Eldest

Well, I'm almost done listening to the first 1/4 of Eldest, by Christopher Paolini. I'm enjoying it tremendously. Is it high class literature, definitely not. Is it fun and entertaining, definitely yes.

In case you didn't know, Eldest is the sequel to Eragon. Christopher Paolini wrote the first book at age 15 and had it published at age 17. At age 19, he has had two books published. He also lives in Paradise Valley, MT (Near Bozeman, MT). He freely admits that many other novels (Tolkiens, McCaffrey's, Jordan, etc) have inspired him to pursue a career in writing fantasy literature.

Here's what I don't understand though, all the negative comments that have been written or said about the author. I was doing a bit of wandering around the web, and found my self at Amazon.com, more specifically, looking at the book Eldest. I decided to view the comments, and guess what, some of the comments were absolutely horrible. But I have some questions for the writers of the not-so-nice comments. (with answers I think they would provide.)

Q: If thought Eragon was putrid, why on Earth did you read Eldest?
A: Ummm..., I had nothing better to do after I sold may Everquest character on Ebay?
Q: If you think that Chris Paolini can't write, why didn't you proof your comments better? At least make sure everything is spelled properly (proper grammar would be nice too.)
A: speling is for dumm-dumms. plsu, I'm goodder than you at righting.
Q: Why must every fantasy novel be 100% original? (Better yet, is anything anybody writes 100% original?)
A: I expect everything I read to be original. I mean if it's not, what point is there in reading it. Now leave me alone so I can play D&D by myself. I've had to resort to that since I sold my Everquest character, lost my DVD trilogy of Star Wars.
Q: Aren't you just peeved that a 19 year old boy has published two novels, with a third due out in 2 years, and a movie based on the first book Eragon, coming out in 2006.
A: No I'm not. I'm a well adjusted, 26 year old man. Now hurry up so I can get back home to my mommy. She promised me that she would buy me Everquest 2. I can't wait to play so that I can get my elf to become a level 4 mage.
Q: You also complained that you lost interest in the book after the first 50 pages. If the book was so bad, and the first 50 pages were uninteresting, why on Earth did you finish it?
A: It was my duty to due it before I go on my on Adventure Quest. I just needed some tips on how to become a truely effective hero and dragon rider before I left.

NHS & NJHS

Well, well. Two days in a row I have posted to this blog. What on Earth can be happening?

This morning was our school's National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society's induction ceremony. I think it went quite smoothly. However, I have noticed that this year might be the smallest group of students in National Honor Society we have had, ever. After today, we have a total of 3 students in NHS. Now our senior class is quite small, 8 students, but only 1 is in NHS. It is a sad day when our salutatorian will have a GPA below 2.5, which I believe will happen this year. The Junior class has about 15 students, but only 2 qualified for NHS. Several students, if they applied themselves, could qualify. Also, I have noticed over the past few years that more girls than boys are qualifying for NHS. Of course that shouldn't shock anyone if you look at current trends that more girls are going to college. This year's sophomore class is on track to be just like the junior class, except that we might have 3 qualify for NHS by the end of the year. Presently, I don't see any of the current juniors or seniors qualifying.

Now for more uplifting news. We had 6 students inducted into National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). Currently four 8th graders are NJHS members (out of a class of 10) and seven 9th graders (out of a class of 18). I think this bodes well for the future, as long as I can make it though our dry spell. This year's seventh graders look to be promising as well, I believe that half the class (of 15 students) could easily qualify, and even be NJHS members.

Time for something very different. Wulfgar's Stepmom and I are very, very upset at our puppy presently. It seems as if he decided that he would play all night, chew-up the throw rugs (just a little, no major destruction there), and generally keep us up all night. Of course, last night was the one night that I needed to sleep so that I could be refreshed and perky for the Honor Society Induction ceremony. Let's hope he's better tonight.

Monday's SUDOKU

It's a Monday. I woke up extremely tired today, and I guess that should have been an indicator as to how the day would progress.

