March Mad Rant

Irrational. Numbers, Irrational Alice. What is the connection?

Pi. Hole. Pi- Irrational ratio of a circles circumference to its diameter (di-two); (meter-metric system). Alice falls down a Rabbit Hole, where irrationality meets dream, two alternative realities. Irrational, talking rabbits, mad hatters, disappearing cats, card soldiers, and a mad Red Queen. “Falling down a rabbit hole,” is a saying. Meaning, things might get weird.

But first, some math.

Circles Quartered into Angles. Tri-Angles. (Trigonometry- the study of triangles).

360 degrees is in Full Turn. A Revolution. A Ration. Ray, Radius, means spoke of a wheel or a beam of light.

end of math.

Radius- in biology. Forearm bones/ Ulna rotates.

History- Lewis Carroll was inspired by 7 year old Alice Lidell to write Alice in Wonderland. I wonder if you want to continue reading this. Alice was one of three sisters. Lewis took a liking to Alice. He was fond of photography. Alice was abruptly taken from his care. Yea, it is as sorted as you might think. It remains a mystery, but the question is, who’s story was it?

Mystery, is that although Lewis Carroll is credited for Alice in Wonderland, there are parallel stories that pre-date Carroll himself. Humpy Dumpty, for example. In the Annotated Mother Goose, Martin Gardner claims that the poem, which first appeared in 1810 but was much older, had always been intended as a riddle to which the answer is: an egg. The OED gives two definitions of the term, though doubts that the two are related. The first, dating to 1698, is "a drink made with 'ale boiled with brandy.'" The second is the Humpty we're more familiar with now.

Point is, do you really know the story of Alice? Math? Language?

I.School, like dear Alice is an adventure you must make Alone. Take your time (or someone else will). Plan a course. Always have a plan. When in doubt, search for the Original source. Interpret for your self. Think, for yourself. Seek what NOT talked about. Seek Truth.

Dear Alice begins her “down the rabbit hole” sitting alongside her older sister who had a book, that did not have pictures, which bored Alice to sleep.

The End

My favorite part of the novel, Alice in Wonderland is the very end:

“Who cares for you?” said Alice, (she had grown to her full size by this time.) “You’re nothing but a pack of cards!”

At this the whole pack rose up into the air, and came flying down upon her: she gave a little scream, half of fright and half of anger, and tried to beat them off, and found herself lying on the bank, with her head in the lap of her sister, who was gently brushing away some dead leaves that had fluttered down from the trees upon her face.

“Wake up, Alice dear!” said her sister; “Why, what a long sleep you’ve had!”

“Oh, I’ve had such a curious dream!” said Alice, and she told her sister, as well as she could remember them, all these strange Adventures of hers that you have just been reading about; and when she had finished, her sister kissed her, and said, “It was a curious dream, dear, certainly: but now run in to your tea; it’s getting late.” So Alice got up and ran off, thinking while she ran, as well she might, what a wonderful dream it had been.

____________

But her sister sat still just as she left her, leaning her head on her hand, watching the setting sun, and thinking of little Alice and all her wonderful Adventures, till she too began dreaming after a fashion, and this was her dream:—

First, she dreamed of little Alice herself, and once again the tiny hands were clasped upon her knee, and the bright eager eyes were looking up into hers—she could hear the very tones of her voice, and see that queer little toss of her head to keep back the wandering hair that would always get into her eyes—and still as she listened, or seemed to listen, the whole place around her became alive with the strange creatures of her little sister’s dream.

The long grass rustled at her feet as the White Rabbit hurried by—the frightened Mouse splashed his way through the neighbouring pool—she could hear the rattle of the teacups as the March Hare and his friends shared their never-ending meal, and the shrill voice of the Queen ordering off her unfortunate guests to execution—once more the pig-baby was sneezing on the Duchess’s knee, while plates and dishes crashed around it—once more the shriek of the Gryphon, the squeaking of the Lizard’s slate-pencil, and the choking of the suppressed guinea-pigs, filled the air, mixed up with the distant sobs of the miserable Mock Turtle.

