Books and Dogs

YUM!

2008-11-18T18:19:00.002-06:00

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
2 tblsp. + 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, divided
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter
2 eggs
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup cocoa
2 tblsp. butter, melted
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/8 tsp. salt
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans

Heat oven to 350. In large bowl, stir together flour and 2 tblsp. brown sugar. With pastry blender, cut in 1/2 cup butter until mixture looks like coarse crumbs (be patient). Press mixture into ungreased 9 x 9 baking pan. With back of spoon, lightly press crust into corners and against pan sides. Press about 1 inch up sides. Bake base 10-12 minutes or until set. Remove from oven.

In small bowl, lightly beat eggs, corn syrup, remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar, cocoa, butter, vanilla and salt until well blended. Stir in pecans. Pour batter over warm crust.

Return to oven and bake for 25 minutes or until pecan filling is set. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Cut into squares. Yield: 16 bars.

Source: Hershey Foods Corp. Favorite Brand Name Recipes. Hershey's 100th Anniversary. Vol 5.74. November 22, 1994.

A Coach Steps Up

2008-10-19T06:59:00.002-06:00

Way to go Coach Dad. It's nice to see the sports world taking the higher road.

Ferentz suspends son over drinking charge

DES MOINES, IOWA (TICKER) —Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz suspended his son from the team after James Ferentz’s arrest for possession of alcohol under the legal age on Friday, according to The Gazette newspaper.

James Ferentz, 19, was a passenger in a car that was stopped around 1:30 a.m local time. He is a freshman center for the Hawkeyes.

“I was extremely disappointed to learn of James’ very poor decision making on several levels,” Kirk Ferentz said in a statement released by the sports department. “This offense will be treated seriously, and his punishment will include immediate and total suspension from all team activities.”

James Ferentz is the 20th different Iowa player cited for various offenses since April 2007.

Source: rivals.com

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=txferentzsuspendson&prov=st&type=lgns

Get out and Vote!!

2008-10-01T16:35:00.001-06:00

VOTE!

A Great New Recipe

2008-09-21T08:02:00.006-06:00

I tried this recipe this morning. Very yummy.

Fiesta Corn, Pepper, And Black Bean Salad

1 sweet red pepper, diced
1 sweet green pepper, diced
1 sweet yellow pepper, diced
1/2 cup diced red onion
1 15oz. can whole kernel corn, drained
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tsp. chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup olive oil
4 tblsp. red wine vinegar
1 tsp. lime juice
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 15oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained

Mix and toss well. Yield: 6-8 servings

Source: Taste of Home Brand Name Cookbook, Fall 2005

Duh!

2008-09-16T05:17:00.004-06:00

DUDE, GET THE JOB DONE FIRST!!!!

An Eagles rookie celebrates his touchdown a little too early.....

10 Iggles Not Smart @ Yahoo! Video

You Have to Love SNL -- Direct to Video

2008-09-14T07:10:00.009-06:00

Well, NBC failed to acknowledge my email inquiry about posting this video. I tried in good faith. Here's the direct video. Enjoy.

A Fabulous Stir Fry Recipe

2008-09-13T09:35:00.004-06:00

I just tried this recipe today to add a twist to my stir frying of chicken. It is very yummy and easily adaptable. The key may be to use good butchershop chicken (if you have access).

>Spicy Stir-Fried Garlic Pepper Chicken

This deliciously sauted chicken is easy to prepare and will make an excellent snack or may be used as a filling for Tacos, Burritos, or Sandwiches.

Ingredients: (makes 6 - 8 servings)

2 pounds (900 gms) Chicken (boneless cubes)

2 tablespoons Oil (veg., olive or corn)

2 teaspoons Garlic chopped/paste

1 cup Onions Diced

3 peppers (red, yellow, green, and/or orange)

2 teaspoons Lemon/Lime juice

2 teaspoons Spice 'N Flavor Garam Masala

1 Tbsp. Coriander (cilantro) leaves chopped, Salt to taste

Method:

1.Marinate the chicken with lemon juice,

salt and SPICE 'N FLAVOR Garam Masala and set aside for 30 mins.

2. Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan,

add the chicken, garlic and stir-fry on medium fire for 10 mins.

3. Add the onions, bell pepper, 3 tablespoons of water and stir-fry for 5 mins.

or until the chicken become brownish and dry.

4. Turn off the heat and garnish with the coriander (cilantro) leaves.

Chef's Tip s:

* Add a variety of bell peppers (green, yellow and red) for a colorful dish.

* Add chopped spring onions and celery in step 3 for added flavor.

* You may use the above recipe for stir-frying Chicken Liver, Turkey, Veal, or vegetables

(Potatoes, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower or Tofu).

* To use as a spice rub mix 1 teaspoon of Spice 'N Flavor Garam Masala with 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

Serve hot as an appetizer or with rice (boiled or pilaf), Indian breads, pita bread, Tacos, Burritos or any other bread.

The Library Kicks Butt !

2008-08-25T15:37:00.005-06:00

I love reading articles about stupid library users. When you check out books from the library (school, public, academic, etc.), the agreement is that you will return them in a timely manner. If you don't there are consequences for your lack of responsibility. I find it interesting that some individuals think a public library serves as their own personal Amazon.com account. Where does that mentality come from? Just take the damn books back and pay the meagre fine!

The End of Summer

2008-08-24T07:18:00.002-06:00

Finally, the summer draws to a close. I am back on the school clock as of this Thursday and back in the classroom the following week. It has been a seemingly-endless year filled with anxiety, positive and negative occupational experiences, personal growth, and deep reflection. What words best describe my mindset? Excited, slightly apprehensive, relieved, curious, . . . happy.

Vampire Reading

2008-08-10T09:57:00.005-06:00

I just finished the fourth book in the Stephenie Meyer vampire series. The first book (Twilight) had me intrigued by all the hype. The second (New Moon) had me hooked. The third (Eclipse) made me angry because two of the male characters were rather abusive in my eyes. The fourth has me hungry for more. The problems I had with the third book were resolved in the fourth by character development (maturation). Plus, Meyer shifted her narrative voice in the fourth which allowed more of a sympathetic attachment to one of the players. I just couldn't put it down and fought with the urge to read the last chapter right away to know the resolution. In the wee hours of the morning, I was not disappointed by the closure. There's plenty of room for more. The book also presented interesting twists on vampire mythology, genetics, power structures, and conflict resolution. I hope Meyer is sitting at her computer 24/7.

Vacation Time

2008-08-06T06:48:00.003-06:00

Finally....three weeks off until school begins. My book pile awaits. The girls are hoping the blue-green algae alert at the dog park is gone. We'll all be spending much of our time like the little guy in this picture.

Speechless

2008-06-29T18:46:00.004-06:00

I don't even know fully what to say about this news report on a teacher suspended for using the book The Freedom Writers Diary in her English classes. I've used this book. I've used the film in class. The film is the first realistic representation I've seen of teaching and the screwed up public education system without an over-glorified, all-sacrificing teacher who makes it look easy. The book presents authentic voices and situations. Perhaps this school board in Indiana is afraid of truth and afraid of their children's reality. With that they do their children a huge disservice. They are failing to keep their children at the heart of their decision-making. Remember, we teach the children we have, not always the children we want. If I were this teacher in Indiana, I would actively look for another job in another district.

A Reading List Meme

2008-05-29T17:20:00.005-06:00

I haven't been spending much time blogging lately. All my waking hours have been devoted to reading and writing curriculum, gardening, and walking the girls. Summer school begins soon, and then it will be a frantic push toward final prep for my next year of teaching. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled that my classroom awaits my return. I just know that any pleasure reading and house repair tasks need to get done now. So I've been away from my blog.

I have been reading quite a bit online and looking for interesting ways to share my students' work and ideas with the world. Through that review process,K8 called my attention to this Reading meme…...

The top 100 or so books most often marked as “unread” by LibraryThing’s users. Want to surprise yourself?

Bold the books you have read, underline the ones you were assigned in school, italicize the ones you started but didn’t finish.

Since I can’t remember which were read first for school and which for the joy of reading literature, I didn’t underline at all. However, many are on a comp. list from my English graduate program. What surprised me even more were the number of titles I read in high school 25 years ago. Thank you Jeff Shannon (my college-prep English teacher). It makes me question how much we are currently challenging our young students to read excellent literature. Hmmmmm……

Also thinking back to strategies used in high school, perhaps we need to add formatting of titles for which we read the Cliffs / Sparks Notes…..

The List
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell
Anna Karenina
Crime and Punishment
Catch-22
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Wuthering Heights
The Silmarillion
Life of Pi : a novel
The Name of the Rose
Don Quixote
Moby Dick
Ulysses
Madame Bovary
The Odyssey
Pride and Prejudice
Jane Eyre
The Tale of Two Cities
The Brothers Karamazov
Guns, Germs, and Steel
War and Peace
Vanity Fair
The Time Traveler’s Wife
The Iliad
Emma
The Blind Assassin
The Kite Runner
Mrs. Dalloway
Great Expectations
American Gods
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius
Atlas Shrugged
Reading Lolita in Tehran : a memoir in books
Memoirs of a Geisha
Middlesex
Quicksilver
Wicked : the life and times of the wicked witch of the West
The Canterbury Tales
The Historian : a novel
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
Love in the Time of Cholera
Brave New World
The Fountainhead
Foucault’s Pendulum
Middlemarch
Frankenstein
The Count of Monte Cristo
Dracula
A Clockwork Orange
Anansi Boys
The Once and Future King
The Grapes of Wrath
The Poisonwood Bible
1984
Angels & Demons
Inferno
The Satanic Verses
Sense and Sensibility
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Mansfield Park
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
To the Lighthouse
Tess of the D’Urbervilles
Oliver Twist
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Dune
The Prince
The Sound and the Fury
Angela’s Ashes : a memoir
The God of Small Things
A People’s History of the United States : 1492-present
Cryptonomicon
Neverwhere
A Confederacy of Dunces
A Short History of Nearly Everything
Dubliners
The Unbearable Lightness of Being
Beloved
Slaughterhouse-five
The Scarlet Letter
Eats, Shoots & Leaves
The Mists of Avalon
Oryx and Crake
Cloud Atlas
The Confusion is this
There is Confusion
Lolita
Persuasion
Northanger Abbey
The Catcher in the Rye
On the Road
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Freakonomics : a rogue economist explores the hidden side of everything
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance : an inquiry into values
The Aeneid
Watership Down
Gravity’s Rainbow
The Hobbit
In Cold Blood : a true account of a multiple murder and its consequences
White Teeth
Treasure Island
David Copperfield

Memoir Meme

2008-03-26T07:33:00.005-06:00

I was tagged by K8 to play along with this viral activity / meme . I'm not sure what I think about the concept, but this one looked pretty harmless. It also allows for a bit of creativity exploration for the participants.

