Speaking of MTV...

 ...here's something significant.

=====================================

by PAM

After speaking in my recent post here about how Duran Duran and their contemporaries in the second 'British Invasion' dominated the beginning of the MTV era in the '80s, I got reminded of the iconic collaboration between one of the best guitarists the world has ever seen, Mark Knopfler, and his famous band, Dire Straits, and the one and only legend himself, Sting.  Their song is called, "Money for Nothing"... which started with Sting filling the airwaves with his peculiar voice declaring how he wants his MTV.  And the very best time they shared the stage to perform their iconic song is at the historic Live Aid concert on 13 July 1985 in front of 72,000 people at the Wembley Stadium in London while 100,000 more watched them live via satellite from the other venue of Live Aid, at the John F. Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, PA.  It was watched all over the globe via satellite... and it dropped on our TV set in the Philippines, too.  And what an amazing experience it was!   

"Listen here, now that ain't workin' that's the way you do it.  You play the guitar on the MTV.  That ain't workin' that's the way you do it. Money for nothin' and your chicks for free."

The Live Aid concert was the coming together of the greatest music artists of the '80s across the Atlantic, organized by Sir Bob Geldof of the Irish band, Boomtown Rats, of the "I don't like Mondays" fame, and the Scottish musician, Midge Ure of Ultravox, to raise funds for and awareness of the famine in Ethiopia, Africa.  It started with the gathering of the frontrunners in the 'British Invasion 2' as a 'charity supergroup' called, Band Aid, to record the song, "Do they know it's Christmas?" (DTKIC) in 1984.  I remember, I was freshman in College.  I stepped out of my classroom one December morning to listen to it when it was played for the first time on radio... because I knew it was history unfolding.

One of the very best performances at  Live Aid happened in Wembley Stadium.  It was that of Queen with their larger-than-life late frontman, Freddie Mercury, showing why they are one of the very best music legends of all time.  And, of course, the genius guitar player that is Sir Brian May showed up, too, as well as their painfully awesome drummer, Roger Taylor, and their great bass player, John Deacon, strutted his thing on stage, too. 

"Mama, ohh, didn't mean to make you cry.  If I'm not back again this time tomorrow, carry on, carry on as if nothing really matters."

Ahh... didn't that make you feel nostalgic?  And speaking of MTV and other music media that sort of pushed back that classic music medium that endured many generations: the good old radio, how does this make you feel...

"You had your time, you had the power, you've yet to have your finest hour.  Radio, radio..."

Ahh... man, what I wouldn't do to go back to the '80s!  Queen is too good, right?  Right!  Alright!

Of course, the great Irish band, U2, with their legend of a frontman, Bono, and their legend of a guitarist, The Edge, also made their mark in Wembley as they performed two of their greatest hits, "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "Bad".

"How long, how long must we sing this song?  ...'cause tonight we can be as one..."

Powerful, isn't it?  Then and now, U2 and U2 music are just so iconic... in so many ways.  They are absolutely brilliant!  I saw them in the Manila leg of their Joshua Tree World Tour... and I lost it, I wept! 

Let me end with a song that was staple in the '80s, "Everytime you go away", by the owner of the voice who sang the first line in DTKIC, Paul Young.  He just turned 68 yo... and he just got married for the second time, too.

Ah... there so many challenges in this world, but with great music such as these, it just makes our burden a bit lighter.  Thank goodness for good music, and thank God for brilliant music artists!

***

Video credit:  All videos belong to Live Aid - thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

*** 

Friday Night Music...

 ...with long-time faves.

====================================

by PAM

All these 'whispers' about one of my favorite bands ever, Duran Duran (DD), coming to the Philippines to give our current President a private performance on his 67th birthday is just distressing!  It is putting DD in bad light.  However, until I hear DD's side of the story, I give them the benefit of the doubt, and I remain a loyal Durannie!  

Anyway, I am now reminded about a milestone in DD's career that I missed to chronicle here.  Now, after enduring a very long week, indeed, I am definitely in the mood to talk about them and listen to their old and most current songs... and watch some of those interviews that show what incredible artists they are, indeed.  So, yep, it's a Friday Night Music time!

One of the things that my 'rock chick' self is very proud of is that day when I finally managed to set foot on the 'hallowed grounds' of Rock Hall - home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (RRHOF), in Cleveland, OH back in July 2019.  It was incredible... I absolutely went crazy!  But what is crazier is that, two years ago, the stars did align... and Duran Duran was inducted to the Hall of Fame, Performance Category, to join the illustrious RRHOF Class of 2022 with the likes of Carly Simon, Pat Benatar, Lionel Richie, Eminem and Dolly Parton.  The all-British band that originated from Birminghan, England was inducted to the RRHOF by none other than Iron Man himself, Robert Downey, Jr... thank you very much!

"The origin (of the) story of this iconic band comes down to two words: confidence and faith... and the fact that they have always been transparent about being a work in progress like we all are, I feel that's why I adore these men.  That's the gift they've given us.  They bestowed that on their fans: permission to grow, and change, and age out of one mode and embrace the next... I'm grateful that these gifted souls are finally receiving long-deserved cementing of their legacy."

Listening to them accept their award brought back a deluge of memories from those days when my siblings and I would wait patiently for the publication of our favorite music magazines to see articles about Duran Duran... and to see whether our comments from the previous issue, which we sent via snail mail would be featured in the latest issue; and those days when we worked ferociously on our school homeworks in order to merit watching MTV and American Top 40, and all other shows that might feature them, their songs and their music videos... as our late Mother has the "undone homework, no TV" policy.  In a way, Duran Duran and our other favorite music artists helped us become good students.  Duran Duran were one of the first few artists that made MTV the iconic music platform that it is today.  As such, they revolutionized the music industry... and I am glad to be a part of that revolution!  

Some forty years later... here we all are, finally seeing Duran Duran get inducted to the RRHOF.  What a milestone - for them and for us, Durannies! 

"I am so very proud of these four brothers... the essence of our job is this: we get to make people feel better about themselves... music nourished us and gave us identities... we finally got here, it's a long way from Birmingham - thanks a lot... we are all driven by fans, and we were fans - thank you to all the fans."

While I got to see them perform live at the height of their fame in 1989 at the Araneta Coliseum in the Philippine segment of their "Arena" World Tour, I may never afford to have them perform for me privately on my birthday. It is enough though that I have been a loyal fan for more than four decades now, and my siblings and I have an incredible amount of memorabilia and a vault in our heads full of great memories as we grew with this band... and as they kept going until passing this incredible milestone.  

