August 19, 2008
The Mic is On: And It’s Back to School Night!
ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 7:00 pm
It’s Like Open Mic Only Different
Here’s how it works.
It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.
The rules are simple — be nice.
There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.
. . . Remember When Life Was Easy and School Was Hard?
Every year the first days of school bring back the idea of new clothes, new pads of paper, new supplies. Tonight it’s about school days”
- remember firsts from school?
- what did we take for granted?
- what do we wish we could have back from school days now?
- what did we think was hard that was really easy?
ahem . . .
And, whatever else comes up, including THE EVER POPULAR, Basil the code-writing donkey . . . and flamenco dancing (because we always get off topic, anyway.)
Oh, and bring example links to share —
–ME “Liz” Strauss
Image: sxc.hu
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256 Comments to “The Mic is On: And It’s Back to School Night!”
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Glenda Watson Hyatt said
am I on time? Can be late for school.
Trisha said
Hello!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hi Trisha, we must be the keeners!
ME Liz Strauss said
Welcome Glenda and Trisha!
Don’t you wish life were as easy as just going to school?
ME Liz Strauss said
“Keeners”
That’s a new one on me.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
aw, what’s wrong with “keeners”, teacher?
ME Liz Strauss said
Nothing wrong. Never heard it before, that’s all.
Trisha said
I wish life was still easier!
Karen Putz / DeafMom said
:::::slipping into the desk and plopping down my books::::
Yo, class.
Suzie Cheel said
Hi Glenda,
See you were never in for detention:)
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Although some things don’t feel that different. I am still chained to my desk, doing homework, though sometimes I do get paid for it now.
ME Liz Strauss said
Yo, Karen!
Ain’t you cool?!!
Joe said
This was always my problem with School, I ended up late because I got distracted a bit to more important things like Breadfast, Gene London, Sally Starr, Popeye.
Hey Liz, Hey All.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Joe,
Somehow I’m starting to feel Like I’ve landed in the middle of a sitcom!!
Suzie Cheel said
Hi everyone,
I liked school until I was about 15.
ME Liz Strauss said
Karen, how’s the ebook?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Liz, actually, I almost had a detention once for talking, believe it or not!
Joe said
Suzie, we used to call detention, Jug.
Don’t ask me why, but that is what it was always called in my neighborhood.
Karen Putz / DeafMom said
Ah, Liz I was never the cool kid in school!
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Suzie!
Glad to see you, even when you’re not feeling so hot!
Karen Putz / DeafMom said
Glenda, I can totally believe that!
ME Liz Strauss said
Glenda,
Details! Have to hear that story!
Suzie Cheel said
Joe I like that Jug
Glenda- talking and passing notes got me into strife and onto detention.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
It isn’t fair; there’s so much cool stuff for school now. Going to Staples, i almost want to go back to school!
Karen Putz / DeafMom said
Liz,
It’s going slow. I have writer’s block– something that’s unusual for me!
ME Liz Strauss said
Karen,
Writer’s block usually happens when we don’t really know what we want to say. Set it down and figure out what your point is.
Rick Wolff said
I went to a Catholic high school, and they called detention Jug there, too, Joe. Nobody dare ask why. For fear of getting some.
Oh, and by the way, I FINALLY MADE IT HERE! Hiya, Liz!
Suzie Cheel said
@ Liz- think congestion is to do with releasing stuff- plus a little self sabotage. The book has been a bit of a catalyst
@ Glenda don’t you just love what kids have now
Joe said
Liz, I have writers block more often than I’d like to admit. I have a good idea, a fair outline, and then can’t come up with anything that makes a decent post.
Not good, maybe I should go back to English class?
ME Liz Strauss said
Hiya! Rick Wolff!
Welcome to Open comment night!
Suzie Cheel said
writers block- good point Liz, I must use that on my blog, I really should be writing blog posts now:(
Joe said
Rick, I wasn’t sure if it was just us Papes or what, but I was always afraid to ask what it meant too!
Karen Putz / DeafMom said
I’ve been jotting notes, yet putting the actual writing off. I keep waiting for my kids to go back to school so I can think. Or, is that an excuse?
Suzie Cheel said
@ Joe I have a book of blog post ideas, plus about 50 drafts at various stages. I know what you mean
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
ok, it was Grade Seven with Mr. Dingledorp. We working to be working silently. I didn’t understand something so I asked the girl beside me. He booms out, “Glenda, keep that up and you’ll have a detention.” I was mortified. When Mom came for me after school [she was a teacher too] and I told her, she laughed. My previous teachers tried encouraging me to talk. Adults.
