I Am Learning Too

Current Event Articles # 5

2009-05-25T23:30:00.000-07:00

1- US backs North Korea's neighbours (BBC NEWS)
2- Gay-Marriage Fight to Persist in California (Wall Street Journal)
3- State of Paralysis (California's Economic Difficulties) (New York Times)
4- Harry Reid: No Gitmo Detainees In U.S. (Huffington Post)
5- Iran's Ahmadinejad wants to debate Obama at UN (AP)

1) In the comments, you will answer the information outlined here:
a) Who – Who is involved with the issue? (Who is impacted or who is the central figure)
b) Where – Where is it happening?
c) When – The timeline of the issue or event?
d) What – What is going on? (2-3 Sentence Summary)
e) Why – Why is this issue significant?
f) Question – A question you have after reading the article.

2) Make sure to put your name. I wouldn’t know who was commenting otherwise. If you are worried that I will not view your post you can e-mail me as a friendly reminder.

Current Event Articles #4

2009-04-28T12:06:00.000-07:00

1) In the comments, you will answer the information outlined here:
a) Who – Who is involved with the issue? (Who is impacted or who is the central figure)
b) Where – Where is it happening?
c) When – The timeline of the issue or event?
d) What – What is going on? (2-3 Sentence Summary)
e) Why – Why is this issue significant?

f) Question – A question you have after reading the article.

2) Make sure to put your name. I wouldn’t know who was commenting otherwise. If you are worried that I will not view your post you can e-mail me as a friendly reminder.

Current Event Articles #3

2009-03-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

Obama Advisers, Lawmakers Lash Out at AIG Over Millions in Bonuses (Fox News)

SC Gov. Sanford set to reject stimulus millions (AP)

Media critics pile on Cramer, CNBC (Politico)

1) In the comments, you will answer the information outlined here:
a) Who – Who is involved with the issue? (Who is impacted or who is the central figure)
b) Where – Where is it happening?
c) When – The timeline of the issue or event?
d) What – What is going on? (2-3 Sentence Summary)
e) Why – Why is this issue significant?
f) Question – A question you have after reading the article.

2) Make sure to put your name. I wouldn’t know who was commenting otherwise. If you are worried that I will not view your post you can e-mail me as a friendly reminder.

Current Event Articles #2

2009-02-12T21:39:00.000-08:00

Venezuelans rally ahead of poll - A poll that would allow the president to be elected indefinitely, like a dictator! (Al Jeezera)

$42b stimulus passes through Senate - Nope not the U.S., Austrailia. Everybody has it rough (World News Network)

U.S. anti-drug information leaked to Mexico cartels - By many accounts the drug cartels are just as dangerous to the U.S. as terrorism in the Middle East (Rueters)

1) In the comments, you will answer the information outlined here:
a) Who – Who is involved with the issue? (Who is impacted or who is the central figure)
b) Where – Where is it happening?
c) When – The timeline of the issue or event?
d) What – What is going on? (2-3 Sentence Summary)
e) Why – Why is this issue significant?
f) Question – A question you have after reading the article.

2) Make sure to put your name. I wouldn’t know who was commenting otherwise. If you are worried that I will not view your post you can e-mail me as a friendly reminder.

Current Event Articles #1

2009-01-29T23:07:00.000-08:00

A long and bumpy road: Foreigners are trying yet again to bring peace to Israel and Palestine (The Economist)

Illinois Senate Votes To Oust Blagojevich (NPR)

Obama slams Wall Street bonuses (BBC)

2) Make sure to put your name. I wouldn’t know who was commenting otherwise. If you are worried that I will not view your post you can e-mail me as a friendly reminder.

Current Event Post

2009-01-29T23:05:00.000-08:00

Here is the post where you can place your current event article review. Remember that the current event must be from a reputable site and be a fresh story.

1) Once you have read an article you will then post your article response by clicking on the comment link at the bottom of the post.

2) In the comments, you will answer the information outlined here:
a) Title of the Article / Site Retrieved
b) Who – Who is involved with the issue? (Who is impacted or who is the central figure)
c) Where – Where is it happening?
d) When – The timeline of the issue or event?
e) What – What is going on? (2-3 Sentence Summary)
f) Why – Why is this issue significant?
g) Question – A question you have after reading the article.

3) Make sure to put your name. I wouldn’t know who was commenting otherwise. If you are worried that I will not view your post you can e-mail me as a friendly reminder.

Mexico vs. Austrailia

2008-03-02T20:53:00.001-08:00

1-1

March 7th - A Day

2008-02-27T00:25:00.002-08:00

1 - What is something that you took away from today’s class? (“Hey, I didn’t know that”)

2 - How was your school day outside of this class? (“Really, you want to know”)

3 - What is a question you have after today’s class? (“Man I wish Mr. Landeros was here today he is so smart”)

March 6th - B Day

2008-02-27T00:25:00.001-08:00

1 - What is something that you took away from today’s class? (“Hey, I didn’t know that”)

2 - How was your school day outside of this class? (“Really, you want to know”)

3 - What is a question you have after today’s class? (“Man I wish Mr. Landeros was here today he is so smart”)

March 5th - A Day

2008-02-27T00:24:00.000-08:00

1 - What is something that you took away from today’s class? (“Hey, I didn’t know that”)

2 - How was your school day outside of this class? (“Really, you want to know”)

3 - What is a question you have after today’s class? (“Man I wish Mr. Landeros was here today he is so smart”)

March 4th - B Day

2008-02-27T00:21:00.000-08:00

In the comments let me know three things and get extra credit towards your homework grade. That simple! Make sure to leave your name in the comments, I can’t give extra credit to “Anonymous”. Also let me know anything else that might be important like how the sub was with the class or anything else. I will get the subs side but I will hear you out. Or it could be that they were the greatest sub ever, who knows.

1 - What is something that you took away from today’s class? (“Hey, I didn’t know that”)
2 - How was your school day outside of this class? (“Really, you want to know”)
3 - What is a question you have after today’s class? (“Man I wish Mr. Landeros was here today he is so smart”)

Romantic Nationalism

2007-11-07T22:35:00.000-08:00

Identify why one of these paintings is representative of Romantic Nationalism. In your explanation you should contain; description of picture, define romantic nationalism, identify elements found in Romantic Nationalism and what is it trying to show. (3-5 sentences)

Post answer in comments and also e-mail me to let me know you answered the extra credit.

Here are the Links:

http://www.paintingstogo.com/david/napoleon.jpg

http://staffweb.brownsburg.k12.in.us/~emsteam82/tutin/Manifest%20Destiny%20Webquest/pics/westwardho.jpg

http://www.newberry.org/programs/images/FrenchLiberty.jpg

Chelsea!!! Chelsea!!!

2007-07-14T22:41:00.001-07:00

All Star Game 2007

2007-07-11T12:37:00.000-07:00

VV to Seattle

2007-06-26T11:18:00.001-07:00

It Has Been A Long Time!!!

2007-06-21T23:23:00.000-07:00

EDLP 201

2007-04-02T20:00:00.000-07:00

Mario Landeros
Paper #2
EDLP 201
Dr. Reveles

School Safety in Secondary Education: Affected Groups

One of the most vital responsibilities a teacher has is to serve their students. In serving their students they provide them with learning and development skills to make them life long learners. What is often forgotten in this process is the idea that before any development and learning occurs students must first feel safe. All students need to feel comfortable so they can reach their full potential and take those leaps of faith that teachers often ask them to do. However, this literature review will focus on three specific groups who face issues of school safety. Immigrants, students with disabilities, and Gay/Lesbian students are just three groups that face daily issues of safety within the school environment.

