My discussion of this will follow after my students wrestle with it.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Balance
One of my favorite videos to discuss:
My discussion of this will follow after my students wrestle with it.
My discussion of this will follow after my students wrestle with it.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Life/Art "Low Rider"
I am listening to "Low Rider" by War, right now, moments before class. It's one of the songs on my Get Psyched to Teach playlist.
I bring this up only to mention that I was listening to this song for motivation years before Memphis Raines (Nicholas Cage) was even a character in Gone in 60 Seconds, well, the 2000 version, anyway.
I bring this up only to mention that I was listening to this song for motivation years before Memphis Raines (Nicholas Cage) was even a character in Gone in 60 Seconds, well, the 2000 version, anyway.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Aaaaaannnnnnnnnnnnnnnd they're off!
Yet another semester begins on the morrow.
I write about it every term, I think.
Few events offer such very-vivid ties to memories as a new semester, a first day of school. Oh, when I smell cantaloupe or fresh soil, I remember growing up on the farm. Visiting a grade school brings back lots of memories (and it reminds me how much I've grown since then--the furniture is so small!). A new term, though, stuns me every time. Like Johnny Mnemonic reviewing his contents, or a blipvert blast--it all comes back to me in technicolor (or maybe now-a-days, in HD, or 3D, or HD3D-Imax!)
When I walk in tomorrow, I'll remember the first college classroom in which I took the podium. It was frightening, as I was only a few years removed from my students (some, even as today, were my elders). I can still recall wading through the roster, taking roll aloud, botching a name: Chelsea (in my defense, I'd never seen it in writing before). I recall how they sat in wooden chairs with the wrap around desktop, how I tripped on one. I remember passing out recipe cards, even then, as I do to this day, to collect who's who. Remembering these things may not seem so remarkable--except that it took place in 1986--and if readers know me, I cannot remember where I parked, let alone something from the dark ages.
I will also remember my first college class--a night class in American Literature, taught by my old English teacher, in my old high school classroom, only a year after I'd graduated. I will remember the feeling of awe and confusion, that I was embarking on something I did not at all think I might be capable of doing!
I remember the second college course, too, at a large university. I was so ignorant then. I did not know what a credit hour was. I did not know it was odd that my prof was taking roll by social security number, that he treated us like grunts from day 1 to the bitter end. I was TERRIFIED, for it was Oral Communications, and I was surrounded by upperclassmen who all looked like the Bee Gees or the cool kids off the Brady Bunch. (Everyone puts off speech, which I was not advised of, and thus, I was the only freshman in the course!) I was a hick kid from Ulysses. Strangely, I do recall a fellow trying to tell the class about his hometown, Hoxie, which was even smaller than Ulysses...even now, 30 years later, that first day is forever ingrained in my memory.
For that matter, I can recall many firsts, many first days of school, all the way back to grade school...
Thus, I am NOT one to take the first day lightly. Inevitably, someone in the room will be in their first college classroom, even if I am teaching Comp II (some CLEP out, others had Comp I online or in high school, like I did my Am. Lit). I want to be a positive influence, offer a good encounter and a vivid memory for anyone who might be walking in the same shoes.
I write about it every term, I think.
Few events offer such very-vivid ties to memories as a new semester, a first day of school. Oh, when I smell cantaloupe or fresh soil, I remember growing up on the farm. Visiting a grade school brings back lots of memories (and it reminds me how much I've grown since then--the furniture is so small!). A new term, though, stuns me every time. Like Johnny Mnemonic reviewing his contents, or a blipvert blast--it all comes back to me in technicolor (or maybe now-a-days, in HD, or 3D, or HD3D-Imax!)
When I walk in tomorrow, I'll remember the first college classroom in which I took the podium. It was frightening, as I was only a few years removed from my students (some, even as today, were my elders). I can still recall wading through the roster, taking roll aloud, botching a name: Chelsea (in my defense, I'd never seen it in writing before). I recall how they sat in wooden chairs with the wrap around desktop, how I tripped on one. I remember passing out recipe cards, even then, as I do to this day, to collect who's who. Remembering these things may not seem so remarkable--except that it took place in 1986--and if readers know me, I cannot remember where I parked, let alone something from the dark ages.
