Interview someone — a friend, another blogger, your mother, the mailman — and write a post based on their responses.
I recently had a moment to sit down and interview my bearded dragon Sandy about his thoughts on the new Johnny Depp/Amber Heard documentary on Netflix.
Me: How have you been? I heard you’re quite a fan of Netflix these days.
Sandy looking for crickets
Sandy: Yeah, my owners were nice enough to put the big television were I can see what they are watching. They are pretty nice….for humans.
Me: That’s good. So you saw the new Johnny Depp/Amber Heard documentary recently?
Sandy: Yes it was fascinating to see how people absolutely lost their minds over this trial.
Me: What did you like about the documentary?
Sandy: I thought it did a good job of showing both perspectives, but I gotta say that both of them seemed to have their issues. I can see why their relationship turned into a dumpster fire.
Me: What did you not like about it?
Sandy: Well I would of liked more close ups of small insects, especially some crickets. I also would of liked for these famous humans to use their platforms for something other than acting like hatchlings. I mean the whole pooping in the bed thing….I do that all the time, what is the big deal?
Me: Well said, well said….maybe in the sequel the producers can add some insect cameo’s to bring in more of the reptile crowd.
Sandy’s Favorite Meal Worms – (Sandy and I are Amazon Affiliate Marketers)
Sandy telling owner to move so he can see the television better
Sandy: Yeah it would be nice if they anticipated our wants and needs a little more. Sometimes it feels like they don’t realize we are the ones powering a lot of their ratings. I literally can’t turn my television off.
Me: Ok, one last question….rumor has it that you are thinking of trying out for Alone season 11 in Australia, any truth to this?
Shameless self promotion – (I am a Amazon Affiliate Marketer) – I have to make like 10 bucks in the next 150 days or I am off the Amazon team! Yikes!
Pedro Pascual Air Freshener – Check out this Pedro Pascal Air Freshener – only $10! – It keeps your car smelling nice while warding off evil spirits! Sandy loves it (as long as it is not nearby, as beardi’s are sensitive to smell)!
Random picture of Dani
Sandy: I can neither confirm nor deny these reports at this time, but my agent feels positively about my future as a reality star. I mean if Johnny Depp and Amber Heard can do it, how hard can it be?
Me: Lol….facts! Ok, that is a wrap then, thank you for your insights and good luck with your next project.
(Sandy tilts head down wondering when the mealworms will be delivered)
If you could make your pet understand one thing, what would it be? You don’t need to bark at everything, everywhere, all the time… My dog loves barking and has the loudest bark/howl in the neighborhood. As much as I treasure the sweet “song of Panda”, my neighbors don’t so much. That dog five houses… Read more: (no title)
Good leadership flows from a calm spirit. Good leaders understand the link between calm and logical thinking, especially in crisis. A leader that is calm under fire inspires calm and focus in others. During the NFL playoffs yesterday, this was the deciding factor, especially at the quarterback position. Conditions were difficult for passing with low… Read more: Courage Under Fire
When I was in elementary school, a new building was added to our school. There was a “time capsule” left in the building, which held artifacts from that school year.
If the players do not like a call by the referee they will shout “Ni” at them to voice their displeasure. During halftime, herrings would be launched into the crowd using slingshots…
I admire my teammates on my adult league baseball team.
A generation ago working in modern the “gig” economy would have seemed impossible.
Impressive win for a worthy champion
Save the drama for your lllama…
To make it through a week unscathed in public education is something to be celebrated.
Teaching is a calling and a mission, one I still believe in.
Morning or night can be a productive schedule for me…
Professional athletes have a difficult balance to strike.
Looking for some inspiration to write about? Check out Google Trends…
Have you ever lost a pet? We had a scare with our foster-kittens Tip-Toe. Don’t worry it has a happy ending!
Teaching online is definitely here to stay. I have taught for 29 years now and thought I would sharw some of the tios I have learned about it.
Keeping a growth mindset is critical for educators. Those that have this in their “toolbox” will become great over time.
The biggest waste of time for me is sleeping. Sleep is so annoying, I have so much to do each day. It really interferes with my enjoyment of life. I mean, I lose like eight hours a day! I could use that time to pet the cats, grade papers, lesson plan, blog, stare blankly off…
Maybe quitting your job in pursuit of Tik-Tok fame was not your best idea…
I would love to have met George Washington. He was an incredible leader.
I wanted to take a moment to reflect on hiw old I truly am…
What we carry with us into the future can be a brief reminder of our past.
Let’s be real, it’s all one big party designed to do what it does so well, keeping the poor’s lives a living hell
Economics can be a little more tricky as there are a lot of subject specific words and concepts that are not part of our normal lexicon.
Winter has to be my favorite season: here is why.
The luxury of extra time off. Teaching affords one large swaths of time off. I have become quite accustomed to this. I am not sure how I would do with a normal job with a week or two off a year. We work out butts off during the school year, to be sure, but compared…
My tagline this morning listening to Queen’s “Somebody To Love” in the Virgin River Cafe would be …. #baller
Seafood has to be my favorite food. Perhaps it is because I have lived in Southern California most of my life. I did some research on the best seafood restaurants in Southern California. Sorry if I made you hungry!
There is nothing like coming home and being greeted by a Pitbull/Pointer mix with one of your socks in her mouth as she wiggles and shakes her tail so much that items in proximity go flying
What can I say, I’ve always liked a bit of mystery. I was the kind of woman who was intriguing, yet sexy.
I loved the Choose Your Own Adventure Series of books. They were a very engaging book for me. What about you?
Books that make an impact on a person can come from anytime in their life. My top three I had read before I was 25. What were yours?
Teaching is a scary proposition for a number of reasons. Keeping and maintaining large groups of random children can be very challemging.
Audiobooks have become a go-to for me on my road trips and commuting journey’s each day.
It is hard to believe I have been a professional educator for twenty-years now. It has gone by so very fast, most of the time 🙂 Today is our last day of school, it is a teacher workday.
Work plays a central role in my life as I get older. I find a lot of meaning and purpose in what I do, satisfaction in a job well done, and having money to do the things I want and take care of my family.
Remembering our fallen heroes theough the ages.
