looking for some refreshing ideas and a story that may help you think differently, then I would check this book out.

iPad App Review: Demolition Master

Lego Mindstorm Intro Video

I have another video series that I will be showcasing on the blog. This video series will be my journey with my new toy that I have purchased. This toy is my Lego Mindstorms NXT 2.0 kit. I have purchased this kit as I am now helping to coach the Lego Robotics Club. We have a camp in a couple weeks which will determine our team to compete with this winter. So here is my intro video.

Book Review: The Red Pyramid (Kane Chronicles)

I have finally returned to form and picked up some YA/Middle level books to read. I just completed the latest book from Rick Riordan (author of the Percy Jackson Series). This is book one in the Kane Chronicles. Rick Riordan has moved away from Greek Mythology and tried his wits at Ancient Egyptian mythology. I was very excited for this novel as I have taught ancient civilizations for five years when I used to teach sixth grade. I purchased this book on Amazon through the pre-order. As soon as it came in I was ready to read. This book comes in at a little over 500 pages. It does a wonderful job setting the tone for the series (based on his website there will be two more books). Basically, brother Carter, and sister Sadie, are reunited and must work together after their father blows up the Rosetta Stone and himself(to a certain degree) after trying to make things right. The novel is setup where Carter will give his viewpoint of the story and the next chapter it the story will continue from the perspective of Sadie. Carter and Sadie learn that they have strong bloodlines to pharaohs of the past. They also learn that Set is working on taking over the entire world by building a Red Pyramid that will store all his power and cause him to destroy everything (this would be the chaos realm of mythology). Carter and Sadie are helped along the way by some important characters that really help shape the story and will most likely (in my opinion) lead to future storylines and conflict. My favorite was Khufu, who is a monkey that loves basketball and only eats I items that end in “o” like Cheerios and Oreos. They have an uncle Amos who helps them along with Bast who is in the form of a cat named Muffin. There are several other characters that play important roles as well. I don’t want to spoil anything about this book because that would not be fair to you as a reader.

Did I like the book? Yes, I really enjoyed it. It held my interest throughout. Many things were being developed like with any book that is the first in the series. There are some great battle scenes. There is nothing too graphic at all so I would recommend this to any student who wants to read it. There is nothing bad in my opinion. If you liked Percy Jackson, then this will suit your fancy just fine. I loved the book because I find Egypt fascinating as a culture and I spent time reading up on some of the mythological characters as I read through the book. I give this book two thumbs up and would suggest getting this book right away. Rick Riordan has not lost his touch when it comes to writing and he has stuck to his craft of writing a story that will hold the interest of his targeted audience. Humor is embedded throughout, true facts and historical lessons are presented, and his usual dosage of action scenes will make this book a keeper.

The only thing I did not really like, but did not take away from the story at all was the concept of the storytelling. The book is a tape recording of the two telling their story. I liked having the two perspectives because I think it helped to move the story and was a nice writing touch as there were parts of the story that needed to be addressed that Carter just could not share and be believable and parts that Sadie would not have been able to tell either. It gives the reader a broader perspective. Even though they are related they are two very different people with different strengths and weakness. Anyways, the thing I did not like was when they would make little side comments while one was recording the chapter. It makes sense in why he created the story in this format, but it drove me crazy having the two main characters talk to each other with sly comments as they narrated the story. This element did provide comic relief and many students may actually like this element. I am just a picky reader. Overall, I give this book 4.5/5.0

A Capella Lady Gaga

I don't like Lady Gaga. However, I give her credit for her power to create music that won't leave your head and to make a name for herself. She has become a huge star. With all that being said, this is an unstoppable a capella Lady Gaga Cover. This comes from the University of Oregon’s On the Rocks group. You may find yourself wasting an hour watching their stuff on YouTube and they also a have a sister group as well. Enjoy! I think we should do something like this.......

See more funny videos and TBT Videos at Today's Big Thing.

Point of View Challenge

Every day in our elementary ELP(gifted and talented class) we start with a warm up of some sort to get their brains working and alert. The other day I gave the students the following challenge which comes from one of my favorite books of all time title, Caffeine For the Creative Mind: 250 Exercises to Wake Up Your Brain.



