Baby baby...

So, in reviewing my post from the other day, I realized that I kind of left something MASSIVE off the update. It's stupid, and I feel stupid for having done so.

Bibi is now 27 weeks. (For those of you guys out there, that's roughly 6 months along.) The baby is kicking up a storm now, and wakes Bibi a couple nights a week in her sleep. And, the weirdest part? You can actually SEE the damn thing from the outside. Yeah, that's right...it's wiggling around in there so much that you can see, with your eyes, little mounds moving around. It actually keeps reminding me of two VERY different movies.
1.) Alien, when the guy's really sick and then all of a sudden out pops the little angry alien creature spitting mad? Yeah, I keep thinkin' that's gonna happen, and it makes me very nervous.
2.) Spaceballs, the scene where the guy in the diner gets really sick and out pops the creepy little alien creature who starts singing and dancing, "hello my baby, hello my darlin', hello my ragtime girrrrrrrl...", and it makes me very, VERY happy. ( I loved Spaceballs, what can I say!)

So, yeah, the baby is coming along fine, and we're both VERY excited.

This weekend two very good friends came into town unexpectedly, and it was a wonderful surprise. John, Becki, we had a great time Saturday night and lunch was fun, too. Bibi loved getting to meet you, and we'd love to hang out again. (You know, the next time you guys are in Missouri, or we're in Indiana. (c:)

Tonight, Bibi and I had just a wonderful time after our respective jobs were done. We both came home, realized that we were hungry, didn't really want to cook, and also really, really wanted to spend some time outside because it was so nice. So, we packed a pic-a-nic and walked to a grassy knoll near our house. We took some veggie burgers, chips and dip and some grapes and a blanket, and our awesome dog, Leo. We spread out the blanket, got Leo's bone, and sat down. I was a bit nervous about having Leo on our blanket with us, but, it was so cool...Leo sat there, and didn't even TRY to get our food while we enjoyed a lovely picnic in the sun. It was simply wonderful.

And, that reminds me, what are you all looking forward to with the dawing of Spring? (And, for those of you keeping track of my music project at school, Vivaldi's "Spring" is our song-of-the-week this week. I found it fitting.)

Thanks for stopping by...

Tommy

Once again, i'm easy like Sunday morning....

Hello everyone!

So, yeah, I pretty much suck as a blogger, don't I? Haven't updated in...well, WAY too long. So, thought I'd let you all know what's been going down. So, last we talked, was back in February. (Again, sorry!!)

We had spring break, and Bibi and I went down to KC for the week. We got there Sunday, the 4th, after a wonderfully relaxing weekend, and hung out with Bibi's family for awhile. We had just a couple of goals for our week. We wanted to find a house to buy and we wanted to relax. We spent Monday driving around different areas looking at houses for sale by owners, and writing down numbers to call. We then made what seemed like an obscene number of telephone calls trying to set up walk-throughs. We looked online and tried to get contact numbers on what really WAS an obscene number of houses. We finally got a call from a REALLY excited realitor who wanted to show up two houses that we had looked into. We then drove out to where the houses were, and we were immediatly disheartened. To say that they were nothing but a crap heap with an expensive price tag would be a grave insult to all crap heaps with expensive pricetags in the world. They were disgusting; and, to be honest, the neighborhoods did not leave me with a "hey, I feel really safe here!" feeling.

So, I was feeling down, to say the least.

Tuesday we got up and decided we were going to re-energize ourselves and try again. Bibi went out to lunch with a friend, I sat outside Starbucks and read (more on that later) and at 3 we met with a much more reasonable realitor in Independence. We told her what we were looking for, what we were NOT looking for, and she came up with a folder's worth of houses that she wanted us to look at and let her know if we wanted to look through 'em. They were all MUCH nicer than the previous houses we had looked at, and they made us feel much better about our chances. In fact, two of them we almost fell in love with at first sight.

Wednesday we met with the realitor again to walk through some of the houses. The first houses we really wanted to go through was right in the low to middle of our hoped-for price range. However, the realitor called us and told us that, alas, it had been put under contract the night before. So, we couldn't look at that one. The second house was a little on the high side of our price range and was really small--it was very nice, to be sure, but WAY too small. The third house, and yes, I know I'm getting a little "Goldilocks" on you was...well, it was a little on the high side, but definitely not TOO high, and it was perfect. In fact, it was huge. It was wonderful. We wanted to play it cool, and all of our pre-approval papers were in Kville, so we told our realitor friend that we wanted to give it some careful consideration, but that we did indeed like it. The rest of the week was spent relaxing and enjoying our time in KC.

I read two books over break. "Somebodies and Nobodies" by Robert Fuller, and I'm reading "Only Revolutions" by Mark Z. Danielewski now. Somebodies and Nobodies is a www.bookcrossing.com book, and it's up for grabs if anyone wants it. It's a look at, what Fuller calls, the most pervasive source of "dignity abuse" in our world, the "cancer" that faces our world really; and that abuse is the abuse of rank in all it's myriad forms. Basically, according to the author, if you were to take all of the defining characteristics of all of the "isms" in our world, (e.g. sexism, ageism, racism, etc.) they could all be summed up as an abuse of rank, real or perceived. And the real crux of this abuse is that it by necessity deprives all humans of their one truly important need: dignity. It was interesting. So, like I said, if you're interested in it, let me know, and I'll send it your way.

"Only Revolutions" is by a very intriguing author. Danielewski is a master at writing complicated and unique novels. The construction of the texts, and the structure of the story is very unorthadox, and makes for a very unusual reading experience. The story is in two parts: One part is Sam's story. Sam is a forever sixteen year old who travels all around America with his girlfriend Hailey from the 1860's to the 1960's. The other part of the story is about a girl named Hailey who travels all around America with her boyfriend Sam from the 1960's on. But, in order to see the complexity of the structure, you need to get yourself a copy of this book. (c;

Ok, so that diversionary section was put there on purpose. I did that because after Bibi and I got back from break, as we were filling out our paperwork, we realized that with the baby coming, with the move to Kansas City, and with me not having a job lined up officially yet, buying a house right now would definitely NOT be the best choice for us. So, we're going to go back and look at some rental properties and see what our options are there.

And jobs? Well, I had a screening interview in Lee's Summit back in February and I thought it went really well. When Bibi and I came back from break there was a letter from Lee's Summit basically saying that they thought I did really well, too, and that they would be passing my information on to any schools in the district that had openings, and if they were interested in setting up an interview, the district would get in touch. (Basically, 'we'll call you'.) So, that sounds promising, but it's a wait and see kind of a situation. So, we'll wait and see. (It's Napolean's Battle Plan. I'm going to show up in KC and see what arises. Hopefully it works better for me than it did for him--I don't really want to die in exile on the island of Elba, you know?)

Ok. Well, it's getting to be time for a refill of coffee. So, you all have a great Sunday, and I promise an update before next weekend.....hopefully. (c;

Thanks for stopping by...

Tommy

Live from Kirksville...it's Weekend Update!

Well, hello out there!

How're things going?

Yeah? Oh, that sounds nice!

So, it was a great weekend.

We went to KC for a couple of reasons. On Saturday morning, I had my first job interview in the KC area. I thought it went swimmingly, and I'm really looking forward to hearing about it in the next week or so. (They send out a letter.) Stay tuned!!!

Sunday, finally, we got to meet with our midwife. That was awesome. She told us that everything is going along well, and that she thinks things are fine. We listened to the heartbeat again, and she said that she thought it sounded like a boy's. (We're not finding out, so this isn't definite, but, well, it sounded awesome. (c; )

Then we came back to Kville and we have five days left til Spring Break. We're going back to KC to look for a house. Busy, busy, busy. (c;

Still reading the Counterinsurgency Manual. I'm on the appendices, so it shouldn't be too long now. What are you reading now?

Thanks for stopping by...
Tommy

Won't Get Fooled Again!

Hey everyone! I am still alive and kicking. Things are going well here in the 'ville.

Tim, I got your message today, and I didn't get a chance to call you back. I'd love to hang out sometime soon. Let me know when you're coming up.

This weekend was a great one. Friday night I worked at Il Spazio, and Bibi was going to go back to KC for the weekend, but Friday night it started snowing, and snowing, and snowing and then it just kept right on snowing. So, Bibi did not go back to KC. After work, we hung out and called it a night fairly early. Saturday we got up and Bibi went to a meeting called "Birth Circle" for women who are recent mothers or mothers-to-be. She had fun; I, in the meantime, got some dishes done and read. (More on that later.)

Saturday night I worked again, and Sunday was a LAZY day. We watched some shows that we have taped, and just hung out. Monday I hung out at Java Co, read, and hung out with some friends. (It was wonderful.)

Last night--Monday night--Bibi and I wanted to try out a new recipe, so we got out one of our cookbooks, and made a traditional Irish dish called Colcannon. It was deli-wait for it!!--cious.

All right. So, now on to the literary updates.

Apparently the book that I talked about last time, the Newberry Award winner, has caused quite a stir on the internet. And, as it's getting a lot of buzz, I don't feel too bad naming the book here. It was called "The Higher Power of Lucky" by Susan Patron. And, if you google it, you'll find all manner of arguments regarding its value as a book because of it's use of the word scrotum. Now, I don't know if I stated my feelings clearly enough last week, so I'll say them again here....the word scrotum is not what I have a problem with. The fact that this book was recognized as the best of the best for children's literature is what I have a problem with. (It's just not that good.)

