Pearl Harbor Day

I took this photo without Edem realizing it. It turned out to be one of the best pictures I have ever taken. It captures the light contrast and shows the emotional intensity of the location.

More America's Best Dance Crew

SoReal Cru TV posted a video of their visit to the Bay Area and El Camino makes an appearance... and not just our school, but also our hoodie... The school shows up at about 3:02 in the video. The hoodie much sooner...



December 4, at lunch, Joesar of the Boogie Bots will be visiting our campus to sign autographs and take pictures. Apparently, El Camino has an excellent reputation for supporting and teaching dance. Now, this is no surprise to me, but the fact that this is know beyond our city amazes me, especially since people are hearing about us in Los Angeles. Thankfully, we have a few alumni involved in the dance world. One teaches at Millennium and a couple others tour and perform in music videos. Congrats to them and thanks for representing your alma mater.

Surreal Day with SoReal Cru

Last Tuesday, November 18, just happened to be one of the craziest, most spirited, memorable days at El Camino in a long time.

The day began with a lunch time performance from SoReal Cru from MTV's America's Best Dance Crew.




Here's another view that's not as high quality but you get to imagine me at the beginning when you hear me introduce them.



Then we had a faculty meeting, in which the staff met the leader of our upcoming WASC visitation committee. This is an important time because we need WASC to approve the school's accreditation.

After the meeting, the school had a red ribbon cutting ceremony for the new modular building which houses the new weight room at our school.

During the evening, I brought my Leadership students to the Golden State Warriors game for our fundraising night... always a fun BART trip.

Robbie

Yesterday, our beloved family cat, Robbie passed away. For seventeen years, Robbie provided comfort for us when we needed that extra hug. He was the friendliest cat EVER! and would pretend to have conversations with you. He had a long life and until we meet again...

Another reason to be a teacher

This week is Barnes & Noble's educator's week. 25% off all books this week.
Too bad I don't have more money... oh well, gotta go shopping anyways and pick up a graphic novel or two, maybe a poetry book, or business management books (since these are never cheap)...

I finally finished Into the Wild. I can see how I can teach it and why some students like it, but the book really did not thrill me. Although it will make an excellent companion for teaching Thoreau's Walden, the book does embody the classic American adventure story/American dream.

Recent Events

Why I haven't been around... let the pictures do the talking...



Here's a picture of the new Freshman President being forced to take a picture next to my senior portrait at the first dance of the year... eerie resemblance isn't it?




Here's the gang celebrating a 49ers victory over Detroit.




Woo hoo... I love playing volleyball. This was taken at the teachers vs. varsity volleyball game. The teachers played hard and didn't practice ever... and, of course, got our butts kicked... but I still have my wicked backspin serve.





September 13 -- my cousin Billy's & Joyce's wedding reception.
Here I am with brother, father, and grandfather.



September 20 -- Mike's & Michi's wedding
I again avoided the camera most of the night, but I'm caught here with Mae.




September 23 -- One of the craziest nights of softball ever...
When I have the energy I need to tell this story... but here's the short version...
6:30 playoff game start that ended at 8:30 in extra innings. We were down 5 runs in the 7th inning and made a magical comeback against a team full of our former students... good story...

We have to wait an hour and then play in the championship game. It was reminiscent of a classic heavyweight boxing match. Another big comeback. Dramatic home runs hit and stolen away on defense. 9 injuries between the two teams, including a hospital visit for the other team. Yet we lost in the bottom of the 7th as our 2 run lead we just gained in the top of the 7th was overcome by their hitters. It was a game no one wanted to lose. And yet, another 2nd place trophy for a softball team on which I pitched.




September 27 -- Jack's and Anne's wedding
I spent most of the day being photographed since I was one of the best men, but I was able to
sneak a moment and capture this endearing shot as the professional photographer was taking their pictures.




September 21
Another Giants season at an end and 138 is still there to support our team.

New TV Season

Ok... I must now force to admit that I am horribly addicted to TV.

I find myself racing home to DVR 2 channels and record another one on the DVD recorder... this cannot be healthy...

and to top it all off... Friday Night Lights can only be found on Direct TV... that pisses me off.

I'm gonna try to write more often with brief little comments... we'll see how this works... kinda of like an expanded status section to my facebook page...

Reason #500 to live in San Francisco Bay Area

Much to my surprise last Wednesday morning I picked up my Chronicle in the driveway and found a picture of the X-men on the front. I know comics are becoming more accepted and dare I say mainstream, but for an article to be on the front page of the Datebook was quite surprising. As accommodating as San Francisco is reputed to be, I never really considered the Chronicle to be that way... that's why you read the Bay Guardian and SF Weekly.

Recently, Uncanny X-Men #500 came out. Instead of some big fight with Magneto or top-tier villain, the issue signaled a new beginning as the X-Men move from New York to San Francisco.

Anyways.... here's the picture on the front...

Here is a copy of the article from sfgate.com

X-Men go west, to San Francisco

Peter Hartlaub

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

If you pay attention to the national news, it's been the world against San Francisco lately. If we aren't getting hammered for the city's activism in the gay marriage debate, our role as a "sanctuary city" routinely causes controversy.

But San Francisco just got some pretty big (albeit fictional) allies in its progressive fight for equality: The X-Men have moved to the Bay Area.

This isn't a small deal in the world of comic books. The X-Men, who settled in the Bay Area in the just-released 500th issue of the Uncanny X-Men, are arguably the most popular and recognizable superhero team in comic book history. And they've spent most of their 40-year existence based out of a mansion in Westchester County, N.Y.

