5-4-3-2-1

I saw this meme post on <a href="http://honeyishrunkthegretchen.com/">Gretchen</a> and <a href="http://bethsjourney.com/">Beth's</a> blogs and thought I would also participate.  It's like, even though I've been reading their blogs for quite some time, sometimes there is still plenty you don't know about people!  So I present to you, my friends, this numbers game about me:<br /><h2 style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">5 Words to Describe Myself</span></h2><ul style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Compassionate</span></li><br /> <li><span style="font-size: small;">Control Freak</span></li><br /> <li><span style="font-size: small;">"Fussy" (I brought Joel in for help)</span></li><br /> <li><span style="font-size: small;">"Soft" (This is his word for being a girly-girl)</span></li><br /> <li><span style="font-size: small;">Thoughtful</span></li><br /> </ul></ul><div style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not gonna lie - I had a hard time coming up with things to describe myself..</span></div><h2 style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">4 Favorite Foods</span></h2><ul style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Pizza</span></li><br /> <li><span style="font-size: small;">Heinz Ketchup</span></li><br /> <li><span style="font-size: small;">French Fries</span></li><br /> <li><span style="font-size: small;">Reese Peanut Butter Cups</span></li><br /> </ul></ul><div style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>3 Things I’m Most Proud of Accomplishing</b></span></div><ul style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">Getting a job based on my own doing, not because I knew someone</span></li><br /> <li><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/search/label/5K">All those 5K's</a> I participated in this spring/early summer.</span> </li><br /> <li><span style="font-size: small;">Not giving up on this weight loss journey.</span></li><br /> </ul></ul><h2 style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">2 Favorite Workouts</span></h2><ul style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">An outdoor walk</span></li><br /> <li><span style="font-size: small;">Laying on the couch. Oh wait...</span></li><br /> </ul></ul><h2 style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">1 Thing to Expect from my Blog</span></h2><ul style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><ul><li><span style="font-size: small;">While this blog is always going to be about me and my weight loss journey, and I write this blog more for <i>myself </i>than for anyone else, I still hope that my story comes across as genuine to those who actually read it.  I want to be able to look back to these entries years from now and truly remember how I felt at this time in my life just by reading an honest account of my own journey.  While there are plenty of positive elements to weight loss, it's not all puppies and flowers :).  And I, unlike most other weight loss bloggers it seems, truly am struggling - take a look at the left - it's not like the weight is melting off!  Aside from helping myself by documenting my own journey, perhaps one day another young 20-something can read my story and be inspired with their own weight loss expedition.   </span></li><br /> </ul></ul><div style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I encourage you to do this meme as well, or something similar, so I can get to know you better as well :).</span></div><ul><ul></ul></ul>

Miscellaneous Random Weight Loss Thoughts Weight Loss 5-4-3-2-1

I saw this meme post on Gretchen and Beth's blogs and thought I would also participate.  It's like, even though I've been read...

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Quick update

<p>Happy hump day everyone! Hope you’re all having a great week. Thanks for your encouragement on my <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2011/08/time-to-get-serious.html">post</a> last week! I know I can do this, just have to take one day at a time. I thought I’d give ya’ll a quick update.</p> <p>Monday I started week 3 of the C25K. It was a 5 minute warm up walk and then 2 reps of the following: 90 second jog, 90 second walk, 3 minute jog, and, 3 minute walk. I was nervous about running for 3 minutes of running (compared to the 90 seconds during week 2), but I didn’t have a problem with it. Now don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t a walk (run…ha ha!) in the park. But I found it do-able! Tonight I plan to go out and do day 2.</p> <p>Eating hasn’t been the best the past few days. Monday was my birthday (I’m 27!) and of course with birthdays come birthday cake! Yum!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhflBvTVPHhqEB0N8_zL34E6Mer5bMIsPOPn6oPjLwL0Dd3xHqne2tpJetEfYND7gTbHSJdpb5_n0sTuT5lVRHeNhJpVKDnA84MxHIAIuuY1XVXP4HZocS_Qr5AcByRZuOe49wTr249rPhS/s1600-h/DSC00696%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="DSC00696" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieplr97YBrfmikndyXJXUkoav-VKKTVNv8fuwj3GUQmeyYGamDxldtKNMd2rj_Ap2SjAK_feZSsGSdvEE_5G2lQ3zq6BPiGwweYmdLkHT5qDxcuFMPNwKCR0PUJx8_ZqUSB6ThX7GII9qd/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto; padding-top: 0px" title="DSC00696" width="404"></a></p> <p>But now is the time I need to get right back on track. I enjoyed my goodies & cake and now I need to get serious again! </p> <p>I realized after I posted last week that I didn’t give a scale update. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but in August I lost 3 lbs. So I’m 15lbs from my pre baby weight and have lost 40lbs since Adelyn was born over 2 months ago. I’ll take it!</p> <p>That’s all for now friends! Told ya it’d be quick! <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjdCzCm7MCBERW2kVqRfCSHiIhzk6uxyI1bDcJHPmvf7E_vlXS9CrSu30MNaReSHP7MNtZwavIPU6TkLxMhPEEaMDgd0RtJheR59ZEYomKE-vxVeniTkrKGQTW2w3qO1Wh3nDhV5gfaRVD/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-left-style: none"></p> <p>PS For a full birthday update, head on over to our family blog <a href="http://bangertfam.blogspot.com/2011/08/birthday-recap.html">here</a>. </p>

Quick update

Happy hump day everyone! Hope you’re all having a great week. Thanks for your encouragement on my post last week! I know I can do this, jus...

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Wednesday's Words

After two really bad Ambien night's where I ate stuff I didn't remember eating, and even "dreamed" I drove my car in the middle of the night, lost and scared (pretty sure I didn't but scared the crap out of me anyway), last night I went cold turkey. No Ambien or OTC sleep aid. It was a miserable night.<br /><br />I have trouble sleeping anyway but throw in a full arm cast almost to my shoulder, and it was a night from hell. I finally went to sleep around 2 a.m. (no weird eating last night), and got up at 8 a.m. feeling and looking like death.<br /><br />Add in that my back is killing me from blackberry picking yesterday, and I'm not a happy girl today. Tired and feeling older than dirt.<br /><br />Yesterday I managed a full hour of cardio yesterday at the gym, bike, crossramp and even 11 minutes on the StairMaster (which was pure torture). I did a few bicep and tricep exercises for my right arm, but I always feel  of kind of silly weight lifting with just my right arm, with my left arm in a bright pink cast, moving it up and down the best I can to keep in sync with my good arm. I imagine people think I'm nuts.<br /><br />My agenda for today, nothing but chores:<br /><br />1. Gym, of course.<br /><br />2. Pick up the  Dyson vacuum at the repair shop. Only took them four days to fix it and $79. We've had it over 5 years. Love my Dyson.<br /><br />3. Stop at Safeway and buy Coffee-mate Natural Bliss Caramel. <a href="http://www.priorfatgirl.com/2011/08/a-blissful-part-of-my-journey.html">Prior Fat Girl</a>, Jen, had a <a href="http://naturalbliss.coffee-mate.com/Coupon?utm_source=blisscom&utm_medium=300x250_banner&utm_term=launch_sponsorship_save_now&utm_campaign=coupon">link </a>to a dollar off coupon. I normally drink coffee black. Not sure if this is a good way to use 35 calories, but thought I'd try it.<br /><br />4. Library - 2 of Joy Bauer's books I had on hold are ready for pickup.<br /><br />5. Wash and freeze the 16 cups of blackberries I picked yesterday - great for green monster smoothies. <br /><br />6. Plant pansies I bought at Farmers Market  2 week's ago. One-handed gardening doesn't sound fun, but only 6 plants. For a planter that didn't get watered and everything died.<br /><br />7. Pick more blackberries--?? Not sure if I want to do this or if my aching back will hold up.<br /><br />8. Vacuum living room since I didn't vacuum last weekend (broken Dyson). Darn hardwood floors, the dust bunnies are taking over. I had pulled out our almost new Kenmore from pre-Dyson days, but just never got around to it. <br /><br />9. Go to bed early!<br /><br />Actually, I want to crawl back in to bed right now. So tired and achy, but I have to get moving. It's noon, and I'm not even dressed. I wonder if this is what getting old feels like.

Wednesday's Words

After two really bad Ambien night's where I ate stuff I didn't remember eating, and even "dreamed" I drove my car in the m...

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IMF: Destroyer of Nations?

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3YUk-rN1bJA?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><br />

IMF: Destroyer of Nations?

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What's Wrong With My Bananas?

