Perhaps Nouvel is a family name? We do that with family surnames in my family, so we have middle names like Campbell, Warren, Nugent and Blake.

Emily, add 17.5 points to everyone's grade on the assignment.

Er, actually I'm trying to figure out what to take points off for, other than formatting -- although, good Lord, how hard is "typed, double spaced, 12 point font, title and reference pages"? Most of them, no title/ref page. One of them has both of those, but is handwritten. Another, one single-spaced paragraph. These are seniors -- they've never had to type a paper before?

I thought the Governor of Namibia was naming the Brangelina baby?

Archimedes was from Syracuse. It's almost undrstandable how your student could be confused.

Oh Robin, we've had a two-seater swing like that on our deck from spring through fall for the last three years. Last year, the wind caught the canopy and hopped the whole unit over the front railing to the ground a story below. We're having freak windbursts, because it's nearly happened several times since then, and since we're not always home when a storm comes up, we've had to take the canopy off more or less permanently.

Now, however, the windbursts have gotten more freaky and stronger--they're catching the swing seats and dragging the unit around the deck. I miss my canopy shade, especially now that the temperature has soared.

But before we had our freakish winds, the swing was the best thing, ever. I know you'll enjoy yours.

It's almost undrstandable how your student could be confused.

Oh, yeah. I'd forgotten that. He actually told me that his sister told him that, and it wasn't clear whether she was playing a joke on him or really thought that, but I'm glad to have that link. Of course, it proves that not only does he not know much about the history of math/philosophy, but he also doesn't know much about the history of the U.S. Let's go high school graduates!

Late to the party, but Many Happy Returns of the Day, Sean!

Happy Birthday, Sean!!!

I saw that swing, Robin, and the first thing I wondered was if it would fit on my balcony. But then Beverly had to start talking about freakish winds and scared me. I guess I will remain swingless. I do think I need to find some kind of canopy/umbrella for the balcony, though. It faces west and gets very, very hot in the afternoon, which is prime balcony sitting time.

(((Sophia)))