This Night Owl Blog has given so much!
It is a fun place, we don't bash and we have fun being "tedious"!
We offer advice, give love, lots of free food and an open forum which can be about anything that is important, thought provoking or just plain silly.
And sometimes we just March (some to different drummers, but all together). :)
It is not about a single person, it is about all the people on any given day blended together.....Goldie!
Wow! Iteach...I can see where that would be a conversation starter! Those statistics are impressive.
I remember the first computer I had was a Commodore 64. You had to type in strings of commands, just to get a little "sprite" to float around your screen. What a long way we have come.
My first year in college the computer took up a whole room, which had to be kept at a certain temperature. We had to keypunch cards and feed them into the computer to run a program.
One time I keypunched something wrong and this huge computer, which serviced the entire college and town, was stuck in a "Do Loop". It just did the same thing over and over and no one else could get their programs run. The Computer Dept. at the college spent hours analyzing my cards to find the problem. It was a misplaced COMMA! I was rather famous after that...
Iteach that was an eye opening video! Some of the information I knew already. What it did was just confirm my belief that education is the key and higher education is where we need to be prepared for this new global awakening.
I read a news article the other day that fried my brain and made me pretty mad. Many of the ivy league colleges here in the US are recruiting in China. They are looking for the best and the brightest and giving them full ride scholarships.
It is time they stopped this nonsense and looked at home and made sure every person who wants an education beyond high school had the same advantages that they are getting over seas!
We will not be able to compete globally until this happens!!
I am getting ready to head out soon, as we have 110 free frozen turkeys being donated to the food bank and we have to clean out the freezers.
Whabby wanted to go to the march in Olympia today but duty calls! Anyone out marching for the gay community I am sending you hugs! Go let your voices be heard!
PS staying off of Myspace for a bit until I am sure the ole virus detectors are working fully!
Bon: Mr. Lynn D is leery of the advertising on MySpace also as he is positive that they do not screen the advertisers well and many times those have embedded viruses, Trojans, Malware etc...
I believe in better education for our children but I think all this "instant information" is making us a very stressed, angry and impatient society. We want things now, not in five minutes.
Sorry I know that's not the intent of the video but it's what came to my mind as I read the statistics.
ITEACH...I can't view the vid, but I am all for conversation!
SCIRISH...I remember the keypunch days as well! I took the class in college and I also got a "loop" problem. My programming skills managed to get me hundreds of pages of my social security number! And do you recall it was the big sheets of continuous feed paper with the green and white stripes? LOL!!
LYNN...is myspace safe if you never click on any ads? That is great about the turkeys you guys acquired. I also agree with you about getting our own kids the opportunity of the education they desire but can't afford. Makes little sense to me.
Iteach, Fascinating statistics in that video. It seems no one can do without a computer or cell phone these days and not too long ago we got along fine without either. Things are moving very fast and we must keep up.
Thanks for sharing that video with us. It does make me stop and think about where we are headed and what the next generations will be faced with.
Shirley, I so agree with people wanting things instantly now. The younger generations don't know what it is to wait for anything.
Mo, I remember that continuous paper. We used to make banners with it for holidays and parties. It was a bitch to feed it in the printers, too. If one hole got 'off' it caused quite a mess.
iteach~ interesting video....especially since we are at an education conference...will show the Mr. when he gets back~ My kids know so much more than me....I learn from them. Hubby knows the importance of teaching our kids/his school to keep up with technology....but he wants to balance it with the kids learning to communicate one on one....does that make sense?
HoTUNA...good morning! I agree with hubby...kids need to learn to think and process and communicate without the reliance of computers...so many kids I had working for me couldn't even add or subtract simple numbers without a calculator. If the change amount wasn't on the register screen, they were totally lost as how to count out the customers change. Do school kids know how to use a library and the cards to find books these days? Do they even still have the cards?
SacBarb~ Carol and I are dropping Tom off at the golf course...Mr. Tina is conferencing, and Carol and I are going to breakfast, then Nordstrom Rack and Neiman's~ Then, all four of us are meeting for lunch. After that, who knows...maybe church tonight and dinner~ It's a gorgeous day here.....but then again, when isn't it~ :D
Mo~ you're old!!! what cards? lol~ Yes, my kids know how to look...we have a GREAT librarian~ She keeps up on technology and works with the teachers/computer teacher to teach them the latest~
One of hubby's pet peeves is people on their cell phones constantly. I got a text the other day, and I waited to check it, and he freaking noticed!!! Told me how long it took before i checked it! oh my hell!!!~
Well....i'm off to shower and start my day.....have a fun one everyone~
BTW...I haven't had any problems with Myspace, but I don't click on the ads. Once in a while my computer will start running really slow so I run a spyware program and that takes care of it.
Mo some of those damn adds you just have to brush past them not even click and it can cause havoc! I really wish some of these people would spend their time creating a virus software that detects the trouble and shoots back a virus to the originating source and poof goes their computer! I know mean but I am feeling very vengeful towards these trouble makers!
Tina I think I love your husband! Sounds like he and I feel the same about cell phones! LOL Have fun shopping!
Sacbarb sounds like you are having a restful stay. Wish your weather was here. It is cold and frosty this morning.
Waving at Scrishy and Shirley and anyone else who lands. See ya all later!
Wow, I bet you were rather famous after that...that is a funny story!!
Good morning and Happy Saturday to LynnD, sacbarb, shirley, Mo & Tina...finally only a hand full of names so I can actually write them all. Usually by the time I get on at night there are so many names, it would take me an hour to scroll up and down trying to get them all.
