So I was sitting in a restaurant yesterday waiting for my food and I hear Frank Sinatra on the radio slowly singing, "Being 17 was the greatest time of my life..." or something like that.
DUDE....LAME!
Erica bought me a CD from Nordstoms of a collection of various black musicians put together for Black History Month. Listening to Frank made me think on how the Black culture has really progressed in the last fifty years. (And this year, we get an extra day to think about it in February) Music is a powerful tool. If you dont believe me, ask my brother. (His email is:
arcolombo@mercuryinsurance.com )
So with the idea of music, I put on the mighty Mos Def. He says "Frank and Elvis ain't got no soul, Bo Didley is rock and roll!" So true dat!
Give me: Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, Nina Simone, Miles Davis, James Brown, Buddy Guy, Muddy Water, John Coltrane, Howlin' Wolf, George Clinton, Aretha Franklin and even some of the guys in the last 20 years like the guys from Run D.M.C., Prince, Dr. Dre and Mos Def who have driven a powerful soul force to the music industry and to strongly reinforce their culture.
Friday, February 29, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Rain or shine, it's tree cuttin time.
We cut back my mulberry tree in my front yard last sunday. My grandpa, who just turned 72, helped us out. He is a retired mason (the family trade), and still mows his own lawn and maintains his gardens and fruit trees. He is one tough dude. His workers would always complain and say, "Ahh... Rome wasn't built in a day!"
And he would respond, "That's because I wasn't there!"
My grandpa is known for always having a quick witted line and you really never know what he is going to say next.
So here are some shots from a hard days work. It has been three days later and my back still hurts.
He saw me steal a shot of him and started to say, "Joey, nice of you to walk around with a camera and call it work..."
Monday, February 25, 2008
Something we think, but never say...
"I feel like such a pervert walking around in the children's section in the bookstore."
-Erica L. Bogart
In regards to buying a book on dyslexia.
Funny, I had a similar story with finding my book on dyslexia. When I rushed to the bookstore, as soon as I walked in I thought, "Wait a second...how am I going to find ONE SPECIFIC book about a reading learning disability when I can barely read? The only area I am familiar with is the photography & magazine area."
So I looked in the self help section first. Nothing there. Then education area. Nothing there either. I got distracted by some cultural books. Then I moved to fiction and religious areas. I started getting desperate. I began to walk down every aisle. FINALLY, I stumbled upon children's learning disability section. I actually was surprised to see a whole bunch of dyslexia books. I guess kids would be more affected by serious dyslexia than adults. Never the less, I was looking for one learning disability book. After I read the first few pages, I read that once a person realizes they have mild or moderate dyslexia, a huge burden is lifted off their shoulders. It was true. And for once, I felt like I had another chance to read.
-Erica L. Bogart
In regards to buying a book on dyslexia.
Funny, I had a similar story with finding my book on dyslexia. When I rushed to the bookstore, as soon as I walked in I thought, "Wait a second...how am I going to find ONE SPECIFIC book about a reading learning disability when I can barely read? The only area I am familiar with is the photography & magazine area."
So I looked in the self help section first. Nothing there. Then education area. Nothing there either. I got distracted by some cultural books. Then I moved to fiction and religious areas. I started getting desperate. I began to walk down every aisle. FINALLY, I stumbled upon children's learning disability section. I actually was surprised to see a whole bunch of dyslexia books. I guess kids would be more affected by serious dyslexia than adults. Never the less, I was looking for one learning disability book. After I read the first few pages, I read that once a person realizes they have mild or moderate dyslexia, a huge burden is lifted off their shoulders. It was true. And for once, I felt like I had another chance to read.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Look Out Education Institutions! I Am Out With a Vengence!
I have done more dyslexia research. I found a BBC Health Blog that I can relate to.
When Willard Wigan, who has dyslexia, started school in 1962, he wasn't exactly blessed with forward-thinking teachers. He was considered illiterate by them, and his work was described as "disgusting" to the other children in the class.
"I was programmed to believe that everything I did was no good", he says, "and I believed that". As a result, Willard used to truant from school. He spent a lot of time in the woods, and started to build tiny props for insects. He then moved on to carving.
"I did little sculptures of the teachers. They made me feel small, so I wanted to make them look small in my child's mind."
"Now I'm being appreciated, accepted, recognised - not for being dyslexic, but for who I am as a person, and for my skills. What was done to me, being made to feel small, has made me greater."