But it should be no surprise. The trials of the X-Men, who discover at puberty that they are mutants, and are often forced to hide their true identities out of shame, have a lot in common with left-leaning causes, most notably the gay rights movement. In the comics, the X-Men have had gay and bisexual team members and associates, and their numbers were once decimated by a virus that had strong similarities to the AIDS epidemic.

Marvel Comics Executive Editor Axel Alonso says the city will be more than just a backdrop for the comic.

"The X-Men moving to San Francisco isn't just a physical move, it's a spiritual move. I love San Francisco and we want to see it really represented," says the city native during an interview last week at Isotope Comics in Hayes Valley. "Anyone who looks at the X-Men, the analogy is right there: If you're different in any way due to race or sexual orientation or just being nerdy, there's an X-Men character for you. They're about being different and finding strength in that weakened position."

Action movie fans will note that the X-Men and their nemeses have already been to San Francisco, destroying the Golden Gate Bridge and much of Alcatraz in the 2006 film "X-Men: The Last Stand." But for that sequel, the filmmakers didn't do any meaningful filming in the Bay Area. The movie was shot in Vancouver, and visual effects were used to add a few landmarks to the background.

The comic has much more of an insider's vibe. Marvel Comics artists will be visiting San Francisco frequently to get a feel for the fashion, architecture and even the way residents walk and talk. There are no cable cars in the first issue, but the artists did include a KRON TV news truck and a panel where the iconic mutant Wolverine walks through Noe Valley. The heroes make their base in the concrete bunkers beneath the Marin Headlands and join the protest of a controversial art installation at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Perhaps most significant, they seem to appreciate San Francisco's much publicized (and recently criticized) role as a sanctuary city.

"San Francisco is now a mutant sanctuary," X-Men group leader Cyclops proclaims, near the end of Issue 500. "Any of you - and your family or loved ones - are invited to join us here, and know safety and protection our kind has never known."

Of course, this being a comic book featuring a guy who looks like a giant blue cat, there are a few moments of pure fantasy. While the leader of San Francisco in both worlds is a young attractive politician with great hair who seems more than a bit starstruck, in the comics, the mayor is a woman not named Gavin Newsom. And the X-Men somehow establish their enormous base without a historical society protest or a single tree-sitter in sight - although, to be fair, they do set up a hippie-friendly hydrokinetic power plant, presumably using tidal power from the ocean.

"We believe that homo sapiens superior represent the future, so we better start living like it," says X-Men member Beast, sounding as if he's about to run for governor. "Soon the X-center won't just be green, it'll be positively viridian."

Whether the X-Men will settle here for the next four decades isn't known, although Alonso says the story arc is mapped out for at least a year. Marvel Editor in Chief Joe Quesada says the length of their stay has a lot to do with reader reaction.

"Temporary or permanent is a weird thing in the world of comics," Quesada says. "As far as we're playing it right now, we just got to San Francisco. We're not planning to leave any time soon."

X-Men and the sanctuary city

Parallels between the X-Men and the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender movement have been so strong that some real-life conservative groups have denounced the comics and movies for being pro-gay rights. Here are a few themes from the X-Men comics:

-- The X-Men don't discover their super powers until puberty. They often try to hide their differences until finding others like themselves.

-- The mutants suffered (mostly in 1990s comics) from the Legacy Virus, which wasn't understood at first and killed many mutants before treatment was found.

-- Anti-mutant slurs are frequently heard in the Marvel Universe. ("Mutie" is a common one.)

-- Efforts have been made to "cure" mutants by changing them back into nonpowered humans.

-- One of the biggest struggles for the X-Men is a political: establishing rights for mutants that are equal to humans without powers.

- Peter Hartlaub

E-mail Peter Hartlaub at phartlaub@sfchronicle.com.

A second article also appears with an interview with the editor of the X-Men with his explanation.

Axel Alonso: the man behind the X-Men move

Peter Hartlaub

Axel Alonso, the driving force behind the X-Men's move to San Francisco, was born in the city. He fell in love with comics as a preteen, making regular trips to the old Best of Two Worlds comic book shop near 19th and Irving. Alonso is an executive editor at Marvel Comics and is the group editor overseeing the X-Men franchise.

Looking very much like a San Franciscan, in a Mission District "The City" T-shirt, Alonso, 42, who still visits his mother regularly in his old Sunset District home, met with a Chronicle reporter at Isotope Comics on Fell Street in San Francisco. We didn't get to ponder whether Nightcrawler might be able to take the Kenyans in the Bay to Breakers, but covered just about everything else, including the odds of 12 Galaxies placard holder Frank Chu showing up in a panel and the possibility of an X-Men character coming out during their stay.

Q: Was it a hard sell to get the X-Men moved to San Francisco?

A: Once the idea was said out loud, it made perfect sense. Why is it that all the big superhero teams are in New York? You've got Spider-Man. You've got the Avengers. You've got the X-Men up in Westchester. Where are the superheroes to defend San Francisco if little green men come down to take over the planet?

Q: How far are you willing to go when it comes to including local landmarks and Bay Area minutiae in the books?

A: All the way. For me, I want to see the X-Men eating at La Taqueria on 26th and Mission and enjoying the carne asada taco. I want to see (X-Men member) Emma Frost getting out of bed in a Monta Ellis Golden State Warriors jersey. I want to feel that culture.

Q: San Francisco has a hot mayor in the comic, but she's female. Was there any thought of just using Gavin Newsom?

A: There was. But I think we function best when we're taking some latitude and having some fun. I know some people in (San Francisco) government and I think he would have been receptive and had some fun with it. By the same token, you want to exist in the real world, but you don't want to be reality. What if we decide that we want the mayor kidnapped? What if the writer wants him to be put in a coma? There's only so far you can go.

