THE JOURNEY

2008 through 2010 was a grind.
Job Loss blazed the big sign.
Emotions kindled stomach knots and set the heart to pine.
Fear assured you are in a bind.
Passing months left no clue to find.

Confidence dwindled to a fault.
Peers sneered you never learned what you were taught.
Friends, obedience and skills would have paved the way.
Loss of identity and a ruined reputation is now your mainstay.
                                                      
The path in life brings many twists and concerns.
Sometimes you lose what you have earned.
Choice dictates whether you crash and burn.
Faith and perseverance are the wheels to make the turns.

2011 introduced challenges and a mighty fight.
Confirmed strategies are not yet in sight.
To exercise personal freedom do come at a cost.
An egotist need followers and "you" often get lost.
Being unique simply defines who should be boss.

Thoughts are no longer pondered "What will happen to I?"
An uphill battle does not breed a sigh.
Continued struggles will pave the survivor's way.
THIS JOURNEY will dawn a brand new game to play.

CHANGE IGNITES LIFELONG LEARNING

One way to change an attitude is to change the way one thinks. Similarly, evolving factors of social economics, cultural, demographics and technology continuously demand new thoughts. As society regenerates, so must community members and lifelong learning is the necessary vehicle to drive change.

Essentially, the self directed adult learner uses a reservoir of experience and schooling to problem-solve and find answers. The employed obtains formal learning at a university to secure a job. A non-formal pupil attends classes at a community real-estate office to learn home buyer procedures. The informal student uses internet expertise to research a personal illness. Distance learning provides online lessons for all learning formats and a growing preference over traditional classrooms.

Once, the mandate for America was to develop a skilled and competitive workforce. Now, due to job losses, budget cuts and lower wages, some citizens want to become business owners and create their own jobs. The Small Business Centers are busy training entrepreneurs who claim the desire for independence and control over their work.

What's more, educators are updating their skills. Numerous immigrants require a host of English as Second Language classes and many teachers must take foreign language studies to better communicate with students. Reformers in higher education have registered their faculty's flaws by proclaiming the effective teacher should be "a guide by the side" other than a "sage on the stage." Rather than a surplus of lecture, new aims are to integrate more computer knowledge and manage internships to prepare candidates for the real work world.

In closing, the rapid science-based, postindustrial technology of modern economies has led to a vast increase in productivity with growing complexities. Each new computer technique, service strategy, product invention or fiscal crisis touches off the need for lifelong learning.

YIELD TO HIM

     Money is a master.

             Ponder the use or purchase real disaster.

             Services are brought, but treasures flee.

             The ownership of sin will enslave thee.

     Self demands, "I WANT IT NOW!"

             Greed, lies, deceit become the plow.

             Swelled markets and lust of flesh created this thing.

             Return on investment is unemployment and suffering.

             Humiliated consciences shout a mighty ring.

     Willingly, we submitted to habits of allure.

             Consequences of actions beam impure.

             Mimicking loudly, these are transgressions for sure.

             Body, Mind, Soul and country begs for cure.

     Father-GOD whispers, "Bow to me to settle this score,

             Mercy is given and iniquity remembered no more,

             Failures will be recycled and restored for my aim,

             If lessons are learned and you wait patiently for change."

     Those long days of suffering require great durability.

             Salvation appears to be a mere phantasy.

             Suddenly, light invades the spirit like a sparkling gem.

             Obeying Jesus Christ means "Yield to Him."

MEDICS READY THEN AND NOW

Published in Ready On Call Reservist Magazine; July-Sept 1985 Issue, page 19.

The commander has received an intelligence report that there is enemy troop activity in the area. Flares, sound of artillery bursting, cracks of small arms fire penetrates the darkness as soldiers position themselves. Peering intensely over the edge of their camoflauged foxholes, gripping their weapons, the 312th Evacuation Hospital defends perimeters and repulses its aggressor force from attacking its hospital. This scene depicts mission deviation for the 312th Evacuation Hospital headquartered in Greensboro, NC. For the first time in its history, this unit spent fourteen days at Fort Jackson, S.C. training in the field not only as medics, but combat medics. The purpose on this joint field training exercise with Moncrief Army Hospital was to give medical personnel an opportunity to rehearse an actual combat situation and develop responses to an enemy attack on a modern day battlefield.

