The HOld Steady

One of the greatest bands America's got going for them right now! Hands down! Anyone heard the new one. I haven't. This is them on Letterman recently doing one of the mainly flawless tracks on "Boys and Girls of America."

MTH 212 Paper

Here's something I just wrote on "Proportional Reasoning," for Elementary Mathematics 212.

Proportional Reasoning
The world of ratios is a very different world than that of mere common fractions. I cannot even begin to imagine teaching something as complex as proportionality to a group of fifth graders, after having seemingly just taught them fractions. It almost seems to me that the knowledge of one could almost uproot the knowledge and understanding of the other. Yet, somehow I learned both, even though I have no remembrance of the process. I was educated in Saxon mathematics, which is apparently considered out dated and poor for teaching concrete number sense and deeper understanding of mathematics, by nowadays standards.
I really enjoyed the reviews for the problems in “Proportional Reasoning,” by Jane Lincoln Miller and James T. Fey. I think the most important part of Elementary Mathematics is learning about how kids understand and see a certain problem. If we could actually have kids in the class occasionally to learn from, it would probably be extremely helpful. In the review of Task 2, the children’s responses are very enlightening. One response given is, “Yes, because each drink you buy is 40c cheaper, so you are saving money.” I like this response because it is so simple and correct. The child clearly understands the comparison of the two drinks, but fails to comprehend the quantity inherit in the values. This is a common mistake by children, whereas more is usually better, meaning the Gatorade would probably be chosen if the question was not phrased “most economical choice.” This of course brings me to my next discussion, which is the poor word choice, “most economical choice,” as you can see one kid didn’t have any idea what that even meant. As I’m sure several students here at PCC Cascade would struggle with that in a math class, without any background whatsoever in economics.
In Task 1, the problem deals with very concrete ratios. We are not working with any total values. Yet, we have to deal with ratios or direct comparison, which represent the relationship between two numbers. It is difficult to recognize a greater relationship than simple addition, the idea of something being directly proportionate is a much higher complex understanding. Children and adults alike tend to think that if an amount is increased by another amount, the other amount given must be increased by that same amount. It is often they do not see the direct proportional rate that needs to be applied to both given amounts. A given amount that has been doubled, must apply that same doubling to the other given amount. Doubling the number 4, takes you to 16, an increase of 12. Yet if we are given a second amount of 3, and simply add 12, as opposed to doubling 3, we get 15, which is very different from 9. The relationship between 4:3 and 16:9 is directly proportionate. The relationship between 4:3 and 16:15 is just not in any way. Proportionately represents a greater understanding of fractions, percents, multiplication and the beginning of exponents. Task 3 is a great problem because enlarging a picture is a concrete real world activity expressing a direct proportionality between the two sides of the photo. I would think it would be the most concrete hands-on activity for a classroom to develop into their curricula.

Biggest Movie Ever

A movie review? What the heck is up with this blog...where are all the downloadable music files and album reviews. So, I haven't gotten around to them, please just bare with me. For now, its more or less a lot about my boring life and the things I want to comment on or care about or that happen to me. So, I saw Dark Knight by my lonesome, like the rest of America, and was quite impressed. I think the main reason I wanted to see it though, was for Heath Ledger. I wanted to see this final performance that is already garnering oscar reviews. Seeing the film reminded me of the feeling I had about The Crow and Brandon Lee's mysterious death. In fact the role even was similar. Did Heath lose his shit and go into a full depression by becoming this maniacal villian? My answer is that it surely had a lot to do with it. The role is psychotic to say the least and the character is easily the most entertaining part of the flick. I'm curious as to what affect this movie is going to have on America. It's not a movie for kids. Its twisted. The other important question is: Is it better than the very first Batman, the one with the Prince soundtrack. (I can remember getting it on tape. It sucked. Poor introduction to Prince.) Nicholson 's joker has a lot of humor, but not Ledger, its all twisted and sick humor. The weird thing though is that it got a lot of laughs during the movie. We are all just getting sicker and sicker as human beings. I just don't know. At the same time, I admittedly really wanted to see this movie, to see Heath Ledger's final performance. Which I am sure is adding to the record breaking weekend gross for this film. ARe celebrities going to start dieing off to break box office records. Well, if so...can I suggest Tom Cruise.
On a side note, I would like to point out that if depression or some kind of psychosis had anything to do with Ledger's death, I would surely point the finger first as his friendship with the soul-less Olson twins, who is rumored to have "rolled with."

