Here is some shocking insider knowledge of the Dharma Initiative revealed by Alvar Hanso himself!
Hanso Exposed
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Sunday, March 11, 2007
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
A Blogger's Rules
I have been blogging for some time now and, while I’m no expert, I have learned a few things along the way. I have compiled what I have learned from my experience, and also from reading other various blogs, into a list of what I think are some good rules of blogging, which I try to follow.
Variety- A good blog is one that offers variety to its readers. Let’s face it; people will be much more interested in your blog if you aren’t always talking about the same thing in every post (particularly yourself). The style of posts can also be varied for effect.
95% Lighthearted- Most people can’t handle very much to think about at one time. Especially while reading a post. People like to read about something that is entertaining, not something that makes them think. It is important to make people think, however, so I reserve about 5% of my blogging to do so. If you are going to write something heavy, try to keep it short.
Randomness=Ratings- Generally, the more random the post, the more comments it gets. People love random because they don’t really have to think about it. Random is more entertaining and…lighthearted. It’s also usually funny and people like funny.
Create Community- This is one of the most important aspects of blogging. Blogging is about the readers not the author. If you can create a place that people love to visit, are entertained, and feel valued, they will keep coming back. And they will become valuable contributors to your blog making it much more than you ever could by yourself.
Frequency- The best way to lose readers is to rarely make posts and then do so sporadically. Even if your schedule is incredibly busy, you can still find time to make one post a week. I have posted one liners before while in the grip of finals! If you have to, start a post in Word and work on it whenever you can. Your readers will be grateful.
Length- Another big turn off are extremely lengthy posts usually made to make up for infrequency. It is better to make frequent short posts than long novellas posted few and far between .
Add Ons- Add Ons are like hidden treasure! Shout boxes, links to interesting websites, links to other bloggers (community) are invaluable to a good blog.
Wit and Sarcasm- While writing a post these two things will make the most boring detail sound interesting and funny. Ultimately, if you find what you are writing about interesting and write about it in an interesting way, others will be interested too. No one has a perspective quite like yours, so let them have it!
Pictures- Pictures connect the reader to you and what you are saying. Pictures are like windows into the mind and life of the author. This aspect of blogging should not be underestimated. I also like having a separate picture blog so that my readers can get to know me better.
Integrity- Most importantly your blog should be a true expression of yourself. Find what you love, what you find interesting, and share it with others. Whatever you blog should also be your own creation unless you properly cite who you are borrowing from. Borrowing should probably be kept down to 5% too.
Variety- A good blog is one that offers variety to its readers. Let’s face it; people will be much more interested in your blog if you aren’t always talking about the same thing in every post (particularly yourself). The style of posts can also be varied for effect.
95% Lighthearted- Most people can’t handle very much to think about at one time. Especially while reading a post. People like to read about something that is entertaining, not something that makes them think. It is important to make people think, however, so I reserve about 5% of my blogging to do so. If you are going to write something heavy, try to keep it short.
Randomness=Ratings- Generally, the more random the post, the more comments it gets. People love random because they don’t really have to think about it. Random is more entertaining and…lighthearted. It’s also usually funny and people like funny.
Create Community- This is one of the most important aspects of blogging. Blogging is about the readers not the author. If you can create a place that people love to visit, are entertained, and feel valued, they will keep coming back. And they will become valuable contributors to your blog making it much more than you ever could by yourself.
Frequency- The best way to lose readers is to rarely make posts and then do so sporadically. Even if your schedule is incredibly busy, you can still find time to make one post a week. I have posted one liners before while in the grip of finals! If you have to, start a post in Word and work on it whenever you can. Your readers will be grateful.
Length- Another big turn off are extremely lengthy posts usually made to make up for infrequency. It is better to make frequent short posts than long novellas posted few and far between .
Add Ons- Add Ons are like hidden treasure! Shout boxes, links to interesting websites, links to other bloggers (community) are invaluable to a good blog.
Wit and Sarcasm- While writing a post these two things will make the most boring detail sound interesting and funny. Ultimately, if you find what you are writing about interesting and write about it in an interesting way, others will be interested too. No one has a perspective quite like yours, so let them have it!
