I Seen That

Mid-year Student Feedback

2012-01-17T19:08:00.000-08:00

So every year just before Christmas I give my students feedback forms and reflection forms. This gives me feedback on the class and also forces them to think about their own interactions. I will provide the prompts and some of their responses.

My favorite part of the class is:

I like how Mr. Burrill picks on people. Another one is when Aaron isn't here to upset Mr. Burrill and get him angry.

How has your behavior and participation in class been? What motivated you to act that way?

I think my behavior is good and I'm your favorite student, and what motivates me is knowing I'm your favorite student.

On a scale of 1 to 10 rate your effort in the class.

5 or 7.

(Definitely not a six; that would be ridiculous.)

Overall my feelings about the class are:

Pretty good class. Talking here and there... Needs a little more work, but yeah, good class.

(Thank you so much for the compliment)

I don't really like math, but in this class it sorta makes sense.

How has being part of the AVID class helped you with your English skills?

How to right better sentances.

The vocabulary helped me seem more pretentious when talking to Mr. Boone.

In general, what really helps me in the classroom is:

I like that everyone gets picked on to answer problems, so that way you have to know what's going and that makes you wanna learn more. Because if you don't you'll look like an idiot.

having a good teacher that cares, want to help, and is funny. Kids don't show it very well, but not all of them are ingrates.

I have the most difficulty in Mr. Burrill's class when:

We learn new things and he doesn't explain it very well, or he explains it and it becomes even more complicated.

Tell me 3 things about yourself that are either interesting, important to you, or something you would like me to know.

I love swimming even though I can't swim.

I have the fear of getting staticly shocked (hormephobia).

Well, I like it when Mr. Valentine teaches (not saying your a bad teacher or anything like that) but Mr. Valentine is a teacher with more energy.

I like guns. I did third grade 3 times, and in K-3 I was getting A's in math.

I love reading. I'm a good drawer. I'm a good shot with a gun.

I'm not sure what to tell you but I don't like a lot of hw because it's difficult for me. I also have AdHd so I get distracted easy and I'm bipolar so I can frustrated easy. Oh and I like purple and neon green.

I have four pets: 1 dog, 2 cats and a bearded dragon.

My biggest bet peeve is the word portfolio.

I am easily... oh a puppy!

And my two gun children are in the same class. Just to make sure you know not all of them are ingrates I will share two more.

Everyone is this class is awesome! And even the hard problems get easier after an hour of learning.

Thank you for teaching me the ways of life. I will be sure to use them if I move. I wont' let myself down or my foster mom.

Feedback

2012-01-16T13:58:00.001-08:00

We went to a restaurant and didn't like one of the dishes served. This was the feedback form they provided. Okay, we liked it!

Happy

2012-01-16T13:56:00.001-08:00

Waldo

2012-01-02T03:04:00.000-08:00

Reduced for Quick Sale

2011-12-31T13:54:00.000-08:00

Saw this at Safeway the other day. Despite the great deal I didn't buy any.

Thought of the Week

2011-12-31T13:52:00.001-08:00

Being Principal

2011-12-19T10:57:00.000-08:00

For homework my students had to write a story using their vocabularly words. The prompt was, "If I was principal..." One of my students wrote the story below. Somehow the principal, vice principal, a few other teachers and I all ended up janitors.

If I Were The Principal

by Deja Terrel

I paced my office trying to think about what to do with the pretentious janitor sitting in my newly imported suede office chair. Trying to keep order at Einstein Middle School, my school, has been getting harder and harder over the past few days since I became principal.

“So, Mr. Burrill, today you threw 2 students in trash cans, and as you know I can’t just let you infringe upon students’ space,” I paced to my desk and picked up the janitor’s file along with 3 others. “So you, Mr. Kerze, Ms. Leas, and Ms. Ruggerio have been repeatedly breaching contract, I keep trying to portray a healthy environment for kids to hang out free of homework, but you’re ruining it!”

The janitor looked at me. Just stared, and his 7 janitor friends Leas, Kerze, McKenna, Osteen, Pannu, Kirkland, and Ruggerio walked in nonchalantly, as if they ran the place. Janitor Kirkland walked over to my desk and dug his hand into my copious life-supply jar of M&M’s in such an inadequate way I wanted to throw him out. My body guards must have been proponents of my thought because as soon as his hand touched the jar three 7th graders stepped out of the corner.

“Boys calm down,” I said.

“You didn’t expect this did you!” said Mr. Burrill. “Although I did marvel at the idea of Mr. Kerze being a janitor it’s not right!”

“Well played Burrill, well played,” I said. “But there is no correlation between you and I, I’m Principal, you’re a janitor, I’m popular, you’re…”

“Well Burrill’s popular to us!” shouted Leas from the back of the room. “It would behoove you to give us our jobs back or this will get ugly.”

“ENOUGH!” I shouted. “No one is getting a job back, but I’m very adept at forgetting the past, see I don’t even remember how you guys got here, now get out!”

I had had enough. They were being so mean. I gave them a job when I didn’t even have a unanimous decision to, but 3/4th of the school wanted to throw them out. I waited for the rest of the janitors to exit and went to my desk. I was ready to make a very important announcement. Me performance as principal was better than mediocre, but it was time for my reign to come to an end. I knew I couldn’t stop this from happening, because after all you can’t stop the inevitable.

“Students of Albert Einstein Middle School this is your principal Déjà Terrell making an announcement. I will be resigning from my job, but before I do I want all of the students to trash the school. I’ve always thought art was the best way to express yourself, so today you’re going to be articulate, and express yourself all over school. You all have permission to get everything from eggs from the cafeteria, to paint from the janitor’s room, or as I’d like to say Burrill, Leas, Kerze, Pannu, Kirkland, Osteen, McKenna and Ruggerio’s former room. They’ll be appointed as teachers and principals again. I hope you all have a fantastic day. Goodbye,” I turned off the intercom, and slowly swirled out of my chair. I grabbed my briefcase and left the school on my Barbie bike.

Boobs

2011-12-14T19:12:00.000-08:00

Question 1

2011-12-01T21:34:00.000-08:00

I've recently been working through some problems at work. That process included doing things like investigating long-term medical leaves, fantasizing about all the things I could be doing with my time if I wasn't working, and contacting my old boss. She was my principal for a couple years, she is not very high-up in a nearby district, and I know she has a lot of respect for me as educator.

I told her I had a few questions for her, but wanted to ask her off the record so I requested a personal e-mail address. I sent her an e-mail titled "Question 1."

The e-mail:

My first question for you:

I recognize that I have some attributes that make me a very good educator. I also know that I am cocky and stubborn. Do you think I am difficult to work with?

--Kevin

She wrote back:

And your second question? :)

Sign

2011-12-01T17:52:00.000-08:00

I didn't end up buying this sign for my house, because I didn't want to offend anyone. (Some of my friends don't play poker at all.)

Thought of the Week

2011-12-01T17:50:00.000-08:00

I want to look back and be able to smile at my past. And know that I did all the wrong things for all the right reasons.
--Indigo Broderick

Returning to Baseline

2011-12-01T17:21:00.001-08:00

I was struggling to to find the time, energy, and material to maintain my column on a weekly basis. So last month I decided to switch to monthly. Now, I feel like it has been way too long since I have posted. So I came up with a new solution.

I have intentionally tried to keep my blog from being typical. Although it is fine if you use your blog to update your life and post pictures of your kids being cute and talk about your vacation schedule. That is not the purpose of my blog. I wanted to maintain that it is meant to be for entertainment not personal information.

However, I am going to now revert to something more typical of most blogs. I'm going to post whenever the heck I have something to post about. Not weekly. Not monthly. But sporadically. I'll give this a shot for a while and see how it works. I'll keep you updated. The goals of the blog will be the same, but the frequency of posts will be a mystery. I'm returning to baseline.

I was told that variable intervals was the best form of reinforcement to increase desired behavior. So there you go. You'll hear back from me next... when you do.

Mid-Week Swindle

2011-11-29T21:05:00.000-08:00

Slightly less than Secondary

2011-11-07T06:40:00.000-08:00

Dear Sean and anyone else that is disappointed that I am not writing as frequently,

I do maintain a second blog; tertiarythoughts. On this blog I don't write on consistent basis. I don't always do things like proofread, nor do I always have an intended purpose for sharing. However, maybe it will help fill the void from me writing less on here.

Thanks Sean. Good to know at least one person misses the regularity of my column.

--Kevin

Hobby

2011-11-01T21:05:00.004-07:00

We all had various hobbies while we were in college. I played poker, played ultimate Frisbee, watched stand-up comedy, and picked up hitchhikers walking home from jail. Typical college stuff.

I still remember how it all began. At first I just saw a few other students sitting at the bus stop and I offered them a ride back in to town. Then one day I saw a couple of guys walking the side of the road. They were young adult males, white, tattoos, one of them wearing a wife-beater. I remember trying to describe it to my girlfriend at the time and as I struggled for words, “they weren’t exactly the type of guys…” she interrupted, “that you should pick up.” I responded, “Well, I wouldn’t have wanted you to pick them up.”

