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Ethnic Cleansing in Kenya

As a future social studies teacher I always try to make an effort to keep up to date about the current state of world affairs. While earing my masters at West Virginia University I’ve been in some classes where it’s been an ongoing theme (I student teach next fall, finally!). How will you discuss such themes with your students? In most cases it’s not discussed. Well, I plan I making it part of my daily routine, it doesn’t matter whether it occurs in the classroom, lunch table, or bus line, just as long as it happens. For my online social studies class we were asked to discuss the following article: “Signs in Kenya That Killings Were Planned.”
This article is a prime example of an issue that should be discussed in the classroom. Although in many cases it’s not in depth, we learn about the Holocaust, but if the student doesn’t know any better, many times they never realize that the same type of genocide has taken place before, and is still taking place today. Addressing articles in the classroom can help students become aware of the daily affairs that effect the world we live in. To many students, Kenya may seem just some distant land that will never impact their lives, but as teachers we should make those distances smaller by learning and raising awareness about dilemma’s that make the daily lives for some difficult.

Due to the fact that my truck was stolen last week in Morgantown, WV on the WVU campus I have also been robbed of my precious time these past few days. It’s like on Sanford and Son, when someone stole Fred’s truck, and Lamont couldn’t work (trucks are a vital part of the junk business). Lamont can’t work, Lamont can’t earn no money, Fred can’t eat. While my situation isn’t quite that drastic, its all been pretty annoying to say the least. On the bright side I still have my family, health, and good looks.. haha. On the downside, along with my truck they stole my Learn Spanish on the Go CD set. I can just picture those bandits driving down the road singing Estoy Bíen ¡Gracias! ¿Y Tú? So it may be awhile before I turn out another post, hopefully I’ll be writing to say that my truck has been recovered, without it it’s sorta hard to go hunting for junk and old goodies. And I also have like 6 million lesson plans to write.
Hasta luego!

Washington.. Adams.. Jefferson.. Madison.. Monroe..

A few weekends ago I was cleaning out the attic of an old garage for work when I came across this amazing piece of history. It’s a chart of the United States Presidents that was put out by Woman’s Day magazine in 1960. When I fist saw it I laughed. I wondered where it spent most of its days, in a school? Looks like something that came straight out of Grant Avenue Grammar School, or Mayfield High (Leave it to Beaver; I’m crazy, I know). Who made an effort to frame it? It’s just cardboard. It was framed by a company in Wheeling, interesting. AH… the mystery of it all! Anyway, I predicted that when sold at auction, my boss would group it with other items, but he didn’t. It was sold this past Thursday; of course I had class in Morgantown and couldn’t work at the sale. Luckily my awesome parents went to the auction and bought it for me for only $2.50!! That’s a steal for a history dork like myself! Lets see, $2.50… 34 presidents divided by… $2.50… that’s 13.6 cents per president, not bad! I think… I hate math. So I hope the Presidents enjoy their new home, it’s better than a garage. Hopefully I’ll be able to show it off in the classroom someday.
Celebrate the history of the presidency by viewing C-SPANS Presidential Library website. Take a peek at their archival material for presidential video clips.

West Virginia - 24 Hour Service

In 2004 West Virginia elected Joe Manchin (D) to be their new governor. Shortly after that election Joe decided the “Welcome to West Virginia” signs that one sees when they enter the state needed a makeover. The signs used to simply say, “Welcome to West Virginia” but were changed to, “Open for Business.” As you can imagine, there were many who were outraged by this change. Open for Business? What are we, a 24 hour gas station? There were also many who shrugged their shoulders, so what? Lacking an official state slogan, what were we to do other than write letters? Our license plates read, “Wild and Wonderful” which sums up West Virginia quite nicely, why not make that the state slogan? But now, almost four years later, Joe has decided to do away with the Open for Business signs. Has this advertisement worked? The unemployment rate has dropped about 1% (take it for what it’s worth) since Manchin has taken over, and jobs have increased, but most are low paying service type jobs which hardly generate enough income to support a family. I’m not sure if Manchin has deemed the sign a success, or he’s fed up with complaints, but now West Virginians can vote for a new state slogan. Wild and Wonderful, Almost Heaven (thanks John Denver), West Virginia – 2^nd most obese state, West Virginia – we’re really a state… what should the new slogan be, and should it be permanent? Many W.V. lawmakers are against making a permanent slogan, but agree that Open For Business must go. I thought this topic would be a great opportunity for students to investigate state slogans. How much do they really say about the state? Also, West Virginia students should be made aware that their vote counts and they should be allowed to come up with their own ideas. It’s a great topic because it covers quite a few of the national social studies standards (I.E. economics, social studies, civics, and geography). One must remember that in order for the new state slogan to take effect, the current signs must be changed, which will cost tax payers thousands of dollars. I think Joe and our goofy lawmakers should pay the bill myself, the sign was strictly their idea. The Open For Business signs have been quite a joke among travelers. Countless times I’ve seen people pull over the get a snap shot of the sign. Others point, does that really say, Open for Business? I snapped my photo (as a passenger, safety first!) heading eastbound on Interstate 70, right before crossing the Ohio River, the Fort Henry Bridge, and entering the Wheeling tunnels… oh wait, you can’t actually go through the eastbound tunnel, it’s been closed since April for construction, but that’s another story, another lesson. If you’re a West Virginia resident, cast your vote for a new slogan!

