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Sunday, March 7, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Woman Missing in Maui Was the "Greatest Teacher"
As appeared in the Albuquerque Journal Rio Rancho section 3/6/10
"Mom, I have the greatest teacher this year."
Middle school years are not the easiest of times. Girls can be mean, boys can be indifferent, and the curriculum is more challenging. School is not necessarily a kid's favorite place to be. To hear those words coming from your teenager can be music to your ears — and a reason your child wants to go to school at all.
My oldest daughter said that to me two years ago during her first week of ninth grade at Rio Rancho Mid-High. She was talking about Laura Vogel, the science teacher whose room at the end of the hall had a different kind of energy you could feel the moment you walked through her door. Not because of the beakers on the tables or the fuzzy experiments on the shelf, but because of the magnetic teacher at the front of the room.
Vogel's reputation preceded her. Everyone wanted her, and you were lucky if you got her for a teacher.
I met Vogel at back-to-school night that August where the regular drill consisted of a five-minute speech on what was expected from your child that semester.
Not in Vogel's class: The parents were paired up in teams, given a pile of wood blocks and told to follow the directions on the board and prove E equaled MC squared, or something to that effect. And you were timed. What a blast for a parent — just imagine how much fun their kids had during the day.
"We had a lot of our classes outside," said Lili, a former student of Vogel's. "We used to drop old appliances off the roof to study the effects of gravity. Oh, and our class adopted an ape. She was into a lot of animal causes."
Hamilton, another former student of Vogel's, had similar fond memories. "She was the teacher who made you smile about science. Her energy for what she taught and her care and nurturing of her students earned her the respect she very well deserves. Not to mention she was an awesome tree hugger as well."
Vogel coached girl's soccer at Mayfield High School in Las Cruces and science in Rio Rancho prior to moving to Hawaii to tutor. She disappeared Feb. 21 while camping near her home in Maui. There hasn't been much luck in finding her, and her family and friends are worried.
A candlelight vigil was held Thursday night in Rio Rancho for Vogel, and I would say close to 100 people showed up to pray, share their stories of her and just be together. We shielded our candles from the wind and took turns remembering special things about this outdoorsy, athletic, kind-hearted soul.
Someone remembered how Vogel wouldn't miss a Sunday steak barbecue with friends but would proudly bring a bowl of squash; she was a staunch vegetarian. Someone else said she was probably the only person to have ever surfed Cochiti Lake in eastern New Mexico (she was an avid surfer, no matter the body of water). Someone else remembered how much Vogel loved Bob Marley and would often play his music in the classroom. There was laughter, tears and warm wishes for her safe return.
If you have a memory of Laura Vogel you would like to share, please send it to me. Join Find Laura Vogel on Facebook or visit www.findlauravogel.blogspot.com for updates.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Laura and her family.
Quote of the Week: "Rise up this mornin'/ Smiled with the risin' sun/Three little birds/ Pitch by my doorstep/Singin' sweet songs/Of melodies pure and true/ Sayin' ( This is my message to you-ou-ou:)" — Bob Marley, "Everything's Gonna Be Alright"
"Mom, I have the greatest teacher this year."
Middle school years are not the easiest of times. Girls can be mean, boys can be indifferent, and the curriculum is more challenging. School is not necessarily a kid's favorite place to be. To hear those words coming from your teenager can be music to your ears — and a reason your child wants to go to school at all.
My oldest daughter said that to me two years ago during her first week of ninth grade at Rio Rancho Mid-High. She was talking about Laura Vogel, the science teacher whose room at the end of the hall had a different kind of energy you could feel the moment you walked through her door. Not because of the beakers on the tables or the fuzzy experiments on the shelf, but because of the magnetic teacher at the front of the room.
Vogel's reputation preceded her. Everyone wanted her, and you were lucky if you got her for a teacher.
I met Vogel at back-to-school night that August where the regular drill consisted of a five-minute speech on what was expected from your child that semester.
