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

A Breaking Update....

Just wanted to let everyone know about something.

I just went and picked up a new book. It's called, "The 9/11 Report: A Graphic Adaptation". For those of you familiar with Art Spiegleman's "Maus: A Survivor's Tale" will be prepared for this explanation of the events that unfolded that fateful day 5 years ago.

This book, by Sid Jacobson and Ernie Colon, is basically a new version of the report put out by the independent commision. This is called a "graphic adaptation" because it is NOT a comic book and it is NOT a graphic novel. It is, as the title suggests, an adaptation of the Official Report, so it outlines the events of the day, with all four planes; the findings of the commission, and what I've found most helpful, a brief tutorial on the history of Islamic terrorism under the iron fist of Osama bin Laden.

I'm only a few pages into it, but so far I've found it interesting, and...really, it's an important work. So, I wanted to make more people aware of it. (It came out today.)

Oh, and I'm still reading Bill Bryson's "In a Sunburned Country". I have read "The Lost Continent", I think at your recommendation, Kelli, and to be honest, I found it a bit cynical. It's, of course, very funny....but I think I was in a stage where I found any negative comments about my home--the midwest--harsh and unnecessary. (In other words, I was being a bit of a baby.) However, I really, really want to read more of his stuff now because he's impressed me quite a bit.

Anyway. This post has been brought to you be the letter "R".

Thanks for reading. Oh! Real quick....anyone actually read the "9/11 Report"? And, if so...thoughts?

Tommy

edit:

Oh yeah....it's a Rhodesian Ridgeback/German Shepherd Mix....and we're picking him up this weekend.

I'm takin' what they're given cuz I'm workin' for a livin....

Well, what a difference a day makes, you know? Friday night Bibi and I rented a couple of DVD's, ate dinner, and went to bed. At 7:30. At night. It was awesome. Holy crap, it was nice.

Got up early Saturday morning, made some coffee, and while Bibi was at work, I cleaned the house. (Yes, to all of my family members, you read that right, and no, it wasn't a typo. I cleaned. The house. All of it.) Then I read some more and finished the book on Apocalyptic literature; (it was very good....I'd recommend it.)

I then started a book by Bill Bryson called "In A Sunburned Country" about his travels through Australia. It's official. I wanna go.

After Bibi came home, we went to Hastings a local book store. Why, you ask? Well, we wanted very badly to look at books on different dog breeds. We have been talking about it, and we realize that we really want to get another dog. So, we are looking, and so far we're looking at quite a few different ones, but nothing for certain so far. So, there you go.

On a somewhat sad note, my beloved Captain, the statue of a sea captain that sits on my desk in my classroom, was completely by accident knocked from my desk this afternoon. He has been through quite a few years, quite a few miles, and has been in who knows how many locations...but, alas, he was unable to survive the fall. The captain...he is no more. )c; (Sniff....sniff.)

So, how was everyone else's weekend? And, back to the Bryson book....I love travelogues....any recommendations?

Thanks for stopping by!

Tommy

I'm takin' what they're given cuz I'm workin' for a livin....

Well, what a difference a day makes, you know? Friday night Bibi and I rented a couple of DVD's, ate dinner, and went to bed. At 7:30. At night. It was awesome. Holy crap, it was nice.

Got up early Saturday morning, made some coffee, and while Bibi was at work, I cleaned the house. (Yes, to all of my family members, you read that right, and no, it wasn't a typo. I cleaned. The house. All of it.) Then I read some more and finished the book on Apocalyptic literature; (it was very good....I'd recommend it.)

I then started a book by Bill Bryson called "In A Sunburned Country" about his travels through Australia. It's official. I wanna go.

After Bibi came home, we went to Hastings a local book store. Why, you ask? Well, we wanted very badly to look at books on different dog breeds. We have been talking about it, and we realize that we really want to get another dog. So, we are looking, and so far we're looking at quite a few different ones, but nothing for certain so far. So, there you go.

On a somewhat sad note, my beloved Captain, the statue of a sea captain that sits on my desk in my classroom, was completely by accident knocked from my desk this afternoon. He has been through quite a few years, quite a few miles, and has been in who knows how many locations...but, alas, he was unable to survive the fall. The captain...he is no more. )c; (Sniff....sniff.)

A Treatise on Why The Reader Should Watch the Simpsons

So, I just read the chapter in this book on how the Simpson's has elements of Apocalytic (the literary element) at various points in the series. I have to be honest, I'm just now soaking it in, so this might not be entirely coherent....but, I'm gonna try.

