CREATURE FEATURE
    On our creature feature part of the program, instead of a creature, we’re going to study something that’s not

hard to find on the Earth, but is hard when you find it. I’m talking about rocks.
     If it weren’t for rocks on and beneath the ground, we wouldn’t be able to walk around like we do on the

Earth. So, the next time you see a rock, you might say “thank you”. And, who knows, if no one had ever heard

of rocks, there might not have ever been any “Rocky” movies made. So, those are just a few of the ways that

rocks have influenced our lives. Now, let’s take a look at how rocks are formed, the basic kinds of rocks, and

how they all go through the rock cycle, as well as dig into the history of rocks.
     Rocks are made of minerals which, in turn, are made of elements (elements are different types of matter

that are composed from just one kind of atom). Only a few elements, like gold, silver, and sulfur, are found in

pure element form. Most are found in chemical combinations called compounds. Much of the rocks found on

Earth (like granite, an igneous type rock) are chemical compounds made up of a variety of elements that are

combined into an irregular, hard solid shape. No matter how hard the igneous rock is, it will eventually be

weathered down when exposed to ice, wind, and water. It slowly disintegrates into small particles of sediment

(which is loose materials that can include pieces of shell, tiny rock fragments, grains of minerals, and even

remains of organisms) and much of it undergoes physical and chemical changes until it forms another type of

rock – sedimentary. Magma (which is molten rock produced by the Earth’s interior heat energy-when it erupts

from a volcano it’s called lava) forms the igneous rocks and helps transform other rocks (called metamorphic

rocks, such as marble) through intense heat and pressure. This entire ongoing process is called the rock cycle

and a day in the life of a rock (okay, they’re not really living and it all takes longer than a day to complete, but

it’s just a figure of speech) includes being exposed and buried, heated and cooled, and squeezed and scattered.

And, you think that you might have had a bad day.
   Metamorphic rocks can be formed from igneous, sedimentary, and even other metamorphic rocks. It just

depends on the amount of pressure and heat involved. Hot water can react chemically with rocks and can help

transform them and change their composition.  Metamorphic rocks, like sedimentary and igneous rocks, are

classified by their composition and the way that they are actually formed. Igneous rocks are formed when hot

magma cools and hardens. They are the most common rocks on Earth – but you generally can’t see them

because they are intrusive (beneath the surface) versus extrusive (above the surface). Sedimentary rocks are

formed when sediments are pressed and cemented together. They also can be formed from solutions. Most of

the rocks you can see (and step on) on the Earth’s surface are sedimentary rocks. Sedimentary rocks often

form in layers, with the oldest layers on the bottom and the newer layers on top (unless some force disturbs the

order). Organic sedimentary rocks contain fossils (the remains of once living things) –fossil-rich limestone,

which is a chemical sedimentary rock that is not formed by preexisting rocks but instead, made of calcite and

fossils, is an example of this type of rock.
    So, you might make a change to that old saying “He stood there like a rock” to “He stood there like a rock –

until he eventually became weathered down and washed away into little rolling pieces”. Maybe that’s where

the term rock n’ roll really came from. Now here’s a song that I wrote and recorded about this dynamic,

never-ending rockin’ and rollin’ rock cycle. It’s called Rock On, Rock Cycle, Rock On and here are the Lyrics . 
[Hear it: http://scienceonthewildsideshow.libsyn.com]
                                     ROCK ON, ROCK CYCLE, ROCK ON
                                           Copyright 2008 Richard Quarles
Well___ it’s been happening on Earth__ for a really long while__
It’s a rockin’ and a rollin’ __ in lots of different styles___
About everywhere you look_ you’ll always see a slew__
They’re formed in different ways__ it’s a regular rock zoo__

On Earth they move in cycles__ going round and round___
Three kinds of rocks___ rockin’ up and down in the ground____
Igneous, sedimentary __ and metamorphic____
Molten rock’s called magma__ some volcano hot licks__

[CHORUS]
Rock On_____ Rock Cycle__ Rock On
Yea__ Rock On_Now

[BREAK]
Now, you’re rockin’_______ keep on rockin’, Rock Cycle, keep on keepin’ on__

[SHORT BREAK]

Heat and pressure turns sedimentary to metamorphic____
Metamorphic melts to magma__ it’s a Rock Cycle trick__
Cools and forms igneous rock__ weathering and erosion begins__
Sediment compacts and cements_ it all starts again_

