digital photo/illustration | math song/video | animation | other video/art | math nerdiness | new orleans |
last updated November 25, 2021
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A no-frills web site documenting my career change and relocation to the Greater New Orleans area. The most recent entries are listed first.
152. 11/25/2021 - KongGoobye to the most extraordinarily sweet kitty I've ever known. |
151. 9/xx/2021 - Year SixteenOh, you're still here? Let's catch up after 4-5 years. |
150. 2/27/2017 - Careless ErrorsThree years since our last jam, time for the Math Department to go back into the studio. (includes song/animation) |
149. 8/14/2016 - Year ElevenLooking back on my 11th year of teaching and the summer that followed. |
148. 10/27/2015 - UnflatteningA Math poem/animation written for Curly P's wedding (includes poem/video) |
147. 9/7/2015 - Nerdin' OutLooking back on my 10th year of teaching and the summer that followed. |
146. 5/9/2015 - Helen "Jo" WhiteRemembering my grandmother who inspired me as a former schoolteacher and in many other ways. |
145. 1/1/2015 - Mr. White is a ______The new calendar year marks halftime in the 2014-15 school year. Here's how it goes so far. |
144. 8/5/2014 - Keeping ScorePlanned to write this all summer, but waited until the day before returning to work. Procrastination at its finest. |
143. 6/28/2014 - Lonesome LimitA Mathematical love poem dedicated to the underappreciated Calculus topic of Limits (includes poem/video) |
142. 3/14/2014 - Back That Math UpIt's been over two years since the Lusher Math Department dropped a dope jam, but on Pi day 2014, the wait ends now (includes song/animation) |
141. 1/1/2013 - NewnessTime for a long-overdue progress report on my teaching travels, plus math poem on "Transformation" (includes poem/animation) |
140. 11/10/2012 - Lady LogarithmSo you thought Sinusoidal Curve was the hottest math love poem on the Internet? Not if Lady Logarithm has anything to say about it! (includes poem/video) |
139. 8/28/2012 - Hurricane IsaacThe latest gift from the Gulf is set to bring bad news on the seventh anniversary of Katrina. |
138. 7/30/2012 - Seven DownHoly crapola, eight months since my last posting. So you'll understand if this one is a little lengthy. |
137. 11/30/2011 - Rebirth of Math (Cool Like Math)“The babes’ll go spastic, Hip hop gains a classic.” (includes song/animation) |
136. 11/24/2011 - ThankfulThanksgiving thoughts. Positive and cynicism-free. |
135. 10/1/2011 - Lucky 7Almost one quarter into my seventh year of teaching, clowning around and nerding out still keep my spirits up. |
134. 8/7/2011 - End of SummerReciting poetry, fulfilling a silly challenge to my students, and looking ahead to another school year. |
133. 6/26/2011 - Love TriangleAnother sexy, not-at-all-creepy mathematical love poem. (includes poem/animation) |
132. 5/28/2011 - Year Six EndsAdd one more notch to my teaching belt. Dang, I had some really cool students this year. |
131. 5/8/2011 - Eye On DerivingAn early eighties underdog anthem for my AP Calculus kiddies. (includes song/video) |
130. 12/30/2010 - PrimeFinding myself older and wiser. Well, certainly one of those and hopefully both. |
129. 12/12/2010 - Nat WestMy dear friend –more like a father since my move to Louisiana– passes away. |
128. 12/3/2010 - Super GeekBringin’ in ‘da noise, bringin’ in ‘da funk. Perhaps more of the former, less of the latter. (includes song/animation) Hey look, this entry number is 2 raised to an exponent of 7 (or, 1000000 in binary). Super Geeky. |
127. 11/25/2010 - ThankfulOnly Thanksgiving day can promise a complaint-free, sarcasm-free, negativity-free posting |
126. 10/10/2010 - Good TimesYear #6 of teaching career off to a good start |
125. 8/29/2010 - Katrina + 5Felt obliged to jot a few thoughts about “the storm.” |
124. 8/6/2010 - DFKReadin’ ‘Ritin’ and ‘Rithmeticin’ over my summer vacation (listed in reverse order of time spent) |
123. 6/29/2010 - Sinusoidal Curve (music video)A sultry, seductive math music video created in collaboration with some very talented media arts students (includes poem/video) |
122. 6/14/2010 - 99 Word ProblemsSo what’s your favorite memory from math class? Say it with me: Word Problems! (includes song) |
121. 5/28/2010 - Year Five EndsHoly crap, I can’t believe I’ve been doing this teaching thing and living in Louisiana for five years. |