Ahh... the rhythm section is tight, tight, tight! Whew!  How is it possible that they sound even better now than some forty years ago?  I am sure that this is a product of hard work in continuously polishing their gifts as music artists. Ah, such a commitment to one's craft - amazing! I am sure that, brilliant music artists that they are, their journey continues... and our own journey as Durannies continues as well, and that feels absolutely fantastic!

***

Video credit:  The videos are from the RRHOF website - thanks, YouTube for the video links.

*** 

Looking back...

 ...marching forward - through excellent music!

================================================

by PAM

Just a few minutes into the New Year, the BBC via YouTube has gotten us 'all-nostalgic' and 'sappy'... but 'happy-sappy'... and party-mode happy as well.  

One of the biggest hits of the '80s, "Never Gonna Give You Up" (or simply NGGYU) by the incomparable, Rick Astley, was featured by BBC to close 2023 and usher in 2024... and, oh, boy, what a treat it was, indeed!

🎶"Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down

Never gonna run around and desert you..." 🎶

Ah, would you believe that that song was from the '80s?  It still sounds good and fresh, right?  And, you can't help yourself, you just gotta stand up, and dance.  It has that power to get anyone into party mode - a very apt New Year's Eve party song.  Love it!  Rick's voice is so fantastic... he still has 'it' after all these years! And, he looks good, too... maybe, even better than how he was back in the days, huh?  Ah... '80s guys, they mellow so awesomely and so beautifully!  

Trivia:  Rick A. is just a few years older than me. 😉😊  We are in the same age bracket, and yeah... our love for music - in all its fun and happy variants - is as strong as ever.  I love it that he is still around... and doing what he does best!      

NGGYU is not just our party-party song back in the '80s.  It's a 'love song', too.  Guys back in the days would use it to express their love and devotion to their loved one... while keeping it fun and not all that sappy.  If you're a girl back then pursued by someone through NGGYU, you'd feel like you're special, loved and fun  'cause the pursuit is done on the dancefloor.  It was always fun to watch the guys trying to be cool or make a complete fool of themselves on fun note with what they believed were their cool moves.  By the end of the song, you know whether the guys are cool or lame. Whatever it is though... girls always had fun.  Well, we all did!

Back to 2024... these days, NGGYU has an equivalent - a song that is also professing love and devotion.  It's a song by Jung Kook, "Standing Next to You", or simply "SNTY".  It is the main cut in JK's now epic debut album, "Golden".  Like NGGYU, it is also a totally danceable song.  It's just a bit more difficult to sing because JK totally flexed his wide range of vocal strength in SNTY.  Nevertheless, SNTY is a worthy party-party song as well. Here, see/listen for yourself...

🎶 "... they can't deny our love
They can't divide us, we'll stand the test of time

I promise I'll be right here." 🎶

Aww, so awesome, right?  Yes, it is!  My recommendation: celebrate 2023 with NGGYU and get into the 2024 groove with SNTY.  If you feel all great and awesome, then you did it all right!  Happy New Year!

***

Video credit:  Video 1 is owned by BBC while video 2 is owned by M-Net.  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

***  

'Pictures, pictures.'..

...and more 'pictures'!
=============================================================================
by PAM


I saw this 2012 'chick flick' on Star Movies called, "The Vow", just now.  It featured Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum in a sort of predictable plot that, to be fair, had a few quite touching moments.  

The happily married couple, Paige (McAdams) and Leo (Tatum), met a vehicular accident.  This caused Paige to suffer brain trauma, resulting in her losing a few years of her memory, including how her life with Leo began and came about.  For some reason, she remembered her past before Leo, including a past relationship.  This caused her to reunite with her rich family, which she deserted before meeting Leo because of her father's infidelity in which he cheated on her mother with Paige's closest friend. But even this, Paige did not remember.  Leo had never met Paige's family before the accident, and meeting them made him realize how different Paige's old life was compared with the one she lived with him.  Rather than imposing himself to her, being her husband, Leo respected Paige's request for space as she traced her way back to her life with him before the accident.  He tried to remind Paige of their love instead - by courting her all over again, which warmed Paige's heart as she was drawn to him naturally.  I admit, that's sweet. 💖  All the time he was spending in making her fall all over again took a toll on Leo's financially precarious new business though.  Paige's rich father, who wanted to take advantage of her condition to win her back, offered to save the business if Leo divorced Paige.  Leo resisted, but then when Paige started to feel frustrated by how she was unable to recall her life with Leo, moving closer to her family and farther away from Leo, he let her go by agreeing to the divorce.

Paige picked up the pieces, starting from what she can recall from old life with her rich family, including her old plan to study Law with prodding from her father.  But, it did not work because she kept gravitating to her real interest, which was art - the same thing that led her to Leo, who was into music production and owned a recording studio.  Later, when her best friend approached her to apologize for her affair with Paige's father that caused Paige to turn her back on her family in the past, she was shocked.  She questioned her family on how they used her loss of memory to regain her favor.  The same is true with her previous boyfriend, who used her loss of memory of her marriage to Leo and her memory of their previous relationship to his advantage.  Realizing how she is being gently manipulated, Paige turned him down all over again. 

And then she realized Leo's patience and sincerity in helping her find her way back to her life - in her own terms.  As she started to miss Leo's presence in her life, she found 'the marriage vow' that she wrote in her wedding with Leo.  She realized his love to her... and she fell in love all over again.

The End.

I think there was very little chemistry between McAdams and Tatum.  And, Tatum was doing 'his acting thing' again - the emotion not reaching his eyes.  And because the eyes are the windows to the soul, that deprived the audience from looking into Leo's soul.  The grief, the love, the frustration, the excitement, the joy - they simply lacked depth in Tatum's portrayal of Leo... although he seemed to try.  It's a good thing that he is really good looking, 😅 otherwise, it would have been unbearable to watch. But McAdams... ah, she's great - as usual! 👏  She always brings the character she plays to life.  She is awesome like that.  However, in spite of McAdams' beautiful portrayal of Paige's character, the movie is not all that great.  The best that I'd probably remember about it is hearing The Cure sing "Pictures of You" while the credits rolled.  Oy! 💓

"Remembering you standing quiet in the rain

as I ran to your heart to be near...

Looking so long at these pictures of you

but I never hold on to your heart."

My goodness, what a song!  How melancholy, but, man, so beautiful!  They don't make songs this beautiful anymore these days. But then, even in those good old days of brilliance in music, The Cure was truly exceptional.  So, yeah... past, pictures, memories.  🎵"There is nothing in the world that I ever wanted more." 🎶 And you wish you'd just drown in them for a moment... drown in the beauty of it all rather than stare at this present ugliness, this imposing monstrosity called 'reality'.  

