The New Intellectual Pursuit

Frankie (Keyshia's mom) attacks public schools and get my goat!

2008-12-04T03:26:00.000-08:00

On Tuesday morning a friend of mine asked me to DVR BET’s wildly successful program, Keyshia Cole- The Way Life Is. I have heard of the program, but I had yet to sit down and watch it fully. Being a fan of R&B music, I appreciate the work Keyshia Cole has done and how she has shown significant growth as an artist over the course of two albums, so I was excited to watch this program.

I watched the program and was left feeling not only angry, but a little disgusted.

The point that angered me was the attack of Keyshia’s mother Frankie on America’s public schools system. Keyshia Cole’s sister Neffe (I think this is spelled correctly…shoot… I’ve never seen this name before…) is considering sending her daughter Brianna (a seemingly bright and very charismatic young lady) to Atlanta’s Southwest Christian Academy.

When providing reasons as to why the move from a public elementary school to a private middle school should occur, Neffe (the child’s mother) cited smaller class sizes and more parental involvement, both of which are admirable reasons for wanting to send a child to private school.

When the two spoke to grandma Frankie about the private school option, she provided numerous reasons that were not only offensive to me, a product of public schools, but down right elementary (where Brianna just finished school) in reasoning.

Frankie said, “You need private schools because it will help you have a better future. Public schools gone take you way off of your goal…It’s important to me that Brianna have a solid education. Neffe didn’t have a solid education, Keyshia didn’t have a solid education, and it’s important to me that someone break the family curse.”

An educator’s response (If only I could sit my home girl down, adjust that lace front and those teeth and say…)
Frankie, what are you talking about? Keyshia and Neffe did not struggle in regards to education because they attended a public school. Not only did students graduate from whatever public school these young women attended and go on to college, but some of them became teachers, lawyers, ministers, doctors, and successful entrepreneurs. The curse these young women were afflicted with is the same curse too many young people are afflicted with and that is being born into a family where a parent or parents fail to make decisions that will positively impact their children.

Frankie is a reformed crack cocaine addict, the mother of numerous children (by numerous fathers), many of whom were reared by foster care because Frankie was neglectful and a prostitute. And while I am glad she reformed her life for the better with help from her inspirational daughters, Keyshia and Neffe, I don’t think she is the best sounding board for her granddaughters future. And the number one detractor against private schools, oddly enough, was Frankie herself. She went, for a little while she claims, to private school. And look where she ended up.

The entire episode can be seen at:
http://www.bet.com/onblast/default.html?chan=3&id=2462&i=4&sub=&itype=e

A final note:
On the show, one can routinely see Frankie’s love interests. All of these men are tall, a lil rugged around the edges and young… extremely young. Frankie is clearly not a young woman. Clearly, Frankie is not a playful little pussycat. She is actually too old to be a cougar. She’s more like a saber tooth tiger. And no, I am not making fun of her false teeth. I am simply saying she is too old to be on the prowl off of Bankhead Highway (Hollowell Parkway in these modern times) looking for ‘lil thugsters and dime bags of weed.

Vampires are Everywhere!

2008-11-24T19:03:00.001-08:00

Okay, after a hiatus, I’m back… I know friends far and near have been wondering where I went, but work just got the best of me. I promise to try and do a better job.

So what has happened since I’ve been gone…

Vampires have taken over our world… well, at least the pop culture world. I had been a vampire fan since 9th grade when I read Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire, but after Queen of the Damned, Vampires lost their appeal for me. Witches (The Witching Hour is a MUST READ) and wizards (who didn’t love Harry Potter) ruled. Now, vampires are every where (True Blood and Twilight). Unfortunately, my one hour of Sunday night television belongs to Desperate Housewives (until Big Love returns January 19) and I am keeping my movie money in my pocket.

Beyonce dropped a new album that turned out to be a bomb. I am very disappointed. Beyonce is a true superstar for our current generation and I, like you should, expect more than 7th grade lyrics and played beats.

I turned 30. And as crazy as it sounds, as soon as I turned 30, I found several gray hairs. Well, at least they were on my head.

I cooked Chili… that tasted like motor oil. I think I burned it. It tasted really bad.

Oh, and Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United States. S

I guess I missed a lot since September 27th. Oh well… tomorrow is another day and another chance to post.

Until Buffy stages a comeback (where's a good slayer when you need one),

-Your Favorite Teacher

Hair today, gone tomrrow...

2008-09-28T20:10:00.000-07:00

I wrote about my barber this summer. He was arrested for back child support while cutting my hair.

I had a good barber. He did a solid job of cutting my hair.

My new barber cuts in the same shop and in the same chair. He does a fine job on my hair, but a horrible job on my hairline and face.

I don’t think my hair is hard to cut. I go in, sit down, get a hair cut, and go home. I never complain about the hair cut or over scrutinize the hair cut. If I get a good compliment about my haircut (rarely ever in my life), I say thank you and move on. However, with my new haircut, I don’t think I can go back into that shop and simply move on. This new barber and I are through. He has to go!

I have marks across my face and hairline where my new barber has butchered me up. After I finished with my hair cut and went home, I realized my mustache was uneven and that my beard was lopsided.

I will not let my new barber cut my hair again. I must shave my facial hair and look thirteen again

Some tales from the front lines...

2008-09-22T23:56:00.000-07:00

Teacher Stories-
The funniest things happen in high school classrooms…

After teaching a unit of study concerning constitutional rights, Mr. Ball gives his students a test over the material. When more than half of the students fail the test, Mr. Ball revists the material and gives a retest. When the same percentage of students fail the test, Mr. Ball gets disappointed and a little peeved.

“What is wrong here,” Mr. Ball asks, both hands in the air, a look of indignation on his face. “I taught this material twice. Everything on the test came directly from the notes. Directly! I mean, even the desks… do you hear me, the desks in this room could have passed this test from just being in the room when I went over the material.”

A student, who did not pass the test, raises her hand.

“Mr. Ball, I just want to apologize for the class and say that you are right. Not only the desks, but even the file cabinet should have been able to pass as easy as the test was.”

Another student, an attitudinal look of shock on her face, who sits behind the first students, raises her hand.

“Well, if that was the case, I am sitting right here by this cabinet and if I would have known the test was that easy, I would have looked on the cabinet’s paper for the answer and not yours.”

Republicans will believe anything...

2008-09-17T22:08:00.000-07:00

Since the Republican National Convention, I have searched for the right word to describe the Republican ability to twist and alter the truth. Today, I finally found that word while reading last week’s Creative Loafing (I told you I was catching up on my reading…). A great editorial by Cliff Brockstock, “When the truth won’t do” quotes Stephen Colbert and calls it “truthiness.” The article is still online at http://atlanta.creativeloafing.com/gyrobase/when_the_truth_won_t_do/Content?oid=555942.

Republicans believe whatever they want to believe. They accept “truthiness” when truth is staring them directly in the face.

Truthiness?
Barack Obama is unprepared and too inexperienced to be President of the United States.

Truth:
Barack Obama, graduate of Harvard Law and former president of the Harvard Law Review, spent three years as a community organizer, twelve years as a Constitutional Law professor, eight years as a state Senator, and four years as a United State Senator (sponsoring 131 bills). Clearly, Obama has the experience needed to serve as the next President of the United States.

Truthiness?
Barack Obama does not represent family values or American values.

Truth:
Barack Obama has been married for nineteen years to the same woman and has reared both of his daughters in a Christian home. He and his wife both sacrificed the opportunity to make “a lot of money” in order to serve their community as public servants.

The truth is out there…

A Break...

2008-09-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

I am off for an entire week. I know, fellow bloggers, eat your heart out…

What I have done: Caught up on television! I have been taping Project Runway (isn’t this show hilarious) and America’s Top Model (again, hilarious) and I finally got around to watching them. Both shows are in some very good and creative seasons. I am pleased.

Caught up on reading! The most recent issues of most magazines have been excellent. Palin, Palin, Palin, and I, like most Americans, cannot get enough election coverage.

Caught up on sleep! It is a glorious feeling to be able to get a nap each day.

Caught up on the gym! I made great workout progress this summer and have returned to the track and Gold’s.

The pictures posted are some highlights...

My Very Own Republican National Convention Scrapbook!

2008-09-05T21:15:00.001-07:00

Captions for my Republican National Convention Scrapbook...

1. 80’s Fashion truly is making a comeback…

2. And first lady Laura Bush agrees.

3. Oh, it was Gerald Ford who died…. My bad… I that it was this guy. Then, why is he with reformed alcoholic Betty Ford?

4. “I been a Republican since Lincoln, and I ain’t changing. If Rosa could stay on that bus, then I show can stay in this party! Segregation today, segregation tomorrow…"

5. Benedict Arnold was in attendance.

6. Representing the great state of Georgia… and Hazzard County...

Boss Hog.

I guess it really is true...

More McCain means more of the same...

Sarah Palin and tall... is simply not tall enough!

2008-09-02T19:56:00.000-07:00

For some it seems as though first impressions are lasting impressions and this seems to have been the case for McCain in regards to Palin.

