HISTORY
Discuss the classical roots and longevity of bodily function humor
SCIENCE
Conduct experiment on which weighs more, 500g of popcorn or 500g of chocolate
Observe cycles in nature: Seasons, water cycle, and mom's craving for chocolate
Discuss chemistry of bird poop and observe its rapid destructive effect on painted surface of vehicle
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Wash car
LANGUAGE ARTS
Debate whether "basturb" is actually a word
Discuss colloquial usage and context of vulgarities in polite society
Write apology letter
Demonstrate phonetic spelling may not convey the proper meaning i.e. "I am sore Mom" versus "I am sorry Mom"
Monday, April 30, 2007
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Aussies
For all my ranting about the government here, I have to say, the people are almost without exception delightful. Helpful, friendly, inclusive, outgoing, real. True blue, as they say. We have made some great friends.
Their submission to the government, though? They need to work on that.
I can only speculate that the original convicts and all the many support service personnel sent over from England were accustomed to a very harsh, rigid society and this deference to government domination stuck. And also maybe that newer immigrants have arrived from countries with more dictatorial laws and consider this relaxed.
A new acquaintance, who has since become a good friend, no doubt in part to his spot-on powers of observation, had a real sparkle in his eye when he greeted us with, "Ah! Rebels, are ya?!" instead of using the more common term "Yanks." We were quite pleased.
Their submission to the government, though? They need to work on that.
I can only speculate that the original convicts and all the many support service personnel sent over from England were accustomed to a very harsh, rigid society and this deference to government domination stuck. And also maybe that newer immigrants have arrived from countries with more dictatorial laws and consider this relaxed.
A new acquaintance, who has since become a good friend, no doubt in part to his spot-on powers of observation, had a real sparkle in his eye when he greeted us with, "Ah! Rebels, are ya?!" instead of using the more common term "Yanks." We were quite pleased.
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
News of the shootings at Virginia Tech spurred a conversation in Sarabelle's SOSE (Study of the Somethin' Erother) about gun control. Everyone in the class but Sarabelle thought Americans should have their guns taken away. She briefly tried to explain, exercising her only-valid-in-the-USA First Amendment right, the right of the people to keep and bear arms to classmates living in a country with no Bill of Rights or other protections defined in their foundational documents, and was quickly shouted down.
Freedom here is only assumed. When guns became a problem, most notably after the Port Arthur shooting -- which has been brought up lately with a hint of braggadocio as in "We still hold the record for the most dead by a single crazed gunman!") -- the government clamped down and took nearly everyone's guns away. John Howard's comments in the above link are particularly telling. Certain classes of weapons are allowed and highly regulated, but only for specific activities i.e. pest control, hunting, target shooting; self-defense is not an authorized use. What was that little saying about freedom and security again?
In addition to the reports from Virginia, our big city paper carried a story about a large, licensed public event raided by the police and their drug-sniffing dogs that produced a score or so of arrests. There was no probable cause, the police just decided to drop by. Authorities defended their actions by explaining, "We are protecting the public from themselves."
A week earlier, our local paper announced a settlement to give more than 50% of the shire back to the native owners. The mayor was quoted as being pleased that an agreement had been reached after five years of negotiations behind closed doors.
So, let's see, there is nothing comparable to Second and Fourth Amendment rights, and nothing equivalent to Florida's Sunshine Law. That's three strikes.
Freedom here is only assumed. When guns became a problem, most notably after the Port Arthur shooting -- which has been brought up lately with a hint of braggadocio as in "We still hold the record for the most dead by a single crazed gunman!") -- the government clamped down and took nearly everyone's guns away. John Howard's comments in the above link are particularly telling. Certain classes of weapons are allowed and highly regulated, but only for specific activities i.e. pest control, hunting, target shooting; self-defense is not an authorized use. What was that little saying about freedom and security again?
In addition to the reports from Virginia, our big city paper carried a story about a large, licensed public event raided by the police and their drug-sniffing dogs that produced a score or so of arrests. There was no probable cause, the police just decided to drop by. Authorities defended their actions by explaining, "We are protecting the public from themselves."
A week earlier, our local paper announced a settlement to give more than 50% of the shire back to the native owners. The mayor was quoted as being pleased that an agreement had been reached after five years of negotiations behind closed doors.
So, let's see, there is nothing comparable to Second and Fourth Amendment rights, and nothing equivalent to Florida's Sunshine Law. That's three strikes.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Poetry Friday II (Has it really been a week already?)
Situation?
Accommodation
Remediation
---
Okay, here's the story.
Without being directly admonished for any particular behavior, our landlady has indicated displeasure with us several times. We found another rental and were preparing to move, but when we gave our notice, phrased as needing more room so as to not burn any property-buying bridges, she assured us she would love for us to stay. For as long as we want. She insisted there were no problems, even with the dog, and told us if she did have any problems that she would be sure to let us know. So she's not intentionally making life miserable for us, she's just gets grouchy sometimes.
With Jorge preparing to leave the country for an extended period, the stress of moving at the last minute was more than I could take. I would rather put up with crabbiness for several months than pack up and shuffle all our belongings across town. Fortunately she made staying put feasible.
Accommodation
Remediation
---
Okay, here's the story.
Without being directly admonished for any particular behavior, our landlady has indicated displeasure with us several times. We found another rental and were preparing to move, but when we gave our notice, phrased as needing more room so as to not burn any property-buying bridges, she assured us she would love for us to stay. For as long as we want. She insisted there were no problems, even with the dog, and told us if she did have any problems that she would be sure to let us know. So she's not intentionally making life miserable for us, she's just gets grouchy sometimes.
