Card Tips 102

This one isn't necessarily poker related. It's more for spades, hearts, any game when you have trump. When you get your cards, don't bother looking at them until last. Instead, watch the players and what they do with their cards. Especially with trump, most players will shuffle all their good cards to one side. If someone moves more than one card at once, they're arranging them by suit. Usually, they'll shuffle from left to right. One card moved left in the middle of the bridge is most likely an Ace or high card of off suit. As for your own cards, arrange them sporadically. You'll know the good ones and it'll throw your opponents off.

Had some adjusting to do myself today. The morning started with a glimpse into hell. I was forced to attend a professional developmental seminar on creative thinking and creative curricular planning. The best part was that the lecture was given in Power Point! I don't think anyone else saw the irony....

On the other hand, my students created their blogs today. I swear-- I will do what I have to do and more, but this project is going to work! I'm excited for them: these students show lots of promise!

Definitely on the outs with the ELL: it's just a bad match and I've lost interest. The streak hasn't been too great lately. I've got to vault over the 3 week "relationship." I've been warned that I'm expecting too much, but I don't think about that stuff. Whatever happens the next day, happens.

A larger experiment

So far, so good with the blog. Hectic week thus far, even by my standards, so I've been a little slack. Now, though, I have to get things ready for this week coming up. As long as I've been teaching, I've had a lot of difficulty getting my students to do the quality work in their journals. So now, I think I'm going to scrap the journaling and replace it with blogging. The blog is so much more than an assignment turned in to me. Most of the people that I know who have blogs, check them constantly-- curious to see who and how they responded to the blog. I'm anticipating a lot of bugs and mistakes in this experiment, but I think it's going to work out. Imagine twenty new blogs created at once with a guarantee that there will be posts.

Here's the tricky part, though. How much free reign do I give them? Free reign is a tough concept for me, the new high school teacher. I've had to be more careful about it than ever this year, but this is a college class. These are adults so I think they should be given free reign as far as their content. I want their blogs to be real, not something that looks and sounds forced. At the same time, I do have to guide a bit. My plan is to post a question each Monday class. They'll be required to address that question in their blogs. From there, I have to start small and build. I plan on having them post once a week on any topic of their own choosing, and have them respond to at least one blog.

My biggest fear is attacks, so I have to nip that before it even starts. I don't think that's going to happen, though, I've always respected my college students and their conduct. For high school students, I have a lot of doubts, but I'll tackle that next year. My boss is concerned about students that aren't too techno savy, but I think the time spent in class on them will help loosen them up. Students can't possibly be worse than me as I was starting. So cross your fingers, and hope the trial run works.

Not looking forward to the next week, since there won't be anytime to ski. Have to go to my license class (and that's an entire post waiting to happen) on Saturday, have Sunday off, then Monday I have to go back to BOCES and teach. Although what school I have next week will be interesting. There are many times when teaching at a high school feels like working at the YMCA. We do the occasional learning in between sports and other priority activities such as spending 3 days on taking pictures. The more time I spend at this place, the more I realize I belong back on the college level rather than the high school level.

Be warned readers, tomorrow might be an angry rant after going to that stupid class.

Moving possibilities!

Never heard of the place: American River College, but off of a tip, I applied there, and it looks I'll be going to California next month. I don't know much about Sacramento, other than its home to the Kings. But the job sounds pretty sweet. Full-time position, student assigned to do my grading, and I'd be planning policy. I'm shocked still and not really sure what to think. I don't really like where I work now: I don't feel connected to these people; and in reality, I know I'm not a high school teacher.

Yet at the same time, I don't like quitting and just leaving. It makes me feel like I'm just dropping the tools and passing the buck. BUT, I don't believe the people I work with have a clue as to what they're doing. Honestly, I really don't think they know.

