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2008 and the Coffee Pot is still on and over 3 years. Here we gather as friends with trains. Sweet ice tea too. Locked

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Posted by laz 57 on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 2:44 PM
 wrmcclellan wrote:
 laz 57 wrote:

ROY, I hear ya.  Try explaining how to read a ruler?  WOW they don't know fractions,what they are how to write them, how to take half of a fraction,and what they even look like.  When I say a quarter of an inch they look at me like I was gut shot or something?

laz57

Laz - you got that right. My daughter and son struggled with fractions and understood it when I taught them - but the way I taught them (ratio to 100 + old school rote learning) is different than the garbage, "feel good", graphical way they teach it today and thus they scored low (better than not scoring at all) because when they showed their work it did not match the current teaching standard.

 

Those teachers should be lined up and flogged.  I can't figure out alot of these new teachers we have today?  When I started out 24 years ago it was new teachers shut up and listen to the older ones.  Today its shut up to the older teacher cause YUZ GIZ don't know nothing.  We got the latest teaching techniques and we know it all.  So I just shut up and leave em be,cause I still NO NOTHING.  SoapBox [soapbox] OK I feel better.  I bettter go run some trains.

laz57

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Posted by dougdagrump on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 2:16 PM

Jack, I'm sending you a bill for a new keyboard, your last comment made me spit coffee all over this one ! Shock [:O] Blindfold [X-)]

Today's teaching standard "The pupil's self esteem is utmost, who cares if they can't make change for a dollar that's what the cash resgister is for at all the fast food places". Social promotion is a crock. SoapBox [soapbox]

Back to trains. They delivered it ! It, a RK E-6AA Rock Island, is sitting on the track all lubed & oiled getting some battery charging time before I start it running some short laps. Yeah!! [yeah]

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 2:15 PM
 RockIsland52 wrote:

Chief, did you remember to pack your thong?



OMG!!!!! LOL!!!! We DO NOT need a picture of that!
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Posted by RockIsland52 on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 1:55 PM

Brutus, that's great news about your Mom.  You hit the nail on the head that her therapy is going to take a while because of simple atrophy.....shrunken tendons, unused muscles, etc.  It didn't take her just a few months to get to the surgical point and it will take some dedicated PT to get her full functionality back.  Some of the stretching will be painful, so help her to be persistent but patient. And keep her away from those therapists pushing HGH on her Smile [:)].  BTW, keep her off of ladders.......your outdoor Christmas lights can wait.

Chief, did you remember to pack your thong?

Jack 

IF IT WON'T COME LOOSE BY TAPPING ON IT, DON'T TRY TO FORCE IT. USE A BIGGER HAMMER.

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Posted by sir james I on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 1:14 PM
Mexicos PR people are not going to be happy if they find out where ever the Chief goes,so does the snow. Thats going to make the TV news.

"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks 

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 1:02 PM
 laz 57 wrote:

ROY, I hear ya.  Try explaining how to read a ruler?  WOW they don't know fractions,what they are how to write them, how to take half of a fraction,and what they even look like.  When I say a quarter of an inch they look at me like I was gut shot or something?

laz57

Laz - you got that right. My daughter and son struggled with fractions and understood it when I taught them - but the way I taught them (ratio to 100 + old school rote learning) is different than the garbage, "feel good", graphical way they teach it today and thus they scored low (better than not scoring at all) because when they showed their work it did not match the current teaching standard.

 

Regards, Roy

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Posted by laz 57 on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:50 PM
 wrmcclellan wrote:

edw - man I am with you on that! My parents rarely had to help me and my brother and sister with this stuff. I guess teachers and textbooks must have been a lot better in the 50's and 60's. With all these new techniques and "picturebook" math texts - kids are not any better at math today and in my viewpoint I think they are far worse off.

Yesterday - it was add 3 oranges and 2 oranges - how many do you have? Today it is "be the orange..." Angry [:(!] No wonder they do not get it.

I am reminded of a scene in a movie I saw a few years back where a kid is handed his HS diploma and his mother jumps out of the audience screaming "give me that - I earned that diploma..." LOL...

 

ROY, I hear ya.  Try explaining how to read a ruler?  WOW they don't know fractions,what they are how to write them, how to take half of a fraction,and what they even look like.  When I say a quarter of an inch they look at me like I was gut shot or something?

laz57

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 12:43 PM

edw - man I am with you on that! My parents rarely had to help me and my brother and sister with this stuff. I guess teachers and textbooks must have been a lot better in the 50's and 60's. With all these new techniques and "picturebook" math texts - kids are not any better at math today and in my viewpoint I think they are far worse off.

Yesterday - it was add 3 oranges and 2 oranges - how many do you have? Today it is "be the orange..." Angry [:(!] No wonder they do not get it.

