Dear Teach: The Amazing Spiderman 2

Hi Boys and Girls,

Who's your favorite action hero? Is it Superman? Batman? Cat Woman? Wonder Woman? or Batgirl? Or perhaps newcomer Katniss Everdeen?

What makes kids and even adults fall in love with these super action heroes?

Maybe the answer lies in the word-action? Besides having Herculaneum strength these super heroes have been known to scale enormous heights and perform feats one can only image.

Or is it the issue of Good vs Evil-for after all don't we love catching the bad guys?

Well, for what ever reason both young and old love reading the comic series and seeing the great blockbusters on the sliver screen. And for some people there is a fascination with spiderwebs, such that they have them tattooed on their arms.

Tattooed arm of a crew member, Brooklyn

Hint: What action hero could this remind you of?

Spiderman? Yes, of course!

One thing is certain though, there is quite a bit that goes into those "hair raising and nail biting" scenes that have us gripping the edge of our seats.

So for all of you who have ever wondered, "How did they do that?"

Here's some general background:

To begin, finding a suitable place to film such a movie is crucial. The fact is NYC is perfect; many films are shot here. That's just the way it is.

We now have a stage.

Next, a plot!

So here's a scenario to consider:

Imagine being in the jaws of the city on a late dark gloomy night. You are walking along a cobbled stoned abandoned train track street and deafening train sounds surround you. You are now standing beneath the enormous Manhattan Bridge with its colossal concrete pillar blocks that carry trains to their destination.

The rain continues to drizzle, it is murky. Metal rolling garage doors cover store fronts in the dismal former industrial area, only to make everything seem even more ominous.

You pause to have a conversation and look about when suddenly a speeding 18-wheel truck barrels past you and low and behold, you see:

The Amazing Spiderman! 

He clings to the hood and gingerly balances himself while the truck- now a speeding locomotive is on a collision course!

Desperately Spiderman strikes serious blows at the windshield in an attempt to stop his nemeses-archival--Rhino.

Now, here is a closer look at Spiderman and his heroic actions. He is actually tethered to the windshield for safety purposes, and there are at least two sets of cameras flanked on either side of the truck. Doing so will catch the pedestrians [background] who runaway. Further, some items that are tossed about and appear to be juggled with feet, are actually tied to a makeshift fishing pole and bounced about. Spiderman's co-ordinated, but is he that good?! [Don't want to give away too much of the magic, you'll have to wait and see for yourself!]

Well, that may indeed be a small episode from an entire Spiderman movie, but in real time, over 48 hours of intense planning, takes and retakes, heavy work, positioning and repositioning of multiple cameras, directions to background people, and much more has to occur before audiences see the final film. In fact, the number of support staff is staggering-hundreds. There are makeup artists, electricians, directors, camera crew, location scouts, editors, production assistants, actors and more.

Now we did say it was drizzling, but the sun did peek out and the scene appeared to have changed. No problem, measurements are taken, and in no time a huge water truck arrives at the scene. The street is sprayed with layers of water, and soon the set is restored to its former self. A red megaphone is held to the director's lips, he calls Action!

As it turns out background [an expression for all those people who fill the all-so-important space in movies] provides the element that makes the movie seem real. And although there may only be twenty-five pedestrians on set, by the time the directors are finished, it will seem like 250.These people work long and hard hours. Many times running, moving, jogging, dashing, hundreds of times before the director feels the scene is "just right." When the announcement is made, "Checking the gate" that means if all is well, it is a wrap and everyone can go home after a very hard day's work.

But in between all of this, there are gaggles of paparazzi armed to the hill with foot sized cameras ready to descend on the actors at a moment's notice. Lightning speed photos are shot, and shown on the internet for your entertainment.

      

Spiderman! Our hero!

               

 Rhino, the villainous nemeses played by Paul Giamatti

Order is restored!

How'd his pants fall down?! And, what's that flying in the air??

Andrew Garfield fighting Paul Giamatti

                                                                           

Andrew Garfield who plays Spiderman 

takes a break

Pint size Super Hero, [check out his boots!] 
Watch out Spiderman
 he may be giving you a run for your money! 

