Off to NCaect!

Another conference, but a good conference in the opinion of David Warlick, whom I asked some questions about the conference. Definitely exciting to network with new tools, ideas, people, and food! (-:
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Our Williford Team will present on how we used technology to make AYP in an inner-city school. I would like to take credit for the effort, but due to Williford's being an IMPACT Model School, the teachers are truly dedicated to the cause of technology.
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We will also accept a grant to purchase more podcasting tools. We began podcasting after NCETC, on a limited basis. Now, as we mastered the basics, we want to share this fabulous medium with other students, teachers, and parents.
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See you at the Westin!

ncaect

The Bugs Slide In, the Bugs Slide Out

Well, I believe my cold is throwing up it's last hurrah. I needed some rest this weekend to get over this completely. It will be nice to be my old, moody self again! The weather is crazy though. We had 80s last week, now it's getting only into the 50s for the next week or so. We'll begin getting some much needed rain. I just want to wash my cars so bad! I've never washed the Kia here before. )-:
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Busy week coming up. Two days of school, then I'll head to Charlotte for the NCaect conference. It should prove interesting. I'll accept my check for $2500 for a grant I wrote for podcasting equipment. Yes, I podcast with my students. Check out the link to see them. Then later in the afternoon we'll present about the great things at our school. Should be good to network with similar minded people and get more tech integration ideas.
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The girls are fantastic. Lucy still will not eat much, but we really think that it's due to her teeth. All molars have poked through, but she still chews on those fingers nonstop. Poor girl! I've hated being sick the past week too. She's getting to the fun age where she really plays, but I really wasn't up to it. Now things will get back to normal. Kerry is awesome, as usual! How I possessed the luck to keep her, I'll never know. I just thank my lucky stars everyday!

Weather or Whether

Alright, yes, I know I live in North Carolina. Yes, we have a temperate climate. But what is going on with this daily weather? This week we've had temperatures in the 80s, and today, at 11:30 AM, it's currently 49. I am finally getting over my cold, but shessh! Possibility of maybe a little snow the beginning of next week.
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A Real Horror Movie...

Unfortunately, it's a true story going on in the world today. I just finished reading The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman. Many pointed me to this book, as they said it's for anyone in politics or public education. After reading it, while a great read, I must say I wish I hadn't. In his book, he discusses how the global marketplace makes many things obsolete, such as low wage jobs in the US. He goes
into detail on how US corporations are and must relocate their call centers and other operations to other areas, such as Bangalore, India. Many people will scream at this, but by doing this, it allows the Americans to focus on higher-tech jobs and ventures. Unfortunately, as he points out, we're not taking the initiative to do this. Now, these previously thought of as 'third-world' countries established a middle class, so now they're focusing on the higher-skilled positions our Americans are not qualified for.
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You see this everyday in American public schools. We blame teachers. We blame parents. The only ones who do not receive any blame, but are totally in charge of their own destiny are the students. Face it, our students are LAZY. Yes, maybe 1-3% of students do work hard, but as a former educator, I saw it daily in the class. Anytime you offered additional study or a higher level discussion, the students would do enough to 'get by.' Big changes are needed. Big answers are needed. Do you have any?

February Leaving Like a Lion

Whew! Tried to run this morning, around 7:30. It was about 32, so I didn't think it would be too bad. Wrong! Once that wind began, it tore right through me. I hadn't cut short a run in months, but I sure did this morning.
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Olympics end tonight. )-: NBC will probably grin that they finish. I guess the ratings were less than stellar. When American Idol almost doubles up the number of viewers, it might be time for them to quit those 'people pieces.' How frustrating to begin watching something, like the Snowboard Cross, to really become engrossed by it, then NBC switches to ICE DANCING. Nothing against ice dancing, it's a real nice display, but I want to watch the Cross. One thing the network did right was showing USA Hockey (Men's and Women's) in its entirety, commercial free. Probably only to capitalize on NHL hockey after the Olympics.
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Speaking of Men's Hockey--Mike 'Crybaby' Modano became the latest posterboy to show why the rest of the world hates the USA. I only hope most people out there know not all of us feel the same way he does. I do agree with him--they never never never should have taken all those slow slow players. Makes me happy that Lavi and Cole, along with Hedican did so well. Hopefully that will give them a good boost as the begin their quest for the Cup!

An Olympic Sized Edition...

It seems I've been a bit lax of late in my postings. With the marathon road trip last week, I've been trying to catch up on sleep and rest, but we're back at it now!
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Olympics have begun. Until this evening, I did not pay much attention. I usually don't until the NHL takes its sabbatical. Now with the Canes winning this evening, K and I are sacked out on the couches watching luge, snowboarding, and ski jumping. Some observations:

1. What is with the men's snowboarding uniforms? Ok, yes, I recognize the average participant's age is probably 20, but do they really need to wear skate boy outfits? I would think those loose fitting outfits would hinder their efforts too. And I guess it must be a pre-requisite that you have long hair.