Here are the rules (cut from the original post):

1.. Write your own six word memoir.

2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like (mine is at the end of this post).

3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to this original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere.

4 .Tag five more blogs with links.

5. And don’t forget to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play!

Keep in mind a memoir doesn't have to encompass one's entire life story. It can be a slice of one's life. Here's my current slice:

Displaced
teacher
anxiously
awaits
August's
arrival.

The Project -- Part II

2008-03-23T16:45:00.004-06:00

The wall project is complete. Part III -- The next step...that insipid border around the rest of the dining room needs removal. It's going to be a longer project because I have to move furniture. I'll do one piece at a time. Part IV -- Painting the rest of the dining room (an Ivory shade) and then the same for the living room. The ceiling patch will be last. I have to figure out how to do that effectively without tearing down all the plaster. I have until the end of June to get it all finished.

The girls, of course, would rather I focused my attention on them. Sigh.

Great Book

2008-03-21T07:01:00.003-06:00

I stayed up late last night to finish Alan Lawrence Sitomer's Hip-Hop High School. It's an awesome young adult read. Compelling narrative, strong female voice, authentic glimpse into urban high school life. The main character,Tee-Ay (Theresa), struggles with a changing neighborhood, cultural conflicts, romantic roadblocks, violence, sibling competition, tough teachers, college entrance requirements, and her own ideology/life purpose development. Sitomer presents a wonderfully resilient voice couched in a plotline that will make you laugh and cry simultaneously in the end.

Check it out!

*

The Project

2008-03-19T17:20:00.007-06:00

Since it is Spring Break, and I have been cursing the wallpaper in my dining room for almost 7 full years, I decided to finally rid my world of the ugly stuff. It has always been my belief that individuals should not be allowed to install wallpaper (ANYWHERE!) until they have gone through the agony of tearing it down. All three of the bedrooms and the dining room had wallpaper when I bought my house. Uggghhhh. In the first two years of home ownership, my spring break/summer projects involved the wallpaper teardowns and repaints. And let me tell you, those vacation time periods were consumed by the projects. Then I took a year off from the removal agenda and came back to it with the third bedroom. Well, then work and graduate school took priority. Now that I've got a little bit of time on my hands this spring, I'm back at it. After this project is done, it will be on to painting over the insipid stenciled heart border in my kitchen. Why, I ask you! Why?

Here are a few photos from the project . . . if you are interested.

At the start of the project. Note the stupid border:

Part of a wall done:

Oh, No! Look at those cracks!

I had to get rather generous with the spackle.

Wow, even the tinted primer looks nice!

The first coat of primer is complete.

Oh, Charlotte. Now I truly understand. It wasn't the culture's Victorian mindset. It wasn't post-partum depression. It wasn't even the Mitchell rest cure. IT WAS JUST THE DAMN WALLPAPER!!!

Stay tuned. . . the final paint color is "Chianti." I think I'll have a glass to match when this project is all said and done.

Tillie's Interpretation of the Dog Dance

2008-03-19T17:03:00.004-06:00

Check out this hilarious dog "dance" video.

. . . Tillie provides her own interpretive moment to an appreciative audience.

It is Spring Break, don't you know!!

I'm Back

2008-03-09T15:57:00.005-06:00

Wow,
I can't believe I haven't written since October. Since that time, I have switched jobs, redirected a lot of anger at those who have control over my path, struggled with some personal demons, battled institutional bureaucracies (several of them!!!), and solidified what I want to do when I grow up. It's been a challenge. I have found that I am more resilient than I ever thought I could be. While in this time of transition, I have been reading more than I have been able to in many many years. Some of it has been great (The Arrival, The Wall, Seems Like a Funny Story, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, ....). Some of it crap (Someday This Pain Will be Useful to You). And, much of it highly useful to the new class I will be offering this coming fall.

The title I just finished last night was Brent Runyon's The Burn Journals. It's a rather graphic and disturbing account of the author's adolescent depression, his survival and recovery after setting himself on fire in a failed suicide attempt, and some of the normal growing up process and anxieties of a fourteen-year-old boy. Powerful, frustrating, riveting, eye-opening -- all describe the narrative for me. There aren't that many books out there that help to explore the depth of adolescent depression. Though not without a few significant flaws, this text is useful in helping readers to understand the darkness through which some teens struggle.

To balance out the darkness of that text, I'm reading Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles: The Nixie's Song this evening. I think Harlem Summer by Myers will be next for tomorrow.

Well, back to reading. I hope to write more and post more often now that my mind is back on track with life and my career goals.

He's Still My God

2007-10-21T15:24:00.001-06:00

OK,
I think I've come to the realization that I have an absurd fixation on all things Eric Clapton.

Can't wait to read the new autobiography.

Here's a short video clip from Amazon.com.

Young Adult Literature - Retro

2007-09-23T14:51:00.001-06:00

Who says YA Lit doesn't have lasting power?

I know for a fact that high school students today still connect with S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders -- even forty years after its original release. Hmmm, I wonder which titles written in the last 10 years will be talked about in 2047. Any ideas?

Think Piece

2007-09-23T05:58:00.000-06:00

Sometimes you just have to sit back and think about it. Then you have to get off your ass and take action.

This op-ed piece from the New York Times made me do just that with a few tears added in. It reminded me of the power of the pen -- a power more lasting than the sword. So here's the challenge..... We must constantly hone the inky weapon and exercise its power often, beit a letter, a blog, a peer-reviewed article, a book, a zine, etc. Just write it!

The op-ed also reminded me of how essential it is to stand up for what one believes -- even if the consequences are dire. Even if it blasts us far from our comfort zone. When the way of the world runs against our personal ethical view, we must not sit back quietly. We must step up. We must shout out. We must take action. Otherwise, we are part of the problem. Sitting around complaining about it doesn't help anything.

We have not come very far from those days in 1957. We, as a nation, have not learned well from our mistakes. Yes, we have progressed a little, but not enough to hold our heads high in this world. So, I'm going to go write about it -- then do something else about it. That's my goal. I hope it is yours too. Be positive change!

Celebration of Freedom

2007-09-17T04:59:00.000-06:00

Happy U.S. Constitution Day!

Celebrate the rights and freedoms outlined in this foundational element of your nation. While doing so, remember that you have the responsibility to stand by those elements. You must DEMAND that your government upholds them, as well. If your legislators are not doing what you want or what is ethical, speak out – NOW! Write letters, send emails, make phone calls, knock on doors.

And, celebrate your freedom to read and indulge in intellectual pursuits.

Banned Books Week is just a little more than a week away.

(For more resources on First Amendment rights, check out FirstAmendmentLove.)

Another Loss to Literary Scholarship

2007-08-28T19:21:00.000-06:00

Literary scholars have lost another friend. I bow to your ghost, Ms. Stern. Your research brought delicious chills and gothic thrills back into literature for me.

Dog Love

2007-08-20T17:14:00.000-06:00

Ok, so we (the girls and I) don't usually promote the canines of others. The girls get a little jealous. But, I just couldn't resist this mug. Congratulations, Craig & Steve! Archie will make a fine addition to your family.

And, if you really love bulldogs or just dogs in general, check out the new children's picture book The Fabulous Bouncing Chowder by Peter Brown. It made me laugh out loud, over and over again. Gotta love the drool!

Film Recommendation

2007-08-18T14:20:00.000-06:00

I just finished watching a fairly entertaining documentary entitled The Education of Shelby Knox (premiered on PBS-POV in 2005). This film focuses on the struggles of a high school student in Lubbock, TX as she attempts to work with her school board and urban government to revamp the sex-education offered to teens. For those who have biases in their minds about teen slackerdom, this documentary offers a refreshing portrayal of how some kids are stepping up and trying to change their world. If Shelby Knox stays focused and on her political path, she will certainly make a difference. (BTW, she is now a PoliSci/pre-Law major at U-TX-Austin.) You go girl!

Jury Duty

2007-08-13T18:35:00.000-06:00

After 22 years of adulthood, I finally was called for jury duty. The county clerk wanted me to serve back in January at the end of the academic semester. That would have caused significant difficulties for my school district, so I asked for, and was granted, a rescheduling / postponement to this week. Although I wasn’t thrilled about having to be away from my new job (in my second week), it worked out to be a good time to be away. My library/office is closed to the public this week for administrative catch up and preparations for the upcoming academic year.

So, the morning started off in the brand new courthouse building – snazzy interior. As always, I arrived way early. I had a great book to read and settled into the waiting room to get through a few chapters before the process began. Of course, there was an older gentleman talking, talking, talking with another juror as if it were his first opportunity to be with people in years. Perhaps it was. I just couldn’t concentrate on my book. His loud conversation on his colonoscopy was just the last straw. I got up and moved into the larger juror waiting/presentation room. Finally a bit of quiet or at least softer conversations between people. Once it was time for the basic information delivery of the process, people from the smaller waiting room and halls joined us in the larger room. In a room able to accommodate at least 200 people, with 1/3 of the chairs empty, guess who sat down next to me? Yeah, colon-talking-guy, and he smelled a little funny, too. I just focused on the directions and presentation (a cheesy talking head video).

My group was called up right away and sent up to a main courtroom. I was called for the original 23 jurors from which the court members (defense/prosecutor) would choose the final 12. The case was a criminal case & involved domestic violence, so while questions were addressed to potential jurors, I had to mention my study and classroom work in this area, especially my classes focusing on social justice (gender issues). I also had to note that I was involved in women’s group activities (i.e., Take Back the Night planning). I did emphasize that I believed I could be impartial, but the concern was raised. Big surprise—I was not selected to serve on the final jury.

Those of us not selected were sent back to the reception area. We were done for service. Although I am honestly thankful that I did not need to serve on a jury for this particular criminal case, I wish that I had been able to see the process all the way through. It was interesting – slow going with all the directions – but interesting.