Iteach, All those facts were overwhelming to me, too. It's a lot to take in. Another thing I have noticed with my grandson is he was almost always inside playing computer games. My son tried to get him interested in soccer or Little League and he played one season of each, but didn't want to play anymore snd his mother (my son's ex) didn't encourage it.
Whenever we were together he was engrossed in whatever hand held game he had. Trying to carry on a conversation with him was a real chore. We always limited computer time for our kids, but neither parent did that with him.
I think that's sad. He seems to be single focused. He is 17 now and it's still hard to have a conversation with him.
Iteach...I remember there being a hubbub about students using calculators. Many people were afraid that kids would depend on them too much and not have the necessary math skills. The same concerns were expressed about spell check. To my way of thinking the basics need to be taught, but so do the use of tools. After all we teach kids to use a dictionary.
Iteach: I think that technology is like a runaway train or a snow ball rolling down hill. We won't know what happens in the future because it creates its own problems as it goes along. Hopefully, as technology grows we will have the ability to use it to its fullest intent. If my children are any indication, we will. They are so savvy on this stuff and it comes really naturally to them.
I hear even right now that there are 1 & 2 year olds that can work the computer. The whole issue is starting young, making sure they have the access to it. The children of lower incomes need to be on it, so they are not playing catch up in 3rd & 4th grade to the kids who have been exposed to it.
Scirish: I remember that too and now some of the math that my children are learning in high school wouldn't have been taught until they were a sophomore in college. They can input the formulas and solve much more complicated problems than ever before.
By about 8th grade or so, my children were required to have the scientific calculators that cost about $130 (now). I had to by 4 and I only had three kids because my son got one taken. All three of my kids still use the ones that I bought them though. The have a lot of capability and they are required .
SacBarb- I know what you are saying. I see the same thing in my room. Too many children playing computer/ video games and they have no idea on how to engage in a conversation. Totally see it!
For the record, I do not use calculators in my room. :) lol
Scirish, Mo & Sacbarb: I remember that paper too. It was CRAZY when it got off by one of those little nobs. Funny. Do you remember CARBON PAPER...omg, that was a MESS too.
To me it seems like it is all about balance. Balancing and using technology to benefit but not allowing it to overtake our lives. Hard to do! How many other people do you all know who got the expansion to World of Warcraft two days ago? I am sure that there are many WOW widows this weekend. My son is playing it like crazy. My nephew is into it (he's 13). My brother plays it like crazy (he's 29).
sacbarb...I just read somewhere that today's kids communicate more by text than they do face to face, which if true, should be a cause for concern. On the other hand, I know that my SO's kids have typing and eye/hand coordination skills ten times better than mine and boy do they ever TALK!
Toast (white, raisin, WW, brown) Jams, jellies, marmalade & PB Fresh fruit Gingerbread Pancakes Warm maple syrup Cinnamon french toast Oatmeal Homemade hashbrowns Eggs any sytle Sausages Bacon (reg or turkey) Assorted muffins Assorted danish Croissants Juices Smoothies Milk (soy, white, chocolate) Diet pepsi for Zona Diet Mountain Dew for Hartldo Slimfast for Tinka and Bebbi Water Coffee Tea
Yay for the Slimfast..thanks Shirley!! Yum, :) I had it and I feel good. You make the best breakfasts. Where have you been the last couple of day? Did you get the whole humidifier/CPAP thing all worked out and functioning?
Bebbi I'm sorry I didn't comment on your blog yesterday. I liked the pictures you provided. I'm not big on wishes. I know I'm probably in the minority on this but I think wishes are just something fun for kids. But what the hell do I know. If you want to wish upon a star or throw pennies in a well who am I to argue with you. Go for it!
I'm sorry, my comments today seem to be on the extreme negative side. I'll just come back when I have something positive to contribute.
Shirley: Reading your list, it made me laugh. We are all kind of picky about our breakfasts..even cyber ones!! LOL. :) Love that you notice all that. :)
Oh shirley, I understand. That was one of the things I was trying to say in the blog. It is easy to get cynical. I do to. I just try and fight it. Like I am trying to fight for my health right now too. I completely understand and your "negativity" is something we all feel on occasion so you go right ahead and have a bad day and I will be right here with my arm around ya. :)
We can't always be all "sunshine and roses" round here. And if we were, we wouldn't be real people with REAL problems and real heartaches!
I will say that I need to send you some Rose colored glasses. My mother is an expert, and has many pairs. I will just take a pair from her and send them to ya!
Iteach - That is some video. I knew a few of those facts but learned a lot from it. I know the Asian technology is ahead of us. I found that out when I had the students from Asia. A high percentage of the population of Victoria University is made up of Asian students. They pay four times what the Canadian students do. I think the University would not have the money to function if it were not for them. There are, however, some 'hard feelings' here with that issue because they have made the entry standards so high, (I think you have to have at least a B+ average to be considered for entry). A lot of my friends' kids who wanted to go to University and were smart kids just weren't accepted. I was lucky all three of my kids got through.
Whabbear - Good luck today. My thoughts and positive energy will be with you. There isn't a protest in Victoria but there is one in Vancouver.
Iteach - I wonder about one of the last statements on the video that "future communication and technology will stop all wars". I hope that is true but I am not sure about that one.
My first computer was so slow, it would take 5 minutes to warm up and 10 minutes to download my e-mail. I would get on my stationary bike and ride until I could see my mail. Now with a new Mac Intel, someone can send me 50 pictures and they come on instantly. I just take it for granted now but was thrilled when I got my first high speed computer and Internet.
