Blog Archives - Gfuzzy.com

Thursday, April 30, 2020

4/30/2020

Hello 514!

What's happening? Today is a special day. It's special for many reasons. In general, it's special because you get a chance to do something positive for others and yourself. When you can improve your writing through effort, your increasing your thinking ability, and your capacity for self expression. When you practice your math, you're increasing your problem solving capability. Bottom line, when you're trying, and learning, you're improving and becoming more valuable!

Additionally, when you PRODUCE work, you can help others achieve their potential, especially your friends, the special people around you who might not have access to a mentor, tutor, teacher, advisor. Now, that's cool! Let's remember that in the age of the internet, you can influence many people. Well, ok, those with wifi, but you get the point.

Now let's hear from you! What are you producing? How are you "influencing" your friends to achieve? I'd like to close by saying hi and welcome to the online experience to Elizandra! Woo hoo! 💻🤖😀As you can see, my emoji game is solid. Really do miss the classroom craziness, but I'm glad you're safe.

Peace!

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

4/29/2020

Hi All!

What's happening? I see some of you moving up on Khan! Excellent! Don't be surprised if the Governor of California allows us all back in school by July. Yup. July. Why? He's trying to avoid what's called, "learning loss", which occurs after 3 months, and increases with each passing month. So, after five months, you've lost what you gained in the previous year. After not lifting weights for a month, you can notice the difference in your strength.

That's why I'm really proud of the people who are continuing with the journal, Khan Academy, watercolor, music and more. You're not losing, you're gaining. You will be prepared when the call comes to return.

As for the BOYS...ahem, get back to work! Seriously. Start. Even if it's just 15 minutes a day. On a scale of 1 - 10, with 10 being the greatest, do you believe you're ready to return to school at the same level of effort you were performing when you left? Why not? What do you have to do to start moving in that direction?

OK, I've said enough for today. Post your comments here please, or in the journal if you want them to be private. Thank you for your effort to become a better person today!

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

4/28/2020

Hello Again! Happy Tuesday!

So happy to be back here, reading your journal entries, and writing responses. This is one of the best parts of my day, along with rowing, lifting, swimming, reading, and of course...LUNCH! With that said, onward.

Annaly: Please don't worry about the packets. They can help, and they are meant to help you keep your skills sharp, more than "learning". The packets allow your parents to see what you're doing. Nevertheless, and you you know what I'm going to write, Khan Academy lets YOU see what you're learning, how you're learning it, where you make mistakes, and where you can improve. Plus, KA covers more than the packets.

My question for you is, what activities will you pursue so that you are confident when you take the next step? That. next step is 7th grade and beyond. I know, I know, when will we return to school, or move to 7th? You know what I always say, search history for a model of what has happened before, then adapt that model, or create a new one if you need to. After the 1918 pandemic, society opened in layers, little by little, life returned to normal. Stay safe, keep up your activities, and you will come out of this stronger and wiser. 💻🤸🏿‍♀️ School might reopen so parents can pick up the items the students left. If you need some art supplies, please let me know.

Abigail: Sounds like there is a lot going on at your house. That's good news! You don't have to journal on the weekends. May I suggest you begin using Garageband to learn chords? Chords are the "words" of music. Learn your chords and you can play music on guitars and piano. From there, you can begin writing your own songs. That's a lifelong skill that will bring years of enjoyment! 😊 What else are you doing with your time?

Melissa: Hi. 10%? That's ambitious. Please remember to learn it well so you can use it later. Have you continued your art? Do you have supplies? CC might open the school soon, but only to allow parents to pick up the items the students left. If that's the case, you can get your notebook, and I'll make arrangements so you can pick up some art supplies. I'm glad you're trying hard in KA. Making that a habit will put you way ahead when school reopens. Please stay with it!

Nataly: Hi. Thanks for your kind words. I remember a movie from a long time ago where the main character said, "...we must love those people who deserve it like there's no tomorrow. 'Cause when you get right down to it - there isn't." So when I read your words, I'm glad you understand that all we have is this moment in front of us. That's all we can control, for it's not what happens to you, it's your reaction to it that makes a difference tomorrow. Anybody who has ever performed resistance training for over 6 months straight understands that truth.

OK, I'm running late today. Thanks for reading. Please contact others and ask them to contribute to the journal, which has already totaled over 66,000 words! That is a complete novel. Amazing what you can do, when you make the time and effort.

April 27, 2020

4/27/2020

Hello Again Everyone! 🏝🏋️🎨💻

Wow! That's some fine writing there journal participants. Let's see. Who's first? Alisa. I'm super happy that you gained confidence from the 514 experience. That characteristic will serve you well, and it's one of the essential "ingredients" in the 514 recipe. As far as suggestions, go, and you already know this, what goes naturally with playing the piano?🎹 Songwriting! 🎤This will combine your talent for writing with something that will add to the emotions generated by your words. Have you tried writing lyrics/poetry yet? Songwriting, music playing, writing in general, are activities which can bring a lifetime of enjoyment. Every single recording artist you see started somewhere, so this is your somewhere. Can't wait to hear it.