Web 2.0

This is DEFINITELY worth watching and very relevant to my little cyber world that is this silly blog.

July 4th

This is old, but a fairly good shot. I am standing in the middle of the Morrison Bridge. Dangerous.
Good fireworks in Ol' Portland.

Alley @ Laughing Planet

My favorite graffiti in Portland. Near my work, in the alley. I wish I knew the whole story.
It must have been a memorable "beer drinkin" experience to commemorate it....

Animation

My roomate made this with his girlfriend. It took him a lot of hours. I have no idea how long, but well over a week....
Headphones

It's impressive and makes me realize how much I not only need a new computer but also how much I need to take some computer savy classes at PCC. Or something.

Gloria vs. Moss Man

My biggest tarantula, Gloria, hanging out with Moss man. Its these tender moments in my life....

Sometimes I see really great stencils...

...around town. I hope they keep this up for a while. It's at 28th and Stark, near the Bonfire.

Statler Brothers: Flowers on the Wall

Amazing. Comments?

Ukiah, CA

I'm sure anyone looking at this know that I grew up in Ukiah. I'm sure most of those people know there's also a Doobie Broothers song in homage to Ukiah called, "Ukiah." Well...the other day I stumbled across this home made video on youtube to go along with it. It's pretty bad but fairly appropriate. I haven't blogged in a while. Sorry to my thousands of readers our there. I know you've been holding your breathe in anticipation.

Colin takes a Quick Trip to the moon

Vintage Jim Carrey Living Color

I remember loving this show when I was younger. Yet, fifteen years or so later, it seems even funnier to me. Like for example, the nowadays mega star Jim Carrey for example. He's always been good, he has such good physical comedy and was just destined to be huge from the very start. When he was on Living Color though, as the token white guy, I believe he really got to cut loose. I had almost completely forgotten about his character "Vera de Milo," but thankfully in the Cyber Era we have Youtube.com. Soon to the world's most popular website/TV Chanel. It's seriously addicting. Want to watch something, and old TV show, a music video, yer neighbor talking about how to eat Count Chocula, well.......check out Youtube.com. Anyways though, Check out this clip of premium Jim Carrey and then go watch the other ones as well. He is really out there on this one. It's just disturbing on every level. I really want to journey into the part of Jim Carrey's psyche that this character inhabits. Now that would be wild.

COULD YOU IMAGINE IF THEY HAD MADE A SPIN OFF FEATURE LENGTH MOVIE OF THIS CHARACTER. It would have made "That's Pat" look so tame in comparison.

My New Job: Laughing Planet Kitchen @ Mississippi NE PDX

SO, I was lucky enough to FINALLY score a new job that I like, thanks in large part to my friend Rob's lovely wife Jill. I work in the kitchen of the Mississippi "Laughing Planet." So far so good. It's part time and early in the morning, both though are pluses for me for the summer. I am also in summer school Tuesdays and Thursdays all day. Continuing my Education pre-requisites to someday be some kind of teacher, elementary or secondary mathematics. I really like the idea of math, I just kinda hate the thought of middle school students. We'll see. For now, I am focused on learning this new job and get some good kitchen experience in. I really don't have that much prep cool experience, so I am learning a lot. I am trying really hard and I hope my evaluation after thirty days is positive. A large part of me thinks I'm just paranoid becuz some of my last most recent bosses have been so strict. We'll see. Either way I will continue to try my damnest. It's a pretty damn fun job actually. And its nice having a job where I don't put up with the public. It's definitely been a while, even though I think my people skills are rather good, customer service in the service industry can be a real BITCH!
Here's a link for you to check out what a whacky environmental company they are:
http://www.laughingplanetcafe.com/
Seriously though, the company is very good. I like them a lot. The food is good too.