120. 3/7/2010 - Spring FlingAn old flame reignites. No, I’m not talking about a woman, silly. |
119. 2/15/2010 - Super Mardi GrasNew Mayor elect. Super Bowl champion Saints. Mardi Gras. Pretty cool, NOLA. |
118. 2/14/2010 - It’s Not You…Thought of trying to find a good woman before Valentine’s Day. Made a cartoon instead (includes animation) |
117. 12/30/2009 - Perfectly SquarePardon me, did I mention it’s ma birfday? |
116. 12/2/2009 - Mama Said Do Some MathThe old-skool-flavored hits just don’t stop… they won’t stop…even if you wish they would stop (includes song/animation) |
115. 11/27/2009 - ThankfulWe interrupt this Thanksgiving break for some positive words |
114. 8/29/2009 - Year Five BeginsKatrina’s fourth birthday, and a sultry poem for all the math lovers out there (includes video) |
113. 8/2/2009 - Summer VacationMy entire summer vacation summarized in a mere nine sentences (includes videos) |
112. 6/5/2009 - Seeking JackieFour years down in my teaching career, x-4 to go. Random stuff about this past school year, my toddler buddy, and a mystery woman (includes several videos and images) |
111. 5/18/2009 - Goodbye SeniorsHad to go back a few more years… actually, a few decades to find a song that could provide the basis for a fitting farewell to this year’s graduating seniors (includes song/animation) |
110. 4/25/2009 - RetakeHad to go back a couple years to find a song that could inspire another Mista Whizz-ite jam, but Ms. Winehouse is just what I was looking for. (includes song/animation) |
109. 4/18/2009 - Spring AgainThe season’s changed, and the end of the school year is in sight. |
108. 2/24/2009 - Mardi GrasLesson planning and mathematical diversions have been occupying my time lately. (includes lotsa images) |
107. 1/1/2009 - A Simple SerenadePlaceholder for something that might be posted someday. |
106. 12/30/2008 - Special NumberAnd you thought this was just an ordinary number. (includes photos) |
105. 11/29/2008 - It’s Tricky (the A.M.C.)Another super-dope funky-fresh jam celebrating a math contest with old-school history. (includes song/animation) |
104. 11/27/2008 - ThankfulOn Thanksgiving I honor my annual one-day commitment to smile and just say nice things. (includes photos) |
103. 11/2/2008 - LamePut on your boots. It’s time to kick some old school. (includes song/animation) |
102. 11/2/2008 - FinallyFinally reaching a few long-awaited milestones. (includes photos and a few animations) |
101. 9/7/2008 - GustavThe underachieving second child of all storms chases us away for a few days. (includes photos) |
100. 8/27/2008 - I Solved For XGot your toast? Mista Whizz-ite gots the jam. (includes song and cover art) |
99. 8/4/2008 - Time TravelingCleaning out the boxes in my mom’s garage yields a bunch of photos and relics I hadn’t seen in years. (includes a whole lotta photos and a few animations) |
98. 7/13/2008 - OMGLike, ohmygod, you are so not going to believe what I did today… |
97. 6/8/2008 - Three DownThree years of teaching down, only XX more to go until retirement. (includes photos) |
96. 4/27/2008 - Math In This ClassMista Whizz-ite returns to the studio, and smooths it out for all the foxy mathematical mamas. (includes song, cover art, photos, & video) |
95. 3/25/2008 - SextanglesThe young ‘uns these days get involved in some pretty crazy stuff. (includes photos) |
94. 2/9/2008 - SlowMista Whizz-ite goes back to the recording studio. (includes song and cover art) |
93. 2/9/2008 - Over the HumpMardi Gras, grad school classes, and an anniversary. (includes photos) |
92. 1/13/2008 - MaddyThe tragic death of a student shakes our school and community. (includes photo) |
91. 12/30/2007 - S.L.O.T.H.S.My cartoons tend to rely on themes of either bitter romance or the classroom. Guess which one this cartoon targets? (includes Flash Animation) |
90. 12/30/2007 - HomeJust returned from vacation to CA, and naturally my first thought is to update my web site. (includes photos & an audio clip made for my classroom) |
89. 11/22/2007 - ThankfulBeing appreciative on my third Thanksgiving in Louisiana. (includes photos and brief Flash Animation) |
88. 9/29/2007 - SinfulMr. White reflects on a life of debauchery and depravity. (includes photos) |
87. 8/18/2007 - Year #3 BeginsScrambling to keep up during the first week of my third year in teaching has left me exhausted and hoarse, but I’m cautiously looking forward to a good year. (includes photos and Flash Game) |
