Ed's personal timeline, a place to collect and share things from Ed's life.
Created by edbondny on Aug 30, 2009
Last updated: 10/20/10 at 02:31 AM
Ed Bond has no followers yet. Be the first one to follow.
Life In A Day
Jack Bond's 11th birthday party and trip to Harris Hill with his friends on July 24, 2010.
From:
edbondsf
Views:
8
0
ratings
Time:
05:10
More in
People & Blogs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVUsS5W5zyQ&feature=youtube_gdata
Bicket Time!
Here's our California dogs getting their biscuits (bickets!) on our back deck in upstate New York. It was summer of 2002, and Jack was only 3 years old here. Next is more footage of them playing in the snow. Galen, Shadow and Wanda were three dogs that we brought back to upstate New York from California in 2001. Galen was the distemper survivor treated and saved by Dr. Al Sears in February 1997. For more information: www.edbond.com Galen: 1996 to October 2006. Shadow: August 1996 to March 26, 2009. Wanda: May 1998 to July 14, 2010.
From:
edbondsf
Views:
28
0
ratings
Time:
02:30
More in
Pets & Animals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8mc7ovogZA&feature=youtube_gdata
The Dogs of California
Galen, Shadow and Wanda were three dogs that we brought back to upstate New York from California in 2001. Here they are getting used to the cold and having fun in the snow. Galen was the distemper survivor treated and saved by Dr. Al Sears in February 1997. For more information: www.edbond.com Galen: 1996 to October 2006. Shadow: August 1996 to March 26, 2009. Wanda: May 1998 to July 14, 2010.
From:
edbondsf
Views:
32
0
ratings
Time:
04:26
More in
Pets & Animals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuRy_CsTdWE&feature=youtube_gdata
Ninja The Kitten Watches Chickadee Movie
This is what happened when I played my movie of the Chickadees in the backyard on our TV. The kitten attacked a few times, but lost interest when he realized they weren't real birds. Here's another video of Ninja. www.youtube.com
From:
edbondsf
Views:
13
0
ratings
Time:
00:24
More in
Pets & Animals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws5E5gxA_g0&feature=youtube_gdata
Closeup Visit With Chickadees
I couldn't believe my luck this year when chickadees moved into the birdhouse I had put up right outside our back door. It had stood empty for three years until they finally moved in. The birdhouse was made by my son, Jack, in a Cub Scout den meeting. I love our backyard. In the background is the Pirate Ship Tree house. Check that out here: www.youtube.com Here's what Ninja the kitten thinks of this video: www.youtube.com
From:
edbondsf
Views:
20
0
ratings
Time:
06:21
More in
Pets & Animals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PH9ISDb1gTg&feature=youtube_gdata
Chickadees in the birdhouse
My son made this birdhouse at a Cub Scout den meeting about three years ago. I chose to put it up on the porch overhang right outside our back door. I later regretted that, and decided it was a poorly selected location, at least until this year. These chickadees complained quite vigorously that the opening was too small. The day after I finally opened up the hole, the Chickadees moved in.
From:
edbondsf
Views:
13
0
ratings
Time:
01:54
More in
Pets & Animals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVCdT1MzhGk&feature=youtube_gdata
Ninja the kitten goes to school
Despite some tense moments with a nearby dog, Ninja the kitten came through the Ridge Road Elementary School pet show with flying colors. His owner, Liam, had a couple of extra scratches on his hand by the end of it.