Beautiful, intelligent, and a staunch conservative, Plaines appeared to appeal to a group of Republicans who were not connecting to McCain. Never mind the fact that Palin would be one of the most inexperienced Presidents in history or that few Americans had ever heard of her or knew of her political convictions. None of that matters when you are Miss Congeniality (Palin won this title in 1984).

Palin seemed like the perfect pick. It is hard to argue against the war in Iraq with someone who has a child fighting in Iraq. It is hard to argue against abortion with someone who has a child with Downs Syndrome.

However, it is also hard to argue for abstinence only education when you are someone who has a teenage daughter who has conceived a child out of wedlock. It is also hard to argue against big government and more accountability in terms of spending when you are someone who has more earmarked deals than the majority of other U.S. governors.

A number of minor “news quakes” have rocked the McCain-Palin ticket in the days since his announcement that Palin would be his running mate. A pregnant unwed teenaged daughter, a history of earmarking work with lobbyists, and affiliation with the Alaskan Independence Party (which questions whether statehood is good for Alaska), are all things that should have propelled McCain away from Palin as the Republican Vice Presidential nominee-if McCain truly knew these things about Palin.

Poor John McCain. It seems as if he failed to do his homework. And as any student will tell you, failing to do homework can result in dire consequences come report card time…

Until Alaska becomes its own sovereign nation,
-Zack Kirk

Zack, where have you been?

2008-09-01T19:30:00.000-07:00

Where are you going

with the long face pulling down?

Don’t hide away like an ocean-

you can see, you can smell

and the sound of your waves coming down.

I am no superman not at all-
I have no answers for you.

I am no hero and that’s for sure.
Lyrics from Dave Matthews’ “Where Are You Going”

A new school year is underway. The beginning of a new school year is always a hectic time. New students, new co-workers, and new policies always hit hard.

In addition to starting a new year at my high school, I started a new year at my adjunct position and took an extra course to help out the school and to help out my bank account. The goal is a new car in June… hopefully.

I cannot get a new car until I finish my dissertation. The dissertation- another reason I almost took a month long break from belonging.

But I am back and ready to blob about those VPs and that pregnancy…

-Until tomorrow‘s post…
Zack Kirk

A loss..

2008-08-12T20:21:00.000-07:00

We are dealing with our loss in our own ways...
Here is another poem of comfort that speaks
to me of the ways I knew our co-worker, our
teacher, our friend...

Mending Wall-

Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it,
And spills the upper boulders in the sun;
And makes gaps even two can pass abreast.
The work of hunters is another thing:
I have come after them and made repair
Where they have left not one stone on a stone,
But they would have the rabbit out of hiding,
To please the yelping dogs. The gaps I mean,
No one has seen them made or heard them made,
But at spring mending-time we find them there.
I let my neighbor know beyond the hill;
And on a day we meet to walk the line
And set the wall between us once again.
We keep the wall between us as we go.
To each the boulders that have fallen to each.
And some are loaves and some so nearly balls
We have to use a spell to make them balance:
'Stay where you are until our backs are turned!'
We wear our fingers rough with handling them.
Oh, just another kind of outdoor game,
One on a side. It comes to little more:
There where it is we do not need the wall:
He is all pine and I am apple orchard.
My apple trees will never get across
And eat the cones under his pines, I tell him.
He only says, 'Good fences make good neighbors.'
Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonder
If I could put a notion in his head:
'Why do they make good neighbors? Isn't it
Where there are cows? But here there are no cows.
Before I built a wall I'd ask to know
What I was walling in or walling out,
And to whom I was like to give offense.
Something there is that doesn't love a wall,
That wants it down.' I could say 'Elves' to him,
But it's not elves exactly, and I'd rather
He said it for himself. I see him there
Bringing a stone grasped firmly by the top
In each hand, like an old-stone savage armed.
He moves in darkness as it seems to me,
Not of woods only and the shade of trees.
He will not go behind his father's saying,
And he likes having thought of it so well
He says again, 'Good fences make good neighbors.'

Robert Frost

(explanation forthcoming....)

An Ice-Dream Deferred...

2008-08-11T19:38:00.000-07:00

So I am leaving work and I start craving an ice-dream cup from Chik-fil-a. I pull into the restaurant and park. I wanted to go through the drive-thru but the line was too long. I walk inside and to my delight there was a line with only one customer waiting. It was a man and his two daughters (around 6 and 4) and they were placing their order.

I wait.

When the line to my left moved two customers, I decided to see what could be the problem. I started to listen.

“Honey, what do you want?”

The customer, dressed in his suit, was allowing his two daughters in plaid school girl uniforms to decide what they wanted to order. It’s great when kids can make choices, but this ten-minute decision process was getting ridiculous.

At six, my mother would ask me what I wanted and she would place the order for me. If I did not know, I had better decide quick and in a hurry.

“Does the cole-slaw has carrots and raisins, cause I don’t like the raisins…”
“Well, it does have raisins and carrots because it is pre made…”

What? The manager was talking to the little girl as though she was an adult.

SHE IS SIX YEARS OLD!

It is great that she is being taught to make decisions, but the line at Chik-fil-a is not the place for her life long lessons in fiscal or physical responsibility.

Give these girls a kid’s meal nugget and a couple waffle fries and keep it moving…

In frustration, I left, with out an ice-dream. I guess some dreams are simply not meant to be.

No Longer King of the Hill…

2008-08-06T17:53:00.001-07:00

The metro Atlanta area boasts some colorful characters in the realm of politics and public service. Vernon Jones (former CEO of DeKalb County), Myron Freeman (former Sheriff of Fulton County), Ron Sailor (State Representative who has missed the most votes during the current legislative session) and Joyce McKibbens (mayor of Lithonia) have all garnered media attention as much for their public actions as they have for their public service (or in Sailor’s case, the lack thereof). However, for the past four years, it has been Clayton County Sheriff Victor Hill who has stood as the most colorful character in the bunch.

Hill was defeated in last night’s election and I am remiss. Victor Hill was a rabble rousing lil rascal and made great fodder for the Atlanta media. I cannot imagine a week’s news broadcast without the lil guy. What will Monica and Bill Jim talk about not that lil Victor is on his way out of office?

Consider this:

On his first day in office, Sheriff Hill fired twenty-seven sheriff deputies, reportedly because he wanted the department to look like the constituents they served. He even had the policemen taken from the building under the cover of snipers and loaded into a padded wagon to be escorted from the premises.
-Atlanta Journal Constitution

And this:

A former Clayton County Sheriff’s department employee claims that Sheriff Hill used money from department vending machines and forfeited drug money on art pieces of black cowboys and lynch mobs. Vending machine money, according to the former employee, once went to an annual Christmas party.
-Creative Loafing (July 1, 2008: Thomas Wheatley)

Victor’s term in office was hilarious (to me at least… I live in DeKalb County, not Clayton).

I’m going to miss you, lil man...

I pooted? No, I voted!

2008-08-05T15:08:00.001-07:00

I pooted? No, I voted. Georgia held statewide run-off elections this morning and I cast my ballot for State Senate and DeKalb County CEO. I also cast my nominations for the 2008 Black Weblogs Awards.

Have you considered "the new intellectual pursuit" for category 30: Blog to Watch?
The criteria reads:
"This category highlights the best “undiscovered” blog in the blogosphere; keep your eye on this one! This is for that great blog that not everyone knows about…but should!"
Vote here at:
http://www.blackweblogawards.com/database/step1.php

Tales from the Hood

2008-08-02T18:33:00.000-07:00

Hi, hater! I know you wished you lived in my neighborhood, because if you did, you would have access to some things found in no other part of the country!

When you live in my hood, you can see some fine orthodontic work on display so you too can bling when you smile!

The shrimp steak and cheese is a culinary creation only found in a Chinese restaurant in my hood!

Until the Cheesecake Factory serves the steak-shrimp burger,

-Zack Kirk

A poem of comfort (for me at least...)

2008-07-31T20:50:00.000-07:00

For all who know the discomfort of hope and the uncertainity of faith...
My prayers are with him as are yours. I have hope for the fight and faith in God's plan.

Faithless
The tide is full, the moon lies fair
Upon the straits. . .
Matthew Arnold

By mid-July I'm tired of the mountains.
I want to be near the sea,
walk beside it for an hour or two,
watch it cleaning the wounds of the shore.
Such persistence—though we know
there isn't a plan, just this
going back over the same places,
revising everything out.
"Is there a way to win?"
Jane Greer asks Robert Mitchum
in Out of the Past. "Well," he says,
"There's a way to lose more slowly."
He knows he shouldn't trust her,
and he doesn't care. Ah, Matthew Arnold,
our lovers are more melancholy than yours,
more desperate, more faithless.
"You can't help anything you do,"
Mitchum tells her at the end.
Which is what he might have told himself.
But nobody ever sees how far
the things we shouldn't feel can take us.
I just want to walk along the shore
for an hour, watch the waves
rearranging whatever they can.
I like the way the sea encourages me
to think about the past,
as if I could leave it where it is:
the moon on the water, the stars
that gleam and are gone.

By Lawrence Raab

When faced with the difficult...

