Also Sprach Teacher

A somewhat short entry. My students are learning about early humankind. I traditionally show the opening sequence, "The Dawn of Man" after we discuss Dr. Leakey and his wife and their discoveries.

I remember when 2001: a space odyssey was released, I was in elementary school. I saw the film at the Golden Gate Theatre, when they showed films there. It was such an incredible film; I had no idea as to what was transpiring on the screen. And now, when it is shown, with the careful explanation about ETs and that this is a work of fiction and a good discussion on early tools and weapons...there are gales of laughter at the antics of the ancients. Oh...I wish I could show One Million Years B.C. - the one that made Raquel Welch famous- to them as we study hunter-gatherers. Oh, the pain....

So It Begins

That wonderful time of year is creeping up on us this weekend. Indian Summer! Those great days when the thermometer shows 90 degrees plus. These are the days that the classroom becomes unbearable because there is no breeze coming through the windows; the fan cools the lucky few sitting near it and the only place with an AC is the faculty room! It is the few days San Franciscans complain and wish for the fog. And then when the fog comes, the complaints start again 'cause it's too cold. But, it's the Bay Area...downtown is warm and you travel towards the beach and need a sweater. Why it's called "Indian Summer" I don't know. But I do remember my 5th grade teacher, Miss Weaver, telling us that San Francisco has a Mediterranean climate. So, it's time to make ice cubes, hydrate, and try to stay cool. Happy Indian Summer a todos!!

Lest We Forget

Today is September 11. 8 years ago I was waking up at about 5:55 A.M. and the DJs on KFRC made the announcement that an airplane crashed into one of the twin towers. Nothing was really known, even the type of plane, out on the West Coast. So, life went on. Showered. Checked on my mom. Caretaker came and left for work. The more I heard on the radio the more incredible the news reports became. Upon arriving at school, the playground was abuzz with the news that apparently we had been attacked by terrorist. At 8:10 we all entered the school building- teacher modeling calm to the befuddled kids. Well, at 8:30 our principal came on the public address system telling us that school would be closed for the day; the mayor announced the closure of schools until further notice. Little by little parents trickled to the school and the children were dismissed in an orderly fashion. While waiting for parents, we tried to keep the kids calm by playing games, praying, doing some sort of school work and even showing a film. By noon, the children were gone and I was allowed to go home.

Upon arriving, my mom's caretaker was more "disturbed" than the kids. She was actually loud and being obnoxious and constantly stating we were going to war. Luckily, this caretaker, her niece, lasted only a week. And my poor mom, already with dementia, kept saying "Something terrible has happened." That was September 11, 2001.

The months after 9/11 were very patriotic, to say the least. Everyone was nice to each other. Neighbors who never spoke actually asked how things were. By March of 2002 America returned to "normal" - you know, road rage, not being nice, etc.

8 years later it seems that it is becoming a footnote in American history. Let us not let it be just another day. Sure, it has been named "Patriot's Day" but what is a patriot to some of us?

One thing I learned in my early childhood years was to love my country. Things seemed so much simpler in a time when political correctness did not exist. To be a patriot, as the Sisters of the Holy Family, and later the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur taught was to love God and country. To be respectful of the flag when reciting the Pledge of Allegiance; to sing the National Anthem with pride. The older I get, these cherished things I learned as a child are slowly drifting away. I try to instill love of God and country to my students, and hopefully they listen and will participate in government the older they get.

On a personal note, in summer of 1984 I was able to visit New York City for the first time. To see the amazing Twin Towers, along with other landmarks- the Empire State Building, the Chrysler building and the then Pan Am building- such amazing, colossal edifices. The WTC to me was a setting for various movies: Godspell, King Kong (1976), The Wiz. Little did I know that these towers had an untimely and terrible demise in 2001. The elevator ride to the top was a 90 second thrill ride. Ears popped; the view was astonishing. Aside from seeing my first Broadway musicals, the WTC is truly a priceless moment of history in my life.

To those men and women and children that perished on that awful day, we will still remember you. We may not have met, but you became part of a terrible day only to make us realize that we should not let little things be taken for granted. Appreciate your family, friends, job, life.

For Human Eyes Only

Finally saw District 9 and what a film! Probably one of the best science fiction films I have seen in a long time. An incredible tale of intolerance, racism (alienism?) apartheid at its worst, and grand science fiction adventure. This film is an excellent example of social science fiction. It has the gruesome looking aliens, the obligatory bang-bang- sci-fi violence, but underneath it all, as story of intolerance and racism. I suppose that with science fiction, a story teller can get away with anything.

It was interesting to see Johannesburg as the city with the problem, for a change. A massive mother ship and millions of "prauns" (it was spelled like that in a poster a protester was carrying in the film) sequestered in District 9- the ultimate ghetto. The film reminded me of Alien Nation- a similar theme- how to co-exist with aliens from another planet, not country. We never do learn where they are from or what motives brought their ship to our planet. A sequel? Would be interesting.