They hopped in to my 1986 Nissan pick-up with extra cab. One of them had to sit sideways in the back on the little square that folded down to make something resembling a seat. So I asked them with complete sincerity where they were coming from, and they responded, “We just got out of jail.”

At this point I hadn’t even realized I had passed a jail, so I paused before continuing the conversation. How should I respond here? Do I ask, “What were you in for?” Either one of these guys was significantly bigger than me, and there were two of them. Did I really want to know what they were in for? But… we only live once.

Turned out they were just in for some graffiti misdemeanor, or so they claimed. That was the start of my inmate education. I learned the cab ride back to town cost about $20. The prison that I had seen on the other side of the highway that we had yet to pass was a completely different facility. Little did I know that on my 6.5-mile daily commute to school I passed a prison and a jail.

That began my hobby of giving rides to convicts. Maybe another time I can tell you about the kid getting transferred from one jail to the next, or the time I picked up a couple, or the guy in for skipping out on a restaurant bill, or the time I picked up a 300-pound guy and another 6’4” guy on the same day, or…

Click here to read more about the SLO prison.

Thought of the Week

2011-11-01T21:05:00.003-07:00

Ever notice how "what the hell" is always the right answer?
--Marilyn Monroe

Two Halloween Pics

2011-11-01T21:05:00.001-07:00

These were literally taken less than 2 days apart. I wasn't going to post pics of my costume, but after my sister commented on how much differently I looked at work on Monday I thought about it and thought it was pretty funny.

New Format

2011-10-09T18:26:00.002-07:00

I’ve been writing my column weekly now for over three years. Some of you that have been regular readers for a while know that I rarely miss a Sunday. I am proud to have developed a pretty good-sized reader base, and have enjoyed writing on a regular basis. I always appreciate when I run into a friend I haven’t seen in a while and they bring up one of my entries they’ve enjoyed. Thank you for your readership, and I hope you have been regularly entertained.

I’ve dreamed that one day that someone would read my stuff and offer to pay me money to write a humor column, but that hasn’t happened. The other day a friend asked me if I ever sent in any of my stuff to anyone.

No. Good point.

I still hold on to my dream to write a regular entertainment piece about life encounters that are amusing. So let me know if you know someone that might be interested in hiring me.

Admittedly, recently it has been harder for me to come up with material. My schedule seems to be busier than normal since school started back up last month. So I’ve decided to reduce the frequency of my column. Instead of weekly I am now going to post monthly, at the beginning of each calendar month. I recognize that I will no longer be able to provide you regular reading to distract yourself during your Monday morning work meetings. However, I have enough archives now you can go back in and pick something.

Thanks for stopping by, and check back in on the 1^st.

Thought of the Week

2011-10-09T18:26:00.001-07:00

If you think a weakness can be turned into a strength, I hate to tell you this, but that’s another weakness.
--Jack Handy

Pic of the Week

2011-10-09T18:25:00.001-07:00

This is an actual full-page advertisement that arrived in the mail with my friend's Playboy. Interesting target audience.

Moneyball-- the movie

2011-10-02T22:34:00.000-07:00

“Why did he listen to you? What happened in there? Who are you?”

“Like I said, I’m Peter Brand.”

“I know your name. Tell me who you are.”

In this scene we learn a little about the person of Billy Beane (played by Brad Pitt), the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, and we meet Peter Brand (Jonah Hill). The two of them go on to create a philosophy that doesn’t just help the A’s succeed, but revolutionizes the game of baseball.

I read Michael Lewis’ book Moneyball several years ago. The book was fascinating. At least it was fascinating to me. It focused on statistical analysis, the inner workings of a baseball team, economics, numbers, and looking at essential baseball categories that are more likely to help you win games. He may have written the book just for me. I drove to the theater tonight wondering how a book for baseball and number geeks could be turned into a major motion picture with mass appeal.

Director Bennet Miller managed to pull it off with Moneyball. The drama was created in reality, but the movie highlighted the parts that made you want to keep watching. In 2002 early in the year the A’s were at the bottom of the standings. They changed their philosophy and their roster in an attempt to start winning games. I thought I saw something similar once in Major League, but this time the movie couldn’t write the ending. It was already written.

Could this team with its 40 million dollar payroll and poor start climb back into the playoffs? Could they pull off the longest winning streak in the history of baseball? And even if they did, would it matter if they didn’t go on to win the World Series? The drama was there. The movie depicted it. And Brad Pitt put together a brilliant performance that was so believable we forgot we were watching the star from Seven and Ocean’s 11, but rather watching Billy Beane, the general manager of the Oakland Athletics, trying to win baseball games.

The film was still about baseball. It was still about statistical analysis. But they managed to create it in a way that both baseball geeks and non-baseball fans could appreciate. If you’re not a baseball fan, there will be even more drama for you because you don’t know how the story ends. The writers couldn’t write the script with a storybook ending, because this ending actually happened.

Brad Pitt gestures with his hands as he says in the movie, “There are rich teams, and there are poor teams. Then there's 50 feet of crap. And then there's us.”

Go see Moneyball and find out if the team at the bottom can make it to the top.

Thought of the Week

2011-10-02T21:59:00.000-07:00

How can you not be romantic about baseball?
--Billy Beane's character in Moneyball

Pic of the Week

2011-10-02T21:51:00.001-07:00

Calendar

2011-09-28T17:08:00.000-07:00

This was fitting for me to read after my day at work today.

Trader Joe's

2011-09-25T20:40:00.001-07:00

Honestly, I was so tired I probably shouldn't have been on the road. First week back to work, second week of this new diet. I just needed a few things so I drove over to Trader Joe's.

I walked around not able to find my items. Was I so tired I couldn't see straight, or had they moved some things around in the store?

I couldn't find the broccoli. I was in produce. No broccoli. I looked for quite some time and finally gave and moved on to the next item on my list. I pushed my cart across the store peering down each aisle looking for the quinoa. Couldn't find it.

I got about five aisles away, which at Trader Joe's is pretty much the opposite side of the store, and a woman approached me, "Excuse me you have my cart."

I looked down. Sure enough. Not only was the one item in the cart different from the one item I had put in my cart, but her purse was sitting in the very top of the cart. I got all the way to the other side of the store without noticing.

"I'm very sorry. I'm really tired."

"I was extremely worried. I believe your cart is back in the produce section. You should eat some protein."

After I finally found the quinoa I went back to look for the broccoli again. I ran into the woman whose purse I tried to steal and asked her to help me find it.

I should eat some protein.

Thought of the Week

2011-09-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

The difference between what we do and what we are capable of doing would suffice to solve most of the world's problems.
--Mahatma Gandhi

Beer, Food, Art

2011-09-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

This place recently opened up near my house.

Tranquility

2011-09-22T21:58:00.000-07:00

Matt and Steph's place in Kanchanaburi.

Marriage Plan

2011-09-18T10:13:00.004-07:00

One night I was having a conversation with my grandpa, when he was in his mid-eighties, and the topic of marriage came up. He told me:

When your grandma and I got married we agreed that I would make all the big decisions, and she would make all the little decisions. We been married for 62 years now and so far there hasn't been any big decisions.

Grandpa on eating ice-cream.

Thought of the Week

2011-09-18T10:13:00.003-07:00

The only difference between obligation and opportunity is perspective.
--Garrett Kirkland

Pic of the Week: Doug's Chariot

2011-09-18T10:13:00.001-07:00

I was down in San Diego visiting Jonny and Jade. The four of us went for a bike ride. Yep, Jonny actually built a bike chariot for his dog.

Back to Back

2011-09-11T21:59:00.000-07:00

My date arrived complete with black and orange fingernails and a shirt she made specifically for the game. She was quite excited about going to her first Giants game of the season. That was a Tuesday night so I’ll refer to her as Tuesday-night-girl.

It wasn’t until about the third inning when we were talking about ticket availability that she reluctantly mentioned she was also going to the game the next day with a male friend, a friend that “she has known for years and was like a brother.” Somehow during that whole discussion I managed not to mention that I was also going to the game the next day and taking another girl. Honestly, if I wasn’t taking her I would have spent the night in the area and not had to drive back again the next morning. So I was being a gentleman by not mentioning it.

For both games I was using my friend’s season tickets. The seats to our left were empty, as they often were, and the seats to our right were again occupied by a couple of sisters that rarely missed a game. I was quite surprised at another couple that showed up in the seventh inning to the seats to the left of the empty seats. Maybe they were from LA. It turned out to be a great game and we enjoyed a victory complete with a Brian Wilson save. All together a good first date. Not our first date, but my first date of the week.

Now I wasn’t cheating on anyone or anything, but I did wonder if I would be able to pull off going to both games without mentioning the other woman either day. I was also wondering if one of the sisters would say anything when they saw me arrive. Maybe something like, “nice to see you again so soon.” However, on the way to the park Wednesday she directly asked me who I went with the night before (initially, when I invited her I gave her a choice of the two games, but I didn’t know she would remember that) so I had to tell her about Tuesday-night-girl. The idea of running into Tuesday-night-girl at the game did give us a few laughs. However, she had standing-room-only seats and was out in the outfield somewhere so it was unlikely that would occur.

