Thursday, January 29, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
More Johnny Cash show.....
I'm pretty sure Mr. Cash is being a dirty ol' messier, which I'm pretty sure he was. Hunting Jack Rabbits. Give me a break.
Heaven Help Us ALL
Stevie Wonder on FIRE! I read on the back of my Greatest Hits record that Stevie Wonder believed his blindness was a gift from god. Wow. What an amazing way of thinking. No wonder why he accomplished so much.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
"Closing the Achievement Gap" - Kati Haycock
"Closing the Achievement Gap," by Kati Haycock brings up many issues today with the public school system. Specifically, the article talks about the problems that many minority and low income children have in achieving the level that is achieved by America's pre-dominant white population. As future teachers how do we make sure that minorities aren't slipping through the cracks of the system? What do we do as future teacher to take an active role in closing this achievement gap.
I think it is pretty safe to say that one of the largest problems is funding for schools with a majority of minority children. Although it is ultimately the parents duty to make sure their child is provided with a good education, not all schools are created equal. Many parents simply choose the school in their neighborhood, meaning if one lives in a low income minority area, the school will be a reflection. Good teachers teach at good schools, it is just plain and simple. If we want to increase the math and reading proficiency of minority youth we need to provide the best teachers at the low income level. As usual it is the system and government complacency that is failing. Hopefully, now that Bush is out of office, and we finally have a minority President for the first time America, new hope will come to these schools.
Although this is going to sound prejudiced, I believe that a lot of teachers give up quicker on minorities. For example, some students such as latino, may not even be able to speak, read or write in English. As a teacher, it is ten times more difficult in this case scenario. Honestly we can only expect so much from our teachers. The solution to this problem lies in getting minority children in this scenario extra help, after school or within the community. We also have to instill pride and self-worth for these students, and not them fall subject to accepting negative stereotypes that they may hear, especially with the affluent white community.
As America continues to grow and become more and more multi-ethnic, our system faces increasing demands. It is our take and duty as future teachers to not only be aware of these problems but arise to the task of solving them. In my opinion teachers should at the very least have rudimentary Spanish speaking skills and be willing to work for troubled school areas, where they are needed most. Finally, I believe it is finally time to quit the complacent attitudes that most school districts have, and make state legislature to place a merit pay system to reward those teachers that really matter. I was very disappointed when this did pass in Oregon, last election.
I think it is pretty safe to say that one of the largest problems is funding for schools with a majority of minority children. Although it is ultimately the parents duty to make sure their child is provided with a good education, not all schools are created equal. Many parents simply choose the school in their neighborhood, meaning if one lives in a low income minority area, the school will be a reflection. Good teachers teach at good schools, it is just plain and simple. If we want to increase the math and reading proficiency of minority youth we need to provide the best teachers at the low income level. As usual it is the system and government complacency that is failing. Hopefully, now that Bush is out of office, and we finally have a minority President for the first time America, new hope will come to these schools.
Although this is going to sound prejudiced, I believe that a lot of teachers give up quicker on minorities. For example, some students such as latino, may not even be able to speak, read or write in English. As a teacher, it is ten times more difficult in this case scenario. Honestly we can only expect so much from our teachers. The solution to this problem lies in getting minority children in this scenario extra help, after school or within the community. We also have to instill pride and self-worth for these students, and not them fall subject to accepting negative stereotypes that they may hear, especially with the affluent white community.
As America continues to grow and become more and more multi-ethnic, our system faces increasing demands. It is our take and duty as future teachers to not only be aware of these problems but arise to the task of solving them. In my opinion teachers should at the very least have rudimentary Spanish speaking skills and be willing to work for troubled school areas, where they are needed most. Finally, I believe it is finally time to quit the complacent attitudes that most school districts have, and make state legislature to place a merit pay system to reward those teachers that really matter. I was very disappointed when this did pass in Oregon, last election.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Nothing like seeing the homeland in the news.....
Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy
Even someone I know....
Full Story: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28354324/
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Fratello Metallo
This guy opened up Gods of Metal 2008, with Iron Maiden and Carcass! Crazy world. I've always felt that metal was Christian or Anti-Christian, its definitely not atheist. That's one thing I know. I believe a lot of the songs and lyrics are uplifting and Christian in nature. More on this later.
Why do I like Tarantula's.