From:
edbondsf
Views:
25
0
ratings
Time:
09:55
More in
Pets & Animals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNlss5rB_Ik&feature=youtube_gdata
Ninja kitten attacks Romeo
Our dog Romeo only wants to be friends with the new kitten, but Ninja has other ideas. For another video of Romeo, go here: www.youtube.com www.edbond.com
From:
edbondsf
Views:
159
3
ratings
Time:
01:05
More in
Pets & Animals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBR3WqLRMAk&feature=youtube_gdata
Ninja kitten attacks
Our dog Romeo only wants to be friends with the new kitten, but Ninja has other ideas. For another video of Romeo, go here: www.youtube.com www.edbond.com
From:
edbondsf
Views:
39
0
ratings
Time:
01:05
More in
Pets & Animals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwXFkXNbkC0&feature=youtube_gdata
What a story:http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/opinion/02brooks.html
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2010/05/hollywood-take-note.html
---- Original message ---->Date: Thu, 22 Apr 2010 15:27:21 -0700 (PDT)>From: NAME WITHHELD>Subject: Re: >To: ebond@ithaca.edu>> My apologies Mr. Bond. Thank-You so much for this.> Even though I am still attending High School, I as> well am a very busy young lady. Email will be fine> for me, if only that is alright with you Sir. The> things I wanted to ask was what inspired you to> become a full-time professor? Did you always know> you wanted to write? I will not lie, it has amazed> me that you use to be a writer for the Star-Gazette> in Elmira, Asbury Park Press, Indianapolis Star and> the Los Angeles Times! What was that like? Were you> able to write any and everything you wanted? What> key tips can you share with me that will help me get> to my goal of being a journalist? Once again I> Thank-you for your time and consideration.> From: "ebond@ithaca.edu" To: NAME WITHHELDSent: Thu, April 22, 2010 10:01:51 PMSubject: Re:I became a journalist because I loved newspapers and I loved writing. I grew up with newspapers. I had a paper route as a kid, and I always read the comics first. Later on, I started reading the front page more and more.I was drawn to the energy and fun of newspapers. I loved the deadline driven world. At 18, I used to cover city council and school board meetings in N.J., and I loved the adrenalin rush of making deadline.I got to write all sorts of stories, met all sorts of people and learned a lot about all sorts of topics. The fun of working for a newspaper was that you never knew what the day would bring. One day it might be a teacher's strike, the next might be an interview with a famous scientist, the next might be a close encounter with a celebrity.I didn't get to write every story I wanted to, but I'd say about 90 percent of the stories I wrote, I came up with on my own.I got into teaching because I was once invited to speak to a high school class in Corning N.Y., and then I was invited back. Later on, when I was working at the L.A Times, I met a journalism professor at a community college in Los Angeles. I spoke to her class, and that started me on the path to being a professor myself. I would eventually replace that teacher in her job.What I discovered was that I enjoyed standing in front a group of young people, eager to learn, and talk about why journalists do what we do. We are trying to improve the world, in a way, by giving people the news and information that they need to make decisions they will make. We don't make those decisions for people, we don't advocate for a cause, but we try to show people all sides of an issue. It's a role that is not always appreciated.As to advice about becoming a journalist, the first piece of advice is to read: newspapers, magazines, books. Be familiar with the written word. Take an interest in the issues in the world. Get educated on the issues.Secondly, you should know that the world of journalism that I entered years ago is very different from the world that you may enter. Newspapers are dying, unfortunately, but journalism is still going strong. It's now become multimedia. Reporters need to be able to not only write stories but to shoot pictures, shoot video, edit these materials and get them on the Web.So, I would recommend you find ways to give yourself as much practice with these as possible. Join the student newspaper, take classes in technology, start your own blog. Learn how the world of media works today.Well, I'd say that's it in a nutshell. I hope this helps you in your pursuits.Good luck,Ed Bondwww.edbond.com
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2010/04/answer-to-e-mail-from-high-school.html
A student flagged this on a blog, and I'm posting this for now to remind myself I want to blog on this later.
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2010/04/texas-school-board-decision-on.html
This video is disturbing and difficult to watch. But anyone who says that a war must be started or that a war is a good thing must watch this video. The individuals who committed this act will carry a guilt for what they did throughout their lives. But the real responsibility lies with the one who so easily started this war, without considering all the horrors that are unleashed when you crack open the possibilities of violence.