Rick Wolff said
I came close to going to NYU film school. Imagine it: NYC is your backdrop, (pre-9/11), scholarship pays the budget, your imagination is your limit, it’s all you do all day besides eat, no mortgage, no dependents.
ME Liz Strauss said
Go sit somewhere that has lots of space and stare at the sky until you get bored.
Karen Putz / DeafMom said
Rats, middle kid has come in to remind me that I promised to take her shopping for school clothes tonight. I have to skip out.
Bye all!
ME Liz Strauss said
Skipping detention, Karen,
Not good!
See you later!
Joe said
Sometime I think I learn more on a Tuesday nights than I did in Classes in “real” school.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Karen, just start writing the first words the come to mind. If you get stuck, put xxx and keep going. Don’t edit yourself at this point.
ME Liz Strauss said
The Tuesday Night Breakfast Club!
Delaney Kirk said
Hi all, I’m working on powerpoint slides for faculty development workshop I’m doing for University of South Florida-Sarasota faculty on Friday!
ME Liz Strauss said
Rick Wolff
How goes the new blog initiative?
Rick Wolff said
Dingledorp?
ME Liz Strauss said
Dingledorp?
Okay, give . . .
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Delaney,
Boy it’s about time that the faculty went to school!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
lol Rick, not his real name. The one we called him, behind his back!
Joe said
Sitting out on the front deck and hearing Mr Softee tune playing down the street.
When that stops, IT’S REALLY BACK TO SCHOOL TIME!
Rick Wolff said
Actually, Liz, ideas are coming fast and furious. Not earth-shaking, but definitely bloggable. Feels like a garage sale in my brain. Except when I pull out an old idea, a new one takes its place! You’ll see my word count go down, too. That’s just natural.
ME Liz Strauss said
#41 Great advice, Glenda!
But you didn’t distract me.
I still want to know about you getting detention for talking too much.
Delaney Kirk said
Hi Liz. Pushing a button for faculty when indicating we don’t work in the summer. We just don’t teach. I’ve done numerous workshops, written and submitted 2 journal articles, updated my lecture notes…etc…
Rick Wolff said
Seems an obvious trick, but when I get a blog idea, I make a draft in WordPress immediately. Sometimes just a cryptic few words in the title bar. Making sure to fix the automatically generated URL so it makes sense before publishing.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
liz, see #35`
Marti said
((slips quietly into back row, sticks gum to underside of desk and slumps in chair}}
ME Liz Strauss said
so let me get this straight,
While Rick Wolff was in film school making a movie about Dingledorp, Glenda was talking to a 7th grade girl about her mom laughing at adults . . . and Joe was eating breakfast on a Tuesday night while Delaney was thinking about shopping at the University of South Florida. Did I get that right?
Delaney Kirk said
Hi Marti…yep, we teachers DO notice you!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
My first day of school:
I then began Grade 1 in my purple heather sweater and purple plaid kilt. I was one bonnie lass!
School was an older building; actually, it consisted of two buildings and a portable. The main building had four or five classrooms for the primary grades, the staff room, changing room and the principal’s office. The older kids were upstairs in the other building, accessible by a long, steep ramp.
As this was before integration and mainstreaming had been invented, all the Special Ed students went to this school, which was actually an annex of a larger school, several blocks away. This was definitely segregation. But, at that age, I didn’t know any differently. I was excited to be starting school with my new notebooks, crayons and lefty scissors. And, I do remember hating missing school when I was sick. It was so boring to stay home.
Rick Wolff said
My clue that summer’s starting to end: the crickets’ volume goes up. It’s a racket right now. Then you see the occasional renegade tree turn color. That’s actually a little scary.
Rick Wolff said
Wasn’t Dingledorp some school’s headmaster? Or was that in a movie?
Joe said
{{}}{{{}}}}Scratches Chalk on Blackboard like Sr Philameana used to do{{}}{{{}}}
Marti, take that out from under your desk and put it back in your mouth!!! :-&
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hey Marti!
ME Liz Strauss said
Marti,
I see you. What’s the slump about?
ME Liz Strauss said
Rick,
I have about 60 started post like that. They often save me when I wake up with no ideas.