So, the next time those of you who are aspiring actors and directors find yourselves in NYC, find out the location of a movie set, you are bound to see one up close and personal.

AND NOW--Who's going to be the next super hero?

Maybe it'll be YOU!! Whether you are 3 or 103, it's never too late or early to start planning!

Pictures up! Rolling! Background! Action!

Be well guys,

The Teach

PS. As exciting as all of this is, you'll have to wait until May 2014 to see Spiderman in action in 3-D it'll be well worth the wait!

Dear Teach: Mother's Day

Hi Boys and Girls,
This year's Mother's Day celebration is on Sunday, May 12th. I am sure you are all so very appreciative of the wonderful things your moms do for you. 

Some sources indicate the tradition of celebrating Mother's Day in the US began prior to 1907, but by 1910 it became a tradition that paid tribute and honored mothers and the role they played. 

On May 12, 1907  Anna Javis held a private celebration in West Virginia in memory of her mother. One source claimed that she played a key role in arranging a church service that attracted 407 mothers and their children. 

But in 1868 prior to Anna Javis's efforts, her mother Ann Javis has been credited with establishing a "Mother's Friendship Day" for the purposes of reuniting families that had been divided during the Civil War. Ann's daughter Anna would continue her mother's efforts, but it wasn't until much later that the holiday was officially established.

A Mother's Day International Association was also founded in 1912 to promote the holiday in other countries.

Today it is celebrated by sending cards, or giving gifts to mothers. Some common Mother's Day gifts consist of giving chocolates, carnations, clothing, jewelry, or a day where moms just relax and it is not uncommon for many children to make Mother's Day cards at school. 

Here's a few samples of Mother's Day cards:

Handmade Mother's Day Cards

Mother's Day celebrations in May and in March occur all around the world, from Afghanistan to Syria, from Qatar to Mozambique, from India to Portugal, and in many more places. Some nations, however,  celebrate International Women's Day instead.

Mother's Day Celebration in the Netherlands, 1925

How sweet!

A song about mothers

Here's a poem to think about written by Langston Hughes. He wrote this poem when he was 21. It is titled Mother to Son:

Mother to Son

Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So, boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps.
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now—
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

What lesson was the Mother giving her son?

What lessons have your mothers taught you?


Here is another poem by Hughes titled 
I've known rivers:

I've known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins. 

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

I bathed in the Euphrates when dawns were young. 

I built my hut near the Congo and it lulled me to sleep. 

I looked upon the Nile and raised the pyramids above it. 

I heard the singing of the Mississippi when Abe Lincoln went down to New Orleans, and I've seen its muddy bosom turn all golden in the sunset. 

I've known rivers: Ancient, dusky rivers. 

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.

Although, it is about rivers, it could just as easily be about Mothers.

Think about the ways in which it could represent Mothers.

One thing is certain, in the end, mothers love their children unconditionally.

So, regardless where you live and whether you buy her flowers or make a card, remembering your mother is a timeless celebration, for where would we all be if it hadn't been for Mothers?

Here's a scroll ready for you to download
and fill out for your mom

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO ALL THE MOTHERS AROUND THE WORLD--
And yes, you are ALL loved by your children! 
Right kids?

Be well guys,

The Teach

Dear Teach: Mean People

Hi Boys and Girls,

Have you ever met a "mean" person? 

If you haven't, well then I would say you are indeed most fortunate because you have learned the power of positive thinking. 

But if you have met a mean person, sad to say, you represent about 99% of the population who have met cruel people because most everyone has at one time or another.

So, what constitutes a "mean" person or "mean" people? 

Is it when they send you a nasty look, for no apparent reason?

Is it a whispered word  they utter to another while you are standing there?

Is it the spreading of gossip?

Is it executing a mean act because they were instructed to do so by someone else?

Is it when they cut you off in line?

Is it when they negatively judged you?

Is it when you were excluded from sitting at a particular seat or kept from joining a group?