Then again, aren't we responsible of our own 'reality'?  In that case, I choose to move on from this ugliness.  WELCOME, HAPPINESS!

***
Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

***

Friday night music...

...to get back to the 'zone'.
=============================================================================
by PAM


Oh, boy, where did all the days go?  February went by in a snap! Well, at least, that's how it felt like.  One day, it was February and I was struggling to pack enough reasons to board the plane back to Manila from Italy...  the next day, it's March!  Naturally, in between, I had to damp a huge amount of energy into each day.  Now, I'm just trying to keep flu at an arm's length... with just enough success to stay 'alive' and keep working.

Music... I need music!  That sound that takes one to another dimension... to let the soul wander somewhere peaceful and beautiful... somewhere where the imagination is not limited by the barriers of the sad realities around.  I think  they call it "La, la land" these days.  But the allure of the 'land' is the sound... the songs, the emotion that they evoke, the soothing 'balm' that they bring to the soul... and the exhausted senses.  And now that I wish to be in that land, this song comes to mind...

"Whenever I'm alone with you, you make me feel like I am home again

Whenever I'm alone with you, you make me feel like I am whole again...

However far away

I will always love you..."

It's a Robert Smith  'masterpiece', performed with his band, The Cure... recorded in the '80s.  It was so beautiful then... and it's beautiful now.  It feels like taking a nap in the middle of a chaotic day, and having a lovely dream.

And, imagine waking up from the dream with an Adele cover...

Ah, isn't that sweet?

But a music tripping for me is not complete without the sound of a big fave of mine, the Style Council...

"I could run away, but I'd rather stay

in the warmth of your smile lighting up my day...

you're the best thing that ever happened to me or my world..."

My goodness, too beautiful!  This never gets old for me - ever!  And Paul Weller will always be my go-to love song vocalist.  He is so talented... and his talent doesn't fade all that much with age.

Alright, I think I'm feeling a bit better now.  Let's pick up the tempo, and take it up a bit then...

"Up in Memphis the music is like a heat wave...

...black velvet in the little boy's smile."

This is another song that never gets old for me.  Alannah Myles' s voice is too awesome... so worthy of singing a song dedicated to 'the King'.  That kind of kicked adrenaline pump up a notch.  Too much energy dissipation there.  So, let's slow down a bit with this...

"May I never miss the thrill of being near you...

...yes, I know what I feel to be right...

no more lonely nights, never be another...

...you're my guiding light."

Hmmm... okay, I think got my fix of "la la land" now.

***

Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

***

No, no...

...and no!
=============================================================================
by PAM

No way, James (Corden)!  You're not going to make me write a "Farewell post" on the passing of George Michael.  I have written so many "farewell posts" in 2016 for people that shaped my life over the years, and were 'stolen' from me by death.  So, no, I'm not going to write another one - and for someone that I spent most of my teenage days with, too - although, of course, he didn't know that I did.  But no matter, it won't change the fact that I did - through records, music videos, photos, TV appearances that he did with Andrew Ridgeley in those many years when I believed in my heart that I will become a Rock Superstar!  And now he's gone.  It's heartbreaking.

So, nope... there is NO way!  But I do like your way of saying goodbye to him, James... based on an experience with "your man".  It's good that you have an experience like that to talk about.  No, I'm not envious or anything 'cause some people are luckier than most, I know that.  But, man, aren't you lucky, James!  You're raking good luck to your front yard like it's nothing at all, and that's awesome given that your 'front door is shut'. *sigh*

But you did give a heartwarming farewell to our George though, I give you that...

"It was the weirdest feeling going to bed thinking that when I wake up it's gonna be...

...because George Michael is on the phone, and I'm gonna talk to him...

...and we talked about music, and I felt very privileged to be able to tell him

how much his music meant to me."

Oh, dear... my heart is breaking.

Ah, whatever!  Thanks for the music and the memories, George.  I won't miss you, no... because you will live in my thoughts and in my heart - that part that sings and adores music.  For as long as I know what love is and what it's likes to be hurt in the name of love because love makes one vulnerable, too, I will be humming Careless Whisper with the heartfelt emotion that you helped taught me how to feel.  Then and now, I will always be hopeful in love because I Knew You Were Waiting (for me), if there is not anyone else out there.  And, of course, I learned that singing can be really sexy even when a dreadful feeling is being expressed through it with your Everything She Wants. Of course, you and Andrew were the 'original' singing-is-crazy-fun most effective advocates for me with Wake Me Up Before you Go, Go... even when I was too young to actually understand what you were trying to say then in that song.  You bad, Bad Boys! ;)  But you are my man, too, George.  Ah, you did take me to The Edge of Heaven, which is also called the "golden era of pop music", and gave me my strong Faith in '80s music.  So awesome!  

But, yeah, a big 'drama queen' that you are, you chose to sneak out when people were planning a great Christmas holiday and preoccupied by all that merrymaking, did you?  And you waited to be the last one to go in 2016's 'exodus' of stars... just to prove that you were the biggest star of them all?  Ah, so typical of you, George!  Well, guess what, mate, Princess Leia (and her Mom) beat you to it!  Then again, slipping away on Christmas Day???  Megadrama!  But, oh well, what can I say... I love you?  Gosh, I do!  And I'm so sad that Christmas 2016 was our Last Christmas together.  With David Bowie and Prince gone last year, too, what are we, '80s people, supposed to do?  We're not done 'partying' yet, and you already shut down half of our lives' music theme!  I hope you know that we feel miserable!  But it comforts me imagining that you are now reunited with the Mega Drama Queen, Freddie Mercury... and singing your lungs out on the clouds, gliding and swinging like a dream - on bare feet.  You lucky, lucky queens!  Meoow....

Alright, let's get the whole James-George thingy here - for the love of all that's happily queenie...

"Let's be honest, you don't want me to come with you because you don't want

to be seen with a gay man."

***

Video Credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

***

Purple memory...

"...it's such a shame our friendship had to end."

Ya know, if I could sing like that... and play the guitar like that, I would've beaten Adam Levine to performing "Purple Rain" to give tribute to the late Prince - a music icon of my youth.  But, alas, most unfortunately of all unfortunately's, I can only admire good music... and music geniuses!  Therefore, I'm posting the music video above here in my blog.  It's all I could do... to express my sorrow for the recent passing of one of Prince... my humble little way of expressing my gratitude for and salute to one of the people who provided the 'background music' for the wonderful memories that shaped my youth.  

