Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

As I near 18,000 pedometer steps today, and 14,000 steps yesterday (approx 13 miles so far), I feel I may indeed be wearing a circle path thin in my carpet at my home as I walk circles and pace: bleary-eyed, teary-eyed, and heavy-sighed.  The last 2 days have been overwhelming to say the least, emotionally exhausting indeed.

Yesterday we learned (both as teachers and as parents) that unfortunately due to $$ constraints and repeated low enrollment that the Board unanimously decided to close down my home away from home, Eagle Cove School, at the end of this school year.

Here is the place that I watched my Kindergarten daughter graduate from 5th grade last year, giving a speech and all (and even in a dress!!). It was here she took on 5th grade boys on the soccer field when she was in 1st and 2nd (which is a proud moment for a mom on recess duty!) Here is where my li'l PreK boy could go from holding hands with a class gal pal to screaming "Don't look at me" (hard to do when one is screaming)... in a nanosecond!  It is here that my PreK'er has become an amazing 2nd grade reader & a class leader--one who I was soo looking forward to having in my 3rd grade class with me next year, just as I had Delaney in my class 3 years ago.  Better than homeschooling by 100-fold!   And the thing that makes me tear up every time.

It is here I found my footing in my 5th school "I have ever taught at" in the 3 states in "I have ever lived."  It is here where in my 3rd grade classroom has become my "room with a view" of the Magothy River & the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.  I found my niche as an environmental educator in this amazing "Maryland Green" school. I became a self-taught whiz as an EdTech iPadLandia teacher--what fun can be had in the classroom & teaching teachers, and what autonomy I have enjoyed!!  It was here I saw Jane Goodall speak, and it was because of here, I met Dr. Ben Carson with my class.

It is here at Eagle Cove School that I have found 2 dozen amazing colleagues, all of whom I love and adore for their creativity and their wisdom, their willing to jump in and do all the hard work, and then jump back and celebrate together.  Such comradery, laughter, and common vision.  A group of educators, and a family of friends.  I have had them for 6 1/2 years, and I will have them for another 5 months.   I can't imagine not seeing them daily for the next dozen years.  Eagle Cove School was the kind of place I felt I could have retired from....at the very least, I was eager to see Ian graduate from 5th grade from there.

I have come to a place in my life where I still don't like "change" (and doubt, given my personality, I ever will).  I like to believe in the illusion of "control."   But I also have seen evidence that "everything happens for a reason."  I have seen one job does indeed serendipitously lead to the next. Almost like it was predestined or meant to be.  I have seen it occur almost as magic.  It's just hard now, changing the expectation that Ian won't graduate from the school that I know and love and thought he would see all the way through.   Yet, on an early level (and a core level), I know that the serendipitous path will lead us to a great place...all I need to do now is remember that in the stressful times!!

I have begun thinking that we have these 2 dozen of us "Eagle Covians" who are versed in green and eco-living.  If we go out to 24 new schools, think of the message we can begin to send.  Think of the vision we all can begin to share.  Perhaps it is time to spread us to the wind so that we can go forth and work toward a great place.  Some may call that hopeful, or idealistic, or perhaps even "Pollyanna-ish," but maybe that's the purpose of where we are now.

I am still bleary-eyed and teary-eyed, and hating the whole idea of this "job hunting" thing, but maybe there is method in this madness.

What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.
When given lemons, make a li'l lemonade and vodka!
Cheers to my friends, colleagues, comrades, and ECS pals!!

Photo:  "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" pic from http://www.45cat.com/record/71485

ECS boat pic from http://mazastudio.blogspot.com/2011/05/view-from-eagle-cove.html

Jane Goodall pic from http://www.eaglecoveschool.org/jane-goodall-visit-april-2008

The Waders March pic from http://greenteamgazette.blogspot.com/2010/09/oysters-away.html

Oyser kiss http://cbf.typepad.com/bay_daily/2013/05/saving-the-bay-kids-style.html

Ringing in the New Year with UpWorthy & Gratitutde

I think UpWorthy is one of my new favorite websites and FaceBook pages.  I love how "good" the "meatiness" is. You walk away feeling vindicated...that comfy feeling you get when you are with like-minded individuals.  From their About & FAQ page, this part details their mission beautifully:

"We're a mission-driven media company. We're not a newspaper — we'd rather speak truth than appear unbiased. And we're not a political campaign — we're more interested in the powerless versus the powerful than in Democrats versus Republicans. 