I would imagine most people with dyslexia would feel this way about the educational institution because I really related with this guy. The educational world tailors to 90% left brain learners and so most of my teachers were unsympathetic towards my inablility to keep up with my appropriate reading level with the other students. They only said just read more and you will get better. The problem was that I never got better. I always felt like the runt in all of my classes, copying assignments just to keep up with the work. I was enrolled in several reading development classes from independent places like Sylvan Learning Center and summer school programs, and not once did anyone consider the idea that some of these other students might be dyslexic. These educational frustrations have scarred my growing mind to held me back from a fair chance to learn and grow like the rest of the students. My former dad (who I have grown to hate) always made me feel small because I was always behind in my reading level. I was always held down from my creative and hands on proccess a right brainer needs to have in order to learn properly. I need that creative side to properly function, and I was never allowed it from school and from my dad. He always said stupid things like "You can't do learn a new instrument until you get better grades." How was I to know I even had a creative side? I wasn't allowed the chance to experiment. And as soon as my former dad left, me and my brother bought and played more instruments than we had space for in our house. (My brother threw away his bed for extra drum space, and I eventually sold almost all of my guitars to buy all my camera equipment)
So I am laying the burden of all my frustrations on my former dad and all education institutions for holding me down from discovering the fact that I have dyslexia and not finding out that I could grow from my unique talents. I am taking this issue in my own hands to try to overcome this dyslexia and maximize my ultra visual talents.
I find it ironic that teachers say they do not get paid enough, especially coming from the teachers that are tenured! They are mass baby sitters and there aren't very many that have a passion for their job. Most teachers chose teachering as a career because it was their fallback job for money. Money? What teacher goes into teaching for money? That is what law is for! I am a product of the education system proving that it is a joke. The No Child Left Behind Act should scare and filter out the these unproductive educators! Remember that one teacher that you really looked up to? Every teacher should be inspiring like that!
If you know me, these are my old philosophies that I have about the education system. I did not fail school, school failed me.
When Willard Wigan, who has dyslexia, started school in 1962, he wasn't exactly blessed with forward-thinking teachers. He was considered illiterate by them, and his work was described as "disgusting" to the other children in the class.
"I was programmed to believe that everything I did was no good", he says, "and I believed that". As a result, Willard used to truant from school. He spent a lot of time in the woods, and started to build tiny props for insects. He then moved on to carving.
"I did little sculptures of the teachers. They made me feel small, so I wanted to make them look small in my child's mind."
"Now I'm being appreciated, accepted, recognised - not for being dyslexic, but for who I am as a person, and for my skills. What was done to me, being made to feel small, has made me greater."
I would imagine most people with dyslexia would feel this way about the educational institution because I really related with this guy. The educational world tailors to 90% left brain learners and so most of my teachers were unsympathetic towards my inablility to keep up with my appropriate reading level with the other students. They only said just read more and you will get better. The problem was that I never got better. I always felt like the runt in all of my classes, copying assignments just to keep up with the work. I was enrolled in several reading development classes from independent places like Sylvan Learning Center and summer school programs, and not once did anyone consider the idea that some of these other students might be dyslexic. These educational frustrations have scarred my growing mind to held me back from a fair chance to learn and grow like the rest of the students. My former dad (who I have grown to hate) always made me feel small because I was always behind in my reading level. I was always held down from my creative and hands on proccess a right brainer needs to have in order to learn properly. I need that creative side to properly function, and I was never allowed it from school and from my dad. He always said stupid things like "You can't do learn a new instrument until you get better grades." How was I to know I even had a creative side? I wasn't allowed the chance to experiment. And as soon as my former dad left, me and my brother bought and played more instruments than we had space for in our house. (My brother threw away his bed for extra drum space, and I eventually sold almost all of my guitars to buy all my camera equipment)
So I am laying the burden of all my frustrations on my former dad and all education institutions for holding me down from discovering the fact that I have dyslexia and not finding out that I could grow from my unique talents. I am taking this issue in my own hands to try to overcome this dyslexia and maximize my ultra visual talents.
I find it ironic that teachers say they do not get paid enough, especially coming from the teachers that are tenured! They are mass baby sitters and there aren't very many that have a passion for their job. Most teachers chose teachering as a career because it was their fallback job for money. Money? What teacher goes into teaching for money? That is what law is for! I am a product of the education system proving that it is a joke. The No Child Left Behind Act should scare and filter out the these unproductive educators! Remember that one teacher that you really looked up to? Every teacher should be inspiring like that!
