The Monday before Christmas.... some items to Share...

Note of Interest:
If you are up tomorrow am around 2:30-4:30, you may be able to see the total Lunar eclipse.

 
Our skies are overcast due to possible snow--so I'll pass and wait for the NASA photos tomorrow;
This is the longest night of the year;
This is the Winter Solstice;
this view should be great for those in the US who have clear skies. 



Can't believe that it is already December 20,2010--But it is;



This is the day that, as a teacher, you either dreaded or enjoyed;
...both reactions were present during my 25 years in the field;
...the little kids were so full of energy that you had to plan lessons that took advantage;
...sometimes, you had to plan how to scrape them off the ceilings;
...since I taught art, in the Middle School & Junior High years, I made sugar cookies, brought all the 'decorating
   essentials' required; spread table covers; put out plastic spoons & knives; set parameters [no licking of knives;
   put on soft Christmas or seasonal music; & let them go to it.  Those were the days.
...sometimes during the High School years, the sadness of the holiday season did set in;
...those were the times when lessons were kept on track, with only a lessening of the quietness in the room;

This am, we heard the pup [Lefty] from next door & at first, were worried that he had somehow escaped 'door check'
and managed to stay outside before the teacher left for classes.  Listened for him during the rest of the morning,but when Sal returned from his 'Santa-trips--always bake & buy presents for our Firemen on 21 mi. rd & Jefferson in Harrison Twp. [they actually transported Sal to the Hospital and caught what could have become a heart attack]
--he stated that our kids in this district don't have school. Two full weeks of vacation.
Now I know that I taught in the wrong Michigan School District.  

The FEDS are shutting down or investigating web-sights that are presenting things that;
" appears to be illegal or counterfeit"; 
This is being down without needing to notify the owners of sites. 
The problem rises when or if the  government decides to the same without getting a Judge's authorization first.  Watch the news--national rather than local for updates on this and to clock the 'proposed' or 'wished for' government's ability to extend the power to other web sites.

Do you have access to the Wall Street Journal For Monday, December 20, 2010 ? 
If you are subscribed to the on-line access be certain to go to section R--The Journal Report;
...there you will find a fun article titled: "Did You Hear the One About the Retired Real-Estate Agent?"
...the 'sub-title' is: " He became a stand-up comedian. And he has never been happier."
...author Glenn Ruffenach present the story of 'Gid Pool';
...it is a delightful read & worth the time it may take.

Brings some fun concepts to mind for all of us in this Profession;
...are we not also capable of relating some very funny [ironic] items;
...do we not have experiences from-life issues that come up within the process of Real-Estating;
...have you not read right here in the Rain, some of the funniest items out there.

Anyone looking to a new career--you have all the relevant information to become a stand-up comedian.
The author-Glenn Ruffenach-notes that Gid Pool always had a gift to make others laugh--but relates--
--"that was lost on my father...";
His style, as defined by Mr Ruffenach--is 'clean humor delivered in a non-confrontational style. the article ends with
" I tell people that the fastest way to grow old is to act like an old person" he says. "And I refuse to do that."
He pauses--and pivots. "Unless it gets me a cheap dinner."
Well written by Glenn Ruffenach.

One last item;
We hear many times the statement: " The more things change, the more they stay the same."
With that in mind--I present the following quotation:

 "A timid person is frightened before a danger.
 a coward during the time,
 a courageous person afterward".

  Jean Paul Richter---German author...
 ....1763--1825...   

   Enjoy this 'week before' ;
   Stay safe;
   Keep warm [if your state is cold]
   Spread Love & Laughter.