But we do have a point of view. We're pro-gay-marriage, and we're anti-child-poverty. We think the media is horrible to women, we think climate change is real, and we think the government has a lot to learn from the Internet about efficiency, disruption, and effectiveness."

My latest UpWorthy find is about the 365 Grateful project.  Here on New Year's Day, it seems like another good way to refocus your perspective.  Watch the video below to watch creator Hailey Bartholomew describe her vision for how to "shift her vision" through a photo a day paired with gratitude.  She succinctly discusses how gratitude changed her, her marriage, her clarity for life, and her ability to truly see the wealth that surrounds her (both in life and in nature).

[Click here or here if there becomes an issue with the playback for the video.]


365grateful.com from hailey bartholomew on Vimeo.

The wheels in my mind are turning after watching this--both personally and professionally.  Personally, I have seen the healing power in the past that gratitude can bring.  During a really difficult time in my history (roughly 15-20 years ago), I compiled a list of 100 things I was thankful for.  It took 2 months. Being visual, I think the photo element of this could capture a true historical snapshot!  Professionally, I am finding myself contemplating ways I could craft this idea into an iMovie, Smilebox, or iPad lesson activity.  The beauty of gratitude is that it works for any age.

Before I close, I think there's a question that needs to be asked--one that only you can answer for you:

What photo would you take today?  What are you grateful for du jour?

Quote & logo from http://www.upworthy.com/about
Video from http://365grateful.com/ as found at http://www.upworthy.com/you-take-zillions-of-photos-with-your-cellphone-why-not-try-something-new-with-them?c=ufb1
Gratitude image from http://www.brucesallan.com/2012/12/30/new-years-list-seven-attitudes-gratitude/

Embrace "The Beauty of Different" This New Year

Recently, over at UpWorthy, I ran across this 3 minute video from The Beauty of Different.  (There's also a book out there by Karen Walrond with the same name.)

The message is largely for women (and girls!), yet I think it's applicable to just anyone.  The true message:  be you! Be true to you.  Love your life, and love the gifts & talents you have.  That's where confidence comes from.  We've all seen that person with "that glow."  They're all over this video... that glow of sublime happiness.  Of being happy and healthy and in love with your life.

My daughter debated with me that this video isn't "about being green." Technically, she's right.  But, it is about being amazing...and being amazing is about being healthy and happy and delighted by your own "effervescent charm."  And if that isn't environmentally-friendly, I don't know what is!

As we are sitting on the cusp of watching one year end, and another year begin, it seems like the perfect time to go forth and be amazing!!  Happy New Year!



Video from:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOz0DHoMsq8
Photo from https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1544566_629192650473165_987668339_n.jpg

Merry Christmas from GTG

From my house to yours, may your 

Christmas be rich with memories

and overflowing with love!

Go for a Hacker Mindset

How old are you...and how old is Logan LaPlante??  (13, by the way)

Spot on!

I love that his top 8 include:
-exercise                    -diet & nutrition
-time in nature           -contribution & service
-relationships             -recreation
-relation & stress management
-religious & spiritual

What do YOU want to be when you grow up?

\\

Video from http://youtu.be/h11u3vtcpaY

12 Days of Christmas

Every year on some radio station or another, I usually hear the run down on the total cost in today's world of "The 12 Days of Christmas."  'Tis the season indeed for that.  This 2012 infographic does a nice job of visually showcasing how pricy that kind of love is in today's $$.  Also fun on the Degree Search blog post is how the price has changed over time.  Inflation certainly takes hold!!



