March Madness Has Gone Wild!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-E0HehOsoRMIoXmmpqmo2tU60cymRmDRaddondyP_vCYm6vACwGQYI5jAU_Kw8p6xCDUx7A32knByqWphAPKLfffxgbgrx_Q5YyLCLar2QolUQIcd5rqyAweDIW1DUGOLApAl9ODo4L2/s1600/bobca.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-E0HehOsoRMIoXmmpqmo2tU60cymRmDRaddondyP_vCYm6vACwGQYI5jAU_Kw8p6xCDUx7A32knByqWphAPKLfffxgbgrx_Q5YyLCLar2QolUQIcd5rqyAweDIW1DUGOLApAl9ODo4L2/s200/bobca.jpg" width="121" /></a></div>My husband and I are big NCAA basketball fans, him more so than me.  He keeps track of all the teams, fills out his brackets, and is at one of the tournament games as I write this.  I get to go with him on Sunday and I'm very excited.  <br /><br />I didn't get a chance to fill out a bracket this year, but as we were discussing some of the match ups and potential match ups for Sunday, I noticed a theme.  There are a huge number of teams in the tournament this year that have wildlife-related mascots.  Now, I realize that if you're not a wildlife geek like me, you may not have picked up on this. But I did and, after some investigating today, here's what I found.  Out of the 64 teams in the tournament, almost half (30) have a wildlife-related mascot.  Here's a more specific breakdown of those 30*: <br /><ul><li>9 are characterized as some type of non-domesticated feline, aka Wildcats (3), Cougars, Bobcats, Tigers (2), or Catamounts. And throw in the Bearcats too if you want, I'm not sure where to put them.</li><li>5 are characterized as some type of raptor, aka Golden Eagles (2), Mountain Hawks, Owls, and if you want, you can put the Jayhawks in there too.</li><li>3 are characterized as some type of bear, aka Bruins, Grizzlies and, uh, Bears.</li><li>3 are characterized as some type of songbird, aka Cardinals, Blackbirds, and Bluejays.</li><li>2 are characterized as some type of wolf, aka Lobos (Spanish for wolf) and Wolfpack.</li><li>2 are the Rams with mascots that look like Big Horn Sheep.</li><li>2 are in the Mustelid Family with the Wolverines and the Badgers (as a Buckeye graduate, that was really hard to type.)</li><li>Finally, there are 1 of each of the following wild critters to cheer for: Jackrabbits, Gators, and Buffalos.</li></ul><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl5E6N0qbM2JMKxVXx0WrMGEi8NMU76fX3ydFKRj50Wk7Yb2Bjxy7Bz95JeoJirw3dmNYDYWKzRal7LB5gN_vB84yMqy1JnobSCAhyd14Ac4nGQ36XffNY_kLLBloKM8bMLMC18E6Aoxf/s1600/badger112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfl5E6N0qbM2JMKxVXx0WrMGEi8NMU76fX3ydFKRj50Wk7Yb2Bjxy7Bz95JeoJirw3dmNYDYWKzRal7LB5gN_vB84yMqy1JnobSCAhyd14Ac4nGQ36XffNY_kLLBloKM8bMLMC18E6Aoxf/s200/badger112.jpg" width="150" /></a>Why would I take the time to add all of this up?  It's because I think, culturally speaking, it shows the value and the esteem with which we, as a society, hold these animals.  Now, don't get me wrong, I don't think that the Kentucky Wildcats are going to go the whole nine yards simply because of their name.  But, if you're going to pick something to be a mascot, what kinds of characteristics do you want your mascot to embody?  Strength, fearlessness, beauty, courage, etc.  We tend to apply these anthropomorphic characteristics to wild animals because as we learn about their habits, we learn to respect them and maybe even fear them a little bit.  