Basically, Apocalyptic deals with connecting the spiritual to the physical....in that our spiritual lives should not be something purely ethereal and focused entirely in the realm of some far off day. Our spiritual lives should be intimately linked to the material and physical world around us. Our spiritual lives should be entirely about the people around us....the other human beings that make up our spiritual realm. (Spirituality means nothing if it's not about the people around us--think, Mother Theresa.)

In the Simpson's, we are given a glimpse of Carnival humor. Carnival humor is about seeing the folly of humanity in humanity...and that includes us. It's not about laughing at someone. It's about laughing WITH someone....everyone around us. And that's another thing...

Think of the great achievements of humanity...the architectual beauties, the monuments to God....often times they are high reaching steeples attempting to bring us closer to heaven, right? And, in the time of these buildings, Gargoyles were found built into these facades. These were frighteningly ugly little people laughing at the failure that we inevitably come to in reaching for these heights. (This does NOT diminish the heights we DO reach...it merely reminds us of the fallibilty of us all....). I don't think of that laughter in malevolent terms...it's a jocular and lighthearted laughter....

The Simpson's shows us all our failings....we see ourselves in the characters....not all of them...but we do see ourselves in some of them....we also see our attitudes reflected in our assumptions about the characters. (Sited in the book, we see Moe, a walking stereotype if ever there was one, in a totally new light when we see that he volunteers at an orphanage weekly.)

I guess the final issue that is discussed in the book that stood out to me was the treatment of Ned Flanders. Ned is seen as the consumate example of a goody two shoes Christian. However, he is never (or VERY rarely) seen in a derisive light.....he is often a satirical (sp?!) character, but not a jerk. He's not perfect, but he is trying. He's a PRACTICING Christian...not a perfect Christian.

Man....I always set out to write deep, enlightening, posts, and I always feel like I fall short. Anyway, you guys should definitely read the book, or at the very least the chapter on the Simpson's....

Yeah.

I once heard someone say that we find prophets (truth tellers) in very strange places. Like, the Simpsons. Where do you all see prophets?

Thanks for reading...

Tommy

Insert Amusing Title Here....

Well, today was the first day of the rest of my....um, well...it was the first day of the rest of the school year....that's what it was. And, it was great. Good times were had by all. I've got a great group of kids, and I have an idea of where I want to take them, and I've got a plan for how to get there. (And, knowing...is half the battle!)

Bibi and I have been enjoying ourselves, after work as well. Last night, after I met all the parents, we sat on the porch and chatted for awhile, then we went for a walk around campus. (It was REALLY funny seeing all the freshman walking around, seeing everything through their eyes....it was funny, just because it seems like SUCH a long time ago. (c;)

Other than that, things are going really well. I'm just very much enjoying myself, and things are good.

I finished both of the Pirates! books, and they were hilarious. Just good mindless fun. Well, actually not all that mindless...there are random and informative footnotes on nearly every page to inform the reader about Pirate lore in oldentimes. They're quite amusing. And educational!

I'm going to start a book now about pop culture and how it affects our view of certain philosophical questions. It mentions....well, actually, I just got up and grabbed the book, so it's actually called, "Everyday Apocalypse: The Sacred Revealed in Radiohead, the Simpson's, and other Pop Culture Icons". So, instead of "philosophy" it deals with the Sacred. Cool.

Alright, well, I'm going to get back to my wife now....you all have a great night....oh, and I wanted to ask...the "Pirates!" books are just mindless fun....does anyone have any suggestions for similar books?

Thanks for stopping by...
Tommy

It's the Most Wonderful Time...of the Year....

Hey ya'll! School starts in two days, and I'm psyched. Good times, will be had by all, I assure you.

Anyway, Kirksville roared to life this morning...it's freshman move-in-day. Woke up at 7, made a pot of coffee, had a couple of friends over, and we all sat outside and watched, listened, and felt the town slowly wake up from it's summer sleep. I don't know if those of you who don't live here anymore remember what it's like....but, well...it's palpable. The town slowly stretches and shakes out the sleepiness, and by tonight the 16-block square around campus will be one mass of party and drunken freshmen. Ah....good times. (c;

Anyway, I finished my book on the language of politics. It was good. It's interesting to have a political debate, to have the other side explained in a clear and logical manner. One of the things I learned, oh, I don't know...back in high school sometime, I think, was that it's important to recognize that intelligent, thoughtful and reasonable people can often times look at a certain issue, all of the facts surrounding that issue, and come away with very different conclusions.