On Saturday, I replaced the entire entry way flooring that the dog had dug up a few weeks ago. I had never laid vinyl tile down before, and after I got the hang of it, it was a snap. The hard part was making sure the floor was patched and prepped properly. It took all day for just 12 square feet.

Sunday was school work day. After putting up the trim in the entry way, I graded papers. Ick.

Today has been going smoothly, so far. I'm busy trying to get all my papers copied for the week, and preparing for tomorrow's Honor Society Inductions. I'm definitely not as nervous as I was last time I did this. Although I still have lots to do today, such as make the program, get the candles and supplies out, talk to the custodian about tables, chairs, bleachers, etc. In between all of this, I have managed to correct more papers today, and have lectures in 3 classes so far. This afternoon I will continue teaching, and in between I will still work on the program, and set up for Biology lab. Yup, the first lab of the year. Hopefully I can find some good pond scum for the kiddo's to look at. I hope to have all of this done before 4 pm, because I have to get home asap to take of a puppy. Wulfgar's Stepmom may or may not have a meeting, and if she does, she will not be home until way after me.

One last thing. I have finally found a puzzle in the paper that I actually enjoy doing. For the last couple of weeks, the Gazette has been publishing a daily SUDOKU. If you haven't heard of them, don't worry, I didn't until we saw them in the paper. Simply, a SUDOKU consists of a 9x9 grid. The rules are simple, each row and column must contain the numbers 1-9, and each 3x3 block must contain the numbers 1-9. The trick, you can't have 2 or more of the same numbers in each row, column, or 3x3 block. The puzzles in the paper come with some of the numbers filled in. I guess these are sometimes called wordless crossword puzzles.

Stuck in School

Well, if you haven't guessed it, I took a little time off from blogging last week (actually, most of the summer.)

I just wanted to give a shout-out to those people that have stumbled across my blog, namely grrrbear, j.po, and the one who writes about science. Also a big shout-out to Wulfgar's Stepmom, who did not stumble across this blog, but would rather read it over my shoulder as I type it. It's her first day of school also (but unofficially, because the school district changed the calendar over the summer.) Howdy!

Today is officially the first day of school for teachers. Right now, I'm just pooped out. I've been working non-stop in the classroom when I haven't been in a meeting, discussing items of business I pretty much already know. I am severely behind in cleaning my room, getting posters and decorations up, my files together, lesson plans, etc. Although some things are on the wall, I still don't know where I'm going to put my Albert Einstein Action Figure or my Beaker and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew Dolls.

So, what did I learn on my first day of school. Not a lot. I did learn that our superintendent has set the staff Christmas Party to December 10th. Nothing like getting the important stuff set in stone. I also learned my schedule for the year, and how many students are in each class. The schedule is as follows:

• 1st Period - 9th Grade Earth Science (19 students)
• 2nd Period - 11th & 12th Grade Chemistry (15 students)
• 3rd Period - 7th Grade Life Science (15 students)
• 4th Period - 8th Grade Physical Science (10 students)
• 5th Period - 10th Grade Biology (14 students)
• 6th Period - Prep
• 7th Period - Study Hall (Grades 7-12, 19 students)
• 8th Period - 11th & 12th Grade Advanced Biology (4 students)

Lots of new students this year. I count approximately 10. I do have a few problems. First, I only have enough room for 18 students. Yup only 18 chairs and desks. Secondly, looking at the students that want to take Chemistry, many may have problems due to the difficulty of the class. Third, and lastly, I hate study halls. They are nothing but a pain, at least the problem students this year are in Advanced P.E.

Well, I still have lots to do before the students arrive on Wednesday, and seeing as how I will be in a workshop (on using Smart Boards in the classroom) all day tomorrow, I should get back to work.

What's in a name?

School officially starts for us in one week.

Today, we were busy cleaning and arranging the shed, taking my car in for some repair work, and later tonight we are going to the Montana Fair. I have been warned by wife that she will be enjoying most of the fair food, so that means rides are out (unless I can sneak her in line before we eat.)

Now on to some business. If you haven't heard, the NCAA has stated that in a few years, during the March NCAA tournament it will not allow teams to display nicknames or mascots that are Native American in origin.