It’s all still matter_ you can’t create or destroy__
It just changes many forms_ a never-ending rock convoy__
The conservation of matter__ happens every time__
Those rocks all there_ so we can dig for, throw, and climb__

Rock On_____ Rock Cycle__ Rock On
Yea__ Rock On__Now

[BREAK]
Now, you’re rockin’_______ keep on rockin’, Rock Cycle, keep on keepin’ on__

[BRIDGE]
Intrusive igneous rocks__ are formed from magma___ underneath the surface lie__
Extrusive igneous rocks__ are cooled lava on the ground_ sitting beneath the sky_
Metamorphic rocks__ when they’re formed__ are composed from the other kinds__
Temperature changes and lots of pressure_ make up_ all those rocks you find__
Sedimentary rocks__ laying all around_ can easily be seen__
They’re mostly found__ in several layers_ it’s quite a hard scene__
That’s our rockin’ Earth’s__ rock cycle done__ to some funky rock n’ roll__
Listen to and learn__ the words to this song__ and they will help you know__

Rock On__ Rock Cycle ___ Rock On______
Just Rock On____ Rock Cycle__ Rock On_____
You’re rockin’ now____

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        

SCIENCE ON THE WILD SIDE – PODCAST #68 – SALUTE TO MUMMIES [ CREATURE FEATURE  SCRIPT AND SONG LYRICS]
                                                        CREATURE FEATURE
    On our creature feature part of the program, we’re going to salute creatures that’s have a very unique

appearance – actually, you could just call them ugly. But, they once probably looked a lot better - hopefully.

I’m talking about mummies.
    Now, mummification can occur naturally. Mummies have been found in very dry deserts where there’s no

moisture or humidity to help the body decay. They’ve also been discovered submerged in bogs – a wet, spongy

and acidic ground, where the acidity of the water, cold temperature, and lack of oxygen combine to tan and

preserve the soft tissues. They’ve also been found naturally incased in ice staying well preserved because of

the extremely cold temperature.
    An ancient Egyptian funerary practice was the preservation of the body. They believed that if the body was

decayed or unrecognizable, the ka (the life force of the body and one of the most important elements of the

soul), would not have the sustenance (food and drink) it needed when it left the body and would go hungry.

This would jeopardize the afterlife of the deceased. After probably studying the mummies found in the very

dry, sandy North African desert, the ancient Egyptians came up with a method of preserving the bodies of

people who were very important – such as kings and queens and others. Later on, more people became eligible

for mummification if they could afford it (do you think maybe they might have had Mummification commercials

and other advertising – like call 1-800-MUMMIES, ‘We’ve never had an unsatisfied customer!’).
    Now the ancient Egyptian embalmers (by the way, there was even a god of embalmment named Anubis)

followed a certain process that took about seventy days to complete. The embalmers first removed most of the

organs from the deceased with a small incision – liver, stomach, intestines, and lungs – to preserve them in

special containers called canopic jars to be buried with the mummy. Since they considered the heart the center

of intelligence (if it was, maybe there really would be world peace), they would leave it in place within the

body. However, the brain was actually considered “worthless” and was pulled out through the nose with a

special hook without damaging the face and thrown away (hence, the old Egyptian saying “don’t sneeze your

brain out” – alright, maybe I just made that up but one of them could have a said it).
    Once the organs were removed, they packed and covered the body with natron (which is a salt-like

substance that dries the body out). This drying-out process took around forty days. They then washed the body

and covered it with spices, oils, perfumes, and finally, a tarlike waterproofing substance. As they carefully

wrapped the oiled body tightly with resin-coated bandages, a priest would read spells from a scroll called the

Book of the Dead that was supposed to help protect the dead person – except, I guess, from dying. They even

wrapped each finger and toe separately and also tucked magical amulets and other good-luck charms into the

wrappings.
    Finally, they placed the mummy into a stone or wood coffin that was shaped and painted to look like the

person. The coffin was placed inside a tomb – if you were really important, you got the main suite in the big

pyramid. A lot of the dead person’s cherished possessions (like jewelry and art) were placed around the coffin

– which later created a lot of incentive for grave robbers. The tombs of the wealthy and important people often

had many false walls, doors, and other obstacles to try and thwart the grave robbers (maybe not quite as

elaborate as in the movies like Indiana Jones and The Mummy – which are my favorite kind of movies).
    Some of these movies’ plots work around the premise of the curse of the pharaohs and King Tut’s tomb.