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2010/04/required-watching-before-starting-war.html
A good column my wife sent me. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=125583443
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2010/04/on-being-catholic.html
I had to share this fundraising e-mail, ostensibly sent by James Carville. I say that with skepticism only because I often doubt that these letters actually come from the people whose names are on them. But this time I have reason to believe it. Just because the tone of it is so classically James Carville. For my friends who are Democrats, enjoy his salty language. No offense intended to my Republican friends.Ed --This is nuts. At a time when most of America is celebrating historic health care legislation that's been a century in the making, a few narrow-minded tea party nut jobs are trying to tarnish this great achievement.But if you think these vile two-bit wing-nuts are just gonna slink back into whatever century they crawled out from now that health care reform is the law, think again.The same uncorked tea party rage that we saw before the health care vote is now being used against the courageous House Democrats who stood strong and made it happen.In fact, the slimy thugs at the Republican National Committee already raised $1,494,084 in their "Fire Nancy Pelosi" campaign. That's why I'm asking you to help my Democratic friends in the House by contributing to their Million Dollar Match campaign.Contribute $5, $10 or more to support Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats before the critical March 31st FEC fundraising deadline and your contribution will be matched dollar-for-dollar by a group of committed Democrats.This is the first FEC fundraising deadline since the House passed health care reform. And, Republicans and the media are watching closely to see whether we reach our million dollar goal.We gotta take this fight right to those Republican special interests and right-wing extremists determined to bring back the failed policies of the past.Contribute $5, $10 or more to support House Democrats before the critical March 31st FEC fundraising deadline and your contribution will be matched dollar-for-dollar by a group of committed Democrats.We will not be intimidated by the lies, distortions and hate spewing venom from the mouths of Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, John Boehner and the other Republican gas bags. And, we're not about to back down in the face of the tidal wave of special interest cash pouring into the campaigns of our Republican opponents thanks to the radical decision by the Supreme Court.The March 31st FEC deadline is a golden opportunity to demonstrate that Democrats are on the march. We already dealt those tea party crazies a big blow by putting health care reform into the history books. Now let's make it a double-punch by beating them on this big fundraising deadline.Thanks,James Carville
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2010/03/sharing-fundraising-letter-from-james.html
I'm a Democrat and an Obama supporter. So, I'm dismayed at the anti-Obama and anti-health care ads on my blog this morning.I don't have much time, but I just wanted to say, "Hooray for health care reform." It is probably not a perfect piece of legislation, but it is a start. It is better than nothing, and it can be improved an amended over time.I'd like to see the Republicans try to repeal this. Taking away health care from people who need it? How does that help you politically?
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2010/03/dont-read-my-ads.html
We had a priest visiting from Colorado in church today. His sermon was on the Parable of the Prodigal Son. He made the point that really it should have been called the Parable of the Benevolent Father. He said that this is the story that we should draw our image of God from -- one of forgiveness and love.He took the opportunity to fire a blast at Pat Robertson, who had declared that Haiti was being punished by God for its past sins. He also attacked those who had claimed that Hurricane Katrina was God's way of punishing New Orleans.This is not the image of God that we should have, he said, of a God that is vindictive and mean. He was actually fuming with anger over this idea of God as using nature to punish humanity for their sins. It was the wrong idea to have about God. For a Catholic service, this was probably the most emotional and energetic sermon I had witnessed ... ever.God is love. God forgives, and let us be grateful for that.
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2010/03/image-of-god.html
Here's some unfortunate proof that racism exists: I was just surfing through YouTube just now and found this message embedded across the bottom of a video: "We are establishing a sovereign and independent all-White nation in the Pacific Northwest, which shall serve as a Homeland of safety and freedom for all White peoples the world over. www.northwestfront.org/"The video is dated from September 2006, but it has had more than 2 million views. (2,237,584 views as of today). The link is here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PmbSupnmK8k.The weird part is that if you click on the link from my blog, the racist green box is not there anymore. It must be an add on. You do see it if you go directly to the URL. Here's what it looks like: The Web site it sends you to spells out a plan to a create a separate all-White nation in the Pacific Northwest. They even have a flag. So, at the very least, this is treasonous.If it is a joke, it is a poor joke. If it is for real, it is to be condemned.I skimmed through the Web site and found something more disturbing. They claim they support peace. But it is the brand of peace created by separating the races. They also complain about how the media has stereotyped their movement:"When you say 'Northwest separatist' most people conjure up a vision of a religious nut living with multiple wives out in a cabin on a mountain, or else some shaven-headed, tattooed punk in a compound screaming 'White Power' and giving a Hitler salute with one hand while waving a can of beer in the air in the other. Like all stereotypes, these are mostly false and the creation of hostile government propaganda, but there is enough truth behind them to sting. We haven’t been as good at presenting ourselves as we might have been in the past." So, what they are saying is that they want to carry on the ideas of white supremacy without the overt symbols of white supremacy. At best this is a brand of quieter racism, and a silent racism is as dangerous as an overt, offensive racism. I might have just ignored this posting, but I couldn't. We need to look at this ugliness to know the evils that lurk out in the world.
