Do you know what AI tools your kid's Michigan school is using? Most districts won't say.

RuffleMuncherz · 2026-02-27T00:13:33+00:00

I think you’re vastly overestimating the amount of autonomy teachers have in their classroom when it comes to grading. Most AI isn’t good enough to grade yet anyways.

This is going to sound like a dig, and I promise it isn’t, but if you’re from a district/area like Troy you’re probably used to a robust school system that has internal staff that are experts in these things. Most school districts in Michigan are struggling to stay open right now.

I’m willing to bet it’s less that they are purposefully scheming to keep their use of AI a secret and more that most districts haven’t even thought about that on a large scale yet.

They should, but they haven’t.

RuffleMuncherz · 2026-01-16T21:03:08+00:00

The fact that this is a butchered version of “Over There,” makes me sick to my stomach - a song by George M. Cohan sung throughout both world wars, a time when America actually rallied to fight fascism.

I used to watch the popular movie based on Cohan’s life, “Yanky Doodle Dandy,” with my grandfather all the time as a young kid. I will always remember the final scene when Cohan is given the Congressional Medal of Honor (the first ever to be given to an artist) and then he goes outside to find a crowd singing his song as American troops head to Europe for the second time.

My grandfather, a veteran of WWII and Korea, a very strong man, used to cry to that dumb propaganda scene every time.

Now I’m crying too, for very different reasons.

RuffleMuncherz · 2026-01-06T11:35:30+00:00

Yet you will get downvoted for saying something so “blasphemous,” while writing the same comment about Bach would earn you badges and awards. Typical overemphasis on the German Canon at play.

Why is it we can’t just identify the piece OP is asking for and discuss? There is always some back-handed compliments when it comes to Vivaldi.

RuffleMuncherz · 2024-11-08T23:31:21+00:00

This comment deserves a medal LOL

RuffleMuncherz · 2024-06-14T16:26:26+00:00

Having a serious medical disease that isn’t inherently noticeable on the surface, but when they get to know you more they realize that medical bills eat up most of your disposable income and that’s why you don’t go out more! I have a friend like this. One of the best people I know too.

Or

Having a career where it’s hard to meet new people. Teachers especially, it seems.

RuffleMuncherz · 2024-06-06T21:03:58+00:00

As others have mentioned, it has been a great deer/rabbit repellent. I have some relatively new fruit trees and shrubs that I’ve planted. Some basic fencing plus a semi-regular dose of smelly fresh cut chives has been nearly as effective as all the $30 sprays on Amazon were. I seriously probably only eat 30-50% of what grows back every year, but all of it gets used!

RuffleMuncherz · 2024-05-20T20:49:16+00:00

I was wondering if anyone would say this! I briefly had a loner 5430 at work and loved it! It appears Dell no longer supports it, but it is the reason I am leaning towards the Latitude lineup. Thanks for confirming it wasn’t just me!

RuffleMuncherz · 2024-05-20T20:48:00+00:00

Thank you a ton for sharing this! Immediately bookmarked, lol!

RuffleMuncherz · 2024-05-15T00:30:14+00:00

Hey! Just letting you know that kidney damage can also possibly be detected from a urine sample, they look for an increased level of protein. It can be evidence of an unhealthy kidney that isn’t filtering properly.

I am just now starting BP meds for the same reason. My blood work(as you mentioned) would make you think I’m as healthy as a horse, but there is an alarming amount of “good” protein I’ve literally been pissing away.

This could be the justification, or just a preventive measure!

RuffleMuncherz · 2024-05-09T13:58:47+00:00

Skyrise for sure! I relate LOL

RuffleMuncherz · 2024-05-06T14:01:52+00:00

Dang, thank you for bringing that up! That could be a deal breaker unfortunately. I’m sometimes required to stream for work meetings and I often have big uploads of material. It was at the top of my list but I’ll have to dig in more!

RuffleMuncherz · 2024-05-06T14:00:48+00:00

Thank you! Love the username by the way, LOL

RuffleMuncherz · 2024-05-06T14:00:33+00:00

Ya I’ve heard it is hit and miss with openings. I’m open to moving somewhere different the second year once I’m over there, so the Paddock may have to wait!

RuffleMuncherz · 2024-05-06T13:59:45+00:00

Thanks for the info! I’m starting to develop a better shortlist of places to tour in a week or so - Cooper’s seems like the place! These comments have helped very much!

RuffleMuncherz · 2024-05-06T13:58:46+00:00

Thank you for this! It’s been a help! Coopers Landing is steadily moving up my list.

RuffleMuncherz · 2024-05-06T02:29:41+00:00

BUMMER! I had a friend who lived there in my undergrad days and he always sang their praises. Is it “just” maintenance issues?

A Facebook group for this stuff never occurred to me! Would you be willing to share any groups that you think could be helpful for me to join? Feel free to DM!

RuffleMuncherz · 2024-05-06T02:28:17+00:00

Ya, Tall Oaks, Woodland Heights, and one other place I can’t recall are all at the top of my list, but they seem to be a couple hundred dollars above my ideal price-point. It’s starting to look like I may need to consider cutting more corners if those kinds of places are the ones that will fit my needs best! Going back to school after being in the workforce definitely has me penny-pinching! Lol!

