Being yourself

smile bug

i have been in love with the volkeswagen bettle since i was 8 years old. so, you can well imagine how excited i was when i actually bought it 4 years ago. one of the things that makes me love the beetle is that it looks like a friendly car -- the front two headlights are like eyes and the seam that closes the bonnet onto the body of the car is a smile -- or so i see it.

last week, i saw a car painted "smile bug" that had the smile painted between the "eyes". it warmed my heart and reminded me why i love the beetle!

student reaction after the elections

The following message was sent by Zac Russell (PSCS student) to the PSCS Community a day after the 2004 US Presidential Election. Thanks to Zac for letting me publish it on my blog site.

In Spite Of the Bad News, here Is some good News!

Hello soon-to-be-supporters,

I, Zachary Aurther Russell, am here by throwing my hat into the ring for President of the United Sates in 2038, assuming I don’t die or screw up badly, and also assuming the United States electoral process currently in use still exists. I will probably be running as a Democrat if the system is still bipartisan.

I am a firm believer in retaining the basic freedoms endowed to us in the Bill of Rights, as well as making these freedoms equally accessible for everyone. I believe in giving everyone an equal voice and will listen to my constituents. I also believe in maintaining a peaceful stance in world politics, living amiably as world citizens. I plan on cracking down on corporate tax fraud, support a small business environment, as well as environmental policy reforms including clean water, clean air, and water as a basic human right, not something to be privatized. I want the power to be with the people.

Before 2038, I vow to understand how to type, spell, and use grammar correctly. I will become less biased towards people with musical taste. I will continue to learn leadership skills as well as non-violent communication and mediation. I will have experienced being an activist, and will concentrate on acquiring a fuller understanding of the political and governmental processes.

I am planning on running for President of the United States of America to give today’s generation a much-needed voice. Although this letter is only half-serious, I am completely sincere in my efforts to be heard.

I'm excited for your support, and any and all help is wanted in making this dream reality. Please contact me with any recommendations, questions, comments, or concerns.

Thank You So Much,

Zachary A. Russell
Campaign Headquarters

teaching hindi

i started teaching hindi this week. i have never taught a language much less a language that i grew up speaking. it is fascinating to observe the things that we just know and so take for granted. explaining them to someone else, even more so, to younger people makes you so aware of what you just take for granted.

i am trying a different approach to teaching hindi than the one that i experienced while learning it myself. i am leaving aside the alphabet (other than getting familiar with the sounds), punctuation and grammar aside. we are starting by learning vocabulary and getting going with simple sentences. we will break it down into words, conjugations, declinations etc. later!

diary of anne frank: what a gift

i first read the diary of anne frank when i was 13 years old. i was the same age as anne was when she wrote her diary. that made it special. i could relate to her. it has remained one of my favorite books of all time. i was recently reminded of the book while talking to a group of students - girls between the ages of 11 and 15. i asked if they would like to read the book and they all jumped for it.

i am experiencing the book once again - this time, seeing the life of a 13 year old that lived 50 years ago; through the eyes of 13 year olds living in today's world. what a gift!