Check it, In a Nutshell for ya' - the Summary!

Summary of Blog postings:

· “Teacher’s Pay”: A shameless, but well intentioned attempt to draw my class - mates into the fray on a subject they will likely be complaining about for years to come. This is a controversial issue and a political hot potato, seemingly ripe for a Blog war. However my colleagues buried in their studies seemed unmoved by the level of controversy generated on this post. 2 Comments from the same Blogger, thanks Nichelle

· “Teaching in BC /A Political backgrounder”: This Blog was about the ongoing political war between the teachers union and successive provincial governments. The focus of the issue is the current job action and it’s historical roots. An excellent article, well-written and resourced, hats off to the writer. This post garnered more responses, one from me (I don’t count those). A sign of life in the blogosphere appears…The Tyee brings some soul back to Journalism – Shout - Out - to the Tyee!!

· “Watch” : This blogolio is a reference to a video clip gleaned from CBC news. This should have created a firestorm, but apparently my colleagues were nonplussed…for it’s level of emotion and heartfelt self-less professional integrity I felt this one deserved more than a sniff. I tried a bit of sarcasm, even self-deprecating humour….too no avail. Colleagues = no dial tone. Jackie chipped in with one excellent comment, from the heart, conversational – thoughtful personal anecdotes - thanks Jackie.

· “Diet and Learning Disabilities”: Toe in the water on diet here for me. Wish I had more time to get into it. Have to admit I could lay off the Apple turnovers from “Mac’s”. Over all my diet is pretty good and I feel it’s important to model that for students – those rascals will be all over it… you’ll find me kickin’ it with the cool kids down by the library at lunch talkin’ ‘bout the FLQ and the Quiet Revolution - and munchin’ on some carrot sticks. You might even hear a, “hey Johnny are you going to finish that Quinoa salad?”….again a shameless attempt to bait my classmates into another pop-education topic. I’m feelin’ not too bad about this one: 3 lengthy and solid comments…chew on that! MMMmmmmm….!

· “New Future for Education A Luddites Perspective”: This is rapidly becoming a pet subject of mine and seems to draw some attention. Most people these days are easily dazzled by fancy gadgetry of all kinds…I dare say I may have to switch my professional focus to archaeology…I still feel books, and interpersonal, face-to-face communications are important….I am a fossil however. The night I went off on this my arthritis was acting up and I had run out of Metamucil….was feelin’ a bit codger-like (a term used affectionately for an eccentric but amusing old man). I digress sorry, the memory is slipping fast…where am I? Oh yeah technology – use it wisely, before it misuses you. This post garnered two comments – I thought it deserved more (it even had references!, but admittedly at this stage it may be karma for my meager commentary on my classmates postings (shameful).

· “I'm Not Giving In to George Abbott!! Ever!”: My last gasp, Thanks to Ravinder and Cory…for giving me some relevance. Ravinder, I know you love the Smart Boards, so I admire your bravery for coming out on this one. You both made note of the knitting needles… strange that you picked up on that. I also thought this was the crux of the article and have e-mailed the school in question looking for some clarification on the knitting needles place in curriculum. I think railroad spikes would be more appropriate, as dexterity issues may not be resolved until post puberty. Until that point the railroad spikes, while still being able to be held by a 6-7 year old, may be of no use for knitting, but make an excellent weight training device until at least grade 5, and are much safer used as such.

Well it’s been fun having these blog-versations and I’m going to miss it. There have been some great topics, and I have read most of them (honest). Many of the topics were beyond my expertise and made for good informative reading.

Warmest Regards 780,

Blair