I didn’t see Tuesday-night-girl for a couple weeks. We were talking candidly and freely so I said, “Okay, I have confession to make. You know the night we went to the Giants game…” She cut me off, “You went again the next day, with another girl.” I paused. I had a look on my face like, “how could she know that?” She continued, “I saw you.”

Apparently, with a large crowd at AT&T is pretty hard to find decent standing-room-only seats. She remembered the empty seats to our left the night before and thought she would see if they were available again. They walked up to the section. She looked up and saw me with my date grabbed her friend and ran back down the tunnel.

Oops.

Thought of the Week

2011-09-04T12:07:00.000-07:00

I don't have a girlfriend. But I do know a woman who'd be mad at me for saying that.
--Mitch Hedberg

Pic of the Week

2011-09-04T12:03:00.001-07:00

Saw this bike after the game.

Open in Translation

2011-08-31T16:57:00.000-07:00

From Matt and Steph's vacation. Somehow the 25-hour minimart was closed.

No Water

2011-08-28T23:46:00.001-07:00

I turned the faucet. Nothing. I tried the other side, as if maybe only half the sink wasn’t working. Still nothing. They shut the water off again.

Running two and half miles along the river in the Sacramento heat: great. Getting home to find out the water was shut off in your entire complex: not great.

I didn’t even know what to do. I was hungry, but I couldn’t even wash my hands. I thought about walking over to the pizza place just to use their bathroom to wash up a little. Then I saw the maintenance guy and he said the water would be back on in just a few minutes. I questioned the actual length of "a few minutes."

I was so sweaty and smelly I didn’t really want to touch anything or do anything. I just sat there contemplating my next steps. After only a couple minutes I heard the water pouring out of my kitchen sink. I jumped up turned it off and headed straight for the shower. I had a 4:30 appointment on the other side of town; I needed to get going soon.

I was only in the shower a short while, long enough to wash my hair and face, and then I heard the water starting to wane. I quickly got my face in front of the faucet as the last bit of water came out the shower head. I managed to get the soap off the front of my face before it shut off completely.

There I was standing naked in the shower, still mostly dirty. I looked in the mirror to discover I still had soap in both ears. Now what? Should I go to pizza place with no shirt on and ask to use the bathroom to wash the soap suds out of my ears? I couldn’t wait forever. I found myself carefully pouring some water from a water bottle trying to wash the soap out of my ears.I only had about 8 oz. to work with.

I grabbed a towel and dried off a bit and stood there naked in my living room again contemplating my next move. As soon as I heard the water again I sprinted back into the shower. I fully rinsed off my head and ears. Then I took out the soap and carefully washed one body part at a time and rinsed it off before I continued with the soap. I finished my right arm and the water went off again.

I got out, dried off, and did notice that I was no longer omitting a distinctly foul smell. Now at least my hands and face were clean. I grabbed some food. Before I finished eating the water was back on again, but I no longer had time. I went to my 4:30 appointment without mentioning the adventure that it took me to get ready.

Pic of the Week

2011-08-28T15:56:00.000-07:00

We went to this "Five Star" chapel in Reno for Vickie and Craig's vow renewal ceremony, and our appointment was pushed back because of a "walk-in" in front of us.

Thought of the Week

2011-08-28T15:53:00.001-07:00

In the poker game of life women are the rake.
--Worm (in the movie Rounders)

Shopping

2011-08-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

Indelible

2011-08-14T20:26:00.000-07:00

Each of us can remember certain compliments we have received. I still remember back in ’96 when I was told I had a nice jaw line. There are certain topics where a compliment particularly resonates. For example someone telling me they thought I was a great baseball broadcaster and they would like me to fill in for Jon Miller on his days off. Here are some compliments I actually have received. These are more or less in chronological order:

Jon Boyle said he would want to see my show if I did a half-hour of stand-up comedy. –2001

A friend suggested I get my own talk show.

“You are the least judgmental person I know.” –Whitney Baker

“It kind of kills me that as a math teacher you are such a good writer.” --Stephanie Anderson 5/19/09

On playing poker: “You sir aren't a pro (though you could be), a semi-pro, or even a "serious" player. You are simply one of the best part-time players out there. While you sicken me with your ability, I sincerely congratulate you on your well deserved victory!” --Dave Simon 9/28/09

“Being with you almost makes me want to ignore my technology.” –Rebecca Chakrin

For the best materialistic comment I have received recently, “I’ve been looking at all the sports cars on the road, and I still like yours the best.”

She later added, “If we break up, can I date your car?” (This would have been even funnier if she was joking.)

“You're a good writer and I like your blog..... it's kinda like The Office and Seinfeld in that it covers everything and nothing at the same time... but pretty entertaining in the process. I feel compelled to comment if I read it.” 7/1/2011

Thought of the Week

2011-08-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't.
--Erica Jong

For Sale

2011-08-14T14:15:00.000-07:00

I bought the boys matching shirts while we were in Tahoe.

Life

2011-08-12T21:43:00.001-07:00

What Day Is It?

2011-08-07T21:54:00.001-07:00

I've been sitting at the computer for two hours trying write. I've already started over a few times. I don't know how, (or really even what) I'm trying to convey today. I played poker for a month. I did well. Let me tell you what I've learned this month:

I definitely could make a living playing poker.
There are certain parts of the lifestyle I really enjoy.
I have the temperament to handle playing poker for a living.
You don't need to raise with AJo if three players have limped in front of you.

I admit it was weird calling down to the front desk to have someone help me with my luggage just because I didn't want to make three trips to the car. It was not weird drinking margaritas at the pool on a beautiful summer day. Throwing my towel on the floor so I can get a clean one the next day is something I could get used to.

I know a month is small sample size. I cannot predict exactly what would happen over the course of a year. However, I do know that I went to Reno for the Pot of Gold tournament and I played in a total of four events, and I won two of them. (technically, I won one, and five us chopped the money up in the other.) I had a hard time staying awake and focused during twelve hours sessions, but surprising I learned that even when I was not totally alert I was still able to play effective poker.

I had some good nights and some bad nights while I was in Reno. When I got back to my sister's house I don't think my family members could tell if I had won or lost money-- until they asked. Although, sometimes certain cards could have came out more favorably for me I never blamed the cards for the results of the session. Even after losing $400 the night before I still celebrated finding five bucks under my seat the next day. Even after winning over five-thousand dollars in a night I still bought lunch for eight bucks the following afternoon. Poker remained separate.

Also, during this month I got offered my job back. Interesting. I don't know if I want to live out of hotels multiple months a year and be on the road frequently. However, I don't know if I would mind either. I love my job, but I would also love the freedom of making my own schedule.

Eleven years ago after having a tough time in some low-limit poker games while living Long Beach for the summer I decided that I would not play poker for a living unless I could afford to not win. (Basically, not play with this month's rent money).

I can afford to play now, but I don't know if I could afford to not to teach.

One month 'till school starts.

Wish me luck.

Click here for an update.

Courage

2011-08-07T19:45:00.001-07:00

If you are lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it.
--John Irving

Winning

2011-08-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

By the time I won I could barely stay awake.

Autocorrect

2011-08-03T12:18:00.001-07:00

Uncensored

2011-07-31T18:36:00.000-07:00

The other day I was texting with a girl...

Me: It is one of the six things I do well.

Her: Dare I ask the other five?

Me: Do you want to go out this weekend?

Her: Is that your way of avoiding the question or attempting to answer it?

Thought of the Week

2011-07-31T18:18:00.000-07:00

I've been on so many blind dates I should get a free dog.
--Wendy Liebman

Fo Shizzle

2011-07-31T18:16:00.000-07:00

Saw this in the casino parking lot as I was leaving this afternoon.

Breakfast In

2011-07-24T19:01:00.001-07:00

Each morning this week I went down to Starbucks and bought a cup of hot water for a quarter (and usually a banana) and went back up to my hotel room and made breakfast.

Credibility

2011-07-21T10:57:00.000-07:00

Imperfect Bureaucracy

2011-07-17T22:56:00.000-07:00

At 2:15pm the three of us report to the meeting even though we don’t know why we’re there. Our principal sits us down and explains the situation. Our union rep sat at the table as an official observer. Our boss attempts to soften the blow with some kinds words, jargony schoolspeak, and ambiguous information.

The summary: Our legal obligation is to have every student in a math class, but not necessarily one that fits their needs. So support classes and remedial classes could all be cut. We have to budget for two less math teachers. One of the two people being cut will be one of us in the room, and because we all had the same hire date we would decide by a casting of lots.

What?!!? The way we are going to determine which of us will no longer have a job at our site was by drawing straws? You got to be kidding me. Something is wrong with this system.

It gets worse.