Pictures- Pictures connect the reader to you and what you are saying. Pictures are like windows into the mind and life of the author. This aspect of blogging should not be underestimated. I also like having a separate picture blog so that my readers can get to know me better.
Integrity- Most importantly your blog should be a true expression of yourself. Find what you love, what you find interesting, and share it with others. Whatever you blog should also be your own creation unless you properly cite who you are borrowing from. Borrowing should probably be kept down to 5% too.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Politics Schmolitics
My family prides itself on its political aloofness. Some would call it ignorance, but the truth is we just protect ourselves. We don’t subscribe to any newspapers, listen to much of any radio, and have never had a television (we’re movie people). The news we hear is usually second hand from someone else who takes it upon themselves to fill us in on all the details. The world could go to war and we would barely know about it. As long as we have food, water, guns, and ammo, we’re ok. We’re happy people.
College has changed me some. I see the need to know what’s going on in the world around me. I try to help my family see that too. When I do though, I usually get a speech on how “they” are trying to take away our rights and most importantly our guns or I am met with ambivalence. This explains my own ambivalence toward politics. I often see both sides of an issue and then exhaust myself by going in circles. The result is that I am not confident of any thoughts I may have politically and therefore try to stay away from discussing such things.
It is a wonder then how I came to work for one of the most politically active families in my city. They are active in campaigning and in the community, practice law, and now one presides as judge of the 60th district court! They have had a positive influence on my political weakness. I benefit from their political savvy by reading the paper (ok, mostly Dear Abby) and even Newsweek on occasion.
In fact, I read an article recently in Newsweek that talked about the Democratic Party’s 2008 Presidential candidate nominees: Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, an Illinois Senator. The amazing thing being that one is a woman and the other is black. The question posed was; is America ready for such a president? Are we ready for a woman President? Are we ready for an African American President? It will certainly be a momentous election in 2008 no matter what the outcome of the Democrat’s nominations. I’m not sure what the Republican Party will do as I have heard nothing of their candidates for the upcoming election. I find it interesting in a sensational way. And now as my political insecurity begins creeping up on me, I end this post.
College has changed me some. I see the need to know what’s going on in the world around me. I try to help my family see that too. When I do though, I usually get a speech on how “they” are trying to take away our rights and most importantly our guns or I am met with ambivalence. This explains my own ambivalence toward politics. I often see both sides of an issue and then exhaust myself by going in circles. The result is that I am not confident of any thoughts I may have politically and therefore try to stay away from discussing such things.
It is a wonder then how I came to work for one of the most politically active families in my city. They are active in campaigning and in the community, practice law, and now one presides as judge of the 60th district court! They have had a positive influence on my political weakness. I benefit from their political savvy by reading the paper (ok, mostly Dear Abby) and even Newsweek on occasion.
In fact, I read an article recently in Newsweek that talked about the Democratic Party’s 2008 Presidential candidate nominees: Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, an Illinois Senator. The amazing thing being that one is a woman and the other is black. The question posed was; is America ready for such a president? Are we ready for a woman President? Are we ready for an African American President? It will certainly be a momentous election in 2008 no matter what the outcome of the Democrat’s nominations. I’m not sure what the Republican Party will do as I have heard nothing of their candidates for the upcoming election. I find it interesting in a sensational way. And now as my political insecurity begins creeping up on me, I end this post.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
My Cup Runneth Over
You may remember that on my To Do list, Dec. 8th was when things wrapped up. I am so lucky and blessed that it is not the case for me. I get to spend one last day with my students on monday as my cooperating teacher was absent Dec 8th. I also have not even begun writing my research paper, so I can work on it throughout the next week. I will work madly today, which will hopefully result in a rough draft. I'm not an English major for nothing you know. Then I get to present my findings to an enraptured audience on thursday. I also get to meet once more with my reading assessment class to "go over anything we didn't have time to do over the last 14 weeks". I also get to take on the full responsibility of leading worship twice this sunday without my two main musicians! What a great opportunity to stretch my faith and trust in God. I have taken note that life stress has caused me to gain weight this semester also. Yes, I can say without a doubt, "My cup runneth over."
