Erik Brooks's Blog, page 83
March 6, 2014
Harts Pass No. 192
Without saying quite as much in the cartoon, the continuous snowfall is getting ridiculous! In a slight twist to this African proverb/oft quoted running inspiration, the gazelle and lion can be truly thankful that running from/after each other is their primary concern.The actual proverb reads like this:
February 27, 2014
Harts Pass No. 191
The Winter Olympics are over, but Mother Nature is piling it on. Three cheers for more snow!
February 26, 2014
Scholastic Audio Polar Opposites!
OK, I just finished listening to the 4:31 Scholastic Audio recording of POLAR OPPOSITES. I was skeptical at first, it was really pretty nice :) These arrived in the mail about 10 days ago, but I really could't bring myself to listen. Its a short book, and the story is shared pretty evenly between the words and the pictures -- You HAVE to see the artwork in order to understand the story.
But you know what? They did right. There are some fine "Tinkerbell-style" charms to indicate page turns. Paced just about right for a child to read the simple sentences in concert the audio AND still have a moment or two to take in the art. The sound quality is great. Very professional with both the narrator's voice and some short snippets of background music suited to the story - and there is even some additional whimsy with an audio effect or two - IE some lip-smacking when Alex and Zina enjoy their breakfast, and a well placed grunt and groan as they both push and pull their luggage along the ice.
All-in-all a pleasant surprise :) Thanks Scholastic, for making a fine day even better!
February 20, 2014
Harts Pass No. 190
Olympic fever continues!
February 12, 2014
Harts Pass No. 189
As per usual "click" to enlarge!Posting the weekly Harts Pass a little early -- as in just about the same time that you might read it in the paper. There are currently three Methow Valley athletes living their dreams at the Sochi Winter Olympics and the wolverines just want to throw in some "scratch n' claw for all your worth" kind of support!Three cheers for Methow Made Team U.S.A. nordic skiers Brian Gregg, Erik and Sadie Bjornsen. GRRR! GRRR! GRRR!
February 6, 2014
Harts Pass No. 188
Let the games begin!
February 3, 2014
Let the school visits begin!
A great start to my week of Tri-Cities school visits today! A big thank you to both Lincoln and Ridge View Elementary for the excellent visits and to the Literacy Connection and all of the participating librarians/staff who've put all of this together in such an orderly fashion.
To Lincoln, your pajama party enthusiasm was awesome and I'm sorry that I forgot to get my camera out to capture any of the action :) Below are a few snapshot from the halls of Ridge View, where the kids and teachers did an excellent job of putting both The Practically Perfect Pajamas and Polar Opposites to spirited use.
Thanks again to all and I'm looking forward to the rest of the week!
January 30, 2014
Harts Pass No. 187
Do
YOU
know anyone plagued by back pains? This one's for you! Its not much, but wolverines are a surprisingly sweet and social creature - once you get past all of the gritty determination, bone gnashing teeth and such.
January 27, 2014
Harts Pass No. 186
The Olympic Spirit alive and well in the North Cascades -- with a wolverine twist!For words from those more gracious athletes who just missed out the 2014 team to Sochi, check out this article at Fasterskier.com. A special nod to Caitlin Gregg, whose husband Brian is one of FOUR US Nordic Team skiers with ties to the North Cascades. Go TEAM GREGG! GO TEAM U.S.A.!
And in Caitlin's words, because they're just so great:
“I am bummed to ski so well this year and not make the Olympic Team but I am staying positive and using this opportunity to look at the big picture!” she wrote. “My work with under-privileged kids in North Minneapolis gives me incredible perspective! To have the opportunity to chase the Olympic dream at all is extremely wonderful. Once again I am forever grateful to the countless individuals, companies and organizations who have helped make my career possible! I will use the story of not being named to show the entire ski community that the triumph is not only in making the team but in the approach and almost more so, in the response and actions when you do not make it!!!”
GRRR!
January 17, 2014
Harts Pass No. 185
Snow? Just kidding... GRRR!