Q: Marvel frequently gives real-life figures cameos in its books. Will you be willing to use someone like the 12 Galaxies guy (Frank Chu) or the San Francisco Twins?

A: Absolutely. ... I get e-mails from people all the time who say 'Yo, Axel, I love this book. Can I be in it?' Or 'I'm a big fan of X-Men. Any chance I can show up?' And when it works we accommodate.

Q: You've got to get Frank Chu. Put him in some random panel in each issue, just standing in the background with his protest sign. No one else will understand it, but every single San Francisco reader will love you.

A: I can see it. I can definitely see it. I'll give that strong consideration.

Q: The Marin Headlands is an interesting base for the X-Men.

A: As a kid, I used to spelunk those caves with my friends. I remember them well. I always thought it would make a great secret hideout. It's off the grid. Nobody knows about it. Every time someone has a gripe with mutants they don't know what door to knock on.

Q: The mutants seem to be blending into the city easily. During a Gay Pride Parade or Bay to Breakers, their colorful costumes will seem almost understated.

A: Look at (X-Men member) Angel. Now he can walk down the street with his wings out. I think you're going to see a bunch of characters that are enjoying their newfound freedoms, because their differences are embraced by the culture.

Q: Is there a chance we might see one of the X-Men come out?

A: Yes. Yes. The city being what it is, certain characters whose sexuality might have been ambiguous are going to feel free to be who they are. I will qualify and say that I never go into the situation with a mandate or an agenda. It has to come along naturally. We're not going to rush into it. But I see it happening.

Bizarro

I usually don't get to read the comics section of the newspaper much, especially since the Chronicle stopped giving them to the school as part of their free for schools education program--that's what happens when the economy sucks... schools lose out. Anyways, I have been able to read the newspaper sporadically throughout the summer. My favorite comic strip since Far Side and Boondocks have retired is Bizarro. His take on the world always makes me smile, but rarely does one panel have the ability to make me laugh so hard I fall down and roll on the ground. Looking back, it may not have been that funny, but I suppose I need more humor in my life, especially after watching all these baseball games. (Incidentally, Giants beat the Dodgers tonight)

So here's a copy of the comic... and because I'm so oblivious, I never really noticed that Bizarro has a blogspot site and I am now including as a must read for all of you. Read Bizarro... it's healthy for you.

Dr. Horrible

I rarely ever find myself actually paying for anything on iTunes, for most things I want I can get for free and for some reason I still want to own the CD rather than just download it. I'm sure that will end soon since I have no space for anything else in my life, yet I found two things for which I actually bought a season pass: Dr. Horrible and Invincible.

But first let us explore Dr. Horrible. While at leadership camp this past week, one of the few things I had to keep me away from all leadership all the time was my ipod. I was able to get a couple hours in during the 5 days of camp. By far, the best thing I watched was Joss Whedon's Dr. Horrible sing-along blog. Most of you may know Whedon from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Dr. Horrible does echo the Buffy musical episode.

But let us learn more from the actress of the show, Felicia Day, who discusses the short film and working with Neil Patrick Harris and Nathan Fillion.





need more to whet your appetite... of course you do... that was only an interview...
so here's the trailer



If you like comics, superheroes, music, comedy, Doogie Howser, this is for you.

Mad Men season 2 begins Sunday

I'm glad some of you actually read my blog and consider my recommendations. Unfortunately, not enough of you read to vote for my co-worker in the comcast teacher of the year contest, which she did not win. C'est la vie!

However, I have discovered that many of you are now hooked on licorice. The mango is so good. And the strawberry one is on sale at Target as we speak, so stock up but don't go to the Colma one, for I bought them all already.

Also, I'm glad that several of you are trying out Mad Men that quaint little show getting all kinds of critical notoriety. You'll be happy to know that the season 2 premiere is Sunday evening. If you have comcast on demand, you still have time to catch up on season 1.

Here's also the review from the SF Chronicle... I hope they don't mind...

Mad Men: Drama.

10 p.m. Sundays

on AMC.

In the first episode of the second season of "Mad Men," there's a great moment - in fact, many great moments - that immediately justify the runaway critical acclaim for this series while underscoring the primary mechanism for its brilliance, which is acute subtlety.

Don Draper (Jon Hamm), the central character in AMC's "Mad Men," and perhaps the only figure in prime-time television to be absolutely mired in existentialism, is at a bar, having a drink. This should come as no surprise, even to new fans interested in jumping on the heavily hyped, multi-Emmy-nominated drama, which starts Sunday. Drinking and smoking and stylized sets and clothes are the touchstones of the series and are frequently mentioned in the buzz that surrounds the show.

Almost none of the coverage for "Mad Men" explains that this is a show about interiors.

So Draper, the advertising executive at the heart of darkness that is this contemplative character study, is not out of place having a drink at midday.

But, as he's about to find out, he's out of place in the world. (He always has been - it's one of the primary drives in the "Mad Men" narrative - but Season 2 looks to be bringing this personal isolation into sharper focus.) Sitting at the bar with Draper is another man, perhaps slightly younger, reading Frank O'Hara's "Meditations in an Emergency," a collection of poems from the young, acclaimed poet. Don remarks that reading at the bar is a convenient excuse for not doing anything, not being at work. He barely hears the reply, which is a veiled swipe at the notion that doing something (like work) is even important.

"Is it good?" Draper asks the other man. "I don't think you'd like it," comes the reply. And there's an ever-so-faint look on Draper's face - the kind of nuanced acting that Hamm is rightfully getting credit for - he can't quite figure out whether he's been insulted or if it's merely the end of a conversation going nowhere between two disparate men.