But, regardless of how you feel about an animal, picking it as a mascot can be a sign of respect and admiration.  </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzQRlTIiVadRhpodrNv-XixbyaR-AdpMZeTAPET8midkLuWrPyObijFu_0BI6PJwIX5b9Ho8Wtb14izk4tJSDscQqZNrp9poF3Mzww4EGAxpLsGfm_Y3O7W6CXINwNWLkwIH3svwyk_qW/s1600/Cardinal+(6).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOzQRlTIiVadRhpodrNv-XixbyaR-AdpMZeTAPET8midkLuWrPyObijFu_0BI6PJwIX5b9Ho8Wtb14izk4tJSDscQqZNrp9poF3Mzww4EGAxpLsGfm_Y3O7W6CXINwNWLkwIH3svwyk_qW/s200/Cardinal+(6).jpg" width="194" /></a></div>By the way, if you're sitting there wondering what is so powerful and intimidating about a cardinal, ask the caterpillar that it was trying to eat this morning.  Or ask the wildlife rehabilitator that is nursing a bite from its powerful beak.<br /><br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">As we move forward in the tournament, there have been some match ups that mimic real life, and some that do not.  For example, a Badger could never defeat a Grizzly in real life.  And a Golden Eagle probably couldn't whip a Couger.  However, a Bear could definitely take it to a Jackrabbit and a Golden Eagle would have its talons full with trying to take down a Wildcat.  So here's to the excitement and drama that is wildlife both on the court and out in the field.  And may the best critter win!  </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbmlH5ttn9UfYhZrNAan-fD1IAsUfqhW3zGa-H0hxyOWyas8hrpOzaN7oje2qnlSWg6Ski7dSb89FhgnO_7igW0kRKXHFkUfQuSVKrOQPrsQHu6M41J_vCRKM7XykocwCk6N9Ife-ppFK/s1600/ee23pfg91xeioyrppayw.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlbmlH5ttn9UfYhZrNAan-fD1IAsUfqhW3zGa-H0hxyOWyas8hrpOzaN7oje2qnlSWg6Ski7dSb89FhgnO_7igW0kRKXHFkUfQuSVKrOQPrsQHu6M41J_vCRKM7XykocwCk6N9Ife-ppFK/s200/ee23pfg91xeioyrppayw.gif" width="134" /></a>Personally, tonight I'm hoping that the Memphis Tigers beat up the St. Louis University Billikens because WHAT THE HECK IS A BILLIKEN? <a href="http://billikens.com/billiken" target="_blank">Look it up!</a> I did, and no offense to any of you Billikens out there, but if your mascot requires a full page definition, you might want to think about picking a new mascot.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div>Have fun everyone and Go Bucks!<br /><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br /></div><br />(*If you're doing the math and you find I've only counted 29, that's because I threw in the Buckeyes because they can take out anything as a poisonous nut. ;-p)

March Madness Has Gone Wild!

My husband and I are big NCAA basketball fans, him more so than me.  He keeps track of all the teams, fills out his brackets, and is at one of the tournament games as I write this.  I get to go with him on Sunday and I'm very excited.  I didn't get a…

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take a seat part 2

