"Unity In Diversity" - Frida Kahlo

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, heart, joy, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think.

     Well, what a week, it has been since President Trump's inauguration. It seems like it has been months on end. Is it time for the next election yet? Actually I don't think I am ready for another election race just yet. The truth is that my mind is perplexed, boggled. President Trump is like a motor wheel, issuing one order after another. The public does not even have time to process one order, then there you have it, another order. It is like a speedy delivery.

     ​Humor aside, some of these latest issues are actually very troubling. The wall order which I wrote about previously, was displeasing because it revealed how relationships can be severed so easily. And of course we now have the Muslim Ban order. This was actually another heart breaker. As we can see from both orders, who is under attack? It is once again the Mexicans and Muslims. These orders also reveal what the power of the pen can truly mean. When there is a pen held in the hand of a powerful force, this can either lead to an uprising or an uproar. Both of these orders have created tensions, with protests of thousands of people marching, protesting to have their voices heard. With a simple signature total chaos has erupted.

     With regards to the protection of the people within a nation. America has one of the toughest border, customs and airport security systems. By becoming more extreme - what has actually happened  is the breeding of more hate. Actually at the expense of the American people and members who are serving abroad. One American solider was killed in Yemen. I fear that what President Trump is actually doing, is inflicting self - wounds upon America. He is actually creating these wounds for our beautiful nation. 

     Every action has a reaction. It is like these words that I write. I simply write these words. How a person decides to react upon these words of truth is their choice. It is up to them, I cannot control any ones reactions, except my own. However, I do offer my thoughts as a thoughtful response. 

     The eruption of chaos simply shows that the American population, the people who live in America are not haters. The American people are showing that they are not haters. I give credit also to the many CEO's, tech organizations, sports clubs, athletes, political members who have taken a stand against this hurtful bigotry, which is tearing families and purposely casting arrows, to tear hearts apart. Mr. Trump has painted a horror picture of America, this picture has now travelled the world. It is actually very heartbreaking to hear family members in the UK talk about what "Trump" has done, thinking about what kind of nation this is. It is heartbreaking, as it is the diversity and the immigrants who build and contribute the very fabric of a flourishing society. 

     America is an innovation powerhouse. It is made for the dreamers. These restrictions are harsh, and as I have said before, any form of extremism is unhealthy. As for the idea of letting in Christian refugees above Syrian refugees, my thoughts follow: In my eyes a refugee is a refugee, regardless of a religion or faith. When someone is vulnerable, it does not matter what faith, it is in the realm of our social responsibility, to assist those in need. 

​Dedication: The words of this being are dedicated to Fred Cuellar you are dearly loved. They are also dedicated to all beings. Thank you to everyone who has taken a stand, against the horrible bigotry, and hate that is polluting the beautiful nation of America. America is a proud honourable nation, and does not need to be tarnished with the insults of the new orders. With these humble words, I pray for peace. I pray for the hearts to always remain united. Do not tear hearts apart. My thoughts to share with love & kindness.

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on 29th January, 2017.

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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, joy, peace, and blessings.  I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The truth is that I was actually very, very, actually very, angry because of President Trump's sudden announcement of building the wall. The Wall of Ignorance. It was tormenting to hear this news. Even though I know that this was one of his campaign pledges, to see this actually manifest, into an executive order, was heartbreaking.

     We have to understand the underpinnings of what is really happening along the Mexican and United States border. Whilst issues are known - To actually sign an order, was like a bad smell. A smearing, not only the relations between two nations, but also the many immigrants, and even American citizens of America who are of South American or Mexican descent. Immediately there were reactions on twitter. People started hash tag's such as #NoBanNoWall, and #IAmAlreadyHome. we saw world leaders react. The foulness of this executive order, smeared a fresh start not only for nations, but also for many of America's own population.

     I think about my own reactions, and quite literally,  I was ready for a hot - headed foul mouth fight. I was absolutely tired of the implicit messages, defamation of character, and constant putting down of appearances. Fed up! It is the constant putting down, that is really bothering me. The truth of the matter is that, his actions, were a smearing from the Republican party members as well, who were putting forth plans to ruin the wondrous American heritage. I think everybody knows by now that the Mexican heritage, and the Spanish language, is integral to America. This order was a tear to the heart, and an arrow to the brain.