Because many of the original workmen that first worked in the tomb seemed to have a premature death, the

press sensationalized the story of the curse of King Tut (there was somewhat of a warning posted within the

tomb about all who entered it and disturbed its contents or the mummy itself). Most researchers think that

dangerous spores that were injected into the air when the tomb was first opened probably were inhaled by

some of the workers (they wore no masks) and later made them ill. No one knows for sure the reason for

deaths – coincidence or curse? Henry Carter, one of the first into the tomb, didn’t seem to be affected. He

died a natural death in his late 60’s.
    I’ve been mostly referring to Egyptian mummies because they are more famous mummies (maybe Ramses

II and King Tut had real good agents), but there were other mummifications happening in early civilizations in

places like China, Peru, Mexico, and Europe. In Peru, early civilizations like the Inca practiced similar ancient

rituals on their dead rulers and sacrificed humans and animals. Since the Inca did not have a written language

and their Spanish conquerors destroyed a lot of mummies and artifacts, some exact details of the process are

sketchy but they seem very similar to the Egyptians – with internal body parts being removed first. Many

sacrificial mummies have been found pretty much intact – especially in the high Andes Mountains. They’ve

even found a mummified dog in a tomb – which they’ve named King Mutt’s Tomb. Most of the rulers’

mummies were damaged by looters looking for items of value.      
    Now here’s a song I wrote about mummification and mummies. It’s called Mummification Wrap.[hear it at

http://scienceonthewildsideshow.libsyn.com]. Here are the song lyrics to Mummification Wrap:
                                        MUMMIFICATION WRAP
                                       Copright 2009 Richard Quarles
If you’ve ever wondered___ just how it was done___
It was not very pretty__ and it was not much fun___
When you see the results__ it may churn your guts__
If you want a good example__ look at ‘ole King Tut’s______

It’s a form of embalmment____ ancient Egyptians tried___
On their kings and pharaohs__ who finally up and died___
They had a certain ritual___ for a really natural process__
In the desert of North Africa___ where bodies lay in rest___

[CHORUS]
The Mummification Wrap__ is what they liked to do__
It may seem kind of odd__ to me and you__
About what all they put__ a poor body through___
But in their culture and religion__ they believed it was true___
The Mummification Wrap__ They did the Mummification Wrap__
In pyramids way down in the ground______ Some ancient mummies can be found__ [Wrap it up_ now]

{Vocal Break}
It’s really something to see____________ But a little bit sca_ry___ [Wrap it up_ now]

To preserve certain body parts__ was their main goal___
Things for gods to find__ when they’d take the soul__
They’d start with a corpse__ do it a certain way___
In order to stop the body__ from too much decay____

Washed__ in a natron solution they made__
Most internal organs removed__ rinsed, dried, and carefully laid __
In canopic jars__ placed in the body to dry out___
Using bandages__ to wrap them to stay safe with no doubt__

[CHORUS]
The Mummification Wrap__ is what they liked to do__
It may seem kind of odd__ to me and you__
About what all they put__ a poor body through___
Seventy days is it took____ give or take a few_____
The Mummification Wrap__ The Mummification Wrap_
In pyramids way down in the ground______ Ancient mummies lay scattered around__ [Wrap it up_ now]

{Vocal Break}
It’s not a pretty sight____________ It can give you quite a fright___ [Wrap it up_ now]

 

[BRIDGE – TALK]
Mummification occurs naturally_ in deserts, bogs, and glaciers of ice__
Some civilizations used it__ for animals and humans as a ceremonial device__
The Egyptians and the Incas__ to name just two of a few___
That mummification process__ was something that they really knew__

When the body dried__ it was stuffed to keep its features and form__
Decorated with good luck charms and amulets__ was mostly the norm__
As it was wrapped__ many chants, spells and prayers were read__
To bring happiness to the spirit__ they used the Book of the Dead__

It was placed into a shroud__ a death mask on the face__
A symbol of elevation__ in the plane of an afterlife place_
So today we’re still finding__ ancient tombs of the past__
We learn about their lives__ cause’ mummification makes them last__

