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Sunday 5 August 2012

Blogger's Block


I've got Blogger's Block.

I've lost the will to live blog.

Nothing I've done or am doing is worth writing down, and nobody would want to read it anyway.


The block hit last week while I was getting my Audit observation from Ringo.

My lovely Year 10 class had just started an assessment, and thet were all working away quite quietly. I wandered around the class, making positive comments and gentle suggestions, and finally arrived beside RIngo. He was writing up the observation form and I noticed that he had written "Not Done" in the sections about Learing Intention (LI) and Success Criteria (SC).


Now I need to explain to non-teachers out there, The LI and SC are the object of the lesson and the individual students criteria for self-judgement for success. We use them frequently in most of our lessons, but not during an assessment.

So I said to Ringo:

"It's an assessment Ringo", "what's the point of using LI and SC?"

He just looked at me, then added to the LI and SC sections "No evidence observed"



Sometimes life's just not worth it.

I could actually envision the 7.62mm SLR snuggled up into my shoulder.

I could really see the sight picture superimpose itself between his beady eyes.

I could feel the kick as the 7.62mm copper-jacketed messenger of death went downrange at 823ms-1.


The satisfaction was immense as the pink and grey spray erupted over the wall.

But I've now got Blogger's Block, so it's not worth writing about.

I've got Blogger's Block.

I've lost the will to live blog.


Nothing I've done or am doing is worth writing down, and nobody would want to read it anyway.

One of the classes I teach is Advanced Relational Database, using an Access front end.
I've just finished two practice datbases, and I'm now half-way through the third and last practice, before the class start on the assessment.

I'm at a critical point. Explaining how a complex calculation can be easily made up by using small steps.

Complex calculation, simple (and stupid) girl

The problem is to automatically calculate a fine for an overdue library book, based on the date it was brought back, the day it was loaned out, what type of book (fiction or non-fiction) because fines are levied at different rates accoridng to type.

I'm demonstrating on the Data Projector and SmartBoard how the query is built up, the essential use of the realtionships within the database, and the SQL generated from the GUI.
Before I started, I explained to the students that if they didn’t understand what I was doing, or that they couldn’t replicate my actions on their database (They were copying my actions on their own computers) then to tell me immediately.

Furthermore, at each step, as I demonstrated and explained the query construction, I asked if anyone was having any problems.

What I actually said was “Has anyone NOT generated this answer?” “Please tell me now if you HAVE NOT got this bit working”

Just as I reached step three, Ringo burst into the room in his usual vainglorious, egotistical and pseudo-dramatic fashion.

Not a word to me, the teacher in charge of this class and room, just bursting in, for a quick check on the pupil’s uniform.
Strolled around the class, ignoring the fact that all the students were trying to keep an eye on the projected example on the screen behind me, and also trying to duplicate the query criteria and structure on their own databses.

He found nothing wrong with the kid’s uniforms (I check them all as they come into the room) and then left with a disparaging “Thanks Mistah”.

I took a few seconds (I slowly counted to ten to stop me shouting “DICK” at the top of my stentorian vocal production) then re-started the last phase of the lesson, just in case the kids had lost track.

Fifteen minutes later, just as I was explaining the last calculation field, on the the pupil’s arms shot up.

“Yes A*****?” I said. “What’s wrong?”

“I can’t get it to work” he said.

“What bit can’t you get to work A*****?” I asked.

“All of it”he said.

I stopped the lesson and went over to have a look.

It took me about 5 minutes to discover what was going wrong. Eventually I found that the very frst step, where we selected the fields and tables to use had been wrong, and it hadn’t worked for the last FIFTEEN MINUTES.

I almost broke a cardinal rule of teaching.

I almost swore at the kid.

I wanted to say “WHY THE F*CK DIDN’T YOU ASK FOR HELP AT THE START A*****?”
It was really close.

A whispered“Bloody Hell” might just have escaped my lips, but I’m pretty sure he didn’t hear it.

So I had to leave the rest of the class on another prepared task while I sorted out A*****.
Nothing I've done or am doing is worth writing down, and nobody would want to read it anyway.


I've lost the will to live blog.
I've got Blogger's Block.

I've got Blogger's Block.

I've lost the will to liveblog.

Nothing I've done or am doing is worth writing down, and nobody would want to read it anyway.

It was a lovely, gloriously sunny and warm Saturday morning. The sky was blue, a gentle and warm breeze was blowing up the valley (now you see why I love NZ winters. It’s the equivalent of February, and it’s 21°C on our front deck).

