Just like the "Little Einsteins" (And if you don't get that reference, you don't have young children or watch little kids cartoons)...(and if you don't have little children, why are you watching little children cartoons?)..anyway...I went on a trip, but of instead of "on a rocket ship," it was in my 1999 Saturn. So, in the grand scheme of things, it was still planetary. Yesterdays voyage took me to the far away land of Oxford Hills to meet with my fellow TAH (Teaching American History) colleagues to discuss books written by and about journalist and photographer Jacob Riis. If you don't know who he is, I strongly suggest that you research him; quite an "interesting" guy.
Like any other trip that one takes, this one solo, there is plenty of time on the way to the destination to contemplate what will be seen, said, done and discussed. I will say that having children, these few moments in the vehicle that I am by myself, really seem very quiet. Mostly because they are quiet. It gives you a chance to think about virtually anything that you want. Sometimes it is interesting where the mind goes; however, on this particular trip I thought about your future trip to New York City. The parts that I was looking forward to, the parts that...well I'm looking forward to the whole thing; so that is really what engulfed my thoughts. I will, however, miss my family. Just made sure that made it's way in there.
The views on the way there are really something special. The trip up Streaked Mountain, the people tailgating me, the tractor trailer truck that was going fifteen miles under the speed limit; it all added to the ambiance of the trip. Only like, thirty times, did I want to scream until I was blue in the face, slam my steering wheel and say things that would make a pirate disappointed in me. We all know, doing those things in a car always seems to make go faster; I mean, otherwise, what's the point? Us as human beings never do anything irrational; it's just not in our nature. Right John Locke? And if you think I am referring to the character on Lost, you are wrong; although, that John Locke was just as awesome! "NOT PENNY'S BOAT!"
Really, going on any excursion, allows a person to expand their knowledge base, regardless of the distance and duration of the trip. In this case, from the front door of my house to the side door of Oxford Hills High School is roughly an hour and ten minutes. However, the thoughts that expand your mind horizons (yeah, I just created THAT term) really can give a sense of a much more distant and whimsical trip. All of this is even before I arrived at the meeting and had our discussions.
The interesting thing about these meetings, is that every time I leave, I am blown away by the amount of knowledge and experience that gets dropped on me and the rest of the gang. It really is quite impressive to listen to the points of view of different teachers and how they analyze books and their ideologies and methodologies that they go through when learning, discussing and teaching new material. I really, truly, feel fortunate to have been able to attend these meetings with my fellow TAHers and to learn from them. I feel badly that I haven't been nearly as influential on them as they have been to me (especially collectively). However, being in these meetings has been invigerating for me personally, and the flow and ease in which our discussions take place is seamless and more than pleasant; they are family-like. The commrodary and collegiality that we have with one another is like those that are studying together at a college or university, rather than people going to "meetings" and I think that is why we are having such a hard time coming to terms with the fact that this long, distinctly poignant journey is nearing it's end. Fortunately enough, we have one last chance to solidify our friendships and share our worldly views with one another. The time will be invaluable and will be exciting from the moment we arrive at the park and ride to the moment we wave goodbye to the Big Apple and eventually head our separate ways back to our respective towns and homes. The beauty of this program is that the communication does not end at that very moment, it will continue to flourish and the friendships and connections will be far reaching and lifelong...or at least that is the hope from this end.
So, in conclusion, a trip, regardless of the distance is still a trip. It's a journey. It's a voyage. The TAH program has been just that. The purpose of travel is to gain knowledge, expand horizons, and learn from other people, cultures and communities. These journeys with TAH have been enlightening in the strictest sense of the word. It doesn't seem to matter where we go; whether it's Oxford Hills with Patrick, Martina, Libby, Charles or Anne...or Bowdoin College with any of those individuals, or Pemaquid with Tad, or anywhere that Ted goes (as he gives an air of prestige to any event), the people and participants have provided all that a travel is supposed to entail and provide. And for that, I am truly a worldly traveler and continuing scholar.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
First Post and Initial Thoughts
This is literally my first post. My blog is going to be an exercise in travel, education, diplomacy and exercise. I am very excited to go on my first trip that will be documented on this blog, that being my trip to New York City, or "The City that Ruth Built"...or, the home of the "Stadium that Ruth Built," or "The House that Ruth Built," I forget the technical title of it; or at least I don't want to know it...Go Sox. Did that stadium get torn down yet? At some point, if that is the case, that point will seem nonsensical; but let's not bog ourselves down in details. The truth is, this will be my first actual experience visiting The Big Apple without just driving through and looking at cars and buildings from afar. I am really quite excited! I am sure you can tell, as evidence with the exclamatory mark at the end of the last sentence.