If you are called to serve. Be on time! Dress in layers. Take good reading materials or spend some time journaling. Make sure you know how to turn off your cell phone. Take along all of your patience. Oh, and brush your teeth – the person sitting next to you will appreciate it.

Importance of the Vote

2007-08-12T08:25:00.000-06:00

In hopes that democracy will prevail.....

Americans should take heed of the importance of the democratic process and the luxury of the vote (NY Times article re: Sierra Leone). There should be no more excuses of why we couldn't get to our polls. And, perhaps we should discuss more about making Election Day a national holiday where business shuts down to accommodate that democratic process, where children are given better educational opportunities to learn about elections, and where neighbors have time to actually talk about and understand politics.

Rise up and speak to create the peace you desire!

A No Brainer

2007-08-07T17:09:00.000-06:00

This study by University of Washington researchers shows what teachers, librarians, and others-in-the-know have been saying all along: turn off the television/videos and interact with your child, play with your child, READ TO YOUR CHILD.

...duh!

Personality ??

2007-07-26T20:48:00.001-06:00

I'm not quite sure if I agree with the full results of this "personality" test. It did, however, make me say "really?..." It's the "judging" part with which I'm a little uncomfortable. Perhaps that is the teacher component in me. But hey, with my new job and new life starting, that may change considerably.

According to the test survey, INTJs are "introspective, analytical, determined persons with natural leadership ability. Being reserved, they prefer to stay in the background while leading. Strategic, knowledgeable and adaptable, INTJs are talented in bringing ideas from conception to reality. They expect perfection from themselves as well as others and are comfortable with the leadership of another so long as they are competent. INTJs can also be described as decisive, open-minded, self-confident, attentive, theoretical and pragmatic....by nature, INTJs are independent individualists." Thomas Jefferson, Jane Austen, and Susan B. Anthony were INTJs, as were the fictional Hannibal Lecter, Fitzwilliam Darcy, and Gandalf. Acceptable.

Creepy Reading !

2007-07-24T14:39:00.000-06:00

Jack Gantos is way over the top in the “creepy” category with his book The Love Curse of the Rumbaughs. Part Ed Gein-revisited, part Hitler-esque eugenics, part overly-zealous familial bonding, this book gave me nightmares, and I don’t scare that easily. It was the casual style of narration and characterization about the darkest sides of the nature vs. nurture debate that freaked me out. But then, that is what made the book so good and unique. It pushed my boundaries and challenged me in my thinking. I wouldn’t hand it over to anyone younger than high school frosh or sophomores.

Explaining Copyright

2007-07-20T16:41:00.001-06:00

This video is simply fabulous. Enjoy!

They're Your Children, Too!

2007-07-14T09:23:00.000-06:00

This Op-Ed piece in the NY Times broke my heart. How is it that our society, culture, government, neighborhoods, schools--all of us--can turn our backs on this domestic war on our children? We are happy with our fancy cars, dvd players, cell phones, computers, manicures, dinners out, etc. How do we sleep at night? I am as complicit as the next as I take the time to write this rather than working with a child. I do work my butt off in the classroom and in the library to help children develop the skills needed for life-saving opportunities that may come their way, but the opportunities must come their way. And, they must literally survive their childhood (physically and mentally) to reach those open doors. Where is the business world in all of this? They are the ones with the money. Are they truly sans ethics? Where is the government? (We know they are usually sans ethics.) Where is the little guy organization making it possible? Hmmm, watching the body count from Iraq? I have no answers about this today. I only have sadness. Those lost children will be missed. Consider the poetry, the laughter, the scientific breakthroughs, the financial theories, . . . , the love they will never be able to offer the rest of us. Yes, just sadness.

Prime Vacation Cabin

2007-07-02T20:55:00.000-06:00

If only I had about 135 million to spare.....

Of course, one would have to clean all of those rooms, maintain the gardens, and keep the demons in check, not to mention be nice to all the tourists. Yet, something lingers in the appeal of this get-away-villa . . . .

Sicker than the Dog

2007-06-27T19:36:00.001-06:00

OK,
A full year of going non-stop, day and night, as a teacher of some of our district's most challenging teenagers. Then, three hard, back-breaking days of cleaning out a decade of teaching materials in my 90 degree classroom. Now, full time teaching in two different summer school programs. One is NOT organized AT ALL. And, this blasted heat. All of it has brought on a summer cold that is making me exhausted, crabby, and ready to scream at any little thing some general idiot does on the street. I need a vacation and a really strong margarita.

The Hollywood Librarian Trailer

2007-06-23T18:07:00.001-06:00

Librarians Rule!

The times they are a changin'

2007-06-19T18:03:00.000-06:00

Well, I took the plunge. I will not be teaching at my high school next year. My dream job came along. I applied and got it!

Imagine the happy dance!

More later.....

Weather

2007-06-18T18:42:00.000-06:00

It's just too damn hot. Don't think for a minute that I'm going to do anything more than guard this doorway. I'm not walkin'. I'm not going to chase a tennis ball. I'm not even going to bark at the mailman. Nope. Just going to chill right here.

It's been hot hot hot in Wisconsin. The weather people promise a cooler day tomorrow. I'm going to chew up something if it's even close to 80 degrees tomorrow.

Dracula Lives

2007-06-06T19:04:00.000-06:00

The pictures posted here are part of a school project about which I recently posted. Students used their historical and folkloric background readings to inform their understanding of Bram Stoker's Dracula. They completed tasks in groups (character portrayals, vocabulary discovery, key passage selections, theme exploration) and individually (chapter artifacts representing themes and characters, as well as creative final projects). I have been very pleased with their commitment to the class and to their own learning success.

Many of the students' artifacts and collaborative contributions are posted on the wall outside of our classroom.

The wall is fairly expansive.

Vlad Tepes background.

Notes from Dracula -- the novel's only authentic, primary documents in the Count's voice. Dracula is ever the honorable and generous host (until Harker violates guest etiquette).

An image of The Demeter (Dracula's transport ship to England). A bottle with the ship's log inserted provides the ship captain's final words. (Hint: heavy duty velcro is a reliable display resource.)

The skeleton keys to Dracula's new properties in London--representative of the new economic order of property, class, and legal guidelines in Stoker's "fin de siecle" world.

Shorthand from Mina....translations, misinterpretations, encoding. Back-in-the-day instant messaging?

The last lost box of native soil.

OK, I have to explain ... this is NOT real blood. That would just be wrong. I think the student used dyed water. (No animals nor students were injured to create this artifact.)

The final journey in hunt of the vampire. Mapping out the journeys in Stoker's novel was not easy for the students--even with maps dated from the 1890s.

Are we well protected? How do we negotiate our contemporary struggles of science and faith and trust?

An interesting interpretive approach. (See earlier posts for more on soundtracks and creative response projects.)

All in all -- another teaching success.

More Vampire Stuff

2007-06-01T15:19:00.001-06:00

I am so proud of my students. They've completed a closer reading of Stoker's Dracula than I ever expected. They were enthusiastic about it. They did their best to complete the work and reading on schedule (which for my students is a miracle). And, their final creative projects were absolutely beautiful. Projects included:

*soundtracks for the book--each holding student personality in the choices
*a "treatment plan" to integrate Dracula into our contemporary society
*a quirky therapy session transcript in which Dracula shares his lonely perspective
*a poster of the different major media representations of Dracula
*letters Stoker would have written to his publisher and his mother explaining his text and his intentions
*a card game focusing on character quotes that illustrate the personality and tone of those personas
*a board game of text trivia (events, character details, quotes, etc), complete with modeling foam game characters and dice

We've had great fun with presentations and final text discussions. The games were especially hard and showed how close their reading has been.

I did my own project this year -- a soundtrack -- track list is as follows:

Bram Stoker’s Dracula

1. People Are Strange – The Doors – Greatest Hits – 2:12
This piece fits nicely with Jonathan Harker’s view of the Eastern European “primitive” people as he travels to Dracula’s home in the Carpathians. Harker’s biases (and perhaps Stoker’s) posit Western ways of science and understanding over older traditional views relying on faith and superstition. It also represents Harker’s inability to understand and respect Dracula.

2. Bloodletting – Concrete Blonde – Bloodletting – 6:06
Three female vampire brides and Jonathan Harker in Dracula’s ancient castle. This song has a heavy, dark, driving beat that expresses a bit of the sexuality presented in this section of the text. It may also give a fleeting glimpse into the minds of those women. It foreshadows the effect that Dracula will have on other female characters in the text. It is also the quintessential vampire song.

3. Bat Out of Hell – Meatloaf -- Bat Out of Hell – 9:52
A seemingly endless song (fitting for the slow pace of Stoker’s novel), it represents the movement of Dracula to England. The higher-pitched preface, intense piano, and complementary lyrics portray a wild, forceful, angry, and almost-desperate journey.

4. Moon Over Bourbon Street – Sting – The Dream of the Blue Turtles – 4:00
Sting’s song provides a sympathetic look into the lonely mind of Dracula. Stoker provides only two minute glimpses into Dracula’s mind through written primary artifacts. All other perspectives of “the monster” are filtered through the lenses and voices of the other characters. As Mina holds empathy for Count Dracula later in the text, so too may the reader.

5. Watch Out for Lucy – Eric Clapton – Backless – 3:20
Clapton’s fun romp of a tune reminds the audience of Lucy’s ability to influence the men in her life--through her youthful sexuality and new-found way of being as “nosferatu.”

6. Tombstone – Suzanne Vega – Nine Objects of Desire – 3:09
Vega’s song takes the listener into the cemetery with the Seward and Van Helsing in search of information about Lucy. It has a consistent light comical tone, yet the content of the lyrics remind us of the heaviness and darkness of the events facing the men and the UnDead Lucy.

7. Cruel to Be Kind – Nick Lowe – Basher, Best of Nick Lowe – 3:28
The men must save Lucy’s soul. To do so, they must “kill” UnDead Lucy properly by staking the body and cutting off the corpse’s head. While gruesome, it is necessary to prevent further destruction by the vampire. As the rightful husband and best man, Arthur Holmwood must be the one to “stake” his beloved.

8. You’re Beautiful – James Blunt – Back to Bedlam – 3:32
Another possible glimpse into the lonely mind of “the other” / Count Dracula as he sets his sights and intentions on claiming Mina Harker.

