TEACH IT ALL...GOOD AND BAD

Positive events and negative events both played a major role in creating the America that we know today. 

The idea to only focus on events that "promote citizenship, patriotism, essentials and benefits of the free-market system, respect for authority and respect for individual rights" and don't "encourage or condone civil disorder, social strife or disregard of the law" sounds pretty similar to what communist countries and dictators try to do.  State sponsored media (although, it could be argued that the current USA model isn't far from that since almost all major news outlets are owned by a handful of corporations which have direct ties to government parties) net neutrality, or book burnings, anyone?

What I can't wrap my head around is that this idea was presented by an (I'm assuming) somewhat intelligent person...I mean, you have to be somewhat ahead of the curve to be voted onto a school board, right?  Then, the rest of the (I'm assuming) smart-ish people need to approve your idea, or at least entertain it enough, so that it can even make it off the table. Clearly, my assumptions were wrong, very very wrong.

By not learning about all past events how can one move forward?  That is like telling aspiring artists they can only study a few select pieces of art.  Just doesn't seem to make sense, but then again, neither does a lot of stuff that's happening throughout the world. 


Until this is officially voted down I hope the students and teachers continue to make their voices heard.  Just think of what other less than stellar, and potentially harmful, policies have been put in place by this inadequate Board.  If it were up to me, they'd all be fired.


More info here: http://news.msn.com/us/denver-area-students-walk-out-of-school-in-protest

TODAY

Is going to be a good day.

GOOD NEWS AND BAD NEWS

The Good: 
I can successfully breathe out of  one nostril 75% of the time.


The Bad: 
It feels like I have an ice-pick jammed into my left ear. 

SICK?

Despite having co-workers and a wife that have been sick at some point over the past 2 weeks I thought I had lucked out and dodged the bullet.  Turns out, I didn't.  My head feels like it's in a vice and I can't breathe out of my nose.  Rats.

DONE.

INK

My left calf is about to look a whole lot cooler.

HOLY HOT

A yoga studio near our house offers a seven-day-free-pass to non-members as a promotion tactic.  On a whim I decided I wanted to see what hot yoga was all about.

So, last night I attended my first ever hot yoga session (this was only my second time yoging...is that even what it's called?)  Holy cow it was hot, which, shouldn't be a surprise since the name paints a pretty clear picture of what to expect.

Let me say that walking into a yoga studio solo and as a beginner is somewhat intimidating.  The lobby was full of people in great shape who looked like they stepped out of a yoga catalog.  Everyone knew the system and executed flawlessly...check in here, put your shoes there, bring a towel, do this, don't do that.

I'm not going to say I stuck out like a sore thumb, but...I showed up in my standard t-shirt, mesh shorts, and running shoes (something tells me this outfit wouldn't be found any any respectable yoga catalog).  I didn't know the system and blindly stumbled through the check in process.  But, I kept reminding myself that everyone has had a first day and was a newbie at some point.

The actual studio was really cool.  There were candles burning, the lights were off, and hypnotic music filled the air...as did the heat and humidity.  It didn't take too many bends and stretches to get the sweat dripping--flowing might be more accurate.  Before I knew it I was soaked.  In a weird way it felt really good to get all hot and sweaty (this was hard for me to type-I hate being hot) but it was a different kind of feeling than you'd get after running or working. The instructor had a positive and mellow vibe and helped guide everyone through the stretches and poses while offering words of encouragement and asking thought provoking questions.   

Overall I really enjoyed the experience and think I'll go back again (within the next 6 days of my free trial, of course).