86. 7/31/2007 - Coffee ShopEven though I feel more generally-optimistic than I’ve felt in a long time, for some reason I felt compelled to rail against modern coffee shops. What an inspired way to end my summer vacation. (includes photos) |
85. 7/20/2007 - A Real GSummertime memoir of a real Mathside gangsta (includes photos) |
84. 7/8/2007 - GNOWPI just finished participating in the Greater New Orleans Writing Project. Here’s how it went. (includes related writings, photos, and Flash Animations) |
83. 7/8/2007 - NothingnessAnother school year down! Only about 30 more til retirement. (includes lotsa photos) |
82. 5/20/2007 - Social FlutterbyAs the 2006/2007 school year winds down, I’m wishing I was even half this cool when I was half this age. (includes photos) |
81. 4/29/2007 - Just Flirtin’I started this cartoon last year, and finally got around to finishing it. (includes a Flash Animation) |
80. 4/29/2007 - Spring CleaningRandom assortment of updates with lotsa pictures. (includes photos) |
79. 4/10/2007 - DC Trip, Part 2A subway encounter in DC deserves its own separate entry. Be forewarned, it’s kinda pathetic. |
78. 4/10/2007 - DC Trip, Part 1A convention takes me to the nation’s capitol for the first time. (includes photos) |
77. 4/08/2007 - Future Poet LaureateMista Whizz-ite drops some mad literary bombs at a poetry open-mic night. (includes photo and audio and video) |
76. 3/22/2007 - Random RiddlesA parade, a friend’s first published short story, and a few more of the poems I send in with my weekly lesson plans. (includes photos) |
75. 2/25/2007 - Proud PoppaSurprise, I’m a daddy! (includes photos) |
74. 2/20/2007 - Happy Mardi GrasResolution of a phony feud, another math contest, Valentine’s day, and Mardi Gras! Yep, life marches forward even when I neglect keeping this web site updated. (includes photos and video) |
73. 1/05/2007 - Reliving Glory DaysOne of my student’s participation in a math contest brings back great memories of my math “glory days” (includes photos) |
72. 12/27/2006 - Gusher at LusherMy feud with the English teacher at Lusher comes to a head in the final school days of 2006. What a blast!!! (includes lotsa photos and video) |
71. 12/10/2006 - Rambling RandomnessThis update is kinda long, and jumps sporadically between a variety of topics. C’mon, you know you wanna read it. (includes photo) |
70. 11/23/2006 - Meant To Tell YouHay, why not procrastinate further with a Flash cartoon? (includes a Flash Animation) |
69. 11/23/2006 - ThanksIt’s Thanksgiving, and I’ve yet to start my 40-page report for my certification program (due in six days). Why not procrastinate by updating my web site? |
68. 11/06/2006 - Still HereI decide to take a two or three week break from this website, and it turns into two months. Terrible! |
67. 9/10/2006 - UmmmmmmmThree weeks into the Lusher school year, my stories lack the dramatic punch of last year’s. That’s not a bad thing. |
66. 8/26/2006 - First Week at LusherReady or not, we’re off and running with the 2006-07 school year. (includes photos) |
65. 8/12/2006 - Waiting to OpenThis week I met my new colleagues at Lusher. The students will report on the 15th... or will they? |
64. 8/1/2006 - Summer BreakThis summer provided a welcome break. Now it’s time to get ready for the 2006-07 school year. (includes photos) |
63. 7/30/2006 - Howareya?On a whim, I revisit my very first Flash animation, which I failed to complete three years ago. (includes a Flash Animation) |
62. 7/28/2006 - Mr. White’s Classroom 2006An animation in honor (or ridicule) of my beloved West Jeff kiddies. (includes a Flash Animation) |
61. 6/07/2006 - One More Thing…Journal entry: My hunt for a new apartment in New Orleans wraps up quickly. (includes photos) |
60. 6/02/2006 - Goodbye!Journal entry: The school year is finally over! In what may be my last journal entry for a while, I look back on the past year and ahead to the next one. (includes photos) |
59. 5/27/2006 - Home StretchJournal entry: Yesterday, Friday May 26, marked the passing of one year since I moved out to southern Louisiana. This year I shared some reflections on the past year with my students as we wrap up the school year. Also, I demonstrated the magic of Photoshop to my students. (includes photos) |