Speaking of "The 12 Days of Christmas"...here's what I consider to be the best version e-va!  From Straight No Chaser (an a capalla group that does a great mashup of Christmas tunes here):


Infographic from http://degreesearch.org/blog/the-cost-of-true-love/
Video from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Fe11OlMiz8

Offsetting Random Acts of Violence with Purposeful Acts of Kindness

This weekend commemorates the one-year anniversary of the tragic shooting attack at Sandy Hook Elementary School. 26 lives were taken senselessly.  Newtown & the nation were horribly shaken, especially during the holiday season.  It's an anniversary that should never be.  I'm still as heartbroken for the families as I was last year.  The Huffington Post article on the anniversary was a particularly thoughtful reflection.

Additionally now, this weekend will become another anniversary of another wretched shooting, this time due to the double murder and suicide on Friday at Arapahoe High School in Centennial, Colorado.

As the country faces unbelievably sad moments such as these (especially during the holiday season), and politicians wrestle with gun laws, the senslessness of it all shines out.  People will be without their people at Christmastime due to the violence of others.  That's just plain wrong and makes you want to do something, yet leaves you feeling powerless as to what to do.

Last year, in the aftermath of Sandy Hook, a movement sprang up to take back power by attacking the fear and injustice--a movement based on spreading the joy and love of the season by "paying it forward."  #26Acts was begun, and it was through the sharing of human kindnesses that hearts began to heal.



Tonight as I was playing the "Santa Elf" role (wrapping presents for teachers, friends & family, & care packages for far-away friends), I was thinking a lot about all of this.  The unexpected surprises that will appear in mailboxes, on front porches, and on teacher desks that will be from me.  We all do this.  It's all a part of sharing the Christmas spirit.  It all helps to awaken the human spirit--theirs, but even more--mine.  

If you are looking for some ways to offset the random acts of violence with some random (or purposeful) acts of kindness, here is a list of some great resources.  May it help your heart grow 3 sizes larger, filled with holiday spirit, much like Dr. Seuss' Grinch's heart did!  May it help remind you of the true reason of the season.

❤ Random Acts of Kindness Advent Calendar--a clickable calendar with different ideas each day on how you can do something this season to make someone's day.  25 ways to grow your heart, each day of this month!

❤ Lesson Plans on Random Acts of Kindness--A whole Kindness Notebook, tabbed out by grade level, filled with activities to use in your classroom.  They were compiled by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation, and are all free--a great kindness, indeed!

❤ Kindness Videos--Again, the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation outdoes itself.  Many of the videos are not only information, but inspirational and thought provoking!  They also have some great monthly calendar & poster resources at their website which may inspire you to do a little something every day.


Images from:
--Sandy Hook Elementary Heart picture from http://northendwaterfront.com/2013/01/north-end-community-holds-candlelight-vigil-to-remember-newtown-shooting-victims-photos/
--Kindness red tag from http://www.randomactsofkindness.org/calendars-and-graphics
--Dr. Seuss Quote heart from http://www.spoolandspoonblog.com/2012_11_01_archive.html

It's Not Too Late for Hour of Code Week

It's GTG hat-turning time, switching from "eco" to "edtech."  Sometimes, they can be two sides of the same coin. This week, however (given it's Computer Science Education Week), it's heavy-handed on that edtech side. And kids nation wide are loving it!

Take the kids at Carrollwood Day School in Tampa, for example. Computer teacher Barbara Hawkins has been cross-age pairing students to work on many of the Hour of Code activities this week.  In her classroom, learning comes alive.  (This is right about where teaching comes alive for us teachers!!)

Thousands of teachers nation-wide are doing the same.

If you haven't taken advantage of Hour of Code/Computer Science Education Week--it's not too late.  Here are a number of resources that will assist you on this quest.

What is it?
The Hour of Code is a challenge to teachers/students to try computer science/programming for one hour.

