OK, I guess I broke the 30 posts in 30 days streak, since this is going up on day 15's morning. But I am calling this Day 14 and we can look the other way, no? This is difficult to maintain, but worthwhile. ANCIANT asks excellent questions in his comment to yesterday's post below regarding standardized testing. I will respond to him in a full post later this week.
Did you see the Celtics-Knicks game last night? I would not usually be a Knicks or Carmelo fan, but what heart. The Celtics pulled it out in the end, but it was extremely close. The Knicks were without two of their three star players (Stoudamire and Billups), so it was basically 'Melo and his team of D-Leaguers. They fought so hard that I almost rooted for them. Almost. The Spurs, down Manu, could learn a lesson from The Knicks. It will be an interesting game tonight between the Spurs and the Grizzlies. I don't know if The Spurs have an answer to the Grizzlies's front line. I am also not sure on the status of Ginobili.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Day 13: Under the Wire
Almost didn't make today's post, but here it is. I was up late at the school tonight at a special TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) tutoring night for History. TAKS is the latest standardized test that Texas school kids must pass in order to graduate. Currently, Texas students must pass an English, Social Studies, Math and Science exam. But that is all about to change.
We are transitioning to EOC's (End of Course exams). Instead of four exams, Texas students will soon have to pass a series of exams throughout each year of high school, totaling 16 exams. The way the scheme is currently proposed, they should not only have to pass each exam with a certain score, but they would also need a total composite score in each subject area. So it might be possible to pass each individual science exam, for example, yet not reach the science composite number needed to graduate. OR, perhaps you barely fail one of them, but perhaps you can score high enough on the others to reach the required composite score.
It is even more confusing for the next couple of years as they phase in the EOC's and phase out the TAKS. We will actually have both types of exams going on, with TAKS required for older students as the younger students come in under EOC's (next year's freshman class is the first who will be required to graduate under the EOC scheme). It has been calculated that with TAKS, EOC's, AP Exams and others, that for the next couple of years there will be over 40 days of standardized testing at the high school level in Texas.
I'll leave you with that. Talk to you tomorrow.
We are transitioning to EOC's (End of Course exams). Instead of four exams, Texas students will soon have to pass a series of exams throughout each year of high school, totaling 16 exams. The way the scheme is currently proposed, they should not only have to pass each exam with a certain score, but they would also need a total composite score in each subject area. So it might be possible to pass each individual science exam, for example, yet not reach the science composite number needed to graduate. OR, perhaps you barely fail one of them, but perhaps you can score high enough on the others to reach the required composite score.
It is even more confusing for the next couple of years as they phase in the EOC's and phase out the TAKS. We will actually have both types of exams going on, with TAKS required for older students as the younger students come in under EOC's (next year's freshman class is the first who will be required to graduate under the EOC scheme). It has been calculated that with TAKS, EOC's, AP Exams and others, that for the next couple of years there will be over 40 days of standardized testing at the high school level in Texas.
I'll leave you with that. Talk to you tomorrow.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Day 12: Progress
Got to keep today's post short. We just got back our pictures from our fourth and final photo sessions for baby. We paid for a package where we got four photo sessions evenly distributed throughout her first year. Here are four pics, one from each session, from newborn to 12 month. Pretty remarkable progress...
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Day 11: They Are Just Different From Us
"Do you prefer the UK or the American version?" Any true music fan understands what I mean by that question. Since the 1960's, many albums have been released in different versions in the UK than in the U.S. In the 60's it was due to a different view of the purpose of singles. In Britain, taking the more generous view towards the consumer, many singles were viewed (but not all) as separate entities from albums. A single was a release unto itself, like a "single" album track. Therefore, hit singles often did not appear on albums. Records were for other tunes. But almost from the beginning, in America, singles were seen as tools to sell albums. Therefore, the hit singles would be front and center on albums. The albums were then filled out with the "album tracks."
After the 60's, the British came around to the American view and started to include singles as part of albums (some artists still tried to give you something fresh on the singles in the way of B-sides that did not appear on albums. This was common stateside as well, making singles collectibles for many artists). But, British and American versions of albums still often would differ for certain artists. Or there would be (sometimes drastically) remixed versions of songs for American vs. British versions of albums (I am thinking about the different mixes of "Hungry Like the Wolf" on Duran Duran's Rio. of which the British is superior. And then the different mixes of "She Blinded Me With Science" for Thomas Dolby, of which the American is better.)