NFL = No Fun League?

The National Football League opens its season tonight at 8:30 p.m. in Indianapolis, Indiana. If I’m lucky I’ll just be just getting out of class, I emphasize lucky. Once I exit Allen Hall I will then walk as fast as possible to the PRT station, curse it (in my head) until one arrives, and take another brisk walk to my apartment. This will be the one time I actually know where my remote control is. As excited as I am for the NFL season to start, I’m also somewhat disappointed in what it has become. Like the NBA, it’s starting to get a reputation, possibly just a stereotype, as a “thug league.” Thug can mean a lot of different things; I even went to the Urban Dictionary to see. Mike Vick, Adam “Packman” Jones (ex-WVU player), Chris Henry (again, ex WVU player) Tank Johnson, and basically the entire Cincinnati Bengal’s team, have gotten into some type of mischief within the past year. Packman makes it “rain” in strips clubs, Vick kills dogs, Tank has enough ammo in his trunk to start a small militia… what’s going in the minds of these “professional” athletes? As I’ve heard a lot of these players apologizing and asking for forgiveness, I’ve heard them say something to the effect: “I’m a role model and I shouldn’t act this way.” Com’on, be a little modest about it. Yes people look up to you, but just say, “I’m a professional and I’ve used poor judgment.” Not, “I’m a role model” - as if people should bow down and forgive you because oh yes, you’re a role model! I make this argument because their actions have not been close to being anything that someone should imitate. Roger Goodel has just finished his first year as NFL commissioner, and in my opinion has been doing a fair job with a lot of suspensions and stiff fines. But, according to ESPN, out of the NFL’s 2,000 players, 50 have had trouble with the law in the past year. As a teacher, this is something to keep in mind. Children look up to athletes, and sometimes they may not understand someone’s actions as being wrong because of the pedestal they put that person on. Almost as if the role model and themselves are invincible. Last year while observing, I watched a student use a stapler as a gun, shooting stapes at other kids as if he were imitating a video game, or Tank Johnson for all I know. When I told him to stop, he replied “What are you going to do about it.” It was almost like he expected me to whip out my own weapon and fight him. Clearly the actions of television, sports, and video games have an effect on students, and it’s not always positive. I think it may be a wise idea to shed some light on this topic in class through a brief discussion. It’s important to remember that this type of bad behavior is not anything new in the NFL. Ray Lewis was almost defiantly involved in a murder about 10 years ago, but that was when most players didn’t get caught, there were lighter punishments, and where is Ray today? Still making millions. Paul Hornung of the Green Bay Packers, the NFL’s play boy of the 1960’s was constantly worrying Vince Lombardi. One night when the phone rang at Lombardi’s house, his first thought was Hornung. Lombardi’s wife reminded him that it could be their own children calling. Hornung was famous for sneaking out of his room and drinking before the game. He did ads for Miller Lite, Marlboro, and bathing suits. He was suspended a year for gambling. After this he almost gave up football for a acting career, Lombardi talked him out of it. And his nick name was the Golden Boy. Not exactly a role model, but his nickname gives him a certain aura of being a good ol’ American boy. The guy down the street that everyone one admires. Meanwhile he was at the corner store buying a 6 pack and driving away with two girls he just met. It’s amazing how he could do all of that, and still be one of the best players to ever play the game of football. What’s the difference between Hornung and today’s trouble makers? 1) Society has changed, we’re more permissive than we’ve ever been and 2) ESPN is there to cover it 24 hours a day. It’s impossible to tell people who they should admire, but teachers shouldn’t be afraid to talk about the contemporaries that influence the lives of children. One must remember not to necessarily stress their opinion, but instead present the facts, and let students develop their own ideas. That’s what social studies is all about. The key to these types of topics is communication. Although this may not seem like something for the social studies class, there’s homeroom, lunch, the bus line… you know, those duties that teachers dread. Let students know they can discuss anything with you.