**I am condensing the instructions here**
I provided students a piece of paper with 9 triangles that were of the same size and evenly spaced apart. Students had to interpret the triangles from a different point of view by completing a drawing(s) using the triangles. They had to pick one of the following points of view although some went and created a pictures for each perspective as well.
1.A Mad Scientist
2. A Baseball Player
3. A Dancer
4. A School Bus Driver
5. A Mortician
6. A Street Cart Hot Dog Vendor
7. A Fish
8. A Lawyer
9. A Zookeeper

They had only a limited amount of time so they could not sit and ponder too long. Here are some of the pictures which I think are pretty good.

Give it try yourself. Create a sheet with 9 triangles and make a drawing and submit it to me and I will post it here on the blog.

Just Remember....

Life is tough, but it is tougher when you are stupid.

Go ahead and check out the latest Dailybooth photo challenge over to the left in the sidebar. Click on the picture to submit your own photo.

Book Review: Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life

I have not posted a book review for some time. I have several excuses, but the major one being that I have not been reading as much as the school year comes to a close. However, I have about three books I am reading, but all were pushed to the side when this book came in for me at the library. Yes, another rock and roll book dealing with music. I have to read any book that deals with music when it comes out.

I will start by stating that this is not young adult. This is the collection of stories, theories, and song breakdowns by the author. He refers to people who have a love of music like himself as Drooling Fanatics or DF. He spends time explaining what a DF does to showcase their passion for music or the qualities that make up a DF. I found myself in several of these statements/stories. I have spent an exorbitant amount of money on music, music players, computer software, cases, etc. to achieve my massive collection of music. I have more music than I could listen to in a lifetime. I also am able to relate to the stories of how DF will share musical knowledge. I find myself doing this from time to time. I also am able to relate to having a passion for a particular band or artist and almost knowing more than the actual artist. Steve Almond(author) has the job to actually be able to interview and talk with musicians where I don't and I am quite jealous.

If you are a hardcore music fan, then I would recommend this book to you. I found this to be an interesting read. I soaked all of it up. I loved the stories about different bands. Yes, I even wrote down all the musical references as I did with Vinyl Princess and now have even more music to try and track down. This book is not for everyone. If you don't really have a deep passion for music, then you might tune out after a few chapters.

My favorite parts are when Steve Almond takes a song and breaks it down. His exegesis statements were brilliant. I loved it when these appear on pages at random. My favorite was his take on Toto - Africa. He has a video of this on his website which I have watched several times and then read it in the book and did both together. If only he could have had the lyrical permission to use more lyrics and provide more exegesis. These were by far the shining moments of this book in my opinion.

iPad App Review #3: Jirbo Says

Conversation with my son Aiden

Here is the first conversation we had this morning yesterday prior to any cartoon watching, breakfast or anything else that could have impacted these thoughts. This is not made up.

Me: Good morning!

Aiden: Did you know that birds don't know what underwear is? They don't even know what cotton balls are!

Me: True, I never thought of this before(slightly taken aback)

Aiden: They are not smart at all......They are smart at some things.......Can we play that bird game on your black thing?(Angry Bird App on my iPad)

Me: Let me make some coffee first

How the iPad is starting take over our thoughts and way of life. By the way we are on level 100 of Angry Birds and might be stuck for good!

Nerd Factory - 5.19.10 with NEW INTRO from EMMA!!

Emma has created an amazing intro theme song for my videos. Check it out along with the video and keep on being radical!!!!

Are you in the mood for a laugh...or weird laugh?

My wife who teaches math at another junior high had some 8th grade students ask her to watch this Skype Laugh Chain. Well, she brought it home and we watched it and I feel the need to share with the world. This cracks me up and I cannot believe how some of these people laugh. Enjoy!

One step to my new approach to this blog **UPDATE**

After going back and reading my post about one of my new ideas to use Dailybooth to enhance this blog interactivity I realized that maybe I should explain my intent and purpose a little more clearly. This blog has been great. I love everything about it and I have some really devout followers who check on an almost daily basis. Some post comments and some don't which is the whole freedom of choice to use your time in the manner in which you feel is best. I was thinking about new ways to spread interaction as I know some don't always like to express themselves through the written word. I decided to dabble in my own account over at Dailybooth(you can also see my most recent photo post over to the left. My purpose with this is to post pictures of myself or my surroundings on an almost daily basis. I may present challenges through this site and just open it up to have a new way to interact. For example, I posted a picture of me with my new iPad(The Sweet Sally Pad!!!!) the other day. Someone who would want to interact could post a photo response of themselves with their iPad or some other object that they love. You can also post text comments much like the blog here. I think there is the possibility to have a lot of fun with this. I know that it is blocked at our school so that is one drawback for sure, but those that would be dedicated enough to post a picture would most likely do it at home anyways so I am not that concerned. So, to get things rolling I will be posting a new picture from this evening with the intention of posting a challenge to you all to respond. I think it will be fun and see if we can get this thing lifted off the ground. I know it will take some time to get it going, but once we set sail the fun will begin. Keep reading the blog and thanks to all of you who do and also check out my new gimmick and post a picture or two or more.