On this trip there are a variety of items that I am looking forward to. I hope to get yelled at by at least one New Yorker; I feel that without that experience, I might actually be disappointed. Aside from all of the excitement of the interactions with my fellow man (and woman), I definitely hope to take in a lot of the sights, sounds, smells and the magnificent foods that the street vendors have to offer. I, like Anthony Bourdain, love any sort of meat product that can be purchased and eaten on a stick. I mean, what "Yankee" ingenuity.
Furthermore, I cannot wait to be lead on this excursion by the incomparable and worldly man known by most as Charles C. Calhoun; the original model for the Dos Equis "Most Interesting Man in the World" commercials. The only reason why he was not cast in the part is because during their initial interview, his accomplishment, feats, accolades and ambitions were so tremendous and endearing that the interviewer broke down crying, apologized for being "unprepared to see him" and walked off into the sunset. Charles, feeling humbled by the man's show of honor, got onto his stallion, rode off into the sunset as tumbleweeds rolled by, Western music played, men cheered and women fainted; somewhere in a far land, a small earthquake happened. Nothing that registered on any Richter Scale...he's too classy for that. Some of that story may have been fabricated; I mean, when people ride off on a stallion, it's probably REO Speedwagon music that plays, not Western movie theme music. Let's not get ridiculous! Regardless, he will be our guide for much of the trip showing us everything from Ellis Island and Grants Tomb, to his bedroom and his breakfast nook.
Aside from the fantastic guidance and knowledge that we will undoubtedly obtain from Charles C. Calhoun, I am looking forward to embracing the culture of New York, learning of the historical components of one of the greatest cities of the world, and using that knowledge to enhance the learning in my classroom through pictures, stories, knowledge base and this blog. It's paying for itself already. Although it is free. Can something that is free pay for itself? Or is that stealing itself? Legality of pirated "free" merchandise is something I am not familiar with, so please let me know.
In reality, the excitement that I have for this trip is really extraordinary. I am eager to walk the streets of Harlem to take in the fervent culture and the speed in which life moves, that is the claim anyway. I am of the firm belief that anywhere in the world that you happen to be literally moves at the same speed in terms of hours, minutes and seconds; unless of course you are not on the planet Earth, in which, anything is possible. However, from my last geography course, I firmly believe that New York is in fact still on this big blue marble. But having read our books in the last few years, learning of the Great Migration and the Harlem Renaissance, really has sparked an interest in me to go and take in Harlem for all that it has to offer; I am expecting it to blow me away, and I strongly feel that I will not be disappointed.
Furthermore, visiting the great Ellis Island has me giddy as a school child. I cannot wait to see the place that has literally millions of stories to tell, each one more authentic, inspirational, triumphant or heartbreaking than the last. I must admit that I will undoubtedly have my mind wander to one of the opening scenes of The Godfather II, when Vito Corleone is checked by the authorities at Ellis Island, checking for any monies coming over, and perusing his overall health before sending him about his way into the streets of New York. Just trying to imagine those that were not allowed to enter and that were sent back to their native lands; it makes me wonder of the knowledge, talents and personal efforts that could have come from this country in later generations but were not given the chance.
The synergy, and yes I used the word synergy, between these stops along the way could not be more fluent. From the stressfulness of the trip through Ellis Island to the impoverished circumstances surrounding the tenement houses, so vividly documented (although ironically in black and white) by Jacob Riis. This is exactly the beauty of the TAH program. The ability for teachers to use, discuss, analyze and implement the resources that have been provided for us has had a tremendous impact on my teaching. A wise man once said, "Education is something that can be learned, felt and experienced and history is the keyhole in which this is done." That man was me, and for all intents and purposes in this example; I am wise, just ask my young children, they think I am brilliant, mostly because I know all of the answers to the Universes' questions such as, "How do you know how to drive?" To which I answer, "Because I'm awesome and good at everything." So again, in this instance, I can call myself a "wise man", the audience to these terms is really subjective.
The more I think about this trip, the more anxious I become. One of the greatest parts of the trip, aside from the historical and cultural significance that New York has to offer, is being able to spend it with the group in which I am able to do so. TAH has really been a platform for educators to collaborate and learn from one another; whether it is in a session, meeting, through email or sharing a hot or cold beverage together; ideas, methodologies, techniques and personal histories are shared and embraced. Through each persons readings, analyses, research and points of view; we have really garnered a well-rounded education that would make those proponents of the Humanistic approach from the Italian Renaissance proud.
In closing, I feel that this will not be my only post before the trip to New York in April (14-19, 2012). Blogging is something that I was self-admittently apprehensive about before starting this. I mean, I feel that there may not be a lot of people that care to hear my thoughts, ideas, or commentary on...well...anything. However, I can rest assure that the rest of the TAH individuals can take solace in the fact that I will read theirs and maybe they will return the favor. At the absolute least, my wife will be subject to my bloggings (is that a word?) and thoughts. Feel bad for her.