I also loved the idea that the film was told in a documentary fashion. Check it out and see what conclusions you come up with. Three years is a long time for a sequel, i'nit?

Happy Labor Day 2009!

Monday is Labor Day. A day to honor the worker; those who labor. The unsung heroes who make our lives better. It's the last major holiday of the summer season. And what a way to celebrate- fireworks at theme parks, barbecues and picnics with families, great bargains at the malls. Yes, for a lot of us it is a great day to sleep in or have a wonderful day in the sun. But let us not forget to honor those who don't take the day off but opt to work...bus drivers; servers at restaurants; nurses; airline workers on the ramps and on the planes; to the moms and dads who have lost their jobs and work hard to keep a family going. Yes, this Labor Day is a different one. Lots of men and women have lost thier jobs due to this economic slow down. But the spririt of hope lives on in the American citizen. Slowly we will get back on our feet and be the beacon of hope so many yearn for. I will take the day and relax somewhat...prepare my lesson plans for the week, watch a film, listen to music. Thank you to those in my family with those wonderful jobs that are taken for granted: sewing machine operator; painter; banquet waiter; day care provider; mechanic; phone company lineman; front desk clerk- perhaps to some menial jobs- but to me, wonderful people with great work ethics and pride. Happy Labor Day!

Family Night

Well, it was a wonderful Saturday evening. My Tio Abelardo came to visit for a week with his son, Abelardo Jr. The festivities were held at my Aunt Amanda's in Daly City. It was a family reunion of sorts. Of course, the last time I saw Abelardo was about 10 years ago, before the onset of diabetes. He looks tired now and very fragile when walking. The first time I met him I was 10 years old and in Nicaragua. He was a strong, chubby but solid man. He was a dairy farmer in his town of Boaco. Anyway, seeing everyone tonight was wonderful and a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane. Oh, we talked about everything...from my niece Tory and her antics in the 8th grade; Raquel wanting to go see a movie; Rudy and Ricky making me laugh with their silly asides; Roberta talking of travels to Hawaii, Palm Springs and the Dominican Republic; meeting Dave and his girlfriend Suzette. Turns out Suzette went to Sacred Heart/Cathedral high school and knows Angela O'Rourke and Olivia Perdices. Small world, isn't it?

As with all festive occasions, lots of food to be had. Of course, times being what they are, it was no longer the heavy fried delicacies and chunks of pork, potato, etc. Nowadays the menu includes baked chicken; chopped turkey in a delicious sauce with capers and olives; broccoli casserole, plain rice, salad, fruit salad...you get the idea. Of course, some things don't change...beer, rum and coke and soft drinks and apple pie, lemon meringue for dessert.

It was great to see everyone and share what is going on in our lives. It is sad because I have a feeling it is my Tio Abelardo's final trip to California. Aunt Amanda even commented that she believes he decided to come to say "good bye" to his family on the west coast.

Well, I cannot complain. Sometimes I complain about family, but on such occasions, all the bad things are forgotten and good times resurrect a happier time.

Estar Solo

Dicen que escribir en un blog

Es una forma de terapia

Que alivia el ser...la condicion...la tristeza

A veces es muy dificil mantener

El papel de un ser que hace reir a los demas

Es un papel dificil...como la opera donde

Aquel "pagliaccio" deve reir...

Pero se queja de algo

Ahorita en este momento

Me ha entrado una soledad

Una inquietud

Una tristeza

Trate de regresar una llamada

No contestaron

Y como me siento ahorita

Me vale!

De vez en cuando me pongo asi

Es muy dificil conquistar la soledad

Ahorita no puedo confiar con nadie

Me hacen falta mis seres queridos que se han

Mudado de esta casa

Claro- tienen sus vidas propias

Pero a veces duele tener que mantener un disfraz

Para poder estar comfortable con ellos

Quizas esto sea el resultado

De mi primer semana de trabajo

El fallecimiento de la mamá

De una de mis compañeras de trabajo

Y se acerca el anniversario de mi madrecita querida

Quizas esté cansado

Me pongo a pensar en las amistades

Que he tenido

Que se han ido

Sea por motivos de fallecimiento

O de mudanza a otro sitio

De las amistades que pude tener

De las amistades que no quisieron ser

Estoy harto de ser aquella persona

Que da los buenos dias o saludos matutinos

Y no hay respuestas

Como si uno no exista

Poner todo mi esfuerzo en unas posibles amistades

No vale la pena

Bueno, creo que me he lamentado demasiado

Mañana es otro dia

Sé que me sentiré mejor

Gracias blog

Por dejarme compartir contigo

Las lagrimas que derrota mi

corazón

Three More

Three more notable celebrities have entered immortality. Ellie Greenwhich, composer and lyricist from the 60s; penned some of the most beloved anthems of that time such as Chapel of Love, River Deep Mountain High. The Broadway musical Leader of the Pack used her songs to tell her story.