New Beck soon

Beck has a new album out July 8th I believe. It is called Modern Guilt and Danger Mouse is the producer. I am thoroughly stoked.I have been a huge Beck fan since the very first time I saw "Loser" on MTV. It was so fresh and mind blowingly good. I remember I didn't hear the song or see the video for a while afterwards, but I couldn't wait to. When I got the album I remember feeling very apprehensive about it, could he be one of those one hit wonder, flash in the pan artists? The exact opposite. SInce then, Beck has been the only artist, beside Ween, that I have consistently followed and tried to purchase the new album the day it came out. With the exception of the last few years, when music has ceased to be something that is purchased, which is sad in a way. As I look at my shelf of CD's, that I probably spent more than 12 grand on, now dishelved, unorganized and probably worth around 60 bucks, I am nostalgic for the period of my life that I enjoyed buying and collecting music. It is interesting to note, how much Beck has remained on top of the ever changing music format medium. He was a very big napster advocate and his last album "The Information" I actually purchased, twice even (I gave it to my sister), because it came with and entire DVD of videos for the album as well as 1 of 4 different sets of cool stickers. Talk about cutting edge marketing and design. That's why I love the man. I have no doubt that this new album will have some cool incentive. I've heard that the new Judsas Priest double album comes with vouchers for concerts, which is just insane. Anywho, I look forward to this new album. Check out the three of the songs at: http://ilike.com/artist/Beck
Is Beck the equivalent of David Bowie for this generation? Probably as close as we will get I will argue. Care to comment.

Important Blog: Homeland Burning, Mendo. Co.

So, apparently Mendocino County where I grew up and have so many good friends, family and feeelings for... is burning. There was a spectacular lightning storm on Monday (See above pic of Civic Center) morning that caused several fires that have spread this morning into around a hundred fires. I have heard via the Internet that some friend's rural lands may be in danger, and that possibly Greenfield Ranch, a very historical community, has been evacuated. I am not really sure to as to the exact truths of all statements but I have tried to gather as much info as possible via the web and phone. I am concerned for my friends in the rural Potter Valley region, Orr Springs Rd, Low Gap Rd, and Heartland Ranch. Hopefully nobody will loose their home or land in this fire. From what I understand the firefighters are working diligently, but there is simply too many fires. I know that the remote-ness of most of these fires, must make it extremely difficult. I really feel that a lot of people I know right now are kinda in the thick of it and are possibly fighting these fires as I speak. I wish them the best. One of the unique aspects of Mendocino County that I truly respect is the rural people that live there to be "off the grid" or to have a commune and live sustainable. Therefore any of these people's land or homes that are lost due to this fire, is a great loss. This fire is something more than a fire that will only jeopardize a few dozen pot farms. This fire is causing people who have strived to live outside of societal norms, by creating their own utopia aka "the American Dream," to fight for everything they have struggled to build. I sincerely wish them the best. I will continue to update this post til the fires have subsided. Hopefully my Portland rain chant will bring some relief to my homeland.
New update as of now 9:32. Greenfield Ranch, everything is a ready for evacuation, family waiting. See blog link below.

Here is a link for a blog by Aurelea who is from Greenfield: http://mendofire.blogspot.com/
And a link to the Ukiah Daily Journal: http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/
And a link to stream KYZX Live for updates on local radio:
http://www.kzyx.org/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=66&Itemid=27
And finally a link to a very good map of the fires: http://activefiremaps.fs.fed.us/fireplots/cgb2008176_1500.jpg

This is the official CAL FIRE Entry:
Mendocino Unit: 106 fires have burned more than 19,000 acres. Incident Command Team #4 has been assigned to this complex. The Orr Fire is 100 acres and has evacuations of the Orr Springs Resort and 50 homes in the area, the Navarro Fire is 1,400 acres and 5% contained, the Cherry fire is 50 acres and 50% contained, the Foster Fire is 50 acres and 50% contained, the Table Mtn. Fire is 1,000 acres and 5% contained, the Mallo Pass Fire is 800 acres, and the Juan Creek fires (2) are at 100 acres each. There are 8 additional fires at 30 acres each. The Mendocino Fire Information Number is (707) 972-3846.

Genius-ness! Queen Sabbath!

If I was an actual DJ, this is the kind of mash up stuff I would try to do. Of course, I am a real music nerd and a real vinyl collector. And I play music for people, so I am half way to being a real DJ. The point is...watch this. Or others on youtube by GHP. They rule!

Tarantula!!!!! Portugal's Finest Metal!