As part of the <a href="http://the-big-weight.blogspot.com/2011/08/starting-weekend-off-right.html">Beck Challenge</a>, we were asked to pick a day where we have to skip lunch.  By doing this, it is to teach us that it is actually 'ok' to feel hungry.  Despite <i>my </i>popular beliefs, it won't hurt me (this is news to me!), I won't die from one skipped meal (are you sure about that Dr. Beck?), and eventually this hunger will go away (I don't believe this for a second!).  Today was the day where I skipped lunch.  However, I didn't exactly do <i>everything </i>as planned. <br /><br />I skipped breakfast, though not on purpose.  I had 2 cups of tea this morning, which filled me up, and I got distracted while in a meeting.  Before I knew it it was 12 noon and time for lunch.  I really was super hungry by this time and I had a <a href="http://www.kashi.com/products/tlc_cereal_bars_cherry_vanilla">Kashi TLC Cherry Vanilla Cereal Bar</a> and an <a href="http://www.emeraldbreakfastonthego.com/">Emerald Breakfast On the Go Smores nut pack</a>.  That's all I had all day until 6 PM.  So, even though I didn't follow it exactly as planned, believe me, I still felt the sensation of hunger.  And while I was able to resist eating for the 'experiment', I never actually felt the hunger pains go away entirely.  I'm sure if this occurred on a more regular basis they may not be so intense, but my stomach was rumbling non stop.<br /><br />And still, even though I pre-prepared healthy dinners for most of the week on Sunday, none of it sounded appealing tonight.  And while I didn't really want Papa Johns when Joel suggested it, I did have the Points+ for 2 slices, thanks to skipping meals today.  I also knew I didn't want to sabotage an entire day's worth of hard work, plus our nice walk we did this evening by going overboard like I usually would.   But, I did great! For once, friends, I actually controlled my intake of take-out pizza!  I don't recall that ever happening <i>ever </i>before! Giving myself some credit Beck ;). <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1VgIwhFSnH3qsWYcfkb_1WObYLLBAVIz9U-aDf2gXJJmQQMCW1kz9z521RaxMYa6gTMV22aun-UGmzRcR-Yh3cVBPKcEsi6n7X-MNQXEi2f6QDq1he2FbC1VEI0s8N8x5XhwUD9p1ns/s1600/bananas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn1VgIwhFSnH3qsWYcfkb_1WObYLLBAVIz9U-aDf2gXJJmQQMCW1kz9z521RaxMYa6gTMV22aun-UGmzRcR-Yh3cVBPKcEsi6n7X-MNQXEi2f6QDq1he2FbC1VEI0s8N8x5XhwUD9p1ns/s400/bananas.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEd4P1xRkq-wpQWCJ3PKw0DB26IMW5ZsHUTxTvEJE7Rw2FzffLYMlYlQiJcO9fAccmLYO6iVlSjM8fZILWwUpUFXaqKOmHw4jNq5PkM2k_s1gDDa7V8cweUFRMFA-tREbLMid2mplnW4/s1600/bananas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>On another note, what is wrong with these bananas?  I've had them for almost 2 weeks now and they are <i>still</i> green!  Do you think they will they ever ripen?<br /><br />

The Beck Diet Solution Weight Loss Challenges What's Wrong With My Bananas?

As part of the Beck Challenge , we were asked to pick a day where we have to skip lunch.  By doing this, it is to teach us that it is actual...

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Some exciting global collaborative projects for you to consider!

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_5smoma="129" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br /><div closure_uid_8znwao="107"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span closure_uid_5smoma="128" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Introducing IEARN Projects</span></span></span></b></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_5smoma="144" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div closure_uid_t0hsyz="219"><div closure_uid_302ec8="108"><div closure_uid_nlor9h="108"><div closure_uid_p79507="120"><span closure_uid_302ec8="106" closure_uid_5smoma="142" closure_uid_nlor9h="106" closure_uid_p79507="118" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you heard of IEARN projects? <span closure_uid_p79507="139" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> (</span><a href="http://www.iearn.org/"><span closure_uid_p79507="121" style="color: blue;">http://www.iearn.org/</span></a>) They have so many wonderful projects that teachers can get involved in. <span closure_uid_5smoma="143" style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Did you know that i</span>f you create a project and want teachers to join you, you can advertise it through IEARN projects? Why don’t you take a look through their project book which is embedded at the end of this post, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and see if there’s a project that interests you? It is <strong>important to note</strong> that i</span><span class="apple-style-span"><span closure_uid_nlor9h="130" closure_uid_p79507="119" style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;">f you are interested in joining one of these projects you would need to register as IEARN teachers on the <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: PMingLiU; mso-fareast-language: ZH-TW; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><a href="http://www.iearn.org/"><span closure_uid_p79507="121" style="color: blue;">http://www.iearn.org/</span></a></span></span></span><span closure_uid_nlor9h="110" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> site <span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background: white;">in order to participate?</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span>Just click on <em>Join/Contact us </em>and register. </span></span></div></div><div closure_uid_p79507="106"><br /></div><div closure_uid_p79507="106"><em></em><span style="background: white;"></span></span></div><div closure_uid_nlor9h="108"></div><div closure_uid_nlor9h="108"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Highlighting some projects in Israel</span></span></span></b></div></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div closure_uid_ozr6jv="121"><div closure_uid_9vtxjl="138"><span closure_uid_5smoma="151" closure_uid_9vtxjl="106" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Omashani Naidoo, who is our Operations Manager at SchoolNet SA has a close friend in Israel, Ruti Hotzen, who especially asks if any teachers would like to join one of her two projects. </span><span closure_uid_5smoma="151" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span closure_uid_ozr6jv="106" style="background: white; color: black;">You’ll find them mentioned in the project book. </span></span></span></span></div></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><div closure_uid_9vtxjl="134"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">        </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span closure_uid_9vtxjl="133" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Talking kites all over the world (page 24)</span></i></div></div><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><div closure_uid_9vtxjl="137"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">        </span></span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span closure_uid_9vtxjl="135" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;">Daffodils and tulips (page 46)</span></i></div></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_5smoma="153" closure_uid_yvumi1="121" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><br /><div closure_uid_yvumi1="125"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span closure_uid_5smoma="152" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span closure_uid_8znwao="108" closure_uid_yvumi1="106" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why not join the 'Onedayonearth' project?</span></span></span></b></div></div><div closure_uid_5smoma="158" closure_uid_9vtxjl="132" closure_uid_t0hsyz="194"><span closure_uid_9vtxjl="118" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Omashani also recommends considering the <em>onedayonearth</em> project which is co-ordinated by Chris Baer (USA) and Marta Garcia Lorea (Argentina).  You'll find this on page 21 in the book. This is scheduled for 11/11/11 (11^th November 2011). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On November 11th, across the planet, documentary filmmakers, students, and other inspired citizens will record the human experience over a 24-hour period and contribute their voice to the second annual global day of media creation called ONE DAY ON EARTH. Together, they will create a shared archive and a film. Take a look at their website: <a href="http://www.onedayonearth.org/" target="_blank"><span closure_uid_t0hsyz="198" style="color: #942e06; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.onedayonearth.org/</span></a></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />You can see some news about last year's event at this link (along with lots of the student-produced videos) -- <a href="http://www.iearn.org/news/article/iearn-participants-document-one-day-life-through-101010-video-challenge" target="_blank"><span closure_uid_t0hsyz="202" style="color: #942e06; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.iearn.org/news/article/iearn-participants-document-one-day-life-through-101010-video-challenge</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here is an article in today's New York Times (30 August 2011) for more info and background:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/30/movies/one-day-on-earth-seeks-to-capture-the-world.html" target="_blank"><span closure_uid_t0hsyz="206" style="color: #942e06; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/30/movies/one-day-on-earth-seeks-to-capture-the-world.html</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_t0hsyz="230" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div closure_uid_9vtxjl="124"><span closure_uid_9vtxjl="125" closure_uid_t0hsyz="229" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Enjoy looking through the IEARN book of projects. Why don't you take the plunge and get involved? </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_t0hsyz="189" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_5smoma="190" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"></div></div></div><div id="__ss_9074973" style="width: 477px;"><strong closure_uid_t0hsyz="210" style="display: block; margin: 12px 0px 4px;"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/fionabeal/2010-2011-iearn-project-book" title="2010 2011 IEARN project book">2010 2011 IEARN project book</a></strong><object height="510" id="__sse9074973" width="477"><param name="movie" value="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/doc_player.swf?doc=2010-2011iearnprojectbook-110830144541-phpapp02&stripped_title=2010-2011-iearn-project-book&userName=fionabeal" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"/><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"/><embed name="__sse9074973" src="http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/doc_player.swf?doc=2010-2011iearnprojectbook-110830144541-phpapp02&stripped_title=2010-2011-iearn-project-book&userName=fionabeal" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="477" height="510"></embed></object><br /><div closure_uid_9vtxjl="127" style="padding-bottom: 12px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/">documents</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/fionabeal">fionabeal</a>.</div></div><div closure_uid_9vtxjl="126" closure_uid_ozr6jv="127"></div></div>

Collaboration Project-based learning Some exciting global collaborative projects for you to consider!

Introducing IEARN Projects Have you heard of IEARN projects?  ( http://www.iearn.org/ ) They have so many wonderful projects that teachers c...

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Keyboarding – do you still type with two fingers?