     And yes I was angry. I called him a few names, I think he deserved it. I knew that it was not right, but sometimes you have to lower yourself to the standards of others, to prove a simple point. No one deserves to be constantly put down. Any one who serves and sacrifices for a nation, or even for the world, deserves to be treated with respect. This is not narcissism, this is simply saying I exist, therefore I matter. So I did some bashing on twitter, and It didn't heal or please me, yet it has to be known that  I will stand up for what  I believe in, even if it does mean standing alone. A wall is not an answer,

     Instead of issuing executive orders in his first week, I that that It would have been important to simply get a feeling of the White House, the people that you will be working with, and with other leaders. Create a sense of willingness to co-operate with everyone. Instead the tone was tear, rip, slap, get out, cut, bang, etc. Power should not be abused. True power is how you use your power. This could be power that arrives with position, fame, wealth and knowledge.

A conversation can be equated to that of learning a new concept.

I came up with the following diagrams as I took the time to analyze my own reactions, the sudden orders issued by President Trump, and the reactions from leaders.

Updates:

Since these thoughts were written, President Trump has had a conversation with the Mexican President, and has issued a new executive order with regards to who is allowed within the America, specifically targeting Muslim refugees. We can be productive, think about jobs, and increasing the economy, but should we be forgetting about our moral imperatives that are associated with our human family?

Rather than forcing identity politics, we must insist upon the idea of a world citizen - (Nussbaum, 1997)

Reflection: After taking the time to think about my own reactions, I think that it is fair to say that I will be deleting my bashful tweets, not because I disregard what I have felt, but simply to start afresh and learn from this experience. It must be said I lost a huge amount of self - respect, felt abused and even dirty, because I supported his campaign with so much faith. To this day my son is so excited, provides me with new updates, everyday. He is so excited with this Presidency.  Hope and Love.

Dedication: These thoughts are dedicated to Mexican and Muslim people, you matter, and you are loved. And to individuals who do not fit the ideal of a super model or what is deemed perfect. You are imperfectly perfect. My thoughts to share with love and kindness! ;)

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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, joy, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

   The truth is that there is so much to think about. I found my thoughts confounded. Sometimes  I wonder about the idea of group work, when our own human mind can become a crowd, with thoughts continuously multiplying. That said: I think that it is good to share thoughts because that way we can receive feedback from others, as well develop our own perspectives. To find some sort of synthesis of my thoughts, I decided to go for a long walk, and then it happened. My thoughts clicked and were able to connect to one another.And I knew what I had to write.

So here it is.

   As you are aware: President Donald Trump, the force is in full effect. I continue to support President Trump, because of the love for America. However, this does not mean that there will never be any disagreements. This is what furthering and pushing thought is all about. However, it does not matter how far we go in to our minds to push our thinking, there will always be powerful forces, and structures in place to stall thought. These are not only in place to control people's thinking, they are specifically designed to push people down, and to control the thinkers. This is not something new, thinkers, philosophers, and even artists have struggled within this historically. For the scientists, it was the theologians. For the thinkers it is the powerful political systems. This still continues, it is just not as visible.

    The classic example is that of building the wall along the borders between Mexico and America. I was always in opposition with this ideas, even when President Trump was campaigning for his presidency. A wall is a type of constraint. Just like the thinker, who wants to be able to think freely, without constraints, walls and barriers also do the same. Whilst putting America first and its safety is a high duty. I question and wonder: what is the construction of a wall saying? What is this wall implicitly saying? Or what is President Trump saying with the order of building this wall? He is not interested in helping others. So the question becomes: Do wealthy nations have an obligation to help nations that are less well - off? We have to take a look and examine who is crossing the borders? Often these are migrants who are in desperate circumstances who are fleeing for a better life. These thoughts can be assimilated to the Syrian refugees who flee their homes, because of constant war. We only leave our homes because of the dire desperation.