2008-07-29T20:42:00.000-07:00

We Walk in Faith by Raymond A. Foss

A momentary blip,
a bump on the road of life
hit us again today, as it has
for a few weeks
a scare in our lives
prayed over, worry over
brought us together
family of blood,
of affinity,
our family of faith
wrapping arms around us
praying for us
for the doctor’s skill
the sureness of his hand
the guiding hand of God
in the testing to come
the results we wait for
the healing of the body
and the balm of the soul
feeling the presence
the people put in our path
wanting to help
to care for her
support her
comfort her

-August 24, 2006

The 20th Annual National Black Arts Festival

2008-07-28T15:01:00.001-07:00

Every year, I attempt to attend at least one cultural event sponsored by the National Black Arts Festival. Held annually during the last two weeks in July, the festival celebrated 20 years this month.

According to nbaf.org, the National Black Arts Festival (NBAF), a non-profit cultural institution based in Atlanta, Georgia, celebrates the contributions of people of African descent and their impact on world cultures. The mission of NBAF is to engage, cultivate and educate diverse audiences about the arts and culture of the African Diaspora and provide opportunities for artistic and creative expression

If you missed this year’s artist gallery, you missed a real treat.

2008-07-23T19:49:00.000-07:00

Tales from the Hood..

I have become addicted to Checker’s hot dogs. I know, I know… don’t judge me.

So I go to the drive-thru and order three of the 99 cent frankfurters. I am greeted by a rude Checker's employee.

Checkers Worker: Yeah.
Zack Kirk: Excuse me.
Checkers Worker: Yeah, can I take yo order.
Zack Kirk: Three hot dogs, please.
Checkers: Three chili dogs?
Zack Kirk: Three hot dogs.
Checkers Worker: Huh. Nobody orders hot dogs. $3.21. Drive around.

And I drive around and wait ten minutes while the car in front of me gets three bags of food. When I finally get to the window, I am greeted by weave all over the place and two gold teeth blinging brightly.

Zack Kirk: How much is it?
Checkers Worker: Huh?
Zack Kirk: How much is the order?

Checkers Worker: I told you 3.21.
I hand it over and take the bag.

Zack Kirk: Excuse me. Can I have some ketchup?
Checkers Worker: We ain’t got no ketchup.

How can a fast food restaurant not have ketchup? I am almost sure there was ketchup in the back, but she did not want to get it.

Why? Why can I not get decent customer service in my neighborhood? I know, I know… don’t tell me.

Until Santa Claus comes to the hood and hands out some manners,

-Zack Kirk

Is this freedom of speech, satire, or something else?

2008-07-21T14:12:00.000-07:00

Did the cover of this week’s New Yorker make me angry?
The cover portrays Obama as an Islamic Terrorist, who has taken over the white house, is burning an American flag, and is greeting his wife, an aforoed militant with a machine gun slung across her breast. The only thing missing are Natasha and Malia sitting on the lawn, reading from the Koran.

Did the cover of this week’s New Yorker make me angry?
The cover is insulting to African Americans and Muslims. The cover plays into the lies and slander being perpetuated by FOX news and other conservative news outlets concerning the Obamas.

Did the cover of this week’s New Yorker make me angry?
The cover could have easily been perceived as true by the 27% of Americans who believe Obama to be Muslim, when he is not a Muslim. He proclaims his faith to be Christian.

Did the cover make me angry? No.

I am firm supporter of the first amendment.
It is the job of the media to propel us into the world of thought. I read magazines and newspapers to make me think beyond my own preconceived judgments.

The portrayal of Barack needs to be explored. While the New Yorker’s cover (not the actual story) plays into the negative thoughts surrounding the Obamas, the majority of news magazines are giving Obama tons of positive free press. This is just as inflammatory as what is being done by FOX news.

We, the American people, to be an informed citizenry, deserve multiple sides of the story. The media that forces us to seek truth for ourselves instead of having that truth interpreted for us is helping move democracy forward.

The Dallas Diaries... come to an end...

2008-07-18T07:14:00.000-07:00

What I learned this week that really matters...

All students deserve access to high quality education.
For too long, high quality instruction and high expectations have been reserved for the brightest and best students. Every student, whether in an AP class, an Honors Class, or a College Preparatory class deserves the best that a teacher has to offer. A student should write no less in a College Prep class than in an AP class. A student should work no less or be exposed to no less in a College Prep class than in an AP class. They key to improving education is to improve the quality of instruction for all students, regardless to their chosen level of learning. A student should be just as skilled in a given curriculum after leaving a college preparatory class as they are when they leave an AP class. The difference should not be the quality of instruction or the expectations of learners, but should instead be the curriculum covered.

All students belong in an AP class, but...not all students should take an AP class.
With the aforementioned said, not every student should take an AP class. Every student should have the educational opportunity, but not every student should take advantage of that opportunity. If a student lacks work ethic, regardless of the kid’s ability or intelligence, he or she will not succeed in an AP class. While the greatest determinate of student intelligence or ability is not academics performance, the greatest predictor or student work ethic is academic performance. Kids who make A’s work hard and will strive to reach the mark, regardless of how high it is set.

Many educational programs really only exist to make money.
College Board, Everyday Math, Success for all… numerous educational programs intended to improve education for all students only exist to make money. Education is not improved, tax payer’s dollars are wasted, and children are short changed.

The only good solution to improving education is solid teaching.
While devalued by administrators across the country, teachers make the difference in each classroom. It is not the quiet class, the well-structured class that indicates quality instruction. In some cases, it is not even test scores. Good teaching is indicated by student learning, period. Student learning is indicated by student progress or improvement. Data driven results illustrate this and should come from a variety of sources.

Good teachers stay focused on the bottom line: kids.
Despite administrator actions, district policies, or parent opinions, the bottom line is always what is in the best interest of the learners.

Things in a random teacher's classroom... (Wednesday)

2008-07-16T20:29:00.000-07:00

It is now day three and I am getting restless and distracted. Today, during a bathroom break, I decided to go on a scavenger hunt.

As a teacher, it is always enlightening to check out how other teachers decide to decorate their classrooms. On my search, I found some interesting things.

Please share your thoughts.

The Dallas Diaries: Early to Rise... (Monday)

2008-07-15T20:03:00.000-07:00

(Pardon me, but this was written in real-time)

Registration for the week-long workshop started at 8:15 and my team wanted to be their on time. I received at call at 7 am telling me the team was having breakfast at 7:30. I got the message at 8, when I woke up. I was peeved at leaving so early. If registration was between 8:15 and 9, why not arrive at 8:55? I just knew that, by leaving at 8 a.m. for a workshop that started at 9, we would be the first one’s to arrive and would find ourselves sitting in a vacant parking lot.

Um… no. I was wrong.

We were not the first to arrive. From the looks of the registration lines, we were among the last.

I will not name my child Patrick. Every Patrick I know looks like the Patrick from spongebob. Our presenter, Patrick, is no exception.

Our trainer has actually worked for the organization for a whole career span of one week. F--ing awesome! He’s also a civil war re-enactor. Double f--ing awesome. And he graduated from the University of Alabama. Even better, huh…

Most teachers make poor students. I hate having my time wasted. Luckily, as the day went on, I realized the time was being put to good use.

I learned a lot and I am already fired up about putting my new knowledge to good use…

An overview:
Kids have to learn how to write. It is essential. Creative projects are fun and easy to design, but kids are not going to be asked to make a panorama for a college admissions essay alternative assessment or do an interpretative dance to explain symbolism in the Illiad.

Um, why were some people in Texas still wearing Jheri curls?

The Dallas Diaries: The Take Off (Sunday)

2008-07-14T20:27:00.000-07:00

In April, I applied for the opportunity to represent my school district at a workshop hosted by a group calling themselves Laying the Foundation. While I have an idea of what this nebulous organization is all about, I am a little uncertain about what will be gained from this conference. Check out http://www.layingthefoundation.org and see if you can decipher what I will be learning.

I actually received an email a couple of weeks ago telling me to arrive for my 11:15 flight between 8 and 9 and I decided then and there that I would be late. The Sunday after the Independence Day Weekend was destined to be an empty boot day at the airport. Why in the world would we have to leave so early? No one was flying on the Sunday after Independence day!

After checking in, we had a two hour wait. Hmph... Guess I was right. We cruised through security.

As the 11th hour approached, a storm brew around us. Lightening flashed and rain poured. I realized early that our flight would be delayed. I found my corner, curled up, and went back to sleep… only to be stirred and told that we were boarding. To my pleasant surprise, we boarded right on schedule.

What was not to my pleasant surprise was that we were grounded from taking off.

Despite the looming storm around us, Delta allowed us to board the plane. We boarded and waited. And waited. And waited… on the plane… three hours… while the storm passed. I read Newsweek and Time, cover to cover, and listening to every new song upload to Earl (the iphone) in the intermission.

We finally left Atlanta at 2, and after a rocky, stomach flipping flight, arrived in Dallas at 5.

We ate a fine Italian meal and checking into the Spring Hill Suites Marriot in Irving.

The hotel is awesome. I have a full suite to myself that makes being away from home endurable.