Marti said
Rick, my clue that Autumn is approaching is the commercials for the Renaissance Faire.
This is the first time in 25 years I have not had a child returning to school. It is liberating and terrifying all at the same time.
Hi Delaney! Knew you’d spot me.
My report cards always said, “Talks too much” – LOL
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
[Glenda throws a paper ball at Joe]
Marti said
Liz, I was trying to hide my tardiness…didn’t work – LOL
jennydecki said
I wish the biggest problem in school was smoking behind the gym LOL
Marti said
{{Marti slips Joe a note folded into a triangle and covered with puppie stickers}}
Rick Wolff said
Liz, I’ve just got 5 or 6, but then I’ll find an even more immediate one. (This open-mic will suffice as my blog post today, though.)
Kim Fenolio said
First time here. Let’s see. I’m always the overly prepared one personally and as the mom of a school-age kiddo. I stress out for days making sure everything is just perfect, but it turns out I always end up forgetting something! And it’s usually my head!
Delaney Kirk said
OK, I’m going back to work. Discussing what faculty should do the first day of class. Need to decide what “I’m” doing that day also…
Could someone pass me a Klondike? Need the sugar high!
Trisha said
I’ve got to go everyone – I’m pretty worn out and I should try to do some more writing tonight!
Have fun!
Rick Wolff said
I just got a Skype call from my wife, in the next room, through wifi. And she doesn’t think she’s a geek. Hah!
Joe said
I was always straigh “A”s in grade school, but once I found girls were cute, my grades went down as much as my attention to girls went up.
That’s my story, and I’m sticking too it!
Marti said
Bye Delaney and Trish, sorry I didn’t have longer to chat with you!
Hello Kim! Delighted to meet you!
ME Liz Strauss said
Welcome JennyDecki and Kim Fenolio
If these guys weren’t so entertaining, I would have let you out of moderation sooner. Sorry you had to wait.
ME Liz Strauss said
Ha! Rick!
Gosh how could anyone survive in the world today without a little geekiness?
Rick Wolff said
I definitely had a stronger delineation on the beginning and ending of summer. Now in the fall, I get stuck behind a school bus, and it’s a revelation. I remember having a feeling of impending dread as the leaves turned, for years after my graduation. Oddly, I miss that a little.
Marti said
Rick, I call my kids on the cell phone when they are in their bedrooms – LOL
Marti said
I wasn’t here to see it, but daughter said she went down and waved at the school bus when it went by, first time in 13 years without her on it. Gave me a tear and a smile.
Rick Wolff said
Joe, my junior year in HS was my last in an-all boys Catholic school. I too discovered girls! People think I couldn’t hack the discipline with the priests. IT’s a longer story.
ME Liz Strauss said
Every August I get the urge to buy new clothes!
Rick Wolff said
Marti, my wife sometimes IMs me when dinner’s ready, from downstairs. Sometimes she has to yell up the stairs to turn on my IM. I ask her, “Why don’t you just tell me what you want?”
Marti said
Liz, does Illinois have the “back to school tax holiday”? Missouri does it the first weekend of August. Purchases of school supplies, computers, clothes etc are not charged sales tax. Good time to shop, even if you have no back-to-schoolers – LOL
ME Liz Strauss said
If my husband IM’d me, it would be from 10 feet away, our condo isn’t that big.
Suzie Cheel said
Just before I go to write blog posts, have some school yard fun- who is for a game of hopsctoch- I have the chalk.
I have a taw stone
Marti said
That’s funny, Rick!
I actually enjoyed school a great deal. I love learning new things, even now that I’m old and crotchety.
Kim Fenolio said
My first day of Kindergarten I walked over to the shorty counter top. I placed my hand on this thing that looked similar to a robotic monster mouth. I’d never seen something so peculiar in my many years. I put my thumb in it’s mouth to check for teeth and pushed down on the top.
That was the day I learned what a stapler was.
ME Liz Strauss said
Marti,
I don’t think so. Sounds familiar, though, maybe Texas had one when Eric was growing up.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
From Grade Seven with Dingledorp:
Within a couple of months, the school needed a full-time vice-principal; much to our disappointment, we lost our great teacher. Another one was hired to fill his position. We quickly discovered that our new teacher had some unconventional teaching methods, which caused a few waves. His first day he came in and ripped down all of the spelling tests from the wall. I don’t know if he felt we were too old to have work up on the wall or if he wanted the space for something else. Either way, I felt it was hurtful and disrespectful. Things didn’t improve from there. Being typical Grade 7 kids, we soon had a few choice nicknames for him. As far as I know, his teaching contract was not renewed at the end of the year.
