Saturday, August 27, 2011

OK Go and The Muppets - Muppet Show Theme Song

Hmmm well I like Ok Go and the muppets but not sold on this. Having said that there was some funny ok go references

A muppet dream within a muppet dream? Muppception!

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

301 posts

Wow who would have guessed it... And most of it youtube too probably. Here is one to celebrate. I'm a huge fan of the kicking with white shoes from the band.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

What is your impact on Your Environment

I've been challenged recently on trying to positively effect my soundings. So many times it doesn't feel like you are getting anywhere and is easy to get discouraged. I found this challenging. From Here

37 Seconds To Read: May Change Your View For A Lifetime

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.

One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.

His bed was next to the room’s only window

The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end.

They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation..

Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.

The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.

The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.

Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats.. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.

As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.

One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.

Although the other man could not hear the band – he could see it in his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days, weeks and months passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.

She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.

Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.

The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.

She said, ‘Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.’

Epilogue:

There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations.

Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.

If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can’t buy.

‘Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present .’

Study, Why so Hard?

Well over the last One and a Half years I've been working on a Diploma of Youth Work through SU's training arm. And I've really struggled with it. Motivation levels have been at an all time low. One the surface it is easy- one online task every week (takes about 15 mins) and then a portfolio every term. (probably takes about 18 hours total). I really struggle to get the work done. And I shouldn't. It isn't hard. And it relates to my job. I mean this was last week's task- It isn't hard.

C7 OLT2: Doing Research and Evaluation with Children, Young People and Families

When planning programs and other responses to researched needs, it is important to factor in processes for evaluation. Such reviews are essential if we are to determine whether, not only our responses, but our processes in working out our responses, have been successful. Doing review and evaluation with children, young people and families can have its challenges, but these can be overcome. Fortunately, many others have gone before us and mapped out the challenges of such evaluations and have charted courses through them.

In this week's task, you are required to read a Fact Sheet on research with children, young people and families, and then respond to three discussion questions specifically about evaluation.

Read the Fact Sheet:

Read the Fact Sheet called, "Collecting Data from Parents and Children for the Purpose of Evaluation"by M McDonald & K Rosier (CAFCA)

Respond to the Discussion Questions:

Why is it important to do research and evaluation with children, young people and families
Outline one challenge you might face in trying to do research and evaluation with children, young people and families
Outline one strategy you might use to overcome that challenge

(Please refer to ideas outlined in the reading provided as well as from your own experiences)

As usual, make your post and respond to the posts of two other students...

(taken from the training site)

But why am I struggling so much to get it done? Is it my Pride thinking I don't need to be trained on something I can already do and do very well (apparently).

Or is it just pure and simple laziness? Differences in theology? I am jumping on any excuse not to do it. For example last year there was a section that I disagreed with theologically and so I shut down. I avoided any calls about the course and didn't do my assignments. Buried my head under a rock and waited for it all to vanish. It didn't. And I got it done- writing the same way I did at uni saying what was wanted to be said. Feeling hollow and like a sellout.

Is it because it is correspondence? Well the trainers are very good at contacting you and keeping you going. The on-line stuff is really good. And they have done a great job at making it easy to do where I am- though a study buddy here would be great.

Maybe I'm just losing my study edge. Maybe the thirst for knowledge is dry. Does this mean Bible college isn't for me?