Saturday, May 24, 2008
Exploring the surroundings of camp Archelon: Lighthouse
In the afternoon the other group when kayaking with Teo (one of the
instructors) while Jeannie, I and four students (Storm, Zoe, Ina, Liza
and Clare) went for a nice hike to Punta Arena, a little south of our
camp Archelon (where we were staying). We walked all the way to the
lighthouse. It seemed abandoned but people from town told us it was
working (we were able to confirm that at night when we saw it working).
There was a brick wall all around it. We climbed it and then went
insight the lighthouse. A set of ladders took us all the way up. We had
a great view from the top. We could see the whole bay, the town, the
mountains and the islands. On our way to the lighthouse and back to camp
we gathered all sorts of interesting and beautiful shells, snails and
treasures that the ocean brought to the shore for us.
instructors) while Jeannie, I and four students (Storm, Zoe, Ina, Liza
and Clare) went for a nice hike to Punta Arena, a little south of our
camp Archelon (where we were staying). We walked all the way to the
lighthouse. It seemed abandoned but people from town told us it was
working (we were able to confirm that at night when we saw it working).
There was a brick wall all around it. We climbed it and then went
insight the lighthouse. A set of ladders took us all the way up. We had
a great view from the top. We could see the whole bay, the town, the
mountains and the islands. On our way to the lighthouse and back to camp
we gathered all sorts of interesting and beautiful shells, snails and
treasures that the ocean brought to the shore for us.
Kayaking on Saturday morning
We had breakfast. After breakfast Roger divided us in two groups: one for kayaking and another one for snorkeling. Even though I was hoping to do snorkeling fate put me in the kayak group. I was on a tandem kayak with Jovan and that was an interesting challenge. The problem was that my weight is more than double of Jovan’s. There was a little bit of wind but it kept blowing Jovan and not me. When we went out Jovan was in the front and shore was on our left side. The wind was blowing towards the shore therefore the front of the kayak was also going towards the shore and not towards the sea. We struggled a little but we kept going. We finally decided to switch places so that the front of the kayak would point towards the sea. But at that time the wind started to pick up and Roger decided that it was not safe to go to one the closest island as we had originally planned. Then we turned back. Coming back was a little easier since we have the wind on our backs.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Thursday afternoon and last night in Punta San Jacinto
We had some yummy tostadas. We are really getting spoiled with all the good food that Miriam prepares for us.
After lunch we all have some quiet time alone. It was great to reflect about how things are going in our trip, reflect about the amazing place where we are, read or just relax.
Later in the afternoon the activities were a little more diversed and we separated in different groups. A few students went back to the water and now we can really see the fruits of their tenacity and effort. Some of them are able to stand on their board already. I joined 3 students to a falt site outside of the camp grounds to fly a kite. It was one of those big kites that you can maneuver and make it turn and such. I must say that I failed in the task of making it turn but the whole experience of flying it or watching the others playing with it was a lot of fun! When we came back I took a few pictures of the site and a group of students who were sculpting a mermaid as part of their presentation for the talent show at night.
We had spaghetti and meat balls for dinner... mmmm... I am still licking my fingers.
After dinner we had a talent show around the campfire. Each students (or group of students) had the task to think about our surrounding and come up with a presentation and share it all so us. It was a great display of talent and Joe, Vicki and Santi (the three kids in our group that are not part of the 8th grade class were the judges. They even imitated the judges of American Idol. It was lot of fun. Some of the numbers were: A song from the play "Secret Garden", a short story abot the mermaid, jugling billard balls in the dark, some attempts to improv comedy, a picture with painted rocks with "surf" as a theme, a sketch draing of a surfer, reading the lyrics of the 8th graduation song (music yet to be composed), and more.
It was a fun night but also we were all tired and ready to go to bed early... well... kind of early. We are leaving to Bahia de Los Angeles tomorrow morning. Our goal is to be there before it's dark so we need to leave our site by or before 9 am. Will be able to do it? We'll see.
I probably won't have internet access over there. I'll just go back to the archaic pen and notebook and type on my blog when we are back to civilization :-)
...
Before closing my last post from Punta San Jacinto I went to the shore for one last time. It is very dark. It's a little cloudy so you can't see many stars. But you can hear and see the waves and feel the power of the sea talking to you. During some of the talks that Roger gave we learn that waves are formed by a comples interaction of the sun, moon, wind, the bottom of the ocean and of course the water. Being alone in the dark but feeling the presence of the waves in front of me made me realize how small we are in this "place" (universe, beach, live, country, ocean, etc.). But it also made me feel vibrant, full of energy and at peace. I always say that I am a very urban person, I love to live in a city but how amazing is to find this energy and peace in this remote wild places.
I'll close the laptop now and walk back to my tent (did I mention that I have a whole tent just to myself? and that I even have a cot to sleep in?). I am not sure what my dreams will bring tonight but I know that they will be filled with so much inspiration that I have collected these days.
After lunch we all have some quiet time alone. It was great to reflect about how things are going in our trip, reflect about the amazing place where we are, read or just relax.
Later in the afternoon the activities were a little more diversed and we separated in different groups. A few students went back to the water and now we can really see the fruits of their tenacity and effort. Some of them are able to stand on their board already. I joined 3 students to a falt site outside of the camp grounds to fly a kite. It was one of those big kites that you can maneuver and make it turn and such. I must say that I failed in the task of making it turn but the whole experience of flying it or watching the others playing with it was a lot of fun! When we came back I took a few pictures of the site and a group of students who were sculpting a mermaid as part of their presentation for the talent show at night.
We had spaghetti and meat balls for dinner... mmmm... I am still licking my fingers.
After dinner we had a talent show around the campfire. Each students (or group of students) had the task to think about our surrounding and come up with a presentation and share it all so us. It was a great display of talent and Joe, Vicki and Santi (the three kids in our group that are not part of the 8th grade class were the judges. They even imitated the judges of American Idol. It was lot of fun. Some of the numbers were: A song from the play "Secret Garden", a short story abot the mermaid, jugling billard balls in the dark, some attempts to improv comedy, a picture with painted rocks with "surf" as a theme, a sketch draing of a surfer, reading the lyrics of the 8th graduation song (music yet to be composed), and more.
It was a fun night but also we were all tired and ready to go to bed early... well... kind of early. We are leaving to Bahia de Los Angeles tomorrow morning. Our goal is to be there before it's dark so we need to leave our site by or before 9 am. Will be able to do it? We'll see.
I probably won't have internet access over there. I'll just go back to the archaic pen and notebook and type on my blog when we are back to civilization :-)
...
Before closing my last post from Punta San Jacinto I went to the shore for one last time. It is very dark. It's a little cloudy so you can't see many stars. But you can hear and see the waves and feel the power of the sea talking to you. During some of the talks that Roger gave we learn that waves are formed by a comples interaction of the sun, moon, wind, the bottom of the ocean and of course the water. Being alone in the dark but feeling the presence of the waves in front of me made me realize how small we are in this "place" (universe, beach, live, country, ocean, etc.). But it also made me feel vibrant, full of energy and at peace. I always say that I am a very urban person, I love to live in a city but how amazing is to find this energy and peace in this remote wild places.
I'll close the laptop now and walk back to my tent (did I mention that I have a whole tent just to myself? and that I even have a cot to sleep in?). I am not sure what my dreams will bring tonight but I know that they will be filled with so much inspiration that I have collected these days.
And the days go by (in Baja)
We are having a great time and this place is so awesome that it would really not be very wise to spend too much time at the computer. I do that at home!
But in the interest of sharing some experience I will just write some bullet points of some of the highlighst of our days without much description. I might come back later and try to expand.
Tuesday night: We had a great dinner cook by the one of the families (Santiag -instructor-, his wife Miriam and two children Santi and Victria). It was a delicious lasagna and salad. We ended the day with a nice singing and storytelling time by the campfire.
