I Thought The Goal Was To Educate?

"We don't need no education...
We don't need no thought control...
No dark sarcasm, in the classroom
Hey, teacher, leave those kids alone...
All in all, its just another brick in the wall."

Roger Watters from Another Brick In The Wall Pt. 2--Pink Floyd--The Wall

You really want to know why some people find trouble by being teachers? Look no further than this:

“BEAVER FALLS, Pa. (AP) -- A 17-year-old high school student said he was humiliated when a teacher made him sit on the floor during a midterm exam in his ethnicity class -- for wearing a Denver Broncos jersey.

The teacher, John Kelly, forced Joshua Vannoy to sit on the floor and take the test Friday -- two days before the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Broncos 34-17 in the AFC championship game. Kelly also made other students throw crumpled up paper at Vannoy, whom he called a "stinking Denver fan," Vannoy told The Associated Press on Monday.

Kelly said Vannoy, a junior at Beaver Area Senior High School, just didn't get the joke.

"If he felt uncomfortable, then that's a lesson; that's what (the class) is designed to do," Kelly told The Denver Post. "It was silly fun. I can't believe he was upset."

Vannoy was wearing a No. 7 Broncos jersey on Friday, because he is a fan of John Elway, the Broncos' retired Hall of Fame quarterback.

Vannoy said he was so unnerved he left at least 20 questions blank on the 60-question test, and just wants out of Kelly's class because he's afraid the teacher won't treat him fairly now that the story reached the media.

"I'm going to have to deal with him for two more nine weeks (school quarters) and he's going to want revenge somehow," Vannoy said Monday. "I took the test. I'm shaking. I'm furious. I didn't know what to do."

Kelly, who wore a Ben Roethlisberger jersey Friday, and his principal, Thomas Karczewski, didn't immediately return messages left on their school voice mail Monday.

Big Beaver Falls Area School District Superintendent Donna Nugent said she was aware of the situation, but said confidentiality rules prevent her from commenting specifically.

"We'll take whatever action we need to in order for the student to feel comfortable," Nugent said.”

What a moron on so many levels is John Kelly. He breaks the first rule of student/teacher relationship—you cannot humiliate a kid. I "get" the joke and I "get" the point of the class, I think. I also understand that the kid may be using this incident for pull, but here's the clue, Mr. Kelly--do not put yourself in this foolish situation.

I make bets with my Packer Backer students—usually a “Wear a Jersey” for a day—although one year I had to wear a cheesehead all day. These are fun for the kids and for me, and we have equal opportunities to win.

What Kelly did is not perceived as playful teasing, and one can argue that there is no equal ground.

Here is the major complaint: a test is a graded criteria and can adversely affect the outcome of success in the course. To take the student out of his/her element defeats the purpose of the test—that is to check retention of knowledge. A teacher should offer the optimum opportunity for success. One may have to rethink making the student sit on the floor and have others throw objects at him when considering the optimum atmosphere for taking a test. I think “distraction” is more than likely the real outcome.

Follow that up with the comment “Its for an ethnicity class—that’s what we do.” Honestly, what does that even mean? I understand the kids sign a waiver that states that they will be ridiculed for the "feeling" of it, but things like that can becomed carried away. Besides, Kelly also states he did it to a ninth grader the week before. Ouch! Play with fire enough times, one will find burn marks, Mr. Kelly. Besides, Mr. Kelly, you put yourself in a bad situation because all teachers know when a kid does not "get" the grade he or she wishes, they look for other reasons. Congrats, Mr. Kelly, you gift-wrapped one for him.

In “ethnicity” class, I wonder if it is the best policy to insult those who are different? Do the African Americans kids sit on the floor, or the Jewish kids, or the Muslim kids or the Latin American kids? Are they called them a "stinking (insert your favorite racial commentary here)?" It makes no sense. I would have thought the lesson would be acceptance and tolerance (you know, like diversity), not insults and humiliation in an "ethnicity" class.

Kelly also notes that the kid did not complain and that he laughed. Mr. Kelly knows that the kid can think back on it later and whine, especially after friends tease later in the day and the like. Simply pput, don't put the kid in the situation. Further, you have set yourself up for a kid believing he/she is more likely to face further “lessons”…uh, I’m sorry...humiliation if he/she says a word.