I will also remember my first college class--a night class in American Literature, taught by my old English teacher, in my old high school classroom, only a year after I'd graduated. I will remember the feeling of awe and confusion, that I was embarking on something I did not at all think I might be capable of doing!
I remember the second college course, too, at a large university. I was so ignorant then. I did not know what a credit hour was. I did not know it was odd that my prof was taking roll by social security number, that he treated us like grunts from day 1 to the bitter end. I was TERRIFIED, for it was Oral Communications, and I was surrounded by upperclassmen who all looked like the Bee Gees or the cool kids off the Brady Bunch. (Everyone puts off speech, which I was not advised of, and thus, I was the only freshman in the course!) I was a hick kid from Ulysses. Strangely, I do recall a fellow trying to tell the class about his hometown, Hoxie, which was even smaller than Ulysses...even now, 30 years later, that first day is forever ingrained in my memory.
For that matter, I can recall many firsts, many first days of school, all the way back to grade school...
Thus, I am NOT one to take the first day lightly. Inevitably, someone in the room will be in their first college classroom, even if I am teaching Comp II (some CLEP out, others had Comp I online or in high school, like I did my Am. Lit). I want to be a positive influence, offer a good encounter and a vivid memory for anyone who might be walking in the same shoes.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Of Libraries and the Web
As confessed previously, I have an addictive personality. I imagine that sometime over these 5 years and (coming up on) 500 entries, I've mentioned that the web is just one of my almost-addictions.
I do not think I've shared the anecdote about the library, nor my association between libraries and information online....so here goes.
When I was a young lad, I was treated to a visit to our local library. At that time, it was not very large. The childrens' reading room was about 20 x 20. That little library did, however, have enough books to keep me busy. I won't say that I read them all, but I read many, many books. Whenever possible, I would sit out winter in that library or lug home as many books as they'd allow.
Then came college.
I'd mastered my little library, and I thought I was ready for a university library. If I could read one library, cover to cover, I could handle another, so I thought. I discovered Farrell Library, at Kansas State University, to be a bit bigger. [Farrell is now known as Hale Library, btw.] In truth, it boggled my mind. I'd never even encountered a library with more than one floor, let alone stacks of 8 levels! I was told the facility stored a million books--this was my first college object lesson, actually running my finger down the spines of those million books like they were a picket fence, from the top to the bottom floor. Prior to that, I had only a vague idea of what a million might really be.
I immediately got a job working there, filing cards in the card catalog (most folks today likely do not even know what a card catalog is, sadly.) I gave tours of the place to visiting friends and family, to lost peers and hot co-eds. Many interesting things happened back in the stacks in days of yore, including streaking, smoking, and much et cetera....or so I am told.
I do want to zoom in on that first day for a moment, however, for I have seldom been so very much in awe. I've always loved the smell and sound and weight of a library, but that library, posing its million volume challenge, was so impressive. More than any classroom or college quad, more than the most prestigious ivy league facade or pompous professor--that moment in that library foyer conveyed to me the power of the written word. It was as if millions of authors were there, in person, all staring at me (or perhaps chanting, "read me! read me!").
My reaction, honestly? I darted back into the stacks and hyperventilated (big boy's word for almost wept).
Fast forward near twenty years to my growing fascination with Al Gore's Internet. It was the 1990's, and I had a monochromatic monitor, but already I was wowed by the information (text only, back then) one could extract from the ether.
A few years later, as the web put on its pretty face, I was all-the-more enamored.
Now, like that day at Farrell, I approach cyberspace in awe. Like 1981, when I felt I had to read all of the million books, I find open portholes to what seems like infinite information, all at my fingertips....and I am insatiable. I am, admittedly, hooked.