Friday, December 01, 2006
Snow Day!
Today is the first Snow Day of the year! We have officially left warm weather behind and are heading into the blinding white of an another endless winter. Our world is changing. Ahead there is snowboarding to be done, snowmen to build, and goodies to bake. There are holiday get-togethers, memories to make, and celebrations to participate in. We may witness the closing of chapters, let go of things we hold dear, and embrace change to our inner worlds.
For now, we seize the season. Let it Snow!
For now, we seize the season. Let it Snow!
Friday, November 24, 2006
...and Inhale!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I spent most of The Day frantically preparing to meet the numerous deadlines of next week. We had good food though.
I finally got my hair cut!
You may notice it is slightly shorter. Most of you will notice no difference at all. I'm just glad for my own sake that it is done.
I got my winter placement! I will be teaching in a Kindergarten class. It will be a big jump from 5th, but I am looking forward to it.
That is all.
I finally got my hair cut!
You may notice it is slightly shorter. Most of you will notice no difference at all. I'm just glad for my own sake that it is done.
I got my winter placement! I will be teaching in a Kindergarten class. It will be a big jump from 5th, but I am looking forward to it.
That is all.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Exhalian Proverb
An ancient Exhalian Proverb says, “It is better to see a goose than a swan”. Spoken by a 21st century philosopher, it is a phrase of timeless wisdom, which should be heeded by all. As the story goes, the philosopher, observing nature from a quiet country road, spied a glassy calm pond surrounded by fowl. Among the fowl she noticed beautiful white birds of serenity. Thinking they were Swans to be admired and cherished she cried out in wonderment, “Swans!” Having a mind of keen scrutiny, however, a closer look revealed that the birds were not Swans, but rather Geese. The philosopher said to herself, “Ah! It would have been better to see the Goose as it was and accept it than to see a Swan only to realize the truth and be disappointed”. This brought about a profound revelation to the philosopher: In life it is better to see things for what they are than to see them for what one would wish them be.
The experience drove the philosopher into a period of seclusion from which she emerged and opened her own monastery. She called the monastery “The Way of Nature’s Realism”. On a plaque above the door was written: This world has no room for the idealist or the dreamer. Even nature has its way of kicking the idealist to the curb and delighting in it. Only the realists survive.
The monastery attracted many followers who, like the philosopher, had finally been crushed by life’s repeated mockery and disappointments. They devoted the rest of their days to living realistic lives free from the poisonous venom of idealism.
The experience drove the philosopher into a period of seclusion from which she emerged and opened her own monastery. She called the monastery “The Way of Nature’s Realism”. On a plaque above the door was written: This world has no room for the idealist or the dreamer. Even nature has its way of kicking the idealist to the curb and delighting in it. Only the realists survive.