We are not talking about a kid who lips off to a teacher and forces the teacher to react. The teacher in this scenario instigated the incident and punished a kid for an inane reason—wearing a Broncos jersey. Granted, not the crime of the century, but a crime that can be easily avoided.

Now comes the critics--many would fire the teacher as soon as possible. Many more would have the parents sue the daylights out of the guy and the district if they retain him.

The usual “this is a private matter” quotes prevailed, but the administration will honestly consider doing away with a teacher who feels diversity and humiliation are the same thing. The board will demand something, the press has been outlandish and critical, and the school will have no choice but to do away with this teacher.

And guess what, it is the teacher's fault.

Stepping "Out Of The Ordinary"

“On the wires I can hear you comin'
With a rush and a strummin'
This electric phase ain't no teenage craze
In your house a phone is ringin'
Just a hot touch that keeps lingerin'”

From “Electric Phase” from the album Lights Out by U.F.O.

This blog is to help you sort out different sounds and it is also your choice on this one to heed my advice or move on.

If you are so inclined to continue, we all have a few groups or albums we like and no one can seem to understand why. So here is a list of ten of my personal favorite groups and their best albums (in my most humble opinion) that are out of the ordinary, just to give you an idea of what might be out there if you ever feel the need. I am sharing my darkest and most well-kept secrets.

Enjoy:

U.F.O.: Yep, leading right off the bat with a HEAVY METAL-ish band. This group had some phenomenal guitar work from Michael Schenker and some really interesting songs. Although the band never really made it big in the US, they are not to be ignored. Their best album, Lights Out, should be owned by rock fans and metal fans alike.

Blue Oyster Cult: The boys from New York scored it big with the song “Don’t Fear The Reaper” and the album that bears it—Agents of Fortune; but there is more than meets the eye with this pseudo-occult band. They are more Sci-Fi than cultish, but they play some great tunes like Godzilla, Astronomy, Black Blade, Joan Crawford, Harvester of Eyes, and Veteran of a Thousand Psychic Wars. They have played the “County Fair” circuit as of late, but I always enjoyed their music—a strong bass with an excellent guitar. Best album: Fire of Unknown Origin.

Sweet: Power Pop with that 1970s edge, this is a band that redefined “Glitter Rock.” Everyone knows the hits of Ballroom Blitz and Fox on the Run, but they had some true anthems in Set Me Free, AC/DC (a song about a girlfriend who swings for both teams), Little Willy, Blockbuster, and Teenage Rampage. Great fun and a nostalgic look at what rock once meant to so many 1970s kids who dreamed of playing a guitar. Drums were among their strongest suit. Best album: Desolation Blvd. (US version).

Boomtown Rats: For all of you who think they did one song—“I Don’t Like Mondays,” here is a clue—they did six albums. I like Bob Geldolf’s voice (he played “Pink” in The Wall movie and led the way for Live Aid) and I like the “new wave” sound of their albums. I was introduced to this band via Hit Parader magazine and then bought Tonic For The Troops on album. Their songs had a clever ring and a nice use of keyboards that just screams 1980s and probably one of the best uses of rhythm guitar in any band ever. Usually the Rats are lumped with punk, but truly they are power pop and have some unique views of life. Best album: The Fine Art of Surfacing which not only features “Mondays” but has the essential “Diamond Smiles.”

Alan Parsons Project: Yes, they can sound a little “elevator music” like, but to be fair, most “progressive music” has that sound. Alan Parsons was the engineer for some Beatles cuts and his big claim to fame before “the Project” was that he engineered Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. His first album Tales of Mystery And Imagination took Edgar Alan Poe works and put them to music. Interestingly textured sounds that abound from the headphones with Parsons music; they scored it big in the early 1980s with Psychobabble and Eye In The Sky—the latter used as an introduction for the Chicago Bulls during the Bulls heydays. Best album: Turn of A Friendly Card.

T. Rex: This is a bit too “British” for most Americans, but what a fantastic group. Marc Bolan could play guitar and was “mystic” enough to be obscurely original. I love the “boogie” sounds he achieved, and to most in the States, his work begins and ends with Electric Warrior and the single Bang a Gong. His Twentieth Century Boy single was recently used in a car ad as well, but I think his best work was when he let loose and just jammed. He’s hippie-ish and met an untimely end as a result of an auto accident where he was a passenger. Oh, and the punks love him. T-Rex also had 14 albums, not one—like the American audiences think. Best album: The Slider.

