"anablog"
The old fashioned journal you wrote in with crushed tree pulp, binding, and maybe some kind of lock mechanism. For some reason people used to like writing opinions only they read. It is a fad past its prime but Borders still sells them for some reason.
"What is that odd rectangular shaped device you have in your lap that appears to be filled with blue lined 2 dimensional pieces of non-digital substance?"
"Oh this is just my anablog...I write it in to remember things and keep my private thoughts"
"I see, so how do you post it when you're done?"
-Copied and Pasted from UrbanDictionary.com
1/11/2006
Going to Graceland, Memphis Tennesee
Elvis. He is the King. The King of Rock and Roll, and the King of Tacky Interior Decorating.
There's his Mansion. A beautiful monument to southern style.
And then there's what he did to the inside.
I actually find it rather endearing. He had so much musical soul and energy. He moved the musical world. And yet his house is so normal. It felt like everything I wanted to forget about the 60's and 70's.
He had the money. Just no taste. Or at least, no good taste. Maybe it was the entire stick of butter he used to fry his bannana and peanut butter sandwiches. Maybe it was his love for his mother. Maybe it was the drugs. Or maybe, it was the bad taste of a generation gone wild. It was definately worth the one visit. Don't think I'll be returning anytime soon, though. The orange shag carpet in my own living room is enough to keep me humble.
12/16/2005
My Principal!
The illuminated letter thing meets my need for just the right combination of structure and room for creativity.
I made this one for my REALLY cool principal, who loves her students, teachers, and school. She is an amazing woman, who knows almost all our seven hundred students, and many, many of their parents, by name. She has played a really important role in my life, and I'm really thankful for all the insights and support she has given me during the five and a half years I've been teaching, including helping me to value specifically the ways I am different from most of the other teachers.
12/14/2005
"Between Utopia and Escape"
The above is the title of an essay by Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann recently published in the journal Divine Ascent. Only ONE of the many reasons to read this short but profound article might be gleaned from the following quote from the article:
"EVERYTHING IS GOOD. The Greek fathers say, "Don't you ever dare to say the devil is bad. He is bad by behavior, but he is good by nature." Or else, you go back to the dualism of the extreme "goo god/bad god." The devil is the most perfect creation of God. That is why he became so bad, ontologically speaking."
Provocative, no? But the article provides a very strong conceptual basis for understanding what is REALLY good, and what is just pious pretending or on the other hand, blatant rejection of the truth.
"EVERYTHING IS GOOD. The Greek fathers say, "Don't you ever dare to say the devil is bad. He is bad by behavior, but he is good by nature." Or else, you go back to the dualism of the extreme "goo god/bad god." The devil is the most perfect creation of God. That is why he became so bad, ontologically speaking."
Provocative, no? But the article provides a very strong conceptual basis for understanding what is REALLY good, and what is just pious pretending or on the other hand, blatant rejection of the truth.
12/09/2005
Can You Say Crayola?
Gotta love crayons. That's the medium of choice in my classroom, and in general they aren't given their fair shake. Mostly they're given a crammed up space in a desk crammed even furthur with old assignments. Well...I love 'em. Mostly. Sometimes.
This assigment was to make an illuminated capital letter using one of your initials. I gave them some examples and did another on the whiteboard. The students' work turned out marveliscious.
I try to do some of the assignments I give my students. Partly to give them an example, and partly to put myself in their shoes. But, mostly, it's because I enjoy it. Lots of times, they turn out lousy, but this one I like. Mostly. Shoulda stopped sooner with the colors. They got too dark and then it went downhill from there. But, no going back with crayon. I'm thinking I'll do some more, but we'll see.
11/23/2005
What Did You Have For Lunch?
Julie: What did you have for lunch today, Mr. Waisanen?
Mr. W: A bagel.
Julie: Mmmm. I had a sandwich.
Daniel: I just had Dorritos!
Mr. W: Dorritos!? That’s it?
Daniel: Yeah.
Mr. W: Why? (What!? did Mom go on vacation and leave Dad at home by himself?)
Daniel: Um, I don’t know....
Mr. W: (Ok...but, Weird, though.)
Daniel: Oh, and macaroni and cheese.
Mr. W: Ha! (OK, the world is falling back into place)
Daniel: ...and an apple....and graham crackers.
Mr. W: A bagel.
Julie: Mmmm. I had a sandwich.
Daniel: I just had Dorritos!
Mr. W: Dorritos!? That’s it?
Daniel: Yeah.
Mr. W: Why? (What!? did Mom go on vacation and leave Dad at home by himself?)
Daniel: Um, I don’t know....
Mr. W: (Ok...but, Weird, though.)
Daniel: Oh, and macaroni and cheese.
Mr. W: Ha! (OK, the world is falling back into place)
Daniel: ...and an apple....and graham crackers.
11/18/2005
Kids
I'm reading a book on writing by Anne Lamott, in which she said something that seems both profound and practical as well as just plain good. She said "Children need discipline every day. Children also need a break every day." (This is from memory, but the gist is right.) I like that philosophy.
The book is called "Bird by Bird." I think it's worth a look.
11/14/2005
11/02/2005
Shoulda Chose the Light Side
Sith Lords all have their moments of power and triumph, but in the end, we all know what happens -- an epic battle with a noble jedi, and another vacancy opens up on the Dark side. Time to take a new look at the short list in the Emperor’s little black book.
But every story has its cover ups. You probably figured that the story is not allways so “impressive.” So, on that note, I present:
The Inglorious History of Mediocre Sith Lords
aka The Runts of the Dark Side -- Let the Truth Be Known
Episode XIV -- Darth Moth
Given the rather boring but nontheless essential job of spying on the Jedi Temple, Darth Moth was known for his excellent camoflauge skills; but his unfortunate fascination with brilliant lights got the better of him one day as he was watching Yoda give a small group of younglings their first lightsaber lesson.
Now usually there would be no way for a Sith Lord to gain access to such a secret society.
Unfortunately for Darth Moth, little Anakin Skywalker had been given the job of closing all the windows carefully, but course he didn’t think such a mundane task was worthy of his best attention and he had left one open in his eagerness to stop by the video surveilance room and take a peek at Princess Amidalla before going to meditation class.
So You can imagine what happened, I’m sure. Small kids playing with new toys..I mean weapons. It was a little chaotic. Yoda was doing his best, but it took all his concentration just to keep his own head and little green limbs intact. When one little youngling took a particularly awkward swipe and hit the main support column holding up the roof, Yoda got a little distracted. Darth Moth made his move. In through the crack and onto the inside wall of the jedi temple. He could see a lot better inside. Maybe he could use this new vantage point to spy out some really devious plot of the Jedi council. At the very least, he would have a cool story to tell the other dark minded guys over a round of deathsticks back at the cantina.
Zoom! Vroom! Ksshhh!!! The little lightsaber wielding tykes went at it. Grappling and lunging, parrry thrust and ripost. Darth Moth was fascinated. He had to get closer, the light drew him. It called out to him “come closer...” He had never been good at controlling his feelings. He started to get angry. How come he hadn’t ever been trusted with a lightsabe at the Sith Lord Training School? He flew down and then...well. The rest is kind of messy, and a bit anticlimatic. Let’s just say, even George Lucas won’t be making a movie out of this story.
Next time, tune in for the short but sad tale of Darth Lugubrious the not-so-quick.
10/31/2005
O Great Pumpkin! Where are you?!
In the perenial favorite Charlie Brown Halloween special, Linus convinces his sweetheart Sally to skip "tricks or treats" in order to keep vigil in the pumkin patch waiting for the Great Pumkin. After Sally gets kissed by Snoopy she realizes her mistake and blows up in one of the best animated rants ever. Anyway....as she is leaving with the rest of the gang, Linus calls out, "*If* the Great Pumpkin comes, I'll put in a good word for you. If!? I meant "When!" I'm ruined...."
Aren't you glad you don't serve the Great Pumpkin? What a picky god. But, isn't that the way we feel sometimes. If I just do everything right, God will like me. Thankfully, the truth is so much more open for mistakes.
10/21/2005
Casual Friday
I rode my bike to school today. 20 minutes. Sweet. Almost didn't go. I was planning on getting up a little early, but then the alarm kept miraculously resetting for 10 or 20 minutes extra sleep. Old bad habit. Anyways, got up eventually, and then figured if I skipped my espresso (did I just write that?!)...I could probably make it on my bike without being late. I couldn't remember if it took 20 minutes or 40 minutes to make it (if you're thinking I can't estimate very well, remember it was early. The brain doesn't really get warmed up till about 9:30.) Well. Skipped the espresso. Pumped up the tires. Through some school clothes in my backpack and jumped on my bike (which has the very unfortunate name "Novara Expresso". Ugh!) The ride was beautiful, as usual, and I didn't get hit by a MACK Truck flying down Harbor towards Imperial. Got to school on time, changed, and discovered -- no belt. Crap. Shirt's not getting tucked in. Guess it's casual Friday.
G.K. Chesterton
"Men invent new ideals because they dare not attempt old ideals. They look forward with enthusiasm, because they are afraid to look back." - What's Wrong With The World, 1910
In the chapter from which this quote is taken, G.K. goes on to say that all the ancient peoples honored purity. But when people started living a pure life, they weren't so happy, so they fed them to the lions.
Many Christian ideals seem impossible, but how often do I REALLY try, before just giving up and going with the flow. It's so much easier, and the world definately supports me.
In the chapter from which this quote is taken, G.K. goes on to say that all the ancient peoples honored purity. But when people started living a pure life, they weren't so happy, so they fed them to the lions.
Many Christian ideals seem impossible, but how often do I REALLY try, before just giving up and going with the flow. It's so much easier, and the world definately supports me.
10/19/2005
Grandma's Blueberries
Across the aisle lies a dream,
wrapped in plastic, a little piece of lost paradise...
Blueberries.
Off the vine they tasted so sweet,
on hot earthy pungent afternoons of quiet fields,
Trees, shading a private pleasure.
I wonder if you went alone.
I wish I could go back there with you.
I bet you were a sweet girl.
Do you remember those days?
I don’t know if my vision is yours, but I imagine so.
And I hope that you can still smell the grass and sense that mysterious fresh joy that hangs in the air.
That quiet seems a long time ago, and if I
went back, only the fleeting memory of a moment could I hope to find. It’s lost to me.
But I bet you can fly back in an instant.
Over those hard memories tied on over the long years,
and I bet you can; fly back! and taste those blueberries, just like they were. And I bet you would love to share them now, as you look at that wrapped fruit.
I think I know what you meant when you told me that you wished heaven were like picking blueberries.
wrapped in plastic, a little piece of lost paradise...
Blueberries.
Off the vine they tasted so sweet,
on hot earthy pungent afternoons of quiet fields,
Trees, shading a private pleasure.
I wonder if you went alone.
I wish I could go back there with you.
I bet you were a sweet girl.
Do you remember those days?
I don’t know if my vision is yours, but I imagine so.
And I hope that you can still smell the grass and sense that mysterious fresh joy that hangs in the air.
That quiet seems a long time ago, and if I
went back, only the fleeting memory of a moment could I hope to find. It’s lost to me.
But I bet you can fly back in an instant.
Over those hard memories tied on over the long years,
and I bet you can; fly back! and taste those blueberries, just like they were. And I bet you would love to share them now, as you look at that wrapped fruit.
I think I know what you meant when you told me that you wished heaven were like picking blueberries.
10/16/2005
Making Unity Happen
Check out this article from Fr. Thomas Hopko on Orthodox Unity in America.
As usual, he cuts to the heart of the argument, and there is power in his words.
http://orthodoxytoday.org/articles5/HopkoUnity.php
Sorry. Haven't figured out how to enable my links to work. (dad)
As usual, he cuts to the heart of the argument, and there is power in his words.
http://orthodoxytoday.org/articles5/HopkoUnity.php
Sorry. Haven't figured out how to enable my links to work. (dad)
10/11/2005
What Makes a Fourth Grade Boy...
I know you all have been wondering. What makes a fourth grade boy chuckle and hahah in a deep way. Really it's very simple, as observed in my classroom after school today. What makes a fourth grade boy laugh, is just one simple phrase. Really, it's the idea that's important...
"Elmo eats Barney."
Say those simple words, and my fourth grade students are going to bust up. Guaranteed!
"Elmo eats Barney."
Say those simple words, and my fourth grade students are going to bust up. Guaranteed!
10/06/2005
I Would Like Some More...
Went and saw Oliver Twist last night. I thought it was cast very well. Oliver was super, as was the Artful Dodger. Ben Kingsley as Fagen was an obvious choice, and he put a lot into it. Something about him felt less believable than the rest, though. Maybe his beard. His portrayal certainly lent empathy to the character. Bill Sykes was scary strong and anything less would have been unforgivable. Dickens really does villlains well, better than heroes, I think. Nancy carried a fine balance of rough living with a kind heart.