If you know me, these are my old philosophies that I have about the education system. I did not fail school, school failed me.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Random Delivery
In a blog full of random comments and stories, I have one more to add to the list.
My boss asks me to deliver a package to one of our favorite clients, (and comedian) Adam Christing. I didn't expect to see Adam because he is one of those guys who has all kinds of projects going on at the same time. So I walk in his office and I was suprised to see him. I said, "Look, whatever this package is, it must be really important because my boss sent the best man in the office to hand deliver it."
"Yea, sure, whatever... COURIER!"
I told him I stole one of his jokes and use it all the time. Adam immediately stopped what he was doing (which was probably nothing), and said "LET ME HEAR THE DELIVERY?!"
So the joke is set up when you see someone wearing a lot of jewelry, you say,
"Is that a Mr. T starter set?"
So after that, I joked around with a professional comedian for fifteen minutes. I was able to say all the stupid things I normally say, but this time I didn't get in trouble! We even talked about how awesome Orange House Take-Out is.
Then Adam gives me these fake lotto scratchers. You win "$10,000," but good luck getting the money! HAHA So I give one to my boss and walk away. I have a hard time keeping a straight face. So I hear him in his office saying, "I WON I WON! I got to go to the gas station to GET MY MONEY!" I see my boss the next day and ask where's all his money. He said the guy at the gas station wouldn't cash it. HAHA SUCKER!
My boss asks me to deliver a package to one of our favorite clients, (and comedian) Adam Christing. I didn't expect to see Adam because he is one of those guys who has all kinds of projects going on at the same time. So I walk in his office and I was suprised to see him. I said, "Look, whatever this package is, it must be really important because my boss sent the best man in the office to hand deliver it."
"Yea, sure, whatever... COURIER!"
I told him I stole one of his jokes and use it all the time. Adam immediately stopped what he was doing (which was probably nothing), and said "LET ME HEAR THE DELIVERY?!"
So the joke is set up when you see someone wearing a lot of jewelry, you say,
"Is that a Mr. T starter set?"
So after that, I joked around with a professional comedian for fifteen minutes. I was able to say all the stupid things I normally say, but this time I didn't get in trouble! We even talked about how awesome Orange House Take-Out is.
Then Adam gives me these fake lotto scratchers. You win "$10,000," but good luck getting the money! HAHA So I give one to my boss and walk away. I have a hard time keeping a straight face. So I hear him in his office saying, "I WON I WON! I got to go to the gas station to GET MY MONEY!" I see my boss the next day and ask where's all his money. He said the guy at the gas station wouldn't cash it. HAHA SUCKER!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
It's a left left left left brain world
So my next phase in my reading research was to find some tips to help me read better. Erica said she heard of some studies where people occupy their right brain while they read, like turn on some music or hold a ball. So I looked into some tips for reading and came across the issue of dyslexia. Now, I have struggled with reading my whole life. I have been in several reading improvement classes since Jr. high school, and the subject of dyslexia has never come up. So for purposes of thorough research, I read some symptoms and took some quick online tests. From a quick overview of the topic of dyslexia, like most unknown learning disabilities, there is more to dyslexia than reading letters and numbers backwards. Dyslexia was more of a visual learning block in linear subjects (english, reading, math, sciences).
Here is a website that I found regarding DYSLEXIA SYMPTOMS. Of the 37 main symptoms, I had about twenty.
-Appears bright, highly intelligent, and articulate but unable to read, write, or spell at grade level.
-Labelled lazy, dumb, careless, immature, "not trying hard enough," or "behavior problem."
-Isn't "behind enough" or "bad enough" to be helped in the school setting.
-High in IQ, yet may not test well academically; tests well orally, but not written.
-Feels dumb; has poor self-esteem; hides or covers up weaknesses with ingenious compensatory strategies; easily frustrated and emotional about school reading or testing.
-Talented in art, drama, music, sports, mechanics, story-telling, sales, business, designing, building, or engineering.
-Seems to "Zone out" or daydream often; gets lost easily or loses track of time.
-Difficulty sustaining attention; seems "hyper" or "daydreamer."
-Learns best through hands-on experience, demonstrations, experimentation, observation, and visual aids.
-Extremely keen sighted and observant, or lacks depth perception and peripheral vision.
-Reads and rereads with little comprehension.
