Wednesday, November 22, by Mrs. Morrow

I'll start with my current event in technology. Many of you may have played "Bejeweled" or "Bookworm" on the Palm last year. This article : http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061127/ap_on_hi_te/casual_gaming is about the creators of these two palm games called "Casual Games." I have also heard recently that these same games can be downloaded to video ipods... for a fee, of course. That is what the article is about... simple, easy-working, stress-relieving games that you can play on portable electronics. The article said how successful they are recently, and the company said that it is because they don't get stuck on fancy graphics or sounds, but rather focus on a game that works and plays well. I know that even I love a good old fashioned game of Tetris every once in awhile to relieve stress!

Last Wednesday in class we were able to tie up several loose ends, starting with the remainder of our presentations about "Technology in the Real World." I learned some neat things-- from that handy doodad that UPS guys carry around to an amazing assistive technology device that Kelcey's mom uses to help her get around. I also learned about a brand of Twinkie-like cakes and stuff in Mexico that Anahi's brother drives truck for. Andrew, Matt, and Ashley all still need to share their Powerpoints and those will be due next FRIDAY.

We had a little bit of time to actually work on whatever we chose, as we will not start producing our podcast productions until Monday after Thanksgiving. I am excited to see what topics students choose for their first podcasts and ready for them to once again amaze me with their creativity and quick-learning in Garage Band.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving Break! Only 3 1/2 weeks until Christmas!