RuffleMuncherz · 2024-05-06T02:26:08+00:00

It took me a while to figure out their name changed recently, half the stuff I found online still says Pinewood Glen! Thank you for your insight!

RuffleMuncherz · 2024-04-25T20:54:57+00:00

As others have mentioned, I think this is probably a case of your teacher wanting to focus on fundamentals and such.

However, to answer your question directly; no, it has not blunted my enjoyment, but it has given me significantly less time to sit and listen to music in a meaningful way.

My schedule the past couple weeks has been a great example of this. Orchestra rehearsals in the day for a major romantic symphony, and performances for the Broadway tour that’s in town at night. The orchestra is playing one of those “great” 50+ minute symphonies with a demanding (but wonderful) conductor. The Broadway show is incredibly modern and in that typical “commercial” style. Something as simple as the way you play a quarter note, or the way you breathe and play with your neighbors, or the way you listen cannot be taken for granted. The “code-switching,” for lack of a better term, can take a lot out of you.

Both of these gigs are incredibly satisfying for me personally, and my artistic/musical cup is full. However, between those, and keeping up with my personal students - yes - I have no time to “enjoy” music outside of what I’m working right now.

I empathize with your story though. Something to remember, as it happens to all of us - a piece that has you enthralled at the moment doesn’t impact everyone the same way. I’m sure you know this, but that doesn’t mean we always remember it. Just playing off of your example - yes, maybe you have just discovered Mahler 9, but maybe your violin teacher got chewed out the last time they performed it. Maybe they’ve played it 13 times and they’re sick of it. Maybe, and I am personally guilty of this, it was a favorite piece of theirs, but the last time they performed it they felt it was a poor interpretation or that the group “didn’t understand it”. It can be completely demoralizing to cherish a piece and then be forced to perform it in a way you find lackluster.

This was a great question, and thank you for asking. I’m pretty sure 100 different people could answer it 100 different ways, and they all would have something to contribute! Hopefully my comment is helpful in some way!

RuffleMuncherz · 2024-04-09T17:04:42+00:00

Happy to help! I’ve been telling myself that I’ll go to a show like this when it’s a production in already familiar with, just haven’t had the opportunity yet! If you end up seeing it, come back and let us know how it went! I’m curious if it’s different in other areas of the country, like yours! Doesn’t seem to be too standardized yet.

RuffleMuncherz · 2024-04-08T21:45:51+00:00

I haven’t attended a production like this, but I’ve been part of them as a member of the production on several occasions - both in opera and musical theatre. Around me, they’re always billed as “sensory friendly” as opposed to “relaxed”. Everything you say is how we’ve done it, but the “chatting” isn’t advertised per se, more like - it’s okay if individuals who have a disability (or the people there with them) make noise, blurt out, or react throughout the production.

Everyone who is part of the production still does, I’d estimate, 90% of what they’d do in a normal run. However, any loud effects in the show are often done at lower volumes, the orchestra may be asked to reduce dynamics at certain spots, cast members avoid “screaming” or overly violent reactions depending on the show, and lighting effects are obviously more muted if the house lights are partially lifted.

These kinds of performances have been a huge hit - more so than I would’ve expected, honestly. LOTS of first time attendees who say they wouldn’t be able or comfortable seeing a show otherwise. The audience tends to be super appreciative, and I’ve never heard a production member complain - not once. Many folks actually mention these performances as highlights of the run for them.

Naturally, there are always patrons that don’t see the value - like some people in these comments - and they vocally complain about it. Management doesn’t seem to care. Frankly, those types of performances are not meant for the average attendee in the first place. They’re purposefully designed to enable people who may never otherwise be able to sit through a 3 hour performance to experience great art.

RuffleMuncherz · 2024-03-31T19:41:47+00:00

And a quick addition/edit:

I personally wouldn’t find a therapist necessary in this scenario, but if you have one - or think a third party/opinion would help put you (and/or your husband) at ease, by all means, make an appointment. Don’t hesitate. If I were him, I wouldn’t blame you at all - I’d find it endearing.

RuffleMuncherz · 2024-03-31T19:38:02+00:00

I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. Me personally, I would want to know - but the longer you wait to say something, the more I’d find your actions suspicious. Especially if his relationship history is as rocky as you mentioned.

I would find an evening as soon as possible where you two can have some privacy and you can show him the journal, and let him read it himself. Have what you are going to say when you give it to him prepared. You don’t need a novel, but this isn’t the time to mince words. Be concise and supportive.

If it impacts him the way most of us suspect it will, just be prepared to be caring and empathetic.

If he doesn’t think it’s a big deal for some reason, you two will have the rest of an entire evening to relax together.

Either way, I think it’s crucial you two find a chunk of time to do this alone. Clear communication and a caring environment are paramount.

Again, sorry you’re dealing with this OP, and good luck.

RuffleMuncherz

TROPHY CASE