That means you will not be seeing any Warriors, Indians, Braves, etc. at the tournament. However, due to the ruling, the Florida State Seminoles, University of Utah Utes, and the University of Illinois Fighting Illini will have to change their names, because those to are Native American.

It doesn't matter that both Seminole Tribal Councils (Florida and Oklahoma Seminoles) have voted in favor of FSU using the name the Seminoles.

To complicate matters, take the Fighting Illini. The NCAA will not allow the jerseys that state Illini (because it's Indian) but will allow jerseys that state Illinois (because it is supposedly refering to the state.) I'm concerned though, shouldn't we make the NCAA aware that Illinois is the French word for Illini.

I do agree that some Mascots are disrespectful, however it could be argued that use of Native American nicknames is a reminder of the first people to settle the Americas.

So, in order to help out the NCAA, I have put together a list of other schools that should change their nickname and/or mascot.

• Notre Dame - The Fighting Irish. Seriously folks, Notre Dame is just adding to that age old mythology that the Irish are violent. And if that is the fact, then Notre Dame should change their mascot from that green little guy to Colin Ferrell. Just Picture it, Colin Ferrell's face on all those helmets.
• University of Nebraska Corn Huskers - this name just sounds bads. Plus, do all those people involved in the corn industry really want to be associated that has so many miscreants on their football team.
• Syracuse University Orangemen - What really is an Orangeman?
• Montana State University Bobcats - MSU should change their name just on principle. This is why I believe the UM kicks their butt most every year. I mean, who do you think would win in a fight, a cute little Bobcat or mean ol' Grizzly.
• University of Minnesota Gophers - I mean seriously folks, whose afraid of a gopher. Badgers yes, gophers no. Unless you attend University of Wyoming (the Cowboys), you shouldn't be worried. You cowboys however have to worry about all them darn gopher holes.
• Iowa Hawkeyes - This name is o.k., as long as everyone in the school has better than 20/20 vision. If that's the case, then their name is misleading.
• The Chinook Sugarbeeters - O.k., so MHSA has jurisdication on this one, but please, just look at the name. Every time I say Sugarbeeters I just giggle.
• The Broadview Pirates - Another one for MHSA. If you've ever been to Broadview, you know there is no water anywhere to be found. So pirates they cannot be.

I'm sure there are many other nicknames and mascots that belong on this list, but presently, I'm all out of ideas.

Only 2 weeks away

Sorry for the lack of posts recently, but my wife and I have been in "Back to School" mode for the past week or so. Buying more school supplies, clothes, and other necessities for living.

This post will be rather short as to the fact that we have to make an "emergency" trip to Billings to buy flooring supplies. Yesterday, we left the pup alone (with the cat) and he proceeded to dig up the flooring by the door. (Bad Dog, Bad Dog! But you're just so darn cute dog!)

Some things on my mind:

• I have officially given up on the Twins making the playoffs this year. (But will still watch them every day.)
• Kids start school in 2 weeks.
• Kenny Rogers should still be serving his 20 game suspension. I don't agree with the arbitrator.
• James got the power of veto yesterday in Big Brother 6. This caused a wrinkle in the house's plan to get rid of him. April is bugging me.
• Even though school is 12 days away, I will probably be going in to work at least 2 or 3 or 4 times before I officially have to.
• I have been reading Moneyball. Very interesting book about Billy Beane (GM for the A's) and how to build a contending team without spending munga bucks.
• Have I mentioned that school starts in 12 days for teachers, and 14 days for students. (Although football and volleyball practice starts on the 15th.)
• Also have been reading the Far Side Gallery 5 and 6. I manage to chuckle, snort, snigger, and laugh out loud way to often.
• Where have all the good comic strips gone lately. I sure do miss Calvin & Hobbes and the Far Side. Sure Dilbert, Zits, Garfield, and Frank & Ernest are fun, but they don't quite match up to C&H and tFS.
• There is very little good on daytime tv.
• School is 12 days away.
• I can't wait, in 2 weeks I can wear my new SpongeBob tie (SpongeBob NerdyPants!)