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2010/03/stumbled-upon-hate.html
I was driving into work the other day -- heading up a steep, twisty hill that is part of the backroads shortcut that I take to the college -- when I started thinking about the old sayings: "You can't imprison an idea." "You can't kill an idea."They come from a sentiment of the freedom fighters of history. A similar statement: "The pen is mightier than the sword."For those of us who live in free societies, these are comforting thoughts. We take them as proof of the universal need for democracy and freedom. They are still comforting thoughts for those who today are locked up in prisons or house arrest because of brutal dictatorships. They offer hope that ultimately freedom will prevail over injustice.But there is the other end of the gradient.You may not be able to kill an idea like freedom, equality or justice. You may not be able to imprison such ideas. But it also is just as difficult to stomp out hate.Those who hate the U.S. have attacked us, our soldiers and our allies. They continue to plan attacks.And we have met their violence with our own.But violence does not defeat hate, it creates more.Violence results in martyrs and victims who can inspire a cause. When that cause is liberty, such victims and martyrs inspire freedom and democracy. When that cause is hate, they inspire more hate.Have you not noticed that many terrorist attacks come not from al-Qaida itself but from "militants inspired by al-Qaida"? You could kill every single member of al-Qaida but still have a world-wide problem with terrorism. Yes, we must answer our enemies with military force, but to truly defuse the potential force of our enemies we must unlock the problem of hate.
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2010/03/unlocking-problem-of-hate.html
Reposting an e-mail sent from the president:Ed --Last Thursday's first-of-its-kind summit capped off a debate that has lasted nearly a year. Every idea has now been put on the table. Every argument has been made. Both parties agree that the status quo is unacceptable and gets more dire each day. Today, I want to state as clearly and forcefully as I know how: Now is the time to make a decision about the future of health care in America.The final proposal I've put forward draws on the best ideas from all sides, including several put forward by Republicans at last week's summit. It will put Americans in charge of their own health care, ensuring that neither government nor insurance company bureaucrats can ration, deny, or put out of financial reach the care our families need and deserve.I strongly believe that Congress now owes the American people a final vote on health care reform. Reform has already passed the House with bipartisan support and the Senate with a super-majority of sixty votes. Now it deserves the same kind of up-or-down vote that has been routinely used and has passed such landmark measures as welfare reform and both Bush tax cuts.Earlier today, I asked leaders in both houses of Congress to finish their work and schedule a vote in the next few weeks. From now until then, I will do everything in my power to make the case for reform. And now, I'm asking you, the members of the Organizing for America community, to raise your voice and do the same.The final march for reform has begun, and your participation is crucial. Please commit to join with me to take reform across the finish line.Essentially, my proposal would change three things about the current health care system:First, it would protect all Americans from the worst practices of insurance companies. Never again will the mother with breast cancer have her coverage revoked, see her premiums arbitrarily raised, or be forced to live in fear that a pre-existing condition will bar her from future coverage.Second, my proposal would give individuals and small businesses the same choice of private health insurance that members of Congress get for themselves. And my proposal says that if you still can't afford the insurance in this new marketplace, we will offer you tax credits based on your income -- tax credits that add up to the largest middle class tax cut for health care in history.Finally, my proposal would bring down the cost of health care for everyone -- families, businesses, and the federal government -- and bring down our deficit by as much as $1 trillion over the next two decades. These savings mean businesses small and large will finally be freed up to create jobs and increase wages. With costs currently skyrocketing, reform is vital to remaining economically strong in the years and decades to come.In the few crucial weeks ahead, you can help make sure this proposal becomes law. Please sign up to join the Organizing for America campaign in the final march for reform:http://my.barackobama.com/commitWhen I talked about change on the campaign, this is what I was talking about: coming together to solve a huge problem that has been troubling America for 100 years and standing up to the special interests to deliver a brighter, smarter future for generations to come.I look forward to signing this historic reform into law. And when I do, it will be because your organizing played an essential role in making change possible.Thank you,President Barack Obama