What are some examples of all of this? Early Beatles records were different across the pond. In the case of The Beatles, the British versions were considered uniformly superior, and now if you buy them on CD, you are buying the British track listings. The Rolling Stones are a bit more complicated. Stones albums were quite different across the ocean until they became uniform with 1967's Their Majesties Satanic Request and on. For the Stones, both versions are still widely available, but I almost always prefer the American releases over British for them. Take their classic Aftermath. The American version is a tighter listen and kicks off with "Paint It Black," whereas that classic is not even on the British Aftermath.
Hendrix's debut Are You Experienced? is another example. Drastically different listening experiences depending on which version you have. Hendrix recorded all of these songs in the same sessions, but in Britain he released many hit songs as singles only.
Which would you prefer?
British Track Listing: "Foxey Lady" / "Manic Depression" / "Red House" / "Can You See Me?" / "Love Or Confusion" / "I Don't Live Today" // "May This Be Love"/ "Fire" / "Third Stone From the Sun" / "Remember" / "Are You Experienced?"
ABOVE: The album cover for the British pressing of Hendrix's Are You Experienced?
American Track Listing: "Purple Haze" / "Manic Depression" / "Hey Joe" / "Love or Confusion" / "May This Be Love" / "I Don't Live Today" // "The Wind Cries Mary" / "Fire" / "Third Stone From the Sun" / "Foxey Lady" / "Are You Experienced?"
ABOVE: The American version of Are You Experienced?
That is a tough call, but I give the edge to the American version (although I love "Red House"). The Hendrix issue is moot at this point for CD buyers, because the CD version rightly includes all of the above songs, plus "Stone Free," "51st Anniversary" and "Highway Chile." As it should be, because all of the songs were recorded in the same sessions. That is an incredible fact to consider, by the way. All of those Hendrix classics tossed off in the same quick sessions?
Anyway, just another topic for music geeks to debate endlessly. I thought about this today as my daughter and I were playing with her ball machine and we were listening to the British version of Thomas Dolby's Golden Age of Wireless. A completely different listening experience than the American version.
After the 60's, the British came around to the American view and started to include singles as part of albums (some artists still tried to give you something fresh on the singles in the way of B-sides that did not appear on albums. This was common stateside as well, making singles collectibles for many artists). But, British and American versions of albums still often would differ for certain artists. Or there would be (sometimes drastically) remixed versions of songs for American vs. British versions of albums (I am thinking about the different mixes of "Hungry Like the Wolf" on Duran Duran's Rio. of which the British is superior. And then the different mixes of "She Blinded Me With Science" for Thomas Dolby, of which the American is better.)
What are some examples of all of this? Early Beatles records were different across the pond. In the case of The Beatles, the British versions were considered uniformly superior, and now if you buy them on CD, you are buying the British track listings. The Rolling Stones are a bit more complicated. Stones albums were quite different across the ocean until they became uniform with 1967's Their Majesties Satanic Request and on. For the Stones, both versions are still widely available, but I almost always prefer the American releases over British for them. Take their classic Aftermath. The American version is a tighter listen and kicks off with "Paint It Black," whereas that classic is not even on the British Aftermath.
Hendrix's debut Are You Experienced? is another example. Drastically different listening experiences depending on which version you have. Hendrix recorded all of these songs in the same sessions, but in Britain he released many hit songs as singles only.
Which would you prefer?
British Track Listing: "Foxey Lady" / "Manic Depression" / "Red House" / "Can You See Me?" / "Love Or Confusion" / "I Don't Live Today" // "May This Be Love"/ "Fire" / "Third Stone From the Sun" / "Remember" / "Are You Experienced?"
ABOVE: The album cover for the British pressing of Hendrix's Are You Experienced?
American Track Listing: "Purple Haze" / "Manic Depression" / "Hey Joe" / "Love or Confusion" / "May This Be Love" / "I Don't Live Today" // "The Wind Cries Mary" / "Fire" / "Third Stone From the Sun" / "Foxey Lady" / "Are You Experienced?"