But, he did have us do one exercise regularly to get us writing. He would pick a word, like cars, and we had five minutes to write as much as we could about cars. I think the purpose was to get us over the fear of putting words down on paper and to get thoughts flowing. On a couple of occasions, as a replacement assignment if there was something I couldn’t do, he had me pick one moment or incident and write as much as I could about it by describing all of my five senses. The idea was to expand that one moment in time as much as possible and to include as many details as I could remember.
I still use those techniques if I’m stuck while writing. I start writing to get the ideas flowing and to get something down on paper. From there, I can go back to pick out the portions worth keeping, and then I can proceed. Despite him not being my favourite teacher, I do remember him for encouraging my writing, and I do owe him some gratitude. Perhaps he saw potential and knew that writing would have to play an important part in my life.
On the last day of Grade 7, Mom wheeled me out to the van like she did every other day. There were a few tears as we passed Mrs. Peart in her classroom. She gave me a gift that I still have to this day – a butterfly necklace, symbolizing freedom in a new life. And then Mom and I left, not to return, as it was the last day for the both of us. Mom had resigned her teaching position so that she would be available to assist me in high school; a risky move financially and professionally but one that she felt was necessary to give me the best chance of success.
We went through those doors, neither one of us certain of what the next chapter would bring but knowing we would get through it, one way or another.
Marti said
Suzie, I don’t hop so good any more, but I’d take some scotch – LOL
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Kim,
I got curious about a stapler in Kdg too. I managed to push a staple into the palm of my hand. I think you and I will be good friends soon.
Marti said
Oh Kim and Liz! I am ROTF!
Rick Wolff said
Wow, Glenda. I sure hope you blog. And I’m off to see, perchance to subscribe.
Joe said
My question is…
If my son went to Catholic school (which I paid for), graduated, went to College (which I also paid for) and I have no children of school age, WHY am I STILL paying school taxes (that go up every year)?
Angela Maiers said
Good Evening Liz and Friends-Here you are talkin’ about school-my favorite subject! Just had back to school night for my 10 and 13 year old! Lots of memories of back to school night in my own classroom!
Kim Fenolio said
Well Liz, someday my thumb will meet your palm and we’ll be lifelong friends for sure!
ME Liz Strauss said
wow! Glenda, That’s a fabulous piece. Is that from your book?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
yes, Rick, I blog, therefore I am! Those two passages are from my autobiography.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Angela!
Welcome tonight!
ME Liz Strauss said
Kim,
We’ll know each other by the pair of holes in our hands.
Marti said
Terrific writing, Glenda!
Rick Wolff said
Liz, if Kim and Marti don’t behave, you should threaten to turn this blog RIGHT AROUND.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hey Angela!
Joe said
Glenda, I didn’t think you were old enough to have an autobiography.
Suzie Cheel said
@ Marti I like a good malt too:)
Kim Fenolio said
I’m going to jump in on the praise for Glenda. That was truly beautiful writing.
Angela Maiers said
Glenda-
That was a beautiful story. What is your book about?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
aw, you’re so sweet, Joe! Yep, I did the autobiography sooner rather than later in case later doesn’t come.
Marti said
Joe, these kids today…tsk, tsk tsk…what are we to do?
Rick Wolff said
Blogitus Ergo Sum.
You know, Liz, I took the StrengthFinder 2.0 test, and it told me I should do something to exercise my skill with words. So I said, “But I’m an artist, ergo this test is flawed.”
Rick Wolff said
Glenda, please tell me you cut and pasted that passage! Surely you didn’t write that for our benefit?
ME Liz Strauss said
Rick,
I’m an artist too . . . so paint with words while you paint with colors.
Angela Maiers said
Kim- Indiana looks like Iowa did a few short months ago. It has been devastating for friends and family who were hit by an F5n Twister earlier this summer.
Joe said
Glenda, don’t think negatively, you will outlast most of us here, Someone has to keep the good thoughts going.
