Showing posts with label television. Show all posts
Showing posts with label television. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Awesome Videos

Mr. W... And not our American "W" - George W. Bush
This is one of the best!

What do you think?

Monday, January 18, 2010

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

On every third Monday of January, the United States remembers the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Civil Rights Leader and Activist.

Today, Monday, Jan. 18th of 2010, I didn't go to work because I had the option of being off if I had all my "professional development" hours. Do I have these? Yes, I have met and exceeded the amount of hours needed for me to enjoy a day away from work.

What makes this possible? A federal holiday, MLK Day.

However, this day is a regular working day for most people, and those that are off, usually don't remember the real reason for this holiday because we're all tired and busy planning life stuff.

Some questions ponder in my mind: What if Dr. King was still alive today? How would things be?? How would history be different??? And if he could come back, what would he think about American society today???

A couple of years ago, I remember watching part of a cartoon that made me remember Dr. King's efforts and goals... and it just really made me think... a whole lot.

Although some might feel offended, please look at the bigger picture of the clip below. I think it attempts to answer at least one of my questions: What would Dr. King think of society today if he could be here for just one day? It is not meant to insult or destroy anyone with words, images, etc... Completely the opposite. The intention of the creator of this cartoon, Boondocks, was to pay respect to Dr. King and make us all, (yes, all of us) think about how we are contributing to American society. Are we being responsible members? Do we bring goodness with our actions?? Are we doing all that we can to live good lives???

My motive as a Social Studies teacher and rookie in the blogging world is to hopefully bring awareness to society (meaning my students), as I work with them on a daily basis, encouraging them to be their best, rise above current circumstances, and remain with a grateful attitude at all times.

Unfortunately, we (society as a whole) have lost that vision of living up to the dream that many people who came before us, like Dr. King, worked very hard for. That's just my humble opinion. Trying to find acceptance, wanting to build a better tomorrow so that it could be shared with our coming generations, etc... It's our duty to bring that dream back... that one dream that Dr. King had and worked for until his last day of life in order to see it reality in everyone. But as we think on this today, there are good news: The opportunity remains available. It is up to us as individuals if we are going to make it happen... and once we decide to go for it, we must hold on to it like dear life itself.

In this episode, things are so sad here in the U.S. that Martin Luther King Jr. decides to move to Canada instead. He dies at the age of 91, in Vancouver, B.C. ......Deep... and I'm so glad I get it.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

If you think you're having a bad day...

Watch this.

It will help you put everything in perspective.


Sunday, October 4, 2009

World Studies: Cuba

Cuba in a nutshell...

When people think of Cuba they most likely think dictatorship, Fidel Castro, Guantanamo Bay, Cuban cigars, Miami, and yes, Desi Arnaz (Lucy's husband, Ricky, in I Love Lucy). But there's actually more to Cuba... Way more.

Although the land is only 90 miles away from Florida, it's a completely different world. It's kind of like going back in time... to a place that stopped 60 years ago. In the following list, I intend to bring more awareness of this unique island nation.

1. This is the land of the guajiro, a Cuban from the countryside but a popular expression in conversations with others...
2. Cafecito (expresso coffee) is always good at anytime...
3. A guayabera for men is a must in every closet (a popular man's shirt)
4. The people that make it to the U.S. don't forget about their families back home... and try their best to bring everyone to freedom.
5. Awesome arroz con frijoles negros (rice with black beans) and yuca
6. La Guantanamera (remains a classic, Cuban folk song)
7. The Cuban people that become Christians are like the Great Wall of China - Solid, firm, and never down... And lasting for thousands of years. After living to "resolver" with a painful history and present, I can see why all the Cuban ministers I've met have a strong faith in a very powerful God.
8. Roots of one of my favorite sayings, "Viva Cuba Libre."
9. There's no place like El Malecon de la Habana or Cuba's Seawall in Havana.
10. And yes, check out this video (hilarious! at first)... Watch the last scene... I think it says it all: Culture, passion, love, greatness, romance in more than one way, pride, family, unity, talent, happiness in the midst of adversity, and true beauty.

Thank you DJHazElCubanoo for uploading this classic and memorable video back on YouTube... :)

Muchas gracias a DJHazElCubanoo por volver a poner este video clasico y memorable en YouTube para el deleite de todos nosotros que crecimos en una familia como la de Los Pena. :)


Saturday, August 8, 2009

Thing #12


Creating Community Through Commenting

1. I agree with what I've read so far about commenting in blogs you read. It's important to show the reader and the "community" that you're respectful of their thoughts and acknowledge their ideas and online work.

2. In addition, I believe that you shouldn't just post something like, "Wow, that's great!" -- I admit it, I'm guilty of that... But I didn't know any better! Now... Well, now I do. And I'm going to make sure that my comments are more thoughtful and actually tell the blogger something meaningful so they can continue doing what their doing... It's manners and etiquette. At least, that's the way I see it... What do you think?

3. I commented on 5 other blogs from our Library2Play site...

4. *Last Q that I need to answer... What drew me to comment on two blogs that are not part of our Library2Play class? First, I searched for cymbidium flowers using google blog search and found a blog for cymbidium photography and posted a message there. This new blog is Rachel's... She's one of the two sisters that manage all aspects of the business. I enjoyed seeing the great pictures and reading some awesome posts on faith, love, and hope.

Last but not least, my second random post outside of Library2Play, was here. If you get a chance, read this wonderful post titled: Sincerely, John Hughes. Yes, there's no way I can not comment on this... I grew up watching John Hughes' movies... My brother and I still laugh about crazy moments in some of his movies that happen to be some of our favorite on TV. I was deeply touched by such humanity that Mr. Hughes had, as described by the people that knew him. He was friends with Allison and they shared a real friendship, the kind that lasts no matter what... All I can say is that his movies influenced many, in and out of television. For instance, on Futurama ("The Luck of the Fryfish" episode), when Fry reads, "Here lies Philip J. Fry, named for his uncle, to carry on his spirit..." Do you recognize the song? Touching. Yep, it's the song from the Breakfast Club playing in the background, Don't you forget... by Simple Minds.