Next, Nataly. You also know what I'm going to say. With your musical talent, you and Alisa have one half of a band. 😁🥁 In this century, you can readily see the blending of technology, instruments, and video. Explore new ways to blend all of these, create something new, something that will set the trend for the next generation. Talent, combined with effort, changes the world. Have you learned any songs yet? What's your favorite type of music to play?

Aliah. I'm extremely happy you picked up an iPad from school! 😀Sorry to hear about your WiFi. It's like having a car with no gas. Wait. That's an electric car. 😆You get the idea. How about we don't call it homework? How about "You improvement time" or "Skill Improvement Time"? I'm glad you're setting a goal of 100%. At the very least, practice all the sixth grade skills, and move on to 7th. What area of math interests you the most? Stats? Geometry?

I'm right there with you. I'm trying to finish AP Statistics, but at my own pace, and I don't care if have to use hints all the time because I want to learn it, not just "get answers". Math isn't just getting answers, it's about understanding the situation and creating a reasonable solution. You're a very creative person, so I'm confident you'll do well!

Melissa. So you miss PE too? What can I say? Working out with friends is more fun and inspirational. Nevertheless, you work out for the health benefits first and most importantly. Use what you can around the house. At the minimum you can go for walks with your family. Next step up is bodyweight resistance exercises. Let's hear some of the fun activities your family participates in to stay active. Do you have any kind of sports equipment?

Finally, would you please ask the rest of the class with whom you are in contact to start contributing to the journal, even if it is just to say hi. Moving up on all areas of Khan would be wonderful, but I'm hoping your friends will see the value in continuing to express themselves. Thanks again for making me smile. 😊 😀

PS. Anybody watch the "OK GO" video? Those guys are creative!

April 24, 2020

4/24/2020

Hi Everybody!

Abigail, Nataly, Aliah, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your latest journal entries! Such amazing people! May all your dreams come true through the process of your talents and hard work!

I'm not crying. You're crying! So if you're crying, watch the video on the home page. Many teachers use OK GO videos to teach science and art, specifically physics and color relationships.

If you're reflecting on this past school year, please don't consider yourself cheated. If you did the best you could with the time we had, and you're continuing the process by practicing art, math, music, resistance training, coding, and reading, then you gained value!

Reality will hit again in June. We might never return to 514 as a class. Sto, what I'd like to ask here is this: If you need art supplies, they're sitting in the bins in the class. If you want to make arrangements to pick up some, please let me know. I can't hand out the Spheros or the RVR or OSMOS. Not yet anyway.

Stay open to change. This is the single greatest skill of the 21st Century, at least that's what I'm reading. Remember to challenge yourself through a process, your own "Tunnel". Right, Nataly? If you remember that story, the tunnel represented a process (symbolism), not a goal to be achieved. Cool huh?

Time for Gfuzzy to get the process of health going. Gfuzzy's gym is now open! Stay healthy and happy Fuzzettes!

Thursday, April 23, 2020

4/23/2020

Hi All!😁

What's happening?

First, Melissa. Hi. Thanks for trying the Applied Digital Skills. I researched your question, and I experienced the same issue after clicking to the end. The site says for work to be saved you must sign in. After signing in, work can be saved. I think the main point is learn from the videos, they are your guide through the process. I would keep work in a separate app like Word, Pages, or Google Docs. Please let me know if the sign-in works for you.

Secondly, Abigail. Hi. Thanks for the short story about your dogs. Maybe keep the journal short, with ideas you want to keep private, and create longer responses here in the comments. Just a thought. The Applied Digital Skills from Google can be found at the top of Gfuzzy's website. They are a series of short videos that walk you through the research for writing process. They should be helpful. Please let me know.

Next, Aliah. Hi. Mr. Sams says hello, and good-bye. He officially retired. I'm sad that he did not get a chance to say farewell to you and the other kids from that third grade class. Mr. Sams always said you were the best class he ever had and he deeply enjoyed your efforts, personalities, and spirit. He was also sad that we could not bring the La Quinta Arts Foundation to our site for instruction and practice because of the quarantine. I know you guys will be off campus next year, but I'll see if they will come on a Saturday and I'll save some spots for the few who produced art on a regular basis.

Finally, Alisa. Hi. Learning the piano? That is excellent! You know what you get when you combine notes with your writing skills? Songwriting! Playing the piano will bring a lifetime of enjoyment. Really proud of you for taking on a creative expression, an art form. Please stay with it.