I am reminded of a scene in a movie I saw a few years back where a kid is handed his HS diploma and his mother jumps out of the audience screaming "give me that - I earned that diploma..." LOL...

Regards, Roy

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 11:53 AM
Working hard at Town Hall.  Actually sitting at desk and eating a bag of microwave popcorn.  Shock [:O]  That will be lunch since I had a big breakfast.  Snow??  Laugh [(-D]  Pouring rain here. Big Smile [:D]

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Posted by Brutus on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 11:21 AM

Hey guys - I'm off today with kids as school was cancelled - this is snow day number 4 I think?  It's not too bad at our house, but side roads are bad a little south of us so buses can't get through.  Talked with Mom and she is doing a lot better on new pain pills - Vicodin.  I had that med with my last surgery and it was great.  She will be released this afternoon or tomorrow morning depending on how her physical therapy goes today -- she really wants to go today so acting like she is fine.  I hope she's not pushing herself too hard.

I was watching 2 cars on ebay (19th C gon and boxcar) but got distracted and they ended :(  Went for about $35 combined - oh well.

I got a return authorization for a laptop battery that isn't working right and have a book to ship out too, so will take kids to Post Office later.  Also, today is my son's birthday!  11 years old - where did that time go???  He already got a lot of stuff, including a new version of guitar hero, so the house is rocking out!  Laugh [(-D]

TTFN!

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

edw
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Posted by edw on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 11:05 AM
 wrmcclellan wrote:

Have spent the last 3 nights until midnight or later with he-who-is-14-and-waits-too-long-to-start-his-homework so I am tired. Last night was not his fault exactly since he went from school to tutoring to soccer practice to school event and not home until after 9 - but boy am I getting tired. We have given him some requirements to meet on this homework thing or he loses his PC (again).

Having raised four kids, I like to joke that I went through high school five times ... once for myself, and four more times with the kids. You know, that geometry finally starts to make sense on the fifth go around.

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Posted by dougdagrump on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 10:45 AM

Mornin' All !

Chief, Check out the Corrizo Gorge thread, you saw the "N" and "HO" models so now you can see the real thing.

As Don has indicated it has been toasty warm here for a few days but now are giving wind warnings for the next few. Oh well, gotta take the good with the bad I guess.

Expecting a visit from the big brown truck, he stopped last week but the dealer shipped the wrong loco, right one coming today with a return label for the original one. Just enuff time to give it a little break-in time in preparation for friday.

Later All !

Have fun and play safe, especially with this nasty weather back east.

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Posted by wrmcclellan on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 10:29 AM

Morning all!

Don - and those of us watching snow on TV cuz we don't have any!

Buckeye - moving south???? ACK - trying to fill in for the Chief while he is cruzing????

Chief - hope you take your seasickness pills - everywhere you visit the weather turns foul - and yer gonna be on a boat!

Freezing this morning, but up to 55 today and sunny! Got about an inch of rain night before last. We needed it. We might need another visit from the Chief to keep the water levels up.

Got the Lionel catalogs yesterday - some nice stuff in there!

Have spent the last 3 nights until midnight or later with he-who-is-14-and-waits-too-long-to-start-his-homework so I am tired. Last night was not his fault exactly since he went from school to tutoring to soccer practice to school event and not home until after 9 - but boy am I getting tired. We have given him some requirements to meet on this homework thing or he loses his PC (again).

Have a great day all!

Regards, Roy

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Posted by dbaker48 on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 9:26 AM

Lots going on today......
Sir James --- Studying the calendar, contemplating snow.
Doug -- Checking out trolleys, trying to stay out of snow.
Chuck -- Doing chores, avoiding snow.
John -- Staying home today, watching the snow.
Chief -- Packing for a cruise to avoid the snow.
Laz -- Playing in the snow
Many Others watching the snow.

Got my paper deliverd yesterday, no big deal, probably make another trip next week. Then went to the LHS, picked up a battery, and home to work on layout. Got home and it was 80 degrees on the patio in the shade!!!!   Suppose to cool off today and tomorrow, mid 60's, then warm back up this weekend. 


Committed to work on layout despite the weather. Replaced 2 toggle switches, and everything works great. Then had another toggle added intermittenly. Gues this is due to buying some "cheap" switches, $1 each. Will no doubt end up replacing them all.

Going to the train club tonight. Take the Daylight Set down. Hope everyone has a great day! And everyone feels better.

Don

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Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 9:06 AM

Mornin' Fellas.

Not much happenin' here other than ice storms!  Was 30 mins late for work today, so not too bad, probably would have been here on time if I hadn't slept in (Susieq didn't wake me since she was on a 2 hour delay for work).

Hope to get some layout work done tonight. Almost done with the 1st level carpet padding/foam subroadbed, so that means I'm about ready to start wiring... got to place the order with the electrical supply company today...

Laz - don't forget to check that coal elevator!

