La Vie de Mr. French

A Sidenote

2007-10-25T05:52:00.000-05:00

For the first time in a while, I am generally happy in all facets of my life: personally, professionally, financially. It's a great feeling that's been a long time coming. I think I've been too busy recently living my life to blog, but you know, I think that's ok.

Overheard

2007-10-25T05:48:00.000-05:00

C: Hey, Mr. French are you in a good mood today?
Mr. French: Yeah, sure, why not?
C: Well, if you aren't you should think of trees. My therapist told me yesterday if I'm sad to close my eyes and think about trees, because they make you happy. I think trees are ugly, though.

Sunday Funnies

2007-10-14T17:14:00.000-05:00

Guess Mommy's Never Seen a Real Woman

Woman to friend: Look at that woman. She so fat, we should call Greenpeace to roll her back in the ocean.
Little girl passing by fat woman: My mommy says Greenpeace should roll you back into the ocean!

--Zandvoort, Netherlands

Overheard by: Linda

via Overheard at the Beach, Feb 22, 2007

I Especially Like the 'Wave' Effect

Woman looking at water: Wow! Did you rake the water? It looks nice!
Lifeguard: Yeah, it took me a long time.

--Caroga Lake, New York

Overheard by: Willie COol

via Overheard at the Beach, Jan 26, 2007

The Answer Is Sedimentary, My Dear Watson

Bimbette looking up at cliff face: Hey, do rocks eat other rocks?
Guy: ... Huh?
Bimbette: Do rocks eat other rocks? You know, so that they can grow into bigger rocks...
Guy: Are you serious? No, rocks do not eat other rocks.
Bimbette: Then, like... How do they get bigger?
Guy: [Silence.]
Bimbette: Like, what do they eat?

--Merewether Beach, Newcastle, Australia

via Overheard at the Beach, Feb 6, 2007

Wait! You Need to Pay the Directions Tax

Tourist: Excuse me, how do I get to Times Square?
Ghetto dude: This is Times Square.
Tourist, slower and louder: No. Times Square.
Ghetto dude, slower and louder: This is Times Square.
Tourist: No, I'm looking for the actual square. Where's the square?
Ghetto dude: Oh, you want the square... Go down six blocks, turn left, and go down three. You can't miss it.
Tourist: Hey, thanks a lot, man.
Ghetto dude: Dumb fuck.

--42nd & Broadway

via Overheard in New York, Jul 23, 2007

A Wonderful World

2007-10-09T21:34:00.000-05:00

School-Wide Reading

2007-10-08T17:32:00.000-05:00

We've started a new school-wide reading program at school, due to some teachers becoming inspired by a book study they took part in last year. I must admit that when I was told the we would do a school-wide Sustained Silent Reading (SSR) for 15 minutes everyday, I was a bit wary. I could only imagine the teeth gnashing from the students every time the bell rang to begin reading. I could see them not being able to read because they don't have books, or that they couldn't keep their eyes open long enough to read. I have always loved to read, and so I was really excited about the opportunity to get paid to read for 15 minutes. I told my students to think of it as a 15 minute break. No teachers talking, you aren't writing, and plus all of your classes were shortened to get this time.

I must say that all of my fears and reservations were assuaged after the first week. many teachers went to th local used bookstore where they offer teachers FREE books every Saturday. We picked up probably 6 or 7 hundred! I have a small little library where students are able to grab a book if they "forget" theirs. The 15 minutes is awesome. I never am able to find the time to read like I want, and now I have a designated time to do it. Everyone is reading, and I love to see when the students find a book that they like, and are completely into it. It is a really interesting change, because many of our students have never really read a novel, especially if it was a novel that was not a part of required reading for an English class. Kids and teachers always have books with them, I see people reading at their duty stations, at the bus, and in the cafeteria. I think that the program is a success. I have almost finished One Hundred Days of Solitude, and I have another 4-5 books in the pipeline!

Les XV de France

2007-10-07T16:46:00.000-05:00

Defying all logic, the French National Rugby Team won yesterday against the "All Blacks" of New Zealand. France fields a pretty good team, but I think lately, they aren't known for much, save their yearly scandalous calendar (look it up if your interested. Not posting that here). New Zealand, on the other hand, is probably at the top of the rugby world.
Here in the United States, rugby isn't followed much, and I only learned the rules when I lived in the southwest of France, where I believe it is actually more popular than soccer. It's amazing, it manages to be more violent than American football, yet they don't wear pads!