I ask, “When do we have to decide by?” Today. This meeting. I continue, “Well, can you tell us a couple weeks ago so we can have some time to think about?” It wasn’t a fair situation and I didn’t have time to process. I did know a couple things: 1. I love my job, but every year I contemplate quitting or reducing my hours. 2. My colleagues across the table both had spouses and adult children that were relying on their employment. So I volunteered to take the “short straw.” My principal says, “Are you sure?” I respond, “No, I’m not sure.” Kim hugged me and Gary said he would bring me a bottle of wine.

I discovered some of my coworkers went to our union rep angry about the situation. It was nice to know at least some people would be upset if I left. (She explained to them that I did it to myself.)

I spent the next week agonizing over the situation. Did I do the right thing? Was I not looking out for myself enough? Did I possibly just create a situation where all of us would have a job, but I would be forced to leave my school and go somewhere I didn’t want to be? Was Gary every going to bring me that bottle of wine?

Another week passes and we learn that all three of us were being pink slipped along with two other math teachers in the department (5 out of the 6 could be getting laid off). So basically the whole “casting of lots” meeting didn’t even matter. Knowing that I no longer had a job actually gave me a sense of relief. At least it was out of my hands and I didn’t bring it upon myself.

Our school had to prepare for worst case scenario. Once the Bush tax extensions didn’t get on the ballot I mentally prepared myself for not having a job next year. I reacted exactly the way someone should in this situation—somewhere between acceptance and celebration. I began to calculate my living expenses if I was collecting unemployment, and more specifically my travel expenses while collecting unemployment. Quite frankly I wasn’t just accepting the idea, but embracing it. How long should I stay in Argentina?

Then at the end of April we go to court. Kim and Gary both testify on behalf of our department. I didn’t go into court or even worry about it that much, but I did get some enjoyment during Easter vacation by saying, “my lawyer is blowin’ up my e-mail today.” Then on May 7^th we receive the judge’s ruling and the last sentence in article 68 of the 40-page document read, “Mr. Burrill shall be retained, and his layoff notice rescinded.”

A couple days later I was on the outside patio at a restaurant drinking a beer and a teacher from another school that I barely knew walked by and congratulated me. (She most have read the whole document; I just searched my last name.) I guess everything would be restored. When I had the chance to emotionally react to having my job back I had an epiphany: I really do want my job. The district just had to accept the judge’s proposal and everything for Kim and I would be back to normal. From what I heard the district pretty much had to accept it.

However, we still receive final layoff notices in the mail. After some inquisition we learn that they just didn’t have time to finalize the list so they just sent the layoff notices to everyone, and we should get another notice shortly reinstating our positions. A couple weeks pass and we still don’t have anything in writing. After getting over the initial disappointment of having my job back I was now embracing the idea of continued employment. So May 21^st my boss sends an angry e-mail to the head of Human Resources stating how their poor business practices and organization were mistreating her employees. He calls her Monday morning and apologizes and ensures her that both Kim and I are on the list to get our jobs back.

Finally. I was getting a little tired of this whole process.

Now employed and happy I continue to go about my life in a normal way. I remained calm through most of this, but Kim worried enough for all of us. On May 31^st Kim decides to call H.R. and ask for something official in writing so she can feel some security. The head of the H.R. department has one of his lackeys call Kim back and she basically tells Kim, “Um, yeah. About that getting your job back thing we kinda made a mistake. The judge really shouldn’t have included you guys, and as of right now you’re still laid off. And as far as him telling you on the phone that you had your job back, well, we can’t really get into who said what to who. But hopefully everything will work out for you.”

Seriously? Again? So now I was back to where I was before except instead of planning my vacation to Argentina I was disappointed about not having the job that I love. Something is wrong with this system.

Then the week after school gets out an article comes out in the paper saying that our school budget should look good for next year. So I assume that I will get my job back in time and I once again relax about it. Kim continues to stress out.

Last week I took a team of eight people from my school site to the AVID institute. I worked an entire week assuming that I will have my job next year, and will continue to head the AVID program at my school. One of my coworkers asked if I had received my letter of rescintion I said, “No, but I don’t check my mail that often.” She asked me to check the mail.

I find out that Gary got a letter on Thursday stating he has his job back (which is interesting because he wasn’t in the judge’s proposal at all, but he was ahead of Kim and I on the list). Kim and I have nothing on Friday. Kim contacts me Saturday saying she got a letter saying that she will have at least a 40% position.

What? That hasn’t been a thing. Are you kidding me? Poor Kim that been working so hard this entire time still doesn’t have a full-time position. She is extremely upset.

We text on Saturday.

Me: I checked the mail. (There was nothing.)

Kim: Shoot. Ok. I told Amy and Pannu that I thought that was the case. Pannu will got obat for us tomorrow. Amy and Pannu have talk about this. I email the attorney thought I don’t think she will do antyihng Next in my mind is the SCTA. We may have to petition to the school board since they accepted the judge’s ruling. They probably do not know what we hae been through. Have you followed up on the list of order of events I sent you?

Um… I checked the mail.

Thought of the Week

2011-07-17T22:53:00.000-07:00

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.
--Confucius

Pic of the Week

2011-07-17T22:47:00.000-07:00

This is Matt's bathroom; he makes beer at home.

Safari Trip Success

2011-07-14T18:05:00.000-07:00

Finding the Way Out

2011-07-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

For the first time I have a guest writer for this week's column. The following feature is from my close friend and colleague Giovanni Boone. He describes his experience working at the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Finding the Way Out

The moment I walked out of the elevator, the claustrophobia set in. A vast maze of cubicles stretched before me as far as the eye could see. It felt like the walls were closing in on me. Everywhere I looked, people were hunched over computers staring glassy-eyed at their monitors. No one laughed. No one smiled. I had arrived at the heart of darkness: the DMV headquarters. To make matters worse, I was there for an interview. When they called my name, my only thought was, I’ve got to get the hell out of here.

I made my first attempt to escape even before I got the job. At the interview, they asked me a few basic questions - name, age, sex, pulse? After checking my pulse, which was racing, Jeanne, my soon-to-be boss, offered me the job. I politely declined. This environment just wasn't for me, I said. And besides, I think a graveyard shift just opened up at the Circle K. I figured this would be the end of the interview, but instead of letting me leave, she tried to convince me to take the position. My resume was not that strong, she said. It would be good for me to have experience doing mindless work for little pay, she added. It would get me ready for the real world. I’m not sure it did that, but it did help appreciate the movie Office Space more. My reluctance notwithstanding, she finally badgered me into accepting her offer.

There were five student assistants, including me, who all shared the same workspace. We were penned-in like sheep and relegated to the far corner of the building. I soon came to realize that hard work was not rewarded. My bosses seemed annoyed rather than impressed when I finished a project quickly. One time, Kevin, one of the other sheep, and I spent half a day copying and collating a 500-page binder. When we delivered it to Jeanne, she said, oh, we don't need that anymore. Sorry. We were even told that it was okay to play computer games as long as weren't caught. I got pretty good at minesweeper.

My mind started turning to jelly. I'd come home every night completely exhausted from boredom and nap for two hours before going to bed. It was depressing. Four months into it, I decided to quit. Being a conscientious student, I lined up another job at a local ice-cream parlor before giving my two weeks. This gesture, I thought, would get me a good letter of recommendation for my meager resume. My boss was disappointed that I was leaving, but she understood. The staff even planned a going away lunch for me at the Olive Garden.

During that second to last week, I received the same chain letter three times. Email was a relatively new phenomenon back then and chain letters were popular. The letter said: if you send this letter on to 10 people you will see the Taco Bell dog walk across your screen. I had already seen the Taco Bell dog enough on TV, so I deleted those emails, but it got me thinking. Who started this email? Are people really stupid enough to keep forwarding something like this? Wouldn't it be great if I sent out a chain letter and received it back weeks later by some random person?

My last day of work finally arrived and I was feeling good. I did some fake work for a couple of hours and then went out for lunch with the staff. I even got a few going away presents. When we arrived back at the office I decided to reveal my chain letter idea to the rest of the student assistants. They enthusiastically encouraged me to go for it.

I crafted a chain letter similar to the one I had received, replacing the Taco Bell dog with Godzilla. The deal was this: forward the letter to seven people and a mini fire-breathing Godzilla would walk across your screen. Send it to 12 or more, and you'd see Godzilla chasing Japanese citizens through the streets of Tokyo. It seemed reasonable.

Now I needed to decide who to send it to. With my colleagues looking on, I began to scroll through the DMV address book. There were lots of names I didn't know, but as I scrolled, I came upon headings that read, "first floor, second floor..." and so on. Hmm...? I could send it to everyone on the fifth floor, exactly the kind of wide dispersal that would kick start my letter. Moments before sending it off to the entire fifth floor, I happened upon another address that read "DMV internet users." I decided that that would be an even better idea.

It wasn't.

Less than thirty seconds after clicking send, Javier, one of the full-time employees who never left his cubicle, came over to us. He simply stared at me for a moment as if seeing me for the first time. Then with a heavy tone, he said: Dude, you've got a lot of balls to send something like that. His words hung in the air like the reverberations of a gong. I looked around at my friends who smiled back, in agreement -- yes indeed, I did have a lot of balls.