Happy Friday everyone!<br /><br />When we last left our <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/03/take-seat-part-1.html" target="_blank">sad little settee</a> she was moping in the garage, trying to suck in her gut and look a bit more attractive in the poor garage light. However I have no sympathy. I'm hard as nails I tell you. Someone needs to be honest - Sette, you are ugly.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwi0tDwyMVu1Obf70KQQOFDY3vuzD7gcbLsuHFFzeAwX_-dCWF44zyNHw7xBvowDqAqGDdjElXBhohleeyyi7d9_ejq1x98-0oTmmRDbZuslInm9PboV35nvCpULh-QhZvV764pPIOubx5/s1600/P2254635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwi0tDwyMVu1Obf70KQQOFDY3vuzD7gcbLsuHFFzeAwX_-dCWF44zyNHw7xBvowDqAqGDdjElXBhohleeyyi7d9_ejq1x98-0oTmmRDbZuslInm9PboV35nvCpULh-QhZvV764pPIOubx5/s640/P2254635.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />But she's got a good personality (aka comfortable). And as anyone who has watched Can't Buy Me Love, She's Out Of Control or any o80s ugly duckling movie knows, settee's looks are nothing a day at the spa and a shopping spree montage can't fix.  Cue the montage music!<br /><br />First spa treatment is piping removal (pretty similar to an eyebrow wax). This proved really easy as there were already a few spots that were frayed and just begging to be pulled. If only the whole project were this easy.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86yt4_QfMN5EgZ0MXnXqXnsO4QnaAu0M8aYgM57lXmmVT_4GrJXO6GHZB21ECFe2aQRqIdxHquyM-uumM5f_brgfIlVre-GVs5fLFvesoWUQ-W1G4Rgv0uIPdIuvtUnkRx4pZGX1hlWGN/s1600/P2254642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi86yt4_QfMN5EgZ0MXnXqXnsO4QnaAu0M8aYgM57lXmmVT_4GrJXO6GHZB21ECFe2aQRqIdxHquyM-uumM5f_brgfIlVre-GVs5fLFvesoWUQ-W1G4Rgv0uIPdIuvtUnkRx4pZGX1hlWGN/s640/P2254642.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Next I dove into removing the fabric, and no fewer than 8,000 staples. Too bad there aren't any DIY projects on Pinterest using old upholstery staples. I'd rock that project out with my extensive supplies.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYbXfjLJ5d9l93lDV_5mzb_tKbsPyvw4DtsN_Q0yKZLfDtE152gHey4gKaWwBQU4ZdNq5imcKGDOX6OUQycRx3W4eajK4_XLUEWiVPup6zfWmksH1bqj5aX3uZvmVaA8iBbqV5jmLK35d/s1600/P2254643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYbXfjLJ5d9l93lDV_5mzb_tKbsPyvw4DtsN_Q0yKZLfDtE152gHey4gKaWwBQU4ZdNq5imcKGDOX6OUQycRx3W4eajK4_XLUEWiVPup6zfWmksH1bqj5aX3uZvmVaA8iBbqV5jmLK35d/s640/P2254643.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Even though I'm still on the fence about upholstering this myself or sending it out to a professional, I've read enough tutorials to know that its in my best interest to keep all pieces of fabric in tact so they can be used to make templates for the new fabric.<br /><br />So we were very careful to keep all pieces in one piece<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXJ86ixR4jb8x4Lb8Nz7V7bxS3p0k464sYactyQkObOjF85J3jq1EEgUJMDqKCUll6vi67Liz1fpklU2t9UNPq0QL54DJK2n05gBa7ND_bv4CBE7sTvBvYaEEAUuG2q5LNf3PHezwbF8N/s1600/P3165213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzXJ86ixR4jb8x4Lb8Nz7V7bxS3p0k464sYactyQkObOjF85J3jq1EEgUJMDqKCUll6vi67Liz1fpklU2t9UNPq0QL54DJK2n05gBa7ND_bv4CBE7sTvBvYaEEAUuG2q5LNf3PHezwbF8N/s640/P3165213.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />and label each piece so we (or the upholster) would know what goes were.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xU0KI1diwmY00qiafQpMn5g1HCsUYyKhIJDxTrs10G4Vr4Oo5TF6ElB5H-DKN2JkXksHPmGX4OApnE_2CgEKfuwoVX6a6j_0v2SSJfMME9Euz78FoidKJC-oTYXq-uOPoLGCYx25ex1M/s1600/P3165215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xU0KI1diwmY00qiafQpMn5g1HCsUYyKhIJDxTrs10G4Vr4Oo5TF6ElB5H-DKN2JkXksHPmGX4OApnE_2CgEKfuwoVX6a6j_0v2SSJfMME9Euz78FoidKJC-oTYXq-uOPoLGCYx25ex1M/s640/P3165215.