Tuesday, March 24, 2009

I Thought Trains Were The Answer


Maybe I'm wrong...shit.


In his article "Trains are for Tourists" Randal O'Toole argues against a federal initiative to create a high speed train network in the United States. His argument is compelling. Bummer.

Ever since my time in Europe, I have been in love with the concept of a cheap and efficient train system in the United States. Train travel is just more pleasant than driving or flying. The problem is a $100 for a ride to from Wilmington, Delaware to NYC is far too expensive. Why can't I ride the rails from my hometown to Chicago without paying more than an airline ticket that would cost less?

So, when I heard that some federal money would be spent to increase rail travel I was excited. I imagined myself visiting friends across the country using safe, convenient and relatively inexpensive trains. Indeed, I've often dreamt of selling my car and moving to a city with great public transport. Reading my newspaper and sipping coffee on my way to work always sounded so appealing.
I should probably just move.




Thursday, March 19, 2009

God I Hope This Winter Ends Soon

I just want some relief. I am so weary of the cold and grey. I hope that with this new season comes relief. I'm sick of being tired all of the time.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Why I should be happier about my life...


I've been feeling rather down lately and my wife decided to send me an email with over 40 reasons why I should be happier. I have provided a few samples.


8. You found a sailing club. What are the chances of finding a sailing club that cheap in this crappy state?!? Pretty slim and on top of it a club that normally has a huge wait list but they open the doors to you immediately… pretty good timing.


9. You are getting better looking as you get older… The majority of people get U-G-L-Y


15. You have a wife that loves you… Do you know how many people are sad and lonely…


18. You were not born in Ethiopia and b/c of it you know the taste of mussels and beer.


22. YOU HAVE A STAR TREK X-MAS TREE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


27. Your wife can make a mean pie. My sister can barely work a ketchup bottle


30. You don’t have to handle the bills each month like a regular adult male. You have to hear about them but not actually use any mind power to really work those numbers (you’re welcome)


33. You own the movie "La Bamba" and it only cost me $5.00


40. You have a sexy pinup calendar hanging on your kitchen wall. Pretty lucky. Do you think Peter or Glenn or my Dad would be allowed to do that in their homes?

It worked.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Seriously, WTF Japan?


Dear Japan,

I'm worried about you and we need to have a serious talk. Usually, I enjoy your cultural and economic exports. I drive a Nissan, and Super Mario III is probably my all time favorite video game. I've even been known to watch some Evangelion, or Samurai Champloo from time to time, but I am little concerned about a recent article I read on slate.com. I mean, a video game based off of secretly stalking, then raping women on the subway system? I think that's a little over the top don't you?

Let's be honest Japan, we all know you're into some kink. Usually, your sense of moral ambiguity with regards to sexuality makes us over here in the US feel a little prudish, but raping a girl on your Nintendo for kicks just seems, I don't know, wrong.

I got to be honest, the weirdest thing about all of this is that to preserve Japanese standards in the video game, the characters' genitalia are always pixelated. So, covertly fondling an unsuspecting victim on a train, and then forcing her to have sex with you against her will is OK, as long as we can't see any pubes? WTF?!

Now, I know you might be inclined to respond that our standards are not your standards, but isn't there some universally accepted level of human decency? Can't we all agree that rape=bad? I'm worried about you Guy, and as a friend, I have to say something...

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Sailing on the Delaware is Tricky


I belong to the New Castle Sailing Club and we sail Thistles and Flying Scots on the Delaware river.  Our sail area is known for a strong current, constantly shifting winds, and a plethora of unique obstacles like an underwater jetty, a shipping channel and innumerable crab pots.  We sail dinghies without motors and have an extremely good safety record.  
While it may seem like there are better places to sail, I think the conditions are damn fine.  After all it is OUR river.  The thistles in particular are very well suited to scooting up and down the river with ease.  All of the members I have sailed with are truly skilled.  
When you think of Delaware you don't usually think of sailing and that is a shame.  I like the idea of doing what you love where you live instead of having to travel far every time you want to go out.  The New Castle Sailing Club offers a cheap way to get out on the water and learn some actual sailing skills.  You should join it.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Field Guide to Public High School Teachers


Teachers are like snowflakes...Snowflakes that bitch A LOT.  Anyway, I have compiled some lists for anyone interested in categorizing the many types of teachers that are out there.  Enjoy!
 