The schooling process for immigrant students is usually focused on ESL programs that teach immigrant students language skills to succeed in their new country. But as Edward Buendía, Kristin Crosland, Fode Doumbia and Andrew Gitlin (2003) state the immigrant’s education amounted to something more than the mere learning of English. Buendia et al. (2003) point out that “immigrants were caught in institutional practices that simultaneously welcomed and ‘unwelcomed’ them” (pg 92). Mexican, Bosnian, and Sudanese students at the school they researched were often confronted with issues of safety. Buendia et al. (2003) communicate that school security and a clear protocol is fundamental because of limited English proficiency.

Nathan Essex (2002) clearly states his focus when he says: “All students, including those with disabilities, benefit from safe, well-disciplined and orderly schools and other learning environments” (pg 153). Essex (2002) remarks that the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) passed in 1990 protects disabled individuals against discriminatory practices. The goal of this act is to supply fair and equitable access to all people but in the context of the public school system it is all students. Students with special needs and disabilities frequently face both physical and psychological constraints. The physical constraints that sometimes face the members of this group are what perhaps make this group more special than any other. Essex (2002) also makes mention that because students with disabilities sometimes have heightened behavioral issues it is important to acknowledge when a student is becoming a clear and present danger to himself and/or other students. Students with disabilities share the issue of psychological safety with most other minority groups. The word “retard” and other pejoratives towards those with special needs are rampant on most school campuses. It cannot be denied that language plays a significant role in the climate and safety at school. Because of this, in the future the writer will take a deeper look into what role campus language plays in school safety.

Hurtful language also plays an integral role in the safety of another group. Regularly the word “faggot” or the phrase “that’s so gay” can be heard in classrooms and school grounds. Norma Bailey (2003) clearly identifies that Gay and Lesbian students face harassment, threats, and violence against gay and lesbian youth (and those who are perceived to be gay or lesbian) continue to plague middle-level and high schools. Bailey (2003) eloquently states the issues of school safety when she writes:

The shame of ridicule and the fear of attack make school a fearful place for gay and lesbian students, resulting in frequent absences and academic failure on their part. These students often spend an inordinate amount of time and energy in the process of determining how to get safely to and from school, how to avoid the hallways when other students are present there, where they might be safe in the lunchroom or locker room, and which restroom they can use--and when. (pg 46)

Camille Lee (2002) contributes to this issue by acknowledging that Gay and Lesbian youth are not receiving the same educational opportunities as their straight peers.

The underlying issue as stated by many of the authors who discuss sub group safety is just that. The sub groups or minority groups are not receiving the same educational opportunities as their peers. As administrators and teachers it is important that we investigate certain questions. Lee (2002) affirms that investigation is the starting point to addressing the safety gap between all students. Their educational opportunities are being stunted by their primary concern over survival. The issue of survival is directly linked to the idea that they must feel safe before they can move forward in the educational process.

This Can't Be Good For You (Danny) and Me (Me)

2007-03-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

California State Professors Threaten Strike

UCLA National Champs!

2007-03-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

Paradigm Shift

2007-03-23T00:50:00.000-07:00

We discussed Paradigm Shifts on Tuesday and disccused how they fit in the context of Science, History and Culture.

Remember that a Paradigm Shift is as a change from one way of thinking to another.

Below you have a list of issues and/or events. I would like you to discuss what society was like before and after these Paradigm Shifts. Post your reply in the comments section to 7 of these Paradigm Shifts.

(Example: Columbus Discovering America - Before people they thought the earth was flat and after they realised it was actually round and it changed navigation drastically.)

1- The A-Bomb being dropped on Hiroshima
2- Internet
3- The Printing Press
4- Rock & Roll
5- Martin Luther (Reformation)
6- Martin Luther King Jr.
7- Movies
8- Industrial Revolution
9- MySpace
10- Automobiles
11- Pastuerization
12- People blind since birth are suddenly enabled to see.
13- The English monarchy with the signing of Magna Carta.

Some of these Paradigm Shifts may require a history refresher so research those events online to help you out.

Teachers Are Just As Bad As Students

2007-03-14T18:50:00.000-07:00

I am sitting at a computer, working in the CSUS Library with my Master's class. There are fellow teachers on espn.com, playing solitaire, and some talking about Kama Sutra. It is hard to get on students when I see teachers doing the same thing. I just think it is funny and something that should be mentioned. Don't judge me for posting during this time. I have outlined my next two essays and researched 13 journal articles. Got to go the Librarian is staring at me!

I Take Back What I Said About Farmers ...

2007-03-13T11:39:00.000-07:00

They have a strong lobby and the last thing I want to do is make a group that big and powerful mad at me.

I Hate Farmers ...

2007-03-12T10:25:00.000-07:00

because of daylight savings time.

End Daylight Saving Time

My Literature Review

2007-03-06T22:12:00.000-08:00

Students always ask me what it is that I have do in my master's program. Here is just a sample of what type of writing I have to do. The rest is all jump ropes and koosh balls but I will explain that later.

Mario Landeros
Paper #1
EDLP 201
Dr. Reveles

Paper #1 – School Safety in Secondary Education

In thinking about the future of education one thing is very important to consider. In order for students to succeed we must provide a safe school environment. School safety is on the mind of teachers, staff, parents and students. As future leaders of our schools it is crucial to understand that integral dynamic. No school is immune to these problems be it rural, suburban, or urban. Even elementary schools face the same issues as secondary schools. This literature review will focus on the effects of an unsafe school environment at the secondary level.

The issues introduced by Jianping Shen (1997) are: physical conflicts among students, robbery or theft, student use of alcohol and student drug abuse. In addition Shen (1997) discusses matters related to the magnitude of keeping a safe physical environment. The matters that can be categorized in the area are: vandalism of school property, student possession of weapons and verbal abuse of teachers. Elizabeth Davies, Kathryn Chandler and Mary Jo Nolin (1996) reported that Substantial percentages of U.S. students in grades 6-12 face crime or threats at school or on the way to or from school.

In the article “Victimization at School” many dreadful statistics are given from a study conducted by Westat for the National Center for Education Statistics. One of the many statistics brought to light in this articles is “most students (71%) in grades 6-12 reported having knowledge of bullying, physical attack, or robbery at their schools during the current school year” (Chandler, Davies& Nolin, 217). Chandler, Davies, & Nolin (1996) provided a breadth of statistics that displayed that school safety spreads across race, sex, drugs and alcohol. One of the more fascinating statistics presented by Chandler, Davies & Nolin (1996) is: “Seventy-one percent of male and seventy percent of female students reported knowing about bullying, physical attack, or robbery at school; witnessing these events and worrying about them also did not differ by the sex of the student” (pg. 218).

Shen (1997) noted that “more than 25 percent of the teachers considered verbal abuse of teachers and student drug and alcohol abuse as serious or moderately serious.” (pg. 18). While Shen (1997) observes that teachers are equally under threat as students, he also notes that teachers play a vital leadership role in their schools. Shen (1997) remarks schools, teachers and community members “are playing an increasingly important role in student’s lives” (pg 20). Shen (1997) provides more evidence to this debate by stating “For some students, schools are the only safe havens in their lives” (pg. 20).

The writer understands that the issue of school safety has just been faintly introduced by the authors Shen and Chandler, Davies, & Nolin works. But the issue as declared by Shen (1997) is that “public schools have been becoming less and less safe” (pg. 20). The focus of teachers of the public school system is to make our schools a safe place to allow our students to flourish where they might have not otherwise with the assistance of a safe school environment.

Is Graffiti Art?

2007-02-23T00:52:00.000-08:00

Graffiti is defined as the illegal or unauthorized defacing of a building, wall or other edifice or object by painting or otherwise marking it with words, pictures or symbols. Nowhere do you see the word "art" in that definition. It is a contentious argument that both sides believe they are right on.

