The Frequent Howler

Our Cheating Hearts

2009-11-13T08:17:00.000-08:00

On Monday, I will discipline two students in my beginning ESL class for cheating on their midterms. Misspelled word for misspelled word, their answers match.

I'm sadistic when dealing with students who cheat. I leave them shaking and scared and sometimes crying. These two will receive zeros and firm warnings that I will turn them over to Academic Affairs for expulsion, if they do it again in the future. These losers have no business being educated, if they are going to take the easy way out. An education is a privledge, one that must be respected.

Why do students cheat? Laziness, fear of failing, some say. The problem goes deeper than that, though. It's our whole culture. We want everything and we want it now, especially with this spoiled generation I'm teaching, with its short attention spans and lack of common sense. Hard work sounds like a disease to these people. Once these misguided students grow up and find jobs and start families, they will realize that life is always a struggle, that nothing comes easily.

Not a passing grade in my class, it doesn't.

iPod Essentials #91: "Running up That Hill"--Kate Bush

2009-11-13T08:09:00.000-08:00

Exquisite pop perfection from the voice of an angel. This song has everything: mood, rhythm, timely lyrics. The song can be interpreted in many ways: the singer who "makes a deal with God" in order for her to succeed in life, or get the man of her dreams..."If I only could with no problems."

In these troubled times, we are all struggling to survive and get what we want. Often, I've tried to make deals with God, but God doesn't always answer or respond in a positive way. One household problem becomes three. The man of my dreams disappears or finds someone else to love. Life is never easy, and Kate Bush reminds us of this in her unique way.

Bang, Bang

2009-11-06T12:59:00.000-08:00

For the second time in a week, there's been another workplace shooting. It won't be the last one, either. Because of the economy and employment stagnation, times are tough.

And the weak won't be tough. Instead of dealing with their situations and getting help, they decide to gun down the innocent to get even.

Apparently, the shrink who shot so many people at Ft. Hood in Texas yesterday had been under a government watch for six months. Six months--why wasn't he barred from the premises, or better yet, placed into a psych ward or a prison? Thirteen soldiers would be alive, if the government had acted.

The coward who shot four people and killed one in Orlando, Florida, today was evaluated awhile back in a psych ward and attacked a nurse. He was released, and look what happened.

What can be done about people like these? Probably nothing. But we have to be alert and pay attention to others. Change in behavior? Hateful postings on websites? Telling people goodbye? These are warning signs. No one just snaps. The rubber band is stretched beforehand.

iPod Essentials #90: "Wouldn't It Be Good"--Nik Kershaw

2009-11-06T12:44:00.000-08:00

Ahhhh, quintessential ear candy. A 1983 pop classic about wishing for someone else's life: "Wouldn't it be good to be on your side. The grass is always greener over there."

Do I wish I were someone else? I did when I was younger. Certain people never seemed to work for anything: they had cute figures, plenty of friends and boyfriends, school success. If they yawned, good opportunities fell into their mouths.

I never had it so easy. I've had to work for everything.

Still timely during these troubled times, Kershaw's one-hit wonder strikes a chord in us to buck up and perservere.

I Want to Scream: Why We Need to Take Mental Health Days

2009-11-03T08:02:00.000-08:00

So I'm not really injured or sick, but mentally I am. I called into one of my schools, making this claim. It's early November. I'm dealing with too many papers from too many students. My troublemaking student in my ESL class is nearing a suspension. I'm stressed out. Money is tight. The house is messy. My SUV needs a fuel pump (recall). And my pepper trees need pruning once again. Above all else, I'm getting little work done on my newest novel. Since I live to write, and not teach, this is really bothering me.

I have 48 hours of sick leave, and I've just used up 5 of it today.

I can finish critiquing persuasive essays, tend to a few chores. Most importantly, I can work on the new novel, which is struggling right now, as my first drafts do.

If I can't best serve myself right now, then how can I deal with others? It's like a mental staycation, these days. I will return to work dedicated and energetic once again.