It's been so many years since I've read the book, that I can't make any meaningful comparisons.
Overall, it was a superb retelling of the story, with a fine historical rendering in costumes, sets, and characters. It felt real. But after saying that, I still felt something was missing. I can't pin it down, but it just didn't feel like a Great! movie. It felt like a good movie. Maybe it was rushed, or maybe it was just a little too perfectly rustic. In the end, I'm glad I saw it once.
9/30/2005
The Ballad of Thistle Blink
View this clip on Vimeo
I just found a cool site called vimeo.com that lets anyone upload video files to the web for free. This clip is a short piece I did for Open House last year. It stars one of my classroom pets, an australian bearded dragon my students named Thistle Blink.
9/27/2005
The Brothers Grimm
It could have been one of the creepiest movies I've ever seen, if it didn't have Matt Damon. The big MD in a movie spells big time hokey. The movie was really inconsistent and disjointed, but it definately had its moments. Moments that drew you in, evoking wonder and fear, culminating in some pretty shockingly gruesome details. Overally, the movie created a world of powerful fears without any redemptive hope or grace. It did have the "required" happy ending. Makes sense as it was directed by Terry Gilliam.
The upside is that my interest is now peaked in the real Bros. Grimm. Two wild and crazy guys they were not! They sat at home day in and day out studying law, the German Language, writing dictionaries, and working for German unification. Oh, yeah...they also invited the middle class over to tell them all the stories that were told to them by their nannies and grandmas which they would write down and then edit in order to find (or some would say "craft") the "pure" German folk tradition. The Grimm's stylistic reworkings have become the formulas for what we look for in a fairy tale, but as a smart guy named Zipes says, they are definately "contaminations."
Compared to the Disney versions, the Grimm tales are definately darker and more gruesome. But, it seems that the two brothers, who were brought up Calvinst, actually toned down the original tales.
So far, I've only read three tales, but one scene from a story you will probably know sticks out. It's the one where the princess kisses the frog because he retrieved her golden bauble from the well. One kiss and the frog turns into a prince. Well, in the Grimm version, she doesn't kiss him. She gets sick of him after he has hung out with her all day, and she throws him against the wall in a fit of rage. A bit harsh, but it does lift the spell, and they live happily ever after.
The upside is that my interest is now peaked in the real Bros. Grimm. Two wild and crazy guys they were not! They sat at home day in and day out studying law, the German Language, writing dictionaries, and working for German unification. Oh, yeah...they also invited the middle class over to tell them all the stories that were told to them by their nannies and grandmas which they would write down and then edit in order to find (or some would say "craft") the "pure" German folk tradition. The Grimm's stylistic reworkings have become the formulas for what we look for in a fairy tale, but as a smart guy named Zipes says, they are definately "contaminations."
Compared to the Disney versions, the Grimm tales are definately darker and more gruesome. But, it seems that the two brothers, who were brought up Calvinst, actually toned down the original tales.
So far, I've only read three tales, but one scene from a story you will probably know sticks out. It's the one where the princess kisses the frog because he retrieved her golden bauble from the well. One kiss and the frog turns into a prince. Well, in the Grimm version, she doesn't kiss him. She gets sick of him after he has hung out with her all day, and she throws him against the wall in a fit of rage. A bit harsh, but it does lift the spell, and they live happily ever after.
Tuesday's Espresso Report
After just one more day and using just a slightly coarser grind (and maybe a bit higher temp. during the pour) my cup of Yemen this morning was much much better. Super full body (ton o' crema) and great flavors with a fine aftertaste. Can't wait till tomorrow.
9/26/2005
A Good Monday Morning
Woke up on time (before 5:30) with pleasant weekend memories.
Put on running shoes, dumped the garbage under the morning stars, and then drove to the trail and went running.
Came back for a first taste of newly roasted coffee -- Yemen Ismali (needs a day or two of rest, plus a different grind, not sure if it needs to be finer or more coarse)
Rocked out to some Kyuss grooves on the way to school.
Then found a sweet quote on my Einstein desk calendar:
"Pipe smoking contributes to a somewhat calm and objective judgment in all human affairs."
It's the smart man himself. It must be true. At least Gandalf would agree.
Put on running shoes, dumped the garbage under the morning stars, and then drove to the trail and went running.
Came back for a first taste of newly roasted coffee -- Yemen Ismali (needs a day or two of rest, plus a different grind, not sure if it needs to be finer or more coarse)
Rocked out to some Kyuss grooves on the way to school.
Then found a sweet quote on my Einstein desk calendar:
"Pipe smoking contributes to a somewhat calm and objective judgment in all human affairs."
It's the smart man himself. It must be true. At least Gandalf would agree.
9/22/2005
Neighborhood Quote of the Week
Overheard my neighbors last night, while out in my backyard.
"You have THREE seconds to come turn this computer off, or I'm pulling the plug from the wall! And, you KNOW that's what makes them never work again!"
Free entertainment, that's what I call it.
"You have THREE seconds to come turn this computer off, or I'm pulling the plug from the wall! And, you KNOW that's what makes them never work again!"
Free entertainment, that's what I call it.
9/19/2005
Powder into Jelly
Got up at 5:30 (definately need a shot o'brazillian fazenda before running) in order to go running at 6 with the Munkee in the neighborhood canyon (I love that I can say that in sunny La Habra).
Wore my new New Balance runners. Hope they make a difference. Can't really tell, yet.
The canyon is all dark and moody at the start, and then everything lighten's up by the time we get back to the.. [Geeze! Did you hear that thunder?! There is a rockin' cloud concert going on up in the sky right now.] ...car.
I was going to write more about running, but I cannot believe the rain and thunder that is coming down right now. It's fricken' September! What is that about?
Anyways...I guess the canyon's going to need a dry out, so it's back to the pavement, or better yet, back to sleeping in! Yessssss.
9/06/2005
He Knows his Stuff
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free.
Blackbird fly Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.
Blackbird fly Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise.
-(Beatles song probably everyone already knew about but me. My guitar teacher's teachin' it to me.)
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free.
Blackbird fly Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.
Blackbird fly Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
You were only waiting for this moment to arise.
-(Beatles song probably everyone already knew about but me. My guitar teacher's teachin' it to me.)
8/30/2005
Classical Guitar Can Kill You
I've been wanting to take guitar lessons again for something like 10 years, but I could never settle on a style. Should I continue with classical guitar, or take up with a slide blues guy, or just give up my soul and learn some horrid bubble gum pop series of chord progressions and sound like your local youth music minister. Ughhh...!
What I really wanted was a teacher who could interpret and work with the following rambling desires - I wanted to learn to be comfortable on the whole guitar (not just first position and the high e). I didn't want to be tied down to music like in normal classical lessons. I wanted to learn enough about the guitar to be comfortable in any style, and to feel free to noodle around on my own, play some familiar tunes, and eventually write my own stuff.
Well, today, 5 minutes into my first lesson with my new teacher -- I will call him "David" (because that's his name) -- I realised I had stumbled on to the best teacher possible -- because David is a recovering classical guitarist. He knows his stuff, having taken 6 years of classical guitar at CSUF (funny enough, we had the same teacher -- another David), but once he got out, he realised that classical guitar sucks...you can play all kinds of "esoteric" (as he put it) pieces of beauty that nobody knows (don't get me wrong -- I like listening to that myself now, and again) but you can't play anything else. Without that music, you're lost. You can't jam. You're in a musical prison.
Just like I felt. And, now I've found my key that's going to get me out of the music book and into improvisation. It's wierd how things work out like that sometimes. Now, I've got to go practice.
What I really wanted was a teacher who could interpret and work with the following rambling desires - I wanted to learn to be comfortable on the whole guitar (not just first position and the high e). I didn't want to be tied down to music like in normal classical lessons. I wanted to learn enough about the guitar to be comfortable in any style, and to feel free to noodle around on my own, play some familiar tunes, and eventually write my own stuff.
Well, today, 5 minutes into my first lesson with my new teacher -- I will call him "David" (because that's his name) -- I realised I had stumbled on to the best teacher possible -- because David is a recovering classical guitarist. He knows his stuff, having taken 6 years of classical guitar at CSUF (funny enough, we had the same teacher -- another David), but once he got out, he realised that classical guitar sucks...you can play all kinds of "esoteric" (as he put it) pieces of beauty that nobody knows (don't get me wrong -- I like listening to that myself now, and again) but you can't play anything else. Without that music, you're lost. You can't jam. You're in a musical prison.
Just like I felt. And, now I've found my key that's going to get me out of the music book and into improvisation. It's wierd how things work out like that sometimes. Now, I've got to go practice.
8/23/2005
Toasted Multicultural Treat
Toasted and buttered English Muffin
Russian Spicy Mustard
Feta Cheese
Whole Green Chile
Mmmmmm.......
Russian Spicy Mustard
Feta Cheese
Whole Green Chile
Mmmmmm.......
8/22/2005
Dubious Support for Teenage Marriage
One of the many odd bits of dialogue from Breaking Away, a movie about
a bicycle racing and growing up in a small college town.
A straggly haired boy in t-sirt and bell bottom slacks meets up with
his girlfriend on the stairs in front of the large granite courthouse:
Mooch: Hi! Sorry I’m late.
Nancy: You look nice.
Mooch: Your hair looks great! What do think they’re going to ask us?
Nancy: Well, nothing we can’t answer, I suppose.
Mooch: Wonder if I have to have a job.... to qualify?
Nancy: I don’t think so. I think it’s mostly blood and relatives that they’re interested in.
Mooch: Blood and relatives? Well, that’s great. I’ve got both of ‘em.
Nancy: Aww, fudge. You know what?
Mooch: No...what?
Nancy: I only brought four dollars.
Mooch: Huh, well it’s only five. I tell you what...we’ll go Dutch..
Nancy: On a marriage license?
Mooch: Sure, why not?
a bicycle racing and growing up in a small college town.
A straggly haired boy in t-sirt and bell bottom slacks meets up with
his girlfriend on the stairs in front of the large granite courthouse:
Mooch: Hi! Sorry I’m late.
Nancy: You look nice.
Mooch: Your hair looks great! What do think they’re going to ask us?
Nancy: Well, nothing we can’t answer, I suppose.
Mooch: Wonder if I have to have a job.... to qualify?
Nancy: I don’t think so. I think it’s mostly blood and relatives that they’re interested in.
Mooch: Blood and relatives? Well, that’s great. I’ve got both of ‘em.
Nancy: Aww, fudge. You know what?
Mooch: No...what?
Nancy: I only brought four dollars.
Mooch: Huh, well it’s only five. I tell you what...we’ll go Dutch..
Nancy: On a marriage license?
Mooch: Sure, why not?
8/12/2005
30,000 Steps
Gnarled trees surrounded by fields of manzanita stand and watch as hikers like my friend and me gasp out the final half mile on the trail to the summit of Mount San Antonio. I doubt that they have much sympathy. Their twisted tortured trunks and limbs give evidence of the fierce fighting that goes on each winter.
Four and a half hours gets you to the bald head of this tough old mountain where piles of rocks seem like a sweet place for a lie down and butterflies come to bless your acheivement.
The roasted almonds and animal crackers you brought seem a lot less tempting at 10,064 feet than they did down in your living room. The Dr. Pepper that you lugged up the trail tastes divine, even though it's been thoroughly warmed in your pack.
The air is thin up on top, and so you descend, giving back the elevation gained with sweat and struggle.
Vistas unimaginable down in the urban haze tempt you to stop, but the cool crystal mountain stream two miles down the trail sings a song that your feet can't ignore.
Back at the trail head, you might look up back towards the seemingly unreachable summit and wonder...were you really all the way up there?
Old Baldy has treasures in abundance, and he doesn't give them up for free; he exacts a demanding price. But he is faithful and will repay you efforts with deep blue skies, sweet air, and memories that will bring you back.
8/02/2005
7/28/2005
Yesssssss!
| You Are an Espresso |
 At your best, you are: straight shooting, ambitious, and energetic At your worst, you are: anxious and high strung You drink coffee when: anytime you're not sleeping Your caffeine addiction level: high |
6/29/2005
Gannet
oughtredgannet01
Originally uploaded by beniy_w.
Some of you know that I've been thinking about building a boat. Well, I've finally picked the design and ordered plans for Iain Oughtred's ~15' Sailing Dinghy "Gannet."
It's a sweet design, and hopefully when it's done, will also be a sweet ride.
I've got the woodworking thing down, but, now I need to learn to sew!
6/21/2005
Book Memmme
Finally!....Gosh.
Total Number of Books I've Owned:
It feels like a kabillion, but it's probably more like ~2000+
I got rid of half a kabillion books last summer at the Bookman in Orange and the La Habra Library.
Last Book I Bought:
I just ordered a book on Boat Building by the Gudgeoun (sp?) Brothers that emphasizes strip plank construction with epoxy. It seems to be a really cool cost effective way to build round hull shapes. Wood combined with epoxy has a stiffness to weight ration that way outdoes steel, aluminum and fiberglass.
