On Buying a Laptop
I’m a PC.  At least, that’s what I’ve been all my life.  I learned how to use a computer on a PC running Windows 3.1 and another running DOS.  Oh what fun those days were!  I’ve been through Windows 95, 98, 2000, XP, and (ugh) Vista.  And now, just when Microsoft might have it closest to right with Windows 7 (doesn’t that number seem like a giant step backwards from all the others?), I am about to embark on a new life path.  I’m about to be a Mac. i’ve been spending s

A Tale of Two Bank Branches
I have been the executor of a few trusts set up for daughters and other relatives in my life.  I say that to indicate that I have had some experience in receiving sizeable checks to post into my checking account and dole out for college and other trivial life experiences. Today was an eye opener. I went to the branch of my local bank that is closest to where I work in order to deposit a rather large check into my account to help a family member with college expenses.  I don’t like this branch of the bank.  The reason is simple.  When I go to the drive-in window I get my checks cashed, but it does not matter who the cashier is, I do not get spoken to.  My check is

The Current State of Math
OK, that’s a big title, and I’m not a researcher so I really don’t know the answer to the current state of math in this country.  Or in Tennessee.  Or even at our school.  But I do know the current state of math with the kids in my classroom. I really thought we were doing great.  I have kids from all 6th grade teams, and even though some of them are a little slow with math (and I’m talking about mental math here), I didn’t have any real issues until today. We have added, subtracted, and multiplied with little problems.  Today, we dove into the Wide, Wide World of Division.  Not just any division.  Division involving decimals.  Suddenly

Day of Discovery Video Premiere
In October, our school hosted a Day of Discovery for Eastern Tennessee teacher.  We participated in live workshops and a virtual conference.  During the day, Discovery had a video crew shooting footage and interviewing teachers.  The final video for the day is now available.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.  Several Bradley County teachers are highlighted!

A Smorgasbord of Classic Rock
Last night I had the pleasure of attending a Veterans’ Benefit concert in Chattanooga, TN.  Three groups were on tap for the evening, and they could not have been any different from one another if someone had planned it (which they might have).  The night included a local treasure, the Overland Express; a Rock/Blues staple, Edgar Winter, and the orchestrated rock sounds of Kansas. I had never heard Overland Express, but I was not disappointed.  They play Southern Rock the way it was meant to be.  Throughout the night we enjoyed the duet sounds of two guitars harmonizing with one another through long rifts reminiscent of the Allman Brothers or the Eagles.  They were laid