Imagination

Today Disneyland celebrates its 55th birthday!  The Happiest Place On Earth still thrives, considering when it opened, some critics claimed it wouldn't be a success because it lacked a certain "Coney Island" atmosphere.  And has this theme park evolved over the years!

My first visit was in 1959...all I remember is crying through the dark rides such as "Snow White" and "Peter Pan."  In 1964, it was a different thing entirely.  The Matterhorn was without its current special effects...the cars zoomed along in and out of the mountain with its climatic splash at the end.  

1968 was awesome...Pirates of the Caribbean was the ultimate dark ride.  An amazing special effects ride.  And who could forget It's A Small World.  

1972...the Main Street Electrical Parade...left guests speechless.  All those sparkling lights and the music, "Baroque Ho Down."  And it was during the summer of '72 Disneyland had concerts with contemporary pop stars.  We got to meet and get an autograph from Sonny Geraci, lead singer of the group Climax.  Their one hit was Precious and Few.  Remember that?  

In the early 80s, as part of the NCEA convention, one of the major book publishing companies, had a teachers night only.  From 7PM to 1AM.  I've never been to an event such as that...hardly any kids and just teachers having a great time.  Best part was Space Mountain and the words I will probably never hear again, "If you'd like another ride, please remain on board."  Needless to say, I over dosed three times on this ride.  And my co-workers were like children running to Big Thunder Railroad.

And I forget what year Star Tours was introduced, but a year after its introduction, several of us from school went and got a laugh when we told one of the nuns to make sure the door was locked...and she did!

Summer of 1987...Captain Eo starring Michael Jackson...and in 3-d!

The last time I was there was 1991...or the year Indiana Jones was being constructed.

Walt Disney would be amazed how his "child" has grown and given the world such happiness, laughter, smiles.  Truly, it will never be finished as long as their is imagination left in the world!

The Great Highway

Today took a walk with Papi along the Great Highway at Ocean Beach.  It's an amazing stretch of road from the Zoo to Golden Gate Park; I think about two miles in length.  Papi and I walk about 90 minutes worth, hoping in a few months to do the entire round trip circuit.  Not a sunny day today, but walking and hearing the waves was wonderful.  At one intersection, we cross the Highway and go to the viewing area and just stare at the ocean.  Papi, of course, sniffs and sniffs.  He'd love to chase the seagulls, but should that happen a remake of The Birds would occur.  The wind blows lots of sand onto the west path making it difficult to have a good walk.  Dogs being so agile can navigate easily.  It's great to people watch, too.  Lots of dogs, joggers, bicyclists, walkers, children...a wonderful gathering of the City's diverse population.  As of the 4th of July, Papi and I try to go there at least three times a week.  Walking around the neighborhood got a tad boring.  I enjoy the fact that the weather lately as been cool, not cold, thus making walks along this thoroughfare a pleasant experience.  So, if you come to San Francisco, you must add the Great Highway as a place to walk...not drive...walk to enjoy what the locals do.

MidYear Already?

This has been a most interesting and busy summer.  Back in January I had no idea I'd have a dog, be accepted into a Masters in Ed. program, and have a summer job working with kids teaching my two great loves: music and drama.  And here we are midway through 2010.  I cannot complain.  The picture above is my view at lunchtime.  The park is full of tourists, locals, sunbathers and dogs and their owners enjoying the sunny, cool weather that North Beach has to offer.
The summer day camp is somewhat challenging- I've never worked with 4 year olds.  They are definitely set in their ways and must be active at all times.  Lord knows if they'll be ready to perform at the "big show" the first week of August.  The counselors and junior counselors are great- high school and college kids.  They must think I'm insane or weird when I mention groups such as Wang Chung.  At least they know the Beatles and Rolling Stones.  Michael Jackson is a beloved musical figure for the kids going into 3rd grade.  One young lad knows every move and lyric to several songs.  According to this boy, MJ is a superhero.
There is a great restaurant on Colombus Street, The Original US Restaurant where the food is beyond dying for!  The lunch server, René is hilarious and a great server.  And I buy my cold water or soda at the corner liquor store- a very nice, plush high-tech liquor store to say the least.  And the wonderful mix of tourists from everywhere- Minnesota, England, Italy, Hong Kong...you get the idea.
And my last class at Lesley, San Ramon campus, was great.  Had a super instructor.  And my first class, I passed with flying colors.  Hoping that I will repeat that with the second course.
Well, that's all for now.  I apologize for not writing as much...having problems at home with Comcast and the Net connection.  I am at my desk at school, with Papi the wonder dog at my side and listening to a compilation disc...Puff the Magic Dragon currently playing and segueing into Melody of Love.
Have a wonderful, safe and sane 4th of July weekend.  Until next time!

Blogging and RSS as Tools for Educators

Blogging and RSS - The "What Is It? and "How To" of Powerful New Web Tools for Educators is an article written by Will Richardson, Supervisor of Instructional Technology in Fleming, New Jersey.  

