> > http://www.sgvtribune.com/highlanders/walnut/ci_21362885/walnut-high-teacher-has-very-busy-summer
This is a link to an article that a local paper did on me after my district PR person sent out the press release Nancy & Susan provided.  Actually, an online article was published, too, as well as the City Council invited me to their meeting yesterday and gave me one of those fancy proclamations to hang in my classroom to honor me for having gone to the institute.  I was amazed!

The Olympics were great by the way.

I hope everyone got home smoothly & safely.  I know I'm back to work.

-Joanne

Your heart might be all aflutter after you read this...

The latest info on Wong Kar-Wai's latest venture, The Grandmaster.

New Take on Great Leap Fwd....

A student is writing about the Flu Epidemic of 1918 for her Extended Essay.  I got this email from her and thought you all might appreciate it.  If anyone wants, I can get the citation from her:

I was working on my extended essay and decided to read past the 1918 part of one of my books. It talked about how most epidemics and pandemics started in China and researchers are starting to believe that a large number of the deaths from the Great Leap Forward were from the Asian flu (1957) along with the deaths by starvation.

Films for Action

Thought all you movie buffs might be interested in this site that has over 1000 films streaming that are "dedicated to social change." It's free.

The Wonder of sharing film....

Heard this talk on the radio and it hit home with me after our NEH experience...http://www.ted.com/talks/beeban_kidron_the_shared_wonder_of_film.html

China's Quest for Olympic Gold Takes Toll on Athletes

"Many of China's athletes are sent as adolescents to live at state-financed sports academies, where the training is grueling, and they do not see their families for years."

Full text of NY Times article

Wuhan, Hubei Province

There are a couple of us who have spent time in Wuhan and thought people might be interested in this story from NPR.

Runge student film.

This is a way for a kid to mock a teacher and get away with it. The camera work and editing are my favorite, but the whole thing is just well done. I cannot stand the whole "dream" thing, as it has been done to death. But he just did that the cheese me off further!



I'll miss that boy!

Children of the (experimental) Corn....

Resources I Mentioned and a few more

Some additional resources.

Free Technology For Teachers

This guy is absolutely amazing.  I don't know how he maintains this valuable list of resources in addition to being a full time music teacher and a fairly in-demand speaker and trainer.

Discovery Streaming

This is the site I mentioned that I use to gather film clips.  Huge collection of lesson plans, videos, and resources.  All are downloadable.  I'm not sure how to obtain a passcode, but, I did set up an account for my students, so if you'd like access, email me and I'll send you the username and password.

My Teacher Wiki

I put this together during my tenure as a technology coach.  Included are some of the in-service academies that I've run for my district, tutorials, and just some fun sites.

Enjoy!

Kung-fu Presentation.

Here is my ppt for the kung-fu presentation that I made last night. The videos didn't upload, but you have enough information to find some online. Remember all dates are approximations in the histories I've given.

"Air-Sea" Battle with China

August 2, 2012 Washington Post 

U.S. Model for future war with China (link)

The Pentagon's Office of Net Assessment ponders worst case scenario for war with China. 
Washington Post article describes US preparations for taking out China. Dark 
change of pace from articles on Chinese Film. Looks like some people really don't care for Chinese Film and Society...

Valerie's Pictures.

OK Go

Ok Go - This Too Shall Pass (Rube Golberg version)
Wikipedia Article

Ok Go - This Too Shall Pass (Notre Dame Marching Band version)

Ok Go - Needing/Getting
Wikipedia Article

Ok Go - All Is Not Lost (featuring Pilobolus) - note, I've dubbed this video a celebration of the buttock!
Wikipedia Article on Song
Wikipedia Article on Pilobolus

White Knuckles - All dogs are shelter rescues, furniture by IKEA
Wikipedia Article

Here It Goes Again - The video that started it all
Wikipedia Article

The Last Leaf - stop motion animation

These are the ones I refer to constantly.  Obviously, one could use thousands more, but I find these super creative and fitting to my music curriculum and to the songs itself.  If there are any physics teachers out there, the Rube Golberg video is incredible to show.

Propaganda Poster Project

Here is a link to my project. Feel free to redesign it however you want to.