So far I am hoping for the, but, like always, best expecting the worst.

Until Delta gives me more than one pack of free cookies,

-Zack Kirk

The mind of a college instructor..

2008-07-10T20:59:00.000-07:00

I am really enjoying my summer job. Really, I am. But as with all teaching gigs, some questions, regardless of the learner’s educational level keep popping up. And yes, my answers are always the same.

“Um, did I miss anything last week?”
Of course not, buddy. We just sat around and played rocks/paper/scissors.

“Um, do you have my make-up work?”
Of course I do. I just keep a file folder on every single one of my students for each of my five courses this term and when you are absent I put your notes, make-up work, and a five dollar bill inside it to let you know that coming to class is pointless.

“I’m sorry, but I just don’t understand. So, what are we supposed to doing, exactly?”
Oh, don’t worry. I don’t mind explaining again the assignment we have been working on for the past three course meetings. It’s no problem at all. Again, you are the priority here and making your life easier is why I breathe. My repetition of the same information for the fourth time is a pleasure if it results in your academic success.

And yes, laughter usually follows. But when it doesn’t…

“I was only asking, Mr. Kirk. You know, your sarcasm and attitude don’t make learning this bullspit any easier. It’s hard up in here. This class is hard, pointless, and don’t nobody want be up in here.”
Yeah, I know, right.

“Uh… why you looking at me like that, Mr. Kirk? Like I’m stupid or something?”
Pardon me, but I am simply looking at you. If you don’t like the way I am looking, I am sorry. God made my face. If you have problems with my face, please consult the NIV version of the bible for an understandable explanation of why I am looking at you like I am.

And by then, yes, laughter usually follows. But when it doesn’t

I’m sorry. I was just playing.

Until I become English chair at my college,
-Zack Kirk

The Paper Pusher (club e thanks me!)

2008-07-07T16:00:00.000-07:00

As many know, I am an adjunct at a local college. During the course of this summer, I was asked to take on additional classes and happily accepted.

Today, when I walked into the copy room, I found four stacks of copied PowerPoint notes. Each stack was copied on one side and had about 14 sheets of paper. Each packet of information consisted of notes that were being presented during class and that was also found within the student textbooks.

What in the world is this instructor thinking? Why in the world is this instructor wasting so much paper?

According to the web site, Paper University, Americans used more than 90 million tons of paper each year. Our nation is also the leading paper producer in the world. The waste of paper perturbs me because it represents a lack of consideration for the environment, the educational institution, and most importantly, the students.

I am not a peace, love, and the environment kind of guy. I am not riding around with go-green bumper stickers, watching Meerkat Manor each week, but I am concerned about foolish waste. Using inordinate amounts of paper represents a financial waste to the college. In terms of our students, which student wants to collect over 120 pages of notes per week? Who has that kind of space in a binder, when the same information is presented in a text book?

Until the next paper waster gets metaphorically crushed into pulp and recycled,

-Zack Kirk

I am glad I did not illegally migrate to Canada...

2008-07-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

On November 2, 2004 (one day before my birthday) President George Bush was re-elected President. And it was on that day, I seriously thought about packing my bags and moving to Canada. And I was not the only one planning a move. Numerous Americans were angered and outraged that a fraudulent leader, who had lied and deceived the American people, could win re-election. So, I thought about illegally migrating to Canada.

As a whole, Canada is viewed as cleaner country, more wholesome and spacious. With free medical care to all citizens (and free bicycles to all citizens in some provinces, believe it or not), Canada stands as a liberal and progressive beacon of light.

At the height of early 21st century, anti-Bush, American expatriate thought, American editorialists Andrew and Judith Kleinfeld wrote a brilliant article in the July 19, 2004 issue of the Wall Street Journal. Comparing Canadian culture to American culture, the Kleinfeld’s quoted Canadian sociologist Kaspar Naegele: "In Canada there seems to be greater acceptance of limitation, of hierarchical patterns. There seems to be less optimism, less faith in the future, less willingness to risk capital or reputation."
Canadians frown on rule-breakers, boat-rockers, and radical free-thinkers. Hmmm…. I’m glad I did not illegally migrate to Canada.
I am glad I did not illegally migrate to Canada because in America, I had the opportunity to cast a primary vote for Barack Obama. Like Michelle, I too am proud to be an American because it is a country where a black man, or any member of a marginalized minority group, can realistically aspire to be president. I mean, really, it is a country where a 72 year old, two time loser, can realistically aspire to be president. I am sure this would never happen in Canada.

I am glad I did not illegally migrate to Canada because in America we eat French fries covered in ketchup, while in Canada they eat French fries covered in brown gravy with cottage cheese sprinkled on top. It’s called poutine. Sounds appetizing? Um, thanks, but I’ll pass on the poutine.

I am glad I did not migrate to Canada, because that is the native land of Dave Coulier and Alanis Morriesette and they have always freaked me out a little. Uncle Joey was always a little too Pee-Wee Hermanish in my eyes (no offense intended, Mr. Reubens).

And what good is red and white without a little blue thrown in, anyway? Oh, and sometimes, its really cold there too. And when all else fails, I can still blame Canada.

Of course this would happen to me...

2008-06-30T10:50:00.000-07:00

My barber got arrested while cutting my hair.
I could not believe it.

I am sitting in the chair and four sheriff deputies come in.

My barber goes outside and comes back, announcing that the police are here to arrest him for missing child support payments.

Instead of stopping in the middle of the cut, my barber kept cutting. Shaking and holding back tears, my barber cut my hair.

I thought that I should tell him to stop, to go handle his business and not to worry about my hair. That was my first instinct. But did I do as Oprah has advised me to do MY ENTIRE LIFE? Of course not. Instead, I sat there, passively holding my hands together, hoping for the best.

For the first time in my life, I have waves. The only thing is, the waves are not in my hair, but are across my hair and face line.

Another one bites the dust!

2008-06-26T20:54:00.000-07:00

Another meerkat leader has gone on to the great beyond.

The Whisker family of meerkats has captivated audiences for three seasons. When leader and matriarch, Flower Whisker died violently at the hands (err.. fangs?) of a cobra, viewers mourned the loss. Now, Rocket Dog and Maybelline, the daughters of Flower, have jockeyed for power, with Rocket Dog coming out on top. Unfortunately, her rule came to a screeching halt with what some have deemed a hit and run accident.

Yes, Rocket Dog Whisker was run over in a car. Hell, I may have been driving the car. I never stop for animals. If the beast is stupid enough to run out in front of Frankie the Frontier, then the beast is stupid enough to die! I am sure that whoever ran over Rocket Dog kept it moving. Maybe dinner had to be prepared or the next episode the The Real World was getting ready to start. What is a meerkat when compared to a hungry child or a drunken Joey?

Amazingly, some people have a greater affinity for animals than they do for people. Flowers death received an actual memorial service. Some activist questioned why Animal Planet employees did not intervene when the snake entered into the Meerkat's borough or when the car ran over Rocket Dog. I guess. All creatures great and small, huh?

Until the Maybelline becomes road kill…

-Zack Kirk

The Z-Ko BET Awards version of "Lookin Boy"

2008-06-25T15:58:00.001-07:00

Every year, numerous awards show attempt to recognize the accomplishments of the
entertainment industry and feed the super star starved masses. This year, as the song, “Lookin Boy” by HotStylz heats up the airwaves, I decided to bust my own rhyme style (okay, it doesn’t really rhyme, but you know what I mean….)

Chris Brown- too much bronzer, faux-mohawk, fronting like you date Rhianna, when you know… looking boy…

D.L. Hugely- not funny, has been comedian, wish you was Chris Rock looking boy…

Keisha Cole- why you on an elevated podium, dress and make-up don’t match, ridiculous background, Tammy Faye eyelashes looking girl.

Alicia Keys- need trim spa baby, Selisha biting bob from ANTM, Tarrance Howard looking boy.

Ne-Yo- Usher wanna be, did better than him though, Alpha Phi Alpha move stealing, twelve year old looking boy.

Rick Ross- circus elephant to match the scene, wearing all that purple, Barney looking boy.

Kanye- protruding grill, attention seeking, why you get a massage from lil wayne, looking boy.

Rhianna- lying about Chris Brown, you need to take a bow cause we all getting tired of you, psycho killer, in mourning Barbie looking girl.

Marvin Sapp- mistaken for Warren Sapp, not gonna talk about you and let got God get me looking boy…

Oh well.. that’s my attempt at rhyming, yo…

Until teachers make as much as rappers…
-Zack Kirk

The Passover?

2008-06-24T16:54:00.000-07:00

This has not been the best week ever.

Last year, during the 2006-2007 academic term, I requested a transfer from my current school to a new system school. The main reason for the transfer was a desire to become department chair. While I was granted a transfer, I was not given the department chair position. The position went to a teacher with more experience. While I had more degrees, and maybe more curricular experience, I understood the decision to go with work experience.

Well, last week, I was once again denied a department chair position. My current school (my first and only school) had an opening, but the job immediately went to my co-worker and friend. While I was not informed of the reasons as to why I was not given the position, I have an idea. After careful contemplation I have learned some very valuable lessons.

