So Little Time . . . Only One Word

I just stumbled upon this website and instantly realized I will be able to use this in all of my classes . . . not to mention play on it myself for my own writing warm-ups.

It’s called oneword.com.  Here’s how to join the fun ✏

• Once you are on the site, click on the little circle “Go” icon.
• You will have EXACTLY 60 seconds to ‘free type’ about the word you see at the top of the page.  You can write phrases, lyrics, poetry, definitions, thoughts, whatever comes to your mind regarding that word the instant you see it.
• A little bell will signal when your time is up.  You will have a chance to finish the sentence you are on – and that’s it!
• Finally, you enter your name and email address (which remains private).
• Your 60 second post will appear in the archives for that word.  You can view what others wrote for the word-of-the-day as well as check out what words were posted on previous days.

Added bonus:  you have the option of recording your writing on to a posted podcast!!

It’s a fun way to warm up the writing muscles!!!  Perhaps you can open a class with this . . . or simply begin your day with 60-seconds of writing!

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March Motivating Cardio Playlist!

This is the month when we start to catch “Spring Fever.”  This is the month when we want to pack away our winter gear and don the breezier spring pieces.  This is the month where our hearts turn to new love, we get the urge to clean and make things fresh, and . . . we realize bikini season is just around the corner!!!!

I read a funny quotation on an advertisement at my gym today:  “Spandex is a privilege, not a right.”  Too funny!   So boys and girls, if you want to fit into your ’spandex’ or any other snug-hugging, revealing spring and summer ensembles, let the music take over.  These are the songs (new and old!) that currently motivate me the most to MOVE!!!! ☛

Requirement:  These must be turned up for ample motivation!!  Recent studies show that turning up the volume on your IPod (to a safe level, of course) boosts adrenalin and cardio power!!!  

“Jump” by the Glee cast. . . This is a giddier version of the original.  So, so, so fun – it makes me want to leap off of the treadmill.  [maybe I should just go use the mini trampoline in my basement   ]

“California Dreamin” (Tek-House Extended) by Royal Gigolos . . . You’ve never heard a version like this before – it’ll keep your feet in perfect rhythm to your destiny!

“Rock Me” by Liz Phair . . . I love songs with silly lyrics . . . perfect moderate beat for the middle of the mix.

“A Little Less Conversation” (JXL Remix) by Elvis Presley . . . Yes, this was the Las Vegas theme song, so it will put you in the ‘breakation’ mode!

“What Are You Waiting For?” by Gwen Stefani . . . Okay, this is the part of the workout where you really pick it up again.  I saw her in concert, and she completely ROCKED this song!!

“Forever” by Chris Brown . . . I picture the now infamous YouTube video of the dancing wedding party . . . I’m so doing that at my wedding!!

“Don’t Stop Believin’” by the Glee cast . . . Admittedly, I could put almost all of the Glee songs on here, but this is definitely their “classic.”

“Give a Little Bit” by Goo Goo Dolls . . . Warning, you may find yourself singing along to the chorus before this song is over!

“Send Me on My Way” by Rusted Root . . . I saw them in Chicago at the Aragon Theater years ago.  When I walked in, I looked strangely at the eccentric ‘groupies’ jumping around to the songs barefoot – by the end of the concert, I was doing the same thing.

“Just Say Yes” by Snow Patrol . . . I’ve always liked this group, and this is one song that gives you that empowered feeling.  A great song to end your workout and leave the gym with.  Because, in the end, it’s all a happy ending!!!

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Tubular Videos #4

Here are my current favorite videos.  There are some fabulously inspirational gems here!!  For my educational followers, most of these could certainly be used in the classroom.  For everyone, each video offers its own meaningful message and entertainment value.

This is SOOOO GOOD!!  It visually illustrates a philosophy I truly believe in and try to follow – live in the moment!!  To live in the moment means to appreciate the here and now while not dwelling over the past nor anxiously worrying about the future.  Living in the moment means being truly present with what is going on around us presently.   Here is an invitation to be nourished by what each moment of our lives brings us:

(thank you to Michele Bueston for sharing this video)

This dance troupe is amazing.  As a former stage performer and current basement dancer (ah . . . if only the fly on the wall could talk!), I wholeheartedly appreciate this group’s feats →

When my daughter was little, I used to keep a bulletin board in our garage on which I’d post newspaper/journal/magazine articles of “good” things happening in the world.  This would definitely be something I would post; it’s a reminder of the sincere goodness within humankind.  About midway through the video, you’ll know what I’m talkig about.   It will make you smile →

I opened my speech class with this one day . . . after the goosebumps subsided, the students were inspired to begin composing their own presentations. →

If you are a fan of The Office and you are a teacher, you will truly appreciate this.  This is a funny parody on teaching technology in the classroom!! →