Last Book I Read:
Hmmmm....I've been reading LOTR since Pascha. Before that, I had just finished The Count of Monte Cristo and Watership Down ?(Can't remember which one came last). The Count was a solid bit of reading, but I'm not into it like Chance. Maybe it's the translation. I am also continually dipping into books on boats and sailing.
5 Books that Mean a Lot to Me:
I'm with Chance on this one; you never really know about a book until you've read it more than once. A lot of these are repeats from other people's lists, but I guess that makes some sense.
1. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien have both been my constant companions since I was in fourth grade. I've read them both about once a year or so since then. I read The Hobbit to my fourth grade class every year, and I'm currently on my way again to Isengard with Gandalf and Theodan after the Battle of Helm's Deep. What keeps drawing me back? I know the story cold. I don't have anymore real questions to be answered. But, there is a beauty of place and culture and character that makes we want to repent and create more beauty in my own life. That's my key definition of a great piece of art.
2. The Silmarillion, also by JRRT, deserves it's own place on my list. It now lies at the top of my personal list of fictional works of art. The story of the creation and fall of the elves and of their dreams and their doom spans thousands of years all taking place ages before the events of LOTR and in a realm of Middle Earth that is now under the sea. Myth and piercingly beautiful english prose makes this worth reading again and again. (Plus, their are so many new names and places that the first reading is really just like a good stretch before the real marathon.)
3. Watership Down, I've already commented on in a previous post. Let's just say it's a kick ass read that doesn't get any less powerful the fifth or sixth time around.
4. The story of Ernest Shackelton and the Endurance. This real life adventure of trauma and heroism would be impossible to believe if it weren't true. Just one of the many amazing feats these men accomplished to reach safety after having their ship crushed by the grinding ice of the Weddell Sea near Antartica, is an open boat journey of 800 miles across one of the most treacherous oceans on the planet.
5. There are a ton of books that should probably go here, but right now Harry Potter has earned the right, because it's the one series of books that I'm ready to read all over again (this will be read number 4 or 5 I think). Why? I love the characters. I want to hang out with them again. It's that simple.
If the books on my shelves got together to fight their way onto this list, the one with the best chance (and it should probably go right below The Silmarillion) is Herman Melville's Moby Dick. BAM! This book packs a powerful vision and language that I can't find anywhere else. And it's hilarious! Over half the text is an exquisite rendering of the english language into a verbal weapon of wit. The first time I read it in high school, i didn't get more than the basic plot, and that was good stuff. When I read it again during my student teaching, the light came on, and I became a Melville apologist. I wish I could do him justice.
I'm defecting from the infection.
Total Number of Books I've Owned:
It feels like a kabillion, but it's probably more like ~2000+
I got rid of half a kabillion books last summer at the Bookman in Orange and the La Habra Library.
Last Book I Bought:
I just ordered a book on Boat Building by the Gudgeoun (sp?) Brothers that emphasizes strip plank construction with epoxy. It seems to be a really cool cost effective way to build round hull shapes. Wood combined with epoxy has a stiffness to weight ration that way outdoes steel, aluminum and fiberglass.
Last Book I Read:
Hmmmm....I've been reading LOTR since Pascha. Before that, I had just finished The Count of Monte Cristo and Watership Down ?(Can't remember which one came last). The Count was a solid bit of reading, but I'm not into it like Chance. Maybe it's the translation. I am also continually dipping into books on boats and sailing.
5 Books that Mean a Lot to Me:
I'm with Chance on this one; you never really know about a book until you've read it more than once. A lot of these are repeats from other people's lists, but I guess that makes some sense.
1. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien have both been my constant companions since I was in fourth grade. I've read them both about once a year or so since then. I read The Hobbit to my fourth grade class every year, and I'm currently on my way again to Isengard with Gandalf and Theodan after the Battle of Helm's Deep. What keeps drawing me back? I know the story cold. I don't have anymore real questions to be answered. But, there is a beauty of place and culture and character that makes we want to repent and create more beauty in my own life. That's my key definition of a great piece of art.
2. The Silmarillion, also by JRRT, deserves it's own place on my list. It now lies at the top of my personal list of fictional works of art. The story of the creation and fall of the elves and of their dreams and their doom spans thousands of years all taking place ages before the events of LOTR and in a realm of Middle Earth that is now under the sea. Myth and piercingly beautiful english prose makes this worth reading again and again. (Plus, their are so many new names and places that the first reading is really just like a good stretch before the real marathon.)
3. Watership Down, I've already commented on in a previous post. Let's just say it's a kick ass read that doesn't get any less powerful the fifth or sixth time around.
4. The story of Ernest Shackelton and the Endurance. This real life adventure of trauma and heroism would be impossible to believe if it weren't true. Just one of the many amazing feats these men accomplished to reach safety after having their ship crushed by the grinding ice of the Weddell Sea near Antartica, is an open boat journey of 800 miles across one of the most treacherous oceans on the planet.
5. There are a ton of books that should probably go here, but right now Harry Potter has earned the right, because it's the one series of books that I'm ready to read all over again (this will be read number 4 or 5 I think). Why? I love the characters. I want to hang out with them again. It's that simple.
If the books on my shelves got together to fight their way onto this list, the one with the best chance (and it should probably go right below The Silmarillion) is Herman Melville's Moby Dick. BAM! This book packs a powerful vision and language that I can't find anywhere else. And it's hilarious! Over half the text is an exquisite rendering of the english language into a verbal weapon of wit. The first time I read it in high school, i didn't get more than the basic plot, and that was good stuff. When I read it again during my student teaching, the light came on, and I became a Melville apologist. I wish I could do him justice.
I'm defecting from the infection.
5/17/2005
Best Recess Come Back of the Day
I was walking on the blacktop back to my classroom, and I overheard one little girl give the best playgound come back to another little girl that I've hear in a long time. You'll want to save this one for future personal defense in extreme circumstances:
"Well....at least I don't eat my boogers like you do!"
Girl can be so cold.
"Well....at least I don't eat my boogers like you do!"
Girl can be so cold.
5/13/2005
Kingdom of Heaven = Kung Fu Hustle
I went and saw the same movie twice last night.
On the surface, some might challenge that and say that I really saw two. And they would have some cause. Yes, the movie had two different names. Yes, they had completely different settings, characters, time periods, styles, and feelings. Even the plots were different.
In fact, it seems like Kingdom of Heaven, a story about the Crusades, and Kung Fu Hustle, a story about chinese gangsters and a peaceful slum called "Pig Sty" are total opposites, but I saw some striking similarities.
Most people have seen or at least heard about Kingdom of Heaven. On the other hand, Kung Fu Hustle, in Chinese, with English subtitles, is probably not coming to your local Target, and that's a shame. I like Kung Fu movies, and this is one of the most original takes on the genre I've seen yet. Kung Fu Hustle takes Crouching Tiger and Flying Daggers, adds a little Al Capone served Spaghetti Western Style, and shakes them up into a Kung Fu Power Jumbo that puts Chow Yun Fat to crying shame. The mid level fighters in this movie could take him and that Jade woman, and twist them into pretzels. Halfway through the movie, the idea of what you thought was really cool Kung Fu gets sent back to school for extra homework and returns like a mindblowing tsunami. In the end, the most dangerous Kung Fu Killer around, The Beast, gets worked by the Chosen One in a battle that really screams.
So how does this connect to Kingdom of Heaven? Well, I saw them both last night, and thought they would be totally different, but they weren't. In both stories, the main Hero and Villain end up respecting each other. They finally find worthy opponents. The real antogonists are side characters who end up humilated and unimportant. Respecting and understanding virtue in their enemies leads to peace in both movies.
They also both glorify the common man and his ability to rise to power and respect through talent rather than rank or title.
I hope people go to see (or rent) Kung Fu Hustle. But if you do, you'll never look at your landlady the same again.
On the surface, some might challenge that and say that I really saw two. And they would have some cause. Yes, the movie had two different names. Yes, they had completely different settings, characters, time periods, styles, and feelings. Even the plots were different.
In fact, it seems like Kingdom of Heaven, a story about the Crusades, and Kung Fu Hustle, a story about chinese gangsters and a peaceful slum called "Pig Sty" are total opposites, but I saw some striking similarities.
Most people have seen or at least heard about Kingdom of Heaven. On the other hand, Kung Fu Hustle, in Chinese, with English subtitles, is probably not coming to your local Target, and that's a shame. I like Kung Fu movies, and this is one of the most original takes on the genre I've seen yet. Kung Fu Hustle takes Crouching Tiger and Flying Daggers, adds a little Al Capone served Spaghetti Western Style, and shakes them up into a Kung Fu Power Jumbo that puts Chow Yun Fat to crying shame. The mid level fighters in this movie could take him and that Jade woman, and twist them into pretzels. Halfway through the movie, the idea of what you thought was really cool Kung Fu gets sent back to school for extra homework and returns like a mindblowing tsunami. In the end, the most dangerous Kung Fu Killer around, The Beast, gets worked by the Chosen One in a battle that really screams.
So how does this connect to Kingdom of Heaven? Well, I saw them both last night, and thought they would be totally different, but they weren't. In both stories, the main Hero and Villain end up respecting each other. They finally find worthy opponents. The real antogonists are side characters who end up humilated and unimportant. Respecting and understanding virtue in their enemies leads to peace in both movies.
They also both glorify the common man and his ability to rise to power and respect through talent rather than rank or title.
I hope people go to see (or rent) Kung Fu Hustle. But if you do, you'll never look at your landlady the same again.
5/11/2005
All Dressed Up
I'm all dressed up and I've got nowhere to go.
That's because tonight is Open House, and I'm
hiding out in my classroom.
All the parents and students are outside
eating the traditional Carl's Jr. meal from
a cool traveling Carl's Kitchen.
I'm no mingler, and I've still got 40 minutes
before my students and parents get official
access into our room to check out all their
stuff. I'm nervous.
It's my fifth Open House, and they've all gone
off smashingly, but there's always a bit
of a nervous buzz in my stomach until everything
gets under way.
Getting under way means turning on the tube!
Classroom movies are the key to Open House success!
Once the tv is on, all eyes are glued, and then
I'm just a bystander. 60 minutes later they all go home,
and I'm free. Another year gone. School's really over
after Tonight. Everything else is gravy. Busy, crazy gravy
pouring down in rivers (there is still SO much to do this
year: design and build sets, build crystal radios, and Gold Rush Day
to name just a few.) but it's gravy nonetheless.
Summer, here we come!
That's because tonight is Open House, and I'm
hiding out in my classroom.
All the parents and students are outside
eating the traditional Carl's Jr. meal from
a cool traveling Carl's Kitchen.
I'm no mingler, and I've still got 40 minutes
before my students and parents get official
access into our room to check out all their
stuff. I'm nervous.
It's my fifth Open House, and they've all gone
off smashingly, but there's always a bit
of a nervous buzz in my stomach until everything
gets under way.
Getting under way means turning on the tube!
Classroom movies are the key to Open House success!
Once the tv is on, all eyes are glued, and then
I'm just a bystander. 60 minutes later they all go home,
and I'm free. Another year gone. School's really over
after Tonight. Everything else is gravy. Busy, crazy gravy
pouring down in rivers (there is still SO much to do this
year: design and build sets, build crystal radios, and Gold Rush Day
to name just a few.) but it's gravy nonetheless.
Summer, here we come!
5/07/2005
A Renewed Hunger
During Lent, sometimes I look forward to that first McDonald's Sausage Biscuit on Sunday morning. But, during Bright Week, the food doesn't even come close to giving what I really want now.
After Lent, I want something different. I've been given a new hunger that I didn't feel before. Maybe it was asleep. Maybe I suppressed it. But after Holy Week and Pascha, it wakes and rises up and calls for satisfaction. I want to go to church, because that's where I get what I need. But, I'm forced to go to school, to teach, to shop at Albertson's. My chosen life pulls me away from what I need, and unless I do something, I'm afraid that like every other year, this new hunger will fade away again untill it's gone, and I need to go through lent and all that work, just to wake up again. Sometimes it's not ok to go back to sleep.
After Lent, I want something different. I've been given a new hunger that I didn't feel before. Maybe it was asleep. Maybe I suppressed it. But after Holy Week and Pascha, it wakes and rises up and calls for satisfaction. I want to go to church, because that's where I get what I need. But, I'm forced to go to school, to teach, to shop at Albertson's. My chosen life pulls me away from what I need, and unless I do something, I'm afraid that like every other year, this new hunger will fade away again untill it's gone, and I need to go through lent and all that work, just to wake up again. Sometimes it's not ok to go back to sleep.
4/26/2005
Running
Running in the morning is good.
Running in the morning works my legs.
It works my lungs.
My heart.
It works my laziness,
when I don't want to get out of bed.
Running makes orange juice taste better.