Buckeye - does this mean there are plans to move to Alabama in your future?

Mitch, Brutus - hope your family members are recovering well.

Sir James, Kurt - Need more snow?  How about some Ice?  We're to get more of both today and tonight... on second thought we could just send it all to Roseyville since their leader is abandoning them for 4 days...

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Posted by cnw1995 on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:48 AM

Morning everyone. That sounds like a tasty breakfast, ChiefMike C, I think some of us are in the same situation with our teens. Nice to see Indiana doing well. As Buckeye knows, when I lived in a certain northwestern Indiana city, it was fun following the state's basketball mania. The Trib sports page a few days ago featured Bobby Knight in an Illini orange sweater. I hear he's open to a Big Ten job... Brutus, glad you're mom's doing better.  RT, glad you're OK. Oil fires are a big deal.

Looks like highs in the teens for the foreseeable future, with occasional snow blasts. How depressing. Going to hop on Laz' line for a quick trolley ride.

Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.

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Posted by ChiefEagles on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:17 AM

Morning all.  Rainy and warm.  Hey, don't argue with those Italian Yankees!!!  My Daughter-in-law is one.  [really, she is a great lady and I love Italians Wink [;)] ]  We let one slip thorugh the lines and get to FL. Sign - Oops [#oops]  Getting ready to shove off tomorrow AM.  Going to be in Miami tomorrow afternoon.  Fly back from Ft. Lauderdale on Monday.  If I was going to be in Jacksonville, I'd run him back Nawth. Evil [}:)]  Going to cruise into Key West to visit Buckeye's twin brothers [the ones who hold their pinky up when drinking from their tea cups Shock [:O] ] . Smile,Wink, & Grin [swg]  Then down to Mexico to recruit some help to keep these Yankees in line. 

Had fired curied and salted side meat and stuffed sausage for breakfast.  Great for the heart.

Have a great day.

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

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Posted by laz 57 on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:16 AM
 anjdevil2 wrote:

A quick check in b4 night night time.

Brutus, sorry I missed your Mom, Hopefully it'll all be good soon.

Doug: Yer right....about the school thing.

Laz: nice work...coming south soon...Whistling [:-^]?

DEVIL, Thanks nope not going south, No 2hr. delays for school there.Wink [;)]

laz57

  There's a race of men that don't fit in, A race that can't stay still; Robert Service. TCA 03-55991
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Posted by sir james I on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:14 AM

Good Morning All,

Sun and 19 this morning. I just cleared the snow off the driveway and walks. A local TV station confirmed this morning what I was saying last nite.

Total snow last winter==11 inches

Total for this year so far 38 inches. more forcast for Fri. nite into Sat.       My wife has a cold which is no suprise the two grandsons and our daughter are all sick..Looks like a good train day.

Brutus I hope your mother had a more comfortable nite.........S.J.

"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks 

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Posted by anjdevil2 on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 8:03 AM

Hey Mike, no sweat man...it's nice to get an idea of what people think of the educational system in the nation, not just here...it's all good (as long as we're civil...Whistling [:-^])

Rained hard and T-storms all last night, getting up to 65 today, then rain and colder to 35 tonight....which means good sleeping weather!!!

Like Mike said, I got my Lionel cats in the mail, boxed!! A nice surprise, indeed....making up my wish list now...wife not happy 'bout thatBanged Head [banghead]...more expenditures for the train fundSmile,Wink, & Grin [swg].

RT, hey if you need fire coverage....my response time might be a little slow.  Glad it didn't spread and u r ok!Thumbs Up [tup]

OK boys, gotta turn up the work effort, see ya inna while!

I am the monster in your head...And I thought you'd learn by now, It seems you haven't yet.
I am the venom in your skin  --- Breaking Benjamin


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Posted by laz 57 on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:38 AM

HI GIZ,

   Well we got freezing rain now and another day OFF from school.  Oh well going to go down on layout run trains and scheme a little?  Then workout and shovel snow from driveways.  I see a BEAGLE won the dog show this year first time ever, WAY TO GO SNOOPY!!!!

  RT glad all worked out for you with the fire and all.  B careful.

  All have a good one,

B GOOD or B GONE.

laz57

  There's a race of men that don't fit in, A race that can't stay still; Robert Service. TCA 03-55991
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Posted by cheapclassics on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 7:08 AM

Good morning all,

The drive to work was much easier today as the road conditions were much better.  I had a different night last evening as it took me two hours to get home.  The roads were ok, but some of the interstates were shut down due to wrecks.  Then when I did get home, there was a package waiting for me that looked like a book.  I had not ordered anything and neither had my wife so I was little puzzled as to the contents.  Opening it revealed all three of the new Lionel catalogs!  I get them as part of the Lionel RRC, but that is the first time they used cardboard to package them.  It was a very nice touch!  Lucas had his girlfriend over and the four of us played Sequence and Uno.  It was a good evening.