Meatloaf: I can imagine you may have read my blogs previously where I ripped on ‘Loaf, but the reality is I own them all and I love his voice. He is dramatic and theatrical, but I think the sound is incredible. Meatloaf teamed with writer Jim Steinman and made history with Bat Out Of Hell. Then Meatloaf made some truly wretched works without Steinman. He re-teamed with his former writer and created Bat Out Of Hell II in the early 1990s and it became one of my favorites. I recommend his fantastic “A Kiss Is A Terrible Thing To Waste” from his Best of two CD set. This song has a fantastic sound with a complete orchestra backing him. Everyone knows my penchant for simplified punk, so why the over-produced sounds of Meatloaf? I have no idea, but it works. Best album: Bat Out Of Hell.

DEVO: Most people call them a “one-hit wonder” with Whip it—ignorant fools. Devo was one of the best “pop” new wave bands ever. The boys from Akron, Ohio made many folks smile, so much so that even Neil Young was enamored with their sound. Their first album gave them an outlet for what they called the de-evolution of society as they covered Satisfaction and gave us one of the first videos ever in that and Jocko Homo (You know the chorus: Are we not men?, We are Devo). I liked the second album, Duty Now For The Future, with Pink Pussycat and Smart Patrol/Mr. DNA. The third album, Freedom of Choice had the Whip It hit along with Girl U Want and Planet Earth. My favorite was the fourth album, New Traditionalist with the hits Working In A Coal Mine, Jerkin’ Back and Forth, Through Being Cool, and Beautiful World. Coal Mine was featured on the Heavy Metal film/soundtrack and Beautiful World was recently featured in a Target ad. Best album: New Traditionalist.

The Mighty Mighty Bosstones: I admit to getting caught up in the Ska sounds of the early 1990s, but the Bosstones had an edge. Their hits were down to earth mini anti-morality plays with such classics as Where Did You Go?, Hell of a Hat, Someday I Suppose, Drugs and Children, and Holy Smoke. Then they hit it big with The Impression That I Get, Rascal King, and Royal Oil from Let’s Face It. They made the talk show circuit and the like, performing songs and having a band member dance “the bosstone dance” throughout the entire affair and had some fun. The CD Let’s Face It sells like no one’s business and they reissue their first few CDs. Starting a trend for other bands and giving way to the “swing revival,” this was the group that began it all. How the singer still has a throat with the way he wails is beyond me. Best album: Let’s Face It.

Collective Soul: Rounding out the ten “out of Sweetwood’s ordinary” is a 1990s band that my wife actually enjoyed more than me. We bought the first album—Hints, Allegations, & Things Left Unsaid--and liked the hits Shine and Breathe. The second album—Collective Soul--was more of a breakthrough with the hits Gel, Where The River Flows, The World I Know, and December. This band sounds interesting and the group can play guitar—at a time when “pop” ruled the charts, this group offered rock. Their third album—Disciplined Breakdown—is one of the best—even though there is a lack of hits other than Listen. I like the title song and Crowded Head and Blame. Really tight playing on this album and very clever lyrics abound. The fourth album was very radio friendly—Dosage—and contains some of their best songs in Tremble For My Beloved, Heavy, No More No Less, Slow, Run, and Generate. Some of those songs were featured in the film Varsity Blues. I really liked the next one that Pam won from a radio station as she also won free concert tickets—Blender—which is a bit more punk-like. It features three classic tracks in Skin, Vent, and Why Part Two. Collective Soul is a very talented group that has put out a greatest hits and another album that received very modest acclaim. Pam called this one long before me—the thing is she no longer plays the CD’s, and I enjoy them. Life is oddly ironic at times. Best album: Dosage.

I have declared my soft spots, as it were. Add your own if you so desire.

Bearly a Game (OK, who wasn't expecting that pun, cliche' and all?)

What a disappointing game.

The Bears were outnumbered in the sense of quality players, out-hit by the Panther defense, out-coached defensively and offensively, and out-manned by two players—Jake Delhomme and Steve Smith.

The Bears looked weak, they looked tired, and they looked like a team that is close, but not ready, as of yet.

My brother spoke with me on the phone during the game and wondered if this was the 1984 Bears or the 1985 Bears. I was hoping it was not the 2000 Bears (uh, they lost, if you will remember, to the Eagles).

The current Bears, I and my brother, would concede is better than that team. I am hoping we saw the 1984 Bears that come back hungrier and stronger and win the Super Bowl (like the 1985 Bears).

