B2W 4 ME

30. August 2007 · 2 comments · Categories: Communication, Off Topic, Technology, Wireless

David Pogue, technology columnist for the NY Times, made my day with his collection of suggestions for the next-generation of online shorthand. This seemed especially timely for me as the kids came back this week with gadgets aplenty. I find myself repeatedly cautioning kids about the dangers of texting and walking in crowded hallways. Those unintentional head-butts can sting!

Among my favorites from Mr. Pogue’s list:

  • GGNUDP — gotta go, no unlimited data plan
  • 12OF — twelve-o’clock flasher (refers to someone less than competent with technology, to the extent that every appliance in the house flashes “12:00″)
  • CTTC — can’t talk, teacher’s coming
  • SPLETS — send pics later; Edge too slow
  • CRRE — conversation required; remove earbuds

Unlocked iPhone? Too good to be true?

25. August 2007 · 3 comments · Categories: Communication, Hardware, Off Topic, Wireless

I know there have been ways to unlock your iPhone that involved soldering, but I’m not about to apply my awful soldering skills to a $500 device. However, the combination of this legit-looking software unlock and refurb iPhones available at $100 off MSRP might be too good for me to pass up.

iphone-unlocked-01.jpg

"Inspirational" items I hope I never see again

24. August 2007 · 5 comments · Categories: Inspiring, Off Topic

Blogging’s been slow lately as our teachers reported back on Monday. As the master schedule guru, I’ve had a busy week as we’ve enrolled 100 more students than expected and were already using almost every room every period. (Again – you can teach band in a portable, right?)

During the course of the week, all of us — administrative staff included — did the required “butt-time” during mandatory district inservices. While I’m not sure exactly who was really being “serviced” by all of this, I have compiled the list below in an attempt to move us beyond the cheesy (but well-intentioned), gimmicky quasi-motivational items that we seem to see year after year after year. I hope that folks will take this in the spirit it’s intended (it’s Friday and I need to de-stress a bit!) and feel free to add any that I’ve missed.

Here we go – starting with the one that makes me the most nauseous…

A Lesson from Geese



That Apple Teacher Video from 6 Years Ago

TeacherMovie
Uploaded with Skitch!



Maurice Cheeks and Natalie Gilbert Singing the National Anthem



That “Shift Happens” Video

Kidding on the last one, of course. Just wanted to see if you were paying attention. I actually still like the reaction from people who are seeing it for the first time, but I think I’ve seen it almost as many times as I’ve seen the original Star Wars trilogy…

In good company

18. August 2007 · Write a comment · Categories: Off Topic

iTunesI was perusing my iTunes library this afternoon and this strange combo made me chuckle. One of my favorite bloggers and one of my favorite early-90s rappers. So I’m passing it along to those who know Scott’s work.

As you can see, I have rather eclectic musical tastes. Hey – it’s Saturday!

My eight

13. August 2007 · 6 comments · Categories: blogging, Off Topic

8 ballAfter reading everyone else’s wonderful submissions to the 8 Things meme, it looks like I’ve been tagged by Principal Miller. And let me tell you, kids: When Principal Miller talks, you listen!

The rules:

  • List 8 random facts about yourself
  • At the end of your post, choose (tag) 8 people and list their names, linking to them
  • Leave a comment on their blog, letting them know they’ve been tagged

And away we go. Eight things about me you won’t find on my “About” page…

  1. I have an obsession with all things gadget-related.
  2. I love sushi. In Florida that made me normal. In Colorado that makes me some kind of sideshow attraction along the lines of, “Look! He’s actually going to eat that stuff!”
  3. I play guitar, saxophone, clarinet, and tuba.
  4. I’m learning to fly fish.
  5. I was the drum major of my high school marching band for three years.
  6. I have an obsession with bags. I may own more bags than my wife, though I’ve not (yet!) started to carry a “man bag.” Computer bags, briefcases, messenger bags, daypacks for hiking – I need an intervention. And a second job.
  7. I am a huge fan of Seinfeld and Friends and I still TiVo re-runs of both.
  8. I put myself through college working as a “cracker stacker” for Nabisco. All the free Oreos and Chips Ahoy you could eat made me extremely popular in the dorms at UCF.

As far as passing along the meme, it seems like most everyone I know has already been tagged! Let’s start with Mike, Jeff, and Geir.

Image: “8 ball” by Jeff Kubina

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