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2010/03/final-vote-on-health-reform.html
Snow ball
Guess where I got hit. Aw nuts! www.edbond.com
From:
edbondsf
Views:
98
0
ratings
Time:
00:36
More in
People & Blogs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfjkA3gjGx4&feature=youtube_gdata
So, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, Adm. Mike Mullen, came forward this week to tell Congress he felt it a matter of integrity that gays not be forced to lie about themselves so that they can serve in the military.We may look back at this as a watershed moment in the cause of gay rights. And while the elimination of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" rule will end this kind of discrimination, it can open up other problems. I have two concerns to raise.1) The one-year study on how the rule can be changed needs to go along with a moratorium on expulsions for homosexuals in the military. This only seems reasonable. How could you kick out someone for being themselves one year when you know one year later that will not be grounds for dismissal? Perhaps they can give someone who falls under scrutiny modified duty during that year? Or just put such investigations on hold? They should also give those who have been kicked out the option to be readmitted. (This issue may be resolved as events unfold.)2) The worse problem, I'm guessing, will be the culture of homophobia within the military. Since I have not been in the military, I don't know this first hand, but the macho mindset usually generates a knee-jerk reaction against gays. Part of it is reaction to what is different and uncomfortable. My instinct tells me part of it is deeply routed misconception that all gays are out to convert you, to make you one of their own, to find a way to have sex with you. This may be the fear that drives the gay bashings and the hate crimes.The problem is that even if the military authorities do allow gays to serve openly, they will have to work very hard to defuse the anti-gay prejudice within their ranks. This will take training, counseling and pre-emptive actions. But eventually, one would hope the majority of the military personnel will realize that 1) they aren't out to convert you (red rover, red rover, send Norman over) and 2) they aren't out to seduce you.
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2010/02/do-tell.html
When we die, the reward for a good life will be in knowing the truth of the universe and of God. A good soul will be free to learn and explore this truth. A wicked person will know only their own wickedness.
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2010/01/truth.html
A Troubled Star
It took several tries to get the star up on the tree for Christmas 2009. The tree almost got knocked over, but in the end all was well.
From:
edbondsf
Views:
9
0
ratings
Time:
03:05
More in
People & Blogs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VvkSLWvs34&feature=youtube_gdata
Sunset while leaving NJ
I drove around Avon and Belmar a little before heading out on the 195. www.edbond.com
From:
edbondsf
Views:
34
0
ratings
Time:
04:46
More in
People & Blogs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Gm2fw9o5Gg&feature=youtube_gdata
"No faith justifies these murderous and craven acts; no just and loving God looks upon them with favor."President Barack Obama, honoring the memories of those slain at the Fort Hood shootings. Nov. 10, 2009.His words are a reminder that our enemy is not a people, not a faith, but hate itself.
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2009/11/who-our-enemy-is.html
Keep The Faith: Hope for Distemper Dogs
This video starts off with sad images of sick dogs, but we promise a happy ending. A treatment developed by Dr. Al Sears can effectively treat canine distemper. This is an updated version of an earlier video with new footage of dogs that have been saved from canine distemper. Please go to kindheartsinaction.com and www.edbond.com Your contributions can save the lives of dogs.