I innocently asked my Beloved if she wanted to go out for a walk. (I should make it clear that I didn’t really want to go out for a walk. I wanted to lie on the couch and read a book and drink some nice Cabernet. But I needed to build up some Brownie points after the “Missing Cheese Incident”)

I didn’t get a reply.

Well, I didn’t get a verbal reply.

I got the LOOK.

“Why do you think I’m making all this soup, savoury muffins and pumpkin pie?” She asked.
“Lunch?” I replied hopefully.
“Lunch with M***, B*****, C***, S***, R*** and A*****.”
I vaguely remembered M***, B*****, C***, S***, but R*** and A*****?
“R*** and A*****?” . “Did you invite them?” I enquired sweetly.

“No, you did” she snapped replied.

“No I didn’t, my Dear” I replied in my most oleaginous manner.

I got the LOOK again.

“I asked you to invite them last week” she snarled said.
I did the sensible thing.
I looked down and mumbled something like “I forgot”
Luckily for me, the other two couples phoned a few minutes later and cancelled, so I got a double bonus.

I didn’t get blamed for mucking up the lunch, AND I got a beautiful bowl of Leek and Potato soup accompanied by fluffy savoury muffins.

I’ll still swear on a stack of Operating Theta (The Scientology load of complete f*cking claptrap bible) that she never asked me to invite R*** and A*****, but I’ll never prove it, so peace is best.
But I've now got Blogger's Block, so it's not worth writing about.

I've got Blogger's Block.

I've lost the will to liveblog.

Nothing I've done or am doing is worth writing down, and nobody would want to read it anyway.



44 comments:

  1. I used access for a long time but now have to deal with bigger data sets so I have been using postgresql. All database programs are depressing.

    I am sure you have vastly interesting things to say if you choose to share them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Please don't tell anyone, but I actually love working with databases.

      I try to keep things interesting, but it's been very hard this month, what with the court case, more of which anon.

      Delete
  2. I feel your pain; lowlights of my week:
    1/ putting together new wardrobes that apparently *I* wanted (I'm pretty sure I'd have preferred a lay-in)
    2/ tricking a computer into matching some made-up prices that someone had already offered a customer, so that the invoices will look right even though they are wrong
    As a practicing Luddite, I think the kids should be working out fifty library fines using an card file and a slide rule first, so they understand why a computer being able to do this hundreds of times a day would be useful. Also, the one who didn't say anything for 15 minutes should drive the projector next time so you can keep an eye on him.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Self-assembly wardrobes are fun, especially since I got my new 18volt LiIon drill/screwdriver.

      Hmm, isn't that just a little bit dodgy, fixing the prices I mean, not tricking a computer.

      The students have to be able to confirm the claculations are correct via a manual calculation, so I think they get the idea.

      NO, NO, NO, I try and keep A***** as far away from my computer as possible. He's got a built in extreme gremlin, that destroys all electronics by touch.

      Delete
    2. I bow down to your 18V LiIon. I made the mistake of buying a 14V NiCad two years ago, and the incontinent batteries are making me regret it now...

      Delete
    3. Don't worry, I did the same 5 years ago, and found the bloody thing wouldn't hold a charge longer than a couple of weeks (unused). I think my comment at the time was:"Cheap Chinese Crap". A litany, which is almost becoming a mantra

      Delete
  3. I've got 'holes' in my memory apparently. It is a sde effect of the low-dose statin prescription drug I take.
    Sometimes I have absolutely no recollection of some minor events. The Old Girl, I'm sure takes advantage of this and so often I am confronted with the "I told you that" or "you promised to do this" accusation. I stand there bewildered knowing that protest is no use so mumble an apology all the while scanning her face for any sign of a smirk.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah, I take statins as well. I didn't know about the memory loss. Excellent. Not the memory loss, but a genuine scientific reason for the slight memory lapses. Even my Beloved wouldn't argue against Science, would she?

      BTW, ladies can hid smirks better than we can hide guilt.

      Delete
  4. Ah - the look.......... yes.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ah feeling your pain TSB. That bloody Ringo. I remember how he liked to burst into other teachers classes while they were teaching... nothing much has changed with him. Still rude as.

    How can you say that no one would want to read what you have to post? Always interesting. Never boring. Don't stop.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The really annoying thing is that he's showing improvement, but he still strides into a classroom like he owns the bloody thing.

      I'll try and get enough willpower together to keep going.