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="138" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="130" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">A recent post written on keyboarding </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">by <a href="http://askatechteacher.wordpress.com/">Jacqui Murray</a></span><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="130" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">got me thinking again about my lack of keyboarding skills. I don’t know about you but I STILL can’t type properly.  After all these years I still type with two fingers at great speed, always looking at my keyboard AND I make dozens of typos! They are not spelling mistakes – it is just that my fingers get in the way of each other. A parent assured me recently that he recently found a keyboarding site on the internet and taught himself to type properly in two weeks by practising daily. So it can be done! In the wave of technology that is descending on us with such rapid speed, shouldn’t we be pointing our students to some kind of typing programme that they can work on at home? I really don’t want my students to end up like me! I want them to develop fast, accurate typing skills.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="459" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="459" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="463" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong closure_uid_pl6m7j="464">Qwerty keyboard</strong></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="459" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_pl6m7j="507" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb31pClzHAswy9iLGb7pFZvBrUycW1Fmgq1qaWC2nBE35UvTXsslT4TtK8fE2I9fIdCntz5vhHXelEfJeRUZ27jqI602QjXsKfjJlIZfVg2PNfqEBzaEk_bv_6Vg9iSStog98H9MMP7E/s1600/qwerty.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtb31pClzHAswy9iLGb7pFZvBrUycW1Fmgq1qaWC2nBE35UvTXsslT4TtK8fE2I9fIdCntz5vhHXelEfJeRUZ27jqI602QjXsKfjJlIZfVg2PNfqEBzaEk_bv_6Vg9iSStog98H9MMP7E/s400/qwerty.JPG" width="400" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_nenfa4="109" closure_uid_pl6m7j="459" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div closure_uid_zgi2px="108"><span closure_uid_zgi2px="106" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">To check whether your keyboard is a QWERTY keyboard, just take a look a the first six keys on the top left. If they spell QWERTY then your keyboard is the typical computer keyboard.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="459" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><div closure_uid_cr6led="106"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span> <b><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="177" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finger exercises</span></span></span></b></div><div closure_uid_cr6led="106"><br /></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="226" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span closure_uid_cr6led="108" closure_uid_pl6m7j="191" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">A post on <a href="http://www.ehow.com/info_7836227_finger-exercises-typing.html#ixzz1Ml0bjUE3">finger exercises</a> in <em>ehow.com</em> mentions that "t</span><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="225" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span class="apple-style-span"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="223" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black;">yping requires finger dexterity and practice. Incorrect placement of fingers on the keyboard and weak finger muscles can lead to repetitive use injuries. Twenty-nine bones, 29 joints, 123 ligaments and 34 muscles are used every time you type a sentence, according to the website for the Electronic Textbook of Hand Surgery. Finger exercises for typing can strengthen muscles and prevent injuries".<span style="outline-width: 0px;"></span></span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-color: windowtext; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 1pt; border-left-color: windowtext; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 1pt; border-right-color: windowtext; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 1pt; border-top-color: windowtext; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 1pt; color: black; padding-bottom: 0in; padding-left: 0in; padding-right: 0in; padding-top: 0in;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="228" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">In this blog post I am going to point you to some keyboarding sites, and then I am going to highlight Jacqui Murray’s novel idea. She created a wiki with a three weeks typing programme on it for her students. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="229" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="233" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keyboarding sites</span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="233" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="234" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">First, let’s look at some free typing programmes on the Internet. There are so many of these that there's really no excuse for not learning fast typing skills. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 10.65pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="236" closure_uid_uyg8sr="121" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">1. BBC Schools' <em>Dance Mat</em> typing. Work your way through 4 levels. I have used this one frequently at school and the students love it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><div closure_uid_uyg8sr="187"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/typing/</span></a></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="235" closure_uid_uyg8sr="120" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">2. <span closure_uid_uyg8sr="119" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #4a4947;"><em>TypingWeb</em></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #4a4947;"> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #4a4947;">is a free online typing tutor & keyboarding tutorial for typists of all skill levels. TypingWeb also offers officially sanctioned typing and 10 Key certification.</span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.typingweb.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.typingweb.com/</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" closure_uid_uyg8sr="126" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="240" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><div closure_uid_uyg8sr="125"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="239" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">3. Test your typing speed:</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.typingtest.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.typingtest.com/</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="241" closure_uid_uyg8sr="128" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">4. A whole collection of sites related to keyboarding.</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="242" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.kenston.k12.oh.us/kms/8th_grade_keyboarding/Lessons.htm"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.kenston.k12.oh.us/kms/8th_grade_keyboarding/Lessons.htm</span></a> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="260" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">5. Typing exercise:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/jo/typing/index.htm"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="243" style="color: blue;">http://gwydir.demon.co.uk/jo/typing/index.htm</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><div closure_uid_uyg8sr="188"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="261" closure_uid_uyg8sr="130" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">6. A teacher’s typing manual:</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.nimblefingers.com/teachers.htm#checkit"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.nimblefingers.com/teachers.htm#checkit</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="259" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="284" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="262" closure_uid_uyg8sr="189" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">7. Free typing game:<br /><a href="http://www.freetypinggame.net/play15.asp"><span closure_uid_uyg8sr="131" style="color: blue;">http://www.freetypinggame.net/play15.asp</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><div closure_uid_uyg8sr="190"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="263" closure_uid_uyg8sr="150" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">8. Peter’s online typing course:<br /><a href="http://www.typing-lessons.org/"><span closure_uid_uyg8sr="146" style="color: blue;">http://www.typing-lessons.org/</span></a></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_uyg8sr="191" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="283" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><div closure_uid_uyg8sr="192"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="264" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">9. Krazy keyboarding for kids:</span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://webinstituteforteachers.org/~gammakeys/Lesson/Lesson1.htm"><span style="color: blue;">http://webinstituteforteachers.org/~gammakeys/Lesson/Lesson1.htm</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="282" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="269" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">10. A free online typing course called <em closure_uid_uyg8sr="153">Goodtyping:</em><a href="http://www.goodtyping.com/"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="270" style="color: blue;">http://www.goodtyping.com/</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="286" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><div closure_uid_uyg8sr="186"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="285" closure_uid_uyg8sr="160" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">11. A typing test and a free typing tutor called <em closure_uid_uyg8sr="193">Learn 2 Type:</em><a href="http://www.learn2type.com/"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="287" closure_uid_uyg8sr="156" style="color: blue;">http://www.learn2type.com/</span></a></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="294" closure_uid_uyg8sr="155" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="302" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><div closure_uid_uyg8sr="194"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="281" closure_uid_uyg8sr="161" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">12. <em>Finger jig</em> – This is a 6 minute typing game that tests your typing ability. Words are randomly chosen from a dictionary of over 70,000 words. You must try and type the words as quickly and accurately as you can. <br /><a href="http://www.jonmiles.co.uk/games/fingerjig/"><span style="color: blue;">http://www.jonmiles.co.uk/games/fingerjig/</span></a></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="509" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="303" closure_uid_uyg8sr="168" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">13. A typing tutor called <em closure_uid_uyg8sr="195">Touch typing study:</em></span><br /><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="303" closure_uid_uyg8sr="168" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.typingstudy.com/"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="304" style="color: blue;">http://www.typingstudy.com/</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="509" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="509" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><div closure_uid_uyg8sr="170"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="303" closure_uid_uyg8sr="169" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">14. A lovely selection of <em>keyboarding games</em> for students:<br /><a href="http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/keyboarding_games.html">http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/keyboarding_games.html</a></span><br /><br />I wonder if you can suggest any others that you enjoy using?</div></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="319" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="321" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="320" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="510" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jacqi Murray’s keyboarding wiki</span></span></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="321" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="318" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Jacqui has this novel idea of setting up a wiki with a three week programme that her students can use at home.  I like this idea so much. You can view Jacqui's original keyboarding post here at this address: </span><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="130" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">(<a href="http://askatechteacher.wordpress.com/2011/08/12/weekend-website-63-teach-keyboarding/">http://askatechteacher.wordpress.com/2011/08/12/weekend-website-63-teach-keyboarding/</a></span><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="130" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="130" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">)</span><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="130" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> To visit her wiki site click </span>on the picture below:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_pl6m7j="361" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://learnkeyboarding.wikispaces.com/home"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSiNHPFWb5X6b5fI3R1AK573FyyXOJo2SpzCTb7_ZlXaab4_EC3JoLjqnm7wDMNLz7K6PQn5RndpI6XOrYaHfYg4DQf2oDVS36LoJuMZ8MAjfGmDi4MMifbgVI9lOhGh1iS8EP23mboF8/s400/keyboarding+wiki.JPG" width="400" xaa="true" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="325" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="324" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://learnkeyboarding.wikispaces.com/home"><span style="color: blue;">http://learnkeyboarding.wikispaces.com/home</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="448" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="410" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">She has a page called <a href="http://learnkeyboarding.wikispaces.com/What+We+Did+Today">‘What we did today’</a> that lists the suggested daily routine. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="448" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" closure_uid_pl6m7j="448" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-line-height-alt: 9.65pt; mso-outline-level: 1;"><div closure_uid_uyg8sr="196"><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="410" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="511" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Well, m</span><span closure_uid_pl6m7j="511" closure_uid_uyg8sr="179" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">aybe there’s hope for me after all to become a touch typist. If you look at what is available on the internet there is just no excuse! Do you perhaps have any other sites to suggest? </span></div></div></div>

Typing Keyboarding – do you still type with two fingers?

A recent post written on keyboarding  by  Jacqui Murray   got me thinking again about my lack of keyboarding skills. I don’t know about you ...

