Pen Trick Nation

During most classes, I look over at other students wondering if they're paying attention to the lecture or if they're just as distracted as I am. Usually there's a solid 10 - 12 students doing something else other than concentrating on lecture. What are they doing?? Doodling, reading the newspaper, rushing through homework that's due in an hour, listening to music (on their iPod of course), talking with a peer, AND of course ... practicing pen tricks. Years ago, I thought it was cool enough that you can spin a pen around your thumb using just your index and middle finger as a guide. During this semester, I noticed that the pen trickster nation has evolved new and cooler pen tricks ... I must be old school! They've somehow managed to spin the pen veritcally over their thumb and transittion into other maneuvers. They can twirl the pen down to their pinky finger and back up to the thumb and continue the thumb rotation. Yeah ... I couldn't believe it either! I need to get back to training. These kids are jedi masters ... I'm the apprentice. So lately, practicing pen tricks has been top priority. Although it becomes very discouraging when you drop the pen, its important to be focused and feel the force run through you. Sitting next to a the hottest chick in class helps too ... but don't ask her to pick up your pen too many times ... or she may decide not to bend over when it really counts! Ahhh, what does she know ... she's only 18! I am old!