While I was a HUGE Michael Jackson fan, Prince's music always made me turn the other way in curiosity as he provided an alternative beat... an alternative approach to appreciating music - brooding and pondering the depth of the musical art's reservoir as he entwined it with the complexities of life... and it always worked!  It always got me!

Now, some of my tendencies to brood and contemplate on things that are bothersome and complex are sort of 'borrowed' from Prince, if not inspired by him.  Well, I'm sure it's inspired by a whole generation of incredible artists of the '70s and '80s, '80s mostly, actually... but Prince was an enigma... and his music and persona 'invite' one to think deeply, question common things curiously as if they were some kind of phenomenon, ponder in wonder of our own feelings and vulnerabilities... and turn all of these to a work of art using our strengths - the unique gifts bestowed upon us by The One whose generosity and love is everlasting... and leave a legacy that is uniquely ours.  

I haven't even recovered from the passing of David Bowie and Glenn Frey of the Eagles, and here we are... struck by the passing of Prince, and the doves cry.  Oh, well....

"U're so cool, everything you do is success.
Make the rules then break them all cuz you are the best."

Indeed, it's hard to let go... I just hope that the elusive 'Purple One' is now basking in the sweetness of gentle purple shower.  

Just don't forget to take off your 'raspberry beret', dude, as you feel the gentle shower on your face... and as you take a bow.  R. I. P., 'my friend'. 

***

Wednesday nostalgia...

...'cause I'm feeling nostalgic.
============================================================
by PAM


But I can't explain why this song comes to mind though, "You and Me" by one of my favorite newer bands, Lifehouse, of the "Everything" and "Hanging by a Moment" fame. I almost love them as much as I love the awesome Creed of the "My Sacrifice" fame.  Check it....

"What day is it?  And in what month?

This clock never seemed so alive.

I can't keep up and I can't back down, I've been losing so much time....

...and I don't know why I can't keep my eyes off of you."

Ever heard of "little successes here and there"?  Well, I think I had some of those today/yesterday.  Of course, I bled some in achieving them, but it does feel great now that I see and can taste the sweet fruits of my hard toil (with my Team)... only because they are significant to many, helpful to many, source of joy for many, empowered many, released many from the bondage of insecurity, made many happy. :)

Yep, it's a truly happy day!  And yet, even the 'success' and the happiness cannot keep my mind from flying away... away from it all, and back to the time when happiness - 'my own private happiness' in my private time - filled this little and simple world of mine.  So, yeah, 'success' is good, but I prefer time.   

I guess, I'll never get used to this 'big wild world' where life shoved me in... this world where everything you do becomes the work of the person in your 'glamorous position' rather than the person that you are.  Therefore, I must try to keep up... so that I won't lose too much time - from whatever little time I have left for myself and for 'my own private happiness'.  I hope that when all these 'selfless stuff' of being 24/7 busy comes to pass, I would have little time left for myself, just enough to say to my Master when I finally face Him that, yeah, I did pay attention to my own happiness, too.  And that's how this borrowed time became 'my own time', too.

Okay, I think we should end on a happy 'nostalgic' note.  So, how 'bout this...

"I don't know where I am but I know I don't like it...

...tenderness, where is it?

Oy!  "Tenderness" by General Public.  Our ever-reliable '80s music!  Ah, what fun!  :) 

***

Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

***

Saturday photo

"I am the eye in the sky, looking at you... I can read your mind."

"Eye in the Sky"
The Alan Parsons Project (1982)

Don't think sorry's easily said
Don't try turning tables instead
Youv'e taken lots of chances before
But I'm not gonna give anymore
Don't ask me
That's how it goes
'Cause part of me knows what you're thinkin'

Don't say words you're gonna regret
Don't let the fire rush to your head
I've heard the accusation before
And I ain't gonna take any more
Believe me
The sun in your eyes
Made some of the lies worth believing

Chorus:
I am the eye in the sky
Looking at you
I can read your mind
I am the maker of rules
Dealing with fools
I can cheat you blind
And I don't need to see any more
To know that
I can read your mind, I can read your mind

Dont leave false illusions behind
Dont cry cause I ain't changing my mind
So find another fool like before
Cause I ain't gonna live anymore believing
Some of the lies while all of the signs are deceiving

I remember choosing this song to review for an English class back in High School.  It had a great impact on me then.  Listening to it still drives me to contemplation until now.  The good thoughts that it brings... and the cleansing of the mind and the heart that it initiates feels good each time.  Some things never change, just because some things are really good... like this song, and the emotions and the positive realization that it invokes.

"Don't say words you're gonna regret...."

Uh-hmm... doesn't the video remind you of 'the Queen' and James Bond sky diving from a chopper into the Olympic Arena during the 2012 London Summer Games Opening Ceremony?  Now, we know where that cool idea came from, huh?  Awesomeness! :)

  



***
Location:  Sky Ranch in Tagaytay City, Philippines
Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video link.

***

Aw, man...

...really now!
==========================================================================
by PAM


Just when I thought that the 'stench' in the air couldn't possibly go worse than it already was, something 'erupted'... and now, the 'vitriol' parts per million is waaaay above my tolerance level.  But, in the tradition of Danny O'Donoghue, uhm, I'm not movin'. :)  My Team and I are going to have to find a way to disperse and get rid of the 'stench' - for everybody's benefit - so we could all breathe easy, and continue with our exciting pursuits and be productive.  Throw mud our way, and we throw colorful and fluffy marshmallows your way.  Go ahead and sink your blood-hungry pangs in them - it should be therapeutic.  Let us know if you need some more... enjoy! :)      

Therefore, "let's go, baby, let's go, baby, come on..."

"Take your cue from me now, I'm sayin' baby, let's go..."

...it's Wang Chung from the '80s. :)  Yep, shoulder pad galore, bebeh. :)  Baduy?  Yeah... so what?  It's fun and good natured... and it makes us smile! :)  And, as good friends advised, let's keep smilin'...  promise?  Promise!

"If you need a friend... I'll always be there."

"The Promise" by When in Rome of the '80s... yeah, I know, awesomely cheesy!  And those high-waist jeans... aw, man! :)  But, whatever... it's a stress reliever, ya gotta admit it. :)  Now, that's a lot of 'steam' off the lid now... relief! :)  

Alright then, bring on stench! :)

***
  

Happy Easter!

 by PAM

Celebrating the Risen Lord... as we all live in God's Love.

As always Holy Week, especially Maundy Thursday where the Visita Iglesia is observed by Roman Catholics, is a family event for us.  It is a valuable 'bonding time', a time when we pray together... to continue embracing the mysteries of our faith by

Visita Iglesia... a joyful and meaningful family tradition.

recognizing the greatest love of all - God's love - and love itself, God. 