From:
edbondsf
Views:
12
0
ratings
Time:
04:58
More in
Pets & Animals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BG4SaPgMFII&feature=youtube_gdata
Detroit Airport Concourse Light Show
On the way to concourse B at the Detroit airport. Far out, man. www.edbond.com
From:
edbondsf
Views:
18
0
ratings
Time:
01:55
More in
Entertainment
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpu4Fpq0yow&feature=youtube_gdata
A Distemper Story: Kaliber Bounces Back
Kaliber and lil' Miss fight distemper. While Lil Miss did not make it, her brother, Kaliber has been treated using the Newcastle Disease Vaccine and has made a quick recovery. Thanks to Miss Angela for sending in this video. This couple drove from Alberta, Canada, to New Mexico to get treatment. www.sweetoccasionsbanff.com. For more information on the Newcastle Disease Vaccine treatment for canine distemper discovered by Dr. Al Sears, go to http
From:
edbondsf
Views:
184
1
ratings
Time:
08:04
More in
Pets & Animals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeFeC-E9-dk&feature=youtube_gdata
Distemper Story
Kaliber and lil' Miss fight distemper. While Lil Miss did not make it, her brother, Kaliber has been treated using the Newcastle Disease Vaccine and is making a recovery. To see the conclusion of this story, go to www.youtube.com Thanks to Miss Angela for sending in this video. www.sweetoccasionsbanff.com For more information on the Newcastle Disease Vaccine treatment for canine distemper, go to http
From:
edbondsf
Views:
61
2
ratings
Time:
06:10
More in
Pets & Animals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPbGLtKP8WY&feature=youtube_gdata
Keep The Faith: Hope for distemper dogs
This video starts off with sad images of sick dogs, but we promise a happy ending. A treatment developed by Dr. Al Sears can effectively treat canine distemper. A more complete video documentation of a canine distemper recovery can be found at: www.youtube.com E-mail us at savedistemperdogs@yahoo.com. For more information go to www.edbond.com/distemper/; kindheartsinaction.wordpress.com or alsears.wordpress.com Twitter: twitter.com
From:
edbondsf
Views:
282
0
ratings
Time:
04:40
More in
Pets & Animals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqeLrXH19g4&feature=youtube_gdata
Hunter recovers from canine distemper
Hunter is a Southern California dog who came down with canine distemper in early May 2009. She was treated at a veterinary clinic in Austin, Texas, using a treatment discovered by Dr. Al Sears. Here is a video received by Save Dogs From Canine Distemper in October 2009 showing that she has recovered. Thanks to Suzanna Urszuly for sending this in. For more information, go to www.edbond.com www.edbond.com and www.causes.com Thanks for watching.
From:
edbondsf
Views:
1169
1
ratings
Time:
00:34
More in
Pets & Animals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ew9hi24tR3g&feature=youtube_gdata
Patrick Swayze said it at the end of "Ghost.":"The love inside, you take it with you."But it occurred to me this morning. You may not take all your knowledge with you. Perhaps your knowledge dies with you. That's why you must share and spend it, spread it around while you are alive. Knowledge is meant to stay in this world, to make this world better. It does help the next.That's why I teach.
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2009/10/why-i-teach.html
Liam gets his turn in the Pirate Ship Treehouse
Liam gets to climb the rope ladder into the Pirate Ship Treehouse and slides out the escape hatch in the back. This is the tree house that John Carberry built for my son, Jack. I recently finished putting up the slide to complete the major plans for the tree house. I filmed with this with a Flip Video and edited it with Final Cut Pro. See the first tree house video at www.youtube.com This was an incredible experience. Go to www.peacemakertreehouses.com or www.facebook.com
From:
edbondsf
Views:
43
0
ratings
Time:
01:11
More in
People & Blogs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOXzjcX2E0o&feature=youtube_gdata
Remember in my last post, when I said, "we may also be uncomfortable about what we find out, but that's a good thing."Get ready for uncomfortable.Dianna Brewer-Jackson is pushing forward with a planned meeting on racism in the Elmira School District. What's even better is that she now says, "I get tired of people saying I don't have proof," she told [the Star-Gazette] on Tuesday. "I choose not to provide proof. But for this meeting, I'm going to give what I have."She is going forward despite those who are asking for a cooling off period. The Elmira school board will be undergoing diversity training later this year. What's impressive to me is that it sounds like the state is creating the diversity training program for Elmira, which could then be used at other districts.The diversity training would deal with one of her concerns. But she doesn't want to wait to hold a public hearing, and that's fine with me. She wants to offer the public the proof that she has.Good. We need to see it. We need to hear what others have to say about racism in Elmira.Let's hope for a civilized meeting, at least. I find it a little ominous that there is a question about who will be in charge of the meeting. The board president wants to be in charge. And there may be a question that Brewer-Jackson wants to be in charge because she is the one who called for the meeting. A skilled politician would resolve the question with the board president ahead of time.Let us also hope that she learns from the adage I posted yesterday: "If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail."