But right in that moment, series creator and main writer Matthew Weiner has reset the hook on what's so alluring about Don Draper and "Mad Men." Times are changing. Men like Draper don't really know it yet, but the world has inched in a different direction from the way they are going. It's a wonderful scene, evocative of the nuances at the heart of "Mad Men." It's note perfect. Understated, undersold.

Out of place

Later Draper will be seen reading "Meditations in an Emergency," looking as if he's trying to understand some kind of coded text, some message he doesn't quite get. (No doubt copies will be flying off the shelves soon.) In some way, the poems are a message from the future - which is already surfacing in the New York that Draper walks through every day. And the insinuation is that despite his not being a man who values poetry - he's an adman, after all - there's something in the words that made a connection. At the end of the episode, part of one of the poems is voiced as Draper walks down the street looking, as always, out of place.

The first two episodes of "Mad Men" reaffirm its place in the upper echelon of television dramas. The writing is a real thing of beauty - from the aforementioned nuance to searing workplace witticisms and pitch-perfect tone from a multitude of characters. You can't overstate how accomplished "Mad Men" is at understanding the vagaries of dialogue among disparate characters.

So too is the acting. Hopefully "Mad Men's" subtlety will appeal to the new viewers expected to turn out in response to the series' rising profile. You don't find a lot of physicality in "Mad Men" - fights or guns or running or screaming fits. The series is mannered. The first season took place in 1960 for a reason: The country was still living in a 1950s-influenced time. The roiling decade ahead was in its nascent form. For the Don Drapers of the world, change was going to be what other people did, at least initially. The racism and sexism and old-school values and habits (which often form the basis for the best jokes in "Mad Men") were in their DNA.

Others at Draper's advertising firm, Sterling Cooper, are aware of the changes, but not the series' central character. Paul Kinsey (Michael Gladis), one of the copywriters at the firm, has grown a beard and started smoking a pipe, playing at being hipper than he really is. Even Draper's disaffected wife, Betty (January Jones), is feeling the cultural plates shift below her.

Kennedy era has begun

Weiner has smartly started Season 2 in 1962. John Kennedy is in the White House. A new era has begun. Draper is the core of the "Mad Men" universe. His worldview is beginning to be at odds (especially in advertising) with what is percolating up in the zeitgeist. He's only 36 and straddling two eras. Even in two episodes, you can tell that Weiner and company will be mining the change for all it's worth. When Joan (Christina Hendricks), the office manager at Sterling Cooper, goes to a would-be bohemian party that Paul throws, she sees that he's got an African American girlfriend and calls him out the next day in the office.

"You, out there in your poor little rich-boy apartment in Newark or wherever. Walking around with your pipe and your beard. Falling in love with that girl just to show how interesting you are." When Paul looks peeved, Joan adds casually, "Go ahead. What part is wrong?"

In perfect contrast, Draper is not playing at being someone other than himself or embracing change - mostly because he doesn't truly know who he is or where he fits. No doubt all around him will grapple at a quicker pace with what 1962 really means - his wife, his co-workers, the agency. His existential state might not yet be an emergency, but it's something Don Draper will have to meditate on, and that's going to make for compelling television of the smartest (and possibly most subversive) kind.

E-mail Tim Goodman at tgoodman@sfchronicle.com.

Support my friend Manny and his graphic novel Dugout

well, it's that crazy time of year when San Diego is dressed up in its finest costumes. While many of us cannot be there nor have the channel G4 to explore the most commercial of segments at the con, one little project might be overlooked by the casual fan and unknowing public, so I must make you aware that at thecompany booth, my friend and artiste extraordinaire, Manny Bello, has completed a graphic novel that can't help but be successful. This image is from the current Wizard #202 magazine and lifted from the AiT website, but it provides a glimpse into a great story. How can it not be, for it combines baseball, prison, and comics all in one place. So go to your local comic store and demand Dugout... support the indie creators.

Joker

The Joker has always been my favorite villain in comics. I suppose I am drawn to the dark psychosis of the mind. Here's a little gallery to pump you up for the film. Go here for another gallery online.

New EC Leadership Design

One of my students has been working hard on a new design for our Leadership sweatshirt/T-shirt. Please share an opinion. The left top design is the front and right top design is taken from the yearbook to be used on the sleeve. It's to go along with the Inspired campaign.

Mad Men

I spent the 4th of July weekend (still not watching summer movies) but catching up on TV series that I've heard about. I was on the phone with Anne who'd been telling me how great this show Mad Men is. Her examples of two favorite moments were 1. a little girl is playing with a plastic bag and puts it over her head and all mom can say is that her daughter will be in a world of hurt of her dry cleaning is on the floor... and 2. a pregnant woman drinking a mint julep...

Then I found the TV series for rent at my local Blockbuster and after watching the first disc I couldn't wait until the next day to finish the series. Thankfully, I could finish the series because it was only 13 episodes. I'm all for short seasons if it allows the series to maintain a high level of quality. Immediately, I realized from the opening credits to the portrayal of 1960 America that this drama has some serious gravitas. The look and design have a strong nostalgic look with some modern sensibilities thrown in.

The first episode centered on smoking and how and ad company can market cigarettes which are for the first time being considered unhealthy by society. Little scenes of what life was like made me feel a kinship with the show. Oftentimes I wish life were a bit simpler, yet this show is far from simple... there exists a deep underlying tension that is slowly unfolding as you watch the series. A simple throwaway line in episode 1 plays into two characters interaction in episode 12... one that isn't obvious, but makes sense.

I think my favorite moment of the show was the final scene of "Shoot" which shows Betty, the dutiful housewife shooting her neighbors' pigeons. Beautifully done. Imagine her with the gun in this Blue Velvet suburban scene. Amazing.