Wednesday: More surfing in the morning for the brave ones. I actually had a pretty bad night. My chest and arms were really sore from all the effort and tension during my time in the ocean the previous day. So I just took a nap :-). Before and after lunch we practice the skit in Spanish "La Cenicienta". At 2 pm we visited an orphanage. Again we had some circle songs and games, then the students presented the skit and we ended up our visit by sharing beeswax and help them model. Mike, one of the drivers, was very kind and generous again and bouth ice-cream for everyone! Dinner was great again. We are really enjoying good food: grilled hot dogs and rice! Yum! We went to bed just a little earlier this time. Our bodies are a little tired from all the activity and excitment from the day. Well, in all truth, I guess I should say that "I" am started to get tired, hahahaha. The kids are all full of energy and having a great time!
Thursday: We had an early morning and we went on a nature hunt before breakfast. All the kids had 30 minutes to look around the coast and collect a few things that they haven't seen before or that were attractive or rare for them. They also had to throw at least one rock and hit the ship. When they came back we displayed our findings and we had our own "science musem". Roger and his crew talk about a few things we found. Then we had breakfast and after that more surf training on the ground and then most of the kids hit the water. It was very exciting to see some of them already trying to stand on the boards. And a couple even made some very good attempts at surfing.
Oh, but now it's lunch time... and it smell so good.. so I better go and check it out!
But in the interest of sharing some experience I will just write some bullet points of some of the highlighst of our days without much description. I might come back later and try to expand.
Tuesday night: We had a great dinner cook by the one of the families (Santiag -instructor-, his wife Miriam and two children Santi and Victria). It was a delicious lasagna and salad. We ended the day with a nice singing and storytelling time by the campfire.
Wednesday: More surfing in the morning for the brave ones. I actually had a pretty bad night. My chest and arms were really sore from all the effort and tension during my time in the ocean the previous day. So I just took a nap :-). Before and after lunch we practice the skit in Spanish "La Cenicienta". At 2 pm we visited an orphanage. Again we had some circle songs and games, then the students presented the skit and we ended up our visit by sharing beeswax and help them model. Mike, one of the drivers, was very kind and generous again and bouth ice-cream for everyone! Dinner was great again. We are really enjoying good food: grilled hot dogs and rice! Yum! We went to bed just a little earlier this time. Our bodies are a little tired from all the activity and excitment from the day. Well, in all truth, I guess I should say that "I" am started to get tired, hahahaha. The kids are all full of energy and having a great time!
Thursday: We had an early morning and we went on a nature hunt before breakfast. All the kids had 30 minutes to look around the coast and collect a few things that they haven't seen before or that were attractive or rare for them. They also had to throw at least one rock and hit the ship. When they came back we displayed our findings and we had our own "science musem". Roger and his crew talk about a few things we found. Then we had breakfast and after that more surf training on the ground and then most of the kids hit the water. It was very exciting to see some of them already trying to stand on the boards. And a couple even made some very good attempts at surfing.
Oh, but now it's lunch time... and it smell so good.. so I better go and check it out!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Second day at Baja
The second day in Baja seemed to go faster than the first one. At least for me.
It seems that a clear theme has emerged for this trip: "let's go with the flow"
After the surf lesson on the ground we had plenty of time to chill down until it was time for lunch. We are still adjusting to the rhythm of the place and learning effective ways to live together and take care of this beautiful site. Water and energy are the main issues. Obviously there it no running water and electricity is provided by batteries that are charged from solar panels. The crew brought plenty of big water bottles that's good for drinking. And the sink have several water tanks to use for washing dishes and showering. That's why it is very important to conserve both water and electricity.
After lunch we took the vans and drove about 20-30 minutes to a close by town to meet some children. Karen, the main organizer of this trip, had a couple of connection with orphanages in the area. But communication with them have been somehow difficult. So we ended up in one of the orphanages just to find out that we were supposed to be there on Wednesday. One our way there an old lady waved at us very vigorously, something that we took as a sign of kindness from one of them locals. But in fact she ended up being our connection to our other destination. We followed her for a couple of miles to the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood. There we met a group of children, and a few adults, at local church (or temple). We were not very clear on what was suppose to happen or what to do there but we went with the flow. I started out with some circle games and songs for us to mingle with the local children. After then they got divided into age groups and they went to their respective lessons. I learned from of of the kids that these were bible lessons and they met one a week, usually on Mondays but this week they changed it to Tuesday to meet us. Out 8th graders helped around in anyway they could: holding signs for the teachers, serving milk to the children, distributing presents, etc. The afternoon ending up wit the olders kids from the church, some teacher and the boys from CLWS playing soccer.
On our way back to or site Mike, one of the drivers, bought ice-cream for all of us! What a treat!
Back at camp we discover that the tide was a little high and conditions were not the bes for surfing. But still there was a group of children (and Jeanie and I) who have not been to the water yet.
I must confess that after just doing the challenging surf training on the ground I was pretty discouraged to try them out on the sea. I could barely do them on the ground! Surfing is a combination of many skills but balance and power (strength + speed) are two of the most important ones. I was able to start having a sense of balance with the exercises on the ground. Quiet poor balance but some sense of it nontheless. When it came to strength the whole force of my 34 years, my 230 lbs and lack of exercise combined showed me that I was up for a hard task. I persisted in trying the exercises on the ground but in my mind I had already decided that on this trip I was going to enjoy surfing from the expectator role. But when we came back from playing with the children at the church I had a little more energy and a different mindset. I always get re-charged with I work or play with children. (That's why I love being a teacher!) So I decided to join the group of students that wanted to go in the water. I put on my wet suit and took a couple of pictures for this rare occasion. I was glad that Jeanie decided to join us, too.
Roger, the main surf instructor, told me to get a surf board. He told me to try that out because since I am very tall I could still use that as a boogie board. A couple of the students had surf boards also but the majority of them just had boogie boards. We were guided Santiago, a very skillful (and young!) surfer who is the son of the other surf instructor. It was a tremendous challenge for me just to stay on the board! Not to mention that I had to paddle, follow the group, wait for the right wave, turn, paddle more, etc.! I was abl to (almost) catch a couple of wave but I definitely manage to have fun in spite of all my struggles. I also experienced the power o the ocean! What a force! I love to be in water (in MN that means my bathtub or the pool at YWCA) but dealing with the ocean is not an easy task. Both physically and mentally. At least for me. I took a short break to change the surf board for a boogie and I went back in to enjoy the ocean once again for a few more minutes. I was little less nervous and just a little more confident so I was able to enjoy it a little more. I am sure that I was quite a funny (or pathetic?) and I served as entertainment for those on the shore. When we were coming out I was quite amused at the fact that a couple of students and I were stuck on the rocky shore. Unable to get up and pushed against that rock by a pretty strong set of waves.
A great dinner (lasagna!) and bonfire followed our afternoon ocean adventure. But those were pretty special, too. (Well, what isn't special when you are on a trip with an amazing group of kids, a skillfull and well prepared crew on a beautiful site by the Pacific ocean) I'll try to describe and honor those moments later.
Now it's time to get some rest. I can feel the force of the ocean down to my bones! I am tired but happy and we still have one whole week ahead!
It seems that a clear theme has emerged for this trip: "let's go with the flow"
After the surf lesson on the ground we had plenty of time to chill down until it was time for lunch. We are still adjusting to the rhythm of the place and learning effective ways to live together and take care of this beautiful site. Water and energy are the main issues. Obviously there it no running water and electricity is provided by batteries that are charged from solar panels. The crew brought plenty of big water bottles that's good for drinking. And the sink have several water tanks to use for washing dishes and showering. That's why it is very important to conserve both water and electricity.