Lynn - So far, the trolls have not been able to send viruses to Macs. They are trying hard and we do have anti virus programmes in place, just in case. There will be someone somewhere who will find a way. It was explained to us the reason for the difficulty trolls are having is the fact that each new model of the Macs start from scratch and the PC's add on to what they already have. That is also why they are so expensive. We started with "Apple" in our schools and that is why I stayed with Macs but I am not sorry I did.
Shirley - I haven't had one of your lovely breakfasts for a while. I will have fresh fruit, gingerbread pancakes, sausages and tea. I will take the Slim Fast for my lunch. After that big breakfast I will need it.
My fires are going out and I need food. I will be back later. Have a great day owls.
Scirish, first again--yea! I hope your procedure works and soon!
iteach, I hadn't seen all those figures before! Pretty amazing stuff. Yes, we have smart boards here in our schools and they are fabulous. You can also print out or send to the computer whatever you did that day. So, my kids can get on their teacher's website and look at what they did that day and even print out homework, etc. You're going to love it!
Bebbi, I didn't get a chance to get online yesterday but wanted to tell you I enjoyed your blog. I love making wishes, too! Do you ever hold your feet up in the car when you go over railroad tracks and make a wish? We always did that when we were kids. We have lots of tracks around here and I still do that--even when I'm driving! LOL
We're taking my parents out to dinner tonight for their 55th Anniversary. I'm looking forward to a nice steak--all three bites of it! LOL
Hi all owls! I SEE you, just don't have time right now to name you! Have a great day.
I know this video is supposed to start conversations, but it left me speechless and in tears momentarily. The music may have contributed to some of it. Technology has contributed so much to medicine, education,science etc., however we have also lost so much because of it. Do we live in the moment anymore? Or, maybe we live in the moment, but the wrong moment. You are right ITEACH, this does lead to so many conversations. I could ramble on and on, but I won't. Just one more thing. Our country has been so focused on who may attack us that in the meantime do we (collective we)see that our schools are disintegrating? Also, is this in part due to families disintegrating? And, is that in part due to the misuse of technology?
Thank you for the video. I am going to go back and listen to it again.
I haven't read comments yet, however I glanced at the nest and want to say hello to everyone. I am so happy to see TINK here again today and..... SHIRELY, I missed you yesterday.
scirish Congrats on #1 today. I'm so sorry that you are not yet feeling any improvement.
Shirley Thanks for the yummy breakfast. You made me LOL @ Maureen's breakfast!
iteach Great subject for the blog today. We use such a small percent of our brain as it is, I just worry that we are making ourselves obsolete through technology. We are becoming so dependent on machines, are we "dumbing down" mankind? In the future, if computers collapsed world-wide, would people know how to spell or do simple division and multiplication? Could they figure out problems on their own? Hmmm....lots to think about.
Good Morning Sandie and Lani - It's good to be here. I love this nest. The sun is shining and we are about to go on a lovely walk and kick some leaves. Then we will have a nap and maybe decorate the dolls' room. The Teddy Bear room is done. For those who don't approve of early decorating (and I have a son-in-law who strongly objects to it,) I will close those rooms off until the end of November. I have too many rooms to do it all in December. I don't like being stressed by it.
Lani - Thanks for the lovely letter you sent me yesterday. I really appreciated it.
Sandie - I love making wishes too. I have never heard of the railroad tracks one. Since we do not have any tracks in Victoria, I guess I won't be able to try that soon. I love throwing coins in the fountains at Butchart's. The money goes to charity so I guess it helps make someone wish come true even if mine doesn't each and every time.
Those leaves are calling me so I will see you all this afternoon. Have a great day everyone.
Hi Tinka!! So glad you're feeling better today. Sometimes when I throw a penny in the fountain at the mall, I wish that the person that threw a penny before me has their wish come true! It's often a better feeling than making my own wish!
Sandie: I never heard of the railroad tracks one but we used to hold our breath and make a wish over bridges. It's kind of dangerous on the long ones..sometimes I would just wish I could breath! ;)
If anyone watches "The Girls Next Door", Holly shows Hef a picture of his soon to be new girlfriends (twins) on the episode tonight. I was watching 101 best SNL moments..it was so good. Took me way back on some of them.
I am. Only got 5446 steps today. I had about 300 steps at 1pm. Had a migraine and was taking it easy. It is cold and rainy here. What about where you are?
Just stopping in after a fabulous dinner out with my family and my parents. Yummmm ....
I just got a message from Donna asking me to let you all know that she has not been in the nest due to her extremely busy schedule, a Dad who is failing, in-laws with health issues, funerals, a torn apart basement (contractors are fixing) and a sick daughter. I think she could use some hugs and prayers from the owls (maybe on myspace). She said she misses everyone and will get back as soon as she can.
Oh, and she had good news, too--she's lost 54 pounds! Go Donna! (I told her no wonder, she has no time to eat!)
I know you probably won't see this but BIG GIANT hugs Donna!!
Sandie: Thanks for the update on Donna!! I know she was having a lot of stuff going on.
Donna: If you get a chance to read this here...WOW 54 pounds!! You got me beat girl! I am going to have to try and catch up!! Awesome. I miss you lots and lots around here. Come back as soon as you can.
Just-Lin- It is quiet today. I think everyone must be with Whabbear protesting. You did a lot of marching today. Was that for Bear?
Bebbi - The weather here has been beautiful today. I just love it. I got sick of the rain so fast this year. I am going to get all my rain gear together and that of Tango's and Tia's so we will be ready to get outside on the next rainy day. I think just getting outside even if the weather is poor makes one feel better. At least I know it helps me. None of my winter boots really keep me dry so I bought a pair of old fashioned rubber boots that come almost to my knees. I will probably be the talk of the neighbourhood because they are pink plaid but I don't care. I will be dry.