And I have to face it, I don't really want to leave Colorado. Sure, I'm nomadic by nature, but I do like it here. Weather wise, I love to ski. The snow has been a pain in the ass for commuting lately, but it's snow: it comes down and it melts. I also like to shovel snow at night: it's hard work, but quiet and relaxing. It's also metaphorical. If I shovel the snow, a path is cleared: I'm doing the work. I don't have to depend on anyone. The city plow just plows me in and gets in my way, almost exactly like educational politics.

But I need to think about this over the next few weeks. This job would also pay for me to get my PhD, something I know that I really need. New Jersey resident in California, though, I don't know. It could be interesting....but now I need to pretend to sleep so I'll try not to think about it....

Facing Juxtaposition

The other day I was skiing some pretty steep chutes: ones that you have to jump to get into. It's the most relaxing feeling in the world when you're facing down something that could cause you major bodily harm, yet you know you're going to conquer it. As I made a very tough jump turn and stuck it, I remember thinking to myself, why is this so different from when I'm teaching?

I go back to a story I alluded to in my first post. Throughout college and even into my first grad. school, I had a wild side that was likely to have me killed or in serious trouble. Hours before class, my friends and I tied bungee cords to a bridge and jumped off, just to see what it would be like. I played poker with mobsters, dated strippers, endangered many lives (including my own) on my Suzuki Bandit. Two buddies and I took a weekend trip to Vermont with no plans or no place to stay. His jeep, with about 200,000 miles on it broke down in the middle of nowhere. I remember starting a fire in the woods to keep warm. Before I went to grad. school full-time, I almost joined the damn circus!

The thing is, though, I like those personalities about myself. The wild side deep down inside ourselves keeps life fresh and exciting. When I committed myself to grad. school, I took that intensity with me. I still broke all the rules, and I'd still argue with even my mentor to this day that's how I survived and excelled. I liked being looked at in terms of incredulous respect. Here was the guy with a major concussion and a shattered collar bone that could hold a discussion of rhetorical discourse with anyone.

The other day, the ELL (the girl I've held an interest in) said she found me attractive because she liked how smart I was. Yeah, I know, take the compliment and shut up. But deep down, it's bothered me a lot. Does it mean I've lost my edge in the world? Have I become so consumed with my teaching that I've lost the need to feel physical danger and harm? Granted, you do as much damage to your body as I have by my age, you're definitely more reluctant. But as I was skiing, I realized I miss this part of myself.

This is also a part of myself that I'd like my students to see more of. Yes, it's high school. Yes, I'm a cultural foreigner there. Yes, I have a lot of responsibility. But when I tell them that they do have to take the hat off, or the lesson plan skill is something they need in the world, I feel like such a stiff. I feel very much like the teachers I despised and promised myself I'd never feel like. So what's been on my mind is how do I blend all of this together? They're high school kids-- too young for them to see my side of everything. And it's not about me appearing "cool" to them. That never happens: they either respect you or don't. Instead, I want them to see how living that kind of risky lifestyle, however it's internalized, is what made me the teacher I am today.

And that's what I'm looking for in life lately: that need to feel so alive again. I could do without the pain, but every time that I got hurt was WELL worth it. So how does one handle this juxtaposition in a high school? Any thoughts readers?

Mayor Papa Bear may bust me for killing birds.

I'll keep it simple, if you haven't seen Big Papa on the Colbert report, get to youtube.com, find it, and watch. I don't think I've ever seen a man look that constipated that long for an interview. When Colbert presented the picture, I think that was it. In all seriousness, though, readers please pay close attention to this. Liberal, conservative, apathetic, or voodoo priests: listen to the quality of interviews in all genres. Listen to the answers. The ad hominem, quick one-liner attacks are cheap. Why don't I like a lot of the neo-cons, because that's what they've come down to: sound bytes. Kudos Colbert, but please nail Hannity next. That guy needs it the worst in that triumvirate. Oreilly is human: he gets his temper there and he'll show up on the other side's shows. Coulter is an incredibly bad gimmick, but Sean Hannity really needs to lose that glib slick composure. You crack that face, there are tears underneath.