And, what am I reading now, you may ask? (Ok, so, maybe you don't care what I'm reading now. If not, then why in the world are you still reading? That's what this blog is about!) I just picked up a copy of Lt. General David Petraeus' "Counterinsurgency Manual" for the United States Army. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the name, he was just made the head honcho of all the troops in Iraq, and last summer he wrote a new version of the counterinsurgency manual for all the armed forces. I thought I would check it out, as he has some pretty revolutionary theories on fighting the insurgency in Iraq (i.e.: making the Iraqi people secure is a task that will require something more than just bullets and tanks, and that in order to successfully complete the tast ahead of our troops, our number one goal is to put the Iraqi people in charge of their own future.) In know...wild, isn't it?

All right, so let me leave you all with a thought: Last week the House of Representatives debated (fairly pathetically) the issue of whether or not to pass a non-binding resolution against President Bush's troop surge plan. The senate wasn't even able to debate it, and the proposed vote failed. Now, here are my questions: 1) What the hell good is a "non-binding resolution?, and 2) Isn't it the job of the American people to protest when they disagree with the actions of their government, and isn't it the job of the government to, you know, actually DO something about it, instead of attempting to pass purely symbolic, and in reality absolutely meaningless "resolutions"?

Your thoughts....

(Thanks for stopping by!!)

Tommy

Easy like Sunday morning....

Greetings readers!

The end of the week was good. Thursday night Bibi and I made chocolate chip cookies and they were good.

Friday was good as well. I went to work (I'm back at Il Spazio) and then Bibi and I went to a get together for some of her sorority sisters, and that was fun. Saturday we just hung out with a friend who came over to work with me on my iPod. (Good stuff--thanks Dan!!). Then, we cleaned up a little around the house, and I went to work again. It was a really weird, slow night.

During all of these things, I was reading a new book. On Friday I finished "You Suck" by Christopher Moore, and it was succulent. (Har dee har har.) However, I needed a new book, and so I went to talk to my school librarian. She was excited to see me, because we often talk about new kids books and developments in the realm of children's lit. So, here's the deal...

There's this new book. I don't want to be too specific, but it is the 2007 Newberry Award winner. (That means that it is being acknowledged as the best of books written specifically for children.) However, in the first page there are references to decidedly un-childlike topics. And, on page nine, the entire page is dedicated to that same topic. At first glance, having only seen those two pages, I was chagrined and taken aback. See, I'm not for censorship AT ALL. However, common sense has to play a huge part in determining whether or not a given reading material is appropriate for a specific age group. I was really, really torn. There are a lot of factors to consider: value of the rest of the piece, importance of the questionable material in context, and the literary "worth" of the piece as a whole. For example, I feel that Huck Finn, an unbelievably excellent book, is important as a whole because the use of the controversial "n word" is purposeful and designed to highlight the hypocracy of racism in general, and slavery specifically.

So, I read the book. And, here are my conclusions: While the book deals with some excellent topics, i.e.: abandonment, death, belonging, redemption, family, finding one's "higher power" and making responsible decisions, just to name a few, it does so in a way that does not redeem the use of the questionable material. It's good, but...it's not THAT good. I think that it is appropriate for older kids, and since my kids are the oldest kids in my school, and the book would be available to younger, less emotionally mature kids, it probably isn't the best option to put it in our library, but placing it at the middle school would be a good choice.

So, here's my question for you....

Censorship...a necessary evil, or needlessly draconian administrative micromanagement tool? And, are there any books that you've read that should, or should NOT have been censored?

Discuss....

It's been awhile...

Hey everyone. Sorry about the lapse in posts...I don't really have a good excuse....so, I'll make one up.

Space monkeys. Space monkeys came and messed with our internet connection. There were wires and fiber optics and little bits of space monkey everywhere. Very messy.

Anyway, I'm back!

Let's see...so, last time I posted I talked about my new music plan for my classroom. So far it's been really cool. My class enjoyed Pachelbel's Canon in D, and now they're enjoying Beethoven's 14th Sonata, better known as the "Moonlight Sonata." I've also really enjoyed getting the suggestions from those of you who have made comments. I think I've got a bit more than I bargained for--there is a LOT of very significant music out there, you know? (c;

Last night, after watching American Idol, which we love, Bibi and I had a BLAST doing the dishes. I know, I know, we're such dorks, but we were rocking out to James Brown in the kitchen doing ridiculous little dances and just all and all having a blast. It was really fun. (It's an amazing thing when you get to spend your life with your best friend!!!)

On the literary front, I've read quite a few books in the hiatus. I read a book called, "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Toll. VERY interesting book. It's about spirituality, reality, time, evanescence (the quality, not the musical group) and the nature of our existence. Very interesting book. I'd recommend it highly.

After that I read Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. It's a very interesting and skillfully crafted tale about a Greek family that came to the US in the 1920s. It follows the family line through three generations while exploring issues such as national pride, war, politics, sexuality, gender, family, adolescence, and the value and importance of death as it relates to life. The narrator is a hermaphrodite born and raised as a girl who then realizes that he is actually male. The author, Eugenides, does an amazing job of allowing the narrator to "sound" feminine as a child and preteen, conflicted as all teenagers are as a teenager, and then masculine later in life.

Very well told story. Again, I'd recommend it.

I also read a book on the Bradley Method of childbirth. That was really interesting. I learned SO much about childbirth, labor, the female body and the miracle of life. Even if you're not going for a natural childbirth, I'd recommend it as a refresher for that unit during high school on human reproduction. (c;

And, now, I'm reading the new book by Christopher Moore. It's called....(wait for it...) "You Suck: A Love Story". It's a sequal to Moore's comedic smash, "Bloodsucking Fiends", also a love story. (With vampires.) So far, hilarious. At one point, Moore refers to someone who gestures wildly with his hands as having "ASL Tourettes". (c;

All right. That's all. Hope you're all having a great time out there. Anyone else counting down to Lost's return tonight?!

Congrat's to Matt and Courtney...(don't forget...I'll perform the ceremony if you'll let me!!!!)

Thanks for stopping by ya'll!

Tommy

Music hath powers...

So, I've decided I'm making a change.

For those of you who don't know, I play music for my students whenever they are given time to work on assignments in class. I have a random assortment of CDs in my classroom that are mostly classical and some blues and jazz/be-bop songs. I'll play them for the kids, and I love the fact that they get a chance to hear some music that they MIGHT not otherwise be able to.

However, I was feeling this week like it wasn't enough. That, while it's great that they hear Mozart and that I've told them that studies have shown that listening to Mozart while working on math can improve standardized math scores, it still isn't enough...there is SO much great music out there.

So, here's my plan.

I have scheduled out one song per week from here on out for the rest of the year. At the end of the day, after all other work has been done, students will be given a chance to listen to, take in, and learn about one song that I have deemed "culturally significant." This week (and next, because I started out on Thursday) is Pachelbel's Canon in D. So, each day we listen to the song, the students are able to draw what the song reminds them of, they're able to journal on it, or just enjoy it. We're going to discuss voice and how music--whether it has words or not--can clearly and quite effectively express the author/composer's feelings and thoughts.

So, what does "culturally significant" mean? Well, just a few of the songs that I have selected are: Moonlight Sonata, All You Need is Love, You Can't Always Get What You Want, Rhapsody in Blue, New York New York, This Land is Your Land (the original, complete version, so that my class can see that it's really a protest song),

Now, for this year I believe I have all the songs picked out. But, I'm willing to reassess my choices and selections as I go. So, here's your job....

what songs, dear readers, do you think are culturally significant?

Discuss.

Tommy

Live blogging the State of the Union Address....

If you watched the State of the Union, here are my thoughts, as the speech happened. If you didn't? Well, these are still my thoughts as the speech happened.

Man, they clap a lot.

First time in the history of America that a woman has sat among the three at the head of the auditorium.

Seems as if the Democrats are doing up the civility thing a bit much. Are they actually cheering?!

Standing ovation for Madame Speaker. That's neat.

I have to say....there is a great deal of happiness in that building.

It's almost like a Catholic mass! Sit, stand, sit, stand, shake hands, sit, stand, sit stand....etc.

It's always funny how whichever party is NOT in the majority cries foul against the other party in respect to their bipartisinship. (Sp?!)

Balance the budget? How...uh, exactly do you think we should do that? By continuing to pay for an outrageously expensive war, while eliminating the cost of education by creating a ridiculous plan for taking away the funds of schools that meet a near-impossible expectation?

Eliminating wasteful earmarks? Sounds VERY good. Good

I like how Pelosi did NOT clap at the allusion to vouchers, but she DID applaud at the part about providing failing students with extra help. It's REALLy funny seeing how different Cheney and Pelosi react.

Health Insurance:
I may be wrong...but I don't think that most people take the tax structure into account when considering whether they can afford health insurance.

Is it just me, or does Dick Cheney's inner monologue sound like Billy Bob Thornton from Sling Blade? "I don't reckon' I got no reason to kill no body....mmmmmm".

