Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Here’s my randomness for the day. What’s yours?
– The woolly adelgids, which usually show up as white dots all over my backyard hemlocks, are gone this spring. What’s up with that? Do they just hate the rain, or have I beaten them back?
– The Relax-o-matic Plushatorium. Love that name.
– Anybody going to see Jamey Johnson and the Orange Peel on Friday? I missed the boat on tickets – it’s sold out, but the dude is a superstar in the making.
– Amy Matthews, host of DIY Network shows, will be throwing out the first pitch at the Asheville Tourists ball game on Thirsty Thursday. The network is building the Blog Cabin out in Madison County, and it’s way cool. Lots more on that later this year.
– Speaking of rain — is it ever gonna stop? I’m loving the rain. Don’t get me wrong. But I’m tired of the perpetual moistness that abounds. And having to mow the grass every two days.
– The pop-up toaster was patented 90 years ago today. So says Josh Jordan.
– The end-of-grade tests that school kids were sweating last week are now over, so the rest of the school year is a simple formality. From all reports that I get, and from what I remember of my days in Buncombe County schools, the last two to three weeks in schools are simply marking time. Am I wrong? Is any real working happening? Any learning? If not, I say furlough school teachers and administrators and help cut the state’s giant budget deficit.
– Blackbird, Fly. I want one. I soooooooo want one.
– The Cleveland Cavaliers lost in overtime last night. I’m not really watching, but everyone’s talking about it. So here’s my thought — one man can’t beat five men, no matter how good he is. LeBron is great, but until he works with a team that can support him, he’s not going to win an NBA crown.
– I’ve been reflecting on Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony at Memorial Stadium in Asheville. It was a touching event. I’ve attended military memorials at American cemeteries on European battlefields, including Normandy, and Monday’s event ranks up there.
– Asheville City Council on Tuesday approved a nuisance court. I wonder whether it will actually help cut down on graffiti vandalism and panhandling and such, though. Guess I’ll wait and see.
Hey Ash,
I’ve got a son in third grade at NB who just completed the EOG testing (he passed FYI).
This week some of the kids have the opportunity to retake the test if they didn’t meet the standards required.
Those who did pass will mark the time either catching up on the small amount of school work needed to complete the year or doing important events such as making tie dye shirts, watching movies, having extended recess, class end of year parties and, of course, field day.
In all seriousness, there are a few lessons that are wrapped up for the end of year and obviously retaking the EOG if required is important. Plus, the kids really love the fun activities planned to celebrate a successful school year.
I’d say they could trim off a few days, to be certain, but all in all they need the time.