Mad Men feels like Desperate Housewives done as a serious cable drama rather than a comedy trying to push a mystery. The mystery of Mad Men is not story/plot but character driven. The layers reveal themselves in ways true to the characters. The comic lines come across as serious in the course of the dialogue but hit with a quick jab. I like how history and 60s pop culture blend into the show. Sterling Cooper (the ad company) even becomes under the employ of Nixon's presidential campaign. It's one thing to read about it in history, but the show provides context especially for those who were Nixon supporters.

One of the more curious sentimental connections occurred for me while cleaning my office just today. I love the pitch Dom gives to Kodak for its slide projection wheel. I found two of those wheels in my office. Actually, I knew they were in there but I never bothered to look inside the box. I'm trying to make a stronger effort of throwing away anything that serves no purpose in my office and considering those wheels had been a part of my 11 years there I had never once looked inside made them good candidates for the dumpster. I hold a few slides up against the fluorescent ceiling lights and see people I know. I look at the slide's cardboard frame and it is dated 1990. The two wheels hold all pictures of my junior year in high school. I see people I haven't seen in nearly 20 years. I couldn't bring myself to throw them away knowing that I have a reunion to plan in a couple years. And I realize just how true the ad pitch was in the TV show. Now, I don't know if that's how the ad campaign really began for Kodak, but this show does an excellent job of framing things from the past in a way we can sentimentally appreciate how the items are viewed in today's society. Even the not so glorious aspects of our society, particularly the way women are treated, though sometimes shown for comedy, make an intriguing comment about where society has come from and where it still needs to go today.



Like I said, I love the opening credits. The score provides a nice complement to what the show ultimately reveals. Plus, writing this reminds me of the way my buddy Eric always examines new product labels...





Here's a clip from the first episode and you can get a taste of the social norms of the day.



This last clip is the one I mentioned about the Kodak wheel. Just watch this and imagine the power of stillness. The show moves at a pace that enhances its tensions. I love these moments that make you view your own world differently. Looking at the slides just doesn't feel quite the same as a slideshow on your laptop. There just seems to be so much more emotion in an activity we all take for granted.




I highly recommend this show. I really needed something like this after all the reality shows that surround me. In particular, all the MTV and E! channel shows my students seem to love. I am so disconnected from my students compared to when I first started teaching. Sad really, but in a good way. I'm glad to be where I am.



My next TV series to catch up on... either The Wire or Battlestar Gallactica... Lance gave me the wire for Christmas and I bought BSG when they were on sale at Costco. This could take up the remainder of my summer.

Licorice

For the past two weeks I've been obsessed with a new candy.

I walked into Target looking for a Bubble Yum 4-pack which my buddy Jack introduced to me. The best part of the gum is that one of the flavors is cotton candy which is hellishly sweet. The second best part of the gum is that it sold for $1. Seriously, what can you get for a dollar that gives you that much happiness? However, the gum appears to be discontinued in that format... probably because they can go back to selling each individual pack for 79 cents... hence the real value of the gum. Jack and I can't find it at any Target--he's searching in Orange County and I have no luck up here in Northern California.

So I'm staring at the candy and nothing appeals to me, although I really shouldn't be eating any. And I see this odd package of soft strawberry licorice that has a special ad remarking that "Look. New item sold here at Target." I fell for it. I was tired of the Twizzlers and other regular licorice that doesn't taste like the red ropes of my youth. For some reason, most of the chewy licorice in the past couple of years tasted too cardboardy and lacked the nostalgia-inducing power my taste buds normally associate with the confection.

I open the bag before I leave the parking lot to sample this new morsel and I suddenly feel nirvana... Ok, it's not that great... but I do find it addictive. I finished the bag the whole way home. I was glad because I thought it might be a bad decision to spend $3 on a 7 oz. bag when I could have had the 20 0z bag of the regular licorice for only 2.29. Suffice it to say, I've bought 8 bags of this stuff in two weeks. My family is now loving it and my friends in 138 at the ballpark. I hope I grow tired of it soon... but then...

...in preparation of this blog entry, I decided to look up the website that's on the bag www.dlea.com.au and the site just teased me further... there's a mango and green apple flavor... but Target does not seem to be carrying those. And in a true case of falling victim to product loyalty... I spent $30 on Amazon.com just before typing this entry to get a month's supply of licorice. I should be disgusted with myself... but I suspect that this might just be the most pleasureable part of my summer... now i'm feeling all depressed... damn! well, i'll drown my sorrow with some licorice that tastes like its part- swedish fish, gummi bear, and licorice...

for those of you who are more eagle-eyed, you'll notice the picture of me was taken during the ninth inning as i put the rally cap on vs. the dodgers... didn't work... again... that's why i needed to take solace in licorice... again...

The World Felt Right This Past Friday

First of all, happy birthday to the soon papa-to-be Will Tong, whose wife used to claim they would name their sons Sal and Ed... (salad tongs, get it!?!)

Ok, whatever....