Resources:

• Computer Science Education Week: Dec 9--15, 2013 

• On the CS Ed Week site, they have great Tutorials for Beginners

• “What Most Schools Don’t Teach” (aka Coding w/Coding Big Wigs like Mark Zuckerberg & Bill Gates 5:33 min film)

• “Code Stars--Short Film” (9:33 min film--some of the clips from the above video

• Common Sense Media’s “Hour of Code” Offers a Quick Easy Introduction to Computer Coding” --A multitude of resources here. 

• 8 Tips to Teach Coding & Programming 

• Edutopia’s 7 apps for Teaching Children Coding Skills 

• Hour of Code Week Websites, Apps, Tutorials, Videos, & More “Smore” Collection 

• Code.org:  Creators of the 2 above videos. Many of the same resources that are in http://csedweek.org/.  

• So many good resources.  So much coding that needs to happen.  Jump on it!! Code away....today!

Images from
1. http://www.carrollwooddayschool.org/page.cfm?p=323&newsid=510#.UqpWhwXvZME.facebook
2. Video from  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dU1xS07N-FA

Shop 'Til You Drop

I'm sitting here, a week-and-change after Black Friday and all the ads, incentives, free shipping, & more, looking at my Christmas list (making check marks as I shop -- as any good Santa would do), and I find it all fascinating.

Propaganda, errr, I mean advertising... to the N'th degree!  Sigh.

The day after Thanksgiving I ran across this on Pinterest:



There's something more than a tad disturbing with this philosophy!!
Or rather...this REALITY.

For me, one who isn't a fan of shopping on a "good day," Christmas and all that comes with it hits me oddly. I love the lights, the music, the sights, the sounds, the magic & mystique (especially from they eyes of the cherubs)... but the shopping (and yes, admittedly, the spending of money), hits me poorly.  The meaning that's projected is "If you love me, you will spend a boatload of money on me."

Anyone who has been following along the last 4 years knows that materialism doesn't exactly float my boat. I am a big fan of "The Story of Stuff."  I know the value of the dollar.  I have the salary of an independent school teacher, and while we do okay, we're not rolling in the dough.  We don't overtly overly-indulge our 2 children, and yet, they want for not.

We are a middle class family, and my kids have a crew who loves them.
Therefore, we have "stuff."

I feel we are a society over-consumed by consumerism. There's wayyy too much "stuff" out there.  In the world, in the stores, in my own house.  Christmas comes around (for both my kids and I), and I'm hit with the loud thought:  how much more "stuff" do we really need?  I think back to the BIG chit'lin "wants" from last year (from my own home), and I assess & query: "how much were they truly used the last 365 days?" I'm saddened by the probable answer.

Insert "Toys 'R' Us" ad here.  When I saw this advertisement, I knew it was "blog fodder."  As an environmentalist & anti-materialist, I'm more-than-slightly appalled!  Yes, Toys 'R' Us is a mecca (which has overwhelmed me since it first came about in my hometown during my teen years). Yet, this video screams consumerism over environmentalism to the N'th degree.  There are soooo many things wrong here.  Watch and see. (Then read the LiveWell's article "Misguided Toys 'R' Us Ad Makes Nature the Bad Guy.")



So my challenge to you (and yes, to me, as well):  Step away from this ad.  Step away from the Christmas consumerism.  Step toward the light of sanity, and do what you need to do this holiday season that will keep you on the straight and narrow this season!

Delight in the fun, festivities, the humor, the hugs, the lights, the sights, and the sounds, and all the people around.


Images from:
SomeEcard from http://www.whatevo.com/post/Black-Friday-BD868F37CD935E16
"Story of Stuff" pic from http://dariobusch.com/2011/01/the-story-of-stuff/
Shop Till you drop from http://www.myniceprofile.com/girls-45787.html
Meet the Forest pic from http://livewellcolorado.org/livewells-commitment/newsroom/livewell-blog/misguided-toys-r-us-ad-makes-nature-the-bad-guy

Video from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5SXybm6bss

"How Amazon Stole Christmas"

I found this infographic interesting this week as I've been Amazon-ing through my Christmas list.  What's even more entertaining is the Seuss-esque rhyme associated with the original article over at Direct Marketing News.  Send in the drones and the Prime free shipping!