This is a metal band from the 80's. And they are from Portugal. I found them on a music blog. And downloaded them, not expecting anything special. Metal can be one of those genres that have lots and lots of copy-cats. But, for some reason, this album totally rules! I don't know why. It could be the album cover, the band name, the songs, the cheesiness or all of the above. Probably the latter. But, please download this and give it at least three listens. Apparently they have many other albums, this is their first and most raw, I would assume. Still the licks are there. I think they are actually still around and kickin and quite popular in Portugal. The Iron Maiden of Portugal. "We run for the Spider!" The album starts with a sound clip that sounds like its from He-Man. A battle cat roar or something on "The Battle for the Victory." I genuinely like this whole album. Special attention to "Cry for the Spider" and "The Battle for the Victory."
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=9f2529d2fcacef30d5a101cf914073b4d10f00ad21b255a1

Holy Grossness/Cuteness

Boys and girls what backwards letter am I?

Look at me go. I am Sigmund the Amazing Millipede!

This is one of my insect pets, well...technically he's a myriapod, which is an artrhopods, which is the Phylum that includes Insects. So, close enough. His name is Sigmund, named after that wacky 70's H.R. Puff N' Stuff-like show, Sigmund: The Sea Monster. He is a very large millipede. Giant African Millipede to be exact. Very easy to care for and very cool to handle. They eat decaying vegetables and plants. So, he's kinda my home garbage disposal. He loves cucumbers and carrots. And he loves to burrow around in the dirt. Not the most exciting pet in the world, or is he???? You be the judge. I think millipedes are very cool. Once he came to school with me, Buckman Elementary, and was really nice to all the kids there. They really loved holding him. He does not have a million legs, probably closer to around 2 to 3 hundred. I've never counted. Millipedes are generally longer than centipedes and have more legs as well. They gain more legs when they molt. Molting is the process by which Arthropods grow. Since they are invertebrates they do not grow like us mammals. Instead they molt their entire body, like a reptile molts skin, and then have a larger body. Or as is this case with millipedes, they have a new body segment with two new pairs of legs. Millipedes have two pairs or legs per body segment, centipedes have one pair. Also, centipedes have poison claws on their head and are insect predators. I think Sigmund is adorable. Don't you? Some people think insects make bad pets? Or are only for nerds? But then again, that's what they say about blogs, right? Well then, I must be a super nerd, becuz I just did an pet insect blog! Whoo-hoo!

Blues Legends Keb' M'o and Taj Mahal

My cellphone camera didn't quite do the trick on this shot, but anyways.......I worked my first of the Oregon Summer Zoo concerts last night and therefore got to see Keb' Mo" and Taj Mahal for FREE. Apparently they are two of the finest blues musicians still living. I had only heard a little of Taj Mahal before and had never even heard of Keb' Mo'. But, they were both pretty fabulous. They did a song together during Keb' Mo's set, which is what my lousy photo is. Taj is on the right, he is a glowy glow beacon of light in the night. Like a shiny demon in white. But yeah,....the show was damn impressive. About 2,300 people attended so it was pretty nuts. I tore a lot of tickets that night. Which got me thinking, the whole ticket taking phenomenon is not as secure as you would think. I mean, we had pretty normal perforated tickets and all, but also the new fangled ticketmaster self print out ones as well, and let me tell you it wouldn't be that hard to cheat the system. And since it's ticketmaster I say go for it if you can.
Back to the show review here. Keb' Mo' was pretty fabulous. I have a new interest in blues, especially since most of the scales for guitar I've really enjoyed learning lately have been blues scales. He had fabulous guitars too, one that was completely steel. It was definitely pretty rock oriented blues, but still blues. He had one song that is probably called "Dangerous Mood" and one about "Carrying a Suitcase" that had beautiful verses and meaning. I had a good time, drank a Mirror Pond that was $6. EEK. And stood up front with the rest of the olds. I felt young. Even lately, I just feel old.....and washed up.
Here's another photo. It's a zoom, so it's smaller.





Here's a nice youtube cover of him doing Johnny Cash:

Never Mind the Buzzcocks!

So the other day I watched this British music trivia gameshow called "Never Mind the Buzzcocks," literally ALL DAY! It was disturbing, but so damn entertaining. It think it is basically the perfect blend of music geekdom trivia, gameshow and talk show element. If you've never seen a British game show, let me tell you, they are different. The game part of the show itself is almsot just an excuse. Sometimes the introduction can be the most important part of the whole show. As opposed to say Jeopardy where each contestant says one idiotic fact about themselves like, "I once ran a 5K race, in a chicken suit." Or something. I know that's not funny. But, my point being that gameshows in England are definitely more like talk shows. Well, this coupled with music and amazingly hilariously mean host, Simon Amstell and you've got THE GREATEST SHOW EVER!!! I'm serious. Watch it. All day if you are lame, like me. Or just a music total dork. This is Part 1 of 3 (youtube generally divides one show into 3 parts) with the guy from the Mighty Boush. He eventually ended up being a main guest for one of the teams. And he's HILARIOUS! The British rule. They really do. We all make fun of them, but they are better than us. With bad teeth and food. Would ya care for an eel pie luv?