[CHORUS]
The Mummification Wrap__ it’s really so unique____
Let those mummies wrap__ just a movin’ to the beat___
If they could just sway and dance___ it’d be quite a show__
The more mummies we can find__ the more we know__
The Mummification Wrap__ The Mummification Wrap_
They did the Mummification Wrap__ The Mummification Wrap___
Wrap it up_ now__ Wrap it up_______
That’s right__ wrap it up__ just wrap it up__
I think that about wraps it up________
Okay_ I’m wrapping it up___
Hurry up_ I want out of here_ man_ quick as can be___
I don’t want that Curse of the Pharaohs coming down on me__

     Well, that concludes this podcast and I hope that you’ve learned something. But sure to subscribe to our

Science On the Wild Side Show so you can get each podcast automatically. This podcast will be biweekly

(every other week) and should be posted by every other Monday. The next Science On The Wild Side show

will be on Monday, February 9th. Visit my websites – scienceonthewildside.com, singingscienceteacher.com,

and cavecritter.com for more fun songs. Also, please leave any comments or suggestions on my podcast page

at scienceonthewildsideshow.libsyn.com. There, you can hear any previous shows that you might’ve missed.

Please email me your comments, suggestions, or questions at wildsidescience@aol.com. 
    If you’d like help support this free podcast by purchasing my cds and songs, go to

cdbaby.com/cd/rickquarles or cdbaby.com/group/sciencesongs for a listing of all my science Cds. I have 5

science CDs there now and also 2 other CDs. My brand new CD -with 14 songs- (Science On The Wild Side

Unleashed) is now there and is also available on iTunes and many other music internet sites. You can go to

iTunes and type in Rick Quarles or Science On The Wild Side to search. Many of my science songs are

available on Amazon.com, Best Buy’s Rhapsody site, Napster, PayPlay.com, Ruckus.com., & many music

sites on the internet. Visit my special blog page – bloggingonthewildside.com- where I will have some show

notes, featured songs, some song lyrics, internet links, ideas, and other information plus some previews of things

to come. I welcome comments, ideas, and suggestions there, too. On the next show, we’ll salute another

special and unusual creature.
See you next time. Have a great science day!
  

 

 

        

    On our creature feature part of the program, instead of a creature, we’re going to conduct

some archaeology (the scientific study of material remains of past human life and cultures)

and study some people who developed a very advanced, ancient culture that, in many ways,

was way ahead of its time. I’m talking about the great Mayan Civilization.
   
    Although they were scattered throughout southern North America many years earlier, the

Mayan civilization really began to emerge as a cultural community around 250 AD in and

around the Yucatán Peninsula in what’s now part of southern and eastern Mexico, and

spread to western Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Belize. This area in the southern

latitudes of North America, called Mesoamerica, is where many pre-Columbian civilizations

flourished (before the colonization by the Spanish in the 15th and 16th centuries). It was

really never an actual politically structured empire (like the later Aztec Empire), but became a

loosely controlled abundance of villages and towns with different groups of Mayans that

made up small kingdoms like city-states (much like the ancient Greek polis). It was all really

held together more by their cultural and religious beliefs as well as their agricultural based

economy. The civilization grew to be so large, even expanding throughout Central America,

that the Mayas employed many different farming techniques to get the most crop production

out of the rough jungle landscape so that they would harvest enough food to feed everyone. 
   
    The Mayas, during their peak, had one of the most culturally dynamic societies in the

world. Although they did not invent writing, they advanced it by developing a written language

using symbols called hieroglyphs. They further developed intricate calendars using

astronomical and mathematical patterns that were very sophisticated for their time, and used

them to make predictions of solar eclipses and about future events. They even understood the

mathematical concept of 0. The Mayas were excellent architects and built many massive and

impressive temples, palaces, monuments, pyramids, and thriving cities – such as Chichén Itzá.

They used advanced farming techniques such as irrigation using canals, terracing, and “slash

and burn” farming, which involved periodic cutting and burning of trees and brush to renew

nutrients in the soil for better growth of crops. Trade was brisk between Mayan cities

throughout the Mesoamerica region. 
   
    The Mayas were also very religious and superstitious and had many beliefs and rituals,

which also involved blood-letting and human sacrifice to provide nourishment to divine beings.

They were also early astronomers who built observatories and watched and mapped out

phases of celestial objects in the nighttime skies. They even had ritual type ballgames as a

major part of their lifestyles – however, the losers of the game often times lost even more

afterwards, they were sacrificed. 
   
