Hey folks.
It's a gorgeous day today. So what am I doing? Well, I'm heading out to the movies.
That's right, the movies. The dark, indoor, and overpriced building that I actually like going to now and then.
As it has been soooo long since I've gotten to see a movie in the theatre, I'm excited. Today's choice: Kiss, Kiss, Bang, Bang.
How will it be?
Well, I'll let you know.
Off to my favorite place: THE MOVIES!
Friday, November 11, 2005
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Ramblings for the Evening (11/10/05)
Well, today is, for intents and purposes, Friday. Why? There's no school tomorrow. No student means a nice calm day. Granted, it's a staff development day, but it's not really work, more "work". You know what I mean?
Well we should get to it.
So, without further ado: SHE BLINDED ME WITH SCIENCE!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
School Shootings:
As you may or may not know, another school shooting, this one in Tennessee, took place. We had a discussion
with students about what happened today. Also, several schools across Minnesota practiced their "Emergency Procedures" for cases like this. One person failed today when he forgot to lock his door. It meant that if a student had a gun and was on a rampage, that the teacher and all the students in his room would be dead or injured. Michele, over at her site, made mention of this story as well, and she brings up a good point: When did it become so unsafe to be a teacher? Now, I don't think it about it at all. I'm not kidding. Never in the last two years have I walked into a building thinking, "Wow, today I could be killed by a disgruntled student." I know there are students who like me, and I know there are students who wish I were dead, but I cannot fathom these teachers who now want tasers in their classrooms. Seriously. A former classmate of mine moved to Los Angeles and is now a teacher in, of all places, Beverly Hills (yes, it's cush, as in cushy). Still, people in Los Angeles (even in the BH area) are worried about the school violence. A few teachers are now requesting to have the same setup as pilots. They want a secure area where they can be safe from possible shootings, AND they want taser guns in the classrooms. Anyone else think that's a bad idea? Sure, a teacher could be safe (and I stress the COULD very hard), but what about the student who manages to get that taser? That would great for classmates, wouldn't it?
Still, I don't fear for my life as a teacher. Should I? Should I be scared that one of the students may decide that my joking around and my nicknames are just too cruel and decide to off me? Maybe. Seriously I don't know. Maybe I'm stubborn, but to me, I truly believe that I'm just not important enough to rate a shooting. That's just me however. I know some of my colleagues (and I'm not talking about Michele here) are worried that they would be the first target. Again, I just don't see it happening. However, I do agree with Michele: I shouldn't ever have to be even a little bit worried about life threatening situations at my job. That's just me, however.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arrrr, Me Hardies!:
I'm a big fan of Pirates. I even know that September 19th is National Talk-Like-A-Pirate Day. When Washington University in St. Louis did Pirates of Penzance while I was there, I was asked to write about the history of pirates (something that I know about. Yes, I'm a nerd). That's why I find it both kinda horrifying and cool that a cruise ship was attacked by pirates last week. How can it be both? Well, in some ways, it's fascinating that pirates of the high seas still exist (versus hackers who are just computer pirates of sorts). Granted, I don't think the modern pirates adhere to the codes that the pirates of old did, but imagine the life style. It's also horrifying because of the cutthroat tactics that these pirates use. If it hadn't been for this so-called "sonic weapon" the media has been talking about then many of the people aboard that ship would probably have died. With pirates back AND a new strain of superflu, it's like living in the 1700s again. What's next, monarchies?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Signs of the Times:
A friend and former colleague of mine is a manager at one of the movie theatres in Minneapolis. He called me out of the blue today and asked me to drop by and see him after-school. I hadn't seen him in almost a year, but he remembered my number. So, I get to the theatre and see that he's speaking with four security guards. Why? Well, with the new 50-Cent movie opening today, many theatre chains are installing extra security in case violence breaks out. I'm not kidding. I wish I was. Two large men were assigned to each theatre. Each guy was armed as well. So, I talk to my friend for a little bit and find out that these guys are also there because of a bounty hunter (more on that later) who was looking for a bail jumper.
Three hours later my phone rings again. Same guy. I thought I forgot something, but, in fact, he was calling to tell me the security guys had already clamped down on someone. Apparently two men stepped up to each other, and one of them pulled a gun on the other. How sad is that? You go to a movie theater and someone pulls a gun on you?
When did everything move to the extremes? It used to be that there were safe havens, but now drug deals go down in libraries, people get shot in movie theaters, and prostitutes can be called to your boat (or so channel 5 tells me).