Besides being one of the easiest pets to care for, meaning you don't really need to worry about water or food, a cricket or two now and then or any bug around the house or backyard. Plus, you don't have to clean their enclosures constantly, like fish, and no....they do not smell. Most of my terrariums are quite pleasant smelling. No joke. In fact one is almost a potpourri of sorts with many good smelling dried things. But most importantly.....as you can see from this beautiful pic above (not mine) this creature is TRULY the most misunderstood creature on the earth. Look at how beautiful they are. Quit seeing a spider and see it for what it is. They are magnificent. If you can't see it you are blind. It may help to look at them as a land crab/spider. Also, although some of how very ferocious temperaments, most are very skittish and defensive.
Hideous Kids - Beach Blanket Bingo
Enjoy some of Mike's surroundings in Atlanta put to our new song.
Steam - Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye
What will now be known as George Bush's parting tune, song by the masses as he left via helicopter. Back to Texas! To sit and work on regaining his love for alcohol and no doubt cocaine.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
The Scum of the World
"Tuesday's image of Dick Cheney in a wheelchair seems endlessly evocative, especially in terms of pop culture touchstones. My first thought, echoed I later learned by my mother, was that were he only stroking a white cat in his lap he would have completed his transformation into James Bond villain Ernst Stavro Blofeld." - stolen quote
As much as I dislike Mr. George Bush, let's face it he was just to plain stupid to mastermind what took place in this country over the past 8 years. But, I'll tell you Dick Cheney, now there's a man I'd like to see hung, like we did Saddam. I mean, this man reaks of corruption. In the truest sense of the word. The fact that he couldn't even walk out of the White House, and had to rolled out in a wheel chair. It's despicable. Beyond words. I don't even know what to say. I guess he wanted to keep as low a profile as possible. I hope the rest of his life is as miserable as I'm sure it will be., What a disgusting example of the depths of depravity the human soul can obtain when its only goals in life are GREED!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Vanilla Fudge
Some white people got soul! Psychedelic soul. I am absolutely obsessed with this era of music right now!
Obsessed!
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Beach Blanket Bingo
The Hideous Kids are recording a new remix of their breakout hit "Beach Blanket Bingo." I am taking over vocal duties for the track. I have the guitar track already. I am in great need of assistance of how to record audio on my labtop. I have downloaded Audacity. I need a microphone and someone with a little competence. Anyone? Anyone?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Did you know....
I'm almost 30 and I don't have a job. Let alone a career. No girlfriend. I live in a crappy apartment. I don't hardly ever see any of my friends anymore, now that I don't drink.
Just tell me that it gets better from here. Please!
Just tell me that it gets better from here. Please!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Adaptation/Turtles
Happy Together, featured in Adaptation, has to be one of the greatest songs in on of the greatest movies.
I always wondered what they look like, and now I know. Very cool. That movie is so amazing. Charlie Kauffman is a genius.
So the Beatles were wrong, "the love you take is not equal to the love you make." What matters is who you love, not who loves you in return. Love your neighbor. Turn the other cheek. These are powerful concepts of radical Christianity.
I always wondered what they look like, and now I know. Very cool. That movie is so amazing. Charlie Kauffman is a genius.
So the Beatles were wrong, "the love you take is not equal to the love you make." What matters is who you love, not who loves you in return. Love your neighbor. Turn the other cheek. These are powerful concepts of radical Christianity.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Quote of the Day...
"It is always the simple things that change our lives. And these things never happen when you are looking for them to happen. Life will reveal answers at the pace life wishes to do so. You feel like running, but life is on a stroll. This is how God does things."
-Donald Miller excerpt from "Blue Like Jazz" an author from Portland Oregon. Best book I've read since "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn.
-Donald Miller excerpt from "Blue Like Jazz" an author from Portland Oregon. Best book I've read since "Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn.
For my Dad - He Voted for Him, I laughed a lot.
Arnold the Governator, Big Fat Liar Republican Idiot!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
That picture to the right...
...is really old. It is the first ever digital picture of myself taken. I remember it well. My friend Sam got a digital camera in like 1998 or 1999 and he bought it at the Ukiah Wal Mart and we are at the Talmage video store. He took one of my friend Derek as well. I still have the photo somehow. It is ridiculous looking. Full on teeth and geeky aviator frames.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
My Teaching Experience with Elementary
I have one year of teaching experience with Elementary students. This is due in thanks to the Sun Program through Portland Impact at Buckman Elementary. Working with Elementary age children has been one of the most challenging and rewarding accomplishments in my life. Although I’m not exactly sure what my target age group will be, I think I will find success in teaching children.