You can see various rugby-related photos from the last few weeks in Paris on Eric's Paris Daily Photo Blog.

A Longhorns Loss

2007-10-07T08:20:00.004-05:00

My Texas Longhorns took the field yesterday afternoon in the Cotton Bowl and lost to the sooners. I'm not as upset as I used to get...we played hard compared to how we've played the first 4 weeks for the season. I must say that it is a bit disconcerting looking at the fact that we haven't been 0-2 in conference since...1956.

Sunday Funnies

2007-10-07T08:07:00.000-05:00

I Do Not Like War Stories with Contusions/I Do Not Like Myriad Literary Allusions

Chick: Have you ever read Catch 22?
Guy: Was it written by Dr. Seuss?
Chick: No.
Guy: Then no.

--Pace University

Overheard by: Hugh

via Overheard in New York, Oct 6, 2007

Fucking Metrosexuals Ruin My Mocking Buzz

Pointing hobo: Your zipper! Hahaha!
Whitey: It's a button fly.
Hobo: Goddamn. Second time today...

--Flushing & Portland, Navy Yard, Brooklyn

via Overheard in New York, Oct 6, 2007

Someone's Getting the Teeth Tonight

Girl: ... And then I was like--
Guy, exhausted after 10 minutes of her chattering: --Are you on your knees?
Girl: What? No.
Guy: Then shut your mouth.

--A train

Overheard by: thinking the same

via Overheard in New York, Oct 6, 2007

4PM After Luring and Shooting It

Office lady: I don't understand why he got life in prison. All he did was try to help dispose of the body.

100 West 33rd Street
New York, New York

Overheard by: C-Rizzy

via Overheard in the Office, Oct 4, 2007

And Then She Loses Jewelry!

Girl to friend: Oh my god, the Titanic was so sad. Her true love is poor, and then he dies.

--Crane Beach, Massachusetts

via Overheard at the Beach, Oct 3, 2007

Sunday Funnies

2007-09-30T19:12:00.000-05:00

I Know, Right?

20-something to friend: ... And she said, 'Twenty dollars? She offered me 20 dollars for bills after staying with me for a whole month? I'd wipe my ass with that 20-dollar bill!'
Hobo: One 20-dollar bill ain't enough for that huge ass!

--23rd & 5th

via Overheard in New York, Sep 30, 2007

Like Anyone Hears Anything Said on a Cell Phone

Jogging hoochie on cell: Yeah, I just touched down in Boston. No, I'm still in the airport waiting for my bag.
Black guy: Don't believe her! She's in Atlantic City!

--Central Park

Overheard by: MaliceAlice

via Overheard in New York, Sep 30, 2007

The Kind That Blind You When They Fall from the Sky?

20-ish girl seeing group of orthodox Jews walk by: Hey, look at all those Amish people! Oh, wait, are they Amish or acidic Jews?

--8th & Bedford

Overheard by: joe

via Overheard in New York, Sep 29, 2007

A Very "Special" School

Dad: It's all about the Benjamins?
Son: Who's Benjamin?
Dad: He's the president on the hundred dollar bill. He was the third president of the United States. You'd know that if you were in private school like I was.

--Zuma Beach, Malibu, California

Overheard by: Danielle

via Overheard at the Beach, Sep 19, 2007

State Fair!

2007-09-30T18:51:00.000-05:00

I have been going to the State Fair of Texas for as long as I can remember. When I was a kid, I loved standing next to Big Tex (above) when he would begin his quarter-hourly welcome: "Howdy, folks. Welcome to the State Fair of Texas!". His deep baritone voice of course produced a wildly exaggerated Texan drawl. The petting zoo, the new car showroom, and the corny dogs, were all among my favorites! It runs for a little over a month, and during the 2nd week October, the annual rivalry football game between the University of Texas and University of Oklahoma takes place! I discussed last year's game here.
One of the highlights of living in the Dallas-area is that all students and teachers receive a free ticket to the fair, and a day off from school to attend. It's not required that you go this day, but it gives you a day to do so. Our day is tomorrow, so I will sleep in and wait until the big game next weekend (at ticket to the game also gets you in the fair!)...ahhh....sleep!
The fair has always been at the forefront of heart attack inducing foods, but we Texans hold them near and dear. The perennial favorites (Fletcher's Corny Dogs, Funnel Cake, Sausage on a Stick) are still around, but here are some of this year's food additions to the fair (not for the weak of stomach):

