Obsessed?

What a week.  Happy Wednesday!

First: heard a few things on NPR today that I really appreciated.

One economic feature from ATC... hmm, can't remember that one right now. 

The second, in News & Notes, an interview of Columbia University Sociology professor and author of "Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the Streets", Sudhir Venkatesh. Find it here: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=67830288

I will definitely play this for my sociology class on Friday, in association with a reading on field research in sociology.

My free will horoscope for the week warns me to be aware that people are changing around me, and I shouldn't necessarily expect them to be the same person I remember them to be.  WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

Also listening to scientists tickle rats and chimpanzees on RadioLAb from WNYC (episode: Laughter).

I'm trying desperately to catch up on my grading.  I feel as though I am walking very slowly up a long, steep incline that slides and crumbles away under each step.  Whew!  At least I'm no longer sick.

Two VERY encouraging conversations today: one, with the new teacher, regarding the importance of teaching, and of trust in the classroom; the other, with a former student who is considering a career in education.  I feel very motivated to spread the joy of teaching, even as I attempt to stay afloat amidst the grading deluge (which I acknowledge having brought upon myself).

Laugh a little, even if you have to imagine a really silly moment to do so.  And get some sleep! I'm standing on the soapbox, now: SLEEP IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER, so says many medical studies.

First Draft

There will be changes... oh yes.  Changes are coming.  I'd like to leave them quiet until they're solid...

But first: I'm posting this blog from my current HQ: a mostly vacant house in Boynton Beach affectionately called "the cave."  I'm going on week two in the cave, and I just finished dinner.  Yum.  Trying to kick the sinus infection, still a little woozy and sniffly.

I'm WAY behind on grading, and will return to that the moment I complete this minor distraction/post.

This being my third year at the film/tv/theatre arts charter school, I'm beginning to come in closer contact with my educational philosophy.  Some will call it existentialist (certainly, the little exercise we did in my curriculum class @FAU led to that designation).  I'd like to spend more time with both Free Skool and UnSchool theory before I cast my lot.  Knowing me, I'll never fully cast my lot, but I'm willing to lean!  At least I have some friends... meeting on Friday regarding plans/guiding questions for the human care center(?).  I invited Sarah Goff, NC alum I re-met at Katheryn's B-Day Brunch on Sunday, hope Dawn and Daniel find that cool.

Fascinating research by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life published today: http://religions.pewforum.org

Also fascinating editorial by Charles Handy on NPR's Marketplace regarding growth management for organizations... http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/02/25/bonsai_business

Three new students in my 5th block class.  It was a bit crazy today, and I'm sure they think I'm a total fruitcake.  At least my longtime students can handle my antics.  The new teacher has no idea how weird I am.  Her cheeriness is quaint.  I hope she feels comfortable enough to show her teeth.

Currently listening to This American Life's "Testosterone" episode... again.  I don't think I've ever listened to the whole episode.  I'd like to have desert, but I don't really have 'desert'... I always forget that when I'm shopping.  Maybe some fruit.

OK back to grading. Ta!