Maths Chase for Multiplication skills!

About Maths Chase

Welcome to Maths Chase. We aim to make math learning more fun for everyone. We have found that our simple game really helps children learn their times tables. Our games help children learn by repetition and also increase their speed gradually as they become more skilled. Maths Chase allows you to increase the speed you need to answer questions as you become more confident in a fun and engaging way.

Maths Chase web site

The Sting - Revisited: A classic movie review on Amazon.com

Now available on Kindle or paperback at Amazon.com: (From the back cover):

It was a way of life: grifting, and the art of the con--to swindle someone out of a sum of money. For Johnny Hooker and his friends, it was all they had--until the game turned deadly. And then it was up to a pro to show Hooker how to play for BIG money--with a mark who was a crime boss who would kill a grifter for pride if he found out he was cheated. However, he was rich--and greedy. Doyle Lonnegan was a banker, a cheating card player, and a malevolent man who ran a tough numbers racket out of Chicago. His life was focused on winning at any cost--on his terms.

When one of his men lost $11,000 in a bait-and-switch scheme, he took immediate revenge. He never expected to encounter the likes of Johnny Hooker--or Hooker's efforts to get his own revenge, even if it might cost him his life. But the temptation was too strong--and the money was too good. And the Sting was on (again) with the help of some clever con men, including the masterful Henry Gondorf and their "Office."

Follow the dialogue and scenes from the 7-Oscar Award-winning-movie in detail, full, rich language that captures their emotions, thoughts, and...creative ways of taking a half-million dollars!

Some Latin phrases in English

For anyone planning to study law OR medicine: know your Latin. And add to this list: Quid pro quo (loosely translated, "I will do you a favor in exchange for one done for me.")

Graduate and get that job interview & hired!

(I want YOU to succeed with a job interview and hiring after you graduate. That's what this post is about. The interview process never was a favorite of mine; I'm more "Watch me show you WHY I'm the right person" rather than have to answer questions and get through the "mix-and-match" phase. However, the advice offered below can and will make YOU a better candidate--and give you the next level of success that follows. Good luck to you!)

Essential Questions for Every 

Job Interview

By Pamela Eyring

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - First, let's start with what NOT to ask in a job interview. THE biggest error one can make is asking: "What does your company do?" If you've not done your homework and researched the company, you don't deserve a seat at the table.

But let's assume you've done your homework. The best way to approach the interview is to think of it like a first date. While a job interview is in a professional setting and the outcomes are different, the intentions are the same. You've exchanged information because you think there might be a connection, and now you're ready to figure out if you want to pursue things further.

Like a successful first date, there should be a good balance of give and take. Neither person should dominate the conversation and ask all the questions. While the employer will ask about your experience and goals, you should ask questions that help you understand why you should commit to working there.

Plus, questions are a great way to demonstrate you understand the company's goals and challenges, highlight your qualifications and work ethic, and, most importantly, make an impression that moves you to the top of the list of potential candidates.
Here are ten questions that will provide you with insight into the company while making a favorable impression.

1. I've been told that I work well as a team member. What are some of the ways your company encourages teamwork?
2. Long-term job satisfaction is important to me. Is the company committed to growing talent from within, whenever possible?
3. I enjoyed your published mission and values. How are these reflected in day-to-day life? Can you share some examples that would help me understand your corporate culture?
4. If your son, daughter or a friend was looking for a job, would you recommend working for your company? Why?
5. What do you think distinguishes your company from its competitors, both from a public and employee perspective?
6. (if speaking to a potential direct supervisor) How often do you speak with your C-level officers? When you do, what do they normally ask you? Do they ask for your opinion?
7. How does your company demonstrate a sense of pride in its employees? Can you help me understand what it looks for in return?
8. Are there paid, ongoing learning opportunities offered at my level of job responsibility? What obligations do I have if I take advantage of them?
9. What does your company expect in the way of personal and professional growth for a person hired into this position?
10. Does your company have a code of conduct covering work ethic and appropriate attire?

Not every question will be appropriate for every job interview. Choose the ones that best address your career and personal goals and don't be shy about delving deeper into areas of particular interest. For example, if you're thinking of starting a family, you may want to explore the company's commitment to work/life balance.