So she sat on, with closed eyes, and half believed herself in Wonderland, though she knew she had but to open them again, and all would change to dull reality—the grass would be only rustling in the wind, and the pool rippling to the waving of the reeds—the rattling teacups would change to tinkling sheep-bells, and the Queen’s shrill cries to the voice of the shepherd boy—and the sneeze of the baby, the shriek of the Gryphon, and all the other queer noises, would change (she knew) to the confused clamour of the busy farm-yard—while the lowing of the cattle in the distance would take the place of the Mock Turtle’s heavy sobs.

Lastly, she pictured to herself how this same little sister of hers would, in the after-time, be herself a grown woman; and how she would keep, through all her riper years, the simple and loving heart of her childhood: and how she would gather about her other little children, and make their eyes bright and eager with many a strange tale, perhaps even with the dream of Wonderland of long ago: and how she would feel with all their simple sorrows, and find a pleasure in all their simple joys, remembering her own child-life, and the happy summer days.

THE END.

I Wonder if some wholesome lessons to be learned got lost in translation. The interpretations of, interpretations of, built on derivative stories of, but what we think is the real story. And who has time to delve? And what might one find?

March Advanced

March

Theme: Alice in Wonderland

What you want: Distractions

White Rabbit- “I’m Late.” Many meanings over time.

To Scale: Time

Mad Hatter- “Mad” Question. What makes one mad?

Cheshire Cat- Faintly comes and goes.

Caterpillar- Transformation. Biology.

Red Queen of Hearts- Interpretations, compare and contrast.

“Eat Me” “Drink Me” confections- Changes size of Alice.

What is the overall theme of Alice? Does anything apply to you? Anyone you might know?

March Basics

March

Basics: Days of the Week. Basic: Colors. Green Focus.

Body Part to focus on: Feet. 10 Toes. Count. 1-10.

Base. 10.

Music Playlists focus on Grounding.

Shapes: Circles. Math: Geometry. Order of Operations. Social Studies: Geography.

Science: Biology, Life Sciences. Art: Drawing Dreams. Symbolism.

Literary Pic o’ the Month: Alice in Wonderland.

Activities- scrunch your toes up. make a fist of your feet. Distraction. No one will know what you are doing. You, however, will be focused. Grounded.

March 1-10 Distractions

I.School Students:

Get grounded in March.

  1. You are the most important person. You. the I. Are you listening?

  2. So what are you talking about? Does your language reflect #1? Adjust.

  3. Build on 1,2. Build something solid. (straws are superficially weak. Sticks hurt )

  4. Tell the truth. Even to yourself.

  5. You have the right to remain silent. Do that. And think about what you want.

  6. In Balance.

  7. Choose wisely.

  8. Strength is hard to come by. Find it.

  9. Seriously consider what you value. No joke.

  10. Now, what is your story? Are you sure?

Pre Test 1-10: Timed. Allow 10-15 seconds per topic.

List as many peoples representing the following topics- Purpose is to distract the student from intolerable realities.

LISTS OF 10

Scientists, Leaders, Explorers, Mathematicians, Authors, Producers, Composers, Entrepreneurs, Villains, Superheroes, Serial Killers, people on Money;

Cereal Boxes (characters), Food cartoon characters, Cartoon Characters, Sports mascots,

Comedians, musicians;

Now list 10 Fairy Tales.

What do you notice?

PSSST! Pretend secret school (4 the) self-taught never divulges answers.

March

Question: What are you “Marching” for? After Valentines Day and Groundhog Day, what grounds do you have to stand on? Who or what do you Love? New Year’s Resolutions need a re-boot? March.

Basic-

Use 5 senses to describe March. Test it daily.

Color of the Month: Green Music: Marching Band. Drums. (Do you have your playlist?)

Body Part: Feet. Daily, Weekly or Monthly focus on feet exercises. Stretch, bend, walk, run. Dance.

Texas beach. Shoes by step-mother; socks by student. My foot. My I.School tattoo #1. 5 dots. 2020-2025.

MARCH. Feet. Boots. Ground. Love. I.

Proficient:

History- Named after Mars, ancestor to Romulus and Remus.

Mystery- Julian and Gregorian calendars, March is the 3rd month. Historically, it was the “first sight of ground under the snow.” Thus the first month. Mars protected land.  Later, March refers to  Ireland, shamrocks, and St. Patrick- who drove the “snakes” out of Ireland. Allegory for converting folks through traditions and story telling.