Not in Vogel's class: The parents were paired up in teams, given a pile of wood blocks and told to follow the directions on the board and prove E equaled MC squared, or something to that effect. And you were timed. What a blast for a parent — just imagine how much fun their kids had during the day.
"We had a lot of our classes outside," said Lili, a former student of Vogel's. "We used to drop old appliances off the roof to study the effects of gravity. Oh, and our class adopted an ape. She was into a lot of animal causes."
Hamilton, another former student of Vogel's, had similar fond memories. "She was the teacher who made you smile about science. Her energy for what she taught and her care and nurturing of her students earned her the respect she very well deserves. Not to mention she was an awesome tree hugger as well."
Vogel coached girl's soccer at Mayfield High School in Las Cruces and science in Rio Rancho prior to moving to Hawaii to tutor. She disappeared Feb. 21 while camping near her home in Maui. There hasn't been much luck in finding her, and her family and friends are worried.
A candlelight vigil was held Thursday night in Rio Rancho for Vogel, and I would say close to 100 people showed up to pray, share their stories of her and just be together. We shielded our candles from the wind and took turns remembering special things about this outdoorsy, athletic, kind-hearted soul.
Someone remembered how Vogel wouldn't miss a Sunday steak barbecue with friends but would proudly bring a bowl of squash; she was a staunch vegetarian. Someone else said she was probably the only person to have ever surfed Cochiti Lake in eastern New Mexico (she was an avid surfer, no matter the body of water). Someone else remembered how much Vogel loved Bob Marley and would often play his music in the classroom. There was laughter, tears and warm wishes for her safe return.
If you have a memory of Laura Vogel you would like to share, please send it to me. Join Find Laura Vogel on Facebook or visit www.findlauravogel.blogspot.com for updates.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Laura and her family.
Quote of the Week: "Rise up this mornin'/ Smiled with the risin' sun/Three little birds/ Pitch by my doorstep/Singin' sweet songs/Of melodies pure and true/ Sayin' ( This is my message to you-ou-ou:)" — Bob Marley, "Everything's Gonna Be Alright"
Monday, March 1, 2010
A Few Slip Ups to Cheer You Up
As appeared in the Albuquerque Journal, Rio Rancho section, February 27, 2010
As we try to schlep our way through February and keep the winter doldrums at bay, all we can do is worry about how high our next PNM bill is going to be, and how we are going to pay the credit card bills from Christmas. We need some cheering up.
And when looking for a laugh, where better to turn than ourselves, or shall I say the authors of regrettably phrased classified ads found in newspapers around the world. Unrehearsed and unintentional as they may be, the intricacies of human language may have fouled these writers up, or perhaps it was just a case of pure ignorance on their part. Either way, here’s a little sunshine breaking through your gray Saturday.
-"Georgia peaches, California grown - 89 cents lb."
-“2 female Boston Terrier puppies, 7 wks old, perfect markings, 555-1234. Leave mess."
-“Great Dames for sale."
-"Lost Cocktail."
-"Free Yorkshire Terrier. 8 yeards old. Hateful little dog."
-"Free ducks. You catch."
-"1 man, 7 woman hot tub -- $850/offer"
-"Amana washer $100. Owned by clean bachelor who seldom washed."
-"Snow blower for sale...only used on snowy days."
-"2 wire mesh butchering gloves: 1 5-finger, 1 3-finger, pair: $15"
-"Shakespeare's Pizza - Free Chopsticks"
-"Hummels - largest selection ever. 'If it's in stock, we have it!'"
-"Tired of working for only $9.75 per hour? We offer profit sharing and flexible hours. Starting pay: $7 - $9 per hour."
-"Get rid of aunts: Zap does the job in 24 hours."
-"Save regularly in our bank. You'll never reget it."
-"This is the model home for your future. It was panned by Better Homes and Gardens."
-“Wanted. Hunting rifle, suitable for teenagers."