This team turned many heads, played a good season, and will become a classier contender in the future.

I hate to see a good man in Outside Linebacker Hunter Hillenmeyer go, so I am hoping they renew his contract. Other than Hunter, the defense is set through next season.

I also hope they keep Ron Rivera around for another season—well he has a job, but has not seen it through completion, so stay, Rivera, stay.

Here is what I suggest to reaffirm that old magic:

Draft A Tight End—you do not have one.

Draft Offensive lineman—you can NEVER have enough.

Find a Punt and/or Kickoff returner from another team—our guys are gun shy and do not run straight.

Draft another wide receiver—Bye Bye, Justin Gage.

Draft a fullback—Ours are weak and we released our best one..

Acquire a kicker from free agency. Hey, Vanderjacht may be looking for a job after today.

Draft a Safety—Brown in injury-proned, Harris is OK, and I like Green, but his ego was shattered.

Keep Thomas Jones starting. I would even consider shopping Benson around—see if we have any takers. Why not, he did not “wish” to go in during the Viking game for fear of injury, he held out for more money, and he has been an embarrassment. Dump him as Jones and Peterson are more team driven than this jerk will ever be.

It is fairly obvious to me where the wink links are.

Oh well, now it is Hockey Season and soon to be Cubs baseball season (no Bull fans around here, based on their poor execution since the post-Michael Jordan days).

The Bears will be back. As Dan Hampton once said in the 1988-89 season “We don’t even have enough guys to make a video this year.”

Maybe not a video, but maybe, just maybe, the building blocks for a return to glory.

By the way, Happy Birthday, Pete. I hope the game did not spoil it too badly. It could be worst for you, the Sox could have lost in October as well.

Still that song keeps going through my head—here’s some lyrics: Hum along if you wish and email it to Dan Hampton:

The Super Bowl Shuffle

We are the Bears Shufflin' crew
Shufflin on down
Doin' it for you
We're so bad
We know we're good
Blowin your mind Like we knew we would
You know we're just
Struttin for fun
Struttin our stuff
For everyone
We're not here
To start no trouble
We're just here
To do the Superbowl shuffle

Well they call me Sweetness
And I like to dance
Runnin the ballIs like makin romance
We had the goal
Since training camp
To give Chicago
A Superbowl champ
We're not doing this
Because we're greedy
The Bears are doin it
To feed the needy
We didn't come here
To look for trouble
We just come here
To do the Superbowl Shuffle

This is Speedy Willie
And I'm world class
I like running
But I love to get the pass
I practice all day
And dance all night
I gotta get ready
For the Sunday fight
Now I'm as smooth
As a chocolate swirl
I dance a little funky
So watch me girl
There's no one here
That doesn't like me
My Superbowl shuffle
Will set you free

I'm Samurai Mike
And I stop 'em cold
Part of the defense
Big and bold
I've been jammin
For quite a while
Doin what's right
And settin the style
Give me a chance
I'll rock you good
Nobody messin
In my neighborhood
I didn't come here
Lookin for trouble
I just came
To do the Superbowl Shuffle

CHORUS Uh huhUh huhUh huhUh huhUh huhUh huh

I'm the punky QB
Known as McMahon
When I hit the turf
I've got no plan
I just throw my body
All over the field
I can't dance
But I can throw the field
I motivate the cats
I like to tease
I play it so cool
I aim to please
That's why you all got here
On the double
To catch me doin
The Superbowl shuffle

I'm mama's boy Otis
One of a kind
The ladies all love me
For my body and my mind
I'm slick on the floor
As I can be
But ain't no sucka
Gonna get past me
Some guys are jealous
Of my style and class
That's why some end up
On their [whistle]
I didn't come here
Lookin for trouble
I'm just gettin down
To the Superbowl shuffle

They say Jimbo
Is our man
If Jimmy can't do it
I sure can
This is Steve
And it's no wonder
I run like lightning
Pass like thunder
So bring on Atlanta
Bring on Dallas
This is for Mike
And Papa Bear Hallis
But I'm not here
To feathers ruffle
I just came here
To do the Superbowl shuffle

I'm L.A. Mike
And I play it cool
But don't sneak by me
Cause I'm no fool
I fly on the field
And get on down
Everybody knows
I don't mess around
I can break em & shake em
Any time of dayI like to steal it
And make em pay
So please don't try
To break my hustle
Cause I'm just here
To do the Superbowl shuffle