Like all my almost-addictions, I am wary. I monitor my time online just like I do my time on television. In the same way that I look away from the window of Victoria's Secret, I force myself to look away from the techno gadgets I cannot afford (but crave). I guard myself, but there are days I lose the fight. I've found myself 6 hours into a web tangle, having opened so many tabs and windows and browsers my PC even gets too tired to carry on....but this has been very rare.
I love learning, I guess that's it. I am inspired by all that is there to learn, in libraries and online...and for that matter, from others, from travel, from introspection...
I do not think I've shared the anecdote about the library, nor my association between libraries and information online....so here goes.
When I was a young lad, I was treated to a visit to our local library. At that time, it was not very large. The childrens' reading room was about 20 x 20. That little library did, however, have enough books to keep me busy. I won't say that I read them all, but I read many, many books. Whenever possible, I would sit out winter in that library or lug home as many books as they'd allow.
Then came college.
I'd mastered my little library, and I thought I was ready for a university library. If I could read one library, cover to cover, I could handle another, so I thought. I discovered Farrell Library, at Kansas State University, to be a bit bigger. [Farrell is now known as Hale Library, btw.] In truth, it boggled my mind. I'd never even encountered a library with more than one floor, let alone stacks of 8 levels! I was told the facility stored a million books--this was my first college object lesson, actually running my finger down the spines of those million books like they were a picket fence, from the top to the bottom floor. Prior to that, I had only a vague idea of what a million might really be.
I immediately got a job working there, filing cards in the card catalog (most folks today likely do not even know what a card catalog is, sadly.) I gave tours of the place to visiting friends and family, to lost peers and hot co-eds. Many interesting things happened back in the stacks in days of yore, including streaking, smoking, and much et cetera....or so I am told.
I do want to zoom in on that first day for a moment, however, for I have seldom been so very much in awe. I've always loved the smell and sound and weight of a library, but that library, posing its million volume challenge, was so impressive. More than any classroom or college quad, more than the most prestigious ivy league facade or pompous professor--that moment in that library foyer conveyed to me the power of the written word. It was as if millions of authors were there, in person, all staring at me (or perhaps chanting, "read me! read me!").
My reaction, honestly? I darted back into the stacks and hyperventilated (big boy's word for almost wept).
Fast forward near twenty years to my growing fascination with Al Gore's Internet. It was the 1990's, and I had a monochromatic monitor, but already I was wowed by the information (text only, back then) one could extract from the ether.
A few years later, as the web put on its pretty face, I was all-the-more enamored.
Now, like that day at Farrell, I approach cyberspace in awe. Like 1981, when I felt I had to read all of the million books, I find open portholes to what seems like infinite information, all at my fingertips....and I am insatiable. I am, admittedly, hooked.
Like all my almost-addictions, I am wary. I monitor my time online just like I do my time on television. In the same way that I look away from the window of Victoria's Secret, I force myself to look away from the techno gadgets I cannot afford (but crave). I guard myself, but there are days I lose the fight. I've found myself 6 hours into a web tangle, having opened so many tabs and windows and browsers my PC even gets too tired to carry on....but this has been very rare.
I love learning, I guess that's it. I am inspired by all that is there to learn, in libraries and online...and for that matter, from others, from travel, from introspection...
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Why the Y?
I pledged to attempt fitness again this year, and today I took another step in the right direction. In spite of everything being closed due to horrible weather and roads, I attended my meeting with my trainer. It was scary showing up, but I did follow through.
Next, another meeting with the trainer in a week, but I should try to get in there sometime in the meantime. (If I don't, I fear dependence on his mentoring.)
Why the Y? The El Dorado one, at that? Well, it has all the equipment, and classes, and trainers, and a pool--all at a fraction of the cost of one of the upscale gyms around here. I wish I knew why anyone would go anywhere else...maybe there's some prestige or pecking order to it? The El Dorado Y has our family's needs at heart, including homeschool PE and remedial swimming for me.
The big question is: will I stick with it? Will I flake out, like most "resolution types" who are joining up these days, only to drop out in March...? I guess time will tell.
Maybe offering this public chronicle of my efforts will keep me accountable some, too.