-"Christmas tag sale. Handmade gifts for the hard-to-find person."
-"Wanted: Hair-cutter. Excellent growth potential."
-"Wanted: Preparer of food. Must be dependable, like the food business, and be willing to get hands dirty."
-"Mother's helper -- peasant working conditions."
-"Buy your new bedroom suite from us, and we will stand behind it for six months."
-"Dinner Special -- Turkey $2.35; Chicken or Beef $2.25; Children $2.00."
-"Government employer looking for candidates. Criminal background required."
-"His and hers bicycles, $25 each or both for $55."
-"For sale: an antique desk suitable for lady with thick legs and large drawers."
-"We'll move you worldwide throughout the country."
-“We do not tear your clothing with machinery. We do it carefully by hand."
-"Tattoos done while you wait."
-"Dog for sale: eats anything and is fond of children."
-"Stock up and save. Limit: one."
-"For Rent: 6-room hated apartment."
-"Wanted to buy: fishing net, must have no holes."
-"To let: 4 bedroom house close to town. No poets."
-"Used Cars: Why go elsewhere to be cheated? Come here first!"
-"3-year-old teacher need for pre-school. Experience preferred."
-"Our experienced Mom will care of your child. Fenced yard, meals, and smacks included."
-"Auto Repair Service. Free pick-up and delivery. Try us once, you'll never go anywhere again."
-"Girl wanted to assist magician in cutting-off-head illusion. Blue Cross and salary."
-"Mixing bowl set designed to please a cook with round bottom for efficient beating."
-"Semi-Annual after-Christmas Sale."
-"We will oil your sewing machine and adjust tension in your home for $1.00."
Quote of the Week: “Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritation and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place.” -Mark Twain
As we try to schlep our way through February and keep the winter doldrums at bay, all we can do is worry about how high our next PNM bill is going to be, and how we are going to pay the credit card bills from Christmas. We need some cheering up.
And when looking for a laugh, where better to turn than ourselves, or shall I say the authors of regrettably phrased classified ads found in newspapers around the world. Unrehearsed and unintentional as they may be, the intricacies of human language may have fouled these writers up, or perhaps it was just a case of pure ignorance on their part. Either way, here’s a little sunshine breaking through your gray Saturday.
-"Georgia peaches, California grown - 89 cents lb."
-“2 female Boston Terrier puppies, 7 wks old, perfect markings, 555-1234. Leave mess."
-“Great Dames for sale."
-"Lost Cocktail."
-"Free Yorkshire Terrier. 8 yeards old. Hateful little dog."
-"Free ducks. You catch."
-"1 man, 7 woman hot tub -- $850/offer"
-"Amana washer $100. Owned by clean bachelor who seldom washed."
-"Snow blower for sale...only used on snowy days."
-"2 wire mesh butchering gloves: 1 5-finger, 1 3-finger, pair: $15"
-"Shakespeare's Pizza - Free Chopsticks"
-"Hummels - largest selection ever. 'If it's in stock, we have it!'"
-"Tired of working for only $9.75 per hour? We offer profit sharing and flexible hours. Starting pay: $7 - $9 per hour."
-"Get rid of aunts: Zap does the job in 24 hours."
-"Save regularly in our bank. You'll never reget it."
-"This is the model home for your future. It was panned by Better Homes and Gardens."
-“Wanted. Hunting rifle, suitable for teenagers."
-"Christmas tag sale. Handmade gifts for the hard-to-find person."
-"Wanted: Hair-cutter. Excellent growth potential."
-"Wanted: Preparer of food. Must be dependable, like the food business, and be willing to get hands dirty."
-"Mother's helper -- peasant working conditions."
-"Buy your new bedroom suite from us, and we will stand behind it for six months."
-"Dinner Special -- Turkey $2.35; Chicken or Beef $2.25; Children $2.00."
-"Government employer looking for candidates. Criminal background required."
