Surviving a Dance Competition at the DCU Center

Insider Tips for a Smooth Experience

This past weekend, the 2025 competition season kicked off at the DCU Center in Worcester, Massachusetts. If there's one thing I've learned from years of attending dance competitions, it's that preparation is everything - from snagging the best seats to knowing where to find snacks after a long day. Here are some key takeaways from the weekend.

Food Rules? More Like Suggestions.

The DCU Center has a strict no outside food or drinks policy - likely to boost vendor sales. But at $6.25 for a bottle of water, you can't blame people for sneaking in their own supplies. While staff were stationed at the doors, they weren't checking bags, so dancers (wisely) packed their own snacks. The real impact of this rule? It mainly prevented outside food delivery.

Pro tip: Bring snacks for the ride home - you'll thank yourself later when exhaustion hits and everything is closed.

The Best Seats Came With an Unexpected Obstacle

Arriving early paid off, and we grabbed front-row seats. A massive photographer's stand plopped right in the middle of the first three rows. Not ideal for spectators hoping for an unobstructed view, but hey, at least the pictures probably turned out great. Getting early helps get the best spot. IF your dancers dance later in the day, simply arrive early so that you can slowly move up front.

Let There Be Light? or Not

The seating area was dark - so dark that trying to keep track of scores felt like a scene from a spy movie. Scribbling notes blindly wasn't working, so I made a mental note to invest in a light-up pen. (Spoiler alert: Amazon has a ton of great options under $10.) Consider this my pro tip for future competition parents - trust me, you'll need one.

The Elevator Bottleneck and a Smart Exit Strategy

With only one elevator leading to the third floor, getting out at the end of the day was a slow-moving process. To speed things up, I took the dance bag to the car as soon as the final performance wrapped up. This way, everyone else could take the stairs without lugging extra gear, making our exit much smoother.

Final Thoughts
Competitions are long, tiring, and filled with unexpected challenges. But with the right game plan - and maybe a well-timed snack - you can make the day a whole lot easier. Bring your own water (if you dare), grab seats early, invest in a light-up pen, and always have an exit strategy. Here's to a great season ahead!

Goldilocks Conditions

Interesting Coincidences

The existence of Earth and its ability to support life involve a series of remarkable coincidences, often referred to as the "Goldilocks conditions." These coincidences make Earth a uniquely suitable home for life as we know it. Here are some of the most intriguing coincidences that contribute to Earth's habitability:

1. The Perfect Distance from the Sun (The Goldilocks Zone)

• Earth is located in the habitable zone or Goldilocks zone of our solar system?just the right distance from the Sun where temperatures allow for liquid water.
• If Earth were 5% closer to the Sun, it would experience a runaway greenhouse effect, making it too hot (like Venus).
• If Earth were 20% further away, it would be too cold, with water freezing into ice, similar to Mars.

2. Ideal Gravity for Life

• Earth's gravity is strong enough to retain an atmosphere but not so strong that it crushes complex life forms.
• Planets with significantly higher gravity would have dense atmospheres filled with thick gases like hydrogen, making conditions hostile to life as we know it.

3. A Stable Star (The Sun)

• Earth orbits a Spectral Type G2 dwarf star?the Sun?that is stable and has a long main-sequence lifespan, allowing life to evolve over billions of years.
• If the Sun were much larger or smaller, its energy output would fluctuate, making Earth's climate more hostile to life.

4. Presence of a Large Moon

• Earth's relatively large moon stabilizes the planet's axial tilt, which keeps the seasons consistent.
• Without the Moon's stabilizing effect, Earth's tilt could vary wildly, leading to extreme climate changes that could make the planet less suitable for life.

5. Jupiter's Role as a Shield

• The gas giant Jupiter acts as a gravitational shield, diverting or absorbing many comets and asteroids that could otherwise impact Earth.
• Without Jupiter's presence, Earth would have experienced more frequent and severe impacts, making it harder for life to thrive.

6. Earth's Nearly Circular Orbit

• Earth's orbit around the Sun is nearly circular, which means the distance from the Sun doesn't vary much throughout the year.
• This helps maintain stable temperatures, unlike more elliptical orbits, which could result in drastic seasonal temperature swings.

7. The Presence of Plate Tectonics

• Earth's plate tectonics play a crucial role in regulating the climate by recycling carbon dioxide through volcanic activity and maintaining a stable surface temperature.
• Plate tectonics also help form diverse landforms, which are essential for biodiversity and nutrient cycling.

