Archive for January, 2011
Law School?
January 31st, 2011
Is getting a masters degree in education a good idea? Vexing question. For perspective, we look at our amigos who choose law school.
Tags: Law School, School
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Interviews with Homeschoolers – Vickie Smith, Part One
January 27th, 2011
I begged my mom to homeschool me way back before it was popular. I had a very stressful time as a young student. I always finished my work and just sat around class, reading. When I was an office volunteer, I’d get my homework for the day and be done in a short period of time. Public education just seemed so wasteful of a child’s time, especially in the younger years. I really didn’t want my own kids to deal with that. I also had my degree in elementary education and had taught preschool and kindergarten for a couple of years at a private school, so I felt very comfortable starting out.
After a time, you decided to send your children back to public school. What were the circumstances that led to this decision?
We lived in Oregon at the time and they had an awesome music program. My oldest daughter missed out starting in orchestra but jumped into early morning band in 5th grade. Then my second daughter started violin. Gradually I let my oldest take additional classes, skipping things she really didn’t need. When it came time to build our home I just couldn’t do everything. We told the kids if they wanted to keep up their music they’d have to go full time. I really didn’t know if I should send my son to kindergarten-that was my biggest decision. I finally told the Lord if He wanted Josh to attend kindergarten, He’d need to provide him appropriate school clothes. We received several large bags of hand-me-downs that fit the bill and I let him go. His teacher was wonderful. She was probably the best kindergarten teacher I’ve ever come across! My criteria was, would they get a better education attending public school or from me? She beat me hands down.
It’s not often that I get the chance to speak with parents who have had such positive experiences both with public and homeschooling. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Vickie, and I look forward to continuing our conversation in a little bit.
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Please.just.accept.me.
January 26th, 2011
Ive heard of a mid-life crisis, but not at age 17. Am I overreacting? Theres only one answer to that.
Absolutely.
Having said that, I cant help but to freak out when its almost February of the year that I will enroll as a freshman in college and I have only been accepted to one, so far.
Im not blogging on this topic to complain, or even for advice, because I know that any reasonable adult or peer of mine would politely tell me to calm down with complete reassurance that Im a smart girl.
Instead, I bring this topic up with the intent to share my distress with other high school seniors that are struggling as much as I am, dealing with the stress brought upon us as a result of the overwhelming process that is college.
After stepping on to campuses of about 10-15 schools, I selected the ones that caught my eye and offered the best possible programs for what I wish to pursue. I included several factors in my decision to apply to each college or university, but now I wonder if I considered them closely enoughthis is where the major freak out comes into play.
Am I really going to be happy any of the places I applied? (Provided I even get accepted)
I visited so many beautiful schools possessing qualities of a college I would come to admire, but I never got that Holy s*** I have to go here feeling when I got out of the car to venture off to catch a glimpse of the college life.
And I want that feeling, I want to be a thousand-million-trillion percent sure that Im going to love attending college while getting the best possible experience (and education) out of the practically thousand-million-trillion dollars its going to cost to go there.
So now what? At this point, theres nothing I can do but hope for the best. *Sigh*
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Fresno State alumna, special education advocate Carolyn Dobbs dies
January 24th, 2011
Mary Carolyn Dobbs, a California State University, Fresno alumna who became a teacher and internationally renowned pioneer in special education, passed away Jan. 12 in Grass Valley. She was 99.
Ms. Dobbs was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the California State University at Fresno State’s 2004 Commencement. The honorary doctorate recognized her contributions to special education through her advocacy at the state and national levels and her tireless efforts to win teaching and legislative improvements for children with special needs.
It wasn’t easy overcoming prejudices based on stereotyping.
“My career was fraught with vast, intense challenges because of all of the opposition in my work,” Ms. Dobbs said in 2004,. “Handicapped people were looked upon with disdain and scorn, and we had to put forth our best efforts to change that on a global scale. We had much to overcome.”