Is it when they wouldn't share, or play with you?

Well, whatever it was, yes you are correct, those behaviors are indeed "mean" behaviors.

So, what can and should you do? 

Should you report it? Maybe...

But if you are like most children, it rarely seems to help anyway.

Consider:

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered

Forgive Them Anyway

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish motives

Be Kind Anyway

If you are honest and sincere, people may deceive you

Be Honest and Sincere Anyway

If you find serenity and happiness, people may be jealous

Be Happy Anyway

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow

Do Good Anyway

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough

Give Them Your Best Anyway

In the final analysis, it is between you and God

It was Never Between you and Them Anyway.

The above lines were found in an orphanage where Mother Teresa once worked. 

Its true author is unknown.

Sometimes all one can do is just to ignore it anyway as the lines express.

I suspect the more you focus on the "mean" behaviors from certain people, the more "mean" behaviors will surely follow you.

In fact, I am quite certain of this. 

So, what can and should you do?

At the end of each day begin to give gratitude for all the GOOD things that have come your way.  

Doing so, will erase all the "mean" actions people may have done on that day. 

Look outside, count all those stars, for each one you see, know that a new friend is waiting for you; for each new bird song you hear, know many great things are being said about you, and for every good thing you do, know many more will follow you.

 

How many stars can you count?

And here?

How many bird songs can you hear?

This is the way of the Universe. It will always be this way. The glass has always been full, since the day you were born, and will continue to be forever. 

You are almost there kids, not to worry, all is well.

The Teach

Dear Teach: Earth Day

Hi Boys and Girls,

In celebration of a very special day, Earth Day, I am featuring a portion of my January 14's blog. View the clip below and then think about the following ideas.

In light of oh so many events that have circled our globe in the past few months, and even just days in this new 2013 year, that's not so very new any more, let's stop and think: What lessons have we learned?

What is it that humanity is in desperate need of?

What new idea did Carl Sagan bring to you?

What is it that you as a human being are shown here?

Was Carl Sagan more than a cosmologist? In what way?

Is this important? Why?

Are you more than a 10, 11, or 12 year old? In what way?

Are most people more than who they appear to be? Is there a common thread that binds us all? If so, what is it?

Is there more than one way to view things?

What are your thoughts on his ideas?

This is a day to think deeply about and to reflect upon--Earth Day. What does it mean to you?

Make a pledge to yourself or some small action you can take--on this day.




                                              Cosmologist, Carl Sagan's Pale Blue Dot Earth

1934-1996

  

Be well kids.

The Teach

Dear Teach: Pastels everywhere---can you name that blossom?

Hi Boys and Girls,

Well, if you haven't noticed, look around you. Spring is here and it is teeming with a blast of color. Beautiful pastels! They are everywhere. 

These flowering trees put a smile on your face. Besides the fact they help us welcome Spring, just looking at them brings joy and inner peace. 

Future days will be warmer and many more trees will green and others will burst into vivid hues. 

But trees that are blossoming now, in these first few weeks of April are very special indeed. They may be timid, or fierce and bold for they bare the all too unsure condition of, "Is it safe yet, will there be an unexpected frost to wilt our blossoms?" 

Regardless, and as if on cue these magnificent trees bravely open their buds one-by-one, petal by petal for all to see their spectacular display and smell their intoxicating scents!  

But that isn't all, if you stand quietly beneath anyone of these trees not only will you be swallowed up in the sweetness of their aroma, but you will hear the frenzy of busy bees humming in pure delight. 

Now don't move or disturb them, just observe them. These little miracles of nature bring pollen to and from one flowering plant to another and are the gardeners of our fields and plants. 

Tip your head back and look up at the sturdy tree trunk and its graceful limbs which hold hundreds of bouquets of flowers. 

By now we've used most all our senses, well almost except for touch. No need to, unless you have planted trees or bushes for the purpose of cutting and bringing their flowerets indoors.

And, sooner or later you may have spotted or wondered, "Now what is that beautiful flowering tree," or "what's that yellow bush I see everywhere?"

