Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Quotable Females?

Today my department chair was telling me of a conversation that he had with his class while they were studying pop culture during the Great Depression. He was explaining some of the movies of the time and shared with them some quotes from movies that they would recognize. All of the quotes that he came up with were from actors, no actresses.

"rosebud."

"Frankly Scarlett, I don't give a damn."

"You dirty rat!"

And then he went on to discuss more recent quotables, and all still seemed to be male.

"Show me the money!"

"I'll be back."

"Life is like a box of chocolates..."

"Say hello to my little friend."

Now I think that he is just more familiar with these because they are "guy" things to say. However, now I am struggling to think of any quotable female characters. Sadly, all I can think of are...

"One time, at band camp..."

and the classic "Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me."

Neither of which reflect favorably on females, not that that is the issue, but I would like to come up with some better quotes. If you can help me to prove that there are plenty of quotable female film stars, I'd love some help!

Friday, February 02, 2007

I Love My Nerds

Ok, so I am going to bore you with another school story... but this is my life!

Yesterday, my AP Euro classes were doing group presentations on various events of the early 1800s. They had to teach the information, then come up with an activity for the class to apply the newly learned material. Some of the students are very creative and come up with excellent presentations. Others are still working on their creativity... I had at least 2 word searches per class as the activity, and there were only 4 groups each class. Anyway, it was 6th period and once again the class was given a word search. This time I decided to give it a shot. Now I wasn't competing for the prize so I started before the designated time. I was finding them quick, certain I would easily finish before my students. Almost finished, needing only one more word, when my student Tim quickly calls out, "Done!"

Now for sake of experiencing the full humor of the moment, let me describe Tim. He is the sweetest, most mild mannered student I think I have ever had. He is also extremely intent on making sure he does everything as he is supposed, to the point at times that he becomes a bit frantic if he thinks he is not. Now for a physical description. Tim is probably 5'2" and maybe weighs 95 pounds. He is Southeast Asian, wears glasses (that he often has to push higher on his nose), and is usually smiling or giggling at daily happenings. He is self-conscious as all teens are, but makes no apologies for who he is. He is great!

Alright, back to the story. So Tim calls out "Done!" I turn and look at him, completely disappointed at my failed attempt. I say, "How the heck Tim? I cheated and was doing well, and you still beat me."

To which he replied with complete sincerity and a little grin, "I wasn't in puzzles and board games club for no reason."

I love my nerds!


By the way... if you are home tonight at 8pm, another one of my nerds will be on 1 vs. 100 on NBC. She was a science fair winner and was selected to be part of the mob (#97).

Happy Friday!