My daughter graduated high school last week. It is time for me to let her go on her own journey now, but it is hard.
Computers were used for learning games and word processing primarily. I remember this era well because it was when I was a student.
Living with a history teacher can be challenging, just ask my family.
What does having it all mean? How do we know if we “have it all”. I am not hugely materialistic, but I certainly am not a fan of being broke, been there done that
After a falling out, I have not talked to my step-brother in close to thirty years.
Then, out of nowhere, we went from 90+ degree fall temperatures to a major cooling trend that seemed a surprise to forecasters. It rained a little bit in Kernville, but actually snowed back home. This freak snowstorm gave firefighters the upper hand and helped them contain the fire and eventually get it out completely weeks…
Ethereum, unlike many altcoins has a limited and shrinking supply. Over time, each Ethereum will coin will become more valuable as time goes on and more Ethereum is burned. Additionally, if the Bitcoin spot ETF approval chart is our best model for what will happen if the Ethereum spot ETF is approved, it would seem…
I hope to leave a strong legacy behind as a professional educator. A teacher’s legacy can be quite mind blowing.
It usually is accompanied by coastal cumulous clouds rolling in through the day, creating “angels” of protection from the sun.
I went to slide into second base and never cleared my foot and it snapped. I also managed to pull all the tendons and ligaments at the same time.
Finding balance as an educator is very difficult due to the nature of the work.
It has been a rough ride, but I never gave up and I never will!
I wanted to take a moment to reflect on hiw old I truly am…
How will Chat GPT – 5 be iseful to bloggers? What changes will it bring? How can it help bloggers?
Getting back in the gym can be tough, but I am looking forward to it!
Writing an article that ranks on Google is no small task. Fortunately, there is lots of great advice out there. I hope you find it useful!
It has been a struggle, but Danieres Stormbourne has learned to tolerate idiotic pitbull Panda.
I have to go with my mother for this one. We got this crazy idea from one of my mother’s co-workers to buy an investment house in Illinois and we live in California. My mother sells real estate so she has expert knowledge about how to do this. So we decided to go out to…
Freedom is a wonderful thing, but upon reflecting on this question, I thought about this question: Is The United States the Greatest Country in the World? I encourage comments and discussion as long as it is kept civil.
What is your career plan? Lifelong Learning is vital to my career path. I am fortunate in that my job literally requires me to be a Lifelong Learner as a educator. I do have sole other interests though I am pursueing. I became a credentialed teacher in 2005 so that has been my main career…
The Fremont Street Experience offers a fully immersive musical experience.
We got surprised by a nice powder day at Mammoth Mountain on what was supposed to be a weekend fishing trip.
I went to church regularly during my formative years and learned a great deal about philosophy, morality, and empathy. Even though I am no longer a avid churchgoer, the relationships I made during that time really set the stage for who I would become and who I wanted to be.
What do talking like a pirate, throwing tomatoes, a feast for monkeys, chasing a cheese wheel and honoring the Horned God have in common? They are all holidays that have a very unique personality celebrated across the world.
I tend to be overly competitive at times, always trying to find ways to get better, work harder, win more often, and hating to fail at things.
I have always been fascinated by the idea of time-travel. The crazy thing is that physics actually bears out that it is possible.
I feel most productive when I am daydreaming about being productive on vacation drinking a cold beer. There is nothing better than relaxing in a beautiful location with a fishing pole, a beer, family, and friends.
“Rain on the tinroof drowses me to sleep in a brave new world of annual thousand-year floods this summer….”
This is a submission for Sammie’s Weekend Writing Prompt. I hope you enjoy Saturday at the cat Tree
Emojis kill brains. Emojis make you look stupid. And me too. All of us. I think emojis make us all kind of silly. I used to be able to put my feelings and thoughts into words quite well – in a few languages if I might add. I am a translator and an interpreter
A short poem for Debbie’s Six Word Saturday Challenge on WordPress. Enjoy!
Ummm….what? So I have a question for you all. for some reason wordPress wants to capitalize the first letter of every word I type. other programs are not doing this, just wordPress. Actually two questions, if you have multiple domains on your site and you go into Google console and it says you have a…
I love talking about many topics, most notably: politics, economics and teaching. Once you get me started though…lookout😂
I risked my life going into my two teenage son’s room alone last week. It started with a desire to find all the missing silverware and dishware that has put us in a situation where we basically have to eat with our hands. I donned a mask and gloves as I combed through the remnants…
Gap years are a controversial subject in education. Here is my experience with my three gap years.
i could have spent more time getting ready to teach. How about you?
I personally am more of a rationalist, when the signs point the right way. I am in charge of my own destiny, if it is the will of fate.
Adulting can be very rewarding and engaging, but damn it can be stressful! 5:30 AM – Did I take my medication or the dogs medication? 6:30 AM – Where are my keys? 6:45 AM – Where are my keys? 7:30 AM – Why aren’t the kids ready? 8:00 AM – Will I be late for…
Nothing really makes me nervous except a few things that I will describe more in detail here…. 5:30 AM – Did I take my medication or the dogs medication? 6:30 AM – Where are my keys? 6:45 AM – Where are my keys? 7:30 AM – Why aren’t the kids ready? 8:00 AM – Will…
After a demanding day, I come home and rest…for approximately three minutes, then I have to run out the door to pick up kids, attend school events, and then cook dinner, clean the house, take care of the pets, and still feel like I am not getting everything done. If I do perhaps get the…
I use social media to do a myriad of things. Although, I tend to keep things very G rated since I am a teacher, I still enjoy using social media at times. My Favorite Social Media Outlets I think my favorite social media right now is WordPress of course for blogging, but for entertainment, Tik-Tok.…
It is the end of the school day so the first thing that comes to mind is, how long till I can take a nap. Teaching and coaching are mentally and physically quite demanding. Today was a particularly exhausting day. We are on testing block schedule, so our classes are 90 minutes+ today. We did…
I met a tall bald headed middle aged man on vacation in Switzerland while hiking in the Alps. He was carrying around a laptop, which was kind of strange given the remoteness of the location. My mother had taken me on this trip and he started chatting her up, or maybe the other way around,…
The decision to work out in the morning consistently has helped me immensely. It can be hard to get out of bed and get my ass in the gym, but the benefits far outweigh the costs.
