The ocean is a miraculous and beautiful world all it's own, but deep below the surface is a world sometimes made up of man-eating creatures, poisonous endeavors and deadly beauty. Sharks have been the subject for everything from Hollywood movies to cable documentaries, and now is the subject of every headline across America.
In an interview on ABC News, the U.S. Coast Guard said it sent a rescue helicopter to pick up the man on Sunday after receiving a "mayday" call from the Florida based charter dive boat "Shear Water" who runs an adventure dive service, saying that a man had suffered a shark bite wound. The man who was attacked is identified as Markus Groh, 49, a lawyer from Vienna. The Coast Guard that arrived on the scene also gave a statement that the victim was flown from the scene, about 5 miles north of Great Isaac Cay in the Bahamas, to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, where he was pronounced dead, the Coast Guard said.
According to several reports, the man was on a diving trip aboard the Shear Water, owned by Jim Abernethy's Scuba Adventures. This Company schedules dive trips in which the crew and patrons put food or "chum" into the water to attract sharks of all species, such as hammerheads, tiger sharks, blue's and even great white's whom are nortorious to have been found in the waters of Florida. Once the sharks arrive, the divers have the opportunity to "swim with the sharks" or get dangerously close to these man-eaters.
People need to remember that sharks are dangerous creatures of our ocean's, and should be treated as so. So many times man goes in and "plays" with these creatures and never makes it back out, as in the case of this story. It is unfortunate that it takes the media to remind us that something is dangerous, but where does the liability fall in these types of cases? With the owner of the boat? The diver? Or nature?
The Charter service was contacted about this fatality, and declined to speak with reporters, I too, contacted them and was also declined an interview at this time. Sharks are not toys, there are no resources for compensation when something fails or goes wrong, we need to respect nature, respect the species that we already know can be hazordous to our health and most importantly , use common sense when entering into a potentially dangerous situation.
Ever since I was a teenager, I was involved in Marine life. When I was 13 years old I volunteered at Cabrillo Marine Museum in San Pedro along side of the legendary John Olguin. I later moved on to working at Marineland in Rancho Palos verdes. I learned so much about marine life and most definately sharks. I loved to frequent the beaches and ocean for swimming, surfing and boogie boarding. With the ocean comes sharks and I learned to be aware of my surroundings.
The origin of the word "shark" and its meaning? The word "shark" actually comes from the German word "schurke" which means "villain". The smallest shark in the world is the "dwarf lanternshark" which measurements can vary between 6 and 7.5 inches (16 and 19 cm) in length depending on its gender. How about one of those in your fish tank? That would be great if they were not illegal.
The largest shark circling around in our oceans is the whale shark which has an average length between 40 and 45 feet but can reach as long as 65 feet long or more. Worried about how many sharks we have waiting to add you to their menu? There are between 300 and 500 shark species. The species most likely to "tuck their napkin in" and "sharpen their knife and fork", for you is the Great White shark, the Bull Shark and the Tiger Shark.
People have wondered what the swimming speed of sharks is, well unless your surfboard or fins our equipped with a motor, you still could be out run by a shark, even with the slow speed of 5 to 6 mph although some species like the Shortfin Mako shark can swim at a speed as high as 20 mph. The average longevity of a shark living in the wild is 25 years.
What species of shark is known to dive at the deepest level? Great question! The Portuguese shark, one we rarely hear about, is the one specie that has been known to dive at depths reaching 9,000 feet or 1.5 mile. A shark's percentage of its body weight by consumed food is about 2% which compared to humans is actually a smaller portion of food.
The reality is simple, sharks are more confused when the attck us, they are curious creatures trying to figure out what we are. Surfers wear wet suits that when combined with a surfboard resemble a nice plump seal, from below. Sharks use their keen sensory to identify prey, and sometimes "nudge" the wrong prey. Humans are not prey they are an "intruder" to the shark's neighborhood.
We often call shark's man-eaters but what they really are, is dumb. They are the most beautiful, graceful and mystifying creature there is in our ocean, but their brain must be questioned. They will chomp down on a piece of hard plastic if it comes too close to them. If you are lucky, a simple "punch in the nose" can deter a shark looking to put you on the menu.