Personally, the observance of the Catholic traditions during Holy Week is a way of finding 'my center', making sure that my world still revolves around the center that matters - God's love... and God Himself.  In this highly materialistic 'real world', it is easy to get lost in the glitter of fame, the allure of excessive wealth, and the seduction of unchecked power.  The world spins in a dizzying fast rate, and as we grope for support to steady ourselves, we sometimes lose grip of the reason of our existence - to serve and glorify God... and we are thrown in a world that revolves around selfishness, where fame, wealth and power are the ultimate goal.  But the risen Lord on Easter Morning - the fulfilment of God's love - keeps us from falling prey to selfishness and materialism.  It brings us back to a world where the center is God... the world where joyful life is within everyone's reach - our reach.  And it feels wonderful!

Holy Week reflections this year reminded me of a song from Mr. Mister's "Welcome to the Real World" album in the '80s....   

"When I was young, I thought of growing old, of what my life would mean to me....
Kyrie Eleison, down the road that I must travel...."

...yep, I did think of growing old when I was young.  I wondered about what life had in store for me then.  I wordered about what the years would bring.  I ventured on a number of things... I was disppointed by many things in the process.  And, because I realized then that what this 'borrowed life' had in store for me wasn't for me to decide, I just followed fate - God's plan... with faith, hope and hardwork... always believing that God has a plan for me, and it is a mere little part of a bigger Plan.  And because it was His plan, it will be a good one... it made me hopeful.

Now, as I sit here contemplating on how the pieces are falling in their places, and that each piece is exquisite, joyful and lovely, I am absolutely awestruck!  They are not perfect, of course, just because I am not perfect... but they are perfect praises to God, and that's all that matters.   

Thankful... that's what I am now. I hope we all are... we should be. 

HAPPY EASTER, EVERYONE!



***
            

Escape...

...let me, will ya?
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by PAM


I have a few more minutes of 'freedom'... from work!  Yep, I've become a prisoner... how sad!  But I want to take advantage of this weekend freedom.  To escape... that's what I would love to do right now.  Too many "grown up's concerns"... that children, pretending to be grown ups, or childish grown ups, ignored in the past.  And now, these gnarling concerns tower in front of us, threatening to collapse and crush us all below... and my inside is beginning to melt - from utter exhaustion, trying to will that tower to be still until we got on gear.  I know, there is a way to stop the tower of dire concerns from collapsing... and making it vanish in the end, but it's a lot of work.  Nah, not afraid of work... I'm just afraid of my own human frailty and mortality... 'cause, while my spirit is resilient, I am 'breakable', ya know.

So, let me escape for a while, with this...

"What in the world is this feeling, catch a breath, and leave me reeling? 

It'll get you in the end... tell me, why is it I'm digging your scene?"


..."Digging Your Scene" by The Blow Monkeys.  It's appropriate for me right now, 'cause I'm diggin' someone else's scene now... I wish I was somewhere else, doin' something else - something more fun and less stressful, something I know I'd enjoy.  I wish I was interviewing Tennis's iron man, Novak Djokovic, about how it felt like to be winning the Aussie Open - three times in a row, and against one of the 'Big Four' in each occasion.  Just a couple of hours ago, he dismissed the much improved and much tougher GB's #1, Andy Murray, in a 6(2)-7, 7-6(3), 6-3, 6-2 demolition job in Melbourne.  It's his fourth Aussie Open overall, and his sixth Major Title.  Wouldn't it be nice to be watching him play his hilarious "Djoker side" the morning after winning in a historic fashion?  Ah, I can imagine - sweet!   Yep, I'm that shallow... then again, if shallow was happy, then I'd gladly be shallow. 

So, thanks to The Blow Monkeys for giving me the carpet, on which to fly away, to escape the 'grown-up world' and dream of living in shallowness.  I know they look a bit, uhm, weird... but,  ah, don't they sound good?  C'mon, admit it - they do!  :)  A delicious way to escape... to the '80s.

Here's another one from the Blow Monkeys, "It doesn't have to be this way"...

"You've only got yourself to blame for playing the game....

And they just take all hope away, and I just can't see the sense... and my mind's a haze.

But, you know, it doesn't have to be that way!"

... nice, eh?  Man, if only these 'childish grown-ups' listen to music more... then there won't be misery in this world of ours!  There's just too much wisdom in music... more than enough, actually.  Then again, I guess, it depends on what music we listen to.

Alright, that's enough 'shallowness'... back to (boring) reality: sleep (a little) and get back to (lots of) work (again).  Man, I'm so looking forward to summer break... and, ahem, retirement! ;)

***

Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

***

Oy, heart attack... break!

Oy, oy, oy!
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by PAM


Here's a classic from Melbourne...

It's getting a bit too hot in Melbourne now... Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray just negotiated a 36-shot rally in the third set, which Djoker won.  The World #1 and #3 are trying to settle the dispute over the major silverware in the Aussie Open Men's Singles Championship.  The two players winning one set a piece, with no break of serve so far.  Djoker is looking to break Andy's serve to surge ahead.  The intensity is too much, I need a break!

Therefore, music please!  This is a job for Aztec Camera...

"The one thing that's understood is that you can't buy time...
...all you've got to be is true."

..."Somewhere in my Heart" from one of my fave '80s bands, to calm things down a bit. Deep breath... one, two, three....

Alright, back to the game.....

***

A dose of Bette Davis...

...good music, and anti-flu medicine.
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by PAM

This came on on the radio yesterday evening while I was on my way home...

All the boys think she's a spy... she's got Bette Davis eyes.

...and, boy, was I glad!  It drowned out the noise of Friday night traffic and the nagging Friday exhaustion to a fine cruise into the Quezon Ave./Araneta Ave. underpass. :)  "Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes... yes, a hit from the '80s, what else? ;)  The best way to slow down after a constantly spinning and terribly looong day, and a loooong, loooooooooong week!  Don't get me wrong, it was a very satisfying week in terms of bonds forged, established understanding, encouraging words from the people who matter, lots of good vibes and smiles - all very good reasons to hope for very good days to come.  But bones, muscles and this head are aching now (wait, do fats hurt, too?) - that all-familiar recipe for flu - therefore, they 'cry' for anti-flu medication.   

So, while I endure this 'bitter pill', is it too much to ask for a 'bonus track'?  No?  Really?  So, how 'bout this then...

Thunder only happens when it's rainin'....