Running is super darn fine.
Running in the morning works my legs.
It works my lungs.
My heart.
It works my laziness,
when I don't want to get out of bed.
Running makes orange juice taste better.
Running is super darn fine.
Running
Running in the morning is good.
Running in the morning works my legs.
It works my lungs.
My heart.
It works my laziness,
when I don't want to get out of bed.
Running makes orange juice taste better.
Running is super darn fine.
Running in the morning works my legs.
It works my lungs.
My heart.
It works my laziness,
when I don't want to get out of bed.
Running makes orange juice taste better.
Running is super darn fine.
4/19/2005
The Playground
The playground is large.
Two trees dance in the wind.
The twisted grey trunks climb into the sky speckled with orange peeling bark.
Sand covers the ground.
Two trees dance in the wind.
Swaying masses of green leaves throw speckled grey shadows.
Sand covers the ground.
Red bars look like a fire truck.
Swaying masses of green leaves throw speckled grey shadows.
Ghost leaves swim in unison over the sand like a school of silver fish.
Red bars look like a fire truck.
Black rubber tires sit frozen on the ground.
Ghost leaves swim in unison over the sand like a school of silver fish.
Children glide over little waves of sand.
Black rubber tires sit frozen on the ground.
They dream of being free.
Children glide over little waves of sand.
They climb and swing and slide,
They dream of being free.
Children are attached to the playground.
They climb and swing and slide.
Yellow monkey bars stand next to a sliding pole.
Children are attached to the playground.
It takes so long to grow up.
Yellow monkey bars stand next to a sliding pole.
The twisted grey trunks climb into the sky speckled with orange peeling bark.
It takes so long to grow up.
The playground is large.
Two trees dance in the wind.
The twisted grey trunks climb into the sky speckled with orange peeling bark.
Sand covers the ground.
Two trees dance in the wind.
Swaying masses of green leaves throw speckled grey shadows.
Sand covers the ground.
Red bars look like a fire truck.
Swaying masses of green leaves throw speckled grey shadows.
Ghost leaves swim in unison over the sand like a school of silver fish.
Red bars look like a fire truck.
Black rubber tires sit frozen on the ground.
Ghost leaves swim in unison over the sand like a school of silver fish.
Children glide over little waves of sand.
Black rubber tires sit frozen on the ground.
They dream of being free.
Children glide over little waves of sand.
They climb and swing and slide,
They dream of being free.
Children are attached to the playground.
They climb and swing and slide.
Yellow monkey bars stand next to a sliding pole.
Children are attached to the playground.
It takes so long to grow up.
Yellow monkey bars stand next to a sliding pole.
The twisted grey trunks climb into the sky speckled with orange peeling bark.
It takes so long to grow up.
The playground is large.
4/05/2005
Lenten Cookbooks
At some point during the fast, most people have occaision to check out or think about those Lenten Cookbooks up on the shelf. The shelf may be in your kitchen or in your church bookstore, but one thing is always the same. They are always exotic. Recipes include weird sounding words like pirog or babganoush. And, hey. That's ok with me. I'm open to new things (really, they're so useful during lent that they don't really feel exotic anymore, anyway.) But, sometimes, a person just wants some home food.
That's why I've decided to make my own lenten cook book. I will call it -- "Lent: Orange County Style."
Here are a couple of possible entries that I might include:
1. "Vegetarian Burritos"
Step One:
Drive to Taco Bell
Step Two:
Say "No, thanks" when the kind tape recorded voice offers you some evil bacon and sour cream temptation of the week.
Step Three:
When ordering, say exactly these words (add lib at your own risk)
"I would like two bean and cheese burritos with green sauce, no cheese."
You may substitute "one" for "two", or "red" for "green", but whatever you do, don't just ask for a "burrito."
If you feel lucky, ask for a side of chips, but usually, you have to end up ordering the "nachos" and tossing that cup of yellow orange petroleum distilate they try to pass off as cheese, and which you should get merit points for eating without a court order.
Best eaten on the way home from a late night service.
2. "Bean and Rice Burrito"
Step One: Drive to El Pollo Loco (wear nose plugs unless you are a year round vegetarian type)
Step Two: Order a # 6 BRC Burrito (Beans, Rice, Cheese) with guacamole inside, no cheese.
Step Three: Add yummy salsa on the side.
3. This one, I like to call: "Variations on a Theme"
Step One: Drive to Jack-in-the-Box
Step Two: When ordering, say "Can you give me directions to the nearest Taco Bell?"
That's why I've decided to make my own lenten cook book. I will call it -- "Lent: Orange County Style."
Here are a couple of possible entries that I might include:
1. "Vegetarian Burritos"
Step One:
Drive to Taco Bell
Step Two:
Say "No, thanks" when the kind tape recorded voice offers you some evil bacon and sour cream temptation of the week.
Step Three:
When ordering, say exactly these words (add lib at your own risk)
"I would like two bean and cheese burritos with green sauce, no cheese."
You may substitute "one" for "two", or "red" for "green", but whatever you do, don't just ask for a "burrito."
If you feel lucky, ask for a side of chips, but usually, you have to end up ordering the "nachos" and tossing that cup of yellow orange petroleum distilate they try to pass off as cheese, and which you should get merit points for eating without a court order.
Best eaten on the way home from a late night service.
2. "Bean and Rice Burrito"
Step One: Drive to El Pollo Loco (wear nose plugs unless you are a year round vegetarian type)
Step Two: Order a # 6 BRC Burrito (Beans, Rice, Cheese) with guacamole inside, no cheese.
Step Three: Add yummy salsa on the side.
3. This one, I like to call: "Variations on a Theme"
Step One: Drive to Jack-in-the-Box
Step Two: When ordering, say "Can you give me directions to the nearest Taco Bell?"
3/11/2005
A Book Worth Reading Again
Some books stay alive and provide what's neededtime and time again.
Watership Down is such a book.
It being one of my favorites from my childhood and again in later years, I had wanted to read it to my classes over the years, but was always reticent.
First of all, the language and style is advanced for fourth graders. Words like "mustlidae" pop up all the time giving Webster a run for his money (the college edition didn't have it, but the unabridged did.)
More importantly, the book has themes and content that are pretty heavy and sometimes dark: death, violence, tyranny, freedom, elitism, and nihilism, true leadership, bravery and sacrifice. It is tragic and adventurous, soft and wildly threatening. And this book is about rabbits. Chocolate Easter Rabbits and
Little Bunny Foo Foo need not apply.
Instead, the reader is given Hazel - the inexperienced leader. Fiver the prophet. Bigwig - strong, blunt, but fearless and true. There comes Kehaar - a seagul with a sailor's mouth who flies like lightening out of the thunderous clouds to save the day.
And, there is General Woundwart. One of my personal picks of baddest of the bad, and not "bad meaning, bad, but bad meaning good" Though he is a tyrant, the author gives him depth and his powerful menace provoke not only terror, but a true admiration and respect for a soul on fire and without fear.
So, I finally am reading this book to my class, and they, to their credit, are loving it. And even though I have read it myself about 3 or 4 times, I still have to read ahead in the evenings, and only put it down again with a sigh.
Watership Down is such a book.
It being one of my favorites from my childhood and again in later years, I had wanted to read it to my classes over the years, but was always reticent.
First of all, the language and style is advanced for fourth graders. Words like "mustlidae" pop up all the time giving Webster a run for his money (the college edition didn't have it, but the unabridged did.)
More importantly, the book has themes and content that are pretty heavy and sometimes dark: death, violence, tyranny, freedom, elitism, and nihilism, true leadership, bravery and sacrifice. It is tragic and adventurous, soft and wildly threatening. And this book is about rabbits. Chocolate Easter Rabbits and
Little Bunny Foo Foo need not apply.
Instead, the reader is given Hazel - the inexperienced leader. Fiver the prophet. Bigwig - strong, blunt, but fearless and true. There comes Kehaar - a seagul with a sailor's mouth who flies like lightening out of the thunderous clouds to save the day.
And, there is General Woundwart. One of my personal picks of baddest of the bad, and not "bad meaning, bad, but bad meaning good" Though he is a tyrant, the author gives him depth and his powerful menace provoke not only terror, but a true admiration and respect for a soul on fire and without fear.
So, I finally am reading this book to my class, and they, to their credit, are loving it. And even though I have read it myself about 3 or 4 times, I still have to read ahead in the evenings, and only put it down again with a sigh.
3/09/2005
Something Lenten This Way Comes
In my desk calendar of daily quotes from Mr. e=mc squared himself,
he says:
"I admit that thoughts influence the body."
The converse also seems true. The body influences the thoughts,
and I'm looking forward to the church's helpful encouragement
of my good thoughts by the coming fast.
Yes, there's the hunger (actually, not really as often as I imagine) and
the tiredness. But, more importantly, with the fast comes a sense
of lightness, clarity, and sometimes joy.
Lately, after three weeks of preemptive "make-up work" for
what I'm soon to be missing, my body is most often telling me to take a nap.
Maybe today I'll take a walk instead.
he says:
"I admit that thoughts influence the body."
The converse also seems true. The body influences the thoughts,
and I'm looking forward to the church's helpful encouragement
of my good thoughts by the coming fast.
Yes, there's the hunger (actually, not really as often as I imagine) and
the tiredness. But, more importantly, with the fast comes a sense
of lightness, clarity, and sometimes joy.
Lately, after three weeks of preemptive "make-up work" for
what I'm soon to be missing, my body is most often telling me to take a nap.
Maybe today I'll take a walk instead.
2/28/2005
Trouble Counting at Mickey D's
This is in honor of Sean...
Taco Bell employees must be where it's at! Because the other
day at McDonalds, the hired help just weren't up to their normal
"High Level" of proficiency.
I drove my silver saturn up to the speaker menu-phone.
Hired Help: Hi! May I take your order?
Me: Yes. I would like a vanilla ice cream cone, please.
HH: That will be 98 cents at the second window.
Me: Thanks!
As I waited in line, I , Mr. Preparedness, sorted through my spare change gathering
exactly the right amount -- 98 cents precisely in quarters, nickels and dimes, with 3 pennies
to make it just right. I was so proud of myself.
Meanwhile, I had finally reached the window. I quickly began this high level financial transaction
by handing over my change. They accepted. I waited for my ice cream.
Hired Help: I need twelve more cents, sir.
Me: What?
HH: The total is $1.08, and you only gave me 98 cents.
Me: Ok....
(Being startled, I wondered if maybe I had forgot the tax. Then I recovered.)
Me: Wait!? No way can an 85 cent cone come out to $1.08!
HH: Um.....(quick conference with manager) Ok. That will be 98 cents please.
Me: Um... I already gave you my money.
HH: Oh. Ok. Here's your cone.
They handed over a nice cold creamy vanilla Ice Cream cone. I have to admit. It looked good. But, there was no napkin, and while I like the taste of vanilla even if my mustache is the plate, I do have some pride. (Well, not really, but my car is messy enough.)
Me: Could I please have a napkin?
The hired help then proceeds to hand me a stack o' napkins about and inch thick, probably thinking that by giving such a boon, I could sell off the excess, invest the money in a high interest stock, and reap untold profits.
His glare clearly showed his envy at my future life of leisure.
I drove off wiping the excess vanilla yumminess from my beard.
Another fine piece of evidence towards the resources and stability of our fine nation.
Taco Bell employees must be where it's at! Because the other
day at McDonalds, the hired help just weren't up to their normal
"High Level" of proficiency.
I drove my silver saturn up to the speaker menu-phone.
Hired Help: Hi! May I take your order?
Me: Yes. I would like a vanilla ice cream cone, please.
HH: That will be 98 cents at the second window.
Me: Thanks!
As I waited in line, I , Mr. Preparedness, sorted through my spare change gathering
exactly the right amount -- 98 cents precisely in quarters, nickels and dimes, with 3 pennies
to make it just right. I was so proud of myself.
Meanwhile, I had finally reached the window. I quickly began this high level financial transaction
by handing over my change. They accepted. I waited for my ice cream.
Hired Help: I need twelve more cents, sir.
Me: What?
HH: The total is $1.08, and you only gave me 98 cents.
Me: Ok....
(Being startled, I wondered if maybe I had forgot the tax. Then I recovered.)
Me: Wait!? No way can an 85 cent cone come out to $1.08!
HH: Um.....(quick conference with manager) Ok. That will be 98 cents please.
Me: Um... I already gave you my money.
HH: Oh. Ok. Here's your cone.
They handed over a nice cold creamy vanilla Ice Cream cone. I have to admit. It looked good. But, there was no napkin, and while I like the taste of vanilla even if my mustache is the plate, I do have some pride. (Well, not really, but my car is messy enough.)
Me: Could I please have a napkin?
The hired help then proceeds to hand me a stack o' napkins about and inch thick, probably thinking that by giving such a boon, I could sell off the excess, invest the money in a high interest stock, and reap untold profits.