9. Intercourse with the Vampire – Inkubus Sukkubus – Thee Vampire Guild – 4:44
This song parallels the increasing pace of the novel, as well as the growing knowledge of the vampire hunters as they piece together the pieces of Dracula’s plan. The intensity of the music represents the timing mistakes of the male hunters who unwisely leave Mina alone, uninformed, and vulnerable to Dracula’s power. The lyrics of this song “invite” Mina to enter Dracula’s world, psychologically, sexually, physically.

10. Fallen – Sarah McLachlan – Afterglow – 3:47
Mina has “fallen” into the arms and world of the vampire. She has exchanged blood with Count Dracula and has started on her journey as his bride. She will struggle with the spiritual and cultural meaning of that passage. This song fully represents the significant difficulties fin de siecle women faced in negotiating cultural views on The New Woman.

11. When You’re Evil – Voltaire – Devil’s Bris – 3:47
This tune begins with a mournful and serious tone, but turns light and comical. At the point in the novel where the vampire hunters corner Count Dracula in one of his properties, Stoker shifts his tone toward the vampire to a comical, one-sided character who no longer holds mystery. With this shift, the vampire then loses narrative power. The reader’s sympathies are fully allied with the men whose interpretations of the events are represented in the text artifacts.

12. Bridge Over Troubled Water – Simon & Garfunkel – Greatest Hits – 4:52
This song represents the vampire hunters’ pledge to Mina to do everything in their power to save her soul from eternal damnation as a member of Dracula’s harem. Its sentimental tone parallels the narrative tone of their promises. The song also brings to mind the passing water limitations Dracula faces on his homeward flight.

13. Vampire Hunters – Antoni Wit, Cracow Philharmonic – Kilar – 3:04
This song was borrowed from the film Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Its driving intensity represents the chase of the vampire toward his home. Timing is everything.

14. The End – The Doors – Greatest Hits – 11:44
The journey ends. We believe the vampire is destroyed. This song, however, represents the darker side of the story. It raises questions about cultural perspective and societal “progress.” Has Mina truly been saved? Has humanity? Does “the other” live on? Note the line “The West is the best. Get here, and we’ll do the rest.” No other song could represent the darkness of the vampire.

15. For Eternity – Vlad Janecek – Thee Vampire Guild – 3:04
A fitting closure to make the audience consider the “living on” of the vampire and all he represents. Dark, consistent, sorrowful, yet with light piano notes to illustrate the possibility of Count Dracula’s survival among the living.

What have I learned from returning to this curriculum after several years sabbatical? I love vampire literature. I enjoy teaching difficult literature. Students will never cease to surprise me.

A New Obsession

2007-05-29T19:30:00.000-06:00

To take my mind off of life as a grown up, I have become obsessed with all things vampiric. Well, it IS also work-related (and thus part of being a grown up) since I AM teaching The Vampire Image in Fiction and Film in my high school. We just finished Stoker's novel--talking about narrative structure, the influences of the writing and reading contexts on interpretation/ misinterpretation, narrative reliability, etc.

To indulge my current obsession, I'm gathering better resources for the next time I teach the course. I had a very strong guest speaker from the UW come in to talk with the students about his own new class (similar to the one that I've taught for years, but at a much higher and philosophical level). Bestill my research-starved heart.

I'm also starting to gather online resources for a possible technology-oriented extension of the course for next year. Why not parallel the fledgling technologies in the novel with our contemporary experiments of today? Why not use the podcasts, blogs, and Web technologies to illustrate our classroom journey toward truth in Stoker's text (and the genre)?

As I traveled into the world of these new resources, I came across a Web site (All Things Dracula) with a Christie's auction listing for the April, 2002 sale of Stoker's original manuscript. I had to wipe away the drool. The auction listing noted missing pages and the reassembling by Stoker of the pages in the collection. What a phenomenal parallel between the writing process and the narrative structure/devices of the text! The novel draws clear attention to the problems of archiving and organization of notes. It focuses on fractures in truth as a result of lost artifacts, multiple translations, and misinterpretations. Drool again. Oh to be able to get my hands on such artifacts of research--to reach into the past and touch the King Vampire of the textual writing moment. While the Rosenbach Museum in Philadelphia houses much of Stoker's plot notes, research on Vlad Tepes ,

and novel outlines, one wonders what has been lost along the way. Like the elusory Dracula image of the vampire in Stoker's novel, such tools and artifacts of literary history currently escape my curious grasp. I ache to delve into those archives of classic literary folklore and the psychological process of the long-dead writer. I want to know what was going on in Stoker's head. What was his full intention? Like Seward, it is not enough for me to just trust in the artifacts. I need to know the beliefs and truths. I need to commune with the literary dead. I desire to travel the research path to uncover my own vampires of the text. But alas, I do not have the means of Lord Godalming, nor the protective support system of Mina. I fear I would end up like Lucy, the walking UnDead, until someone cuts off my head (or my funding).

If you've read Stoker's novel, and you are still wondering what a leiter-wagon looks like, check out this link.

I ramble. I really just wanted to say that I've a new obsession. Bah! I'll go read a few chapters of The Historian now.

Tales from the Remodel

2007-05-20T17:03:00.000-06:00

Yes, it has been quite a while since I last posted. The girls and I have been a little busy -- moving into my new office space, cleaning up drywall dust, painting, and then trying to figure out what to do with my life now that I'm a grown up. I'll leave the latter story for another day. It involves applying for another job -- my dream job, actually. Best to stick with the concrete--uhh, drywall dust.

Here's all of the post-new-drywall but pre-installation
of new vanity, mirror, light, and wall cabinet

This is a post-installation but pre-paint picture. I painted today. Damn, my back hurts.

Here's the final color scheme. "Quaking Aspen" is the name of the green. It actually looks better in person than in this picture. Think a little more sagey than minty.

And, here's my absolute favorite part of it all --the new faucet fixture. I've always wanted one of these hot/cold porcelain fixtures. And, now that I'm a grown up, I can have one! Ha!

Maybe I'll go take a bath now.

Or, maybe Tillie has a better idea.

The Potty Saga Continues

2007-04-30T19:43:00.000-06:00

Since my last post regarding the remodeling work in my house, I’ve had to make a few more decisions. For anyone who thinks they can do a bathroom remodel in pieces, think again! One thing leads to another. If you can live with an “eclectic” piecemeal look, great—try it. If you like things to match, consider doing it all at once. That is, if you can afford to do it all at once. I had originally just wanted to replace my shower surround because it had rotting spots. Well, in order to do a good job that would truly raise the value of my home (and not drive me nuts every time I looked at the color scheme), I had to also move to fix the drywall, beadboard, and trim; add new tile floor (which had to be done because of water damage over the years); replace the vanity and marble top; and add new fixtures, lighting, and medicine cabinet. The only thing I’m not changing is the toilet (yet) and the fan/overhead lighting. I feel incredibly fortunate to have budgeted in enough of a fiscal cushion to allow for the additional changes. I better be sure to take lots of long luxurious baths in this new space because I’m not going to be able to afford to do anything else luxurious for quite some time. I’ll need to work summer school from now until I retire.

Also, I never realized how difficult it is to get the timing right for a remodel job in a one-bathroom house. There have been many jokes about peeing in the shower and using a 5 gallon pail. It is a significant problem to be without a functional shower or sink for any long period of time, but I can make do in a pinch. I can certainly live without the mirror and full lighting. I can live without electric. I CAN’T live without a working toilet for 24 hours (which is going to have to happen with installation of a new tile floor). I’ve had points in my life when I’ve used outhouses and the good old woods, but I’m just way too old and citified for that now. I am most grateful to my friends and neighbors who have offered their bathrooms for my use. Ah, the simple joys of civilized existence. I’m also certain my dad will roll his eyes if he reads this.

For now, I can be sure that the end is in sight. Soon I’ll only have the aesthetic painting to worry about. I think of how fortunate I am to own my home. I don’t have to ask a landlord for any changes or updates. I don’t share my bathroom with 6 other people. I don’t live in a shelter where using the bathroom is a public event. I am a very blessed person.

Not so Dirty Anymore!

2007-04-14T21:17:00.000-06:00

The remodeling project is still moving along. The drywall is up. The shower surround is in. The horrendous smell of the epoxy threw me back to a memory from my childhood. Back when I was probably 8 or 9, My dad had constructed a large wall of book shelving in our living room. The base of the shelving consisted of cupboards with a formica-like top surface. The epoxy he used made me so ill, I'll always remember it. Well, it all came back to me this weekend with the installation of the shower surround marble. I just hope the smell has not done any damage to me or the dogs. This may sound stupid, but I was even afraid to run my gas oven with all the fumes in the house. It hasn't been warm enough to open the windows this weekend, but perhaps a few warm days next week will allow me to air it all out. The plumber is coming back on Monday to finish the shower fixtures and re-install my shower head. I can't wait to have a shower again!!! I've been able to take a bath every day, but there is something to be said for a hot, hot, shower.

Here are a few more pictures of the progress. Almost done!

Shellie says there is NO WAY she's going into that mess.

Pre-Surround Drywall

The shims are helping the epoxy set and the tub surround marble cure in its place.

The shims are off. Now just waiting for the last fixtures.

Great Broccoli Casserole Recipe

2007-04-10T16:19:00.000-06:00

Are you tired of the traditional green bean salad or the california blend veggies at holiday dinners? Try this recipe next time.

Yummy Broccoli Casserole
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup (don't dilute)
1 med. onion, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded swiss cheese
1/2 cup real mayonnaise
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 16oz. pkg. broccoli florets, thawed
1 10 oz. pkg. chopped broccoli, thawed
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1-2 tablespoons parmesan cheese

In a large bowl, mix eggs, soup, onion, cheese, mayo, and butter. Fold in broccoli. Spoon into a greased casserole dish. Mix parmesan cheese with bread crumbs. Sprinkle on top. Cover and bake at 400 degrees for about 35-40 minutes. Be sure casserole is heated all the way through.

Makes about 8 servings.

I'm Just Going to Stay Dirty

2007-04-09T12:00:00.000-06:00

Yikes!!

Here are more pictures of the remodeling work. Today is bathroom tearout day. The damage behind the paneling wasn't as bad as anticipated. It looks like it will all still be done in a week. I can still use the tub (once the pile of junk is out of it). Good thing I have wonderful neighbors who will let me use their shower if I can't stand myself. I can always use the locker room at school, too.

