April 2, 2010

Last night we rounded up the Usual Suspects (minus the Hendricksons, who we all missed), and gathered for our fifth night of reporting. It was taco night at the Van Home, which went pretty well, although, for being half-mexican, I sure do make some of the whitest tacos. I'm learning.

Eric started the night with his report on the Golden Gate Bridge. He took us through the initial construction, all the way up through to how the bridge is used today (suicides, mostly). Kristin learned that the bridge is orange, I learned that the bridge goes over water (I know, I know...give me a break... I've only ever seen it for a couple of seconds in the beginning credits of Full House), and Eric learned that fewer people pay attention to the songs he writes than he maybe thought.

Jack offered a report on Christina Georgina Rossetti, who wrote some pretty intense poetry in her day. She is an interesting figure, and it was cool being able to see Jack take his report on Pre-Raphaelites a step further this month. Here is a link to one of the poems he shared last night, in case you wanted it for your own funeral. Click Here.

I, then, gave a report on various people in history (or at least on wikipedia) named Jack Shepherd, or some variation thereof. I feel that, being bitten by the LOST bug, we can look forward to at least two more of this style of report from me. Maybe next time I'll start earlier and have something more substantial than "There was this one guy who was in a British soap opera." Sorry guys.

Heather reported on Donating Life, which is something she recently took a class on. She was able to address the concerns many people have on donating organs, eyes, and tissue. It was educational, as well as being inspiring. If anyone is interested in more information about how you can save, not just one, but many lives, through donation, I found a valuable link. Click Here. Heather, if you have any other links, please share them in the comments.

Deanne followed with a report on three of the more recognizable and popular mountain ranges in the valley. She discussed the history of the naming of Piestewa Peak, as well as some interesting points of fact about Papago and Camelback. It was a great reminder of the beauty we are surrounded by, as well as our valley's rich history. I think what I liked most is knowing that Deanne really had a deep appreciation for everything the mountains had to offer, and that appreciation really came though in her report.

Bill ended the night with a report on a book he recently read on John Adams. It was a great refresher course on high school history, but with a billion times more passion than I can remember my teacher injecting into the lesson. Biographies remain my favorite report night types of reports, if only because they offer real insight into humanity. It was kind of cool knowing that our second president had a real competitive streak, and a great sense of humor.

Thanks again for a great night. I'm really hoping nobody is tiring of Report Night yet. If anyone can offer suggestions on how you'd like the night to go more smoothly (such as, tell your damn kid to stop screaming and go to bed already), feel free to share in the comments section below. We're open to time and day changes if it would mean more people could attend.

March 6, 2010

Our computer was out for about a week after this report night, so I wasn't able to do a post-night wrap up. Instead I'll just give a quick(er) rundown of everyone's reports:

Renee - Vinegar (how it's made, how to use it)

Kristin - Graduation (history, elements thereof)

Jared - Manchester United (first half of history)

Sarah - Doc Holliday (biography)

Jack - Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood

Eric - St. Mary's Food Bank

Diane & Joe - Asparagus (and why it makes your pee smell)

February 19, 2010

We had a fantastic turnout this month, despite, or maybe because of, a necessary change in schedule. Worth the wait, if I may say so.

I opened up with a report on the Olympic Mascots. It was, I feel, one of my favorites so far, because of how much I learned while preparing. I also feel like we are all going to be in on the joke when it comes to inevitable pop culture references to the Olympic mascots in years to come. And now I know what Pedobear is.

Eric did our first investigative report. It was like John Stossel with a beard. He prepared his report on the pronunciation of a local road, Germann. I feel a Part 2 coming. I think Sarah was most impressed that he cold-called as part of the investigative process. I'm going to have to agree with her.

Kristin gave a report on water aerobics that I only heard half of, because Evan got stuck in a closet and Harrison needed a diaper change. Eric said it was an informative report on how water aerobics is not just for old ladies. I did hear her extend an invitation to join her the next time she goes, and I think I feel another field trip coming on. (Genuinely, Kristin, I'm interested. I hate exercise, but I'm sold.)