After lunch we took the vans and drove about 20-30 minutes to a close by town to meet some children. Karen, the main organizer of this trip, had a couple of connection with orphanages in the area. But communication with them have been somehow difficult. So we ended up in one of the orphanages just to find out that we were supposed to be there on Wednesday. One our way there an old lady waved at us very vigorously, something that we took as a sign of kindness from one of them locals. But in fact she ended up being our connection to our other destination. We followed her for a couple of miles to the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood. There we met a group of children, and a few adults, at local church (or temple). We were not very clear on what was suppose to happen or what to do there but we went with the flow. I started out with some circle games and songs for us to mingle with the local children. After then they got divided into age groups and they went to their respective lessons. I learned from of of the kids that these were bible lessons and they met one a week, usually on Mondays but this week they changed it to Tuesday to meet us. Out 8th graders helped around in anyway they could: holding signs for the teachers, serving milk to the children, distributing presents, etc. The afternoon ending up wit the olders kids from the church, some teacher and the boys from CLWS playing soccer.
On our way back to or site Mike, one of the drivers, bought ice-cream for all of us! What a treat!
Back at camp we discover that the tide was a little high and conditions were not the bes for surfing. But still there was a group of children (and Jeanie and I) who have not been to the water yet.
I must confess that after just doing the challenging surf training on the ground I was pretty discouraged to try them out on the sea. I could barely do them on the ground! Surfing is a combination of many skills but balance and power (strength + speed) are two of the most important ones. I was able to start having a sense of balance with the exercises on the ground. Quiet poor balance but some sense of it nontheless. When it came to strength the whole force of my 34 years, my 230 lbs and lack of exercise combined showed me that I was up for a hard task. I persisted in trying the exercises on the ground but in my mind I had already decided that on this trip I was going to enjoy surfing from the expectator role. But when we came back from playing with the children at the church I had a little more energy and a different mindset. I always get re-charged with I work or play with children. (That's why I love being a teacher!) So I decided to join the group of students that wanted to go in the water. I put on my wet suit and took a couple of pictures for this rare occasion. I was glad that Jeanie decided to join us, too.
Roger, the main surf instructor, told me to get a surf board. He told me to try that out because since I am very tall I could still use that as a boogie board. A couple of the students had surf boards also but the majority of them just had boogie boards. We were guided Santiago, a very skillful (and young!) surfer who is the son of the other surf instructor. It was a tremendous challenge for me just to stay on the board! Not to mention that I had to paddle, follow the group, wait for the right wave, turn, paddle more, etc.! I was abl to (almost) catch a couple of wave but I definitely manage to have fun in spite of all my struggles. I also experienced the power o the ocean! What a force! I love to be in water (in MN that means my bathtub or the pool at YWCA) but dealing with the ocean is not an easy task. Both physically and mentally. At least for me. I took a short break to change the surf board for a boogie and I went back in to enjoy the ocean once again for a few more minutes. I was little less nervous and just a little more confident so I was able to enjoy it a little more. I am sure that I was quite a funny (or pathetic?) and I served as entertainment for those on the shore. When we were coming out I was quite amused at the fact that a couple of students and I were stuck on the rocky shore. Unable to get up and pushed against that rock by a pretty strong set of waves.
A great dinner (lasagna!) and bonfire followed our afternoon ocean adventure. But those were pretty special, too. (Well, what isn't special when you are on a trip with an amazing group of kids, a skillfull and well prepared crew on a beautiful site by the Pacific ocean) I'll try to describe and honor those moments later.
Now it's time to get some rest. I can feel the force of the ocean down to my bones! I am tired but happy and we still have one whole week ahead!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
News from Baja, mexico
Tacos at Ensenada, Mexico
Shipwreck at Punta San Jacinto (Pacific Ocean)
Learning to surf on the ground (with Indo Boards)
como estan?
greetings from Baja, Mexico. even though we are in very remote a of
Baja, Mexico (Punta San Jacinto) we do have internet!! Ha ha! Weird!
my monday morning started very early. in fact, i didn't go to sleep
at all on sunday night, i was way too excited! even though we were
meeting at 7a at the Minneapolis airport i was there at 6 am!
everything went very smoothly. from checking, flight, crossing border, etc
we had very long but fun filled monday! after a quick stop in San
Diego for pizza (our last american lunch!) we stopped again at
Ensenada, Mexico for some tacos, the market, the sea food market,
music and more. It was a short but lovely first hand experience with
Mexican culture.
we traveled about 5 hours south on Ruta 1 (Road 1) in Baja state with
some great views from the road. Sometimes the ocean, sometimes
moutains.
We arrived to our camping site, which is much more sofisticated that i
imagined, around 8 pm. After a short orientation we set up the tents.
Jeannie, the class teacher of the 8th grade from City of Lakes Walrdof
School), and I had a blast laughing at outselves and our inability to
put up a tent! We probably won't make great campers in the future but
we have plenty of material for a comedy routine.
The night we't very smooth, too. In a very relaxed atmosphere we had
dinner, chat by the campfire, some playing pool, others contemplating
the ocean. We were blessed with a beatutiful moon!
We were all really tired and it didn't take took long too long until
the only music of voices that could be heard was the sond of the waves
from the pacific ocean welcoming us and singing a lullaby.
One would thnink that we woud sleep late the following morning. But I
think I was one of the last ones to get up and it was about 6:30 am!!
We were off to a good start with a great breakfast and some cleaning chores.
Now we just started our first surf lesson. My legs hurt so bad!! And
he adventure just started!
This is Paulino
from Baja, Mexico
8th Grade CLWS class trip
Monday, May 19, 2008
Leaving to Mexico in a couple of hours!
I am very excited! It's been more than 5 years that I don't get out of
the country!
I'll be in Mexico from 5/19 until 5/28 with a group of 8th graders from
City of Lakes Waldorf School.
the country!
I'll be in Mexico from 5/19 until 5/28 with a group of 8th graders from
City of Lakes Waldorf School.
I'll try to post stuff if I get access to internet!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Ivory soap quote
If you want to be free, learn to live simply.
La liberté, c'est vivre dans la simplicité.
La liberté, c'est vivre dans la simplicité.
Friday, May 16, 2008
I am going to Mexico!
I leave Monday 19, May with 8th grade class from City of Lakes Waldorf School.
This is their 8th grade graduation trip and it's going to be wonderful. I am very excited to be their chaperon. We are going toBaja , Mexico
We are going to spend time in Punta San Jacinto learning to surf and visiting an orphanage. Then we are also going to Bahia de los Angeles to learn about the ocean and do some turtle research.
I can't wait! I don't know how much internet access I will have but if I have some I'll try to share some experiences here and may be some photos and videos!
How fun!
This is their 8th grade graduation trip and it's going to be wonderful. I am very excited to be their chaperon. We are going to
We are going to spend time in Punta San Jacinto learning to surf and visiting an orphanage. Then we are also going to Bahia de los Angeles to learn about the ocean and do some turtle research.
How fun!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Ivory quote
Happiness is not a destination. It is a journey, pure and simple.
Le bonheur n'est pas une destination...simplement unvoyage.
Le bonheur n'est pas une destination...simplement unvoyage.
Monday, April 21, 2008
The scorpion is coming
I am on tech week for "Border Crossing" a show by Off-Leas Area that opens this Thursday.
I am excited and proud of our work. My favorite character is the scorpion. I play the tail of it. Go figure why I ended that in that part of the (scorpion) body. :-)
I also play the desert... but I can't tell you much more.
See it for yourself.
Here is the info:
"BORDER CROSSING"
WHEN - Dates/Times: April 24 through May 4, 2008: Thur-Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2 p.m.