This is the "before" picture in the shower/tub.
The dark parts are gross spots of peeling surround that I've been living with for years.

I KNEW there was a window behind that wall!
(It was well-insulated and covered in the previous owner's remodeling work.)

Maybe I will just stay dirty.

By the way, the girls have been sleeping through all the banging and mess -- like it's an average activity. I think I'm just going to leave the house for the rest of the day.

Read a Poem Today and Every Day

2007-04-09T07:28:00.000-06:00

April is National Poetry Month!

Sad that we need to designate a "month" to appreciate the beauty of poetic language. But, so it is. Keep a poem in your pocket. Find an anthology to enjoy. My favorites are The Outlaw Bible of American Poetry and Poetry for the Earth. Write your own haiku or free verse. Try an Elizabethan sonnet if you are up for the challenge. Go to a poetry reading if there is such a thing in your area. Stand outside on the sidewalk or in the middle of the woods and read angry poems aloud. Consider each and every moment of your day solid fodder for poetic writing. Just enjoy it!

Also, check out the Poetry 180 program from the Library of Congress (and remember that next week is National Library Week).

Spring?

2007-04-07T15:41:00.000-06:00

What happened to spring? Mother Nature certainly has a bad sense of humor these days. It has been unseasonably, and unreasonably, cold here in the Midwest. No snow in my area, but lots of wind and bitter temps. We had a warm spell for about 4 days a few weeks ago that made my classroom (and students) unbearable. Now that it is spring break time, the temps have dipped below freezing. I hope that the plants peeking out will be hardy enough this year to withstand the cold snap. We could all use splashes of color and happiness in our yards rather than piles of dead leaves, salt deposits, and garbage that the squirrels stole away throughout the winter. On a brighter note, the cardinals are back in strong song.

Remodeling Update

2007-04-06T07:57:00.000-06:00

Here's the latest picture of the remodel progress. I chose to accent the color of the shelving wall with a sagey green color called "quaking aspen." Bricks and board shelves will be the same color to blend into the wall. I haven't gotten to that painting yet. The suspended ceiling and track lighting is done, though you can't see it that well in this picture. I hope to have the shelving in the closets done today, so I can get re-organized this weekend. I only have a few more days until I'm back in school. It's a good thing my curriculum is well planned out for the remaining academic quarter. All I really need to do is revise, reread, and implement. This new office space will certainly help.

That Lovely Four-Letter Word

2007-04-05T08:23:00.000-06:00

I just watched the recent documentary by Steve Anderson on the modern cultural history of the word "fuck." Touted by NYTimes critic A.O.Scott as a "rowdy and contentious" exploration of a linguistic icon (what else can one call such a powerful swear word?) , the film both informs and entertains. I'd love to use parts of this one in the high school classroom to allow students to better understand how their overuse of the term (and all its wonderful forms) has weakened its rhetorical power. However, I strongly hesitate to use any material that so obviously needs a permission slip and also presents such a heavy-handed political bias. Warning: effective editing skews the narrative and key footage of our most powerful leaders using the term may push the film over the left edge. (That in itself might be classroom-worthy to teach persuasion and rhetorical style.) There is also a bit of gratuitous sexual footage from an environmental rally that I would NEVER show in the classroom. Short clips from the historical exploration parts would be useful though. I bet I would have to document the exact sections I was planning to use, even with that permission slip. BTW, the NYTimes wouldn't even print an "edited" form of the movie title, choosing instead to use four stars to represent the film.

If you are interested in the history of the term or in free expression issues, check this film out . Doubtful that standard video stores or your public library will carry this indy pic. Go Netflix!

Construction Update

2007-04-03T06:16:00.000-06:00

The remodeling work is progressing nicely. Here are a few pictures to illustrate.

Did you know that drywall comes in mint-green? Not the best color for a basement room. It has been really cool watching the process of this remodeling work. Details are incredibly important. One also needs to be able to do solid math calculations. Ahhhh, another way to encourage my students to enroll in more math classes.

This picture is post-taping, post-priming, and post-closet construction.

Boxing off the "uglies."
It doesn't look like a basement anymore. :)

Yesterday, my guys painted the room "muslin" color -- think creamy butter. But, not yellow; I hate yellow. I think today's agenda holds work on the suspended ceiling and baseboards. Electricians are coming back on Friday to put in the heating units and a few other electric issues throughout my house. It will be sooooo nice to have heat in my basement. Perhaps I can work in my office without mittens this spring. I'll also have electric on my porch -- my favorite space in the entire house. No more extension cords running through windows.

That's all for now....off to vote!

Bunnies Don't Stand a Chance in this House

2007-03-31T16:27:00.000-06:00

Perhaps they watched too many episodes of Looney Tunes
and have assumed the mission of Elmer Fudd,
but my girls are not very fond of bunnies.
But then, Elmer never did have the heart to harm Bugs too badly.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game

2007-03-31T05:59:00.000-06:00

Spring Break has FINALLY arrived!

Although I know I will work through the whole week, at least I can put aside, for a wee bit, the constant dialogue about the quagmire produced by public education funding formulas.

As you can see, Tillie has been waiting patiently for a park romp. Note the change in her attitude upon being told of the outing.

And away we go . . . .

I Prefer the Term Nerd

2007-03-25T11:35:00.000-06:00

Just a silly spot of fun discovered on another blogspot:

Your Geek Profile:

Academic Geekiness: High
Movie Geekiness: High
Geekiness in Love: Moderate
Internet Geekiness: Moderate
Fashion Geekiness: Low
Music Geekiness: Low
SciFi Geekiness: Low
Gamer Geekiness: None
General Geekiness: None

How Geeky Are You?

Watching the Courts

2007-03-19T05:03:00.000-06:00

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments today in the Morse v. Frederick case. Why should we care? The case may prove to be as significant as the Tinker v. Des Moines BOE decision in further defining the speech rights of students in the public school setting. (The offending speech act: “Bong Hits for Jesus” presented on a publicly displayed banner.)

As information becomes available, consider the following issues in your own deliberations on the case:

What defines a school-sanctioned event? Who controls and is therefore responsible for that space?
What is political speech?
Does a school have a responsibility to control illegal-drug-sanctioned speech and thus inculcate a value system? (Consider outcome of the Bethel v. Fraser case.)
Does a religious viewpoint play a part in this case?
Should a school official be held financially responsible for a disciplinary action against a student (if the action is not deemed negligent or abusive)?

Could this case set precedent for public school officials having control over non-school spaces and public forums? (Can a school discipline a student or teacher for writings on a personal Web site?)

If you are interested in doing more research on this topic, check out my other blogspot on First Amendment Love = http://firstamendmentlove.blogspot.com/

Stranger Than Fiction

2007-03-17T14:07:00.000-06:00

Here’s another film I highly recommend. It is a thinking movie that fiction lover’s will appreciate, yet it will also keep the average viewer entertained and enthusiastic. The published reviews have commented favorably on its low-key nature, the GUI special effects, and the casting choices (though Queen Latifah just doesn’t do it for me in her role). Beyond the thoughtful storyline, what works most for me is a cast of characters that includes a blocked writer (Emma Thompson), a tax auditor (Will Ferrell), and a literature professor (Dustin Hoffman) who thinks he knows everything. Oh, and of course there is also the econo-anarchistic baker who only pays the income taxes that go to the initiatives of which she approves (Maggie Gyllenhaal). By the way, her character also dropped out of Harvard Law because she was too busy keeping up the morale of her study group by baking cookies. You have to appreciate the social message there. If you view the film, note the math names and the absurd locker room shower scene.

And a final comment....it was nice to see a portrayal of a tax man with a heart. That certainly doesn't happen every day.

Women's History LibraryThing BookPile

2007-03-11T08:02:00.000-06:00

In an earlier post, I noted that I love LibraryThing. Now I'm hooked on the bookpile contests. Here's my latest photo entry for the Women's History pile. This one was a bit frustrating to do because I only had room to use a fraction of my books. I would have to take a photo of my whole library to get all of the women's stuff in. I wish I had better photography skills.

Here's the Title Key:

Dear Sisters: Dispatches from the Women’s Liberation Movement

A History of Women: From Ancient Goddesses to Christian Saints

A History of Women: Silences of the Middle Ages

A History of Women: Renaissance and Enlightenment Paradoxes

A History of Women: Emerging Feminism from Revolution to World War

A History of Women: Toward a Cultural Identity in the Twentieth Century

Born for Liberty: A History of Women in America

The Women’s History of the World

Everyone Was Brave: A History of Feminism in America

Herstory: Women Who Changed the World

Feminist Theorists: Three Centuries of Key Women Theorists

The Female Experience: An American Documentary

A Century of Struggle: The Women’s Rights Movement in the United States

A Heritage of Her Own: Toward a New Social History of American Women

The Feminist Memoir Project: Voices from Women’s Liberation

Root of Bitterness: Documents of the Social History of American Women

Judith, Sexual Warrior: Women and Power in Western Culture

The Feminist Papers

Manifesta: Young Women, Feminism, and the Future

Our Bodies, Ourselves

America’s Women: 400 Years of Dolls, Drudges, Helpmates, and Heroines

Suffragettes to She-Devils

100 Women Writers and Journalists

Uppity women of the Renaissance

Uppity Women of Ancient Times

Uppity Women of the New World

100 Women Artists

100 Women Healers and Scientists

Norton Anthology of Literature by Women

Another Slacker Tool

2007-03-11T07:32:00.000-06:00

Midterms, major papers, little papers . . . teachers beware! The plagiarism goblins are out and about in full force. Students are masters at cut and paste these days. Now a days, I also find they are superheroes of formatting tricks. This video clip was sent to me by a friend as a "laugher," but it's also good information for an educator to know. Yeah, it's pretty much common sense, but it never ceases to amaze me to what short cuts students will go in their learning process. Are there still the overachiever kids out there who think learning is fun?

And, why do we even consider those students "overachievers"? Shouldn't best quality be the norm? Hmmmm, just a few thoughts before I dive into grading papers today (on my non-contracted, non-paid time).