Sandie - Thanks for telling us about Donna. I will send her a pretty picture comment to cheer her up.
Donna - ((((( Hugs ))))) from Tango, Tia and Tinka.
I decorated the guest room. It looks really pretty. I am going to shut down for the night now. Brian wants me to go to a toy show tomorrow. It's funny how there will be hundreds of people there looking for toys and 95% of them will be men. You rarely see a child there. I love finding just the right toy that I have been looking for.
Have a great night. See you all in the morning light. Wow, I am a poet.
Tink: I was just thinking that today, when I was walking, that I needed nice rain/snow boots. I had the dogs raincoats on the other day when I took them out in the rain. I didn't take them today because it was so rainy we had a LOT of puddles and leaves. I will try and get them out tomorrow though for a long walk. I completely agree with what you are saying about getting out even when it is bad makes me feel better too.
Iteach: The Old Navy deals sounded good. I am not doing much for Christmas this year, but I have to go out shopping sometime, I guess. I should try the online thing.
iteach...great blog and great video. I find computers and technology and the rate they change to be abit daunting, but I am so grateful for the advances that have been made in technology and computers and such for kids with special needs. It is unbeleivable what is out there, and it seems to change and get better all the time. It touches the heartstrings to see a child who finds it difficult to communicate, to be able to do that through a computer! Amazing!!!
Okay, this sickie is heading back to the couch...just wanted to say hi to my Owl friends!
Well, don' I feel like a loser. All of you are so industrious, and I am sitting here like a lazy lug. I need to give my house a good once over and I certainly need to lose weight.
DONNA, My thought are with you. I am sorry things are so rough for you right now.
I think when I get up in the morning I will take a deep breath and think of all my industrious owl buddies and get with the program.
I envy all of you who have rain. It just doesn't seem to like to rain here in the Bay Area.
VIG, I am sorry you are still under the weather. I hope tomorrow will be a new better day. You are so right about the devices used by those who cannot speak. My daughter takes care of a boy who had a stroke as a baby and his devise is a blessing, as it lets us know what he is feeling and wants to communicate to us.
When you mess up it give you a message that says your html is not closed but it show < b / > as the problem. It actually should be < / b >. So now I know why it wouldn't work!! Thanks Tink!
124 comments:
Wow! Iteach...I can see where that would be a conversation starter! Those statistics are impressive.
I remember the first computer I had was a Commodore 64. You had to type in strings of commands, just to get a little "sprite" to float around your screen. What a long way we have come.
My first year in college the computer took up a whole room, which had to be kept at a certain temperature. We had to keypunch cards and feed them into the computer to run a program.
One time I keypunched something wrong and this huge computer, which serviced the entire college and town, was stuck in a "Do Loop". It just did the same thing over and over and no one else could get their programs run. The Computer Dept. at the college spent hours analyzing my cards to find the problem. It was a misplaced COMMA! I was rather famous after that...
Morning Glories!
Congrats on first Scrishy!
Iteach that was an eye opening video! Some of the information I knew already. What it did was just confirm my belief that education is the key and higher education is where we need to be prepared for this new global awakening.
I read a news article the other day that fried my brain and made me pretty mad. Many of the ivy league colleges here in the US are recruiting in China. They are looking for the best and the brightest and giving them full ride scholarships.
It is time they stopped this nonsense and looked at home and made sure every person who wants an education beyond high school had the same advantages that they are getting over seas!
We will not be able to compete globally until this happens!!
I am getting ready to head out soon, as we have 110 free frozen turkeys being donated to the food bank and we have to clean out the freezers.
Whabby wanted to go to the march in Olympia today but duty calls! Anyone out marching for the gay community I am sending you hugs! Go let your voices be heard!
PS staying off of Myspace for a bit until I am sure the ole virus detectors are working fully!
Bon: Mr. Lynn D is leery of the advertising on MySpace also as he is positive that they do not screen the advertisers well and many times those have embedded viruses, Trojans, Malware etc...
Good morning Scirish and LynnD.
Scirish, The first computers we got in our house were Commodores, too, only they were for the kids. My Hubby and I never thought we would use one. Ha!
Lynn, I'm off MySpace too, at least while I am in SD. However, with what I am reading from you and Bon, it may be permanent.
Good morning and congrats on 1st Scirish!
Good morning Lynn D and Sacbarb!
Interesting blog Iteach!
I believe in better education for our children but I think all this "instant information" is making us a very stressed, angry and impatient society. We want things now, not in five minutes.
Sorry I know that's not the intent of the video but it's what came to my mind as I read the statistics.
Good morning feathered friends!
ITEACH...I can't view the vid, but I am all for conversation!
SCIRISH...I remember the keypunch days as well! I took the class in college and I also got a "loop" problem. My programming skills managed to get me hundreds of pages of my social security number! And do you recall it was the big sheets of continuous feed paper with the green and white stripes? LOL!!
LYNN...is myspace safe if you never click on any ads? That is great about the turkeys you guys
acquired. I also agree with you about getting our own kids the opportunity of the education they desire but can't afford. Makes little sense to me.
SACBARB...good morning!
Hope everyone has a greatg day today.
SHIRLEY...good morning!
Iteach, Fascinating statistics in that video. It seems no one can do without a computer or cell phone these days and not too long ago we got along fine without either. Things are moving very fast and we must keep up.
