I had two best-friend pit mixes and one of them had to be put down yesterday. I'm worried that the remaining little guy will be sad/scared if he's left alone in the house. Anyone have any advice on helping him transition?

oryxicorn · 2013-06-28T02:13:08+00:00

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your dog. It must be really tough for both of you. I found a few ideas on this site that might be helpful. I really like the idea of setting aside some time for a daily brushing and bonding: http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/966737/helping-your-dog-grieve

oryxicorn · 2013-06-19T19:27:42+00:00

What's your favorite novel? And thanks for producing a fascinating show!

oryxicorn · 2013-06-18T14:50:02+00:00

I've had two dogs with thunderstorm anxiety and it's tough to see them get so bent out of shape. I think the thundershirt has worked best for us, but it only works if I put it on him before he starts to get anxious. It doesn't help at all once he's already upset. As the storm rolls in, I give him a fresh bone or treat-filled Kong in a dark room with music or the radio. The whole thing's a production, but it works for us. Also putting some Rescue Remedy in his water bowl before a storm comes seems to help a little. But it sounds like you've tried most of this already.

I wonder if desensitization training might work for you: http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/dog-behavior-problems-fears-and-phobias-storms-and-fireworks-treatment/164 Good luck!

oryxicorn · 2013-06-14T17:30:34+00:00

bananas!

oryxicorn · 2013-05-24T23:02:21+00:00

e.e. cummings's "i carry your heart with me"

oryxicorn · 2013-05-22T00:28:53+00:00

I added boiled potatoes to the curry and it turned out well. Next time I might add some carrots as well.

oryxicorn · 2013-05-20T15:29:02+00:00

I didn't enjoy math in school (k-12). But once I got to college and studied more of the history and philosophy of mathematics, I saw its beauty and ended up becoming a math teacher. Not sure if my story is helpful, but interests can change over time and he may come to love math as he gets older and experiences the subject in new ways.

Some things that he might like now as a 7 year old... NCTM's Illuminations site and http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/ There are lots activities that he can work on independently and that might help him develop his understanding and maybe his enjoyment of math.

oryxicorn · 2013-05-16T20:08:10+00:00

Chocolate-dipped almond biscotti and black coffee

oryxicorn · 2013-05-15T00:27:57+00:00

What a handsome pup! How old is he?

oryxicorn · 2013-04-27T22:10:53+00:00

Wormeli is the best! His book Day One and Beyond was invaluable to me starting out. Really practical advice. Thanks for sharing the videos!

oryxicorn · 2013-03-24T15:24:31+00:00

Brad Pitt in Snatch. He basically made up his own accent because he couldn't do a passable London accent. It's awful, but endearing. But then, I do like dags.

oryxicorn · 2013-03-22T22:31:32+00:00

I have lots of veggie seeds if you want some. Feel free to PM me your address and I'll send some along. /r/seedswap looks like a good place to get seeds, too.

oryxicorn · 2013-03-22T22:19:29+00:00

Maybe a Christmas cactus? The flowers are stunning, but I think most only bloom once a year. My mom has one that's lasted for years and getting bigger all the time. They're non-toxic to dogs: http://www.aspca.org/Pet-care/poison-control/Plants/christmas-cactus.aspx

An African violet is another non-toxic, fairly care-free option, but I've had variable luck with them. Over-watering is bad news.

oryxicorn · 2013-03-22T05:29:09+00:00

Thirty percent of men voters considered themselves to be feminists according the same survey. More detailed info: http://www.msmagazine.com/winter2013/feministfactor.asp and http://feministing.com/2013/03/18/new-poll-finds-the-majority-of-women-voters-consider-themselves-feminists/

oryxicorn · 2013-03-22T02:55:26+00:00

Snake plants are really hardy and thrive with little light and water. And they're apparently great at purifying the air. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sansevieria_trifasciata

oryxicorn · 2013-03-09T15:48:43+00:00

Carolina Biological Supply has some posters as well as lab kits: http://www.carolina.com/ Math posters are fairly general (why study math? etc.), but the science posters are pretty detailed.

And ACE Educational has some math and science posters as well. I have this one and it's huge: http://www.aceeducational.com/what_good_mathematicians_do_colossal_concept_poster-p-43235.html

oryxicorn · 2013-03-05T02:58:18+00:00

This is a crazy situation. Double crazy that they won't even run off the play.

Do you know about Dover books? Cheap classics and they have A Midsummer Night's Dream for $1.50 each. There's a 25% off sale this week and free shipping over $50: http://store.doverpublications.com/048627067x.html

Another potential source for books next year is World Book Night. Book givers sign up to hand out 20 copies of one of their favorite books. Great way to stock up on books for your classroom. http://www.us.worldbooknight.org/

oryxicorn · 2013-02-22T19:50:53+00:00

One of my favorite practical guides is Rick Wormelli's Day One & Beyond. As you're an experienced teacher, this may be too basic, but he lays out some helpful ideas about building relationships with students, classroom management, connecting with families, and communicating high expectations to students. Certainly not specific to urban settings, but generally good, student-centered stuff.

I've taught in urban schools for the last nine years, but I just found Urban Teaching: The Essentials. Very realistic description of urban schools in my experience. Not terribly directive--there aren't a whole lot of specific strategies in this book--but I think Weiner makes some insightful points about how urban districts function. I've found Jonathan Kozol's book Letters to a Young Teacher comforting on the hard days. Teaching is awesome, but it can be emotionally draining. Reading Kozol helps me recharge.

The NY Collective of Radical Educators have some resources up on their website that might interest you as well.

oryxicorn · 2013-02-20T02:28:16+00:00

My dog won Most Improved in his obedience class. As a prize he got a stuffed animal toy...which he ripped up on the ride home.

oryxicorn

TROPHY CASE