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally I removed all the fabric and batting from the back and then took a shower. I knew this couch was old but...yuck. </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHK9_Aag73P7VyeamDxNiB1hLgWQCPMMHt-UHW0ju-82kHhJBHEUfGqqhmN2z_ECuKCMw5TX_bBnFx3-rJQYgd_4d8vewtfGE06Jqw4KDloO4KCzj3o_XuSMM5AGj25D5J7QlLTZrNy9AO/s1600/P2254644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHK9_Aag73P7VyeamDxNiB1hLgWQCPMMHt-UHW0ju-82kHhJBHEUfGqqhmN2z_ECuKCMw5TX_bBnFx3-rJQYgd_4d8vewtfGE06Jqw4KDloO4KCzj3o_XuSMM5AGj25D5J7QlLTZrNy9AO/s640/P2254644.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Proof of how gross we're talking here - these lovely treasures were found in the back behind the batting.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNBJbiYOVGo0-CRVvElETb0tJIJA-_r9t1pPaJrdPBzVr7cJemggDYuuZUsQ99rB9hkkkeCh3a3hGxJcgWlmOne-tJ34B8T0-q0lD45qv_i9gmvKmumhPwOvB3-NtpIg80At_jQoI9FDc/s1600/P3105042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNBJbiYOVGo0-CRVvElETb0tJIJA-_r9t1pPaJrdPBzVr7cJemggDYuuZUsQ99rB9hkkkeCh3a3hGxJcgWlmOne-tJ34B8T0-q0lD45qv_i9gmvKmumhPwOvB3-NtpIg80At_jQoI9FDc/s640/P3105042.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yes, that is a cigarette and vintage lip smackers</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So now she is several pounds lighter, and her horrible nehru jacket is safe in a bag.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWczlu6fKDynga62Kn1EuO86hRR8AHUTBXqbGNu6Cfj3Ey9inTRzJAxSPDMX_HDLMGMjGWzj53YHwI7IkmX9P8HSul6oa7aj1DdG2OZCq7AIrsQ4ZYNDGo_8ir4DZJ0qzoXoM1qkxhwhI/s1600/P2254645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVWczlu6fKDynga62Kn1EuO86hRR8AHUTBXqbGNu6Cfj3Ey9inTRzJAxSPDMX_HDLMGMjGWzj53YHwI7IkmX9P8HSul6oa7aj1DdG2OZCq7AIrsQ4ZYNDGo_8ir4DZJ0qzoXoM1qkxhwhI/s640/P2254645.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Settee, you already look better!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXlKPHGmzgQpj1lfQcou4vL0khlq5dMBk1RD4P5rsMAmezJDxfVo4GBk-UXrkiIMTVB1w7OLAl63ozo-gdFSO06Y5gZ0G9f5BxUofF1t0L_jLcvYjgueywK0reGZqRXGvJT9Tr2PKRzfn/s1600/P2264812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXlKPHGmzgQpj1lfQcou4vL0khlq5dMBk1RD4P5rsMAmezJDxfVo4GBk-UXrkiIMTVB1w7OLAl63ozo-gdFSO06Y5gZ0G9f5BxUofF1t0L_jLcvYjgueywK0reGZqRXGvJT9Tr2PKRzfn/s640/P2264812.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Next up - sanding and refinishing/painting. I think that's going to be an 11th hour decision.<br /><br />What do you guys think - do you think I can tackle this upholstery job myself? Keep in mind, I've never upholstered anything. Ever. (But when has that stopped me before?) Anyone need some old school Lip Smacker for your collection?

take a seat part 2

Happy Friday everyone!When we last left our sad little settee she was moping in the garage, trying to suck in her gut and look a bit more attractive in the poor garage light. However I have no sympathy. I'm hard as nails I tell you. Someone needs to …

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Have you been to a TeachMeet or iPadMeet in South Africa yet?