Cajun Shrimp On A Stick – Spicy shrimp in a custom Cajun batter, fried and served with a choice of dipping sauce. (Gigi’s Food - Coca Cola Food Court)

Deep Fried Cosmopolitan - Contest Finalist – A delicious fried pastry is filled with rich cheesecake and topped with a sweet & tangy cranberry glaze and a lime wedge. Served on a stick. (Desperados – Nimitz Dr.)

Deep Fried Latte – a fried pastry topped with cappuccino ice cream, caramel sauce, whipped cream and instant coffee powder.

Fernie's Fried Chicken n' Waffle – A toasted 7" round waffle, brushed with melted butter and topped with three extra-crunchy honey-battered chicken breast tenders. Served with syrup or white cream gravy. Sweet and salty. (The Dock – Embarcadero Building)

Fried Avocadoes – Hand-battered chunks of scrumptious avocado are breaded and fried to perfection. Choice of dipping sauces. A culinary hit in California. (Weiss Enterprises - Thrillway)

Fried Baked Potatoes – French fries right out of the fryer are topped with a choice of queso cheese sauce, bacon bits, chives or butter. (Benz Food – Cotton Bowl Plaza)

Fried Coke - Contest Finalist – Smooth spheres of Coca-Cola-flavored batter are deep fried, drizzled with pure Coke fountain syrup, topped with whipped cream, cinnamon sugar and a cherry. Served in souvenir contoured glasses. (Vandalay Industries – Nimitz Dr. and Midway)

Fried Pancake Sundae – Tasty country sausage bites wrapped in a light pancake batter, deep fried to perfection , topped with whipped cream, lightly glazed with hot fudge sauce and finished with a cherry on top. Pineapple and strawberry glaze options available. (Smokey John's BBQ – Cotton Bowl Plaza & Midway)

Melon Monroe – Honey dew melon sauce ladled over chocolate chip ice cream, topped with whipped cream then garnished with two fried-dough, shaped "legs" filled with a special caramel sauce. Served fresh out of the fryer. "Some like it hot !" (Midway - across from Lost Children)

Texas Cajun Steak On-a-Stick – Tender morsels of steak coated in a spicy Cajun batter, fried golden brown and served on a stick with red or white dipping sauce. (Gigi's Foods – Coca Cola Food Court)

Texas Trash – In response to fairgoers' requests, this to-go sack of less-than-whole Hast Texas Nacho chips is served up in a white doughnut-style bag. (Hast Texas Nachos – Coca Cola Food Court)

Wedgee's – Frozen chocolate-covered Wisconsin cheesecake-on-a-stick offered in Turtle (caramel) and Key Lime flavors.

Overheard

2007-09-15T08:50:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the first edition of Overheard in North Dallas Suburbs High...Let's see what the kids are talking about these days:

Girl leaving the classroom after the bell rings: My butt smells!

Mr. French: You know class, in France, there are over 370 different types of cheese! This means that you can eat a different type everyday and never repeat!
Chipper student explaining snacks to her French class: Yeah, my grandmother is French. Every time we go to her house, she gives us snacks, but it's always cheese. I always get so constipated!

New School Year!