You may not be a budding arboriculturist [no pun intended], but it doesn't mean you shouldn't know the names of the native trees that adorn the North Eastern part of the United States each spring. 

Knowing a few names of trees and what their flowering parts look like may well provide you with a few details to support you and your writing. It'll give your sentences a flair!

So without further adieu, can you guess the names of the flowering images below?

Here's a few to consider:

Forthysia bush with elongated woody stems

Because these grow so prolifically, homeowners will clip a few of their long stems and bring them indoors for a splash of Spring color.

Look closely here, you'll see a perfectly formed star. What tree do these blossoms belong to?

White with ever-so-light pink edges

Strong graceful limbs

Blossoms against green and white clouds

Seemingly, giant cottonballs against blue sky

Have you seen these?

It is the Glorious Cherry Blossom tree!

Deep pink Japanese Cherry Blossoms

Japanese Cherry Blossom tree, one of the first to blossom

Saucer Magnolia bud begins to unfold, 
resembling a large saucer when fully opened

Large Magnolia tree buds waiting to burst

Flowering Magnolia's filament

Magnolias opening up

Stella Magnolia Blossom

Small Stella Magnolia Bush 

Have you seen these?

Here's a close up of these amazing blossoms.

Weeping Cherry tree,
resemble pink clusters of cotton candy!

These are everywhere one looks!

Have you seen them?

They often line the downtown streets
 casting a canopy of whitish greenish hues...
the outstanding and exquisite Pear tree!

So what's blooming in your back yard?

Be well kids!

The Teach

Dear Teach: A look at the most beautiful public schools in the world

Hi Boys and Girls,

If you were in charge of designing a classroom or even an entire school, what would it look like?

What would you put in it? What colors would you use? Would the roof be made of glass?

Or would you have planted trees that grace the ceiling, retractable skylights to welcome in the first snowflakes, or a menagerie of exotic animals living in a classroom down the hall? 

Or would your school look like the inside of a computer?

What mood would it elicit in you? Peaceful or other world?

Well, here's a look at The Most Beautiful and Imaginative Public Schools in the World.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Ljubljana, Sloveniaon

Saint-Denis, France

Saint-Denis, France

Saint-Denis, France

Paris, France

Paris, France

The Hague, The Netherlands

The Hague, The Netherlands

Santa Marta, Colombia

Santa Marta, Colombia

Santa Marta, Colombia

Nagahama, Japan

Nagahama, Japan

If you could select one to visit, which would it be? Why? What does it have that yours does not?

We all know that with every school also comes the all favorite time of day, lunchtime. What does your school's lunch offer? 

Does it look like the image below? Check the link and see which country hosted the meal. So what's for lunch today?

Here's a look at lunches from around the world. Which would you choose to have? Why?

Create a super meal you would offer once a year at your school. What would it contain? Would it be health conscious tidbits or filled with delectable treats to tempt even is the finickiest eater!


Be Well Kids.

The Teach

Dear Teach: Makin Things!

Hi Boys and Girls,

I bet many of you enjoy making things. Using your hands, experimenting with trinkets and the like. Well, now it is official, the Maker Faire is at your finger tips! Here's a great place to come and watch, participate, and just have a blast!

What do you think these two boys are making?

So what ever you have been doing, keep doing it, just like sleeping, or eating, or breathing. It's good for you. And guess what, you don't ever get enough of it. Never! No, not even in school! Imagine doing that all day long: Making something, each and everyday! What would you make? What would it look like, would it be the same one month later? Who would benefit most from it? How could you improve it? In case you are wondering, it is the Maker Faire.

Maker Faire is the Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth—a family-friendly festival of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker movement. Just imagine if Leonardo Da Vinci hadn't tinkered, we wouldn't have the helicopter, or the parachute, or more!

Check it out right here:

Well, if you think that was cool, what are your thoughts on:

                                                 Lego Table!

So now what do you think? Are you ready to join the movement?

Be well kids!

The Teach