iPad App Review #2: Weather HD

One step to my new approach to this blog

As stated in my Nerd Factory video 5.15.10 I am working on enhancing my blog presence and I have many things I keep pondering around in my head. I am unveiling a new part to my online presence to reach out to my Nerd Clansmen. I have create a Dailybooth account. What? You are not familiar with Dailybooth? Well, this allows the user to post pictures whenever you want and allows others to post pictures in reply as well as comments. I just opened this up and plan to post a picture everyday or close to it. Give this link a try and I hope this takes off. Enjoy!

http://dailybooth.com/coffeechug

I will continue to add my ideas slowly so I don't overwhelm you all at once. I am working towards total internet domination!!!! Mwuhahahahahhahah

Coffee For The Brain - iPad App Review - Angry Bird

With my awesome new gadget I have decided to create a new video series where I will post my reviews on the apps and different options available on the iPad. Feel free to offer suggestions to me for apps to check out.

Nerd Factory 5.15.10

Here is the link for the Super Robot Dog

My family has high expectations

I could not help but share this one about my son Aiden. He was very focused when working on his long term planning in preschool the other week. I give him credit for setting the bar high with being an eagle, but to eat fish? One can only laugh at this. If only growing up was as simple as this.

Bettendorf Middle School 8th Grade Show Choir 2010

Mrs. Walters asked me to record the 8th Grade Choir sing Dancing Through Life from Wicked. Here it is for you to enjoy. Happy Friday!

Why I love digital archiving.......

http://www.nytimes.com/1864/07/10/news/snake-in-a-woman-s-stomach.html

SNAKE IN A WOMAN'S STOMACH.
Published: July 10, 1864


-The Lock-port Journal tells the following horrible story: A woman living in Mercer, C.W., the wife of Mr. WM. EVERS, has for four years past been afflicted with a singular diffculty in her stomach. Her complaint has until within a short time past, baffled the skill of physicians. The complaint commenced about four years since, with a tickling and uneasy sensation about the pit of the stomach. The same sensation has continued to increase in severity from that time. A few months since it became the incontrovertible opinion of the most skillful physicians, that the increasing difficulty has been the growth of a snake in the stomach. It has grown so large now that it distends the stomach so as to produce a bunch upon the outside as large as a quart bowl. Upon pressing this bunch with the hand, the reptile recoils and produces great distress in the stomach. When fish or meat is being cooked in the room, if the snake is not satisfied with food, it rises up in the throat producing strangulation. When desiring food it manifests it by rising up in the throat. Physicians can see no way in which the snake can be removed without certain death to the woman. Mrs. EVERS is about 35 years of age. She is, of course, feeble in health now, but is around the house.

Am I the only one who finds something wrong with this?

Here is the link to buy the this book online

Does anyone else find something odd/strange/disturbing about this book? I'm just saying and if I was part of the news segment on SNL I would say, "Really?"

Rockets with Aiden and Addyson

This episode is for Mr. Flathman. He let me borrow a couple rockets for Aiden to fly. I told him I would document a few flights. We had four rockets. We left with three. Aiden had built a dragon rocket that was lost on the first flight. We had about 15 successful launches. Here are three flights and some turkeys found in the backyard of my parents home.

Ninja Shirt Winner

List Randomizer

There were 2 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

1. henry
2. chelsea

Timestamp: 2010-05-11 21:12:17 UTC

Henry you are the winner. Please claim you AWESOME T-SHIRT and wear it proudly. Maybe wear it to school and I will take a picture and post you as the winner.

Another Addicting Game

Remember Boomshine?No? Well, then you might want to check out that game first. When you are ready for another addicting game that will consume your life then try Obechi,another game by the creators of Boomshine. I am not kidding that you will not be able to resist playing once you start. The music, the colors, the determination to try one more time. I have provided you your warning so don't hunt me down when you have wasted your life away with rings and dots. However, good luck. I am in need to beat this game.