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2009/09/using-new-tools.html
"If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail." Abraham Maslow, 1908-70, US psychologist.
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2009/09/quote-of-day.html
After reading this morning's story on Dianna Brewer-Jackson, I grew outraged."Dianna Brewer-Jackson does owe an apology -- to all of us," I wrote. "If, as an elected public official, she has evidence of racism and anti-Semitism within the Elmira School District, it is her responsibility to share that evidence, to demand an investigation and to bring it to light so that we can understand what happened, how it happened and why. If what she says is true and she does not pursue an investigation, then she guilty of protecting racists and anti-Semites. An accusation that there is a Holocaust denier teaching students in Elmira is a serious charge, and it cannot be ignored. Such hateful ideas must be opposed."I still think this. But then, I read her letter, and I calmed down:http://www.stargazette.com/article/20090922/VIEWPOINTS03/909220307/1121/Don+t+ignore+the+signsThen I realized something. I think she is misguided, and she lacks the skills needed for public office. Her letter not only offers any specifics about where this happened or by who, but also no sense of when this happened. Was this recent, or was this months or years ago?She throws memories around as facts and without realizing the responsibilities she carries as a public official. She could have said this as a private citizen and drawn no attention to herself.But when she became elected, her words acquired more weight and as such she had a responsibility to not only speak, but also to act effectively. To not only listen and observe, but also take notes and follow up. To document what she claims.But she has a responsibility to see the realities around her, to understand that she might have more allies than she realizes if she would only stop bashing those she serves with, calling them all racists. With such tactics, she does not serve anyone and she does not help anyone. These tactics do nothing to reduce the platform from which racism works.She owes her constituents better.However, despite her flawed approach, we should support diversity panels, community forums and an investigation into discrimination.Charges of racism and anti-Semitism have been raised in the Elmira School District. They have been raised in a clumsy and awkward fashion by someone who does not know what she is doing, but she has raised an issue that must be explored.So, why not bring in a group like the Anti-Defamation League or the NAACP to investigate, explore and establish where Elmira really stands on the issue of anti-Semitism and racism? Set up a committee, conduct hearings, ask questions, get the stories from the students, the parents the teachers. Draw conclusions about where we are. We may find that Dianna Brewer-Jackson's accusations may or may not be well-founded, but we may also find out something we didn't know.And we may also be uncomfortable about what we find out, but that's a good thing.