Bill went next. Incidentally, Bill was celebrating a birthday that night, which meant trifle for dessert, which was a BIG hit. It seemed appropriate that he would give his report on aging gracefully. Some highlights for me were his points about breathing and the questions we can be asking ourselves at any age. I don't think I was the only one moved by it. Seriously, if you're not coming to report night, I'm baffled.

Then Jared followed with a last-minute report that felt anything but. Jared is in pool maintenance, and provided us with just a small part of what his job entails. I was especially pleased with the question and answer portion of his report. It was everything I love about doing this, because I had no idea I would be even remotely interested in pool maintenance, but it was fascinating. Especially when he got into dead birds and green hair.

Sarah offered her report on PT Cruisers. I don't think it was meant to be as hilarious as it was, but when you're talking about PT Cruiser clubs and you bring in pictures of THESKULL, I don't know how she could have avoided the funny. Report Night isn't a contest, but if it were, Sarah would win every time for visual aids.

Jack talked about Lafayette (the man, not the city, although he did touch on that too), and the relationship America has had with the French. I had a joke in my head about how they should have called them 'Lafayette Fries' but it was really dumb. Sorry for even thinking it. Biographies are always a hit, and this was no exception.

Deanne closed out the night with a statistic on Insurance companies that sparked a healthy (*rimshot*) debate on healthcare. It was a great way to end the night, offering everyone a chance to weigh in on the issue, including Heather, a report night newbie who also happens to be an RN with an interesting perspective on the issue.

We also ate deli sandwiches, and despite the avocados, it was all so delicious. I was worried that March would be too close to February's Report Night, but I'm going to say: I don't think it'll come soon enough. We'll see you on the 5th.

January 1, 2010

It was a good night for learning. But an even better night for eating caramel apple pie.

Eric kicked off the night once again. He discussed an organization called Clean Needles Now, and the impact dirty needles have, not only on drug users, but on the community as a whole. I have to admit, it took me a while before I realized that when he talked about "CNN" and what they intended to do for users, he wasn't talking about a news network. Am I the only one? Probably. We were given just a taste of what organizations like this offer, but that sample was enough to get me hooked on more aggressive research on the topic. My elaborate metaphor for drug use is falling flat, so I'm moving on.

Deanne shared her report next, and offered her knowledge of Arts and Crafts Architecture and Prairie style design. I feel way smarter now, knowing that when someone talks about an Arts and Craft house, they aren't talking about something made of popsicle sticks. I've decided my next house is going to be a bungalow, because they are adorable. Deanne also shared some places of interest in the valley that we can visit to get a better look at the style she talked about. One of the coolest things about Report Night is that one person's passion becomes contagious. I know I'm not the only one hoping Deanne becomes a regular attendee.

Sarah gave us a little background on the island of Guernsey, in the English Channels. It was the kind of report that makes you wish we took field trips. We learned a little about the German occupation, and even more about the Guernsey cow, which we learned makes spectacular milk. Eric's dad Bill offered a testimonial to the fact. I think we need to find us a Guernsey cow. We also all need to just go with the obvious choice, and call ourselves The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society already.

Jack then provided a report on the history and development of the game of Tetris. If you played the game in the 80's, at all, you may be called in for questioning if we have another Red Scare. Just so you know. It was a great report, because I don't think I'm the only one who now feels justified in the time spent with The Blocks. I should also mention, Jack's the one who brought the pie.

I closed the night with my report on Steve Wynn. I forgot to mention that I titled my report, "For The Wynn: The Steve Wynn Story, Starring Steve Wynn" alternate title, "At Least It's Not A Picasso." I'm pretty excited about my visual aid, which was drawn with crayola markers about five minutes before the night began. I'm thinking of going into Art Reproduction for profit.

We had a delicious penne pasta, salad, and garlic bread this evening, and I think turning report night into a full on potluck dinner was the best decision we made all year. (New Year's humor).

Looking forward to February 5.

December 4, 2009

First Report Night, and we walked away triumphant. Eric bought pizza and baked an apple pie, because my Rice Krispie Treats came out W-E-I-R-D. We also provided cookies and cream pie, and cheesecake. I'm thinking, next time, less sugar. I went to bed with the biggest headache.