The smoothest smooth.....the 1st Superstar of Reggae, Desmond Dekker!!!!!!

Lately I've been listening to a lot of music in genres I used to hate on. Like an evil hater. Such as reggae or ska, the kind of music that people are usually hot or cold on. It wasn't very punk rock to like either of these, at points. Yet, at points, both were intricately related. Anyways.....my recommendation is that you check out Desmond Dekker. Who is a genius.
This is him looking rather metal. Which is rad. His songs are smooth like the soul artist Sam Cooke, with tinges of early ska/reggae/rock-steady. Kinda similar-ish to the Specials.
The album I have by him that I adore is called, "This is Crucial Reggae" I wish I could put a link here for you to download it. Maybe I will get that to work. Let me see. It would help make this website worth a DAMN! CLick BELOW! I think I did it! Someone, Anyone, Let me know if you were able to download this whole album, easily . Or not. so easily.
http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=9f2529d2fcacef30d5a101cf914073b44a1fd23306b74ac7

My camera takes pertttyyy good picks....

For exaMPLE. I went on a bike ride the other day with my friend Colin. It was a good day. I got a job. So, some of my life's worries are no more.
Portland has such good signs. Anyone seen any of these gems.

This one is for cellphones, but could also be very true for this city! Bars=Places with Drink or Cellphones Energy Levels. You be the judge.


Apparently in Portland anyone, can be a hero. And buy your own bus stop bench ad. GENIUS! I love this photo. It's on Belmont around 16th or so.


This lady did it! SO CAN YOU! That's right YOU. BLOG READER! I am channeling this straight to you! Straight.

Ronald McDonald Never looked this good when I was a kid...

So...I've always wanted to go to Japon. I have fantasies of getting on one of the Non-Stop Portland to Tokyo planes here and be whisked away to another land. The whole culture just fascinates me to no end. "Lost in Translation" no matter how many times I watch it, is AMAZING! And not just because what's her but, Scarlett Johnasen. Or even my shweetheart Bill Murray.
It's such a quirky uber capitalist future world. Or something. Like look at this McDonald's gone Vanity Fair commercial. What the heck!
Here's me as a kid, and there's Ronald. This is on the internet and in the book Fast Food Nation. I am really in this photo. Kid on the right, 1/3 of the way back, a few in, BLONDE! Toe-head!

Where's the music at? I'm gonna RIOT!!!!

Alright, so I guess it's time to actually try to put some music on here. Let's start with RIOT. I picked this record up somewhere mainly because of the cover. That's what so nice about Metal vinyl LP's. If you have a sweet cover, I'm pretty much sold. It goes back to my days of loving fantasy art, such as Franzetta, or Magic:The Gathering cards. NERD!
Anyways, this record, is fantastic. In fact it has one of the most baffling songs I've ever come across, "Swords and Tequila." All though these two things seemingly have nothing in common unless maybe your a Mayan or maybe Spanish Conquistador, for some reason this ridiculous battle cry resonated something with me. I mean this would be my anthem if I lived in Mexico, on the Gulf side, and had a beautiful Senorita for a wife and a small fishing boat, and some surf, and...man, my daydreams can get the best of me. Is it just me or are Mexican women insanely beautiful. I think I'm right on this one.
Anyways, I can't say too much for the rest of the album. It's good. I think they are from New York, so they are not British, and they are not really as metal as say Iron Maiden, it's more of a Rock sound. But, It's great. hopefully this link I add will let you download the song.
Also, it is very important to note that the harp seal head on a guy's body is their mascot, their "Eddie" if you will. And appears on several album covers. And yes....if you look very closely you can see that he has red lighting bolts for eyes! TCB!
Couldn't you just imagine this guy with red lighting bold eyes singing, "Swords and Tequila, Galloping through the night, Swords and Tequila, Carry me through the Fight!"
If only I was worth at damn at photo shop and actually had photoshop. WEll, hopefully someday. Or other.
Borrow from ME! Click below.
http://www.mediafire.com/?5m0gjmyz4rm