Advanced:

Alice in Wonderland. The Novel.

Recall the story of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. And/or sequel, Through the Looking Glass.

Characters/scenes: Alice, Hole, Mad Hatter, White Rabbit/Hare. Time- “Late for an important date.” Red Queen, of Hearts. Also, Caterpillar, Cheshire Cat, pig. (What 3 or 4 characters can you imagine?)

Chain of Events: Order. Sequence.

Symbolism: Colors, Animals, settings,

Themes: Tea Party, Games, Riddles. Size changes, mood swings.

Behind the scenes:

Lewis Carroll: A BBC documentary from 2015, The Secret World of Lewis Carroll, critically examined Dodgson's relationship with Alice Liddell and her sisters. It explored the possibility that Dodgson's rift with the Liddell family (and his temporary suspension from the college) might have been caused by improper relations with their children, including Alice. Such as, nude photos, portraits and possible wedding proposals to 11 year old Alice) Wikiedia.

I-Levels of Understanding (assessment).

Basic: Recalls story of Alice falling down a hole. Weird characters (animals, colors, senes). Conclusion.

Proficient: Uses symbolism. Archetypes of characters, colors, animals, weird scenarios to make meaning out of the story. Inductive and Deductive reasoning. Higher thinking skills.

Advanced: Researches outside story (author). Has understanding of historical relevance. Applies Alice’s situation to self and others. Includes various comparative interpretations.

13.

Social Studies-

Folklore surrounding the number 13 appears in many cultures around the world: one theory is that this is due to the cultures employing lunar-solar calendars (there are approximately 12.41 lunations per solar year, and hence 12 "true months" plus a smaller, and often portentous, thirteenth month). This can be witnessed, for example, in the "Twelve Days of Christmas" of Western European tradition.

Some people consider 13 to be an unlucky number, but there is no evidence to support this. 

Triskaidekaphobia The fear of the number 13. People with triskaidekaphobia try to avoid things numbered 13. 

Math-

In mathematics the number 13 is a “happy number,” which is a number which eventually reaches 1, when replaced by the sum of the square of each digit. For instance, 13 is a happy number because 1 squared plus 3 squared equals 10; and 1 squared plus 0 squared equals 1.

Whether Superstition or Rationality, in I.School 13 is 1 (you) plus 3 (to build).

  1. What have you learned?

  2. (what are you talking about?)

  3. What are you building? (What is your motivation?)

Day by day.

12. Back Up Plan

#1. You are number One. What about number Two? 1-2

#2. Back up. Have a back up plan to your #1. ALWAYS have a plan in I.School. Now that you are here and you realize your time is of Value, (you wouldn’t have time to read this if not) and you’ve also seen how screens suck your time, but you don’t really know what to do with your time because you have not had many opportunities to think on your own. So imagine you are in school. There is downtime. You want something more than to gossip, or complain, or look at your phone. Now what? A foreseeable obstacle is that if you are in traditional school and you are not “doing” something, someone will give you something to do.

Problem: What to do? Stay busy. But things that benefit you, the I.

Solution: Always have a plan,I.Suggestions:

Get out I.Notebook. Continue to plan for your own future, write down ideas. It will look like you are doing something for regular school. “Planning”

What do you really want to excel at? What were your 9 values? Can you use downtime to review or train your brain around one of them? Make lists of: (whatever level you are at) an example for me was say, going through dance steps, or memorizing the planets in order later turned to more details of each planet; or bird classification, the constitution, US Presidents, whatever, as long as it Serves you.

You can write, or are you ready to practice silence? What about subtle stretches?

Wouldn’t it be better to take time to make a plan benefiting future-you, rather than wasting your precious time? As has been done to past-you.

Imagine solitude. Push Past the notion of “it will be so nice to just sit around…” Pass the “things will be better when.”

Nope. Right now. This minute. As an Abyss. Turn inward. As a Plan to back up.

Ha- Back Up and Back In. But have a plan. Your plan.

It does not need to make sense to anyone but you. Get original, get creative.

Have the courage to self-discover.

11. Stella. Stella the Cat.

I.School

Time for Stella the Cat.