    Instead of killing their enemies in battles, the Mayas preferred to capture them and save

them for religious sacrifices by their priests. Some sacrifices even involved cutting the heart

out of the victim. The Mayas believed the cosmos had three major planes – the underworld,

the sky, and the earth. They believed the souls of their dead had to overcome a series of

obstacles in their journey to reach the underworld – through a maze of underground tunnels

and caves. 
   
    Around 900 AD, for reasons that have yet to be confirmed, the Mayan civilization

collapsed when they left their cities and scattered throughout the Mesoamerica area. Some

believed the collapse was a result of a dense population that finally ran out of good farmland

in the thick jungle landscape to grow enough crops to feed them. Or, it could have been some

natural disaster that helped devastate their harvest. Some historians think it could have been

other factors involved such as diseases or other internal strife. The Mayans never

disappeared, their culture and languages still exists today through their descendents. Maybe,

since they were never a strong political empire that fact, combined with some other events,

eventually led to the end of their power. No one knows for sure. Archaeologists are still

unearthing Mayan artifacts and relics in the jungle that may give additional clues.  For now,

it’s still one of history’s great mysteries.          
   
    Now here’s a song that I wrote and recorded about the Mayas and their great ancient

civilization. It’s called They Were Mayans.

THEY WERE MAYANS 
(THE MAYA SONG)
Copyright 2008 Richard Quarles

Way down below_
In what’s now called Mexico___
On a peninsula called the Yucatán__
There once ruled the land__
A group of Native Americans that were known__
To call this place their own__
From 250 AD to 900 AD they thrived__
To defeat the jungle they strived__
With irrigation systems and farming techniques__ they did try__
They grew just enough food__ to get all their people by__

[BREAK]

[CHORUS]
They were Mayans__
Early Native Americans__
They were Mayans__
They were Mesoamericans__
They were Mayans__
Who formed city-states within their lands__
They grew into vast culture throughout__
They left their mark on the world__ there’s no doubt__
They were Mayans_____________ They were Mayans__

[BREAK]

They made an alphabet to write__ their history, deeds, and ideas down__
They were mathematicians and architects__ that built majestic pyramids and towns__
They were early astronomers__ who watched the movements of planets and stars__
They developed calendars__ to track the time both near and far__

The Mayas were farmers__ who built irrigation systems and canals to use__
Games and sports were very popular__ but it was not that good to lose___
In battle, they didn’t kill that much_ ‘cause they liked to capture and seize__
They sacrificed their enemies__ to some different gods to please_____

[BREAK]

 

[CHORUS]
They were Mayans__
Early Native Americans__
They were Mayans__
Those Mesoamericans__
They were Mayans__
Who formed city-states within their lands__
They grew into a vast culture throughout__
They left their mark on the world__ there’s no doubt__
They were Mayans_____________ They were Mayans

[BREAK]

Nobody knows for sure__ why they all just abandoned their city__
Disease, storms, starvation, or retreat from others_ it was just a pity__
They scattered around in small villages__ from north to south and east to west__
Then the Spaniards came to Mexico_ and finally conquered all the rest___

Their culture still thrives__ intermingled with many others__
Their numbers are scattered around__ from one place to another__
How they influenced many__ it’s not that hard to explain__
Their knowledge helped others_ even their conquerors from Spain__

[BREAK]

[CHORUS]
They were Mayans__
Early Native Americans__
They were Mayans__
Those Mesoamericans__
They were Mayans__
Who formed city-states within their lands__
They grew into a vast culture throughout__
They left their mark on the world__ there’s no doubt__
They were Mayans_____________ They were Mayans_____________
They were Mayans_____________ They were Mayans_____________

[TALK]
The Mayas were a very early ancient civilization in southern Mexico and Central America that formed after the Olmec, Zapotec, and other Mesoamerican civilizations.
They were very advanced in areas such as agriculture, mathematics, and astronomy. They developed the best written language in ancient Latin America using symbols called

hieroglyphs to represent words or syllables.
They even understood the mathematical concept of zero.
They developed advanced religious and yearly calendars based on the sun, moon, and stars.
The Mayas used a system of agriculture in the jungle called “slash-and-burn” where they cut and burned down trees and planted crops; and then let the trees grow back for a while to add

more nutrients to the soil.  They also built floodplains for crops.
They constructed many massive pyramids, temples, monuments, and cities.
No one knows exactly why around 900 AD the Mayas left their great cities and spread out throughout what’s now called Latin America.
The end of the Maya civilization remains still one of history’s great mysteries.  

