Saturday, September 20, 2008

Another Viking Raid

I know I risk jinxing this thing and coming down with a flu again, but I just had to gloat about my upcoming trip to Scotland. I'm flying to Prestwick on Friday, then I'll drive up to Kilchrenan for three nights at the wonderful Roineabhal Country House. I'll prolly go into Oban at some point, and also try to see some of the numerous ancient stone circles in the area. In the evenings I'll hang out with the very nice people in the bar at the Taynuilt Hotel. Monday I'm off to Stirling to see maybe the most historical area in all of Scotland, with Stirling Castle as the jewel in the crown. Three nights in that town before heading down to lovely Ayr for two nights... oh yessss... this is gonna be gooooood.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Why I rule

Much has been written recently about the start up of the new particle accelerator at CERN. Chicken little critics have argued that the new series of experiments risk creating black holes, which would then destroy our planet and kill all life.

Today, some of my less well informed pupils (meaning most of them) were chattering all through the early hours about this, and they were really winding each other up, despite my assurances that the only black hole they needed worry about was the one between their ears.

So at 9:30 European time, as they were cackling ever louder about their imminent demise, I quietly siddled down to the back corner of the room, where there's a large cupboard where the doors are ajar. Innocently I lifted my left leg. Then, at precisely 9:30 I kicked back, causing the doors to slam shut with a deafening bang. The desired effect was achieved as 20 teenagers screamed out in mortal terror. Needless to say, this has been my best workday by far this year.