GOOODBYE RUBY TUESDAY....

Alright. Everybody in both classes is all freaked out about the dateless quiz (aka "Pop" quiz) this week.

So guess what? I'll post here the night before the quiz just to give you guys a heads up. The faithful readers will be rewarded.

Let me make one thing clear: You can use your polyatomic ion sheet on the quiz but NOT on the TEST. You are responsible for memorizing the names of the polyatomic ions.

Physical Science: (HWK: p128 #1-4, p.137 1-15, 18, 26). We are in the "review" phase of Ionic and Covalent bonding. This means that we will be doing a lot of individual and partner work. If you are still having trouble, please come in before or after school for help. I am available every morning this week except THURSDAY.

Chemistry: Today we will be moving out of chemical bonds and into covalent bond angles and polarity. These will not be on your quiz, but will be on the test.

Random:

Inbred to an almost cruel degree, UGA mascot Uga is notoriously aggressive. Did you see him go after someone on the sideline last saturday? Kinda makes you wonder what type of person would want to be associated with that school doesn't it?

Holy Crap! Its Monday!

I know you were all as excited as I was when your alarm went off this morning. I personally came bouncing out of bed 2 hrs early, bright-eyed and excited for the day! I'm sure many of you did the same!*

Well, your good natured enthusiasm and open curiosity about the world around you will be rewarded! This week you can show your canny skill at forming and naming ionic and covalent compounds by taking a QUIZ! Thats right my eager young scientists! This week both classes will be having a quiz, but not just any quiz, a POP QUIZ! Please contain your excitement at this unique and wonderful opportunity to show off your mad science skillz!*

And if that wasn't enough, both classes can expect a TEST BEFORE THANKSGIVING! There is no need to thank me for these awesome opportunities to improve your grades, its what I do.*

*denotes sarcasm.

Random:

UFC 78 is this Saturday. Its got some really amazing matchups, including Michael Bisping, who is coming off a controversial win over Matt Hamill. He'll be facing Rashad Evans who appears to be completely indestructible. I favor Rashad in this fight, but only because Bisping had such a tough time with Hamill.

Also on the the card is Houston Alexander, who may actually be scarier than the alien from predator. I imagine he'll be turning Thaigo Silva into some form of human spam.

You heard it here first kids...

And remember: Violence is not the answer...

...its the question, and the answer is always "yes".

Thursday? Already?

Whoa did the week ever go fast! To think I haven't posted anything!

Progress reports will go out friday, but you should already know the general range your grade is in, becasue I passed out those print-outs last week.

Remember that 12 week progress reports must be signed by a parent.

If you are unhappy with your grade, NOW is the time to start changing it. Its up to YOU.

Very few people have come in to retake their test, which tells me many people are unconcerned with their grades. Listen, most motivation in your life will have to come for you. I don't feel like its my job to be your personal cheerleader, because its unrealisitic to expect others to motiviate you in the "real-world".

Now is the time to show your maturity and take responsibility. There is still enough time to change your grade (up or DOWN).

Chemsitry:

The last few Special Circumstances PA are due today. Other than that we will begin talking about Ions and compounds.

It should be fun as we finally get into real chemistry.

Its FRIDAY WHOOOOOOO....

General:

Today is the day of labs, as once again you will all be entrusted with the heady responsibility of USING SCISSORS! I fully expect fatalities by the end of the day.

There were some questions regarding test grading. The most frequently asked, is "Why don't we get them back the next day?". This is a legitimate question, depending largely on the tone of voice its asked in.

Here is why I take my time with tests. Its not the actual grading that takes time, but the assigning of points to each individual mistake. I look at the most commonly made mistakes, and assign partial credit appropriately. This means that I have to grade all the tests and then decide how to give partial credit to the incorrect short answer questions.

It takes longer, but I think it works in your favor. Mainly because I usually sleep on it. I make the decision the next day when I have a clear head. This usually means I'm in a better mood, which always works in your favor.

So please be patient.

Chemistry: (Hwk: Finish Pre-lab), Expect to start the PA sometime next week.

Random:

Ligers are real. They are a cross between a male lion and female tiger.

Though they are not bred for skills in magic, they are in fact, freaking huge! At 10 feet in length, and 700-900lbs they are the biggest kitties in the world. They are also quite fond of swimming.

There are also Tigrons which are Tiger-father/Lion-mother, but they pretty much just look like a tiger.

Desiderata

General: I feel kinda sick today, so its going to be a low energy class. Of course, Chemsitry has a test.

Random: This is a copy of a poem my grandfather left to me as part of his will. I really like it, and once again, there is a lot of wisdom if you listen.

Max Ehrmann

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;

and listen to others,

even the dull and the ignorant;

they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,

they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,

you may become vain and bitter;

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career,

however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs;

for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals;

and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love;

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,

it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,

be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,

no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here.