There are a few detrimental tips to ward of the monster below, and if you spend any time in the water, may be a good idea to follow. Here is myth #1: Sharks are only in deep waters. Wrong! Sharks can creep up on you in as little as 3 feet of water, especially if blood is a factor. Myth #2: Sharks will let go after an attack after they realize you are not food. Wrong again! Sharks will indeed go away once they realize what they are biting is not their usual diet, however blood is a delicitesson among sharks. Myth #3: Sharks will never swim where there are dolphins. Oh I love this one, most definately wrong! I personally swam, or rather surfed where dolphins swam around me, and let me tell you I am not sure which was more frightening...the dolphins or the fact that I found out later on the local news that there was a shark sighting in the exact spot I was surfing in.
Dolphins may be good at acting like "guardian angels" for swimmers and surfers alike, but they will not prevent a serious shark attack. the obvious: If you see sharks feeding or doing anything else, for that matter just immediately get out of the water! When swimming, surfing or diving, the experts suggest some precautions. Stay in groups and stay close to shore because sharks are more likely to attack "lone" individuals, and if you're far from people you're also far from help. Don't swim between dusk and dawn, when sharks are more likely to be feeding or dining, they will mistake you for fish. Avoid wearing shiny jewelry, which can resemble shiny fish scales and in many cases, you should refrain from swimming or surfing if you are menstrating or have open wounds or cuts. keep in mind sharks like areas around sandbars and steep drop-offs because that is where many schools of fish hang out.
Stay aware of where you are. Remember that they live in the ocean not us and most importantly, educate yourself before going into their world.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Thursday, February 21, 2008
INDIE MUSIC...A WHOLE NEW WORLD..OR IS IT?
"A Whole New World" or is it? The Independent Music Scene has been around forever, just about. Even the "National Act" Musicians started out as Independent Artist's. So why are we so amazed that it is gradually taking over?
I own a Music & Entertainment Company and have dealt with many musicians, bands, venues and promoters in my line of work, so I have heard the pro's and the con's of the Industry as well as lived it.
I can remember a time, way back in the day, when concerts were obtainable, costing a mere $27 to maybe $56 for high end seats. These days the concerts cost anywhere from $75 (being nose bleed seats) to $225 a ticket, if you are lucky that is.
There is so much talent out there that has yet been discovered, they are just as good if not better than the bands we are used to seeing. How do you think Van Halen was discovered, not by someone going to a Stones concert, but by someone giving them a chance to be heard...on the airwaves and then on stage.
We pass by flyer's on street corners all the time, we delete e-mails or bulletins from myspace or advertisements of bands inviting us to hear them perform. We have passed by a bar that had a local band playing but didn't stop because we had never heard of them before.
Motley Crue (The 80's Heavy Metal Glam Band) was discovered in a small Hollywood nightclub by chance, from someone who was having a drink at the bar. Now look at them!
There are so many websites that are out there promoting Indie music and unheard bands that all it would take is a couple of clicks to find the next big hit.
Check out a few great Indie websites that do exactly that...Promote unsigned Artists.
* www.souledoutmusic.net
* www.cdbaby.com
* www.indiebandsites.com
* www.musicforte.com
* www.myspace.com
* www.sanpedrobands.com
Help keep America's music scene alive, support local Indie Music! Watching American Idol is nice, dancing with the stars is cool and VH1's Celebrity Rehab is entertaining but it is not a great way to score a few great tunes to add to your collection. Besides, don't you want to be able to say, "I knew those guys before they were big!"? Yes you do. Surf the net for some incredibly talented musicians and a few rockin' bands or stop by the mentioned websites to see what is cooking in the music industry.
I own a Music & Entertainment Company and have dealt with many musicians, bands, venues and promoters in my line of work, so I have heard the pro's and the con's of the Industry as well as lived it.
I can remember a time, way back in the day, when concerts were obtainable, costing a mere $27 to maybe $56 for high end seats. These days the concerts cost anywhere from $75 (being nose bleed seats) to $225 a ticket, if you are lucky that is.
There is so much talent out there that has yet been discovered, they are just as good if not better than the bands we are used to seeing. How do you think Van Halen was discovered, not by someone going to a Stones concert, but by someone giving them a chance to be heard...on the airwaves and then on stage.
We pass by flyer's on street corners all the time, we delete e-mails or bulletins from myspace or advertisements of bands inviting us to hear them perform. We have passed by a bar that had a local band playing but didn't stop because we had never heard of them before.
Motley Crue (The 80's Heavy Metal Glam Band) was discovered in a small Hollywood nightclub by chance, from someone who was having a drink at the bar. Now look at them!
