Shinmin CALL blog » commentary

patrick — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 03:16:12 +0000

Yesterday was Father’s Day in North America. Here is a song from my favorite artist, a British singer/song writer named Peter Gabriel. This song is from his 2000 album Ovo. Most critics didnt like it. Here is a good review. It is a moving and sad song about the relationship between father and son.

This song is so beautiful, but it makes me cry every time I hear it. I didn’t have a dad when I grew up and this song brings back some memories of the sadness I felt sometimes of not having a dad. And now that I am a father, I can feel the song even more. In part of the song, he sings:

Can you recall
How you took me to school
We couldn’t talk much at all
It’s been so many years
And now these tears
Guess I’m still your child

Sometimes I take my son to school and unbelievably, I find it hard to find things to talk about with him just like the song says. I never thought it would happen to me! I always thought my son and I would have lots to talk about.

I have loved Peter Gabriel since I was 15 years old. I am 39 now, and I still love him a lot. Beleive it or not!

An update on the presentation project

patrick — Tue, 06 May 2008 13:29:26 +0000

Well students, sometimes in life things don’t always work the way you want to; that is what makes life interesting! This week we had some technical problems as the main server room got wet, wet, wet! Thankfully, there was no major damage to the school server. On the other hand, we were without a network or the Internet for almost 2 days, the 2 days when I have most of my grade 8 classes. In adition, this week is exam week, so those UNLUCKY students in 804, 805, 803 and 802 will have an additional week to get everything ready. I know how much you wanted to do your presentations this week…hehe.

I am experimenting with ivideo and youtube. Here is the first presentation I uploaded today. It’s taken me at least 30 minutes getting this video done, not including the transfer time from the camera. I don’t think I will have time to upload all the videos on youtube. We will see… I started with this one because it is a great one. You can see that this student knows what he is talking about and PRACTICED his presentation. Notice how he is actually TALKING to us, not just reading from his notes. It’s the first A++ I’ve given in 4 years.

My hobbies: Assignment 3

patrick — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 05:34:24 +0000

I have a had just a few hobbies in my life, and none that I did for very long. Sometimes people say doing sports (swimming, basketball) are hobbies, but I dont think so. What about reading? Do you think it is a hobby? IF you say yes, then I have had that hobby for a long time!

I also did some paragliding a few years ago, but it was too expensive. And with the birth of my son, it was not practical. NOw I guess my hobby is going on long rides on my motorcycle. I sometimes go with a lot of other guys, sometimes by myself. It really is a great way to discover Taiwan!