For today's assignment all you have to do is type what you think, basically argue your point.
In the comments section you will need to tell me your explanations by explaining the argument by rules. Address rules of argumentation more specifically: Rule 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 (You do not need to do the others.) Look at the comments section to see my example.

Rules of Argument Checklist

Graffiti is not art - Google search

Graffiti is art - Google search

A Little Inspiration

2007-02-22T10:24:00.000-08:00

I began my second class for my masters yesterday. The class is EDLP 201, Foundations of Educational Leadership, it was a very eye opening experiencing to what a little inspiration can do. Dr. Reveles is a great orator that kept my interest and made me want to do my best. Dr. Price the teacher I had for EDLP 200, Diversity and Equity in Education, was very similar. Dr. Reveles talks a lot about "faith" and I really began to understand how important it is that students see you have "faith" in the them. I have a tremendous amount of faith in my students I just don't know how much I inspire them or if they know I have faith in them. Inspiration is definitely an area I have to work on to be the best teacher I can be.

How I Spent My Day Off

2007-02-12T22:28:00.000-08:00

Why I Am In A Master's Program

2007-02-07T12:58:00.000-08:00

These are just some of the reasons that I am in the Master’s Program at Sac State. I get asked the question a lot and so I figured it was about time that I actually think about it.

Right now is the perfect time to take on a responsibility that will take up so much time and effort. I have no responsibilities: no wife, no mortgage, not even a plant.
I want to learn as much as I can. I plan on being in education for as long as I can so I want to make sure that I know as much as I can about education. There a lot of cans in this bullet.
If you want to create change you have to know how to change things, seems pretty simple.
I like the confidence of at least having an idea of what things could be. Self-confidence is an important thing when people look at you and see some young teacher who doesn’t know much. Part of why I work so hard is so people can see how invested I am in the process.
I don’t know what my future is but I want to be prepared for it when it smacks me in my face. Realistically I think I need to teach at least ten years before I even think about the next step but you never know what may happen. I think the say “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity” if not tell me what they say.
Sac State is a great teacher’s school so it just made since to go there if I was going to focus on education.

January

2007-01-31T16:08:00.000-08:00

I have never in my life been so happy to see a month end, geez!!!

Never Thought of it This Way

2007-01-29T22:56:00.000-08:00

"Optimists are useless and merely find hope where pessimists will work"
- Ben Dory

I saw this quote and I thought it was very interesting. I actually feel like I am more of a realist but I definitely work hard to create or change something as opposed to hoping for the creation or change.

Danny, Do You Like The Stache?

2007-01-19T20:00:00.000-08:00

My Hero

2007-01-18T23:44:00.000-08:00

I love watching KTVU2 news at 10:00. I could listen Dennis Richmond tell me anything; the news, telephone numbers, or a children's story. Very few people are a institution but this man is a institution.

Resolutions for the New Year

2007-01-15T19:59:00.000-08:00

I would probaly say that I hate New Year's resolutions. I think they set people up to fail but I do think that people should periodically examine themselves and see how they can improve. After a really bad week last week I decided I need to become really good at a couple of things as opposed to being average at a lot of things. I have had difficulty juggling a lot of things this year. And the juggling just became more difficult with me beginning the Master's program in education. I am purging myself of a lot of things so I can be really amazing at a couple of things. In the past I have relied on pure will and determination to balance all the things on my plate. Another reason for handling all these things was that I can't say NO.

So if I had a New Year's resolution all though I will never admit to it, it would be that I become a little bit more selfish to ensure my sanity and success in a couple key areas.

The 2nd Worst Moment of 2007

2007-01-11T18:41:00.000-08:00

First let me start off by saying that I am usually a really positive person. But this week has been a bit of a strain as you can tell by this post and the previous post title. I know this is going to be a great year in which I succeed a great deal but right now the second week of 2007 is a bit of a bust.

I came home and was "surfing the web" when I received a call from a 916 area code. I picked up the phone and this how the conversation went.

916 Person: Hello this is Ms. X (not real name, but sounds cool) from the department of education at Sacramento State. May I speak to Mario Landeros.

Me: This is him. (Inner dialogue: She is going to remind me about school starting next week)

916 Person: Do you know that you missed the first day of class.

Me: Excuse Me.

916 Person: Yesterday was the first class of your Master's Program

Me: Oh my (Inner dialogue: Oh crap)

916 Person: I e-mailed you a month ago letting you know the schedule.

Me: Yes, I remember, I assumed that the classes began at the same time as Sacramento State classes. (Classes at Sac State do not begin until 01/19)

916 Person: Well, that is not the case, I e-mailed you the schedule.

Me: I apologize what can I do to fix this situation. (Inner dialogue: Yeah Yeah Yeah the e-mail I get it)

916 Person: Here is the course syllabus with the instructor's e-mail. You may want to contact her.

Me: Thank you

After I got off the phone with Ms. X I felt like the biggest piece of trash in the world. In the business of education the two things I take very seriously are my first impressions and being responsible. Forgetting to come to your very first class of my Master's program is a very poor performance. Especially when you consider the two things I take seriously. To my students this may not be a big deal but it sort of is. One it is important to me, I am my biggest critic so when I do things like this I tend to beat myself up a little more than others do. Second missing class at the university and especially graduate level is a big nuisance. You have to e-mail the instructor to tell them how sorry you are and that it will never happen again. You also have to get a make up assignment. Also I missed 4 hours of academic content that I need to catch up on. I will get over this in a couple of days but the writing in my blog at this moment is at least helping in the process of getting over it.

I promise the next post will be a positive one. (This promise is being made to myself but if you want a ride on the promise train come along.)

The 2nd Worst Morning of 2007

2007-01-08T23:13:00.000-08:00

I came to the conclusion today that as long as I am teaching, the first day back from Winter Break will be the second worst morning of my year. During break I was sleeping for 12 hours a day and not getting out of bed until 11:00 am. Waking up today was a miserable experience. The reason that it is not the the number 1 worst morning of the year is because the year is early and I don't want to commit myself too quickly. Once the day started I felt good and was happy to be in the classroom.

Welcome Back

2007-01-07T20:48:00.000-08:00

I took the Winter Break off from everything; school stuff, blogging, exercising, and regular grooming. I am the biggest sloth ever. I will see how tomorrow goes.

That is Crazy

2006-12-20T23:22:00.000-08:00

One of my students informed me that when I search the name Mario Landeros my blog comes up second on Google results. This relates to a previous diatribe I made about Google searching my name. That is some crazy stuff, I am just saying. Mr. Purtill if you played any role in this thanks.

New Look, New Year

2006-12-20T23:20:00.000-08:00

I am starting my New Year's resolutions early!!!

I HATE BEING SICK

2006-12-13T23:29:00.000-08:00

I REALLY HATE BEING SICK. I am in the pre-sick stage right now, by tomorrow I will be completely sick. Friday I will sleep 18 hours. Saturday I will get a kick back in my step. Sunday I will be my usual self. Monday I start the work week with the focus that I only have one week and then I have Winter Break. I will see if my plan happens the way I want it to happen.

R.I.P. Jose Uribe

2006-12-09T00:24:00.000-08:00

My heart sunk today when I found out that Jose Uribe died in a car crash in his native Dominican Republic. Jose is so entrenched in my child memories. I can remember walking to breezy Candlestick Park with my brother and dad, going up the escalator, and watching one of the greatest double play tandems ever. It seems silly but it is the inexplicaly important details that you remember from your childhood. Case in point like the Giants' shortsop in the 80's. Read the story to find out more.