Preparing a list of thoughtful questions before the interview is a great way to boost your confidence and make a great impression. Plus, you'll gain greater insight into the company and the potential fit. Who knows? That first interview might just be the start of something beautiful.

(Pamela Eyring is the president of The Protocol School of Washington (PSOW), which provides professional business etiquette and international protocol training. Founded in 1988, PSOW is the only school of its kind in the U.S. to become accredited. Any opinions expressed are her own. PSOW's website is: www.psow.edu.)

Academic Writing styles and requirements: Here!

This is a fantastic resource for instructors of writing and students! Look here for advice!

Perdue Univ. Writing Center

 &

Academic Advice for Writing

MLA and APA formats for papers

• MLA is for English papers. 
• APA is for Psych or medical papers, or for certain business formats.

MLA has a Works Cited page.

APA has a Reference page.

If you USE the source in the paper, list it. If not...DON'T list it.

MLA works cited page sources are NOT numbered.

APA bibliography page sources ARE numbered.

• In-text citations should back up an idea being explained or presented.

=========================

In-text formats (the easy way):

• Try to use as much of an intro for the source to lead into the quote itself. 

1. If an author's name is available, use it to emphasize the value of the source.
2. If the source itself is identifiable (book, magazine, web site), illustrate that too, along with the relevant info.
3. If ENOUGH "intro" is offered, that's fine. It should still match the Works Cited (or Bibliography) listing.

Example: 
In his online article "Inside the College Classroom," Mitchell Lopate, instructor at Brookdale Community College, illustrates several techniques for "the art of effective writing by any student who wants to improve his or her grade."

If NO intro is provided and the quote itself is made, put the author's name (IF AVAILABLE) AFTER the quote: 

     "College students need more work on research papers" (Lopate).

=========================

No author?
 but the article title is available?

Same as above, but put the 
article title in quotes AFTERWARD:

•     "College students need more work in research papers" ("Campus Writing").
• ----------------------------------------------

Is the source in a printed/hard copy format?

If it's in print, the page number itself follows the author, but NO comma between name and page #: 

• "College students need more work on research papers" (Lopate 13).

**APA is a bit different; this is where you use the comma if it's a print source:

    "College students need more work..." (Lopate, 13.)

A proper college paper's presentation DOES matter

This is a good example of spacing for margins, a header, title, and citations.

Needed ingredients:
(1) Header set-up; title
(2) Page numbers
(3) Margin and double-spaced
(4) Thesis: What is the idea of this paper? WHY is the thesis relevant? (What are you trying to endorse/points to prove/discuss/explain/argue)? (How does it affect something in real life/another relevant idea? Why does it involve the world-at-large and how does it have an impact?)
(5) Topic sentences which open each paragraph that offer a GENERAL idea that will be explained later by...(6).
(6) Examples. Details. Quotes. Facts: they reinforce the thesis and are summarized in each topic sentence.
(7) Conclusion that restates thesis/shows results.

For all the art students in the world: A school for you!!

Speechless about this site? Borrow this speech.

Oh, so that's the deal, eh?  You've been so busy and entertained with the great ideas on this blog that you've written everything BUT a comment because you forgot the password.  That doesn't surprise me: you've even forgotten to write comments.  

Well, here's a reminder: it's not Mary, even if she does drink like a fish.
Oh. That reminds me--it's not sturgeon either, although you could become a sturgeon if you get good grades in college and get accepted to medical school.  You might actually learn something on this blog about college--or maybe even about grades.

You could do me the honor of a comment about how this blog is doing. No swordfish, please. Mary said so.  At least SHE cares--as soon as I find out the new password. 

--------------------------
With that introduction being done, it's time for the conclusion. 
Make a note: this is MY voice. Well, it's my fingers. That guy in the mortar-and-tassel hat borrowed them--and had me type this. It wasn't my idea--it was his. He just kept stirring around in my head and saying things like "I'll wait until one of us is good and ready. I've never been good. But I was always ready." I agree, Groucho.
---------------------------------------
"So--you're back again?  Well, there's a price to pay this time.