WHERE - at The Ritz Theatre, 345 13th Ave NE Minneapolis
TICKETS - Call the Ritz Box Office at 612-436-1129; for Information Call Off-Leash Area at 612-724-7372
Border Crossing will be a puppet and dance performance that reenacts the dramatic journey of Mexican immigrants who cross the Arizona/Mexico desert border, as seen through the eyes of the creatures who inhabit it. Off-Leash Area turns the Ritz Theatre stage in NE Minneapolis into the Sonoran desert environment of the Arizona/Mexico border, as dancers portray the traveling immigrants, and puppeteers animate desert creatures who comment on the transpiring events in a poetically styled text. Text for Border Crossing has been excerpted and adapted from a larger body of work by playwright Marcie Rendon.
Development for Border Crossing has been provided in part by an Artists Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.
off-leash area:
contemporary performance works
www.offleasharea.org
CAST: Paulino Brener, Kym Longhi, Katie Kaufmann, Dave Schneider, Taous Khazem, Zeb Henderson, Shreve, John Zeiler, Erin Drummond, Dana Buchwald, Marian Kimball Eichinger, Adri Mehra, Pedro Fonseca, Jennifer Ilse, Paul Herwig, and Citlalitl de Leon
STAFF and DESIGNERS
Created and Directed by Jennifer Ilse and Paul Herwig
Text for Border Crossing has been excerpted and adapted from a larger body of work by playwright Marcie Rendon.
Original Score by Ben Siems
Choreography by Jennifer Ilse
Sets and Puppets by Paul Herwig
Costumes by Kym Longhi
Lighting by Mike Grogan
Marketing by Dana Munson
I am excited and proud of our work. My favorite character is the scorpion. I play the tail of it. Go figure why I ended that in that part of the (scorpion) body. :-)
I also play the desert... but I can't tell you much more.
See it for yourself.
Here is the info:
"BORDER CROSSING"
WHEN - Dates/Times: April 24 through May 4, 2008: Thur-Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2 p.m.
WHERE - at The Ritz Theatre, 345 13th Ave NE Minneapolis
TICKETS - Call the Ritz Box Office at 612-436-1129; for Information Call Off-Leash Area at 612-724-7372
Border Crossing will be a puppet and dance performance that reenacts the dramatic journey of Mexican immigrants who cross the Arizona/Mexico desert border, as seen through the eyes of the creatures who inhabit it. Off-Leash Area turns the Ritz Theatre stage in NE Minneapolis into the Sonoran desert environment of the Arizona/Mexico border, as dancers portray the traveling immigrants, and puppeteers animate desert creatures who comment on the transpiring events in a poetically styled text. Text for Border Crossing has been excerpted and adapted from a larger body of work by playwright Marcie Rendon.
Development for Border Crossing has been provided in part by an Artists Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.
off-leash area:
contemporary performance works
www.offleasharea.org
CAST: Paulino Brener, Kym Longhi, Katie Kaufmann, Dave Schneider, Taous Khazem, Zeb Henderson, Shreve, John Zeiler, Erin Drummond, Dana Buchwald, Marian Kimball Eichinger, Adri Mehra, Pedro Fonseca, Jennifer Ilse, Paul Herwig, and Citlalitl de Leon
STAFF and DESIGNERS
Created and Directed by Jennifer Ilse and Paul Herwig
Text for Border Crossing has been excerpted and adapted from a larger body of work by playwright Marcie Rendon.
Original Score by Ben Siems
Choreography by Jennifer Ilse
Sets and Puppets by Paul Herwig
Costumes by Kym Longhi
Lighting by Mike Grogan
Marketing by Dana Munson
Monday, April 07, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Support Spring Hill School (my school)
The school where I work is having an online auction to raise money and pay our debts! :-)
Please visit the online auction, may be you'll find something you'll like. You bid (and hopefully win) on the item of your choice and you help keep my school going on (and paying my salary) at the same time
go to springhill.cmarket.com
have fun!!!
Please visit the online auction, may be you'll find something you'll like. You bid (and hopefully win) on the item of your choice and you help keep my school going on (and paying my salary) at the same time
go to springhill.cmarket.com
have fun!!!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
My Birthday today!
Oh yeah! That! I forgot. Today I turn into a frog... no.. I mean... I turn 34!
Leave a gift/comment if you want :-)
Leave a gift/comment if you want :-)
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
The wisdom of Ivory soap
I always like the short quotes on my Ivory soap wraps. Here is the latest.
"Complicating life is easy. The genius is in the simple things"
"Se compliquer la vie, c'est facile. La génie c'est de la simplifier"
"Complicating life is easy. The genius is in the simple things"
"Se compliquer la vie, c'est facile. La génie c'est de la simplifier"
Sunday, December 16, 2007
Thursday, December 13, 2007
V de Verde
(verde: spanish for "green")
SAVE THE DATE
PAULINO VERDE CABARET
featuring: Patrick Scully, Amy Salloway, Nicolas Carter, Masanari Kawahara, Jennifer Ilse from Off-Leash Area and more!
SUNDAY 20TH, JANUARY 2008
3 pm to 5:30 pm
at PATRICK'S CABARET
3010 Minnehaha Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55406
More info at www.paulino.info
SAVE THE DATE
PAULINO VERDE CABARET
featuring: Patrick Scully, Amy Salloway, Nicolas Carter, Masanari Kawahara, Jennifer Ilse from Off-Leash Area and more!
SUNDAY 20TH, JANUARY 2008
3 pm to 5:30 pm
at PATRICK'S CABARET
3010 Minnehaha Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55406
More info at www.paulino.info
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Big and Green
Something BIG and GREEN is coming on Sunday 20th January 2008.
SAVE THE DATE!
...more info soon...
SAVE THE DATE!
...more info soon...
Friday, November 09, 2007
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
What a Saturday!!!
I had a wonderful day last Saturday!
In the morning I volunteered at the Walker Art Center for there Free First Saturday for Families. The Frida exhibit is on so the place was packed. I was in charge of Storytime. I read the book for children "Frida" in Spanish and English and then I was asked to introduce the performers of the day: the Mexican Dance Group "Cielito Lindo".
At noon I went to my physical theater class with Jon Ferguson. It's a great class and I am enjoying it a lot. It good to put my body in motion again. I really needed to take some theater class because I haven't done anything like that in a very very long time.
After my class I picked up Andrei, the Russian teacher visiting my school. We had a quick dinner with Olga and Kirill, the other Russian teacher and some of the Russian students that are visiting the Waldorf schools in the Twin Cities. Then Andrei and I went to the Orpheum theater in downtown Minneapolis to see the "Lion King". I've been wanting to watch this musical for years. Specially after I took one sample class with Garth Faga, the choreographer for Lion King. Andrei and I were really amazed and almost had no words to describe the show. It was so magical, colorful and artful. It was definitely more than I expected.
To close the night we stopped by a small art gallery opening in NE Minneapolis before I took Andrei home.
What a full Saturday!
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Meet Minneapolis at night
Night view from Guthrie endless bridge on Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Sorry, the image is not very crisp but that's the best my simple flip video camera can do :-)
Sorry, the image is not very crisp but that's the best my simple flip video camera can do :-)
Friday, October 19, 2007
Concordia Language Villages at MCTLC 2007
Today I volunteered at the CLV booth at the MCTLC conference 2007.
And of course Magda and I play with my Flip Video Camera :-)
And of course Magda and I play with my Flip Video Camera :-)
Playing the YouTube game: "Water Can Burn?"
Having a little more free time in my hands I decided to play the YouTube game. You know, you see a video, you post a response, you get some comments, etc.
I saw a pretty interesting but simple video Water Can Burn?
And I replied with a series of 4 videos (see links at the bottom) that I then complied in one final version. Here:
Other responses
Trying to burn water # 1
Trying to burn water # 2
Trying to burn water # 3
Trying to burn water # 4 (final video)
The result was pretty amazing. I got more views and in less time than usual. A few people subscribed to my channel and I even started to get a few "honors" for my Re: Water Can Burn? The final attempt
I saw a pretty interesting but simple video Water Can Burn?