There are so many websites that are out there promoting Indie music and unheard bands that all it would take is a couple of clicks to find the next big hit.
Check out a few great Indie websites that do exactly that...Promote unsigned Artists.
* www.souledoutmusic.net
* www.cdbaby.com
* www.indiebandsites.com
* www.musicforte.com
* www.myspace.com
* www.sanpedrobands.com
Help keep America's music scene alive, support local Indie Music! Watching American Idol is nice, dancing with the stars is cool and VH1's Celebrity Rehab is entertaining but it is not a great way to score a few great tunes to add to your collection. Besides, don't you want to be able to say, "I knew those guys before they were big!"? Yes you do. Surf the net for some incredibly talented musicians and a few rockin' bands or stop by the mentioned websites to see what is cooking in the music industry.
Diamonds...A Girl's BEST FRIEND!
Champagne and Diamonds are most likely two words a girl cannot hear enough of and when put together in a jewelry sense, wonderful thoughts happen! Diamonds are a girl's best friend, so I am told. "Champagne" diamonds are an even better friend if you ask me.
A genuine diamond is carbon in the most concentrated form. Except for some diamonds that are high in impurities like boron and nitrogen, a diamond is composed solely of carbon, the chemical element that is fundamental to all life.
A pure, perfect diamond is colorless, or near colorless, but when nitrogen is added a yellow color appears. Add boron instead and a blue diamond will be the result. Colors can range from red to violet, which are extremely rare however but pinks, champagne's and black diamonds are also possible.
Every single color of the rainbow corresponds to a particular energy in the atmosphere and it's surroundings. When the energy of light entering a diamond equals the amount needed to jump start an electron, colors start to appear.
A perfect or colorless diamond exists because visible light lacks sufficient energy to boost any of its electrons, therefore no light is absorbed. However, impurities like nitrogen, boron or hydrogen, as well as structural flaws, can create electron states which can be effected by the energy in visible light. Take a yellow diamond for example, the higher energies of violet and blue light are subtracted from white light making the diamond appear that yellow color.
A champagne diamond can be a very light beige color to a deep golden color, even a dark brown, ultimately called "cognac diamond" or "chocolate diamond" which has become very popular on the market these days.
Abnormal stress while the diamond is being formed will cause a stone to appear as a champagne diamond. If the crystalline structure is subjected to unusual compression as the gems are forming, an almost opaque yellow hue the same as fine champagne can form. This is the same process that can also form red or pink diamonds.
Some champagne diamonds have a secondary tint of pink, and the combination of both shades is the most valuable of all. This shade of champagne is usually found in smaller stones or a size commonly referred to as "points" but viewed under a diamond loupe will display it's fiery pinks, gold's and beige's.
Like all diamond colors, champagne is not a single hue or tint. It is more of a brown and yellow combined with beautiful clarity. I chose a champagne diamond for my wedding ring, and made a few discoveries along the way. My ring was yellow gold, with a bezel style setting, which ultimately drowned out the beautiful fire in my champagne diamond. So I suggest setting a champagne diamond into a platinum or white gold setting, which I later did. Also a higher mount will allow the natural light to create a stunning brilliance of your stone.
This was your lesson I will call DIAMONDS 101
A genuine diamond is carbon in the most concentrated form. Except for some diamonds that are high in impurities like boron and nitrogen, a diamond is composed solely of carbon, the chemical element that is fundamental to all life.
A pure, perfect diamond is colorless, or near colorless, but when nitrogen is added a yellow color appears. Add boron instead and a blue diamond will be the result. Colors can range from red to violet, which are extremely rare however but pinks, champagne's and black diamonds are also possible.
Every single color of the rainbow corresponds to a particular energy in the atmosphere and it's surroundings. When the energy of light entering a diamond equals the amount needed to jump start an electron, colors start to appear.
A perfect or colorless diamond exists because visible light lacks sufficient energy to boost any of its electrons, therefore no light is absorbed. However, impurities like nitrogen, boron or hydrogen, as well as structural flaws, can create electron states which can be effected by the energy in visible light. Take a yellow diamond for example, the higher energies of violet and blue light are subtracted from white light making the diamond appear that yellow color.
A champagne diamond can be a very light beige color to a deep golden color, even a dark brown, ultimately called "cognac diamond" or "chocolate diamond" which has become very popular on the market these days.
