Updates

First, an update on the home-schooling ruling. click. It appears as though the Governator isn't having any of it, and if the state supreme court doesn't do its job, he'll push for a bill. That's a bit of a relief.

Second, last night our internet was out. (Stupid timewarner.) Watched Into Great Silence last night, a fabulous documentary filmed over the course of a year in a Carthusian monastery that has vowed silence. It. was. beautiful. I'd like to watch it again, when I'm little more rested and wakeful.

Third, I read Feed, by M.T. Anderson today. It's an excellent YA novel that's not as futuristic as we'd all like to hope. It took a turn I was not expecting. I'll put it on my classroom library shelves; I expect to have trouble keeping it there.

Fourth, I caught up on some magazine reading and read a heartening critique of the Gossip Girls book series (not to be confused with the CW's television knock-off). The reviewer convincingly argued that the author's purpose is darkly satirical, and I'm ready to give the books a chance. I get so tired of the lit-lite that's being marketed to our kids. Though I stock some of it on my shelves, I try to use it as a gateway to higher level writing. For instance, I hate R.L. Stine's books, but many of my students love him; I refuse to stock Goosebumps, because I feel they're for upper elementary readers, but I do have some of his high-school level books, and then once my kids have exhausted that supply, I always try gently to steer those readers toward Stephen King or Dean Koontz or Jeffery Deaver -- or someone on a slightly higher level of writing and thought. (Always on a quest for i+1.)

Fifth, I'd appreciate feedback on the most desirable of the series of photos below. Which one catches your eye the most, and why? OK, never mind. Stupid Google is being stupid and won't post my photos -- "try again in 30 seconds." I did. It didn't work. Well, I'll post, for evidence that I actually did. Guess I'll post the catch-up photos tomorrow. Is it my imagination, or is technology being really difficult this week? Stupid technology.