Something That Is Bothering Me Right Now

2006-12-08T10:29:00.000-08:00

It seems like this comes up way too much. The words “gay” and/or “homo” in my opinion are two blaring signs that one is ignorant and inconsiderate. Being ignorant and inconsiderate are probably to of my biggest pet peeves. Unfortunately for the age group I teach the word “gay” is engrained in there vernacular.
When I hear somebody say “My computer is acting gay right now” I usually ask two questions “What does that mean?” and “How can a non-living object be gay?” The first problem with this word or any pejorative (N-word, Wetback, and any other term for that matter) is that it is offensive. Even if it is not offensive to me it is offensive to somebody in the room and for that you should be considerate.
I am not gay but people I love very much are, when you say words like “homo” or even stronger you are making a judgment about those people I love. If you want to see me mad then make a judgment about my family and others I care about. I don’t think it would be appreciated of I questioned and critique your faith or ethnicity.
The last point I will make about this is how people just sound ignorant. Why would you say a word that carries no meaning for what you are trying to say? Printers, ties, smells, food are all gay and I just can’t understand why. When I see students acting ignorant it is more disenchanting then anything. It is hard for me to believe that in 2006 we still have people like this. It has nothing do with validating anyone’s lifestyle choice but more respecting them as a human being. Imagine that respecting someone as a human being not for their color of their skin, the way they talk, or their sexual preference. My basic point about this is that you should treat people the way you would like to be treated. I know that sounds warm and fuzzy but it shouldn’t.

Solzhenitsyn Quotes

2006-12-07T11:23:00.000-08:00

I did not know a whole lot about Alexander Solzhenitsyn before reading his book, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich. By reading his book I have been engaged with the type of person and writer he is. He truly is one of the great writers of the 21st century. Here are some quotes that qet me thinking.

"Man has set for himself the goal of conquering the world but in the
processes loses his soul."

"If one is forever cautious, can one remain a human being? "

"History has in different questions laid out some tremendous turnabouts and
curves."

"Anyone who has proclaimed violence his method inexorably must choose lying
as his principle."

"There are a lot of clear thinkers everywhere."

Ivan Denisovich Quote Analysis

2006-12-01T01:51:00.000-08:00

For this Assignment you will need to analyze five quotes from One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich. In your anaylsis you should tell me the context (what is going in the story at the time), meaning (what you think the quote means or is trying to say) & theme (how does this quote relate to one of the themes)

Here are some quotes:

Quote 1: "Here, men, we live by the law of the taiga. But even here people manage to live. The ones that don't make it are those who lick other men's leftovers, those who count on the doctors to pull them through, and those who squeal on their buddies." pg. 4

Quote 2: "Work was like a stick. It had two ends. When you worked for the knowing you gave them quality; when you worked for a fool you simply gave him eyewash. Otherwise, everybody would have croaked long ago. They all knew that." pg. 12

Quote 3: "Apart from sleep, the only time a prisoner lives for himself is ten minutes in the morning at breakfast, five minutes over dinner, and five at supper." pg. 14

Quote 4: "How can you expect a man who's warm to understand a man who's cold? The cold stung. A murky fog wrapped itself around Shukhov and made him cough painfully. The temperature out there was -17; Shukov's temperature was 99. The fight was on." pg. 19

Quote 5: "Every nerve in his body was taut, all his longing was concentrated in that cigarette butt--which meant more to him now, it seemed, than freedom itself--but he would never lower himself like that Fetiukov, he would never look at a man's mouth." pg. 24-25

Quote 6: "Alyosha , who was standing next to Shukov, gazed at the sun and looked happy, a smile on his lips. What had he to be happy about? His cheeks were sunken, he lived strictly on his rations, he earned nothing. He spent all his Sundays muttering with the other Baptists. They shed hardships of camp life like water off a duck's back." pg. 36

Quote 7: "In camp the squad leader is everything: a good one will give you a second life; a bad one will put you in your coffin." pg. 36

Quote 8: "There was truth in that. Better to growl and submit. If you were stubborn they broke you." pg. 41

Quote 9: "Shukov looked up at the sky and gasped--the sun had climbed almost to the dinner hour. Wonder of wonders! How time flew when you were working! That was something he'd often noticed. The days rolled by in the camp--they were over before you could say knife. But the years, they never rolled by; they never moved by a second." pg. 53

Quote 10: "He was a newcomer. He was unused to the hard life of the zeks. Though he didn't know it, moments like this were particularly important to him, for they were transforming him from an eager, confident naval officer with a ringing voice into an inert, though wary, zek. And only in that inertness lay the chance of surviving the twenty-five years of imprisonment he'd been sentenced to." pg.

Quote 11: "But Shukov wasn't made that way--eight years in a camp couldn't change his nature. He worried about anything he could make use of, about every scrap of work he could do--nothing must be wasted without good reason." pg. 88

Quote 12: "Why can't you understand? The stars fall down now and then. The gaps have to be filled." pg. 90-91

Quote 13: "Who's the zek's main enemy? Another zek. If only they weren't at odds with one another--ah, what a difference that'd make!" pg. 101

Quote 14: "He had less and less cause to remember Temgenovo and his home there. Life in camp wore him out from reveille to bedtime, with not a second for idle reflections." pg. 107

Quote 15: "And now Shukov complained about nothing: neither about the length of his stretch, nor about the length of the day, nor about their swiping another Sunday. This was all he thought about now: we'll survive. We'll stick it out, God willing, till it's over." pg. 117

Quote 16: "D'you mean to say you think Old Whiskers will take pity on you? Why, he wouldn't trust his own brother. You haven't a chance, you ass." pg. 122

Quote 17: "When you thought about it, you couldn't help feeling sorry for him. He wouldn't live to see the end of his stretch. His attitude was all wrong." pg. 125

Quote 18: "Ten days. Ten days hard in the cells--if you sat them out to the end, your health would be ruined for the rest of your life. T.B. and nothing but hospital for you till you kicked the bucket. As for those who got fifteen days hard and sat them out--they went straight into a hole in the cold earth. As long as you're in the barracks--praise the Lord and sit tight." pg. 129

Quote 19: "You should rejoice that you're in prison. Here you have time to think about your soul." pg. 136

Quote 20: "they hadn't put him in the cells; they hadn't sent his squad to the settlement; he'd swiped a bowl of kasha at dinner; the squad leader had fixed the rates well; he'd built a wall and enjoyed doing it; he'd smuggled that bit of hacksaw blade through; he'd earned a favor from Tsezar that evening; he'd bought that tobacco. And he hadn't fallen ill. He got over it." pg. 139

Quote 21: "A day without a dark cloud. Almost a happy day. There were three thousand six hundred and fifty-three days like that in his stretch. From the first clang of the rail to the last clang of the rail. Three thousand six hundred and fifty-three days. The three extra days were for leap years." pg. 139

Music Is Still On My Mind

2006-11-29T20:43:00.000-08:00

In general there are three things that I hate about music.

Cover songs
The word "love" in a song title
Performance videos that are really, really, really plain

I came across this video, it is absolutely stunning. It is a cover of Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart." This is already two of my hates but I think this might be the best cover song ever and easily the best cover of a Joy Divison song. Watch the video to see my last hate. For some reason all these hates really came together to create something amazing.

The Fuel I Am Running On

2006-11-29T00:40:00.000-08:00

At this current moment I am being heavily driven by music. I will say that in the last few months I have not been in this mode. I have been disappointed by most realizes in the last year and more so by the ones I was really looking forward to. But these last couple of days I have listened to about 10 albums. Its great, I am like a well oiled machine running in perfect rhythm thanks to some old and new surprises.

Antonio Carlos Jobim / Wave - Jobim is one of the pioneers of Bossanova. When Bossanova is done well it has an incredible focused element. When it is done bad, it sounds like that stuff you hear in the elevator. This is Bossanova done well, actually beautifully.

Nellie McKay / Pretty Little Head - The pitch I was given to listen to this album was really bad. A friend said, "Its like British Pop done with a Bossanova feel." This is a really bad summation of the album, it is actually pretty good. It is a double disc so percentages wise there has to be a lot of good songs.

