Thank you, Uncle Sam!

Today I got my very first tax refund from Uncle Sam: a check for a whopping $3.81 from the United States Treasury. My mom did my taxes for me; she says they took about one second to do. So, how should I spend my first tax refund? Sure, it's hardly any amount of money (it probably cost more to print and mail the check, with all its security features and whatnot). But I only get 49 more of these before I retire! Anyway, the comment board is open if you have a suggestion.

The other day I found out that another person from school died. This time it was a teacher: Jim Allstaedt was his name. I don't think his loss was felt as deeply as that of Mr. Laguerre last November or Jonathan Krix less than two weeks ago. That's because he had been on a leave of absence this year due to illness.

This morning was the first day back from school since Jonathan's and Mr. Allstaedt's deaths, and as expected, it began on a somber note. After the late bell at the beginning of first period, an administrator via the PA system told the teachers to turn on their TVs for an important announcement.

The setting of the televised announcement was the school TV studio, and as such, the lighting and sound were good. It was broadcast in black-and-white. Ms. Phillips, the administrator in question, sat somberly in front of the TV camera to explain about the double tragedies in a tone that was clear and forceful, yet marked with sadness. She showed a picture of each of them to the camera. She then explained that anyone who wanted to talk to the guidance counselors could do so.

"Jeez," my teacher squawked, "they explain it to you like you're babies or something." If you thought I was cynical, spend an hour in her class.

Sprechen sie Deutsch? Although ein Berliner ich bin not, I still found this game rather fun. The game shows you a map of Europe and asks you where a particular city is. You then have to throw a dart at where you think it is, and you are scored by how close your throw is. It's especially challenging because everything is in German; see how well you know your German names of European cities. Play the game (sound warning).