Guest Speaker

Seniors enrolled in Media Studies had the opportunity to listen to an excellent guest speaker this morning. Kayleigh Zyskowski from the Mattoon Journal Gazette did an excellent job in her presentation, and the students and I found it very informative and interesting.

Clincher!

I predict the Cardinals will clinch the NL Central title tonight versus the unfortunate Cubbies. World Series, here we come!

Cross Country

Today's meet is at LLC. I'm going to cheer on the team. Are you?

WooHoo!

The Cards' magic number is 3! Central Division champs again, and World Series Champs too!  I called it!

Procession

I am proud of the NHS students, faculty, and staff for honoring Randy Lane, Neoga Class of 1988, at his funeral procession. During the long wait period, some students were restless, but when the cars arrived, you could've heard a pin drop. Moments like that make me proud to be a member of this school and this community.

Newsies

Seniors in Media Studies recently watched the Disney movie "Newsies" as a prelude to our study of the print media industries. The movie, which is a musical, is based on the true story of NYC newboys going on strike against one of the most powerful men in the world, Joseph Pulitzer. Many aspects of the movie are historically accurate, and it gives a really good view of newspapers and journalism in that time frame. Also, it features Christian Bale in one of his earlier roles as Jack Kelly.

A Tasty Treat

Thanks to Dalton G. for this great little idea!  Add a spoonful of hot chocolate mix to your empty cup, put it under your single-cup coffee maker, and brew your cup. The hot coffee mixes with the cocoa, and VOILA! Awesome!

Seven Years

Seven years ago yesterday, September 17th, 2006, my dad passed away from colon cancer. My mom said, and I agree, "It's kind of strange that in some ways it seems like yesterday, and in some ways it seems like forever." I think there will always be a void in my life since he's been gone.

Mid Term

FYI, today is mid term for first quarter. Parents and students should be sure to check grades for each class using the online grade book. If anyone wants to discuss grades, please feel free to send me an email. I, and other faculty members, will be contacting parents of students who have D's or F's in our classes.

Retail Observations

I've noticed that some retail stores had their Halloween displays out in August, and now I'm seeing the start of Christmas displays. It's still September, right?

Macy May

Lawn Care

I don't know how you all feel, but I'm tired of mowing. Usually, the July heat kills my lawn, and I'm fine with that. This year, however, we didn't really get that heat wave, and my lawn is still growing, at least, parts of it are. While I welcome the rain and the break in temperatures, I'm not very excited about the growth spurt my lawn will demonstrate.

Open House

Wow! I think that was the busiest Open House I've ever had! I really enjoyed meeting everyone new and catching up with parents I've met before. I truly appreciate your interest in your children's education. Feel free to contact me via email if you ever have any questions or anything. Here's my email address:

mgibson@neoga.k12.il.us

Heat

Near 100 degree temps in mid-September??? This is crazy!!!

Baseball

I've been so busy, I haven't had the opportunity to watch many games this summer, but I'm glad to see the Cardinals are coming out of their annual post-All Star Game slump. They're back in first place and headed for another World Series victory!

Cross Country Meet

Congratulations to the cross country runners on yesterday's meet. They powered through the heat and humidity to run a good race. I know it wasn't as bad out as the SIU-E meet last weekend, but it still wasn't easy. Good job!

I don't feel good!

I don't know if it's a head cold, or sinuses, or allergies, or what, but I don't like it. My head is stuffy; my nose is runny, and I'm dog tired. At least I'm still on the right side of the grass.

Thesis

If anyone is interested in some academic media research, I am willing to share my Master's Thesis. I finished my degree in 2007 and wrote my thesis about military recruitment ads on Channel One News. If you would like to read the study, send an email to me, and I'll send you a copy of the file.

Concert Alert!

October 19th at the Effingham Performance Center. "The Winery Dogs" is a new band with three INCREDIBLY talented musicians: Billy Sheehan, Richie Kotzen, and Mike Portnoy, former members of Mr. Big and Dream Theater. I can't imagine a much worse band name, but the music makes up for it. Check this live clip, and you'll see what I mean.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IQlu6Z599A

As always, I'm not responsible for any inappropriate ads, comments, or anything else that might show up on Youtube. My sole intent is to share some cool music with you.