So June 27 began with my first summer movie of the year... that's right... I have yet to see Iron Man, Indy, and a host of many others that I need to get to soon. But I've always loved being there to see midnight showing when a film first debuts. I would do it all the time in the 90s but then teaching and whatever Friday night activity (dance, football game, performing arts show, birthday parties, Giants games) kept me away... and that's why I love the Thursday night/Friday morning midnight madness premiere. So S. and N. got me a ticket and asked me to join them watch WALL-E. Now I'm not the biggest Disney fan, but I am a huge Pixar fan. You always know you're in for a treat when you get that opening cartoon that serves as a warm-up for the feature. It was about a magician and it reminded me of the old school
Warner Brothers cartoons with the Carl Stalling scores. Pixar shorts are great and that's why I bought that DVD. Now the main feature, WALL-E. I was curious how I would feel about a mostly dialogue-less film, but the story held strong for the most part for me. The parts that felt the most cartoonish happened aboard the Axiom, whereas the Earth scenes captured a beautiful stillness but depressing image of what humans are doing to the planet. Being a person who loves and hates solitude, I related to WALL-E in the sense of collecting things that have a hidden personal value that maybe no one else can share. WALL-E beheld a beauty in the simplicity of certain objects, though we might consider them to be consumable. These moments remind me of the lessons I have on Emerson's "Poet" and Whitman's "Preface" to Leaves of Grass. The main point of which is to ask the students to think about how particular words came to be and how every name/word was once a poem until it became everyday/cliche. One of WALL-E's treasured items is a VHS tape of a particular musical and it lends a humanity to WALL-E that seems to be waning from the souls of each successive generation (and the film comments on that concept as well). I particularly appreciated the lone survivor archetype (most recently seen in I Am Legend) and the homage to Kubrick's 2001: the music, the steps, the jogging track reference, and the autopilot/HAL character (my favorite Otto/autopilot is still from Airplane! though). I've read a couple of reviews from EW and the Chronicle and I agree with both to a degree. I did feel the movie possessed a soul and was educational without being in your face about it. While WALL-E may not produce the most merchandise ever (I don't know how many parents will buy toys of stuffed fat people in their hover chairs), I expect the film to resonate in viewers and hopefully our next generation will be like the one in the film and learn to value life a little differently.

And that was just the first two hours of my Friday...

The latter part of the evening ended with another set of great friends. For the first time in a long time, my softball team held a batting practice. Usually these sessions go for an hour or so and about 5 people show up. Last night we practiced from 5:00 to 8:30 pm, just long enough for all of us to start freezing our asses off. More impressive, 12 people showed up (nothing like losing your first two games to get people wanting to hit). But the practice felt like old times with a bunch of us cracking jokes ripping on each other (echoing Shaq's chorus to Kobe). Transitionally, we went out to eat at Fung Wong near the Gellert/Hickey 7-11. Often these meals are fun but not always so unified because too many of us are there to sit at one table. Well eight of us went to dinner and it was the best night of bonding and bitching... reminiscing... hopes... family... although not everyone came to practice... and not everyone who practiced went to dinner... the meal felt like a good family dinner... which i think is the most important thing for our team's psyche....

so thanks to all of you for helping have a wonderful summer night

The More Famous Relative and It's Not My Brother

First, Happy Birthday to my most creative buddy Eric!!!!!!!!!!!

Rest in Peace George Carlin... a truly innovative comedian who also made you think.

A recent article in Asian Week recognizes my cousin Christine for all her efforts in the Asian American community.

Asian Pacific American Women Coalition Honors Five Young Leaders

By: Miriam Ling, Jun 08, 2008
Tags: Bay Area |

SAN FRANCISCO — The Pacific Asian American Women Bay Area Coalition honored young Asian Pacific Islander women leaders at the Monarch Leadership Awards at the Hotel Kabuki in Japantown on June 1.

Broadcast journalist Jan Yanehiro was the mistress of ceremonies, and Hawai‘i Congresswoman Mazie Hirono was the special guest speaker. Former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown also made an appearance.

Hirono, the first immigrant woman of Asian descent to be elected to a statewide office, and more recently the first woman of Asian ancestry to serve in Congress, spoke of her humble beginnings: She was born in a small village in Fukushima, Japan, and then immigrated to Hawai‘i with her mother and sisters.

“It was the promise of America that brought my mother,” she said, “the promise of fulfilling our dreams.”

She applauded the women being honored because they were enabling others to fulfill their dreams.

“You are extraordinary,” she told them. “It gives me hope for the future. Women, you are doing life-changing work.”

However, she added that there was a “long way to go before we help Asian Americans. … Keep doing what you’re doing. There’s more work to be done!”

Over the past 25 years, PAAWBAC has recognized 101 “Women Warriors” for their distinguished contributions in work and community. In 2006, the group established the Monarch Awards to recognize emerging API women leaders who inspire those around them and who are making outstanding contributions at a young age.

This year PAAWBAC honored five new awardees: Angela Chan, staff attorney at the Asian Law Caucus; Yuri Futamura, administrator of the New Field Foundation; Buu Thai, public affairs director of Planned Parenthood Santa Clara/San Benito and Coastal Region; Christine Padilla; and Amy Sujishi.

PAAWBAC Awardee
Amy Sujishi
Sujishi, a fourth-generation Japanese American and San Francisco native, is currently the executive assistant to senior VP, marketing and PlayStation network of Sony Computer Entertainment America. In her spare time over the past four years, Amy has acted as board chair of the Japanese Community Youth Council, serving Bay Area children, youth and their families. Her involvement with the group began when she was 11 years old.

Other volunteer work includes acting as 2006 and 2007 co-chair of “Sansei Live!,” organized by Kimochi Inc., a Japantown-based agency that provides senior citizens and their families with 24-hour care and other services. She will be co-chairing “Sansei Live!” again in October.

Sujishi is involved in the Nihonmachi Street Fair and also volunteers for the Cherry Blossom Festival’s Queen Program, which partners with the three remaining Japantowns in the United States and provides an opportunity for young women to become an ambassador for the Japanese American community.

PAAWBAC Awardee Christine Padilla
For the past three years, Padilla, a Bay Area native, acted as the field representative/special assistant to the late Congressman Tom Lantos. She advised him on Asian American Pacific Islander and Latino issues, as well as supported his human rights agenda by collaborating with local, national and international human rights advocates.