8. A Magnetic Field for Protection

• Earth has a strong magnetic field generated by its rotating liquid iron core, which protects the planet from harmful solar and cosmic radiation.
• This magnetic shield prevents the solar wind from stripping away the atmosphere, which is crucial for retaining breathable air and liquid water.

9. An Atmosphere Just Right for Life

• Earth's atmosphere contains a balanced mix of nitrogen (78%) and oxygen (21%), providing enough oxygen for complex life forms while preventing fires from spreading uncontrollably.
• The ozone layer within the atmosphere protects life from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the Sun, which could otherwise damage DNA and prevent life from thriving.

10. Water in All Three States

• Earth is unique in the solar system for having liquid, solid, and gaseous water on its surface, which is essential for maintaining life.
• The presence of liquid water as oceans, frozen water as ice caps, and water vapor in the atmosphere drives the water cycle, regulating climate and supporting diverse ecosystems.

11. A Balanced Ratio of Land to Water

• Earth's surface is about 71% water and 29% land, creating a balance that supports global climate regulation through ocean currents and the water cycle.
• This balance helps moderate temperatures, allowing for life to exist in a variety of climates, from tropical rainforests to deserts.

12. Right Size and Mass

• Earth's size and mass are just right to hold a thin atmosphere that is breathable, unlike gas giants with thick, inhospitable atmospheres or smaller planets like Mars with thin atmospheres that cannot retain heat or water.

13. Earth's Position in the Milky Way Galaxy

• Earth is located in a relatively calm region of the Milky Way, far from the galactic center where there is intense radiation, supernovae, and black holes.
• Our solar system is in a relatively stable arm of the galaxy, providing a safer environment for the development of life.

14. The Rare Combination of Elements

• Earth has a unique composition of elements like carbon, oxygen, iron, and silicon, which are crucial for building organic molecules and forming a solid crust.
• The heavy elements on Earth are believed to have been formed in ancient supernovae, indicating that our planet's formation was dependent on the life cycle of distant stars.

15. Solar System Stability

• The stability of the solar system, with relatively few chaotic gravitational influences, allows for long periods of climate stability on Earth.
• This stability has enabled life to evolve over billions of years without catastrophic disruptions from planetary collisions.

These coincidences, often described as a "fine-tuning" of the universe, contribute to the conditions that make Earth uniquely suited for life. Some see this as a result of natural processes and chance, while others view it as evidence of a deeper purpose or design in the universe.

Classroom Commandments

Setting the Ground Rules for the Class

This year, I'm teaching 9th graders who will be confirmed in the Spring of 2025. To create a positive and productive learning environment, I've developed the following classroom rules:

1. Honor Thy Class Time: Arrive promptly and stay for the entire class period.
2. No Cell Phones During Class: Turn off or silence your phones and keep them out of sight.
3. Thou Shalt Not Wander the Halls: Remain in the classroom unless given explicit permission.
4. Respect Thy Neighbor: Treat everyone with kindness and respect. No bullying, teasing, or exclusion.
5. Thou Shalt Participate Actively: Engage in discussions, ask questions, and participate in activities.
6. Honor Thy Materials: Bring all necessary materials to class and take care of them.
7. Thou Shalt Listen Attentively: Listen quietly without interrupting when the teacher or a classmate is speaking.
8. Keep Thy Space Clean: Clean up after yourself and leave the classroom as you found it.
9. Thou Shalt Not Speak Out of Turn: Raise your hand and wait to be called on before speaking.
10. Respect and Follow Church Rules: Adhere to the specific conduct expected while in the church or classroom, such as proper attire, silence during prayer, and participation in rituals or services.

Download The Rules

Download PDF

Boston Post: July 2, 1869

Part of the Front Page

The Boston Post used to feature a front-page section called 'All Sorts,' which contained short news snippets. Here's a sample I found from July 2, 1869:

• Loafing is not allowed on the Cincinnati parks. The Connecticut Legislature fears it will be corrupted by a lobby that pays only $200 a vote.
• Brignoli is "bending his footsteps," as Colfas expresses it, "toward his home in the settin' sun." Hartford asks to be the sole capital of Connecticut.
• New York has no measuring worms this season, and thinks the English sparrows have eaten them. De Rodas begins his Cuban career with a big dinner.
• A Charleston incendiary put a kerosene lamp under a bed and roasted a whole family.
• Tennessee parsons are a queer set. An ex-Confederate General now appears in that role.
• A street car accident Failing to run over one man in a week. -[N. Y. paper.]
• Rose Bell is the only opera bouffer left in New York.
• The sea-serpent hasn't been engaged by any watering-place this season.
• Bright prospects for the Quakers-the Indians are " scouring" the Plains.
• The New York chess tournament has reached the 300th game, with 900 more to come.
• Now they say Borie boned the British Admiralty list for names for our war vessels.
• Green Clay Smith has entered the Methodist ministry.
• Commodore Vanderbilt and Hon. John Morriesey are larking together at Saratoga and else where.
• The Austrian War Department favors the use of the bicycle by orderlies.
• Colfax has recently been weighed. Of course hs was found wanting in brains.
• The last that was heard of the Fifteenth Amendment it was in Senator Anthony's coat-tail pocket.
• Gen. Sickles has had to take a sea voyage to re- cover from the ill effects of his record.
• Boutwell is about to resign. His first sensible move since he entered the Cabinet.
• Wall street is almost eclipsed by the Ocean Bank operators.
• The N.Y. Sun is so bright that it is getting tiresome to look at it.
• Gen. Hancock counts no stronger friends and admirers than among the people of New Orleans. - [N. Y. Times.]
• The Concord Monitor heads an article " Our Sewers," but only modesty prevents it from including itself in the category.
• The British Parliament has spent ?20,000 to dis- cover that the coal supply of the kingdom is suthcient to last forever.
• The Fenian scare has reached Anstralia, where frightened Englishmen imagine the natives are be- ing incited to revolt.
• An ex-Alderman of Philadelphia chopped his head to pieces with a hammer and ice-pick Sun- day.
• Costa has been requested to compose a new national hymn for Prussia, and the German musicians are wroth.
• List recently gave a concert for the benefit of the Pope, and sent His Holiness 30,000 francs as the proceeds.
• A number of the old Yerger family servants have come forward to offer money to aid their " young massa " on his murder trial.
• A stroke of lightning knocked senseless a parlor- ful of people at a Rockaway hotel last Monday, ex- cepting those ladies who were clad in silk.
• Roebling, the suspension bridge builder, had four of his toes mashed off on a New York ferry boat the other day, and will be lamed for life.
• George W. Childs, of the Philadelphia Ledger, is to give a Fourth of July excursion to all his employ?s, 1000 in number.
• The mourners at a funeral in New York, Thursday, had a grand fight at the grave, burying the deceased with all the honors of man.
• A Hoboken bartender was surprised by being addressed by a customer with, "D--n you! I guess I might as well shoot you." He dropped in time to prevent murder.
• The new railroad gambling law in Connecticut proposes to make it a penitentiary offence to lose money at any game of chance. The "fly cops" rather like that.
• Hon. John Covode has been appointed Chairman of the Radical State Central Committee of Pennsylvania. A fortunate selection-for the Democrats.-[Philadelphia Age.
• After that poor brute had been knocked dead in the prize ring at Cayuga Lake, the second of his antagonist offered to bet $25, even, that he was yet alive.
• A tragedian on the St. Louis stage was enabled to die with most natural throes of agony the other night, owing to the fact that the dagger of the theatrical assassin penetrated his flesh about two inches. He received great applause.
• The youth of Chicago is tempestuous. The other day wall how killed his playmate with a jack knife, then ran and hid under a barn from those sent to arrest him, and came out only after pistola had been brought into use.
• Two rival senoritas ot Puebla had a quarrel at a church door, and a duel was agreed upon. They drew lots, the winner having the privilege of one good stab at the other with a dagger. The loser died on the spot.
• A German savant predicts a big celestial transformation scene soon. He propounds the unique theory that the Zodiacal light is a gaseous ring surrounding our planet, and becoming gradually cool will presently concentrate and give us another moon.

Dance Dad Competition Note

Things to Remember at the next competition

Our recent dance competition at Inferno in Littleton, Massachusetts, was another exciting experience. However, there were a few things I realized could have significantly improved the trip's efficiency. Here's a breakdown of what I'll be packing and researching next time:

Packing for Convenience:

• Ziplock bags: These versatile bags can hold everything from ice packs for injuries to separated snacks, keeping everything organized and accessible.
• Plastic utensils: Takeout meals often lack utensils, and having a reusable set tucked away in the car ensures we're prepared for any situation.
• Portable phone charger: A dead phone during a competition is a nightmare. Packing a portable charger guarantees we can stay connected and capture all the memories.
• Pen light: Taking notes in a darkened theater can be a challenge. A pen with a built-in light source eliminates the need to rely on a phone's flashlight, saving battery life for more important things.

Restaurant Research:

• Gluten-free options near Littleton High School: Competition days are long, and knowing what restaurants near Littleton High School offer gluten-free options (including their operating hours) would have been a lifesaver. This would allow us to plan meals in advance and avoid scrambling for food choices, especially for those with dietary restrictions.