And I replied with a series of 4 videos (see links at the bottom) that I then complied in one final version. Here:
Other responses
Trying to burn water # 1
Trying to burn water # 2
Trying to burn water # 3
Trying to burn water # 4 (final video)
The result was pretty amazing. I got more views and in less time than usual. A few people subscribed to my channel and I even started to get a few "honors" for my Re: Water Can Burn? The final attempt
Monday, October 15, 2007
MNStories
Yay! My Pillow Fight video made it to MNStories.com! I am honored to be posted there again! :-)
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Yum, yum, yum! Milanesas de pollo!
Today my friend Elena invited me to eat with her and the whole Casa Hispana -Hispanic House)at Macalester College for their weekly common meal. She and Romina, both from Santa Fe, Argentina, are the native speakers this year. I was a native speaker at Macalester College 5 years go. Anyway, the meal was "milanesas de pollo con pure". My absolutely all time favorite meal of all!!!!! It was delicious, yummy, gimme more!!! :)
Here is Elena explaining how to make this plate. The video is in Spanish, sorry for the monolingual people out there :-)
Here is Elena explaining how to make this plate. The video is in Spanish, sorry for the monolingual people out there :-)
Friday, October 12, 2007
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Pillow Fight tomorrow!
I got this from
http://www.unapologeticnonsense.com/2007/10/pillow_fight.html
Pillow Fight!
You may remember the Pillow Fight from last year. If it looked like fun, you have a chance to participate in this upcoming event. From what I can tell, the two pillow fights are not related, but don't take my word for it. At any rate, get the word out.
Feathers fly and teddies soar as you converge for the Twin Cities first giant urban pillow fight! Swing and whack as you evade pillow-wielding assailants. Bring a soft pillow at 6 PM and wait for the signal (you'll know when). Pillow fight!PJs and funky pillows encouraged. More fun with Feathers.
Pillow Fight Minneapolis
Outside Walker Art Center (grass circles) @ 6:00 PM
Friday, October 12th 2007
Rain Date TBA. Free for all ages!
Rules: Please follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and fun pillow fight for everybody!
+ Soft pillows only!
+ Swing lightly, many people will be swinging at once.
+ Do not swing at people without pillows or with cameras.
+ Remove glasses beforehand!
+ Wait until the signal to begin.
+ Spectators welcome, but consider bringing a pillow.
+ Bring garbage bags to help clean up afterwards.
+ TELL EVERYONE ABOUT PILLOW FIGHT.
Feel free to repost this on blogs, forums, Myspace, Facebook, etc…
Get them moving!
Have you ever been in a big room with 500 high schoolers and your job was to make them move/dance? OK. Now add to that the fact that those students are from MINNESOTA!
Today I had the honor and pleasure to work with the University of Minnesota and do exactly that! They received about 500 students from high schools in the suburbs and provided them with a mini "university experience". In this case I opened the event doing some dances from the workshop "Bailemos Juntos". I am glad that I just presented that at IWLA conference so I had all the dances very fresh in my mind. Of course there was a big difference in sharing the presentation with 3 other people (Kika, Alicia and Luz, the other members of "Bailemos Juntos" team) to a group of Spanish teachers to doing it all by myself with 500 teenagers! But it was quite a success. Most of them were quite engaged and they all seem to be having fun. A bonus was that I did part of the presentation in Spanish so they got to hear a native speaker using his mother tongue. Most of these students are taught by American teachers, and there is nothing wrong with that at all, but they are not native speakers of Spanish. So it was a great opportunity for them AND for me. It was very good for me to break out of my 1st to 8th grade mode (which I love) and be a dance/rock start among teenagers! I even had some of them on the stage leading some steps with me. I had my own "dance with the stars" moment. The organizer (and the teachers) were very impressed and satisfied with my work. They already requested that I come back in April for another presentation similar to this one. My presentation was followed by a university teacher who had the hard task to have these kids thinking about the issue of immigration and undocumented immigrants for a moment. A Cuban salsa band was the perfect closing part of this experience. Students were up again dancing and moving. It was great to see such a large group of students from Minnesota shaking their bodies and having fun!
Today I had the honor and pleasure to work with the University of Minnesota and do exactly that! They received about 500 students from high schools in the suburbs and provided them with a mini "university experience". In this case I opened the event doing some dances from the workshop "Bailemos Juntos". I am glad that I just presented that at IWLA conference so I had all the dances very fresh in my mind. Of course there was a big difference in sharing the presentation with 3 other people (Kika, Alicia and Luz, the other members of "Bailemos Juntos" team) to a group of Spanish teachers to doing it all by myself with 500 teenagers! But it was quite a success. Most of them were quite engaged and they all seem to be having fun. A bonus was that I did part of the presentation in Spanish so they got to hear a native speaker using his mother tongue. Most of these students are taught by American teachers, and there is nothing wrong with that at all, but they are not native speakers of Spanish. So it was a great opportunity for them AND for me. It was very good for me to break out of my 1st to 8th grade mode (which I love) and be a dance/rock start among teenagers! I even had some of them on the stage leading some steps with me. I had my own "dance with the stars" moment. The organizer (and the teachers) were very impressed and satisfied with my work. They already requested that I come back in April for another presentation similar to this one. My presentation was followed by a university teacher who had the hard task to have these kids thinking about the issue of immigration and undocumented immigrants for a moment. A Cuban salsa band was the perfect closing part of this experience. Students were up again dancing and moving. It was great to see such a large group of students from Minnesota shaking their bodies and having fun!
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Chango Spasiuk, accordion genius!
I forgot to write a post about it but a few weeks ago I had the pleasure to go to a concert of Chango Spasiuk. He is a musician from Argentina and an accordion genius. I always admired him and loved his music while I lived in Argentina but I never had the chance to see him live. That chance came to a reality on Sept. 22nd at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis, MN. Here you have a few shots.
Mini-summer in Iowa
Iowa was a lot of fun! The IWLA conference was pretty good and I had fun with my friends. It was also very hot! I couldn't believe how hot it was being the first weekend in October. We also sold several DVD of "Bailemos Juntos". I am going to be selling the DVD's online soon.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
First "Bailemos Juntos" DVD is here!!!
I seems I have been presenting "Bailemos Juntos" workshop for ever. But I never get tired of doing that. Not only because I love dancing and teaching dances but also because I get to see my friends from El Lago del Bosque (Spanish summer camp at Concordia Language Villages): Alicia, Kika y Luz. It's like a mini reunion at each conference and we have so much fun together! We will be presenting this weekend at IWLA for there annual conference. There is one more reason that will make this presentation very exciting. We are launching our first DVD!! Si, si, si! El DVD esta aqui!!! We recorded one of our previous sessions and I've been working really hard in editing it. I think it looks pretty good. It contains explanations of seven dances from our workshop plus a couple of extras (surprise!). I can wait to see my friends again and dance with them! You can learn more about our workshop and dances at our Bailemos Juntos website
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Flip Video Vs. Flip Video Ultra
I got a new Flip Video Ultra now. This video is a comparison between my "old" Flip Video and my new Flip Video Ultra. Do you notice any difference? Tell me what differences you see.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Sunday, September 30, 2007
"Cara a Cara" - Face to Face - (Adobe Premiere exercise)
I am testing and experimenting with video editing using Adobe Premiere.
I tried the split screen with the crop video effect and I also played with subtitles. Because the quality of the original audio was not very good I used voice over but I need to practice more with that.
In general the result is not perfect but I am quite satisfied with this first experiment. I don't have video editing training and I am learning all this on my own.
I welcome feedback and suggestions.
Is the middle line too evident? How do you make it disappear?
Is there any good trick to help the actor (me in this case) do each part of the dialogue so that it syncs later? Mine is a little off.
Thanks for all your ideas and suggestions!
paulino
I tried the split screen with the crop video effect and I also played with subtitles. Because the quality of the original audio was not very good I used voice over but I need to practice more with that.