My beginnings are very humble. While working in the service industry I decided that I should volunteer and that maybe I would be good at working with kids. For some reason I have always enjoyed children. Maybe it’s their youthful spirit that makes feel young again or maybe I am just a big kid at heart. Either way, I decided that I would volunteer and responded to a craigslist ad for the Sun Program. When I began at Buckman I was put in the Homework Club, where the most volunteer help was needed. Although I didn’t know anything about Buckman Elementary, I would learn that it is an arts school. What I found out by volunteering is how much some school s can let kids slip through the cracks. In homework class I helped a child learn how to read, taught many children basic math skills, and even taught two twin kindergartners how to play checkers. Some of the children had been held back a grade once or even twice. I learned a lot from my first five or six months of volunteering, enough so that I wanted to take on more responsibility.
The next project I undertook at Buckman Elementary was the role of an Assistant Teacher with a new teacher, for a class that I would have nearly complete control of all aspects. This proved to be even more exciting and furthered my quest for teaching. The class that I co-created was a class called “Arthropods.” Or more commonly known to most people as the family of invertebrate that include: spiders, bugs, millipedes, and crustaceans. I’ve always loved bugs since I was a child and rationalized that this class would be very popular and fun for the children. Although it was very challenging creating new and exciting curriculum and worksheets for the children, even as an unpaid volunteer, the children’s response to the class was worthwhile for me. I felt very accomplished by the end of the term.
After the summer, I was called back to Buckman Elementary by the Sun Program coordinator to be a paid teacher. It was flattering to be specifically asked to teach, so I accepted the position as a paid after school teacher. I was to create two, one hour classes and have complete control over every aspect. Although I would only be paid for two hours a week, and none for any time spent preparing the curriculum, I knew this would be an invaluable experience. Since I was entering into my third term of Portland Community College’s Elementary Mathematics series of classes, I knew I was going to make one a math class called “Visual Math,” that focused on drawing math problems. Actually trying to teach in a Sun Program class, where the kids have already been in school all day is not commonly attempted. Although I was warned, I knew I could make it enjoyable and fun for the children. Math can be fun, I told myself. The other class I was giving was going to be teaching was Kindergarten through second grade, and it was ultimately agreed would be “Dinosaurs” as the topic. I had spent the summer volunteering at the zoo, which had animatronic dinosaurs. I had learned enough so that I could definitely attempt to teach children about dinosaurs. Since I had already taught a science class with this age level I thought I could make it work.
Both classes were very challenging, and although I couldn’t have done it without my fantastic volunteers, the classes were a total success. So much so that I felt that some people who laughed at a male working in the Elementary environment, became jealous of my success. I even taught my math class an SAT problem that ninety percent of high school students miss. We did this through the use of drawings, the very way you teach mathematical concepts to children. I know that I am above and beyond ready, experience wise, to go for my Master’s of Education in Teaching.
My beginnings are very humble. While working in the service industry I decided that I should volunteer and that maybe I would be good at working with kids. For some reason I have always enjoyed children. Maybe it’s their youthful spirit that makes feel young again or maybe I am just a big kid at heart. Either way, I decided that I would volunteer and responded to a craigslist ad for the Sun Program. When I began at Buckman I was put in the Homework Club, where the most volunteer help was needed. Although I didn’t know anything about Buckman Elementary, I would learn that it is an arts school. What I found out by volunteering is how much some school s can let kids slip through the cracks. In homework class I helped a child learn how to read, taught many children basic math skills, and even taught two twin kindergartners how to play checkers. Some of the children had been held back a grade once or even twice. I learned a lot from my first five or six months of volunteering, enough so that I wanted to take on more responsibility.
The next project I undertook at Buckman Elementary was the role of an Assistant Teacher with a new teacher, for a class that I would have nearly complete control of all aspects. This proved to be even more exciting and furthered my quest for teaching. The class that I co-created was a class called “Arthropods.” Or more commonly known to most people as the family of invertebrate that include: spiders, bugs, millipedes, and crustaceans. I’ve always loved bugs since I was a child and rationalized that this class would be very popular and fun for the children. Although it was very challenging creating new and exciting curriculum and worksheets for the children, even as an unpaid volunteer, the children’s response to the class was worthwhile for me. I felt very accomplished by the end of the term.