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WANT YOUR KIDS TO GET INTO HARVARD? TELL ‘EM TO GO OUTSIDE! - Richard Louv

<a href="http://richardlouv.com/blog/want-your-kids-to-get-into-harvard-tell-em-to-go-outside/#.Tl0Ugnc5TPY.blogger">WANT YOUR KIDS TO GET INTO HARVARD? TELL ‘EM TO GO OUTSIDE! - Richard Louv</a><br /><br /><br /><br />I'm reposting an interesting blog from Richard Louv, the author of <em>Last Child in the Woods</em> and <em>The Nature Principle.</em> I'd love to hear your comments on this idea, relative to Ohio. Let's hear what you think!<br /><br />

WANT YOUR KIDS TO GET INTO HARVARD? TELL ‘EM TO GO OUTSIDE! - Richard Louv

WANT YOUR KIDS TO GET INTO HARVARD? TELL ‘EM TO GO OUTSIDE! - Richard Louv I'm reposting an interesting blog from Richard Louv, the auth...

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Starry, Starry Night(s)

<div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaf-WUz-kc9cTd75h6Mfm2n6rB83FLPbCFgDjUiH3yRdM4QjknqWIjctCdJ-1xPOo1l11yyRwI7Yqw7IlvoNh1mFUhs5xKFIwnwyC0XyBeo4mHPa0-LIvmxUdRbFPJkcNJmNQJp8M6vUv1/s1600/shooting+star+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaf-WUz-kc9cTd75h6Mfm2n6rB83FLPbCFgDjUiH3yRdM4QjknqWIjctCdJ-1xPOo1l11yyRwI7Yqw7IlvoNh1mFUhs5xKFIwnwyC0XyBeo4mHPa0-LIvmxUdRbFPJkcNJmNQJp8M6vUv1/s1600/shooting+star+2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>TCM'S ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF STARS DRAWS TO A CLOSE </b></div><br />Since 2003, August on Turner Classic Movies has meant a 31 day parade of stars, each day filled with the films of a different star, each star honored for 24-hours of what is known and celebrated as "Summer Under the Stars." <br /><br />This year, many received a day of their own for the first time. I was  surprised to discover that Charles Laughton, Montgomery Clift and Ronald Colman hadn't been featured before. I wasn't at all surprised but was infinitely thrilled to find that Jean Gabin, icon of the French cinema, was to be honored for the first time. <br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br />In his introduction to Renoir's brilliant <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">La Bête humaine </i>(1938), Ben Mankiewicz remarked that Gabin was to Europe what Bogart was to the U.S. Many have called Gabin ‘the world’s coolest movie star;’ indeed, Jean-Paul Belmondo seems something of a poser by comparison.</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjbDaAuj5RDvcG-UFPB8JfvrKuzY3KS1bkg_s2br0o1qShyphenhyphenEARTA5e0cV4mmRoZgjmWUHa64n6g1jCGjp7uQYM8UMmdE68U7WP_hJoxwOJN_jWyGzA91ALrgL6nENk6d8BcbVA-eNR58X/s1600/la+bete+humaine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEjbDaAuj5RDvcG-UFPB8JfvrKuzY3KS1bkg_s2br0o1qShyphenhyphenEARTA5e0cV4mmRoZgjmWUHa64n6g1jCGjp7uQYM8UMmdE68U7WP_hJoxwOJN_jWyGzA91ALrgL6nENk6d8BcbVA-eNR58X/s320/la+bete+humaine.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gabin and Simone Simon, <i>La </i><i>Bête humaine</i> (1938)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />I’m no stranger to the charms of Jean Gabin. Many years ago, when a profusion of revival houses regularly screened foreign classics, I had the great luck to see Gabin's best known films - Jean Renoir’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">La Grande illusion</i> (1937) and<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> La Bête humaine</i> (1938),  Marcel Carné’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">La Jour se l</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">éve </i>(1939) - on the big screen. And last February, while working on a post about Ida Lupino for a film noir blogathon, I watched for the first time Gabin’s American film debut, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Moontide</i> (1942); Lupino co-starred. It's an oddly charming bit of dock-side noir and it rekindled my interest in the magnetic M. Gabin.<br /><br />Once I realized TCM would soon be honoring him, I sat down in front of the DVR with my copy of the channel's "Now Playing" guide. I’ve been watching what I recorded ever since...some films more than once. Of those I hadn't seen before, two from 1954 stood out. The early '50s had been a period when the French actor's career seemed to be just about over. Not so, as it turned out.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYURQqMqxVxkQpr6rxnvGV8cFhfqKVWW_4PFlPIDxX1HvHXLJUXjA1rkpeA5JvpWZH0Zg3bGWZjuW4DmNXWUFZtrCKw1fAe7SW_XkYBZcxxBn6S7JO2LgulOm70flD4RNiy-Bew6wnLx3S/s1600/touchez-pas-au-grisbi-07-g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYURQqMqxVxkQpr6rxnvGV8cFhfqKVWW_4PFlPIDxX1HvHXLJUXjA1rkpeA5JvpWZH0Zg3bGWZjuW4DmNXWUFZtrCKw1fAe7SW_XkYBZcxxBn6S7JO2LgulOm70flD4RNiy-Bew6wnLx3S/s320/touchez-pas-au-grisbi-07-g.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Touchez pas au grisbi </i>(1954)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />Jacques Becker's <i>Touchez pas au grisbi </i>was the film, according to Mankiewicz, that "marked Gabin's return to prominence" (others have termed it his "spectacular comeback"). In it, Gabin portrays Max the Liar, a lifelong criminal, well respected among his underworld peers, who has pulled off his last great heist and is set to 'retire.' Gabin's Max is as confidently matter-of-fact and laconic as any successful, self-possessed businessman. His treatment of his women as well as the men who serve him is fairly off-hand. Only his partner, the luckless Riton, seems to stir visible affection in fatalistic Max.  Director Jacques Becker, though not of the school, was an influence on the French New Wave, and this film preceded Melville's rather similar <i>Bob le flambeur</i> and Dassin's <i>Rififi</i> by a year. A very young Jeanne Moreau appears in a supporting role.<br /><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rJ37yKiP3Qw" width="420"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Marcel Carné’s <i>L’Air de Paris </i>is an entirely different sort of film.</span></span> <span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Very popular in its day with audiences, though not with French critics (those </span><i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">enfants terrible </i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">of </span><i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Cahiers du Cinema</i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">), it is romantic and charming, with Gabin portraying Victor, a character softer than, though as blas</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">é</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> as Max, opposite the magnificent Arletty (of </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Carné’s </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span><i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Les Enfants du paradis</i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">, and Gabin's co-star in </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Carné’s </span></span><i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">La Jour se l</i><i style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">éve</i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">) and Roland Lesaffre. Victor is a one-time boxer, now a trainer, who has discovered a young fighter (Lesaffre) he believes he can take to the top; his wife Blanche (Arletty) is less enthusiastic.</span><br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4M-CLnRLWeApHeGtFjy9YtUkhQI5DghnSQEVPntNHLlj2w5lrvoOqBylz8-2pNALpN3cEKbFVvC2PSiZjbQ_NPaiw2G6CGJdN1XxR9ZFRUEDTbqKvvVwQpgYZCARPfJR0ZYIj-tSnhih/s1600/arletty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4M-CLnRLWeApHeGtFjy9YtUkhQI5DghnSQEVPntNHLlj2w5lrvoOqBylz8-2pNALpN3cEKbFVvC2PSiZjbQ_NPaiw2G6CGJdN1XxR9ZFRUEDTbqKvvVwQpgYZCARPfJR0ZYIj-tSnhih/s200/arletty.jpg" width="161" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arletty</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Jean Gabin was a great star of French cinema's era of “poetic realism" in the '30s and '40s. Gabin's screen presence and style were ideal for the films of this age. Solid, earthy, worldly-wise, there is understated longing in those knowing eyes, a passion for life in that working-man's frame. His career spanned the '20s through the '70s; Gabin died in 1976 at age 72.</span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />I will be saving and viewing these films for some time to come. I've also rented <i>Zou Zou </i>(1934) co-starring Josephine Baker, and Carné’s <i>Le quai de brumes </i>(1938). With more to come: Renoir's <i>French Can-Can </i>(1955), about the beginnings of the Moulin Rouge.<br /><br /></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">August 31 marks the end of "Summer Under the Stars" and on that day the spotlight goes to Marlene Dietrich, a supernova of a movie and concert star if there ever was one. TCM last bestowed this honor on her in 2003.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn90MeLbJSIvMMmd8zE2uEDKsLne6s0OiUdQOu1kxUyIFbRrJUQKrQ7vNKVSuiFRSeeazBABkfE2N6DndAWtjdalEiLn1K7lQXwFopTui5UYkZBN2n9TPdaha3KPMogW98RuvlUB-qAyZY/s1600/jean+gabin+dietrich+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn90MeLbJSIvMMmd8zE2uEDKsLne6s0OiUdQOu1kxUyIFbRrJUQKrQ7vNKVSuiFRSeeazBABkfE2N6DndAWtjdalEiLn1K7lQXwFopTui5UYkZBN2n9TPdaha3KPMogW98RuvlUB-qAyZY/s320/jean+gabin+dietrich+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marlene Dietrich and Jean Gabin, 1946</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Except for her early German films, I've seen all of Marlene Dietrich's movies many times, but I'll still be watching and recording much of her day on TCM. Dietrich is one of those timeless luminaries of film who never ceases to fascinate, particularly in those legend-making classics of the 1930s she starred in under the direction of cinematic magician, Josef von Sternberg. One of the day's not-to-be-missed highlights is the documentary <i>Marlene Dietrich: Her Own Song </i>(2001), the work of her grandson David Riva.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Marlene Dietrich and Jean Gabin were romantically involved for several years in the 1940s. Dietrich gave Josef von Sternberg her loyalty and credit for her career, a life-long marriage and a ranch in the Valley to her husband Rudi - and her charms to various and sundry, but it was Gabin she remembered as the great love of her life...<i>je comprends</i>.</span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/VlA0EbSHRFA" width="420"></iframe></div><br /><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Marlene Dietrich, August 31, "Summer Under the Stars" on TCM</b></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u>All Times Eastern/Pacific</u>: </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">6:00 am/3:00 am <i>The Monte Carlo Story </i>(1957), with Vittorio De Sica</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">7:45 am /4:45 am<i> Knight Without Armour </i>(1937), with Robert Donat</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">9:45 am/6:45 am <i>The Lady is Willing </i>(1942), with Fred MacMurray</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">11:30 am/8:30 am <i>Kismet </i>(1944), with Ronald Colman</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1:15 pm/10:15 am <i>Stage Fright </i>(1950) with Jane Wyman, directed by Alfred Hitchcock</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">3:15 pm/12:15 pm <i>Rancho Notorious </i>(1952), with Mel Ferrer, directed by Fritz Lang</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">4:45 pm/1:45 pm <i>Marlene Dietrich: Her Own Song </i>(2001), documentary</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">6:30 pm/3:30 pm <i>Shanghai Express </i>(1932), with Clive Brook, directed by Josef von Sternberg</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">8:00 pm/5:00 pm <i>The Scarlet Empress </i>(1934), with John Lodge, directed by Josef von Sternberg</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">10:00 pm/7:00 pm <i>The Devil is a Woman </i>(1935), with Lionel Atwill, directed by Josef von Sternberg</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">11:30 pm/8:30 pm <i>Manpower </i>(1941), with George Raft, Edward G. Robinson, directed by Raoul Walsh</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1:30 am/10:30 pm <i>A Foreign Affair </i>(1948), with Jean Arthur, directed by Billy Wilder</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">3:30 am/12:30 am <i>The Blue Angel </i>(1930), with Emil Jannings, directed by Josef von Sternberg</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Arletty Jean Gabin Jean Renoir Jeanne Moreau Marcel Carne Marlene Dietrich Roland Lesaffre TCM The Lady Eve (author) Starry, Starry Night(s)