(In response to the comment left by Anonymous: You're right; Conservatives have some excellent ideas, but I think that point that this book was trying to make is that it is easy to persuade people when you have an understanding of the power of language....it's not necessarily deviousness, nor is it necessarily bad....it's a very intelligent, and at least in todays political environment, necessary skill, one that would serve Democrats well to learn.)

I'm now taking a brief hiatus from the political tomes, and I'm reading "Pirates! In Adventures with Scientists" to be followed by "Pirates! In Adventures with Ahab"

Well, I hope you're all enjoying the inevitable end of the summer....God bless, and have a great week.

Oh, and as always...thanks for stopping by.

Tommy

Snakes on a Blog....

Hey everyone. Just in case there is anyone out there who thought that the movie "Snakes on a Plane" wouldn't be good, I saw it last night...and if it doesn't win best picture....than there is civilization to be found in this world. That's all I'm sayin'. It's the best movie I"ve seen in a LONG time...it's the crack equivalent of a movie-going experience...it goes straight to the pleasure center of the brain.

Go see it....or I'm going to send you Snakes in the Mail. And they're going to bite you. In the eye.

Go see it.

Now.


Seriously.





Go.


(Thanks for reading....)

Tommy

EDIT: Previous Post...

I forgot to ask...are there any political books that you find particularly interesting?

Tommy

Hey! It's been awhile, hasn't it?

Well, I just finished Bloodsucking Fiends, by Christopher Moore. (For those of you who read me regularly, it's pretty obvious I've got a thing for his books. They're REALLY good!!!! Oh, have you read Lamb yet? WHY NOT?!)

Anyway, back to BF's. It was really good. I am Moore's "friend" on MySpace, and I sent him a message the other day, and he told me that he just sent the sequel to his publisher, so that should be coming out around Christmas. (Yay!) BF's is a very funny novel about vampires. I know, I know, I'm not that into Vampire books either, but this one's really good. Basically, Moore turns the whole concept on it's ear, which is a good thing. Needs to be done every now and then, you know?

So, I started reading a new book today, and it's what I really want to tell you about. (Gee, don't I sound like some cheesy PBS special?) It's called, "don't think of an elephant!" by George Lakoff. It came recommended by a friend, (who has also loaned me an unholy number of books, and I'm getting to them....) after a conversation we had about politics, and how political capital is won through rhetoric and the use of language. I had heard a segment on NPR a few weeks ago about how the right has basically taken over the realm of political discourse. This led to the recommendation of this book. Basically, Lakoff's premise states that Republicans and Conservatives have mastered the art of phrasing their language in terms of a recognizable conceptual framework that registers in listener's brains upon hearing it. (Conservatives in the 50's and 60's created thinktanks, magazine's, and journals to help focus their leaders' minds in this direction. Democrats and liberals haven't done this yet, which is why Republican's are doing so well. (Says the premise of the book.)

Lakoff, in the rest of the book, creates a....handbook of sorts for progressives to be able to better handle this tricky rhetorical situation.

So far, it's been interesting. Lakoff puts his political theories into two categories; that of the "strict father", and the "Nurturant Parent". It's been interesting so far, and I'm very curious to read more about how language works in the political realm.

Anyway, that's all for now.

Thanks for reading!!!

Tommy

Things that make you go Hmmmmm...

All right! Hey, how's it going?

So, I REALLY didn't know that I would get that kind of response, when I decided to write about the current situation in the Middle East. I really dig the feed back, and I love that people have left some really intelligent and thoughtful comments.

I do want to clarify, however, that I was NOT, well...at least I was not INTENDING to align myself with either side. I have to say, I agree with Kelli when I say that both sides have done considerable harm as well as considerable good. It's really not simple, and there are definitely no easy answers.

I would, however, like to open up this blog formally for any other ideas or thoughts that people have. I'd love to hear 'em!

This past weekend Bibi and I went to Bloomington, Il for a friend's wedding. It was an excellent time. We're back now, and I'm back in the classroom, working on getting ready for the school year, which officially begins a week from tomorrow. (That's Tuesday.) We've got construction going on, so it looks like a disaster area. Hopefully, the school will be ready. (And, um....hopefully, I will be ready....)