58. 5/21/2006 - Making PlansJournal entry: Making plans doesn’t seem to work out here, but here I go looking ahead to the upcoming school year. Will I end up at Bonnabel or West Jefferson? This week I accepted an offer. |
57. 5/14/2006 - The Price of Tea in ChinaJournal entry: A random assortment of thoughts and happenings with no common theme tying them together. |
56. 5/06/2006 - HooeyJournal entry: I swear I don’t intend to be so long winded, but certain claims in last week’s entry needed to be corrected. Read on though, as I received a couple “gifts” that made this a very cool week. (includes photos) |
55. 4/29/2006 - Little ThingsJournal entry: As usual, multiple small factors tend to determine whether I have a good or bad week. (includes photos) |
54. 4/22/2006 - Four StrikesJournal entry: This week I gained a little better understanding of why students suddenly disappear from my roster. |
53. 4/14/2006 - Mr. White’s Honor RollJournal entry: Many students are clearly struck with Spring fever, and more psychotic girls attacked each other this week. However, I don’t even mention those bozos in this entry. It’s kinda long, but enjoy the positivity while supplies last. |
52. 4/08/2006 - Education OptionalJournal entry: With less than two months to go in the school year, I still haven’t convinced too many students that school is important. |
51. 4/01/2006 - Fights, Faculty Funk, and FsJournal entry: Regarding rebel students, restless faculty, report cards, responsibilities, and more. (includes photos) |
50. 3/25/2006 - This is a TestJournal entry: Louisiana’s standardized testing week was supposed to be calm and uneventful. |
49. 3/19/2006 - Thankful for the SupportJournal entry: A good support network of fellow teachers helps me stay sane in this ridiculous year. (includes photos) |
48. 3/11/2006 - My Team in the Blame GameJournal entry: Teamwork is the theme of this entry. Go Bad News Bears! (includes a Flash animation) |
47. 3/04/2006 - Six months laterJournal entry: A half year ago, I launched my teaching career. A week later, that hurricane steered everything in a whole different direction. (includes photo) |
46. 2/28/2006 - Thank You MissJournal entry: Instead of tarnishing my pristine morals on Bourbon Street this “Fat Tuesday,” I’ve spent most of the day finishing my latest cartoon. (includes a Flash animation) |
45. 2/27/2006 - Mardi Gras WeekendJournal entry: The “Fat Tuesday” vacation is finally here. Goals for the weekend: Reexamine my perspective on teaching, and have some fun with friends. (includes photos) |
44. 2/18/2006 - Ups and DownsJournal entry: Brief entry about a crummy week. |
43. 2/11/2006 - The Great DumbdownJournal entry: Crazy J lowers slows the pace of his classes to rock-bottom levels! Some students finally choose to jump on board while the offer is still available. |
42. 2/03/2006 - Pseudo-progressJournal entry: Is this the breakthrough week when more than half of my students pass the quiz? Guess... |
41. 1/28/2006 - Suck it up and get betterJournal entry: As the 3rd grading quarter begins, Mr. White practicies his preaching skills. (includes preview of new Flash animation) |
40. 1/22/2006 - Sponsored by the Letter FJournal entry: There are still some bright moments out here, although delivering the 2nd quarter grades to my students won’t be one of them. (includes photos) |
39. 1/15/2006 - UnGreat ExpectationsJournal entry: My anxieties lessen each week, but I’m still getting adjusting to the generally-low academic levels in my classes. (includes photos) |
38. 1/07/2006 - New YearJournal entry: First week of the new year starts with optimism. I’m slowly settling in at West Jefferson, and returning TGNO friends are lifting my spirits. (includes photos) |
37. 12/28/2005 - Winter VacationJournal entry: I just spent a great week back home in California. Home sweet home. (includes photos) |
36. 12/17/2005 - Adjusting to West JeffersonJournal entry: I complete my first full week at West Jefferson High School, and joyfully begin winter vacation! (includes photos) |
35. 12/10/2005 - Starting over, againJournal entry: After several days in employment limbo, I get transferred to West Jefferson High School. Beware, it’s another long entry describing the eventful week. |
34. 12/03/2005 - Leaving BonnabelJournal entry: I’ve never had to leave a job involuntarily before. This week, I get two jobs taken away from me in two days. |
33. 11/24/2005 - ThankfulJournal entry: In this Thanksgiving day entry I kinda get, like, all mature and introspective and stuff. |