Mogwai / Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait - Mogwai is just amazing. This is a soundtrack for a film about Zidane. (The famous soccer player who head butted that guy in the World Cup Final) If you have ever seen Zidane play you can really imagine this being a soundtrack to him playing a game. If you haven't seen him play it is just music with amazing instrumentation.

Sufjan Stevens / Songs for Christmas - I have never been a big Christmas music fan but this album has changed that for me completely. Stevens has some great original songs about the holidays but also his take on the classics.

Clipse / Hell Hath No Fury - First off let me start off by saying this is a Hip-Hop album. I know that sounds like an outlier but I grew up listening to music like this. I will admit that some day I will have to stop listening to Hip-Hop. These guys are incredible lyricists and they have some great production behind them.

Other albums I have been listening to but will just list because I have to go to sleep.

Joanna Newsom - Ys
The Velvet Underground & Nico
The Velvet Undergound
Boards of Canada - Campfire Headphase
Bloc Party - A Weekend in the City (Actually this one is OK)

I Got It

2006-11-27T20:18:00.000-08:00

I came to this conclusion at least 6 years ago when I was still in school, I need more time added to the day. Sometimes I get really great ideas or get extremely motivated and then pesky time gets in the way. I have a lot of things I want to lesson plan but not enough time. Realistically I would be up until 4 o'clock every night working on things but that is just not feasible. I mean it could be except for the fact I have to wake up at 6:30 am everyday. I have come up with these two proposals:

Extend the 24 hour day to 26 hours. That gives me 14 hours a week more to accomplish my goals
Create a 8 day week with each day only being 22 hours. This is of course would mean that the work week would be extended to six days. As much as a sacrifice this would be I would only gain an additional 8 hours a week.

Realistically I guess things like blogging, napping, and catching up on world affairs can be eliminated but then I would just be a robot. Part of what makes people work so hard is the fact that they see light at the end of the tunnel where they can just relax. We need that light at the end of the tunnel to work through everything else. Work would just be miserable if I didn't get to take a afternoon siesta, watch Chelsea vs. Manchester United, or listen to some Velvet Underground while reading a book. I am not asking for much except drastically changing the world's concept of time and day, that's it. Oh by the way I love my job when I say "work would just be miserable" I am talking about people who sit in a cubicle all day. I couldn't do that type of work of my life depended on it.

Welcome Back

2006-11-27T14:25:00.000-08:00

Although I loved my break. I really think I could sleep 14 hours a day if it was socially acceptable and not a clear sign of depression. It is however even better to be back at school. It was nice to hear students interesting stories about Thanksgiving. It is also nice to see students refreshed, before the break they were looking a little weathered. Now only four more weeks until Winter Break. When we come back from Winter Break it is only two more weeks and then it is then of the semester. And a week after that I will start the Master's Program at Sac State. I have a suspicious feeling that the next two months will be a blurry mess but well worth it. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?

Enjoying My Break

2006-11-22T18:28:00.000-08:00

* About 10 minutes later I would slip and drop my digital camera in the water rendering it useless. That being said it was an amazing trip with some of the most stunning scenery I have ever seen. Imaging just staring at landscape for 20 minutes. Oh yeah and I bought a new digital camera, you can do that when your a teacher. Teachers are filthy rich!!!

The New Me

2006-11-14T22:57:00.000-08:00

You Learn Something New Everyday

2006-11-14T11:23:00.000-08:00

"You learn something new everyday" is one of those cliches that you hear so much. It is to be perfectly sometimes annoying when you hear it. That being said learning something new everyday just got easier. During class yesterday my students pointed out a website called WikiHow. This website allows you to learn how to do something in a step by step process. I searched fight a bear. The recommendation is that I don't fight a bear but it still gave me hints on how to successfully battle a bear. It is nice to know if I ever encounter a bear and I have a wireless laptop I can systematically take him down.

Future Searches include but are not limited to; surviving a robot invasion, talking dolphin, and becoming a champion cup stacker.

More Victory

2006-11-13T21:35:00.000-08:00

On Thursday I overwhelmingly beat my opponent in the canned food drive. On Friday I found even more good news. I applied to Sac State's Master's Education Program earlier this month and on Friday I received my acceptance letter. This is a lot of good news in just one weekend. I may sound pessimistic but whenever I get good news in bunches like this I think something bad is going to happen. I feel like I am going to get into a car accident or something the next week. Oh well, here is to safe driving and goods news.

Victory is Mine

2006-11-11T10:29:00.000-08:00

The canned food drive is over and I am the proud papa of 700+ cans, more to come.

I Have Great Students

2006-11-07T10:51:00.000-08:00

I would just like to proclaim that I have some of the best students in the world. I am pretty confident that they could beat any other class up figuritively of course. They have shown a great amount of pride, creativity, and respect during this crazy canned food drive. I wish I had the time to post all the creative ads they came up with. I also wish I could list them by name but I am pretty sure that it is illegal to post names of students on the internet.

Thanks to all the students who have participated during the canned food drive in whatever form or fashion.

Here is a link to watch a hirarious video created by a student during our Buckingham Broadcast.

This Could Be Hard to Explain

2006-10-30T22:11:00.000-08:00

I was greeted this morning by some staff asking me if I had any relatives that lived in Fairfield. This caught me off guard but it was Monday morning and I did not have the skill of questioning down yet. So I just let it go and went through my routine. Then another staff member asked me the same question. By this time I was awake and I asked why? It turns out that somebody named Augustin Landeros was in the paper.

Apparently this guy, Augustin Landeros, broke into a house and fell asleep in a child's vacant room. He later reufused to leave. The Reporter cleverly labeled this occasion the "Goldilocks Complex." This would have been really awkward if this was a relative. I would have had to lie and tell them he wasn't. Because of my last name I don't get too many people asking me if I have relatives. Whenever my last name does come up it is usually some story like this "Goldilocks Guy" or something stranger if it can get stranger than that. Click here for a link to the story.

Motivation is Tough

2006-10-30T17:23:00.000-08:00

This relates to my last post because the more busy I find myself the less patience I have for people who are unmotivated. This is not directed at my students, I have many students who are the defintion of motivation. More specifically this rant is directed at those who have the ability, oppurtunity, and support to accomplish but choose not to. I am not your "go getter" type but I do not fit into the type that watches T.V. and wonders why the world is against me. Want something work for it, it really is just that simple. Here is what some people who were pretty successful had to say about motivation and inspiration.

"When inspiration does not come to me, I go halfway to meet it." Sigmund
Freud
"The way to gain a good reputation, is to endeavor to be what you desire to
appear. " Socrates
"The ability to concentrate and to use your time well is everything if you
want to succeed in business--or almost anywhere else for that matter." Lee
Iocacca
"Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre
minds." Albert Einstein

Insanely Busy !!!

2006-10-29T22:31:00.000-08:00

The past couple weeks have been so busy. I really haven't had any time to do anything relaxing except sleeping. Even that is by accident, I usually wake up on my living room floor and wonder what happened. The path is getting a little clearer so hopefully I can return to my blogging ways.

crazily, ferociously, fiercely, furiously, idiotically, irrationally, stupidly, violently, wildly, berserk, destructively, frenziedly, madly, maniacally, murderously, savagely, uncontrollably, violently, wildly, absurdly, crazily, deliriously, dementedly, desperately, devotedly, distractedly, energetically, exceedingly, excessively, excitedly, extremely, foolishly, frantically, frenziedly, furiously, hard, hastily, hurriedly, hysterically, intensely, irrationally, like mad, ludicrously, nonsensically, passionately, psychotically, quickly, rabidly, rapidly, rashly, recklessly, senselessly, something fierce, speedily, stormily, to distraction, tumultuously, turbulently, unreasonably, violently

Here are just some other adjectives to explain how busy I have been. My personal favorite is murderously busy and yes it is pretty accurate of how busy I have been.