Infographic from http://www.dmnews.com/infographic-how-amazon-stole-christmas/article/320050/

Still Talking About CNN's 2013 Heroes

Sunday night I curled up on the couch to watch the 2013 CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tributes .  The top 10 heroes were highlighted (and you can learn more about them and some of the other nominees here.)  Their stories were telling, heartwarming, and inspiring of hope.  TV you walk away feeling good from (which doesn't happen much any more, these days)!

I've stated before (after the news of the Hero of the Year came out, but before Sunday's show aired) how I was particularly proud of home state eco-man Chad Pregracke.  Well, that didn't stop at his acceptance speech.  He spoke more about it afterwards (and in this clip below) with Anderson Cooper.  Yep!  Illinois environmentalist done good--well done, Chad!



If you missed the tribute, you can watch it again this Saturday, December 7th at 9 pm ET/PT on CNN.

Pic from http://cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com/2013/11/19/chad-pregracke-of-east-moline-illinois-is-the-2013-cnn-hero-of-the-year/

Video from http://www.cnn.com/video/standard.html?/video/bestoftv/2013/11/29/cnnheroes-chad-pregracke-intv.cnn&video_referrer=

Thanksgiving Thoughts

The house this morning is a surprising sound of quiet in that the li'l people here have amazingly decided to sleep in.  Secondarily, their night owl mom is the first one awake to see the morning light.  A double rarity indeed!  Add in it's a beautifully sunny day after two drearily rainy days, it looks like it has the making of a lovely Thanksgiving Day (with the added bonus of reflective time to think about this day of thanks).

I ran across the following video and post from SustainableMan this morning. They both highlight our natural ability to take things for granted--the polar opposite of the themes for Thanksgiving: showing gratitude and being grateful.  (Being a bit of a wordsmith, I find it interesting how similar the words all are in spelling:  granted, gratitude, grateful.)

Initially, I started to steer clear of sharing SustainableMan's "Take Nothing For Granted" video because of the language in the montage. (Be warned, there is some both from the comedian voice-overs and the movie clips.)  Yet, it poignantly illustrates "us" today:  a society that takes things for granted, gets consumed with materialism, and misses the true meaning of what surrounds us.  It's a definite "makes you think...and rethink" kind of video.  Their post on the subject does the same!

Take Nothing for Granted from Sustainable Man on Vimeo.

Ahh, I hear it!  The pitterpat of li'l feet.  I think I need to go hug one of those "what's really importants" who just woke up!

May you have a joyous and heartfelt Thanksgiving this year, focusing on what really matters.

"Gratitude in the Everyday" image from:  http://stephanywrites.com/2013/11/gratitude-in-the-everyday-part-ii/
Video from: http://vimeo.com/35554292 
Live, Love, Laugh photo from http://leftbrainbuddha.com/practice-gratitude-happy-thanksgiving/

Talking Turkey Across the Turkey

Thanksgiving is merely a day away.  It's that autumnal time to be centered around an "attitude of gratitude." Family and friends come together for feasting and fellowship.

Yet sometimes, that fellowship brings about an interesting mix of folks, all of whom have a different set of values and views on life.  Sometimes that lends itself toward animated discussions and perhaps heated conversations since not everyone sees things through the same eyes.

If that's the table (& tablemates) that may be facing you tomorrow, here are two sites I ran across today that might help you when it comes to dinnertime conversation.  Especially if those conversation turn political or issue-centric.


The Sierra Club's Holiday Survival Guide 
This clickable site gives you some helpful hints as to what to say to Big Oil Uncle Tim, Eco-Skeptical Brother Jim, Fracking-friendly Grandma, Newby Green Sister Laura, Fellow Greeniac Nephew Chase, and Bah Humbug Gramps.  You can also get some yummy recipes along the way!