The Sack-man's comin
I'm your man Dent
Is your quaterback slow?
He's gonna get bent
We start to run
We start to pass
I like to dump guys
On their [whistle]
We love to play
For the world's best fans
But don't start lookin
At the Superbowl plan
But don't get ready
Or go through any trouble
Unless you've practiced
The Superbowl shuffle

It's Gary here
And I'm Mr. Clean
They call me "Hit Man"
Don't know what they mean
They throw it long
And watch me run
I'm on my man
One on oneof Buddy's guys
Cover it down to the bone
That's why they call us
The 46 zone
Come on everybody
Let's scream and yell
We're gonna do the shuffle
Then ring your bell
You're lookin at the Fridge
I'm the rookieI may be lost
But I'm no dumb cookie
You see me hit
You see me run
When I throw a pass
We gonna have more fun
I can dance
You will see the others
They all learn from me
I didn't come here
To look for trouble
I just came
To do the Superbowl shuffle.

1 - 2 - 3 - HUH!
CHORUS x 2 TO FADE

Money: it's a hit

“Don't want no cash
Don't need no money
Ain't got no stash
This note's for you.

Ain't singin' for Pepsi
Ain't singin' for Coke
I don't sing for nobody
Makes me look like a joke
This note's for you.

Ain't singin' for Miller
Don't sing for Bud
I won't sing for politicians
Ain't singin' for Spuds
This note's for you.

Don't need no cash
Don't want no money
Ain't got no stash
This note's for you.

I've got the real thing
I got the real thing, baby
I got the real thing
Yeah, alright.”

This Note’s For You—Neil Young

My wife and I enjoy watching documentaries and we feel that we are relatively informed. We watched two this holiday season. One was an anti-Wal-Mart film and the other was on Corporations.

I have a thought, and believe me I am not trying to be liberal or conservative. I say here and now, if you do not like a company or corporation, simply do not give them business.

You have power—you have a voice. You also have cash that everyone wants a shot at owning.

My wife and I eat out—much too much to be honest. Normally we eat at food chains. Occasionally we will dine in local restaurants. When we do so, we feel as we are helping the “little guy,” and we all cheer for the little guy.

We have a SUPER Wal-Mart in town, and to be honest, I do not shop there much at all. It is crowded, the service has declined a bit, and I really only buy one item there, namely: eye medicine that I use every month and save $7.00 each month by purchasing there. At a cost of about $100.00 per year, it adds up.

I buy my cats’ food at a local business that charges about $2.00 more per bag—again to help the little guy.

I purchase all of my CD’s from a local record shop to help the little guy.

I buy my beer from local liquor shops and not large chains to help the little guy.

I buy my comics from a local comic shop to help the little guy.

I support local construction companies and I support local lawn care folks.

I grow tired of utility companies, McDonald’s food, cable companies, the phone company, Big oil companies (as I buy cheaper gas) and mall shops.

And to be honest—I do not care if anyone supports the utilities, gets fat on the greasy and cruddy McDonald’s food, watches football on cable, chats with the operators at Verizon, buys Shell Oil products, and wanders aimlessly at the mall.

Free enterprise is just that; free enterprise. If people have a disdain for the corporations, the solution is simple—do not go to their places of business. I may pay more for cat food, CD’s and beer; but that is my choice and if it helps my neighbors and the community as a whole—then I will gladly do it.

The last time I went past Wal-Mart, and I must be honest, there was no shortage of customers. Not everyone agrees with me, unless a great deal of people has the same eye affliction as I have.

Watching these documentaries appeals to the rebel in me. It makes me feel that the little guy can stand up and make a change. I believe everyone can make a difference in their own little world—and being a naiveté about it is a welcomed compliment.

I hope everyone does what they wish to do in the world, because eventually one must answer to the reflection in his/her mirror. And eventually, one has to give in to the corporation. As an example, if I go to a pro football game, many dollars of corporate sponsorship money is supplied by whatever brand of popcorn, hotdogs, soda, and beer go into the construction of the stadium. The consumer has no choice but to cave in to it—or else go without the hotdog and beer.

So I would suggest that one does not spout some rhetoric about defying corporations and big business without using some common sense. Rather than damn the corporations by raising a middle finger and lying about never caving in to them—I suggest one should fight the small battles at home, stand up for the little guy, and support the local community.