Quiddity

R2-D2 Coffee Maker

I want this!!!!

Computerized Testing in Schools

Here's an article about the absurdity of forcing 4 to 6 year olds to take standardized computerized tests in school.  I'm so glad our principal realized what a waste of time it was and put a stop to it this year.  When is this testing craze going to end?  

 Although our district's administration believes these tests are given on a level playing field (because in this age of technology, most children are supposedly exposed to computers at a young age), our primary students often come to school with little or no computer experience. In fact, many early childhood researchers believe that responsible parenting means little or no screen time for primary school children. As a result, young students click at random. One of my colleagues reported that she often witnesses students rubbing the mouse on their faces or on the computer screens. And this data is supposed to help guide our teaching?

 

What it's like to be the IT guy at the White House

White House CIO's first 40 days included 'worst day' ever.

As part of the process to upgrade White House IT operations, Colangelo held town halls with their customers, some whom were angry. "They had floppy drives -- I knew what they were going to say," he said.

The White House needed to replace much of the technology, including the email systems and storage area networks.

Floppy drives?  Really.  This was only 3 years ago, people!

Link via drikoLand.

Inside the Russian Arcade Game Museum

The Museum of Soviet Arcade Games seems like the saddest place on Earth.  And does anyone know how the above game works?  Actually, nevermind.  I'm not sure I want to know.

The best cat memes of 2011

Here's a review of the best cat memes for 2011.  Don't click if you can't resist the Nyan Cat (something I can't seem to do).

How geeks like to decorate a Christmas tree

The 20 Geekiest Christmas Decorations EVER!

Super awesome arcade coffee table that I really want but can't afford

Mama wants.  Sadly, the surface tension arcade table starts out at over $3,000 bucks.  Mama can't afford.

The Totally Awesome Apple Gift Catalog of 1983

They should totally bring these Apple gift products from circa 1983 back because I would buy it all in a heartbeat!  For real!  I love those shirts!

Link via coudal partners.

Social Media Propaganda Posters

Social media propaganda posters!  Are you doing your part?

Link via pacalin.

How to make adorable kittens fight with lightsabers!

It's Friday, so watch these cute kittens battle it out Jedi style and then learn how to make your own version!

Sorry for the lack of updates

Sorry for the lack of updates (ha, like anyone still reads this blog!).  It's back to school time, so I've been busy setting up the classroom & all that fun stuff.  Um, yeah.  I honestly don't know when people find the time to blog and tweet and post facebook updates while working full time.  How do they do it?