Her selfless work brought significant changes at the state and national levels in the classroom and in everyday life for students, and she also was an advocate for support and assistance for teachers of special needs pupils.
And she had a fondness for her alma mater, said Dr. Robert Monke, a professor emeritus of counseling and special education. He added that Ms. Dobbs donated her home to endow scholarships for special education teachers-to-be and purchased 25 bricks in the Teachers and Friends of Education Honor Wall at the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.
“She bought three bricks in the wall to honor teachers who inspired her while she was at Fresno State,” Monke said. “Then she kept remembering others she wanted to recognize and she’d send more money.”
One of those Ms. Dobbs honored, he added, was a teacher in Japan. “They came all the way here to see his brick.”
Monke said, “She was a true pioneer in special education, and she helped connect special education teachers so they could talk with one another about how they were teaching their children.” He stayed in touch with her by letter and telephone. His last conversation was two days before she died.
Ms. Dobbs was a native of New York who moved to California for health reasons. She enrolled at Fresno State, receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree and a General Elementary Teaching Credential in 1944 and then taught at Biola Elementary School in Fresno County before becoming a master special education teacher in Berkeley.
She also was a lecturer at the University of North Carolina and at the University of California, which awarded her a Master of Arts and Secondary and Special Education Certificates and a Clinical Psychologist Testing Certificate. Ms. Dobbs became an educational specialist in Grass Valley (1966-76).
She received numerous awards for her work and served for 15 years on the President’s Committee on the Employment of the Handicapped and for 10 years on the Governor’s Committee for Employment of the Handicapped. She consulted on special education throughout the United States and in India, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, West Indies, South Africa and Uganda.
Ms. Dobbs’ influence extended worldwide as an editor and writer in scholarly journals and through The Pointer, which she established in 1952 to chronicle special education news. She served as its editor until 1978.
Ms. Dobbs is remembered each year by Fresno State during presentation of the Dobbs Award established by the Kremen School to honor local special education teachers.
Tags: Carolyn Dobbs, Dobbs, Special Education
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50 Best North American Travel Blogs
January 23rd, 2011
Having the opportunity to travel around North America is one of the great adventures of life. But if you physically do not have the time (or the money) to become a journeyperson, possibly the next best thing is to read about others´ exploits.
We have compiled a comprehensive selection of the most entertaining, well-written and informative blogs whatever your mode of travel, line of interest and budget. Many of these blogs extend into other continents, but they all have content about traveling in North America which is worthy of your attention.
Traveler’s Rights
Elliot – Christopher Elliot is a consumer advocate and journalist who writes exceptional blogs on poor insurance company practices, airline misdemeanors and poor car hire firms. Everybody who wants to travel around North America should read this first!
North America General
TravelholicA – Good general advice for travelling practically anywhere
Rambling Traveler – Fantastic photo blog from walks taken around much of North America
My Itchy Travel Feet – Baby Boomers guide to traveling around America
The Brooklyn Nomad – Native New Yorker, Andrew Hicky, blogs about not spending a lot in the Big Apple, and then gets on a plane and doesn´t spend a lot in other destinations.
Kaleidoscopic Wandering – Fantastic travel resource compiled by ex-Peace Corps member and seasoned traveler. Contains fantastic travel tips and advice
Nomadic Chick What started as a U.S. road trip for a dissatisfied “cubicle dweller” develops into a world tour. Travel tips and advice specifically written for the young female traveler.
Sending Postcards – Picture packed blog from a traveling couple who started in the States and have yet to stop
Beer and Beans – Travelling around the States and beyond on a budget. Some great guest blogs too on this well presented site
Out Traveler – Self-proclaimed standard for the gay and lesbian traveler
Van Down by the River – Almost as many photos as miles in this country-wide touching blog
Otts World – Corporate runaway shows that her talents are best used in an exceptional travel-blog
Everything Everywhere – A worldwide chronicle with awesome photography of the States
Hole in the Donut – Cultural view of the world with plenty of North American content
Without Baggage – Brilliant and well written guide to traveling light
Intelligent Travel – National Geographic´s own travel blog focuses on the cultural, authentic and sustainable places to visit in North America
The Feral Scribe – Pop culture, politics and travel rolled into one very enjoyable blog.
