Homeleaving Week

Homecoming Week began today with Wacky Tacky Day. Although anything goes on such a day, I mostly see people wearing the same bright colors, clashing patterns, bathing suits over their clothes, blah blah blah. In other words, they all try to do the same thing to stand out, and it gets predictable and dull. I didn't do anything special, but I plan to later on in the week.

As you may (not) remember, I had a hard time being convinced to take European History for this school year. The only reason I joined is that my World History teacher from last year, Mrs. Vazquez, was practically making me (she's teaching Euro as well, so that must be part of the reason). So I finally went for Euro without a fight and I've got accustomed to the work. During the last quarter, I even got an A in the class and an A on the exam -- unbelievable! It's a good thing she likes me.

Then she kind of started getting weird. Last month she set up the online classroom (you know, the one I thought wouldn't work). The reason, which she stated repeatedly, was, "In case anything ever happens to me, you'll still be able to do all the work. The class will be able to run without me." Last week, she dropped the bomb by saying that she "might be leaving." During that week we had a boring substitute teacher who had taught the same class up in Virginia and missed it. Can you see what this is all adding up to?

A few days ago she sent us the e-mail stating that she would be moving. I don't know to where or why, but I'd assume back to New York for family reasons. She hasn't explained it, so she probably doesn't care to. She said that this week will be her last, and from here on in, Mr. Whatever will be our teacher, but that she'll still post lectures on the online classroom. Or something like that. I don't know how we can have two teachers if one of them doesn't live in the school district. I'm assuming they've worked something out.

This has given me time to rethink continuing the class for the rest of the year. A number of students have switched out or plan to do so at the end of the semester. I may just do the same. After all, I never wanted to be in this class at all. I got persuaded by Vazquez and look what happened -- she let me down. She let all of us down because she hand-picked nearly everyone in the class. Today she said that she knew she was going to move. It was never a "might be" kind of thing -- that's why she set up the online class. She must have known before the start of the school year. And still she had us chugging along. "Napoleon by Christmas" has been her mantra for the class. Now how will it be without this kind of guidance?

I'm a bit peeved at Mrs. Vazquez. She built me up just to break me down. It must not have been her own decision to move -- perhaps it was that husband guy I've heard murky reports about. And even though I know she's going to miss us all, she knew that this was going to happen. European History isn't going to be the same without the amusing lectures, the long tangents, and the incomparably loud shouting. I'm sad and angry for both her and myself. I'll try things out with the new teacher and then reconsider whether the class is worth taking.

Apparently in the UK they use the size of Wales to measure a large area, for example: "An area of Amazon rainforest the size of Wales is cleared every year." In the US, we usually use Texas. Wikipedia has a bit more information.

How do you paint on a computer screen using real objects as your "paint"? With the I/O Brush (direct link to large Quicktime video with infectiously snappy music).