TCM'S ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF STARS DRAWS TO A CLOSE Since 2003, August on Turner Classic Movies has meant a 31 day parade of stars, each day...

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Just Dance!

During the hurricane on Saturday, Joel and I decided to give Just Dance 2 a try.  It didn't take us long to get used to at all.  You're basically trying to mimic what the person on the screen is doing, to the song of your choice.  Also, they have a dance option that seems to be geared more toward exercise and working up a sweat.  We only played for about 15-20 minutes of the regular dance competition, just to try it, and we were both definitely sweating by the end of that short amount of time.<br /><br />I also managed to get a NROLW workout in on Saturday as well.  A weekend workout two weekends in a row!<br /><br />I found it a little difficult this weekend to halt the food cravings.  Every month at a certain time I seem to have this problem!  I have continued to track diligently however.<br /><br />I spent Sunday preparing the week's meals.  On the menu this week is Better-For-You Buttermilk Pancakes, Meatball & Spaghetti Soup, and this Slow Cooker Root Beer BBQ Chicken that is A-M-A-ZING!  I said I'd have recipes last week for last week's meals and that all got swept under the rug :(.<br /><br />Stay tuned for some deliciousness this week, however.  I've already had the pancakes and they were very tasty and filling.<br /><br />How did you and your family fair during the hurricane? 

Eat What You Love Exercise Weight Loss Weight Loss Challenges Weight Watcher Recipes Just Dance!

During the hurricane on Saturday, Joel and I decided to give Just Dance 2 a try.  It didn't take us long to get used to at all.  You...

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What about entering the Star Teachers competition for South Africa?

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div closure_uid_j6xseo="106">I was wondering if any of you would like to enter the Star Teacher competition for South Africa?  You have to to enter a community-based project. I entered this competition in 2009 with my Bonding through Blogging project with the elderly and received a fourth place. 1st - 3rd place were flown to the Awards ceremony in Johannesburg. In 4th place I received R1000, a beautiful Parker Pen set and a gorgeous certificate which I still have displayed in my home!</div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div closure_uid_7wwpwb="128" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here are the details from an email I received. There are only two days left - so please hurry! (31st August is the closing date!) <a href="https://www.ed.org.za/index.php/teachers?layout=blog">https://www.ed.org.za/index.php/teachers?layout=blog</a></div><div closure_uid_7wwpwb="127" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div closure_uid_7wwpwb="249" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #500050; font-family: arial, sans-serif; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"> </span></div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" closure_uid_7wwpwb="247" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; width: 600px;"><tbody> <tr></tr> <tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;" width="280"><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 8pt;"><strong>Dear Education Stakeholders</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 8pt;">We believe that every teacher is a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em>Star</em><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>in their own right and The Stars in Education Awards are our way of celebrating and rewarding the teachers who have gone the extra mile in making a positive difference in the lives of their learners and even their surrounding communities.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 8pt;">To Enter: POST: your story to The Stars in Education Awards, Freepost CB8152, PO Box 7177, Stellenbosch 7599 (no stamp required)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 8pt;">FAX: 021 865 2166</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 8pt;">EMAIL:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="mailto:info@argo.org.za" style="color: #942e06;" target="_blank">info@argo.org.za</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 8pt;">ONLINE:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><a avglsprocessed="1" href="http://a.ss40.shsend.com/sendlink.asp?HitID=1314002489534&StID=10004&SID=14&NID=287362&EmID=2297537&Link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5lZC5vcmcuemEv&token=160a6bfdae0e2a94f28ee75eaa4810ef4f6618c0" style="color: #942e06;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 8pt;">www.ed.org.za</span></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 8pt;">Your entry must include - Name and Surname</span><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 8pt;">- Name of School, Address and Contact Number</span><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 8pt;">- Project Name</span><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 8pt;">- Project Description</span><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 8pt;">- What made you start this project?</span><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 8pt;">- Challenges Faced</span><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 8pt;">- How did you overcome those challenges?</span><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 8pt;">Feel free to attach photos to your entry!</span></div></td><td closure_uid_7wwpwb="169" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;" width="300"></td></tr> <tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><h4 style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 8pt;"><a avglsprocessed="1" href="http://a.ss40.shsend.com/sendlink.asp?HitID=1314002489534&StID=10004&SID=14&NID=287362&EmID=2297537&Link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5lZC5vcmcuemEvaW5kZXgucGhwL3RlYWNoZXJzLzEwMC1zdGFycy1pbi1lZHVjYXRpb24tYXdhcmRzLW9ubGluZS1lbnRyeS1mb3Jt&token=160a6bfdae0e2a94f28ee75eaa4810ef4f6618c0" style="color: #942e06;" target="_blank"><strong closure_uid_7wwpwb="234">Or, take a few minutes and click here to enter online.</strong></a></span></h4></td></tr> <tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /><br /><center style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: 8pt;"><strong>Follow<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a avglsprocessed="1" href="http://ed.org.za/" style="color: #942e06;" target="_blank">ED.org.za</a><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>to track development with us:</strong></span></span></center></td></tr> <tr><td style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><h3 closure_uid_7wwpwb="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-left: 30px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: x-small;"></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: x-small;"></span> </h3><h3 closure_uid_7wwpwb="228" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin-left: 30px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva; font-size: x-small;">Yours in collaboration,<br /><br /><strong><em>Glanville Valentine<br />Education Media Manager<br /><a href="mailto:%20glanville@argo.org.za" style="color: #942e06;" target="_blank">mailto:%20glanville@argo.org.za</a><br />083 247 2581</em></strong></span></h3></td><td align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /><br /><center style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></center></td></tr> </tbody></table></div>

Competitions What about entering the Star Teachers competition for South Africa?

I was wondering if any of you would like to enter the Star Teacher competition for South Africa?  You have to to enter a community-based pro...