Can You Talk Turkey With Your Climate-Change-Denying Relatives This Thanksgiving?
Kate Sheppard's Huffington Post article comes complete with video.  The video is a presentation where Sheppard talks about how she (a decided liberal) has conversations with her farming/Republican family about climate change.  Truthfully, her concept would work well on any subject given she stresses the point of making points based on the values of your audience.

I'm pretty fortunate and for the most part, don't need either of the above.  My family and in-laws know of my eco-warrior ways, and they deal with it accordingly.  But, knowing not everyone is in my same boat, maybe these two sites can offer you some helpful insight!


Images:
Thankgiving tablemates pic from http://www.bostonglobe.com/ideas/2013/11/24/thanksgiving-how-eat-american-politics/dr3jHLnGnsS7Cj9i9X44jP/igraphic.html

Sierra Club Holiday Survival Guide:  screenshot of http://www.sierraclub.org/holiday-survival-guide/

Video from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/26/climate-change-deniers-thanksgiving_n_4325264.html

Thanksgiving Eco Stats

An interesting article came out a week and change ago in the Washington Post.  It detailed the environmental cost of Thanksgiving Dinner.  Back in the day with the Wampanogs & the Pilgrims, the carbon footprint at the first Thanksgiving was incredibly low...however these days, of course things are a tad different.

The Washington Post article computed food miles of some of the Tgiving staples, and then compared them with data from the Environmental Working Group in order to break down the amount of fossil fuels used to get things from field and farm to supermarket to your table.  Here's a graphic I created using the iPad app Skitch and the data from the Post article.  Needless to say, the carbon cost of your Thanksgiving feast adds up quickly--and that's not even looking at the caloric cost!

Moral of the story:  reminds you that no matter how yummy it is... everything comes at a cost!  Thinking "green" happens on every scene.

Original pic from http://www.bettycrocker.com/menus-holidays-parties/mhplibrary/holidays/bettys-guide-to-hosting-your-first-thanksgiving, doctored by me with the Skitch iPad app using the data from the Washington Post article (http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/the-environmental-costs-of-a-thanksgiving-meal-food-miles-and-other-damage/2013/11/11/0d861954-44ee-11e3-b6f8-3782ff6cb769_story.html).

 First Thanksgiving pic from http://www.annmcgovern.com/?qatags=the-pilgrims-first-thanksgiving

CNN Eco-Hero of the Year 2013

It's probably not a surprise to anyone, that I follow a whole lot of eco-peeps over on Facebook and Twitter.  EdTech stuff too.  Well, my eco-feeds today were overwhelmingly telling the same story.  The big story o'the day was all about CNN's Hero of the Year 2013.

For me, I had a double dose o'pride:  Chad Pregracke, this year's #1 Hero, is not only an environmentalist, but an Illinois guy.  Go ILLINI!  I'm proud of the heartland; I'm proud of the homeland!



The numbers in this less-than-2-minute CNN video are amazing alone.  Chad (& CNN) do a nice job of showing (in under 2 minutes) how much impact an inspired "party of one" can make.  This always emphasizes:  One person CAN make a difference.  Working with his nonprofit Living Lands & Waters, Chad has dedicated himself to river cleanups country-wide.   Over the past 15 years, Chad has made a pretty impressive resume for himself:  he has collected 7 MILLION pounds of trash.  That's dedication. That's definitely a "R.O.L.E. Model."  My favorite quote:

"The garbage got into the water one piece at a time...And that's the only way it's going to come out." ~ Chad Pregracke

Sad but true--the finds show that 90% of what is found is recyclable.  Makes you wonder:  what are we doing here?  And why aren't we doing more?  And why aren't we recycling it?

Thank you Chad Pregracke for doing more!

To meet all of this year's hero's, check out this page over at CNN.