Hence, the day off. I only do this once a year, if that. I've got nothing left for students today, but I will get it back,

iPod Essentials #89: "The Unforgettable Fire"--U2

2009-10-30T16:48:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled when U2 played this song during its stint at the Rose Bowl on Sunday night. (Check out the entire concert on You Tube!)

The song, like the entire album, is haunting. A lost love never dies, does it?

Soupy Sales: RIP, Mr. Pie

2009-10-23T08:19:00.000-07:00

With sadness, I learned that the great comedian Soupy Sales passed away yesterday. He was 83. During the 60's, he had his own TV show, THE SOUPY SALES SHOW. I even had a Soupy Sales ring.

Taking over 20,000 pies in his face, Soupy Sales always had fun. His gags were wordplays and slight. He never used insults or profanity to get people to laugh.

Wherever Mr. Sales is right now, may he be getting pies thrown at him. Can't you hear him laughing right now?

iPod Essentials #88: "Tuesday Afternoon"--The Moody Blues

2009-10-23T08:14:00.000-07:00

Though I don't like to see my favorite songs appear in TV ads, this rendition of the Moody Blues' classic works. I can't recall the sponsor, but the ad features a father and his young daughter admiring a deep sea aquarium on a lazy Tuesday afternoon.

The Moody Blues were among the first bands to use a full orchestra (The London Philharmonic) to add depth to its songs on DAYS OF FUTURE PAST. It worked. The songs took on lives of their own, like lazy afternoons.

iPod Essentials #87: "Up up and Away"--The 5th Dimension

2009-10-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

This selection is dedicated to Balloon Boy and the probable hoax that captivated the nation yesterday. (If you go on a Reality TV once, you'll do it again.)

The 5th Dimension crafted lyrical soul-pop tunes. This song tells of a lifting love or a balloon ride, depending on your interpretation. The vocal force was Marilyn McCoo whose range and clear enunciation of songs was impressive.

This song makes me long to take a balloon ride somewhere. When I get to Kenya someday, I will take that ride across the Serenghetti, all the while thinking of this song.

Costco: The Second Coming of the Donner Party

2009-10-09T14:59:00.000-07:00

Four times a year, I sigh and brace myself for the ten-minute trip to Costco, where I spend an hour stuffing a cart with purchases and cursing the place for being so busy.

The tension begins upon arrival. How many accidents have occured in the parking lot on Lindero Canyon and Russell Ranch Roads? Some drivers don't see the arrows marking direction in the lot. Driving is a free-for-all.

The madness continues into the building, where half of Thousand Oaks congregates at a given time. Like myself, they are searching for good deals. Today, while pushing a shopping cart filled with canned goods, fish, milk, laundry detergent, and a dog bed, I nearly collided with six people.

Once I paid for my purchases and made my way to my trusty Subaru, I relaxed. The pilgrimage concluded, and I didn't have to resort to cannabalism to survive. At least, not unitl February.

iPod Essentials #86: "It's a Mug's Game"--Soft Cell

2009-10-09T14:53:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, a frat boy funfest. This song from my college days has everything: profanity, STD's, hangovers. It's the tale of a young British loser, perfect for a Friday night. It's a great song to listen to so we can forget your problems, something we need to do from time to time.

Defending Polanski?

2009-10-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

I don't understand many of these people in Hollywood who choose to support a man who raped a thirteen-year-old girl in 1978. (Yes, Virginia, she was raped. Read the transcripts on THE SMOKING GUN. And Whoopi, there's no such thing as 'rape-rape.') They also rally behind this man who fled to France before he could be punished for his crime. Don't they believe that laws apply to all people. To paraphrase a line from CHINATOWN: It's Hollywood, Jake.

Ironically, Polanski's ego proved to be his downfall. In Switzerland to accept an award, he was apprehended by law enforcement. Even so, it shouldn't have taken thirty-one years for his arrest.