In general the result is not perfect but I am quite satisfied with this first experiment. I don't have video editing training and I am learning all this on my own.
I welcome feedback and suggestions.
Is the middle line too evident? How do you make it disappear?
Is there any good trick to help the actor (me in this case) do each part of the dialogue so that it syncs later? Mine is a little off.
Thanks for all your ideas and suggestions!
paulino
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Video for Everyman
And it did happen! My experience with new technology (more specifically the use of Flip Video Camera) was featured in an article called "Video for Everyman" by CHRISTOPHER LAWTON, September 26, 2007; Page D1 of the
Just to avoid any infringement of copyright I am not going to paste the text here. If you didn't get the newspaper you can read it online.
Or you can listen to an excerpt that I read in this video.
I speak so highly about the Flip Video Camera. May be Pure Digital Technologies Inc. will send me a new one! Since now I am kind of their unofficial spoke person :)
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Spanish subtitles are here!
Well.. now that I am going to become an international person! (LOL!) I need to make my videos more accessible to different audiences. Let's start with a very important market: The Latino Community.
Here is my first attempt at adding Spanish subtitle to one of my videos.
or click here
Here is my first attempt at adding Spanish subtitle to one of my videos.
or click here
My name on a major international daily newspaper?
Is it true? Could be true?
Paulino Brener mentioned in the Wall Street Jounal?
Paulino Brener mentioned in the Wall Street Jounal?
Saturday, September 22, 2007
International Club is back!
Eight years ago I spent my first academic year in US. I was an Amity Scholar and I worked (or rather volunteered) at Brighton High School in Rochester, NY. It was a wonderful year and a great way to start my life in US. One of the things that made it great was that I had the opportunity to work with three interesting ladies who later became my friends. We were part of what we called the "International Club". I know, not a very original name but it was special for us. We all came from different parts of the world: Imke from Germany, Maeva from France, Veronica from Spain and Me from Argentina. We shared many adventures. Today, after many years and thanks to Skype conference feature, we had our "International Club" meeting. It was very exciting to hear the four voices back together. We even talked about starting a blog together and share experiences, pictures, etc and the seed was planted to have a "real" meeting (meaning in person) some day (possibly summer 2009 in London). :-)
Our of the four I am the only one who remained in US and even though I like it here I miss visiting other counties (mainly in Europe) and learning about other cultures. But now may be we can be back in touch and they can bring Europe back to me until I can go and meet them there.
Here we are:
Can you guess who is who? :-)
Our of the four I am the only one who remained in US and even though I like it here I miss visiting other counties (mainly in Europe) and learning about other cultures. But now may be we can be back in touch and they can bring Europe back to me until I can go and meet them there.
Here we are:
Can you guess who is who? :-)
Friday, September 21, 2007
Say hi to "Paulexto Balut"
OK. So lately I've been pretty active on cyberland: myspace, facebook, youtube, etc. But I have been avoiding a biggie: Second Life. I did try it a few months ago but it didn't really get much of my attention. Now there is a language festival coming in September and I want to attend it so I gave Second Life a Second Chance.
This is the beginning of the metamorphoses of my avatar. I randomized all features (skin, shapes, etc.) and then adjusted just a few. I am sure I will make changes a few things here and there with time but for now I like being a blue man. After all blue is my favorite color. What do you think?
This is the beginning of the metamorphoses of my avatar. I randomized all features (skin, shapes, etc.) and then adjusted just a few. I am sure I will make changes a few things here and there with time but for now I like being a blue man. After all blue is my favorite color. What do you think?
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Ready for a ride?
Last Saturday I went to the Minnesota State Fair. I haven't been there for 4 years.
I went there with my friend Tyson and we had fun. Specially when we found, just by chance that "Forro For ALL" (a band that plays Brazilian music) was there! They are very good. It was supposed to be a short visit to look around but I ended up staying a little later to take some pictures and videos.
Including this video of the Skyride
More video and pics later. Enjoy!
I went there with my friend Tyson and we had fun. Specially when we found, just by chance that "Forro For ALL" (a band that plays Brazilian music) was there! They are very good. It was supposed to be a short visit to look around but I ended up staying a little later to take some pictures and videos.
Including this video of the Skyride
More video and pics later. Enjoy!
Saturday, September 01, 2007
Audiobooks discussion continues
This is a continued discussion about Audiobooks (see previous post)
Steve,
Hmmmm... you speak like someone who is trying to sell something and relies a lot on capitalism for that... Oh wait! You ARE someone trying to sell something! :-)
Steve, I am glad you are blessed with the wealth that allows you to afford all the comforts you deserve at your age. And mind you, I do say "at your age" with respect. I am sure you have worked hard (and continue to do so) in your life and you are able to purchase and enjoy your Argentine wine and Russian audiobooks. Great! Good for you!
Unfortunately (or fortunately) at this moment in my life I have other priorities and needs. I work in a small private school and the salaries are not that high. I am not complaining, I love my job! I have all the food, clothes and housing that I need and I even go out once in a while! :-) But I do live on a budget and I appreciate the opportunity to use free resources until I am able to purchase other type of resources. I know many people who are in the same (financial) situation or they are just frugal and don't want to pay for their audiobooks or anything else they can get for free. What's wrong with that?
I am not saying that librivox.org is the all fulfilling solution. It's just one more option. Options are good! It's good to have options! And you would be surprised. Some of what you call "second rate audio books produced by volunteers" are of high quality since some of those volunteers are in fact PROFESSIONALS! Many of them work in radio, voice related jobs.. and guess what?... yes! some of them are even readers for professional audiobook companies. Then why they do it for free? The answer is: promotion and marketing! Since all books that you find at librivox.org are from/in the public domain (i.e. very old books) so you won't find your recent bestseller novel there. For that, and I agree with you Steve, you should pay for the unabridged audiobook. :-)
Take and give care,
paulino
ps1: Since I work in a private school I am not afraid of any school district deciding to use volunteers. We are an independent school. :-)
ps2: Your title for this post has to a's in front of "good". You don't mind that a Non-Native Speaker of English points out your typos, right? May be you'll pay back and point out my typos, grammar mistakes, etc, etc, and then I'll learn from my mistakes and improve my writing. And believe me, I know I need to improve my writing skills!!!
ps3: I wanted to talk more on volunteerism and non-profit organizations but I'll leave that for another time.
Steve,
Hmmmm... you speak like someone who is trying to sell something and relies a lot on capitalism for that... Oh wait! You ARE someone trying to sell something! :-)
Steve, I am glad you are blessed with the wealth that allows you to afford all the comforts you deserve at your age. And mind you, I do say "at your age" with respect. I am sure you have worked hard (and continue to do so) in your life and you are able to purchase and enjoy your Argentine wine and Russian audiobooks. Great! Good for you!
Unfortunately (or fortunately) at this moment in my life I have other priorities and needs. I work in a small private school and the salaries are not that high. I am not complaining, I love my job! I have all the food, clothes and housing that I need and I even go out once in a while! :-) But I do live on a budget and I appreciate the opportunity to use free resources until I am able to purchase other type of resources. I know many people who are in the same (financial) situation or they are just frugal and don't want to pay for their audiobooks or anything else they can get for free. What's wrong with that?
