Fernbank Museum Rings in the New Year with Noon Year’s Eve

ATLANTA, December 17, 2014 – Fernbank Museum of Natural History (fernbankmuseum.org) announces a New Year’s celebration appropriate for the entire family. On Wednesday, December 31 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fernbank will host games, a craft, a resolution station, DJ Willy Wow and a balloon drop. The event, celebrated at noon instead of midnight, caters to youngsters who cannot always celebrate past their bedtime.

At noon, guests will be invited to toast to the Noon Year with their very own “mocktail” made from GoGo Squeeze Applesauce as over 2,000 balloons cascade from the ceiling of Fernbank’s Great Hall. DJ Willy Wow will lead the countdown to the Noon Year, along with hosting games and dancing throughout the event.

It would not be a proper New Year’s celebration without party hats, and guests will be able to craft their very own using cups, tinsel and twine. As guests celebrate the Noon Year, they will also be invited to learn about New Year’s traditions from around the world through a special matching game. The event will also include a festive New Year’s Eve-themed dinosaur photo-stop.

To round out the event, families will have the opportunity to share their resolutions at a special “resolution station,” where they will be encouraged to take a selfie to share on social media using #FernbankMuseum.

Museum tickets, which also include special exhibitions Winter Wonderland and Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear, are $18 for adults, $17 for students and seniors, $16 for children ages 3-12 and free for children aged 2 and under. Value Pass tickets, which include Museum admission and one IMAX film, are $26 for adults, $24 for students and seniors, $22 for children ages 3-12, free for children aged 2 and under and $8 for members. The Museum is located at 767 Clifton Road NE in Atlanta. Parking is free. For tickets, call 404.929.6400 or visit www.fernbankmuseum.org.

About Fernbank

Fernbank Museum of Natural History, a nonprofit 501(c) 3 organization, inspires life-long learning of natural history through immersive programming and unmatched experiences to encourage a greater appreciation of our planet and its inhabitants.  The Museum is located at 767 Clifton Road NE in Atlanta. Parking is free. For tickets, call 404.929.6400 or visit www.fernbankmuseum.org.

Empress Michelle Doesn't Work Here

A few years ago I had a student in my class who saw racism behind every corner.  His seat was on the aisle which meant he was a row leader.  Row leaders were responsible for passing papers and other material down the row to his team mates.  Row leaders were also responsible for making sure all material was handed back at the end class so I could collect these things in an organized fashion. 

When I would hand things to the row leaders I would say "Please hand this down to your team mates."  At the end of class I would thank the row leaders for their help.  I always used please and thank you to model appropriate behavior and respect.

When I would ask this particular student to hand things down to his team mates he would say, "You just asking me to do this cause you're racist."  If he didn't have a pencil or a pen, he'd say, "I don't got nothing to write with cause this racist school is oppressing me.  School is supposed to be free you know."  I would always provide him or anyone else with free pens or pencils but still I'd have to hear his spiel.  It seemed he was looking for attention and hoping to get some laughs from his classmates with his comments.

 At first, I ignored him.  I felt he was trying to get my goat and I was trying to extinguish the behavior by ignoring it.  After a week or two it finally got to me.  So one day after I handed out the material for that particular class I knelt near his desk and asked him to step into the hall.  

He looked at me with this big smile and then sauntered out of the classroom.  "SQUEEZE me I think  she wants to see me." he said to his classmates in attempt to bring attention to himself.

Once out in the hall I told him that I was sorry.  This kind of threw him.  It was probably the last thing he expected and he certainly couldn't figure out why I was sorry. 

I told him that I liked him but I was concerned because I was obviously saying or doing something to make it appear as though I didn't like him because my actions appear racist. 

Now he seemed really confused.  "Ms Cope," he said "I like you too.  You don't treat me bad or nothing."    

"I don't?"  I replied.  Then I'm really confused because you have let me know on several occasions that your role of row leader has some racist aspects and if that's so I want to change this.  I don't want you to feel uncomfortable coming to my class."

He looked down for a second and said, "I don't Ms. Cope.  I'm just saying.  You know Whites are racist but you awl right."  

I put out my hand for him to shake and said, "Please let me know if I ever say anything or do anything that makes you feel uncomfortable OK?"  

For the most part the chants of "That's Racist" stopped.  Every now and then he'd say it but then immediately say "Just kidding Ms. Cope.  You know I love you."

Memories of this young man came rushing back to me recently when I heard Michelle Obama cite an alleged example of racism at a Target Store.  Empress Michelle recants how a "RACIST" woman asked her to help  get something down off a shelf because the woman supposedly believed that Michelle worked there.  (What gave it away the Secret Service guys talking into their wrists?)  Obviously the ONLY reason SHE was asked to help get that item off a high shelf was because SHE is BLACK.  

Great story, unless you happen to remember when she first told this story back in 2013.  In this recounting of the story, a woman asked Michelle for help because Michelle was taller and thus able to reach the item in the detergent aisle.  The woman also used the words "EXCUSE ME" before asking Michelle to do her a favor.  

This incident must have been a milestone in the Empress' life.  I suppose now that she has had time to think it over she realized that her act of kindness was actually her submissive reaction to overt racism.  It truly amazes me that Michelle can play the victim from a simple request for help.

Not So Social Media

Another day another stupid social media comment made by someone who should know better.  This time a police officer who decides to reference the Eric Garner incident in his tweet.

Lest we not forget the recent rant from a former Duncanville High School teacher who sent the following tweet out into the tweet-o-sphere telling "crackers" to kill themselves if they disagree with her opinion on recent events in Ferguson.

Vinita, don't hold back.  Tell us how you really feel.

On second though Vinita you might want to ramp some of this back

Not to be shown up by a mere teacher, an assistant high school principal from Norfok, Virginia , Amy Strickland decided to post her version of  every white girl's father's worst nightmare.  

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Sadly these are all post from GROWN-UPs who are educated and supposedly know better.

Taliban Terrorists Attack School

The evil cowardice of the "religion of peace" has shown itself again as an hours-long siege took place at the Army Public School and Degree College today in Peshawar.

When the siege ended early Tuesday evening, at least 141 people — 132 children plus nine school staff members — were dead. More than 100 were injured, many with gunshot wounds.

According to NBC News there were at least 10 attackers wearing police uniforms and suicide vests. They burnt a teacher in front of the students in a classroom.  Let me repeat that. “They literally set the teacher on fire with gasoline and made the kids watch.” 

The Principal of the school was also burned alive.  Her crime?  She was the wife of an Army Officer.  

Terrorists seen to love the soft targets, whether it is a school full of children, a mall full of shoppers, or a busy café.

Sometimes a crime is so horrifying you are at a loss of what to say.  Sending love and prayers to the those who are the victims of this horrendous tragedy. 

O GOD of mercy, bless all who live in the face of acts of terrorism.  Grant them courage to go about their daily living.  Give them hope that one day the hostility will cease.  Guard the defenseless, especially the children and the elderly, the infirm and the weak.  Bring peace to their homes and faith into their hearts.  Amen.