2007-09-15T08:50:00.000-05:00

I can't not believe how crazily busy I am this year. School started at the end of August, with teachers going back officially the week before (I say officially because I was writing the district French Benchmark exams for two weeks before that!). I have not really had a chance to sit down and collect my thoughts because things are happening at such a whirlwind pace!! So we just finished our third (!!!) week of school. My students are pretty likable for the most part. I had to kind of win over my French III class, because they had the same teacher for their first two years, and are understandably attached to her. I don't mind them going to her tutorials, but I want them to understand that they can come to me as well. I always forget how motivated teachers and students are at the beginning of the year. students are handing in work, teachers are smiling, everyone's in a good mood....it's great. It precisely the opposite in February (also known as the bane of my existence month). I don't really get around much in the building since my portable is a good 5 minute walk away, which means I don't get ti mingle between classes with other teachers. I have however, noticed a difference this year in the staff and student body. Everyone seems to have a positive outlook. I know that I am contradicting myself, but even at the beginning of last year, there seemed to be a lot of conflict on the staff, negativity from the students, and a overall pessimistic mood in the building. I hope that this feeling stays, because it is much easier teaching a group of kids that want to be there.

So in addition to my teaching duties, French Club, French National Honor Society, Staff Development, Campus Improvement Team, and AP French are all doing there best to wear me down. The upside is I have become much, much more organized for the first time in a loooong time. It feels pretty good. It's my fourth year, and I feel as though I have already grown into my niche and style, I hope that I just don't get stale!

I should go back now and read my post from the beginning of last year. Wonder what my feeling was...

Sunday Funnies

2007-08-26T09:15:00.000-05:00

You're Kind of Creeping Me Out

Mom telling young son to hold her hand: I just love you so much I can't let go.
Little boy: You don't have to love me that much.

--Bethany Beach, Delaware

Overheard by: local onlooker

via Overheard at the Beach, Aug 17, 2007

I Believe You're Thinking of Your Marriage to Jennifer

Guy: So, when did you guys get married?
Husband: March.
Wife, at same time: May.
Husband: Uh-oh.

--6 train

via Overheard in New York, Aug 17, 2007

We're Holding Your Diploma

Hunter student #1: So, are you a senior this year?
Hunter student #2: Is senior when your supposed to graduate?
Hunter student #1: Yes.
Hunter student #2: Okay, then yeah, I'm a senior.

--Hunter College

Overheard by: Thomas

via Overheard in New York, Aug 17, 2007

School is Starting??

2007-08-23T18:14:00.000-05:00

Yep. Last Friday was our first day back from an ever-short sumer vacation. I celebrated by spending this week nursing a very treacherous throat infection...I can't believe my little angels will be sitting in front of me 4 days from now. I want to be well!!!

Ten Places I Want to Visit (U.S. version)

2007-08-17T16:13:00.000-05:00

Here they are, again in no particular order:

1. Washington, D.C.
2. Chicago
3. Mt. Rushmore
4. Sonoma
5. Williamsburg, Va
6. Miami
7. Niagara Falls
8. Seattle
9. The Colorado Rockies
10. Cape Cod

Sunday Funnies

2007-08-12T15:36:00.000-05:00

But Not for Real

Thug: Hey, man... You look like you're from California with that hair. Are ya?
Guy with long blond hair: Yes, I am.
Thug: How you like 'at? I been thinkin' about movin' out to California.
Guy with long blond hair: It's great -- people are more real here in New York, though. I used to live in San Francisco, which is a great.
Thug: Oh, how far is San Francisco from California?
Guy with long blond hair: San Francisco is in California.
Thug: Oh, what city is it in?
Guy with long blond hair: San Francisco... Okay, this is my stop.

--Manhattan-bound F train

Overheard by: Dave S

via Overheard in New York, Aug 6, 2007

...And Added Some Strychnine To Her Birth Control Pills
Pharmacist: You should probably re-sign your card.
Woman: Why?
Pharmacist: Well, you signed over the magnetic strip. You're supposed to sign over the white part down here.
Woman: Then how would the machine read my signature? That doesn't make any sense.
Pharmacist: No, it's a magnetic strip. It reads the information, not the signature.
Woman: I don't think you know what you're talking about. That's not how the machines work. You're a pharmacist, not an electrician.

Then the pharmacist gave up.

--Zitomer, 76th & Madison

Overheard by: Helena
via Overheard in New York, Jul 13, 2006

You Can't Start Singing That Tune Too Early

Conductor: This is West Fourth Street. Transfer is available to the A, C, E, F, and V trains.
Four-year-old girl: Mommy, he doesn't sing his ABCs right.
Mom: That's because he didn't go to college.