During the late sixties, the 312th was mobilized to Ft. Benning, Georgia for prior overseas training and in September sent to Chulai, Vietnam to support the 44th Medical Brigade. This AT85 brought back memories for some of the five remaining members of this unit. As Colonel Pauline Hester, Chief Nurse reflected she said, "The choppers especially reminded me of the many casualties that were brought into our emergency room and the many tired and sleepless nights that we shared. It became so busy that we had to hospitalize one of our anesthetist from exhaustion."

SFC Richard E. Rice, presently Operating Room NCO adamantly stresses to his soldiers the importance of sterile technique because he says, "The infections and bacteria was so high in Vietnam that in order to prevent them from setting in open wounds, special precautions always had to be taken."

"Today we place more emphasis on combat skills than when the 312th was called-up in 1968. Because our experience in Vietnam made us realize the need for self-protection," says now First Sergeant William A. Beard. "If we were called today, I would feel good about going with our troops because of their diversified skills, same dedication and sense of commitment to the U.S. Army Reserves.

Remaining patriarchs, SSG James Stine and SFC Roy Peddycord agree with the sentiment of their comrades. They insist that this dual-role training is beneficial to the Army Reserve mission because it better equips our reservists to augment the active component of our Army in the event of a national emergency. Colonel Hester said, "It gives me great pride to have served my country for some 25 years. Inasmuch as my parent unit members and teachings have changed, the same aims are targeted, that is, to remain a ready reserve.

On September 21, 1985 the Vietnam Veterans of the 312th had its first reunion in Winston-Salem, N.C.

The 312th Evacuation Hospital was inactivated September, 2005. Find out more about more about its history at http://unitpages.military.com/.

THE OBAMA ART MUSEUM, LLC

Hieroglyphics on the walls of Egypt was once believed to be some secret magical wisdom understood and used only by Egyptian priests. This belief remained until scholars discovered the symbols described sounds; the pictures indicated words or syllables and it became a language to convey ideas. Egyptians continued use of the ideographic and syllabic systems, even after alphabets were discovered. Likewise, when Barack Hussein Obama, II was first heard, many pondered the representation of such a name. Onomatologists suggested the full title meant blessed man soul. The Obama label now signifies a presidency, characterizes the ideal role model world wide, dawns a generation (O Generation), markets software (Obama Development) and now a museum.

Sitting around the kitchen table on a Saturday afternoon in August, 2009, an opportunity was provided to interview Christopher Terrell Moore, CEO and founder of the Obama Art Museum, plus two team members. A native of North Carolina, he describes himself as an artist with a given gift because there was no formal schooling just something he was always able to do. An entrepreneur, he has owned several businesses, a Concessions and http://artbychristopherterrell.com/. Phyllis Moore, Chief Officer presents another description of his character, saying "Terrell is quiet, laid back, reserved, articulate, creative, very open-minded and full of ideas. This project was a big reach but I am very proud though not really surprised because he is the type of person who follows his creativity, reaches out of the box and comes back with something very positive or even something no one else might have thought of and captures it."

When asked why Obama Museum and not Terrell's?; the pecan colored, poker faced, poised, stylish figure explained in a matter of fact manner, "It's Obama's museum because of who he represents to America. This place preserves the first time in American history all races came together and elected an African American President. I chose him because it was a time in history I wanted to capture with art. It is almost like hieroglyphics on the walls in Egypt, a photo in time or a time capsule of America's first. Every time has a period where something great happens and it is an opportunity for artists like me to seize the moment with art. One hundred years from now, it will be the only place where visitors can enter, witness historical unity of one people who accomplished a common objective and witness true change in the American culture."

Descriptively, the museum's main backdrop will contain pieces from artists all over the world of different styles, textures and mediums. Each creator adds their own creativity in the way they vision him. For example, one Brooklyn, NY mosaic artist took time to chop large and small coins; a metaphor that represent states won by Obama and McCain. A fabric artist is going to submit a piece. The Lincoln-Obama photo combined Obama's image and Lincoln; and another production features the Beatles's haircut. Some 1200 people have visited this web-site; join them at http://obamaartmuseum.com/ to view other unique creations.