Oh, and I finished The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay. It was good. Very good. The book had an interesting structure....it was like a comic book in prose form. In comic books, the author has no limit to how much time occurs between frames...it can be the next second, or years later. It can be the same moment from a different perspective, or it can be five minutes before. The comic book character's background can be filled in through flashbacks, or it can be filled in in pieces throughout.

All of these techniques were present, as well as numerous others, and it made for an exceptionally interesting book.

Anybody know of any other books that have a uniqe structure, that add to the enjoyment of the book?

All right...more later!

Thanks for reading....

Tommy

...the Man comes around....

Author's Disclaimer: This post may consist of numerous stream-of-consciousness ideas, as well as disjointed premises, and conclusions. There may also be several typos and mispelled words. Please disregard them. Read at your own risk.

This post has been several days in the making. I've had a couple of experiences lately that have made me feel more "grown-up" and adult than anything in a long time. (I know, I know...I'm 28...I "am" an adult. I don't feel like one though...most of the time I still see myself as that 14 year old kid with HORRIBLE acne and very little self confidence.)

Last night at karaoke, I was sitting between two faily diverse groups of people. On my left were a couple of slightly younger friends, who were talking about the pros and cons of different drinking games. On my right, were some slightly older friends who were discussing the benefits and liabilites of the varying benefits of various insurance programs. You know which conversation interested me most? Yeah, I now know all about the family insurance plan provided by Atmost Energy. It's really good.

Monday, Bibi and I spent most of the afternoon researching America's involvement in Iraq and our history with Israel and Lebanon. It was really interesting; we also have made a concerted effort to watch the world news every night. After our research, from a number of different websites, with a number of tangential side investigations, watching the news was MUCH more interesting.

Today, and a couple of times in the past few days, quite a few people, of various ages have expressed a fairly common objection to watching the nightly news: It's so damn depressing.

That got me thinking.

Bibi and I both mentioned how watching the news represents being an adult, based on our impressions of "adult behavior" from our childhoods. (Translation: Both of our parents watched the news, and that signifies responsible adult behavior to both of us.) So, it feels good...it feels...oh, I don't know...productive to watch the news. But, here's the thing....I don't get depressed watching the news. I know, there are horribly sad and depressing things going on out there....but, well...I don't see watching the news that way. This is cheesy, but it goes back to the G.I. Joe tagline from when I was a kid..."Now you know. And KNOWING...is HALF the battle." I guess I feel like watching the news puts me in a better position to be able to...do anthing about those horrible things. You know...reading is fundamental; and "knowledge is power". That kind of a thing.

It helps me to know our history with Israel, how we've continually helped them and backed them; but it also helps me to know that Hezbollah is backed by Iran, which is another reason that our government uses to justify backing Israel. However, from teaching American History, I know that George Washington, way back in the late 1700's advised us to avoid permanent alliances with foreign powers....which is way I think it's dangerous to blindly support Israel just because we have always supports Israel. However, researching Hezbollah shows me that it is a dangerously militant organization. (It also provides medicine, food, and water to the Lebanese people, which is why the Hezbollah is gaining support--it's also why there is a growing number of countries who think that Israel's actions have been way over the top.)

Ok. So, being educated, and watching the news shows me that there are NO easy answers. That CAN be disheartening, but it doesn't have to be....healthy and lively debate and discussion is a good thing.

Your thoughts?

An exercise in contextual understanding and historical serendipity

I'm reading a new book, titled "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay", by Michael Chabon. I've had this book recommended to me multiple times over the past two years, and it's proving to be an excellent read. Very exciting, very interesting, very well-written. It is also an intellectual lesson.

Let me explain.

A few weeks ago, when I read "A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man", by Joyce, I went through an experience that happens sometimes when one reads a well-written, but complex, book. I found myself barely hanging on, as it were. I was almost unable to keep track of the flow of the story, almost unable to stay with the narrative. I had to consciously remind myself of where I was in the story, who was speaking, and...well, basically what was going on at all times. Now, I don't think there is anything wrong with that, so to speak. I find a challenge to be invigorating. However, "Kavalier and Clay" is an entirely different kind of challenge.