      Delete
  6. I can almost hear the straining sinews and self-control being tested to breaking point there. I constantly forget things I'm supposed to do and it irritates myself that I have to rig up complicated systems of alarms and phone reminders to get me to function normally. Kirsty, OTOH, has a mental calendar which goes back and forward at least a year, in faultless detail.

    On an entirely unrelated matter, do you know which country has won most medals at the Olympics per capita? NZ.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Q. Which part do you think is causing the sinew strain?

      A. ALL OF THEM. Well done.

      Most ladies seem to have an eidetic memory, with a built-in automatic penalty point calculator.

      Yes, we did hear about that per-capita league table. Go NZ.
      What makes it even sweeter, is that we've got more golds than the aussies, which will put is in a great mood for slaughtering them at Rugby when the Bledisloe Cup matches are on at the end of the month.

      Delete
  7. Oh you poor Married Twisted Scottish Bastard. It's been some time since I parted ways with my wife and the nightmares have nearly stopped completely, but not so much that I cant remember lying and cheating and everything else just to keep the peace, which for the record was NOT worth keeping!
    BTW, I hear NZ is doing quite well in the Olympics?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lying?
      Cheating?

      I know not of which you speak. (Shh, keep it down; don't put any thoughts in her pretty little head)

      Yep, we're going great. We heard that some Aussie TV channels are not showing NZ's results to reduce the embarrassment factor.

      BTW Please read the previous comment reply...go the ABs.

      Delete
    2. Nah, we love NZ, of course we have this little joke between us now and then but we are all the same people after all.

      Delete
    3. I wouldn't say the same, more like neighbours who sometimes fall out when the other forgets to return the lawnmower, but are always there for each other when real disaster strikes, like running out of beer.

      Delete
    4. Oh yeah, about that lawnmower of yours. I was going to return it but I've been unable to use it. Please get a new set of blades and some petrol for us so we can get mowing and bring it back all the faster. (The blades haven't been the same since I accidentally mowed your cat)

      Delete
    5. Bless you my son.
      I've been trying to get rid of that bloody moggie for months.

      Could I suggest that you boorrow Richard (of RBB)'s lawnmower next time. He has a cat he deparately wants rid of.

      BTW, my solicitor will be in touch regarding the blades, the bloodstains on my weatherboard and the paternity of my child.

      Delete
  8. Spot uniform checks? That Ringo must be universally hated. Blogger's block--eventually a topic always presents itself. Love the Boromir pic!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Universally hated?

      No, that's going a bit too far dear Jen. I'm sure that the rat that lives under the canteen floor quite likes him.
      He says he's checking on the kids' uniform, but he's really checking that we're doing our jobs. To be fair, one the other DP also checks in the same way, but she doesn't just burst into the room and she always acknowledges our presence before starting the check.

      Boromir? My goodness, thanks for that. I'd thought it was that bloke from Game of Thrones. Well spotted.

      Delete
  9. Morning TSB. Ringo got you on a technicality. At least you don't have to face Golf Guy at 7am this morning and try to explain why your dumb arse brother stuffed up his lawn.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Morning Richard. Technicality, IDon'tGiveAF*ckAlity, it was just wrong. I feel sorry for you, carrying the can for your brother, but don't worry, I'm sure Golf Guy will understand, anyway, we don't really have a lawn at Nuova Lazio High School, more of a dandelion-free patch of paddock.

      Delete
    2. No i would describe the lawn/grass areas around the buildings at NLHS as more like swamp or bog - particulalry in the winter time. YOu do realise the whole of the Parkway area is former swamp? If Golf Guy is really up on his turf management he will know the history of the land makes it highly susceptible to damage because it is so dammed water logged most of the time.

      Delete
    3. Actually, Golf Guy is away playing golf.

      Yes i know it is/was a swamp.

      Wainuiomata translated from Maori is "That stupid piece of bog we sold to the stupid Pakeha"

      Come the "Big One" I reckon the whole valley will just vanish back into the slime from whence it came.

      Delete
  10. I would never have the mental endurance to teach for a living for the following reasons:
    1.pointless paperwork
    2.too many rules
    3.I hate children.

    So, yeah, not the career choice for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Points 1 and 2 would probably exclude you from teaching as a career, but not point 3.

      Why not, we all do.

      Delete
  11. I have ennui, as well. Blogging ennui. Commenting ennui. Commuting ennui. Steamy, hot, New York City in bloody August ennui. Celibacy ennui. Budgeting ennui. My coffee is cold ennui.

    See how I took your post and made it all about me? That's my ninja skill. My finely-honed TALENT. Revel in it. Be amazed by it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, you poor soul, to be enveloped in such angst. Sometimes I think that not enough research has been done to investigate the effects of massive boredom (MB) on civilisation.