The monastery attracted many followers who, like the philosopher, had finally been crushed by life’s repeated mockery and disappointments. They devoted the rest of their days to living realistic lives free from the poisonous venom of idealism.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Hush
Our auditory health is extremely important given the fact that we only get one pair of ears during our lifetime. Like food dieting, we should regulate our intake of noise very carefully to assure optimal auditory health well into our old age. Unless you want to deal with hearing aids and constant repetition of statements by the steadily growing annoyed speakers surrounding you. Here is a healthy list of sound according to decibels to regulate your sound intake during each day (100 dbs or more can hurt your ears):
Barely Audible
Breathing…10
Rustling leaves…20
Whispering…20
Very quiet
Quiet conversation…30
Phone conversation…50
Quiet
Restaurant conversation…60
Loud
Noisy office…70
Vacuum cleaner…70
Possible Hearing Damage
Garbage disposal…80
Hearing Damage After Eight Hours
Busy urban street…90
Food blender…90
Extremely Loud
Jackhammer…100
Power lawn mower…100
Motorcycle…100
Car horn…110
Live rock music…120
Threshold of Pain
Jet takeoff (from 110 yards)…130
Aircraft carrier deck…140
Physical Pain
Jet takeoff (from 27.5 yards)…150
Rocket engine…180
(Information taken from the Scholastic Book of Lists by James Buckley, Jr. and Robert Stremme)
Barely Audible
Breathing…10
Rustling leaves…20
Whispering…20
Very quiet
Quiet conversation…30
Phone conversation…50
Quiet
Restaurant conversation…60
Loud
Noisy office…70
Vacuum cleaner…70
Possible Hearing Damage
Garbage disposal…80
Hearing Damage After Eight Hours
Busy urban street…90
Food blender…90
Extremely Loud
Jackhammer…100
Power lawn mower…100
Motorcycle…100
Car horn…110
Live rock music…120
Threshold of Pain
Jet takeoff (from 110 yards)…130
Aircraft carrier deck…140
Physical Pain
Jet takeoff (from 27.5 yards)…150
Rocket engine…180
(Information taken from the Scholastic Book of Lists by James Buckley, Jr. and Robert Stremme)
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Exhale News Update
Retraction
The ground breaking case of Chris Knudson vs. The Exhale Blog resulted in a retraction of The Ice Cream Man post, which was first posted in July, earlier this week. The plaintiff, Knudson, complained that the material aforementioned was offensive and inaccurate. An ice cream man himself, Knudson pointed out that, “Not all ice cream men are bad people. Some are, but there are also some teachers who are not nice people either. Almost all of my customers trust me enough to send their kids out alone. I have a safe, fun, clean, reliable, and high-class business.” Mr. Knudson owns Shoreline Shivers, a company dedicated to restoring the nostalgic joy of ice cream to people everywhere. The author of Exhale extends her deepest apologies to Mr. Knudson and was in fact quoted to have said, “Point well taken.”
Countdown Begun
The countdown has officially begun toward the graduation of one of the most self-celebrated bloggers, and long-time college student, Stephenie Luce. With just under 200 days left, Stephenie seeks to enjoy what time she has left and retain what sanity remains. After making a career out of college she is finally ready to move on, although her future plans remain uncertain. Stephenie welcomes everyone and anyone to join in the countdown, which will run continuously at the bottom of the Exhale main page until April 28th: Graduation Day!!
Sigma Tau Delta
An initiation ceremony will take place on December 6, 2006 to welcome new members of the Iota Tau Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society at Grand Valley State University. We are proud to announce that our very own Steph will be amongst those initiated. As a lifetime member of this prestigious society, Steph hopes that she will finally be recognized as having achieved some academic success during the six years she has given to the pursuit of knowledge and career.
Self Smart: A New Approach to Education
Shocking interview with inmate reveals that reading books and college could, "...get you dead."
self smart
The ground breaking case of Chris Knudson vs. The Exhale Blog resulted in a retraction of The Ice Cream Man post, which was first posted in July, earlier this week. The plaintiff, Knudson, complained that the material aforementioned was offensive and inaccurate. An ice cream man himself, Knudson pointed out that, “Not all ice cream men are bad people. Some are, but there are also some teachers who are not nice people either. Almost all of my customers trust me enough to send their kids out alone. I have a safe, fun, clean, reliable, and high-class business.” Mr. Knudson owns Shoreline Shivers, a company dedicated to restoring the nostalgic joy of ice cream to people everywhere. The author of Exhale extends her deepest apologies to Mr. Knudson and was in fact quoted to have said, “Point well taken.”
Countdown Begun
The countdown has officially begun toward the graduation of one of the most self-celebrated bloggers, and long-time college student, Stephenie Luce. With just under 200 days left, Stephenie seeks to enjoy what time she has left and retain what sanity remains. After making a career out of college she is finally ready to move on, although her future plans remain uncertain. Stephenie welcomes everyone and anyone to join in the countdown, which will run continuously at the bottom of the Exhale main page until April 28th: Graduation Day!!
Sigma Tau Delta
An initiation ceremony will take place on December 6, 2006 to welcome new members of the Iota Tau Chapter of Sigma Tau Delta English Honor Society at Grand Valley State University. We are proud to announce that our very own Steph will be amongst those initiated. As a lifetime member of this prestigious society, Steph hopes that she will finally be recognized as having achieved some academic success during the six years she has given to the pursuit of knowledge and career.