Kim Fenolio said
Angela,
It’s truly frightening, isn’t it? I’m working as we speak on a 2-week post tornado video. Should have it out tonight. I’m a little on edge with the winds and rains these days.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Thanks Kim and Angela. In my autobiography I’ll Do It Myself, I share my life living with cerebral palsy to show others cp isn’t a death sentence but rather a life sentence. I’d provide the link but then this comment will end up in the fish pond for some unknown reason.
ME Liz Strauss said
Tornado drills.
Kim Fenolio said
Glenda, I’ve actually visited and poked around on your site before. You have a great story and you really are quite amazing. I enjoy stopping by to visit and gain some inspiration.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Joe, I sense I’m here for a good time, not a long time.
Rick, yes, copied and pasted the passage. My left thumb doesn’t type that fast.
Joe said
Glenda, I’ll take a dip in that fish pond. http://www.doitmyselfblog.com/ill-do-it-myself-the-book/
I can swim, but be sure to grab me if I don’t come up in 5 minutes.
Rick Wolff said
Glenda, my wife was diagnosed with scleraderma 2 years ago. She blogs about it, much less formally than you. It’s a Live Journal, and she has this coterie of friends who cheer for her when she has good days and give her coping tips. Should you care to see, she goes by the name of Zaduzbina there. Since she’s a lot more mobile and capable, she still works a full-time job. Don’t know how much longer that’s going to happen.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Thanks Kim.
Kirk M said
Ah, school. Last three years of high school were the best:
>The friends.
>Getting a license and using it.
>Favorite teachers(2).
>Not so favorite teachers (the rest).
>The theater group (local, not school and all classic musicals).
>Riding around with my best friend in his 1956 Buick Special with that ever present 6 pack of Molsen Golden Ale (just one mind you).
>Laurie Despres (sigh).
>Being able to “rat race” an old Chevy station wagon better than my arch rival could handle his AMC Gremlin.
>Late Saturday nights foggin’ up the windows.
>The Eagles, America, Simon and Garfunkel, Led Zepplin, Air Supply, Crosby, Stills and Nash, ZZ Top and all the others you don’t hear any more.
>Home.
And all the rest…
Time for bed. I just wanted to stop by and say hello. Think I’ll go dream of those bygone days of lesser responsibilities.
Have fun.
ME Liz Strauss said
Kirk!
How I’m smiling to see you here again!
Angela Maiers said
Rick-Do you have the link to your wife’s blog?
ME Liz Strauss said
The music of our school days is really something. I metioned “Basketball Jones” on Twitter today and so many people started talking about it.
Marti said
I remember tornado drills.
Going down into the bowels of that ancient brick building, (the one that still had desks connected in a row on iron rails and a cloakroom at the back of every classroom)with the giant boiler rattling, and the smell of fresh bread baking (yes I am so old they baked fresh bread at my elementary school).
We all lined the walls and sat cross-legged on the cold concrete floor, us girls daintily tucking our petticoats in around us (girls only wore dresses) and ducked our heads into our laps, holding our arms folded over our heads.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Thanks for posting the link, Joe. I think Liz has my comments booby-trapped if I include a link.
Rick, I will look for your wife’s blog. Take it one day at a time, and don’t put off something you really want to do until tomorrow if you can possibly do it today.
Rick Wolff said
Many blog-and-run guests tonight. Or maybe that happens a lot. What else do I remember from school? Oh yeah.
The roots of a ginormous tree that fell, in the property behind the schoolyard. Anthony Addessa and I would climb up and flex and twist the roots as if they were control levers. We played Gigantor.
I haven’t thought of that for decades!
Rick Wolff said
Zaduzbina is Albanian for “obligation to one’s soul.” (You should see the Google results. A lot of Cyrillic, or something.)
ME Liz Strauss said
I do not, Glenda!
Your email misfires somehow. You could always tell me and I’d set them free.
Angela Maiers said
Liz-who is basketball Jones? How are you?
ME Liz Strauss said
Angela,
“Basketball Jones” is a song . . . a “jones” is like an addiction.
I’m doing excellent. How’re you?
Timothy Johnson said
Hi all. I have my backpack and I’m waiting for the bus.
How is everyone tonight?
ME Liz Strauss said
Tim!
School wouldn’t be the same without YOU!!
Timothy Johnson said
I brought you an apple and a link, Ms. Strauss.
http://carpefactum.typepad.com/my_weblog/2006/08/i_trust_youll_t.html
Angela Maiers said
Marti-Happy Belated Birthday!