Lesson One: Learn how to keep your mouth shut when drama arises.
Lesson Two: Learn who your real friends are.
Lesson Three: Learn that your boss is your boss. Support the boss’s vision or quit!
Lesson Four: Learn when its time to move on.
Lesson Five: Learn how to embrace change.

I love our new department chair. She is my friend and I am going to support her with all of my might. She was doubtful about accepting the position, but I know in my heart that she is the best person for the job at my school. The need for a peacemaker is greater than the need for what I bring to the table. The need for someone to bring the members of my department together is greater than the need for what I bring to the table. I realize this and accept this. I am still disappointed in the process and my faith in the system is shaken. The upcoming school year offers no excitement for me. I am worried about my future.

Until I learn how to move on,
-Zack Kirk

The Weekly Geography of My Life...

2008-06-13T09:13:00.000-07:00

In the news:
Little Wayne sold 436,000 units on Tuesday. He pushed some major weight. He even brags about not writing his lyrics until he arrives at the studio. Hmmm… after listening to a couple of his songs, I don’t see why he is so quick to brag. He states:

Ima venereal disease like a menstrual bleed..
What is he talking about? This is an unapt analogy and kind of nasty.

Wayne also ponders, “what’s a goon to a goblin…” He’s calling himself a goblin- while I could think of many other things to call him, I do agree that he looks a little goblinish.

I am an admitted Kobe fan, but even I am getting tired of his antics, hysterics, and flat out arrogance. Statements such as, "I'm not changing my game whatsoever," and “what I’m doing wight now, I’m chasing perfection” are examples of this arrogance.

Mountain: The highlight of my week was summer pay day! With the regular academic term over, I was able to accept more courses at my second job, Westwood College. This, of course, meant more money. Seeing the money in the bank definitely served as the highlight of the week.

Valley: Spending fears… H&M just opened in Atlantic Station, I’ve just realized I need to upgrade my shoe game, and I have two vacations I want to take this summer, but due to constantly increasing bills (electric and gas keep going up) and the high price of gasoline, I am afraid to truly enjoy the fruits of my labor.

I’m watching: The Mole. Karen Perry, a co-worker, has me watching this reality show that seems to be going nowhere, fast. With challenges like the contestants losing a soccer match to pee-wees (5-10 year old kids), I can see why the program was previously cancelled.

I’m reading: The Kiss by Kathryn Harrison. I came across this controversial short novel while reading the New York Times Book Review on Sunday morning. I was immediately struck by the subject matter. A girl, age 20, willingly begins a sexual relationship with her father. The novel is beautifully sad and knowingly tragic. Don’t be mistaken. It’s difficult to read but not at all as perverse as the incestuous subject.

I’m listening to: Usher’s Here I Stand. As some may know, I am a dedicated Usher fan. My support of Usher’s artistry started when I was 14 and he released his first self-titled album. I own every CD, concert DVD, and have downloaded most of his live television performances. His most recent album is good. It is his most solid collection of music and represents his best album. He has had some better songs, but Here I Stand is his best album to date.

Obama and Ted Strickland go together like a horse and carriage...

2008-06-10T18:23:00.000-07:00

The Vice Presidency “isn’t worth a pitcher of warm piss!” –John Nance Garner

Now that Barack Obama has secured the Democratic Party’s nomination for president, major discussion is going into who would be the best nominee for Vice President.
Until the later 20th century, the Vice President has, traditionally, not severed a major role in the course of American politics. Several Vice Presidents (John Adams, Aaron Burr) lamented being given the position. One former Vice President (Franklin Pierce’s Vice President, William King) actually died before being sworn in and was rumored to not have been missed for several weeks after his unfortunately demise.

Some Vice Presidents have gone on to run for President, but this is a 20th Century trend (Truman in 1948, Nixon in 1960, Johnson in 1964, Nixon and Humphrey in 1968, Ford in 1976, Mondale in 1984, H.W. Bush in 1988, and Gore in 2000) and the trend may now be over (Clearly, Cheney’s time is over. He’s a heart beat away...)
When thinking of Vice Presidents, Dan Quayle comes to mind. Before being named as H.W’s right hand man, Quayle was a senator from Indiana. Infamous for his intellectual prowess (or lack thereof), Quayle made such claims as “We don't want to go back to tomorrow, we want to go forward," and "The future will be better tomorrow," and "I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix,” and my all time favorite statement, "It's time for the human race to enter the solar system."

As Obama looks for his Vice President, he should consider the candidate’s home state and the balance the candidate will provide on issues that matter to the American people. Lacking military service and experience may serve as a hindrance to Obama. Being seen as too inexperienced for the office could also hurt Obama’s chances. Obama needs a VP who’s experienced and knowledgeable, but who can also relate to the needs and concerns of the American people. Kerry did an excellent job of selected John Edwards, who balanced his awkwardness and lack of charisma. Hopefully, Obama will find a VP candidate who provides a similar balance.

The Washington insider state that Obama may be on the right track. Former candidate Wesley Clark, a retired Army general and former NATO commander is rumored to be on Obama’s short list. While Clark supported Clinton, he could provide the name recognition needed to get some of the Hillary fans on Obama’s side.

Another military possibility is Jim Webb, a first-term Virginia senator who served in Vietnam and was the secretary of the Navy. Webb would also assist Obama in a major battleground state, which probably matters more than military experience.

Having witnessed the 2000 and 2004 elections come down to a few delegates, battleground states will be just as crucial as ever in the 2008 campaign. With that said, Bill Richardson of New Mexico and Ted Strickland come to mind.

Richardson also ran for the democratic nomination, but had the common sense to get our early. A governor, Richardson could help Obama secure the fastest-growing segment of the electorate and a potentially vital voting bloc with Latino voters. A seasoned negotiator, the former energy secretary, congressman and U.N. ambassador would also bring foreign policy experience to the ticket as well as inside knowledge of how Washington works.

Finally, my personal choice is Ohio governor, Ted Strickland. An influential democrat with moderate views and conservative tendencies, Strickland has done an admirable job of working across party lines to move Ohio forward. With Ohio being a key battleground state, Obama may need Strickland to truly close the deal.

Georgia's low test results indicate that we are headed in the right direction...

2008-06-03T18:22:00.000-07:00

Results of Georgia’s most recent admission of the CRCT has recently garnered major attention from both parents and the press. With 40% of students possibly denied promotion, the validity of these tests and the new Georgia Performance Standards are currently in question. As a veteran educator, I feel as though clarification may be needed.

The mandate of our state's public school system is that we will lead the nation in school improvement. The Georgia Performance Standards and the increased rigor of state mandated standardized tests are a step in that direction.

The process of making education in Georgia both rigorous and relevant is painstaking to say the least. The flawed thinking that what has been done in the past will work in the future seems to be dominate in too many homes and too many news articles.

To lead the nation in school improvement does not necessarily mean that every student will pass state tests or that every parent will be happy with test results. Summer school is a small price to pay for remediation. The goal of education is learning, not promotion or a score that will please parents and press.

The rigorous math standards and relevant CRCT assessments promote the critical thinking skills essential for higher SAT results and true college preparedness that too many Georgia students lack and desperately need. Without highlighting the areas for student growth and holding students, as well as teachers and school systems accountable, Georgia will remain at the bottom of the nation in regards to standardized test scores. Georgia will remain one step behind the rest of our nation.

The Weekly Geography of my Life

2008-04-17T17:58:00.000-07:00

What a hectic week! As the school year comes to its irrevocable end, every day seems to fly by. Graduation the Class of 2008 is right around the corner and so are End of Course Test and dreaded AP exams. While I am confident that I have done a solid job teaching curriculum in each of my classes (with a few life lessons sprinkled along the way, I am still not confident that every learner will score high on the aforementioned high-stakes test. Oh well. There is always next year.

The Mountain: Luckily, the end of spring break coinciding with the wedding of one of my closest high school classmates. Getting to see Matthew and Kylea get hitched, attending the bachelor party (good job, Anzari), and seeing dear, old friends from high school (miss you Marcus; love you, Tot and Vonne) was a great experience. Also, I was able to go back to my alma matter (Go MSU, Go State!) and have dinner with two of my best former students (Allison, I am so proud of you and your courage! Bahhiyah, stay focused!). These two events definitely rank high on my list of things that made this week great.

The Valley: Whenever a vacation from work ends, my body and sleep schedule gets all out of whack. I have not been getting the sleep I need and consequently, I have been tired and grumpy. Blah.

I am reading: Only the best book of the damn year!!!! The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz is fucking amazing! And I know teachers are not supposed to swear, but damn, this I my blog and damn, this book is WONDROUS! Buy it and let me know what you think.

I have been watching: America’s Next Top Model and it sucks. This is an awful “cycle.”

I am listening to: e=mc2. Aren’t you? Mariah Carey will surely top the Beatles #1 record with this great album. She’s back and better with age (even if she is a slore.)

Barack is more bitter than small town Pennsylvania voters...