I do appreciate that Bush is making an effort to acknowledge the fact that this country does depend a great deal on the work (not mooching---WORK!!) of immigrants, legal or otherwise.

I forget who said this, it wasn't me, but John Kerry looks like one of the trees that throws apples at Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.

Nucular. (c;
Yay ethenol!!!
I think I've heard Obama speak on the topic of energy independence, and he's got some great ideas. Obama recognizes that our dependence on foreign sources of oil ARE a threat to our national security, not just a "tree-hugger" issue.

Did you see that?! Robin Williams was right!!! George Bush is actually Cheney's puppet!!! They DRANK WATER A THE SAME TIME!!!! Bush can't speak while Cheney is drinking!!!!

Am I the only one who had never heard about those terrorist plots that we thwarted? Geez, I thought I was doing a good job staying on top of the news....yeesh....

Every time Bush mentions Iran, I assume he's about to announce that we're going to war against them, too.

Not to open up a WHOLE can of worms....but, terrorists are terrorists not because they hate freedom, but because they hate what they perceive to be the grave offenses we have committed against them. It's a bit of a difference.

As I teach my kids, you need to explain to me what SPECIFICALLY what qualify as a "victory" in Iraq. I don't feel like you've gone into enough detail as far as achievable steps towards that all to vague goal of "victory". Need more evidence to support your claim.

Talking about the reallocation of Iraqi oil funds SOUNDS good, but the Iraqi oil infrastructure is so far gone and in such a state of disrepair, that it's going to take a great deal of Iraqi monetary investment to get to the point where Iraqi oil will provide the country with profits. Where does that initial money come from?

How are you going to increase the number of recruits in the military when you're getting us further bogged down in an increasingly unpopular war? Every time we send troops back for another tour of duty, people who would have volunteered for the armed forces have more reasons to doubt the benefits of that choice.

You should all check out Larry Brilliant's work in helping to eliminate Small Pox from the world. It's impressive. (Bush was talking about our work on AIDS/HIV, and malaria.

Dikembe Motumbo is nineteen feet tall.

Baby Einstein and America's Most Wanted, working side-by-side? I mean, yeah...it makes sense if you think about it, but that's like....Run DMC and Aerosmith doing a song together....

Damn! The Dems are in a RUSH to get out of there!!!!

All right...that's all.

What did you all think of the SOTU address?

Tommy

120 Days of Joy....

Today was a special day....

In Bibi's tradition, the 120th day of pregnancy is the day that the soul of the baby becomes more solidly linked to the mother.

Today was that day.

We had friends and family in to town for a special meal and a reading from the Sikh scriptures. The day was not in honor of the baby; there are many days and special events for that. Today was in honor of Bibi and the special role that Bibi will fulfill as the mother of our child.
"we are all born of a woman...compassion is learned in the lap of the woman and...
that peace is not possible anywhere that woman is not honored and respected."
We came together as a group of friends and family, to embrace the sacred nature that a mother inherently possesses.

It was a special day.

Thanks for stopping by.

Tommy

Over the hills and through the woods...

Well, thank you Nconner and everyone else who read my blog today. We are safely back in Kville. The roads weren't TOO bad...but, well, it was a bit precarious at times.

My knuckles are still white.

We had no major trouble, although we did see someone do a 360 into the ditch.

Anywho.

Had a great time in KC, although our midwife was unable to meet us, which was too bad.

All right, I'm going to go massage my knuckles so that they can get some color back into them.

How was your weekend? Are you staying warm?

Thanks for stopping by....

Tommy

A Request....

This is a request to everyone in Kirksville. Bibi and I are potentially stuck in KC. It's Monday, the roads are...well, not good. We're contemplating not coming back today, but I need a little input. How are the roads in KVille, how are the roads supposed to be....and, how likely is it that school is going to happen/not happen tomorrow?

All right....go go gadget bloggers.

Tommy

Correction

Hey everyone....thought I'd clarify my last post.

Bibi and I are moving at the end of this school year. I am MOST DEFINITELY staying at my job through the end of the school year....I am NOT going to renig on my committment to my students or my school.

What I meant in my last posting was that we are going to try and find a place for Bibi and I to get so that SHE can move middle of May, and I"ll finish up the school year and THEN go down to be with her. So. There ya go.

Oh, and we didn't go to KC tonight b/c the roads were so bad. Hopefully we'll be able to go tomorrow.

So....it's just a quiet Friday night.

What are you up to?

Tommy

So, I thought I might actually provide some details for ya'll.

Bibi is due June 19th. We're not finding out the sex until she gives birth, and we heard the heartbeat for the first time on November 30th, and it was the MOST amazing thing I've ever heard in my entire life. It was amazing....oh, I get chills still thinking about it. (c;

Bibi is beginning to show and she looks BEAUTIFUL.

In other news, we're going to Kansas City for an appointment with our midwife this weekend. We're going to have an at-home delivery, and our midwife is in Kansas City. (We're hoping to move just before the school year finishes up, so that we can have our new bundle of joy in KC.)

I'm not going to lie....it's frightening....it's scary and nerve-wracking. And, it's the most amazing thing I've ever thought about...and I can't wait. (c;

That's all. Oh, have you seen the commerical where the family is sitting around the dinner table and the dad asks if the two kids have picked "their five"? The teenaged daughter lists five of her friends, and the son, who is slightly younger says, "oh that's interesting...I picked those same five girls. Your friends are HOT." The daughter looks at her parents and says, "are you going to do anything about this?!" And, they dad's response is the GREATEST line in a commercial EVER:

"Maybe you should have uglier friends."


Cracks me up EVERY time I see it. Bibi, too.

Good times, good times.

All right, my New Year's Resolution is to be a good father.

What's yours?

Tommy

I've got a secret....

Hey....guess what!











































We're having a BABY!!!!!!

June 19th. (Ish.)

We can't WAIT!!!!

Thanks for stopping by!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tommy

Pleasant Valley Wednesday...

What's up, readers?

Well....it's been too long since my last post, and I wanted you all to know that I am indeed alive and kicking, and that things are going, for the most part, pretty well.

Christmas was nice.

New Year's Eve was great.

It's good to be back at school.

I have been reading, and most of the books have been really good. There was one that I didn't finish, and it was a difficult decision.

There is more to say, and it will be said soon....

Gee, that came off WAY more cryptic and dripping with meaning than I meant it to. Seriously, I just don't really feel like I have all that much to say. (I know, weird, isn't it?!)


Anyway. I hope you all had a wonderful time, filled with the spirit and sentiment of the season that has just come and gone.

God bless you all, and I hope the year starts out, and continues to be, a great one for you.

Thanks for stopping by, and check back for exciting updates! (c;

Tommy

We need a little Christmas....now....

We're still alive here in Kirksville!

It's been a while since my last post, and I wanted to let everyone know what has been going on.

First of all, Time's Person of the Year was announced, and they decided that you are the person of the year. Yes. You. Well, no...not YOU, the person behind you. Yeah, you.

Confused? Haven't read the article, but apparently there's something about blogging, and webpages, and all that. Personally, I'm not convinced. I think computer's are just a fad. I mean seriously...if you think computers are here to stay, let me introduce you to my pet rock, Reggie. (c;

My Person of the Year? Hmm....I don't know. I think....well, it would have to be George W. Bush. The man is, I think, single handedly responsible for my increasingly Democrat-like views and positions, and for those of you who knew me in high school, that's no small feat right there. Close runners-up? Kim Jung Il and Mahmoud Amacrazyguy from Iran for giving the boogey man a run for his money, and the monster's in my closet a chance for a vacation while these two nuts run the business. Sheesh.

Books? Recently read Speaking with the Angel, by Nick Hornby. Interesting book....it's a collection of short stories by various authors, including Colin Firth, who, I didn't know was an author. Anyway, it's registered at www.bookcrossing.com, but I'm offering it to the first of my readers who wants. Only catch? Gotta pass it on. (c;

This weekend? Was great. Bibi's family came in to town for her graduation, and we all went out for dinner. Bibi and I made waffles the next day (Saturday) for her family and my mom and stepdad who also came down. Went to the ceremony, and then went out for Chinese food. (Yum!!!) Sunday was relaxing, Bibi and I played cards A LOT and finished up some chores around the house. Last night I "was" Santa Claus for some coworkers' kids. It was a LOT of fun.

And, today was good. We've got two and a half days of school left, and we're all VERY excited about the break. (c; Oh, and for an hour and 20 minutes tonight? On the line with iTunes tech support fixing a ridiculously easy problem, that took FOREVER to identify. The problem? Needed to update my version of iTunes. Awesome. (c;

All right....now, I'm going to veg out and read "Swamp Fox: The Life and Campaigns of General Francis Marion". Good times....

Oh, and if you need the method for getting ahold of an actual real life human being at iTunes? I'll let you in on the secret if you e-mail me...(c;

Til next time, faithful readers...

Adieu...and thanks for stopping by.

Tommy

and the beat goes on....