I honestly thought I might have crossed into The Birds today as I drove home. Birds are incredibly stupid. I'm driving along the eastern plains, they're off onto the other side. As I approach the spot that's close to them, but not within harm, they all take flight, directly at my windshield. I heard at least 5 thunks, and have to wonder how in the hell Sylvester never got to eat Tweety. I was told they might see the reflection and therefore need to fly at each other. Yet another reason why we're smarter than the bird. Sometime, try going to a shopping mall, spotting another human being, and then start running at that human full speed. That would be a sight.

Hoping to finally get some more time to spend with the ELL. Teachers sometimes have pretty lousy schedules. Patience will definitely be worth it in this case though.

Football predictions: the Superbowl will be between the Colts and the Saints. This is going to be the year that the Colts hurdle past the Patriots. On paper and in theory, most everything goes to the Pats. I just have a feeling: Peyton is due for a big game. The Bears defense is far too banged up (if Seattle was able to expose them) and just didn't look impressive. Again, I know it's in Chicago, but I've got a feeling about New Orleans. It's Friday, I definitely need some shut eye.

THIS ROUND GOES TO MIKEY!

The meeting I had with The Board of Education went much better than expected Tuesday night, although it could very well have turned out disasterous. I gave my presentation, followed by Q&A-- all smooth sailing. Then suddenly I'm hit with three very specific questions about the content of curriculum.

Keep in mind I continued with the Q&A, but the pause button in my mind was pressed and held. Wait a minute, why suddenly are they delving that deep into the curriculum? And how would they know to ask that question....a question that sounds exactly like some of the complaints I got from my staff about policy. It took a couple beats and it soon became clear.

For those that are confused, let me briefly rewind. On countless occasions already, I've reminded the staff of a specific policy of returning to grammar, specifically stating, "If they fail this year, it's not their failure-- it's ours."

So here's the conclusion I processed and leapt to (all while answering the questions as calmly as I can). Somebody on my staff (at least) is worried about keeping his/her job. To protect him/herself, that person contacted a friend: a friend on the Board and gave a biased version of my policy, along with feeding that Board member questions to trip me up.

Ok, we're out of the past and out of my head. As far as politics goes, I'm on one person's side, mine. But I spent the next half hour taking every single planted and loaded question by explaining my policy as clearly as I could. I'm not good with analyzing data but I've taught for a while and am a writer myself. Long story short, I know I sold the Board and they're behind me now.

How do I know? On Wednesday, I came to work and found a note from 2 board members thanking me for my time and with permission to order more books that I desperately need. They freed up some money to do so. I processed all of this as one woman on my staff approached anxious to see how the meeting went.

Again, I take this all in at once. My staff is pissed that I'm forcing them to teach grammar. And why shouldn't I, since one of my staff wanted my opinion for the opening line of the flyer that read, Dieing to showcase your talent. Anyway, we're not really close, due to age gaps and other reasons, so why the concern? Simple, that's the person that was hoping it wouldn't go well, but isn't sure since she didn't hear from her friend. In fact, I'm willing to bet that inside that folder is her replacement policy for mine.

Once more, I must emphasize the need for all of you readers to play poker, for no other reason to work on your poker face. I composed myself and told her how it went and about the money I received. Then I held out my hand and asked, "Are those the grants we've been working on? [pointing to the folder]" I never did find out if it was the policy, but I'm sure it wasn't a love letter.

So yes I should be happy that the Board is supporting me, but wow has the bullet sign grown on me! Isn't it somewhat cynical that I can see through all the underhanded politics so quickly? I could be bothered by that, but I'm determined to win this: to get these farmers' kids reading and writing and interested in education. The last week has been a good teaching week here, but on the high school level, consistency is the hardest to maintain. I'm going to ride the hell out of this wave....