He scared us with ROSEMARY'S BABY, humanized us with THE PIANIST, and entertained us with CHINATOWN. Roman Polanski is a brilliant director, granted. However, if you strip away his profession and acclaim, he is just a man who must do the time for the crime he committed.

iPod Essentials #85: "Let It Be"--The Beatles

2009-10-03T08:35:00.001-07:00

The song never fails to comfort me during "times of trouble." Let's face it, most of us are troubled right now due to money, job insecurity, or loneliness. The U.S. has serious problems, which fails to reassure us that things will be okay in the end.

Paul McCartney gives us a lesson about faith in this gentle song: "Whisper words of wisdom/Let it be." Maybe if we pray a lot or take comfort in scripture, we find the strength to allow these difficult challenges to resolve themselves or to end.

iPod Essentials #84: "I'm Only Sleeping"--The Beatles

2009-09-26T08:54:00.000-07:00

Revolver marked a turn in the Beatles music. The band began to experiment with ethnic instrumentation and complex melodies. This track is no exception. It features a sitar and John lamenting about being busy, when he only wants to sleep, daydream, or mentally chill.

Fire: It's an Early Morning Wake-up Call

2009-09-26T08:33:00.000-07:00

When the phone rang at 5:36 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24, I immediately thought, Who died? No deaths other than the school day at Moorpark College. The Ventura County College District's Emergency Alert System was in full swing on my landline and cell phone.

The Guiberson Fire was burning hills way above the campus, so officials thought it best not to take chances. Can't blame them. Evacuating a campus of 11,000 students and about 1,500 staff and faculty would be a difficult task.

My department chair, in fact, never even got notified by the Emergency Alert System. She drove all the way to campus from Newbury Park and had to turn around again.

Since I don't teach at Moorpark on Wednesday, it was business as usual for me at Pierce College. Because of the calm winds, I knew the fire would never reach the campus, unlike the frightening situation back in 2003. The Simi Hills Fire stopped across the street from campus. Very close. For the rest of that fall semester, the smoky smell always reeked the air.

Regardless, fire is common around Southern California. We learn to live with it. At least no home or lives have not been lost this time, but many citrus and avocado orchards have. Not good for several local farmers.

Oddly, neither my students nor I received messages that the campus would reopen on Thursday. That bothered us. Apparently, that news wasn't worth a wake-up call.

Adding Widgets

2009-09-19T14:55:00.000-07:00

Adding widgets to one's website or blog should not be impossible. The instructions seem easy, as they too often do. But do the writers of the instructions physically test out their directions? I think not.

Technology should be reliable and simple. After all, it's how we all communicate nowadays. In a way, it's sad that we have to rely on widgets to get recognition for blogs and websites.

Thanks for all my FB friends for confirming that I am the author of THE FREQUENT HOWLER. Wishing you all working widgets.

Silence

2009-09-19T07:49:00.000-07:00

I have five query letters out to search for a new agent, yet I have heard nothing from the agents themselves. Granted, it's harder now more than ever to find a quality agent because so many are not taking on new clients due to the weak economy and publishing perils. Writers must persist to realize their dreams and goals.

This silence, however, is deafening.

iPod Essentials #83: "Photograph"--Ringo Starr

2009-09-19T07:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, it's not a Beatles song, but I don't like any of Ringo's Beatles tunes. This is the only song of his I like, in fact. It fits his limited vocal range, and his voice fits the song: "Every time I see your face, it reminds me of the places we used to go." Lost love though told in an upbeat way.

iPod Essentials #82: "While My Guitar Gently Weeps"--The Beatles

2009-09-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

I know--The Beatles aren't on iTunes yet. Even so, in honor of the Beatles Rock Band game, these next four selections will be dedicated to the Fab Four.

First comes my pick from George Harrison. This lovely but sad ballad was written toward the end of the Beatles' reign. It's complex yet simple. Full of contradictions like Harrison himself. Great guitarwork toward the end of the song; it almost sounds as though the guitar is actually weeping.