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi49iXLpBW-ioYm6jrVs8W_IAm187883hppHhFoM2vRkIVEiF8_yhyEsiAaNk1fX4H0yPVjVsk7-UtUZWC2PtexJZGWmgs5vOU8w99yEKxUD7r9ElMqtcLniFaGojw_OGXNLXkSVdi90RY/s1600-h/image%25255B4%25255D.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="image" border="0" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk469MrqOFbHHEBnAkzmVlza0f8S2VFj2li49t43ic14qZoKugp35FpQetEdRvFEywoteq3Q6RWrYINuLHzM8Veu7SRttLSH-GEuOp-OorpNaZ-7_2cRVfB43aFWNWTrEuF4csdAwauto/?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-right-width: 0px; border-top-color: initial; border-top-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="image" width="200" /></a></div><h4><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-weight: normal;"><i>Recently I attended another of Elkanah House's TeachMeets (Elkanah House is a school in Tableview, Cape Town), and I asked Linda Foulkes if I could use her blog post as a guest post. Linda is responsible for the training and testing of Grade 8 to 10 students on the Microsoft Office Specialist Certification. She is a Microsoft Office Expert and ICDL Advanced Trainer. In addition to her role as Staff Trainer and High School ICT Integration support (ICT Department), she also belongs to the Academic Department as Grade 8 Tutor Teacher. Linda absolutely loves spending her time researching social media and relevant technologies with connections on Twitter (@folklind) and Facebook, as well as her blog at </i></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-weight: normal;"><i><a href="http://folklind.wordpress.com/">http://folklind.wordpress.com</a>;</i></span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow';"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;"> and she enjoys imparting this knowledge as professional development, enhancing teaching experience for teachers/students or simply just to boost efficiency in the workplace. Apart from that Linda is the person who is running with the TeachMeet idea at Elkanah House. </span></i></span></span></h4><h4><span style="font-family: 'Arial Narrow'; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><br /></i></span></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">On Saturday 25 February 2012, Elkanah House hosted its </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">third</span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">TeachMeet</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">, as well as its </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">second</span> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">iPadMeet</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">. The response and attendance to both meets were extremely rewarding. Forty six dedicated people interested in sharing, presenting and soaking in ways to use ICT in the classroom joined the TeachMeet. During second session, fifty four participants, passionate about using the iPad as a classroom device, attended the iPadMeet. The events were run one after the other to allow participants to enjoy both meets or collaborate with others during the short break between events</span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">.</span></span></h4><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://folklind.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/img_1310.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="IMG_1310" border="0" height="244" src="http://folklind.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/img_1310_thumb.jpg?w=312&h=238" title="IMG_1310" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://folklind.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/img_1308.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="IMG_1308" border="0" height="243" src="http://folklind.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/img_1308_thumb.jpg?w=310&h=236" title="IMG_1308" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is what happened at the Meets?</span></b><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The meet kicked off with a “welcome housekeeping” presentation, which can be viewed <a href="http://%3Cdiv%20style%3D%22width:425px%22%20id%3D%22__ss_11742723%22%3E%20%3Cstrong%20style%3D%22display:block%3Bmargin:12px%200%204px%22%3E%3Ca%20href%3D%22http//www.slideshare.net/folklind/teachmeet-welcome%22%20title=%22TeachMeet%20Welcome%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3ETeachMeet%20Welcome%3C/a%3E%3C/strong%3E%20%3Cobject%20id=%22__sse11742723%22%20width=%22425%22%20height=%22355%22%3E%20%3Cparam%20name=%22movie%22%20value=%22http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=teachmeetwelcome-120225002315-phpapp02&stripped_title=teachmeet-welcome&userName=folklind%22%20/%3E%20%3Cparam%20name=%22allowFullScreen%22%20value=%22true%22/%3E%20%3Cparam%20name=%22allowScriptAccess%22%20value=%22always%22/%3E%20%3Cparam%20name