2008-04-15T16:44:00.000-07:00

It seems as if Barack Obama has not only fangled some words, but has also fangled his chances of getting the majority of electoral votes in Pennsylvania. To make a long comment short, Obama said Pennsylvania's small town voters were bitter about losing jobs and that to explain their frustrations, they "cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them." For a more in on the story, consult http://www.usnews.com/usnews/politics/bulletin/bulletin_080415.htm .

The comments were ignorant and insensitive and indefensible. I don’t think many people are willing to call out the white elephant in Obama’s room. The comments were direct attacks against working class, white people in Pennsylvania who are not receptive to Obama’s message. Some of these people may be unreceptive due to Obama’s race, but that is their right. No one has to vote for someone because they are the best man or woman for a specific task. We elected George W. Bush not once, but twice and he is not good for anything of which I can think.

Race should not be an issue in this or any election, but that fact that it is an issue is a constant and ever present reality. As a black man, Obama should not consider himself immune from the racial thinking of others, but as a candidate for public office, he should strive to make himself immune from thinking racially himself.

Obama has repeatedly attempted to undo the damage done by his poor wording, and I am sure many Americans are willing to forgive his ill-thought comments. After all, people forgave Michael Richards for his Laugh Factory breakdown and Mel Gibson for his anti-Semitic slurs at a stop-light.

As a result of Obama’s comments, Hillary Clinton has a fresh round of ammunition at her disposal as she attempts to slowly tear down the solid democratic nomination Obama has built in the past three months. It was shrewd and clever politics for Clinton, who has finally realized that in order to win an election, you have to be able to relate to the common man. Showing empathy for the struggling economy and using anecdotes from her childhood, Clinton makes it appear as though she understands what the average Pennsylvanian is going through. Obama attempted to fight back, asking, repeatedly, who Clinton thought she was, Annie Oakley- seems as if Annie had her gun and hit her target where it hurts.

Catching Up with Me...

2008-04-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

Where are you going?

Where do you go?

Are you looking for answers

For reasons under the stars?
-Lyrics from “Where are you going?” By Dave Matthews

A needed rest has come. I have no idea how to categorize this break from work. I realize now that I have no idea how to categorize this break from writing. I don’t know if most people feel the need to be so far away from things, but I have felt the need to detach. Disconnectedness is dangerous. I have always known this and fought the impulse, but lately, I find myself too tired to fight it.

This break from work has provided an opportunity to read and catch up on news. I read The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri and then watched the film. I also watched Atonement. Neither film was as good as the novels upon which they were based.

This week I have also been catching up on my health concerns. I have hit the track and the gym hard, and god only knows how much I needed to work out. My body is a wreck. I feel like I am wrapped in pounds and pounds of excess fat. Being at home has provided me with a chance to eat healthier and to eat less.

Grief Daybook II by Carol Ann Davis (A Memory Poem for You)

2007-12-12T16:54:00.000-08:00

There are panels of sky

as good as forgotten,

Evans' gelatin folds of Florida

circa 1934. The line of sky is dark at first

where the gulf lifts it,

then comes to me like a halo

around the palm tree with its neck bent,

its spray of branches leaning out of frame

as if to flee. Its roots pull

at sand, as if to say,

this is what it takes.

I'd believe, if not for the way

my breath catches,

if not for the wild faint

sleep's become. The palm's branches

are spears left

where they've fallen

in the dirty sand, too heavy

for the tide to take them. Where the neck bends,

cut branches—like stubble on a chin

as seen from below—seem to ask

something of the photographer,

something not washed away

in the chemical bath. The shadow of the trunk

just underlines—means to prove the existence

of the world. It's three o'clock

and the latticework of 1934
is pulling around me in this light

as if to say my god, my god,

a hymn sung by infidels to believers

as a way to ask for water.

Carol Ann Davis

The Weekly Geography of my Life

2007-12-04T17:27:00.000-08:00

After a brief hiatus, my weekly (ok, um… bi-monthly) blog about the events of my week is back. Hopefully, it will become a more frequent part of the blogosphere.

The Mountain: The highlight of my week has been collecting money for our school’s annual Christmas community service project. The project, sometimes called Christmas Kids, or Project Christmas Kids or Operation Christmas Kids, or the Christmas Kids Initiative (I REALLY wish someone would just give the project a real name), is when classrooms throughout my school adopt underprivileged youth from the community and provide them with the various items on their Christmas wish list. Each year, I strive to adopt five children (one kid per class). This year, however, I accepted responsibility for seven kids (two families). The deadline to collect money is Friday, December 7 and I already have almost $700. Hopefully we will reach my target goal of $1400.

The Valley: The low point of the week is my ongoing cold. Just when I thought it was gone, surprise- sniffles was back in full effect. It’s me, sniffles! I am actually going to the doctor on Thursday and will hopefully be given something to stop this awful post-nasal drip.

This week:

I am reading: We Were the Mulvaneys

I am listening to: Christmas CDs! As much as I hate to admit it, I am a fan of Christmas music. Christina Aguilera, John Legend, and Mariah Carey all have Christmas CDs that are in heavy rotation. My favorite Christmas song:

I am watching: The television screen collect dust! There is nothing on television that’s worth watching!

The Exploitation of Pretty

2007-11-27T17:11:00.000-08:00

I first heard about the participation of former MSU alumni, Juan McCullum, in the reality television series, I Love New York 2, this past summer. Initially, I was surprised that Juan would participate in such a program, but I quickly saw the shrewdness of this decision. A current student at Mississippi College’s School of Law, Juan has big dreams and starring on I Love New York 2 is a step in making those dreams a reality.

Since starring in the program, numerous bloggers and myspacers and facebookers have made comments about Juan. I feel as though I would be remiss if I did not comment on the man I knew while attending MSU.

Juan McCullum is a power-house of ambition and determination—pure and simple. He’s a fellow Scorpio, so in many ways, it is expected. Juan is also a fierce and savvy competitor. Former Vice-President of the MSU Student Association, and MSU Resident Assistant, Juan was involved at MSU and laid a great foundation for future students of color. Attached in a link from the MSU Reflector that details Juan’s platform while running for school office in 2004: http://media.www.reflector-online.com/media/storage/paper938/news/2004/03/26/News/Juan-Mccullum.Profile-2538036.shtml

From an honest perspective, the thing that riles me most about the numerous attacks on Juan’s character is I personally know how difficult it was for him to successfully navigate life at Mississippi State. Juan did what only four other students of color were able to do in my time as a bulldog and that is win a school-wide election.

While Mississippi State (and Mississippi in general) is nothing like the stereotypical portrayals perpetuated in films like Mississippi Burning, self-segregation and both classist and racial (not racist) thinking still dominate the social decisions of some. All students at MSU may bleed maroon and white (I do, too) but some still see things in black and white.

A former president of the Black Student Association and former Opinion editor of the school newspaper, I made the identification of these racial issues a primary focus and was overjoyed the day Juan, another African American made student, won VP of SA. I supported Juan then and I support Juan now.

From what I understand Juan may have desires to be a model or act. With his fierce determination and tenacity, I am sure he will achieve this goal and I will be supporting him still.

Resting

2007-11-21T17:07:00.000-08:00

The start of the holiday season is finally here. While many of my fellow bloggers are hitting the road to be with family and friends, I always take the Thanksgiving holiday as a time to catch up on my self.

Thanksgiving always comes at the perfect time. I am exhausted: physically, emotionally, and mentally. I needed this break desperately.

Over my week, I watched Oprah and Project Runway. I overdosed on news and magazines and Fruity Peebles. I saw American Gangster.
I finished reading American Pastoral.

I am now reading We Were the Mulvaneys by Joyce Carol Oates.

I plan to sleep in (as I have done each day). Grade something (I have stacks and stacks of essays to plow through). Watch the Green Bay Packers whip up on the Lions and jump from house to house, eating whatever looks most delicious.

My friends Jason and Maria are hosting game night at their house after dinner and I plan to end the day there. I am bringing “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” and a bottle of Riesling.

This thanksgiving, I am very thankful for many things, but I can honestly say I most thankful for a moment to simply lie down and rest.

New Rain

2007-11-14T15:58:00.000-08:00

I work the rice fields with my mother.
Father works cane.
We wait for the rain, praying
and hoping for full heavy clouds.
It will come and we will dance
and we will be new like the rain.

When the rain comes, we will rejoice.
We will have revival at the Apostolic church
down by the creek.
We will shout Halleluiah! Praise God!
and then cry out to Jesus to be saved.

Our fathers will come home and machetes will be
placed in leather sheaths on the shelves
by our pictures of Aristade.
Our mothers will be happy,
give us sugar rags and candied spoons.

We will have carnivals in the streets.
We will sing Creole, not French.
Our grandfathers will beat the voodoo drums,
our sisters will shake rattles, and our
brothers will blow bamboo trumpets.

Our mothers will fry yams and plantains in coconut oil.
We will drink rum and eat papaya slices.

Rain will fall in heavy drops and kiss our dancing heads.
We will shout and scream and play.
We will delight in the rain.
We will dance in it, eat it.

But rain comes slowly
moving hard like suns.
Clouds won’t break.
Thunder won’t sound.
We beat the drums, say our prayers,
but clouds won’t break
and days go on and on.
The rice is hard and hurts, but must be harvested.
There is no rest, no dancing, no delight.