Liz-doing great! Did six teacher training institutes this summer, book is done and turning in final copy tomorrow (yeah!), and just starting back to my “normal” job working with individual schools. The kids start tomorrow!
Marti said
Hi Timothy! Wanna share lunch box stuff?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hey Mr T! A noon-hour sock-up is definitely in order for today.
Timothy Johnson said
Hi Marti, I’ll trade you my celery and carrot sticks for your chocolate bar.
Kim Fenolio said
Fire drills!
I have a story that’s not so much about a drill as it is about a real fire. I was in high school and a boy ended up lighting the bathroom on fire because he was angry at his mother (he and the family had issues). Of course, we were all rushed outside. This was during the middle of winter in Chicago when there was already 9 inches of snow on the ground. We all know that when there’s a fire, there’s no chance to stop to grab a jacket. Two and a half hours later they decided to get the busses out so that we wouldn’t be frost bitten. Thirty minutes after the entire high school population had been loaded onto busses, the firemen declared it all-clear.
ME Liz Strauss said
Wow. Tim! That’s good stuff. Thanks for bringing that along. It’s a smile and a memory in one.
Timothy Johnson said
Thanks, Liz… that DV essay has always been a favorite of mine.
Hard to believe my little sweetheart is starting third grade already.
Ms. Glenda. Sock-up at noon? You’re on!
Joe said
** Ha-Ha** I have the Klondikes in MY lunchbox… Buuhaaahhaaaa!
Marti said
Well Timothy, if you throw in your applesauce…OK
Wow, Kim, what a story!
Marti said
Timothy, I loved your blog post!
Joe said
Anybody want one, or two? I got a REALLY BIG lunchbox, plenty to go round.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Awesome Mr T. How are you doing?
Rick Wolff said
There was a school year between my late mother and my father’s marrying my stepmother. One day my father asked me what my favorite sandwich was. I said it was ham and Swiss cheese. He bought a six-foot wedge, made it all ham and Swiss cheese, cut it into two-inch lengths, wrapped them individually in paper, labeled each “RW, H&S, 2/6/70″ (or whatever), and put them in the freezer. After the first month of ham and Swiss daily, it was difficult to see where the ham ended and the Swiss began. I complained to my younger sister, who couldn’t sympathize. She got a half-year of cream cheese and jelly!
Don’t get me started on haircuts.
Timothy Johnson said
Kim – you learned a valuable lesson that day about how government bureaucracies work. You probably didn’t realize the whole experience was staged by the business and sociology departments.
Timothy Johnson said
I’m doing OK, Miss Glenda. Trying to figure out how to boost my Amazon rankings without sounding like begging.
BTW, Liz, on Thursday I’m talking to that publicist I emailed you about.
Marti – glad you liked it.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Cream cheese and jelly? Hadn’t thought of that! Is jelly different than jam?
Angela Maiers said
Hey Tim! How are you?
ME Liz Strauss said
Tim,
That’s a great response. Business and Sociology departments.
Timothy Johnson said
Hi Angela. Long time no see. How have you been?
Rick Wolff said
Joe (if you’re still here) your complaint about school taxes didn’t go unheard. I pay taxes indirectly through rent, and I have no kids.
Rick Wolff said
Glenda, I guess “jelly” is New Yorkish for “jam”, like “soda” is for “pop”.
Angela Maiers said
Doing great-and you? Has your year begun?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Good luck with Amazon, Mr T. I haven’t figured out how to even get my self-published listed and making a profit with each sale.
Timothy Johnson said
Angela – I’m teaching only weekend classes this fall. My first class is the weekend following labor day.
ME Liz Strauss said
I guess the thought about school taxes is supposed to be something like . . . if the kids are illiterate they’ll be a pain to you too!
Rick Wolff said
Pay for them now or pay for them later, eh, Liz?
Joe said
Of course I’m still here Rick, I just threw you a Klondike (hope you got it).
And as far as “jelly” I think is homogonized (sp?) and “jam” is more like a preserve (more pieces of fruit). Not sure, I grew up in Philly, I can only go by what the sold in the Acme.
ME Liz Strauss said
Yeah, Rick, I think it’s something like that.
Rick Cockrum said
Summer’s almost over and school’s starting? Awwww.
Hi, everyone!
Marti said
Joe gets a gold star for sharing!
Rick, that was such a touching story.