32. 11/24/2005 - Mr. White’s ClassroomJournal entry: Over my Thanksgiving holidays, I get reacquainted with some old friends. Specifically, Photoshop and Flash. (includes an original Flash animation) |
31. 11/19/2005 - The New Mr. WhiteJournal entry: If you can’t beat ‘em, then beat ‘em up. |
30. 11/11/2005 - Growing PainsJournal entry: On the long road to Superfantasticteacherville, Mr. White can’t wait to cross the border out of Crappybeginnerland. |
29. 11/05/2005 - Little HeathensJournal entry: Did I conclude last week's entry with too much hope and optimism? Here, lemme fix that. |
28. 10/28/2005 - My precious students (Labels included)Journal entry: With two weeks left in the grading period, lemme take a momemt to talk about these adorable precious little angels. |
27. 10/21/2005 - End of week #3Journal entry: Hurricane Wilma is bypassing New Orleans, while some students wish they could bypass my class. |
26. 10/16/2005 - End of week #2Journal entry: Where are the troublemakers in my class? Oh, here they come. Plus, various other updates. (includes photos) |
25. 10/14/2005 - Goodbye MacyJournal entry: My sweet little pet rat Macy dies. (includes photos) |
24. 10/07/2005 - The second first week of schoolJournal entry: Completion of the first week after the reopening of Bonnabel High School. (includes photos) |
23. 10/07/2005 - Los Gatos Weekly Times articleNewspaper: I'm famous! Okay, not really. However, an article in a community newspaper describes my recent adventures. |
22. 9/30/2005 - Planning is so old fashionedJournal entry: Uncertain future of TGNO certification program; uncertain future with Bonnabel High School. (includes photos) |
21. 9/25/2005 - like whatever, ritaEmail to friends/family: tha like totally lame (locally, at least) passing of hurricane rita. |
20. 9/23/2005 - Lovely RitaEmail to friends/family: Bracing for another hurricane. (includes photos) |
19. 9/16/2005 - Moving back to LouisianaEmail to friends/family: Surprise announcement that we can go back home? (includes photos) |
18. 9/xx/2005 - Evacuation reflectionsJournal entry: Details
recalled about the first week of school, followed by the Katrina evacuation. |
17. 9/02/2005 - Nat & Joan are well!Email to family: Message conveying that my local “family” are okay |
16. 8/31/2005 - Re: Bracing for KatrinaEmail to family: Message assuring that there’s no need to worry about me |
15. 8/30/2005 - Re: Bracing for KatrinaEmail to friends/family: Message sent immediately after passing of Hurricane Katrina winds |
14. 8/29/2005 - Bracing for KatrinaEmail to friends/family:
Message sent just prior to landfall of Hurricane Katrina |
13. 8/xx/2005 - Mr. White’s classroomJournal entry: Anticipating
the first day of school. |
12. 8/xx/2005 - Jerome’s Moving CompanyJournal entry: Have
I finally found a place where I can settle down? |
11. 8/xx/2005 - The romance is goneJournal entry: Practical
overtakes Romantic in the search for a place to live. |
10. 8/xx/2005 - Don’t get too comfyJournal entry: Still
having trouble settling in |
9. 8/xx/2005 - Welcome back to the neighborhoodJournal entry: Okay,
let’s try this move-in again. |
8. 7/xx/2005 - Welcome to the neighborhoodJournal entry: I finally
move into my own New Orleans apartment, and then... (includes
photos) |
7. 7/19/2005 - Bonnabel High given federal grantNewspaper: Times-Picayune article about grant that will eventually convert Bonnabel High School into a career academy. |
6. 7/17/2005 - Girly ApartmentEmail to family/friends:
With one month before school starts, where will I go live? |
5. 7/08/2005 - wet! (Windy Cindy)Email to friends: A reply to a few former coworkers who had written to ask how I was coping with Cindy, the first big storm to batter Greater New Orleans. |
4. 7/04/2005 - Didn’t see this one comingEmail to family: An
unexpected tentative job offer from Bonnabel High School (Not shared with
friends until offer became official) |
3. 6/26/2005 - Sweatin’ it out / Will work for... moneyEmail to friends/family:
First summer training session just finished; School system in disarray;
guarantee of jobs looks shakey |
2. 6/05/2005 - Email to the RatladyEmail to rat authority
Debbie "the Ratlady" Ducommun: Details my successful air transport of
Macy. |
1. 5/30/2005 - Greetings from New Orleans!Email to family: First
impressions after only a few days in LA. |