His glare clearly showed his envy at my future life of leisure.
I drove off wiping the excess vanilla yumminess from my beard.
Another fine piece of evidence towards the resources and stability of our fine nation.
2/17/2005
Stairway to Heaven
Quing up just after 5:00pm onto the parking lot known as Harbor Blvd.,
I popped in my new CD - Led Zepplin's greated hits.
The simple sounds of an acoustic guitar and a group of recorders
washed my heart clean of the busy duldrums collected after an hour or
two of driving around doing errands.
Not all music is like this. But some pieces just make me stop and listen,
and after I'm done, I'm in a better place than before.
Books can be like that, too. Like Lord of the Rings. Why have I read this
same story over and over (something like 20 times). I know what's going to
happen. But I feel cleansed by traveling with these characters and
going through the emotions and events in the story.
I want to collect these things in my life, and make a list -- A list that
I can go back to when in need of a break.
What music and literature does this kind of thing in your life?
I would love to know.
I popped in my new CD - Led Zepplin's greated hits.
The simple sounds of an acoustic guitar and a group of recorders
washed my heart clean of the busy duldrums collected after an hour or
two of driving around doing errands.
Not all music is like this. But some pieces just make me stop and listen,
and after I'm done, I'm in a better place than before.
Books can be like that, too. Like Lord of the Rings. Why have I read this
same story over and over (something like 20 times). I know what's going to
happen. But I feel cleansed by traveling with these characters and
going through the emotions and events in the story.
I want to collect these things in my life, and make a list -- A list that
I can go back to when in need of a break.
What music and literature does this kind of thing in your life?
I would love to know.
2/02/2005
Here's my list of current hobbies or obsessions:
-building a sailboat
-planning what new old car to buy when I sell my saturn
-building a rat cage
-finding a good source for fancy rats (ie local breeder who is not a FETA Freak!)
-building a new terrarium for my bearded dragon
-finding the motivation to ride my bicycles to work: one regular ten speed, and the other is a recumbent
-reading The Count of Monte Cristo
-finding the motivation to grade papers instead of reading The Count of Monte Cristo
-Reading "Eat the Rich", a fun overview of economics by PJ O'Rourke.
-finding the motivation to unpack my new breadmaker and read the instructions
-not spending my extra money on food and things so that I can spend it on sailing and boats
-waiting for my first sailing class to start (5 saturdays starting Feb. 26)
-remembering at the oddest moments, like while reading the six psalms in the middle of church, or like right now, that I have to go to the DMV and renew my license or I'll be taking the bus down to the OC Sailing Center in two weeks!
-hoping I'll find my glasses so that I won't fail my eye exam.
-planning what new old car to buy when I sell my saturn
-building a rat cage
-finding a good source for fancy rats (ie local breeder who is not a FETA Freak!)
-building a new terrarium for my bearded dragon
-finding the motivation to ride my bicycles to work: one regular ten speed, and the other is a recumbent
-reading The Count of Monte Cristo
-finding the motivation to grade papers instead of reading The Count of Monte Cristo
-Reading "Eat the Rich", a fun overview of economics by PJ O'Rourke.
-finding the motivation to unpack my new breadmaker and read the instructions
-not spending my extra money on food and things so that I can spend it on sailing and boats
-waiting for my first sailing class to start (5 saturdays starting Feb. 26)
-remembering at the oddest moments, like while reading the six psalms in the middle of church, or like right now, that I have to go to the DMV and renew my license or I'll be taking the bus down to the OC Sailing Center in two weeks!
-hoping I'll find my glasses so that I won't fail my eye exam.
2/01/2005
More Quotes
"The monotony of a quiet life
stimulates the creative mind."
"Most teachers waste their time
asking questions that are intended
to discover what a pupil does not know,
whereas the true art of questioning
is to discover what the pupil does
know or is capable of knowing."
-Albert Einstein
stimulates the creative mind."
"Most teachers waste their time
asking questions that are intended
to discover what a pupil does not know,
whereas the true art of questioning
is to discover what the pupil does
know or is capable of knowing."
-Albert Einstein
1/18/2005
California Explorers
As a schoolteacher, my favorite unit is definately the Exploration of California.
Most of the exploration was done by the Spanish
(actually, mostly by Portuguese working for Spain)
and though I have nothing against them as a people, they were a sad sorry lot of
mediocrity.
While not doing a super fine job of exploring California, (they didn't discover the gold, and they only discovered the gigantic bay of San Francisco at the very end, and then only by series of mistakes), their history provides some material for a few hearty laughs (if like me, you have a taste for irony).
So if I've peaked your interest, tune in soon, same bat time (ie whenever I feel like it) ,
same bat blog, when I will discourse on the tragic career of that over the hill, wanna be bad boy,
Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the First European to set foot in San Diego, California.
Most of the exploration was done by the Spanish
(actually, mostly by Portuguese working for Spain)
and though I have nothing against them as a people, they were a sad sorry lot of
mediocrity.
While not doing a super fine job of exploring California, (they didn't discover the gold, and they only discovered the gigantic bay of San Francisco at the very end, and then only by series of mistakes), their history provides some material for a few hearty laughs (if like me, you have a taste for irony).
So if I've peaked your interest, tune in soon, same bat time (ie whenever I feel like it) ,
same bat blog, when I will discourse on the tragic career of that over the hill, wanna be bad boy,
Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the First European to set foot in San Diego, California.
1/14/2005
Poppin' Altoids
If I had a band I'd name it the
Poppin' Altoids.
They'd be mostly electronica (cause you just need a keyboard and a recorder)
with depeche mode influences,
But funny. Kind of like a porche
that chews bubble gum. Pop!
And my band would be curiously strong,
with a refreshing aftertaste.
Once you listen, either you'd hate the groove,
or you would keep poppin'
that cd onto track 5 for
one more taste of
Wintergreen.
Poppin' Altoids.
They'd be mostly electronica (cause you just need a keyboard and a recorder)
with depeche mode influences,
But funny. Kind of like a porche
that chews bubble gum. Pop!
And my band would be curiously strong,
with a refreshing aftertaste.
Once you listen, either you'd hate the groove,
or you would keep poppin'
that cd onto track 5 for
one more taste of
Wintergreen.
1/13/2005
Max
So, after two -three weeks of contiual rain, I was sure
that Max the alley cat was dead.
But, this morning there he was, curled up
under the bushes in my back yard.
He didn't move at first, even when I dumped out
a can of mystery beef special, but after I walked back and
closed the gate, up he got and sniffed his way
over to the food dish. Maybe just a bit slower
than before.
But, what can you say? That's still pretty good
after 20 days out in the rain.
I wish I knew where he goes when it's
wet outside. It's got to be a great
hiding place.
that Max the alley cat was dead.
But, this morning there he was, curled up
under the bushes in my back yard.
He didn't move at first, even when I dumped out
a can of mystery beef special, but after I walked back and
closed the gate, up he got and sniffed his way
over to the food dish. Maybe just a bit slower
than before.
But, what can you say? That's still pretty good
after 20 days out in the rain.
I wish I knew where he goes when it's
wet outside. It's got to be a great
hiding place.
1/10/2005
Your MOM goes to College!
Current movie watching list:
Napoleon Dynamite ****
Snatch ****
Finding Neverland ****
Lemony Snicket... *** (Credits get ****)
Life Aquatic *** 1/2
Ocean's 12 *** ( I could watch these guys pick their
respective noses while waiting for new scripts and be
quite content. I guess I'm easily pleased.)
On the agenda:
King of the Hill Season 3 (I'm skipping season I and 2 because they weren't on sale at Target.)
Once upon a Time in the West
The Godfather (I'm probablly the only geek who hasn't seen this movie, yet.)
Napoleon Dynamite
Current music cue:
The Stranglers
Soundtrack to Cold Mountain
The new Elliot Smith CD
Innocence Mission
Soundtrack to Snatch
Soundtrack to Amelie
Kelly Joe Phelps
Music that Inspired the X Files
I don't like Reggae. I love it. Anyone know any good albums or artists other than the BOB? I know about
him already.
Napoleon Dynamite ****
Snatch ****
Finding Neverland ****
Lemony Snicket... *** (Credits get ****)
Life Aquatic *** 1/2
Ocean's 12 *** ( I could watch these guys pick their
respective noses while waiting for new scripts and be
quite content. I guess I'm easily pleased.)
On the agenda:
King of the Hill Season 3 (I'm skipping season I and 2 because they weren't on sale at Target.)
Once upon a Time in the West
The Godfather (I'm probablly the only geek who hasn't seen this movie, yet.)
Napoleon Dynamite
Current music cue:
The Stranglers
Soundtrack to Cold Mountain
The new Elliot Smith CD
Innocence Mission
Soundtrack to Snatch
Soundtrack to Amelie
Kelly Joe Phelps
Music that Inspired the X Files
I don't like Reggae. I love it. Anyone know any good albums or artists other than the BOB? I know about
him already.
When in Blog Limbo....Quote
"I have no special talents.
I am only passionately curious."
-Albert Einstein
I am only passionately curious."
-Albert Einstein
1/06/2005
Tea for Two
This is from the packaging of
this morning's required stimulant:
I shall be a cloud,
you the moon,
and this our tea
Numi
Monkey King
Jasmine Tea
Despite winning today's award for
cheesiest, over the top writing,
it made a pretty fine cup.
this morning's required stimulant:
I shall be a cloud,
you the moon,
and this our tea
Numi
Monkey King
Jasmine Tea
Despite winning today's award for
cheesiest, over the top writing,
it made a pretty fine cup.
1/04/2005
Clint Quote
"Hell with them fellas.
Buzzards gotta eat,
same as worms."
-from The Outlaw Josey Wales
Buzzards gotta eat,
same as worms."
-from The Outlaw Josey Wales
12/17/2004
The Holidays
It's Friday and school is out. The kids are gone.
It's time to pack up.
Two weeks.
Nativity.
New Years.
Maybe a road trip.
Gotta clean up the house.
Gotta apply for Seminary.
Gotta get outside.
Probably won't be blogging till after one-one-O-five.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the
Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee."
"Thy sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon
give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light,
and thy God thy glory."
-Isaiah
It's time to pack up.
Two weeks.
Nativity.
New Years.
Maybe a road trip.
Gotta clean up the house.
Gotta apply for Seminary.
Gotta get outside.
Probably won't be blogging till after one-one-O-five.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
"For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the
Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee."
"Thy sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon
give light unto thee: but the Lord shall be unto thee an everlasting light,
and thy God thy glory."
-Isaiah
12/09/2004
5:22 a.m.
It's always amazes how many people are awake at 5:00 a.m.
And they're not just awake, the ones I notice. They're driving
cars...lots of them.
You'd think their might be one or two, but this morning
as I was walking up Harbor Blvd, taking a morning stroll,
piles of cars came streaming down after the light on Whittier
turned green. What kind of job makes you do that? I need to know
so that I never apply by mistake.
Yet, despite my own shock at others' ability to get up in the dark,
I...Beniy Waisanen...Mr. Sleep in just five more minutes for an entire
hour and a half on a regular basis, was up this morning at not just at 5:22 am.
I was up earlier than that. I was up at 5:00 am and an hour before that, too.
In fact I never went to bed last night at all, which is why I am insanely
posting a blog instead of trying to catch another 5 minutes.
There is WAY too much caffeine coursing through my body for
that option!
Staying up all night is something everyone should do at least once.
It's a freeing experience.
And...my report cards are finally done, too!
Now, I wonder how those two things fit together?
And they're not just awake, the ones I notice. They're driving
cars...lots of them.
You'd think their might be one or two, but this morning
as I was walking up Harbor Blvd, taking a morning stroll,
piles of cars came streaming down after the light on Whittier
turned green. What kind of job makes you do that? I need to know
so that I never apply by mistake.
Yet, despite my own shock at others' ability to get up in the dark,
I...Beniy Waisanen...Mr. Sleep in just five more minutes for an entire
hour and a half on a regular basis, was up this morning at not just at 5:22 am.
I was up earlier than that. I was up at 5:00 am and an hour before that, too.
In fact I never went to bed last night at all, which is why I am insanely
posting a blog instead of trying to catch another 5 minutes.
There is WAY too much caffeine coursing through my body for
that option!
Staying up all night is something everyone should do at least once.
It's a freeing experience.
And...my report cards are finally done, too!
Now, I wonder how those two things fit together?
11/29/2004
Powder Canyon
I've been hiking in them-there-hills lately, specifically
the hills called "Powder Canyon" located between the 60 freeway and my house.
Considering the fact that I/We live in a burgeoning megalopolis
it's quite suprising to find a place where one can look in all directions
and see nothing but blue sky, grassy hills, and the local wildlife
that has yet to abandon our concrete wasteland.