In the aftermath of all this info, make December 1st a DVR kind-of-night.  Set the remote, or camp out in front of the telly.  Check out the heroes for some must-see-TV of the best kind.  The type of reality TV that really matters!  Check out "CNN Heroes:  An All-Star Tribute" on Sunday, December at 8pm, EST.

But wait! There's more!

What are you doing Spring Break?!

If you don't have an exotic beach-side adventure in store--you could. Beach-side the Mississippi River, in the Memphis, Tennessee area. Living Lands & Waters is offering up an Alternative Spring Break. Eco-tourism, at it's finest! Check out this video for more insight and information on this project, Spring 2014.

For more on Chad Pregracke, watch this:




Pic from: http://mikerowe.com/2013/10/vote-for-chad/

Videos from:

#1: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/19/world/hero-of-the-year/index.html?c=homepage-t

#2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFXSnigIMzk&feature=player_embedded#!

#3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsfFw1hnJ_8

"Save The Magothy River" ~ An Oyster Documentary

“Taking pictures is savoring life intensely, every hundredth of a second.” ~Marc Riboud

“Of all of our inventions for mass communication, pictures still speak the most universally understood language.” ~Walt Disney Company

 I think the same thing can be said with the taking, and sharing, of videos.  Especially when multiple video clips are put together to tell a story.  Especially when that story is a rescue mission to save the Chesapeake Bay.

The latest story that has been told and that needs to be shared is Charles Germain's video documentary entitled "Save the Magothy River."  With interviews and assistance from The Magothy River Association, Department of Natural Resources & the Maryland Grow Oysters Program, Eagle Cove School, Horn Point Laboratories, and Chesapeake Clear Video, Charles Germain has created an amazing and informative ten minute documentary on the sights and sounds of the Chesapeake Bay...and how instrumental oysters are in filtering the bay.

Watch "Save the Magothy River" here, or check it out at this link.  Charles Germain uses his pictures and videos to beautifully remind us how powerful a few individuals can be, especially when that force grows and a community "takes action."


Save The Magothy River from Charles Germain on Vimeo.


Video by Charles Germain: https://vimeo.com/79028979#
Pictures are screen shots from Charles Germain's video: https://vimeo.com/79028979#
Quotes from http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/pictures

EdCamp B'More 2013

Emergency lights on my car dashboard didn't keep me away. (Luckily it was just tire pressure issues, which is easily remedied at a nearby gas station.)

Construction and the inability to find the building initially didn't keep me away. (Luckily, I could park, walk, and find good on-foot navigators on campus.)

Keep me away from what, you ask?

Why, EdCamp Baltimore!

I've proven to be a bit of an EdCamp addict here in the past.  It is an amazing kind of professional development that grows right around the participants who then turn leaders and fellow collaborators. 

It's been said if you walk away from a traditional workshop with one good idea to implement the next day, you are ahead of the game. EdCamps typically come with a higher rate of success and a greater degree of next-day implementation. And at a better fee:  free!

I squeaked into camp after my car and traffic troubles just in time for the first session--an intro to Twitter. Even being in the Twittersphere for a couple years now, growing and learning from my PLN (that's a "Personal Learning Network" for those who don't know the acronym), I still walked away with some new tidbits. I don't care what your field of expertise is--Twitter is an amazing place to connect from other like-minded individuals in your field.

My other 3 sessions also came with insights galore--from Google, to social media to boost your school's image, to experiential/inquiry based learning.  After yesterday, I can't wait to really spend some time investigating--here's just a few of the new finds:

--Google Apps for Education & the wonderful world of Chrome (wow--an area of wealth that this kid didn't know about, but a lot of other EdCampers sure did!)

--Newsela.com:  A website of news articles where you can adjust the readability online based on lexile levels. What a great way to differentiate--and follow up with a quiz for comprehension!!

--My last session was a combo deal session including the ideas of Makerspace, PBL, STEM [Science, Technology, Enginieering, and Math], STEAM [STEM with arts integration], experiential learning, and outdoor education.  This served as a great way to make a lot of connections between many sides of the similar active-oriented learning activities.  The Google Doc for that was chock-filled with resources!  (See session 4 for that link here.)