-"His and hers bicycles, $25 each or both for $55."
-"For sale: an antique desk suitable for lady with thick legs and large drawers."
-"We'll move you worldwide throughout the country."
-“We do not tear your clothing with machinery. We do it carefully by hand."
-"Tattoos done while you wait."
-"Dog for sale: eats anything and is fond of children."
-"Stock up and save. Limit: one."
-"For Rent: 6-room hated apartment."
-"Wanted to buy: fishing net, must have no holes."
-"To let: 4 bedroom house close to town. No poets."
-"Used Cars: Why go elsewhere to be cheated? Come here first!"
-"3-year-old teacher need for pre-school. Experience preferred."
-"Our experienced Mom will care of your child. Fenced yard, meals, and smacks included."
-"Auto Repair Service. Free pick-up and delivery. Try us once, you'll never go anywhere again."
-"Girl wanted to assist magician in cutting-off-head illusion. Blue Cross and salary."
-"Mixing bowl set designed to please a cook with round bottom for efficient beating."
-"Semi-Annual after-Christmas Sale."
-"We will oil your sewing machine and adjust tension in your home for $1.00."
Quote of the Week: “Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritation and resentments slip away, and a sunny spirit takes their place.” -Mark Twain
It's So Easy To Fall in Love With Olympians
As appeared in the Albuquerque Journal, February 19, 2010
With a malfunctioning torch-lighting arm at the Opening Ceremonies, the 2010 Winter Olympic Games began last week in Vancouver with high hopes and dreams. The athletes have been battling the elements as they try their best to win a gold medal while we sit back in our living rooms learning their back stories and picking our favorite underdogs to cheer for.
Americans love an underdog and when it comes to the Olympics, we don’t discriminate. Oh sure, we prefer to cheer on our red, white and blue-wearing homies, but when there are no American flags in the top three positions, there is always another sweet face with a heart wrenching background we can cry for when they fall.
There are always athletes who stand out for us, individually and as a country. Remember Olga Korbut from the 1972 Munich games? This 17-year old gymnast from the USSR with the scraggily pig tails and crooked smile stole hearts all over the world when she showed uncharacteristic emotion and tears after her success on the uneven bars and balance beam.
I fell in love with Mark Spitz that summer. An American swimmer with a big smile, big mustache and seven gold medals made cheering for this record setter as much fun as cheering for Michael Phelps 36 years later. I have forgiven Michael Phelps for breaking Spitz’s record because well, records are made to be broken.
My next crush came in 1976 when Bruce Jenner won the gold medal for decathlon in the Montreal Summer Olympics. That final victory lap he took around the track, all out of breath and waving the American flag is burned in my memory forever. Mark Spitz was now history.
For the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, speed skater Dan Jansen stole our hearts. On the day of his race he received a phone call saying that his sister, Jane was dying of leukemia. She died later that same day.
He went on to compete that night in the 500 meters, but fell early in the race. A few days later in the 1,000 meter race, he began with record-breaking speed but fell again. He left the 1988 Olympics with no medals. Then in a final chance at Olympic gold in 1994, he won; setting a new world record in the process, and dedicated his gold medal to his late sister. Pass the hankies.
We fell in love with Oksana Baiul in the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. After losing her mother to ovarian cancer when she was 13, Baiul was alone sleeping on a cot at the ice skating rink in her home town in the Ukraine. A mentor took her in and taught her the techniques that took her to the top; a gold medal. And the world couldn’t have been happier.
There are plenty of Americans at the gold medal level this year, so who has your heart this time around?
At 6’ 1”, men’s figure skater Evan Lysacek is considered much taller than typical skaters. For that and his black feathered gloves, we hold our breath for his success.
Who can’t not cheer on speed skater Apollo Ohno and hold their breath around the curves when he skims his hand along the ice? Speed skater gold medalist Shani Davis? Snow board gold medalist Shaun White? Downhill gold medalist Lindsey Vonn?