With Jorge preparing to leave the country for an extended period, the stress of moving at the last minute was more than I could take. I would rather put up with crabbiness for several months than pack up and shuffle all our belongings across town. Fortunately she made staying put feasible.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Not April Fool's Day
From high school newsletter detailing seminar offerings at the [Big City] Career Expo:
Buns away
Join us for a piping hot bakery workshop! Using prepared Swiss biscuits, try your hand at "piping" decorations on to baked goods. Third year bakery students will conduct a demonstration before assisting expo participants in getting their creations ready. And yes, your finished biscuit will leave the kitchen with you!
Ready, set, restaurant!
Learn how to professionally set tables with centrepieces and serviettes, plus the art of carrying plates and trays in an obstacle-filled restaurant. Participants will gain hands-on experience of folding serviettes and carrying glasses and plates.
Germ busters
In this interactive workshop, participants will use a special glitter bug potion and UV light to visually determine the effectiveness of their current handwashing technique. Grown cultures will be used for demonstration purposes.
Earn while you learn/...ship start your career
Interested in an apprenticeship or traineeship? Let our presenters walk you through the step by step process of gaining a placement. Discover the qualities that employers are looking for in prospective apprentices and what study is involved.
Cooking with gas
Experience the sights, sounds and smells of a restaurant kitchen at this interactive workshop. TAFE third year apprentice chefs will assist participants to prepare a selection of dishes, such as sushi or pancakes, to eat or take away with them.
Flying high
Have you dreamt of travelling the world as a flight attendant? Come hear what airlines today expect of their flight attendants while listening to great stories from D_____ about his experiences.
Adrenaline junkie
Do climbing a mountain, kayaking down a fast flowing river or camping in the wilderness for days on end appeal to you? Join current Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation students in some of the fun activities used during adventure based learning sessions. Please note participants are required to wear appropriate clothing and footwear eg PE gear.
From parking cars to dressing stars
Come and listen to L_____ S______, butler to the rich and famous, talk about his experiences. L_____ will discuss his rise from parking cars to department head and outline possible career opportunities available in the areas of Front Office and Concierge.
Barista extravaganza
This practical and fun workshop gives a short overview of the skills used by Baristas in today's coffee shops and will inspire a real passion for coffee and its appearance. Learn how to make 5 different coffee art designs, layer coffees, free-pour hearts, prepare silky coffee art milk and create different designs. Although you will be an observer when the coffee is being created, all will be welcome to participate in drinking the final product!
Click HERE for your exciting career
In this workshop students can see what it's like to study in cyberspace for a career in Hospitality or Tourism. These programs will see you with a Certificate II by the end of year 11 and a Certificate III by the end of year 12. Do it NOW!
Flair it up!
Observe the skills demonstrated by bar staff in preparing mixed drinks and non-alcoholic cocktails. Five methods of cocktail preparation will be demonstrated including blended, shaken, built, muddling and layered. Taste testing of non-alcoholic drinks a definite.
Buns away
Join us for a piping hot bakery workshop! Using prepared Swiss biscuits, try your hand at "piping" decorations on to baked goods. Third year bakery students will conduct a demonstration before assisting expo participants in getting their creations ready. And yes, your finished biscuit will leave the kitchen with you!
Ready, set, restaurant!
Learn how to professionally set tables with centrepieces and serviettes, plus the art of carrying plates and trays in an obstacle-filled restaurant. Participants will gain hands-on experience of folding serviettes and carrying glasses and plates.
Germ busters
In this interactive workshop, participants will use a special glitter bug potion and UV light to visually determine the effectiveness of their current handwashing technique. Grown cultures will be used for demonstration purposes.
Earn while you learn/...ship start your career
Interested in an apprenticeship or traineeship? Let our presenters walk you through the step by step process of gaining a placement. Discover the qualities that employers are looking for in prospective apprentices and what study is involved.
Cooking with gas
Experience the sights, sounds and smells of a restaurant kitchen at this interactive workshop. TAFE third year apprentice chefs will assist participants to prepare a selection of dishes, such as sushi or pancakes, to eat or take away with them.
Flying high
Have you dreamt of travelling the world as a flight attendant? Come hear what airlines today expect of their flight attendants while listening to great stories from D_____ about his experiences.
Adrenaline junkie
Do climbing a mountain, kayaking down a fast flowing river or camping in the wilderness for days on end appeal to you? Join current Certificate IV in Outdoor Recreation students in some of the fun activities used during adventure based learning sessions. Please note participants are required to wear appropriate clothing and footwear eg PE gear.
From parking cars to dressing stars
Come and listen to L_____ S______, butler to the rich and famous, talk about his experiences. L_____ will discuss his rise from parking cars to department head and outline possible career opportunities available in the areas of Front Office and Concierge.
Barista extravaganza
This practical and fun workshop gives a short overview of the skills used by Baristas in today's coffee shops and will inspire a real passion for coffee and its appearance. Learn how to make 5 different coffee art designs, layer coffees, free-pour hearts, prepare silky coffee art milk and create different designs. Although you will be an observer when the coffee is being created, all will be welcome to participate in drinking the final product!
Click HERE for your exciting career
In this workshop students can see what it's like to study in cyberspace for a career in Hospitality or Tourism. These programs will see you with a Certificate II by the end of year 11 and a Certificate III by the end of year 12. Do it NOW!
Flair it up!
Observe the skills demonstrated by bar staff in preparing mixed drinks and non-alcoholic cocktails. Five methods of cocktail preparation will be demonstrated including blended, shaken, built, muddling and layered. Taste testing of non-alcoholic drinks a definite.
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