Pop Culture Politics in Film

2007-03-10T06:26:00.000-06:00

I couldn't sleep a wink last night, so I just got up and watched a video. Yeah, NetFlix! The title I've been trying to find time to finish is The U.S. vs John Lennon. Although the major reviews have been fairly lukewarm at best, it was an entertaining historical walk in the middle of the night. For anyone interested in the counterculture and political activism of the 60s and early 70s, this film will refresh your memory of events and a bit of the music of the era. But, you might want to use those rememories as a place to check your facts and the full picture once again. USvJL doesn't proclaim to be unbiased, nor does it vow to be thorough. It's just a short doc film. What can a director do in less than 2 hours? It presents a plethora of talking heads, well-placed snippets of Lennon's musical genius, and eerily strong parallels between the Vietnam War era of government infringement upon civil liberties and our current administration. In fact, there's a line near the end of the film that's a clear FU to the current Bush. Although I would agree in political view, it was unnecessary in this film (and may have eroded the authoritative tone).

Anyway, check it out. Enjoy. Then go to iTunes and download all of those Lennon songs you lost from your collection over the years.

A Bit of Construction

2007-03-09T19:53:00.000-06:00

I'm having a little remodeling done on my basement right now. I'm doing this for a variety of reasons -- mostly to increase the value of my house. More room for bookshelves and creativity play. It was such a daunting process at first -- too many decisions, too many phone calls. Now that it has actually gotten underway, it's really cool. The guys (and sub-contractors) doing the job are really great about working around my schedule. And, they clean up the dust every day, too!! It's been so nice to come home to the smell of freshly-cut wood. Oh, and they let the dogs out during the day. The girls love that.

Been There, Done That

2007-03-07T05:48:00.000-06:00

Here is an interesting article link on "best practice" and the smaller school movement. Funny, my program has been conducting this process of education for years upon years. Unfortunately, we can't afford to keep doing it any more. Sad.

(I hope the link works! The URL looked a bit ugly. I'm trying out the TinyUrl Creator from Mozilla.)

http://tinyurl.com/22vrbf

Public Education May Be Dead

2007-03-06T18:41:00.000-06:00

This is an incredibly painful post for me to write. I was told this afternoon that my school (a long-standing alternative program) will need to cut a 50% allocation in our English Department for next year. Our population numbers have not changed, the need for graduation credits in English has not changed, the type of students my alternative program serves has not changed (at least not for the better). My district simply cannot afford to offer our students the same sort of alternative education any longer.

Although I am not the instructor with the least amount of seniority, it feels like a huge blow to me. Although it is not my position this year, next year it may be. For now, I may lose a colleague dear to me. Our students may lose the intellectual expertise of an amazing professional. As public education formulas and state revenue caps continue to strangle our districts, our department offerings will change and become more regimented and standardized. Special programming that our students need to succeed will be reduced. Our current system of best practice will alter to focus only on teaching the basics. Our already-marginalized students may not be prepared for a future with multiple possibilities. Our district will no longer have an “academic” alternative program. The message to our children is that they don’t deserve alternatives, quality, or best practice.

When a district begins to cut allocation in core curricular areas, it may be time to just eliminate public education altogether. Perhaps that is what the men in charge have wanted all along.

International Women's Day -- 2007

2007-03-04T10:40:00.000-06:00

On March 8, 2007, please join me in celebrating International Women's Day. Honor the women who have made a positive contribution to your life (and to the world). Send a simple note, a phone call, an email, or just positive energy. Perhaps if we can direct our energies in this positive way, we can, indeed, collectively create change that celebrates and nurtures rather than denies and eradicates.

For more information on the history of IWD, please check out this link:
http://www.internationalwomensday.com/about.asp

The Library Thingie

2007-03-04T09:17:00.000-06:00

Check out this article in the NYTimes:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/04/business/
yourmoney/04novel.html?_r=2&ref=technology&oref
=slogin&oref=slogin

As you can see from my blog, I love the LibraryThing system. It is a wonderful way to share my library with others, to keep up on what other scholars are reading/collecting, and to catalogue my books for my insurance records.

Goodbye Mr. Schlesinger

2007-03-01T05:48:00.000-06:00

The world lost a strong scholar yesterday. Arthur M. Schlesinger died at age 89. I trusted his research. I respected his politics. I mourne the loss and strive to be as thorough in my own studies.

photo source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070301/
ap_on_re_us/obit_schlesinger

ShellieBellie Naps

2007-02-24T15:00:00.000-06:00

Hey, don't ask me to shovel! I earn the dogfood by barking at the mailman.

ShellieBellie

Mother Nature has a Strange Sense of Humor

2007-02-24T14:33:00.000-06:00

Mother Nature delivered her first gift of late-winter weather to the Madison area overnight. I think we got at least 4 inches of the white stuff. It felt like about a foot, though, as I shoveled the sidewalk. My old back just can’t do it anymore. Fortunately, I have a great neighbor who pops on over to help when he can. Thanks, James!

Here’s the regional update:

TONIGHT: *****BLIZZARD WARNING****** IN EFFECT FROM 6PM UNTIL 12PM SUNDAY. 7-13" OF SNOW POSSIBLE. STRONG WINDS WILL COMBINE WITH HEAVY SNOW TO CREATE REDUCED VISIBILITY, DOWN TO 1/4 MILE OR LESS AT TIMES. WHITE OUT CONDITIONS POSSIBLE.
WIND: E 20-30+

Then throughout Sunday:

MODERATE SNOWFALL THROUGHOUT THE MORNING AND AFTERNOON. 2-3"

It’s a good thing that my girls love the snow and play well in it on their own in the backyard. I don’t have to bother with long walks, hauling 180 lbs of dog on icy sidewalks.

Ok, Mom Nature, I’m not rolling on the floor laughing about this latest joke, but I am chuckling a bit.

Another Ode to the TaxMan

2007-02-23T18:48:00.000-06:00

Ok, so I broke down and took my taxes to a tax preparer today. It really wasn’t that painful. I worked with a woman who was upfront about what she was doing, asked good questions, knew her software, and was open to learning from me, too. By the way, the 1040 instruction manual uses a great example about deducting sidewalk improvements as a “tax” along with your property taxes.

I still think it is sad that the forms and calculation-balancing process is so complicated. I also think it is just WRONG that so much legislation happened in the 11^th hour and couldn’t be reflected on forms and instructions in a timely manner. While I appreciate the legislation working in my favor, such late changes push people to pay preparers rather than do their taxes themselves. We should all be able to do the process ourselves! But, at least I can deduct the cost of tax preparation next year…….And, my stress in having to do all of the math has been significantly reduced.

Now, if only I could just get rid of this head cold…….

I Wonder as I Wander

2007-02-19T20:30:00.000-06:00

As I searched through my archives for a particular childhood picture this evening, I came across this concert ticket stub. It threw me back to another time and place. A time of quoted poetry and Shakespeare (from Henry V to be exact). A time of shared books and music. A time of love, longing, and dreams of every possibility. And now, I can only wonder what ever happened to that certain someone who endured the speeding ticket on the way home from the concert; who shared the shock the next morning of hearing that SRV and his entourage had died in a helicopter crash just hours before; and who just disappeared while I went on to graduate school and other romantic mistakes. I just wonder…..

A Bitter Response

2007-02-17T19:48:00.000-06:00

A certain person in my life has raised concern about the offensiveness of a previous post and the violent (and vulgar) language of the wording. I believe that the individual has misunderstood the context, intent, and tone of the piece. I find this troubling since this individual is one who should know me and my “tone” the most. Perhaps this individual has also not taken the time to understand the context before making and voicing his/her judgments. That requires attention to and honoring of the details of daily living. That simply is not possible in this situation, nor has it been prioritized in the last 20 years. As part of this distance, I am troubled by the individual’s obliviousness of my intense passion and respect for our First Amendment rights (in times of war or peace). If there is one entity of living in this nation for which I would risk life and limb, it is my intellectual freedom.

But, while the individual’s lack of understanding of intent and tone deeply saddens me, what really angers me in this exchange is that my “responsibility” as a teacher was raised, and with that, my professional integrity questioned. It is my responsibility as a teacher to challenge my students to understand the historical precedent and question the contemporary context. It is my responsibility to help them learn their rights (and their own responsibilities) and not to fear them. It is also my responsibility to create a new generation of critical thinkers who are willing to take educated risks that will prevent us from living through generation after generation after generation of WAR, death, and dishonor. To do so, we must experiment with language and tone in a variety of rhetorical styles and contexts. Etiquette of the past is not always effective--as the cited three generations of war and fear have proven. I am clear and highly professional in my approach within the classroom, and I resent my professional sense of responsibility being in question. And yes, I will admit that my resentment here is informed by the fact that I have made huge sacrifices in my personal life to be that teacher. I have given up social and financial stability, as well as my physical health to be the teacher I am. Questioning my professional integrity is of the highest dishonor and disrespect.

And one last thing … If we follow the principles of our Constitution, what a teacher says outside of the classroom/professional forum, as long as it is within LEGAL guidelines, should have no bearing on his/her professional role. If that is not the case, and public “opinion” has more power than legal statute, should we not view that as a form of mob rule? I happen to still trust in our legal system and the strength of our foundational principles. I won't step down and quietly walk away from my views in the public forum. Maybe that’s a generational thing. Maybe that’s because I wasn’t “of age” through all the lies of the Vietnam War. Maybe because all of the lies and illegal actions of the Iraq War haven’t come to the surface--yet. Time can only tell us that.

“If there is a bedrock principle underlying the First Amendment, it is that Government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable.” -- William Brennan: Texas v. Johnson

Notes from the Dog Park

2007-02-11T13:38:00.000-06:00

Oh Heaven! Till and I went to the dog park with Mom this morning. It’s been a while. Mom’s been a little busy, and it’s just been too damn cold for even those of us with tons of hair to be outside for too long. So, with the temps over 12 degrees this morning, we finally had our time in the snow. I just love to chase that fuzzy little tennis ball around. It turns into a big sloppy puppysicle after a few throws. Best yet -- the other dogs just left me alone to run. That doesn’t always happen at the park; there are usually a bunch of yip dogs and stupid mutts who don’t back off when I tell them to. But the other mates this morning were smart enough to just let me be and focus– interesting that most of them were Labs. We are some of the smartest out there, you know.

It was fun to watch Till get some exercise, too. I’m not so sure it’s fair that Mom calls her The Cow. She’s just big boned. I thought it was pretty cool when a pack of dogs initially tried to stop my run, Till stepped in and did body blocks. I really love my new sister. She still farts a lot, but I can live with that. The other thing that was really fun to see was how Tillie runs along with her mouth shoveling up new snow to eat/drink. It’s kind of like watching a bulldozer in turbo speed. I wonder how she keeps her balance.