Does anyone else have Olympic fever this week?
Quote of the Week: “A lifetime of training for just ten seconds.” - Jesse Owens, winner of four gold medals at the 1936 Summer Olympics.
With a malfunctioning torch-lighting arm at the Opening Ceremonies, the 2010 Winter Olympic Games began last week in Vancouver with high hopes and dreams. The athletes have been battling the elements as they try their best to win a gold medal while we sit back in our living rooms learning their back stories and picking our favorite underdogs to cheer for.
Americans love an underdog and when it comes to the Olympics, we don’t discriminate. Oh sure, we prefer to cheer on our red, white and blue-wearing homies, but when there are no American flags in the top three positions, there is always another sweet face with a heart wrenching background we can cry for when they fall.
There are always athletes who stand out for us, individually and as a country. Remember Olga Korbut from the 1972 Munich games? This 17-year old gymnast from the USSR with the scraggily pig tails and crooked smile stole hearts all over the world when she showed uncharacteristic emotion and tears after her success on the uneven bars and balance beam.
I fell in love with Mark Spitz that summer. An American swimmer with a big smile, big mustache and seven gold medals made cheering for this record setter as much fun as cheering for Michael Phelps 36 years later. I have forgiven Michael Phelps for breaking Spitz’s record because well, records are made to be broken.
My next crush came in 1976 when Bruce Jenner won the gold medal for decathlon in the Montreal Summer Olympics. That final victory lap he took around the track, all out of breath and waving the American flag is burned in my memory forever. Mark Spitz was now history.
For the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, speed skater Dan Jansen stole our hearts. On the day of his race he received a phone call saying that his sister, Jane was dying of leukemia. She died later that same day.
He went on to compete that night in the 500 meters, but fell early in the race. A few days later in the 1,000 meter race, he began with record-breaking speed but fell again. He left the 1988 Olympics with no medals. Then in a final chance at Olympic gold in 1994, he won; setting a new world record in the process, and dedicated his gold medal to his late sister. Pass the hankies.
We fell in love with Oksana Baiul in the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway. After losing her mother to ovarian cancer when she was 13, Baiul was alone sleeping on a cot at the ice skating rink in her home town in the Ukraine. A mentor took her in and taught her the techniques that took her to the top; a gold medal. And the world couldn’t have been happier.
There are plenty of Americans at the gold medal level this year, so who has your heart this time around?
At 6’ 1”, men’s figure skater Evan Lysacek is considered much taller than typical skaters. For that and his black feathered gloves, we hold our breath for his success.
Who can’t not cheer on speed skater Apollo Ohno and hold their breath around the curves when he skims his hand along the ice? Speed skater gold medalist Shani Davis? Snow board gold medalist Shaun White? Downhill gold medalist Lindsey Vonn?
Does anyone else have Olympic fever this week?
Quote of the Week: “A lifetime of training for just ten seconds.” - Jesse Owens, winner of four gold medals at the 1936 Summer Olympics.
A Translation of What She's Really Saying on Valentine's Day
As appeared in the Albuquerque Journal, February 13, 2010
With Valentine's Day tomorrow, I hope all of you men out there aren't waiting until tonight to go out and get a card and gift for your lovely ladies. Remember, we women are sentimental things who buy into this romantic stuff, even if the holiday was invented by greeting card companies.
If you bought jewelry and flowers for your loved one, you have nothing to worry about. But if you are questioning your choice of Valentine gift, chances are, you may hear a tone in her voice tomorrow morning that does not match the words coming out of her mouth.
Women are quite different than men, so as not to leave any confusion after the opening of the gifts tomorrow, allow me to translate some words you may hear.
1. "Fine."
If you find yourself defending the nifty rod-and-reel combo you gave her for this summer's vacation because she can catch lots of fish off the boat and cook 'em up real good in the frying pan, you may hear your darling girl respond with "fine." This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
2. "Five minutes."
