so i’m at the bama game yesterday – and their team elects to punt near midfield on fourth down and short – rather than go for it and try to get back in the game – basically, the classic move that says “we give up, let’s run the clock out – despite what cbs says – and get out of here”

and i look over – and the obnoxious two hog fans (complete in hoggie shorts) were on their way out too – very, very quietly…

in other news…

“the longevity project” – read this one last week and forgot to review it – stanford scientists took a 1922 gifted survey and looked at what clues to helping you age could be gleamed – the gifted project (by terman) followed the subjects over the course of their lives – which is rare – anyway, the book had some advice that went against conventional wisdom that you must exercise all the time, have a great social group, be married – oh, and be religious – anyway, good to read – funny enough, it was in large print edition at the public library – like, if you’re old and reading this, why do you care about delaying age anymore???

“molasses and glasses” – by ron clark – educator – founder of ron clark academy (for a creative, dynamic teacher, an interesting name choice for his school) – basically, he cares more, teaches more, raises more money in a day than i’ll ever do with my class – so i read with a HUGE guilt complex

“the olympian” by craig t. williams – WONDERFUL book – i harbored hopes it could be a BOB – maybe for high school – but a few details, language, probably keep it from academic competition – but a must read for all runners – a must read for all lovers of history – enjoyed the book – basically, a historical fiction about the details of the first African-American to medal for the US Olympic team – the book hits on contemporary issues for ’08 with great clarity – again, many audiences would enjoy it (young to old)

“battle hymn of the tiger mother” – marj gift to me for the weekend – better than i figured it would be – an account of raising daughters to be extraordinary – good exploration of how much to push children and how much to coddle to their every wish and desire – the first option isn’t nearly as popular, but it is the path to greatness, typically – however, few ever do great things – i guess i should say it’s inspired me to bring the hammer down in my classroom:)

read a few english prep, gifted ed, books as well – always looking for ideas

happy parade week – i’ve never been – does this one throw candy or is it just an excuse for high school kids to be themselves and for everyone else to get out of school??? i’ve always been curious

maf