Thanks for sharing that video with us. It does make me stop and think about where we are headed and what the next generations will be faced with.
Good morning Shirley and Mo.
Shirley, I so agree with people wanting things instantly now. The younger generations don't know what it is to wait for anything.
Mo, I remember that continuous paper. We used to make banners with it for holidays and parties. It was a bitch to feed it in the printers, too. If one hole got 'off' it caused quite a mess.
iteach~ interesting video....especially since we are at an education conference...will show the Mr. when he gets back~ My kids know so much more than me....I learn from them. Hubby knows the importance of teaching our kids/his school to keep up with technology....but he wants to balance it with the kids learning to communicate one on one....does that make sense?
Scirish~ congrats on first~
Good morning Lynn D, Sacbarb, Shirley, and Mo~
Tina, so that's what you are doing in AZ! What's on your agenda for today?
SHIRLEY...umm, I'm really hungry. Can you make us breakfast..NOW!!!
SCIRISH...how did your procedure go? Are you feeling better?
HoTUNA...good morning! I agree with hubby...kids need to learn to think and process and communicate without the reliance of computers...so many kids I had working for me couldn't even add or subtract simple numbers without a calculator. If the change amount wasn't on the register screen, they were totally lost as how to count out the customers change. Do school kids know how to use a library and the cards to find books these days? Do they even still have the cards?
SacBarb~ Carol and I are dropping Tom off at the golf course...Mr. Tina is conferencing, and Carol and I are going to breakfast, then Nordstrom Rack and Neiman's~ Then, all four of us are meeting for lunch. After that, who knows...maybe church tonight and dinner~ It's a gorgeous day here.....but then again, when isn't it~ :D
Mo~ you're old!!! what cards? lol~ Yes, my kids know how to look...we have a GREAT librarian~ She keeps up on technology and works with the teachers/computer teacher to teach them the latest~
One of hubby's pet peeves is people on their cell phones constantly. I got a text the other day, and I waited to check it, and he freaking noticed!!! Told me how long it took before i checked it! oh my hell!!!~
Well....i'm off to shower and start my day.....have a fun one everyone~
Mo...I do remember that paper...what fun it was when it jammed...not!
It's too early to tell about the procedure...they said it might take up to two weeks to see if it worked..so far, nothing :(
Tina, sounds like a fun day. It's gorgeous here in San Diego, too, as always.
BTW...I haven't had any problems with Myspace, but I don't click on the ads. Once in a while my computer will start running really slow so I run a spyware program and that takes care of it.
This video was played at last Monday's teacher institute day.
The conversation after the video took off into many different topics.
This clip actually made one of the first grade teachers cry, because it was too overwhelming for her.
Some were skeptical and were not overwhelmed.
Others were concerned about our teacher methods and if we were pointing our students into the right direction.
I don't think there could be a right or wrong anaylis to this video. That is the beauty of it.
I'm really really enjoying everyone's thoughts! :)
Just checking back before I fly out the door.
Mo some of those damn adds you just have to brush past them not even click and it can cause havoc! I really wish some of these people would spend their time creating a virus software that detects the trouble and shoots back a virus to the originating source and poof goes their computer! I know mean but I am feeling very vengeful towards these trouble makers!
Tina I think I love your husband! Sounds like he and I feel the same about cell phones! LOL Have fun shopping!
Sacbarb sounds like you are having a restful stay. Wish your weather was here. It is cold and frosty this morning.
Waving at Scrishy and Shirley and anyone else who lands. See ya all later!
Hi, scirish, Lynn D, SacBarb, Shirley, 'weenie, Tina, and Iteach!
Busy morning here... we're off to the protest in front of San Francisco City Hall!
Rossblogger SanFranJoe is going to meet us!
Have a great national day of protest, owls!
Our district just recieved a huge technology grant that is to be used for "smartboards".
Have you ever heard of them?
They will take the place of my chalkboard in my classroom.
I can use my hands or special "markers" to work the board. It is all operated by a computer. It is truly amazing.
There is a projector hooked to the ceiling and a computer nearby that helps you operate it.
The children are suppose to use all the time too.
We can do our math lessons on it and look up anything on the internet with it.
Congrats on first scirish and good morning.
Wow, I bet you were rather famous after that...that is a funny story!!
Good morning and Happy Saturday to LynnD, sacbarb, shirley, Mo & Tina...finally only a hand full of names so I can actually write them all. Usually by the time I get on at night there are so many names, it would take me an hour to scroll up and down trying to get them all.
I hope everyone has a great Saturday!!
Good luck Whabby! Tell SanFranJoe, hi, I remember him.
I will be thinking of you all day!
Iteach, All those facts were overwhelming to me, too. It's a lot to take in. Another thing I have noticed with my grandson is he was almost always inside playing computer games. My son tried to get him interested in soccer or Little League and he played one season of each, but didn't want to play anymore snd his mother (my son's ex) didn't encourage it.
Whenever we were together he was engrossed in whatever hand held game he had. Trying to carry on a conversation with him was a real chore. We always limited computer time for our kids, but neither parent did that with him.
I think that's sad. He seems to be single focused. He is 17 now and it's still hard to have a conversation with him.
Iteach...I remember there being a hubbub about students using calculators. Many people were afraid that kids would depend on them too much and not have the necessary math skills. The same concerns were expressed about spell check. To my way of thinking the basics need to be taught, but so do the use of tools. After all we teach kids to use a dictionary.
LynnD: Have fun cleaning out the freezers.