Prison sounds like an absolute nightmare. I definitely do not want to find myself in one! What is a place you do not want to visit?
Seafood has to be my favorite food. Perhaps it is because I have lived in Southern California most of my life. I did some research on the best seafood restaurants in Southern California. Sorry if I made you hungry!
Retirement in the U.S. right now could be very expensive. On my daily prompt-I wrote about retiring and it got me thinking about where the best and least expensive places to retire were, so with help from Chat GPT compiled this list and gave an analysis. Enjoy!
Like you mean today (I teach high school)? I joke around with my students that I am in my 24th year of high school. I tell them I have been institutionalized….I no longer understand the walls outside of the high school. Some days it feels as though this is true.
Ten years will be a magical time for me, good Lord willing…I will be retiring! I have a pension that I will get to collect, plus well…there’s that pension!
Human friends are awesome, don’t get me wrong, but pet friends bring me great happiness as well! What brings you happiness?
Positive changes can take many forms. The one that I really have noticed a big impact from is….blogging! What are some positive changes you have made recently?
Like you mean today (I teach high school)? I joke around with my students that I am in my 24th year of high school. I tell them I have been institutionalized….I no longer understand the walls outside of the high school. Some days it feels as though this is true.
Positive changes can take many forms. The one that I really have noticed a big impact from is….blogging! What are some positive changes you have made recently?
I would have to say exercising with friends is the best, preferably while playing some sort of sport. I love playing baseball, softball, and golf with my buddies. The sports are fun, but the social aspect always makes it worthwhile. What is your favorite way to excercise?
I would have to say exercising with friends is the best, preferably while playing some sort of sport. I love playing baseball, softball, and golf with my buddies. The sports are fun, but the social aspect always makes it worthwhile. What is your favorite way to excercise?
Morgan Wallen the tribune of the country music world has been at the center of controversy of late, not for the first time. This seems to be big news on Google Trends with over 500,000 people searching for information on the topic this week, so let’s take a little deeper dive and see what is…
Ishmael is the story of a mysterious employer seeking a pupil to listen to their story. The story, written by a masterful historian, discusses how and why we have gotten to the current state of affairs with the natural world.
I would like to be Sherlock Holmes if I could. To be able to use deductive logic as astutely as him is a life goal.
Bearded Dragons can be the perfect choice for you! In addition to being an excellent species for beginners in the lizard world, it is relatively easy to maintain and full of personality. And you need a reasonably simple terrarium with little equipment. You can easily find them for sale in many colors and patterns.
What if we has an all female army?
How have you adapted to the changes brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic? I was already pretty into tech, but now it has become a way of life. Technology can be great, but it can also cause chaos. We have wnough trouble keeping up with the current reality, but when everything changes so quickly, as…
It would definitely be a baseball field! I would love to be one of those legendary coaches enshrined at the ballpark with a bronze statue. If I get back into coaching baseball and have a good run, it could potentially happen at my high school because I have been there forever.
My students provide an endless source of amusement each day as a teacher, as do my own children. High school students are always cracking jokes and playing pranks on each other. It begins at 8:00 in the morning and continues until the end of the day.
My students provide an endless source of amusement each day as a teacher, as do my own children. High school students are always cracking jokes and playing pranks on each other. It begins at 8:00 in the morning and continues until the end of the day.
A quick reflection on my childhood…those were indeed the good old days!
Technology is moving very fast in the field of education as it is the world.
During the week I am pretty goal oriented. Teaching keeps me motivated and demands 100% of my focus most days, so there isn’t room for a lot else, like eating unhealthy food or doing things that are a waste of time
Education movies have a way of touching us deep down in our soul. What ate your favorite education movies?
I absolutely love studying the stock market, but it doesn’t always love me back. If I could have a special ability, it would be to pick stocks winning stock trades consistently.
It is raining today in Southern California and I thought I would compile a list of popular education themed movies. Education themed movies can be very inspiring, especially for teachers and students, which we all are at some point for the most part.
My favorite type of weather is when I am out skiing and there is a snowstorm with, maybe a little bit of wind, big fluffy white snowflakes, and an accumulation of snow.
The word that best describes me is fashionista. I am really big into fashion. I have an assortment of athletic shorts that I like to wear with an assortment of collared shirts for work, or t-shirts for home.
The word that best describes me is fashionista. I am really big into fashion. I have an assortment of athletic shorts that I like to wear with an assortment of collared shirts for work, or t-shirts for home.
There is no compliment better to me than when a student shows their appreciation for what I do for them.
I would travel the country in a van, with a couple of road peddle bikes, and some friends.
The most confident person I know is a friend I play baseball with. Even though we are all 45 years old and older playing in a 35 and older division, he always displays great confidence at the plate or in the field.
I personally am more of a rationalist, when the signs point the right way. I am in charge of my own destiny, if it is the will of fate.
I would compare myself to a hamster on a wheel….
I have always wanted to go on a shopping spree at Bass Pro Shops in Las Vegas and bring home an obnoxiously expensive bass boat after winning an impossible jackpot. I have won a few small jackpots in Vegas, but never the colossal ones (not for lack of effort).
The last thing I learned was not to slide when you don’t have baseball pants on. It may be fun to go out and dive for a ball on your Sunday softball team, but you should remember that the ground is not all that forgiving to skin!
He came…..He saw….He ate cookies!
I enjoy my job for the most part. It can be exceptionally challenging and stressful at times. You are asked to do so much at one time, remember so much, plan so much, analyze so much, and communicate clearly with a multitude of learners of varying backgrounds, language levels, learning disabilities, and all social economic…
I enjoy my job for the most part. It can be exceptionally challenging and stressful at times. You are asked to do so much at one time, remember so much, plan so much, analyze so much, and communicate clearly with a multitude of learners of varying backgrounds, language levels, learning disabilities, and all social economic…
It would be between my cats or my dogs. I work hard so that my fur babies can have a life of luxury
Painting my house was a real challenge!
I would ban the word gender if I had the chance. The idea that everyone has the same “gender” because there is a word for it is so asinine given our current level of scientific understanding.