There are no yams and plantains, no heavy chickens.
Just rice and cane and ground corn meal.

But the rains will come and we will dance
and we will be new like the rain.

A thought...

2007-10-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

I am working on a new poem, but until it is ready for posting, I thought I would share a great poem I found yesterday on poem.com.

Mine

Pain trains an undisciplined mind.

I will end yours if you end mine.
Little feet, little feet are playing Hopscotch among the landmines.
Hope has worked miracles before.

If yours didn't, how can mine?
I could have learned to welcome night,

If only you had been mine.
How dare you put words in God's mouth, Shail?

Why not. He put ashes in mine.
by

Shail D. Patel

Hurricane Homecoming

2007-10-06T17:12:00.001-07:00

When the sun shines, we’ll shine togetherTold you I'll be here foreverSaid I'll always be a friendTook an oath I'ma stick it out till the endNow that it's raining more than everKnow that we'll still have each otherYou can stand under my umbrella
-Rhianna

Incredible. The amount of work that comes with my choices causes me to think- incredible. I work at an average sized school. With just over 1,000 students and about 120 faculty and staff members, my school should be a fun and enjoyable place. Sad to say that when I started there six years ago, the most disappointing aspect of the job was the lack of school spirit and “fun things” for kids to do. Instead of simply thumbing my nose and reflecting on my high school days, I decided to jump in and do my part.

Well, unfortunately, my part kept growing and growing. I became yearbook/newspaper/literary magazine teacher/advisor first and then took on class sponsorship. I then was asked to teach drama and coach the academic team. While I no long teach drama, I am still drama club sponsor and am responsible for the school’s one-act competition.

I can liken this past week to a hurricane. Torrents of papers to grade, gusts of student attitude up to fifty feet, and I swear I was hit with several bolts of lightening shot from various administrators and parents. The worst part is that I feel as though the storm is just gearing up to simply shift directions. I think I am in need of a tropical depression right about now.

Let me recap my week:

Wednesday- While I would have loved to be at home for my favorite night of television, I did not leave work until eight. I had play practice and Homecoming Hallway decoration planning.

Thursday- Homecoming Hallway decorations and shopping for the senior tailgate and Homecoming dance ate up this day. Afterward, I went to see a local school’s performance of Fortress. I really loved the play!

Friday- Again, we had play practice and hallway decorations and following all of that, my senior class had a tailgate for our first football game.

And today was our Homecoming Hallway Decoration day. The seniors started at 6:30 and ended at 4:00! Each class competes with Homecoming decorations, class banners, a float, spirit link sales, and a powderpuff game.

Yes, the storm rages on, but I can handle it. I teach some great kids and they have me covered with their Umbrella (shout out “07!).

I became a teacher because I love my content area and because I love helping people realize that they are infinitely larger than they realize. We have no boundaries other than those that we impose on ourselves and I guess I realize this now more than ever.

September 08, 2007- The Weekly Geography of my Life

2007-09-08T19:48:00.000-07:00

The Mountain: The hands down highlight of this week has been working with my One Act cast. Performing the play, Catholic School girls, I am fortunate enough to work with seven amazingly talented young women who are dedicated to this performance. The practices are inspiring to say the least. I have no idea how we will fare in competition, but our public performance on November 1 should not be missed.

The Valley: I am exhausted. I am tired beyond belief and I have not been able to get rested. There is a problem. Maybe I have restless leg syndrome.

This week:
I am reading: Still reading American Pastoral by Philip Roth. The book is awesome thus far, but I have yet to truly get into it. I love Philip Roth, so I am saving the bulk of the novel for next week’s vacation.I am listening to: Brittany Spear’s new single, Gimme More. Yes, “I still believe, too (for Elizabeth in Catholic School Girls)” and I am hoping Brittany can beat the odds and make a comeback.

I am watching: Papers pile up all around me. I have so many papers to grade and work to file that I could not watch anything of worth last week.
I am looking forward to: Next week is a week off from school. I am having a “work-day, catch-up day” on Thursday, but I am in desperate need of rest and relaxation!

Emo Kirk

2007-08-30T18:33:00.000-07:00

Loving is an ordinary act
like running bath water
or cutting green blades of grass.
These feelings can lead to more—
a towering explosion of ice.

There are arms wrapped in lace,
and rose petals on sleeping eyes.

I am going insane with rage.

I’ll love you—
hurl myself down 1000 flights.
I’ll love you—
fling myself in great light.

I won’t let go-
pull your head underwater.
We’ll see starfish, glowfish,
and long, electric eels.

Kissing is an ordinary act
like paint peeling or blood clotting.
Ash falls after war.
It blankets what remains.

I’ll kiss you—
wash your hair, your hands, and your feet;
I’ll live for you and your low voice of love
and for you I’ll be and be and be.

Kissing is an ordinary act
like living and breathing and dying alone.
Love eats from the inside out,
taking its time to inhibit what would otherwise heal.

I’ll walk alone, never look back.
I’ll sing loudly, scream and shout.
I’ll die for you, your touch, your words.
I’ll die for you, the chance to be eaten alive,
even if it means I’ll die alone,
even if it means I’ll never heal.

Love will eat me alive.

August 28- The Weekly Geography of My Life

2007-08-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

The Mountain: What a long week this has been! The new school year is in full blast and it feels as if I am already struggling to stay afloat. The highlight of this week was seeing several of my former students stop by before heading off or going back to college. Candaice, Krystal, Maryann, Tiffany, Elizabeth, Mitchell, and Imari all made my week a little better! One of the greatest rewards of being a teacher is seeing your former students well-prepared for college.

The Valley:
Atlanta has had some sporadic weather this week. Wednesday-Sunday- Each day bore witness to some blisteringly hot days that burst forth with torrential downpours. And to think Oklahoma Republican Senator James Inhofe says global warming is a hoax.

This week:I am reading: American Pastoral by Philip Roth
An American classic!
I am listening to: Cartel’s self-title new album!I am watching: Yeah, still Top Chef (Go Hung- especially since Tre’s gone!)I am ready for next week because: It’s a four day work week and I need a nap… a really long one!

Back in the day when I was young, I'm not a kid anymore...

2007-08-17T19:49:00.001-07:00

17 August 2007- The Weekly Geography of my Life

2007-08-17T18:16:00.000-07:00

August 17- The Weekly Geography of My Life
The Mountain- With two weeks well into the school year, I am finally able to steal some time to myself and do what I love the most- write. It’s sad that I don’t force more time for my own personal intellectual pursuits. This academic year, my personal goal is to make more personal time. The highlight of this week has been my essay writing, or perhaps essay grading, productivity. I have evaluated a grand total of 322 student essays in the past two weeks. I know it seems insane, but this year I have actually used my planning period and early morning arrivals to work to grade essays. This year my policy is to return all student writing within 48 hours. Thus far, it has been 24 hours on each piece of writing. It is my sincere belief that students need in-depth, extensive feedback on their writing in order to truly improve and that students only truly heed writing feedback when it is timely and when they are forced to evaluate the writing and how it has been assessed.

The Valley- Alas, morale at my school seems low. Many of my colleagues are in a funk and it seems hard to get people excited about a new year. The air is out in most of the building (yes, I know, it’s one hundred degrees out) and we are under new leadership. My morale is high because I have some really great kids, but I feel for my peers.

This week:
I am reading: The Nubian Prince by Juan Bonilla
The novel is solid so far. I am not knocked off my feet, but the novel is a translation. I am sure it is probably better in its native tongue. About a man who works recruiting escorts for the world’s most expensive escort service, the protagonist, Moises Froissard thinks he is saving lives. The novel explores some complex inner conflicts and the true results of many good intentions.
I am listening to: Common’s Finding Forever
I am watching: Top Chef (Go Hung!)

I am ready for next week because: I am ready for some football! Our high school’s first game is against our biggest county rivals, Dutchtown, and the energy is always high for the first game.

Michael Vick is in the Doghouse!

2007-07-26T16:44:00.000-07:00

Michael Vick said he is not guilty of competitive dog fighting and other federal violations associated with the dog kennel, Bad Newzz Kennels located on his property in Surry County, Virginia.

I, for one, say let the man have his day in court.

The topic of Michael Vick’s alleged wrong-doing has been plastered all over the news and almost everyone I know, Falcon’s fan or not, has an opinion concerning Vick’s guilt. Few people have approached the issue from the perspective that it is the court’s job to decide Vick’s guilt, not the media.

Atlanta sport fans are notoriously fickle and that is evidenced in our view and treatment of Michael Vick. The name Michael Vick is a part of brand Atlanta, but that does not mean the man Michael Vick is a product we can sale, make a profit from, and then discard. Without Michael Vick, the Atlanta Falcons would have had no super star and no majorly-endorsed Athlete.
If Michael Vick is truly guilty of competitive dog fighting, he deserves the penalty for his wrongdoing. He should make amends with his fans by financially supporting the animal rights movements and he should publicly apologize, but I do not think we, his once fans and supporters, should be so quick to dismiss his ability or his contributions to the Falcons. Atlanta needs Michael Vick more than Michael Vick needs Atlanta.