So, I just finished reading the Iraq Study Group report that came out last week. It was a very interesting read. I started reading the day that it came out (Dec. 6) and read a little of what the press was saying about it as I went. I had really high hopes before it came out that maybe this would really turn things around, and that maybe, just maybe we would have a glimmer of peace.
Apparently, I'm naive. It was very disheartening that the Bush administration was dismissing it out of hand. Admittedly, the recommendations were a bit lofty; realistically speaking, a lot of the recommendations and suggestions seemed too dependent on the decisions and actions of countries like Syria and Iran, and that might be difficult. However, why the hell won't Bush TRY?! I mean, it seems pretty obvious that excluding the countries that border Iraq from the whole process might be setting us up to fail...and, it almost seems as if this administration is acting in a way that would be positioning us to be in Iraq indefinitely.

So, any thoughts from those of you who have read the report? (Or, anywho one hasn't read it?)

Bah.

Anyway, welcome to my new reader Brigit, and to everyone out there...read a book! (c;

And, I'm still compiling my thoughts on Person of the Year. So, stay tuned...

Thanks for stopping by...

Tommy

...

The tree....

is up.

Pictures to come, later.

Tommy

As per request....

Tis the season, after all.

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Gotta be honest…I love me some Egg Nog (and, believe it or not...Corndogs...don't ask.) But, there’s nothing quite like pumpkin/holiday spice coffee from Java Co….

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? When Santa used to come, he would leave the presents under the tree unwrapped. My parents would not let us go into the living room until they had gotten their coffee, had gotten the camera ready, and had seen what Santa had brought before we did.

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? I absolutely LOVE the larger colored lights…the kind that are a little bigger than a hersey’s kiss? Those are awesome….so good.

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Every single year that I have been in Kirksville I have looked for mistletoe, and not ONCE have I been able to find it. Bah! Humbug!!! However, had I been able to find it, you bet your sweet arse I woulda hung that stuff up! (Now, I just have to point at my cheek and Bibi kisses me….it’s nice!!!)

5. When do you put your decorations up? I’m currently working on legislation that would make it a capital offense to put up ANY decorations before Thanksgiving. In fact, I think it’s ludicrous to listen to Christmas music and put up decorations before the Sunday AFTER Thanksgiving, but that’s just me. However, once that Sunday comes…it’s officially ON.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Definitely sweet potatoes, although turkey is a CLOSE second. (There are few joys in life greater than a cold turkey sandwich the days/weeks after Christmas.)

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child: Hmm…. I don’t know. I have to think about this one. Oh, heck, this one’s easy. (It loses something in the writing process, but I seriously sat here for ten minutes thinking this one over, and then it came to me, and I’m sitting her smacking myself on the forehead for not thinking of it automatically!) Every year, before Christmas dinner, my mom would give us our “table presents”. The “table present” is a small gift bag placed in front of your place at the dinner table, and it was always an ornament for the tree….but, it was MY ornament. So, when I left for college, I had 18 years of ornaments that were MINE, for my tree. It’s always been one of my favorite parts of Christmas.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? What do you mean….? Oh, in fourth grade, my sister was in the Joffrey Ballet’s version of The Nutcracker, and she performed in Washington D.C. at the Kennedy Center. So, we were there over Christmas, and afterwards it really got me thinking….how does Santa know where were going to be….how does he get into places without chimneys….and, at that age, I started realizing that it was kind of a preposterous idea. So, I asked my dad. It really took him back, and he struggled for what seemed like a couple of minutes, and then he told me the truth. It was that same time that I found out that the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy weren’t real, either. Damn shame, I’m telling you. However, “Santa” still came until I was in college. He’s cool like that. (c;

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We opened all our gifts on Christmas Eve, growing up, and we got Santa’s gifts on Christmas morning. We still open all our presents on Christmas Eve, except with two houses, we have Christmas Eve at my mom’s house, and then on Christmas Day we have “Christmas Eve” at my dad’s house. And, I think we’ve always gone youngest to oldest (woo hoo!!!), although I don’t remember for sure.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas Tree? Lights first, then ornaments, then tinsel. Christmas music is a must, and cocoa and cookies are a necessity. It should be an all day (or at the very least afternoon) affair. And, you should take your time and enjoy the simple beauty of each decoration before putting it on the tree. Tinsel should be applied one strand at a time, and only after a few minutes are you allowed to get frustrated with that progress and begin throwing large handfuls of the stuff on the tree. (But, then, you need to straighten it, so that it looks somewhat even—you don’t want the tinsel to cause the tree to tip over!!) Oh, and you should put one strand of lights up the middle of the three, in order to make it look a bit fuller.

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? Absolutely love it. It’s great stuff.

12. Can you ice skate? I’m pretty sure. I mean, I’ve never tried, but how hard can it be? (c;

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? My number one favorite? Yeah, right. However, I will list my top 3 favorites. My sister Amy gave me a book about me when we were in college. It was really sweet. I still have that (of course!!!) and love looking at it every now and then. There is a SWEET picture of her attacking me with a saw. I LOVED getting my letter jacket my freshman year in high school, although “Tommy” in cursive looks way too close to “Tammy”. And, my dad always got me the newest Calvin and Hobbes books whenever they would come out, and last year he gave me the complete collection of C&H. Awesome.

14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Remembering that God loves us. Plain and simple.

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? There is a little known treat called Cabin Bars. The fundamental aspects are: chocolate, marshmallow, peanuts. However, there is peanut butter and a few other things in there that make it perfect for Jesus’ birthday. Plus? I named ‘em.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Table presents. See above.

17. What tops your tree? Saddest thing in the world…we had/have an amazing tree topper that is made of some kind of a light wood and it is of the archangel Michael and he is holding a harp. It’s beautiful, and delicate, and touching. And, as old as I am, so it’s in pieces.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? I like helping other people, by allowing them the joy of giving, which in turn gives me the joy of giving AND receiving. (I’m selfish that way!!!) No, seriously…I do love giving, but I don’t feel like I’m good at thinking of gifts on my own….so, it’s only when I have some sudden brainstorm that makes me think like I’m on the right track that I feel good about giving.

19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? I think anything Johnny Mathis is wonderful. However, The Christmas Song, performed by Nat King Cole has to be up there. (Manheim Steamroller, Tran-Siberian Orchestra, Frank Sinatra, etc. All great.) And, if you haven’t checked out the Maybe This Christmas Cd’s, please….do yourself a favor and go get ‘em today.

Oh!! Keep the Person of the Year suggestions coming!! (c;

Thanks for reading....

Tommy

a proviso....

I wanted to clarify the previous post...I'm hoping to provoke a discussion of individuals on the global scale...so, when I said who should be "My Life's" Person of the Year I didn't mean Tommy Estlund's person of the year, I meant that I couldn't call it "Time's Person of the Year", so it had to be My Life's POTY. (Have I clarified in ANY way, or muddied the waters ever more so?) So, in other words, is it going to be George W, Obama, Madonna and her crazy adoptive ways, Britney going commando, Lance Bass proving that you can be attractive to millions of teenage girls and boys, or someone else?

You...be the judge. (c;

Thanks!

Tommy

Happy December!!

Well, how are we all doing this evening? (Or...uh, morning...)

So...I have to admit to a mistake on my last (well, second to last) post. I was watching Dr. Phil (feel free to make fun of my choice of television viewing) and they were debating home schooling vs. public schooling. Dr. Phil, in his defense of teachers, claimed that teaching was a science. For some reason, that didn't sit well with me. My immediate reaction was that that was wrong...that teaching is more of an art....that there has to be a certain level of fluidity involved, and that science meant, in my initial visceral response, something too cut and dried, too cookie-cutter in nature.

In discussing it was co-workers and in response to my readers, I have to acknowledge that teaching necessarily has to be a mixture of both art and science...that neither one alone will produce the desired results. The scientific aspect of teaching involves research based teaching methods; understanding that there are different types of learners, following and keeping up-to-date on brain research and the current political trends. The artistic aspect of education is exactly what I was focusing on initially--that teachers need to be constantly making adjustments for student needs, that teachers need to be aware of teachable moments and the moods and needs of each student and the class as a whole. (As one coworker put it, it's a lot like architecture....that without both a scientific, or analytical component, and the artistic component, you won't be meeting ALL of the needs of your students. I agree with that.)

Anyhow...that's all with that.

Went to KC for a wedding this weekend. Had a good time...really enjoyed myself. Watched an interesting movie..."Junebug." When we first finished watching the movie we all thought that it really wasn't very good at all...but then we started talking it over, and discussing what we thought the 'point' was, and we realized that there were a lot of different levels to the movie, and...most importantly...it did not have a "hollywood" ending, which left us feeling somewhat unsatisfied, but in reality added to it's worth as a movie.

And, finally, I've been reading a lot, and hearing a lot about Time magazine's Person of the Year declaration. I wanted to open up that question to you all, my hearty readers. So....who do you think should be My Life's Person of the Year?

(And, keep in mind...it doesn't HAVE to be a "good" person--Hitler was Time Magazine's person of the year in 1939...)

So....with that query I leave you....enjoy!

And, as always, thanks for stopping by...

Tommy

"Now is the time of collection
Now is the season undone
Now is the winter of my discontent
Made glorious summer
By your sun "

Jeffrey Foucault--Sunrise in the Rearview

I know I have written about this guy like twenty times, but he's really good. I was listening to him tonight, and this verse really got me....it's amazing when you know someone who can do this for you. Someone who--regardless of what all is going on around you--can make it all seem ok.