--A train

via Overheard in New York, Aug 10, 2007

Betsy Looks into the Funhouse Mirror

B&T girl #1, about rowdy drunk lady who left car: Oh my god, that woman was on crack.
B&T girl #2: I know, right?!
B&T girl #1: She was, like, 40 years old and reeking of midlife crisis.

--C train

via Overheard in New York, Aug 10, 2007

Ten Places I Want to Visit (Non-US)

2007-08-10T18:30:00.000-05:00

In no particular order:

1. Buenos Aires, Argentia
2. Sydney, Australia
3. Dakar, Senegal
4. Johannesburg, South Africa
5. Toronto, Canada
6. Dublin, Ireland
7. New Zealand
8. Tokyo, Japan
9. Prague, Czech Republic
10. Moscow, Russia

What is your top ten?

Sunday Funnies

2007-08-05T22:22:00.000-05:00

Just Hold It Like It's a Dead Raccoon
Joking clerk to bitter man holding wife's purse: Nice purse.
Man: Thanks. It came free with the relationship and subsequent castration.

--Fashion Ave

Overheard by: I think it was Dior
via Overheard in New York, Jul 10, 2007

10AM Its Melody Is Semisweet
Trainer: 'Charismatic.' That's onomatopoeic.
Employee: What?
Trainer: Onomatopoeic. Like, when I say 'chocolate,' you can hear it.

Fenkle Street
Newcastle
England

Overheard by: Kaethe
via Overheard in the Office, Jul 23, 2007

Samuel Beckett Was Tanning Nearby, and the Rest Is History

Old lady at car: Henry, wait for me!
Old man carrying beach chairs half a block ahead of her: Dammit, Agnes, I'm going! I've been waiting for you for 40 years!

--Beach near Naples, Florida

Overheard by: X

via Overheard at the Beach, Jan 18, 2007

Knowledge Just Interferes with the Wonder of It All

Chick #1: You can see Venezuela on a clear day from here.
Chick #2: Really?! I would love to go to Venezuela -- I hear it's a really nice island.
Chick #1: Um... Island as in South America...?
Chick #2: It's right off of South America, right?
Chick #1: I guess you should have paid attention in geography class.
Chick #2: What does math have to do with it?

--Aruba

Overheard by: Erin from New York

via Overheard at the Beach, Jul 2, 2007

About Volunteerism

2007-08-02T09:51:00.001-05:00

I'm beginning to think that volunteerism might be overrated. I had grand visions for the upcoming school year. I joined 2 committees (staff development and campus improvement) that hopefully will help me to decide my future Master's degree plans. In addition, I asked if I could help write the District French benchmark exams (last year I helped to rewrite the French curriculum). Normally, when committees are formed, or things need to be done, my name never gets called. Except for my first day on campus, when I was told I was the French Club sponsor (of the non-existent French Club), I have not been asked to do anything else. I thought that it was a slight against my performance in creating French Club, or maybe something else I wasn't aware of. At the end of the year I was talking to my best friend that teaches Spanish if she was in agreement with my assessment. She thinks that it more has to do with they think I do too much already. A quick rundown led to me to concur: French Club and French National Honor Society (created both), attend football games, the one dance required, AP teacher, attend district meetings, and I guess the list goes on. Imagine my surprise when I get an email yesterday congratulating me on being "selected" to participate in the Welcome Back breakfast in front of the faculty and staff. Welcome Back (or whatever it's called) usually involves dancing on stage to some musical number that one of the assistant principals has choreographed. Luckily, I think I can get out of it by telling her I am already writing a Benchmark during practice times (please work, please work)!

Stuff From Kevin

2007-07-30T09:46:00.000-05:00

I apologize in advance for any lost worker productivity. What follows is a link to 25 of the Web's Really Addictive Flash Games.

My personal favorites (in order):
1. Sand
2. Mouse Maze
3. Ping-Pong

Here's the link.

If you click on his title banner at the top, he also has a number of tips on various web applications to improve your overall computer experience.

Have fun!

Sunday Funnies

2007-07-29T10:03:00.000-05:00

Unless It Involves Spirit Fingers...

Pilot on PA: We'll be making our final descent to Oahu International Airport shortly.
Blonde cheerleader: Oh my god! I thought we were going to Honolulu!
9-year-old boy nearby: Honolulu is the city on Oahu, you idiot.
Blonde cheerleader: Oh... Well, how am I supposed to know that?