Another component of the museum will be a place where people can come in to experience change within themselves. Future plans include classrooms for creative writing, poetry, dance and art classes. Weekend events will include concerts where local musicians will be invited to perform and artists exhibit their works. This environment is intended to bring the change out of people. Terrell comments, "many individuals are creative but it is sort of pinned up inside of them. This will be an opportunity for them to release it."

Earlica Forte, Media Coordinator says, "this museum teaches art hooks periods of time and periods of time have been named because of art. It will inspire children who might not want to go to a museum but because it is named after Obama, they will say, mommy, daddy, I want to go there. It makes the family look at museums in a different way. It is not a political move, just a name everyone recognizes and relates. Too, I think it will teach about unity, that is, the way we can come together to make things happen and make change happen. It inspires Americans to ask how can I help, what can I do? It will be a place where assorted creative sides are shown and appreciated. It makes people excited!"

And how can you participate in this historic movement? Terrell shares, "to date, we have made a call for artists to donate their works and have been successful as donors all over the country are making contributions which are displayed on the website. Other promotions are made through art shows, post cards and word of mouth. We are in search for a brick and mortar building located in an area near other museums. Everyone can become involved by purchasing a one-year membership. These dues will pay for a brick which is an engraved name plate to be hung on the wall of the museum. Plus, it will allow free tour access of the museum; discounts for shows, events and classes."

Through observation, study and perseverance, creativity fuels progress in societies. Hieroglyphics became the cornerstone of the Egyptians culture of communication. A grassroots coalition of youth who defied many political stereotypes ushered the first African American President with the funny sounding name into office. Terrell's crafty imagination led him to freeze this event for future generations and will challenge all visitors to make change within their lives. Art by definition is skill in something in a form that is satisfying in a special way for direct experience and remind people of a time they want to remember. The Obama Art Museum definitely contains that commemorative interest!

Functions of Teachers

All of us do learning every day for which we have no teachers, so evidently they are not necessary ingredients of the learning process. Yet our whole educational system is built on the argument that learning can be more efficient with teachers than without. Why?

• Teachers supply long-term objectives and plans for achievement. Left to chance discovery, much that students now learn in school would certainly not be learned. Teachers ensures learners will encounter certain materials and ideas society feels should be included in education. They plan an overall sequence and continuity in the curriculum, a balance of the many elements that need to be included and a relationship of the concepts from different curriculum areas. Some may debate these tasks are not always well done but they are functions learners especially immature ones, would have a very hard time performing without the leaders.
  
• Teachers are an efficiency of learning. Teachers as guides can always take one over strange territory much faster and easier than one can take oneself. From the outset, guides mobilizes energies and enthusiasm for the adventure and prepares the travelers for what lies ahead. Assessment of readiness are made and equipment are provided at the right levels of difficulty. Learning activities are tailored to induce the kinds of experience from which the desired learning can come.


• Teachers are coaches. As learning proceeds, teachers keep helping learners to identify and formulate the problems to be solved, decide where and how to look for answers, evaluate progress, allocate further effort and keep up enthusiasm. They anticipate where the trouble spots will be and plan accordingly, make resource materials available, gauge when more practice is needed or unnecessary. They make sure important points stand out clearly; especially difficult ideas can be gone over again a little differently, demonstrated graphically or the use of some other median to guarantee comprehension. Teachers keep checking on the learners mastery before proceeding to the next level.


• Teachers set the emotional and social climate of a classroom. The emotional tone and the pattern of social interaction established by teachers may determine whether members will learn to cooperate or compete, to value an activity or to hate it, to be imaginative and self reliant or docile and dependent.
  
• Teachers evaluate learning. It is often hard for the learners to be sure how they are really doing. Teachers have a broader basis for judgement, are more objective in assessment and can be much more precise in identifying strengths and weaknesses.

In summary, teachers functions have been stressed as guides for learners in progress toward maturity. As architects of the learning process, they emphasize learning is multiple in the sense of working with skills, tasks and people. Practice leads to experience which eventually become knowledge. Learning is only purposeful when demonstrated through actions.

Some people see teachers as those who connects the storage tank of knowledge to the empty tank of students mind and pumps in as much as will go. Others see teachers as molders of personalities akin to the way a potter molds clay into a beautiful shapes. How do you see teachers functions? What do you think of the outlined concepts? Have you run into others? Can computers replace teachers and how?