(thank you to Larry Ferlazzo for sharing this)

Speaking of teaching, here are The Top Ten Things They Don’t Teach you About Teaching.  These hit home!!! →

Conan’s farewell speech . . . an inspirational class act all the way! →

This is a little bit older but still just as relevantly inspiring . . . how one man traded a red paper clip for a house →

Not only are the pictures breathtaking, but the communication between this man and carnivore sea beast is fascinating →

Okay, I have to end with a just-for-fun one.  My daughter sent me this link . . . she knows I’m a hopeless romantic.  I have to admit, this is a SWEET video that will make you smile from ear to ear! If you haven’t seen this yet, you just may want to →

I have so many more videos I want to share . . . ’til next time!  GG

For more of GG’s favorite videos: Tubular Videos , Tubular Too, and More Tubular Videos

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February Valentine Playlist

In honor of this short month’s prominent holiday, Valentine’s Day, I’m in the mood to share one of my easy listening cardio playlists rather than my usual heart-pumping compilations.  You can certainly use this during cardio; in fact, just today, I listened to it while climbing the stairmaster.   I chose and ordered the songs on the list to provide the perfect tempo for rhythm and motivation to keep moving.  Incline treadmill walk, rowing machine, stair climb . . . this list would complement each nicely.  A couple of these are my top all-time favorite songs so enjoy!!

“Postcards from Far Away” by Coldplay . . . this 47 second instrumental tease opens the list perfectly.

“The Beginning of the Partnership” by Stephen Warwick. . . this is my song!!!  It’s 1.47 minutes of leaping musical notes – the theme song to Shakespeare in Love that not a lot of people recall but should.

“Falling in Love at the Coffee Shop” by Landon Pigg  . . . I don’t know why, but this song makes me want to cry.

“Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam . . . I could listen to this over and over.  This is my favorite Pearl Jam song.

“Dream” by Priscilla Ann . . . I picture a lyrical to this – I want to do piquées and pirouettes barefoot in a white dress.

“Love Story Meets Viva La Vida” by Jon Schmidt . . a goose-bump generator begging for loud volume.  I played this once while my students were quietly working and hardly a soul in the room wasn’t tapping a finger or foot at one point.  Over half downloaded the song later!!  You’re welcome, Jon Schmidt!!!

“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by The Side Project . . . this is a pretty piano compilation of the famous top 40 Whitney Houston song.  The original is special to me and somebody who does love me.

“Every Breath You Take” by Sting from his All this Time (Live) album.  An inventively re-arranged, slightly more upbeat tempo of one of my top five favorite songs!!  Speaking of inventive re-arrangements, here’s a unique video cover of the same song ☞ Every Breath cover

“Breathe in Breathe Out” by Mat Kearney . . . a newer release.  I recently discovered this artist . . . he has some memorable meaningful songs.

“Spinning” by Merril Bainbridge . . . I’ve liked this song for 10 years now – makes me smile and sway.

“Only Time” by Enya . . . this is another one that has a special meaning.  There was a time I couldn’t listen to this – I’m glad it’s back on my list and I know it’s the perfect tempo for yours!!  Truthful lyrics.

“Gravity” by Sara Bareilles . . . perfect beginning to the end.  Poignant, powerful lyrics.

“January Rain” by David Gray . . . Gravitating guitar!!!  A great example of how music magically makes us feel good!!!

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January New Year Cardio Playlist

It’s a new year in a new decade!!  It’s a time for renewing, trying new adventures and reaching new goals.  A motivating soundtrack to accompany the journey is not only a perk but a necessity along the way.  Here is Grading Girl’s FIRST cardio playlist of the decade!  Jumpstart those resolutions, charge those MP3s and get moving!!!

“Ring-a-Ling” by Black-Eyed Peas . . . a perfectly moderate tempo to ring in the new workouts

“Let Me Think About It” (Radio Edit) by Ida Corr vs. Feddie Le Grand . . . very infectious!!

“In My Arms” (Kaskade Radio Edit) by Plumb . . . It is as if I wrote this song!!  The lyrics hit home hard!  This faster, remixed version really gives the song an extra positive vibe.  It will make you step higher on the treadmil.

“Cho Dongho: The Ting Tings: That’s Not My Name” . . . I have two different versions of this song on previous playlists.  This group is nominated for Best New Artist this year with good reason.  Their upbeat songs are good, clean fun! Find this version for free on VSHolic – Victoria’s Secret supermodels strutted to this on the runway during last year’s fashion show.

“Untouched” (Listen Deep Remix) by The Veronicas . . . Just when you are starting to tire, this song’s tune makes you keep stepping!!

“Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon . . . This is the lesser-known, solid song by this band.  Try it – you’ll like it!

“Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon . . . Blends seamlessly with the previous song, and a perfect one to start your slowdown.  This song is rightfully nominated for this year’s Record of the Year.

“Dream” by Priscilla Ahn . . . a sweet song to end with.  Wonderful!!!!!

***If your workouts are longer than this list allows, try filling in the time with songs from the two Glee soundtracks.  Dare I say many are more fun versions than the originals?!?  You will undoubtedly feel happier listening to these songs – just be careful, you may find yourself singing along!!!

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Holiday Site-Seeing

Home with the kids?  A kid yourself?  Play around on these sites to keep your holiday spirit soaring.  These are GG’s favorite holiday sites:

Elf Yourself: This is a classic from Office Max.  This will easily turn you into an elf in about 45 seconds.  All you need to do is upload one photo of yourself and, poof, you’re an elf!!  Your elf can disco, do the hoe-down or whatever else tickles your elfish soul.

http://www.elfyourself.com/

Make a Snowman:  A plethora of online paper dolls awaits you here.  Scroll down to the holiday section and you will see the “Make a Snowman.”  As a girl who used to own many paper dolls and bought her daughter many paper dolls – and laminated them all – the little girl in GG loves this site!

http://www.akidsheart.com/dress/dressup.htm

Snow Days – Catch a Falling Flake:  Thank you to @mayfieldc for tweeting this!  This is sooo cool!  Create your own snowflake, write a message on it, and send it out to the world!!! Beautiful!

http://www.popularfront.com/snowdays/index.html?skipDetect=true

Personalized Santa Video:  Another thank you to @mayfieldc for this one!!  This is so easy yet so cool.  Create a personalized video message from Santa in a matter of a moment!

http://portablenorthpole.tv/home

Collection of Holiday Sites: Here is a plethora of holiday sites linked together for your use.  Everything from recipes for the 12 days of Christmas to the historical origins of holiday traditions can be found here.  I wish I would have found this one sooner this year!! This one has some potential classroom work as well.

http://www.aristotle.net/fun-features/holiday_sites.asp

What other holiday sites have you discovered?!  GG can add to this before the holiday season is over!

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In the Mood for a Debate?

It seems there are social networking sites for everyone these days . . . Facebook, Twitter,  and MySpace pioneered the way for numerous specialized sites such as The English Companion Ning where English teachers connect, BroadwaySpace for theater enthusiasts,  and CafeMom where moms exchange ideas.

There’s a new face on the networking block that looks quite different from its predessors - CreateDebate is a new social networking site built around “ideas, discussion and democracy.”  It’s a community for creating debates that scratch your brain and existing arguments that currently rile others up.

Bryan Orme invited me to try out this site.  I dabbled with it a little myself and then had my senior expository students explore it to precurse their argumentative paper research.  The goal of Orme’s team is to build a useful learning tool that will help “people sort through issues, viewpoints and opinions so that consensus and understanding can be reached and better decisions can be made.”  I believe the site does this.

My favorite aspect of the site is the CreateDebate communities tailored just for classroom use.  This is a great technological tool easily allowing students to discuss and debate thoughts with others outside of their classroom or even possibly outside school building walls.  I like that CreateDebate allows teachers to have complete control regarding public accessibility.  If you choose, you can create a site that only your students can access – students can access this from home, but only their classmates will see their reactions.  Pretty nifty – a tool that makes research motivating and fun.  Additionally, CreateDebate makes it simple to keep track of who’s online and what sort of activity is taking place on your site. The administrative panel allows you to manage and customize your community from a central location. Complete control!

Grading Girl gives CreateDebate an A for effort in creating a manageable, motivating debate community that brings current, relevant events literally at students’ fingertips to participate in.  Give it a try!

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December Christmas Cardio Playlist

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!  It’s hard to be in a bad mood this month ~ I’m excited I can officially play the holiday playlist on my IPod.  To get in the holiday spirit, even on the winding treadmill, here’s seasonal music guaranteed to make your workout jollier.  This playlist serves as a nice break from the usual Top 40 tunes.  It was hard for me to narrow down this list!  I’ve included a balance of old classics, newer releases, and unique remixes to keep boredom at bay. Enjoy!

White Is In the Winter Night by Enya . . . a beautiful, happy, new modern classic and a perfect beginning to warm you up.

Jingle Bells (Robbie Hardkiss Remix) by Duke Ellington . . . this is the jazziest version of “Jingle Bells” I’ve ever heard!

Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses . . . perfect beat for stepping/running and fun, fun storyline with a happy ending – what more do you need?!

All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey . . . a holiday playlist would not be complete without including this song.

Little Saint Nick by the Beach Boys . . . so fun!

I Saw Three Ships by Sting . . . such an awesome, awesome song.  Gotta love Sting!!

