I have created my second blog. Necessary? No. But heck, there's lots of "space" out there for vanity projects. ha
I wanted a place where people could share info and chat about the books they're reading now. Sure, there may already be sites out there for that sole purpose, but in this case, ignorance is bliss.
It is called "Books I'm Reading Now." (yes, it IS a mouthful for a title)
Hopefully this won't end up a wasteland, with only my comments....!
The link is: http://www.booksimreadingnow.blogspot.com/
Saturday, April 28
Free Books For Students & Other Thoughts
Well, it finally happened: Grade 9 to 12 students will not have to buy core textbooks the upcoming school year.
What the hell is meant by "core?" I'm a teacher (ok, a sub) and I don't know what that means. I guess kids (but really parents) will still need to buy novels, workbooks, and other minor things, but at least it is a step in the right direction.
I forsee headaches in keeping track of "who got what book" and keeping tabs on getting the book back in one piece. Second hand bookstores will certainly take a hit in sales.
Hopefully in the next budget, Danny will address classroom size and put $$ towards making class sizes smaller. If the general population expects student-centered learning with all the different learning outcomes, then there needs to be time focusing on individual students!
As I subbed in various schools throughout the year, I have noticed the striking differences in the quality of the technology labs. Some schools are bursting with new computers, while others are still running Windows 98 with broken CD-ROM drives. I have learned to keep my mouth shut while talking to staff. It is like a competition getting $$ for technology when there are so many other needs.
What the hell is meant by "core?" I'm a teacher (ok, a sub) and I don't know what that means. I guess kids (but really parents) will still need to buy novels, workbooks, and other minor things, but at least it is a step in the right direction.
I forsee headaches in keeping track of "who got what book" and keeping tabs on getting the book back in one piece. Second hand bookstores will certainly take a hit in sales.
Hopefully in the next budget, Danny will address classroom size and put $$ towards making class sizes smaller. If the general population expects student-centered learning with all the different learning outcomes, then there needs to be time focusing on individual students!
As I subbed in various schools throughout the year, I have noticed the striking differences in the quality of the technology labs. Some schools are bursting with new computers, while others are still running Windows 98 with broken CD-ROM drives. I have learned to keep my mouth shut while talking to staff. It is like a competition getting $$ for technology when there are so many other needs.
Thursday, April 26
Going Out With My Misses
I promised my wife that between semesters I would be more social with her; dates and such. She has held me to it.
Last week we watched Ýoung Triffe, directed by Mary Walsh and set in Newfoundland in the 40s. My wife really liked it. Me, it was so-so. A little too slapstick for me, but the scenery was great and the acting was good. Of course my wife complained that I always find something wrong with something she likes. I tell her it is just my opinion....!
Tuesday night we went to the Arts & Culture center to watch Stuart Mclean perform his Vinyl Cafe show. The man is very animated when he speaks! The shows (he recorded two) were very good, filled with laughter. My wife laughed so hard she got a headache and practically cried. But in a good way.
Before me, she never listened to CBC, let alone the Vinyl Cafe show (her joke, not mine). At least I did something right! haha
School starts again May 7th. I guess I better plan a few more dates!
Last week we watched Ýoung Triffe, directed by Mary Walsh and set in Newfoundland in the 40s. My wife really liked it. Me, it was so-so. A little too slapstick for me, but the scenery was great and the acting was good. Of course my wife complained that I always find something wrong with something she likes. I tell her it is just my opinion....!
Tuesday night we went to the Arts & Culture center to watch Stuart Mclean perform his Vinyl Cafe show. The man is very animated when he speaks! The shows (he recorded two) were very good, filled with laughter. My wife laughed so hard she got a headache and practically cried. But in a good way.
Before me, she never listened to CBC, let alone the Vinyl Cafe show (her joke, not mine). At least I did something right! haha
School starts again May 7th. I guess I better plan a few more dates!
Wednesday, April 25
Too Much Free Time
The subbing has been very slow the past 2 weeks. Not a surprise, as teachers are refreshed after Easter break and there is a lack of sub days left for each school. What makes it worse it that I am between semesters, so I have no readings/papers to complete.
Sure, my wife is enjoying all the extra attention, but what am I to do when she works? I can only walk the dog so many times and watch so much TV! (my subconscious is screaming: go to the gym!)
I did quite well in my latest 2 courses: 85 & 87. Hopefully the 2 I do this summer will be enjoyable. Maybe I should do three, since I will have more "free" time...!
Sure, my wife is enjoying all the extra attention, but what am I to do when she works? I can only walk the dog so many times and watch so much TV! (my subconscious is screaming: go to the gym!)
I did quite well in my latest 2 courses: 85 & 87. Hopefully the 2 I do this summer will be enjoyable. Maybe I should do three, since I will have more "free" time...!