One of my assignments is to read an educational article and write about it.  I still consider myself a novice in the art of blogging and am discovering what a great tool it can be...for cathartic purposes and for educational purposes, as well.

The article's purpose is to introduce blogging and RSS to the uninitiated and curious educator who is not sure what those terms mean.  The author seems to be "well versed" in the matter and offers his comments on using blogs and RSS in an educational setting.  The boom in blogs apparently is growing and everyone is using it- from homemakers to politicians to entertainers.  

December 2008 was the start of my blogging and I must say I was a tad nervous.  I tried Wordpress and found the instructions too intimidating.  At that point in time my only technological achievement was a powerpoint on Evita Peron.  I know I will never be the world's greatest writer, but a blog allows that chance to anyone.  Everyone offers something...from recipes, to how-to tips, to simple movie reviews.  And that's what I wanted to accomplish.  The Blogger proved to be a great site and has helped me improve in this territory.  I try to change templates on a monthly basis.

As an educator it came to be that blogging could be used in many ways.  Last year, Chelsea and Terence were the "Blog Editors" of our school's blogsite.  It was mainly a place where students could have their written or artistic work on display.  It was great for one year and somehow things happened.  Hopefully it will be resurrected next year.  So, even by a simple work display exercise, the realization of blogging extending to education became a reality.

It is a great tool for collaboration in the classroom.  Simple assignments can be posted for differentiated instruction- for ESL or the reluctant reader and writer.  How creative can a child get by writing about a sumer vacation on a blog and illustrating it as well?  Together with the teacher, the skills needed for good writing can be taught in a blog.  

The RSS is built-in metasite where sites are checked and you don't have to worry about the spam or other "naughty" things that tend to pop up.

The idea of subscribing to a blog allows a child to share his/her thoughts not just in the classroom, but on a global level.  That does sound frightening, but for the digital native, that's a part of life.  Our planet has become so close thanks to technology that our kids have the world and its citizens as a great resource!

I suppose that's why I started a blog.  One of my co-workers said that some of my entries were great to use as examples to show the kids that blogging is a better way to express ideas and feelings than just "dissing" friends.  

I used one entry with my 8th grade Literature class.  I wanted them to describe a trip they had taken- internationally or down to SoCal.  Entitled Fiestas Patronales and under the label of "Are We There Yet?" it describes my reminiscences of a trip to Nicaragua with my mom in 1966.  After reading it, the kids kindly said I was a great writer and I should write a book.  That is the ultimate compliment from a class.  I just wanted them to see that blogging could be fun and make writing interesting if you share something about your personal life.  As an instructor, I am well aware that certain things can be written about; that's why the title's explanations states its mission.

 And yes, this is the time for "shameless self promotion" as I invite you, my Lesley classmates, to check out this blog.  The nice things about blogs...they're diamonds in the rough.

So far...

It is already mid-June; where does the time go?  This week I started my summer job at the Salesian Boys and Girls Club in North Beach.  What an area to work in!  Great restaurants, lots of tourists and the ambiance in general.  And the job?  I've never worked with 4 year olds...and it's an experience.  God bless those men and women in early childhood education- the real foundation that helps everyone in K-12 survive.  They are cute kids, but must be involved in some sort of activity as their attention spans are very short!  Working on an international version of It's A Small World that hopefully reflects the population of San Francisco.  I will re-learn patience this summer.
The school year ended nice.  As you can see in the pic, our Play Day was an activity experienced by students and teachers alike.  All the kids had fun; my only negative complaint is that on Play Day, one team is the 1st prize winner- they're the only ones who get a ribbon.  Everyone else, well, not even a certificate.  In the past we did away with the 1st prize and all the children got a blue ribbon stating they participated in Play Day.  But, as usual, I digress.
Looking back, the year was a tough one.  Our principal, Sister Louise, passed away after a long battle with cancer.  She tried to work at school in September, but it was too much for her.  She must have been in pain, but she never showed.  She was tired and would say so.  I do miss her and thank her for inspiring me in the technological aspect of education.  My class this past year consisted of 26 very eager and rambunctious kids...Destin, Asanté, Shay, Rizza, Kailyne, Molasi...to name a few.  From slow learner to advanced learner- 26 youngsters thirsty for knowledge, enjoying school, and sharing our lives for a year.  May their 7th grade be a successful one with Miss W.
This year has been good to me so far- starting with the doggie, Papi, who became a part of my life in February.  It's amazing how much an animal companion makes a difference in one's life.  And you all know who has taken over the bed!  Then, getting a summer job and working with new kids.  Lastly, taking Masters in Education classes with Lesley University.  A whole new world to discover and new friends in the making.  Lord only knows what the rest of the year will be like.
Don't want to talk about the mess the Gulf of Mexico is in.  For that you have all the newsblogs, sites, etc.  I hope Mother Nature does not take revenge for humanity's folly.
Bueno, that's all for today.   Have a new Internet connection, via Comcast, and will start that today.  My piggybacking days are over, as I have been blocked by "FriscoCisco."  Can't complain, though.
Until the next entry!  BTW, the Tony Awards were wonderful  Memphis was the big winner in the musical category.