Iteach: I think that technology is like a runaway train or a snow ball rolling down hill. We won't know what happens in the future because it creates its own problems as it goes along. Hopefully, as technology grows we will have the ability to use it to its fullest intent. If my children are any indication, we will. They are so savvy on this stuff and it comes really naturally to them.
I hear even right now that there are 1 & 2 year olds that can work the computer. The whole issue is starting young, making sure they have the access to it. The children of lower incomes need to be on it, so they are not playing catch up in 3rd & 4th grade to the kids who have been exposed to it.
Scirish: I remember that too and now some of the math that my children are learning in high school wouldn't have been taught until they were a sophomore in college. They can input the formulas and solve much more complicated problems than ever before.
By about 8th grade or so, my children were required to have the scientific calculators that cost about $130 (now). I had to by 4 and I only had three kids because my son got one taken. All three of my kids still use the ones that I bought them though. The have a lot of capability and they are required .
SacBarb- I know what you are saying. I see the same thing in my room. Too many children playing computer/ video games and they have no idea on how to engage in a conversation. Totally see it!
For the record, I do not use calculators in my room. :) lol
Scirish, Mo & Sacbarb: I remember that paper too. It was CRAZY when it got off by one of those little nobs. Funny. Do you remember CARBON PAPER...omg, that was a MESS too.
To me it seems like it is all about balance. Balancing and using technology to benefit but not allowing it to overtake our lives. Hard to do! How many other people do you all know who got the expansion to World of Warcraft two days ago? I am sure that there are many WOW widows this weekend. My son is playing it like crazy. My nephew is into it (he's 13). My brother plays it like crazy (he's 29).
Any WOW addicts in your families?
sacbarb...I just read somewhere that today's kids communicate more by text than they do face to face, which if true, should be a cause for concern. On the other hand, I know that my SO's kids have typing and eye/hand coordination skills ten times better than mine and boy do they ever TALK!
Breakfast for Maureen
Dry toast
Coffee
Breakfast for everyone else
Toast (white, raisin, WW, brown)
Jams, jellies, marmalade & PB
Fresh fruit
Gingerbread Pancakes
Warm maple syrup
Cinnamon french toast
Oatmeal
Homemade hashbrowns
Eggs any sytle
Sausages
Bacon (reg or turkey)
Assorted muffins
Assorted danish
Croissants
Juices
Smoothies
Milk (soy, white, chocolate)
Diet pepsi for Zona
Diet Mountain Dew for Hartldo
Slimfast for Tinka and Bebbi
Water
Coffee
Tea
Enjoy!
Mo...nope...no more cards at our local library either. I know what you mean about kids at the cash register counting change..
Yay for the Slimfast..thanks Shirley!! Yum, :) I had it and I feel good. You make the best breakfasts. Where have you been the last couple of day? Did you get the whole humidifier/CPAP thing all worked out and functioning?
Bebbi I'm sorry I didn't comment on your blog yesterday. I liked the pictures you provided. I'm not big on wishes. I know I'm probably in the minority on this but I think wishes are just something fun for kids. But what the hell do I know. If you want to wish upon a star or throw pennies in a well who am I to argue with you. Go for it!
I'm sorry, my comments today seem to be on the extreme negative side. I'll just come back when I have something positive to contribute.
Shirley: Reading your list, it made me laugh. We are all kind of picky about our breakfasts..even cyber ones!! LOL. :) Love that you notice all that. :)
Oh shirley, I understand. That was one of the things I was trying to say in the blog. It is easy to get cynical. I do to. I just try and fight it. Like I am trying to fight for my health right now too. I completely understand and your "negativity" is something we all feel on occasion so you go right ahead and have a bad day and I will be right here with my arm around ya. :)
We can't always be all "sunshine and roses" round here. And if we were, we wouldn't be real people with REAL problems and real heartaches!
I will say that I need to send you some Rose colored glasses. My mother is an expert, and has many pairs. I will just take a pair from her and send them to ya!
Whabby: Good luck to you today. I hope the protest goes well.
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Maureen I apologize about the breakfast comment. It was my feable attemp at humor. Sorry.
Good Morning Scirish, first again, Lynn, SacBarb, Shirley, Maureen, Tina, Iteach, Whabbear, and Bebbi. Hope you are having a fun Saturday.
Good Morning to all owls who are still arriving.
Morning Tinky Dink! :) It's COLD here today..even inside. I think we will have snow tonight.
Iteach - That is some video. I knew a few of those facts but learned a lot from it. I know the Asian technology is ahead of us. I found that out when I had the students from Asia. A high percentage of the population of Victoria University is made up of Asian students. They pay four times what the Canadian students do. I think the University would not have the money to function if it were not for them. There are, however, some 'hard feelings' here with that issue because they have made the entry standards so high, (I think you have to have at least a B+ average to be considered for entry). A lot of my friends' kids who wanted to go to University and were smart kids just weren't accepted. I was lucky all three of my kids got through.
Whabbear - Good luck today. My thoughts and positive energy will be with you. There isn't a protest in Victoria but there is one in Vancouver.
Iteach - I wonder about one of the last statements on the video that "future communication and technology will stop all wars". I hope that is true but I am not sure about that one.
My first computer was so slow, it would take 5 minutes to warm up and 10 minutes to download my e-mail. I would get on my stationary bike and ride until I could see my mail. Now with a new Mac Intel, someone can send me 50 pictures and they come on instantly. I just take it for granted now but was thrilled when I got my first high speed computer and Internet.