      I strongly believe that MB drives our advances in science and technology, but it is not a recognised source of change. I know that MB is not quite the same as ennui, but if we were not so bored, the index of ennui (IE) would reduce substantially, as our tired and exhausted brain are revitalised by new...wait a minute.
      I just spotted "Celibacy ennui"
      Does that mean you're tired of Celibacy, or that Celibacy is making you tired of life?

      See, I've got a ninja talent as well.

      I can take any subject and make it superbly boring.

      It's a gift.

      My pupils thank me for it every day, those that can stay awake that is.

      Delete
    2. Actually, I have enough post-work activities so that I'm not bored. Really, hardly ever. Haven't been bored for years. New York is expensive but there's always a light on somewhere. BUT. BUT. I still am suffering from terrible ennui. Would that be an irony or a paradox?

      Delete
    3. I don't think it's either a paradox or irony. I think it might just be due to a highly intelligent man forced to commute from New Jersey most days. Is the Lincoln Tunnel as bad as they say? or is my NY geography completely stuffed.

      BTW For those long daily commutes, I can thoroughly recommend audio books.

      Delete
  12. I do feel for you TSB, but you are correct, you have nothing worth writing about and Dianne wouldn't want to read it anyway! You lost me halfway through when the math kicked in. I've done school, a long long time ago in another galaxy. Don't want to go back. I really liked your description however, of shooting Ringo between the eyes, very visual. I have an idea, do a recipe post. Make a typical NZ dish and share it with us, that would be worth reading :-)
    Now you've got me rambling, see what you did ;-(
    Di
    X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Di, sure made me feel better.

      Don't want to go back to school?

      Shame.

      Hmm...Kiwi food...could be a goer.

      If I dredge up enough willpower to go on, I might give it a try.

      Rambling is good. I practice it every day in front of the class.

      Delete
  13. No body will read this stuff... then I have to scroll down for an eternity passed >25 comments... right no body reads this stuff...

    A little point which is not meant to deflate your bubble but if you were using Access it cannot have been a complex relational database. I can say (proudly - well sort of) that I once was the man who got a database that had over 1000 tables, an incredible amount of outer and inner joins via tons of views to allow understanding of the data and a database that the users were able to daily add new columns to the tables - many had over 100... Now that was complex ;-) And what did this miracle in stupidity... sorry information architecture give us... Viagra that is what!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's just that it's not my best work.
      I've lost the sense of vitriol etching into my soul from people's outright and insane stupidity to really get it going.

      I'll just await my moment with a few gentle slings at outrageous fortune.

      My goodness, Furtheron, they're only school kids. You learn to walk before you run, so that's why we start with Access and not SQL or Oracle, but I'm impressed with your knowledge. If I mention an outer join, most folk think I'm either talking about an elbow, or I've been hitting the weed.
      Thanks for the Viagra BTW, it give me something to do of a weekend.

      Delete
  14. There's always a friggin Ringo, and they should all be hauled off to a desert island where they can annoy each other to death. Or just shot. It's cheaper.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My goodness Austan, your mind flys along exactly the same paths as mine.

      The similarity is frightening.

      Delete
  15. For someone with a block you have laid a brick fence as long and as high as Winston Churchill (who besides supervising a major war was also an expert brick layer).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you ALW, being compared to Winnie is not something that's happened to me before, I am honoured. I also like his idea of a snifter of Brandy to start the day.

      Delete
  16. Just wait til Ringo flys off on holiday. I'll take care of him.
    Bloggers block my ...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks GPD. I'm pleasantly surprised by your comment, I thought you were taking a long sabbatical from blogging, it's nice to hear from you.
      Anyway Ringo doesn't as far as I am aware fly off on holiday, he burrows directly to his destination underground, like the worm he is.

      I do so have a block. I've been unable to work in any non-PC sexual references or pictures of scantily clad ladies for almost a week. It's terrible.

      Delete
  17. I suggest you completely ignore this Ringo fellow until the exercise is over. Looking at his forms or talking to him will only increase his sense of self-importance. You will surely have a chance to respond to his findings afterwards. You can then airily dismiss his criticisms with a subtext that he is out of his depth and, in fact, a complete anus.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sorry Gorilla, but your approach is much too rational, as befits the senior hominid.

      I may have a chance to respond to his comments but it depends on the backbone of the principal which tends to be too flexible.

      I completely agree with your final anatomical description.

      Delete

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