Mr. D's Ed Soup

Write a letter for Stan

10/09/2010

A message from Dr. Stan Olson.

As we get closer to Election Day I become more and more aware of how important this race is. The office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has become too politicized and it’s time we shift the focus back to our school children. I have heard from many who are still unsure of whom they will cast their vote for on November 2nd and I ask for your help and support in sharing your view of this election and race with your friends and neighbors.

One great way to do this is to write a short Letter to the Editor of your local newspaper. Can I count on you to write a letter and express why you are supporting my candidacy to become Idaho’s Superintendent? Thank you for your hard work! Below you will find web addresses to newspapers in Idaho. Select your local to send them your letter.

The Idaho Statesman https://forms.idahostatesman.com/lettertoeditor/

Idaho Press Tribune http://www.idahopress.com/opinion/

Coeur d’Alene Press http://www.cdapress.com/submissions/?mode=letters

Bonner County Daily Bee http://www.bonnercountydailybee.com/forms/letters.php

The Spokesman-Review http://www.spokesman.com/opinion/

The Lewiston Tribune http://www.lmtribune.com/letters/

Clearwater Tribune http://www.clearwatertribune.com/Contact_Us.htm

Idaho State Journal http://www.journalnet.com/submissions/?mode=letters

Moscow-Pullman Daily News http://www.dnews.com/opinion/

The News-Examiner http://www.news-examiner.net/

The St. Maries Gazette Record http://www.gazetterecord.com/forms/letters/

The Star-News http://www.mccallstarnews.com/pages/contact_page.php

The Times News http://www.magicvalley.com/news/opinion/mailbag/

The Weiser Signal American http://www.signalamerican.org/submit-newsletters.html

Argus Observer http://www.argusobserver.com/shared-content/perform/?domain_name=argusobserver.com&form_template=letter

Preston Citizen http://www.prestoncitizen.com/?page_id=62

Teton Valley News http://www.tetonvalleynews.net/submissions/?mode=letters

The Adams County Record http://www.theadamscountyrecord.com/

Payette Independent-Enterprise http://www.argusobserver.com/indent/news/

Priest River Times http://www.priestrivertimes.com/

Bonners Ferry Herald http://www.bonnersferryherald.com/

In no way does having a media outlet or newspapers name and/or web address listed signify an endorsement or relationship with the Olson for Idaho campaign.

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Filed under: teachers, teaching

Cunning Running

10/09/2010

Ever heard of Orienteering?  It’s a true lifetime sport that seems to me to be perfect for Idaho. I think I could get into this. anyone else interested? Could be a student club too.

Here’s a link to a two page PDF  from Yes! magazine that describes Orienteering rather well.

Cunning Running

U.S. Orienteering Federation

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Filed under: Life

Writing Notes, Notes on Writing

10/08/2010

Benjamin Franklin

“I am indebted to my notebook for the happiness of my whole life.” Benjamin Franklin

This quote from Franklin, a personal hero of mine, was taken from an article.  The Pocket Notebooks of Twenty Famous Men, which I found on  site  called  The Art of Manliness . The site itself seems a bit too “mucho macho”  for my tastes but I really found this piece and a related article, The Manly Tradition of the Pocket Notebook , to be quite fascinating and coincidentally right on point to  similar musings  which I’ve recently engaged  on this subject.  It seems that I’m in good company as, not only Franklin but the likes of Darwin, Beethoven, George Patton,  Hemingway, George  Lucas and Mark Twain were/are devotees of the pocket notebook; Beethoven so much so that many of the paintings and statues of the great composer  depict  him with book and pen in hand.
Many writers or would-be writers keep a daily journal. Many others, who do not consider themselves ‘writers’ do the same, although they may call it by another name; a diary, field notes, daily log, etc. Over-the road truck drivers are required  to keep a daily log of their  activities and, although most keep the bare minimum specified  by law and/or employers,  a few keep much more detailed accounts of their travels and musings. Others in many occupations and circumstances do the same. Most  would  not describe themselves as “writers” but that is exactly what they are.
I have struggled off and on for years with  daily  journaling.   I keep it for a while and then set things aside and forget about it for long stretches. I’ve found that  keeping a  daily journal increases my creativity and enhances my thought processes so why would I choose not to do it consistently?  Lethargy, laziness, sloth all play a role. I can argue that time is a factor  but, busy as I am I cannot honestly say that I can’t find  ten minutes or so, sometime during my busy day to sit down, compose my thoughts and write.  I have sloppy handwriting but I don’t need handwriting to do what I’m doing right now, essentially journal writing  electronically.   The word “blog” comes from a blending of  web log, an electronic log or journal. In this high tech age, Franklin’s beloved ‘notebook’ takes on a whole new significance.
Ludwig von Beethoven with his notebook.
I’ve found that, to do justice to the journaling art, a combination of hand written and electronic methods works best for me.  A pocket notebook of some type for making notes and jotting down ideas as they come throughout the day and my computer  to write a more comprehensive account of the day. One need not publish. A pocket notebook, log, journal, blog, can be written primarily for self edification or to be shared with only a few. It can also be, as this blog is, available to all comers for their consideration. It’s up to the individual .
Which brings me to the point of this ramble.  I am trying to get back on track, keeping a daily journal. I am committing myself mentally to post  some thoughts every day. I maintain a couple of other blogs,  while this one is used  primarily for  thoughts, musings and information related to teaching and education, the others  are not. If you don’t see something here I may have simply written something that I felt was more relevant elsewhere. I will strive to do something daily. I keep you posted on how I’m doing. In the meantime, consider doing something like this yourself, if you don’t already do so. Keep a written journal, diary, notebook, or create  a blog or your own (it’s easy). Write down your thoughts, ideas, feelings, musings, temper tantrums,  successes and joys, failures and disappointments. I guarantee that, with practice, you will be better for it.  If you decide to do this, and wish to share your thoughts, keep me posted via e-mail. I’d love to know how you’re doing.
Keep On Keepin’ On
Bill
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Filed under: teachers, tech, Writing