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

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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.

Liberty Pumps Pro 380 Failure

Sewage Pump Trip GFCI

The heart of a functional basement sewage system is undoubtedly the sewage pump. For a decade, our trusty Liberty Pumps Pro 380 had served us well, but recently, it began showing signs of fatigue, leading us on a journey of maintenance, troubleshooting, and eventually, replacement. This blog post details our experience, the challenges we faced, and how we resolved the issue of our sewage pump repeatedly tripping the Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI).

Our Libery Pump Pro 380

The Initial Problem

About 10 months ago, we first encountered a problem with our Liberty Pumps Pro 380. The pump tripped the GFCI, a critical safety feature that prevents electrical shocks. At that time, a local plumber managed to fix the issue simply by resetting the switch. This solution seemed effective, but it was only a temporary fix.

Escalating Issues

Fast forward to recent weeks, the pump started tripping the GFCI more frequently ? more than three times a week. This was not only inconvenient but also concerning, as it hinted at a deeper underlying problem. Frequent tripping of the GFCI is often a sign that the pump is drawing more power than the electrical circuit can handle.

Decision to Replace

After some deliberation, we decided it was time to replace the pump. Considering it was ten years old, it had reached the typical lifespan of an average sewage pump. Continuous usage over a decade can lead to wear and tear, reducing the efficiency and safety of the pump.

Choosing the Right Replacement

We called upon a local sewage pump expert for this task. The goal was to install a new pump that wouldn't draw excessive power, thereby avoiding the issues we faced with the older model. It was important for us to choose a pump that was not only efficient but also compatible with our existing sewage system and electrical setup.

The Replacement Process

The plumber recommended a model that was known for its energy efficiency and reliability. The replacement process involved:

1. Disconnecting the Old Pump: This was done with care, ensuring that all electrical connections were safely handled.

2. Removing the Old Pump: The decade-old Liberty Pumps Pro 380 was removed from the sump pit.

3. Installing the New Pump: The new pump was carefully installed, with attention to its positioning, connections to the sewage line, and electrical hookup.

4. Testing the System: After installation, the system was thoroughly tested to ensure that everything was working correctly and that there were no issues with tripping the GFCI.

Conclusion

Replacing our basement sewage pump was a necessary and enlightening journey. Not only did it resolve the immediate issue of the GFCI tripping, but it also provided us with a more energy-efficient and reliable system. It's a reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and the need to be attentive to the signs of wear and tear in household appliances. We're now confident that our new sewage pump will serve us well for many years to come, keeping our basement dry and our electrical system safe. Remember, when dealing with such critical components of your home, always consult with professionals to ensure safety and efficiency.

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer

Fun Facts

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer came up in a conversation this weekend at a Santa Claus event. I thought it would be good to learn more about this character.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a beloved Christmas character with a fascinating history and some fun facts:

1. Created for a Department Store: Rudolph was created in 1939 by Robert L. May for Montgomery Ward, a department store, as part of a Christmas promotion.

2. Rudolph Almost Had a Different Name: May considered naming Rudolph "Rollo" or "Reginald" before settling on Rudolph.

3. The Song Came Later: The famous song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was written by Johnny Marks, May's brother-in-law, in 1949, a decade after the character was created.

4. Gene Autry Made the Song Famous: The song gained immense popularity when Gene Autry recorded it in 1949. It became a huge hit, eventually selling millions of copies.

5. Rudolph Wasn't Part of Original Reindeer: In the original "A Visit from St.?Nicholas" (also known as "The Night Before Christmas"), Rudolph isn't mentioned. He was added to the reindeer team later.

6. First Appeared in a Booklet: Rudolph first appeared in a booklet written by May and distributed by Montgomery Ward.

7. A TV Special Popularized Rudolph Further: The 1964 stop-motion TV special "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" helped popularize Rudolph even more and has become a holiday staple.

8. Rudolph's Red Nose is Scientifically Explained: Some scientists have explained that a reindeer's nose turning red in extreme cold could be due to the dense network of blood vessels in their noses, a theory often linked in fun to Rudolph's famous trait.

Rudolph's story of overcoming obstacles and his bright red nose has made him a symbol of Christmas and a character loved by generations.