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?