Not really a job, just a summer job.

As a merit badge counselor for the Boy Scouts for the last 8 summers, I have to deal with many kids, usually around the age of 11-13. I particulaly like to teach the Reptile & Amphibian merit badge, as I am a herper by hobby and you'd be suprised how ill informed peeps are in the subject (adults included).

Wednesday is the day I teach requirement 5 (we have them for 50 minute peroids over 4 days), which deals with Reproduction.  Since I am a Biology major (and I was naturally knowledgeable about the subject for a long time) I go into more detial than most merit badge instructors (cause of the issue of sex, most try and make it elementray level to avoid problems). 

That means I talk of things like:

Amplexus (Frog and toad mating position)

External sex (99% of frogs and toads do it, a majority of salamanders as well)

Spermatophores (Sperm capsules of salamanders)

Asexual reproduction (Some lizards do this)

Sperm Storage (Most lizards do this)

Hemipenis (Involving snakes have 2 penises, one barbed the other the actual penis)

You'd be suprised how all kids (and adults) have had no problem with me discussing this subject.  When I first signed up for the job I was worried of kids telling thier adult leaders or parents of what we discussed and for someone out of the hundreds of kids I've told this, I expected someone to be offended or inappropriate.  As a college student working towards a biology/secondary education degree (woot senior this year) I found it curious, though I doubt I'll push my luck once I get into private schools.

I mean yeah I get the occascional snicker/wide eyed folks but nothing like "um...sir....should we/they need to know this stuff?"

I remember back in 2005 when I started this I always had in the back of mind that if the issue ever came up, I would simply say "Well it's in the merit badge book".  Luckly I've yet to need to use the arguement.....

Another thing, EVERYTHING I have ever had on display (be it lizards, toads, frogs, or snakes) has had some kid or even adults come up to and ask if "so-and-so" was venomous.....yes johnny scout.....carolina anoles are venemous.......the lack of common sense.....ugh.

That's so cool. I used to like biology of the reproduction... but now I'm on a class called something like "morphophysiological aspects of the reproduction in the vertebrates"... and it's fucking hard. 

Right now I'm working in some reproductive traits like viviparity in some fishes, and sexual selections and people, specially kids are really interested in these things.

OT... I work on a store that some expensive hand-made stuff, once they had some Christmas sales announcements and when people paid they were told that the tag price was already the discounted price. 

Sounds like Verebrate Embrology

Alright I've been working in the construction business all my life and I've learned a few things over the years. A big secret some may not know of carpenters is they're best skill is to be able to hide there mistakes. It's not like we fuck up all the time but the trick is when we do we do a good job at hide our mistakes as good as possible (99% of the the time it's non- structural so it doesn't matter).

So over the years of working at whatever job have you learn any secrets or tricks?

I think the major secret here is that babies can work in construction!