Math
started a new textbook, i made a list of some ideas/concepts to cover

Inauguration
"What if we had a Buddhist president? That's what bothers me with all these political things. Why do they always say 'God?' Would they say, 'So help me, Buddha?'"

"Whoa. Big guns... Why are they shooting them?"

Me: "He's operating on a whole new level."
JLynn: [Nods] "Of humanity."

More math
JLynn decided to move on to the next chapter, having finished the first one.
I printed some worksheets.

Literature/Philosophy
Started reading Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet, making commentary & analysis. "It's like the Bible. Advice on how to live your life."

Later: acrobatics

Here's the article I wrote for the Education Revolution Magazine

Memetics, Schools, and Education - by Kelly Taylor

We educational revolutionaries are interested in challenging the status quo of one-size-fits-all education. We want to create a paradigm shift. In order to do so, we have to understand what we're up against, be aware of how current paradigms are upheld by “memes,” how the memes we use are perceived, and how we can use memes more effectively. A meme ("meem") is any piece of culturally transmitted information, large or small. They are the building blocks of human social existence.
Much has been written on the topic of memetics, but Richard Dawkins, who coined the term "meme" in his 1976 book, The Selfish Gene, provides the best definition:

Examples of memes are tunes, ideas, catch-phrases, clothes fashions, ways of making pots or of building arches. Just as genes propagate themselves in the gene pool by leaping from body to body via sperms or eggs, so memes propagate themselves in the meme pool by leaping from brain to brain via a process which, in the broad sense, can be called imitation.
- http://www.rubinghscience.org/memetics/dawkinsmemes.html

It is essential that we as educational revolutionaries learn to perceive and understand memes and memetics, how they function, and their relevance to education so that we can effect change and create the world we want to see.
Like a gene in genetics, a meme's purpose in the realm of memetics is to replicate itself, to move from one host to another; however memes are created by people, often intentionally, to propagate specific ideas and paradigms. Obviously some memes carry large pieces of our cultural makeup, and are made up of lots of smaller memes in what's called a meme-complex. As we encounter various memes, we evaluate them and either accept them and then pass them on to others, or reject them and we don't pass them on.
How exactly can memes be used in this way? Some memes evolve over time, but many are consciously created to support or counter pre-existing memes, and the field of education is a teeming, writhing mass of contradictory memes, each of which is seen as positive by its "host," to use a biological analogy. These hosts are clamoring for "change," "a return to older values," "back to basics," "diversity," "new math," "traditional subjects," "hand-on, interactive," "reform," "integrated learning," "increased success," "better grades," "lower drop-out rates," "higher test scores," and the like. Each of these is a meme complex with layers of smaller memes developed and working together as co-memes.

If we are to truly revolutionize education, we need to be able to take these apart, understand them, and put them back together or destroy them as we see fit for our individual school's needs. We can choose to encourage some memes, such as "consensus-based decision making," "small mixed-age class sizes," or "non-compulsory classes" to mold the future into something that we think will be more positive for everyone.

As a way of looking at education-related memes, let's take apart "school" as a meme complex by creating a short list of memes associated with traditional school: principal, teacher, pupils, building, grades, friends, clothes, classes, subjects, academics, specials, grade-levels, tests, supplies, pencils, chalkboards, books, papers, uniforms, halls, lockers, sports, discipline, control. Note that many of these sub-memes form common phrases or compound words with "school," such as "schoolbooks" and "schoolteacher." Of course each of those sub-memes can be analyzed further, breaking down each idea into many component parts, and doing so may be useful to us, depending on what we are trying to accomplish.

The questions of which memes and how to break them down can and should only be answered on an individual or organizational level (what's right for you or your school in Manhattan may be very different for folks in the mountains of West Virginia), and an exciting component of answering them is recognizing, creating, supporting and propagating counter-memes. They are popping up in the mainstream, from the New York Times running a favorable article on unschooling to films like "Accepted" and "Mean Girls." Dissatisfaction with the existing school system is rampant, and this is an excellent time to work towards creating new memes that promote the idea that we don't just have to take whatever "they" dish out, that we can create our own realities and paradigms.

The best way to start this process is by looking at an issue that is near to us. There have been some hot debates recently as to the best definitions and applications of the word "democracy," specifically in relationship to schools, education and so-called alternative education. People are beginning to really unpack a particularly powerful meme which is undergoing a very sudden and very public paradigm shift. What does it mean that a word that was once positive - "people power" - is now associated with war, bombings, fascism, torture and rigged elections? What does this mean for "democratic" education? All of a sudden the definition of the word has become critical before even contemplating the practicalities or impracticalities of applying and employing a particular decision-making model in their schools.

