Miscellaneous Missives

Today I checked the recent test scores (online comprehension test) of my reading advisory group. When they took the test, they knew they would be able to exit if their scores were "proficient". Two (both boys) of my fifteen students scored proficient which meant they had the opportunity to leave the reading advisory and join another advisory (choice... more fun... such as weight lifting). Of the two boys, one decided to stay and continue to improve his reading skills. Although it probably had more to do with reading on the iPod Touches than it did anything else, it made me proud of the boy for making the mature decision. It also gave me fodder for Blog Challenge 2010 entry #10 ( Bubblr ). I would like to say that I was unimpressed with Bubblr since I could only use Flickr photos, but it served its purpose. BTW- I am not too impressed with the embedding feature either.

As I've stated numerous times, this challenge has caused me stress. Of course, it's completely my fault because I'm a bit (tiny, tiny bit) competitive even in situations when I'm trying to be collaborative. Part of it is my need to be seen as tech savvy and somewhat creative even when it's not necessarily true. This challenge has caused me to do something I wouldn't typically do. Last night as I tried to find an idea for today (2010 Blog Challenge Entry #9), I stole media (pilfered pictures) from other participant's Facebook pages which actually could be considered "New Media". My rationale for pilfering these pictures is evident in the above "new media" from Zooburst.com. Do you see what I mean? I'm rationalizing theft. My apologies.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com. I haven't had a tree for several years, so I wasn't sure Kitty Klaus would treat the new addition. Actually I decorated in stages to watch the progress. Kitty Klaus started with inspection, followed by biting, and ended with sleeping under the tree. The long weekend has given my confidence that I can leave the two alone today as I return to work. Blog Challenge #8 Thanks to Animoto and Kitty Klaus.

Today is the beginning of the Christmas season. In church this morning we lit the peace candle, read passages from the Bible, and listened to peace statements (Hindu, Native American, Buddhist, United Nations declaration, etc). Images of braided streams and braided lives played as people shared the messages. As I listened it seemed a bit ironic and frustrating after reading this morning's news. Blog Challenge #7 I used my itouch during church to find the image portrayed on the screen, so I could add it to my blog entry. Did I mention I love that there is Wifi to use during church? I used bighugelabs.com (? really don't remember) to make the Christmas mosaic (my lovely Christmas decorations) to celebrate the start of advent.

Today I wanted to visit some of the shops on Grand to complete my Christmas shopping. I wanted to leave early since I did nothing yesterday (except fight with my license plate). My friend, S, and I spent the entire morning shopping. As we were shopping, S kept talking about Independent (Small Business) Saturday. Although she kept mentioning it, I really didn't know what she was talking about. Finally she explained stating, "I thought that's why you wanted to go today ." Although I didn't know about the day, it's a great idea. According to a news report, out of every $100 spent locally (small businesses), $68 goes back into the community (taxes payable and other expenditures). In the midst of our shopping, I also stopped at a local service station to ask for assistance with the screw I stripped on my license plate. The man was helpful to quite helpful, and I finally have new plates on my car although I think it's ridiculous that we get new plates eve...

When I looked at the Target flier yesterday, there were two items I really wanted. The prices were reasonable to quite reasonable. I decided that maybe I would get up at 4am to experience the prices. Since I had was on my computer looking at the target ad, I decided to check Amazon.com... SCORE! Maybe I'll stay inside all day and make dumb cartoons on Toondoo.com (2010 Blog Challenge entry #5).

Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy Adam Sandler's Happy Thanksgiving Song. Also note that do to weather changes, I have changed the background of my blog. My guess is the embedded video and the changing of backgrounds is worth two posts in the 2010 Blog Challenge.