Abnormal stress while the diamond is being formed will cause a stone to appear as a champagne diamond. If the crystalline structure is subjected to unusual compression as the gems are forming, an almost opaque yellow hue the same as fine champagne can form. This is the same process that can also form red or pink diamonds.
Some champagne diamonds have a secondary tint of pink, and the combination of both shades is the most valuable of all. This shade of champagne is usually found in smaller stones or a size commonly referred to as "points" but viewed under a diamond loupe will display it's fiery pinks, gold's and beige's.
Like all diamond colors, champagne is not a single hue or tint. It is more of a brown and yellow combined with beautiful clarity. I chose a champagne diamond for my wedding ring, and made a few discoveries along the way. My ring was yellow gold, with a bezel style setting, which ultimately drowned out the beautiful fire in my champagne diamond. So I suggest setting a champagne diamond into a platinum or white gold setting, which I later did. Also a higher mount will allow the natural light to create a stunning brilliance of your stone.
This was your lesson I will call DIAMONDS 101
Lindsay Lohan...Naked In New York, well the magazine anyway
Lindsay Lohan, In the media again? Say it isn't so! Lindsay Lohan, the 21 year old actress/singer is known for all her public rants, stunts and especially her love for the camera, so it is no surprise to me that she has decided to bare it all in front of the camera lens of famous photographer Bert Stern who first photographed Marilyn Monroe in 1962 . Lindsay has been all over the Internet talking about her love of Marilyn Monroe, her sadness over Keith Ledger's death and her own life as a celebrity and tragic life as a child growing up in the Industry.
Lindsay Lohan reportedly posed nude for New York Magazine in a shoot that was to recreate the legendary Marilyn Monroe's last photo shoot, nude. The photographer Bert Stern who originally did the legendary shoot with blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroe felt that the actress Lindsay Lohan had similar qualities as Marilyn and offered the shoot to her. She posed in various positions with various props, which if you ask me do not do her justice at all.
Marilyn Monroe cannot be compared to a "failing child star" such as Lindsay Lohan. The similarities the two share such as repeated drug abuse and alcoholism may link them together as so called "sister's from another" , but they are definitely two different breeds of celebrity. Marilyn Monroe is a pure legend, every man, woman and child fell in love with the beautiful and captivating singer/actress. Lindsay Lohan on the other hand has confused and entertained us with numerous erratic behavior schemes and off the wall publicity stunts that ultimately just display her sad life as a drug addicted child star, like so many before her.
People.com recently did an interview with the star Lindsay and when they asked her about the similarities of her and that of Marilyn Monroe, and Marilyn's untimely death, she basically replied, "I don't know. I'm not them. But I sure as hell wouldn't let it happen to me." according to the magazine PEOPLE. I am going to go out on a limb here and say that she wants the media, fans and even family to believe the same kind of fate could happen to her. A cry for attention is what most child stars know how to do well. Getting it is another story.
To date the well known Lindsay Lohan has been spiraling down the road of "lost fame" and is headed more towards a Brittany Spears recreation than that of Marilyn Monroe. Her hair color changes just about as often as her irrational behavior and new career endeavors, so believe me when I say she is literally "reaching for the stars".
America's "In Touch" Magazine reports that Lohan shot the "eye catching" photos on a beach in Malibu, California sometime last week and was inspired to pose nude after seeing Paris Hilton pose topless for a Vanity Fair Magazine cover. This according to a source from IMDb.com
In some of the photo's Lindsay copies her idol Marilyn Monroe's famous pose, but doesn't appear to have done 250 stomach crunches as stated in an interview with PEOPLE MAGAZINE.What seemed interesting but sad in this whole adventure with Lindsay lohan is that she seemed to speak of celebrities that have either ended their lives or died an untimely death. This should be concerning for her family or friends, and if anything is a cry for help it would be a suicide wish. She is so young and beautiful but is seriously coming close to perhaps not a physical death but rather a career death, such as the one Brittany Spears seems to be hosting.
Lindsay Lohan reportedly posed nude for New York Magazine in a shoot that was to recreate the legendary Marilyn Monroe's last photo shoot, nude. The photographer Bert Stern who originally did the legendary shoot with blonde bombshell Marilyn Monroe felt that the actress Lindsay Lohan had similar qualities as Marilyn and offered the shoot to her. She posed in various positions with various props, which if you ask me do not do her justice at all.