After the summer, I was called back to Buckman Elementary by the Sun Program coordinator to be a paid teacher. It was flattering to be specifically asked to teach, so I accepted the position as a paid after school teacher. I was to create two, one hour classes and have complete control over every aspect. Although I would only be paid for two hours a week, and none for any time spent preparing the curriculum, I knew this would be an invaluable experience. Since I was entering into my third term of Portland Community College’s Elementary Mathematics series of classes, I knew I was going to make one a math class called “Visual Math,” that focused on drawing math problems. Actually trying to teach in a Sun Program class, where the kids have already been in school all day is not commonly attempted. Although I was warned, I knew I could make it enjoyable and fun for the children. Math can be fun, I told myself. The other class I was giving was going to be teaching was Kindergarten through second grade, and it was ultimately agreed would be “Dinosaurs” as the topic. I had spent the summer volunteering at the zoo, which had animatronic dinosaurs. I had learned enough so that I could definitely attempt to teach children about dinosaurs. Since I had already taught a science class with this age level I thought I could make it work.
Both classes were very challenging, and although I couldn’t have done it without my fantastic volunteers, the classes were a total success. So much so that I felt that some people who laughed at a male working in the Elementary environment, became jealous of my success. I even taught my math class an SAT problem that ninety percent of high school students miss. We did this through the use of drawings, the very way you teach mathematical concepts to children. I know that I am above and beyond ready, experience wise, to go for my Master’s of Education in Teaching.
HK Thompsons
Ever wonder what it would be like if one of you parents had a secret family you didn't know about? Well, if your dad is a twin, mirror twin in my father and his brother's case, you would be able to glimpse into that half reality. Here's a great photo of my dad's twin's family. When I look at this photo, I see my dad's brother. But to someone else this might look like my dad with his secret other family. Its just amazing to me, the concept of twins, and dual reality.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Assistant Teacher!
I just found out today that I am going to be an Assistant Teacher @ PCC Cascade this term. I will be helping JD Dawson with his Introductory Algebra Pt. 2 Class. I could not be more excited about this position. I feel that some off my prayers have been answered and I am grateful for this opportunity.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
My Family - A Bunch of Vikings
Here's my family about ten years ago. Very Western. I love our Canadian Tuxedos (All Denim Outift). Now there is this plus six little boys. Which is crazy!
Venom- Black Metal
The founders of Black Metal, especialy with this song of their second album. Although not the Norwegian or Scandinavian sound that Black Metal would become, this stuff scared people in England. It really really did. But, man does it look hilarious here. Such theatrics. It just looks like Kiss to me.
Faithful Breath - SKOL
Really Cheesy 80's Metal, with Viking outfit/look to them. I found an album by these guys today. It's awesome. It's not Skol, its called Gold N' Glory. This video is hilarious low budget, they most be wasted in it. They are German. Enjoy. Danke.
My 45's
As you can see I've methodically organized them into categories and sub-categories. Honeslty I've spent 100+ hours on this new little project/obsession. Now I just need to go through my LP's.
Quote of the day...
"For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother."
Thanks Matt.
Thanks Matt.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Sun 290 - Rudy Grazell
I'm listening to this very same 45, Sun #290. Care to join me. It's fabulous.
My 10 Gallon Now
What you see here is the same 10 Gallon pictured below after a million incarnations. Probably at least 50+ hours of work. It's pretty amazing. It's in its fall season right now. Gloria lives here now, not E.D. She is a full grown Grammostola Rosea or Chilean Rose. She's pretty and pictured in the bottom right. Smiling big for my new camera.
The 45 I want more than Any
This is Fred Cole of Dead Moon fame's best psychedelic 45, "You must Be a Witch." It is on Nuggets V. 1. Get it. I would be so blown away to find this 45. It's on Uni.
Tarantula Cages
When I first got my first Tarantula "E.D." (which is for education, my chosen career path) this was what her original cage set up looked like above.
The guy sold me a black light, which is just stupid and pointless. And that upside down plastic container was her original home. Pet stores are notoriously cruel to tarantulas. They oftentimes are not fed and spend their entire days living in a plastic deli cup. Anyways, my point is this tank is ridiculous. I am so glad I kept a photo. Not only is it way too big for a juvenile, but is is just downright boring to look at. This is probably the best scenario cage that most tarantulas will ever have to call a home. Yet, E.D. is one of the lucky ones as I will show you....
Quote of the day
"...I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves."
Friday, January 2, 2009
Over 2 weeks sober now....
...and continuing. It has been really difficult making all the big changes I've known I've needed to make. But I know in my heart that what I am doing is right. And each day continues to be a new blessing in my life. I am glad to be able to have this second chance and to be forgiven.
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