Hello, 2013!

Ok, it’s two weeks late, and I’ve already posted this year, but that doesn’t mean I still can’t welcome in the New Year! This one promises to be a doozy. But first, a quick recap of what’s ending…

  • I finished my assignment substitute teaching science for 7th and 8th graders. I had never taught that grade level before; in fact, I’d never taught anything other than college level courses. Although I felt really apprehensive about it when I started, it turned out to be an awesome experience, and I must admit that I was a little sad to leave on my last day. During my time there I came up with an alternative to that horrible “Scientific Method” that’s usually taught in middle school, but that’s going to be the topic for a future post.
  • My art show closed just before Christmas. That was the first time I’d ever exhibited my artwork publicly, and the response was almost overwhelming. I even sold some of my artwork! In addition, the director of the North Museum has indicated that they would be very interested in displaying my next show! I’ve already got some ideas on using lenticular lenses to produce a series on astronomy and astrophysical phenomena. Can cool and educational combine? I guess I’ll find out.
  • I took a course on Business Planning and Design with ASSETS Lancaster and SCORE Lancaster, and it was another great experience. Lou Davenport, Rich Young, and Rhonda Kleiman led an amazing class covering every single detail of what it takes to start-up a new business. The experience was chock full of amazing nuggets, and I know I’ll be unpacking the information I gained there for quite some time. Although I’m not starting a business now, stay tuned for updates…
  • The one thing that didn’t end was the world. December 21st, 2012 came and went with nary a pop. I guess I should add a “Happy new B’ak’tun!” to my New Year’s wishes for everyone.

Overall, 2012 was a great year. I’m hoping 2013 is just as good. Right now I’m focusing on publishing my book, The First Semester Physics Survival Guide. I’m planning on publishing it in late July; however, it still needs to be edited. Towards that end I’ve started a Kickstarter campaign to raise the funds to pay for editing; please check it out and let me know what you think. I’d love for you to pledge to it (in any amount), but having people look it over and give me their reaction is also very valuable. Others see things that I can’t; others think of things that I don’t. In addition, if you are thinking about putting together your own Kickstarter I would be happy to help in whatever way I can. In particular I think I have a robust way of determining a reasonable Kickstarter target based upon a variety of considerations — how much seed money do you need, how much will your rewards cost you, how much will you pay in taxes, etc. (Even if you don’t get my help, make sure you include all of these costs when you determine your funding target!) Later in the year I’ll be working on a second gallery show; in addition I have a couple of projects in the planning stages. I’m not going to say too much about those now; they could still change significantly (or even evaporate), but as they develop and mature I’ll be sure to share.

Finally, I’ve started a Twitter account, @TemanCooke. Welcome to 2010! Anyone have any super suggestions for making the most of Twitter?

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