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I love you BodyMedia! Today's weight 182.2

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc9VMgD7ytc8D1-b4Zs3v5Jt17TQkgIw4IMnMSSg5yE0GR-ylQbbiq8vDvojuzMKqFHezpPqbqf_doswDC1kNrqWVrvEacawgnlm99sfbaMN7q-6H49Kjn0T4IJ3vxZFzVaf19SfXJkUy/s1600/bm+chart.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwc9VMgD7ytc8D1-b4Zs3v5Jt17TQkgIw4IMnMSSg5yE0GR-ylQbbiq8vDvojuzMKqFHezpPqbqf_doswDC1kNrqWVrvEacawgnlm99sfbaMN7q-6H49Kjn0T4IJ3vxZFzVaf19SfXJkUy/s400/bm+chart.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />One month with my BodyMedia and down 12.8 pounds. It's a miracle! Of course, I take a lot of the credit because it's also a lot of hard work.<br /><br />I was actually 199.4 on July 19 for my physical  (pre-cast). And I'm sure  the cast weighs a little something, right? Regardless, I'm thrilled if it's only 12.8 pounds. I've lost and regained this same weight so many times that you would think I wouldn't be so happy, but I'm thrilled!<br /><br />With the BodyMedia I still have to track my food, which I have done without fail for 28 days. The user interface is very easy to use and fun.<br /><br />Of all the things Ive tried in my life to lose weight, this one is my favorite. The technology behind it is a small miracle.<br /><br />I don't know how many of you remember this <a href="http://diana135.blogspot.com/2009/06/doing-happy-dance-over-my-rmr.html">post</a>. It was a test I had done at Swedish Hospital in Seattle to determine my BMR (base metabolic rate, which was 1,900 calories - what I would burn with no activity at all)). Then they determined my Daily Expenditure rate as <b>2,280</b> calories daily (based on my sedentary job so tat was BMR times 1.2). This would be my calorie burn without exercise and just normal activity.<br /><br />Amazingly, the BodyMedia almost exactly matches this number if I take a day off from exercising and walking. The number of calories burned on those days is usually right around <b>2,300</b>.<br /><br />If  I walk my 10,000 steps (minimum daily goal) and get in at least one hour of moderate exercise (I try for 90 minutes but that's hard!), then my daily calorie burn is up around 2,900 daily.<br /><br />I think there might be a method to this madness!<br /><br />PS - I finally caved at midnight and took Ambien, but no sleep walking or weird eating. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItTsN_g5SrW569aSSY4vEkZuaCYwyzuBAogrqc_osFcMK7Q_aZ2dKMmTVy7cJ2oyLujHn-wc9rMUac5W7Ay6BUAPiqnNtye6cuF-7uqInFwrazVRv2OAFB0VwPg0loPM4H6iGILVmNQx0/s1600/sleep.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItTsN_g5SrW569aSSY4vEkZuaCYwyzuBAogrqc_osFcMK7Q_aZ2dKMmTVy7cJ2oyLujHn-wc9rMUac5W7Ay6BUAPiqnNtye6cuF-7uqInFwrazVRv2OAFB0VwPg0loPM4H6iGILVmNQx0/s400/sleep.png" width="400" /></a></div><br />Now I'm heading out to pick blackberries and get in my 10,000 steps in the process. I had some fresh blackberries with breakfast and they were delicious (and free---gotta love free!).<br /><br />

I love you BodyMedia! Today's weight 182.2

One month with my BodyMedia and down 12.8 pounds. It's a miracle! Of course, I take a lot of the credit because it's also a lot of h...

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Ambien...I don't like you anymore!

<b>Goodbye Ambien</b> <br />As my 3-year old grand-niece said with her hands on her hips, after her mother made her angry, "I've decided I don't like you anymore!".<br /><br />Three nights in a row, after taking Ambien, I've basically sleep-walked and ate food I didn't plan to eat or remember eating. The first two nights it wasn't too bad, a few extra pieces of fruit that I didn't remember eating, but last night: <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYewCQONrm4UD_jJmHIib8wzFoldLoQKBfBAAEGsk9jkp-N_RoLJkxVirH6xC5QEa51cs2LjoFY3esSRhJANjmOZz-Fvd4_-NBwrR-JEhlXwaMGnrdjKYhFa0d0Gyr9fRsqLB_Z1IplMCG/s1600/chips2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYewCQONrm4UD_jJmHIib8wzFoldLoQKBfBAAEGsk9jkp-N_RoLJkxVirH6xC5QEa51cs2LjoFY3esSRhJANjmOZz-Fvd4_-NBwrR-JEhlXwaMGnrdjKYhFa0d0Gyr9fRsqLB_Z1IplMCG/s320/chips2.jpg" width="320px" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was a full 8-cup container of chips (my husband's food, not mine). Worse than eating the chips is the conversation I had with my husband as I was eating them which I totally don't remember. Something about I had been good for six weeks and I deserved a treat. Approximately 600 calories!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bye-bye Ambien. Hello sleepless in Seattle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Best huumus in the world and I made it!</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thanks to <a href="http://ohshegkows.com/">ohshegkows.com</a> recipe, <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/12/04/the-hummus-that-changed-everything/">The Hummus That Changed Everything</a>.</div><br />There's no oil in the recipe, but I drizzled olive oil over it, as Angela suggested. The first time I used a whole teaspoon, which was too much. The next time I only used 1/2 teaspoon which was perfect. Scrumptious!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrmgwrEQ8PKy3aePQ-_2SZowadii7qN-jGPmlZA5_I2Pb9Zc-P3DjSNGnQkrbyD9dCn1-hLfAbYl3SWipzEH2IcjFSy0jEtnT_hSPqinuMgoVmgadtRTBYcRG4TNr78Oetv4ic_6BlJOE/s1600/hummus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" height="240px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYrmgwrEQ8PKy3aePQ-_2SZowadii7qN-jGPmlZA5_I2Pb9Zc-P3DjSNGnQkrbyD9dCn1-hLfAbYl3SWipzEH2IcjFSy0jEtnT_hSPqinuMgoVmgadtRTBYcRG4TNr78Oetv4ic_6BlJOE/s320/hummus.jpg" width="320px" /></b></a></div><br /><b>Dash Point Park hike yesterday</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The stairs</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAox5Ar8WTnHtrFYlBJZHBgcdtxURV70rkFpoyTyqX_LCSxXPGEPhNDROcFIwogsFVEFsa9ONTkk0KK4Qff5A60qJggEaP8CVdVPzWE_fNXPHYv3D9bW_DWCdF_HDBgMbUfcyh_tqf_dG/s1600/stairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAox5Ar8WTnHtrFYlBJZHBgcdtxURV70rkFpoyTyqX_LCSxXPGEPhNDROcFIwogsFVEFsa9ONTkk0KK4Qff5A60qJggEaP8CVdVPzWE_fNXPHYv3D9bW_DWCdF_HDBgMbUfcyh_tqf_dG/s320/stairs.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Puget Sound, worth the short hike.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaK40X3G9m4S3Nidb5U2Pat5fZsErIpvcrBGdkSn9dokrnt-YD3J6mqE1qh4GfT1SJBnXBD-jUagyy5pXTFykvtCLN6ShdH8PSfY17wApkZ73NDRpUmAmnh5GDNjDjkArHVM23gX76EeuF/s1600/view2+dp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaK40X3G9m4S3Nidb5U2Pat5fZsErIpvcrBGdkSn9dokrnt-YD3J6mqE1qh4GfT1SJBnXBD-jUagyy5pXTFykvtCLN6ShdH8PSfY17wApkZ73NDRpUmAmnh5GDNjDjkArHVM23gX76EeuF/s320/view2+dp.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6K5QHddhOSdA2Yx11t-TRzIlVd3ALiG5Pd2LZdOvu4LbxvQicT-YLohxRDI1UALzuckaLhOnPZ5MlZbYQzfdnADNhBjSUS0WAx5nEuhfox8ryWcGjW5MRJ7n9pUhOpG3NxaljMPrrJcwl/s1600/view3+dp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6K5QHddhOSdA2Yx11t-TRzIlVd3ALiG5Pd2LZdOvu4LbxvQicT-YLohxRDI1UALzuckaLhOnPZ5MlZbYQzfdnADNhBjSUS0WAx5nEuhfox8ryWcGjW5MRJ7n9pUhOpG3NxaljMPrrJcwl/s320/view3+dp.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><br /><b>Today's hike, my usual trail by my house</b><br />It was 85 degrees and I think I overdid it. It was worth it though because I found a great blackberry patch (and no people!).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Mt. Rainier</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksjZ0HF4unqqlGV8yjRElViVy03vVlLC-GuamIw2Mb-lGwxE9bTlXUYu8frATCrpkMdOnvfY02zatxmhABb3RJOnjNOCRUk2XFsN0h_yt_H0DQYWf0GzMdy0S_w87frUPsipps_OheEGA/s1600/rainier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgksjZ0HF4unqqlGV8yjRElViVy03vVlLC-GuamIw2Mb-lGwxE9bTlXUYu8frATCrpkMdOnvfY02zatxmhABb3RJOnjNOCRUk2XFsN0h_yt_H0DQYWf0GzMdy0S_w87frUPsipps_OheEGA/s400/rainier.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Great weather, but dead, brown grass. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51Z9F8A0XaFGK22SYgXLfPRWWswx9OOryfHvFfUT8xnJbddLz7UdxKLdj7kOOR3GdP5a6YFNm7QVyqCVVvFESJzo-SsD-xoiGN4CRYjoXj6O5ZhjuEu-fT17Sq-1kUQ_ZVjomB063i_IW/s1600/bn+grass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51Z9F8A0XaFGK22SYgXLfPRWWswx9OOryfHvFfUT8xnJbddLz7UdxKLdj7kOOR3GdP5a6YFNm7QVyqCVVvFESJzo-SsD-xoiGN4CRYjoXj6O5ZhjuEu-fT17Sq-1kUQ_ZVjomB063i_IW/s400/bn+grass.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Perfect blackberries</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pV1sdwmVG3KCdsPVs_eY8VItKHTKriAScyJgh5zttFJUnD3rnZVnot0Ees_GEAaV-vXSJkmqBUOTBd9vpYqeZxYnt_zmEGBLPHDR028LGKAZ0o0t_Tox7tipFzJoMbr1u9cCjuAyZfPV/s1600/cast+and+bkberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pV1sdwmVG3KCdsPVs_eY8VItKHTKriAScyJgh5zttFJUnD3rnZVnot0Ees_GEAaV-vXSJkmqBUOTBd9vpYqeZxYnt_zmEGBLPHDR028LGKAZ0o0t_Tox7tipFzJoMbr1u9cCjuAyZfPV/s320/cast+and+bkberries.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhmE4DfDnRhGnzDV4BL0TAvVjYaoDQl3ERyJaksGO9KeQAecSBdxg6Lg9rWRcBTaUc2T5RS2ULeVrW6r9Laorn6rbZp8qJMxcCdzTBh6nlAPIuT9muJOkC9ADCV8AsqgV4FNL_3QLHPap/s1600/2+bk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxhmE4DfDnRhGnzDV4BL0TAvVjYaoDQl3ERyJaksGO9KeQAecSBdxg6Lg9rWRcBTaUc2T5RS2ULeVrW6r9Laorn6rbZp8qJMxcCdzTBh6nlAPIuT9muJOkC9ADCV8AsqgV4FNL_3QLHPap/s320/2+bk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My cat's Halloween costume That I bought her yesterday. And if looks could kill...I'd be dead. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Things I do to entertain myself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglj_ArgO3HV0EdrlTtdAFsu8LSr4Yw9UhrIYmxPrPGPog8bDIooazj-Uprur-gJVa83EZaAcnDlfmRiHM0If1LgxpiAWqrPGMEnL8-_BTDTEI1pFJsE1CvGroLJrSVzwbZVU0xIWqb-r8T/s1600/missy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglj_ArgO3HV0EdrlTtdAFsu8LSr4Yw9UhrIYmxPrPGPog8bDIooazj-Uprur-gJVa83EZaAcnDlfmRiHM0If1LgxpiAWqrPGMEnL8-_BTDTEI1pFJsE1CvGroLJrSVzwbZVU0xIWqb-r8T/s320/missy.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My hair. Some of the hideous ash toner has washed out. My bangs are growing out, but still too short. Looking at this picture I can see why I got the senior (62+) discount at the movies last week. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm only 56. :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPlSfJqMVAog59ZDVbZeTx76cx3QnI3H8wW_LUhfij4tfI29QcEkt-rkOuxbyVXCoGRtjBi6lyUZJHxBBmw2a9E81_Vznzq1YRjt-cNsoc14YHCv6bYypRFQBJPaEPg5UyLa9BqW0EsZQ/s1600/183.4_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTPlSfJqMVAog59ZDVbZeTx76cx3QnI3H8wW_LUhfij4tfI29QcEkt-rkOuxbyVXCoGRtjBi6lyUZJHxBBmw2a9E81_Vznzq1YRjt-cNsoc14YHCv6bYypRFQBJPaEPg5UyLa9BqW0EsZQ/s320/183.4_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b></b>