I gotta be honest...I thank God every day for Bibi...she is my summer sun.

Thank you Bibi.

Thanks for stopping by...

Tommy

It's beginning to look...well, you know.

Greetings loyal readers...

I apologize, once again for the delay in my posting. It's been a while. First...the update.

In the last week we got ready for Thanksgiving and the kids were very good. Nothing of note there.

Bibi and I went to Kansas City for the holiday, and had a fantastic time. Hung out with her family, most of my family, were able to relax a great deal, and just had an unbelievably restful time.

Saw an interesting movie about quantum physics..."What the (Bleep!) Do We Know?". Put forth some very interesting questions that Q.P's brings to mind. Had some really interesting discussions throughout the film as well. Not for everyone, but interesting, none the less.

I finished "Go Down, Moses" a few days ago. Wow. Really a phenomenal book...very thought provoking and worthwhile read. I appreciated the help of Spark's Notes in getting my started, but enjoyed even more the ability to break free from that tool. (Remember kids, there's nothin' wrong with using Spark's or Cliff's notes as an aid, but the really don't act as a substitution for the real thing!!!)

My in-laws gave me Pudd'nhead Wilson as a present for a Sikh holiday, and I've already finished it. Gotta love Mark Twain's willingness to throw human weaknesses in our faces, you know? (c;
So, know a couple of thoughts...I don't feel like it's Christmas "time" yet. Not at all. In fact, I usually spend the Sunday after Thanksgiving decorating, listening to Christmas tunes, and eating sugar cookies and hot cocoa. I honestly didn't feel like it was really Thanksgiving yet, and I can't help but feel that it's not Christmas-time yet. I've only listened to a couple of Christmas songs, and that was somewhat half-hearted....I'm just not ready for it yet. Anyone else feel the same?

And, finally a question.

Is education a "science" or is education an "art"?

What do you all think?

Thanks for stopping by...and I promise to blog sooner than I did this time...

Tommy

This Week in Books...

All right, all right...apparently my lapse in posting has made at least one of you irate enough to post a reponse. So....here ya go.

So, the election. Were you pleased? I have to say....it was interesting. In cruising around the blogosphere I noticed something, specifically relating to the amendment issue in Missouri. (For stem cell research.) Those people against the initiative were shocked and horrified by the fact that it passed. I believe the quote was, "what is America coming to?!" The people who were FOR the initiative were shocked and horrified by the fact that it was so close to NOT passing. And, in all honesty, the fact that there seemed to be some over-riding misconception about the passing of this bill was disconcerting as well. And, I believe the exact quote was, "What is America coming to?!"

I am hoping that things improve. I hope that Democrats can take the ball and run with it...in a positive direction. I hope that Robert Gates, Rumsfeld's replacement can make heads or tails of this snafu in Iraq. I hope that we can bring our troops safely and leave Iraq with some semblance of order and a future that is brighter than the present. I hope that Democrats don't become drunk with power and totally screw things up Matt Foley-style.

Anywho. On the literary front, I've got a few recommendations. I don't remember if I blogged about Things in Ditches, (I'm too lazy to look back and find out) but it's worth mentioning twice if I did. It's by Jimmy Olsen, and it's fantastic.

Most recently I read The Road by Cormac Mccarthy. It's what The Stand (Stephen King) would have been had Hemingway written it and it had been ordained by God. AMAZING. Wow. I don't want to say anything more but...wow. It is A-MAZING. Ok. That's all.

And, finally, now I'm reading Go Down, Moses, by William Faulkner. I have to say, it's the first time I've ever used Sparks Notes online to help me understand a damn book, and it's been VERY helpful, so far.

Ok. And, finally, the 2008 presidential campaign has officially begun. For those of you who haven't heard, Tom Vilsack of Iowa and Rudi Guiliani have both thrown their proverbial hats into the ring. So....who is going to make it to the heated campaigning and who is going to go down in a fury of flames and controversy?

All right....you all have an unbelievably great night...and we'll talk soon.
Thanks for stopping by...

Tommy

Get your @ss out there and VOTE!!!!

I gotta say...I know that I am lucky...I am fully aware. I don't think that I need anyone to point that out. However, today was just one more piece...and, it fit.

I've been excited about this election for weeks. The electoral process really pumps me up...even with it's numerous flaws. Anyway. When I got up this morning I left even earlier so that I could vote before school. I felt such a feeling of awe leaving the polling place, as I realized that I was standing on the shoulders of giants, participating in this....privilege...this wonderful right....this responsibility. So, it was awesome when Bibi called me at school and told me that she was really bothered by the fact that she hadn't gotten her absentee ballot, nor had she registered here in Kville. So, she was driving to KC in order to be able to exercise her right. How amazing is my wife? There are people who can't even drive across town...heck, even some who won't cross the street to vote...won't bother to look up the issues, find out about the ballot measures or who is running. Not my wife....she'll drive three hours one in order to vote. (I love my wife!!!)

Thanks for reading....

Tommy

Adagio for Strings

Warning: This post contains adult situations and descriptions...viewer discretion is advised.

This morning, as I was walking Leo, listening to my iPod, I had a very...hmm....how to describe it.....captivating experience.

One of the podcasts I was listening to was describing the importance of Samuel Barber's Adagio for Strings. (If, for some reason, you are unfamiliar with it, please...do yourself a favor, and go listen to it....you shant be dissappointed.) Anway, at one point the commentators stopped discussing the piece in order to let the true musical meaning come out. At just that point, I came upon an elderly couple out in front of a fraternity house. What struck me was the vividness of their blue hats. These shockingly bright blue hats perched upon knotted, dirty grey hair. Their wrinkled faces deeply involved in their tasks. The dirty sweatshirts they wore under their blackened coats were tattered and stained. They wore matching black rubber orthopedic shoes and there was a gap of exposed skin between their too-small sweatpants and the tops of their shoes. They barely looked up at me as I walked by them, they were too intent as they looked through the dumpster, digging with bare hands through empty bottles, used condoms and last weeks discarded pizza boxes.

What struck me though, was the smile on the woman's face as I said hello. She looked at me, and her lips parted showing her toothless gums and her face lit up. The man, white facial hair patchy at best simply nodded....a minimum of a grin all that he allowed. As I passed they both went back to the task at hand.

All of this took no more than 45 seconds, and all the while Barber's Adagio lingered in my ears. I'm going to close this post with a line from a Johnny Cash song...it seems sadly appropriate now:

"And there's nothin' short of dyin'
That's half as lonesome as the sound
Of a sleepin' city sidewalk
And Sunday mornin' comin' down"

Carry on my brother.
Carry on.

Tommy

dog days....

Hey, what's going on?

The end of the week went well. School was good, and we had our Native American Day festivities yesterday. My job is to do soap carving with my half of the fifth graders. (And, for those of you who have witnessed my natural artistic abilities, we're all thinking the same thing: Those poor kids!!!)

Last night Bibi has some friends in from out of town, and we went out for dinner. That was good. Had the duck...always a tasty treat.

However, when we got home, I took Leo out, and he threw up twice. Thought maybe he was just excited by having so many people over. Well, in the next two hours he threw up around 25 times. So, needless to say, we called the vet and asked what we should do. (Our worst fear, distemper, which results in death to about half the dogs that get it, was ruled out, as it's usually accommpanied by other significant problems. The vet told us that most likely he swallowed something that wasn't going to all the way through, and he was trying to get it back up. Well, we watched him through the night, he continued to retch til about 2:30ish, and then he slept through the night. We fed him a little bit this morning, and he hasn't been sick since last night. So, we think we're through the thick of it. Whooh. Glad that appears to be over with, let me tell you.

Well, hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

Hey, who is going to vote this Tuesday?

Tommy

A question....

A question for you on this Thursday morning. You know, something to start the day. I was listening to NPR this morning, and one of the commentators who I really enjoy listening to, made the statement: "The Educational System is broken."

Now, I know that the last time I tried to discuss something educational, it was a fire storm. At the risk of opening up that, again, I'm curious. Do you think the educational system in America....is broken?

Your thoughts?

Tommy

A quick recap...

So, dear readers, I apologize for the hiatus. Things are afoot, as they say.

So, just a couple of thoughts....

I recently read a great mystery by a Minnesota author, Jimmy Olsen. It's called, "Things in Ditches." I don't want to give too much away, but WOW. Great book....the whole time I found that I was rooting for both the murderer, and the cop trying to knab him. The last three chapters? Blew. Me. Away.

I'm know reading the second book in the Aaron Tucker mystery series. The first book is called, "For Whom the Minivan Rolls," and I'm now reading, "A Farewell to Legs". Good stuff. The main character is a freelance writer who inadvertantly becomes a detective. Imagine, Dave Barry meets Columbo. The best part of the book, after Tucker's great sense of humor, is his family. (His wife is amazing, and the way they communicate is fantastic; and, his son has Asperger's Syndrome....it's a neat thing to see that as a natural part of the story.)

All right. And, as promised, I wanted to let you all know my thoughts on the issue of same-sex classes. (If you haven't read the article....well, you should.)