This is Stella. Stella the Cat. Stella is a very old cat. How old, we are unsure of because we adopted her as an adult cat. The tag read:

“Name:__Stella___Tabby;

Age: 3 estimated.

That was 20 years ago.

Our children were 4 and 8 (est.) years old when Stella, the cat became part of our family. We had a dog at the time. He died. We got two other dogs. They have since passed away. So, Stella has outlived three dogs.

The 4 and 8 year olds are now estimated 24 and 28 years old and have been long moved out of Stellas domain. Empty nest.

She was a cranky cat for most of the past 20 years. At least 16 or 17 years of it. We attributed it to breed (I had never had a cat and caved when my sweet kids begged to bring her home- so I had no clue). Friends of feline lovers told us Tabby’s can be temperamental.

Well, looking back we had two dogs, two kids, busy schedules, busy life. Chaos. Now, since I have been home and it is quiet. And I have time for her, attention to give, and cat like consistency, Stella had been a very sweet, affectionately tame Tabby.

Environment. Time and Space. Conditioning. All contribute to shaping personalities. (Debatable, but let’s move on for now).

The reason I bring up Stella the Cat. “Stella,” is because of my interest in education.

Regardless of opinions, you ARE being conditioned; in an environment; over time (years in school); in a particular space. A classroom.

______________

Consider the Time you spend in school. 5 days a Week. One day to recover, one day to plan the rest of the 5 days. For school.  For me- a ‘retired’ school teacher, Sundays were nice. Until 2 o’clock. At two, my head- space went to school preparation. In addition to two kids, two dogs, and one Stella the cat. Time and space to think were sparse. Then back to school.

Now consider the Environment. Classrooms. Are they calm? Do you have individual time, attention and direction to get what you need? Today? Are your days consistent or chaotic.

Are you satisfied with overall educational experience?  Are you cranky? Anxious? Bored? Inspired?

Okay. What do you want? And Here is where me and my I.School get stuck. Hypothesis-

______________

Here is the problem. People, students do not have time nor the environment (space) to discuss. To ask questions. To have time to figure out individual intellectual pursuits and passions.

This is problematic because it is the lack of such simple and basic concepts (like time to think for themselves) would help kids,

See my dilemma?

It’s challenging to talk to people about education reform because they don’t have the time. And if they do have the time, many lack the ability to have better conversations about what reforms would look like because the conversions start sounding the same.

Conversations sound the same because we probably went through the same or similar conditions- conditioning through public education and; we watch/read the same news about education. Same topics include, but are not limited to:

1. Data. Testing. Violence. Drugs. Anxiety. Suicide. Social Media. Did I leave anything out? Then,

2. Blame. It’s the parents, the schools, the teachers; it’s the politicians, the libs, the commies, the far right/ left (take your pick).

See it?

When I criticize public education. And I do. It is mostly followed with agreement, (I have yet to hear high praise of education, unfortunately), but then it takes an algorithmic turn. If they (person or persons)  don’t like what I say- there are typically only four or five responses:

  1. I become the one in question. I find myself defending reform in schools. (Like, I thought we were in agreement here), but talk turns to me and ‘my leanings’. My agenda. Assumptions as to my personal character prevents advanced dialogue.

  2. Boomerangs. People who initially agree with problems at first, and then turn. (Wait. I agree with the complaining about education, but there is no other perceivable solution so said person ends up defending it.) “well it could be worse…”

  3. Emotional Curve balls. Anger, laughter, sadness, fears- burble up. Emotions prevent, or at least get in the way of logic here. “This teacher ruined my life;” or “If it was not for that teacher I would not be where I am today. I am so grateful!” Emotional.

  4. Dodging the point.” If it wasn’t for …” name it. Historical inaccuracies of how “the good ole days” were really that good. People do NOT like having their stories altered, I have come to find out..

  5. Everything else. Any topic Except: The current situation of students. Isn’t that simply sad?

  6. *Bombs. When it comes to blaming the kids,”kids today, are lazy or apathetic” or Any critical remarks aimed at students…. Well, I get all “Stella” the cat/ Seller stare, mama bear Fire in the air… me! And it is not pretty. Sometimes I’m not nice. I can be a real Ass, as I have come to find out. Sigh. Currently, I am here to report of my re-conditioning conditioning. I just, simply can not bare to hear blame- on the least blame-worthy, underrepresented group of people, I know. Kids. Change the Subject. Stay calm. For now, I.

