An unexpected result (1022 hits)
Category: Politics -> AfghanistanRating: 1.6 on 47 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by Don Henley's afro is all mighty. (View user info) at 2008-06-04 13:33:01 EDT
I must admit, I was surprised when a casual acquaintance of mine asked me for help with his two kids because I don't have children myself. It made more sense when he explained that it was general tutoring he was after. Apparently the 5th grader and 7th grader were struggling with various subjects and would I spend some time with his kids and see if I could figure out what was up? This was late last year.
After going over to his house and spending an evening hanging around and observing his kids doing their homework, it appeared to me that over half of their trouble was their studying techniques. They were too scattered and too distracted. Factor in the average adolescent's behavior, and you have the potential for problems in school.
I told him my opinion. I reminded him that I'm not an educator, I didn't study educational psychology, or even child psychology, but from what I've seen, they needed a little help learning how to study, and maybe some catch up in their lessons.
"Well, could you do it? I can't really afford to take them to an actual tutoring place like Sylvan's. I don't mean I expect you to help for free, I can pay you something."
I agreed to it, offering whatever help I could. He is a single dad just trying to do his best. I told him though, under no circumstances would I accept any money from him. That wouldn't be right. He was a friend and besides, who knows how effective I would even be.
Long story short, I ended up tutoring his kids from January until school was out last month. They didn't like me much, lemme tell ya! First thing I did (with their father's endorsement and enforcement), was ban TV, the stereo, cell phones, and other distractions from our study area. The somewhat smart-mouthed 7th grader called me 'Commandant.' As in,
Me: Ok Austin, TV off, please. Let's finish your essay we started yesterday. It's due tomorrow.
Austin: YES COMMANDANT!
Austin's father from downstairs: Do it, boy!
Austin: *martyred sigh*
I am pleased to announce that both kids did catch up, pulled their grades up, and by the time my tutoring adventure came to a close, they were able to effectively study on their own. They still however rolled their eyes at me right up to the bitter end. I'm not sure exactly what I did, but it seemed to help.
I told their father that they seemed to be doing better, but call me if he needs to next school year.
"Hang on. Stay right there. Got something for you." he said as he ducked back into his garage.
"Seriously Bill, you don't owe me anything. You're a friend and I was happy to help. Bill?"
At this point, Bill wheeled out a somewhat neglected, but still in really great shape, low mileage, '85 VT750 Honda Shadow motorcycle.
"What's that?" I asked.
"Your bike." He started loading it up on his trailer.
Bill rides. He's got two Harley's that he alternates between. He explained he had picked this Honda up at an estate sale a few years ago at a friend's request. The friend ended up changing their mind so Bill just kept it parked in his garage. I stood there looking agape at him.
"You've said that you're saving up for nice scoot and how you haven't had your own bike for a while now and how you've really been wanting to ride. Here's something to get you around until then. Hell, I don't even want to take the effort to sell it. Too lazy. And don't give me any shit, woman. Not even a word. And if you don't take it, I'm sending my kids over to live with you."
I started to protest how he really didn't owe me anything. Bill yelled, "AUSTIN! JENNA! PACK A BAG!" Ok, ok! I'll take it!
With that Bill followed me home, hauling my '85 VT750 Honda Shadow. After he left, The Man and I looked it over and determined what needed to be worked on or replaced to get it up and going. This biggest job will be cleaning out the fuel tank. The carburetor will have to be pulled and taken in to a Honda motorcycle service shop, it needs a new battery, the right side front and rear blinkers have to be reattached, and of course new fluids, but really, that's all that really needs to be done to it.
Odd the things that fall into your lap.
This isn't it naturally, but this is what it looks like. Mine is disassembled and undergoing repair at the moment. Actual photo of Forensic's bike will follow when it is back up and running.
Yeah yeah, I know.
DON'T POST YOUR BLOG!!!111ONE! GTFO!
SHIT POST!!!!ELEVENTYONE!111
User Reviews
Submitted by messmind (user info) at 2008-07-05 16:27:34 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Sweet karma!