No, not that--you're thinking about tuition.  Well, it's time you use your tuition--or maybe your intuition--and drop me a line.  Or drop me a comment and a line.  Or just drop me altogether.  I'd drop you if I was holding  you in my arms--especially if you're one of the guys.  If you were one of the girls, I'd think twice.  If you were one of the guys, I wouldn't even think.  But that's neither here nor there.

"Speaking of here and there, I'm here and you're not--so wherever you are, how about letting me know what you think of this site? That is, if you can--think, that is.  Are you learning about the whys, ways, and means of the world?  How about the Ways and Means Committee--are they learning anything?  I meant the Congress.
 

"Even so:  be a fair sport and send me a comment.  I used to play sports:  I played the horses, but I quit because they beat me too many times. No matter how fast I ran, they were faster.  Send me some money if you have some:  I've heard all about student loans--and I could use a few dollars.  Open up and don't bother to knock, because you're in places with long syllables and a lot of vowels.  Send me a few syllables along with a few dollars if you're inclined.  And if you're in a decline, then I'll wait--you must be from somewhere in the Southern Hemisphere.  Everything is upside down, they say, from one hemisphere to the other.

"But don't wait:  the school year ends faster than you think.  They say it's going faster than ever, but you can't tell me that, especially when my students would say they needed more time to turn in their assignments.  At least they didn't turn on me.  Well, maybe they did:  they turned and ran.  But some of them ran toward me--I can't imagine why, because it wasn't for the money I had in my pockets.  Being a teacher, I was hoping they had some money in their pockets. They picked my pockets in graduate school.  And that's why I became a professor.  It's the only way to get an education.  And boy--have I learned a lot!  I may end up on a lot--with used cars.  And that's why you need an education:  to learn about getting used like a car.

  
"Trust me. You can learn a lot in a place like this from me. And maybe you'll learn about cars--or education. They go hand-in-hand. I took my girl's hand and led her to my car--and boy, did I get an education."
-----------------------------------------------
(In fact, writing that was an education from the maestro himself; and let me tell you it sure was wild to find myself as a medium-in-writing-assistance mode with Groucho. Mark Twain and O. Henry have also borrowed me in similar ways, and of course, Oscar W. You might say I led a real Wilde time in a past life. And I'm completely Earnest about that.)

The Classroom of the Future

Changing the way school is structured:       

      The Future of Education - A School You Would WANT To Attend! 

Besides subject study, ample social time should be given between classes and play time (or nap opportunities) should be allowed in the morning and afternoon. A “free” class could be created where a child can expand on any topic they wish with other children, i.e., let the children teach the children. 

The length of time for classes should be less than one hour for each class, schedules should be individualized, homework should be a rarity, and the children should not be overworked or stressed. Class credits should be given for the interaction in community of gardening, building infrastructure, and care-giving.

School should be fun and the children will want to add as many classes as they can. Curriculum should be an interactive choice between the student, parent, and a counselor based on the capability of the child, and graduation of primary and secondary schools could be done at any age.

Education will need to be continuously re-created as more strands of our DNA are activated and more information is available to humans through our higher selves and our Akashic records. One of Education will need to be continuously re-created as more strands of our DNA are activated and more information is available to humans through our higher selves and our Akashic records. One of the most sought-after jobs will be teaching these brilliant children and it will be one of the most rewarding careers to have.

Education administrators will be free thinkers, organizers, and mediators, and will enjoy their jobs just as much as teachers. the most sought after jobs will be teaching these brilliant children and it will be one of the most rewarding careers to have. Education administrators will be free thinkers, organizers, and mediators, and will enjoy their jobs just as such as teachers.

 Does this article give you any ideas about the future of education and the co-creation of the New Earth? If so, now is the time to begin brainstorming and to form groups on Facebook and other social media sites dedicated to revamping our education system. Change will have to happen on the community level by example and then spread throughout the world due to the success of one particular curriculum over another. Information and awareness about the corruption of our current system and what we are going to do about it is the key to moving forward as free-willed humans.

Math- Geometry is the basic building block of all life. Math will take on a whole new meaning and new ways of arithmetic along with fun ways to calculate will be taught.

Cosmic Science- Identity and placement of Universes in our cosmos and the difference between free willed Universes and non free-willed Universes.

