So there I was, feeling all better after two weeks of hacking and sounding like Selma Diamond… Today’s coughing, while productive in the removing-crap-from-my-lungs department, has given me a spectacular headache, one of those that feels like fire when you turn/jar/move your head. No, I’m not thinking the P word, primarily because I’ve not once had a fever during this stupid cold-thing. But, just damn, I’m tired of being sick already.
My Polaroid 100 Land Camera came the other day. It’s in spectacular shape, appears to be in fine working order. Takes an act of god to get film for the damned thing, however…I had to actually order the 667 pack from Adorama. Five days and five bucks shipping for 10 exposures ain’t gonna get it. Watching the utter confusion crawl across the spotty faces of the punks working the film counters in various mega-marts hereabouts is quite amusing, however.
The Boychild’s teacher continues to…vex. The homework load piled on this kid is truly astounding. And he is flat fucking FAILING math. Those of you who have met him know how smart he is. He has this thing about authority though, and being (as he perceives it) forced to do something. I, being the one who spends the most time with him, have learned the fine art of manipulation. His teacher, being brusque and LOUD, has no chance. And frankly, me being the one that’s doing all the math teaching around here, I don’t have any fucking sympathy for the man. He’s failed my kid. Within limits, teachers have to recognize the needs of their individual students and this guy apparently couldn’t care less. It’s a damned good thing he’s retiring, I just wish it had been LAST year.
on 
on Dec 7th, 2007 at 2:11 am
Boychild,
Math is important. You can use math to rule the world. With a good understanding of math, you’re more likely to earn more money when you grow up than people who don’t understand math. The secrets of the universe are written in math. Being able to do even simple math in your head impresses a lot of people. Computers are big boxes of math, and computers run everything. Even art is math. Trust me, you want to learn math.
Some teachers try to teach so that the dumbest student in the room can understand. If you’re not that kid (which we both know you’re not), it’s a horrible way to learn, because the dumbest kid has to have lessons hammered into him by force. I understand how annoying your teacher is. Don’t let his bad attitude make you miss out on learning things that will make every day of your life better. If you won’t learn for your teacher, learn in spite of him. He is, in a way, keeping math from you. Take it from him.
I knew I should have made you that unit circle wall hanging when you were little.
on Dec 7th, 2007 at 2:13 am
There seem to be a few issues with paragraph breaks in your comments, Seki.
Or maybe that was the look you were going for.
on Dec 7th, 2007 at 7:11 am
This so isn’t my look, but I’m still deciphering the ins and outs of wordpress, so it’ll have to do for now.
on Dec 7th, 2007 at 10:16 am
I agree that mad math skillz=money and power, but I have to disagree about the “dumb” kids.
Some people just don’t get math. I know perfectly smart people who can’t do simple arithmetic without a calculator, and who would never dream of trying to balance a checkbook. Which is not to say that Boychild should have to suffer in their classroom.
Actually, the simple fact that so many (not necessarily dumb) people just can’t grasp it, should make him want to learn it more, I think…
on Dec 7th, 2007 at 10:19 am
Yeah, I’m going to have to disagree with “Line and paragraph breaks automatic.” ;o)
on Dec 7th, 2007 at 10:21 am
Oh crap, now it’s centered! What the hell did I do?
on Dec 7th, 2007 at 10:24 am
T, we’ve tried that argument on him…which is why I’m SO HAPPY to see Uncle David (and you) stepping up to offer the boy some advice. Anything mom and dad say right now is just Charlie Brown’s frickin’ teacher: “Wah wah, wah wahwahwah wah wahwah wah.”
I don’t see the centering…looks same same from here.
on Dec 7th, 2007 at 10:43 am
Ignore comment test.
Stupid non-linebreaks.
on Dec 7th, 2007 at 10:54 am
Trying one.
Line break, goddammit.
on Dec 7th, 2007 at 10:55 am
Line break again, goddammit.
Paragraph break, even.
on Dec 7th, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Tanya,
I know that some people just don’t "get" math. I don’t understand it, but I know it. I didn’t want to clutter my argument with a "well, technically, but…" addendum, out of concern that he might latch onto that as an excuse not to try. I would rather he strive to be "not dumb" than decide he’s "differently intelligent."