I am not saying that librivox.org is the all fulfilling solution. It's just one more option. Options are good! It's good to have options! And you would be surprised. Some of what you call "second rate audio books produced by volunteers" are of high quality since some of those volunteers are in fact PROFESSIONALS! Many of them work in radio, voice related jobs.. and guess what?... yes! some of them are even readers for professional audiobook companies. Then why they do it for free? The answer is: promotion and marketing! Since all books that you find at librivox.org are from/in the public domain (i.e. very old books) so you won't find your recent bestseller novel there. For that, and I agree with you Steve, you should pay for the unabridged audiobook. :-)
Take and give care,
paulino
ps1: Since I work in a private school I am not afraid of any school district deciding to use volunteers. We are an independent school. :-)
ps2: Your title for this post has to a's in front of "good". You don't mind that a Non-Native Speaker of English points out your typos, right? May be you'll pay back and point out my typos, grammar mistakes, etc, etc, and then I'll learn from my mistakes and improve my writing. And believe me, I know I need to improve my writing skills!!!
ps3: I wanted to talk more on volunteerism and non-profit organizations but I'll leave that for another time.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Audiobooks: great resource for language learning
This is my response to Audio books - a richer reading experience
hi steve,
i love audio books! specially since i drive at least 1 or 2 hours a day from/to work.
my favorite site for free audio books is:
http://librivox.org/
there are tons of them. now, since these books are recorded by volunteers not all of them are of the best quality. but once you start browsing around you can find which readers have not only good audio quality but also are good readers.
also, once you find a reader that you like, it's possible to find other recording that he/she made.
you can download all audio books here. they are complete free and they offer 3 different formats.
AND MOST IMPORTANT! you can become a volunteer, too!!! i would encourage non-native speakers of english to:
1) listen or download audio books in english from this site.
2) BECOME A VOLUNTEER READER! There are several recordings in languages other than english... but i think there need to be more!
all the information you need is in their website http://librivox.org/
but if you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me and i'll try to help you. i've been reading/recording for them for while in spanish and english.
enjoy!
hi steve,
i love audio books! specially since i drive at least 1 or 2 hours a day from/to work.
my favorite site for free audio books is:
http://librivox.org/
there are tons of them. now, since these books are recorded by volunteers not all of them are of the best quality. but once you start browsing around you can find which readers have not only good audio quality but also are good readers.
also, once you find a reader that you like, it's possible to find other recording that he/she made.
you can download all audio books here. they are complete free and they offer 3 different formats.
AND MOST IMPORTANT! you can become a volunteer, too!!! i would encourage non-native speakers of english to:
1) listen or download audio books in english from this site.
2) BECOME A VOLUNTEER READER! There are several recordings in languages other than english... but i think there need to be more!
all the information you need is in their website http://librivox.org/
but if you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me and i'll try to help you. i've been reading/recording for them for while in spanish and english.
enjoy!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
How is my driving?
Minneapolis Time Lapse Drive (Hwy 7)
From Excelsior, MN to Franklin Ave. and Harriet St. in Minneapolis. A 30 minutes drive in a 2 minutes video. How is my driving? Driver: Paulino Brener
From Excelsior, MN to Franklin Ave. and Harriet St. in Minneapolis. A 30 minutes drive in a 2 minutes video. How is my driving? Driver: Paulino Brener
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Let's teach more languages in schools!
I recently came across this post about teaching languages in schools
Let's stop teaching languages in schools.
Since, like Steve, I am also passionate about language teaching I posted the following response/comment:
Steve,
As a language teacher myself this article makes me very uncomfortable. Even more coming from someone like you, who promotes language learning and makes a profit from it.
I am grateful to be able to work in a private school where I have total control, flexibility and creation of my curriculum and decision over method(s) of instruction. I just need to follow the guiding principles underlying our school (I work in a Waldorf school). But the rest is totally up to me. In this sense I think I am privileged that I am able to "experiment" different ways to reach my students. I understand that most mainstream or public schools do not have that luxury.
Nevertheless I believe that (at least in US, where I live) public schools still don't have the level of support that the teaching of foreign languages deserves. Despite the many years of research and strong evidence of its advantages and benefits foreign language learning is not regarded as a priority or even considered as a core subject. Some progress is being made at a very slow pace, though.
Posts and comments like yours, especially when titled “Let's stop teaching languages in schools” might lead the general public into miss-informed or wrong directions. I would strongly encourage you avoid such language.
I do agree with you that some reform might need to happen for schools to teach languages more effectively. I also sympathize with your proposed methodology. It’s very radical and innovative. Although I could see some challenges in its implementation. May be we can talk about it some day.
Take and give care,
paulino
PS: BTW, I believe that you meant to say “He commented that Canadians who go to Japan learn JAPANASE (not English) better than Japanese who come to Canada.” right?
Posted by: paulino brener | August 16, 2007 at 03:53 PM
Let's stop teaching languages in schools.
Since, like Steve, I am also passionate about language teaching I posted the following response/comment:
Steve,
As a language teacher myself this article makes me very uncomfortable. Even more coming from someone like you, who promotes language learning and makes a profit from it.
I am grateful to be able to work in a private school where I have total control, flexibility and creation of my curriculum and decision over method(s) of instruction. I just need to follow the guiding principles underlying our school (I work in a Waldorf school). But the rest is totally up to me. In this sense I think I am privileged that I am able to "experiment" different ways to reach my students. I understand that most mainstream or public schools do not have that luxury.
Nevertheless I believe that (at least in US, where I live) public schools still don't have the level of support that the teaching of foreign languages deserves. Despite the many years of research and strong evidence of its advantages and benefits foreign language learning is not regarded as a priority or even considered as a core subject. Some progress is being made at a very slow pace, though.
Posts and comments like yours, especially when titled “Let's stop teaching languages in schools” might lead the general public into miss-informed or wrong directions. I would strongly encourage you avoid such language.
I do agree with you that some reform might need to happen for schools to teach languages more effectively. I also sympathize with your proposed methodology. It’s very radical and innovative. Although I could see some challenges in its implementation. May be we can talk about it some day.
Take and give care,
paulino
PS: BTW, I believe that you meant to say “He commented that Canadians who go to Japan learn JAPANASE (not English) better than Japanese who come to Canada.” right?
Posted by: paulino brener | August 16, 2007 at 03:53 PM
Friday, August 10, 2007
Nokia 770 Internet Tablet
During the month of July I have been an avid contributer to the online magazine Vita.mn. Every contribution got me Karma points. And since I was the person with most Karma points in July I got the first prize! A Nokia 770 Internet Tablet...
Here is a pic of me with my new box (still in box) in front of the Startribune (producer of Vita.mn)
Here is a pic of me with my new box (still in box) in front of the Startribune (producer of Vita.mn)
Rough beginning for a great mini-vacation
So my mini-vacation to Chicago ended. I was there from July 31st until August 5th. I had a blast. But the beginning of it seems like it was not going to be a good ride.
First, before leaving home, I locked myself out of my car when I went to look for a few items there. I've done this a few times before but this was definitely the most inconvenient time of all. I call my resident manager and I was very VERY lucky that not only she was in her office but also that she answered the phone. Something that she doesn't usually do in that early in the morning (about 7:30 am). Once she opened my apartment for me to get another car key and retrieve my apartment keys everything was fine.
I took a combination of bus and LRT to the airport. I must say that neglected to double check what terminal my flight (Airtran) was departing from. I got out of the LTR at the Lindberg (main) terminal. Again, I was very lucky that I chose the shortest line for security checks because it wasn't until then that I realized, or that the security person realized, that I need to be at the Humphrey terminal.
The shuttle to the Humphrey terminal was quick and there was not line at the security check there. Now it was time to relax and wait for my flight.
More on Chicago later...
First, before leaving home, I locked myself out of my car when I went to look for a few items there. I've done this a few times before but this was definitely the most inconvenient time of all. I call my resident manager and I was very VERY lucky that not only she was in her office but also that she answered the phone. Something that she doesn't usually do in that early in the morning (about 7:30 am). Once she opened my apartment for me to get another car key and retrieve my apartment keys everything was fine.
I took a combination of bus and LRT to the airport. I must say that neglected to double check what terminal my flight (Airtran) was departing from. I got out of the LTR at the Lindberg (main) terminal. Again, I was very lucky that I chose the shortest line for security checks because it wasn't until then that I realized, or that the security person realized, that I need to be at the Humphrey terminal.