Walking the trails these past few days has been
an invigorating experience. The air is fresh and flows down
from skies on the verge of sunset; misty grey with blushes of pink
in between perfect powder blue near the horizon and a pale cool grey that
reaches high above the trees. These aerial watercolors find their own natural frames
in the local trees that line the meandering paths which lead the wandering traveler past a
winding creek, ascend soft rounded hills, and then descend again into new
hidden spaces alive with smells of the moist earth. Birds sing their songs
of a beautiful world, ants wander close to home; a lone black beetle
walks slowly across the path.
Monumental power lines paint a new picture in abstact as they stretch in parralel across the sky
supported by benevolent sentinel towers that keep a silent unending vigil.
Mud cakes to the soles of my shoes as I walk after the past rain.
As I return to my car, I stop next to the curb. Cakes of mud give evidence
that I am not the only visitor to have come this way. I scrape off my shoes,
one by one, and get into my car.
As I drive home, my thoughts are more in balance, and the
heater feels really nice.
the hills called "Powder Canyon" located between the 60 freeway and my house.
Considering the fact that I/We live in a burgeoning megalopolis
it's quite suprising to find a place where one can look in all directions
and see nothing but blue sky, grassy hills, and the local wildlife
that has yet to abandon our concrete wasteland.
Walking the trails these past few days has been
an invigorating experience. The air is fresh and flows down
from skies on the verge of sunset; misty grey with blushes of pink
in between perfect powder blue near the horizon and a pale cool grey that
reaches high above the trees. These aerial watercolors find their own natural frames
in the local trees that line the meandering paths which lead the wandering traveler past a
winding creek, ascend soft rounded hills, and then descend again into new
hidden spaces alive with smells of the moist earth. Birds sing their songs
of a beautiful world, ants wander close to home; a lone black beetle
walks slowly across the path.
Monumental power lines paint a new picture in abstact as they stretch in parralel across the sky
supported by benevolent sentinel towers that keep a silent unending vigil.
Mud cakes to the soles of my shoes as I walk after the past rain.
As I return to my car, I stop next to the curb. Cakes of mud give evidence
that I am not the only visitor to have come this way. I scrape off my shoes,
one by one, and get into my car.
As I drive home, my thoughts are more in balance, and the
heater feels really nice.
11/05/2004
The Sky is NOT Falling!
Every year we have an assembly for the kids called the Rock Salt Concert
in which this guy/musician/actor comes out to our school and sings and talks to
our kids, trying to inspire them to make music a living part of their daily lives.
He sings, he makes jokes, he makes up songs and sings them and has the kids learn
the songs and sing them. He makes funny sounds and gets the kids really excited.
OK. That's all well and good. I have no problem with that. I think it's great.
But, that's not all he did. At a couple of points in his presentation, (and he does this every year),
he stated his mission --- "If we don't do something, music is going to DIE!"
That is such a complete and utter lie! Music is not going to die, and in my opinion,
it's not even checked into the hospital, yet. In fact, music is so healthy right now, that
I bet it doesn't even have to take an aspirin a day.
Now, to be fair, at heart his real criticism is true. People just don't sing and make music
informally like they used to. Kids don't know campfire songs and most adults in general are
less than comfortable with singing or playing instruments. It's become a specialists game.
I could agree that we could profit by moving in the other direction. But, "Music is going to die!" just
seems an extreme analysis. It's like a fear that the sky is going to fall.
I see these overexagerated fears all over the place. Democracy is falling apart! Kids don't have any respect!
Video games are ruining our youth! Hollywood is a cancer of our society. They all have roots in
particular truths. There are problems in our lives and in society. We are fallen people who are living in
a world full of corruption. On a small scale, it certainly looks like things are out of control.
But in reality things are not out of control. God is in control of everything. As Christians we have no reason to be afraid.
In fact we have an obligation to hope. We have to proclaim the possibility of peace and freedom. We are the
only ones who really can. When my life seems like it is spinning into chaos or unmanageability, it is Always because
I am pursuing my own vision of things. I'm doing things my own way. When I get caught in my small little world, trusting
in my own "well reasoned" but really twisted perspective, that's when I am the most despondent and hopeless.
One of my favorite lines from our prayer book comes from the Thanksgiving Comunion prayers. It's the one addressed to the Theotokos. It says something like "...free us from our captive reasoning."
I love that. It's so potent. And it's freeing. I don't have to trust my own reasoning, because sometimes it's sick. Reason is only truly reasonable when it is healed by grace.
The world is not falling apart. We should be sad about the state of things in this world. I need to be sad about my own sorry state.
But, we needen't be afraid. We are in God's hands, and he knows what he is doing.
in which this guy/musician/actor comes out to our school and sings and talks to
our kids, trying to inspire them to make music a living part of their daily lives.
He sings, he makes jokes, he makes up songs and sings them and has the kids learn
the songs and sing them. He makes funny sounds and gets the kids really excited.
OK. That's all well and good. I have no problem with that. I think it's great.
But, that's not all he did. At a couple of points in his presentation, (and he does this every year),
he stated his mission --- "If we don't do something, music is going to DIE!"
That is such a complete and utter lie! Music is not going to die, and in my opinion,
it's not even checked into the hospital, yet. In fact, music is so healthy right now, that
I bet it doesn't even have to take an aspirin a day.
Now, to be fair, at heart his real criticism is true. People just don't sing and make music
informally like they used to. Kids don't know campfire songs and most adults in general are
less than comfortable with singing or playing instruments. It's become a specialists game.
I could agree that we could profit by moving in the other direction. But, "Music is going to die!" just
seems an extreme analysis. It's like a fear that the sky is going to fall.
I see these overexagerated fears all over the place. Democracy is falling apart! Kids don't have any respect!
Video games are ruining our youth! Hollywood is a cancer of our society. They all have roots in
particular truths. There are problems in our lives and in society. We are fallen people who are living in
a world full of corruption. On a small scale, it certainly looks like things are out of control.
But in reality things are not out of control. God is in control of everything. As Christians we have no reason to be afraid.
In fact we have an obligation to hope. We have to proclaim the possibility of peace and freedom. We are the
only ones who really can. When my life seems like it is spinning into chaos or unmanageability, it is Always because
I am pursuing my own vision of things. I'm doing things my own way. When I get caught in my small little world, trusting
in my own "well reasoned" but really twisted perspective, that's when I am the most despondent and hopeless.
One of my favorite lines from our prayer book comes from the Thanksgiving Comunion prayers. It's the one addressed to the Theotokos. It says something like "...free us from our captive reasoning."
I love that. It's so potent. And it's freeing. I don't have to trust my own reasoning, because sometimes it's sick. Reason is only truly reasonable when it is healed by grace.
The world is not falling apart. We should be sad about the state of things in this world. I need to be sad about my own sorry state.
But, we needen't be afraid. We are in God's hands, and he knows what he is doing.
10/20/2004
A Clean Feeling
Sometimes,
there's a clean feeling
in the air,
when the wind is blowing.
There's a clean feeling.
It makes everything new,
when the wind is blowing
and joy is easy.
It makes everything new,
looking for the first time,
and joy is easy,
even when the rain is falling.
Looking for the first time,
you can discover something new,
even when the rain is falling,
seeing the world through little drops.
You can discover something new
in the air,
seeing the world through little drops,
sometimes.
there's a clean feeling
in the air,
when the wind is blowing.
There's a clean feeling.
It makes everything new,
when the wind is blowing
and joy is easy.
It makes everything new,
looking for the first time,
and joy is easy,
even when the rain is falling.
Looking for the first time,
you can discover something new,
even when the rain is falling,
seeing the world through little drops.
You can discover something new
in the air,
seeing the world through little drops,
sometimes.
10/16/2004
Team America!
Top Ten Reasons not to see this movie...
10. It's crass. I mean really below the belt locker room gross and vulgur (about 20% of the time)
9. It's making fun of really serious issues.
8. It makes fun of middle eastern people.
7. It makes fun of Americans.
6. It makes fun of everybody...
Wait...I like that part!
Now switching to top 5 reasons to SEE this movie...
5. It makes fun of most everybody in the political scene that needs making fun of (love those dangling prepositions)
4. It makes the most fun of hollywood actors and their pseudointellectual (did I spell that right?) stance on world peace.
3. It has a song about how bad of a movie Pearl Harbor was, and how Ben Afflect can't act.
2. It has other totally campy, funny, hilarious songs like the rock standard "America! F@#$ yeah!" and Kim Jeung iLL (I know that's not spelled right) singing the soft solo "I'm Rone-ry!"
1. How can you pass up a blockbuster make-fun-of-the-crappy-formulaic-action-flick-genre filmed entirely with asian-huge-eyed marrionettes!
Go team America. We need to make fun of ourselves more often.
10. It's crass. I mean really below the belt locker room gross and vulgur (about 20% of the time)
9. It's making fun of really serious issues.
8. It makes fun of middle eastern people.
7. It makes fun of Americans.
6. It makes fun of everybody...
Wait...I like that part!
Now switching to top 5 reasons to SEE this movie...
5. It makes fun of most everybody in the political scene that needs making fun of (love those dangling prepositions)
4. It makes the most fun of hollywood actors and their pseudointellectual (did I spell that right?) stance on world peace.
3. It has a song about how bad of a movie Pearl Harbor was, and how Ben Afflect can't act.
2. It has other totally campy, funny, hilarious songs like the rock standard "America! F@#$ yeah!" and Kim Jeung iLL (I know that's not spelled right) singing the soft solo "I'm Rone-ry!"
1. How can you pass up a blockbuster make-fun-of-the-crappy-formulaic-action-flick-genre filmed entirely with asian-huge-eyed marrionettes!
Go team America. We need to make fun of ourselves more often.
10/08/2004
PAX for MAX
Max trotting to eat.JPG
Originally uploaded by beniy_w.
This is Max.
He's a stray cat that I've been feeding for the last few months.
Why you ask?
Well...let me tell you.
Max is short for MAXIMUS CATTICUS.
Until a few years ago, he was the baddest Tom Cat on the block.
He ruled our little neighborhood's motley collection of indoors and outdoors, pets and strays, tormenting and catcalling and spreading his seed (very successfully, too).
I hated him!
He was the bully.
But that was 7-8 years ago.
Now, he's so over the hill the local blue jays dive bomb him and he just meekly walks away.
He's so blind, he has to smell his way to food just a foot or two away.
It's kind of sad, but for me, Max is a symbol of endurance.
He comes every day and lies out in my backyard and waits for his daily doll. Maybe I should build him a concrete bench so he can feel like a true roman.
Name Update: My students and I named our Bearded Dragon "Thistle Blink!"
10/04/2004
New Class Pet
Bearded Dragon.jpg
Originally uploaded by beniy_w.
She's quiet.
She's vigilant.
Her eyes keep track of what's going on.
She likes her rock, and a cricket or mealworm now and then.
She's got a pointy beard, but she's no lady. (...and hopefully, my classroom is not a circus act!)
She's a Bearded Dragon, and she's our new class pet at school.
This morning I gently picked her up and walked out to meet my class.
They were very pleased and they all, with only one exception, wanted to touch her as I walked down the line.
Tomorrow we name her.
Last time my students made the giant creative leap from a Green Iguana to "Iggy."
I'm hoping for something more exotic.
I want a name fit for a dragon.
Maybe something Australian.
My class votes on Tuesday.
9/27/2004
Too much time...
9/21/2004
Where I'm From
I'm from backpacks,
binders, and college ruled paper.
From #2 pencils, and little pink erasers
(stabbed, broken in half, and rubbed into shreds)
I'm from Lesson Plans, and assemblies,
from 15 minutes before the bell rings.
I'm from runny noses, and band aids,
from letters and worksheets,
I'm from "I don't understand!"
I'm from "Oooh, ooh!" and "Can I go to the bathroom?"
From raised hands, blank stares, and the quiet dreamers thinking
of what might be.
I'm from Sharpie, and dry-erase,
from grasshoppers, a three foot Iguana, and a praying mantis named Mrs. Green.
I'm from Bilbo crossing the Misty Mountains on a warm afternoon
after a 30 minute lunch that seemed way too short.
The days go by, and much stays the same.
The school year has begun, and June seems so far away.
(Based on an original poem called "Where I'm from" by Gearge Ella Lyon.)
binders, and college ruled paper.
From #2 pencils, and little pink erasers
(stabbed, broken in half, and rubbed into shreds)
I'm from Lesson Plans, and assemblies,
from 15 minutes before the bell rings.
I'm from runny noses, and band aids,
from letters and worksheets,
I'm from "I don't understand!"
I'm from "Oooh, ooh!" and "Can I go to the bathroom?"
From raised hands, blank stares, and the quiet dreamers thinking
of what might be.
I'm from Sharpie, and dry-erase,
from grasshoppers, a three foot Iguana, and a praying mantis named Mrs. Green.
I'm from Bilbo crossing the Misty Mountains on a warm afternoon
after a 30 minute lunch that seemed way too short.
The days go by, and much stays the same.
The school year has begun, and June seems so far away.