Chabon has got to possess the most expansive vocabulary of any author I've yet to read. I find myself, nearly every paragraph, wanting to stop to look up at least a couple of words I don't know. It isn't that he's using words I know in a new way; he's using words I've never heard before, I've never read before....heck, I think he's making some of them up! (And, not to be conceited, but I don't think I have that limited a vocabulary at my disposal, although my ability to spell those words when I'm publishing my writing for a vast audience--such as this blog--certainly leaves something to be desired...). So, this book has challenged me in a new way, a way that, to be quite honest, hasn't been challenged in some time. I find that I simply press on, and Chabon's use of the words, his context, helps me through the text most of the time. To me, that is the mark of an excellent author. (Chabon, if you happen to google your name, and this comes up....Way to Go!!! (c;)

Ok, now on to the second part of my title: Historic Serendipity.

About a month and a half ago, I read a book on the Science of Super Heroes called, "The Science of Super Heroes". In this book, which was really quite interesting, I found out that, prior to the US involvement in WWII, comic book authors, and their lead characters, went to Europe to fight the forces of evil well before we wised up. I thought that was interesting--that, cheesy, child's play stuff, schlock in most people's opinions, was in the forefront, the vanguard.

Now, just a month or so later, I'm reading "Kavalier and Clay", which is about a Jewish man from Prague who escapes to to America, and creates a comic book--well before the US involvment in the war--about a super hero who fights the forces of evil abroad. It's basically a fictitious account of how the war was fought in the hearts of individuals in America before it was fought in Europe.

Good stuff....

Any books that you've read that were especially challenging? (I'm thinking, Faulkner's "The Sound and the Fury"?)

And, hey...thanks for reading.

(And, thanks to all my spelling narcs who made me so self-conscious that I spell checked every "iffy" word in this post!!!!)

Tommy

The shortest post ever

Thanks Chuck, for pointing out that my post on teachers in Mexico was obviously typed quickly, and included a really bad typo.

Thanks.

(c;

Seriously...I love my readers...but, do you have to read so damn closely?

(c;

Tommy

Bordeom

Ok, I PROMISE...this is the ONLY one of these damn things I'll do. Seriously.

ABC's from Rachel

A is for age:28
B is for booze of choice:Jack Daniels--straight up.
C is for career: Fifth Grade Teacher.
D is for your dog's name: Kaya....well, in my heart at least. She is no longer with us.
E is for essential items you use/love everyday:Coffee and whatever book I'm reading right now.
F is for favorite song(s) at the moment: Hmm....Silver Sword by Huckleberry. If you haven't heard of it, well, your loss.
G is for favorite games: Vengence, and Monopoly.
H is for hometown: Cedar Rapids.
I is for instruments you play: Alto Saxophone, Piano (just barely) and I played the flute for hmmm...about one week in high school. Thanks Mr. Danser.
J is for jam or jelly you like: Grape. I know, boring.
K is for kids: None....YET.
L is for last kiss: Bibi.
M is for most admired trait: Sincerity.
N is for the name of your crush: None.
O is for overnight hospital stays: I got a deviated septum repaired during college.
P is for phobias: I really don't like spiders...although, I have made substantial growth in that I don't cry like a little girl anymore.
Q is for quotes you like: "Does it ever get any easier?" "No. Well, not if you're doing it right. But, it is the best job in the world." (Boston Public.)
R is for biggest regret: That I was actually worried about what people thought about me in high school.
S is for sweets of your choice:M&M's, snickers, chocolate in general.
T is for time you wake up: 6:30 during the summer (and then I wait til I'm ready to get up.) 5:30 or 6:00 during the school year.)
U is for underwear: Boxers. Knitted preferably.
V is for vegetables you love: I love asparagus. Zucchini. Corn. Broccoli. Green Beans. Tomato. (I know! It's actually a fruit, but most people don't know that.)
W is for worst habit: Picking my nails. Road rage.
X is for x-rays you've had: Wrist, back, teeth.
Y is for yummy food you make: Well, Bibi and I make cholay together. Does that count?
Z is for zodiac sign: Cancer.

There ya go. I PROMISE I won't do it again. (Maybe.)

Thanks for reading...

Tommy

Do you believe in magic.....?

Finished Christopher Moore's "Fluke: Or, I Know Why the Winged Whale Sings". Very enjoyable, very funny, wonderful book.

However, not his best book, and so I don't really have much to say about it. However, one line does strike me as noteworthy: "Science you don't know looks like magic."

I like that.

That's all for now...
Tommy

We interupt your regularly scheduled blog...

Rest assured, faithful readers, that I am reading a new book, and I will let you all now about that later...however, I'm listening to a segment on NPR right now, and I wanted to share it all with you.