By incorporating these tips into our next competition preparation, we can ensure a smoother, more stress-free experience for everyone involved. The focus can remain entirely on the dancers and their performances!

Police warn of gas station skimmers using Bluetooth.

Good Tip to Know Before Filling up!

In a video shared on Facebook, authorities report that criminals are using skimmers equipped with Bluetooth to transmit stolen credit card information. They advise consumers to be vigilant and use their smartphones to scan for nearby Bluetooth connections.

If a suspicious device name like "HC-05" appears, it could indicate a skimmer is present. In such cases, police recommend avoiding the pump and notifying the gas station staff immediately.

Spring Time Bucket List in Massachusetts

Things in Massachusetts

The snow is melting, the sun is shining, and the flowers are blooming. Springtime in Massachusetts is a magical time, and there are so many things to do and see. Whether you're a local or just visiting, we've put together a bucket list of the best things to do in Massachusetts this spring.

Visit the Boston Public Garden

The Boston Public Garden is a must-visit destination in the springtime. The garden features over 80 species of blooming flowers, including tulips and daffodils. Take a stroll through the park, enjoy a picnic on the grass, or take a ride on the iconic swan boats. The garden is also home to the famous Make Way for Ducklings statues, which are a hit with kids and adults alike.

Explore the Berkshires

Spring is the perfect time to explore the Berkshires, a region of Massachusetts known for its natural beauty and cultural attractions. Take a hike in the Mount Greylock State Reservation, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visit the Norman Rockwell Museum, which showcases the work of the famous American painter. Or, catch a show at the Tanglewood Music Center, which hosts a variety of concerts and performances throughout the spring and summer.

Visit the Cape Cod National Seashore

Spring is the perfect time to visit the Cape Cod National Seashore, which features miles of pristine beaches and stunning ocean views. Take a walk along the beach, go fishing, or take a bike ride along the Cape Cod Rail Trail. The seashore also features a variety of hiking trails, including the popular Great Island Trail, which offers stunning views of the ocean and surrounding landscape.

Conclusion

Springtime in Massachusetts is a magical time, and there are so many things to do and see. From exploring the Berkshires to visiting the Cape Cod National Seashore and the Boston Public Garden, there's something for everyone. So grab your bucket list and start exploring!

Lessons Learned in the Light

Filming the Easter Vigil

This past weekend, I had the privilege of filming the Easter Vigil at my church. It was a beautiful service, and I'm happy to report the video turned out well! However, there's always room for improvement, and this experience definitely provided some valuable lessons. Here are five key takeaways that will help me level up my videography game for future events:

1. Double-check your gear. This one stings a bit. In the excitement leading up to the service, I accidentally left my GoPro at home. Having that extra wide-angle option would have been fantastic for capturing certain shots! Lesson learned: Make a checklist and double-check it before heading out to any filming session.

2. Don't forget the adapters. I was using an external microphone to capture the speaker's voice, but I had a great idea during the service. It would have been amazing to use my iPhone as a secondary audio source for some close-up moments. Unfortunately, I lacked the proper adapter. Lesson learned: Pack all the necessary adapters to ensure flexibility during filming.

3. Consistency is key. This one bit me in the editing room. My iPhone 14 Pro Max was recording in stunning 4k, while my Canon camera was capturing footage in 1080p. The difference in bitrate caused a painfully long render time. There was simply no need for that discrepancy. Lesson learned: Ensure all cameras are set to the same video format beforehand to save yourself editing headaches later.

4. Embrace the darkness. The Easter Vigil starts with the church plunged in darkness, a beautiful metaphor for the waiting before the light of Christ's resurrection. While my iPhone 14 Pro Max did a decent job, I wasn't entirely sure which camera would perform best in low-light conditions. Lesson learned: Research beforehand which camera in your arsenal handles low-light situations best and have it readily available.

5. Pen and paper: your silent allies. In the heat of the moment, brilliant ideas can pop into your head. During filming, I realized I needed a way to jot down notes - reminders to bring certain equipment next time, or specific shots to use for certain moments. Trying to use my iPhone while filming wasn't an option. Lesson learned: A simple notebook is a lifesaver. Don't underestimate the power of pen and paper for capturing those on-the-fly filmmaking insights.

Filming the Easter Vigil was a rewarding experience, and these lessons will undoubtedly elevate my future projects. Remember, even successful outings can offer valuable takeaways. So, the next time you head out with your camera, embrace the learning process and capture not just beautiful footage, but valuable knowledge as well!