(Based on an original poem called "Where I'm from" by Gearge Ella Lyon.)
9/18/2004
9/17/2004
Quiet Mornings at School...
Quiet Mornings start
with a double shot of creamy
cinnamon colored espresso,
dribbling out of my
old brass Pavoni.
On the road, quiet guitar arpeggios
accompany a simple melody on
solo violin. Traffic is light Harbor heading
over the hill toward Bastanchury.
The sky is cool cloudy remembering
past rains and the Fall to come.
The school playground is silent and spacious.
I walk from my class to the office while a pair of birds
fly in tandem from classrooms to the playground.
Slowly the momentum builds and children begin to appear.
The moment passes for today.
with a double shot of creamy
cinnamon colored espresso,
dribbling out of my
old brass Pavoni.
On the road, quiet guitar arpeggios
accompany a simple melody on
solo violin. Traffic is light Harbor heading
over the hill toward Bastanchury.
The sky is cool cloudy remembering
past rains and the Fall to come.
The school playground is silent and spacious.
I walk from my class to the office while a pair of birds
fly in tandem from classrooms to the playground.
Slowly the momentum builds and children begin to appear.
The moment passes for today.
Iggy has a Home
Our nighttime custodian is a reptile guru.
He's taking my iguana home next week.
Yea.
I'm gonna miss the poor little blighter...but not the
tail smacking! : )
He's taking my iguana home next week.
Yea.
I'm gonna miss the poor little blighter...but not the
tail smacking! : )
9/14/2004
Wanna Iguana?
Sometimes my penchant for strange critters gets the best of me.
So, it's monday morning and I'm scrambling around the teachers lounge getting ready for the day.
Suddenly I get a call from one of my students' parents.
Is it a problem with homework? No.
Is it a medical emergency? No.
It's a green lizard that's just been rescued and do I want it for my class?
Sure!
I like critters.
Lizards are critters.
That would be cool.
So, the lizard comes to school in a box and gets transfered to my biggest empty terarrium.
This is one big lizard.
Turns out it's a Green Iguana...from paraguay....and it's destined to grow to a truly monstrous size of six feet.
Whoa!
So, I'm thinking if no one claims it in a week or two, I'll trade it in at a pet shop for something more manageable.
Here's the sad part.
Pet shops don't want my iguana. Iguanas (at least the big Green Iguanas), at least according to one source, are the most euthenized pet around these days. People buy them but don't realize what they're getting into.
Right now, I think I've got a good home for this guy...actually we think it's a gal. But if you're looking for a new cause or a new pet.... you just might think about going the very-large-reptile route. Hey...they're vegetarian. : )
So, it's monday morning and I'm scrambling around the teachers lounge getting ready for the day.
Suddenly I get a call from one of my students' parents.
Is it a problem with homework? No.
Is it a medical emergency? No.
It's a green lizard that's just been rescued and do I want it for my class?
Sure!
I like critters.
Lizards are critters.
That would be cool.
So, the lizard comes to school in a box and gets transfered to my biggest empty terarrium.
This is one big lizard.
Turns out it's a Green Iguana...from paraguay....and it's destined to grow to a truly monstrous size of six feet.
Whoa!
So, I'm thinking if no one claims it in a week or two, I'll trade it in at a pet shop for something more manageable.
Here's the sad part.
Pet shops don't want my iguana. Iguanas (at least the big Green Iguanas), at least according to one source, are the most euthenized pet around these days. People buy them but don't realize what they're getting into.
Right now, I think I've got a good home for this guy...actually we think it's a gal. But if you're looking for a new cause or a new pet.... you just might think about going the very-large-reptile route. Hey...they're vegetarian. : )
9/07/2004
My Student Has a Chipmunk...
I have my students write in journals every day. This journal entry should speak for itself.
I have a pet chipmunk. We found him when we went to a camp in the mountains. Chip is crippled. His back legs don't work very well. We feed him baby food to gain his strength back. Chip holds on to the syringe with his little paws. He has a wheel in his cage. When he runs on it, he falls off because his back legs don't stay on. When he eats he sits in his food tray & eats. When he drinks his water he puts his hands on the water spout just like the syringe. Now one of his back legs work, but not the other one. He is very happy.
I have a pet chipmunk. We found him when we went to a camp in the mountains. Chip is crippled. His back legs don't work very well. We feed him baby food to gain his strength back. Chip holds on to the syringe with his little paws. He has a wheel in his cage. When he runs on it, he falls off because his back legs don't stay on. When he eats he sits in his food tray & eats. When he drinks his water he puts his hands on the water spout just like the syringe. Now one of his back legs work, but not the other one. He is very happy.
9/02/2004
First Day of School
I'm not taking the sailing class, but everything's all right because today was the first day of school, and I feel fine. Better than that. I feel great. My students are great. They are smart. They want to learn, and they're happy to be at school. What a blessing.
8/19/2004
SAILING
Sailing is my new obsession.
I've spent this summer reading about wind direction, points of sail, tacking, jibing, tying knots, launching a boat, docking. I've learned about all kinds of different boats from dingies to cruisers and catamarans.
I went sailing twice, once down in San Diego on the Californian, a top-gallant gaff-rigged schooner, and once in Santa Barbara, on a little J24, captained very competantly by Subdeacon Steven Butler.
Now it's time to take a class.
OCC is offering an 8 week intro to sailing class, meeting on tues. and Thurs. evenings, 5-7, starting Aug. 30. And it costs all of $26. I can't wait.
I've spent this summer reading about wind direction, points of sail, tacking, jibing, tying knots, launching a boat, docking. I've learned about all kinds of different boats from dingies to cruisers and catamarans.
I went sailing twice, once down in San Diego on the Californian, a top-gallant gaff-rigged schooner, and once in Santa Barbara, on a little J24, captained very competantly by Subdeacon Steven Butler.
Now it's time to take a class.
OCC is offering an 8 week intro to sailing class, meeting on tues. and Thurs. evenings, 5-7, starting Aug. 30. And it costs all of $26. I can't wait.
8/12/2004
A Rant of My Own...
If you're reading Aaron's blog, you'll have read his recent rant. Well, it sparked one of my own. Here goes...
So much of our modern life is lived as a spectator sport. This is starting to seem really unnatural to me. Apart from our obvious obsession with watching actual sports, instead of actually living an interesting life, we watch other people live their lives, in movies, or on TV, feeding on their emotions, and dangers, and joys.
I am completely at fault here. I watch tons o' movies and my other favorite pastime -- reading -- while more respected, may be up for examination, as well.
Now, I'm not saying that we should quit watching movies, or reading fiction, or even watching "Survivor" if that's your sort of thing. But, I at least, need to examine the balance.
And this also begs the question of what real living actualy is. I'm coming more and more to the conclusion that life is about relationships; knowing and loving God and other people. That's what it's all about. Movies and books can add to life, but they are definately not an adequate substitution.
So much of our modern life is lived as a spectator sport. This is starting to seem really unnatural to me. Apart from our obvious obsession with watching actual sports, instead of actually living an interesting life, we watch other people live their lives, in movies, or on TV, feeding on their emotions, and dangers, and joys.
I am completely at fault here. I watch tons o' movies and my other favorite pastime -- reading -- while more respected, may be up for examination, as well.
Now, I'm not saying that we should quit watching movies, or reading fiction, or even watching "Survivor" if that's your sort of thing. But, I at least, need to examine the balance.
And this also begs the question of what real living actualy is. I'm coming more and more to the conclusion that life is about relationships; knowing and loving God and other people. That's what it's all about. Movies and books can add to life, but they are definately not an adequate substitution.
Movie madness
OK. 4 movies in two days. Call it excessive,
but summer is coming to a swift conclusion.
I saw Collateral and Manchurian Candidate. Both fun, but nothing really spectacular or new.
Zatoichi, a new japanese samurai flick, combines goofy music and humor with your typical "blind master swordsman kills all the bad guys without breaking a sweat" action.
Garden State is something almost completely new and I found it totally hillarious and very compelling. This is not Napoleon Dynamite, but it is definately the product of my generation. I hope people go to see this movie.
but summer is coming to a swift conclusion.
I saw Collateral and Manchurian Candidate. Both fun, but nothing really spectacular or new.
Zatoichi, a new japanese samurai flick, combines goofy music and humor with your typical "blind master swordsman kills all the bad guys without breaking a sweat" action.
Garden State is something almost completely new and I found it totally hillarious and very compelling. This is not Napoleon Dynamite, but it is definately the product of my generation. I hope people go to see this movie.
7/25/2004
A Hero Among Dragons
In reading G.K. Chesterton's Orthodoxy I am continually finding quotable tidbits.
With my own penchant for both fairy tales and modren literature, this is one of my favorites so far...
You can make a story out of a hero among dragons; but not out of a dragon among dragons. The fairy tale discusses what a sane man will do in a mad world. The sober realistic novel of to-day discusses what an essential lunatic will do in a dull world.
Chesterton is the King of saying something profound that seems so obvious once it's been said.
One of his basic premises is that that modern rationalist is in fact very similar to a lunatic. This struck me as particularly insightful after listening to a recent lecture up at St. Barbara's Monastery given by Mother Melania. Her premise was similar but even more far reaching. She said we are all, apart from the saints, mad, in that we all to one degree or another reject God's reason and choose the madness of sin.
All this makes the madness of the world a little more comprehensible, I think.
With my own penchant for both fairy tales and modren literature, this is one of my favorites so far...
You can make a story out of a hero among dragons; but not out of a dragon among dragons. The fairy tale discusses what a sane man will do in a mad world. The sober realistic novel of to-day discusses what an essential lunatic will do in a dull world.
Chesterton is the King of saying something profound that seems so obvious once it's been said.
One of his basic premises is that that modern rationalist is in fact very similar to a lunatic. This struck me as particularly insightful after listening to a recent lecture up at St. Barbara's Monastery given by Mother Melania. Her premise was similar but even more far reaching. She said we are all, apart from the saints, mad, in that we all to one degree or another reject God's reason and choose the madness of sin.
All this makes the madness of the world a little more comprehensible, I think.
Summer Reading
I've been reading lately. A lot.
I read a lot during the school year, but even more during the summer.
If you read Aaron's blog you might have seen his post on Patrick O'Brian's novel Master and Commander.
I'm not reading that one. But I am reading a very similar series of novels by another Brit. named C.S. Forester about British Naval Warfare during the Napoleonic Wars. The hero of these adventures is Horatio Hornblower, and I've plunked down (well maybe "swiped away" is more accurate) a large sum of money at the local Barnes and Noble in order to get through the first 5 books. I'm ready to read the next 6 books but at $13 bucks a pop, I've decided to wait till the fall when my friend Joshua will return to seminary, where his copies are quietly waiting to be shipped out on their own adventure across our nation in a US postal mailbag (or truck.... or plane. whatever!)
Now, since my urges for naval adventures continue, I have picked up the first of 21 books in Aaron's preferred series, and I'm sure this is going to be going on for a while.
In the short meantime I've finally picked up my copy of Chesterton's Orthodoxy which I'll write about more later.
Now go pick up your own book and start reading. Or just skip on to your next blog. : )
7/23/2004
Napoleon Dynamite!
No movie in recent memory comes even close to presenting the reality of life-as-a-geek/nerd as does Napoleon Dynamite.
This hero is no King Arthur, but he does have cholos in shining crome to back him up. A funky mix from La Fafonda, his brother's online girlfriend, also plays a key role.
Come on! Go see this movie!
Gossh!@!!
This hero is no King Arthur, but he does have cholos in shining crome to back him up. A funky mix from La Fafonda, his brother's online girlfriend, also plays a key role.
Come on! Go see this movie!
Gossh!@!!
7/19/2004
Road Trip
I just got back from a road trip with the youth of St. Andrew's in Riverside. Giant Sequoia's, Hearst Castle, and San Simeon Beach provided excellent backdrops for the real drama -- aka Life with 24 teeanagers. It's been a while since I have been exposed to so much, ummm....what's the word for it....life.
In hindsight, I have nothing but positive memories of the trip, but the actual daily life among 14-16 year old teenage boys has given me a great deal of sympathy for the Thai justice system. Canes have other uses than supporting old people.
In hindsight, I have nothing but positive memories of the trip, but the actual daily life among 14-16 year old teenage boys has given me a great deal of sympathy for the Thai justice system. Canes have other uses than supporting old people.
6/11/2004
A Job Well Done ; )
The teacher next door to my classroom
showed me this note she received
on the last day of school.
Dear Mrs. Gibbons,
This year has been great!
You have taught me so
much I can't remember it all.
Thanks for being a great teacher!
Love,
Hayley
showed me this note she received
on the last day of school.
Dear Mrs. Gibbons,
This year has been great!
You have taught me so
much I can't remember it all.
Thanks for being a great teacher!
Love,
Hayley
6/09/2004
The Last Day
Tomorrow is the last day of school!
