I have a student who missed the first week of class because he was deployed in Baghdad. I consider this a good excuse. He brought me a photocopy of his orders to show that he wasn't just playing hooky, and he also presented me with this souvenir of the Iraq of days gone by. I was shocked and awed. He pointed out that the currency is no longer legal tender "because he's dead", referring to the late Saddam. I said "Yes, yes, he sure is." I don't think his death is the technical reason it's no longer real money, but I wasn't going to get into it with a war veteran. My students are an interesting bunch. In addition to the soldier, I also have two prison guards, two professional golfers, and a girl with a collection of pet snakes. I refer to my students by their surnames, i.e. Mr./Miss., and in one section I am blessed to have a Mr. Duck, a Mr. Fish, and a Mr. Kitten. It's like I'm teaching in an Aesop's Fable.
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