Why Use Images in English?

2006-10-24T00:56:00.000-07:00

“Kids tend to be visually oriented, able to point out every significant image
in a three-minute MTV music video, but when it comes to doing the same with a
written text, they stare at it as if they are reading German.” John Golden

I am always asked why I use images and video so much in class and Mr. Golden just helped me figure out why. Thanks Mr. Golden

“the skills they use to decode the visual image are the same skills they
use for a written text”

Friday Extension Assignment

2006-10-20T01:13:00.000-07:00

Go to the following link on writing essays on theme to answer the questions below:

1- What are five things that are mentioned in the first sentence of a sample opening paragraph?

2- What is the purpose of the middle paragraphs?

3- How should the general topic be broken down?

4- How should you correctly end a supporting paragraph?

5- How should middle paragraphs be arranged?

6- More importantly, what does the conclusion give you a chance to do?

This is Fun

2006-10-17T11:26:00.000-07:00

To the outsider my canned food drive may seem really dumb but it seems to be having a positive effect on the school. Students are rallying around a cause even if it is a very silly cause. Students are coming up to me and telling me they want me to win or lose. I have some students creating campaign ads and even talks about t-shirts have began to sprout. The creative juices are flown on this one. This could be to Buckingham what the Civil War was to the United States. Now that I think about it maybe positive effect isn't the term I am looking for. Oh yeah this isn't me.

One To Grow On

2006-10-17T11:17:00.000-07:00

We have been talking about symbolism and theme in my English classes and I came across this quote.

“One world of truth outweighs the world”

I just think the quote is sort of interesting. This quote asks a lot of interesting questions about society. The type of questions that really can’t be answered with a yes or a no. I like those types of questions.

Dr. Strangebeard or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love The Beard

2006-10-10T20:05:00.000-07:00

I have been growing a beard for about a month now. I must say that the beard has taken on a life of its own. All my students are asking me why I am growing it. Unfortunately I don’t have a really good answer to give them. I have been growing my beard in conjunction with Mr. Price, a fellow English teacher. I will say that his beard is very extravagant. But that is just because he started before me, long term my beard would pummel his beard.
Finally today Mr. Price and I decided to have a competitive contest around our beards. We are having a canned food drive. Mr. Price has 10th & 11th graders while I have 9th & 12th graders. The winning team, meaning the students, will get to shave their teachers beard and head. The loser will have to keep their beard until February 13th. This is pretty intense. I really can’t lose this thing for a number of reasons. One important reason is I need to get a rep at my school and taking out Mr. Price is a perfect way to go about that. Also there is no way that I can mentally withstand having a beard for another 4 months. The students seemed enthused and it’s for a great cause so hopefully everything works out. Caution: My beard and this contest do not share any views with that of Saddam Hussein. This contest is in no way sponsored or promoted by Saddam Hussien.

This Is Ridiculous

2006-10-08T22:14:00.000-07:00

Last week I spoke of the wonder that is Pho. This weekend I went to Fresh Choice and noticed that they were offering Pho as one of their seasonal soups. This is unacceptable! Pho is too great to be ruined by American marketing. I know with globalization that things like this do happen but it is really hard to see. I am Mexican and I have seen all my favorite dishes ruined by the likes of Taco Bell and Chevy’s. I just hope that Vietnamese food doesn’t go down the same route. I also don’t want people eating this stuff and thinking it is authentic Pho. As I have said before if you want good Pho go to Thanh Dat.

Robert Frost Poem

2006-10-06T00:48:00.000-07:00

WARNING! This is the first time I am using the site to complete an assignment but hopefully everything works out. This assignment is very similar to the work we did with music lyrics and symbolism. Below you have a poem by Robert Frost, a famous American poet, who used symbolism. Think about the words that create symbolism. Remember to use the site: Dictionary of Symbolism. To respond to the questions just post a comment. Your post should answer these questions; 1) What ideas or visuals create the strongest symbolism? 2) What is the symbolism created? 3) What is the main idea of the song and does symbolism help you in discovering the idea?

The Road Not Taken

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I--
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

-- Robert Frost

Or post a comment on the symbolism of my T-shirt.

Soccer Fans Are Smarter

2006-10-05T00:51:00.000-07:00

First let me say that this is coming from the perspective of a born and raised soccer fan. So of course there is a bias. But it is my stern belief that soccer fans are smarter than any other sports fans.
Nascar fans aren’t even in this equation, they just watch to see a car crash. Fans of Hockey watch that sport for the same reason; they want to see a fight. I have been to some Baseball games recently and all they do is talk about anything except Baseball. Going to a Baseball is more about the experience than the actual game. Also have you ever tried explaining baseball to somebody who knows absolutely nothing about the game? It is at this point that you realize how complex baseball is. Football fans watch just to see the pure savagery. The game of football is predicated on overpowering strength. Smarts don’t win in the game of football. People just watch football to see living beasts beat the crap out of each other. Basketball is my second favorite sport but I don’t know how often I have said “Wow that is a great pick and roll” and have the person next to me look at me like I was speaking Portuguese. They just want to see the windmill dunk.
If you have ever been to a Soccer game you will realize how knowledgeable Soccer fans are. You will hear things like; “Switch the field”, “play the flank”, and “through ball”. Soccer is so simple but yet complex. Soccer is simple because you just have to score a goal, easy right, but it is complex because you just can’t keep on going forward and score a goal. Fans have to know all the intricate aspects. Soccer fans know the difference between long grass and short grass; they know the difference between a cross to the near post or the far post. If soccer fans didn’t know these things they would just be lost. The comment by American sports fans is always that “Soccer is boring” this is true because you don’t know what is going on. I have recently converted some friends into appreciating soccer and know they can see how interesting the game is. They can now see all the little things that make soccer the “beautiful game”
That being said I am currently glued to my television watching Baseball playoffs. I also can’t wait until Basketball comes around. I think the Warriors have a chance at the playoffs. This is in part why I love fall so much. You have Baseball, Football, Basketball, and Soccer going on at the same time.

Measure of Success

2006-10-04T00:37:00.000-07:00

Is Google searching your name an appropriate measure of success? And if so what does that number mean? When people are bored on the internet they often Google their name, in fact I don’t know anybody that hasn’t Googled their name. I searched my name and came up with 590 results. The sad thing is that only a few of those were actually me. There is apparently a composer, boxer, and minor league baseball player named Mario Landeros. So even when it comes to being Mario Landeros I am pretty unsuccessful, oh well.

I Love Food

2006-10-01T18:02:00.000-07:00

I have already talked about one of my favorite things which is art, the other is food. I had some really great food experiences this weekend. Food is great for a number of reasons. One reason is you need food to live. Another reason why food is great is it can get you to reminisce about events and places.

I love grilled cheese sandwiches from In an Out. By now their secret menu is not so secret but if you didn’t know you can order a grilled cheese sandwich from there. From the picture you will notice that it does not look that appetizing but it is pure heaven. The other reason I get grilled cheese from In and Out is because the meat patties do something vicious to my stomach.

For some of you the sight of sushi is disgusting. I use to be one of you people but in the last couple of years I have come to appreciate it. I went to Davis for lunch at an all you can eat sushi buffet. For ten bucks you can eat all the dragon rolls, sashimi, soft shelled crab, and friend bananas you want. A fun competition to have with yourself is to see how high your stack of sushi plates can get. The hour long wait outside of the restaurant before it even opens is well worth it. An important tip to keep in mind is that you should not listen to the Beach Boy’s album “Pet Sounds” after eating sushi. Brian Wilson’s dreamy voice and a stomach full of sushi are sure to knock you out for a good three hour nap.