By the way I am at Level 14 in 6:08 before I had to stop and get my kids ready this morning.

iPad Kills the Netbook

After dark, the dirty work at Disneyland begins - latimes.com

After dark, the dirty work at Disneyland begins - latimes.com

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Starcraft 2 is coming July 27th

Read the article here

Parkour Guru Damien Walters

And here I thought I was good at this when I could get both feet on the wall before hitting the ground. I have some work to do.

Here is the challenge I present to you. Video yourself performing some Parkour moves and submit to me. I will make a video this weekend and post on youtube so you can just add a video response to that video. Good luck and don't hurt yourself like I will probably do.

Staff Soul Train

The BMS Staff wanted to show the students what "Soul" is all about. So we created our very own Soul Train. Enjoy the smooth moves as we teach our students what dancing is all about.

Question to Ponder Update: Teenage Talk

A few days ago I posted the question about what our teenage self sounded like. My dad sent me a link to this blog posting from Thursday, May 21, 2009 found on the blog http://childrenofthenineties.blogspot.com/

This blog is awesome. It is a trip down memory lane. The reason that I share this posting with you is that it contains some of the phrases that I remember saying and using at least a million times growing up. So, check it out and please check out the blog as well. It is a great one to add to your morning routine. If you can think of others please post in the comment section.

90s Catch Phrase Mash-Up

In retrospect, all slang can seem archaic and dated. In modern context, it can make very little sense and contain idioms that are no longer a part of mainstream conversational currency. It can also be deeply, wholly embarrassing.

Don't even try to deny it. You used these phrases, or you witnessed them being used and didn't do anything to stop it, for which many experts consider you to be equally at fault. It was easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of hype and celebrity endorsement of certain words and expressions and abandon your principles of not sounding like an idiot. At the time, people would accept--nay, applaud--your adherence to pop culture norms. These catch phrases enjoyed a substantial heyday before being put to rest for being insanely irritating.

Let's explore some of the ridiculous catch phrases that defined a decade:

• "Psyche!" (Variation: "Not!")

Ah, there's nothing quite like a good fake-out. That's the nature of a joke, really, to lead your audience into an assumption and then defy it with an unexpected result. When you put it like that, it sounds rather sophisticated. However, there was a simpler way of expressing this. Here's a little breakdown:

1) Make a statement.
2) Retract said statement by shouting "psyche!", thus humiliating the baited individual.

This was pretty easy to fall for, as you can imagine, and could cause extreme playground-based embarrassment.

Example: A person requests a high five, then quickly moves his hand before the slap makes contact, punctuated with a rather cruel, "Psyche!"
Example: "Hey Tiffany, I love that Lisa Frank lunchbox... Not!"

This enjoyed a slight resurgence of popularity following Sacha Baron Cohen's interpretation of it in the movie Borat.

"Talk to the hand!" (variation: "Because the face ain't listening)

Image via icanhascheeseburger.com

This was a pretty straightforward approach to avoidance. Seek to skirt confrontation? Well here's your solution! Simply align your hand vertically, palm forward toward the person's face. They will be forced to deliver their unwanted message directly to your palm, who is unlikely to absorb the full meaning or even reliably take a mesage. Even though technically faces don't listen per se (auditory functioning is probably better left to ears) it was pretty obvious that your message was going nowhere.

Example:
Maury Povich: You are the father!
Potential Baby Daddy 3: I swear, it's not mine.
Baby Mama: Talk to the hand, Cleatus, cause the face don't wanna listen!

• "Da Bomb"

Let's clear something up: usually, a bomb is a bad thing. We're all fairly familiar with this interpretation of an unwanted explosive, and tend to use it accordingly in our conversations with others. However, that is the bomb. We're talking "da" bomb. Da bomb is different thing altogether. In fact, da bomb is the best. The greatest. Explosively wonderful. Though your instinct will deny it, 90s slang prescribed that we now craved acceptance by means of other's declaring our clogs or No Doubt CD to be "da bomb".

Example: Did you see the X-games on TV last night? Those skateboarders were da bomb!

• "All that and a bag of chips"

Catch phrase also available in shirt form

In the 90s, it was never enough to simply be "all that" (that is, unless you were a kid-directed Nickelodeon sketch comedy show). No, there was so much more to describing your success. You would think if they were going to tack on some added value, these mysterious slang-starters would choose something of actual worth. Instead, they've chosen something you can purchase at a local 711 for $1.98 and that will inevitably leave grease stains on your Dockers khakis.