2. NBC (and the networks) have TERRIBLE coverage. Yes, I can understand trying to prolong viewership, but it is SO annoying to really get into an event, like we did with snowboarding tonight, then they switch to luge. I hate tape delay.

3. Why do host countries think they must provide an 'artistic interpretation' to the opening ceremonies. These are sports. Athletes participate and we watch. None of us with our low intelligence know anything about art, so why put them on. To me, the excitement came from watching to see if the little sparks would run into anyone else and put the whole thing up in flames.

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Ok, my Seahawks lost. Complain about the refs until you're blue in the face, but we didn't get it done. The game was fun to watch on the HDTV at my uncle's. The party was great too. As you can see, Lucy enjoyed herself with all my cousins! And they enjoyed her. The trip home was tough though. We came straight on the Turnpike from Monroeville and ran into a major whiteout over Somerset Mountain. While, I did. Lucy and Kerry were sacked out. Definitely would not have missed it. We'll get 'em next year!

I got a feeee-ling...

Seattle is going to win the Super Bowl...

Don't you just hate how some people can be such loud mouths. I mean, a professional athlete, making millions of dollars, needs a petty, soap opera squabble to get motivated for a football game. If I was in his shoes, I would seriously question my career choice. Gotta love hot heads. Seriously though...let other people defend themselves. *eye roll*
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Heading up to the 'Burgh tomorrow. I know the uncles will delight in seeing me come over. I promise not to gloat too much for winning. I just want to see a quick score, maybe over Walter Jones' left shoulder! (-:
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Punxsy Phil saw his shadow today. Six more weeks of winter! Or maybe for us down here, that will be just six weeks of winter, since we've been mild around here lately. I just want to see some snow!

Battle to End All Battles

So, the Seahawks and Steelers finally face off, in the Super Bowl no less. I knew this day would come. After the years and years of abuse from 4 uncles, my Seahawks will play their Steelers for the Super Bowl trophy.



Lucy, Kerry, and I will be travelling up to PA to attend a Steelers Super Bowl party. Should be interesting. Bragging rights for the rest of our lives up for grabs.

The Sports Championship Trifecta

Wow! That's all I'll say. After years, and I do mean years, of cheering for the old nags, my teams are pulling together this year. First the ChiSox pull of the World Series. Got the sports blood in me flowing. When we were up in PA, I went through all my old stuff and brought down a few artifacts from my days as a huge Frank Thomas/Robin Ventura fan. Now the Seahawks march toward the NFC Championship game. Again, I pulled out all my artifacts ("Stevie Largent--what a good receiver!") and took some pictures. Apologies to my father-in-law for the win over his Skins. Of course we play Carolina this week. Not that I'm worried about the team, but I LIVE in Carolina and work with some pretty big fans. Makes for a long week. Be interesting to see the Hawks meet the 'Stillers.' I guess we'd be making a Pittsburgh road trip for a Super Bowl party!

Now the Canes have the best record in the NHL. We actually go to a game Thursday night, then we'll head to DC Friday and I'll attend the Caps-Canes game. My Canes jersey and Seahawks hat will probably get me mugged, but that's alright.

PodcasterCon 2006

Hello Chapel Hill! Many of the world's famous podcasters will descend to UNC-Chapel Hill for an open source conference on podcasting. As I've just recently begun my involvement in the world of podcasting, I'm excited to go and rub elbows with many of the people I listen to and read about. At the conference, some of the participants include Rob of Podcast 411, an instructional cast on issues in podcasting, Me and the Bean, a favorite cast of mine as they discuss the events of a young, married with children relationship, and some educational podcastings. Should be a good time. Drop by!! Best of all--it's free!! (-:

PodcasterCon Link


podcastercon

Agua: A Fossil Fuel in Raleigh

Phew! You would think water is gold down here these days. Here we begin 2006, and Raleigh still faces water restrictions. Ok, so what does this mean? Well, I cannot wash the new Kia or my filthy, Northern-driven through the salt and ash Focus, but HEY!!! I can water my non-growing lawn twice a week. Whooo hoooo!
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Ok, so we all know Raleigh and the Greater Triangle area are great places to raise a family. That's why over 5,000 students join the public school system each year. We find ourselves unable to build schools fast enough. What does that mean? Wake County ignores purchasing more technology, increasing teacher and paraprofessional staff pay, and other things that would benefit the students. Do a google for Wake County reassignments. Heehee! You want to start a fist fight, bring that subject up between a repub and demo. It is ludicrious. So, where exactly am I going with this? Well, we can't build schools fast enough, we're running out of water...here comes Chris' Common Sense Moment of the Day:::::STOP ALLOWING MORE SUBDIVISIONS to be built in the county. We don't have enough water. We don't have enough schools. So let's allow a developer to build 500 houses in East Wake. Sure, go ahead and put in a plantation-style development in N. Raleigh. Come on Raleigh leaders...stop the insanity.