Simpler Happier – Travelling away from the tourist destinations of the States
North America Area Specific
Alaska
Alaska Travelgram – probably one of the most comprehensive travel guides to what´s where in Alaska. Plenty of human interest, tips and advice
Arizona
Wandering Justin – Travel and adventure in Arizona – and some pretty weird things to eat!
California
What a Trip – Travel writing at its best in Northern California
Canada
Eh Canada – If you are looking for adventure in Canada, this is the place to start!
Canada Trip – In depth travel-blog written from the perspective of an English traveler
Hawaii
Eclectric Trips – A quirky view of travel, featuring on this link Hawaii
Kansas
Yellow Brick Road Trip – A very enjoyable insight into Mid-West life
Mexico
Vallartablog – Insiders guide to what´s happening in Puerto Vallarta in Mexico
Mexico Unmasked – Colorful guide to the bits the tourists never see
Montana
Jill Outside – What started as an active Alaskan blog moved to Montana with the author and maintained its momentum. Loads of cycling and beautiful pictures from where cars don´t go.
New Mexico
Albuquerque Innsights A local innkeeper reveals New Mexicos secrets to anyone who will listen.
New York
Newyorkology – if it´s on in New York, it is in Newyorkology. Comprehensive guide to everything!
San Francisco
Bay Area on the Cheap – Bright, cost-cutting blog about SF on a budget
West Coast
Spunky Girl Monologues – Blogs by single female travelers who in 2011 plan a major road trip down the West Coast
Peregrine by Nature – Stunning photography sees the Mid-west through the lens of Senegalese native Kari, on her road trip up the country with ultimate sights on Alaska
Wyoming
Have Media Will Travel – Life coach, Shelli Johnson, produces a fascinating guide to the more picturesque areas of Wyoming
Yellowstone
Secret Yellowstone – Excellent blog about the rarely accessed areas of this most wonderful national park
North American Sports Travel Blogs
Stadium Journey – Sports enthusiasts will love the well-written reports from their favorite venues
Anygame Anywhere – A complete guide to finding a stadium, buying tickets and where to sit!
North American Road Trips
Around the World by Truck – Not surprisingly, North America provides one of the many highlights of this global tour
Two Beers and a Pretzel – Route 66 in pictures is the highlight of this multi-destination blog
Motorcycle Memoir – Christopher Sorbi travels the globe on a Suzuki GS850 raising funds to fight hunger on his Transcontinental Humanitarian Expedition
Yobosayo – Fantastic photography and humorous tales from a young couple gone camping
Two Tweens and A Teen – Chrono-blog about a family expedition to 13 National Parks in 16 days – informative if not hurried!
Bike and Boots – San Diego to Canada on a Suzuki V-Storm stopping for gas and photos
Bike49 – Cyclists aim to cover 49 States in this green adventure promoting sustainability awareness
Notes From the Road – Extensive and popular educated look at many of the issues facing American travelers.
Young Snowbirds – Rob and Arlene Cooper are young snowbirds from Edmonton who take a year off to lose their RV virginity with some hilarious results. Great tips for that long road trip and the blog includes some fantastic videos and photography.
Wayne on the Road – Wayne Stadler sold everything he owned (except his computer and photography equipment) to embark on a Canadian cross country voyage of discovery in a Nissan Xterra. Everything is on a budget except his wit and excellent writing style.
North American Food Blogs
Road Trips for Foodies – A guide to what´s on and where for culinary aficionados
Beer Geek – Fascinating (and remarkably sober) adventures of Alaskan based beer geeks on their travels
Lannae´s Food and Travel – If you are ever hungry in Nashville, this blog provides a guide to all the best eateries in the area
Tags: American Travel, Travel
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