Card Tips 101

This one is mostly for poker, but can be applied to any game where a player holds hidden cards, and there are cards showing. Whenever you play these hands, always watch the other person even more than your own cards. A person with a bad hand almost always makes the same mistake. Whenever they get a bad hand, they'll peek at their cards over and over again with quick rapid glances. The reason? They're trying to find some new possiblity to use their cards that they might have looked over the first time around. If they're trying to find new possiblilities, it means they have a lousy hand. A lot of poker players will tell you, it doesn't matter what you have in your hand, play your opponent. These guys are full of crap, and are probably either in hock to a loan shark, or begging mom and dad to lower the basement rent for a month until they can scrape the money together. Poker is about presenting your hand the best that you can, if you don't have the cards you won't win beyond that fluke lucky hand. But any insight you have into your opponent will turn those close hands into your favor-- it's a guarantee.

Why the poker post? Because poker and life share the same attribute in the sense that you have to be able to read who you're up against. Tomorrow I present in front of the board my plan for cleaning up the gigantic writing mess at the school. These are people who are into politics over education, don't let even small town ideology fool you. We live in a data driven, accountability based educational society. I'm not there to discuss their data. But you can sure as hell bet that they'll be looking at those printouts crammed full of data right before they ask each question, meaning they're looking for data to point out any flaws in what I outline-- any possibilities. But for me, I know my hand (my teaching style). It's simple: I break things down to what makes sense using the same terminology that's on the data.

Thanks to all the readers that have posted thus far, spread the word. Worse comes to worse, you all might become better poker players....

The Friendship Talk

Every guy hates that talk and the line, "I just want to be friends." In this case, though, I'm angry about it, mostly because it didn't happen to me, it happened to my best friend.
My closest friend is trying his best just to get back in the game. He's had unbearable physical problems over the last ten years and can't do what most of us take for granted every day from going to the movies at whim to carry the groceries inside. But he's remarkable in his attitude and is easily the most likeable person I know of. So he moved to D.C. and is doing well. He's tried speed dating and the match.com thing, but lately he's just getting burned left and right.
I was proud of him, though, in how he handled it. When he got the line, "Let's just keep it as friends," he called the girl out on it. He wanted to know what she would still like to do "as friends" at least so she'd be honest with him. To all guys out there, do that, when you're given a line, call the girl on it. In those cases, the girl is insecure, indecisive, and is going to catch that full circle in the end.
I gave my friend the right advice, though. He started questioning himself, wondering if it was wrong to be "the nice guy." It's very simple to all the guys out there: women (at least the quality ones) want the nice guy. If you are the nice guy, you're in the right spot and you need to be patient. Don't be something you're not. Yes sometimes it looks like the so-called "bad boys" get the women. Trust me, you want them to have those women. I think he's back up on his feet, though, and I know he's going to find that somebody.
But I digress. This message is also for my women readers: if you're not into the guy, be honest. A few weeks ago I had that exact situation happen to me. She wasn't interested, said so, and that was that. I appreciated that: went down to the Taj and had a great night but without bearing any ill will. She's still a friend of mine, and that's the way this whole thing is supposed to work. During that same week, I ran into a stripper (no, not while she was working) in Atlantic City that I dated in college. She's still stripping and is in love with a guy that checks her cell phone every night to make sure he knows all the calls. Some might laugh, I think it's kind of sad.
And so Mikey has concluded that this is one of the main reasons why we have a 50% divorce rate. The fundamental nuts are all parading around trying to protect that institution from the "deliciously decadent, sinful" homosexual community, yet most people end up unhappy because they end up settling for someone they're not happy with. Again, just be honest.
On the positive side of things, I'm finally going to get some overdue time spent with a certain ELL (don't ask, I just know the term took over for ESL [and that's English as a Second Language]) teacher that I've been looking forward to for quite a while. I found tonight that she's into skiing (major plus) will drink beer (very nice) and is about as sarcastic as I am (yes!) Things are going to work out well here.
C'mon now, did you really think I was going to end a post like that? Do I sound like I spend nights watching the O.C? No way, I'm going out swinging. I'm gearing myself up for a confrontation with the head honcho of my teaching certification program. He's a bureaucrat (took way too long to remember it's bu, not be in spelling that) and I'm a teacher: the standard admin. vs. educator battle. I'm pledging now that I'm going to handle this for once without getting myself into trouble. Must stay true to that.....
And last but not least, I'm stealing this from blogger, Betty Lou, who was the catalyst behind the Mikey Songero's life to go blog. Recent movies to recommend. With all the snow we've had lately, I've dusted off and watched some absolutely must sees. If you haven't seen them, watch A Bronx Tale and Rudy again next time you get the chance. Those two have got it all and fall into the real classic category: no hype, just movies you can always revisit. Until next time.