My mom made homemade enchiladas out of the blue this week. My mom has to be one of the best cooks of all time. Coming from a Mexican household I always had some of the best Mexican food ever. My friends would ask me if I wanted to go out and eat at a Mexican restaurant and I would just tell them that I have the Mexican restaurant at my house. My mom makes all the Mexican dishes but my favorite has to be here enchiladas. No matter; green, red, beef, chicken, or potato they always come out great.

The last item is Pho. If you don’t know what Pho is, it is the greatest thing ever. Essentially it is Vietnamese beef noodle soup but it is so much more than that. I will tell you that the best Pho I have ever had is made by good friend’s parents. If you don’t know my friend’s parents then I would say go to Thanh Dat on Elmira and Nut Tree Rd. I will not expand on Pho anymore because I want to leave it a mystery so you will be intrigued enough to try it.

Appreciate Art

2006-10-01T17:39:00.000-07:00

This weekend I saw two great films. One was one of my favorites, The Royal Tenenbaums, the other was a surprisingly stirring film, The Ratcatcher. Watching these films got me thinking about how important it is to appreciate art. Without out art life would be boring. Life would be facts and numbers, everything would be there and we wouldn’t have to think about anything. Art makes us takes take a stretch. It creates a world that we want to be a part of or just learn more about.
You should take time to appreciate art. I don’t care what type of art is; a film, graffiti on a wall, or your favorite song. Remember that art is there so we can benefit from it. Art is; beautiful, intriguing, complex, immense, emotional and simple. The reason I end with simple is because when it comes down to it art is what ever you decide to take from it and that’s all that really matters.

Symbolism Is Hard But Important

2006-09-29T00:27:00.000-07:00

"Education that consists in learning things and not the meaning of them is feeding upon the husks and not the corn." - Mark Twain

Symbolism is the systematic or creative use of arbitrary symbols as abstracted representations of concepts or objects and the distinct relationships in between, as they define both context and the narrower definition of terms. That definition alone can make you want to look for the closest exit. Symbolism is difficult because it forces people to stay away from the literal and focus on the abstract. That is not an easy task when you consider that the literal is right there, it is easy. The abstract however requires you to delve deeper and infer meanings that are based around ideas and less on fact. Trees, Lakes, and Light carry such symbolic meanings but often the response of a literal mind is that the literary work is “It just talking about trees.” It is too much for people to make that leap that symbolically the author is talking about growth, family, and/or health.

So now that I have told you about why symbolism is hard let me explain why it is important. The Mark Twain quote explains the idea of learning symbolism well and just learning in general. Understanding things literally is just “feeding upon the husks”, it is purely surface. To learn things and not simply know the meaning is the goal of being an educated person. It is the difference between knowing how to operate something and knowing how that thing works. Symbolism is so important in realizing that concepts and objects are often there to serve in creating an emotional response. Symbolism helps us realize that the author is often talking about a greater context in contemporary politics and society.

Ping Pong Could Ruin My LIfe

2006-09-28T00:12:00.000-07:00

Right now I have six men competing for the “World Series of Ping Pong.” This is a tournament that they in fact made up because they are alpha males. My friends and I had dinner and then they came over to my house. As always the first word that comes out of their mouth when they see the ping pong table is “tournament.” That ping pong table can get anybody together. I was even thinking that I should get Israel and Hezbollah to play a friendly game of ping pong and some peace talks. I think it just might work.
You might be asking “How is having the centerpiece of unity a bad thing?” The ping pong table can be a bad thing because so many of my friends randomly come by to play some “pong.” When I tell them I need to plan they look at me like a confused dog. Many of my friends are not teachers and it is difficult to get them to grasp the fact that I need to plan. My job isn’t normal in the sense that I work 9 to 5 and then go home. Often teachers take work home and will create lessons in to the night. I am just saying such a blessing like a ping pong table can also be a heavy weight to bear.

Top 5 Songs To Listen To When You Are Driving To Work

2006-09-26T19:55:00.000-07:00

5- Wu-Tang Clan "Cream"

4- The Strokes "Hard To Explain"

3- Daft Punk "Robot Rock"

2- The Walkmen "The Rat"

1- Diana Ross & The Supremes "Baby Love"

* Yes, I do sing in the car. And I have the voice of an angel.

Blogging Is Like A Baby

2006-09-26T19:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first day I didn’t blog and might I say I sort of missed it. I wanted to post something but I was struck with writer’s block and laziness at the same time. It was yesterday that I started to realize that blogging is like a baby because you have to take care of it so much. If you want it to be something that is good you have to spend a lot of time on it. The opposite is something that is underdeveloped and weak.
Comparing a blog to a baby is a bit extreme but hopefully you can see a correlation. This being said I hope I can be a proud “poppa” who raises a child I can be proud of. I don’t have the best track record when it comes to taking care of things. I have never had a plant live longer than a few months and I never had the sole responsibility of taking care of a dog. I guess I will see if this blogging thing works out.

Lazy Sunday

2006-09-25T00:13:00.000-07:00

It is today that I finally realized I like running into students outside of school. In the past I have averted my eyes and tried to blend into the wall when I see students. And might I say it is pretty hard to blend into the wall when you are in the produce aisle of a Safeway. I can honestly say that my students in the past have engaged in the same activity of pretending to be invisible. When I was a kid I would have done the same thing. Growing up I was a firm believer that teachers weren’t human and seeing them shopping would be evidence to the contrary. Maybe this is showing how things have changed for me professionally.
On Saturday it was nice to see one of my students in line at McDonalds and yell his name. I’m pretty sure when he heard “Hey Deters” the last person he expected it to be was his English teacher. Today when I went to Sports Chalet to buy a soccer ball I ran into another one of my students. It was nice to have a student walk up to me and say “Hello Mr. Landeros.” Even though I had on some running shorts, the beginning level of a beard, and a shirt that had paint all over it. Once again this is just more evidence explaining why this year is so different. Last year it was students trying to ignore the fact that I actually exist outside of school and today I had a student just come up to and say “I just wanted to say hi.” So if you see me outside of school say hello and more importantly offer me your discount.

About Death

2006-09-24T00:14:00.000-07:00

The transition from Jose Uribe to death seems awkward so I won’t even try. Today I was reading some of my student’s reflective writing pieces on death. I am impressed with my students and how open they can be. I remember being so afraid to let teachers know the real me. My students wrote about emotionally crushing experiences. To take that leap of faith shows how open and mature they are.
I am sort of embarrassed to say that I didn’t share my stories. Being a scared eighteen year old and crying uncontrollably in front of Kaiser Permanente in Vallejo was something I didn’t share. I remember watching my dad in a moment of weakness as he stood by his grandmother’s side realizing that this could be the last time. Or remembering my brother tell me how he spent two hours digging a proper burial for our dog, Odie, in a torrential down pour. In thinking about all my stories and my student’s stories I realized that experiencing death is not a moment of weakness but more strength; the strength of being able to show emotion and not hide your feelings. This is a moment where my students something. My students have taught me how important death is in our lives and that true strength is learning something from those moments.