..."Dreams" by one of the best bands the world has ever known, Fleetwood Mac.  Stevie Nicks is so awesome - idol!  Some 'bonus track' it is, yeah?  Ya bet!  Oy, life is good!

Awright, it's Saturday, and the Membrane Tech work is still a mountain to climb, and my intellectual 'hiking boots' have reached their mileage limit - any form of traction whatsoever is gone.  I need to recoup.  Therefore, I think I need (and deserve!) some football time for now.  Who's playing?  Aw, please say it's Barça!

***

Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.

Wednesday nostalgia

by PAM

I was looking for something in my room last weekend, and I stumbled over an old CD that I haven't seen in a long time, it's "The Singles 81 > 85" by Depeche Mode.  While I haven't been listening to DM in a long time, the minute I saw the album, I knew exactly which single I wanted to listen to.  It was this one...

"The grabbing hands grabbed all they can... all for themselves

after all it's a competitive world, everything counts in large amounts."

So this was probably why my late mother used to subtly discourage me and my siblings in listening to these British artists back in the '80s - the "second British invasion"... most of them sang about things that kids are not "supposed" to know about... yet.  Things that we're bound to find out later anyway... in adulthood, when we're ready to unmask idealism to the "reality" that it is - imperfections and all.  Then again, I think it's also possible for one to create his/her own reality - idealism and all.

I'm glad our mother allowed us some independence to think for ourselves back in the '80s, when we were still teenagers... turning the other way when we sneaked in youthful wisdom via Brit music into our little "experimental grown-up world".  That made things a bit easier to take these days... just because we were sufficiently warned.   

***

Save a prayer...

...'til the mornin' after.
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by PAM


It's my late mother's birthday today, and this is for her...

"...take a chance like all dreamers can't find another way.

You don't have to dream it all... just live a day." 

..."Save a Prayer" - one of Duran Duran's biggest hits back in the '80s.  I remember how an older sister and I had to "wrestle with wits" to reason with our mother over decorating our room with Duran Duran's colorful posters (in addition to our Star Trek posters), which my sister "smuggled" through our mail from her friend in Hawaii, who, in turn, "sneaked out" on her own mother to buy and send the posters to us. Aaah-hahaha... the things "silly teenagers" do to fight for a "worthy cause".  I don't remember how we reached a compromise... 'cause, ya bet, we did have those posters put up on our walls alright. O, yah!  :)


Oh, oh, oh... I think Mama sneaked on me and my sister one time in one of our hard-earned VH1 TV time allotments (wash dishes for five days = 30 minutes per week of VH1) and saw this video...

"The Reflex... buy time, don't lose it."

...and maybe, aside from digging the incredible bass tracks by JT, she thought he was cute, that's why she softened a bit on our "Duran Duran issue".  Aaawww!  :)  But, yeah, that's exactly how she was though... always acting "tough" on us, but the truth is... she was "easy".  And, I miss her.

***   
Video credit:  Thanks, YouTube, for the video links.


.

On teaching, Part 1: The internet, pop culture and teaching "big kids" these days

An observation from an '80s person who "hangs out" in University lecture rooms and labs.
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by Philipina A. Marcelo


Disclaimer, er, Intro 


This is something I wrote sometime in November 2011 while taking a break from work, quite sick again, of course... and I've forgotten about it since.  Now that I'm taking a big break (from life, in general!  Haha...), this suddenly came to mind, particularly after reading these NY Times articles that found their way into my inbox: "Top Universities Test the On-line Appeal of Free" and "Universities Reshaping Education on the Web", both of which seem to suggest that the way to the future of education is via the cyber highway.  Luckily, this old piece that never got posted here (until now, that is) is still in my little "cyberspace external thought storage".  Ah, the wonders of technology - takes my breath away everytime! :)


So, I gave my old "rant" a little facelift for some "critical update".  Hopefully, it makes a little sense.

***
Rewind...

Okay, first, let me entice you with this old video...

No, it's not by coincidence that this video features John Taylor of Duran Duran - the iconic "New Romantic" idol of the '80s. I have been waiting for an opportunity to put this up here 'cause this is another "justification" why this man remains to be (one of) the biggest crush(es) of this life of mine - excellent artist, brilliant thinker and absolutely charming (that's the surviving teenager in me talking, obviously)... and very good looking, too (there... I said it!  I'm that shallow - then and now.).  Not that you care, right?  Right! =)  


But, yeah, admittedly a chunk of my teenage life was sweetly anchored on Duran Duran - their music and poetry, unique and glamorous style, youthful wisdom and daring... anchored mostly on JT, mainly on JT. :)  And that's how the "pop culture" then was a large "part" of my College education... it provided the soundtrack for my College life, and JT was the best part of it all.  At some point though, when he's fallen in that notorious show business moral abyss, it kinda broke my heart.  But he came around, has evolved... and now, that gorgeous British young man who glamorize playing bass and who has always been a big inspiration for me for years is now giving talks in Engineering events... in the academic world, too - my supposed world!  Wow!  :)   Makes me think about how far I've gone, too, in my own path, and how much I've evolved as an individual... after all these years.  See, JT - the prince of the "pop culture" of my teenage and young adult life - has that effect on me... until now.  And, I don't mind.  :)


As delicious as the idea might be, this post is not about JT though... it's about something else. Boooo! Hey, I'm on a crusade here (ahem, if you must know, I'm trying - very hard - not to laugh), so bear with me, okay? ;)


Alright, folks, ahem, I demand seriousness now... please?  Thank you. :) 


***
What's up in the classroom these days?

"Ordinary 18-year-olds love digital technology because it allows them to construct a reflexive surrounding. The part-time job tires them and the classroom irks them to death, but the blogs, games, shows, videos, music, messages, updates, phone calls... they mirror their woes and fantasies. It's a pre-packaged representation of the world, a "Daily Me," a rendition of things filtered by the disposition of young users. All of them groove the input, and the screen becomes not a vein of truth but a mirror of desire."

- Mark Bauerlein
  Author of "The Dumbest Generation"

"The classroom irks them to death"???  Really?  Wow!  What a scary thought - for an academic!


While the book was written based on observations on American young people, still, reading the book by Mark Bauerlein back in 2010 caused some panic for me.  Therefore, I have been trying to understand how so many internet-savvy, pop culture-worshipping University kids these days behave, at least, in this developing country where I am from. It's a bothersome activity that a University professor with more than 20 years of experience can get sucked into these days.And it's proving to be dangerously close to an activity in futility, too. So, why bother? Well, because it's worth it, our students - our future - are worth it. 


All the "trouble" is worth it... 