The funniest commercial alive!

I was waiting for a friend to come over last night and I flipped on the TV to see if I could catch any ball game that was on. As I flipped through, I stopped and couldn't help myself-- for some reason I couldn't stop laughing. It was Time-Life's Christian rock compilation up for grabs. Never mind the wimpy and fruity music that patterned itself from the Monster Ballads of the 80's, it was just the commercial. Try to imagine rows and rows of teenagers at a concert with dopey smiles on their faces, eyes closed, hands waving in the air as they all collectively lip sync to that really bad music. Sound like any concert any of you readers ever been to? Maybe I was just in a goofy mood, but I couldn't stop laughing-- I wish I had taped that commercial. At the same time, it begs a very tough philosophical question: what is more tortuous to listen to country music or Christian Rock?

Snow, snow, and more snow. The other day I was talking to my father and I was trying to explain to him that I might not be able to go skiing because there's too much snow( if the passes are closed). Sounds pretty dumb, doesn't it?
I'm finding myself in a tough situation this coming week. I've got to go before the board of the school I teach at, and explain to them what I'm doing about the CSAP scores in writing. Let me be honest here. I don't think about the CSAP at all, I don't care about it. I think standardized tests are the downfall of education. Yet here I am, in charge of an English department, preparing a presentation based on data that will hopefully make the board happy. I will give them the data, etc. etc., and then I will scrap everything in the presentation.
Wouldn't it be much easier if I just told them the truth? The test is geared to have students write a 5 paragraph essay, something that has no pratical use in the real world. There's a part of me that wants to walk in there, say just that and explain what it is that I'm trying to do with these kids. But for the first time in my very young teaching career, I've got to play educational politics. Down the road, I may need the board on my side so I've got to give them what they want. Anyone that has some sage like advice, lay it on me.
So that'll be on my mind this weekend. Hoping to recover from a pulled hamstring, hoping to meet up with someone that's been put off for too long. Then again, as I type, the snow keeps falling. Who knows, but it should be an interesting few days....

Welcome to the life!

Welcome to the life, to the experiment. It's time to share my thoughts and adventures with the rest of the world; and who knows, maybe I'll get a few laughs and thoughts out of you in the process. It's not every day you meet a former degenerate gambler, ex-circus clown, previous pit boss, retired tennis athlete, turned language arts instructor. The life is a constant dichotomy: someone from the megaopolis working as far in the country as you can get. I found myself facing some tough questions from my students today. Because they know I've written a book about the Mafia and because I made a couple of bad comments about the ability of Denver Broncos cornerback Williams, I've become a suspect in his killing. The rationale: a limo was found in the airport and I WENT to the airport over vacation. Don't worry, though, it really wasn't me.

Still, though, sometimes stereotypes can work in your favor. Maybe I've started to scare my students. That would be a funny try some time. One day when they've upset me, I'll put the Godfather score on and talk in a low, hoarse voice. Then again, maybe not, they probably won't get the reference. High school kids make 30 seem old sometimes. The other day I had to explain who Axl Rose was and there's more to Ozzy than a family TV show.

Feels good to be home after a visit to the family in NJ. I'm looking forward to getting the blog going and hearing from some people in return. Until next time, -Mike Songero