This is more than an argument about semantics, as if words are interchangeable and should mean the same things to everyone. It's important to recognize what words that are significant to a range of different groups and life conditions in order to choose the appropriate language in the expression of our new and radical ideas. Do we want to push out into the farthest boundaries of alternative education, attracting other radicals and early adopters? Do we want to use more inclusive language to try to bring alternative education to those who would otherwise never consider it? When we create and use memes with careful intent, we can be more secure in our communication, and have confidence in our message.


Project Idea
Make an "idea map" with school in the middle and start making first-level sub-memes. Then list as many memes as you can think of that comprise those sub-memes, as with "schools." It can be an eye-opening experiment in breaking down assumptions. Now do the same for your school or educational program or project. What are the sub-memes of a freeschool? An unschoolers collective? A Friends' school? What sort of "meme-trees" would your students create?

This is an excerpt from the brilliant copperwise here: http://copperwise.livejournal.com/680972.html

"Sarah Palin et al like to call us "Joe Six-Pack," and they think we like it too. They think it sounds folksy and homey and cute.

Sure. It's a folksy, homey, cute way to euphemistically call us something very close to trashy, ignorant hillbillies. We're just not supposed to be smart enough to realize it.

See, JSP isn't referring to our rock hard abs. JSP literally means "the blue collar guy who picks up a six pack of cheap beer every night after work and goes home to watch Nascar (and probably beat his wife/kids and light a cross on the black neighbor's lawn but we won't say anything about that wink wink nudge nudge)." That is the message that they are trying to get across to America.

We know you. You don't have a thought in your head beyond making sure you have food on the table and beer in the fridge. You want us to take care of you and do all the thinking for you. You're a demographic we've put together based on statistics of race, level of education, and family income. And we think that everyone who falls within those statistics is just exactly the same. And did we mention we don't think you're very bright?"


*Modified summary from the equally brilliant V of Violent Acres

Hello, friends! If you vote for my picture, I can win fame and fortune! The more it gets passed around and posted in places, the better chance of winning I have! And isn't he CYOOOTE?!?!?! Let's see how far I can get it. :) Love -K

Wee books on Etsy for sale!
Steampunk coming soon!!


I also think I'm going to start printing/selling photos. Lalalalala!

After 2 photoshoots, I think we're about done with all the art for Jesse's new album. If you want to see a sneak preview a tiny sample of some of the possible (and not possible, just up b/c they're fun) pictures, you have to be my friend on flickr!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wmshc_kiwitayro/sets/72157605057009167/

and everyone has to buy his album so that he & i both get famous for our art, ok? thanks.

kiwitayro: us: "hay omg did u notice IT'S SUMMER!?" earth: uh, yes, actually. hence the flowers and thunderstorms. duh.
Westerling: ttly!
kiwitayro: all my manifestations of primal forces are sarcastic and often speak lolcat.
Westerling: THEY PROLLY NEW LOLCAT B4 THAIR WUZ LOLCAT OMG
kiwitayro: hahah
kiwitayro: bast: OMG I TTLY STARTID THAT!
Westerling: hahahaha
Westerling: other gods: OMGWTFBBQ!
kiwitayro: coyote: **sulks**
Westerling: coyote: O YA, I HAZ A BUKKIT http://flickr.com/photos/13101875@N00/2245335099/in/set-1377841/
Westerling: SO THAIR http://flickr.com/photos/13101875@N00/2356958240/sizes/m/
kiwitayro: walrus: OMG I NEW IT!!! U HAZ MA BUKKIT!!!111!!!ELEVENTY!!!1
Westerling: hahahaha
Westerling: bast: U GUYZ R TEH L4M3XXX0RZ
kiwitayro: coyote: **barkbarksnarl** http://www.wunderground.com/blog/econo/
kiwitayro: skies: **rend**
kiwitayro: raven: **smackdown**
kiwitayro: -fin-


( oh there's more )

This is one of a series of books made from some 1960s Popular Mechanics magazines I picked up in a junk shop. Covers are made from mysterious schematics, hilarious advertisements and wacky inventions. Boy are they fun to make!

Click the image to see some of the others (more to come!) on my etsy page or go to http://kiwitayro.etsy.com

Yay!

xposted to personal & handmadebooks

Buy my wee books! Now with PayPal!

I've got 3 new books up!

Tell me what you'd like to see & I'll make 'em.