I would tell my teenage self to listen to his parents more! Guess what they were right! They had a lot of the answers! You could of saved yourself so much pain and suffering!
I would tell my teenage self to listen to his parents more! Guess what they were right! They had a lot of the answers! You could of saved yourself so much pain and suffering!
Pretty much everything that has to do with adulting bores me… I am definitely one of those “adulting 1 out of 5 stars” type of people.
Depending on the conditions and how one is feeling drinks can be quite satisfying. I think my favorite drinks must have a context to be enjoyed fully.
In the mountains, I wear these to wade into streams stalking wild trout with my flyfishing pole on the Kern River, as well as in the Eastern Sierra
I can judge how fun my summer has been, by how often I wear these shoes because when I wear them I am typically going to: 1)the ocean, the 2) mountains, or 3) The Colorado River.
Share one of the best gifts you’ve ever received. My top five gifts ever would be: 1) current snowboard setup, 2) ski pass to Mammoth, 3) kayak, 4) no meeting Friday’s at work, and 5) my first dog. #1 – My current snowboard setup I have had for 14 years or so. It is a…
My top five gifts ever would be: 1) current snowboard setup, 2) ski pass to Mammoth, 3) kayak, 4) no meeting Friday’s at work, and 5) my first dog
My girlfriend and I flew up to Seattle for a weekend trip to celebrate Valentine’s Day and our anniversary. We opted to take the linklight train instead of rent a car, which was a good decision. After checking in at The Arctic Club hotel, we went to a couple of really awesome bars, The Owl…
What a great question for an Economics teacher to answer! First I look at my total revenue and see if it has been maximized by making a mental Production Possibilities Frontier curve using time and hours worked as variables to determine if I am maximizing my productivity
Patriotism is a very complex topic, mine grew out of The Cold War
Patriotism can take many forms. Personally, I find patriotism important to one’s life. If you do not have anything positive to say about your country, what is the point of living there?
A few times a day I unintentionally break the law I would say. Since I am always driving and no one actually drives the speed limit, that would be a constant one.
My biography could have many titles. How Bunch Conquered the World of Industry, or How Bunch Defined Military Strategy in the 21st Century, or maybe The Life and Times of Bunch, an Epic Saga of Love, Betrayal, Intrigue, and Candy Canes….
On February 13, 2024, Sandy the Beardie crowned himself emperor of his owners Southern California home. All residents of the house immediately fell to their knees and exclaimed, “Long Live the Emperor” in unison. For the past three years Sandy the Beardie had been planning his Machiavellian strategy to seize power, then the prophesized sacred…
At my age my parents were working hard, trying to give their little boy a good life
At my age my parents were working hard, trying to give their little boy a good life. My father commuted 2 1/2 hours to work each way so that we could live in a nice house.
I think campaign finance laws need to be changed back to what they were under the McCain-Feingold bipartisan bill passed by the U.S. Congress.
My dream home would be next to a large mountain for skiing in the winter and hiking/fishing in the summer…
I find my dog and start repeatedly saying her name, patting her on the belly and run around the house hysterically with her.
I find my dog and start repeatedly saying her name, patting her on the belly and run around the house hysterically with her…
I could use a break from driving. I feel like I am driving my life away between commuting, dropping off and picking up kids, and traveling.
An amazing bit of poetry, thought I would share!
My most ideal day would probably begin with a powder snow day at Mammoth Mountain, preferably at least 24″ or so riding with friends. After a hearty lunch that would definitely include chili cheese fries, it would be time to head down the mountain to Bishop Golf Course.
An interesting question….I think my life can be separated into two epochs, before children and after children.
I feel it is the responsible thing to do for me to do my own taxes as an Economics teacher, so each year I spend a weekend doing taxes.
I don’t always love cooking, but I do like eating good food so I have been forced to learn how to cook somewhat over the years.
My first computer was an oldie but goody!
I am fortunate to still be able to play all these wonderful sports!
If I won the lottery I would create my own ski resort…
I just finished the second Dune book and am loving it!
Family traditions come in many forms, here are some of mine…
I have lived in California all my life so there isn’t a whole lot that I have not visited yet. I driven by beautiful Mt. Shasta in Northern California and fished the Sacramento River nearby, but would like to spend more time there. Apparently, you can get a houseboat for a period of time up there and…
I don’t want to overshare on this one so I am just going to go with Allen, my pen name, has a Scottish-Gaelic origin, although I don’t know that I have any Scottish or Gaelic cultural ties. I am not super attached to it, but do feel I have under utilized this pseudonym throughout my life. It…
An exciting 2023-24 NFL season is winding down with divisional playoff action continuing this week. The 49ers and the Ravens won yesterday to punch their ticket to the semi-final. Who will meet them there?
Growing up during the tail end of the Cold War, almost all my favorite movies were related to the Cold War in some way shape or form.
I was not always a leader. I was fine with letting others…..
I help coach our varsity boys soccer team and have learned some really valuable leadership lessons from our varsity coach.
I would uninvent student poverty. After teaching for twenty plus years I have come to the conclusion that society should put much more into making sure children’s basic needs are met in order for them to be successful.
I would uninvent student poverty. After teaching for twenty plus years I have come to the conclusion that society should put much more into making sure children’s basic needs are met in order for them to be successful.
I had a student last year who would come into my room every day, we will call her Lupe, and battle her way through my Economics class despite being an English Learner. I
I had a student last year who would come into my room every day, we will call her Lupe, and battle her way through my Economics class despite being an English Learner. I
I live a pretty lean existence except when it comes to a few things. I have been told that I perhaps have a fishing pole problem. I tend to hoard candy canes and eat them daily. I also have 65 pets.
My favorite animal would have to be the owl. I remember when I was doing my teaching credential owls were symbolic of becoming a wise-old teacher
I consider myself a digital immigrant when conpared to today’s youth…
One day while eating lunch in the staff lounge of my high school, I happened upon a curious artifact. It had a label called “Rory’s Story Cubes” and was in the communal staff library (which means feel free to borrow and use). I immediately thought of blogging and possible writing prompts.
Happy Sunday to you all! I hope you are having a fantastic day! After a busy week of teaching, I am reminded of the importance of building a strong relationship with my students at the beginning of the year.