Truly, this is just a mere snippet and the tip of my #EdCampBmore experience. 

To learn more and experience a bit of the back-end of Edcamp Baltimore, be sure to check out the Schedule.  It is complete with links to Google Docs of notes per session.  Definitely worth the click-through!

Another great reference is the Smackdown link...where participants share a quick mention of a website or teaching tool of inspiration.

But perhaps the most important website to visit is the wiki of links to future EdCamps.  Odds are, there's one not far from you, coming up soon!  It's a great and inspirational way to spend a Saturday!

Pictures from:  Logo = http://www.edcampbmore.org/; EdCamp word cloud = http://edcampcolumbus.wordpress.com/ ; EdCamp/Traditional Conference comparison chart = https://edcamp.wikispaces.com/JEdcamp+SFBay

Singing A Sad Song O'Plastic

Plastic Pollution Coalition has had a long-time anti-plastic mission. They recently made news with their Virgin America's flights, which I wrote about last week.

Here's another gem, this time in music video format, to help raise the awareness of how wasteful single-use plastics are.  It reminds me of this time of the year & Halloween season...in particular, it makes me think of "witches drawers,"  What's that, you ask?  It's that wayward plastic bag, which got trapped in a tree, after floating in the wind.  I wrote a post on wafting plastic bags I wrote back this time of year in 2010.

Check out here, "The Ballad of the Plastic Bag."  May the song stay with you, and help you make different decision when you see any plastic floating around in the wind.


For more on the perils of plastic, check out the GTG archives here.


Picture from http://blogs.denverpost.com/thespot/files/2011/12/plastic-bag-caught-in-tree-branches-275x183.jpg

Video from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQdpccDNB_A

Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions

Plastic Pollution Coalition is at it again.  Their mission:  to rid the world of single-use plastics.  They recently made news with their affiliation with Virgin America Airlines. After discussions, the two have teamed up to stand strong for sustainability.  Along with some revamped environmental practices (like terminal hydration stations and the elimination of plastics on board), the following video entitled "Plastic Pollution Travel Solutions" was produced for Virgin America's on-flight entertainment.  

To learn more of Virgin America's commitment on sustainability, check out:

• Virgin America's 9/30/2013 blog post:  Keeping the Coast Clear... of Plastic

• Virgin America's Sustainability Statement

• Virgin America's Transparency Statement & their commentary on being the first airline to openly address their carbon footprint.

• Virgin America's Waste Reduction & Recycling Initiatives

• Or watch their Big Red Box Video on Sustainability here (below):

Images & Videos from:
Plastic Pollution Coalition logo from https://www.facebook.com/PlasticPollution/timeline?filter=2
Virgin America pic from http://www.forbes.com/sites/toddwoody/2011/06/15/virgin-america-signs-1-4-billion-deal-for-a-greener-jet-engine/
Plastic Pollution Travel Solutions video from http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2rp124tXLfs
Virgin America's Big Red Box video from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oLqyGvlARD0&feature=youtu.be

A Halloween in Retrospect

It's big business here on Halloween (at the runner-up position of "Most Profitable Holiday"). Call it Christmas in October for retailers.  Clearly evident when I walked into the Costume Shop earlier this month. Luckily it was next door to the Goodwill, which was way more profitable for me when it came to finding bargains.

So here on November 1st, it's intersting to see the
#'s in these 4 infographics ($,#, and more!!)

First Infographic from http://newhope360.com/managing-your-business/infographic-halloween-2nd-most-profitable-holiday-retailers 

2nd Infographics from http://www.inquisitr.com/155406/halloween-by-the-numbers-infographics/

#3 http://infographiclist.com/2012/03/12/sweet-sweet-halloween-infographic/

#4 http://www.ecouterre.com/infographic-how-much-textile-waste-does-halloween-create-each-year/halloween-textile-waste-1/