1.  The Old Alligator:  Advanced age professional that is essentially a fixture in his or her school.  These teachers cannot be convinced that anything new is worthwhile, and are often heard saying things like "I've seen it all" or "This school is going to shit".   Their primary characteristic is durability since they have beaten the odds and made it past 5 years of teaching. Can often be found calculating days to retirement.  Alcohol consumption:  High

2.  The Martyr:  Did you ever see "Lean on Me" or "The Freedom Writers"?   The Martyr internalizes every sad story he or she hears and often blurs the boundaries between teacher and student.   Need some lunch money?  A ride home?  A place to live?  The Martyr is your best bet.  Martyrs tend to lead only nonpaying after school activities, since they can then use it to fuel their sense of moral superiority.   Ironically, these are the teachers most likely to complain about teacher salaries.  Alcohol consumption:  Low

3.  The Idealist:  Usually this is a recent college graduate with a relatively impressive resume.  The Idealist truly wants to believe in the system, and therefore will not take part in faculty lounge bitch sessions.  They take their jobs very seriously and work hard.  Needless to say, they typically do not last very long.  If they do manage to endure for more than a few years, they will often transform into Martyrs.  I know only one Idealist older than 30.                                  Alcohol consumption:  Directly proportional to number of years served and dreams shattered.   
  
4.  The Artful Dodger:  This category applies to teachers that neither practice solid methods, nor work very hard.  Simply put, they rely solely on their own charming personalities in any situation.  NEVER rely on an Artful Dodger for a favor, like a recommendation.  These teachers tend to be coaches, and are generally adored by students if for no other reason than because they show a lot of movies in class.  Alcohol consumption:  High

6.  The Race Hustler:  This teacher's talent is unique.  Any issue,  such as a problem with a student, a parent, a test grade, or even another teacher can be explained by the inherent racism in your school.  Kids not getting a concept?  Its because you're racist.  Having problems with discipline?  You are a racist.   Note:  under NO circumstances should you ever try to have a rational conversation regarding the Achievement Gap with a Race Hustler.  You're a racist pig for even thinking you could understand.  Alcohol consumption:  Low to moderate 

7.  The State Employee:  Essentially, the worst teacher ever.  This person decided to become a teacher due to a complete inability to be hired anywhere else.   The State Employee turns to the Noblest Profession because teachers are not very well monitored, and all teachers are payed off of the same scale regardless of ability.  They usually don't bother with lesson plans, and are constantly enraging students with their lack of organization or professionalism.  Try to help a State Employee and you'll find they believe they are doing everything perfectly.  State Employees LOVE tenure.  Alcohol consumption:  lowest  

8.  The Professional:  By far the rarest of all teachers.  This person arrives at work on time everyday, takes pride in his or her classroom and lesson plans, seeks to improve professionally and is always collegial.  While The Professional sincerely wants to help young people, he or she will never sacrifice personal boundaries or be taken advantage of.  Professionals tend to come from the business world where people are generally held accountable for their actions.  Alcohol consumption:  Moderate to high

  

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Delawareans are pussies when it comes to snow



I absolutely LOVE IT when my district calls a snow day the night before...It restores my spirit.   I can now sleep off my wonderful birthday weekend.  My wife took me to Philadelphia and we ate and drank in style.  I could use an alka-setlzer and a nap and I shall have both in plenty all day tomorrow...

I'm a teacher and we don't work in the snow.