Of course, that headache could be due to my brain becoming 8 sizes bigger, due to smartness. Eric kicked off the night with an introduction to Report Night, and a little bit of history on the initial players, and then rolled right into his report on Wernher Von Braun. I believe he subtitled the report, 'What if the Soviets Had Been Nicer?" Eric knew a little about the topic before Report Night, having written a song about Von Braun, which can be heard here. He didn't perform, which was a bummer for me, but I got over it.

Jared's mom Allison (Kona) joined us at the last minute, and with almost no notice came out with the most informative report of the night. She led us through the journeys of Captain Cook, and dropped in tidbits from her own travels from her 2-month cruise. Kristin commented she'd like to come back as Kona in her second life. Wouldn't we all? Allison, I completely forgot the name of the book you recommended. The Blue...something? No?

Jack introduced us to the Current Wars, the battle of AC vs DC. Edison vs. Tesla. I liked how Jack couldn't help but throw in that bit of information about electrocuting cats and elephants. He recommended a book The Devil in the White City. Kristin took notes. It was like Report Night suddenly became real.

Then Sarah busted out a 3D sculpture made out of candy, and blew me away. She introduced her topic by saying she came upon it while contemplating a Relief Society activity, and I swear I heard someone groan, but when she got into the history of centerpieces, she had the whole room captivated. If you don't know what a Nef is, you're not as smart as us right now. She provided two visual aids, which was two more than everyone but Allison. Setting the bar, Sarah.

Jared took us through the 80's sitcom Small Wonder, and not only explained the robots' parts, but also how those parts might work in a non-sitcom setting. He also walked us through a YouTube clip of the show. It wasn't this clip, so Jared, if you'd like to link the correct one, so we can see that slam dunk, let me know. Holy cow, that kid DOES look like a young Billy Corgan. Not just hilarious, but full of interesting tidbits.

Then, I presented my findings on The Crystal Children, and decided Lennon is close, but no cigar. Allison seemed to like my power point presentation. Thanks, Allison.

Kristin brought it all home with her report on heterochromia. I'm still amazed by how many actors have it. She didn't need a visual aid, because she has it. I'm impressed.

We were joined this week by Heidi, who didn't have a report prepared, but offered engaging questions and great company. She also kept the kids entertained for a while, which was awesome.

So, all in all, it was incredibly fun, and we all commented on how much we learned, and how much we can't wait for next month. January 1, 2010. Jared might do Alf. I don't know about you, but that sounds like good times.

Introduction and Course Guidelines

Welcome to Report Night AZ - an Arizona Branch of (and with permission by) The Pantry School of Research. Our Chapter remains unnamed, as we have yet to actually MEET or anything, but the hopes for a clever and interesting name have not fully dissolved. In time, my friends.

Report Night AZ will begin meeting Friday, December 4, 2009 in Queen Creek, 7pm. Once a month, we will gather together in a makeshift school of Anything Goes, and present reports on, well, Anything. The guidelines are simple:

1. The subject is yours to choose, but it must remain confidential to yourself alone until the time comes to present. Subject matter is based on your interest, and is usually begun with asking oneself "Who, What, Where, When, Why, and/or How?" (i.e. "Who is Mookie Wilson?", "How is a penny made?" or "What can I do with the aloe plant growing in my backyard?") This is the junior high report you didn't do in junior high. Or maybe you did.

2. Reports are as long as you need them to be, but generally speaking, about 5 minutes in length. Examine and exhaust your topic to the best of your ability. Part of that time can be filled with Q&A, at your discretion. Most important to remember, You Are Not Being Judged.

3. Contrary to the rules of Pantry School, you are not given a pass, even on your first time. All who attend, must present. However, you may be able to get away with presenting with a partner if you also bring gifts of deliciousness.

4. Reports include a visual aid, to be left at the school for display.

5. Report Night meets once a month on the first Friday. It is a meeting of minds, both alike and different, with a shared quest. The quest is knowledge. The call for information rings clear, and we ask you to answer it. Bring what you know. Research what you don't. Share and be shared with. Grab a chair, and a slice of pie, and allow yourself to walk away from the night with a greater understanding of things you didn't know you wanted understood. Knowledge is Power, and there is Power in Numbers. Fear nothing but the thought that you know everything you need to know. Did I mention there might be pie?