Fridays Are Great

2006-09-23T01:48:00.000-07:00

More specifically this Friday was great. You know it was a good day when I spent two hours at American Tire Co. getting my flat tire fixed and still can reflect positively about the day. Even though I lost two hours of my life I was still able to do a whole lot of my favorite thing which is nothing. It was a blast hanging out at my friend’s house and eating some fine Vietnamese cuisine. We taunted his brothers as they played Halo. I know what you are thinking; you are an adult and you decided bothering people would be a good use of time. I never claimed to be mature so stop the judging.
After that it was off to the A’s game in Oakland. I am a huge Giants fan and no Nick Swisher is going to take away the memory of watching Robby Thompson and Jose Uribe flip a double play. An Eric Chavez diving stop will never add up to watching Will Clark and Matt Williams hit back to back home runs. That being said it was great watching some baseball with a good friend. The atmosphere was also aided by a most excellent plate of Nachos. It was an exciting game that had three home runs. It went 12 innings with the A’s finally winning. Now that is America’s pastime; nachos, home runs, and extra innings. I ended the night talking to my brother about his new job at Vans. He bought some Air Jordan shoes that he wanted really bad.
In case I didn’t mention this before my brother is pretty awesome. An example of his awesomeness is the fact that a week before he got his job at Van’s he sprained his wrist and got a good sized knee scrape trying to “bomb” a hill. This gave him instant credibility at Van’s because he hurt himself in a skateboarding related injury. See a nice simple day that had whole lot of nothing which is my favorite thing.

Days Like This Is Why I Love Teaching

2006-09-21T23:04:00.000-07:00

This whole week I have been a walking ghost. I have a mighty vicious sinus infection. I was hopped up on Sudafed the whole day. The only thing that I was truly looking forward to was the lesson I created. We have been talking about reflective writing this whole month and today was the wrap up. I wanted to switch the class up from the usual reflective samples we have been reading. With this in mind I created a lesson that discussed how pictures can get us to reflect and how music contains reflection.
It was nice to see the students enjoying the lesson that I had worked on. The students here really appreciate when teachers to go the extra mile. I had students ask “Who took these pictures, they’re good?” It was nice to say that I had taken them on recent vacations. It was a pleasant surprise to see that my students actually liked the songs I chose for reflecting on. I thought Johnny Cash, Gil Scott-Heron, and Diana Ross & The Supremes would be a tough sell. I was expecting to hear a student say “Why can’t we listen to E-40’s music?” which I still did hear anyway.
I think that is what makes the school really great. The students really do appreciate it when you go the extra mile. Forgive me if that sounds corny but it is true. That in kind makes it worth it for teachers to create good lessons. Often teachers get into the profession because they want to aid students in becoming the best they possibly can but every once and a while it is nice to hear that you are appreciated. It is also nice to explain to a class of 25 why you don’t trust cows. I am pretty sure it was the Sudafed kicking in when I told my students I didn’t trust cows because they can’t talk back. Or telling a student about your guilty pleasures, like Justin Timberlake's music. Please forgive me if there are any errors it is the Sudafed making me do these things.

I Lost A LCD Projector !!!

2006-09-20T12:58:00.000-07:00

Before sixth period I noticed that the LCD projector was not in its usual spot, this was a concern because I was going to use it the next day. I looked in all the drawers and cabinets and no sign of the LCD projector. I had to start class so I didn’t have time to get into panic mode. When sixth period let out I was officially in panic mode. I tried to remember if I had seen the projector in the morning. But I realized that I am not the most observant person in the morning probably because my eyes aren’t completely open yet.
I started thinking about the possible scenarios. There are three teachers that teach in my room so there was a bunch of possible outcomes. Maybe one of the teachers lent it out. Maybe I left the door unlocked and it was open season for anybody in the market for an LCD projector.
The whole drive home I was thinking that I was a complete moron who had managed to lose a $1,500 piece of equipment. I think I am a responsible and organized but lapses do happen. I came to work with that same sinking feeling still in my stomach; it got worse when my Assistant Principal asked me if I knew what happened to the LCD. Like an idiot I had to answer “NOPE.” By lunch it had turned up thankfully. It turns out that another teacher had stored it away because there was a substitute and he was unsure of the sub’s ability to keep an eye on that same $1,500 piece of equipment.

Why Is There A Rake In My Lawn?

2006-09-19T21:14:00.000-07:00

This isn’t metaphor for anything; I literally had a rake on my lawn. I come home today and noticed a rusted rake hiding in the tall grass. The whole time I was walking to my mailbox I was wondering how it got there. Was there a Gardner on the run who had to dump his evidence? Is it someone who was trying to give me a hint to tell me to clean my yard? Or is someone playing a nonsensical prank on me. Maybe someone else is writing a blog about putting random things on my lawn.
I mean it is a really nice rake and all. If I owned this rake I would never let it go out of my sight and someone easily dumped it in my lawn like it was a candy wrapper. I don’t think this post is really going anywhere so I am just going to stop.

My Life Grading

2006-09-18T18:56:00.000-07:00

Somebody told me recently that you spend 33% of your life sleeping. That piece of trivia got me thinking about how much time I spend grading. I think that I will spend about 10% of my life grading. Not just my teaching carreer but my whole entire life! Lets say I live to 75 that means that I will have spent 7.5 years grading papers. It makes sense to me. I grade papers during the little free time I have at school and then I take piles of papers home. I very rarely use the word immense to describe anything but I think I would describe my stacks of papers as immense or maybe even mamouth.
Imagine a mamouth stack of papers. I enjoy reading all the intriguing stories that my students create. It is great to see their personalities jump from the paper. Also I know it is one of the most battle tested ways of checking for understanding but sometimes it is just too much. I don't think there is an answer to my question or if I am even asking question. Oh well, I guess I am just complaining. Now that I am done ranting I am going to go and grade some papers.

The First Thoughts

2006-09-18T00:51:00.000-07:00

To give you an idea of how hectic my life has been this last month, I had originally hoped to set up my blog in the middle of August. I set this blog up selfishly. I thought blogging would make me reflect about all the; great, touching, horrible, insane, and mundane things about teaching. In the first month of teaching at my new school I have already learned so much.

1-The students I have are some of the most fascinating people I have ever met. I look at them and realize how incredibly bright their future’s can be. I reflect about myself at their age and I recognize that I was just a sack of potatoes my senior year compared to my students.

2-I still wonder if admitting you don’t know it all means that you know a whole lot more than you think do. Through out the course of the day I come to understand that there is so much out there I still need to learn. Sometimes, “I don’t know” is the most honest thing I say.

3-A place is made up of people. A school is not just; a bunch of classes, a cafeteria, and in the case of my school a bingo hall. A school is made up of; smiling students’ faces, teachers striking up conversations with students in the hall, and everybody feeling that they are involved in something special no matter what their role is.

4-I am really learning as my students are learning. I am teaching reflective writing and I am thinking about all the things that I feel blessed for going through, for good or bad.

5-On that same point, I am realizing I can learn so much from my students. I have learned; the difference between present perfect progressive and present emphatic, what loss truly is, how we cope as human beings is often individual, and that sometimes maturity has nothing to do with age. (Oh yeah, and how to wrestle a shark)

6-Knowing I can ask for help at anytime and get it is something new to me. I was brought into teaching with the old teaching in a box routine. I stayed in my room until I figured it out, whatever it was. Here the teachers are all so helpful; either with a handshake in the morning from a veteran history teacher, a teacher making literal and figurative space for me in her classroom, or a new teacher just like me working together to figure out what exactly we are trying to do.

7-Sometimes I realize that me standing in front of a group of kids is not a good idea. Maybe it was when I started showing my students a site called Kitten War or maybe it was when I couldn’t keep a straight face after one of my students made a physical blunder.

8- I need more sleep.

9-The responsibility of being a teacher is pretty immense. I am standing in front of a class of high school seniors and I realize that I play a part in them being successful at the next level. It may sound vain but I think this is true. I reflect on being a freshman in college and realizing how unprepared I was. I don’t want my students to have the same deer in the headlights look that I had.

10-This is going to be a great year. And this isn’t just because I need a tenth reflection on my list. A list of nine things just seems odd anyways. It is going to be a great year because I have no evidence to prove the contrary. I like waking up at 6:30 and putting my dress shirt and pants to go to a school that I feel lucky to be at.