Well, I’m pretty tired after running so much. After Mom posts this for me, I’m going to take a nap. Tillie is already snoring.

Later….

ShellieBellie \

The Tax Man is Evil, Evil, Evil!

2007-02-10T18:09:00.000-06:00

Very few things in life push me to the point of wanting to display serious violence in my gestures, language, and actions. Taxes are one of those "things." I’m working through my return information today, and I am ready to just go postal on the government. Tax Man, just come and haul me away now!

What’s the problem? Sure, I may have a bit of math phobia, but that’s not it! Supposedly the legislature passed 11th-hour renewals and revisions on tuition deductions, teacher supplies to the classroom credits, and other deductions that are NOT showing up on the forms or in the directions for the usual forms. Some of the instruction manuals on the IRS Web site are still the ones for 2005. That means, many of us who need to take those deductions are going to have to seek out professional preparers and cough up the cash to do our returns – or we risk errors and audits.

Doesn’t it seem a little unreasonable that the average individual is THIS frustrated with simple tax procedures? Wasn’t there legislation a few years back about “ease of paperwork” with the tax process? The “Message from the [tax] Commissioner” states: “Paying taxes is a unifying experience fundamental to democracy and the rule of law.” Unifying, my ass! Processing these forms is creating more of a need to cut up someone into little tiny pieces and blow their body parts out a cannon.

Can We Go to the Park Now?

2007-02-08T19:13:00.000-06:00

OK, Tillie here! It's been a while since I've blogged. Mom's helping me out since she's the one with the thumbs. Is anyone else out there TOTALLY SICK OF WINTER? I know I have tons of fur, but even I'M cold lately. Good thing Mom let's me snuggle up on the couch and in bed with her. All I want to do is just get outside to the dog park and chase ball. And that's saying a lot coming from me. You know how fond I am of just hanging out with a pile of stuffed, headless purple Barneys. Even those raggedy things are losing their charm. I just want to run!!!! If I can't get out soon, I'm going to have to chew up a shoe or two. Oh, that would make Mom a little angry. I better just stick with ripping up a teddy bear. I'd rather dig up a flower bed right now. Where is spring????

Why Are We So Blind?

2007-02-05T14:17:00.000-06:00

I was looking at the Iraq War ticker on the right-hand side of my blog page. The increasing amount gives new meaning to the term "obscene." Where would we be right now if our world invested that money in our children, our environment, and our future? Why are we so hell-bent on continuing the cycle of violence?

Snow Day

2007-02-05T08:42:00.001-06:00

It is currently -15 on the old thermometer here in the Madison area, with wind chills estimated in the -20/-30s. Although official school district policy is to call off school only if the forecast for the wind chill approaches -50 for the entire day (according to the Web site), school was indeed, cancelled this morning. I hope all of my students and colleagues will have a safe and restful day.

What do teachers do on Snow/Cold Days? Well, first I do a very selfish happy dance. Then I think about the reality of the situation. I’m still getting paid for the day. A snow day means that I can actually plan curriculum, think about my craft, and breathe. I don’t just go back to bed. I pour another cup of coffee, throw a ball or two to the girls, and consider what work I should do first. Yes, the TV is on. Yes, an extra movie might get watched (uh, prepped for my film class), an extra meal made, and an extra trade rag read. But the point is, I am much more productive and reflective on these days than if I were in the classroom. When we have inclement weather, many parents keep their children at home where they are safe and warm – that is if they have the luxury to do so with heat in their homes, child care, food, etc.. I would certainly do the same if I had children and the resources to keep them safe. But, that means attendance in the schools is spotty. For my high school classes, it is virtually impossible to move forward with the planned lesson/activity because so much of what I do is sequenced and scaffolded. I usually have to resort to a backup (uh, entertainment) plan so the high number of absent students won’t be left behind. I have been teaching long enough to have those plans readily available, but it’s certainly not best practice.

It is a wise decision on the part of district administrators to consider the system of education along with the health and well-being of the children and the staff. A wise decision, indeed.

Yet, I also worry about those children and families who rely upon the schools as their source of warmth, security, and food during the day. Will those children be safe and supervised at home? Will their caregivers need to forfeit a day’s wages to stay home with them?

Are we asking these questions as a society?

La-de-da Day

2007-02-04T15:09:00.000-06:00

Ok, it’s only 3:00 and I’ve already:

+ made chocolate-covered pecan caramel thingies;

+ made a loaf of banana bread;

+ finished the laundry;

+ vacuumed & dusted;

+ cleaned the bathroom;

+ made the bed;

+ watched a movie;

+ watched more crappy television;

+ planned two lessons for my education policy studies class (on school finance formulas);

+ planned out the rest of the week for all of my classes;

+ read a couple of chapters in a book;

+ read the Sunday paper;

+ taken pictures of my dogs;

+ worked on an art project;

+ ventured out in the frozen tundra to return videos, books to the library, and put gas in the car;

+ written this blog entry.

Time to snuggle in for the big game. I think I’m hoping for a Bears win.

Life is Good

2007-01-31T17:54:00.000-06:00

I had the most wonderful day. It started out with needing to acquire an official transcript from the UW Registrar’s Office in order to meet a deadline in my Human Resources office. I drove into Madison early to pop in and pick up the document. Arriving 5 minutes before the office opened, I read a sign on the door that stated the office was closed until 9:30 AM for a staff meeting. I was ready to scream! I had even read the Web site last night for the office’s hours to double check my timing. I walked down the hall and caught someone – a lovely woman in an orange sweater. I must have had a seriously panicked look on my face when I asked for help. Of course, I also played the teacher card – needing to be in my classroom in 20 minutes. She was soooooo gracious and walked me through the back offices, sat me down at the official station to make the transcript request, and asked another secretary to help me once the doc. printed. I rarely have experienced such support at the Big UW (except in my phenomenal graduate program – SLIS). My karma was offering positive payback for me today. So, whoever that woman was, I wish her much joy and peace.

On top of that comforting beginning to the day, my students were absolutely lovely in their curiosity, focus on topics, and generous support of each other throughout the whole day. Even the couple of students I had issues with yesterday were pleasant and respectful. My co-teacher (pre-service teacher) from the UW is doing a great job of engaging her students, holding them accountable, and maintaining a sense of humor throughout all the detail overload of the first days of the semester. Snaps to Kimber!

I found good movies to rent at the vid. store for the next week – Black Dahlia, Little Miss Sunshine, The Illusionist, and The Devil Wears Prada. That should be a good mix of relaxation through the cold weather expected for the rest of the week and weekend.

My girls were thrilled to see me as I walked in the door. I have a great book to finish. And, best of all – I don’t have any work for school to do tonight.

Life is just damn good today!

What to Do? What to Do?

2007-01-27T08:05:00.000-06:00

Things to do this weekend:

1. Clean the refrigerator. The coffee creamer leaked.

2. Clean the bathroom. I leaked, but that's what we do in the bathroom.

3. Take the girls to the dog park. (Tillie here -- This should be #1 on the list! -- Woof!)

4. Finish re-reading Kindred.

5. Rent a good movie. I'm leaning toward Little Miss Sunshine or the The Black Dahlia.

6. Make sure I'm ready for the new semester to begin. I think I've got it under control.

7. Make a batch of lasagne for a friend.

8. Do laundry. Hmmm, clean flannel sheets are nice. (ShellieBellie here -- I agree.)

9. Add my African American book section to LibraryThing. This entry process is taking forever!

10. Start my taxes. Organize the paperwork until the w-2 arrives.

I was a middle-aged Drama Queen

2007-01-19T18:59:00.000-06:00

Sometimes making a total ass out of yourself opens up doors to wonderful communication, sound reflection/self-discovery, and spiritual healing. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could always tell each other what we feel, what we need, and what we fear? Why can’t we do that? So what if we cry a little? So what if we are uncomfortable through the process? The laughter afterward is just all the sweeter. It reminds us that we are alive. We just have to hope that our friends can forgive us when we display our grizzly behavior.

A Hard Week

2007-01-19T18:36:00.000-06:00

Wow, we’ve had a really hard week. Mom has been working a ton, but she’s still taking the time to get out for a walk with us late at night. Shellie and I are trying to take it easy on those icy sidewalks. We don’t want Mom to get hurt, so we try to take it slow. Shellie doesn’t always remember though, and I have a rough time with the leash getting wrapped up in my legs. It’s all good though. I hope it warms up a little this weekend. I really want to go to the dog park.

I’m a little worried about Mom. She’s working really hard these days and doesn’t seem very happy with her job. I bet teaching is really hard. I don’t think I could handle all of the multitasking and adolescent angst. It’s really nice that she doesn’t bring her frustrations home with her most of the time. Shellie and I try to make her laugh as much as possible. I don’t think that taking all of the stuffing out of my teddy bear was the way to do it the other day though. She didn’t seem that thrilled about that one. I thought all the white fluffy stuff looked kind of cool on the carpet. Shellie told me to do it.

Oooooh, gotta go. Mom's about to settle into the couch with a book. I want to get the good snuggle spot.

Later -- stay warm!
Tillie

You Must Read This Book!

2007-01-08T18:57:00.000-06:00

You have to read this book! If you have ever read (and loved) classics like Pippi Longstocking, Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, or The Secret Garden, you will thoroughly enjoy Ida B by Katherine Hannigan. The narrator's young perspective on school, creative freedom, and play are refreshingly and authentically told. While some of the vocabulary may be beyond the voice of a precocious 4th-grader, the world view and portrayal of inner pain, anxiety, and anger are not. Hannigan took me back to my own childhood. Through Ida B. I recalled my own desire to block out the world's disappointments. To find ways to soften my youthful loneliness with tree friends and drooling dogs in a world that allowed me no control or certainty. Any parent who has a son or daughter with a creative, free (or angry) spirit needs to share this book with his/her child.

Titles to Write Home About

2007-01-07T09:13:00.000-06:00

I just reread Pearl Cleage's What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day. I've read this title at least 5 times, but it never ceases to make me laugh, cry, and think about my life views. I don't read a lot of happy books. I never seem to get the humor in them. This one, however, is a great comfort read that does cheer the soul. I need to use it more as a central text in my literature classes.