ABOVE: The American version of Are You Experienced?
That is a tough call, but I give the edge to the American version (although I love "Red House"). The Hendrix issue is moot at this point for CD buyers, because the CD version rightly includes all of the above songs, plus "Stone Free," "51st Anniversary" and "Highway Chile." As it should be, because all of the songs were recorded in the same sessions. That is an incredible fact to consider, by the way. All of those Hendrix classics tossed off in the same quick sessions?
Anyway, just another topic for music geeks to debate endlessly. I thought about this today as my daughter and I were playing with her ball machine and we were listening to the British version of Thomas Dolby's Golden Age of Wireless. A completely different listening experience than the American version.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Day 10: Wasps, Socialists and Fries
I have the day off work today. In San Antonio it is Fiesta Week, and the schools are out today for the big Battle of Flowers Parade downtown. Fiesta is kind of like Mardi Gras, but with tortillas.
I started the day by mowing the lawn. In the winter we spread some winter seed and the grass looks beautiful, but requires mowing once a week because it is like grass on steroids. I got stung on my skull by a wasp. Or a hornet. Or some nasty, angry flying creature. I had a hat on, so the bastard had to land on my head, and get its stinger through the hat, my hair, and into my skull and through my brain. It still hurts.
I spent the rest of the day touring and interviewing Day Care facilities. My daughter attends a fantastic Day Care at one of these mega-churches nearby (I can de-program her later, not to worry). But they are closing their program at the beginning of the summer, so we need to find a new place for her to start in August. At one place I visited today they have a lunch menu and don't want you bringing your own food. I looked over the menu, searching for the fruits and veggies, and noticed that on several days there were no veggies. When I asked about that, the lady pointed to the french fries and said "there are some potatoes." Reminds me of the Reagan Administration, when they were responding to complaints about food served to students at public schools, and some official claimed that using ketchup on burgers constituted a vegetable portion. Anyway, she won't be attending that one.
Over the past few months I've gone to about 15 Day Cares. I've gotten it down to two of them that I like. They are the ones with the strongest curriculums.
I am reading Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States. It is a controversial but popular "alternate" history of the United States, told from the perspective of the Indians, slaves, factory workers, women and minorities. Obviously the guy is a socialist, and he does try to debunk history told from the perspective of the victors. But he is also honest about his perspective, and explains it thoroughly in the first chapter. I am on some listserve, e-mail group of AP History teachers around the country, and the debate rages over the legitimacy or illegitimacy of Zinn's history. It would be interesting to give the students a chapter of the book about something that we cover more conventionally, and then get into a discussion of ideology in the writing of history.
I started the day by mowing the lawn. In the winter we spread some winter seed and the grass looks beautiful, but requires mowing once a week because it is like grass on steroids. I got stung on my skull by a wasp. Or a hornet. Or some nasty, angry flying creature. I had a hat on, so the bastard had to land on my head, and get its stinger through the hat, my hair, and into my skull and through my brain. It still hurts.
I spent the rest of the day touring and interviewing Day Care facilities. My daughter attends a fantastic Day Care at one of these mega-churches nearby (I can de-program her later, not to worry). But they are closing their program at the beginning of the summer, so we need to find a new place for her to start in August. At one place I visited today they have a lunch menu and don't want you bringing your own food. I looked over the menu, searching for the fruits and veggies, and noticed that on several days there were no veggies. When I asked about that, the lady pointed to the french fries and said "there are some potatoes." Reminds me of the Reagan Administration, when they were responding to complaints about food served to students at public schools, and some official claimed that using ketchup on burgers constituted a vegetable portion. Anyway, she won't be attending that one.
Over the past few months I've gone to about 15 Day Cares. I've gotten it down to two of them that I like. They are the ones with the strongest curriculums.
I am reading Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States. It is a controversial but popular "alternate" history of the United States, told from the perspective of the Indians, slaves, factory workers, women and minorities. Obviously the guy is a socialist, and he does try to debunk history told from the perspective of the victors. But he is also honest about his perspective, and explains it thoroughly in the first chapter. I am on some listserve, e-mail group of AP History teachers around the country, and the debate rages over the legitimacy or illegitimacy of Zinn's history. It would be interesting to give the students a chapter of the book about something that we cover more conventionally, and then get into a discussion of ideology in the writing of history.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Day 9: Dez the Magnificent Predicts...