Living a long life could be a blessing or a curse depending on the quality and happiness of that life. One could live a long life full of : anger, resentment, pain, regret, loneliness, and sorrow. In this case, I would say it is not something to be desired.
The choices we make define us…
There is never quite enough time. I wish I could have more time each day for work and play.
Happy New Year everyone! I hope you are having fantastic start to the New Year! Here are some of my thoughts on saving while young, enjoy!
I spend more time thinking about the future these days. I have a lot of goals that I want to accomplish and I think the happiest days of my life lie before me. I think I have dealt with most of my inner demons, or at least made enough peace with them that they keep their distance.
The greatest gift someone could give me would be more time…and maybe more energy to go along with it. Time is our most precious resource, certainly something I never have enough of
I moved to Mammoth Lakes after graduation with a friend as I guess what would today be called a “gap” year. One year turned into four and by the time my time up there was over I had met my first wife and she was pregnant.
I made a youtube video on how to link to another person’s blog! Check it out!
…Sports have always been my number one form of play. When I was younger, everything fun happened outside. Being inside the house was boring, almost a punishment….
It has been a rough ride the last four years since my divorce in a lot of ways, but I feel like the struggles have made me stronger.
Looking to blow up on Tik-Tok? Look no further, here is a list of the Top 20 Trends on Tik-Tok for 2023 thus far!
….I will go to a place that I used to take them when they were very young and I can see them playing on the playground equipment or hiding under the clothing racks at a department store…
…When I wake up in the morning and I don’t want to workout, I remember this. I remember how good it feels to have a large reservoir of energy to dive into for my students (last semester I had 215 counting my soccer class). I think about the example I am settling for them, the stories I…
If the players do not like a call by the referee they will shout “Ni” at them to voice their displeasure. During halftime, herrings would be launched into the crowd using slingshots…
Moving away from home and living in less privileged communities, I realized that a lot of what I had been taught as a youth was simply not true.
The house featured in “Alien Covenant” would be an ideal setting for me to write from, without the creepy A.I. David or his creator, Mr. Waylan 🙂
Introduction: In the grand orchestra of existence, music emerges as both a saviour and a spectre, weaving through the tapestry of human emotions….
I never really considered myself that creative of a person growing up, but it has turned into one of my major strengths. Teaching has really shown me this over the years…..
The biggest influences in my life are surprise…my family and friends. My mom has always been my “rock” in life through all the storms that have come our way.
As a professional educator, I believe I have become fairly adept at judging character, especially catching people in lies.
Southern California in winter offers many fun activities to the visitor and resident alike.
What are your favorite types of cookies? Here are mine!
I had a really good Economics teacher in high school who explained the Japanese business model, Kai’zen to us and it really stuck with me
What will the role of artificial intelligence in education be?
William Blake, a controversial yet idealistic painter/poet of the late 1700’s gives us a window into his mind with his illustrations and poems. I could not help but think that if Blake were alive today, he would probably be a blogger!
Imagine walking into a classroom, not as a student anymore, but as their teacher with very little experience with children under your belt. It was gut check time for me, time to see if this would be my career or not.
…Even though I know that my skills are solid, the nerves can still turn my meetings into less than what I want them to be….
Fishing may or may not technically be considered exercise, but it is always my excuse to get into the outdoors and recreate….
I see the way parents care for children, siblings for one another, strangers helping others, compassion for the less fortunate, and the great lengths individuals go to help others, even at their own detriment.
Panda had a reputation for being a high-energy dog. As a Pittie-Pointer mix, she boasted an extremely athletic frame. Everyone seemed to like Panda, but they also had to hide from her because she could be “a little bit much” at times.
Having quality after-school programs makes sense for all students: socially, emotionally, and economically.
I have had a lot of favorite cartoons over the years, but the one that really sticks in my mind is Ren and Stimpy. If you have never seen this cartoon it is ridiculous and hilarious.
When it comes to artists, I think of painters, and my favorite painters are from the Renaissance period in Europe. The Renaissance came on the heels of The Black Death which greatly weakened ….
At the end of the day, no one wanted the Soviet Union to win the Cold War as that would mean an end to our very way of life.
Hi there dear reader, I decided to write about post-pandemic teaching and learning as a positive event that has occurred in the last year. check it out if you have a moment! What has been your experience with this?
New reaearch suggests that our individual vibration may have an impact on pur productivity. Take the chronotype quiz inside the article to find put yours!
Unconditional love: the extraordinary bond between pets and their owners, a bond for life, a bond for sailing the rough seas of life, transforms the lives of both pets and owners….
I live in a pretty dry area near Los Angeles so we don’t see a ton of wildlife, unless you count all the strange people that come out at night in Hollywood. We have a nice mix of crows, like lots of crows, like murders upon murders upon murders of crows
My favorite place I have visited would have to be Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone gets a lot of hype from people, but it certainly lives up to it.
I tend to connect deeply with nature, specifically animals, probably owing to pastoral history of my family. I think this is my strongest attribute as a leader and an educator.
My hardest decision took place during my teenage years…
William Blake, a controversial yet idealistic painter/poet of the late 1700’s gives us a window into his mind with his illustrations and poems. I could not help but think that if Blake were alive today, he would probably be a blogger!
A positive poem to start the day…
What if we didn’t sleep, but we had to watch at least one Disney movie every night? How long till we would run out of Disney movies? Would we need a lot more calories?
Sharing ones life with animals is a wonderful thing. My pets have become my staff writers and administrative assistants for my blog.
The mountains will always be home to my soul…
I love some down home cooking…
I am doing some Christmas Shopping today online today because Amazon has some fantastic deals with my personal recommendations…
Jackie Robinson would be the historical figure I would most like to meet…
I depend on my instincts differently in different situations…
Embracing the role of a lifelong learner is a commitment to continual growth, adaptability, and the pursuit of knowledge throughout one’s life….
In a world characterized by perpetual change and an ever-expanding pool of knowledge, the concept of creating lifelong learners has emerged as a guiding principle for personal and societal growth….
But what exactly does it mean to be a lifelong learner, and why is it considered a key to a healthy and fulfilling life?