For four years, Padilla has been program director for the Asian Heritage Street Celebration, an event that she helped found. She is also currently involved in the San Francisco-Manila Sister City Committee and traveled with Mayor Gavin Newsom to the Philippines as a delegate. She serves on the Filipino Mental Health Initiative Oversight Committee, as well as the Overcoming Relationship Abuse Kumares/Kumpares. She is on the national summit steering committee of the Filipina Women’s Network, and also works for the Pistahan Parade and Festival steering committee and the Bay Area Asian Pacific American Legislative Staffers. She was formerly executive director of the Contemporary Asian Theater Scene in San Jose.

Here is a family pic with (from left to right): Lance, Christine, Me, Rochelle

two brothers and two sisters...

and in the article picture... Christine is the second one in from the right...

Starting to feel like summer

Although the Giants lost 5 of 6 games on this homestand, I was there for all of those losses. I basically have moved into my summer home and you can always find me in 138 from now until school starts August 18th (boo! boo!)

Unique happenings occurred at every game naturally and I'll highlight those fit for public consumption.

Friday night vs. the A's
I finally got to bring my CADA buddy, David, to his first game at AT&T Park. Along with us came Faye who continues to think that David is Ryan Stiles. Good times!

Saturday night vs. the A's
I spent the afternoon at Lauren's graduation picnic and I was able to spend some time with family, whom I did not see enough. In particular, my ninong's kids, Jing and Virgie, who ended up having tickets to the game (I sold mine on stubhub) and I had the opportunity to show them my summer home. Sadly, Jing lost her wallet and all seemed at a lost. We went to the executives suite but they had no luck finding it. Seriously, what are the odds someone would turn the wallet in. But I had an inkling, and just before the Giants staff who worked the Marina Gate left, we caught up with them and Bob radioed up to the lost and found. And what do you know? My cousin's wallet was there fully intact. Thanks to Charlie, who patrols 138 for finding it and allowing my cousin peace of mind.

Sunday vs. the A's (father's day)
Again, I sold my tickets because I was going to the game with All-star teacher of the year nominee, Alicia Vosberg. Some of you saw her interview on the pre-game show and a lucky few of you saw both of us along with Alicia's daughter and our co-worker, Nikki, between the 3rd and 4th innings. I loved being able to hangout on the field, especially in the dugout. Take a look and enjoy...

But don't forget to vote for my co-worker... and tell all your friends...

Monday vs. the Tigers
I recovered and didn't go to the game. Of course the Giants won, but not because I wasn't there but because Tim Lincecum pitched. He better be in the all-star game.

Tuesday night vs. the Tigers
I brought two scorned women to the game with me. They kept me entertained as I heard all about the failings of men. It's a good thing I'm usually the designated driver.

Wednesday vs. the Tigers
My sister and co-workers showed up to the game with me and they got a full dose of what it means to be in 138. A few of us were there and my co-workers realized why my section is so cool. Game ended at 4; we hung out until 11pm.

That summer feeling took a backseat today as I went into work from 3pm to 9pm in order to set up some things for next school year. Here's to sleeping in though....

Brag Bag

When I first started teaching, one of the final lessons I learned is that I should keep a "brag bag." This is a bag, drawer, folder, secret stash of items that remind you why you teach. Every teacher needs this because most days tend to be relentless and unappreciated, and there will be those special days that make you feel like hell. Usually a student will be disrespectful or worse and you begin to think to yourself that you don't deserve this when you can make money elsewhere for that kind of disrespect. You take a moment to pause... take in a deep breath... and reach for the brag bag... that collection of little trinkets, letters, gifts, pictures (most of mine consists of letters I've received from students on Teacher Appreciation Day or their messages in previous yearbooks).

This year has been a good school year and I'm thankful that I received some interesting new items for my brag bag. I think what made it interesting was that I received some emails of appreciation from my co-workers. Unfortunately, we as a society don't often say thanks or recognize those who deserve it. Even though much of the appreciation may have been prompted by the fact I may leave El Camino High School, I've always felt confident that I have had their support. Some of the best things I read were from my co-workers who honored me by writing me letters of recommendation so I could apply for this rare opportunity for a full-time activities position. The most intriguing email, though, is from my principal which I will share first...

Derek,

This has been by far the best year that ECHS students have worked together as a team and community, giving back to organizations in need. I’ll never forget my first rally here three years ago and being so very impressed by what you do with ASB; I have never seen a more effective director in my years in education. You have mastered the art of teaching students how to be leaders, not holding their hands along the way, but putting them in an environment where they master the skills necessary to effect change. Look at the award you won this year! That says it all.

Thank you for being Mr. El Camino; I truly value you the person and the teacher. You put ECHS on the map as a positive place and a school where parents want their children to attend and teachers want to teach.

Thank you Derek!

Adele

My boss sent this out to the entire staff which then encouraged further commentary from others.

1.
I completely agree with Adele! Derek, you have done an amazing job with your leadership students!! I have been at 3 other schools where the school spirit and tone of the student body did not even come close to what has been created at El Camino. The rally’s, the lunch time activities, homecoming, sprit days, INSPIRED campaign, and support of students with sound, art, ideas, etc, etc, etc; all of the activities help students to feel more part of the school and help them really enjoy El Camino. I think these things help the students create memories which make them feel proud to attend here and sad to leave when graduation comes. I know you and the students have put in SO many hours before and after school to create this positive, spirited atmosphere and from my perspective, it has paid off. Well done!