Zack Kirk Presents: The (Weekly) Geography of My Life

2007-07-20T16:52:00.000-07:00

The Mountain (Highlight of the Week): This week was spent in College Board training for experienced teachers of AP Language and Composition. The training was not very relevant, but I did meet some wonderful people. This is especially true of Beth Knappenberger (North Carolina) and Janis Little (Tennessee). The highlight of my week was meeting these wonderful teachers and sharing in the teaching and learning experience with them.

The Valley (Lowpoint of the week): On Thursday, after training, I drove to my school and met with my principal about a Homecoming Dance. At my school, we have never had a homecoming dance and it looks like we won’t have one this year either. Citing bumping and grinding and mosh-piting as reason for declining my request as senior sponsor, I did all I could to make him realize that high school is about more than just academics. My pleas, however, were to no avail. Homecoming Dance 2008 ain’t happening this year!

This week:
I am reading: On Chisel Beach by Ian McEwen
I am listening to: Amerie’s Take Control
I am watching: The New Adventures of Old Christine
I recently discovered The New Adventures of Old Christine which stars Julia Louis Dreyfous and Wanda Sykes. If you have not checked out the show, do so on Monday. It is hilarious.

I am ready for next week because: I am going to see the play adaptation of Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye which will debut in conjunction with the National Black Arts Festival. Every year the NBAF is a highlight in the city, but it is not every year I have money to enjoy the festivities. Teaching summer school definately has its monetary rewards.

The Politics of Fear Strike Again!

2007-07-18T15:13:00.000-07:00

Once again, the United States is under the threat of a terror alert. According to recently reported news, United States officials are concerned about terror training cells in Pakistan. Odd that this new threat would suddenly find its way into the news with President Bush’s approval rating so low and the Republican party struggling to hold on to its base.

Too often, in the past, the Republican Party has used the politics of fear to win elections.

The citizens of the United States, I genuinely hope, are too savvy in 2007 to fall for the same ploy twice.

President Bush’s approval with the American people is low with good reason. As reported by Susan Page in last Monday’s USA Today, no modern president in history has left so much unfinished business for his successor. The war in Iraqi is not going away anytime soon, and most Americans are more than aware of how much we have invested in Iraq. While many of us accept that as the burden Bush has placed on our backs, many of us are unaware of the domestic issues our nation will deal with. Medicare, tax-cuts, the rising deficits, and America’s role in an increasingly competitive Global economy are also issues Bush’s successor will have to address.
A republican president and the republican party’s blind faith in this president created this situation. Hopefully, this is something America has come to realize and will not forget.

My Favorite Wife!

2007-07-11T20:57:00.000-07:00

I limit my television viewing to one hour a day, excluding news, so the programs I watch (usually on DVR) are carefully chosen. With a television schedule that includes The Singing Bee, Next Best Thing, and So You Think You Can Dance, selecting one program a night to watch and follow faithfully should not be a difficult task, but quality programming is hard to find.

Thank God for HBO and Big Love.

With the demise of such quality dramas like Six Feet Under and The Sopranos, I was afraid that I would lose mandatory drama watching.

If you have not watched the program, the series revolves around polygamist, Bill Henrickson, his three wives, and their combined seven children living in Utah.

As stated on HBO (http://www.hbo.com/biglove/about/index.html):
As if juggling three wives weren't tricky enough, Season Two of Emmy®- and Golden Globe®-nominated 'Big Love' finds modern polygamist Bill Henrickson (Bill Paxton) tackling problems outside his three-house suburban home. As a failed expansion and a suspicious employee entangle his work at Henrickson Home Plus, Bill races to find the person responsible for outing his wife Barb (Jeanne Tripplehorn) as a polygamist at Utah's Mother of the Year ceremony. Meanwhile, back at the fundamentalist Juniper Hill compound, prophet Roman Grant (Harry Dean Stanton) sets his sights on Bill's brother Joey (Shawn Doyle) as leverage to regain a share of the family business. Throw a pregnant Margene (Ginnifer Goodwin) and an overcompensating Nicki (Chloe Sevigny) into the mix, and Bill won't be getting much sleep at any of his houses. Bold, funny and wholly original, Big Love continues to explore the evolving institution of marriage through this typically atypical family.

I don’t believe in the principal of pluralism, but I am pleased that a show exists that has the fortitude to discuss such a controversial topic and the clever writing to do so in a tasteful and admirable manner

My favorite wife, hands down, is Nicolette. Played by academy award nominee, Chloe Savigny, Nicki is hilarious.

Margie: (half asleep) Where's Nicki?

Bill: What??Margie: It's Nicki's night. You gotta go.(Bill sneaks through the house, across the backyard and up to Nicki's bedroom.)

Nicki: Honey, what are you doing here?

Bill: It's our night!

Nicki: It was. Didn't you get my message? See the Post-It?

Bill: Post-It?

Nicki: I traded with Barb

Nicki: (about Barb) Do you think she's happy for me? About the baby?

Margie: Of course. She loves babies. Sometimes I think she wishes my boys were hers.

Nicki: Sometimes I think they wish the same thing.

Nicki: I love you, Bill.

Bill: I love you, too.

Nicki: How much?

Bill: I say it's astronomical, beyond all measure.

Nicki: I have $58,000 in debt.

Every Monday night (or Tuesday if I watch Making the Band or The New Adventures of Old Christine) will be tuned in faithfully. Make mine HBO.

The Fruits of Our Labor?

2007-07-09T20:49:00.000-07:00

As a teacher of Advanced Placement Language and Composition, the almighty AP exam looms large at the beginning of each school year.

Before each school year begins, weeks are spent in training, developing course outlines, and revising the mistakes of the past. Once school starts, from the first day to the last, preparation for the AP exam takes place daily. Every single day of the course is spent preparing students for a test that proves more rigorous than any freshman English course in the United States.

This year, my students read two independent novels of their choice, The Life of Pi, The Scarlet Letter, Beloved, Ethan Frome, The Awakening, The Great Gatsby, Night Mother, Song of Solomon, and Raisin in the Sun. They wrote one research paper, two literary criticism papers, twelve out of class essays with revisions, five complete practice tests (with a total of 15 essays included within those tests) five journal entries per week, and more timed writes than I can recall. I know this is an inordinate amount of work to require of students. Even worse, it is an insane amount of work to require of any teacher to grade.

And it was all done in preparation for the almighty AP exam.

Exceptionally difficult multiple choice questions and three essays, one of which requires formatting, citing, and the incorporation of sources, all done within time restraints are more than asked of any undergraduate English major. The thought of all of this being done for just three credit hours of entry-level college composition is ridiculous.

The greatest tragedy in this situation lies in the fact some of the students came into the class woefully behind the mark. Scoring below the recommended forty-five percentile on the PSAT and having low grades in previous English classes, some of the students really did not have a fighting chance. Other students entered the course with absolutely no idea of the high level of work, rigor, and expectations needed for success in an AP class.

Across the country, the “non-profit” College Board advocates that all students take at least one AP course. Well, at the price of each test, this is not a surprise. The “non-profit” College Board also advocates that any student, regardless of prior ability, be given a chance to take an AP course.

I agree that all students deserve to be challenged. I agree that all students should be in classes ripe with rigor and relevance. However, what mandates that this should only occur in AP classes? Shouldn’t this be every single class where college-bound students are enrolled? How did College Board and AP come to patent high expectations for students?

Amazingly, my students defied expectations and did exceedingly well. 76% of my students passed this impossible test.

And what does this mean, exactly? Well, I don’t know. Personally, it means that its time to get started again. The year is over and in just three weeks, the new year will kick off with a bang.

Going Home Again...

2006-12-27T20:27:00.000-08:00

The landscape of my life has changed and I mean this in both the literal and the metaphorical sense. The most jarring change I witnessed when I went home was that my grandmother and mother decided to decimate the land around our home by cutting down the majority of the trees that surrounded our property. The need for money and the promise of an exciting renovation project probably motivated this decision. While I understand why my family would cut down the many trees on our land, the absence of the trees still affected me more than I would have ever thought.
Growing up in rural Mississippi, there were no near neighbors and play dates at the park. The trees in the front yard, the back yard, and behind the house provided a playground and a world from my imagination that entertained me for countless hours each day. I loved being outside in the trees.
There were also multiple moments when I hated those trees. Every fall my sister, Tocie, and my first cousin, Michael, and I would be forced to rake pine straw, stuff bags full of pine straw, and haul the pine straw away from our property. And while I hated the straw, I loved the pine-cones. We would have pine-cone wars and make pine cone breasts and bake pine cone meals in our imaginary forest world on any given day of the year. These times are gone and it makes me sad that my nieces and nephew will not be able to enjoy these experiences as I did.In a deeper sense, the trees represented something I thought would always be a part of my life. If I could never count on anything being the same about my home, I thought I could count on the trees. The trees around my home represented something constant and something secure. There was safety in the trees that surrounded and protected my home and now those trees are gone. I realize now, more than ever, that my childhood home is not my home any longer.