Javier advised me to recall my email. The look on his face convinced me it might be a good idea. The magnitude of my actions quickly became apparent. A counter started rolling to show the number of emails successfully recalled. 100... 200... 300... Moments later it was at 1000. My stomach sank. And then the phone call came.

It was Pat, one of my bosses. Network security had called, she said, and were concerned that my email message might crash the server. Security was demanding immediate action be taken against the perpetrator. Pat, said Jeanne, my other boss, would speak to me when she got out of her meeting. I might have to clear out my desk early, she said. This was not going well. How did I get into this mess?

I looked at the clock. It was 4:00 pm.

It'll be no big deal, my buddies consoled. What are they going to do, fire you with an hour left? Besides, Jeanne won't be that mad. Turns out they were wrong: It was a big deal, they were going to fire me, and Jeanne was pissed. Her first words to clued me in to that. Do you know how bad you f#*% up, she hissed. I was beginning to get the picture and it did not look pretty. She told me to get my things and follow her to her office.

In her office, Jeanne grilled me about this email. What was I thinking, she asked. Why did I send it to everyone? Was I trying to get fired? Was I some kind of moron? I didn't have a satisfactory answer for her questions, and to this day still don't know how I made such an obviously idiotic decision. I settled for apologizing profusely and agreeing that I was indeed a moron. Next, she took my employee badge and called security, effectively barring me from ever coming back onto the premises. I could be charged with trespassing if I tried to come back, she let me know. Why would I try to come back? I've been trying to leave ever since I arrived. Furthermore, I was to be blacklisted and would never be allowed to work for the state again. Security showed up a few minutes later to personally escort me out. It was 4:45. I got fired with fifteen minutes left on my last day. It wasn't funny then, but now I can laugh about it.

Ironically, I currently work as a public school teacher and get my paycheck from the State of California.

I never did get that letter or recommendation.

Thought of the Week

2011-07-10T12:10:00.000-07:00

A woman in love can't be reasonable, or she probably wouldn't be in love.
--Mae West

Pic of the Week: Life is Simple

2011-07-10T12:04:00.000-07:00

What are you doing?

2011-07-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

Singing Along

2011-07-03T23:00:00.000-07:00

There is a scarcity of women playing poker. So women that are even moderately attractive get plenty of attention at the tables. Last week the attractive woman to my right (the only female at the table) decided to loudly sing along with one line of the song playing faintly in the background.

The old guy in seat five says, “I used to wish I could sing better. Now I wish you could.”

Productivity

2011-07-03T17:58:00.000-07:00

After the Rivercats game we walked by the Embassy Suites. It is hard to see, but this guy is drinking a beer while on the treadmill.

Thought of the Week

2011-07-03T17:39:00.000-07:00

If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.
-Mark Twain

Amidst the Storm

2011-06-30T10:21:00.000-07:00

Taken during the Vancouver riots after game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals.

Sometimes They Let You Know

2011-06-26T23:58:00.000-07:00

This year I had over 130 kids, some twice. It is hard to reach them all. I will admit I often question if I am doing enough. So many kids today are rude, lazy, and unappreciative. Often we, as teachers, do not see the fruit of our labor. At the end of year the kids leave us and we don’t know how the story plays out. But sometimes I get a chance to realize that I’ve truly impacted the lives of few kids. And sometimes I get a chance to realize that it is way more than a just a few.

At the end of each school year I have my students write me a letter to say good-bye. Every year they touch my heart. Below I included excerpts from their letters, but then also several entire letters. I admit that I corrected some of the spelling errors, but I tried to maintain the integrity of the letters (even the poor grammar and confused sentence structure). I changed their full names to just initials. If this column is too long for you feel free to just skip to the end and read a couple at the bottom.

Sometimes I wonder if I encouraged them enough, if I pushed them enough, if I taught them enough. It was nice of some of them to let me know that I did. Here are their letters:

This year with you has been quite something. You actually made me look forward to 1^st period! I have to admit, I knew nothing about algebra, and didn’t think this class would actually make an impact, but man was I wrong… You’re one of those teachers every student is lucky to have.

The lessons made sense and there wasn’t much homework. I enjoy doing the 10-star notes. The reason why, because we talk about numerous things while actually learning. While being here, I definitely learned some ways to do math. I’ve always hated learning things which you know you’ll never use in life. But after you told us about the “muscle” story I finally understood. You are an awesome teacher, don’t change.

I used an analogy comparing learning algebra to lifting weights. I was stressing that we were learning how to increase our critical thinking and growing our brain muscles. Also, that I don’t pretend the majority of people will have to know how to graph a parabola for their vocation.

I have the feeling that I’m gonna go far. And keep in touch with you every step of the way. When you’re old and your hair starts to fall out I’m going to be on my high horse, remembering everything you taught me. And I’m going to be thankful for that each and every day. I’m going to miss you and your class so much next year!... Well I love this class. It was the best. I’m going to be great next year, just like you told me to. Just encourage me and keep in touch.

Ever since I was put in your class I understood math. Not only do I realize you care about our math grades, but you care about our lives and other grades. Having you for AVID made me actually think about what I need to do to make my life easier. I never really believed in myself, but now I do.

I also learned about trying my hardest and to keep working hard to reach my goal in life. All I can say is thank you so much. Just keep doing what you have been doing.

You are one of my favorite teachers because no matter what student you have you always make them work harder.

Awesomest, most amazing, brilliant, coolest, weirdest (in a good way), lovable, parentive, teacher ever.

I didn’t think I was good at math because of last year and in the 6^th grade, but now I’m actually really good with numbers.

Thank you for helping me discover that hard work can get you places in life.

This has been my favorite class all year. Not just because we have commercial breaks, parties, and dances to the Eagle Eye, but because this was the first year I’ve gotten grades to be proud of in math. I’ll admit I was scared in the beginning of the year because I thought the other kids would laugh at me like last year. But they didn’t.

Dear Mr. Burrill,

This class was great. It was fun and challenging. I learned a lot of new ways to solve certain problems, such as, factoring, completing the square, and the quadratic formula, which for my opinion is the toughest of the three. I think that you’re a great math teacher, but you also know a lot about other things such as, life and how it is, how to not let anybody put you down or say you can’t do something. I have learned a lot from you and your class, and I want to thank you for it, so thank you very very very much for everything you have taught me Mr. Burrill.

Sincerely,

S.A.

Dear Mr. Burrill,

I am glad that you taught me math my 8^th grade year, because you’re a teacher. You encourage all your students to do the best. I think that’s the reason why you’re such a good teacher. I felt that 3^rd period math was one of my best and favorite classes this year. Last year in 7^th grade my teacher taught very slow, and it was hard for me to understand. But when you teach it’s just at the right speed.

Sincerely,

T.P.

Dear Mr. Burrell,

Coming from 7^th grade I didn’t know much about math. I just sorta slacked off and didn’t pay attention much at all last year. So knowing that I thought this year and math would be especially difficult. However, I found myself paying attention and doing the work with ease. I just mainly wanted to thank you and acknowledge how much you’ve helped me. The things in math I thought I’d never understand were made easy when you explained them. If you haven’t already noticed, I’m not exactly the smartest kid around. And I truly believe math wouldn’t have been fun for me if I didn’t have you as a teacher. Thank you Mr. Burrell.

-K

Maybe if I have her for another year I’ll teach her how to spell my name.

Dear Mr. Burrill,

You are a great teacher and a better encourager. Whenever you would come out to the soccer field I would try harder. You taught me a lot of things like the quadratic formula and Pythagorean Theorem. Your class was always fun and every school day I would look forward to going to your class. I’ve learned many life lessons from you. And many funny jokes. The Superman one was my favorite. I’m really glad to have been in your class.

Sincerely,

A.H.

The letter below is from a kid I never thought worked real hard, and sometimes I wondered if I was too hard on him. I didn’t really know how he felt about me or the class until this letter.

Dear Mr. Burrill,

I have always struggled in math until I came to your class. You always encouraged me and I kept getting better and better in math. I wish you did every subject so I could be in your class only. You are like no other teacher. You are the best teacher I have ever had. This year in your class I have learned so much. When I was confused, you always explained it well. When I was down, you always encouraged me. All I want you to know is that you made my life easier.

Your favorite student,

D.T.

Dear Mr. Burrill,

I LOVE your class! I’m very happy that I got to switch classes. You are my favorite teacher. Your class was fun, funny, and the best class to be in. Even though I already knew a lot, being in your class helped me better understand things. I’ve really learned a lot from your class, not just about math, but about life in general. You helped me and inspired me to do things. Even though you probably don’t know it. My life is pretty bad right now. Since January, things haven’t been going well, but some things you’ve said in class helped me through things. This is probably new to you, but that’s because I don’t show it. I really appreciate everything you do. Even if I don’t show it, you’ve been a big help! So I wanted to say thank you for being the BEST math teacher and in a way a friend to me. You make my day better because when you’re in a good mood you’re fun and when you’re in a bad mood you’re funny. I have a lot of great memories from this class and I don’t have not one bad memory. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you and the work you do. I love the way you teach, and I couldn’t have asked for a better teacher. You’re more than my math teacher, you’re a friend. I hope I didn’t leave any bad impression of me, because I know I wasn’t always the best student. You love your students and that’s one of the reasons I think you’re so great at what you do. Your class is the best class I’ve had at Albert Einstein Middle School. I hope we can keep in touch. I’ll miss your class. I’ll miss you and I’ll miss everything about the way you teach. THANK YOU! Oh, and one more thing… I will say “what” way more than one more time!