Agent Anguish

2009-09-05T08:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday in my e-mail account, I received something I feared: a rejection from my #1 choice for a new literary agent. The killer was that she really liked my manuscript, liked the dialogue and characters. She loved the premise and the writing. "You have a wonderful imagination," she wrote in my rejection. She just wasn't passionate about the work to take me on as a client.

This is the second letter from an agent that has told me something similiar. If my manuscript is so wonderful, why can't I find an agent who is as enthusiastic as me? Why aren't agents passionate about the tale involving my young protagonist? Terribly frustrating. I've put two years into seven drafts of this novel. By far, it's my best work. But being an agent is a subjective thing.

I have to buck up and believe that there will be my perfect agent match. WRITER'S DIGEST says that there are 1,300 literary agents in the U.S. One of them has to be right for me. Until then, the e-query process will continue.

iPod Essentials #81: "Moments of Love"--Art of Noise

2009-09-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

Another ahhhh selection. I'm glad the Weather Channel is playing part of this New Wave song during its Local on the 8's segement. Slow and sexy, this instrumental deals with love and its sensuality. It reminds us all to chill, act slowly, and love the act of love.

It's a shame that in-band bickering lead to its demise. Art of Noise was one of the first bands to use a Fairlight, and its sounds were certainly unique back in the mid 80's.

iPod Essentials #80: "Love Comes Quickly"--Pet Shop Boys

2009-08-29T08:58:00.001-07:00

Ahhh, my favorite song of this band, a dark, moody ballad dedicated to the surprise of finding love and to do so while being yourself. Every time I listen to XM/Sirius's First Wave as of late, this song pops up. Will I find love without trying? Maybe.

This song has it all: hypnotic beat, positive message, unique delivery.

Starbucked Vegas

2009-08-29T08:52:00.001-07:00

Yesterday my hairdresser's assistant told me that children and their families were ruining Sin City. Based on my recent visit a few days ago, I'd have to agree with her.

Corporations own Vegas now--Mirage MGM, Harrahs. Most everything on the Strip is neon, chain store. Even slots machines have gone high tech. It's terrible not to feel coins falling into your hands when you hit 777 on a slot. Don't get me wrong, The Strip is still fun but I don't want to be reminded of home. (Bally's, this means you, with that ridiculous news ticker underneath your hotel sign.)

Vegas should retain some of its old history, like the Flamingo and the Tropicana. Imagine the scene: you could see Sinatra and his Rat Pack walking through the now-deceased Aladdin to get a steak. Cigarette smoke billowing through casinos. Elvis, alive and well, in the lounge. Men wear suits, and women wear cocktail dresses and heels. Vegas equaled heat and class.

If there is a Starbucks in every hotel, I might as well stay home.

Gumbo Fun

2009-08-22T08:11:00.001-07:00

A big shout out to Bill Fitzhugh (author of THE ORGAN GRINDERS, PEST CONTROL, and other mysteries and Sirius Deep Tracks DJ) along with his lovely wife for the fabulous gumbo party they hosted at their wonderful Woodland Hills home last Saturday night for members of the So Cal chapter of Mystery Writers of America. There were about 50 people feasting on tasty seafood or chicken and sausage gumbo in the backyard. A great time was had by all! I will be returning next year!

Here's to cajun cuisine and its spicy tales...

iPod Essentials #79: "Suspicious Minds"--Elvis Presley

2009-08-22T08:06:00.000-07:00

I'm heading to Vegas for a few days tomorrow, so it's only fitting that I honor THE KING. Although I like most Elvis tunes, this one, by far, is my favorite. It's rock, intense, and shows Elvis as a true performer (Watch the Elvis concert footage from 1970, and you'll see what I mean.).

BTW, Kurt Russell was robbed for an Emmy for his portrayal of Elvis in the miniseries back in the early 80's (not sure about the exact year). His reenactment of "Suspicious Minds" still sends goosebumps down my arms.