A local market has really captured my interest of late due to the wide selection of healthy eating options…
First impressions can make or break a school year.
I am reading Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand and Prequel by Rachael Maddow at the momemt…
California’s Central Coast has an ideal climate and ample options for recreating.
When I was maybe seven years old, I thought I had found the motherlode of diamonds because my friends and I had found some rather large rocks with a lot of quartz in them.,..
I had the privilige of serving Mila Jolovovich during my restaur ski bum days….
When I was maybe seven years old, I thought I had found the motherlode of diamonds because my friends and I had found some rather large rocks with a lot of quartz in them.,..
Unconditional love: the extraordinary bond between pets and their owners, a bond for life, a bond for sailing the rough seas of life, transforms the lives of both pets and owners….
Managing screen time can be quite difficult…
Three Years from Now….the predictions!
My favorite subject in school, when I was younger, was definitely Science, specifically Geology. Science always captured my imagination in ways that exceeded other subjects….
At lunchtime, every workplace would have a cart go through the hall for, “Bringing out of ye dead…..
Searching, so desperately searching each and every day Like a rat in a cage, sniffing the edges, whiskers on the glass
I was always at one party or another, living a crazy life, but I always put away a little bit of my efforts towards a better future, which really paid off for me.
Having quality after-school programs makes sense for all students: socially, emotionally, and economically. I added some extra resources onto this one!
The historical event that fascinates me the most is the building of ancient sites around the world. I am going to admit, I am a huge fan of the series, “Ancient Aliens” ….
Having quality after-school programs makes sense for all students: socially, emotionally, and economically.
As adults, we are taught to hold our tongues, bottle up our feelings, and be mindful of how others might feel……
World peace is badly needed, but we are spinning out of control at the moment.
Panda had a reputation for being a high-energy dog. As a Pittie-Pointer mix, she boasted an extremely athletic frame. Everyone seemed to like Panda, but they also had to hide from her because she could be “a little bit much” at times.
Panda had a reputation for being a high-energy dog. As a Pittie-Pointer mix, she boasted an extremely athletic frame.
Funny you should ask WordPress! I just tried surfing today for the first time at the ripe old age of 46….
When I lived in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, in every direction, there was unexplored territory that changed with each season often dramatically….
My favorite types of foods have changed a bit of late as I have moved away from a meat based diet. Here are my current top five favorite foods….
Smoothies can be loaded up with all kinds of different stuff. Right now I am currently hooked on my “Straight Outta Fall Break” strawberry banana peach smoothie. ….
I read this today and it moved me. It reminded me how many people suffer just going through an ordinary day…
I remember people walking on the defunct Berlin Wall, hugging, high-fiving, celebrating the end of one of the most brutal authoritarian regimes of all time….
“This was my first exposure to helicopter skiing. It absolutely blew my mind that people could ride a helicopter up to the top of a mountain, jump out, and ski down whatever direction they chose….”
Blogging has become a major side project for me…
Science and religion, offen at odds, seem to be leading us to some of fhe same conclusions….
… Your fingernails look like a vampire’s, but you think it’s cool so why not keep going?
“When he came to Los Angeles from the New York Mets, he was considered a part-time player. He showed a lot of potential, but could never quite put it together to be a full-time starter.”
I would like to take this opportunity to define a good neighbor by defining what a bad neighbor is, namely, my neighbors, we will call them Ken and Karen.
I have always wanted to try surfing. I have used boogie boards, body boards, and skim boarded, but never surfed.
What principles do I live by? Well, that is a good question…I believe a bad day fishing beats a good day at work…..I believe in helping people up, not giving them handouts.
I feel attacked! I put off things way too much!
I would like to attempt being an astronaut if guaranteed not to fail. Ever since I watched the first Star Wars, space truly captured my imagination….
The hardest personal goal I have set for myself is self-mastery. It took me a while to figure out that if I was going to be successful….
When it comes to artists, I think of painters, and my favorite painters are from the Renaissance period in Europe. The Renaissance came on the heels of The Black Death which greatly weakened ….
“It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it’s a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again.” – Field of Dreams
Losing all my possessions would be a difficult and humbling experience, but there is more to life than….
I was not always a leader. I was fine with letting others…..
Teaching history leads me to ponder the lives of many historical figures. Many of which I have profound admiration for…
Being a historian and a history teacher at that, it is not uncommon for me to walk away with many new understandings over the course of a day. ..
Since it is Worldwide Day of the Teacher, I thought I would recount a teaching story for this one. I felt pretty out of place the one day I substituted at an elementary school when I was exploring the teaching profession.
Education is the cornerstone of human progress, and at the heart of every great education system lies dedicated and passionate teachers.
I reached this milestone today! Thank you for all the support and encouragement!
I found this an interesting take on the role of military personnel and the importance of cultural literacy.
Once upon a time in a bustling city, there lived a man named Daniel. He was a tech-savvy individual, always at the forefront of the latest gadgets and gizmos. His days were filled with the hum of electronics….
I would like to learn the skill of having a near perfect swing with my driver in golf. All my other clubs I hit really well, but the driver always is an issue. …
I could pay more attention to a lot of things in my life. There is honestly never enough time for me to do everything to the degree of excellence that I would like to find…..
My number one priority tomorrow will be getting home from our staycation at Sequoia National Park and getting ready for work Tuesday
Hard work gives me a sense of accomplishment that keeps me motivated. Hard work takes me from sweat to satisfaction!
I like the growth mindset I have developed, especially over the last few years. This is something…
Randomsock for pres 2024
Despite some moderate seasickness, I enjoyed a beautiful sunrise on Sunday from our chartered fishing boat….
Article describing the author’s three favorite American History figures. Includes links to famous quotes and other site biographies.
History truly is the best teacher. An arguement for why studying history matters…
I wish I had more time to spend with my parents….
I think the main topics I would like to be more informed about would be artificial intelligence and technology in general….
An ode to music, a short poem musing on a life potentially without music…
Holidays are always fun. Being an educator, it is quite a luxury to have all the school holidays off.
The list is long WordPress….most epic fail would be when I almost burned the house down making Top Ramen…..
This list has shifted a bit since I have gone more plant based diet….
Walking and running are essential parts of my fitness routine….