The point is: it is the Time and Space Conversations Themselves that are the problem. We can’t change problems if we can’t even talk about it.

And, If the problem is simple, then the solution is simple.

I.School stands for Imagination (other I’s to be determined later.).

G. Guess what we could do with a little Imagination?__________________________

Stella the cat sits with me daily. I don’t know how much time we have left with her, but I appreciate the time I do have. I remember past days and times leaving for school thinking- “oh, I wish I could just be like Stella the cat today. Eat. Sleep. Play. All day”. So many days I just wanted to stay home.

Relatable? Maybe or maybe not.

But I never expected to have a +23/4 estimated aged cat named Stella in a mostly empty house 20 years ago. Why? There was no time to think about such things.

In schools, then, and today, there is no time nor conversations to be had about what students want. Individual time to self-discover. Attention to needs, and a direction best suited for individual student personalities.

Yet, it will be you, post-public school you, ultimately left with the consequences of not having time nor environment to “know thyself.”

No it is not your fault.

Yes you can do something about it. Simple.

Begin by taking 5 min. 25 min. Or One hour a day. Every day for I.Time!

If, I were to ask myself a few questions in my imaginary back in time scenario, I might ask:

Do you like kittens? How about old cats with missing teeth?

Puppies? How about old dogs needing help to pee and poo… your help?

Costs of pet care may change, will you be financially able to support that?

Will you have the time to nurture a cat? That. I did not think about enough. I also did not consider how much love I feel for this feline. How guilty, painful I feel for not having more time for her. And how heart breaking it is going to be to leave her for a trip. She has family, but it’s not me. Yea, the guilt is a tough one.

The point is- we simply do not have time to consider real life, authentic consequence of our choices simply because we do not have time to consider. By design.

Sleepy? “Well you should have gotten more sleep.” (UGH!)

And, who is to blame? Kids?

Change the subject. This one goes to 11. This is Stella. One Stellar Cat.

10. What's your story?

Zero. Cipher. Start with an open mind. Frustrated? Good! Begin.

  1. Basics. You are #1. What do you need?

  2. Open. Articulate. What are you talking about?

  3. Build. Solid Values on which to self-advocate.

  4. Truth. The whole truth, nothing but the truth.

  5. Right! you have the right to remain silent. Protect relationships, right.

  6. Balance. Seriously/Playful. Where do you need balance?

  7. Choose. What do you want? and are you sure?

  8. Strength. What makes you weak? What makes you stronger?

  9. What Values are you willing to live for. See #1.

  10. Now, what do you want your story to be? Repeat 1-10. I + 0 = I.

  11. And have a little fun along the way.

  12. Create something you.

Zero. Cipher.

9. Values

What are your values?

In I.School, we will use the University of Texas at Austin’s definition of values as, “Individual beliefs that motivate people to act on way or another. They serve as a guide for human behavior.”

There are internal and external values. One can determine the extrinsic-external values through the actions of a society. Simply watch the news. And if you don’t like what you see on the news. Ask, how does that reflect your personal individual values? What motivates you? Your behavior. Does it reflect societies values? Okay. Level Nine explores the topic of values.

Suggested ways to test values- Can they be consistent? Available. Free. Non-injurious. Moral. High quality of functionality (beneficial). Intuitive, perhaps? Directive but not too specific.

Here are mine: I.Values

Time, Truth, Trust

Dream, Draw, Dance

Strength, Balance, Flexibility

Interchangeable. Fits in solid philosophies. Endurable.

Now You! The I: ______ 9 Values. One at a time. The MOST important is that YOU, the I Believe intrinsically in these values. Take Time.

8. Strength

In 1888, German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche first stated, “Out of life's school of war—what doesn't destroy me, makes me stronger.” This sentence has become an overused and often parodied aphorism that, in my opinion, nevertheless accurately portrays the picture of resilience and affirmation for overcoming adversity.