Blanche Devereaux Gone But Not Forgotten

Another of our "golden girls" is gone to heaven.  Rhue McClannhan went to her heavenly reward last week.  Not having internet access right now makes posting difficult.
I remember seeing her in the 70s on Maude with Bea Arthur; she portrayed her best friend.  Later in the late 80s, The Golden Girls introduced the world to her irreverant, yet fun "woman of the world" Blanche Devereaux.  Her behaviour proved that women over 50 can be active in many ways...wink wink!
Later, she portrayed a hilarious Reverend Mother Regina in Nunsense and Nunsense II: The Second Coming.  She could sing, dance and speak with a great Irish brogue.  And her portrayal of a teacher in Starship Troopers made us aware that there was life after a teleseries.
It's amazing how the stars of television become a part of our lives; I think moreso than movie stars.  They are "intimately" with us making us laugh, cry, argue on a weekly or daily basis.  And they never grow old.  They are alive in our hearts and cure us of our blues.  Thank you Rhue for giving joy, laughter and "a good time."

The Final Frontier

Today my class took their second field trip...to the Chabot Planetarium and Space Center.  Since I reserved too late, we were not able to take a class; we watched two films.  Solarmax in the Megadome- a fantastic film about the Sun and its effects on our planet.  The Planetarium show was about the Maya and their astronomy.  The kids seemed to enjoy the trip- they loved the hands on attractions and the gift shop.  The best line of the day was "when can we go on a field trip where we don't have to learn about something."  Oh, one day they'll appreciate these trips!!

Stormy Weather

Another icon of American entertainment has joined the celestial choir...Miss Lena Horne.  Such a sultry voice and such a beautiful person, physically and spiritually.  An actress/singer, she will be remembered as Glinda the Good in the film version of The Wiz.  She also starred in Stormy Weather back in the 40s.
She overcame many hardships in the entertainment world due to her color, but she became a bonafide success!
I got to meet her when my friend Frank had to go back to get her autograph after her one woman show back in the 80s.  We waited at the stage door and were allowed in and met the legend herself.  I took a book detailing a musical she starred in, Jamaica.  She was ever so gracious and talked about that particular production.  I wish I knew more about her, but I know she was a belter and a lady.  Not many entertainers today can claim that.

Behind the Glitz, Glamour and Showbiz Beats a Heart

Friday afternoon an assembly was scheduled.  The note in the faculty room said "Assembly: A Career in Professional Wrestling."  At first, I read it fast and thought it said "professional writing."  Sure enough, we were going to have a visit from a professional wrestler; his niece attends my school.  My kids kept asking who was the wrestler.  I was as much in the dark as they were.
So, at 2 PM our vice principal announced, in her loud and booming voice, "Ladies and gentleman; boys and girls!  Presenting the Tonga Kid!"  Well, he walked in- a massive bulk of a man- dignified, proud and not looking as rough and tough as his television persona.  It was an actual human being.

He proceeded to talk; I thought it was going to be about the sport and entertainment of wrestling.  It was wonderful inspirational talk about life, school, mothers and his career.  He emphasized staying in school and doing homework.  He admitted to the kids that he did not know how to read and write.  He has traveled internationally, but was illiterate in certain things- the basic things.  Then he talked about mothers.  He choked up a few times.  Made me choke-up.  Here is a man who has wrestled with Rowdy Roddy Piper and Hulk Hogan, shedding tears about his late mother.  Now that is a man with feeling and humanity- a role model for those kids who think crying is for sissies.  He also made it a good point to emphasize he did not live the life of luxury we think pro wrestlers live...he lives in an apartment with his family and drives a van!
He also told the kids never to attempt the moves seen on TV- those are practiced, rehearsed and they know how to break a fall.
I have enjoyed wrestling as an entertainment- shades of the gladiatorial arena of ancient Rome, but I have a new respect for the men, because they can put aside their "Hollywood image" and talk like the rest of us and reach out and tell the youth of today how it is.  Bravo for Sam Fatu...AKA the Tonga Kid!!

T'was a good week

It was rather a busy week; aside from school and Papi, we went on our annual field trip to the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose, California.  A great outing for the kids and the day was spectacular.  Had three great chaperones: Pete, Mariana and Keith and my niece Christina came along and was one of the official photographers.  She enjoyed the antics of the kids, too.
I must say that this yearly expedition is wonderful as I get to reacquaint myself with antiquities and mummies.  The kids are fascinated by the mummies- three human and various animal ones- and they soak up lots of information.  They were so well-behaved that one of my mischief-makers said, "And you were worried about our behavior, Mr. P!"  I am already contemplating one more field trip...to the Metreon IMAX theatre to see Disney's OCEAN.