Friday, April 20
Dog Sh*t
As a child, I really don't remember seeing a lot of dog crap on my parent's lawn once the snow melted. Maybe it was because our land was so big, or maybe mom got rid of it!
But here in Mt. Pearl, with our extremely small piece of land, there is nothing but crap on our grass and deck. Just lovely. Wife has designated it my "job" to clean it up, today, because my sister and mother is coming in.
One problem: it has rainned for 5 days. How do you pick up WET crap? You don't. You just smear it across your property. I found out 20 minutes ago. So now I am waiting for the sun to dry out the friggin' turds.
At least in Churchill there wasn't this much rain!
But here in Mt. Pearl, with our extremely small piece of land, there is nothing but crap on our grass and deck. Just lovely. Wife has designated it my "job" to clean it up, today, because my sister and mother is coming in.
One problem: it has rainned for 5 days. How do you pick up WET crap? You don't. You just smear it across your property. I found out 20 minutes ago. So now I am waiting for the sun to dry out the friggin' turds.
At least in Churchill there wasn't this much rain!
My wife (gawd bless her) is becoming hooked on facebook.
Now that my Masters courses are over till May, I have been relaxing. But my wife has been introduced to the world of Facebook. Each day her 'online time' seems to be increasing, as she surfs the web, looking for familar Facebook members. If she starts blogging, I'm finished!
There may be a wireless Internet connection with a laptop in the future!
I will stick with blogging and my teacher courses. That takes up enough time.
Now that my Masters courses are over till May, I have been relaxing. But my wife has been introduced to the world of Facebook. Each day her 'online time' seems to be increasing, as she surfs the web, looking for familar Facebook members. If she starts blogging, I'm finished!
There may be a wireless Internet connection with a laptop in the future!
I will stick with blogging and my teacher courses. That takes up enough time.
Tuesday, April 17
Sombre Mood
The slaughter that happened at Virgina Tech was horrific, to say the least. Once again, gun control will be a issue debated all over society.
Personally, I don't use guns and I have never owned one. Growing up in rural NF I was exposed to it, but it never interested me. The gun registery system set up by the Liberals was a mess, but I still do see the point in it. But it will never work.
Today I was subbing at a local high school when there was an announcement that the body of a missing young man was identified. Needless to say, the class was not too focused on studying English. I let them share their feelings and stories. I taught this boy in junior high school, and it is such a shame his life has ended early.
Later.
Personally, I don't use guns and I have never owned one. Growing up in rural NF I was exposed to it, but it never interested me. The gun registery system set up by the Liberals was a mess, but I still do see the point in it. But it will never work.
Today I was subbing at a local high school when there was an announcement that the body of a missing young man was identified. Needless to say, the class was not too focused on studying English. I let them share their feelings and stories. I taught this boy in junior high school, and it is such a shame his life has ended early.
Later.
Monday, April 9
Canada
I watched some clips today on CBC about Vimy. So many died fighting for freedom, and in doing so, forming an identity for our country.
Yesterday 6 more Canadians lost their lives. Yes, it is horrible, but we all have to remember the horror of WWI and WWI and the sheer number of young men killed.
I think more young people are starting to 'get it' when it comes to importance of our country. Unfortunately, this awareness may be a result of the current fighting in the middle east.
Enough seriousness for now. I need to go pack for my trip around the bay to see my folks and other relatives. And to watch playoff hockey on dad's 60 inch tv!
Yesterday 6 more Canadians lost their lives. Yes, it is horrible, but we all have to remember the horror of WWI and WWI and the sheer number of young men killed.
I think more young people are starting to 'get it' when it comes to importance of our country. Unfortunately, this awareness may be a result of the current fighting in the middle east.
Enough seriousness for now. I need to go pack for my trip around the bay to see my folks and other relatives. And to watch playoff hockey on dad's 60 inch tv!
Sunday, April 8
Done. And Done.
I have submitted my last paper for the semester. I am done. I told wife I can focus on her for the next month, until this madness starts up all over again.
The Habs lost last night. Sh*t. I am headed around the bay this week, which is Leafsland. I hope the Islanders win today and knock out the Leafs. A few uncles of mine will be disappointed. ha
I guess I will have to cheer for the remaining Canadian teams...........!
The Habs lost last night. Sh*t. I am headed around the bay this week, which is Leafsland. I hope the Islanders win today and knock out the Leafs. A few uncles of mine will be disappointed. ha
I guess I will have to cheer for the remaining Canadian teams...........!
Sunday, April 1
Kermit singing 'Hurt' like Johnny Cash
I got this clip from 'Townie Bastard' blog. Very funny. Very sick.
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