Spare Time

I've got quite a bit of spare time at the moment. The end of term exams are next week and my co-teachers have requested that I don't come to my classes. They want my time to teach the students more of the textbook before testing time next week. This means that my work time this week is virtually zero. I do still have my 9th grade classes, but that's little more than babysitting. They took their final exams a month ago and are just hanging out until then. They do have a school wide dance competition that they're preparing for, so sometimes I watch them work on choreography. The rest of the time is spent teaching them card games or CPR. I've also been showing them movies with English subtitles. They don't really like that and the class degenerates in chaos occasionally, but there's not too many alternatives because they will do everything in their power not to learn.

I've heard that the President recently became an outspoken critic of showing movies because they lack lots of education merit. I agree whole heatedly. I've shown the Disney film Pocahontas to one of my classes and for the most part it's a terrible film. It's disservice to call it a historical film or even one that has it's roots in history. It's a romanticized version that's full of distortions and out right lies. Quick history lesson: The people that came over to Jamestown were largely idealists and layabouts who did everything in their power not to work. They spent most of their time bowling in the palisade square. Thus, many people starved to death. Later, they would go on Indian raiding parties and despite starving to death, they would burn the Indians crops and food supplies and run off, not taking any of it. John Smith, a hard ass, comes around and starts putting people in the stocks and whipping people raw to enforce discipline in order. He's "saved" by a prepubescent Pocahontas who later marries some rich doof and she moves to England to become a spokeswoman for big tobacco; shilling lung cancer to anyone who will listen.

So, why show it? It's full of catchy songs, has cute animals that run around, a talking tree, adventure, and will give the kids the most trivial understanding of American society which is more than they'd get if I tried to force them to watch a more accurate historical documentary. Tane says showing them Finding Nemo was successful. Perhaps I'll do that tomorrow.

Also, if you're feeling generous, I am in the need of different spices. I've started cooking a lot more and feel primarily limited by the amount of dried herbs I have to sprinkle. I made roasted tomato soup last night with as many fresh ingredients as I had. I was able to buy 4lbs of tomatoes for around $2.50 and whipped everything together. I'd like to branch out and make more dishes if possible, and here's where you come in. I'm not sure about legality of shipping dried goods (whether or not they'd get through customs), but I did receive some Gouda cheese from my grandmother and I know that's surely banned. Spices are cheap and so is postage. The way I would go about doing it is putting the container in a manila envelope and just fold it up. With the cost of the spice, shipping this can't be more than $5. If you send me something, I'll send you something in kind.

Spices Requested
Cumin
Chili Powder
Cayenne Pepper
Paprika
Old Bay Seasoning
Fish Rub
Lemon Pepper
Garlic Salt
Garlic Powder
Cilantro
Mrs. Dash in just about any form
A lime (Though highly unlikely/wrong, I would love you for this. I don't know if it would work or survive, but I would be ever most gracious if it works.)

If you want, I can even send you Asian spices that you are unable to conveniently locate. Just include your request in my package. I can also send you something that's a surprise that you may not know that you like. Trust me, I won't send you anything bad or disgusting. I will, in fact, send you something most palatable and delicious.