=%22wmode%22%20value=%22transparent%22/%3E%20%3Cembed%20name=%22__sse11742723%22%20src=%22http://static.slidesharecdn.com/swf/ssplayer2.swf?doc=teachmeetwelcome-120225002315-phpapp02&stripped_title=teachmeet-welcome&userName=folklind%22%20type=%22application/x-shockwave-flash%22%20allowscriptaccess=%22always%22%20allowfullscreen=%22true%22%20wmode=%22transparent%22%20width=%22425%22%20height=%22355%22%3E%3C/embed%3E%20%3C/object%3E%20%3Cdiv%20style=%22padding:5px%200%2012px%22%3E%20View%20more%20%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.slideshare.net/%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3Epresentations%3C/a%3E%20from%20%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.slideshare.net/folklind%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3ETeachMeets%20@%20Elkanah%3C/a%3E%20%3C/div%3E%20%3C/div%3E">here</a> for those who are not sure how a TeachMeet event is run. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Essentially, on signup one would choose one of the following options:</span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Keen Bean</b> – a presenter who shares an idea, lesson, a tool in a timesl<a href="http://folklind.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/img_1314.jpg"><img align="right" alt="IMG_1314" border="0" height="96" src="http://folklind.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/img_1314_thumb.jpg?w=192&h=96" title="IMG_1314" width="192" /></a>ot of 3-5 minutes – presenters receive a gift of jelly beans<br /></span></li><li> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Enthusiastic Lurker</b> – just there to soak up the environment and enjoy the day!</span></li></ul><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Di de Villiers from Somerset House seemed to have managed to get a reserved seat! She has attended every Meet we have had so far and always sits on the couch in the same spot…so I decided to reserve it for her!</span> <br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://folklind.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/img_0664.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="IMG_0664" border="0" height="240" src="http://folklind.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/img_0664_thumb.jpg?w=244&h=184" title="IMG_0664" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://folklind.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/img_1302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="IMG_1302" border="0" height="252" src="http://folklind.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/img_1302_thumb.jpg?w=231&h=183" title="IMG_1302" width="320" /></a></div><img alt="Open-mouthed smile" src="http://folklind.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/wlemoticon-openmouthedsmile.png?w=645" /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The Keen Beans shared a huge range of resources and the number of presenters doubled since the last meet! A huge thank you to Nicole Masureik of Pinelands High as well as Mnr Maree of Bishops who were unable to attend but contributed by sending a virtual presentation for me to share with the audience. So if you are unable to attend a meet…you are always able to contribute and share with others…video yourself or a presentation and send to me. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well done to those who presented on the day – more information about these presentations, as well as photographs, videos and resources can be found on the TeachMeet wiki – </span><a href="http://elkteachmeet.pbworks.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://elkteachmeet.pbworks.com</a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> – continue reading this post to see what was presented!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Presentations</b></span><br /><ol><li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Carolynn Bruton [ex Springfield] – presented twice, once on Organising you iPad and iPhone and then Transferring your Pics between Devices.<br /><a href="http://elkteachmeet.pbworks.com/w/file/51355740/Organising%20iPad%20TeachMeet.pdf">Organising iPad TeachMeet.pdf</a>; <a href="http://elkteachmeet.pbworks.com/w/file/51356547/Transferring%20pics.pdf">Transferring pics.pdf</a><br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fiona Beal [SchoolNet] presented on Google Forms – So Easy to Use: <br />See this post on the <a href="http://e-blogschool.blogspot.com/2012/02/experimenting-with-slideshare-playlist.html">SchoolNet blog</a><br />See this as a Slideshare - <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/fionabeal/google-forms-so-easy-to-use">http://www.slideshare.net/fionabeal/google-forms-so-easy-to-use</a><br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jenny Martin [Somerset House] on Using Triptico in the Primary School Maths Class <a