Fox on the Run

The title refers to a Tom T. Hall song, and if your under the age of 55, you probably have no idea what I’m taking about. Anyway, throughout the past few weeks I’ve been trying to enjoy what’s left of my summer vacation, and I’ve been doing so with my new neighbors. It seems that a small family of fox’s have made our back yard (our one time pasture field) their new home. My guess is that many woodland critters are on a eastward migration away from the strip mall that popped up a few miles from my home. Ironically, the main attraction at this strip mall is a Cabelas hunting store. If I was a wild animal I sure wouldn’t want to live next to a place that’s planning my ultimate demise. Besides, you might end up on their “wild game” menu. I’m not totally against guns (at least hunting guns) and hunting; in this area it’s needed. But a store that promotes the outdoors has done an excellent job of destroying it, while the state of West Virginia has ruined farm land and taken property through eminent domain to provide access to this hunting super store. But wait… as the West Virginia state sign says “We’re Open For Business.” Wal-Mart, Target, Wendy’s, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Applebee’s, Crackerbarrel, and many others have made the site home. The latest excavation has leveled a few gently rolling hills for a car dealership. I admit, it’s rather handy to have easy access to these stores, but it irks me to see how our city officials praise the site; as if these low paying jobs will act as a savior to the community’s lousy economy.
Today as I sat on my front porch (with the hum of Interstate 70 in the background) I finished reading the book Looking Backward 2000-1887 by Edward Bellamy. Published in 1888, Bellamy writes about the problems of the late 19th century through a man who falls asleep, only to wake up 113 years later in the 20th century. Yes, I know, it’s far fetched, and for a novel, it’s not what I would call entertaining. But Bellamy envisions a 20th century where everyone is equal and people contribute to improve society as a whole, not for their own (and many times selfish) individual growth. Does that sound crazier than sleeping for 113 years? It shouldn’t. Many called Bellamy’s view of the 20th century a “socialist utopia.” I know that many view the word socialist as a dirty one, while I’m uncertain about socialism, I’m more concerned about improving the current capitalistic society. For example, why did Cabelas locate in this area? Could it be because there was a large pool of idle workers who are willing to work cheap? When these stores signed contracts to build they boasted hundreds of high paying jobs. Yes, hundreds of jobs. Part-time jobs, and I suspect many lack health insurance. Shame on the city commissioners and city officials else where who exploit people for their own benefit. Recently city officials brainwashed residents into allowing table gaming … “it will bring jobs!” … get this … the tacky gambling joint that wanted it paid to have the election. Who counted these votes!? And now, guess what, they’re having trouble filling these “desirable jobs.” Well, enough of this rambling on. My main point is to pick up the book Looking Backward and consider a world where people care about the self improvement of others. It may seem like theres not much that can be done to stop the wild expansion of strip malls and the raping of our country’s sublime landscapes. But I would suggest that we forget about how hard change can be and discuss the idea with others, start a group, join a group, and most of all vote accordingly.
Currently I’m thankful that I had to walk to get those snap shots of the interstate and the view of a future car dealership. I could not imagine living directly in front of the highway, as some do. As for my furry new neighbors, I hope they stay. It’s quite funny, I imagine them as being like the Bearnstien Bears … a wonderful series of books!

Vince Lombardi. Say it! Now say with a really deep voice, doesn’t it sound like the perfect name for a football coach? When I was a younger lad, I was into history, and I was also becoming very interested in the National Football League. Luckily, one day at a garage sale I came upon a Encyclopedia of the NFL that was published in 1973. Filled with pictures of the glory days, a history of each team, zone defenses, records, referee signals, and stadiums… it instantly became one of my favorite books. Anyway, I thought, hey I should have a favorite team.
Living so close to Pittsburgh, I thought… maybe the Steelers? Being the history dork that I was I looked at their team history… “no! no!” I said, “not interesting enough for me!” Then I started reading about this Vince Lombardi, Curly Lambuea, Bart Star, Don Hudson, and the frozen tundra, Lambeau Field.
Founded in 1919, named after a meat packing company, they had cool colors, and these are just some of reasons I started rooting for the Green Bay Packers. This was around 1994 and the team was just starting to come out of it’s 30 some year loosing streak. Since at this time we did not have cable, no ESPN, and no internet I was forced to get most of my information about my beloved Green Bay Packers from newspapers, unless I wanted to dance around with television rabbit ears on my head so we could get channel 12, which I sometimes did.
As a I read more about the team, I could not help but become intrigued by Vince Lombardi. I hard nosed Italian Catholic who grew up in New York City, son of a butcher, played on the offensive line at Fordham, too small for professional sports, decided to go into teaching, then coaching, rose to professional coaching, and now has the Super Bowl trophy named after him. It’s quite a story, and I recommend “When Pride Still Mattered” by David Maraniss, a book about Vince’s life, it’s history, not just about football, a brilliant book.
It was Vince’s teaching jobs that got myself interested in that line of work. My dream job was to also become a NFL head coach, but lets face it, I’ve never played football, I don’t know anyone in football, so I thought I could become a coach, I could coach history (corny, I know)! When teaching I think it’s important to talk about the culture of an era. For one thing, it can be fun, and a slight change of pace. When talking about the 1960’s, Vince Lombardi, and the Green Bay Packers must be talked about. During the 1960’s they won 5 world championships, including the first two Super Bowls. In 1968 Lombardi attracted the attention of both Hubert Humphrey and Richard Nixon as a possible running mate. Lombardi, a Kennedy democrat wanted nothing to do with Nixon. I give him more praise for that than inventing the “Packer Sweep”.
When teaching history, it’s important to be creative as possible, and it doesn’t take as much time as you think. For example, during the early 1960’s Lombardi and the Packers traveled to a southern town for a pre-season game, a hotel owner told Lombardi that his Black players needed to find another place to stay, Lombardi told the owner that his team sticks together, and that his hotel would be empty that night (I can’t find the town in the book!). This example shows first hand what discrimination is like. Also, at the famous Oneida Country Club (named after the Oneida Indian Tribe) Oneida Indians were popular caddies, but only during the spring and fall when white schools boys were not available. Lombardi said, “If they’re (Oneida Indians) good enough for the spring and fall, they’re good enough for summer.” Statements such as this were unheard of at white country clubs. I would go as far to say that Lombardi helped diversify Green Bay. Before Lombardi a Black player would not even consider signing a contract with the Green Bay Packers. This is not to say that Lombardi is a perfect role model, but then again who is? His coaching methods were borderline crazy… borderline brilliant. Most of all, he taught discipline, and I think that could be interesting discussion question for class. First to examine the different types of discipline that Lombardi stressed, and then compare his philosophy to say Richard Nixon’s. You would find similarities, and some strong dissimilarities (like gun control, which Nixon was against, Lombardi for). Most of all the mention of Lombardi, or just popular sports in general can be a nice break for students, while incorporating history into the mix.