Submitted by Lurby (user info) at 2008-07-05 15:29:22 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
kids?...motorcycle?...kids?... motorcycle?...
Motorcycle.... good choice.
Submitted by The-Armed-Samurai (user info) at 2008-06-30 14:48:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
No Comment
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2008-06-05 15:48:59 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
It'll get you from A to B.
I used to have an old ratted out '73 CB500 that got me through college.
Submitted by czwij (user info) at 2008-06-05 08:13:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
cannot not +ve a bike post (can you do grammer?)
clown train makes it a definite +2.
amalmagate the two, the clown honda.
you meet the nicest *clowns* on a honda
Submitted by LittleMonster (user info) at 2008-06-05 07:15:33 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Great post! Auto bike 2+
Nearly had a horrible crash tow days ago on the GSXR. Going through Southampton in rush hour and those bastards are crazy drivers. Someone pulled out in to on coming traffic to over take a traffic jam. We were hurtling out the city, then had to stop on a sixpence because some areshole in a volvo was driving directly towards and no one had anywhere to go. We stopped inches from his bonnet. I nearly broke my wrists on the fuel tank and the contractor was walking funny for a while after he took a lot of my weight on his groin area. The guy shithimself though when the contractor dragged him out the car. Other people came over though and calmed it all down.
I'm off for my advanced driving doodley whatsit soon, then I can take the GSXR out on my own. That will be a scarey and very very happy day.
Submitted by The_taste_of_Monkeys (user info) at 2008-06-05 05:59:11 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
THAT TRAIN WILL EAT MY DREAMS YOU CUNT!!! ELEVENTY ONE!11!
Submitted by centaur (user info) at 2008-06-05 03:52:16 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I'm hungover and your text is all blurry.
Have a +2 for having blurry text.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-06-04 22:41:27 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Yozz - I video'd the complete disassembly of my first '82 KZ750. I then had everything powdercoated, and couldn't find the tape when it was time to reassemble 3 months later. Nonetheless it actually started and ran the first time, after putting it all back from memory and logic. It ran three miles before a loose alternator connection put me on the side of the road. Fixed that - it ran great. Good times.
Submitted by Yozz (user info) at 2008-06-04 18:53:30 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-06-04 15:21:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by forensicgirl3 (user info) at 2008-06-04 14:21:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Skrap,
I can do some stuff. I've had bikes before and did as much of the maintainance as I could. I've never worked on a carburator though. I bought a manual for this bike. You think I'm capable of doing the carburator stuff on my own? Is it not as big of a job as I think it is?
-----
Absolutely, it's not any big deal at all. The daunting part about it is that the parts are small. You won't have to completely disassemble the things, just the top and bottom most likely. Shoot pix of the carbs and connections prior to removal, label every hose and wire and cable connection if there's any cance of confusing it, rebuild one carb at a time, and put everything back so it looks like it did before your took it apart, only cleaner. The factory Service manual is the guide for carb rebuilding, and the carb manufacturers sometimes have good info too, like exploded views. Eye protection and good ventilation will protect you from the cans and cans and cans of carb cleaner you'll go through. Easy as cake. Piece of pie.
----------------------------------------------------
I agree with Skrap. I have gone through this multiple times. The last time (around 2003) I went one step further - I videotaped the engine and other parts as I disassembled them.
Submitted by experima (user info) at 2008-06-04 18:48:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
FG
Submitted by forensicgirl3 (user info) at 2008-06-04 18:30:00 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by triangle_man (user info) at 2008-06-04 17:13:56 CDT (#)
Ranking: 2
those people in the cages are trying to kill you
===
Amen! Between soccer moms in SUVs, rich pricks in high dolla' cars, and senile elderly drivers...it's a wonder any of us survive.
Submitted by ChaosJester (user info) at 2008-06-04 18:27:09 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Not a big bike fan (but, then again, I've never ridden one).
Still, sounds like you done good, girl.