     It is out of desperation one takes dire actions. And then what happens, these migrants have to find a way of survival. Often the means for survival are not legal. So my question once again begs to ask: Do wealthy nations have an obligation to help those who enter their countries out of desperation? If these people are indeed in need of help, they should be helped. Whilst a nation has every right to protect their country first. We have to think about the countries that are naturally attached to each other. It does not matter if anyone puts up a wall, or even draws a border line. These are all man - made, it will not dissolve the natural joining of lands.

     As nations continue to define themselves with borders and lines. We have to question that yes, a nation wants to maintain a national identity. But how does this create a tension? A nations wealth will be tested. Can a President really have a good nights sleep, and say hooray I have protected my people, whilst knowing there is suffering on the other side. You see it is just like knowing a neighbor is dying, and you don't bother to simply say: How can I help you?

     This leads to the idea of sympathy and empathy. Human beings are born with this quality, but it is the social conditioning's, the structures that continue to promote hate, these cause human beings to become out of touch with one another. Whilst I understand that there is a duty to protect American's, I still do believe that alternative solutions, and dialogues between neighboring nations could be more effective. There was a window of opportunity to build a good relational start with other nations, and also this would of helped to strengthen, and promote your presidency within the Mexican communities, that are living in America.

Deep Regrets.

Dedication: These words are dedicated to migrants, refugees, to any immigrant. You are worthy of love. my thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on January 25th 2017. They are still taking shape, as I continue to think about the role of thought in today's society.
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The inauguration of President Donald Trump was a learning experience for us all. I really liked the idea of the First dance and the concerts. In a world where we often witness hate and hurts. It was nice to see artists, music and dance. A dances with family, loved ones. Showing that regardless of trials and tribulations, love never ceases to exist. It is what binds human beings.

In the spirit of the Inauguration ball, here is Shazi's ball. You shall go to the ball. With love & kindness! :)

Lets Dance!!! ;)

"You are not rich until you have
something money cannot buy."

I love antiques or even objects that are found in a garage sale, because these types of objects cannot be found in high street stores and they are unique, this is what makes them priceless. In the same sense there are traditional methods of instruction with regards to teaching and learning that are irreplaceable. On this page I will be sharing these methods, and updating this page on a regular basis.

Methods of Instruction that lead to inquiry

Interlaced Discussions:

This method is derived from Human Memory Research. Do you remember when a teacher / professor / educator was talking about a subject and then decided to share a personal experience? This is exactly what an interlaced discussion is. It is the act of combining semantic memory, with episodic memory.

Semantic Memory - Facts based
Episodic Memory - events, narratives related to personal experience.

When in the process of teaching a new piece of knowledge, try to combine it with a relatable personal experience this will assist students to remember the new piece of information. This is an ancient teaching practice, as we are combining facts, that are rich with images, this assists learning.

Use of Margins
Have you ever read a book, and thought wow, what a great point, or had a question about what you were reading, or a point of not understanding? The margins are a great space to jot down points for reference. we are all human beings, we tend to forget. Taking notes, adding points, thoughts, whilst reading are a great way to remember. 

The margins, also act as a space to pause, or take a breaks from readings or texts. This is key as it helps to re-emphasize topics that were important in the material.

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, joy, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect. The truth is that on January 20th, 2017, it was the inauguration of the 45th President of the United States of America. This was a momentous occasion, as not only did a nation gather to witness the swearing in of President Trump, but also the world. This was a momentous day for everyone including former President Barack Obama, and his family. Whilst a Presidency is a call to serve in the White House. This house also becomes a home. It is where attachments are formulated with others, and also with the environment. The house becomes a home. There were emotions attached to a presidency on a personal level, and a public level as you become attached to the people that you serve. It is not easy to hand - over power, and it is not easy for a public who was attached to a former president as well, public outcry is normal, but there also has to be a public acceptance as well. I would like to take a moment to sincerely thank President Barack Hussein Obama, Vice - President Biden, and their families for your service. Thank you. As you move forward I look forward to hearing about the positive initiatives that  you put forth.