Next, another meeting with the trainer in a week, but I should try to get in there sometime in the meantime. (If I don't, I fear dependence on his mentoring.)
Why the Y? The El Dorado one, at that? Well, it has all the equipment, and classes, and trainers, and a pool--all at a fraction of the cost of one of the upscale gyms around here. I wish I knew why anyone would go anywhere else...maybe there's some prestige or pecking order to it? The El Dorado Y has our family's needs at heart, including homeschool PE and remedial swimming for me.
The big question is: will I stick with it? Will I flake out, like most "resolution types" who are joining up these days, only to drop out in March...? I guess time will tell.
Maybe offering this public chronicle of my efforts will keep me accountable some, too.
Friday, January 07, 2011
CraigsList
Free classified ads. A novel concept. Simple enough, but in the era of online growth, Craig Newmark's idea really caught on. Now over 50 million people use the site regularly, making it the #7'th most high ranking per site visits of all English language sites. See for yourself on their factsheet.
I got a free couch, sold a goat, found lots of lumber, gave away truckloads of garage sale left-overs...and that's just the start.
I like CL because it is non-commercial and it's very democratic (of the people, by the people, for the people). Everything's there. Unlike E-bay, which reeks of mammon, CL has freebie pages, barter pages, forums on every topic, job announcements...you name it. Over 700 cities/regions are represented globally.
I suggest browsing CL for your area of the country and your area of interest. I lurk on the farm/garden link and the one for materials (translate: stuff for my ship).
CraigsList is awesome.
I got a free couch, sold a goat, found lots of lumber, gave away truckloads of garage sale left-overs...and that's just the start.
I like CL because it is non-commercial and it's very democratic (of the people, by the people, for the people). Everything's there. Unlike E-bay, which reeks of mammon, CL has freebie pages, barter pages, forums on every topic, job announcements...you name it. Over 700 cities/regions are represented globally.
I suggest browsing CL for your area of the country and your area of interest. I lurk on the farm/garden link and the one for materials (translate: stuff for my ship).
CraigsList is awesome.
Monday, January 03, 2011
What's with Pirates?
So, what's with Pirates?
Why do I thrive on pirate movies and lore? Why would I like to make myself a pirate wardrobe for a Renaissance Festival or Steampunk event?
What would lead me to build a 1/2 scale pirate ship in my back yard?
I dunno.
Last semester some student did ask me about my interest in pirates. He asked if I realized they were criminals. He questioned if it was a good idea for a faculty member to hang his hat on evil-doers.
Well, first of all, my pirating is all extra curricular, and my faculty persona cares little for pirates, probably even annoyed with their bad grammar. Yes, it is true pirates were criminals, just like software pirates and kids pirating music--all criminals. Particularly, pirates are thieves, taking away goods, merchandise, even slaves and ships. They operated under less than scrupulous circumstances, had little sense of honor or loyalty, and were always out for profit, for number one.
But they had character!
Contemporary thieves don't often find themselves lost at sea, facing mutiny, confronting an armada, being marooned for misbehavior. They don't have the flair in their wardrobe nor speech.
But Pirates--whew!!
Booty and style! Dressing up for shore? How about " a rich crimson damask waistcoat and breeches, a red feather in his cap, a gold chain around his neck, with a diamond cross hanging from it" like one famous pirate, Bartholomew Roberts (Black Bart)...he also is known for having captured over 400 ships. Henry Avery secured one haul valued at $52 million (in today's currency). Henry Morgan started as an indentured servant, but became a ruthless pirate, sentenced to two years in the Tower, eventually becoming the governor of Jamaica! Edward Teach (Blackbeard) would go into battle with fireworks blazing in his beard. Anne Bonny, a famous female pirate, bared her breasts in battle!
Like impressions of the Wild West, the era and practice of pirating has been romanticized and colorized beyond any shade of reality. I know that. Disney and the POTC franchise have once again popularized the pirate, employing none other than the lovable Johnny Depp to personify the paragon of pirating himself, Jack Sparrow.
Even if one can set aside the pirate hype, these people were fascinating.
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