*daydreams about FG getting all filthy whilst cleaning her bike's carburetor*
*experiences tightness in groin area*
*feels ashamed*
*spanks it anyway*
Submitted by triangle_man (user info) at 2008-06-04 18:13:56 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
those people in the cages are trying to kill you
remember that and you'll be alright
Submitted by Ballare (user info) at 2008-06-04 17:14:29 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by Sacrilicious (user info) at 2008-06-04 14:48:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I can't deal with that shit when I'm trying to think, and I know a lot of people who are the exact opposite and need white noise to concentrate.
--
I can't deal with math of any kind when there's noise going on, but when I write I need need need to have music playing or the tv on.
Submitted by i_can_get_you_a_toe (user info) at 2008-06-04 17:03:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
rofl old people don't ride bikes lol!
Submitted by Lib (user info) at 2008-06-04 16:48:49 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by firefly (user info) at 2008-06-04 16:13:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by shadow (user info) at 2008-06-04 15:47:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
You know what I just realized, just now?
I'm an 82 Shadow.
How sweet is that?
The answer is Not Very because my replacement parts will be killer...
Submitted by shadow (user info) at 2008-06-04 15:39:03 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
!!!
I've had a raging heart string for that bike since I was a wee shadow (and no, that isn't where username came from). Of course, I like the late 90s model, it was spiffy.
ENVY.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-06-04 15:21:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by forensicgirl3 (user info) at 2008-06-04 14:21:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Skrap,
I can do some stuff. I've had bikes before and did as much of the maintainance as I could. I've never worked on a carburator though. I bought a manual for this bike. You think I'm capable of doing the carburator stuff on my own? Is it not as big of a job as I think it is?
-----
Absolutely, it's not any big deal at all. The daunting part about it is that the parts are small. You won't have to completely disassemble the things, just the top and bottom most likely. Shoot pix of the carbs and connections prior to removal, label every hose and wire and cable connection if there's any cance of confusing it, rebuild one carb at a time, and put everything back so it looks like it did before your took it apart, only cleaner. The factory Service manual is the guide for carb rebuilding, and the carb manufacturers sometimes have good info too, like exploded views. Eye protection and good ventilation will protect you from the cans and cans and cans of carb cleaner you'll go through. Easy as cake. Piece of pie.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2008-06-04 15:06:01 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
That's why I love the girl, kids.
Submitted by Sacrilicious (user info) at 2008-06-04 14:48:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Oh fuck yeah, sweet ride! Karma, lady.
A lot of people look at me like I was abused when I tell them the 'no distractions' rule was put in place by my mom from the beginning of time. I blame my easy distractability for that to some degree, actually- if i have to concentrate on analysis or numbers at work, I have to turn my headphones off and ask everyone to STFU. I can't deal with that shit when I'm trying to think, and I know a lot of people who are the exact opposite and need white noise to concentrate.
Submitted by forensicgirl3 (user info) at 2008-06-04 14:46:58 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
That's ok, Shlongy. Even a -2 from you is like a love poem.
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2008-06-04 14:40:44 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Wait a second.
I didn't know this was your post, Forensic.
I have to +2 just in case we ever meet so I am all set for some quick action.
Submitted by Jack_McCallum (user info) at 2008-06-04 14:37:18 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Submitted by apollo88 (user info) at 2008-06-04 13:40:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I've always wanted a bike but I'm too scared I'll kill myself.
--
No surprise there. With that massive head looming over your body your center of gravity is in your jaw, and your jaw never stops flapping; that enduring instability makes balancing the mass of yourself atop a bike impossible.
Submitted by scourge (user info) at 2008-06-04 14:36:03 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
what skrap said is true. that carb needs, at most, rejetting, cleaned, and then a little tweaking on the idle and fuel/air mix and it'll be good to go. i can almost guarantee it without even looking at the thing. i've always rode old hondas. my old cb sat for two years and i did all i just said, minus new jets, and it started with about an hours work.
now i've decided i'm going to pick up either an old bsa or triumph or an older harley though.
i haven't ridden in a couple years now and my bike lust has gone through the fucking roof.