A film about a guy who chooses to be a rapper instead of a gangster has to have extra security because the people watching it want to be gangsters. It's kind of ironic and an unfortunate sign of the times. I still think Spike Lee was right.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I get "Dogged":
Ok, if you've ever seen Dog the Bounty Hunter, you know he's a bounty hunter (I mean it's IN
the title). As I mentioned before, there was a bounty hunter at the movie theater looking for a bail jumper (he apparently got his man, I later learned). When I left the theater, I had a long walk back to my car. I didn't know why at the time, but I noticed Bob (not his real name) following me. Right when I got to my car, he jumped me. Apparently, I look like someone else who is wanted by the state. This guy was convinced I was him. Even after showing him my license, I had to show him another form of ID AND the insurance card that was in my car in order to show I was Leab and not Mr. Daniels.
My wife calls it plain bad luck, but I just find it...funny. I've never heard of someone being mistaken for me, but I am always thought to be other people. Maybe this is life's way of telling me to be an undercover cop. I don't know. Oh well.
And finally....
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learning to be careful:
I like my students. As I've said before, I don't think they'd ever shoot me. Sure, I probably annoy them with my nicknames and my attempts to help them avoid my mistakes (step 1, learn to say, "no" at some point). However, I always find it quite funny when they slip up and include me in something they didn't mean to. Whether it's having me "marry" a student and learn we'll have "24 children," or something to that effect, I like joking around with them. Now, I say learning to be careful, because one student accidentally (or I think it was accidentally) sent me a picture of the girl who runs the crew. It sums up her total feelings about working with me (or so I think. It's a great picture that I figured should be immortalized here. This would be Greta.
Well we should get to it.
So, without further ado: SHE BLINDED ME WITH SCIENCE!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
School Shootings:
As you may or may not know, another school shooting, this one in Tennessee, took place. We had a discussion
with students about what happened today. Also, several schools across Minnesota practiced their "Emergency Procedures" for cases like this. One person failed today when he forgot to lock his door. It meant that if a student had a gun and was on a rampage, that the teacher and all the students in his room would be dead or injured. Michele, over at her site, made mention of this story as well, and she brings up a good point: When did it become so unsafe to be a teacher? Now, I don't think it about it at all. I'm not kidding. Never in the last two years have I walked into a building thinking, "Wow, today I could be killed by a disgruntled student." I know there are students who like me, and I know there are students who wish I were dead, but I cannot fathom these teachers who now want tasers in their classrooms. Seriously. A former classmate of mine moved to Los Angeles and is now a teacher in, of all places, Beverly Hills (yes, it's cush, as in cushy). Still, people in Los Angeles (even in the BH area) are worried about the school violence. A few teachers are now requesting to have the same setup as pilots. They want a secure area where they can be safe from possible shootings, AND they want taser guns in the classrooms. Anyone else think that's a bad idea? Sure, a teacher could be safe (and I stress the COULD very hard), but what about the student who manages to get that taser? That would great for classmates, wouldn't it?Still, I don't fear for my life as a teacher. Should I? Should I be scared that one of the students may decide that my joking around and my nicknames are just too cruel and decide to off me? Maybe. Seriously I don't know. Maybe I'm stubborn, but to me, I truly believe that I'm just not important enough to rate a shooting. That's just me however. I know some of my colleagues (and I'm not talking about Michele here) are worried that they would be the first target. Again, I just don't see it happening. However, I do agree with Michele: I shouldn't ever have to be even a little bit worried about life threatening situations at my job. That's just me, however.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arrrr, Me Hardies!:
I'm a big fan of Pirates. I even know that September 19th is National Talk-Like-A-Pirate Day. When Washington University in St. Louis did Pirates of Penzance while I was there, I was asked to write about the history of pirates (something that I know about. Yes, I'm a nerd). That's why I find it both kinda horrifying and cool that a cruise ship was attacked by pirates last week. How can it be both? Well, in some ways, it's fascinating that pirates of the high seas still exist (versus hackers who are just computer pirates of sorts). Granted, I don't think the modern pirates adhere to the codes that the pirates of old did, but imagine the life style. It's also horrifying because of the cutthroat tactics that these pirates use. If it hadn't been for this so-called "sonic weapon" the media has been talking about then many of the people aboard that ship would probably have died. With pirates back AND a new strain of superflu, it's like living in the 1700s again. What's next, monarchies?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Signs of the Times:
A friend and former colleague of mine is a manager at one of the movie theatres in Minneapolis. He called me out of the blue today and asked me to drop by and see him after-school. I hadn't seen him in almost a year, but he remembered my number. So, I get to the theatre and see that he's speaking with four security guards. Why? Well, with the new 50-Cent movie opening today, many theatre chains are installing extra security in case violence breaks out. I'm not kidding. I wish I was. Two large men were assigned to each theatre. Each guy was armed as well. So, I talk to my friend for a little bit and find out that these guys are also there because of a bounty hunter (more on that later) who was looking for a bail jumper.