The second book I read yesterday, however, had very little cheer in it. In fact, it has been a very long time since I have read something that made me so angry. I made the mistake of forcing myself to finish it before I turned in for the night. It brought on a lot of tossing and turning. Patricia McCormick's Sold, a young adult novel about Himalayan poverty and a young girl's imprisonment within a brutal prostitution system, will certainly make you question your sense of cultural and economic entitlement, your views of male ethics (yes, male), and your views of women who support sexual slavery. Its lyrical, hard-hitting vignettes will keep you riveted to the narrative voice until the final page is turned. And then, you will want to learn more and take action. You will wonder at how resilient the human spirit can be. The story will haunt you.

"The House will come to order."

2007-01-05T06:52:00.000-06:00

A woman's "place" is in the house -- the House of Representatives. Major snaps to Nancy Pelosi! It's about time!

Newly elected Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, is sworn in at the U.S. Capitol in Washington Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007.
Photo Credit: (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Source: www.washingtonpost.com

Quarterback Anyone?

2007-01-01T09:13:00.000-06:00

Hey folks,
Did you watch the big game last night? Favre rocked! It's nice to see that an old man still has his stuff. I must say that his receivers were also heroes of the game. It certainly wasn't a perfect showing, but a good effort. Now the speculation begins.... will he or won't he .... return next year, that is. The Pack might be looking for a new QB. Think I've got a chance? I've certainly got the look.

Happy New Year!
--Tillie

Tillie Says Happy New Year!

2006-12-31T14:34:00.000-06:00

Hey Folks,

Mom and Shellie said that it’s my turn to write. I think I’d rather sleep (like my sister is doing – see picture). But, I guess I have to earn the dog food once in a while. Speaking of food, Mom just made something that smells really yummy. Wish she’d give me a taste. She showed me the recipe though and said it was for the football game later tonight. WoooHooo! Packers v. Bears. Mom might actually snuggle into the couch with me for this one. She hasn’t been watching too much football lately, but she leaves it on for me to enjoy. It makes for good napping background noise. I really hope the Pack wins tonight. They’ve had a hard year of it.

Anyway, here’s the recipe for the yummy dip stuff she made:

Football Dip
1 – 1.5 lbs. ground chuck/beef
1 small yellow onion (optional)
3 c. salsa (the hotter, the better)
12 oz. cheddar cheese (about 3 cups)
1 can refried beans (with chilies)
2 beefy tomatoes or 5 romas
salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

In a skillet pan that can be used on the stove top AND in the oven:
Brown meat and onion. Drain. Return to heat.
Stir in salsa, cheese, beans, and tomatoes.

When cheese is melted, cover and bake in 375° oven for 25 minutes.

Serve with chips.

Note: This dip freezes well.

Hey, I almost forgot. It’s New Year’s Eve. I think my 2007 resolution will be to not jump on the wooden furniture by the porch windows. I’ve been scratching things and broke a bowl yesterday. Mom was NOT happy about that. I didn’t mean to do it, but Shellie is always in the good barking spot on the chair, so I have to get up on something to see what is going on. Good thing I bark louder than she does or no one would even know I was here. The most important thing is guarding the house, right? Mom is very forgiving. She just says “Oh, Tillie, what am I going to do with you?” Then she gives me a hug. I’m pretty lucky.

I bet Mom’s resolution will be to read more – yeah, like that’s possible. I hope she also adds taking more walks with us. I haven’t checked my p-mail in a couple of days. I don’t even know what Shellie’s will be – maybe to not destroy her stuffed animals so much. She’s been making a total mess out of the carpet. Mom has to vacuum up white stuffing at least once a day.

Oooohhh, Mom is about to pop in a video. I better grab the prime spot next to her on the couch. I love it when she rubs my ears.

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope 2007 brings more peace to all everywhere.

--- Tillie

You Have Got to Be Kidding !

2006-12-29T16:38:00.000-06:00

OK, it's that time of year when many of us re-evaluate our lives
and set resolutions for the year ahead. 2006 was an OK time. A few
words/phrases to describe it? Insanely busy, frustrating, overworked,
underpaid,overeducated, celebratory, reflective. This is also the time of year that I think of relationships -- old and new.

Ironically,
the picture here is of a fortune cookie message I received this week.
(He is either going to be a cardiologist or a coroner.) Sometimes it is
best to trust that the past is in the past and just keep moving
forward. And, maybe just stick with dogs!

When I grabbed one of my scrappy library cards for a scan background for the fortune, this is the one I got off the pile. Hmmmm,
is the goddess trying to tell me something or what? Maybe I should
change my mantra to "Just stick with dogs .... and tequila."

Anyway,
I'm looking forward to a new year beginning. I have faith that it will
bring much puppy love, good books to read, and creative visions. I bet
there will be a bit of good friendly cheer mixed in, as well.

Peace!

Puppy Love

2006-12-27T19:09:00.000-06:00

This is true puppy love! -- ShellieBellie and SillyTillie

Trials and Tribulations on Vacation

2006-12-26T19:03:00.000-06:00

I love Winter Break!

This morning was spent talking with my building contractor and my plumber. I am most fortunate to have good guys in those roles. I just wish the financial end of it all was just
as secure. It's kind of scary how much the whole process costs. At least the girls and I now have a good water softener and a plan for some remodeling work to increase the equity of our home. Shellie and Tillie will be happy to have even more lounge space in the basement.
I'll be glad to have more creativity work space with GOOD LIGHTING. I'm just getting too old to see with dim, crappy lights. I'll also be happy to have a new shower surround that isn't peeling off the wall -- gross!

I also did some book shopping for upcoming classes at school.
I'm desperately looking for copies of a few titles my new student
teacher will use. I hope I have better luck tomorrow. Tonight is set
aside for curriculum planning for next quarter's film class.Hmm, am I supposed to be on vacation? Yeah right....

I just started reading Never Go Home Again by Shannon
Holmes. I'm not too impressed with it so far, but some of my students
requested it from our librarian. I guess I should know what the hype is
about. Maybe I'll alternate each day between that title and The
Historian.

I'm still dying to go see The Good Shepherd. I've heard nothing but good things about it. I think I'll wait until the mall shoppers run out of money and stay home though. I'm not too thrilled about battling crowds for a new-in-the-theatre flick. This one might be worth it though.

The girls are snoring away. They enjoyed the visitors this morning, but I'm sure they would have rather been trouncing through the mud at the dogpark. Maybe tomorrow. For now, they will forgive me.

Well, back to work on curriculum. --- D.

Happy Holidays

2006-12-25T20:26:00.000-06:00

Hey folks!

It's Christmas Day. I have to say that this has been the best Christmas ever because I got a new sister in November. She's a bit of a cow and she farts a lot, but she's cool too. It's nice not having to guard the house all by myself while Mom is at work.

My new sister, Tillie, and I must have been really good dogs this year because Santa left a package for us on the porch last night. Mom helped us open it. The old fat man gave us a cute cookie jar full of yummy new treats. Mom gave us new teddy bears to shake. She didn't seem so happy though after I had the eyes out of two of them in a matter of 5 minutes. I'm working on a world record of destruction.

So, after snoozing a bit this morning while Mom putzed around the house, we went to the dog park for a tromp, swim, and good-old-ball fetching. The park was almost empty. What's up with that? We don't mind though. More mud for us and fewer yip dogs. Tillie and I don't really care for those little ones that bark in our faces. We have better things to do. Oh, and Tillie got to dive off the dock into the water. Mom was pretty happy about that. She didn't know the big girl was an Olympic swimmer. The water was a little bit colder than what I like, good thing I like the water and Tillie has thick, thick fur. Just wait until July! We'll be in the drink all day long if Mom will let us.

Oh, I have to go now. Mom is about to vacuum again and I'm a little tired from the park. Later!

Shellie Bellie

A Few Words of Introduction

2006-12-25T20:18:00.000-06:00

Hello ... Shellie Bellie here.

My mom and I are working on this blogspot as a way to stay in touch with the world. Sometimes she will write. Sometimes I will. Sometimes my new sister, Tillie, will pen a few words. Mom is a high school teacher and always seems to be busy, so I might end up doing most of the writing. Tillie prefers to sleep while I do all of the work, but I'll make her do a few pieces, too.

Just a few words about all of us ...

Like I said, Mom is a teacher. She works in an alternative high school here in the Midwest. She's tired a lot (and I have to say a bit crabby these days). She's always worrying about her students and how her school never has enough money for books and supplies. Seems kind of silly that the taxpayers can't even give a little bit extra to make all those ends meet. Should a school have to worry about how much money they have to buy books? People seem to think it's the teachers who should pay out of pocket for everything. I'm not too sure about that view, though, 'cuz it means fewer puppy treats for me. And that's just wrong!

Mom just finished her MLS in library science, so you can tell she reads a lot. That's why we decided to title the blog "Books and Dogs." I thought the "dogs" part should come first, but Mom has final editorial control. She just finished a book called The Torn Skirt. She said it was just "ok" -- nothing to feel all that strongly about. She liked the narrative voice, but she also said the style was rather weak and the document additions toward the end were contrived. I'm not quite sure what that word means, but it makes it sound like a flaw. She's going to read The Historian next. It's a really big book, so I hope that doesn't mean fewer dog park visits.

Tillie is my new sister. I'm not quite sure what I think of her yet. She's only been with us for a couple of months. So far, so good. She was a real cow when it came to dinner time and drinking out of the water dish, but I'm teaching her the ropes. I'm used to snacking all day without having to eat at a certain time. Since Tillie came to live with us, Mom has been making me eat on schedule. I hate that! So, Tillie and I had a discussion about it. She's been really respectful of my bowl -- even if I leave my food sit there all day long. I think that is so cool of her. I know that if she didn't honor my wishes and the fact that I'm top dog in the house, she would eat every bit of my supper. I think it's going to be all good. I'll even share my napping bed and my stuffed Barneys with her--as long as she doesn't get in the way of my ball playing. No one gets in the way of that -- if they know what is good for them. Anyway, Tillie is going to be 7 in February. Shhh-Mom and I are planning a party for her. I just turned 8, by the way. On most days I feel about 2, but after dog park runs, I ache a bit.

Anyway, I think it's about time for a nap, so I'll finish off with this post. I hope you check back with us from time to time.

Peace,
Shellie Bellie