Submitted by X54 (user info) at 2008-06-04 14:23:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I've always had good luck with Hondas: 2 motorcycles, a car and a generator.
Entertaining story. Kids need more discipline.
Submitted by forensicgirl3 (user info) at 2008-06-04 14:21:13 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Skrap,
I can do some stuff. I've had bikes before and did as much of the maintainance as I could. I've never worked on a carburator though. I bought a manual for this bike. You think I'm capable of doing the carburator stuff on my own? Is it not as big of a job as I think it is?
Submitted by Shlongy (user info) at 2008-06-04 14:18:08 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I bet you wish that he had an "abandoned clown train" for you instead.
At least the story would have been more interesting.
Submitted by Yozz (user info) at 2008-06-04 14:16:46 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I used to ride one of those all the time. It was probably the most comfortable ride ever.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-06-04 14:16:02 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Also - Honda dealerships probably won't touch it - it's too old. If they do, count on $75/hr and REALLY expensive replacement carbs (the two for MLW's '92 Yamaha were $485 at the dealer, or used ones were $41 on eBay). Carb rebuild kits, manuals, turn signals, and tank cleaning kits can be had cheap on eBay, which as I previously stated is your friend. Working on old Jap bikes is easy. You can do it.
Submitted by monkeyswithguns (user info) at 2008-06-04 14:15:33 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by HadToBeDone (user info) at 2008-06-04 14:15:15 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
I hurt myself walking down hallways. I'm sure I'd kill myself on a bike.
Submitted by sadie73 (user info) at 2008-06-04 14:05:54 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Helping someone else's kids as you did shows you are a very good person.
Submitted by Brdn_Nkd (user info) at 2008-06-04 13:58:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
nicely done.
Submitted by no1hasdis (user info) at 2008-06-04 13:55:31 EDT (#)
Ranking: 1
DON'T POST YOUR BLOG!!!111ONE! GTFO!
SHIT POST!!!!ELEVENTYONE!111
Submitted by Orgasmatron (user info) at 2008-06-04 13:53:36 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
You should get all 80s-out and pose on it.
Submitted by forensicgirl3 (user info) at 2008-06-04 13:50:51 EDT (#)
Ranking: 0
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-06-04 12:40:17 CDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I really like older Jap bikes. I have two '82 one '85 Kawasakis. Fun facts: there are a lot of old Hondas out there, eBay will be your friend, and I can send you directions on converting that bike to the coolest and most reliable chopper in your neighborhood.
-----
Hmmm! I'll be emailing you soon.
Submitted by traxadron (user info) at 2008-06-04 13:49:39 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
You not a bad person. But the Bike is pretty gay. I rode shit like that once when I was drunk as hell, and by a miracle of god I didnt die, itdoesnt handle well, but is ok for fart sounds!
Submitted by The_Drake (user info) at 2008-06-04 13:46:53 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
God You're hot.
Submitted by DudeThatsBOSH (user info) at 2008-06-04 13:43:45 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Don Henley's gay affro is gayer and freakier than that gay freaky abandoned clown train.
The bike is bosh, though.
Submitted by GangsterSquid (user info) at 2008-06-04 13:43:28 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
Auto +2 abandoned clown train
Submitted by sadie73 (user info) at 2008-06-04 13:41:20 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment
Submitted by apollo88 (user info) at 2008-06-04 13:40:55 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
people should stop posting those disclaimers before and after posts trying to preempt those reviews.
I've always wanted a bike but I'm too scared I'll kill myself.
Submitted by skrapmetal (user info) at 2008-06-04 13:40:17 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
I really like older Jap bikes. I have two '82 one '85 Kawasakis. Fun facts: there are a lot of old Hondas out there, eBay will be your friend, and I can send you directions on converting that bike to the coolest and most reliable chopper in your neighborhood.
Submitted by Charlton_H (user info) at 2008-06-04 13:38:24 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
No Comment