--Plane to Hawaii

Overheard by: Derek

via Overheard at the Beach, Jan 23, 2007

Your Truck's More Like a Pair of Sears Tuffskins
Fruity metro guy: My truck makes this crazy noise whenever I brake.
Mechanic: What's the make of your truck, son?
Fruity metro guy: White.
Mechanic: No, son, the make.
Fruity metro guy: Truck.
Mechanic: The make, son, the make.
Fruity metro guy: 1997. There, I've just told you everything I know about my truck.
Mechanic: Who made your truck? Ford? Nissan?
Fruity metro guy: Oh, you mean the brand. It's Ford.
Mechanic: A truck ain't a pair of jeans, son.

--Lower East Side

Overheard by: JoshOnTheBus
via We've Determined You Might Accidentally Eat a Key
Chick: Excuse me, how much is it to use the computers?
Clerk: Two-fifty for 15 minutes.
Chick: So, how much is it for an hour?
Clerk: Ten dollars.
Chick: No, it's not!
Clerk: ... Yes, it is.
Chick: No way! It's not! Stop lying!
Clerk: You know what? You can't use the computers. Get out.

--Computer cafe, 7th Ave, Park Slope

Overheard by: Tech Monkey
via Overheard in New York, Jul 14, 2007

I'm Rethinking the Joint Custody Arrangement

Mother taking away son's boogie board: Enough, time to leave and go home.
Young son: You don't deserve a child!

--Sea Isle City, New Jersey

Overheard by: Gaby Young

via Overheard at the Beach, Jan 10, 2007

To Catch a Predator

2007-07-27T10:36:00.000-05:00

I watched this show for the first time last night. I had to pick my jaw off of the floor after seeing countless men being lured by whom they thought was a 13 year old girl on the internet. If you haven't seen the show, I've included a clip below. The basic premise is that cops go on the internet looking for would be child predators, setting up a meeting time and place. Once they arrive, they may see the girl they think they were talking to, or they may just see Chris Hansen, the host. He will ask them what they are doing, why they thought it was a good idea, and even read some of the lewd acts they intended on committing. They usually apologize and ask if they can leave. Chris says yes. As soon as they leave, there is a SWAT team there to meet them, where they are then interrogated and jailed. One guy yesterday even mentioned the show while chatting with the "13 year-old". I am glad stings like this exist. It's quite a shame, though, that it has to.

Oh

2007-07-26T10:23:00.000-05:00

wow.

Paparazzi...

2007-07-25T12:34:00.000-05:00

I know, I know. This is the 3rd post in a week having to do with celebrities--I seem to be getting away from my focus. But I must say I have never really felt sorry for celebrities whining because they want their normal life back. I always said to myself, "Heck, if you wanted an anonymous, thankful life, maybe you should have thought about teaching (I kid, I kid)."
It wasn't until I saw this video that I realized what the other side of the camera looks like. We only see the final shot of the celebrity, never the tons of photographers swarming and following their every move. It kinda sucks, but then again, we have some math and physics openings at my high school for August.

C'est so Paris!

2007-07-25T11:42:00.000-05:00

While I was in Paris last month, I was immediately hit by something: Parisians aren't half-bad! After having studied there, I sorta knew that French people aren't (always) that arrogant, sulking person on the street with the bad attitude. Still, I always wondered why so many of them seemed so darned full of attitude. I am happy to report that this June, however, I saw smiling, fun-loving people on the street willing to help, willing to listen to my students' bad French, and even just general cheeriness (I know!). While there, I remember thinking that there must be something in the water, or maybe they are passing out euros to the Parisian who smiles the most. Amazingly enough, I think that because of this friendliness, my students are more than excited to get back. See what happens Parisians when you don't bite the hand that feeds you?.

After returning to the states I saw an article that Paris' mayor has begun a campaign to rid the world's view of that angry Parisian.
Here, NPR goes to Paris for 'Tourist Day'.
See also: C'est so Paris!

edit: Going to France, and not sure what people are trying to tell you through their Gallic gestures? 'The Daily Telegraph' has set up a pictorial to help you out!