-Difficulty putting thoughts into words; speaks in halting phrases; leaves sentences incomplete; stutters under stress; mispronounces long words, or transposes phrases, words, and syllables when speaking.
-often confuses left/right, over/under.
-Can do arithmetic, but fails word problems; cannot grasp algebra or higher math.
-Excellent long-term memory for experiences, locations, and faces.
-Poor memory for sequences, facts and information that has not been experienced.
-Thinks primarily with images and feeling, not sounds or words (little internal dialogue).
-Extremely disorderly or compulsively orderly.
-Can be class clown, trouble-maker, or too quiet
-Unusually high or low tolerance for pain
I also found a book called The Gift of Dyslexia. You can read some of it through Amazon's Online Reader. (Which is a cool online tool)
I ran out and bought the book because he said dyslexia was like a switch, it can be turned off with the right instruction. Visual people think in visual, 3-D pictures, and reading is 2-D, straight linear left brain thought. Right brain people with dyslexia because they are visual learners. I was inspired because for the first time, I might have hope to finally make reading easier. Most of the articles I read stated that most people with dyslexia usually give up with reading and drop out of school (like I did) because they cannot keep up with everybody else with their work and constantly struggle. Once people with dyslexia figure out that they are dyslexic, they have a huge burden lifted off their shoulders and can start to work towards learning how to read better. I felt so relieved that my problems with reading is ONLY because I am dyslexic. It made perfect sense to how I see things differently enough to process visual information for photography.
Here is a website that I found regarding DYSLEXIA SYMPTOMS. Of the 37 main symptoms, I had about twenty.
-Appears bright, highly intelligent, and articulate but unable to read, write, or spell at grade level.
-Labelled lazy, dumb, careless, immature, "not trying hard enough," or "behavior problem."
-Isn't "behind enough" or "bad enough" to be helped in the school setting.
-High in IQ, yet may not test well academically; tests well orally, but not written.
-Feels dumb; has poor self-esteem; hides or covers up weaknesses with ingenious compensatory strategies; easily frustrated and emotional about school reading or testing.
-Talented in art, drama, music, sports, mechanics, story-telling, sales, business, designing, building, or engineering.
-Seems to "Zone out" or daydream often; gets lost easily or loses track of time.
-Difficulty sustaining attention; seems "hyper" or "daydreamer."
-Learns best through hands-on experience, demonstrations, experimentation, observation, and visual aids.
-Extremely keen sighted and observant, or lacks depth perception and peripheral vision.
-Reads and rereads with little comprehension.
-Difficulty putting thoughts into words; speaks in halting phrases; leaves sentences incomplete; stutters under stress; mispronounces long words, or transposes phrases, words, and syllables when speaking.
-often confuses left/right, over/under.
-Can do arithmetic, but fails word problems; cannot grasp algebra or higher math.
-Excellent long-term memory for experiences, locations, and faces.
-Poor memory for sequences, facts and information that has not been experienced.
-Thinks primarily with images and feeling, not sounds or words (little internal dialogue).
-Extremely disorderly or compulsively orderly.
-Can be class clown, trouble-maker, or too quiet
-Unusually high or low tolerance for pain
I also found a book called The Gift of Dyslexia. You can read some of it through Amazon's Online Reader. (Which is a cool online tool)
I ran out and bought the book because he said dyslexia was like a switch, it can be turned off with the right instruction. Visual people think in visual, 3-D pictures, and reading is 2-D, straight linear left brain thought. Right brain people with dyslexia because they are visual learners. I was inspired because for the first time, I might have hope to finally make reading easier. Most of the articles I read stated that most people with dyslexia usually give up with reading and drop out of school (like I did) because they cannot keep up with everybody else with their work and constantly struggle. Once people with dyslexia figure out that they are dyslexic, they have a huge burden lifted off their shoulders and can start to work towards learning how to read better. I felt so relieved that my problems with reading is ONLY because I am dyslexic. It made perfect sense to how I see things differently enough to process visual information for photography.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Righty Tighty, Lefty Loosy
So I have tried to keep my New Years resolution, which was to read one book a month. I finished a book in January, and now I am reading On The Road, by Jack Karouac. But everytime I read, I notice that no matter how much energy I have, in about twenty minutes my eyes feel really heavy and I get so tired that I want to fall asleep. So after about almost two months of consistant reading, I want to figure out this reoccuring pattern. I have been a below average reader my whole life, but my creative side has always been stronger than average and I have usually excelled in art classes. So after some research, I have arrived on the topic of brain hemospheric dominance.