I was not always a leader. I was fine with letting others…..
Right now I am blogging, playing with kittens, and watching the Dodger Game. I went to an intriguing training on improving reading and writing skills for students today.
Monday of my ideal week would start with a win of the Super Lotto here in California, when it is just north of $1 Billion dollars….
Dani caught her first mouse today….
Greatness on the Field Complemented by Greatness off the Field usually complement each other….
The Quail Fire (2022) burned away the guardrails up to my favorite fishing spot last August. The road going up there has been closed since then. I noticed this week that the construction signs were gone. This morning, I got up early headed out the door to go fish, unsure whether the lake road up…
I am a very active person, so I guess it is not all that surprising that most of my things I do to relax involve activities. Nature for me is the great healer, finding some way to interact with nature, usually provides me with great joy. Not to say that I don’t enjoy time spent…
I am holding a pretty big grudge against our school district right now. They offered our union a 0% C.O.L.A. in the first round of negotiating our contract this year.
Wordless Wednesday – Kern River, California 9/3
My cat typed this message on my computer. What does it mean?
I have traveled to Europe twice which from a “farthest from home” perspective would be the farthest in miles, however, I want to write about my intellectual journey through history as the topic of this post.
What comes to mind when you think about impartiality?
Joy can be a difficult thing to find at times with all the trials and tribulations of life. Some of my most joyful moments have come on the back end of great sorrow, disappointment, and difficulty. I don’t know if you can have one without the other. To truly understand joy, you must understand some…
Jimmy Buffet, famed singer, died at the age of 76 on September 1st, 2023 from complications related to cancer. He left behind….
“Those days when you get up early, you work hard, even though you don’t feel like it, that is actually the dream” Kobe Bryant
I highly recommend trying a plant based diet.
Sunset reminds me of the mysteries and beauty of life when I take the time to appreciate it. Living near the beach in Los Angeles, the sunsets that can be seen there, perhaps rival any other. The different hues of pink, orange, purple, and blue going off into a near sighted infinity until they meet…
The ideal city of the future should be designed following the guidelines of “The Venus Project”. “The Venus Project” is a non-profit organization that has been working to bridge the gap between humanity and economic growth/development in a sustainable way.
Where did your name come from? My parents were hippy folkish. My father wanted to name me Moonbeam or Starlight and a host of other strange names. Lucky for me, the final decision was up to my mother who chose a somewhat normal name for me….Michael! Her family practiced Catholicism. Michael, the name of God’s…
Keeping a positive mindset, where you know ultimately the only person that can defeat you is yourself, motivates me more than anything.
How to plan for emergency preparedness is very important in this crazy world we live in. How would you prepare for an emergency?
This is kind of a tough one…..but I would have to go with “you know” as a phrase. I catch myself using it all the time and it drives me crazy, but it is very handy as a colloquial saying. I hear so many “you know’s” a day that I really start to doubt whether…
Thanks for the support!
What brings you peace? Getting up early and “putting the work in”. I feel a deep sense of pride when win that all important first battle of the day with the snooze button. Some days, it is getting to work before anyone else, sometimes working on my personal well being through weight training, yoga, or…
I have been playing with Chat GPT the last few weeks and have began the new science of, “prompt engineering” otherwise known as laughing at (or with just in case machines take over the world) what Chat GPT creates. I was just doing this as practice, but it is pretty damn hilarious, thought I would…
I admire journalists who speak truth to power. Large corporations, governments, and even smaller businesses in small towns will stop at nothing to avoid having their “dirty laundry” aired.
The Perseid meteor shower, a celestial event that has captivated the imagination of skywatchers for centuries, is set to unveil its luminous display tonight. For followers of my blog and enthusiasts of the cosmos alike, this is an opportune moment to delve into the rich history that has shaped the Perseid meteor shower into the…
Picture from the Venus Project – an ideal sustainable future
Describing an alternate universe
I used to work in the restaurant business, so this is a reflection on some of that time and why I love Red Lobster.
The sporting event of the decade! Man versus beast show off in a pitched struggle! Who will win?
Someone stole a roll of Tun foil and it was in the newspaper? I have questions.
Another year and I know I will stay in high school…. 🙂
A short list of things that make me happy. What makes you happy?
Looking to blow up on Tik-Tok? Look no further, here is a list of the Top 20 Trends on Tik-Tok for 2023 thus far!
Hi there, Mike here from Bunchiesblog! I thought I would go a little more in depth than just on habit that brings me joy.
It is amazing to me to think that there are millions of people doing what I am doing right now, that we are all contributing to the whole of human knowledge (hopefully).
Random acts of kindness can come in many forms, here I will speak of the power of positive reinforcement, especially in management situations.
I wrote this poem in response to a writing prompt titled, “Dejected”. I sought to illustrate the disconnect between families in modern times.
Today I registered my daughter for her senior year in high school. It sounds cheesy, but I remember when she was just a tiny little thing crawling on the floor, banging on things and laughing. Now we are worried about what classes to take, driving, and college. Seventeen years ago, I also started my full-time…
My mission statement? Let me know what you think.
Can we bring back dinosaurs? This theme has been explored in depth in the famous Jurassic Park movies, but can we actually do it? I happen to of stumbled upon a lecture at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles about just this question a few years ago and what they said was quite interesting.
The short answer; New Zealand and China would be my two choices to visit if I had a plane tickets to any two destinations.
I think maintaining health and well-being differs in some ways from person to person, but there are some basic things that are important for everyone. So here are: My Three Keys for Mental and Physical Well Being.
I am hoping to do an “Endless Winter” next year by skiing both North and South America.
How can we as a society change fast enough to survive the next 100 years?
The short answer: lots of different types of music! See the long answer below!
Retiring as a teacher and successful blogger would be ideal!
Games have always captured my imagination. I do not think there is a day of my conscious life that I have not played some sort of game, even if it was just in my head.
Why Homemade Pizza is Better than Pizza Parlor Pizza – The short answer, because it is a social experience when shared with family!
Dogs and Cats Who is Better? The debate rages on, pitting family members against one another at times, but who is really the better pet?