The transfer of power was swift and peaceful. These moment show that human beings that hold deep differing opinions can truly get together and simply say: I agree to disagree, but will still remain in the same space, and honor the moments. This is what public service is all about, it is about being with others of difference. However, purpose intentional hate towards others of difference should be regarded as a hate crime. No one can grow in an environment that is full of constant intentional hate. Unity is initiated by a party, but in essence unity is a two way street, it requires unification from other parties as well.

As we witnessed the ceremonies and readings. I thought that it was important to remember that whilst I do believe that America a Christian nation at the macro level. I think that it is good to share religious teachings; and the fact that a Rabbi was also present highlighted the embrace of the Jewish teachings as well. Yet, I feel that if there was a Christian and a Jewish representation, there should have also been a Muslim representation. Whether we agree or disagree upon this thought, it is important to remember that these are the three major monotheism  religions, which are intricately related. I can't tell others what to say or do, but this is my opinion. How we represent religion on a macro level is vital, because it sends implicit messages to groups, and the audience. And the fact that this happened on inauguration day, set a type of off - tone to specific groups.

Another thought with regards to the inauguration speech was the focus on jobs. Whilst a growth of the economy is vital for survival, and growth. We must not forget, that jobs and profit maximization should not be the only focal point of a Government. We must never forget that human doings, are also human beings. The job market is only one realm of public policy.

However, I do appreciate the philosophical tone, that highlighted that we all bleed the same red blood. This is a natural truth. It does not matter the faith, religion, color of skin, gender or sexuality. We have blood running inside of us. This blood pumps through the veins, and arteries, so that our heart is able to beat. So that our organs are able to function. It gives us life. We are all living beings, our simple struggle is to survive.

With regards to the women's march protests that are taking place. I have always said that I am not a feminist, whilst I support the issues of women, I sincerely believe that any form of "ism" is a form of extremism. There must be a healthy sense of co - dependence for a society to flourish. Voices must be heard, to propel and push social upheaval. Yet, there was an element of irony to these protests. What is acceptable, and what is not? Is it OK for Hollywood stars to say words like "fucking" in public and then bash "Pussy". Where is the respectability there? Also is it OK to parade the female organ in the form of a hat? Is this OK? Is this respectability? A very "white washed" protest, if you ask me. If this was a black lives matter protest on this mass scale, would there have been violence and people dead? You see when you engage in a protest, you have to ask the deeper underlying political questions. This was simply another attack on the incoming president. Women's issues matter, so do pro - life choices. And if a Hollywood star such as Madonna is allowed to say "She wants to blow up the White House", then I ask: What if this was an administration that you would voted for, would you be saying the same words? Should these words even be allowed to be said. You see, freedoms are not those when you don't trample on other people's freedoms. It is better to engage in a dialogue, a discussion, this is true democracy.

Words of wisdom:
For President Trump: Thank you for your patience, thank you for answering the call to serve. Choose your battles wisely. Not all battles are worth a fight, some are. Sometimes it is good to observe, listen, and then decide upon an action. My thoughts are with you and your family. This is also a period of transition for you all. As you shift from entrepreneur to a president. You will do well, this is your presidency, be yourself, be original. This is your time.  :)

Dedication: The words of this being are dedicated to Barack, Michelle and family, thank you for your service. There are dedicated to President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and family thank you for answering the call to serve. In defeat, in victory. Thank you. My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on January 21st, 2017
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As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, joy, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take a moment to reflect. What makes a visionary? It is the ability to foresee, see something that is intangible. It is something that cannot be touched physically, but it is something that is imagined to be real. This is the work of a visionary, to see something, sometimes, the vision becomes blurry, or sometimes it becomes obsolete. What makes a vision a reality is the continued belief in the vision.

Today I take the time to remember the footsteps I took as I walked the streets, and the sites of Washington. What pulled me there was a wonder, a curiosity. However, today I see that wonder, that curiosity become alive as I share some of my photographs, of Washington DC.

A vision is like a baby, it has to be protected with each and every moment. Not just at the external level, but also at the internal level as well. With our own thoughts. It has to be believed. The opposition is derived because it is difficult for others to align with something that is not visible to them. The beauty of a vision is when we can turn the soul, slightly from moment to moment, with our singular actions, and thoughts to cultivate, and carry this vision.

