From "Robert P. Watson, Ph.D. Coordinator of American Studies, Lynn University: "I am always being asked to grade Obama's presidency. In place of offering him a grade, I put together a list of his accomplishments thus far. I think you would agree that it is very impressive. His first six months have been even more active than FDRs or LBJs the two standards for such assessments. Yet, there is little media attention given to much of what he has done. Of late, the media is focusing almost exclusively on Obama's critics, without holding them responsible for the uncivil, unconstructive tone of their disagreements or without holding the previous administration responsible for getting us in such a deep hole. The misinformation and venom that now passes for political reporting and civic … [Read more...]
An Evening at WPFW with DJ 2 Tone Jones
Out of a huge curiosity for what happens at a radio station, I hung out with DJ 2 Tone Jones at WPFW (89.3 FM - Jazz & Justice Radio), a Pacifica Radio Station in Washington, DC. DJ 2 Tone Jones has a Hip-Hop Show every Monday night from 10-11pm and he also DJs all over town. He is one of the DJs for Words, Beats, & Life and teaches Sound Production at an area high school. My excitement regarding the visit prompted me to take pics and clips of the evening (my favorite is the main image for this post). Below are two clips that were not shot with any particular goal in mind but to capture the moment. The first features DJ 2 Tone Jones discussing the typical format of his show and the 2nd is a sneak peek at what it might look and sound like as a radio personality (in this … [Read more...]
Snowpocalypse2 2010 – MD, USA
2/6/2010 @ 2pm It seems my car will be totally buried by some time tonight. Should I attempt to shovel it out or just leave it? 2/6/2010 - Morning & Afternoon Update: I guess I'll really be in the house for the next few days! :) 2/5/2010 - I just had to share this.... It's the view outside my front window, taken about 5 min ago. My car is the one in the front (a green honda accord). Wow! [/caption] Click image for a larger view. … [Read more...]
Michelle Obama: Leading the Nation in the movement against childhood obesity
Today, once again, I witnessed the magic of Michelle Obama! I attended the 2010 Winter Meeting of the US Conference of Mayors, where Crystal works as an Asst. Executive Director and is a mayoral lobbyist for issues relating to children. Since Crystal works for USCM, I get to see and meet many people. I met Sec. of Education Arnold Duncan a few months back at a special mayors meeting on education (just as 'Race to the Top' funding was released). But being in the same room with Michelle Obama reminded me of her magic and how awesome and beautiful she is. It was familiar and I remembered I had done it before... This is how it all started: This time Michelle Obama spoke of leading the movement on the fight against childhood obesity. Of course I was moved, but she said something that … [Read more...]
Words for Haiti
I have been incredibly moved by the news, images, and need for help of the people in Haiti in the aftermath of the recent earthquake. The amount of thoughts, prayers, and support has been astonishing. I believe mobile donations (donating by texting a certain number) hit record highs in the past few days. I gave via Wyclef's nonprofit organization, Yele (meaning 'a cry for freedom'). I am also planning a trip (via my nonprofit organization - Uplift, Inc.) to Haiti for either spring break or some time this coming summer. If I've learned anything from the aftermath of hurricane Katrina, there will be lots to do for months (maybe even years) to come. I'm hoping to work with Yele to make this trip most effective. … [Read more...]
President Obama Initiates Campaign to Focus on STEM
Last week I watched President Obama as he announced new initiatives and partnerships to focus on STEM education nationally. I was quite excited as this is my life's work! I am interested to see the country's response and I hope major companies don't simply view this as a method of cashing in, but instead really attempt to work towards better STEM education. My Recent STEM Experience From my own experience, it can be quite difficult to explore and dig deeper regarding technology development in this country, specifically when dealing with hardware (individual parts and pieces). I've had to order parts from China instead of simply having a store 'down the street' at which to shop for my needs. STEM and Improving Our Economy This is quite an interesting downfall as this country … [Read more...]
Why Wasn't This Corrected?
So, in a world when everyone is talking about closing the achievement gap and the importance of literacy - a teacher allowed this "message of thanks" to go uncorrected. Huh? Click image to enlarge and read... … [Read more...]
Robotics in DC
I recently started teaching a Robotics course at a charter school in DC. The course will progress through the school year as 2 classes of 5th & 6th grade students work toward designing and constructing robots. I've created a bunch of avenues for the public to stay abreast of our progress, all centrally linked from our class website http://roboticsindc.wordpress.com. I enjoy teaching them a great deal! It's like food for the soul. I haven't been in a classroom with Black 5th & 6th graders since the late 90s. They are truly a joy to work with! Check us out from time to time. … [Read more...]
Be The Game!
I'm proud to share that a NSF (ITEST) supported project I've been affiliated with, called BE THE GAME, was featured by Edutopia and The George Lucas Foundation. I served as a education consultant for the grant. … [Read more...]
The Magic of Michelle Obama
This picture was taken by me just inches away from her! I 'met' Michelle Obama yesterday! I shook her hand (for a good 2 min) and felt the magic of her presence. She is an amazing woman and embodies all of what this country needs in a first lady. The crowd adored her and listened to her every word at Greater DC Cares' 20th Annual Philanthropy Summit. It was amazing. Here's a short clip. I feel like I will meet her again.... To be continued.... … [Read more...]
entrepreneur. educator. researcher.
