Lover Mine

This is the 8th book in the series and there was way too much going on. There were four story lines. They kind of intersected at the end, but man oh man what was the point to all that! No idea - I picked one storyline and just skipped most of the rest. I listened to this book over a period of 2 weeks (19 CDs) while I travelled to and from work. All in all, I say: SKIP IT even if you have read the others - I'll give you the run down and you can go ahead to the ninth installment.

Stick It

IMDb writes, "After a run-in with the law, Haley Graham (Missy Peregrym Canadian from Rookie Blue) is forced to return to the world from which she fled some years ago. Enrolled in an elite gymnastics program run by the legendary Burt Vickerman (Jeff Bridges from Tron: Legacy), Haley's rebellious attitude gives way to something that just might be called team spirit." This film kind of knocks the world of gymnastics and how they give points at competitions. All in all, I say: SEE IT - there are some scenes with the other girls that are funny.

Drinking Buddies

Wilde (Tron: Legacy) and Johnson (New Girl) work in a Chicago brewery. They are best friends and are kind of attracted to reach other. Johnson has a long time girlfriend (Kendrick from Pitch Perfect) who is a teacher. They are talking about marriage. Wilde is dating a music producer (Livingston from Office Space) who thinks he isn't really worthy of her. When Wilde is dumped after a couples trip to the lake; she gets a little out of control. Johnson is conflicted, but (this is what I like) he never strays from his girlfriend. All in all, I say: SEE IT - it isn't bad - I watched it on Directv.

Curriculum: 21 Essential Education for a Changing World

Amazon writes that the book offers "insight and inspiration in the following key areas:
* Content and assessment--How to identify what to keep, what to cut, and what to create, and where portfolios and other new kinds of assessment fit into the picture.
* Program structures--How to improve our use of time and space and groupings of students and staff.
* Technology--How it s transforming teaching, and how to take advantage of students natural facility with technology.
* Media literacy--The essential issues to address, and the best resources for helping students become informed users of multiple forms of media.
* Globalization--What steps to take to help students gain a global perspective.
* Sustainability--How to instill enduring values and beliefs that will lead to healthier local, national, and global communities.
* Habits of mind--The thinking habits that students, teachers, and administrators need to develop and practice to succeed in school, work, and life."

They made some valid points, but nothing that our system is going to touch with a 10 foot pole. I liked the stuff from Singapore and the ideas above. All in all, I say: SKIM IT - if it's a topic that interests you.

Rethinking Homework: Best Practices That Support Diverse Needs

Amazon writes that this book "examines the role homework has played in the culture of schooling over the years; how such factors as family life, the media, and the "balance movement" have affected the homework controversy; and what research--and educators' common sense--tells us about the effects of homework on student learning." There wasn't anything new and the researcher didn't add anything that would really work - at least not at my school. Our school has tried everything that is in the book - to no avail. I did like the advice from Boaz Middle School in the book though - it won't fly with my administration even if it worked at another school. All in all, I say: SKIP IT - it just frustrated me.

Catching up or Leading the Way: American Education in the Age of Globalization

Amazon describes the book as: "At a time when globalization and technology are dramatically altering the world we live in, is education reform in the United States headed down the right path? Are schools emphasizing the knowledge and skills that students need in a global society--or are they actually undermining their strengths by overemphasizing high-stakes testing and standardization? Are education systems in China and other countries really as superior as some people claim." There wasn't any new information in it - at least not for me - it just supports what we [teachers] already know. Why isn't it being enacted - you would have to ask the politicians who haven't been in a classroom since they graduated. All in all, I say: SKIP IT

Mrs. Winterbourne

IMDb writes, "Connie Doyle is eighteen and pregnant her boyfriend has kicked her out. She accidentally ends up on a train where she meets Hugh Winterbourne and his wife Patricia who is pregnant. The train wrecks and she wakes up in the hospital to find out that it's been assumed that she's Patricia. Hugh's mother takes her in and she falls in love with Hugh's brother Bill. Just when she thinks everything is going her way, her ex-boyfriend shows up." It is cute and quirky. All in all, I say: SEE IT