There have been quite a few studies that show that putting boys in a class full of boys, and girls in a class with all girls, can be very beneficial. Most of the studies are anecdotal, but the results are very interesting. (Great things are happening in some inner-city schools.)

Well, Lost is on shortly, so I think I'm out of here.

Have a great night....and, well, I"ll talk to you all later!

Tommy

Wow.

I can't say anything....but, I just had something work related happen. (Yeah, for those of you who think teachers are done with work at 3? It is now 8:00pm. So, there.)

Something good.

Something that I can take a fair amount of credit for....and, it makes me VERY, very happy.

(c;

Thank you ALL for reading...and, man...I hope you all's evening go HALF as well as mine is going.

WOW.

(c;

Tommy

I say tomato, you say tomahto...

So, in the news today, we see that there are new regulations in the countries laws regarding same-sex education. At the risk of opening up a whole new can of worms, I thought I'd get everyone's opinion on that deal. What do you all think? Is same-sex education another piece of the puzzle toward educational advancement, or is it a throw back to the Brown vs. the Board of Education debates of the 50's? Is this necessarily discrimination, or is this acknowledging the possibility that boys and girls actually are different?

What do you all think?

(I'll share my view in a couple of days...)

Oh, and apparently boys are wearing their pants in a "sagging" fashion. This is news? ABC news is covering it tonight, as I type. People have been wearing their pants thusly since I was a freshman in high school!!! Argh!

All right, leave your thoughts on the gender education issue, if you would....

Thanks!

Tommy

I can be your hero baby...

So, I feel like there is a lot I want to blog about, but I don't know where to begin.

On the political front, I do enjoy a good debate. As for Obama? Well, the whole cliche' arguement about Democrat's perpetuating a welfare state seems somewhat lackluster during an administration which has done nothing to change our welfare system because it is too busy trying desperately to convince an increasingly large number of people that what we're doing in Iraq is the right thing, when all evidence would point to the contrary. (I will point out that I do think it was a good thing to depose Saddam Hussein--good as in right, or moral.) However, it has become increasingly obvious that Bush is unable--or unwilling--to acknowledge his own mistakes. And, what is worse in my opinion, Bush seems unwilling, or again unable, to acknowledge that times change. What may have worked two years ago is not necessarily going to work now. He seems to think that any change of course will play into the hands of "the enemy", and that means that we are stuck on this ridiculous path that seems to have no successful conclusion whatsoever.

Now, does Obama have the solution? I wouldn't be the right person to ask. However, according to Obama this morning on Meet the Press, Iraq is a situation with either a bad solution or a worse solution. In other words, this will not end well. So we need to be able to assess the situation realistically and to reflect on whether or not what we're doing now is leading us down that path. In all honesty, I don't see in Bush the level of character needed in order to tackle that kind of contemplation.

In other news, it flurried today, here in Kirksville, MO. I love fall, I love winter, and I love spring and summer. I love all four seasons. As my friend Aaron said to me this weekend, "Purgatory is not having four seasons." I like that.

Oh, and for those of you in the mood for a good movie, check out "In America". It's about an Irish family that moves to New York. Fan-freakin'-tastic movie.

All right. Well, enjoy the last few days of October.

And remember if you're trying to impress someone this week...it's a "dog eat dog" world, not a doggie-dog world.

Thanks for reading...

Tommy

Laugh Your Cares Away....

This is by far the greatest news out of California in YEARS.

Read this article:http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/Movies/10/20/film.fraggle.reut/index.html


It is GOOD.

(c;

Tommy

Greetings, beloved Readers....

Hello, and welcome to another post by....well, me.

Things have been well, since last we spoke at length.

I believe it was almost a week and a half ago, right?

Well, last week went well. Friday night Bibi was working on her capstone, so I went to a concert at a local establishment, and a good time was had by all. Some very dear friends mocked my reticence at admitting I was no longer a Republican. (As my favorite teacher from high school said, I was a republican in the original sense of the word, as in...a fan of the "republic".)

Saturday Bibi and I hung out, watched a movie, etc. Sunday, I got up and read, relaxed, and over all enjoyed the day.

This week has been good. It's funny...Parent Teacher Conference time always looms over my head as some frightening inevitability, and as always, goes unbelievably well. Had a great time, got to know my students, via their parents, a lot better. And, that's a good thing.

I'm sitting here in my house, in my gorgeous rocking chair (thanks, Gary!!!!) watching Leo sit on another chair (no, Mom, Leo's not allowed on the rocking chair!) chewing on his bone. He's a good pup. Bibi is in class right now, and I'm looking forward to the long weekend--we don't have school tomorrow b/c of the long day today. So, that's cool.

So, I'd love to keep the discussion from last time going...but, instead of knocking other people's candidates, how 'bout we just brag on our own candidates? I'd love it if our political discussions were smear free, you know?

Anyhow, I'm going to close with a quote from one of my favorite movies:

And, so life goes.
And so love goes.
And, so I go.

Carry on my brother. Carry on.

Hi everybody!!!!

Apparently, I failed window proofing day of kindergarden.

So, just a quick few updates:

1.) Election day is coming...get registered!!!!

2.) In the spirit of democracy, I wanted to let you all know about this great website about stem cell research...whatever your view, it's always better to be informed. (Thanks JNo!!!) http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/basics1.asp

3.) Life is good.

So....here's your question....who do you like for president in 2008?

(c;

Tommy

Technical Question...

How do you all like the links I've had in my posts lately? Helpful? Or annoying?

--Tommy

FYI

I know that many of you are familiar with Asperger's Syndrome, which is a condition on the Autism scale. I wanted to make you all aware of something cool that will happen next Monday. NPR's wonderful program, "This I Believe" will feature an essay by a child/teen with Asperger's Syndrome. You can hear the essay on your local NPR affiliate Monday during the morning program and sometime during All Things Considered, or you can read the essay, which will be posted Monday at www.npr.org.

I thought it was pretty cool, and I wanted to share that with you all.

Also, today we had our monthly staff meeting. The meeting was about a new reading program that we will be adding next year (in addition to the one we added this year) but we also talked about something a little more noteworthy. In response to the AK47 incident in Joplin, MO, we reviewed the Kirksville School's intruder program. So, that was interesting. Safety first, and all.

And, finally, for those of you living under a rock, Kim "I'm a complete lunatic" Jung Il of North Korea threatened to fire a nuclear missle. As of this writing, it seems that Il may be compensating for an apparent problem with premature....um, firing, as we know suspect that the tests on Monday may have actually gone horribly awry.

We can only hope.

So, until next time....as long as there IS a next time....

Thanks for stopping by....

Tommy

It would seem that I'm not alone...

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/10/08/ING0FLHNM21.DTL

That is all. Oh, and Michelle, yes, I'm quite familiar with www.bookcrossing.com. I love that website....it's great!

And now, back to your regularly scheduled evening/morning.

Thanks for stopping by.

Tommy

Throw the book at 'em!!!

I know I've had kind of an unintentional them going here with educational posts, but, well, when it rains, it pours.

This just in, filed under "I" for irony....

Dateline: Texas. (I think I told some people it was Florida...oops!)

Last week, during National "Banned Book Week", a parent filed a complaint on the behalf of his sophomore daughter. He objected to one of the books that her class was reading. Now, two things:

1) His daughter had opted to read something else, and was not being penalized for this choice.
2.) The book in question was "Fahrenheit 451," written by Ray Bradbury, about the perils of a society that bans books. Hmm....maybe he should have read it first.....

So, of course the fact that his daughter wasn't being forced to read the book meant that the problem was solved, right? Well, since you're reading about it here....guess again. The book was removed, entirely, from the high school library. So much for personal choice, right? Right?!

Ugh.

Here's the link....http://www.hcnonline.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=17270600&BRD=1574&PAG=461&dept_id=532215&rfi=6

That's all I got. Oh, and an addendum to my earlier post about Studio 60's similarity to Sports Night. My anonymous poster was right....it's not as good as Sports Night. It never will be, because Sports Night was as close to television perfection as televions will ever again be. However, not watching a show because it isn't as good as Sports Night would mean not watching any televsion at all. So, instead of isolating myself from that medium, I'm going to accept the fact that no amount of hope, prayer, and angry letters threatening boycott to "the powers that be" will bring back the show, and I"m going to watch my DVD's as much as possible, and then? I'm going to watch Studio 60 because regardless of the show...Aaron Sorkin is the finest writer of televsion today.

So, there ya go.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Tommy

If you're driving out to the stadium this weekend....don't forget to take your car.

For those of you Sports Night fans....apparently, it's back. It's changed it's name to Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and instead of a sports show, it's a sketch comedy show (ala' Saturday Night Live) but, well, it's Sports Night. So, you know...that's cool. (c;

Tommy

this just in....

For those of you who didn't watch/read the news today, sad, sad news out of Pennsylvania. What a shame....what a damn shame.

Oh, and Brad sent me a link that really fit in nicely with our discussion of trade schools and vocational training...so, here it is: http://www.thenewatlantis.com/archive/13/crawford.htm

I found it interesting, and the timing fit in well.

I'll write more later, but I just wanted to let people know about these things.

Thanks for stopping by...

