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.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
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
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
Monday, September 25, 2006
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
“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
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
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
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
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
Saturday, September 16, 2006
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, September 15, 2006
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
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
Thursday, September 07, 2006
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
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
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
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
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
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
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
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
Monday, August 28, 2006
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
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.)
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.)
Thursday, August 24, 2006
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
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
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
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
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
Sunday, August 20, 2006
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
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
Saturday, August 19, 2006
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
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
Friday, August 18, 2006
EDIT: Previous Post...
I forgot to ask...are there any political books that you find particularly interesting?
Tommy
Tommy
Thursday, August 17, 2006
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
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
Monday, August 14, 2006
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
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
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