Three hours later my phone rings again. Same guy. I thought I forgot something, but, in fact, he was calling to tell me the security guys had already clamped down on someone. Apparently two men stepped up to each other, and one of them pulled a gun on the other. How sad is that? You go to a movie theater and someone pulls a gun on you?
When did everything move to the extremes? It used to be that there were safe havens, but now drug deals go down in libraries, people get shot in movie theaters, and prostitutes can be called to your boat (or so channel 5 tells me).
A film about a guy who chooses to be a rapper instead of a gangster has to have extra security because the people watching it want to be gangsters. It's kind of ironic and an unfortunate sign of the times. I still think Spike Lee was right.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I get "Dogged":
Ok, if you've ever seen Dog the Bounty Hunter, you know he's a bounty hunter (I mean it's IN
the title). As I mentioned before, there was a bounty hunter at the movie theater looking for a bail jumper (he apparently got his man, I later learned). When I left the theater, I had a long walk back to my car. I didn't know why at the time, but I noticed Bob (not his real name) following me. Right when I got to my car, he jumped me. Apparently, I look like someone else who is wanted by the state. This guy was convinced I was him. Even after showing him my license, I had to show him another form of ID AND the insurance card that was in my car in order to show I was Leab and not Mr. Daniels.My wife calls it plain bad luck, but I just find it...funny. I've never heard of someone being mistaken for me, but I am always thought to be other people. Maybe this is life's way of telling me to be an undercover cop. I don't know. Oh well.
And finally....
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Learning to be careful:
I like my students. As I've said before, I don't think they'd ever shoot me. Sure, I probably annoy them with my nicknames and my attempts to help them avoid my mistakes (step 1, learn to say, "no" at some point). However, I always find it quite funny when they slip up and include me in something they didn't mean to. Whether it's having me "marry" a student and learn we'll have "24 children," or something to that effect, I like joking around with them. Now, I say learning to be careful, because one student accidentally (or I think it was accidentally) sent me a picture of the girl who runs the crew. It sums up her total feelings about working with me (or so I think. It's a great picture that I figured should be immortalized here. This would be Greta.
This is why you have to be careful.
Have a good night all.
Oh, and I'm still taking applicants to join to the Search Team. So far only Meridita and the DeRushas are aboard. We'll take anyone interested. Head on over to the blog and join up.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Quote of the Day 11/8/05
I was all set to Ramble, but I remembered that I have a hockey game tonight. Add to that the tests I have to grade (for tomorrow), and I don't have time for the full ramble. Instead I present the quote of the day from my lovely wife.
The picture above was actually shot outside my home. The blimp buzzed by my neighborhood last week. I thought it was strange that the blimp was over a small town instead of the big cities until I realized that the blimp probably lands at the Crystal airport (not to far from where I live).
The other day the blimp had to fight gusty winds while making its way around Minneapolis. My wife was downtown for an Engineering class (I don't really understand, and I can't pretend to). So, she sees the blimp fighting to maintain control, but it's getting bounced around in the wind. "You can almost see the pilot fighting at the controls," she tells me. But then, she hits me with a gem that I deem the quote of the day.
"Yeah that blimp getting bounced around is alot like Fox 9 News. It's aimless, bouncing all over the place in order to be seen, full of hot air, and kinda pointless."
Regardless of how you feel about Fox 9 News, her comment is just plain funny. What with the new website that just shares the love for Fox 9, it's kinda funny that station is being turned on.
All right, off to the hockey game.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Mail Mondays (11/7/05)
Ugh. I feel so utterly drained. This morning I fell down my steps. It has not been a Leab-friendly day. Before we get started, let's hit a few points here:
-One of my favorite people, Meridita, has a new puppy. A beautiful dog. She needs a name and is taking suggestions. Head on over there and give it a try. Winner gets...well...nothing but gratitude. Still, that's something.
Due to the fact that I feel...not so good, tonight's mail will be short and sweet.
A few days ago, I mentioned that the President needs to "Dave" it up. In that entry, I mentioned that America just isn't ready to vote in a woman for President of the United States. One of my favorite Libertarians, Admin Worm, felt that I was wrong. His comment?
I disagree with your statement "This country is still YEARS from ever putting a woman in the white house." I would no sooner vote against someone for what's between their legs than I would the color of their skin.
My response?
Worm, you know I think you're a smart guy, but you are NOT representative of the entire country. You would think that with the progressive thinking that so many people claim to have that a woman or a person of color would be a shoo-in for the seat of seats. Unfortunately, you're forgetting the previous elections. What do I mean?