--K.R.A 2010-2011

Dear Mr. Burrill,

Thank you for working with me after school and taking time to help me understand math. You helped me bring up my grade and pushed me to do better. You have become my favorite teacher. You made me like math and coming to school which I never thought was possible. Thanks for proving to me that I could do it.

Sincerely,

K.C.

Dear Mr. Burrill,

It’s cool being in AVID. You’re a great teacher for it. Being in AVID was great. I learned a lot from here. I learned how to take notes, study, and pass all my classes. In high school I plan to keep a GPA 3.0 or higher and persevere through the hard/difficult times. I won’t be mediocre I will be more than great. Thanks for everything.

Sincerely,

D.R.

Dear Mr. Burrill,

I wanted to say thank you for changing my life and helping me succeed in life. Every day I learned something new and never forgot it. I would make my parents proud when they would try to do a problem, get it wrong, and I would show them how to do it. When I would make my parents proud, I would feel proud to strive and do better. Everything that you’ve taught me I would tell myself that I can do anything in life as long as I try and do my best. All of the life lessons you gave us, the new words you taught us, and the fun times we spent as your favorite 1^st period class has always put me in a better mood because I know that you’re not only my teacher, but my friend. I have realized as the year goes by that the more I learn the easier high school will be. So thank you for being that person in my life that helped and is still helping me succeed and be a better person in life.

Sincerely,

H. G.

Pic of the Week

2011-06-26T23:38:00.003-07:00

Thought of the Week

2011-06-26T23:38:00.001-07:00

A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five.
--Groucho Marx

Negative Graffiti

2011-06-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

Artists used selective cleaning to produce their pictures.

Thoughts from my 14-year-olds

2011-06-19T13:08:00.000-07:00

At the end of every school year I have my students write me letters to say good-bye. Here are some words directly from my kids:

This class has always been fun even though it is only math.

This class is theee funnest class next to Mr. Kennedy and Mr. McKenna.

When you teach us math you make sure we understand it so that we’ll pass our tests, and if we don’t understand it you sometimes yell, pretty LOUD, or hit us with your paper! Anyway, it was fun in your class. I had a good time.

I also learned that I am bad at algebra, but mostly cause I spent most of my time day-dreaming, not to say your class was boring but when we were just talkin about math it wasn’t exactly fun, but really what math class is.

High school’s gunna be tough without you tutering me (or however you spell tutering).

It’s not that you’re a bad teacher I was just lazy and immature.

p.s. I’ll try not to be late for class next year.

Since being in your class I have learned many things. These things have been about math and about life. You are the best teacher ever. Some things I have learned are completing the square, you have also taught me to not let anyone bring you down about something. Whatever I do when I get older I will remember that so I won’t fuck up my life or my dream.

I just wanted to say you’re the best Algebra teacher ever and class this year has been very good. This year I learned more stuff from your class, like poker tips, tips on girls, and a lot about math!

Thanks Mr. Burrill you actually got me to like math lol. But the reason I was messing up at the end of the school was… Idk maybe I just got lazy or probably cuz Charisse broke up with me. Haha. Oh, well I didn’t really like her anyways. So yea thanks for everything you did to help me. H.A.K.A.S.
p.s. I get to walk, woohoo!
Another p.s. H.A.K.A.S. means have a kick ass summer

This year being in your class I actually learned something.

Don’t retire because you’re tired of all us 8th graders. When I have kids, you better be here to teach them because I recommend each and every student to bet taught by you.

I learned hardly anything this year, but your class was one of my favorites.

I told the sevies to be excited about you, but don’t get on your bad side. Not that I’ve seen your bad side nor do I want to! I’m so happy you’ve been my math teacher because you’re great at teaching and being funny! You need to teach Mr. McKenna how to be funny because he is not funny at all! He really isn’t. Well math is very hard and not fun, but you made it easy and fun.

You are an amazing teacher, scary at times, but amazing.

And even though I did not pay that much attention in class, I still enjoyed the class.

You are probably the loudest and funniest teacher I have.

Dear Mr. Burrill,
When I go to high school next year I am going to be a freshman. So that means I will need a senior girlfriend so people know I’m cool.

I loved being in AVID. It was what I looked forward to every other day.

Dear Mr. Burrill,
Your one bamf. You make math fun. Your class has always been my favorite class this year. You’re an awesome sauce teacher and you better stay ninja! Thanks to you I finally understand algebra better than I did. You give really good life lessons and Its cool to me how you actually want to change a students lives somehow. You dress like your secreatly gay (: Its kind of amusing saying that. Stay an awesome teacher because you are the bee’s knees.

You’re much more than just a teacher Mr. Burrill. And I’m glad I taught you how to delete you’re ex-girlfriend from your contacts, so you would stop buttdialing her.

Memba dat time wan you sent me to room 1 k’uz I didn’t hav ma notebook out. I was hella Mad at chu, I was like wow blood why he do dis shit to me. I was mad but, I got ova it b’kuz I realized dat I was wrong n’ not chu. So days’ past and the school w. yough is great you taught me how to do the quadratic fourmula it was light-weight hard fo me but is goodthie thou. All I got say is thank you for the wonderfull year, you’re the best math teacher. Love ya…

When you’re old and you hair starts to fall out I’m going to be on my high horse, remembering everything you taught me.

You make my day better because when you’re in a good mood you’re fun, and when you’re in a bad mood you’re funny.

Pic of the Week

2011-06-19T11:24:00.002-07:00

With three of my 1st period kids the morning of the promotion ceremony.

Thought of the Week

2011-06-19T11:24:00.001-07:00

Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.
--William Butler Yeats

Commercial

2011-06-15T22:54:00.000-07:00

I heard a U-verse commercial on the radio similar to this:

On the radio ad the dad says to the daughter: "In the diary you speak of a Seth character. He didn't graduate high school; he must be a real entrepreneur.

And the wife says to the husband, "Then let's talk about your fantasy football team for an hour."

AVID

2011-06-12T21:34:00.001-07:00

At the end of the year I had each of my AVID students write a letter to other students that may be considering AVID in the future. The letter below was written by one my students. What a wonderful, organized, and succinct argument supporting AVID. Beautiful.

Dear prospective AVID student,

If you have already decided to join AVID then you are one step closer to achieving your goals. This class isn't for any one type of student. It is for everyone who wants to succeed in life. That is one of the things I love about AVID, the diversity. As long as you want to succeed, you will fit in.

The AVID class teaches you how to write better, how to work with your peers, how to be organized, and how to have fun while doing it. Some things I personally enjoyed were working in groups, doing some educational art projects (like our college posters) and having parties during certain parts of the year (winter break, achieving AR goal, multicultural, end of year, etc.).

Some reasons to be part of AVID are the important life lessons you can learn, the insight to life in high school and college, and the fact that it is fun and enjoyable. We have guest speakers that talk about higher education and their current jobs, and we take field trips to some local colleges. The last reason you should join AVID is because it is a great experience and really can help you create a better future for yourself.

To help document the activities and the fun described in the letter above I hired my sister to produce this scrapbook video showing our AVID class this year. Enjoy.

Pic of the Week

2011-06-12T18:06:00.000-07:00

Alex doesn't know I shot this picture of him at the top of Feather Falls.

Thought of the Week

2011-06-11T16:02:00.001-07:00

Everybody dies, but not everybody lives.
--Drake

Protest

2011-06-09T23:50:00.000-07:00

Negative Spin

2011-06-05T23:17:00.000-07:00

The other day I looked up the word "marital" on dictionary.com. Above the definition were some advertisements. The top ad was from reliabledivorce.com.

And the dictionary example phrase was "marital discord."

The next word I looked up was harmony, and it didn't even mention marriage.

Pic of the Week: Reno

2011-06-05T23:15:00.000-07:00

I was in Reno today and walking back to our car after the Aces game I was thinking about picking up some earings, bracelets, rings, and stun guns.

Thought of the Week

2011-06-05T23:08:00.000-07:00

When I meet a guy, the first question I ask myself is: is this the man I want my children to spend their weekends with?
--Rita Rudner

Kevin Hart

2011-06-02T19:27:00.001-07:00

I quoted a few comedians to my kids, but they are 14 and didn't get all the humor. They suggested this guy:

Kevin Hart

What do you guys think?

The Cost of Salsa

2011-05-30T00:02:00.000-07:00

Me: Is it reasonable to spend $27 on shipping for $50 worth of salsa?

Jeremy: Is it reasonable to spend $50 on salsa?

Good point. Probably not.