Myself and Vince. This was taken a few years ago when I went on a pilgrimage to the holy land, Lambeau Field during training camp.

1) The Lambeau Field grass.
2) Brett Favre.

Hello, I’m Ryan, and I thought I would use this first post to tell a little about myself. Currently I’m earning my masters in Social Studies Education at West Virginia University. I grew up in Wheeling, West Virginia where I still reside - when I’m not slaving away at graduate school. Pictured is the historic Wheeling Suspension Bridge. Built in 1849, at one time it was the longest suspension bridge in the world. The bridge is also home of the historic National Road. The Fort Henry Bridge (why paint a bridge green?) is home to Interstate 70.

Some of my interest include: reading, history… to make it short…. basically old stuff (plus reading and history pretty much sums it up). This interest of “old stuff” starts with my job where I assist with the removal of estates. This job allows me to basically dig through people’s stuff. You know, the stuff you never even knew you had. Sometimes we come across valuable antiques, just antiques in general, and a lot of the times, junk. Once all of this stuff is organized it is then auctioned off. I’ve purchased quite an odd collection of antique furniture, paintings, pottery, and other various items that catch my eye.

Another one of my interest include the classic television show Sanford and Son. Sometimes I feel like Lamont Sanford, plus the show debuted in 1972, one of my favorite years. From the clothes, the comedy, to the junk, I love this show. My taste in music is also rather old. Guns N’ Roses (1986-93 era) is my favorite band of all time. I have no clue why, I’m nothing like the band or some of the music they play, but I’m fascinated by their contagious culture that was so prevalent throughout the late 1980’s and early 90’s. They were unique with their own style; violent, funny, and they had a somewhat sensitive side (i.e. “Patience” or “Sweet Child O Mine”). If you were to pull up beside me at a red light here are a few songs you might hear:
Shadows of the Night - Pat Benatar (it’s okay, laugh at me).
Rocket Queen - Guns N’ Roses.
Don’t Stop Believin’ - Journey.
Hot Blooded - Foreigner.

On a more serious note, I’m interested in social justice, education, and eliminating poverty. I strongly believe that if one wished to rid the world of poverty, they could do so through education. I think this takes dedicated teachers, creative teachers, and teachers that are open minded. Too many times are the minds of students underestimated. Yes, children are more than capable of critical thinking, but the mundane routine of work sheets will not spur that interest, nor will it motivate those students that are in poverty, it will only keep them there. I’m not a fan of text books, to say the least.

I’m also into lattes, libraries, bookstores, basically - anyplace that houses books, moving furniture (a large part of my job), seafood, the Green Bay Packers, and anything else that you would consider dorky. But I’m not one of those Star Wars .. video game nerds. For some reason, I think thats important to get straight. Please pardon my poor grammar and typo’s. I’m horrible at proofreading my own stuff. I’m hoping by now you’ve stopped reading, because this is the moment that I admit I like romantic comedies. There, I said it. They make me laugh, thats all I’ll say.