Mr. Bunch fishing at Pyramid Lake (2023)
Mr. Bunch fishing at Pyramid Lake (2023)
Bearded Dragon Attacks Owner. Prelim art Reports say it was a Case of Mistaken Identity.
I think ignorance in today’s information based society bothers me more than anything.
Amazing photo I took on the Snake River in June this year. Perfect weather, crystal clear water, flyfishing on a kayak in a new place.
What is truly essential to modern life in the United States? This is a question I ask my Economics class each year. What is the difference between a want and a need? How do we differentiate between them?
I am currently seeking a bit of both. I have a lot of time off due to being a teacher and it gives me a lot of time to adventure, but the flip side of the coin is that it takes money to adventure.
As a lifelong athlete as well as coach, I have had many days where I have had to practice or play on exceptionally hot days. Some days it feels like the sun will melt you in your uniform or training gear like a runny egg into your shoes. On these days, it is critical to…
#Let’sWinTogether is all about increasing engagement on the WordPress platform. Take the challenge, comment on ten posts from any category, post your name in the comments section and I will follow you.
From original author: Today, we’re discussing a hypothetical dinner party where we invite two controversial figures: Tom MacDonald and Donald Trump. Strap in, as we delve into the reasons behind this intriguing guest list.
If I could host a dinner for anyone throughout history it would probably be Babe Ruth. Ruth by all accounts was a “life of the party” type of guy. He enjoyed having a good time and was not shy about it.
A hopefully humorous take on aging.
Falling asleep can be very hard in today’s tech driven society. Here are some tips and resources to help you get better sleep
Comfort to me is having my basic needs met. When this is the case, it is easier for me to pursue my goals and find contentment.
Humanity needs a better way to develop alongside the natural environment, this may be that way.
Thinking about the future excites and scares me as a middle-aged man.
I try to follow the old saying, “It takes two to argue” when it comes to conflict.
I try to follow the old saying, “It takes two to argue” when it comes to conflict.
Cell Pic Sunday – post a recent pic and tell a story!
My Top 5 Albums of all time. What are yours?
My Top 5 Albums of all time. What are yours?
Reminiscing on a life changing trip I was blessed to take when I was 18 years old.
The Pros and Cons of Being a Generalist
Lightning in the Grand Canyon
Local bearded dragon Sandy Koufax interviewed about Alone Season 3
A short article chronicling my experiences with surgery.
My daily habits shift between vacation mode and grind mode
One of the nice things about getting older is I am less afraid to take risks.
Local Cats Confused by Bronze Hummingbirds on Wall.
If we could all do these things, it would make a big difference!
This is both an informative post about the current Tik-Tok ban and a invitation to a “Civil Discussion” or debate. Feel free to comment, question, just keep it respectful!
Article chronicling the historic invasion of Mormon Crickets in Elko, Nevada this year.
Spirituality is a great mystery to me. I think we all have some small pieces of the puzzle, but very rarely does anyone have the entire thing.
I spent some time reflecting on what the keys are to self-care for me. It is a constant struggle, but this is what generally works for me.
I have had a strange but meaningful spiritual journey.
Allegedly, last weekend there were two serious accidents at Tierra Rejada golf course and two DUI’s given out.
Picture of the Foo Fighters trolling Westboro Baptist Church protestors while singing the Bee Gees, “You Should be Dancin’”.
This post is a short description of why eating pizza transports me instantly back to my childhood.
Article describing the author’s three favorite American History figures. Includes links to famous quotes and other site biographies.
A short list of countries I would want to visit and some recommended traveling sites. Thank you for considering a like, subscribe or submitting thoughtful comments!
Self Love is vital to being able to connect with others. I decided to make a article with a few resources including the new Spider-Man song titled, “self-love” linked in. Listen to the song as you read! Thanks for considering throwing a like, comment or subscribe my way!
I compiled a list of my top five places that I would consider retiring. Feel free to comment, share, and discuss! What is more fun than talking about travel?
Cookies are the best. Homemade oatmeal raising are more personal favorite, especially when made for me by my loving girlfriend. There are so many different kinds of cookies, different shapes, colors, cookies that look like people, places, things and don’t get me started on frosted cookies! My mom makes homemade sugar cookies and decorates them…
Living life with gratitude is most important to truly enjoying it. This can never be taken away.
These separatists declared independence from Ukraine and sought to join Russia. The Ukrainian government responded by launching a military operation to regain control over the separatist-held territories.
California, often dubbed the “Shaky State,” is no stranger to seismic activity. Nestled along the volatile Pacific Ring of Fire, this geologically diverse region experiences frequent earthquakes of varying magnitudes
The Trump presidency was characterized by controversy, divisiveness, and a departure from established norms.
The search for the best form of government remains an ongoing and dynamic quest. No single system can guarantee perfection, as societal needs, cultural contexts, and historical circumstances vary. Nevertheless, by combining the strengths and mitigating the weaknesses of different models, we can strive to create an optimal form of governance that promotes individual liberties,…
This article examines the origins of police brutality in the U.S. starting with slavery up to present day in a relatively short article.
Happy Monday! I am inspired today to write about a chrome extension I used today to make a video for my classes distance learning. I have been slowly but surely working my way up the technological ladder of distance learning education apps and on the recommendation of our professional development coach at my school, tried…
I look forward to meeting new people via my blog, having stimulating discussions, and hopefully providing a valuable service to the community and dare I say it, the world.
If you could make your pet understand one thing, what would it be? You don’t need to bark at everything, everywhere, all the time… My dog loves barking and has the loudest bark/howl in the neighborhood. As much as I treasure the sweet “song of Panda”, my neighbors don’t so much. That dog five houses…
Good leadership flows from a calm spirit. Good leaders understand the link between calm and logical thinking, especially in crisis. A leader that is calm under fire inspires calm and focus in others. During the NFL playoffs yesterday, this was the deciding factor, especially at the quarterback position. Conditions were difficult for passing with low…
When I was in elementary school, a new building was added to our school. There was a “time capsule” left in the building, which held artifacts from that school year.
Older dragon? My daughter has a Crested Gecko. She got him last summer and he was literally the size of my thumb. Now he’s about 5”. He’s big for his age, the guy we bought him from says he eats too much lol
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What are your thoughts on this?