(1) ...because there is such a huge change in the "knowledge traffic" in the classrooms and lecture halls these days. It used to be a predominantly easy one-way stream, where the source is the professor and the receivers are the students, and switched to a two-way conversation as the traffic cruised to perfect times. Lately, however, the traffic has been building up to a jarring congestion - mostly, in the minds of the students.  But the change, methinks, can be managed into a platform of high productivity. 


(2) There are frustrating barriers between the source and the receivers these days that a one-way traffic, where it survives to an aching wreck, has become a robotic sort of activity - devoid of real involvement. And that conjuring a "true" two-way traffic has become close to impossibility. However, I seem to have found another route to reach out to kids on the other side of the conventional learning realm where they hang out mentally... and that's exciting! 


(3) Most kids these days care more about their physical image rather than cultivating a culture of brilliance in their personalities - symptoms of overdose of that venomous Hollywood concoction, also known as "pop culture v. 2k" - that version that is mostly the frustratingly shallow and sex-crazed spin-off of the old ones, and it's so potent and far-reaching that it can invade many societies via a mere click - of the mouse, that is!  But an overdose can be fixed... if we do the right thing - quickly.


No, I'm not complaining nor am I criticizing. I'm just talking about an honest observation, which, for all I know, could be downright idiotic and misinformed - so forgive me - and finding a way to contribute in dealing with it, so the University does not become irrelevant in educating kids these days. Heavens forbid!


***
Is there a way out of this... or around this knowledge traffic congestion?


It might be worthwhile for "old" University pillars to realize some of the benefits of "web reading", the most important of which, is that it "permits non-linear strategies of thinking" (Sutherland-Smith, The Reading Teacher, 2002).


For the serious academics, that should sound exciting - an unknown territory to be explored and conquered. Alas, one-way and two-way traffic is no longer the route of
Generation Y: exciting, challenging generation.choice by this internet-savvy, wired generation. They are the "here and now - right now!" generation.  They prefer the "randomness" of things... the swift and constant movement, and turning about of discussion - on the internet... and in the classroom! They want greater participation, in fact - in their own terms - in the classroom, the way they get to conduct their activities in the internet independently - with considerable freedom. The taste of independence on-line is like taking a bite of the proverbial apple... the effect is permanent and irreversible. The "biter" can only be "saved" from "eternal damnation" by a "legitimate redeemer". The question is, are University educators willing to play the role of "redeemers"?  How does one redeem this generation, in the first place?  Do they need redeeming at all... especially when their world - hooked up mostly to the world wide web - is now the "real world"?  Perhaps, it is us, educators, and our "antiquated" methods of teaching that needed redeeming?  Perhaps, it is the educational institution on this side of the planet, as a whole, that needed some sprucing up?  Tough!


While granting these kids the "permission" to take the helm of dicussion in the classroom may not be wise, and in fact, spells all sorts of danger for "chaos", it might be worthwhile for the professors to try stepping back and let the kids weave their own thread of intelligent spell. Of course, much of the success of that depends on the educator's ability to moderate the "weaving" of thoughts in the "random traffic"... and that requires an extensive know-how and massive updating in one's field of expertise. The
Dedicated and committed faculty: key to
addressing the issue.question is, are educators willing to do that? And the even bigger questions are: Is the University willing to allot a big chunk of its resources to assist its faculty members along this line to ensure long-term impact towards excellent education? Are University administrators willing to dedicate their energies to explore these areas of "new approaches" that will turn this massive internet influence and internet-inspired behavior as vehicle for success rather than obstacle? Are Universities willing to acknowledge the end of the "traditional" one-way and two-way approaches in the classroom? While, I admit, that these are not easy questions to answer, especially for some universities where faculty members view the Academic profession as a mere 8-h a day job, they need to be answered nevertheless - and quickly, too!


In the hope of making students feel at home, rather than "irked to death", in the classroom as they do in their personal "cyber spaces", I tried a few things to give a sense of "randomness in the classroom". I tried to provide the "we're in charge here" feeling to the students as well, while we all managed to stick to the contents of the syllabus.


(1) Injecting the lectures with interesting here-and-now goings on in the specific
Multi-media-enhanced lectures.topic - providing multi-media illustrations via Powerpoint slides in a lecture so designed that all components appeared random, unplanned and unexpected... they "just came up" - 'cause the topic is that cool, practical and very relevant to what they do everyday, and what they hope to do later professionally... and that is true, too! Most of the materials are a mix of those from on-line scientific resources and pop media centers that I enroll in, which provide updated materials relevant to courses I'm teaching, be it, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics or Membrane Technology. The key is blending "serious science" with "pop culture" in a formula that inspires curiousity. I found that it's very effective to put these blends in front of the lecture because that stirs students' interests and compels them to willingly "commit" themselves to the topic on hand.  Why?  Because the lecture was set on a backdrop that's familiar to them, a fabric they consider "non-allergenic" - their beloved www. 


(2) Giving students their sure "five-minute shot to fame" in the classroom through Problem Set discussions, and paper presentations that are relevant to the subject matter in the syllabus. It's amazing how that turns out each time!
Group presentation/thesis
defense.Many of those who first struck me as shy or aloof take the helm of discussion with inspired gusto... unleashing highly insightful ideas that astonish me to speechlessness - in a very good way, I assure you! Obviously, their hours and hours of "practice" in their very own cyberspace give them all that "raw intellectual ammunition"... all educators have to do is point them to the target so they get their shot to fame right.  Once their "fame" is established, the students become more confident in actively participating in the "randomness" environment... and they move on to the next semester owning a part in their class's collective brilliance. None of that can be achieved in the "traditional one-way going two-way" approach where only the "most confident" and born-to-privileged-life people shine and the "shy ones" are constantly pushed to the rear and stay in the shadows until the end of their stay in the University... their potentials never tapped and groomed to perfect bloom.