/shameless whoring

After Drumcliffe, we had lunch in Sligo, and Beth & I stopped in to the Yeats' Society Museum (and poked our heads into the cafe, but we got food elsewhere.)

From there we went and had a quick "garden stroll" up a monster mountain to Knock-na-rea, Medbh's Grave.



Then I got holy water from Knock. And some medals.



In Galway I sat on Gay Snape's Oscar Wilde's lap and we went to a fabulous pub Tig Coili for some fabulous trad music and I conversed with a French professor of Logic who spent 7 years in the US at the University of Georgia. He was cool.



We saw a preposterously cute castle, Dunguaire, which looked like it has been built just for tourists to go "OMG CASTLE!!" And, actually, i think it was.

I kept taking pictures of THATCHED ROOF COTTAGES!!! Like, knock it off already.



The Cliffs of Insanity Moher had some funny warnings:


I went to at least 2 Brigid's Wells, including this famous and popular one in Liniscannor, Co. Clare. There were old people pacing around and muttering prayers. The real deal, lads.



Then there was karaoke night. Which was, surprisingly, also the same night as "Kelly, Bethany & Supranee have 3 bottles of wine and then some" night! Strange, coincidence! Well, when this guy is the hostel/pub's mascot ("The Randy Leprachaun"), we shouldn't be so shocked:



Mostly Ireland was so fucking gorgeous it just hurt. Fortunately our break-neck whirlwind tour speed was sufficient that nobody was overwhelmed and carried off by the faeries ... or "strong cliff winds."




Celeste challenges the fertility gods on top of a stone penis.

The last day we hit the Blarney Castle ("an hour and a half, lads!") and instead of wading through the 19,000 french schoolchildren, beth & went out into the grounds where they have touristed up the local flora & fauna & ... mysterious rock formations & whatnot. Some of it was hopelessly cheesy, but there was something awfully mystical about the place. Like this guy:



Beth & I had soup and bread in the REAL Ryan's Daughter, in Cashel, which you Bawlmer folks might recognize the name of. Prices are just about as exorbitant, but there's seating for about 25 in there. :)



I skipped touring the Rock of Cashel, which I probably shouldn't have done, but I wanted to eat at Ryan's Daughter just because it would be cool. I took an obligatory OMG CASTLE! MONASTERY!! photo from the street below.

Those poor Irish. They must just long for a bunglow. o.o

Last week I spent 6 days touring Ireland - 7 if you include the day I spent in Dublin with Bethany. Beth & I went on a Paddywagon 6-Day All-Ireland tour We started in Dublin, went north to Belfast where we got a black taxi tour of both versions of the city, walls and all.





Then across the north coast, past the Giant's Causeway and other places, including the norhernmost point in Ireland, and on to (Free)Derry. We were given a more or less first-person version of The Troubles there (our guide may have only been a wee laddy when Bloody Sunday happened).





That night I had a grand old time in a pub called Peadar O'Donnell's, a hardcore Republican bar - the brother of the owner is a Sinn Fein (and former IRA) leader. I got concerned clucking from middle aged ladies about my sunburn, lively conversation from Dougie, a 70-something Scottsman (who was NOT trying to pick me up, he was just jolly and adorable) and some amusing conversations with other locals. AND fabulous music.



After Derry, we went back into the Republic, and visited Yeats' grave.


Like the crow feather?

Firefox is having a fit. I'll come back & edit later.

i'm here! it's great! yay!

no idea when i'll get on again, but just wanted to let everyone know i made it ok. my cellphone's batteries are dead, so i'm kinda screwed when i get back too. d'oh.

hm. i guess i should find someone to pick me up when i fly in, eh?? duh.

such careful planning.

right now, i am here
http://www.sciencegallery.com/

the beer dress is amazing. so is the lighter than air fabric. and the dress manufactured by a 3-D printer. i can NOT wrap my head around that. like, what??? or the SWEATERS that were PRINTED OUT and you can WEAR THEM. **headbroke**

anyway, i'll try to post more, but i dunno if i can. so far, only A SMALL NUMBER of pictures of walls/bricks/etc. I refrained from taking pictures of the heads i saw on a wall out the bus window. dublin mostly feels like any big city with lots of tourists. can't wait to get to the rest of ireland. saw a busker on grafton st. it wasn't glen hansard. *sigh*

i've been telling bethany about torchwood. hehehe.

OMG EUROPEAN COFFEE!!! WHEEEEWHONEEDSSLEEP!?!?!?!

love!!

JLynn's stepsister Buggy is living with us now. She has had a rough time, and if you have any insight or advice on PTSD, attachment disorder, or kids with developmental delays b/c of neglect or abuse, please leave them here.