Glenda, from my knowledge of spreadable sandwich products, jelly is firmer than jam. Jelly is almost translucent, because it is made with only fruit (or berry) juice, whereas jam has bits of the fruit or berry in it. I’ve made both, coming from hillbilly roots where all the womenfolk had to learn how to can fruits and vegetables.
Wow, I managed to say something educational – LOL
Meikah Delid said
Hello hello everyone!
Kim Fenolio said
Oh Tim, of course it was staged. Everything’s a conspiracy.. just.. like.. school!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Yo, Rick C!
Rick Wolff said
Joe, you guys have hoagies, or grinders, or something. We have heros. (Note the lack of second e)
Timothy Johnson said
Kim LOL
Well all – I’m going to go catch Olympic coverage. Want to watch Shawn Johnson grab her gold. Always great to see the local kid do well.
Marti said
If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.
http://www.cafepress.com/enterlaughter/1682711
Rick Cockrum said
Yo, Glenda!
I saw you talking in class. Don’t think I can’t see you sitting in the back, there.
Marti said
Hello to everyone who showed up.
Goodbye to those who are leaving.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Rick!
Will any of your household be going back to school this year?
Rick Wolff said
Marti, I have an idea for a t-shirt. I should submit it someday:
INFOTAIN ME.
Rick Cockrum said
I loved school, especially once I learned to read. New worlds sat in the pages of every book. What more could anyone want?
Rick Cockrum said
My granddaughter is starting pre-school, Liz. She’s excited about it. She knows she has to have a physical and see the dentist first, so everyday she asks when she gets to go to the doctor so she can start school.
Joe said
Hey Rick C, have a Klondike, I have plenty (big lunchbox)
*Rick W, we have hoagies and grinders and Cheesesteaks. but our only heroes are the firemen and cops (and the Iggles).
Marti said
Oh Rick, I like that! Is it original? Can I steal it?
Meikah Delid said
What’s up in school these days?
Here in the Philippines, I don’t like much the present curriculum – it’s not balanced because the extra curricular activities were made optional. It’s up to the students to choose the physical (like sports) or the sedentary (like art) clubs.
Rick Wolff said
Marti, yes, and no.
Suzie Cheel said
got lost in my own thought- lots of doodles
see you next week.
Glenda sent you an email re my book
Marti said
Rick Cockrum, I felt the same way. I loved getting an education. Still do.
Kim Fenolio said
This was fun, I look forward to coming back again next time. I must depart from the multiple monitors for some much needed relaxation. Take care all.
Rick Cockrum said
Thanks, Joe. Don’t mind if I do. Want a bologna sandwich? It’s got mustard.
Angela Maiers said
Hi Rick! Hi Meika!
ME Liz Strauss said
I wish we could have school instead of work.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Rick Cockrum said
Hi Angela! Way to go on the book!
ME Liz Strauss said
What are pro-d days?
Marti said
Rick Wolff, I like a man who gives me a straight answer
I understand, and appreciate your forthrightness
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
professional days, Liz
Rick Cockrum said
Good night, Kim.
ME Liz Strauss said
Thanks for coming, Kim!
My hand to yours!
Rick Wolff said
As an aside, some of the cast of MadMen are on Twitter, in persona. Gives me a little chuckle.
Rick Cockrum said
Ah. We called them in-service days when I was in school.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Suzie, I sent a reply but had to use my new addy. The other onE was pitching a fit.
ME Liz Strauss said
Yeah, Rick,
Some real-life madmen are there too!
Rick Cockrum said
I had a teacher in college that compared going to school to hearing the call of the Lorelei. I agreed. I often wished I could be paid to go to school.
ME Liz Strauss said
A nice wealthy patron who wanted to pay for our schooling would be a wonderful thing.
Rick Wolff said
Just read a line from up above. “Keeners.” Heh!
ME Liz Strauss said
Rick,
Do you know that word, Keeners ?
Rick Wolff said
Never heard it before. Looking forward to putting it to good use soon.
Marti said
Ah oh, I’m out past curfew.
Don’t anybody get cooties! LOL
Delightful as always. Thank you for brightening my day!
Peace and joy to all….
Rick Wolff said
(Ahem, how did you get italics in a comment? You can use HTML here?
Angela Maiers said
Night All! Have a GREAT week!