Last summer when I was out in St. Louis my cousin, Mark, gave me a few jars of salsa. He has a new business with his girlfriend, Debbie, and they specialize in pickles and salsa. I don't really like pickles. I offered to pay Mark for the initial jars, but he wouldn’t accept my money. I recognize that buying salsa from someone 2000 miles away is not the most practical idea. However, I wanted to support the family business, the salsa was great, and I like salsa.

I e-mailed Debbie and found out the salsa came in mild, medium, hot, atomic, and “the bomb.” This is Missouri so I wasn’t sure any of it was going to be really hot. However, I had a feeling “the bomb” may be a little much for me, but I still wanted to try it.

I e-mailed in my order, “Okay, I'll take no mild, 4 medium, 3 hot, 2 atomic, and 1 Bomb.”

Debbie handled the business side of things so all my communication was with her. (This was probably good for the business, because Mark probably would have continued to give me free salsa.) I told her that I was going to be out of the country for a couple weeks so there was no rush on my order.

Like a young boy on Christmas morning I excitedly opened the boxes sent from Troy, Missouri. Also like a young boy on Christmas morning I was surprised by what was inside. I received three jars of “the bomb,” some jars labeled “extra hot,” (which I didn’t even know was a choice), no jars of medium (which was my largest request), and two jars of sweet fire relish (not sure why). Also, one jar of the “extra hot” broke in the shipping. I couldn’t figure it out. The only thing that was consistent with my order was that there was indeed ten jars.

I called my sister for advice on the situation. She noted that I was paying for it like a regular customer, so I should have the same expectations I would from any other business. I should expect certain things-- like receiving what I ordered. Good point.

It seemed she remembered that I liked hot salsa and just put together a box for me. She added that she thought I would enjoy the "sweet fire" and it was one of her top sellers. Apparently, order specifics are not necessarily the priority.

For compensation I asked her that she send me four jars of the medium salsa. She writes back, “how about I send you four jars of the medium and one hot?”

Um... okay. I ended up with enough salsa to last me a while (a while ended about two months ago).

So it was time for me to order more. I e-mailed Debbie again and put in a new order for ten more jars. It took me a while to send her the check. So when I finally did I e-mailed her to ask if she still had my order.

She responded, “I keep all my e-mails so I have you order.”

Naturally.

I waited a while and no salsa arrived. I checked each day. Still no salsa. Then one day I get a voicemail from my mom in San Jose with a perplexed tone in her voice, “Kevin, you just got a large box sent here from Troy, Missouri. It is really heavy.”

Seriously?

She sent my salsa to my mom? How does that even happen? She has already sent me two shipments here in Sacramento. And I just ate tacos all weekend with Pace Picante. It will be another month until I’m in San Jose. I wonder if the e-mail I sent her last summer with my address was one of “all the e-mails” that she kept.

So let me know if you want a jar from my next order. It is $8 a jar, and it will be here-- eventually.

By the way… The “sweet fire” was excellent.

Pic of the Week

2011-05-29T23:45:00.000-07:00

Experiencing such a pleasant drive last weekend I was inspired to take a picture while driving alone in my Chevy Aveo. This is somewhere between Long Beach and San Diego.

Thought of the Week

2011-05-29T23:44:00.000-07:00

When choosing between two evils, I always like to try the one I've never tried before.
--Mae West

Smoking

2011-05-26T22:51:00.000-07:00

Craig and Vickie

2011-05-22T21:59:00.000-07:00

When I was 17 years old I wrote this poem for my sister and her husband, and I read it at their wedding.

Craig and Vickie

As soon as they met they knew it was right
I sure am glad they went to the show that night
Craig didn't know going to a movie was going to get him a wife
And "Clear and Present Danger" isn't describing his new life
So they exchanged numbers and planned the next time to meet
And it just so happened that Craig lived right down the street

Now I know a lot of you are having trouble with the nae
Don't feel bad because nobody says it the same
Even family members disagree
But I think we have decided it's "Musni"

Now I know the living situation has been very odd
'Cause we never know who's living with Ginny and Rod
Understanding this is just a little tricky
Craig moved in and out went Vickie
Then Vickie came back for a her final stay
All this was while Derek was away
Now Craig had moved out, but it was okay
Because we saw him more often this way
Now Derek's home, so I guess we got a good deal

But we still see Craig and Vickie when the need a good meal

Both of them have been without jobs, but now it's cool
Cause Craig's working at Apple and Vickie's teaching school
But they did have to tell the Jeep good-bye
It's gone now, but hey, let's not cry

Craig will be a great husband; he's sensible and stable
And now that he's with Vick, we got his pool table
Craig and I have bonded, and he's a terrific guy
Whether it's playing pool, or skiing, or just a quick "hi"
Or sometimes we discuss the new Deep Thought
Flippy and Hambone, it's a good story, the rest I forgot
Acutally Craig and Vickie are perfect for each other
Listen to how she describes my new brother
He's helpful, encouraging, and believes in what I do
He's very patient with me, and he's very clever to
He puts gas in my car, and he even cooks
He doesn't always hear, but at least he always looks
Craig is just the opposite of what I'd call a Scrooge
And he's quick to comment when we're feeling "huge"
He even convinced Vickie to join the gym
And nobody else could have done that but him
Craig, I'm glad you chose my sister, I'm really glad you met her
And to tell you the truth, she couldn't have done any better

Before Craig popped the question, and got down on his knees
He asked my parents for permission, and they said, "take her, please!"
All joking aside...these are two of the most wonderful people I know
And it will be great to watch their marriage grow

When you look at Vickie, you see a friendly face
She's accepting to everyone, of any culture or race
When she puts her mind to something it doesn't take long
Because she's committed, determined, and head strong

Now Vickie's been my sister about my whole life
I guess I never really pictured her as being a wife
Now she's teaching students that are as old as me
So I guess she's not the girl that she used to be
I remember back when she used to tell me the bad stuff she did
But of course that wasn't much cause she was such a good kid
Now Vickie's always been my sister, but she's my friend too
And Vickie, I want you to know...that we all love you
And today your family isn't telling you good-bye
But we want you to know that Craig's one lucky guy

Pic of the Week: Josh

2011-05-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

At Karri's Wedding.

Thought of the Week

2011-05-22T21:20:00.000-07:00

"If you're clever you'll get the last word. If you're really clever you won't use it."
--Stephanie Riordan
(Giving marital advice to her best during the toast at the wedding)

The End of the World

2011-05-20T10:23:00.000-07:00

Tom Tolbert on the radio yesterday:

"We have the rapture happening on Saturday. I think it is going to happen at 7:06. I'm not sure am or pm, but 7:06. I'll go ahead and pick that time for our pool."

"I'm not sure how I'm going to collect the money, but we'll figure that out later."

My Favorite Player

2011-05-15T21:27:00.000-07:00

September 1^st, 2010. The score was tied 1-1 in a huge pennant race game. The Giants bring in rookie Darren Ford to pinch run at first base. Who? Darren Ford? He had been called up from double-A that morning. After a missed flight connection he finally made it to the game sometime during the 2^nd inning. Lincecum bunts him over to second. Now in the 8^th inning, during his big league debut, Ford represents the potential go-ahead run.

On the next pitch Jimenez throws it in the dirt. It squirts about five feet from Olivio, the catcher. I literally didn’t know one baseball player that would even try to advance on that pitch, but that was because I didn’t yet know Darren Ford. He’s fast. Real fast.

Ford breaks for third. Olivio comes up firing and throws the ball into left field. Ford pops up and races home giving the Giants a 2-1 lead. Darren Ford, welcome to the Big Leagues.

Most baseball fans I know could tell you their favorite player as a kid. Mine: Will Clark. As an adult sometimes people ask me that same question. Who is your favorite player on the Giants? Depending on the year I would have answered something like, “I don’t know. Jeff Kent? Maybe Jason Schmidt.” It is hard to say a favorite player, but there are definitely certain players that command my attention. Bonds at the plate, Lincecum on the mound—there are certain players you don’t want to miss. Let me add to that list: Darren Ford on base.

Last week the Giants had Mark DeRosa and Andres Torres both return from the disabled list on the same day. I remember texting Gio at the beginning of the game when I heard the news, “The Giants kept Ford on the roster!” That very night Buster Posey gets a lead-off walk in the ninth of a scoreless game. Ford comes in to pinch run and steals second without a throw. Shortly after he scores the winning run on a Cody Ross base hit.

As I write, Darren Ford has two career major league hits and six runs scored (most of those runs were game-winning runs). He is like a secret weapon in a close game. I’ve literally said to my friends during the game things like, “If we can just get a runner on we can bring in Ford.” Being down 3-2 in the 8^th has never been so fun.

Back in 1987 I would have told you my favorite color is blue, favorite food is pizza, and my favorite baseball player is Will Clark.

“Who’s your favorite player?”

24 years later, I’m ready to answer the question again.

Bay to Breakers 2011

2011-05-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

I took this picture this morning at the race.