In a city in Mexico (that sounds like Wahaca, but that probably has a bunch of X's in it), a group of teachers were marching in protest of low wages. (Sounds reasonable, right?) So, in response, the police in the city got in their helicopters and flew over head, not so that they could get a better view of the peaceful protesters, but in order to have a better view for when they dropped TEAR GAS on the peaceful protesters. Now. That in itself would be worthy of note...however, that is not why I am writing a post on blogger. The aspect of this story that inspired me to write this post was the response by the parents in this particular town.

A group of mothers, who felt that this treatment of the teachers by the police, was SO unjust and wrong, gathered together to march as well. In fact, not only did they march for the cause of the teachers....they came upon a television studio that was filming--LIVE. So, they entered the tv station, they took control of the tv station, and the broadcast their protest over the airwaves in defense of the teachers and in hopes that they could win higher wages for their teachers.

Now, I don't believe in taking hostages, I don't believe in pirating tv stations; however...I do think it's AMAZING the level of support that those parents showed towards their teachers.

I have been really, really lucky in that every member of my family respects and supports me as a teacher. My mom and stepdad are teachers, my sister's both are supporters of teachers (they teacher piano, cheerleading and dance) and my dad has said that teaching is the most important job in the world. So, you know, I've got a substantial backing from my family. However, I've had so many colleagues and Education students tell me stories of how they've been told that they should be doing something "more productive" with their lives....that they shouldn't be wasting their obvious talent and skill being "just a teacher"; it's sad, it's inappropriate, and it's patently false.

So, it struck me...in Mexico, teachers are seen as something...special...something worthy of standing up for. In America? Well, it's not quite so consistant, the value we place in teachers.

That's just kind of sad.

Thanks for reading...

Tommy

an amendment....ah, a few provisos....

I have to amend my prior post about "The Devil in the White City." No, I'm not changing my mind on how good this book is; I just feel that it would only be fair to warn people that, towards the end of the book...it gets a bit....creepy. Twain was correct, "Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn't."

The subtitle of the book, which I failed in my last post to include is, "Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair that Changed America". Not to put too fine a point on it, but, well, it couldn't be more true.

So, go ahead and read the book, but be forewarned....it gets creepy.

Anybody have any other books that are surprisinly creepy?

(Oh, and thanks Brad...for pointing out my typos...(c; But shame on you for not catching my GLARING typo on my post for July 25th: Ya'll come back now, ya here? I DO know the difference between hear and here.)

Thanks for stopping by!

Tommy

...the Devil went down to Georgia....he was looking for a soul to steal....

Greetings all! Hope your week is going as swimmingly as mine is. Bibi and I are enjoying--no, not enduring--ENJOYING--our A/C-less summer in Kirksville. (Ok, so maybe today it was a bit warm, and last night we both woke up numerous times because of the heat, but still...it's not so bad for us....)

I need to tell you all about this book that I'm reading...."The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson. It is an historical nonfiction novel about the construction and events surrounding the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. It's a combination of history, culture, economics, politics, and crime novel.

First off, the book is really well written. It seems very conversational, and is extremely fast paced. The chapters alternate between two storylines that are equally interesting. (The first being the construction and execution of the fair, and the second is about our countries 1st serial killer)

The thing about this book, besides being well written, besides it's captivating narrative, besides the lush descriptions and direct quotations from actual people invovled in the events, is the nature of the fair itself.

The years 1892 and 1893 do not automatically bring to mind any particular events. No individuals immediately come the front of my imagination, and I don't remember automatically any particular inventions or note-worthy creations from that time period. However, the fair was one of those, almost cinematic events, that naturally draws people and ideas to one place and time. Reading this book is like watching a really well-written movie come together....seemingly isolated characters and events are seen in a new light, when the film shows that they are all indeed closely related. That's what the 1893 World's Fair was like; it was a mingling of the past, and the future. (I'm being purposefully vague because half of the fun in this book is finding things out as Larson wants you to find them out.)

So, I guess that's all I've got right now, but seriously....go read this book.

Now!

No, go....get it.

I don't care where you get it...just go get it.


I'll wait.










Well, now you're just trying my patience. I'm very dissappointed in you. You should be ashamed of yourself.

Well, fine. I'm leaving...but seriously....go get yourself a copy.

Oh, and anyone know of any other books that bring together so many aspects of history?

Thanks for stopping by...

Tommy