Dedication: the words of this being are dedicated to Fred Cuellar, these words are simply not enough, thank you, God Bless You. :)

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The Price of Peace = Sacrifice. 

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, joy, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

The truth is that I find it interesting that almost everyday one of the children will mention mama did you hear this? Or did you hear that? In case everyone is wondering most of the time it is some sort of death, or killing that they are referring to. However, another one of the kids is a huge Trump fan. I hear this as well, mama Trumps going to Make America Great, I know it he will. I simply smile.

The truth is that this year I thought I would refrain and not write about all of the terrible bloodsheds, terror attacks, as well as the unusual weather patterns that continue to take place. It's not that these events don't have an impact upon me. It is the fact that I truly cannot control any one's reaction to anything. Can anyone control another persons reaction? These events do have an impact upon me. Any individual who possess the quality of sympathy and empathy, will surly feel for the losses and the suffering that is taking place. 

I do care, but it was more about trying to move forward into the realm of positives. Write about improvements, issues, but on the level of trying to create a better, positive future. But as I continue to see the bloodshed, or suffering upon any level. I cannot simply hope that it will go away. Maybe the words I write will impact another heart in some shape or form. We must ensure that these deaths stop. Not just for my sake, but actually for the eyes of wonder. The children who continue to desire a world free of violence. Not only for future generations, but also the present and elderly generations as well. Everyone has a desire for a peaceful world, yet these strategic planned attacks, and bloodsheds continue. 

I think that it is time for world leaders to commit to building a peaceful future for all. The bloodsheds and terror is done on purpose. As I have said many times before. The ones who possess the power gain a satisfaction to the ego, whilst they superficially claim to be protecting the public interests. In a sense it is the public who is being manipulated. Human emotion is being played with.

With these thoughts in mind. I urge world leaders to unite. Not for the purposes of selfish gains, but rather for the construction of peace. These thoughts can also be transferred to the Inauguration 2017. Why don't we model unity, instead of unsettling and interrupting the discourse. Take a moment to acknowledge, and embrace change. Why worry and be fearful of an administration. Why not model that it is ok to have a different point of view, yet still be in the space of accepting one another. 

Dedication: These thoughts are dedicated to all who have been impacted by the recent terror attacks, as well as those who have lost loved ones, family of friends. Florida, Turkey, and horrific, unusual weather that is taking place in Houston. Sending love & safe well wishes. 

​Notes; these thoughts were originally hand - written on January 17th 2017.
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I was taking a moment to reflect. Thinking back to the President Elect - Donald Trump's press conference. His comments with regards to pharmaceutical companies are as follows:
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Forbes

Whilst he was making these comments, simultaneously I heard the news with regards to the markets reactions. Stocks were struggling, and bio - tech was plunging. This is because publicly traded pharmaceutical companies don't want to invest, especially when they hear these types of comments. Even though there was a negative market reaction, I think that it was brave to mention this truth. 

Fox Business

These thoughts and market reactions reminded me that research for medical remedies is much more readily funded because pharmaceutical companies trade upon the stock markets. It is much more easier to make a profit from medicinal drugs. Maybe it is also time for researchers to thick about what is publicly good for the health of human beings, not just on the short - term level, but also think about the effects of drugs upon the long - term.

Research is big business as well, and as student researchers we should also remember to question and think about the results that studies offer. With regards to studies always look at the % of errors which are normally located near the graphed or results tables. Make sure the margin of error is within acceptable means. This is normally 4 - 8 %, this will determine the reliability of the study, and really indicates if the resuls are of use for public good. It makes us feel confident that what we are reading is valid, and useable knowledge. Other points to consider are:

Number of participants
Who is represented in the study
Did the population studies reflect a diverse cross - section of the population?

Research is suggestive os strategies that can work well, methods of improvement etc. However it is also important to remember that research is just one method to bring about societal goods and reveal truths. We can all do our little bit of good in some fashion or form. We must also remember that research or science cannot prove everything, sometimes a patient testimony, or student feed back could be the best way to improve or learn anything. 

"Good teaching is rooted in good theory,
Good practice is a mastery of practice."