Tommy

Life Imitates Art

I just heard about this, and wanted to share. A teacher in Texas took her fifth grade class to an Art Museum. (So far, so good.) While at the museum, one of her fifth graders inadvertantly saw a nude sculpture. The parents of said child claimed that the kid was permanently scarred for life, and would suffer immeasurable emotional harm. So, what happened? The teacher was fired. Huh. Thoughts?

Just finished The Human Story. Really enjoyed it. Great overview of human history, and I've just started The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyon. Good stuff.

All right, so thoughts about the teacher issue....

(Thanks for stopping by...)

Tommy

When the day is done....

Well, as I've said, it's been a week. Bibi and I had a nice time tonight. We took Lil' Leo to the vet, and got him all taken care of. He was so good at the Vet's office, and we felt really good on our way home. We have a better idea of how much to feed him, he got his shot, and we are going to take him back in about a month. We then took Leo to the quad at Truman and played with him for awhile. He chased a tennis ball and his frisbee for almost an hour. We also have a play date scheduled for sometime tomorrow with some other canine friends. Good times.

However, things were obviously not so good this week. For those of you living under a rock, there were two school shootings this week. Both were tragic events, but were tragic in their own right. The first has left the five young women, and six families permanently scarred. The second event, which just happened today, left a high school principal dead. A fifteen year old kid killed his principal. Unfortunately this had to occur in the light of the conversation this week about whether or not teaching was dangerous.

However, it's even more appropriate for other reasons. This week on this blog, as well as in our country right now as a whole, we are as divided as we have ever been before. Seems to me that people believe so fervently in what they see as truth that they are unable to see the value in polite discourse. I'm not, and please don't get me wrong on this, picking on any one person, or trying to point out one person. I would say that arrogance and condescension is just as antagonistic as all out name calling and insults. I don't want to seem trite or cliche', but...well, it just seems so unnecessary. Why can't we all just get alo....no, I'm not going to go that route. Why can't we be respectful? Why can't we treat each other with respect? We are NOT our values. We would like to believe that we are....we would like to believe that we fit neatly into a nice little package defined by that which we hold to be truth. But, the "truth" is, we are ALL hypocrites. (The one finger pointed at all of you leaves three fingers and a thumb pointing back at yours truly.) We all fall short of the glory of our ideals, no matter WHAT those ideals may be. Why can't we just acknowledge those short-comings? Why have we allowed our ideals and beliefs to bring us to the point where people are no longer able to have impassioned, and yet respectful, discussions about politics? Why can't we get passed the idea that we have to PROVE ourselves to be right, and just come to the table seeking understanding? Understanding does not mean agreeing, and one of the most important lessons I've EVER learned in life is that intelligent, thoughtful people can consider the same information and "facts" that I am seeing and come up with a completely different conclusion. Thus is life.

Ok...so, funny story. I signed on right now to jokingly write that my next topic would be on abortion, or gay rights, you now, something "safe" and sure to cause no stir whatsoever. However, I ended up sounding pompous, I'm sure. Sorry.

All right, I'm going to leave you all with a funny story:
June 29, 2000: I go for a post-dinner walk to enjoy the evening. As I'm nearing my apartment, I suddenly feel something wet on my neck. I feel it...it is clear. I look up. And there, in the tree above me. A squirrel. A squirrel....who peed on me.
September 12, 2006: I take Lil' Leo out for a walk after dinner. While walking, I feel something mushy on my forehead. (All right, all right...it's not a forehead, it's a fivehead.) I put my hand up to feel it. Then I look up. A squirrel. A SQUIRREL. A DAMN SQUIRREL DEFACATED ON MY HEAD!!! Now, I'm not sure, but....I think it was the same one. And, I think it was laughing at me.

Damn dirty squirrels.

Thanks for stopping by....

Tommy

PS: For those who were never formally invited to answer the question, here it is: "What is the most important lesson you've learned in life?" I know it seems random....but there is relevance here....I'm sure.

Come in from the Rain

Well! What a week it's been, eh? We've had some great discussions going, and I want to say thank you to all who participated. It's funny....I've been asking questions to my readers from some time now, in each post, and I've tried often to spark interesting debates. I really did not think that would happen when I posted on my educational theory last week. Kudo's to all of you who participated. Next topic?

And, I'd like to welcome my new friends from California....although I've never heard of Tujunga before. And, how close is that to Oxnard?

(c;

Thanks for stopping by....

Tommy

The Long and Winding Post

OK. Here I go! I’m going to go point by point, beginning with the first poster and moving on through them….so, if you read the comments to the previous post, you’ll be on track, and if you didn’t, well….I think you really should.

“Anonymous”: The reason that it took so long to reply is that I was contemplating whether it was possible for someone to hold such utterly negative views about teachers. I didn’t want to come back angrily, because chances are that if you really feel that way, it’s because of some awful teacher/student relationship that you had, and I didn’t want to add to it. However, whether you were serious or not, I believe it important to address your points.

First of all, I think we do have private schools. Those are mostly available to the wealthy, and schooling, I believe, should be available to all. If you disagree, I would ask you to explain how exactly you would solve the ensuing rampant rise in crime, poverty, and unemployment that would occur by limiting educational opportunities to the vast majority of Americans who could not afford private schooling. It would be inevitable.

Second. Paying teachers based on student performance? If you want to move in that direction, then I would have to suggest that you look into how parents would then be held accountable for the work done at home. Also, your previous suggestion that we withhold education from the poor and less economically independent would seem to compound this problem.

Third: I agree. Too many teachers do complain about our salaries. We knew what we were getting into when we began teaching. However, I do take issue with the idea that teachers work 8-3 for nine months out of the year. Most teachers, myself included, work until 5 or 6 (at the minimum) while arriving at work before 7. (One of my coworkers is at work at 6am everyday.) We also spend, on average, something like $1500 out of our own pocket each year. (Newer teachers end up spending much more.) Teachers work weekends, holidays and most, as JNo said, do teach or work over the summer. So, yes, the actual “teaching” part is mostly from 8-3, but that is hardly the entirety of our job.

Next, would come your comment about my presumption that I can write educational policy. I don’t believe that I am “writing educational policy”. I believe that I made a comment for the general public’s review about what might be done to help our current educational system. However, aside from the somewhat specious argument about Bill Gates, you did not specifically address the validity of my comments. So, I’m curious….what in particular about my suggestions would lead you to believe that I am unable to come up with solutions to educational problems. (In other words, what was wrong with my suggestions?)

As far as salaries are concerned? Well, I’m not really concerned with them at all. I am, however, concerned with the notion that you do not consider teaching “hard”. I don’t think that I will be able to convince you otherwise, but I hardly think that teachers who take their jobs seriously have an “easy” job. It may not be a matter of immediate life and death, but I would say that inspiring minds, and leading young people to the realization that education is a gateway to greater things, while combating the numerous hindrances and obstacles that we face each day (drugs, alcohol, bad parents, violence in school, and the overwhelming number of students who are disillusioned, over-medicated, under-medicated and spoiled…just to name a few) is of some consequence beyond the “A-/B+” oversimplification.

Not dangerous? Just talk to the teachers in Columbine, Kentucky, Arkansas, Minnesota, as well as the 40 other schools around the world in the last TEN years alone that have had incidents of gun violence that have resulted in deaths. Not to mention the numerous problems that we all know plague inner-city schools, as well as many non inner-city schools.

I don’t know about you, but the ability to get a job? Seems a bit profitable to me. Now, it may require a bit of patience and the ability to see past tomorrow, but I don’t think it any less profitable then your stock broker example.

You claim that teachers don’t need to be intelligent? Well, no, to a bad, ineffective teacher, one doesn’t need to be intelligent. In order to rally 25 diverse individuals around one topic, to inspire and prod, to creatively and thoughtfully manage and instill values (that are inherent in the learning process itself) to spark curiosity, to push students to higher levels of achievement….these things DO indeed take intelligence.


Now, Brad. Why are schools responsible for feeding children? Unfortunately because some parents are not able to—and some are not willing to. It’s that simple. That is why we feed them. Because if we don’t…sometimes NO one will.

Why is it the schools job to educate pregnant teenagers? Because I don’t want to, nor would I ever, restrict my teaching services. I teach her because that teenage mother is no less deserving of an education than any other student.

However, I will say that I agree wholeheartedly that vocational schools are given a completely undeserved reputation. I don’t believe that college is for everyone. I don’t think that it should be. I think that vocational schools should be given the respect that any other institution is given.

Unfortunately, your oversimplification of the roles of teachers vs. doctors is beneath you and your obvious intellect and class. Don’t let the anger of a few individuals lower the level of discourse. Teachers do much more than assign grades; our jobs demand more than parent-teacher conferences, and our hours are far beyond detention duty.

I can only speak for myself, but I don’t believe that all 14-16 year olds are INCAPABLE of knowing what they want, but I don’t think that that means that we need to open the option to all students. I imagine that many students would unknowingly limit their own chances and opportunities by picking something their friends would pick or their parents pick for them. (They are, after all, minorities, and would still be under the guidance of the parents.) I don’t think any kids should be forced into any path…but I don’t think any kids should be limited from any paths, either. Education is about opening opportunities.

Your next point? Segregating classes based on gender? Actually, there is much evidence to suggest that this is very beneficial, especially in inner-city situations. I personally think it’s a great option.