The shuttle to the Humphrey terminal was quick and there was not line at the security check there. Now it was time to relax and wait for my flight.
More on Chicago later...
Thursday, August 02, 2007
knitters, bridge and spanish curriculum
Chicago has been hotter and hotter since I arrived. But it's very cool. I've been roaming a little bit and there is live everywhere. A lot of people outside, some small restaurants have musicians on the sidewalk. Chicago definitely comes to life in the summer.
I am enjoying my stay so far. I have met a couple of old friends that live here and a new friend: Franklin. Franklin is a knitter and photographer (I think he also has a day job... but I didn't pay attention to what it was). He has a cool blog about knitting and life. He is very funny and his writting is usually quite witty. Check it out here. He also started a cool project called 1,000 Knitters and I wanted to part of it. I must admit that it was a little weird being photographed while knitting.. but I will survive. Here is a pic of Franklin and I that I took with my cell phone.
I am enjoying my stay so far. I have met a couple of old friends that live here and a new friend: Franklin. Franklin is a knitter and photographer (I think he also has a day job... but I didn't pay attention to what it was). He has a cool blog about knitting and life. He is very funny and his writting is usually quite witty. Check it out here. He also started a cool project called 1,000 Knitters and I wanted to part of it. I must admit that it was a little weird being photographed while knitting.. but I will survive. Here is a pic of Franklin and I that I took with my cell phone.
Later that night it was Franklin who showed me (on the monitors of the bar where we were in) about the huge bridge catastrophed in Minneapolis. That was horrible. I tried to call a few friends but it was impossible to connect. Luckily txt msg worked much better. All of them are fine. Some of them also confirmed they were fine through email, myspace. etc.
Today (Thursday) and part of Friday I have been working on my 8th grade Spanish curriculum (and more) with Ileana. She is the current Spanish teacher at the Chicago Waldorf School and it has been great to work with an experienced teacher like her.
...
Wicked is coming soon!!!!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Chicago... Chicago...!
Oh, wait! The song was New York, New York! Oh well. I am having lots of fun in Chicago as if I were in New York City. The weather is super nice (kinda hot). It's kinda nice to get out for Minneapolis for a few days and be in a bigger city. I can always find smaller town or peaceful places in Minnesota :-)
The trip started yesterday morning with a little bit of a nuissance. Right before I was going to leave to take the bus and train to airpot I checked my car for a few item that I needed from there. And I locked myself out of my car! Apartment keys and everything! I just wanted to bang my head on the wall! I was very very lucky that the resident manager was not only still there but that she also answered the phone. I don't think she usually does early in the morning. She was a great help! Thanks Ann!
I got to the airport on time, only that I went to the wrong terminal. I neglected to check that AirTran was leaving fron Humphrey terminal and not Lingberg. But they are very close to each other. The shuttle bus was quick and I went through security very fast. That terminal was so quiet!
The flight was calm and short and the train to the hostel was easy to find.
The plan is to stay a couple of night at the Hostelling International Chicago downtown (to enjoy a little bit of the city life). Thurday and Friday I will be doing some work, yes work! :-) I will be meeting with an experience Spanish teacher in a Waldorf school to work on 8th grade curriculum. Then Friday afternoon and Saturday I will meet my good friend Steve from Rochester, NY. We are getting together here in Chicago to see WICKED!!! I can't wait!
More later... time to have breakfast!
The trip started yesterday morning with a little bit of a nuissance. Right before I was going to leave to take the bus and train to airpot I checked my car for a few item that I needed from there. And I locked myself out of my car! Apartment keys and everything! I just wanted to bang my head on the wall! I was very very lucky that the resident manager was not only still there but that she also answered the phone. I don't think she usually does early in the morning. She was a great help! Thanks Ann!
I got to the airport on time, only that I went to the wrong terminal. I neglected to check that AirTran was leaving fron Humphrey terminal and not Lingberg. But they are very close to each other. The shuttle bus was quick and I went through security very fast. That terminal was so quiet!
The flight was calm and short and the train to the hostel was easy to find.
The plan is to stay a couple of night at the Hostelling International Chicago downtown (to enjoy a little bit of the city life). Thurday and Friday I will be doing some work, yes work! :-) I will be meeting with an experience Spanish teacher in a Waldorf school to work on 8th grade curriculum. Then Friday afternoon and Saturday I will meet my good friend Steve from Rochester, NY. We are getting together here in Chicago to see WICKED!!! I can't wait!
More later... time to have breakfast!
Monday, July 16, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Twin Cities Secrets # 1: The Elf Tree
Amy tells us about the Elf Tree by Lake Harriet in Minneapolis
Monday, July 02, 2007
So what's going on this Summer ('07)
Well...as usual I told myself that I was going to have a relaxed Summer and I ended up being pretty busy. But "good" busy. I am really enjoying the activities I am doing.
* I just finished a two weeks workshop on Mexican traditional dances. Nice workout and cultural experience.
* I am taking two classes:
- Introduction to Creative Writing at MCTC: It's an online class and I like it but it might end up being too demanding with too many deadlines. I might drop out of it but haven't decided yet.
- ASL 2 at St. Paul College: I love it. LOVE IT!!! I think I might even continue on ASL 3 this fall.
* I will be performing my 2 solos at Dreamland Arts in July (more info soon, or visit my website paulino.info)
* I had a lot of progress on my Green Card process. It has being a lot of work (and money!) but there is definite progress. Unfortunately due to a recent (today) change from the Department of State I might have to wait a little longer than expected. I know I haven't written much about this. It's a delicate topic and I might write more about the experience when it's all done (when I finally get my green card) but for now I'll keep it to a minimum. But if you want more details email me and I'll be glad to tell you more. (mail AT paulino DOT info)
* I am going to Chicago end of July. Multipurpose trip: visiting Chicago friends, working with an experience Waldorf teacher, meeting Rochester, NY friends and watching WICKED!)
* And like every Summer I'll be visiting El Lago del Bosque, Wilder. One of the Spanish camps from Concordia Language Villages. I have many good friends that work there.
And last, but not least... one of my favorite activities in the Summer: going out and meeting new people! Will you be next?
* I just finished a two weeks workshop on Mexican traditional dances. Nice workout and cultural experience.
* I am taking two classes:
- Introduction to Creative Writing at MCTC: It's an online class and I like it but it might end up being too demanding with too many deadlines. I might drop out of it but haven't decided yet.
- ASL 2 at St. Paul College: I love it. LOVE IT!!! I think I might even continue on ASL 3 this fall.
* I will be performing my 2 solos at Dreamland Arts in July (more info soon, or visit my website paulino.info)
* I had a lot of progress on my Green Card process. It has being a lot of work (and money!) but there is definite progress. Unfortunately due to a recent (today) change from the Department of State I might have to wait a little longer than expected. I know I haven't written much about this. It's a delicate topic and I might write more about the experience when it's all done (when I finally get my green card) but for now I'll keep it to a minimum. But if you want more details email me and I'll be glad to tell you more. (mail AT paulino DOT info)
* I am going to Chicago end of July. Multipurpose trip: visiting Chicago friends, working with an experience Waldorf teacher, meeting Rochester, NY friends and watching WICKED!)
* And like every Summer I'll be visiting El Lago del Bosque, Wilder. One of the Spanish camps from Concordia Language Villages. I have many good friends that work there.
And last, but not least... one of my favorite activities in the Summer: going out and meeting new people! Will you be next?
Friday, June 22, 2007
Mexican dances
There is nothing more motivating for me than learning ethnic dances. This week I had a unique opportunity to learn some Mexican traditional dances with an instructor from Mexico. The workshop will continue next week, too. I'll see how much I can do and learn or how long my legs can keep up with that! :-)
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Ivory quote # 2
True, natural beauty is in the simple things.
En vérité, la beauté naturelle se trouve dans le choses simples.
En vérité, la beauté naturelle se trouve dans le choses simples.
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