href="http://elkteachmeet.pbworks.com/w/file/51294489/Word%20Magnets.pptx">Word Magnets.pptx</a>;<a href="http://www.triptico.co.uk/">http://www.triptico.co.uk</a><br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Karen Stadler [Elkanah House] took us on a wonderful tour through Epic Citadel during the iPadMeet–<a href="http://elkteachmeet.pbworks.com/w/file/51294589/KStadler_epic.pps">KStadler_epic.pps</a> – visit Karen’s blog at <a href="http://karenstadler.wordpress.com/">http://karenstadler.wordpress.com</a> or ipad wiki: <a href="http://just-ipadding-along.posterous.com/">http://just-ipadding-along.posterous.com</a><br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Nicole Masureik [Pinelands] – presented on Using Screencast-o-matic<br /><a href="http://www.screencast-o-matic.com/">www.screencast-o-matic.com</a>. This video demonstrated the recording of on screen annotations in PowerPoint for Teacher Professional Development.<br /><a href="http://elkteachmeet.pbworks.com/w/file/51281158/Screencasting.mp4">Screencasting.mp4</a><br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Mnr Maree [Bishops] – took audience through Using Tumblr in the Afrikaans Classroom<br /><a href="http://bishopsafrikaans.tumblr.com/">http://bishopsafrikaans.tumblr.com</a><br /><a href="http://elkteachmeet.pbworks.com/w/file/51281213/tumblr%20in%20afrikaans.mp4">tumblr in afrikaans.mp4</a><br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Siobhan Louw [Somersert House] – presented her Term Long ICT Project – Planning a Virtual International Holiday<br /><a href="http://elkteachmeet.pbworks.com/w/file/51313475/S%20Louw%20TeachMeetFeb2012.pptx">S Louw TeachMeetFeb2012.pptx</a><br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Siobhan Louw [Somersert House] – Shared an App called Boxee during the iPadMeet session<br /><a href="http://elkteachmeet.pbworks.com/w/file/51357461/S%20Louw%20boxee.ppsx">S Louw boxee.ppsx</a><br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Cheryl Douglas [Bishops] – presented on Using OneNote to produce Biology Notes on the Endocrine System<br /><a href="http://elkteachmeet.pbworks.com/w/file/51281150/Endocrine%20system.one">Endocrine system.one</a><br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Fiona Beal – [SchoolNet] – showed us How to make a Protopage<br /><a href="http://e-blogschool.blogspot.com/2012/02/wondering-what-internet-start-page-is.html" target="_blank">How to make a protopage</a><br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Louise Leigh [Herzlia] – shared her Integrated ICT Tasks in Mathematics – Google Docs Grade 9 Data Handling Research Project<br />The Environment – Research Topic and Introduction; Design of a Survey/Questionnaire, Administering a Survey, Organizing Data by making tally tables, Double bar graph, calculating averages, writing a report on results and report features of graphs, writing a conclusion with informed opinion and findings, a Bibliography, and finally to present. <a href="http://elkteachmeet.pbworks.com/w/file/51281124/ICT%20Integrated%20Tasks.pptx">ICT Integrated Tasks.pptx</a>; <a href="http://elkteachmeet.pbworks.com/w/file/51281120/9-Recycling%20Herzlia%202009-2012.pdf">ycling Herzlia 2009-2012.pdf;</a><a href="http://elkteachmeet.pbworks.com/w/file/51281119/9-Recycling%20Double%20Bar%20Graph%202012.xlsx">9-Recycling Double Bar Graph 2012.xlsx</a>; <a href="http://elkteachmeet.pbworks.com/w/file/51281114/9-Graph%20Project%202012.pdf">9-Graph Project 2012.pdf</a><br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Peter Schutte [Wynberg Girls] – presented on using Edmodo in the Maths Class<br /><a href="http://elkteachmeet.pbworks.com/w/file/51280761/Edmodo_Teacher_Training_Presentation.pptx">Edmodo_Teacher_Training_Presentation.pptx</a>; <a href="http://elkteachmeet.pbworks.com/w/file/51280754/Edmodo__a_student_quick_start_guide.pdf">Edmodo__a_student_quick_start_guide.pdf</a>; <a href="http://elkteachmeet.pbworks.com/w/file/51280762/UsesforEdmodoAllgradelevels.pdf">UsesforEdmodoAllgradelevels.pdf</a><br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Gilmour Gordon [Elkanah House] – shared his Music with Audacity, Movies with Sound project with the audience<br />[email <a href="mailto:teachmeet@elkanah.co.za">teachmeet@elkanah.co.za</a> for access to dropbox folder if you would like to view / download this presentation due to size limitations<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Alan Goldberg [Digicape] – presented on iBook format / Author, Popplet Lite,and the use of a science iPad app and gadget during the iPadMeet.<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Jak Tangkuampien [Elkanah House] presented on Marking with the iPad. </span></li></ol><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Without the above Keen Beans as well as the Enthusiastic Lurkers the 2 hour sessions would not be possible. