Battle of the Wits

It's been a few days.  There's a lot I'd like to write about, but my free time has been sparse.  It's not any better today: last night, I went to a concert by Oasis bandleader Noel Gallagher (after already attending his first show on Monday night).  Today, I'm leading a trip to my alma mater, Yale.  So I can only offer you these little gems from yesterday.  All thanks are due to the brilliant wit of Erwin, an eighth grader.

In advance, please realize that my students have been made aware of my outsized enthusiasm for Oasis and Yale (and the Yankees and my hometown, Troy, New York, for that matter).

During advisory period yesterday, my class discussed how to handle teachers that they don't get along with (i.e. Who cares if you don't like them?!  Follow their directions!  And if you're really, really bothered by something, speak politely and respectfully to the teacher after class.)  Erwin raised his hand to mention, "I'm really bothered by a teacher of mine who listens to too much Oasis music."  Brilliant deadpan.  I explained that he needed to change his opinion because he was clearly confused, then serenaded him with the first verse of "The Masterplan."

Then, at the end of history class, Erwin engaged in some covert chalkboard graffiti:

Can you find what Erwin wrote?  I'll give you a hint: it's not the hideous diagram of the U.S. Capitol that makes its dome look like a mushroom cloud...that was all me.

A few minutes later, I tracked down Erwin and explained, "We organize a trip to Yale for our top ninth and tenth graders every year.  But, of course, we won't be inviting any students who are confused about the quality of that institution in comparison to other universities.  Do you understand, Erwin?  Are you picking up what I'm putting down?"  Erwin: "No, I'm putting it down even farther." 

Bam.  That kid's got wit.  Maybe we'll still take him to Yale next year.