Pro basketball is the only sport that I follow very closely, and as we are on the verge of the “second season” (the eternal playoffs), it is time for my bold predictions for the first round. My fantasy team, by the way, finished right in the middle of the pack. My backwoods, inbred Mississippi, Meth-addled friend Denny won our league. He specifically asked me to mention his victory on my blog. OK, let’s dive right into it.
The West
San Antonio Spurs (1) vs. Memphis Grizzles (8)
Usually 1-8 series are not too exciting, but the Grizz could give the Spurs more problems than expected for two reasons. The Grizz have a tough front line, and that may be The Spurs’ only weakness. We will need to see the Tim Duncan of old to be able to match them. And with Manu Ginobili getting hurt in the season finale last night, that could be trouble. Early word is that it was not too serious, but Manu will miss at least the first game. The injury was on his non-shooting arm. While I could see The Grizz pushing this to 7 games…
Dez says: SA in 6
L.A. Lakers (2) vs. New Orleans Hornets (7)
L.A. got the best draw of the West. New Orleans wasn’t that strong anyway even at full strength, and they are missing their #2 guy, David West. Chris Paul can’t do it all by himself. The Lakers will get to coast through the first round and gear up for the tougher rounds.
Dez says: Lakers sweep.
Dallas Mavericks (3) vs. Portland Trailblazers (6)
The Mavs always have a great regular season, and then fold like a tent in the playoffs. I don’t see this season going any differently. Portland is tough and can give any playoff opponent a tough time. But I think the Mavs make it through to the second round, where they will be stomped by the Lakers. I will tell you this, the Lakers would rather see the Mavs win this over Portland.
Dez says: Dallas in 7.
Oklahoma City Thunder (4) vs. Denver Nuggets (5)
This should be a great series. The Thunder are the team in the West nobody wants to play. They will be very dangerous with Durant and Westbrook and the addition of Perkins in the middle. Scary. The Nuggets have been the feel good story of the season, with their renaissance and great team play once they got rid of the black hole known as Carmelo. ‘Melo and New York deserve each other. Should be an entertaining and hard fought series between two teams that are both hard to dislike.
Dez says: OKC in 6.
The East
Chicago Bulls (1) vs. Indiana Pacers (8)
If you had told the experts that the Bulls and Spurs would have the best records of the regular season, they would have laughed at you. But the Bulls are awesome, playing team basketball to a transcendent degree with almost guaranteed MVP Derek Rose leading the way.
Dez says: Bulls sweep.
Miami Heat (2) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (7)
I am an instant fan of whoever is playing the Heat. I do not want Jebron Lames to ever win a title. Ever. The arrogance makes me so angry. Philly has surprised many observers this season, and combine that with all the pressure being on the Heat and the fact that the Heat will inexplicably have at least one game where a high school team could beat them, this series could be fun.
Dez says: Heat in 6.
ABOVE: Dez does not want this jackass ever to win a title
Boston Celtics (3) vs. New York Knicks (6)
Boston’s decline in the past month is not promising for this one-time Eastern conference favorite. Trading away Kendrick Perkins really did some damage. The Knicks have some big names (Stoudamire, Melo, Billups), but they still don’t know how to play defense consistently. Don’t know if Boston can win the conference any more, but they should be able to win what will be a hard fought series.
Dez says: Boston in 6.
Orlando Magic (4) vs. Atlanta Hawks (5)
The Magic have been the forgotten powerhouse team of the East, and they have many problems to fix if they want to win the conference. But they should be able to handle the Hawks, who always choke in the playoffs.
Dez says: Magic in 6.
Well, it doesn’t look like I have any upsets predicted, but it still should be a fun first round in certain series. I think the Dallas/Portland match-up will be the one to watch. That is the most likely upset.
Thoughts?