Example: That trapper-keeper is all that and a bag o f chips!

• "Don't Go There!"

Don't go where, exactly? Even if someone is steering conversation to an unsavory topic, it's unlikely they're taking you to an entirely disparate destination. This was also a favorite catch phrase of trashy daytime talk show guests, usually when confronted with uninvited questions. This was the ultimate brush off, indicating the other person was in no way going to validate your prying with any sort of substantial response. This was pretty much a conversation ender.

Example:
Sally Jesse Raphael: So, Judy, do you think your difficult divorce led to your extreme weight gain of 250 pounds?
Judie (indignant): Don't go there, Sally!

• "You Go, Girl!"

Again, with the going. The 90s certainly had an active set of catch phrases. This was the age of Spice Girls and Girl Power (excuse me, grrrrrrl power) and women were eager to encourage each other, or at least egg one another on. They also frequently took to calling one another girlfriend, as in "Hey there, girlfriend!"

"You Go, Girl" was another standard staple of trashy talk show fare, as women publicly declared their independence or confidence. In theory, it was a nice concept, but this pseudo-feminism was not quite up to par with the serious activism of past generations. Let's put it this way: "You go girl!" was to feminism as "Going Green!" is to environmentalism.

Example:
Woman: So, I decided I've had enough. I'm leaving James and wringing him out for all he's worth.
Loud obnoxious friend: You go, girl!

• "Take a chill pill!"

Try as I might to locate a prescription for these mythical chill pills, it turned my mission was for naught. Apparently, this was some sort of metaphor. It was the kind of thing you frequently heard unruly teenagers snap at their parents.

All sorts of people were candidates for medical trials on the chill pill, but it mainly applied to teachers, parents, and other authoritative incarnations of "the man". It was, however, often used inappropriately in an authority figure/subordinate situation.

Example:
Boss: Sherman, your numbers were down this quarter.
Sherman: Take a chill pill, man! I'll reign it in.

• "Then why don't you marry it?"

This one probably applies to children in general and is not necessarily relegated exclusively to 90s children, but it was certainly widespread in its use. It's a good question, really. Why don't you? I mean, if you're so attached to something, it seems pending nuptials should be in order. It's the next logical step in your commitment. Or are you not willing to go out on that far of a limb for your Ninja Turtle action figures?

Example: "Cindy's always playing with that worthless Wee Little Miss doll. Hey Cindy, if you love it so much, then why don't you marry it?"

Yesterday was Star Wars Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In honor of Star Wars Day, (”May the 4th be with you!”) check out this funny recap of the original trilogy, condensed into a hair over two minutes. Inexplicably, we couldn’t embed the movie, so here’s a link: http://www.youtube.com/dzine123.

I found this video link over at Wired website when checking my nerdy sites.

Question to Ponder

Can you quote your teenage self at all?

I don't really remember things I have said as a teenager. I keep trying to remember a phrase or something I was known for saying. I will have to ask my friends. After being at camp I began thinking about what I was like. I am sure that what I remember about myself is far from the truth about where I ranked in the social pyramid.

I have returned

After catching up on some much needed sleep over the weekend I feel that I back in full form(or at least I am telling myself that I am). We had a great time at camp. The weather was great and I found myself swimming in the river two times. I am working on a movie about camp so once that is ready I will post it here on the blog. Don't expect it for a couple weeks yet as I am still waiting for everyone to turn in video and pictures.


Anyways, here are some things I learned from camp and from the time away from the blog


1. May 10 is approaching quickly so if you want a chance to win the cool brand new shirt that I am giving away, then click the icon on the side, watch the video, and submit your answers.

2. I will never look at lions the same way again after my meal with my super awesome table at camp. Nor will I ever look at a heart ring the same way again either. WOOF WOOF

3. I came back from camp with a phone message from some old lady(she had to have had the wrong number) to let whoever she was calling know that her husband died and she was moving to Maryland. The crazy thing was that the phone number was from Maryland so I think she already moved.

4. I am ready for the summer.

5. Brown Trout was in full effect at camp. I saw more Brown Trout than I care to admit.

6. My dance moves are ready for the video camera so be on the lookout by the end of the week.

Until the next post. Let me know of anything that I missed while away at camp. I would love to hear from the my fellow bloggers who follow. Also, if you have any great ideas or topics that you would like for me to write about or make a video about please let me know. Off to making a camp movie and catching up on all the school work I missed while at camp.