Ok, I have to get back to Khan Academy. Please tell everyone I said hello and to be safe. If you chat with others from the class, please ask them to write in the journal or make comments here. 😁

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

4/22/2020

Hi Everybody!

Sorry I'm late today. I just spent a 45 minutes on the phone with a sales representative from 3D Formlabs. I know huh? Three years after purchasing a less than serviceable 3D printer, I'm trying to return to the realm of 3D printing. Why? After some research, I'm finding that during this crisis 3D printing is "exploding".

As a result of the COVID19 crisis, demand for reliable medical supplies skyrockets past our abilities to provide. How would you feel if somebody you cared about was placed at extreme risk because they could not access personal protective equipment? (PPE) 3D printing, a 21st century technology, steps forward to fill the need.

Is it expensive? Yes. A starter setup containing a printer, a form curing station, and washing station costs approximately $3800. 😲🥺 So what do I do now? Besides the money, to continue with the whole operation is an enormous commitment. The plastic, which in this machine is actually a resin, costs $150 a liter. That's like paying $600 for a gallon of gas. 😳

I would gladly jump at the chance to help in the fight of COVID19 if I had that cash handy AND if I had the assistance of the amazing people of 514.

Let me think about it. In the meantime, 3D Formlabs will send a few samples in the mail, which I will examine and post pics on here and on Instagram. Insta. The Gram. You know what I'm talking about. 😁

Chat with you soon.

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

4/21/2020

😁🧸🤖 What's happening everybody? How's your attitude?

What new activity are you trying? Maybe you're trying to explore a familiar activity, and improving your skill level. I'm trying to boost my watercolor game. I've learned to work in a small format, which is a small piece of paper, and make sure I have a well drawn subject. Start small, work to big, just like weightlifting.

Perhaps you're wondering, "Why bother, what's the point?" during this time. Use your brain. You might not be able to control what's going on around you, but you sure can control yourself. Be the victor, not the victim. You can try a bunch of different activities, a little bit each day, or you can pursue one activity whole heartedly. Either way, keep your spirit elevated through effort and achievement. Think back on a time when you were weightlifting and a medicine ball you thought was heavy suddenly seemed light. Well, that didn't happen overnight. That's the value of repeated effort.

So now it's time to take my own medicine. (See what I did there?) 😆I'm off to work on Khan Academy. Eat your frogs first!

Stay healthy and happy. I'll check back with you tomorrow! Thanks for reading!

Monday, April 20, 2020

4/20/2020

For the Journal:

😊Hello again 514! What's happening? Thanks for writing. I really appreciate your thoughts and efforts. Your self-expression is improving! Just a quick note, the applied digital skills code is "jw6bzc". These are OPTIONAL. I'm more enthusiastic about you pursuing your own interests on Khan and YouTube, and then moving up on Khan percentage and/or creating something, like art, a fitness routine, computer code, craft work, music. You will be paid for what you create. Please check the blog for more info. 😊Finally, YES!!!! I would rather be at school with you, kicking glutes, having fun, learning to try repeatedly, hearing people laugh, watching people grow. Do what you can to make the best of the situation and you will be ok.

Today's Blog:

Hello all,

Great to be back here in the digital realm with my favorite people. 😁

Abigail, if you forget how to squat, please watch the YouTube videos from CrossFit, which are short and usually show the correct technique from a couple of angles. If you're on Instagram, follow "Squat University". His videos have great detail. As far as health is concerned, eat real food, go for walks, and yes, do squats. Leg and hip strength are critical to overall health.

Melissa, I posted the code. Thanks for pointing that out. Remember, that Applied Digital Skills are optional. However, the school district might be moving in that direction, so I wanted to make sure we are prepared. I'm glad you're reading about Anne Frank. Her story used to be required reading. She dealt with so much heartache in her young life, and how she handled it is inspirational.

Alisa, remember the speech about the ancient Greeks, and not letting your strengths become your weakness? Make your strength your...STRENGTH! All those amazing feelings you're writing, please put them in a permanent journal somewhere, like a notebook, just like Anne Frank did. You have amazing friends, so you're really lucky in the digital age, because you can communicate so easily. I can see how this is difficult for young people who really enjoy hanging out with friends. Gain strength from your ideas! Create, learn, and create some more. That's what smart people do. 😀

Thanks for reading! See you all tomorrow!

Saturday, April 18, 2020

4/18/2020

Saturday, April 18.2020 😆

Hello Everybody!

Just a quick note to say thank you for the your wonderful journal entries. They make me wonder if you share those same thoughts with each other. The ideas expressed demonstrate tremendous depth of thought. If you're not sharing with each other, then perhaps you could save your messages on your computer or a notebook. You will be glad you did!