I certainly did not mean to start a controvery with the remark about Lucas' teacher and the early test.  There was no political or educational reference intended.  I was making an observation about her personal characteristics, about which I guess I was being too polite and not specific enough.  Still, it was interesting to read all the commentary as a result.  Hey,what those Indiana basketball teams?  Four ranked in the top 20 for the first time ever.  Does anyone know if any other state has done that?

I see where the dining car has rolled in for breakfast.  Temps reaching into the 20s in SE Indiana (and you thought I would forget the weather report :-) ).  I hope everyone has a good day.

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

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Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 6:39 AM

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It is a snowy 20 degrees. We got about 2 inches of snow this morning. Going up to 28, today,  with no more snow predicted. Looks pretty.

Well, today is grocery shopping day. I will wait until this afternoon to go. Let the road crews clean up the roads. Gas is still at $2.93 a gallon. Looks like that's where it will stay. They need the profits. No time for trains today. Busy.

Buckeye... It's the Roseyville Buzzard.

Dining car is here and it's time  for breakfast. Later.

Y'all have a great Wednesday.

Chuck

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
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Posted by ChiefEagles on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 11:37 PM
Blueberry, tell him it is the Rolesville Buzz.  Laz, figured out our little trick.  Get your students to build your layout parts for you in class. Shock [:O]  Doug M, don't think your classes could do that.  Off to bed.  Reclinerized up to the last of Westminister.  Beagle was best in show.  Rain coming and hard.  Lots of things to do before leaving Thrusday AM.  Hope to have time to run trains.  Town stuff poped up at 11 PM tonight. Disapprove [V] Later. 

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Posted by CSXect on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 9:33 PM

just saw an interesting thing on the show Jericho an PRR loco smashed into an abrams tank parked on the track and the close ups of model were not very convencing but neat anyway.

 

Jericho and lost are hard to follow if you do not watch all the time.

 

Anyone get an e-mail from factory direct train??? who are they and how did i get on thier listConfused [%-)] mostly ho I think.

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Posted by CSXect on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 9:26 PM
 anjdevil2 wrote:

 

Brutus, sorry I missed your Mom, Hopefully it'll all be good soon.

 

Sign - Ditto [#ditto]

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Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 8:43 PM

Mitch...Sorry to hear about your uncle.

Brutus...I hope your mom gets well real soon.

Doug....I thought your degree from ND was in basket weaving since you played football for them.  Are you telling us you really got a degree before you played for da Bears? Laugh [(-D]

My fishing buddy called me today from his new home in Alabama.  He just wanted me to know, as I shivered in the cold rain of Ohio, that he had just returned home from fishing wearing a t-shirt, shorts and sandals.  Banged Head [banghead] He had had a light frost the other day, too. Banged Head [banghead]

So the Chief is going on an all expense paid cruise. Mischief [:-,]  Blueberry, do you remember the name of that reporter for the Roseyville Newspaper?  Evil [}:)]

Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum. Smile, Wink & Grin

Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..

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Posted by sir james I on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 8:42 PM

Just a quickie to say good nite.

Brutus your mom sounds like a tough one,she'll do good.

Still snowing but I don't think it's very much,I'll know in the morning.Good Nite Chewy,,S.J.

"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks 

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Posted by Brutus on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 8:23 PM

Laz - cool addition to the layout!  Wow, RT - grease fires are dangerous so glad all is well, can always get a new fryer right?!  Keep that standard set, it is cool and you have a lot of money and time in it - neat set!

Anjdevil, I just had a few email addresses at work and don't get on ctt from work, so just glad all is well and appreciate all the prayers - she is doing a lot better already with the new meds.

Sir J - p=plenty!  Get about twice as much tp as you think you'll need - Laugh [(-D]

Jack - Thanks for the prayers yesterday too.  Yes, guys, I think that the more time you put in with the kids, no matter what you are doing, the better off they do.  Parents I know who ignore their kids are reaping a bitter harvest already. 

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

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Posted by rtraincollector on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 8:18 PM

Brutus glad all seems better now Angel [angel]

Shock [:O] Was cleaning up tonight and turned the fryer off and drained the oil and the next thing I knew i had a fire in the fryer. Guess coils were still hot and lit the oil film . well used exstingeser as didn't want over head exstingisher to set off that would really been a mess. all turned out okay but they will have to get hobart to look at it as it won't heat now (I reset the trip on the back but still won't heat. )

Well not to much happening here been looking at my trains that I( have left and figuring out which is best where. told wife no more are going out the door I'm down to about 5 sets which is enough for now. well 6 have to count the standard set .

Have a good night all time for some strawberry short cake wife saved me just one piece Big Smile [:D]

Life's hard, even harder if your stupid  John Wayne

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