The new school year... a fresh start and a chance to try out new teaching techniques. One problem, though: Inertia.
I am have trouble getting out of first gear. Perhaps it's this way every year and I have simply forgotten. So much to do right out of the gate: Getting instruments assigned to students, endless meetings, new policies to endure, and a new schedule to get used to. AAUUGGG! I guess it takes a while every year to get into a rhythm (pun only slightly intended) and a routine.
I have what appears to be a pretty good crop of 6th graders this year. Of course I won't know for certain until later in the year - when they come out of their shells. I will look forward to helping them progress toward mastering their respective instruments. It's always a wonder to watch a kid come to class not knowing a thing and by the end of the year making some decent music.
We'll see what happens in the coming weeks...I have a class to take on top of teaching and conducting the CCC orchestra. I'll be glad when this semester is concluded.
For now, I'll just grab hold of the handlebars and hang on...
Monday, August 18, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Gore's Ridiculous Propaganda Won Out Over This Saint?
I cannot believe Algore's bilge won a Nobel Prize when this saint was also nominated. Well, as you will hear - she is now receiving her true reward. That's the one that truly counts. Al? He may not wind up with the same eternal address.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Integrity
I got out the Merriam-Webster and looked up "integrity." There was a picture of Tony Snow.
We have lost one of the most loved Washington insiders ever. "Loved Washington insider?" Is that an oxymoron or what?
I recall listening to the "Rush" show one day and hearing Tony sub for Rush. I was taken with the interesting voice and the compassion with which he spoke of sensitive subjects. While obviously conservative he nonetheless had close friends from many backgrounds and political ideologies. Even those with whom he may have had different views remarked that, while tough, he was always fair. He had a way of getting to the heart of issues while still remaining collegial.
More importantly, he loved his family. They were the most important people in his life and he wasn't afraid to say so. He evidently lived his faith. I would like to have heard more about that in the coverage today...but I have heard of his faith in the past.
But fifty-three? Ouch...we are the exact same age. It's time for me to get checked out...inside and out. I owe it to my family. After having lost my younger son just two years ago I don't think my wife and older son could handle another death in the family. Any death is tough, but we have always been a close family. My wife, older son, and I all miss Tim terribly but do hold on to the hope and promise that we will be united with him when we are called home.
Tim, despite hanging out with a lot of people "less conservative" in many ways, still enjoyed listening to folks such as Laura Ingraham and loved Sean Hannity, having met him and personally receiving his autograph on his book. Perhaps Tim and Tony are enjoying a lively conversation in heaven.
I often thought Tony and I could easily have been pals had we met. He was a great musician, in additon to his many other talents, and I felt like I was listening to a friend when he spoke. I suppose many felt that way as well. Seeing the ovation he received as he left the White House at the end of his last day there made it obvious that he was loved and respected.
Goodbye, Tony. Hope to meet you in person one day.
We have lost one of the most loved Washington insiders ever. "Loved Washington insider?" Is that an oxymoron or what?
I recall listening to the "Rush" show one day and hearing Tony sub for Rush. I was taken with the interesting voice and the compassion with which he spoke of sensitive subjects. While obviously conservative he nonetheless had close friends from many backgrounds and political ideologies. Even those with whom he may have had different views remarked that, while tough, he was always fair. He had a way of getting to the heart of issues while still remaining collegial.
More importantly, he loved his family. They were the most important people in his life and he wasn't afraid to say so. He evidently lived his faith. I would like to have heard more about that in the coverage today...but I have heard of his faith in the past.
But fifty-three? Ouch...we are the exact same age. It's time for me to get checked out...inside and out. I owe it to my family. After having lost my younger son just two years ago I don't think my wife and older son could handle another death in the family. Any death is tough, but we have always been a close family. My wife, older son, and I all miss Tim terribly but do hold on to the hope and promise that we will be united with him when we are called home.
Tim, despite hanging out with a lot of people "less conservative" in many ways, still enjoyed listening to folks such as Laura Ingraham and loved Sean Hannity, having met him and personally receiving his autograph on his book. Perhaps Tim and Tony are enjoying a lively conversation in heaven.
I often thought Tony and I could easily have been pals had we met. He was a great musician, in additon to his many other talents, and I felt like I was listening to a friend when he spoke. I suppose many felt that way as well. Seeing the ovation he received as he left the White House at the end of his last day there made it obvious that he was loved and respected.
Goodbye, Tony. Hope to meet you in person one day.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Not your mother's paper dolls...
For those who don't know, MuteMath is a (very) alternative band with roots in the Christian alternative band "Earthsuit." I don't where their heads and hearts are at for the moment...but their music still has a spiritual component AND THEY TOTALLY ROCK!
Okay, this video's just not right...I wonder how long it took to put this mind-bender together?
Okay, this video's just not right...I wonder how long it took to put this mind-bender together?
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Education is easy!
Wow, has education gotten too easy or what?
I mean, all the teacher has to do is read the AIMS test ahead of time (don't get caught!) and teach the kids the answers. If it's not on the test you don't have to teach it! Kids don't have to learn any of that other crap like music, physical education and sports, creative problem solving, in short, anything that involves that pesky right brain. Let the TV advertisers fill that up when the kids get home after a fun day of exams.
Parents, watch the following video with your kids and reassure them that life is easy and they don't have to think for themselves anymore!
I mean, all the teacher has to do is read the AIMS test ahead of time (don't get caught!) and teach the kids the answers. If it's not on the test you don't have to teach it! Kids don't have to learn any of that other crap like music, physical education and sports, creative problem solving, in short, anything that involves that pesky right brain. Let the TV advertisers fill that up when the kids get home after a fun day of exams.
Parents, watch the following video with your kids and reassure them that life is easy and they don't have to think for themselves anymore!
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