FINALLY. To all of my readers, I honestly appreciate your interest in this topic. The great thing about America is our ability to disagree and still have open lines of communication. I would, however, ask that you leave respectful comments. And, to my anonymous poster: Please. If you would like to continue the dialogue, as I would, kindly put a name to your posts, whether it be real or not, I couldn’t care less. It would be helpful if everyone was able to identify precisely with whom they are dialoguing.

That is all. And, once again…your thoughts?

Tommy

Clarifications and responses

All right....I will be responding to the post comments I've received, but I wanted to clarify something. I have only one anonymous poster for the previous post--and that would be the first and fourth comments. The fifth and sixth comments go together, and that would be Brad. Now, while I don't necessarily agree with all of Brad's comments (I'll be discussing that all later) I did want to make sure that all my readers understand that Brad did at the very least have the courage to put his name to the post. So, kudo's Brad, and thank you for taking the time to respond.

Now, before I get to the meat of the "other anonymous" poster, I will say this...I encourage you to find a teacher and tag along for the day. I think you might just be surprised at what you see. I could be wrong, but I think you might be surprised.

All right...I will be posting a "point-by-point" to this Mr. Anonymous later. Have a great evening, and I'll see you soon again....

Thanks for stopping by....stay tuned....

Tommy

A brief change of pace...

So, I've been thinking a lot about educational policy in the United States. And, more specifically, the educational policies in my own state, Missouri.

I recently read an article on slate.com about the apparent uselessness of homework at the elementary level. At first brush, I will be honest, I took issue with the notion. "How dare they presume to know more about what I'm doing than I do." I mean, we're given so much content that we have to cover, to convey, to teach, for goodness' sake, and there is only so much time in the day.

However, it didn't end there. It was like a virus in the back of my mind....constantly coming to the forefront of my thoughts....it was really frustrating. So, I kept thinking about it. And, here are my thoughts on this topic. Do with them what you will.

I think we need to completely revolutionize the state standards here in Mo. The state expectations state that we need to have students reading at a "proficient" level, they need to be performing at a certain level mathematically, and all students need to have a fairly sophisticated grasp of American history (fifth grade level) and numerous scientific concepts as well.

Before I go on, I must say....it hurts me to say what I'm about to say. I LOVE teaching social studies....it's my absolute favorite topic, and it's the highlight of my day. I LOVE it. So, as I said, it pains me to suggest...

We stop teaching social studies and science in the elementary level. Completely. Cut. It. Out. Instead of teachers scrambling to fullfill all kinds of, in all honesty, daunting curriculum, we focus entirely on emphasizing the many facets of reading; enjoyment of, comprehension, fluency, reading strategies, etc. We allow kids the time to actually do...oh, I don't know, some reading on their own....that we work in small groups, large groups, mixed groups, leveled groups, silent reading, partner reading, oral reading, individual reading. In that context, teachers would have the freedom to include many different genres of literature. We could introduce kids to fiction, nonfiction, poetry, reference, fun books, serious books, biographies, historical fiction, science fiction, magazines, environmental reading skills. In this context, not only would kids be reading, but when they got to middle school and high school they would be fully prepared for--and up to the challenge of--science and social studies reading. They would also, potentially, have a much broader base of background reading to use in their classes, and....in real life.

I was thinking back on all this, and I don't for the life of me remember studying at any length science of social studies before fifth grade. All we did was read up until that time. (I may be totally off, but that's my recollection anyway.)

How does all this relate to the original slate magazine article? If we didn't have social studies and science requirements, we would have much more time to focus on reading (and writing skills) and we wouldn't need to assign massive amounts of homework to our young children.

So. There you go. Those are my thoughts on the state of education today.....what are yours?

Thanks for stopping by...

Tommy

It's a dog eat dog world, and so help me I'm wearing milk bone underwear

All right sports fans....here he is....in all of his wet dog glory....Leo.....the newest member of the Estlund family....


Just wanted to post that....

Friday Night Lights

Hello, faithful readers.

I feel like I need to explain my absence in the "blogosphere". It's not that I don't have things that I want to write about--I do; nor is it that I am tired of blogging--I'm not. Honestly, September 11th was really hard this year. I don't know what it is...but I found myself wanting to write something profound...something meaningful...something the clearly expressed what I was thinking....but I just didn't think I could do it. At least, not like Sarah, Jim, Rachel, and all of my other friends who summed up what this sad but important occassion meant. So...I'm just going to leave it that it was hard. It probably always will be.

Work has been challenging. Complexities exist in all vocations, as does a certain amount of negativity. I've just felt this week like there is a substantial increase in the level of bad vibes around the place, and it's really disheartening. It's sad really. I can't go any more into specifics, but if you're interested, you can ask when you see me next.

Bibi has been amazing, through all of this. She's been a wonderful companion and shoulder; a great partner, altogether. I feel very blessed and fortunate. (I think that's kind of the point of marriage....being and having a partner, but still....makes one feel quite content in the midst of anything else that is going on knowing that I can count on her, and that she can count on me. It's good....you know?)

I"m reading a book now on the history of the human race. (I know, pretty broad topic, eh?) It's interesting...I've never read much on Greek history, Chinese history, or...well, European history in general. So, I'm enjoying that. Leo is biting my foot right now, so I should go play with him. Oh, I guess I could update you all on Leo. He is getting bigger before our eyes, and Bibi and I walk him at least twice a day. (Starting Monday it might be three times a day.) He's really cute thought, and he's really smart.

In case anyone doesn't know...November is National Novel Writing Month. There is a website dedicated to encouraging people to write 50,000 words in the month of November. (Ideally, all on the same topic--it is NOVEL writing month, not disjointed anecdote writing month!)

I've got an idea, and I"m looking forward to participating this month.

So...here's my question. It's a bit random, but I'm curious. Which do you think has changed the course of history more: The Physical Sciences, or the Social Sciences? Discuss.

No, seriously.

Thanks for stopping by!

Tommy

Who's on First?

I wanted to write a post, a little more in depth, about this past weekend. On the way down to Oklahoma City, we left at about 6 in the morning. Bibi slept a little, and I rocked out to my iPod. Now, when I say I rocked out...I need to be more specific. It's a little like one of those awesome Volkswagon commercials from the 90's. I was dancing, singing....hell, I may have even been tapping the brake pedal to get some strobe lighting going on for those people fortunate enough to be stuck behind me. At one point, while getting my groove on to The Sugar Hill Gang (may have been either Tonto, Jump On It! or Rapper's Delight...I don't remember)...I looked to my right, and there was Bibi, looking up at me with a huge grin on her face as she said, "you...are SUCH a dork..." Yes. Yes I am. But, what was cool was Bibi sat up and danced with me multiple times on the trip.

On the way home, we were rockin' out to The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again". It was so cool....we were rockin' out to it, and we started talking about the meaning. We had a great conversation about the message behind the lyrics, and how...at this time, it is especially appropro. Here they are...

We'll be fighting in the streets
With our children at our feet
And the morals that they worship will be gone
And the men who spurred us on
Sit in judgement of all wrong
They decide and the shotgun sings the song
I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
The change, it had to come
We knew it all along
We were liberated from the fold, that's all
And the world looks just the same
And history ain't changed'
Cause the banners, they all flown in the last war
I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
No, no!I'll move myself and my family asideI
f we happen to be left half alive
I'll get all my papers and smile at the sky
For I know that the hypnotized never lie
Do ya?
Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
There's nothing in the street
Looks any different to me
And the slogans are replaced, by-the-bye
And the party on the left
Is now the party on the right
And the beards have all grown longer overnight
I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution
Smile and grin at the change all around
Pick up my guitar and play
Just like yesterday
Then I'll get on my knees and pray
We don't get fooled again
Don't get fooled again
No, no!
Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!
Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss

So, that's the song. I know it sounds pessimistic, but it's a great song. Very insightful. That's all.

We enjoyed talking about it. Oh! We also talked about what makes a song "great". The conclusion we came to is that there are two important aspects: 1) It's gotta be great instrumentation, and 2) it's gotta have good lyrics.

For example....ALL of Johnny Cash's collection. Someday by Creedence Clearwater Revival. Feelin' Good Again by Robert Earl Keen. Bittersweet Symphony by the Verve.

So...here's the question....what song(s) stand out to you...both musically and lyrically?

You have two minutes.....
GO!

Thanks for stopping by...
Tommy

The Dog Days of Summer....

Well, things are going swimmingly. Bibi and I drove down to Oklahoma City, OK this weekend to pick up the newest member of our family, Leo, a Rhodesian Ridgeback/German Shepherd mix. He's absolutely adorable and feisty to boot! He's rowdy, but sleeps A LOT! (It was so much fun to come home today after school to find the little guy awaiting my return....and, man did the time fly. It was time for me to make dinner for when Bibi came home in no time flat!!!

We're reading a book by the Monks of New Skete on dog training, and it's cool so far. Very common sense, but not what I would have naturally thought of. So, that's cool.

I also just finished the 9/11 commission adaptation. Very interesting, and a really good read....I'd recommend it.

So, yeah...that's what going on.

So....yeah...thanks for stopping by!

Tommy