The West
San Antonio Spurs (1) vs. Memphis Grizzles (8)
Usually 1-8 series are not too exciting, but the Grizz could give the Spurs more problems than expected for two reasons. The Grizz have a tough front line, and that may be The Spurs’ only weakness. We will need to see the Tim Duncan of old to be able to match them. And with Manu Ginobili getting hurt in the season finale last night, that could be trouble. Early word is that it was not too serious, but Manu will miss at least the first game. The injury was on his non-shooting arm. While I could see The Grizz pushing this to 7 games…
Dez says: SA in 6
L.A. Lakers (2) vs. New Orleans Hornets (7)
L.A. got the best draw of the West. New Orleans wasn’t that strong anyway even at full strength, and they are missing their #2 guy, David West. Chris Paul can’t do it all by himself. The Lakers will get to coast through the first round and gear up for the tougher rounds.
Dez says: Lakers sweep.
Dallas Mavericks (3) vs. Portland Trailblazers (6)
The Mavs always have a great regular season, and then fold like a tent in the playoffs. I don’t see this season going any differently. Portland is tough and can give any playoff opponent a tough time. But I think the Mavs make it through to the second round, where they will be stomped by the Lakers. I will tell you this, the Lakers would rather see the Mavs win this over Portland.
Dez says: Dallas in 7.
Oklahoma City Thunder (4) vs. Denver Nuggets (5)
This should be a great series. The Thunder are the team in the West nobody wants to play. They will be very dangerous with Durant and Westbrook and the addition of Perkins in the middle. Scary. The Nuggets have been the feel good story of the season, with their renaissance and great team play once they got rid of the black hole known as Carmelo. ‘Melo and New York deserve each other. Should be an entertaining and hard fought series between two teams that are both hard to dislike.
Dez says: OKC in 6.
The East
Chicago Bulls (1) vs. Indiana Pacers (8)
If you had told the experts that the Bulls and Spurs would have the best records of the regular season, they would have laughed at you. But the Bulls are awesome, playing team basketball to a transcendent degree with almost guaranteed MVP Derek Rose leading the way.
Dez says: Bulls sweep.
Miami Heat (2) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (7)
I am an instant fan of whoever is playing the Heat. I do not want Jebron Lames to ever win a title. Ever. The arrogance makes me so angry. Philly has surprised many observers this season, and combine that with all the pressure being on the Heat and the fact that the Heat will inexplicably have at least one game where a high school team could beat them, this series could be fun.
Dez says: Heat in 6.
ABOVE: Dez does not want this jackass ever to win a title
Boston Celtics (3) vs. New York Knicks (6)
Boston’s decline in the past month is not promising for this one-time Eastern conference favorite. Trading away Kendrick Perkins really did some damage. The Knicks have some big names (Stoudamire, Melo, Billups), but they still don’t know how to play defense consistently. Don’t know if Boston can win the conference any more, but they should be able to win what will be a hard fought series.
Dez says: Boston in 6.
Orlando Magic (4) vs. Atlanta Hawks (5)
The Magic have been the forgotten powerhouse team of the East, and they have many problems to fix if they want to win the conference. But they should be able to handle the Hawks, who always choke in the playoffs.
Dez says: Magic in 6.
Well, it doesn’t look like I have any upsets predicted, but it still should be a fun first round in certain series. I think the Dallas/Portland match-up will be the one to watch. That is the most likely upset.
Thoughts?
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Day 8: Promises, Promises
Today/tonight's post will be a bit short. Just got back from school giving my National Honors Society speech. Very tired. It went well, I got the laughs where I had hoped and got a warm reception. It was a fun ceremony.
Since tonight is the last night of the regular NBA season, tomorrow I hope to have my NBA Playoff predictions. It has been an uncommonly interesting regular season, so I have high hopes for the playoffs. Analysis to come. I also owe a belated recap of this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. I know you are all waiting breathlessly for that.
I will leave you with cuteness...
And here is a crawfish...
Since tonight is the last night of the regular NBA season, tomorrow I hope to have my NBA Playoff predictions. It has been an uncommonly interesting regular season, so I have high hopes for the playoffs. Analysis to come. I also owe a belated recap of this year's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. I know you are all waiting breathlessly for that.
I will leave you with cuteness...
And here is a crawfish...
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