Right Brain vs. Left Brain
Definition:
This theory of the structure and functions of the mind suggests that the two different sides of the brain control two different "modes" of thinking. It also suggests that each of us prefers one mode over the other.
Experimentation has shown that the two different sides, or hemispheres, of the brain are responsible for different manners of thinking. The following table illustrates the differences between left-brain and right-brain thinking:
Left Brain vs Right Brain
Logical vs Random
Sequential vs Intuitive
Rational vs Holistic
Analyical vs Synthesising
Objecive vs Subjective
Looks at parts vs Looks at wholes
More detailed reports to read
Right now, my scientific research begins with me and my brother. If you haven't met my brother, we are complete opposites. He is an obvious strong left brain logical thinker, and I am a dominant right brain thinker. My brother makes a good research candidate because I have know him for a very long time and I am familiar with the way he thinks. I get tired when I do left brain activities (read, write papers, math tests...) And my brother gets tired when he does right brain activities (like in his painting class).
I thought this was an interesting point and I will continue to research why this happens (besides the obvious fact that we are mentally trained to be good at our natural dominant side of the brain).
Right Brain vs. Left Brain
Definition:
This theory of the structure and functions of the mind suggests that the two different sides of the brain control two different "modes" of thinking. It also suggests that each of us prefers one mode over the other.
Experimentation has shown that the two different sides, or hemispheres, of the brain are responsible for different manners of thinking. The following table illustrates the differences between left-brain and right-brain thinking:
Left Brain vs Right Brain
Logical vs Random
Sequential vs Intuitive
Rational vs Holistic
Analyical vs Synthesising
Objecive vs Subjective
Looks at parts vs Looks at wholes
More detailed reports to read
Right now, my scientific research begins with me and my brother. If you haven't met my brother, we are complete opposites. He is an obvious strong left brain logical thinker, and I am a dominant right brain thinker. My brother makes a good research candidate because I have know him for a very long time and I am familiar with the way he thinks. I get tired when I do left brain activities (read, write papers, math tests...) And my brother gets tired when he does right brain activities (like in his painting class).
I thought this was an interesting point and I will continue to research why this happens (besides the obvious fact that we are mentally trained to be good at our natural dominant side of the brain).
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Lewis Carroll
"If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there."
-Lewis Carroll, Author of Alice in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass.
-Lewis Carroll, Author of Alice in Wonderland & Through the Looking Glass.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Ash Wednesday
"Mardi Gras still blows my mind... I got home at the stroke of midnight... Ash Wednesday is the quietest day in New Orleans."
-Email from Ranger Dave.
Images taken from Yahoo, courteous or not.
Streets filled during Mardi Gras.
Ash Wednesday
A typical house with a tree full of beads.
Photos from Mardi Gras Parade.
-Email from Ranger Dave.
Images taken from Yahoo, courteous or not.
Streets filled during Mardi Gras.
Ash Wednesday
A typical house with a tree full of beads.
Photos from Mardi Gras Parade.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Mardi Gras!
Today is officially Mardi Gras! Although, I think the residents of New Orleans has already started to party a few weeks ago. They like to get in shape so they can officially party for a few weeks before and after Mardi Gras. They try and last through Jazz Fest (April) all the way up to Halloween.
Here are some of my images of awesome New Orleans (and even its strangeness). Interesting things lurk at every corner.
And my friend Dave in New Orleans has his art gallery up and running. Way to go Dave!
Here are some of my images of awesome New Orleans (and even its strangeness). Interesting things lurk at every corner.
And my friend Dave in New Orleans has his art gallery up and running. Way to go Dave!
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Groundhog Day
What a great idea to make a holiday after the movie. Bill Murray is a genius!
Oh yea, the sun is out and now it is spring. Go to your local plant store or nursury and plant some cool looking flowers, succulents, or your favorite vegetables. It is cheap, fast, easy, and only takes some dirt and water.
Erica & I went to Armstrong Gardens last week and we bought some succulents, flowers, and some sweet peas to plant. It's fun to play in the dirt.
Oh yea, the sun is out and now it is spring. Go to your local plant store or nursury and plant some cool looking flowers, succulents, or your favorite vegetables. It is cheap, fast, easy, and only takes some dirt and water.
Erica & I went to Armstrong Gardens last week and we bought some succulents, flowers, and some sweet peas to plant. It's fun to play in the dirt.
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