Meikah Delid said
Scholars in a way are paid to go to school and make good in school. =)
Rick Cockrum said
Bye, Marti. Go well.
ME Liz Strauss said
Good night, Marti!
Terry D. Kennedy said
Soory I can not add some worhty content, next time. I am on task with writing a couple of new post.
Terry D. Kennedy said
Sorry, no spell check on the previous comment, am I spoiled or what !!
Rick Cockrum said
Bye Angela.
I’ve never heard the word either.
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=keener
But then, I’m not Canadian.
Joe said
Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy days of Summer
Soon turn into something other
Than the kids would like to remember
When parents say “See you in September”
And the days of autumn soon turn to winter
Then Christmas tunes will soon be the winner
Then all of a sudden it is Spring once again
And childish thoughts turn away from the din
Cause Summer will be upon us once more
And children and parents will run to the door
With thoughts of spending some time in the sun
And the whole family will once again have great fun.
Burma Shave
Nite Liz
Nite All
Rick Cockrum said
Nite Joe!
Rick Wolff said
Yes, there’s something very relaxing about this. I’m getting all sleepy too, Liz. I enjoyed it! It’s sort of like Twitter, with blinders. (Twitter still my frame of reference, as a newcomer. I know I’m backwards!)
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Terry.
Welcome and no worries, we never think about such things on open comment night.
ME Liz Strauss said
So long, Angela!
Thanks for coming! Great news about the book!!
ME Liz Strauss said
Rick,
I’m a clever commenter
I can
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Isn’t someone who is keen a keener? Just makes sense to me!
ME Liz Strauss said
Glenda,
I might suppose that would be true! I’ve just never heard the word used that way. I thought maybe it was a regional term.
ME Liz Strauss said
Hi Meikah,
sorry I didn’t say hi earlier!
ME Liz Strauss said
And there you go. The urban dictionary entry that Rick brought shows it’s Canadian slang . . . for exactly what you thought, Glenda.
Rick Cockrum said
Glenda – I dare say most Americans have never heard even the word keen used outside of a book.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
yeah Liz, I didn’t realize keener was Canadian slang. Finally something not American.
Meikah Delid said
And our science scholarships really paid much!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Rick, perhaps there needs to be more American keeners?
ME Liz Strauss said
Americans don’t get keen . . . we go crazy!
Rick Cockrum said
Amen to that. Then our educational rankings in the world wouldn’t be so bad.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
re 230 I ain’t touching that one, Liz!
Joe said
:`(
Rick Cockrum said
Joe?
ME Liz Strauss said
Good night, Joe,
I did see your work of art.
Sleepy swell.
Joe said
Rick you said goodnight, but Liz and Glenda didn’t.
I actually thought the little ditty was pretty good and no one noticed.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
ah, Joe, I’m sorry. I liked how you filled it with hope. {hugs and g’night, my friend}
Joe said
Ok, I’m really a kid at heart.
Nite Liz
Nite All (again)
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
[Joe, thanks for not telling Liz about that paper ball that bounced off your head earlier]
Meikah Delid said
No problem, Liz!
There’s a busy thread going you know.
And keeners are?
ME Liz Strauss said
Sleepy Swell doubly swell, Joe.
Rick Cockrum said
Nite again.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
it’s not Tuesday night if Liz doesn’t tuck in joe.
Meikah Delid said
Goodnighty, Joe!
Rick Wolff said
Liz, Glenda, Joe, Marti, Other Rick, everyone else I forgot, goodnight! And thanks! This was fun!
Rick Cockrum said
Good night, Other Other Rick. We’ll see you again soon.
Meikah Delid said
Let me share some useful info here (on blogging and on women)
http://www.retailwire.com/Discussions/Sngl_Discussion.cfm/13173
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
good night RW, nice hanging with you.
ME Liz Strauss said
Thanks for coming, Rick Wolff,
It was fun to have you here!
Rick Cockrum said
Hi, Meikah!
I’m off, too, so goodnight Glenda, Meikah, and any other keeners who like to stay late to school.:)
Bye Liz. Thank you for the evening. ‘Til next time.
Joe said
|-)
ME Liz Strauss said
Good night Rick!
Meikah Delid said
Goodnighty, too, Rick!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Night Rick!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
I am going to slip out too, before I get caught for something. Race ya to the monkey bars!
ME Liz Strauss said
Good night, Glenda!
I think it’s time to go! I just heard the bell!