(3) Using laboratory courses as a platform for "innovation" where the students are largely in-charge. "Boring" lab courses where "recipe-type" experiments are followed in activities that effectively box intelligent thinking to coma-like sleep can be resuscitated
Innovation Challenge.to life by dangling a huge challenge on your students faces! This "internet kids" are highly competitive... that's why they spend sleepless nights trying to win on-line games, or best their peers in their blogs' design and contents, or outdo everyone else with the most witty tweet. Their competitive nature could be channeled to productivity in the classroom. Discuss the basics... and then have them work on their own projects where you discreetly see to it that the basic lab skills are incorporated. They work to perfect their prototypes, competing for the prize of the most innovative project... not realizing how skilled and creative they have become once their prototypes are perfected. And they only have themselves to thank for it... they are in-charge, right? :)


***
Is there a way to reach these kids in their hangout?


They hang out in the cyberspace... and professors need to figure out how to gain access into their "strong passworded" psyches.  And I'm not talking about faculty members (ahem, especially administrators!) hanging out on Facebook and Twitter (and blogs!  hehe...) 24/7 with no worthwhile intention... they just want to be considered "in" and "cool", and be popular with students!  My friends, there are better things to laser point our energies to - seriously!  I should know... right?! ;)


Kids these days seem reluctant to accept an "invitation" to go deeper into the heart of a subject matter presented to them. They want a "personalized" approach... like the "invite" was exclusively for them.
Peer-assisted activities in
the lab and in the classroom. They need to identify themselves with the subject matter before they let themselves engage with it. This is why, the subject matter, no matter how technical, say vena contracta effect or pump cavitation, has to be "spinned" to a pop culture ("the culture of now") language when the invite is issued to them.  Sometimes, it helps to solicit the assistance of their more "learned" peers whom they look up to as well, to issue the invitation.  And when they accept, guide them in by talking in a more "experiential language" until they become interested and decide to try things out for themselves. And then when they're involved already, and have reached the point-of-no-return, "pull a trick on them" with learned subtlety - without them knowing it - and bathe them with pieces of new knowledge, using technical language this time.    


Later, when they leave the classroom or the lab with new information gained, they had the feeling that whatever new things they know now, they discovered on their own - via their own decision to learn, too - and it's cool! Once again, that feeling of being in-charge, of being given the free reins to steer their learning experience in a way that is meaningful to them.


Sure, I admit, none of these is an easy task. It can be physically, emotionally and mentally taxing... why do you think do I get sick so often these days??!  It's hard!  This is why it is imperative that Universities must be very careful in recruiting faculty members... while absolutely necessary, it is not enough for a prospective faculty to just have a scholarly track record and/or stellar industry experience because teaching is more about the ability, willingness, passion and the humility to keep working hard to convince these kids that learning is an integral part of their personal development - the most fun part, in fact!  It is through learning that they could continuously evolve as individuals... and they learn learning best in the campus. Faculty members should be willing to demonstrate this by seizing every opportunity to learn new things themselves as well...  because how do they teach about learning and the positive and joyful impact of sustained learning, not only in the personal level, but in the societal level as well, when they've stopped learning a long time ago?  That is why, it makes sense that: (1) generally, PhD - the ultimate test to withstand the initially enormous pressure of systematic learning, that later empowers one to conjure up and acquire that "sixth sense" to enjoy and share the true beauty and bliss of learning - is the minimum requirement for University professors, and that (2) sustained research - the "direct line" to learning - must be a part of the faculty's work program.  


Uh-oh... I think I just drove right into the parade of those who believe otherwise.  Oh, well... we all choose our battles, and I choose this!     


***
Physical image vs. personal image is decided via role models


It is a pity that kids these days have to live in a culture of shallowness - the kind of culture conjured up irresponsibly by the Hollywood media... and annoyingly being "championed" by local TV/Cinema outfits through their own Programs/movies. Gah! From Paris Hilton to the out-of-control Lindsay Lohan - why the media has to exploit and exaggerate reports on their misconduct and sad down spiral is appalling. Why the media won't focus on what ever talent Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Rihanna or Madonna had rather than their eccentric ways and/or their penchant for exposing their underwear (and what's beneath it) is not helping either.  Ugh, and don't get me started with the Kardashians - please!!  Local media and local TV/Cinema outfits follow suit, of course - all for the love of money!  Tsk!  The media influence is so freakishly huge and hard to avoid, even when parents cut-off TV/cable services, because of the limitless accessibility to just about everything through the internet.  And the poor misguided kids tend to confuse the message with the physical image they see, and follow those sick images instead rather than striving to polish their own talents and be good at what they do.


But vanguards of the "old pop culture" can provide a bridge between the "then and now" divide, and bring back the idea that pop culture is not necessarily a dumbed down, sex-crazed collage of real artistry, and intellectual and scientific adventures! Fortunately, most professors these days lived back in the days when pop culture was still highly respectable.  Therefore, once in a while, Sting gets into the discussion of sound waves in Physics, or the film "The Hunt for Red October" in discussions on sonic, subsonic and supersonic flows in Fluid Mechanics, or even "The Real Genius" when discussing the ethics of research. :)


Being there when confusion creeps in will help these kids significantly.  Educators must not be afraid to lose "popularity" with their students by pointing out the good message behind the confusing images that assault their impressionable minds... because that's what they're there for in the first place.


***
So what now?

As JT pointed out, pursuing a passion at an early age, was a test of manhood for him, and it was through the constant and ardent pursuit of this passion that he followed his dream... and succeed, too! Kids these days, while highly competitive, have everything at the tip of their fingers - via internet. Very little challenge, and therefore, they rarely experience the truly exhilarating joy of success. Therefore, educatorss must strive to make them feel that exhilaration... because that can be "addicting", too - in a very good way. 

With my research students, I usually create a huge challenge to them... by "using myself" as the biggest "obstacle" to their success... and yet, might hold the "key" to
The excitement and fulfillment
of working hard in the lab.their success, too, at the same time.  Therefore, they have no choice but to figure out this obstacle while keeping the key within their reach.  Without being obvious, I steer the "project ship" to safe waters... while they see me as a perilous iceberg!  And because, they want to steer clear from the peril, they try to work out a plan and execute it, trying desperately to avoid mistakes by the painstaking attention to details, all the while keeping their eyes on the key... not realizing the tremendous training and discipline they are getting as they go along.  Once the research project becomes successful, I let them bask in the glory of success, so they experience the wonderful feeling, and get convinced that the struggle to reach it is just a small price to pay.  And then, that realization becomes a learning experience, which firms up their character, a constant reservoir of energy and inspiration when the going gets tough, and it becomes a part of themselves... a transformation, which is what education is really all about.


Care must be taken when this approach is employed though... there is no one-size-fits-all to this.  Students have different characters.  Others can take the heat, others breakdown at the slightest pressure.  Therefore, the balance between the obstacle and key to success must be calibrated and re-calibrated to obtain the same outcome each time.  There is a simple technique: sincere and deep caring.  Therefore, this approach is strictly not recommended for the educator with unhealthy ego and prone to power tripping... it can ruin both the educator and the student... and, perhaps, the learning institution.  That could be tragic.      

***

Another note:  I originally planned to write this in a three-part series of posts, and this is the first, but things changed.  So, this might just be the first and the last post on this topic... but things are in a flux these days, so we'll see....

***