-We know people aren't ready for people of color because of the tactics Karl Rove used to remove McCain. His adopted daughter, referred to as black, was used to attack McCain's character.
-What is the largest voting population in this country? Clock's ticking...anyone? Yup, it's the older generations. Unfortunately, the old cronies who run this country and who vote will not put in a woman or a person who isn't a good ole white Christian.
I would love, LOVE to see Rice vs. Clinton. I think it would be great. It won't happen. Everyone in both parties will push for men. Why? Because boys will be boys.
It's frustrating, but this country just isn't ready for a Mary Robinson (the fmr. President of Ireland). We seem to be the only country (save for the Middle East) that isn't ready for women in power. How interesting.
I still think you're a brilliant guy, Worm, but you and I are in a very small minority of men.
Leab,
Why won't you talk about politics. What's wrong with politics? Everyone talks about politics, so why should you be so different?
Curious G
G,
That's just it: EVERYONE talks about politics. It drives me nuts. I do it every once in a while, but here's why it's a problem: Rather than get all the facts, most people just take the word of the media (Left or Right) and just respout what they say. If not the media, then the party's talking points. I truly believe a majority of people no longer really THINK about what they're being told, but just take it and accept it. Want an example?
People on the right say that people on the left are all children who are ruining this country.
People on the left say that people on the right are all evil evangelists who are runining this country.
Wow. I feel like I just watched 24 hours of Fox News/CNN/MSNBC and a pinch of Comedy Central.
Personally, I believe that politics is really Latin for "No longer care about the people." We are NOT a true Democracy. Seriously. YOU do not have any real power anymore. Your power puts the person in office. That's it. It's up to them to decide if they are looking out for your best interest. That's why I don't talk about politics. It just makes me angry.
I think that's going to be it for tonight.
Look for Ramblings tomorrow.
Later, Gator.
-One of my favorite people, Meridita, has a new puppy. A beautiful dog. She needs a name and is taking suggestions. Head on over there and give it a try. Winner gets...well...nothing but gratitude. Still, that's something.
Due to the fact that I feel...not so good, tonight's mail will be short and sweet.
A few days ago, I mentioned that the President needs to "Dave" it up. In that entry, I mentioned that America just isn't ready to vote in a woman for President of the United States. One of my favorite Libertarians, Admin Worm, felt that I was wrong. His comment?
I disagree with your statement "This country is still YEARS from ever putting a woman in the white house." I would no sooner vote against someone for what's between their legs than I would the color of their skin.
My response?
Worm, you know I think you're a smart guy, but you are NOT representative of the entire country. You would think that with the progressive thinking that so many people claim to have that a woman or a person of color would be a shoo-in for the seat of seats. Unfortunately, you're forgetting the previous elections. What do I mean?
-We know people aren't ready for people of color because of the tactics Karl Rove used to remove McCain. His adopted daughter, referred to as black, was used to attack McCain's character.
-What is the largest voting population in this country? Clock's ticking...anyone? Yup, it's the older generations. Unfortunately, the old cronies who run this country and who vote will not put in a woman or a person who isn't a good ole white Christian.
I would love, LOVE to see Rice vs. Clinton. I think it would be great. It won't happen. Everyone in both parties will push for men. Why? Because boys will be boys.
It's frustrating, but this country just isn't ready for a Mary Robinson (the fmr. President of Ireland). We seem to be the only country (save for the Middle East) that isn't ready for women in power. How interesting.
I still think you're a brilliant guy, Worm, but you and I are in a very small minority of men.
Leab,
Why won't you talk about politics. What's wrong with politics? Everyone talks about politics, so why should you be so different?
Curious G
G,
That's just it: EVERYONE talks about politics. It drives me nuts. I do it every once in a while, but here's why it's a problem: Rather than get all the facts, most people just take the word of the media (Left or Right) and just respout what they say. If not the media, then the party's talking points. I truly believe a majority of people no longer really THINK about what they're being told, but just take it and accept it. Want an example?
People on the right say that people on the left are all children who are ruining this country.
People on the left say that people on the right are all evil evangelists who are runining this country.
Wow. I feel like I just watched 24 hours of Fox News/CNN/MSNBC and a pinch of Comedy Central.
Personally, I believe that politics is really Latin for "No longer care about the people." We are NOT a true Democracy. Seriously. YOU do not have any real power anymore. Your power puts the person in office. That's it. It's up to them to decide if they are looking out for your best interest. That's why I don't talk about politics. It just makes me angry.
I think that's going to be it for tonight.
Look for Ramblings tomorrow.
Later, Gator.
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