Dominick Dunne, author of crime dramas; he was also the father of actor/director Griffin Dunne and the late Dominique Dunne. She portrayed the eldest daughter in the first Poltergeist film.

Senator Edward M. Kennedy. The last of the Kennedys who spent a lifetime in service to our nation in the Senate. Who can forget his eulogy for this brother Robert- showing composure. The Kennedy family is the closest thing our nation has to a royal family.

Three incredible people from different walks of life. They remain with us in their songs, stories and political victories and defeats. May their lives inspire us to reach our full potential know that even though we are not celebrities, we do make a difference to those who love and surround us.

One last note...my sincere condolences to the family of my blog pal, Yellow Rose, on the loss of her mother, Mrs. Cardwell. I didn't know her personally, but my blog pal would recount stories of this mother, wife and amazing human being. Rest in peace, Mrs. Cardwell, Ellie, Dominick and Ted.

Looking Back

It is already late August. School has already begun; I have a new group of children to inspire, to encourage, to teach. The last few weeks for me have been inspiring, encouraging and full of teaching moments. My friend from Spain has returned home, hopefully with new insight of what the United States is. It was a wonderful experience to share my nation, my state and my city. And it was wonderful to listen and learn to the European point of view about our America. It was very refreshing to learn that we all share the similar environmental, political, and just plain familial problems. I think the best thing about this whole experience was rediscovering Northern California- from the county fair in Santa Rosa to the wonderful, peaceful atmosphere of the mission at Carmel. And to go through San Francisco, my hometown. It's been a while since I've been to Fisherman's Wharf, with its kitschy tourist traps, the smell of crab cooking and the saltiness of the bay and the amazing vistas from any point. And traveling on Muni and BART, not that bad. The buses and trains seemed to be on time. And downtown was actually clean. And to hear the chatter of all visiting languages: German, Japanese, Italian (got to carry brief conversations in Dante's language) and English...the UK variety. We have world class museums; I was very impressed with the MOMA and its Richard Avedon exhibition. The new Academy of Sciences is spectacular. And overall, San Franciscans- I think we are friendly people willing to help out those visitors from abroad. I am so very glad that my friend chose the West Coast as his first American visit. The closest thing to the insanity of the East Coast we have is the Los Angeles area. But, I digress. It is wonderful to share something with someone new, in this case a city. I am hoping that his word of mouth will allow for future opportunities to share this side of the United States with friends from abroad.

"Los Angeles is not a circus; Los Angeles is a zoo.

"So New Yorkers say."

Dialogue between Armando and Lewis in Escape from the Planet of the Apes

Have I Stayed Too Long At the Fair?

Last Sunday I took my Zaragozan friend to the Sonoma County Fair in beautiful Santa Rosa, about a 53 mile drive north of San Francisco.  The theme of the fair this year was The Land Before the Fair.  The weather was beyond spectacular- mid 70s and a very mild, cooling breeze.  Santa Rosa can get into the 90s; you might say the weather was unusually cool for this time of year.  We got there a little after two, leaving San Francisco in the middle of the daily battle of fog vs. sunshine.  Being that it was the weekend, the fairgrounds were packed.  I think a lot of people are doing lots of local trips.  But that is part of the fun of going to a fair...the people.  People of all sizes, shapes, colors, clothing styles, ages...a kaleidoscope of humanity sharing happiness, good food, great times.  We started with the pavilion that housed quilts, baked goods, drawings, agricultural stuff- awesome.  Photography and paintings were viewed and admired for a long time.  After, walked through the Mexican Village and the distinct aroma of Mexican fast food hit the nostrils.  A band was playing a pretty good rendition of La Bamba and Guantanamera- two musical selections that are stereotypical of Latin America.  Having survived this section, we proceeded into the Hall of Flowers which was amazing this year.  A Jurassic theme; the paintings on the wall were worthy of comparison with the best matte work of a long gone Hollywood.  The floral displays defied description.  One of my faves was a brontosaur made of flowers, seeds and red peppers.  Then through the pavilion where things were being sold...candies, Jacuzzis and my traditional 4 new ties for school.  Hunger eventually hit us and I introduced my friend to his first corn dog.  Corn dogs are such a treat at fairs.  As I overheard a seller, the food sold at the fair was fat free, sodium free, and calorie free.  If you do not ingest at the fair, all calories are doubled once in the parking lot!  Dessert consisted of ice cream cones- he had mocha nut and I had rocky road...delish!  The inevitable romp through the bovine pavilion brought farm memories for my friend.  The final section was the carnival area. Not much new in the rides department; in fact they looked like the same rides from 7 years ago.  I must say that visiting the county fair is a trek through American ingenuity, progress, abundance and pride.  At such events, all ethnic groups unite; all ages seem polite towards each other; again a great feeling of pride as to what a local community can produce and share with the world.  I look forward to going to Santa Rosa next year.  

"Our state fair is a great state fair

 Don't miss it

 Don't even be late"

from STATE FAIR by Rodgers and Hammerstein