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I encourage everyone to continue sharing and collaborating amongst each other, to visit the wiki, interact with others and mail </span><a href="mailto:teachmeet@elkanah.co.za" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">teachmeet@elkanah.co.za</a><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> should you have something to share at the next meet. </span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>A special thank you to:<br /></b></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*Christiaan Vlok – Elkanah student for video footage and photos </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> *Arthur Preston – Elkanah House Senior Primary Principal for twitter backchannel </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> *Karen Stadler – Elkanah House ICT Integrator for the twitter backchannel </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> *Gareth Davies – Business of Teaching – for the donation of magazine prizes </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> *Bongi Damane – Elkanah staff member for organising the refreshments </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> *Fiona Beal – SchoolNet for her continued support and encouragement</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Continue the collaboration on twitter : #elkteachmeet and #SAipaded</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">Photographs of our Meets</span></b><br /><div id="__ss_11845117" style="width: 425px;"><b style="display: block; margin: 12px 0px 4px;"><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/folklind/teachmeetphoto25feb2012" target="_blank" title="TeachMeet-Photo25feb2012">TeachMeet-Photo25feb2012</a><br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="355" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/11845117" width="425"></iframe></b><br /><div style="padding-bottom: 12px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/thecroaker/death-by-powerpoint" target="_blank">PowerPoint</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/folklind" target="_blank">TeachMeets @ Elkanah</a> </div></div><span style="display: inline ! important; margin: 12px 0px 4px;"><br /><a href="http://www.slideshare.net/folklind/teachmeet-photos-25feb2012" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank" title="TeachMeet Photos 25feb2012">TeachMeet Photos 25feb2012</a><br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="355" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/11891684" width="425"></iframe> </span><br /><div id="__ss_11891684" style="width: 425px;"><div style="padding-bottom: 12px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 5px;">View more <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/thecroaker/death-by-powerpoint" target="_blank">PowerPoint</a> from <a href="http://www.slideshare.net/folklind" target="_blank">TeachMeets @ Elkanah</a> </div></div><br /><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">TeachMeets in other parts of the world!</span></b><br /><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;"> <br /></span></b> <br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*Ireland joins TeachMeets – visit the wiki on <a href="http://tmbelfast.wikispaces.com/">http://tmbelfast.wikispaces.com/</a>) </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*Australia is having a huge one this Friday evening where they are trying to beat a world record for TeachMeets. Check out the ustream here: <a href="http://www.ustream.tv/channel/sydney-teachmeet">http://www.ustream.tv/channel/sydney-teachmeet</a></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*This Saturday, a big virtual International Teachmeet with 32 presenters from 20 countries (Fiona Beal of SchoolNet is one of the volunteers…go Fiona!) was held. Visit <a href="http://teachmeetinternational.wikispaces.com/">http://teachmeetinternational.wikispaces.com/</a> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">*<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/btrplayer.swf">http://www.blogtalkradio.com/btrplayer.swf</a> Do you listen to blogtalkradio? Lots of great discussions happening here!</span> <br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue',Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: large;">HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON @ AN ELKANAH TEACHMEET OR IPADMEET!</span></b> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>

teachmeets Have you been to a TeachMeet or iPadMeet in South Africa yet?

Recently I attended another of Elkanah House's TeachMeets (Elkanah House is a school in Tableview, Cape Town), and I asked Linda Foulkes if I could use her blog post as a guest post. Linda is responsible for the training and testing of Grade 8 to 10 …

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