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2009/09/teachers-demand-apology-from-school.html
Climbing and Sliding
Jack and Liam try out the new slide for the Pirate Ship Treehouse. We just got back from Ithaca with rubber mulch that we put around the landing area to make it safer for kids. Go to www.peacemakertreehouses.com or www.facebook.com
From:
edbondsf
Views:
0
0
ratings
Time:
01:04
More in
People & Blogs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siN3omKEl90&feature=youtube_gdata
Climb and Slide
Liam gets practice on the rope ladder before he and Jack try out the new slide on the Pirate Ship Treehouse. We just got back from Ithaca with rubber mulch that we put around the landing area to make it safer for kids. Go to www.peacemakertreehouses.com or www.edbond.com or www.facebook.com
From:
edbondsf
Views:
0
0
ratings
Time:
01:04
More in
People & Blogs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVBCfEULmlY&feature=youtube_gdata
From NPR:"The journalist who threw his shoes at George W. Bush during the president's final visit to Iraq last December was released from prison Tuesday and says he was tortured by Iraqi officials during his incarceration. ... "Now the guy lives in fear that the U.S. will hunt him down. The man has been through enough.If I had the chance to meet him, I'd shake his hand and reassure him that all Americans are not like George W. Bush. I'd also apologize to him for what happened to his country and because Americans allowed W. so much power that the opposition could not stop him from invading and conquering Iraq.I do not blame him for his outburst, and he did not deserve torture. The fact that he was tortured tells us that the Iraqi leadership learned the wrong lessons from us about democracy. We taught them it was OK to have a democracy and to torture.He was rightfully angry and frustrated at what had become of his country, and he is looked upon as a hero across the Arab world because he did what many wish they could have done.Until we understand that anger that we unleashed, there will be no peace in the Middle East.Someone should invite this man to the U.S. for a speaking tour. We could learn much from him.
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2009/09/shoe-throwing-reporter-tells-tale-of.html
Treehouse slide
Jack, Liam and their friends try out the tree house slide for the first time.
From:
edbondsf
Views:
0
0
ratings
Time:
01:46
More in
People & Blogs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oggo51-ZcY
Treehouse slide
Jack, Liam and their friends try out the tree house slide for the first time. Go to www.peacemakertreehouses.com or www.facebook.com
From:
edbondsf
Views:
7
0
ratings
Time:
01:46
More in
People & Blogs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oggo51-ZcY&feature=youtube_gdata
I've been wanting to blog about health care for a long time, but the complexity of the issue has been daunting.So much hangs in the balance. So many people could be helped by health care reform. But the opposition is turning it into a bitter political fight. They aren't seeing the big picture.Finally, today on Facebook, someone posted this simple little status that boiled the issue down to the essentials:"Let me put it this way: There are few things I feel this strongly about. No one should die because they cannot afford health care, and no one should go broke because they get sick. If you agree, please post this as your status for the rest of the day."'Nuff said ... for now.
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2009/09/keeping-it-simple.html
Liam meets the Flip Video
Daddy tries to get Liam to laugh after opening the Flip Video for the first time.
From:
edbondsf
Views:
0
0
ratings
Time:
00:55
More in
Science & Technology
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7qRMot5jio
Liam meets the Flip Video
Daddy tries to get Liam to laugh after opening the Flip Video for the first time.
From:
edbondsf
Views:
13
0
ratings
Time:
00:55
More in
Science & Technology
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7qRMot5jio&feature=youtube_gdata
NPR on the clock radio
Just a piece of practice video using cell phone camera.
From:
edbondsf
Views:
9
0
ratings
Time:
00:16
More in
Science & Technology
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkF9DyX0PrQ&feature=youtube_gdata
NPR on the clock radio
Just a piece of practice video using cell phone camera.
From:
edbondsf
Views:
0
0
ratings
Time:
00:16
More in
Science & Technology
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkF9DyX0PrQ
Ed Bond on Dipity.
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2009/08/testing-out-dipity.html
As we were leaving N.J. on our last visit, we stopped for gas. In N.J., you can't pump your own gas. So, ours was pumped by a man who seemed to be of Middle Eastern origin. The gas station was busy, and he was working hard.For all I knew, he could have grown up in N.J., but looking at him I saw the classic story of the immigrant. A man comes to America, works hard so that his children could have a better life.We've seen so many success stories of the children of immigrants. Barack Obama and Sonia Sotomayor to name two. It occurred to me that the the story of the success of the immigrant and person of color is about to accelerate.In the not to distant future, white people will no longer be the majority in this country. In one generation, the children of the current immigrant population could be running things.Imagine a country like the United States, founded on the principles of freedom and equality, without a white majority to dominate the political landscape. And what if this will be a time when no ethnic group has a majority.Then, if we have not embittered the population with the legacy of hatred that has dominated our history, we might have a real chance at living with true justice and equality.
http://ebondny.blogspot.com/2009/08/imagine-world.html
Update Sources