Dance Dad Competition Notes

Lowell Memorial Auditorium

This past weekend, we had an exhilarating dance competition at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium in Lowell, Massachusetts. The event showcased a multitude of talented dancers, and amidst the excitement, I picked up several valuable insights.

Here are the top five things I learned:

1. Auditorium Lighting Matters

In previous competitions, I would score along with the judges, jotting down my thoughts on each performance. However, this time, I faced an unexpected challenge - the auditorium lighting was too dim for note-taking. Lesson learned: Always be prepared for varying lighting conditions!

2. Snacks Are Essential

Dance days can be grueling, stretching from morning rehearsals to late-night performances. Despite any restrictions on outside food, sneaking in a few snacks is a smart move. I noticed others discreetly enjoying their Dunkin' Ice Coffee, bypassing the watchful eyes at the Lowell Auditorium entrance. After all, a well-timed snack can keep your energy levels up during those intense routines.

3. The Pricey Snack Bar

The onsite snack bar at the Lowell Auditorium surprised me with its steep prices. A 20-ounce soda set me back a whopping $5! My advice? Scout out nearby local shops. Familiarize yourself with their hours of operation--you might need to dash out for a quick meal if the awards ceremony runs late into Sunday evening. Proper meal planning ensures a smoother weekend experience for everyone.

4. Hotel Dining Dilemmas

When staying overnight, researching nearby restaurants is crucial. While delivery services like DoorDash and UberEats are convenient, they can also be pricey and occasionally unreliable. Our recent Chipotle order via DoorDash fell short--we didn't receive all the chips we'd requested. Was it DoorDash's fault or Chipotle's? Unclear. Lesson: Consider dining options beyond delivery apps.

5. Parking Predicaments

The closest town parking lot to the Lowell Auditorium charges a hefty $15 for special events. Yes, it's conveniently located for lugging those oversized dance bags, but you're paying a premium for proximity. Fear not! Two other lots offer better rates and are just a short walk away from the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.

Lower Locks Parking Facility is located on 90 Warren Street and Joseph M. Downes, Sr.?Facility on 75 John Street. Both of these large garages offer 24-hour parking for $11 or 6-hour parking for $9. These are great lots to park when your only going to the auditorium to watch a couple of dances. Both of these lots are within a 7-minute walk to the Lowell Memorial Auditorium.

Remember, every dance competition brings its own set of lessons--both onstage and off. Whether it's mastering a routine or navigating logistics, each experience contributes to our growth as dancers and event attendees.

I Miss Slack

Microsoft Teams seems Basic

As technology evolves, so does the way we communicate in the workplace. With the rise of remote work and distributed teams, having effective communication tools is more important than ever. Microsoft Teams and Slack are two prominent platforms in this arena, each with its own set of features and functionalities. But what happens when you're accustomed to one and then find yourself using the other?

Recently, I started a new job where the company uses Microsoft Teams for their chat and communication services. Having been an avid Slack user for about five years prior, I couldn't help but notice some differences and, dare I say, missed features that I had grown accustomed to.

Four Things I Missed in Slack

Let's take a closer look at what I found myself missing from Slack while using Microsoft Teams:

• Conversation Threads: One feature that I sorely missed from Slack was conversation threads. In Slack, threads are a convenient way to keep the main chat channels clutter-free while allowing discussions to branch off naturally. It's easy to follow conversations and maintain context, something I found lacking in Microsoft Teams.
• Custom Emoji: Expressing oneself in chat goes beyond mere text. Custom emoji in Slack allowed for personalization and added a touch of fun to conversations. While Microsoft Teams offers a range of emojis, the ability to create and use custom ones was sorely missed.
• Collapse Preview: Image previews in chat can sometimes be distracting, especially in a busy channel. Slack's ability to collapse image previews provided a neat solution to this problem, allowing users to focus on the conversation without unnecessary distractions.
• Reminders: Setting up personal and group reminders was another feature I found myself missing in Microsoft Teams. Whether it's reminding myself of a task or notifying the team about an upcoming event, Slack's reminder feature was a handy tool for staying organized and on top of things.

In Summary

While Microsoft Teams certainly has its own strengths and advantages, the transition from Slack wasn't without its challenges. However, it's worth noting that both platforms have been continuously evolving, with Microsoft Teams gradually introducing new features and improvements to bridge the gap between the two.

In conclusion, the choice between Microsoft Teams and Slack ultimately boils down to personal preference and the specific needs of your team or organization. While I may reminisce about the "good old days" of using Slack, I've come to appreciate the capabilities of Microsoft Teams and its role in facilitating effective communication and collaboration within the workplace.