2.
Hi Derek, this is my feedback: you are such an awesome person and coworker and teacher. Your students love you and the leadership this year was great as always and the Inspired campaign was really inspiring- to see kids coming together to help others.

Letters
1.

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing to recommend Derek Padilla. We worked together in the English department and in activities at El Camino High School for five years, from 2001 through 2006. As the head of the department for a few of those years, I was always grateful for Derek’s sense of the school as a whole. He was, and still is, always thinking of the students’ best interests and their success.

I was inspired as a second-year teacher to emulate his school spirit and to get involved. I followed his lead and eventually became the Link Crew Advisor. Derek provided instruction and support through my adventure in Link Crew. He made sure there was money to get me trained. He encouraged Link Crew leaders to continue their connections to freshmen throughout the year. He and I helped Link Crew carry on the traditions he had established, and these traditions became a crucial part of our school culture.

Now that I’ve moved on to another school, I value Derek’s strengths as a teacher and an activities director even more. I realize, in the dearth of a positive school community here, that Derek, almost single-handedly, made El Camino High School the warm and welcoming place it is. Students care on that campus. They care about each other, and they’re excited to be at school. They look forward to traditions like Link Crew and Homecoming. In Derek’s classes, students know that they will be held to high expectations. The class work is meaningful and rigorous—in English and in leadership. All this makes them better students and better community members.

2.

Derek has been the Activities Director for El Camino High School for over 11 years. For five of those years, I have worked closely with him both on campus and at leadership conferences as one of his class advisors. I have watched him in amazement as he tirelessly makes activities come alive for our campus. He is hard-working, enthusiastic, caring, and conscientious when it comes to students. Any campus should be so lucky to have Derek as their Activities Director.

Positive remarks from students, staff, and campus visitors about the school spirit on our campus are heard all the time. El Camino walls are bursting with pride and everyone notices. Derek’s leadership students create fun, positive and meaningful activities for ALL students and staff to enjoy. Some activities happen weekly, such as the very imaginative “spirit weeks,” while others happen annually like Home Coming. Regardless of the event, Derek’s thoughtfulness and ability to organize on a massive scale are obvious. Throughout the year, Derek has some of the best rallies any school has every experienced. They are timed to the final second and engage our very diverse student body. One of the school’s favorites is the “Lip Sync Rally.” For years it has been Derek’s tradition to get the staff involved lip singing and dancing much to the students’ delight.

Derek’s program is not only entertaining and appealing but meaningful. Just this year, the leadership team created an award-winning program they call INSPIRED. This program was designed to inspire El Camino students to think of others first. For example, this year’s Home Coming theme was childhood. As part of the requirement to earn spirit points, each class had to raise money for their adopted organization such as the Ronald McDonald House or Make a Wish Foundation. They also honor the “Most INSPIRED Student and Teacher of the Month” proudly on their activities board. And, as an entire INSPIRED student body, the school has raised thousands of dollars for the Global AIDS Foundation this year alone.

However, perhaps the most valuable part of Derek is his relationship with students and staff. He works around the clock for his students taking them to endless weekend and summer conferences or raising money with weekend car washes. He cares about students and understands them better than anyone. His interpersonal skills carry over to his relationships with the staff as well. While his demeanor is always professional, he loves nothing more than getting the staff together for the staff softball team or a night out at the Giants. Derek would be an asset to any faculty.

Resume

OBJECTIVE

Full-Time Director of Activities

EDUCATION

January 1996 – January 1997 San Francisco State University

Single Subject Teaching Credential—English

August 1991 – January 1996 San Francisco State University

B.A. Creative Writing; B.A. English Literature, concentration in Education

EXPERIENCE

January 1997 – Current Position El Camino High School So. San Francisco, CA

Director of Activities (1997-present); Link Crew Coordinator (1997-2002)

Subjects Taught: Student Leadership, English, Creative Writing, Film Literature,

CAHSEE Test Prep, and Health/Safety

Student Leadership

• Student council advisor, Faculty/Student Liaison, Administrative Council member

• CADA member: currently participating in CADA Advisor Certification

• Development and Implementation of Link Crew Program

• Producer of Video/DVD Yearbook (1999-2005)

• Establishment of a School Planner

• Creator and Director of S.T.A.R.S. Conference and Inspi(red) Campaign

English

• Experience teaching Grades 9 & 11, levels Basic, General, College Preparatory, and Honors

• Workshop Experience: 6+1 Writing Traits, SDAIE Training

• Targeted Unit Plans Produced: Life Soundtracks, The Scarlet Letter, Billy Budd, American Author

  Project, Poetry Book Term Paper, The Great Gatsby, The Catcher in the Rye, The House on Mango Street, Romeo & Juliet, and Mythology

Creative Writing

• Guide Students to discover themselves, trust their words, and express their voices

• Editor of School Literary Magazine

• Director of School Poetry Slam

Film Literature

• Development and Implementation of new course and curriculum

• Targeted Units: Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey, Director Research Project, Film Noir

CAHSEE

• Development and Implementation of new CAHSEE Language Arts Support Class

• Targeted Units: Essay Writing, Reading Comprehension, Test Preparation

Spring 1992-2000, Spring 2006-208 El Camino High School So. San Francisco, CA

Assistant Track Coach—Throwing Events and Weight Training

AWARDS

San Francisco State University Graduate Distinguished Student Achievement Award 1999

San Francisco Chronicle Hero of the Bay 2000

CADA Area B Activities Director of the Year 2002

San Jose State University Dorothy Wright Award For Teaching 2002

CADA/CASL Outstanding Activity Program 2007-2008

OK, time to stop the brag bag for now That was kind of fun... maybe I'll have to do that more often... 13 hours away from the job interview...

Let us dance the night away