Shameless Self-Promotion

Found an Interesting little site today where you can see what happened on this day in history. It includes birthdays, deaths, events in history, etc. My personal favorites are: Born today, August 4th - Roger Clemens (still the best pitcher in baseball, just has no run support these days), Richard Belzer (grumpy, yet provides comic relief on all too serious Law & Order: SVU), and the Queen Mum. Also, Supernova in Cassiopea observed today (1181), Lizzie Borden Arrested (1892), Lots of Baseball stuff, Prince's Purple Rain lands at #1 (1984), Puerto Ricans can elect a gov. (1974!!!!). Just for fun, I have copied and pasted the B-days and events below.

Birthdays

• 1755 Nicolas-Jacque Conte inventor (modern pencil)
• 1792 Percy Bysshe Shelley England, romantic poet (Adonais)
• 1823 Oliver Perry Morton (Gov-Ind)
• 1832 Gaspar N£¤ez de Arce Spain, poet "Spanish Tennyson"
• 1839 Walter Pater London England, writer (Plato & Platoism)
• 1859 Knut Hamsun Norway, writer/Nazi (Hunger-Nobel 1920)
• 1870 Sir Harry Lauder Scotland, comedian/singer (Roman in the Gloamin)
• 1897 Joseph Calleia Malta, actor (Jungle Book, Gilda, Touch of Evil)
• 1901 Louis Armstrong New Orleans, Jazz musician & bandleader, "Hello Dolly" - oldest musician in Billboard history to have a Number One song
• 1900 Arturo Umberto Illia pres of Argentina (1963-66)
• 1900 Elizabeth Britain's Queen Mother
• 1909 Glenn Cunningham US middle distance runner in the 1930's
• 1910 William Howard Schuman NYC, composer (American Festival Overture)
• 1912 David Raksin Phila Penns, composer (Modern Times)
• 1913 Wesley Addy Omaha Neb, actor (Bostonian, Loving)
• 1915 Irving Fields NYC, pianist (Ilona Massey Show)
• 1920 Helen Thomas UPI journalist (starts press conferences)
• 1921 Maurice "Rocket" Richard Montreal Canadien (MVP-1947)
• 1928 Udham Singh India, field hockey player (Olympic-gold-1952, 56, 64)
• 1934 Dallas Green baseball manager (Phillies, Yankees)
• 1939 Frankie Ford Gretna La, rock vocalist (Sea Cruise)
• 1942 David Russell Lange PM (L) New Zealand (1984- )
• 1943 Michael J McCulley San Diego Calif, Cmdr USN/astronaut (STS-34)
• 1943 Rodney Stuart Pattison British yachtsman (Olympics)
• 1943 Tina Cole Hollywood, singer (King Cousins)/actress (Katie-My 3 Sons)
• 1944 Richard Belzer KOed by Hulk Hogan/comedian (How to be a Stand Up)
• 1945 Fred Hansen US, pole vaulter (Olympic-gold-1964)
• 1946 Maureen Cox Starkey 1st wife of Beatle Ringo Starr
• 1952 Bobby Buntrock Denver Colo, actor (Harold Baxter-Hazel)
• 1952 Kristoffer Tabori LA Calif, actor (Rappaccini's Daughter)
• 1955 Andrew M Allen Phila Pa, Captain USMC/astronaut (sk: STS-46)
• 1955 Charles D "Sam" Gemar Yankton SD, army/astronaut (STS 38, 48)
• 1955 Billy Bob Thornton Hot Springs, Ark. US. actor, 'Sling Blade','A Family Thing'
• 1958 Mary Decker Tabb Slaney NJ, olympic track star (Mile record 4:16.71)
• 1960 Robbin Crosby heavy metal rocker (Ratt-Round & Round)
• 1962 Roger Clemens Dayton Ohio, Boston Red Sox pitcher (Cy Young, MVP)
• 1965 Crystal Chappell Silver Spring Md, actress (Carly-Days of our Lives)
• 1974 Glacierman Havre, MT, educator/scientist (pigeons CAN count)