Happy 2006!

2005 is over and 2006 has just begun. Kerry, Lucy, and I rung in the new year together last night. Ok, well Kerry and I rang it in together. At least until 10:30, then we went to bed. We watched Willy Wonka (new version), then went to bed. We are quite the party animals. Oh well, we had a tough day! (-; As we start a new year, here's to hoping it's just as good or better than 2005. It was a good year for us, so here' to a new start!!!
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Enjoy our new Kia too--up to 48 miles now!! Better park it for awhile!

Ready to Head Home

Our Christmas will be officially over tonight at 7. That's when we'll be leaving Jen's house for Raleigh. We decided to travel at night so the Beast will sleep! (-: It will be a long night, but I'll be chock full of Sheetz tea. Mmmmm...
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Going to the Canes game tomorrow night. Meeting Robin, Kapp, and some others. Let's go Canes!!!

Merry Holidays To All

Heehee! That should make the conservatives angry! It is Christmas day, and I'm here sucking off someone's wireless network here in Vienna, VA at Kerry's folks. It's 36 and raining here. Had a great 5 miler this morning--in a downpour with some ice pelting down. I've put together a string of 3 good runs, so the OBX Marathon is looking possible--we'll see.
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Lucy made out with toys this morning! Her Grammie and Grandpa got her a huge kitchen, with plates and utensils. She loves it! Watch out Emeril!! I made out as well. I'm getting ready to rip my new 3 Doors Down cd to my laptop. Good tunage! Plus we'll be listening to that on the way to PA tomorrow. Christmas, Round II! I guess we'll be renting a U-Haul for the way home!

WHY IS HE ON INSTEAD OF CHEVY CHASE?

How does this man sleep? He spies on us? He has ties to oil rich countries who kill. Grrrrrr!

Have A Holly Jolly...

Well, it's the last week of school. It has been a busy time, with our 'World in Every Classroom,' all the typical holiday-type things, then everything else. We've seen some funky weather too, so that makes for even more interesting circumstances. But we're on the homeward stretch toward Christmas vacation. The family will make our annual pilgrimmage over the river and through the woods to Grammie and Nana's house. It will be a fun Christmas though--LUCY IS WALKING!
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The World In Every Classroom went well. We did a lot of neat, creative technology integration activities. A third grade teacher adapted Hansel and Gretel into a play starring our PE, Art, and other special teachers. I aided two of her students completing the audio using Audacity. I recorded a fifth grade class singing 'Deep in the Tomb of Egypt' and turned it into an mp3 for them to access. Teachers used digital microscopes, music, and a lot of other creative things. Lots 'o experience for Chris!! Each day secures me more and more of an authority, as we're even beginning a weekly podcast on writing, with more planned.
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Lucy does not pause very often these days. The weekend after Thanksgiving is when she took her first steps. I guess she waited until Daddy came home from his conference. She definitely wanted to wait until she had it mastered. Now she tears around the house, neighborhood, and pretty much Raleigh, uncontrollable. We took her to the NC Museum of Science, and it was so awesome to see her tearing around. It is still hard to believe it's our little girl walking! Where does the time go?
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Well...time for Nat'l Lampoons Christmas Vacation--heehee!

Lucy and Jarrod

 

Lucy had a great time playing with Jarrod at our 'Pre-Christmas' shindig with the neighbors last week.
 

Let this speak for itself...

Cha Ching...

Taken from the 3 Dec 2005 News and Observer:

Closing a 'casino'

I'm sitting here at the N.C. Education Technology Conference in Greensboro. This conference is a great way for teachers and administrators from all over the state to share ideas, learn new technologies and find better ways to use current technology. The conference lasts all week, and seemed to be calm; it's a conference full of educators after all.

Apparently not. For years, the NCECT people have hosted a Casino Night for teachers to unwind and play some games and mingle with each other. Instead of money, tickets are won to put into raffles for prizes. Earlier this week, state Alcohol Law Enforcement officials came, trying to shut the Casino Night down.

They returned the next day, threatening to arrest the coordinator and cite each person (over 1,000 at my estimate). Instead of Casino Night, the organizer scrambled to put on Activity Night. It was a success, but had many people scratching their heads.

As a busy educator, I scratch mine as well. We know there are numerous underground casinos and raffles going on in our state. Instead of going after these real gamblers, ALE officials go for educators. In a state that just passed a lottery and is contemplating allowing another tribe to run a real casino, our tax dollars go toward shutting down an innocent night of fun for our teachers.

I think I'll cash in my chips now.