Self Smart: A New Approach to Education
Shocking interview with inmate reveals that reading books and college could, "...get you dead."
self smart
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Nightmares
The past couple of nights I have woken up with nightmares about giving my Wednesday 40 minute lesson plan. In my dream Sparbeck is there observing me, all the 5th graders are sitting around me, and I don’t have all my materials! Things are going terribly!!
Yesterday, I thought I would write out all my project due dates because I was feeling a little overwhelmed with all that is due and didn’t want to forget anything. What I found was a possible source for my anxiety and stress. Here is what I saw when I looked at my paper:
Yesterday, I thought I would write out all my project due dates because I was feeling a little overwhelmed with all that is due and didn’t want to forget anything. What I found was a possible source for my anxiety and stress. Here is what I saw when I looked at my paper:
Project Due Dates:
Nov. 1 – 40 min. ITIP format lesson plan and observation by Field Coordinator.
Nov. 2 - Observation notes and classroom map that I have been collecting and updating.
Nov. 5 – T/A Application
Nov. 6 – Magic Suitcase (theme that covers 3 subject areas w/ materials, and is portable.)
Nov 7 – Peer Reviewed journal #1 (for research project).
Nov. 8 – Student Assessment and Reflection (assess a student and reflect on findings).
Nov. 9 – Shadow Assignment (shadow a student for a day and write up findings) / Peer Reviewed journal #2.
Nov. 14 – Peer Reviewed journal #3.
Nov. 15 – Present results of Lesson Plan to colleagues (w/ demonstration & media).
Nov. 16 – Management Plan rough draft (includes my management style, brochure for interviews, rules and procedures, 1st day of school materials, 50 teaching tips, etc.).
Nov. 21 – Peer Reviewed journal #4
Dec. 1 – Teacher Certification Application.
Dec. 8 – Last day in Field (fifth grade placement).
This list does not include the dates for:
Interactive Bulletin Board (I create a bulletin board in my 5th grade class).
Folio B (a collection of materials and write up)
Folio C (a collection of materials and write up)
Second 40 min. ITIP Format lesson plan and observation.
Final Research Paper.
These either do not have dates attached yet, they’re just coming up soon, or the dates have been changed and a new one hasn’t been given. This list also does not include my regular homework such as reading chapters, answering questions, and weekly journaling (which I just realized I forgot to do again).
Nov. 2 - Observation notes and classroom map that I have been collecting and updating.
Nov. 5 – T/A Application
Nov. 6 – Magic Suitcase (theme that covers 3 subject areas w/ materials, and is portable.)
Nov 7 – Peer Reviewed journal #1 (for research project).
Nov. 8 – Student Assessment and Reflection (assess a student and reflect on findings).
Nov. 9 – Shadow Assignment (shadow a student for a day and write up findings) / Peer Reviewed journal #2.
Nov. 14 – Peer Reviewed journal #3.
Nov. 15 – Present results of Lesson Plan to colleagues (w/ demonstration & media).
Nov. 16 – Management Plan rough draft (includes my management style, brochure for interviews, rules and procedures, 1st day of school materials, 50 teaching tips, etc.).
Nov. 21 – Peer Reviewed journal #4
Dec. 1 – Teacher Certification Application.
Dec. 8 – Last day in Field (fifth grade placement).
This list does not include the dates for:
Interactive Bulletin Board (I create a bulletin board in my 5th grade class).
Folio B (a collection of materials and write up)
Folio C (a collection of materials and write up)
Second 40 min. ITIP Format lesson plan and observation.
Final Research Paper.
These either do not have dates attached yet, they’re just coming up soon, or the dates have been changed and a new one hasn’t been given. This list also does not include my regular homework such as reading chapters, answering questions, and weekly journaling (which I just realized I forgot to do again).
The thought that keeps running through my head is: I won't be able to get my hair done this weekend, or next weekend, or next...
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