We all know that America is the greatest country in the world, right? Well, how much do you know about our beloved U.S. of A? Here's a chance to find out. The OMI (see previous post) turned me on to the "Great American Civics Quiz". Check it out at:
http://www.bbhq.com/civquiz.htm
I scored a 46, which is considered to be very good. Post your score in the comments section and remember, no cheating!
Monday, October 30, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
Takin' you back
Inspired by my friend, colleague and fellow Manele fan, Steve, I've decided to disregard any previous self-imposed obligation to keep this blog going in chronological order. Anything goes now. Sounds so rebellious. Anyway, Steve is an entertaining writer with a quick wit. He also has photos to share. So if you want to see what someone else's life is like here in Romania, check out the "One Man Invasion" at:
http://mangat.blogspot.com/
Steve's also known to comment on various topics ranging from politics to 76ers basketball and he posts some very interesting videos and links now and then. Check it out.
I promise I'm getting nothing out of this from him. However, he is the commissioner of the the PC Romania Fantasy Football Fiesta, so a little sucking up never hurts.
Anyway, we'll being with a mountain theme, as I was on plenty of them during the month of September. Here are some photos of our trip to the summit of Mt. Postavarul in Poiana Brasov. Delia was our fearless leader and guide. She's a good one.
Victor, Ica, Me and Gene atop Mt. Postavarul, Poiana Brasov - 1804 meters
1804 meters? Confirmed. Thats 5919 feet for you folks back home. And just down the road a bit from Codlea. Or should I say up?
A view of Mt. Postavarul from my street taken last winter.
The whole crew, pre-summit.
And on the way back down, dinner at Coliba Haiducilor. Translation: The Outlaws' Hut.
Outlaws eat (and drink) well in Romania. 10 year old tucia, Ursus Premium, Mamaliga and Tochitura Vanatoresc (Hunters' Stew)
http://mangat.blogspot.com/
Steve's also known to comment on various topics ranging from politics to 76ers basketball and he posts some very interesting videos and links now and then. Check it out.
I promise I'm getting nothing out of this from him. However, he is the commissioner of the the PC Romania Fantasy Football Fiesta, so a little sucking up never hurts.
Anyway, we'll being with a mountain theme, as I was on plenty of them during the month of September. Here are some photos of our trip to the summit of Mt. Postavarul in Poiana Brasov. Delia was our fearless leader and guide. She's a good one.
Victor, Ica, Me and Gene atop Mt. Postavarul, Poiana Brasov - 1804 meters
1804 meters? Confirmed. Thats 5919 feet for you folks back home. And just down the road a bit from Codlea. Or should I say up?
A view of Mt. Postavarul from my street taken last winter.
The whole crew, pre-summit.
And on the way back down, dinner at Coliba Haiducilor. Translation: The Outlaws' Hut.
Outlaws eat (and drink) well in Romania. 10 year old tucia, Ursus Premium, Mamaliga and Tochitura Vanatoresc (Hunters' Stew)
Friday, October 20, 2006
Busy or Lazy?
I don't really even know myself. I am still struggling to find the time to keep this blog up to date with photos, stories, etc. Maybe I've been here too long and things just don't seem interesting enough to write about anymore. The extraordinary has become the ordinary in many ways. This is a selfish attitude in a way, because despite my delinquency, I know that many of you continue to have an interest in what is going on with this blog.
I mean, I'm almost 2 months behind. The hole is getting deeper. I was even considering posting a message that the blog would be going on hiatus. But I won't do it dammit!
I just finished week 5 of school. It's not easy. 6th-8th graders have a lot of energy and I have to bring a lot of it myself to keep them interested and engaged. the language barrier is an issue as well. I speak in Romanian half of the time. I'm constantly translating and speaking in two languages. Also, the place is a zoo. Kids running around unsupervised all of the time, screaming, yelling and beating the crap out of each other; and I'm not just talking about the concrete playground/jungle in the back of the school. However, I am fortunate enough to have my own room to teach in, thus they behave themselves, for the most part, when they're with me. Is it because I carry around a wooden pointer stick all of the time? Because I'm 6'4", 220 pounds? Because I yell at them in two languages? You be the judge.
I've got some really good kids, but I've also got some rough and rude ones. This is a neighborhood school, not a magnet school, if you will, like Hogas was. Thus, I deal with a mix of the good and bad. The unfortunate thing is that the "bad" ones are not really bad kids. Many of them are quite intelligent. Unfortunately, the root problem lies at home. Parents separated, divorced, indifferent, poverty, etc. Same story, different country. This is a universal theme. We're all human beings and essentially deal with the same societal problems, just in different contexts. What's the lesson? Pay attention to your kids, make sure that Mom and Dad are both around and educate them at home as well. Teachers are not babysitters or psychologists....but sometimes we have to be. This is the burden we carry. Many of us care too much.
I mean, I'm almost 2 months behind. The hole is getting deeper. I was even considering posting a message that the blog would be going on hiatus. But I won't do it dammit!
I just finished week 5 of school. It's not easy. 6th-8th graders have a lot of energy and I have to bring a lot of it myself to keep them interested and engaged. the language barrier is an issue as well. I speak in Romanian half of the time. I'm constantly translating and speaking in two languages. Also, the place is a zoo. Kids running around unsupervised all of the time, screaming, yelling and beating the crap out of each other; and I'm not just talking about the concrete playground/jungle in the back of the school. However, I am fortunate enough to have my own room to teach in, thus they behave themselves, for the most part, when they're with me. Is it because I carry around a wooden pointer stick all of the time? Because I'm 6'4", 220 pounds? Because I yell at them in two languages? You be the judge.
I've got some really good kids, but I've also got some rough and rude ones. This is a neighborhood school, not a magnet school, if you will, like Hogas was. Thus, I deal with a mix of the good and bad. The unfortunate thing is that the "bad" ones are not really bad kids. Many of them are quite intelligent. Unfortunately, the root problem lies at home. Parents separated, divorced, indifferent, poverty, etc. Same story, different country. This is a universal theme. We're all human beings and essentially deal with the same societal problems, just in different contexts. What's the lesson? Pay attention to your kids, make sure that Mom and Dad are both around and educate them at home as well. Teachers are not babysitters or psychologists....but sometimes we have to be. This is the burden we carry. Many of us care too much.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Everything's okay
This is a quick note to those of you that may be wondering why I haven't posted an entry in a while. I just haven't found the time. That's it. Life is just fine here. Relaxing and relatively stress-free (depending how the animals at school are behaving. At least I don't live there...god that sounds weird...I can't beleive that I actually lived inside of a school...aye.). Ica and Victor are well. Novac the dog and the cats are living the good life. Stay tuned for a photo review of the month of September. There's alot to post. Go Bears!
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Yes I Am
Your results:
You are Superman
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You are Superman
| You are mild-mannered, good, strong and you love to help others.  |
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