The Manic Mechanic

I've totally fallen in love with this video. Friends/colleagues spending some time in Bwindi National Park in Uganda, hoping for some interaction with the local wildlife. On their last day, as they were preparing to leave, something wonderful happens.

Embiggen this video for the best effect. Watch the facial expressions and body language carefully. So much is being said here, but without a word. It is guaranteed to make you smile, and renew a bit of your wonder of the world.

Happy Holidays, everyone.

I think we've all see the bumper sticker that reads, "If You Can Read This, Thank A Teacher." How, exactly, does one thank their teacher? Throughout my schoolin' years, I had a handful of really good teachers, a couple of truly bad ones, and the rest were fair-to-middlin'. I did make sure to thank the ones that that did good by me, and especially those that had the most positive, lasting impacts. But I really wish I could do something like what you are about to read, because, well, this will not only bring a beaming smile to teachers everywhere, but will restore some of the faith in the goodness that people are capable of.

My LJ buddy jesus_h_biscuit writes about his third-grade teacher and her lasting impact on his life. Through the magic of the internet, he reconnects with her via Facebook. This becomes his perfect opportunity to thank her not only for that 3rd-grade year, but also for the thirty subsequent years since. It so happens there is a current movie that ties it all together so perfectly. I guarantee this will be the best thing you'll read all month. Or more.

There are four parts to his story. The following links will open in their own separate windows.

Part One
Part Two
Part Three
Part Four

I don't know about you guys, but this should be it's own national story.

Now, go and thank your teacher. If you are a teacher yourself (and I know there are a few reading this), remember this story when you might feel that you might not be making a difference. You most definitely are.