Comments screened, no IP logging, anon turned on. Thanks.

here's what i have:

chicken (1 can. i know. shut up.)
ham (2 or 3 cans. i know. shut up.)
tuna fish
corned beef (a fuckton.)
eggs
refried beans

rice
mac & cheese
egg noodles
potatoes
tortilla shells

spinach
mushrooms
tomato
green beans
zucchini
onions
garlic

I can haz an esty. Buy crap from me!

I will be uploading more stuff. it takes a while. And soon I'll have paypal working. Yarr.

i likes makin tiny books. see here some tiny books i dun made!

I just uploaded some better (in daylight) pics of the most recent batch of tiny/small books I made last week.

i think i will make some more today!

Poll #1158191 Rise and Shine!
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All

On a scale of 1-10, how fucked do you think the world is re: global warming, evil corporations, peak oil, the TSA, wiretapping, net neutrality, civil rights, etc?

On a scale of 1-10 how easy is it for you to get up in the morning?

Just humor me.

For those of you who don't know, Sunday is Zombie Day.


Infected Monkey Zombie Tag
Jonah and Taury run for their lives as they are slowly surrounded by Zombie Kyle, Lorraine, Cat, Amanda, Josiah and Denise

Here is Josh and Dave's Zombie Tag, which is by far the best. I've read other descriptions of Zombie Tag, and they are dumb.

Josh, feel free to correct me if I miss something.

You need:
- A large empty field (unless it's a graveyard) with clearly defined boundaries that you can't go outside of.
- 10 - 100 people
- grass stain remover (trust me)

How to play:
1. For the 1st round, you randomly pick an Infected Monkey. Usually it's Josh or Dave, but if you can't have one of the game's creators, anyone else will do.

2. Everyone else is a human. For now. The Infected Monkey starts somewhere - middle of the field? and everyone else gets the fuck away.

3. Start! The infected Monkey can run REAL FAST. And chase you. And touch you. And MAKE YOU A ZOMBIE!

Infected Monkey crouches in waiting

4. If the Infected Monkey touches you at all, AT ALL, even just your SHIRT or your GLASSES, that means that you are now INFECTED!

5. Once you are INFECTED you must fall to the ground WRITHING in agony. You are now a ZOMBIE!! You feel an overwhelming, irresistable urge for BRAINS!! Sadly, you are a Zombie now and can only shamble slowly, arms outstretched, lurching towards the deliciously healthy brains you see running around the field, whom you must touch with BOTH HANDS. Once you are in arm's reach of a healthy brain, you may take one large LUNGE towards it, but you are too zombified to run or even shuffle quickly. The best strategy is to team up with some of the rest of the horde and try to surround some healthy brains or steer them towards the Infected Monkey (see photo above).
Josh adds: Just one thing I see missing. Zombies can not speak. They can say only one thing. BRAAAAAAAAAINS!

6. The last Healthy Brain standing is the WINNER and gets first refusal to be Infected Monkey for the next round!

This works well as a performance piece, too, especially if everyone had a zombie mask in their pocket that they put on when they fell to the ground... hmmm...

From the blog of Jordan Stratford, Gnostic priest & author:

"Sweet baby Jesus, I am a miserable sinner, but please have mercy on me and help momma with the bingo. And also, please take care of Fluffy in Heaven. God bless America. Amen."

This is prayer for millions of people. This is what it means to pray for the majority of those who were taught this practice, those for whom prayer is a critical part of their spiritual lives. And it's evil.

...

Rather than such a meek and (frequently) selfish supplication, prayer must be a radical, political act of intense examination and change. Each prayer, however simple, needs to be as violently historically impactful personally as, say, the Declaration of Independence is to the United States. I'm not that anymore, I'm this now. It's alchemical, the transmutation of lead into gold.

He rather succinctly and amusingly puts forth a lot of my issues with mainstream Christianity, with organized religion, with any sort of religion/ritual tradition that involves supplicating some deity for stuff. I don't do "money candle" rituals, either. It's not limited to monotheistic religions.

So yeah, read this article. It's brilliant and funny. Mostly I am talking to westerling and dangerousbeans and lord_angelthong. This is the article I was talking about last night. And here's the church website i was talking about:
http://www.johannite.org

The other good website I found for reading when you get to the end of the internet is this one:
http://www.aquariuspapers.com/

That is all.

I would like my pincushion that has all my important crafty sewing needles stuck in it to please return in the next half an hour. I miss you and I need you. *sob*

Thanks in advance,

-Kelly