If one were to assume hierarchical powers, have the power to destroy, what would be weapons of choice? Any distractions from reality. Weapons of Mass Distractions. WMD’s.

So what is it? What consumes thoughts, words, actions? Daily.

Build on natural strengths. Today. Or, not.

7. Choose

“Choose your future, Love your choice.”

December 2024 I chose to give the gift of time. No physical gifts, please. For one year, one I.School experiment. This is how it went down: I caught some resistance from one adult and one child who are wonderful gift givers. Thoughtful, personalized gifted gift givers. Not me. I find the time Ive consumed shopping, and the emotional weight of present-exchange hierarchy a reverse gift. Too much stuff. Too many unrealistic expectations.

I chose time. Our small family gathered for a simple meal. We played games, enjoyed live music and told stories at the dinner table. Simple.

I chose to gift time. I told my small family to take whatever time you would spend on buying gifts, to utilize that time (one hour?) on themselves. Go and do, or not do anything you want for one hour. Happy Holidays.

Time gifted, is time open ended (for a time). We are not used to such luxuries as time, so it may take a few years to stick. But the reviews came in and they were a success.

“I thought it was another crazy mom idea at first. But it was nice to be relieved of additional pressure to buy a gift for those who have gifts.” (i.Adlib)

I.School taught me quite engaged listening to stories of others in a quiet setting is THE gift. I enjoyed this past holiday more than I imagined.

I Chose Life.

4. Truths

Pick your Truths carefully.

  1. There are Four core emotions. All four are fundamental to growth and wholeness. Three of the four are less desirable, yet gratefully necessary. Can you guess?

  2. Four Noble Truths. Suffering exists. We create suffering through attachments. There is a way out. Follow the Eightfold Path.

  3. You were born. You exist. You will have a story. You will die.

  4. What Truths will guide you?

3. Build

February

Doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results. IS a. not Einstein and b. What did you expect? c. Change.

Four Years ago I started this I school project. I made a wheel and, attempted to anyway- convey that Education is of the upmost important value.

“How did we get here?” I get asked.

Education. Whomever controls education, controls thoughts, speech, thus actions, behaviors habits of the Masses. Under a notion of freedom. How free are you?

No matter your own values, “the hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world.”

What young minds are taught in Public School, education shapes their minds and the World.

My hypothesis is this: It’s not what is being taught necessarily, it is what is being neglected? If you want answers, look at the who, what why and how of Universal Standardized testing. Like, you may want to read the fine print, or risk, Repeating same ole same ole, like Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day for a very very very long time.

I think I have enough research provided in I.newson.org

Let’s get to the I.School 10 in 10 Plan in order to serve any creative student looking to change the Conversations- to be more in line with the Individual student. That’s you. :)

Posted stage 1 of I.School. 2020

Full Circle. Groundhog Day, Again.

Groundhog Day 2025

Groundhog Day. Again.

I’ve grown quite attached to this sneaky little holiday. If you are still having the same ole conversations about how days feel like “Groundhog Day,” Dig a little deeper. If you have not seen the movie, now is your chance. There is meaning and purpose in anything you choose. This is not a test. This is real. Life. Your life. Here are some AI generated topics about the movie Groundhog Day:

The philosophy of Groundhog Day explores themes of existentialism, determinism, and the cycle of rebirth. The movie's main character, Phil Connors, is stuck in a time loop and must learn to change himself and make good choices to break free. 

Existentialism

  • The movie's philosophy is rooted in existentialism, which focuses on how people cope with the absurdity of life. 

  • The movie's lesson is that people can escape their dilemmas by adopting the right attitude. 

  • Phil Connors is like Sisyphus, pushing a rock up a hill that always rolls back down. 

Determinism and free will 

  • The movie explores the idea of soft determinism, which is the combination of physical determinism and free will.

  • Phil's choices are not inconsistent with determinism because he has different initial conditions each day.

Rebirth 

  • The movie's depiction of the cycle of death and rebirth is similar to Buddhist beliefs.

  • Phil Connors has thousands of days to transform his karma and break free by making good choices.

Making the most of life 

  • The movie's message is that people should make the most of their time and do what they can to make things better.

  • Phil Connors learns that he can make his own weather, and that he can create his own personal summer and winter.

Now What?