Seattle

Have you ever been to Seattle? No, really been, just to hang out and see the sights? I have, and on a good day, it's the most beautiful thing I've ever had the chance to experience. Probably the two must-sees are Pike Place Market (all of it) and the fountain just a ways from the Pacific Science Center.
The Market is filled with all kinds of sights, smells, and sounds. Whether it be jewelry, clothing, doodads, or food, they're all worth a look-see. And when you do have a quick look, you'll almost always be surprised by the craftsmanship or quality...or the price, high or low. But you have to see the fishery that has a great fish-tossing routine, right inside the main entrance.
As for the fountain, it's beautiful. The sun, the grass, the water, the trees, and right behind you, the Space Needle; you can't help but think, wow. The best time of year to see the fountain is at the Bite of Seattle, 'round about July 23 or so, when these great shops line the sidewalks and park, full of delicious food from a giant variety of different cultures. It's the best.
Now, as far as places to go, the Science Center and the Seattle Aquarium are always fun, not to mention the Seattle Children's Theatre. But you have to go to Mama's Mexican Kitchen for lunch, just off of 2nd and Bell. The place has cool walls covered with memorabilia or paintings. The atmosphere there is quite pleasant, let alone the phenomenal food. If you're not in the mood for Mexican though, just down the street from the Aquarium is a cool pier with a bunch of shops. You know you're at the right one if you see a pirate shop. Inside a ways is this great bakery, that makes some great chowder inside a sourdough bowl. That stuff is the bomb.

Feel free to walk around, see some sights, and discover a few cool places of your own; that's what the experience is for. But it's all the more fun when the weather is great, and your best chance of that is in July or August. So come on up and have fun!

Summa Time, Summa Time

Have you ever walked out of the doors of your school at the final bell on the last day of school and felt the same, like it's not over yet?
Same here.
Why? Because I have summer homework!! How dumb is that?!
Ask any teacher about the point of summer homework and I'll bet that they can't give you a straight, convincing, legitimate answer. Why? Because summer homework is pointless. The reason summer break exists is to give you just that - a break over the summer. It's not a very long weekend that gives you more time to do more homework. Besides, who can guarantee that it's going to get done with some real effort if you do assign it? They're kids, on break. No way it's going to get done at the beginning of summer. My bet would be that a good part of the work was totally last-minute.
So why assign any if you can't ensure some real effort? Answer me that and you're insane.
And yet, every year, it comes without fail. One of the textbook examples of how life isn't fair.