Marilyn Monroe cannot be compared to a "failing child star" such as Lindsay Lohan. The similarities the two share such as repeated drug abuse and alcoholism may link them together as so called "sister's from another" , but they are definitely two different breeds of celebrity. Marilyn Monroe is a pure legend, every man, woman and child fell in love with the beautiful and captivating singer/actress. Lindsay Lohan on the other hand has confused and entertained us with numerous erratic behavior schemes and off the wall publicity stunts that ultimately just display her sad life as a drug addicted child star, like so many before her.
People.com recently did an interview with the star Lindsay and when they asked her about the similarities of her and that of Marilyn Monroe, and Marilyn's untimely death, she basically replied, "I don't know. I'm not them. But I sure as hell wouldn't let it happen to me." according to the magazine PEOPLE. I am going to go out on a limb here and say that she wants the media, fans and even family to believe the same kind of fate could happen to her. A cry for attention is what most child stars know how to do well. Getting it is another story.
To date the well known Lindsay Lohan has been spiraling down the road of "lost fame" and is headed more towards a Brittany Spears recreation than that of Marilyn Monroe. Her hair color changes just about as often as her irrational behavior and new career endeavors, so believe me when I say she is literally "reaching for the stars".
America's "In Touch" Magazine reports that Lohan shot the "eye catching" photos on a beach in Malibu, California sometime last week and was inspired to pose nude after seeing Paris Hilton pose topless for a Vanity Fair Magazine cover. This according to a source from IMDb.com
In some of the photo's Lindsay copies her idol Marilyn Monroe's famous pose, but doesn't appear to have done 250 stomach crunches as stated in an interview with PEOPLE MAGAZINE.What seemed interesting but sad in this whole adventure with Lindsay lohan is that she seemed to speak of celebrities that have either ended their lives or died an untimely death. This should be concerning for her family or friends, and if anything is a cry for help it would be a suicide wish. She is so young and beautiful but is seriously coming close to perhaps not a physical death but rather a career death, such as the one Brittany Spears seems to be hosting.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
GENE SIMMONS SEX TAPE
Gene Simmons, the 58 year old front man for the rock band KISS is known for his "fascination" for women, his extraordinary tongue, oh I mean makeup and his very dignified and calm demeanor. So what is this we hear? He has a sex tape out? And not only does he have a sex tape out, it happens to be with spokes-model "Elsa" from Frank's Energy Drink, and guess what? Gene Simmons just so happens to be endorsing that drink, apparently more ways than one.
Let's face it, Gene Simmons may have been a "Rock God" back in the day, but lately he has been busy trying to keep that title by doing everything from Reality TV shows such as Celebrity Apprentice, Gene Simmons Family Jewels and Rock School to now pimping out an Energy Drink that supposedly enhances stamina. Something sounds "fishy" and it isn't Elsa!
One should wonder if such tapes are made for publicity purposes or just plain stupidity, maybe we will never know. I can tell you just about every Celebrity has made one though, but why is it always the "Rock Stars"? or Reality Show Diva's? I have yet to see a tape floating around that features Nicole Kidman or Jay Leno. It does leave a taste of "Pure Publicity" in my mouth though.
Now not that Gene Simmons is any kind of Rocket Scientist or anything of that nature, he is still a very smart and brilliant business man. His long time girlfriend Shannon Tweed is no turnip either, so this makes me wonder just how much of it was planned and possibly choreographed by none other than Shannon herself? There have been no reports of such producing, but you must consider the obvious, it is out on the net for all to see, the energy drink "Frank's" is mentioned and shown all through the video, several times, so you know his people, their people and even Shannon's people are all over it right about now.
According to GenesSecret.com, they have the video that Gene doesn't want you to see, and they have not been shut down yet? Gene what happened? You are not on the ball here, did that energy drink fizz out on you? So I don't have my doubt that there is an entertaining film around that features the amazing "Rock God" showing off his trademark body part with another woman, but I wonder just how much everyone was paid, including Shannon.
The internet is buzzing with different opinions, video leaks, facts and photos. I found plenty of information on randon blogs and websites, but found my factual statements on Celebrity Mound and AVN
Looks like Gene Simmons was a Deer caught in the "headlights"!
If you would like to read my article published at Associated Content, please visit
www.associatedcontent.com/article/613063/rumored_gene_simmons_sex_tape_surfaces.html
If you are interested, you can feel free to "subscribe" to my blogs and articles. You should be seeing more reviews and how to's soon!