The last weeks have been such a prolonged
rush that the end feels more like falling
off a cliff into an empty abyss.
Teaching is a meaning filled activity
in so many ways.
My students have come to be such an important
part of my life, and now after tomorrow,
all these relationships will be cut off with
the simple ringing of a bell.
It's an unavoidable reality of modern life,
but not a very pleasant one.
The last weeks have been such a prolonged
rush that the end feels more like falling
off a cliff into an empty abyss.
Teaching is a meaning filled activity
in so many ways.
My students have come to be such an important
part of my life, and now after tomorrow,
all these relationships will be cut off with
the simple ringing of a bell.
It's an unavoidable reality of modern life,
but not a very pleasant one.
5/28/2004
Scotland, PA...again
All the reasons I can think of to rent Scotland, PA soon.
1. Christopher Walken!!! (If that's not enough for you, then you should stop reading, now.)
2. One of the eekiest (as in "Eeeek! I can't believe she's actually going to do that!!!") scenes I have ever seen, that is still funny.
3. Fast food can kill in so many ways.
4. Best re-versioning of Shakespeare I've seen. It's got all the heart and soul of the original (that's if you can make the leap from struggling to be a king to struggling to be a fast food giant.
5. I'll never think of McDonald's or oven mitts the same. (creepy tingly goose bumps)
6. Christopher WALKEN!!! (I think I need to start a collection of his movies....)7. A vegetarian Christopher Walken talking about "babaganoush."
8. Banquo's ghost wearing a Pennsylvania winter hunting hat and horn rim glasses.
9. This movie is like Fargo on Sweet Tarts.
1. Christopher Walken!!! (If that's not enough for you, then you should stop reading, now.)
2. One of the eekiest (as in "Eeeek! I can't believe she's actually going to do that!!!") scenes I have ever seen, that is still funny.
3. Fast food can kill in so many ways.
4. Best re-versioning of Shakespeare I've seen. It's got all the heart and soul of the original (that's if you can make the leap from struggling to be a king to struggling to be a fast food giant.
5. I'll never think of McDonald's or oven mitts the same. (creepy tingly goose bumps)
6. Christopher WALKEN!!! (I think I need to start a collection of his movies....)7. A vegetarian Christopher Walken talking about "babaganoush."
8. Banquo's ghost wearing a Pennsylvania winter hunting hat and horn rim glasses.
9. This movie is like Fargo on Sweet Tarts.
5/26/2004
Time to Clean the Kitchen
"Show me a man who lives alone
and has a perpetually clean kitchen,
and 8 times out of 9
I'll show you a man
with detestable spiritual qualities."
-Charles Bukowski
Yea, this seems comforting.
But I fear the statistics are just as bad for guys
with messy counters like mine.
and has a perpetually clean kitchen,
and 8 times out of 9
I'll show you a man
with detestable spiritual qualities."
-Charles Bukowski
Yea, this seems comforting.
But I fear the statistics are just as bad for guys
with messy counters like mine.
Movie Pick of the Week
Scotland, PA is the name of my most recent DVD excursion.
This movie is Macbeth set in a goofy small town back in the 70's.
"Mac" is a frustrated fry cook in a hamburger joint named "Duncan's."
The three wierd sisters are two geeky guys and a girl who hang out at
the local carnival after hours and make running rhymes and puns.
I haven't watched the whole thing, but so far it's a hoot.
If you like Shakespeare, you'll get a kick out of this movie,
and if you hated Shakespeare in High School, there's still a lot to love.
And the language is user friendly.
This movie is Macbeth set in a goofy small town back in the 70's.
"Mac" is a frustrated fry cook in a hamburger joint named "Duncan's."
The three wierd sisters are two geeky guys and a girl who hang out at
the local carnival after hours and make running rhymes and puns.
I haven't watched the whole thing, but so far it's a hoot.
If you like Shakespeare, you'll get a kick out of this movie,
and if you hated Shakespeare in High School, there's still a lot to love.
And the language is user friendly.
5/21/2004
Harold Bloom
"People cannot stand the saddest truth I know about the very nature of reading and writing imaginative literature, which is that poetry does not teach us how to talk to other people: it teaches us how to talk to ourselves. What I'm desperately trying to do is get students to talk to themselves as though they are indeed themselves, and not someone else."
Interview in the Guardian 6 March 1999
I just like this quote. Nothing more today.
Interview in the Guardian 6 March 1999
I just like this quote. Nothing more today.
5/14/2004
TTTB
To tired to blog....
This week has been frenetic...like the opening credits to Moulon Rouge.
Above and beyond the regular school day, I've been building sets till 7 or 8 each night, Open House was on Wednesday (spent the entire night before until 5am editing my class movie) and then Thursday was another big day -- Gold Rush Day (one more thing to prepare for).
Tonight...more set building. The performance (Fiddler on the Roof) is next week.
It's a busy time of year, but only four more weeks to go!
This week has been frenetic...like the opening credits to Moulon Rouge.
Above and beyond the regular school day, I've been building sets till 7 or 8 each night, Open House was on Wednesday (spent the entire night before until 5am editing my class movie) and then Thursday was another big day -- Gold Rush Day (one more thing to prepare for).
Tonight...more set building. The performance (Fiddler on the Roof) is next week.
It's a busy time of year, but only four more weeks to go!
5/07/2004
The Shining
I just finished watching "The Shining" last night for the first time.
I don't generally find "scary" movies all that interesting...well...afterall...they're scary. Ok... I'm a total chicken.
But, it seems everyone else has seen this one, and it's Kubrick, so I popped it in the DVD (I like the pause button, which lets me switch to "Friends" for a breather (sp?))
Unlike some others, this movie has only a few violent images, but the movie
is soaked in fear and anticipation of danger. The kid is freaky.
My favorite scene is when the kid rides round and round on his tricycle, moving from carpet to wood floor and back again, over and over. It was a pretty cool audio effect. Kubrick knows his details.
I'm impressed with the technical feat of creating sustained fear without doing much. Just the number 237 evokes a powerful sense of dread.
How did he do it?
Has anyone read the book? Is it just as scary?
Did Kubrick make the magic, or was it already there in Steven King's original writing?
I don't generally find "scary" movies all that interesting...well...afterall...they're scary. Ok... I'm a total chicken.
But, it seems everyone else has seen this one, and it's Kubrick, so I popped it in the DVD (I like the pause button, which lets me switch to "Friends" for a breather (sp?))
Unlike some others, this movie has only a few violent images, but the movie
is soaked in fear and anticipation of danger. The kid is freaky.
My favorite scene is when the kid rides round and round on his tricycle, moving from carpet to wood floor and back again, over and over. It was a pretty cool audio effect. Kubrick knows his details.
I'm impressed with the technical feat of creating sustained fear without doing much. Just the number 237 evokes a powerful sense of dread.
How did he do it?
Has anyone read the book? Is it just as scary?
Did Kubrick make the magic, or was it already there in Steven King's original writing?
5/05/2004
The Importance of Fine Motor Skills
True story...
The other day our resource teacher was telling me
about one of her students. I like to call him
"The Kindermullet" (although he's in 1st grade now).
He's got some behavior problems (He bites),
and he has some speech problems (you can't understand a thing he says),
but he is making progress in fine motor skills.
Last week it only took him about three minutes
to get his digits into the correct
position to give her the finger.
Progress.
The other day our resource teacher was telling me
about one of her students. I like to call him
"The Kindermullet" (although he's in 1st grade now).
He's got some behavior problems (He bites),
and he has some speech problems (you can't understand a thing he says),
but he is making progress in fine motor skills.
Last week it only took him about three minutes
to get his digits into the correct
position to give her the finger.
Progress.
Gots ta blog...
Ok. After a double shot and half an iced coffee from the ever present and almost-pretty good caffeine-up-station that I call "Not-Vivace's", I'm almost awake.
I'm taking the kiddies on a field trip today into LA. --The Autry Museum. Actually, all the 4th grade classes are going...that's ~100 students plus parents and teachers. Woohoo!
100 lunches sitting in a hot bus. Mmmmmm! : )
I'm taking the kiddies on a field trip today into LA. --The Autry Museum. Actually, all the 4th grade classes are going...that's ~100 students plus parents and teachers. Woohoo!
100 lunches sitting in a hot bus. Mmmmmm! : )
4/29/2004
Top Ten Reasons to see Kill Bill
...continued from some time ago.
6. A perfect soundtrack.
7. Wacko crazy cool editing.
8. A perfect sense of irony
9. It's funny funny (and maybe just a little bit violent)
10. And last but not least, I will stop blogging about Kill Bill once someone else sees it and I can talk about it instead.
6. A perfect soundtrack.
7. Wacko crazy cool editing.
8. A perfect sense of irony
9. It's funny funny (and maybe just a little bit violent)
10. And last but not least, I will stop blogging about Kill Bill once someone else sees it and I can talk about it instead.
4/27/2004
Where did your volume go?
At school we're putting on a production of
the musical "Fiddler on the Roof."
The 5th grade student playing our lead
normally has a booming voice, but
today he was a bit quiet.
The director asked him, "Where did your volume go?"
He replied, "My mom left it at home."
the musical "Fiddler on the Roof."
The 5th grade student playing our lead
normally has a booming voice, but
today he was a bit quiet.
The director asked him, "Where did your volume go?"
He replied, "My mom left it at home."
Top Ten Reasons you should see Kill Bill :Volume One
1. Anything the media hates SO much, has to have something of value.
2. Sonny Chiba - "Very GOOoood!"
3. Otherwise, you won't have a clue what is going on in Kill Bill II. Duh!
4. It's pop culture friendly, and what's more 'merican than "POP!"
5. The "Crazy 88's"
..to be continued
2. Sonny Chiba - "Very GOOoood!"
3. Otherwise, you won't have a clue what is going on in Kill Bill II. Duh!
4. It's pop culture friendly, and what's more 'merican than "POP!"
5. The "Crazy 88's"
..to be continued
4/23/2004
You Must Drop All Your Democracy....D.H. Lawrence
"You must not believe in 'the people'. One class is no better than another. It must be a case of Wisdom or Truth. Let the working classes be working classes. That is the truth. There must be an aristocracy of people who have wisdom, and there must be a ruler: a Kaiser:no Presidents and democracies."
from a letter to Bertrand Russell, July 1915
It seems interesting that Lawrence turns the normal argument for democracy on its head.
He goes on..."The more I see of democracy the more I dislike it. It just brings everything down to the mere vulger level of wages and prices, electric light and water closets, and nothing else."
from a letter to Bertrand Russell, July 1915
It seems interesting that Lawrence turns the normal argument for democracy on its head.
He goes on..."The more I see of democracy the more I dislike it. It just brings everything down to the mere vulger level of wages and prices, electric light and water closets, and nothing else."
Dogville
Overly complicated. Too many themes. A drudgery to watch.
And, at the same time, the universalism is too simplistic.
Summing it up -- Power is evil...grace gets used and abused. People are like dogs and don't deserve to live. Power and tyranny win out in the end. Nothing means anything.
Even according to the movie's own narrator, spending three hours watching Dogville is a waste of time.
And, at the same time, the universalism is too simplistic.
Summing it up -- Power is evil...grace gets used and abused. People are like dogs and don't deserve to live. Power and tyranny win out in the end. Nothing means anything.
Even according to the movie's own narrator, spending three hours watching Dogville is a waste of time.
4/22/2004
4/19/2004
Kill Bill II
Uma Thurman...too skinny, but pretty darn tough.
Michael Madson....funny funny. ; )
Gordon Liu...his eyebrows ROck!
Black Mamba....one heck of a scary snake.
Hitori Hansu swords...wowee.
David Carradine...he's the new Yoda...but evil.
Quentin Tarantino...he da man...., man.
Favorite semi-remembered line: Bill: "I'm a monster, and you have to realize, that when you break the heart of a monster, there are going to be consequences."
If you like Kung Fu Spaghetti Westerns, Kill Bill I and II is for you. (It really should be one movie, not two.)
Michael Madson....funny funny. ; )
Gordon Liu...his eyebrows ROck!
Black Mamba....one heck of a scary snake.
Hitori Hansu swords...wowee.
David Carradine...he's the new Yoda...but evil.
Quentin Tarantino...he da man...., man.
Favorite semi-remembered line: Bill: "I'm a monster, and you have to realize, that when you break the heart of a monster, there are going to be consequences."
If you like Kung Fu Spaghetti Westerns, Kill Bill I and II is for you. (It really should be one movie, not two.)
4/15/2004
Saw *Secret Window* last night. Had to. Johnny Depp and John Torturro come way before Starsky and Hutch which will probably be seen tonight or tomorrow. *Secret Window* was off the wall wierd though. Thriller with a twisted ending. Not at all a "Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum" type deal. It was more a "Ya'all better stay off my laaannd cause this is private property!" type deal, with a puff on a Pall Mall and a good double shot of Johnny Walker. Don't eat the corn!!!
4/13/2004
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