Lynn - So far, the trolls have not been able to send viruses to Macs. They are trying hard and we do have anti virus programmes in place, just in case. There will be someone somewhere who will find a way. It was explained to us the reason for the difficulty trolls are having is the fact that each new model of the Macs start from scratch and the PC's add on to what they already have. That is also why they are so expensive. We started with "Apple" in our schools and that is why I stayed with Macs but I am not sorry I did.
VIG - I hope you are feeling better and that you stay home and warm today.
Zona-my-Baby - I hope you hit Tina back when she hit you. "Nobody puts my baby in a corner".
Tina - Have fun in Arizona and please be kind to my daughter.
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Shirley - I haven't had one of your lovely breakfasts for a while. I will have fresh fruit, gingerbread pancakes, sausages and tea. I will take the Slim Fast for my lunch. After that big breakfast I will need it.
My fires are going out and I need food. I will be back later. Have a great day owls.
SHIRLEY..at least you gave me some coffee!! And NOOOO, I am not offended or mad...that was FUNNY!
besides, I put on a mask and snuck back in and had a ginormous plate of eggs, bacon, hasbrowns, fruit and a muffin. neener, neener, neener!
LOL Mo!! too funny. :) I thought I saw someone I didn't recognize when I was having my slim fast!
Scirish, first again--yea! I hope your procedure works and soon!
iteach, I hadn't seen all those figures before! Pretty amazing stuff. Yes, we have smart boards here in our schools and they are fabulous. You can also print out or send to the computer whatever you did that day. So, my kids can get on their teacher's website and look at what they did that day and even print out homework, etc. You're going to love it!
Bebbi, I didn't get a chance to get online yesterday but wanted to tell you I enjoyed your blog. I love making wishes, too! Do you ever hold your feet up in the car when you go over railroad tracks and make a wish? We always did that when we were kids. We have lots of tracks around here and I still do that--even when I'm driving! LOL
We're taking my parents out to dinner tonight for their 55th Anniversary. I'm looking forward to a nice steak--all three bites of it! LOL
Hi all owls! I SEE you, just don't have time right now to name you! Have a great day.
I know this video is supposed to start conversations, but it left me speechless and in tears momentarily. The music may have contributed to some of it. Technology has contributed so much to medicine, education,science etc., however we have also lost so much because of it. Do we live in the moment anymore? Or, maybe we live in the moment, but the wrong moment. You are right ITEACH, this does lead to so many conversations. I could ramble on and on, but I won't. Just one more thing. Our country has been so focused on who may attack us that in the meantime do we (collective we)see that our schools are disintegrating? Also, is this in part due to families disintegrating? And, is that in part due to the misuse of technology?
Thank you for the video. I am going to go back and listen to it again.
I haven't read comments yet, however I glanced at the nest and want to say hello to everyone. I am so happy to see TINK here again today and..... SHIRELY, I missed you yesterday.
scirish Congrats on #1 today. I'm so sorry that you are not yet feeling any improvement.
Shirley Thanks for the yummy breakfast. You made me LOL @ Maureen's breakfast!
iteach Great subject for the blog today. We use such a small percent of our brain as it is, I just worry that we are making ourselves obsolete through technology. We are becoming so dependent on machines, are we "dumbing down" mankind? In the future, if computers collapsed world-wide, would people know how to spell or do simple division and multiplication? Could they figure out problems on their own? Hmmm....lots to think about.
BTW, J/L, thanks for the QOTD! I just noticed it! We really do that, too! LOL
Good Morning Sandie and Lani - It's good to be here. I love this nest. The sun is shining and we are about to go on a lovely walk and kick some leaves. Then we will have a nap and maybe decorate the dolls' room. The Teddy Bear room is done. For those who don't approve of early decorating (and I have a son-in-law who strongly objects to it,) I will close those rooms off until the end of November. I have too many rooms to do it all in December. I don't like being stressed by it.
Lani - Thanks for the lovely letter you sent me yesterday. I really appreciated it.
Sandie - I love making wishes too. I have never heard of the railroad tracks one. Since we do not have any tracks in Victoria, I guess I won't be able to try that soon. I love throwing coins in the fountains at Butchart's. The money goes to charity so I guess it helps make someone wish come true even if mine doesn't each and every time.
Those leaves are calling me so I will see you all this afternoon.
Have a great day everyone.
Hi Tinka!! So glad you're feeling better today. Sometimes when I throw a penny in the fountain at the mall, I wish that the person that threw a penny before me has their wish come true! It's often a better feeling than making my own wish!
Gotta go. Have a good day, all.
Sandie What a lovely idea. Kind of a "pay it forward" thing.
Sandie: I never heard of the railroad tracks one but we used to hold our breath and make a wish over bridges. It's kind of dangerous on the long ones..sometimes I would just wish I could breath! ;)
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Ooooh, I did that with no one watching. :)
Nice one, J/L, congrats! (I was peeking)
Bebbi LOL :D
If anyone watches "The Girls Next Door", Holly shows Hef a picture of his soon to be new girlfriends (twins) on the episode tonight. I was watching 101 best SNL moments..it was so good. Took me way back on some of them.
It sure is quiet in the nest today. Is everyone else having a low energy day like I am?
I am. Only got 5446 steps today. I had about 300 steps at 1pm. Had a migraine and was taking it easy. It is cold and rainy here. What about where you are?
Just stopping in after a fabulous dinner out with my family and my parents. Yummmm ....
I just got a message from Donna asking me to let you all know that she has not been in the nest due to her extremely busy schedule, a Dad who is failing, in-laws with health issues, funerals, a torn apart basement (contractors are fixing) and a sick daughter. I think she could use some hugs and prayers from the owls (maybe on myspace). She said she misses everyone and will get back as soon as she can.