If she is getting dressed for Valentine's brunch at the Hyatt Tamaya, you may end up waiting half-an-hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
3. "Nothing."
This is the calm before the storm. You asked, "Why the long face?" when she opened the fishing equipment and got this answer: "Nothing." Arguments that begin with "nothing" usually end in "fine."
4. "Go ahead."
As in, "Go ahead and go to Steve's and watch the game. The kids and I will eat the heart-shaped meatloaf I made all by ourselves." Go ahead is a dare, not permission. Don't do it!
5. "That's OK."
This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. "That's OK" means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for thinking a fishing pole would be the perfect gift for her on Valentine's Day.
6. "Thanks."
When a woman says thank you, do not question it. Just say you're welcome — unless she says, "Thanks a lot," as in: "Thanks a lot for the rod-and-reel combo. It's just what I always wanted." That is pure sarcasm, and she is not thanking you at all. Do not say, "You're welcome." It will bring on a "whatever."
7. "Whatever."
Whatever is a woman's way of saying, "End of discussion; I've had it with you."
8. "Don't worry about it."
Another dangerous statement meaning she is thinking she will buy her own Valentine's present next year. The retort may have a man asking, "What's wrong?" For the woman's response, refer to No. 3.
Good luck, men. Women may be very different than you, but we really aren't that difficult to understand. We know it's the thought that counts. Valentine's Day is tomorrow; you still have time to be her knight in shining armor. Don't worry about it.
Quote of the week: "If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there are men on base." — Dave Barry, author, humorist.
With Valentine's Day tomorrow, I hope all of you men out there aren't waiting until tonight to go out and get a card and gift for your lovely ladies. Remember, we women are sentimental things who buy into this romantic stuff, even if the holiday was invented by greeting card companies.
If you bought jewelry and flowers for your loved one, you have nothing to worry about. But if you are questioning your choice of Valentine gift, chances are, you may hear a tone in her voice tomorrow morning that does not match the words coming out of her mouth.
Women are quite different than men, so as not to leave any confusion after the opening of the gifts tomorrow, allow me to translate some words you may hear.
1. "Fine."
If you find yourself defending the nifty rod-and-reel combo you gave her for this summer's vacation because she can catch lots of fish off the boat and cook 'em up real good in the frying pan, you may hear your darling girl respond with "fine." This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.
2. "Five minutes."
If she is getting dressed for Valentine's brunch at the Hyatt Tamaya, you may end up waiting half-an-hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
3. "Nothing."
This is the calm before the storm. You asked, "Why the long face?" when she opened the fishing equipment and got this answer: "Nothing." Arguments that begin with "nothing" usually end in "fine."
4. "Go ahead."
As in, "Go ahead and go to Steve's and watch the game. The kids and I will eat the heart-shaped meatloaf I made all by ourselves." Go ahead is a dare, not permission. Don't do it!
5. "That's OK."
This is one of the most dangerous statements a woman can make to a man. "That's OK" means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for thinking a fishing pole would be the perfect gift for her on Valentine's Day.
6. "Thanks."
When a woman says thank you, do not question it. Just say you're welcome — unless she says, "Thanks a lot," as in: "Thanks a lot for the rod-and-reel combo. It's just what I always wanted." That is pure sarcasm, and she is not thanking you at all. Do not say, "You're welcome." It will bring on a "whatever."
7. "Whatever."
Whatever is a woman's way of saying, "End of discussion; I've had it with you."
8. "Don't worry about it."
Another dangerous statement meaning she is thinking she will buy her own Valentine's present next year. The retort may have a man asking, "What's wrong?" For the woman's response, refer to No. 3.
Good luck, men. Women may be very different than you, but we really aren't that difficult to understand. We know it's the thought that counts. Valentine's Day is tomorrow; you still have time to be her knight in shining armor. Don't worry about it.
Quote of the week: "If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there are men on base." — Dave Barry, author, humorist.
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