Thought of the Week

2011-05-15T20:27:00.001-07:00

Baseball is ninety percent mental, and the other half is physical.
--Yogi Berra

Konerko and Betancourt

2011-05-13T15:42:00.000-07:00

Even if you don't like baseball you will want to watch a couple plays that occurred this week. Awesome.

Teacher Apreciation

2011-05-12T12:01:00.000-07:00

Last week was teacher appreciation week. Although I didn't get much from my students my friend Matt did send me this thoughtful card:

Speculation

2011-05-08T22:04:00.000-07:00

It is not a steadfast rule, but I have a general policy: I don’t answer the phone if it is a number I don’t recognize… unless I’m in the car. Then I really don’t have anything better to be doing, and I don’t use a Bluetooth, and breaking minor laws can often help avoid boredom.

One day I get a phone call in the car and an abridged version of the conversation went something like this:

“As an avid investor would you be interested in learning more about some great investment opportunities?”

“I don’t know.”

“How about a company that invests in oil?”

“Maybe.”

“What about a business that invests in rare stamps from the 1930’s?”

“Probably not.”

“How about a company that specializes in making environmentally friendly electrical decisions?”

“Maybe.”

(The conversation continued this way for several types of businesses. Trying to get through the list so I could figure out where this was going I started to get less particular.)

“What about a firm that sells additional appendages to robots living on other planets?”

“Sure.”

“Okay. Thanks for your time. I’ll give your information to all of those businesses so they can contact you about investing in their companies.”

“Wait. What? Don’t… Hold on… Uh… Um… Bye.”

Since that call I’ve had an increase in unrecognizable numbers contacting me. I’ve even answered a few times.

“Can I speak with Kevin Burrill?”

“This is him.”

“If I made a quality presentation would I be able to convince you to invest $80,000 into a highly profitable gasoline and oil company?”

“I teach math.”

Last Thursday morning I wasn’t in the car, but I did have supervision duty before my first class and about 10 minutes to kill so I answered again. This time he did a sales pitch letting me know that I needed to buy in his company because recently the CEO has been buying up shares, and “who knows the company better than its CEO?” I didn’t know the strength of that argument, but I did understand that 200 shares at four bucks a share was a lot less money than 25 grand or 80 grand. So I decided to take a gamble and agree to buy 200 shares.

Later I reflected on this purchase as I had somehow I managed to buy 200 shares in a company I literally knew nothing about. I didn’t know the name of the company, or even the industry. Who does that? All I knew was the CEO has recently been buying up the shares. I assumed I wasn’t the second largest owner.

Then the salesman called me back to let me know he needed the check within seven days of the order. However, all the information was mailed to my parents house, the address associated with this sales list. My parents mailed me the documents, but it wasn’t going to be in time. I’m been extremely busy at work. Finally, I wrote him and e-mail saying to just cancel my order, because I didn’t have time to take care of this, and basically I was talked into buying shares in a company I knew nothing about. He called me back upset and said, “Did I do something wrong? Your e-mail made it sound like I shoved stock down your throat.” It did feel like that a little, but he asked me to send a positive e-mail back so it would be on record, and to not e-mail him anymore. At Raymond’s request I did send back another e-mail, but I was still skeptical.

Also, he uses his full name. Raymond.

Finally, Friday night I went to Steph’s house and together we reviewed all of the documents. There were several shady things in the document. My birthday was off by one digit. My social security number was off by one digit. My address was my parents’ address. Some of my general information had been changed or never discussed. I had told him on the phone my net worth was basically nothing. Yet, the box that was checked for net worth said $100,000-$500,000. It said I was a frequent investor with at least ten years experience, and my preferred choice of investments was speculation. So basically the information ranged from accurate, to exaggerated, to flat out wrong.

Plus we looked up a picture of Raymond and Steph added, “He even looks like a weasel.”

So I texted Raymond early Saturday morning and he called back immediately from his office. I openly expressed all of my concerns, and let him know I was hesitant and new to this entire process. He continued to respond as a complete salesperson. He had an answer for everything. He was a good talker. He used techniques like consistently rounding off the numbers in his favor. I’m not saying he was a liar, but definitely a manipulator, and a salesman. I mean just last week he convinced me to buy 200 shares in a company I knew nothing about: this guy was good.

I took the aggregate of all this information. Documented typos. Manipulative tactics. Fabricated information. A broker that I didn’t trust on the phone, that asked me not to e-mail in the future, and looks (and acts) like a weasel.

So I did what any reasonable human would have done at that point. I let him talk me into 800 more shares and immediately sent him a check for five times the original amount.

Anyone have a bridge they want to sell me? I may be in the market.

Pic of the Week

2011-05-08T22:02:00.000-07:00

This was the view as I was leaving Gio's house Saturday after watching the Giants game:

Thought of the Week

2011-05-07T11:18:00.000-07:00

October: This is one of the peculiarly dangerous months to speculate in stocks. The others are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June, December, August and February.
--Mark Twain

High Stakes Poker

2011-05-05T22:10:00.000-07:00

I still remember several details of this hand from watching it on TV a few years ago.

A few things to note:

When Barry Greenstein says that he has "about 190" when the hand started. He is referring to $190,000.
Watch how Farha's read is so good that he seriously considers folding the Kings.
Notice how Greenstein reacts after the result of this pot.

Incredible.

Five Tips to Winning at No Limit Hold 'em

2011-05-01T20:33:00.000-07:00

A couple years ago a friend of mine told me he thought writing a blog was a stupid waste of time, because if someone was writing something worth reading they would be doing it for an actual publication.

No offense taken.

He added if I wrote a succinct piece about poker strategy, like five tips to playing winning poker, that he and other people would actually want to read it. Since I have also had a couple other requests to write more about poker, today I will honor his suggestion.

In recent years no-limit Texas Hold ‘em has significantly increased in popularity. When I first started playing poker in casinos it was often hard to find a no-limit game. Now it is often hard to find any other game in a casino or at a friend’s house. I’ve also found that more and more people are playing poker, both casually, and on a more serious level. So with all of that in mind I bring you:

Five Tips to Winning at No Limit Hold 'em

1. Consider the size of the pot

If you are involved in a hand you should have a rough idea of how much money is in the pot. It is important to consider this when deciding how much to bet, and also when deciding if your hand is worth a call. Usually, it is not wise to bet more than the amount in the pot. Often a bet of 1/2 the pot or 2/3 the pot will provide you the same result as going all-in (for example getting a player with a weak hand to fold or learning if your opponent is trying to trap you with a monster hand). Also, consider the size of your pot if you are drawing. Is the pot big enough to warrant a call? Sometimes an opponent will make such a small play that you will be getting good enough odds to call with a hand as weak as a gutshot. Other times the bet will be so large you should fold your nut flush draw.

2. Learn some basic odds

Respect the fact that poker is largely about math. You don’t need to be a math expert, but do need to be able to quickly make a few mathematical approximations. Here are a couple facts you can use for play on the flop:

A flush draw and an open-ended straight draw are both about 2 to 1 dogs to hit (meaning you will make your draw about 1/3 of the time).

If you multiply your outs by 4 that is the approximate percent of the time you will win the hand.

If you can make a few quick mathematical estimations it will help you make decisions about when to continue and when to fold.

3. Don’t try to be too tricky

I remember years ago after a hand I asked my friend Jeremy, “You have jacks?” After he showed me that my read was correct he concluded that because I was able to put him on the hand that he must have bet it properly. This was a profound realization. Often players are upset that an opponent was able to read them, but it may just mean that the hand was played properly. I’ve seen many beginning players make a bet and then are disappointed when they are not called. Usually, betting a good hand and picking up the pot is a good thing. If a player has a hand that could improve to beat your hand then you want to make him pay to stay in. Don’t overuse deception, and recognize picking up a pot with the best hand is usually the right play.

4. Pay attention to the play of your opponents

Hollywood leads us to believe that playing poker is about picking up on a player’s tell like if they are tapping their foot, or tilting their head to the left, or eating an Oreo in a certain way. However, the best way to get a read on your opponent is to remember what they have done in the past, particularly what they have done at each betting stage in that hand. If you have been at the table for 15 minutes or more you should have some idea of how often an opponent is involved, how aggressive they are, and you should factor in all this information when making important decisions.

5. Be selective, but not too selective

No limit is much different than limit poker. You can get big pay-offs even against only one opponent. Much of your profit in a session will be determined by a few big pots. I’m not advocating playing any two cards, but because of the possible gain you can get value out of playing hands like 55 or A4s. In a no-limit game AK and AQ are often going to win you small pots and occasionally lose you big pots. For example the flop comes A75 one player holds AK and the other 55. With that said playing more hands also means you will have to be able to get away from your hands with certain flops. For example if you play an 89s and the flop comes 953. This is a good flop for your hand, but depending on the action it may also be a good flop to lose a lot of money. With the 89s you’re really hoping for A89, or 67x.

In summary, winning poker is largely about memory and math. Pay attention to your opponents and always consider the numbers when making your decisions. Don’t let the result of one hand upset you. Winning or losing a pot isn’t as important as consistently making profitable plays. Good luck at the tables (unless I’m involved in the hand.)