Oh, and she had good news, too--she's lost 54 pounds! Go Donna! (I told her no wonder, she has no time to eat!)
I know you probably won't see this but BIG GIANT hugs Donna!!
Sandie- Thank you so much for that update!
Big hugs for all what she is going through!
You're welcome, iteach! Are you having a good day?
Bebbi- It is cold here today.
I did a lot of online shopping today.
Old Navy had 20% off, if you use your old navy card. I bought five items of clothing for $32, I thought that went well.
Clothes for little ones are pretty cheap. I'm not looking forward to the price you have to pay when children are out of toddler clothing.
Yes, I'm having a great day.
The kids are at grandma's house right now visting there out of town cousins. I'm leaving in about 30 minutes to join them.
I stayed back to finish cleaning, shopping, and making my food menu for the week.
Sandie: Thanks for the update on Donna!! I know she was having a lot of stuff going on.
Donna: If you get a chance to read this here...WOW 54 pounds!! You got me beat girl! I am going to have to try and catch up!! Awesome. I miss you lots and lots around here. Come back as soon as you can.
Good for you, iteach! Have fun at grandma's house.
Hey Bebbi! At the rate you're going, I'm sure you'll catch up in no time!
Just-Lin- It is quiet today. I think everyone must be with Whabbear protesting. You did a lot of marching today. Was that for Bear?
Bebbi - The weather here has been beautiful today. I just love it. I got sick of the rain so fast this year. I am going to get all my rain gear together and that of Tango's and Tia's so we will be ready to get outside on the next rainy day. I think just getting outside even if the weather is poor makes one feel better. At least I know it helps me. None of my winter boots really keep me dry so I bought a pair of old fashioned rubber boots that come almost to my knees. I will probably be the talk of the neighbourhood because they are pink plaid but I don't care. I will be dry.
Sandie - Thanks for telling us about Donna. I will send her a pretty picture comment to cheer her up.
Donna - ((((( Hugs ))))) from Tango, Tia and Tinka.
I decorated the guest room. It looks really pretty. I am going to shut down for the night now. Brian wants me to go to a toy show tomorrow. It's funny how there will be hundreds of people there looking for toys and 95% of them will be men. You rarely see a child there. I love finding just the right toy that I have been looking for.
Have a great night. See you all in the morning light. Wow, I am a poet.
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Hi Iteach. We must have been typing at the same time.
Tink: I was just thinking that today, when I was walking, that I needed nice rain/snow boots. I had the dogs raincoats on the other day when I took them out in the rain. I didn't take them today because it was so rainy we had a LOT of puddles and leaves. I will try and get them out tomorrow though for a long walk. I completely agree with what you are saying about getting out even when it is bad makes me feel better too.
I am trying Sandie, 42 lbs isn't so bad either.
Iteach: The Old Navy deals sounded good. I am not doing much for Christmas this year, but I have to go out shopping sometime, I guess. I should try the online thing.
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iteach...great blog and great video. I find computers and technology and the rate they change to be abit daunting, but I am so grateful for the advances that have been made in technology and computers and such for kids with special needs. It is unbeleivable what is out there, and it seems to change and get better all the time. It touches the heartstrings to see a child who finds it difficult to communicate, to be able to do that through a computer! Amazing!!!
Okay, this sickie is heading back to the couch...just wanted to say hi to my Owl friends!
Well, don' I feel like a loser. All of you are so industrious, and I am sitting here like a lazy lug. I need to give my house a good once over and I certainly need to lose weight.
DONNA, My thought are with you. I am sorry things are so rough for you right now.
I think when I get up in the morning I will take a deep breath and think of all my industrious owl buddies and get with the program.
I envy all of you who have rain. It just doesn't seem to like to rain here in the Bay Area.
Tinka I was definitely with Bear in spirit.
Bebbi You continue to be an inspiration. I really admire your commitment.
DONNA/Hart I hope things get better soon. (((HUGS)))
Hey Vig: I hope you get to feeling better!
Hi Lani!!
Thanks Just Lin! :)
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/b ******100!!!******
I never can remember how to do bold..lol sheesh.
Hi BEBBI, You are my inspiration.
VIG, I am sorry you are still under the weather. I hope tomorrow will be a new better day. You are so right about the devices used by those who cannot speak. My daughter takes care of a boy who had a stroke as a baby and his devise is a blessing, as it lets us know what he is feeling and wants to communicate to us.
test
Okay it finally worked again! I am so dumb when it comes to this stuff. I know I have been told several times
Bebbi - I just sent you two messages telling you how to do bold. Ignore the first message. I made a mistake. The second one is right. Hope it helps.
I am off to bed. Have a great night everyone. Love, Tinka
I haven't marched today.
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When you mess up it give you a message that says your html is not closed but it show < b / > as the problem. It actually should be < / b >. So now I know why it wouldn't work!! Thanks Tink!
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Bebbi - I taught you how to do bold and then you stepped on me. Is that being a good girl?LOL
113 Now the numbers should be right unless someone steps on me again.
They are right.
Good Night.
I am becoming such a poet.
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OOpss Sorry Tink!
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Practice makes perfect ~ 120!
Okay, I am heading off to bed. Sweet Dreams to all who fly in later and goodnight. Thanks again, Tink!
Nighters
122 to keep it even
iteach: I HAVE to post on this topic, but MUST have dinner first.
More later...
iteach~ those smartboards are amazing~ very different to use....my son misses the chalkboard, but got used to them~
Saw 007 tonight......i've never seen a James Bond movie.....it was good~ :D
125 and good night. :)
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