Universal Science- How planets, moons, and stars are sentient beings and how they all work together to form solar systems and galaxies.
Universal History- The history of the Universe including civilizations and placement in the Cosmos.

Creation Science- The study of how everyone and everything is connected from one Creator and how we contribute to that creation.
Human History- DNA studies, human genetics, and the history of humanity from Lyra to today, including the social statistics, behaviors, and characteristics of all humans in our Universe.

Human Rights- Constitutional Law on freedom and the Golden Rule.

Sexual Relations- The responsibility behind merging energies with another human and teaching the ability to decide whether another human body is created.

Universal Language- Learning the language of light which is understood throughout the Universe.

Universal Law- Learning the importance of Universal Law and how it relates to all sentient beings.

Astrology - Learning how to read and fully understand your birth chart and life cycles.

Astronomy - Understanding the importance of stars, planets and constellations.  Learning how the stars can show us the cycles of time along with how they can be used for navigation.

Sixth Sense Studies- Developing all of your innate gifts.

Meditation - Guided classes on how to safely travel the Universe with your consciousness, learning new meditation techniques, developing new ones.

Exercise- Yoga, Tai Chi, etc.

Galactic Ambassador Training- How to become a galactic ambassador, spaceship flight training.

Healing- Methods for keeping the body clear of negativity (reiki, quantum touch, etc...), responsible thinking, service to others.
Gardening- How to grow organic food and hemp for cultivation, different forms of gardening such as hydroponics, permaculture, etc...

Technological and Industrial Sciences- How to make almost anything from hemp, 3d printing, free energy technology, encourage free thinking and non-competitive invention.

Environment- The true importance of being stewards of the earth by living on her without making footprints and healing the environment.

Recycling- Maximizing what has been created in the past into something sustainable.

Council of Elder training- With the elimination of government, a Council of Elders training program will be facilitated to ensure that future elders will always be working in humanity's best interests.

Music- All forms of music including history, composition, symphonic band and concert, and voice.

UFO Research - Classes on the documentation of UFOs through night vision goggles, how to interact with them, sky mapping, UFOs in Art History, etc...

Creative arts- All forms of creativity including art, dance, drama, and writing.

Community- How to contribute economically to your community through barter, volunteering, and communal care-giving for all children.

Creative culinary classes and decorating houses for energy flow could be subjects.

Life Path Development - Helping people find their life path, based on their astrological charts, personal interests and past life experiences.

Spiritual Psychology- Learning how the body, mind, soul and spirit interact.  Dream analysis, dream journals, counseling methods, past life regression techniques are included in this genre.

Apostrophe flow sheet

Dinosaurs: a Movie

A student has asked for a movie about dinosaurs. The animation on this film is pretty realistic--but a warning that it's got a measure of realistic violence that befits the creatures. After all, these are prehistoric monsters who either were eaten by larger predators or lived on plants in a quantity that allowed them to grow to huge sizes. 

And whether it's the male-female T-Rex pair stalking and successfully killing a Triceratops, the arrogant Allosaurus who tries to establish his status for territory against a much larger, sleeping dinosaur, or the angry mother Mosasaur who attacks the predator sharks who killed two of her newborns, these are the beasts that captured our imaginations in all their furious ways. 

LearningFarm.com for science-based assessment and more

https://www.learningfarm.com

I just wrote this company for help with the science assessment program I need to present to my students.

• Goal-oriented, self-paced, instruction and practice
• Rigorous content, yet fun and engaging for students
• Very easy to use for students and teachers
• Web-based, designed for desktop or tablet
• Find out why 16,710 schools have signed up for Learning Farm this year

Calling all standards!

On the 2nd-from-bottom image, I now learned that I've been using "i.e." wrong: I meant to use "e.g.." which means "for example." Okay, how am I going to remember that?! Well, I use mnemomics ("neh-mohn-ics" to remember things--so I'll remember that "i.e." is an EGGS-ample."

Gargling gurgling gibberish!

Spelling rules make me CRAZY

Just stating the facts...

The gnawing gnarled gnu's nose knows what's new now.

Wonderful words in English

Glad to say I've heard or used these!! And pumpernickel is one of my favorites--to eat.

We accept exceptions

Does the cat see the mouse? No, the dirty rat!

The Parts of Speech Poem