Sunday, July 5, 2009
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The Care and Protection of Charles
I just dropped off my Home Education Proposal for my ten eleven year-old at the superintendent's office and eagerly await her review and response. I'm two days late (because I forgot to deliver it rather than postponed developing it), but I'm done meeting my requirements for the Care and Protection of Charles for another year - I hope.
In Massachusetts, in accordance with the Charles decision, we must supply the following information:
In Massachusetts, in accordance with the Charles decision, we must supply the following information:
- Teacher Qualifications
- Proposed Curriculum
- Evaluation of Student Progress
- Requests to Participate in Extra-Curricular Activities at the Public School
The first she has on file and the second I provided. Regarding method of evaluation to be submitted, I usually like to invite the superintendent to my daughter's performances; however, I find this thought less hilarious as my daughter's musical abilities improve. The one and only time I asked about the fourth, I was denied.
I think everything will be okay so long as she doesn't read my last post. Then there could be some controversy regarding qualifications.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Adam's Rib
I took Anatomy and Physiology in high school. I successfully graduated from college and graduate school which included some biology classes. I enjoy great literature. I have never thought of myself as stupid, but as sure as I'm sitting here typing this admission, last night I was ready to argue that women had one more set of ribs than men!
Was this a hole in my education? Was I home sick from school that day? Did I learn the truth and then supplant it over time with the more deeply rooted biblical stories from my youth? Why hasn't this come up since then? These are just some of the questions that have been racking my brain since last night.
Seriously, I was ready to argue the point when my better sense prevailed. How on earth could I believe this to be true? And then the realization this morning: did I even really believe this to be true? I certainly didn't teach it to my daughters when we went over the human skeleton.
The best I can figure, it just bubbled up from a deep, dark place in my brain that still holds unquestioned remnants of a marginally religious upbringing. I just don't know why it sprang to life last night, or more importantly, why it hadn't been rooted out long ago.
Scary.
Was this a hole in my education? Was I home sick from school that day? Did I learn the truth and then supplant it over time with the more deeply rooted biblical stories from my youth? Why hasn't this come up since then? These are just some of the questions that have been racking my brain since last night.
The number of ribs was noted by the Flemish anatomist Vesalius in his key work of anatomy De humani corporis fabrica in 1543, setting off a wave of controversy, as it was traditionally assumed from the Biblical story of Adam and Eve that men's ribs would number one fewer than women's.[1] A small portion of people have one extra pair of ribs, or one fewer, but this is unrelated to gender. (Wikipedia)
Seriously, I was ready to argue the point when my better sense prevailed. How on earth could I believe this to be true? And then the realization this morning: did I even really believe this to be true? I certainly didn't teach it to my daughters when we went over the human skeleton.
The best I can figure, it just bubbled up from a deep, dark place in my brain that still holds unquestioned remnants of a marginally religious upbringing. I just don't know why it sprang to life last night, or more importantly, why it hadn't been rooted out long ago.
Scary.
Schoolhouse Rock: Lolly, Lolly, Lolly, Get Your Adverbs Here
How? Where? When? Condition? Reason?
These questions are answered when you use an adverb.
Indubitably.
These questions are answered when you use an adverb.
Indubitably.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Brown Paper Package Tied Up With String...
This is how I deliver the movie Twilight to my friends.
It makes me feel dirty.
It makes me feel dirty.
Tell Me. Or not.
Dear Gentle Readers;
I would consider it a great kindness if you would point out any spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or other egregious violations of the English language one should not make beyond the age of twelve (the age at which I left Catholic school and with it the study of grammar, usage, and mechanics as well).
For example: "reevaluate" is not a word, but "revaluate" most assuredly is. In fact, it is the very word I meant to include in my last post rather than its bastardized and rationalized evil step-sister. At least that's how I envisioned the incorrect word in my mind this morning.
Of course, you are never required to do such things, and can judge my inability to write correctly, and indeed my very request to help me correct my writing as a weakness of character. If the shoe were on the other foot, you can be sure I would - and do.
Most Sincerely,
I would consider it a great kindness if you would point out any spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, or other egregious violations of the English language one should not make beyond the age of twelve (the age at which I left Catholic school and with it the study of grammar, usage, and mechanics as well).
For example: "reevaluate" is not a word, but "revaluate" most assuredly is. In fact, it is the very word I meant to include in my last post rather than its bastardized and rationalized evil step-sister. At least that's how I envisioned the incorrect word in my mind this morning.
Of course, you are never required to do such things, and can judge my inability to write correctly, and indeed my very request to help me correct my writing as a weakness of character. If the shoe were on the other foot, you can be sure I would - and do.
Most Sincerely,
Sunday, June 28, 2009
3 Good Things (localvore edition)
1. Found a source for local grass-fed beef.
2. Looking forward to attending all the local farmer’s markets.
3. Thinking of joining a CSA for local produce.
What? Have I gone GREEN? Bite your tongue.
While part of the draw to eat local is supposedly for environmental reasons, I can assure that does not figure into my reasoning.
After having read Price’s Nutrition and Physical Degeneration, and Pollan’s In Defense of Food, and having Taubes’ Good Calories, Bad Calories on deck for months, I’m just beginning to revaluate some things that I had previously dismissed as hippy-induced collective wackiness. While these things may very well reek of such wackiness, there may also be some nutritional benefit for my family. I’m willing to live with the rest if I get real value out of the experiences. And besides – I look good in tie-dye.
It’s when I get my hand-cranked wheat mill that you know I’ve gone over to the dark side (the motorized one is okay, though).
2. Looking forward to attending all the local farmer’s markets.
3. Thinking of joining a CSA for local produce.
What? Have I gone GREEN? Bite your tongue.
While part of the draw to eat local is supposedly for environmental reasons, I can assure that does not figure into my reasoning.
After having read Price’s Nutrition and Physical Degeneration, and Pollan’s In Defense of Food, and having Taubes’ Good Calories, Bad Calories on deck for months, I’m just beginning to revaluate some things that I had previously dismissed as hippy-induced collective wackiness. While these things may very well reek of such wackiness, there may also be some nutritional benefit for my family. I’m willing to live with the rest if I get real value out of the experiences. And besides – I look good in tie-dye.
It’s when I get my hand-cranked wheat mill that you know I’ve gone over to the dark side (the motorized one is okay, though).
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