Ambien...I don't like you anymore!

Goodbye Ambien As my 3-year old grand-niece said with her hands on her hips, after her mother made her angry, "I've decided I don...

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More TeachMeet ideas from the Partners in Learning Institute week in July 2011

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_z1l4wa="127"><div closure_uid_z1l4wa="198"><span closure_uid_z1l4wa="187" style="font-family: inherit;">In a previous post I mentioned about <em>TeachMeets </em>that we were introduced to at the Partners in Learning Institute in July 2011.  At that stage some of us had never even heard of the concept before but we loved the idea and have taken it back to our countries.  We were videoed presenting our teachmeets, but the file is too big to process. However, some of the innovative participators have redone their presentations and have uploaded them to a video site! Here they are to date!</span></div></div><div closure_uid_z1l4wa="127"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" closure_uid_z1l4wa="128" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div closure_uid_z1l4wa="194"><div closure_uid_z1l4wa="237"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span closure_uid_z1l4wa="207" style="font-family: inherit;"><strong closure_uid_z1l4wa="239">1. Arjana on Vodpad</strong></span></span></div></div><div closure_uid_z1l4wa="194"><br /></div></div><div closure_uid_z1l4wa="206"><embed allowscriptaccess="never" base="http://content.screencast.com/users/arjana/folders/Jing/media/8ccf28b9-234a-4665-9789-f52308c7eed2/" false="" flashvars="quality=high&bgcolor=#FFFFFF&containerwidth=1280&containerheight=1024&thumb=http://content.screencast.com/users/arjana/folders/Jing/media/8ccf28b9-234a-4665-9789-f52308c7eed2/FirstFrame.jpg&content=http://content.screencast.com/users/arjana/folders/Jing/media/8ccf28b9-234a-4665-9789-f52308c7eed2/TeachMeet.swf&blurover=false&allowfullscreen=" height="415" src="http://content.screencast.com/users/arjana/folders/Jing/media/8ccf28b9-234a-4665-9789-f52308c7eed2/jingswfplayer.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="420" wmode="transparent"></embed> </div><div style="font-size: 0.9em;"><div closure_uid_z1l4wa="192"><a href="http://vodpod.com/watch/15320705-my-first-teach-meet-session">My first Teach Meet Session</a></div><div closure_uid_z1l4wa="193">- Watch more <a href="http://vodpod.com/tech">Tech Videos</a> at <a href="http://vodpod.com/">Vodpod</a>.</div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" closure_uid_z1l4wa="129" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div closure_uid_z1l4wa="209"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://vodpod.com/watch/15320584-teach-meet-session"><span closure_uid_z1l4wa="210" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">http://vodpod.com/watch/15320584-teach-meet-session</span></a></span></div><div closure_uid_z1l4wa="209"><br /></div><div closure_uid_z1l4wa="209"><div closure_uid_z1l4wa="246"><strong>2. B<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span closure_uid_z1l4wa="199" style="font-family: inherit;">ram on YouTube</span></span></strong></div></div></div><br /><div closure_uid_z1l4wa="214"><div closure_uid_z1l4wa="247"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kNRajKnb6t8" width="420"></iframe></div></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" closure_uid_z1l4wa="176" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" closure_uid_z1l4wa="138" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /><div closure_uid_z1l4wa="248"><strong><span style="background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-origin: initial; color: #333333;"><span closure_uid_z1l4wa="160"><span closure_uid_z1l4wa="215" style="font-family: inherit;">3. Bart on YouTube</span></span></span></strong></div></div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/n7isb04QZ8Y" width="420"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing" closure_uid_z1l4wa="157" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNoSpacing" closure_uid_z1l4wa="168" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div closure_uid_z1l4wa="253"><strong>4. Yugoslava used Screenr</strong></div><div closure_uid_z1l4wa="253"><strong><br /> </strong></div></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="396" src="http://www.screenr.com/embed/htMs" width="420"></iframe><br /><div class="MsoNoSpacing" closure_uid_z1l4wa="159" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><div closure_uid_z1l4wa="233">http:<a href="http://www.screenr.com/htMs"><span closure_uid_z1l4wa="224" style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">//www.screenr.com/htMs</span></a><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="background-clip: initial; background-color: #edeff4; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span></div></div><div closure_uid_z1l4wa="127"><br /></div></div><br />I am hoping that this idea of <i>Teachmeets</i> will really spread in South Africa. This is a great way to share integration-with-technology ideas. If you hold a TeachMeet in your area PLEASE let us know about it! </div>

teachmeets More TeachMeet ideas from the Partners in Learning Institute week in July 2011

In a previous post I mentioned about TeachMeets that we were introduced to at the Partners in Learning Institute in July 2011.  At that stag...

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When did you last use Skype in your classroom?