Events

• 1181 Supernova seen in Cassiopia
• 1578 Battle of Alcazarquivir, Morrocans defeat Portugeese
• 1693 Dom Perignon invents champagne
• 1735 Jury acquits John Zenger (NY Weekly Journal) charged with seditious libel by royal governor of NY (victory for Freedom of press)
• 1753 George Washington becomes a master mason
• 1777 Retired British cavalry officer Philip Astley establishes 1st circus
• 1790 US Coast Guard founded as Revenue Cutter Service
• 1830 Plans for the city of Chicago laid out
• 1864 Land & naval action new Brazos Santiago, Texas
• 1881 122ø F (50ø C), Seville, Spain (European record)
• 1892 Sunday school teacher Lizzie Borden arrested in Fall River, Mass
• 1910 A's Jack Coombs & White Sox Ed Walsh pitch a 16 inn scoreless tie
• 1914 Germany declares war on Belgium; Britain declares war on Germany
• 1916 US agrees to buy Virgin Islands from Denmark for $25 million
• 1925 US marines leave Nicaragua after 13-year occupation
• 1927 Peace Bridge between US & Canada opened
• 1934 NY Giants Mel Ott sets record of 6 runs in game & beats Phillies 21-4
• 1944 Anne Frank, 15, (Diary of Anne Frank) is arrested by Nazis
• 1945 Golfer Byron Nelson records most tournament wins (18) in a season
• 1945 Red Sox Tom McBride is 3rd to get 6 RBIs in an inning (4th)
• 1948 5 day southern filibuster succeeds in maintaining poll tax
• 1949 The NBL & NBAA merge into the National Basketball Association
• 1953 Black families move into Trumbull Park housing project in Chicago
• 1953 Vic Raschi sets pitcher record by driving in 7 runs & wins 15-0
• 1956 1st motorcycle rode over 200 mph (Wilhelm Herz-210 mph/338 kph)
• 1958 Dumont TV Network crumbles
• 1960 Rocket propelled USAF research aircraft sets record at 2,150 MPH
• 1961 108ø F, Spokane, WA
• 1964 Civil rights workers Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman & James Chaney found buried inside an earthen dam in Mississippi
• 1967 British pirate radio station Radio 355 goes off the air
• 1967 Shortwave group ANARC's 1st convention (Chicago)
• 1968 100,000 attend Newport Pop Festival, Costa Mesa, Calif
• 1969 Willie Stargell is 1st to hit a HR outside of Dodger Stadium
• 1970 Jim Morrison arrested for drunkenness
• 1971 US launches 1st satellite into lunar orbit from manned spacecraft
• 1974 Crawford-Butler Act allows Puerto Ricans to elect own governor
• 1974 One of top 3 days ever!
• 1977 Pres Carter establishes Dept of Energy
• 1981 Columbia mated with SRBs & external tank for STS-2 mission
• 1981 Oliver North is assigned to White House duty
• 1982 NY Met Joel Youngblood singles in Chicago day game, then singles for Expos in Philadelphia night game. (He was traded in between)
• 1984 Carl Lewis wins gold medal in 100-meter dash at LA Summer Olympics
• 1984 Cliff Johnson sets a record with his 19th pinch hit HR
• 1984 Prince's "Purple Rain," album goes to #1 & stays #1 for 24 weeks
• 1984 Republic of Upper Volta becomes Bourkina Fasso (National Day)
• 1985 Calif Angel Rod Carew gets his 3,000th hit
• 1985 Phil Rizzuto Day, Yanks retire #10
• 1985 White Sox Tom Seaver is 17th to win #300, beating Yankees
• 1987 FCC vote 4-0 to rescind fairness doctrine for broadcasters
• 1988 Congress votes $20,000 to each Japanese-American interned in WW II
• 1988 Hertz car rental will pay out $23 million in consumer fraud case
• 1989 Blue Jays Dave Steib's perfect game broken up in 9th with 2 outs by NY Yankee Roberto Kelly
• 1990 European community proposes a boycott of Iraq
• 1996 26th Olympic Summer games close in Atlanta, Georgia

Have a great day everyone!