Roxanne's Song

Hey all, have a listen if you have some time. It's the song Roxanne wrote. I'll probably add a couple more things. Hope you enjoy.

Steve

the "TWILIGHT" zone?

Ok, so, for the past couple of months, myself and fellow colleagues, have been facing a very interesting classroom management issue. No, it's not spitwads, horseing around or even the occasional F bomb.......no, this time we are up against EDWARD, the main SQUEEZE from the book and now movie out today, TWILIGHT.

Most of my female students are entranced by this fantasy novel and yet, I am reluctant to call it that, because it seems like a reality to these young learners. They read it during every hour, and give that somewhat "how dare you" stare when questioned about its relevance to our class....How can we teachers compete with a young, daunting, handsome, melodramatic Vampire?

It's incredible to see the shirts, books, and hear the craze for something like this. It Woodstockish? I know may be even some of you might be able to relate and share this zeal for this "SO LONG TO J.K. ROWLING" craze? hmmmm?????

It's hilarious to hear my guy students address the issue and call out the girls in the middle of class and have the girls say something like, "You're just jealous of Edward." "You guys need to pick up the book and read and learn how to treat a girl!"

The guys just chuckle, "Dude, he's a Vampire."

Anyway, I had to post this, because I can't remember for the life of me OUR GENERATIONS juvenile literature/pop culture addiction. HArdy Boys? Mario Brothers?

Anfd today it topped it off by some of my girls coming in showing me marks on their neck , saying they've been "bitten" by Edward, after seeing the movie last night at Midnight.

......................Help!

prayer request

This the latest from California; I just was facebooked this a little while ago.

Diane sent you a message.

--------------------
Subject: prayers

Keep Bob and his family in your prayers. They had to evacuate their home due to a horrible fire, went to the Residence Inn, and now have had to evaculate that. Terra is at a shelter and Bob, Laure, J.P., and Bear are trying to get closer to the ocean.

They are still safe. Bob is at a friends. laure and Terra are at a Jonas Brothers concert (her friend who was going with her... house burnt down) J.P. is waiting for his friend who is driving from Santa Barbara because his house burnt down also.

Love,
Diane
I sent this prayer request to Steph's email also.

Travelog: if you're going to Asheville...

I've been in North Carolina for work, and spent today in Asheville, which is one of the raddest cities I've visited. Asheville is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, which John Denver famously called "almost heaven". Here's my travelog of things I like in Asheville for anyone who might go there (Norm, Debbie).

1. Listen to 88.7 WNCW: great music and provides the perfect soundtrack for the city, including some local folk Americana artists


2. Have breakfast at the Early Girl Eatery. The food is incredible and they use mostly local organic produce and meat. Its also cheap.


3. Visit the Mast General Store on Biltmore Avenue, this store has tons of vintage toys, classic candy, and isn't overpriced.


4. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. One of the most scenic drives in America, gives you the best views of the mountains.


5. Do the lunch buffet at Mela Indian Restaurant. Only $8.50, great beer list.


6. Check out the local art at the Woolworth Walk.

If you get the chance Asheville is a great get away (check out the web album). Here were my three favorite bumper stickers I saw there (there are lots of them).

1. Native Americans are living people not mascots.


2. God's original plan was to hang out in a garden with a couple of vegetarians.


3. Keep Asheville Weird

Happy Birthday To a Timeless Man!

Happy Birthday Ben! You are a timeless gift these and pictures show it. We love you and hope you feel celebrated today!!!

Practice???

Per my mom's request in Wes' last blog about A.I. here's the video that makes lifelong coaches like Norm so, so proud. As I post it, the Pistons are down 21 points to Boston in Iverson's Palace debut (he has 8 points). Perhaps it's time to practice!

A.I. in Dtown

The world has shifted dramatically in the last few weeks, and amidst this the Detroit sports world has shifted dramatically also...Todd Jones retired, Matt Millen fired, and A.I. hired?? No more Chauncey or McDyess?? Has Joe Dumars pulled another Darko or is this going to make the Pistons better? Let's hear it Detroit! My thought is that it made them no better and no worse, they'll still get to the conference finals and lose to Boston. I hope I'm wrong.

Give him a hand!

Jackson just learned to clap. He is so proud! Check it out:

HAPPY VOTING!!!

Jacob's Pre-Election Musings

With the election only days away and political fervor reaching levels I've never before seen, I thought I'd drop one last article for perspective and critical reflection. This morning as Barack Obama addressed a crowd in Columbia, Missouri he told his supporters, "It's gonna get nasty" in these last few days. Too bad, I thought. I've heard and seen a lot of nastiness from impassioned people on both sides who are certain that the future of the free world hangs in the balance of this election. A lot of hope tied up in a system as the article below says, "built upon being right and proving your opponent wrong, and winning at any cost." A LOT of money spent. A lot of families and friends divided. And in my humble opinion, a lot invested in a system that is simply not the end-all answer to the plight of our country. Perhaps I'm trivializing things a bit and not appreciating the democratic process that we hold so dear. Or maybe, I'm just ready for this all to end, and I'm just calling the Church to reassert itself and refocus itself on the only real, lasting hope for humanity. I'm with Steve, this life I live, I live for so much more!!!

Give this article from Relevant a read before you go to the polls on Tues. Love to hear your thoughts.

And Happy Belated Blog Birthday to Andrew!!!