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div closure_uid_psidq7="127"></div></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="131">Skype is a programme that can connect teachers and pupils all over the globe FOR FREE – yet many schools are unaware of its amazing potential. All you need is a computer connected to the internet in the classroom! Want to know more?</div><div closure_uid_psidq7="131"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="132"><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="106"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>How do you get started?</strong></span></div></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="132"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="190">If you haven’t tried Skype before it is really worth giving it a try. Skype has recently started to make it a lot easier for teachers to find each other by creating a Skype in the classroom website. Now there is no excuse to start using Skype! Why don’t you take a look? <a href="http://education.skype.com/">http://education.skype.com/</a> Click on the picture below! It shows the latest educators to join the site. </div><div closure_uid_ev1l8u="116" closure_uid_psidq7="133"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="133"><br /></div><div class="separator" closure_uid_ev1l8u="153" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://education.skype.com/"><img border="0" height="155" qaa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs4l6G7PY2xRzrKp4C_r48j50iW52xZCRR2BVhFw1s-jL_RkZkPJubxrcJ2U5SOHnfGiFr4E8wdwALv_H4-jU_TZQ-kTv9xG57Mp2iQ5AU7MY2pkVWdoFoS2s6OBCdAzhmAxgBXMQ2bpA/s400/newest+skype.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="133"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="134"><strong><span closure_uid_2zi1i7="111" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">10 way chat is a great new feature</span></strong></div><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="110" closure_uid_psidq7="134"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="135">Version 5 which came out last year brought out some fantastic new features the best of which has to be the 10 way video chat which is brilliant! I am not sure if this facility is free. </div><div closure_uid_psidq7="135"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="174"><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="109"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong closure_uid_2zi1i7="108">How can Skype for Educators help you?</strong></span></div><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="109"><br /></div></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="178">The <a href="http://education.skype.com/">http://education.skype.com/</a>website has a whole list of projects to get involved in:</div><div closure_uid_psidq7="178"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="294"><iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/21655503?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400"></iframe></div><a href="http://vimeo.com/21655503">How to find a project on Skype in the classroom</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user6382390">Skype in the classroom</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br /><div closure_uid_psidq7="136">There is step by step instruction on how to get started and find like-minded teachers:</div><br /><div closure_uid_psidq7="137"><iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/21665486?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400"></iframe></div><a href="http://vimeo.com/21665486">How to create a profile and find a teacher</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user6382390">Skype in the classroom</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /><div closure_uid_psidq7="138"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="139">There are many resources to explore:</div><div closure_uid_psidq7="139"><br /></div><iframe frameborder="0" height="225" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/21662447?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="400"></iframe><br /><a href="http://vimeo.com/21662447">How to find a resource on Skype in the classroom</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user6382390">Skype in the classroom</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br /><br /><div closure_uid_psidq7="140"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong closure_uid_psidq7="295">Where else can you find classrooms to Skype with? </strong></span></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="296">1. Edublogs gives a whole directory of teachers looking for Skype partners. They have even added the time zone of the teachers which is something that is important to note. </div><div closure_uid_psidq7="297"><a href="http://theedublogger.com/want-to-connect-with-other-classrooms/">http://theedublogger.com/want-to-connect-with-other-classrooms/</a></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="297"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="354">2. The Skype in schools wiki: </div><div closure_uid_psidq7="354"><a closure_uid_psidq7="358" href="http://skypeinschools.pbworks.com/">http://skypeinschools.pbworks.com/</a></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="362"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="362">3. Around the world in 80 days Skype project: </div><div closure_uid_psidq7="362"><a href="http://aroundtheworldwith80schools.wikispaces.com/">http://aroundtheworldwith80schools.wikispaces.com/</a></div><br /><div closure_uid_psidq7="372"><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="112">4. Want-ads - looking for educators to skype with:</div></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="373"><a href="http://skypeinschools.pbworks.com/w/page/11008389/Want-Ads">http://skypeinschools.pbworks.com/w/page/11008389/Want-Ads</a></div><br /><div closure_uid_psidq7="141"><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="113"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>What sort of things can you do with Skype in the classroom?</strong></span></div></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="141"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="377">1. You can debate!</div><div closure_uid_psidq7="378"><a href="http://loisath.edublogs.org/2009/08/29/student-inter-school-debating-with-skype/">Student Inter-school Debating with Skype</a> by Lois Smethurst</div><div closure_uid_psidq7="617"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="616"><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="114">2. Here are 10 great ideas: </div></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="650"><a href="http://blog.learningtoday.com/blog/bid/41726/10-Ways-to-Use-Skype-in-the-Classroom?source=Blog_Email_%5b10+Ways+to+Use+Skype%5d">10 Ways to Use Skype in the Classroom</a></div><br /><div closure_uid_psidq7="379"><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="115">3. You can even give students skype jobs in the classroom! <a href="http://langwitches.org/blog/2010/04/11/skype-jobs-for-students/">http://langwitches.org/blog/2010/04/11/skype-jobs-for-students/</a></div></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="379"><br /></div><div closure_uid_5jssid="117">4. What about inviting an author? Here is a post about the author and illustrator Mike Artell</div><div closure_uid_psidq7="383"><a href="http://langwitches.org/blog/2009/02/12/skyping-in-mike-artell-illustrator-author/">http://langwitches.org/blog/2009/02/12/skyping-in-mike-artell-illustrator-author/</a></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="383"><br /></div>5. This is another post about author and illustrator Jan and Phil Huling-<br /><div closure_uid_psidq7="387"><a href="http://langwitches.org/blog/2009/05/24/skyping-in-author-and-illustrator-jan-phil-huling/">http://langwitches.org/blog/2009/05/24/skyping-in-author-and-illustrator-jan-phil-huling/</a></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="387"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="391">6. A post by Jack Kenny lists some of the ideas she has noticed: <br /><a href="http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6090279">http://www.tes.co.uk/article.aspx?storycode=6090279</a> </div><div closure_uid_psidq7="391"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="391">7. This is a popular post showing 50 things you can do with Skype:</div><div closure_uid_psidq7="392"><a href="http://www.teachingdegree.org/2009/06/30/50-awesome-ways-to-use-skype-in-the-classroom/">http://www.teachingdegree.org/2009/06/30/50-awesome-ways-to-use-skype-in-the-classroom/</a></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="396"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="396"><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="116">8. More ideas from Shelley Terrell: </div></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="397"><a href="http://oupeltglobalblog.com/2010/05/28/motivating-adult-learners-skype-an-expert/">http://oupeltglobalblog.com/2010/05/28/motivating-adult-learners-skype-an-expert/</a></div><br /><div closure_uid_psidq7="142"><strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Did you know that experts are willing to come into your classroom?</span></strong></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="142"><br /></div><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="117">1. A list of experts willing to skype into your classroom:</div><div closure_uid_psidq7="401"><a href="http://www.skypeforeducators.com/educators.htm">http://www.skypeforeducators.com/educators.htm</a></div><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="118" closure_uid_psidq7="401"><br /></div><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="119">2. Skype an author network:</div><div closure_uid_psidq7="405"><a href="http://skypeanauthor.wetpaint.com/">http://skypeanauthor.wetpaint.com/</a></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="181"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="143"><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="120"><strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Want a few tips before you start?</span></strong></div><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="120"><br /></div></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="144"><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="121">1. Watch a great video by Silvia Rosenthal Tolisano’s Presentation ‘<a href="http://langwitches.org/blog/2009/12/16/k12online09/">Around the World with Skype</a>” to get you started</div></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="144"><br /></div><embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="300" src="http://blip.tv/play/hOsmgbH1PQI" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" wmode="transparent"></embed><br /><br /><div closure_uid_psidq7="145">2. Skype tips: </div><div closure_uid_psidq7="409"><a href="http://room202.edublogs.org/skype-tips/">http://room202.edublogs.org/skype-tips/</a></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="409"><br /></div><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="129"><div closure_uid_5jssid="119">3. How I taught skype to my class by Coolcat Teacher. Vicki has also added a detailed step-by-step video in her post. </div></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="413"><a href="http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2006/10/using-skype-in-classroom-or-just.html">http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2006/10/using-skype-in-classroom-or-just.html</a></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="413"><br /></div><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="130">4. Dummies guide to Skype:</div><div closure_uid_psidq7="417"><a href="http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/using-skype-at-school.html">http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/using-skype-at-school.html</a></div><br /><div closure_uid_psidq7="422"><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="131"><strong><span closure_uid_psidq7="421" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Livebinders with Skype resources</span></strong></div><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="131"><br /></div></div><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="132">A Livebinder is a great way to share a variety of resources on a topic. There are several good Skype livebinders to explore.</div><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="133"><br /></div>1. Making connections with Skype<br /><div closure_uid_psidq7="423"><a href="http://livebinders.com/play/present?id=25372">http://livebinders.com/play/present?id=25372</a></div><br />2. Skype in the classroom<br /><div closure_uid_psidq7="482"><a href="http://livebinders.com/play/play?id=8641">http://livebinders.com/play/play?id=8641</a></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="482"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="147"><strong><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Recording your Skype sessions</span></strong></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="147"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="516">1. <a href="http://www.online-tech-tips.com/free-software-downloads/automatically-record-skype-calls/">Automatically Recording Skype Calls with MP3 Skype</a></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="516"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="531">2. <a href="http://www.voip-sol.com/15-apps-for-recording-skype-conversations/">15 Apps for Recording Skype</a></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="531"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="148">3. <a href="http://videoconferencing.wikispaces.com/Recording+Skype">Using PowerGramo</a></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="148"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="149"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><strong>Wikis with Skype resources</strong></span></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="149"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="517">1. <a href="http://technology4kids.pbworks.com/w/page/25344912/Skype">Technology 4 Kids Wiki:</a> Skype Resources</div><div closure_uid_psidq7="518"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="518"><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="134">2. Skype in School Wiki:</div></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="519"><a href="http://pdsblogs.org/mattscully/2009/05/06/skype-and-tell/">http://pdsblogs.org/mattscully/2009/05/06/skype-and-tell/</a></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="523"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="523">3. <a href="http://wsfcs.pbworks.com/Skype-in-Schools">http://wsfcs.pbworks.com/Skype-in-Schools</a></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="523"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="524">4. <a href="http://videoconferencing.wikispaces.com/Home">http://videoconferencing.wikispaces.com/Home</a></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="150"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="151"><strong closure_uid_psidq7="185"><span closure_uid_psidq7="187" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So then, why should you Skype?</span></strong></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="151"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="186"><a href="http://langwitches.org/blog/2009/01/02/reasons-for-skyping-in-the-classroom/">http://langwitches.org/blog/2009/01/02/reasons-for-skyping-in-the-classroom/</a></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="186"><br /></div><div closure_uid_psidq7="186"><div closure_uid_2zi1i7="135">Why not give it a go? Please comment and tell us of your Skype experiences. We would really love to know about them!</div></div></div>

Skype When did you last use Skype in your classroom?

Skype is a programme that can connect teachers and pupils all over the globe FOR FREE – yet many schools are unaware of its amazing potentia...

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