 

        

Here's the Lyrics to my song Mother Nature's Rockin' Way
from http://scienceonthewildsideshow.libsyn.com

MOTHER NATURE’S ROCKIN’ WAY
Copyright 2008 Richard Quarles

Well__ she’s changing up the weather__ left and right__
Working constantly__ all day and all night__
You never know what__ she may decide to do__
She can make it feel great__ or throw a storm at you___

[SHORT BREAK]

She moves things along__ always at her own pace__
She can be a friend and or a foe__ of the human race___
Everything on this Earth__ that we feel or see___
Is how Mother Nature acts__ naturally____

[CHORUS]
That’s Mother Nature’s rockin’ way__
No matter what we do__ she’s going to have the last say__
She makes the flowers bloom__ and the birds all sing__
She puts the rockin’ and the rollin’__ in everything__
Yea_ that’s Mother Nature’s rockin’_way……..

Sometimes she has a temper__ and takes it out on us__
She may make it hot and dry__ just to hear us fuss__
Or she can cool things off__ as cold as ice__
But if she’s feeling good__ she’ll make it warm and nice__

All Earth’s life can thank her__ for all the good she’s done__
In watching over us__ like her own daughter or son______
For things good or bad__ that we all go through___
This world’s a great place to live__ despite what we sometimes do__

[CHORUS]
That’s Mother Nature’s rockin’ way__
No matter what we do__ she’s going to have the last say__
She can be quiet and calm__ she can be loud and bold__
She puts the rock n’ roll___ in  living things_ young and old___
Yea_ that’s Mother Nature’s rockin’_ way……..

[BRIDGE]
She often works in cycles___ to keep things real steady__
Life comes and goes__ when she gets it all ready__
Water changes states__ solid, liquid, and gas__
The nitrogen cycle__ helps things__ grow fast and last__
Hurricanes and tornadoes__ happen every now and then__
Thunderstorms and floods__ may hit__ you don’t know when__
Blizzards and droughts__ may cause misery to those around__
Volcanoes and earthquakes__ can really shake and move the ground__

[DRUM FILL-IN]
[CHORUS]
That’s just Mother Nature’s rockin’ way__
No matter what we do__ she’s going to have the last say__
She makes the flowers bloom__ and the birds all sing__
She puts the rockin’ and the rollin__ in everything__
Yea__ that’s Mother Nature’s rockin’ way__
She’s in our lives forever__ day after day___
Sometimes what she does__ makes no sense at all__
But she watches over every living thing__ both big and small___
Everything that comes and goes___
Mother Nature knows__
Yea_ it’s Mother Nature’s rockin’ way__ that’s okay__
It’s only Mother Nature’s rockin’ ____way__
She’s rocks around the clock___
Just hope it never stops___

If you wonder why sometimes__ there’s so much damage and loss__
She just has to remind us at times__ who’s the boss__
Yea__ she’s a natural and she likes to work alone__
You can’t mess with her or fool her__ cause Mother Nature rocks on_____

        

    Welcome to the new bloggingonthewildside/scienceonthewildside blog. This site is still under construction but will soon include the words to my science and nature songs that are broadcast on my "Science On The Wild Side Show" podcast at scienceonthewildsideshow.libsyn.com and available at cdbaby.com, and some sample song podcasts from my new Music On The Wild Side Blog musical compositions that's on my "Music To Swear By" Cds at cdbaby.com and available on iTunes (search Rick Quarles), Napster, Payplay.com, and many other internet sites. I'll also have some news, special features, interesting links, ideas, and maybe some "wild and crazy" things from time to time. I welcome your comments, ideas, suggestions, and interesting information to include on this site. As a former middle school science teacher for 12 years (and currently social studies teacher), I hope to make this blog a special bulliten board (or should I say blackboard or dry-erase board)of valuable resources and ideas for other teachers, parents, and students. Look for more info soon and always check back often. I've had my podcast going for 2 years now with nearly 30,000 total downloads, but I'm a little new to this "blog thing" - so please excuse any mistakes I may make until I "learn" it. Thanks for visiting. Again, your comments are welcome.