Let's face it, Gene Simmons may have been a "Rock God" back in the day, but lately he has been busy trying to keep that title by doing everything from Reality TV shows such as Celebrity Apprentice, Gene Simmons Family Jewels and Rock School to now pimping out an Energy Drink that supposedly enhances stamina. Something sounds "fishy" and it isn't Elsa!
One should wonder if such tapes are made for publicity purposes or just plain stupidity, maybe we will never know. I can tell you just about every Celebrity has made one though, but why is it always the "Rock Stars"? or Reality Show Diva's? I have yet to see a tape floating around that features Nicole Kidman or Jay Leno. It does leave a taste of "Pure Publicity" in my mouth though.
Now not that Gene Simmons is any kind of Rocket Scientist or anything of that nature, he is still a very smart and brilliant business man. His long time girlfriend Shannon Tweed is no turnip either, so this makes me wonder just how much of it was planned and possibly choreographed by none other than Shannon herself? There have been no reports of such producing, but you must consider the obvious, it is out on the net for all to see, the energy drink "Frank's" is mentioned and shown all through the video, several times, so you know his people, their people and even Shannon's people are all over it right about now.
According to GenesSecret.com, they have the video that Gene doesn't want you to see, and they have not been shut down yet? Gene what happened? You are not on the ball here, did that energy drink fizz out on you? So I don't have my doubt that there is an entertaining film around that features the amazing "Rock God" showing off his trademark body part with another woman, but I wonder just how much everyone was paid, including Shannon.
The internet is buzzing with different opinions, video leaks, facts and photos. I found plenty of information on randon blogs and websites, but found my factual statements on Celebrity Mound and AVN
Looks like Gene Simmons was a Deer caught in the "headlights"!
If you would like to read my article published at Associated Content, please visit
www.associatedcontent.com/article/613063/rumored_gene_simmons_sex_tape_surfaces.html
If you are interested, you can feel free to "subscribe" to my blogs and articles. You should be seeing more reviews and how to's soon!
Monday, February 18, 2008
EDUCATION DEBATE!
DOES FINAL EXAMS HINDER THE EDUCATION PROCESS?
Final Exams, the words alone spell FRIGHTENING! I believe that many talented, smart and brilliant students fail when it comes to exams, tests or final anythings. It is sad that it is this way anyway.
I know for a fact, that I absolutely freeze when it comes to taking a test, even on a subject I am familiar with. Those grades, test scores or statistics should not be figured in, when determining a student's knowledge or even IQ.
Everybody is different, kid's learn differently and this should be considered. I have seen kid's fail at a test that they studied for for 5 days, they knew the course inside and out but yet when it came time to sit down with the timer ticking, the teacher glaring and the frightening silence of a test room, they failed and failed miserably and I was one of those student's.
Education simply means being informed, learning, discovering, trial and error and hands on evaluations, not test taking. If you look the word "Education" up in the dictionary it states, " knowledge acquired by learning and instruction" nowhere does it state test, exam or even final exam.
Children get weak in the knees all the time over the thought of a test or exam and I am constantly telling them, "Relax, do your best, that's it" we know what they know, what they have learned and what they will use later in life. I am not worried about a graph chart that says what other children are doing, they are not mine, they may have been taught a different method and they may have learned differently. What I care about is the integrity of my child, does he know how to read and write, proficiently?
I believe our Country would see higher numbers in final exams and Statewide test scores if they eliminated the whole test process. They probably would also see a lower number of drop-out student's and more productive employees if they followed this rule.
There are three ways to learn. There is Auditory, Visual and Sensory. Which one are you? Would you do well in a final exam if all you were given was a clock, pencil, book and paper, if you were a auditory or sensory type learner? No you would not.
People need to be given an opportunity to excel and grow in their own comfortable environment, and un-dictated way of learning.
Final Exams, the words alone spell FRIGHTENING! I believe that many talented, smart and brilliant students fail when it comes to exams, tests or final anythings. It is sad that it is this way anyway.
I know for a fact, that I absolutely freeze when it comes to taking a test, even on a subject I am familiar with. Those grades, test scores or statistics should not be figured in, when determining a student's knowledge or even IQ.
Everybody is different, kid's learn differently and this should be considered. I have seen kid's fail at a test that they studied for for 5 days, they knew the course inside and out but yet when it came time to sit down with the timer ticking, the teacher glaring and the frightening silence of a test room, they failed and failed miserably and I was one of those student's.