On this trip there are a variety of items that I am looking forward to. I hope to get yelled at by at least one New Yorker; I feel that without that experience, I might actually be disappointed. Aside from all of the excitement of the interactions with my fellow man (and woman), I definitely hope to take in a lot of the sights, sounds, smells and the magnificent foods that the street vendors have to offer. I, like Anthony Bourdain, love any sort of meat product that can be purchased and eaten on a stick. I mean, what "Yankee" ingenuity.
Furthermore, I cannot wait to be lead on this excursion by the incomparable and worldly man known by most as Charles C. Calhoun; the original model for the Dos Equis "Most Interesting Man in the World" commercials. The only reason why he was not cast in the part is because during their initial interview, his accomplishment, feats, accolades and ambitions were so tremendous and endearing that the interviewer broke down crying, apologized for being "unprepared to see him" and walked off into the sunset. Charles, feeling humbled by the man's show of honor, got onto his stallion, rode off into the sunset as tumbleweeds rolled by, Western music played, men cheered and women fainted; somewhere in a far land, a small earthquake happened. Nothing that registered on any Richter Scale...he's too classy for that. Some of that story may have been fabricated; I mean, when people ride off on a stallion, it's probably REO Speedwagon music that plays, not Western movie theme music. Let's not get ridiculous! Regardless, he will be our guide for much of the trip showing us everything from Ellis Island and Grants Tomb, to his bedroom and his breakfast nook.
Aside from the fantastic guidance and knowledge that we will undoubtedly obtain from Charles C. Calhoun, I am looking forward to embracing the culture of New York, learning of the historical components of one of the greatest cities of the world, and using that knowledge to enhance the learning in my classroom through pictures, stories, knowledge base and this blog. It's paying for itself already. Although it is free. Can something that is free pay for itself? Or is that stealing itself? Legality of pirated "free" merchandise is something I am not familiar with, so please let me know.
In reality, the excitement that I have for this trip is really extraordinary. I am eager to walk the streets of Harlem to take in the fervent culture and the speed in which life moves, that is the claim anyway. I am of the firm belief that anywhere in the world that you happen to be literally moves at the same speed in terms of hours, minutes and seconds; unless of course you are not on the planet Earth, in which, anything is possible. However, from my last geography course, I firmly believe that New York is in fact still on this big blue marble. But having read our books in the last few years, learning of the Great Migration and the Harlem Renaissance, really has sparked an interest in me to go and take in Harlem for all that it has to offer; I am expecting it to blow me away, and I strongly feel that I will not be disappointed.
Furthermore, visiting the great Ellis Island has me giddy as a school child. I cannot wait to see the place that has literally millions of stories to tell, each one more authentic, inspirational, triumphant or heartbreaking than the last. I must admit that I will undoubtedly have my mind wander to one of the opening scenes of The Godfather II, when Vito Corleone is checked by the authorities at Ellis Island, checking for any monies coming over, and perusing his overall health before sending him about his way into the streets of New York. Just trying to imagine those that were not allowed to enter and that were sent back to their native lands; it makes me wonder of the knowledge, talents and personal efforts that could have come from this country in later generations but were not given the chance.
The synergy, and yes I used the word synergy, between these stops along the way could not be more fluent. From the stressfulness of the trip through Ellis Island to the impoverished circumstances surrounding the tenement houses, so vividly documented (although ironically in black and white) by Jacob Riis. This is exactly the beauty of the TAH program. The ability for teachers to use, discuss, analyze and implement the resources that have been provided for us has had a tremendous impact on my teaching. A wise man once said, "Education is something that can be learned, felt and experienced and history is the keyhole in which this is done." That man was me, and for all intents and purposes in this example; I am wise, just ask my young children, they think I am brilliant, mostly because I know all of the answers to the Universes' questions such as, "How do you know how to drive?" To which I answer, "Because I'm awesome and good at everything." So again, in this instance, I can call myself a "wise man", the audience to these terms is really subjective.
The more I think about this trip, the more anxious I become. One of the greatest parts of the trip, aside from the historical and cultural significance that New York has to offer, is being able to spend it with the group in which I am able to do so. TAH has really been a platform for educators to collaborate and learn from one another; whether it is in a session, meeting, through email or sharing a hot or cold beverage together; ideas, methodologies, techniques and personal histories are shared and embraced. Through each persons readings, analyses, research and points of view; we have really garnered a well-rounded education that would make those proponents of the Humanistic approach from the Italian Renaissance proud.
In closing, I feel that this will not be my only post before the trip to New York in April (14-19, 2012). Blogging is something that I was self-admittently apprehensive about before starting this. I mean, I feel that there may not be a lot of people that care to hear my thoughts, ideas, or commentary on...well...anything. However, I can rest assure that the rest of the TAH individuals can take solace in the fact that I will read theirs and maybe they will return the favor. At the absolute least, my wife will be subject to my bloggings (is that a word?) and thoughts. Feel bad for her.
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