Education simply means being informed, learning, discovering, trial and error and hands on evaluations, not test taking. If you look the word "Education" up in the dictionary it states, " knowledge acquired by learning and instruction" nowhere does it state test, exam or even final exam.
Children get weak in the knees all the time over the thought of a test or exam and I am constantly telling them, "Relax, do your best, that's it" we know what they know, what they have learned and what they will use later in life. I am not worried about a graph chart that says what other children are doing, they are not mine, they may have been taught a different method and they may have learned differently. What I care about is the integrity of my child, does he know how to read and write, proficiently?
I believe our Country would see higher numbers in final exams and Statewide test scores if they eliminated the whole test process. They probably would also see a lower number of drop-out student's and more productive employees if they followed this rule.
There are three ways to learn. There is Auditory, Visual and Sensory. Which one are you? Would you do well in a final exam if all you were given was a clock, pencil, book and paper, if you were a auditory or sensory type learner? No you would not.
People need to be given an opportunity to excel and grow in their own comfortable environment, and un-dictated way of learning.
BUYING MUSIC
Music! It makes the world go round and round, on the turntable anyway! So here is a very sad but true fact, music stores are almost obsolete, I mean there is never anywhere decent to go and buy new release albums, collector vinyls and those cherished Cd's anymore.
In my neck of the woods, we have literally NO music stores within reach. So I had to resort to on-line shopping for my "oldies but Goodies" and my children's new weekly craze. I actually think it is better. There are more Artists to choose from, simplicity in buying and pretty affordable shipping too.
My favorite is EBAY, you can sign up for free, create an account and paypal account, for free and browse all your favorite music, for free. Visit www.ebay.com today to see if that old vinyl you were trying to find is up for auction, at a steal!
Another fantastic resource for on-line music, especially those, "In A Hurry" downloads is Walmart. Take a look at their goodies at:
http://musicdownloads.walmart.com/catalog/servlet/ MainServlet
CDNOW is a great source for affordable downloads, Artist Accounts and even a few specials here and there. They have a website too you know! www.cdnow.com and is a fantastic, easily usable website.
The Music Industry has made it inconvenient for your "Average Joe" to enjoy his music in his own home, without spending a pretty dollar on his favorite music selections, but there are ways my friend, there are ways. Visit the mentioned on-line music locations for a few really great deals.
If you are into Indie Music, many bands have created pages on their websites that you can download their music for free. These are Musicians, Bands and Artist's that are local Musicians trying to get their music heard. This is often where the deals are.
A few websites of interest for Indie Music would be, www.souledoutmusic.net or www.bandzoogle.com They both offer a wide selection of unsigned artists that display music available for free downloads, royalty free too!
It is illegal to download music from famous Artist's without a fee of some sort, and believe me, the Government will find you. Rather than take the risk, just visit the on-line stores or Musician websites listed to search thousands of great Artist's for free or affordable prices.
In my neck of the woods, we have literally NO music stores within reach. So I had to resort to on-line shopping for my "oldies but Goodies" and my children's new weekly craze. I actually think it is better. There are more Artists to choose from, simplicity in buying and pretty affordable shipping too.
My favorite is EBAY, you can sign up for free, create an account and paypal account, for free and browse all your favorite music, for free. Visit www.ebay.com today to see if that old vinyl you were trying to find is up for auction, at a steal!
Another fantastic resource for on-line music, especially those, "In A Hurry" downloads is Walmart. Take a look at their goodies at:
http://musicdownloads.walmart.com/catalog/servlet/ MainServlet
CDNOW is a great source for affordable downloads, Artist Accounts and even a few specials here and there. They have a website too you know! www.cdnow.com and is a fantastic, easily usable website.
The Music Industry has made it inconvenient for your "Average Joe" to enjoy his music in his own home, without spending a pretty dollar on his favorite music selections, but there are ways my friend, there are ways. Visit the mentioned on-line music locations for a few really great deals.
If you are into Indie Music, many bands have created pages on their websites that you can download their music for free. These are Musicians, Bands and Artist's that are local Musicians trying to get their music heard. This is often where the deals are.
A few websites of interest for Indie Music would be, www.souledoutmusic.net or www.bandzoogle.com They both offer a wide selection of unsigned artists that display music available for free downloads, royalty free too!
It is illegal to download music from famous Artist's without a fee of some sort, and believe me, the Government will find you. Rather than take the risk, just visit the on-line stores or Musician websites listed to search thousands of great Artist's for free or affordable prices.
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