Joy to the World by Mannheim Steamrollers . . . I’ve always wanted to choreograph a large group dance to this.  (if you prefer, choose Mariah Carey’s Joy to the World instead – it was a toss up for me with this song!)

White Christmas (Ken Andrews Remix) by Bing Crosby . . . this unique version is electrified for moving.

Sleigh Ride by Johnny Mathis . . . this classic (to offset the preceeding remix) makes me all warm and fuzzy and recall Christmases past.

Step into Christmas by Elton John . . . for a last, jovial boost.

Baby It’s Cold Outside by Leon Redbone/Zooey Deschanel (from the Elf soundtrack) . . . I dare you not to sing along to this one.  Zooey Deschanel is a surprisingly pleasing singer.  Btw, Elf is one of those movies I can watch over and over and laugh every single time throughout the entire movie.

Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) by Trans-Siberian Orchestra . . . compilation worthy of goosebumps and inspiring cooldowns.

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More Tubular Videos

I’m in the mood for videos lately.  I sometimes use videos as an opening or closing to class, as an enhancement to a lesson, and – of course – as my own edutainment tool.  Here are the most recent videos I’ve favorited.  Enjoy ~

This is sooooo adorable – a commercial to promote the love of reading fund.  Teachers, students and all other humans everywhere will appreciate this. ~

Will Smith is one of my favorites.  This video just adds to the reasons I like him.    Show this to students for reading inspiration. ~

Thank you to a colleague at another school in my district for this video that helps put the college application process in perspective.  Show this to juniors and seniors! ~

Another inspirational video for anyone who’s in a slump! ~

Thank you to Larryferlazzo for tweeting this.  There’s so many ways you can use this . . . in film class, as an ESL supplement, etc.  This is fabulous just to watch on its own!!! ~

Wow!!  I was in 5th grade the very first time I read The Diary of Anne Frank when my mother bought me the book.  I’ve been fascinated by her story ever since . . . this is a gem of a video. ~

This reinforces my belief that activities are more apt to be successful if they are fun.  I take the stairs over escalators EVERY time (ask anyone who’s been out with me.)  We NEED this in America!! ~

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Completely and solely and utterly just-for-fun videos!!!

It pays to follow a few celebrities on Twitter.  This one was tweeted by Rainn Wilson.  Soooo funny!!

You may have seen this one already but it is adorably hysterical.  Watch his little legs kick to the song.  He’s really concentrating!!

Speaking of Put A Ring on It, this is a hysterical scene from my favorite new show, Glee!

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Brighter Resumes with BriteTab

This week, I received a request to review an online resume service.  I was a little hesitant since I imagined the typical fill-in-the-blank format that online resume services may offer.  I knew I was wrong as soon as I clicked on BriteTab and explored its offerings.

I’ve always been a firm believer that you have to make your resume stand out from the crowd; I used unique 8 X 8 cards to supplement my own resume when interviewing for my first teaching position.  But, in today’s highly technological, social networking society, it’s not enough just to type in a different font.  Your resume needs to be dynamic, succinct, and easily accessible.  You need to show that you are as progressive and tech-savvy as your words describe.  BriteTab allows you to portray yourself in exactly this manner.

Here’s a breakdown of the grade BriteTab earned:

Stand-out Appeal:  BriteTab is designed to accentuate personality and speaks to specific industry standards at the same time.  Whether you are searching for a teaching position, engineering job, or nursing career, the site offers a variety of themes (both traditional and more colorful modern designs) with user-friendly customization options.  You can incorporate these themes options with a simple click of the button.  I played around with the site myself and found you can create a professional, comprehensive resume in as little as 15 minutes.

Online Advantages:  You can upload videos that correspond to each particular section of your resume so that hiring managers don’t have to navigate through one long video to find out why you’re the perfect candidate. This is a very distinct feature from other online resume sources.  The videos are so easy to upload and, in turn, effortless for hiring managers to view.  You can send your resume to as many people as you want, and it won’t include distracting advertising or branding. BriteTab also allows you to make, save, and edit multiple resumes; each with a unique URL that is kept private.  Additionally, potential employers can contact you directly from your resume via a simple click – your email and/or website are actively linked right on your resume.  You are virtually eliminating the use of paper, envelopes and stamps, saving money, labor and environmental supplies in the process.

More Comprehensive Resume:  With BriteTab, you can easily attach graphics, videos and supplementary materials.  Moreover, you can edit and add to your resume at any time.  You can also create different resumes under the same account.  This makes it easier than ever to customize your resume according to the specific position you are seeking.

Monitor Your Progress:  BriteTab gives you traffic monitoring capabilities – see how many times and when your site is viewed!!

What organization wouldn’t be impressed with this progressive promotion of yourself?!?  Grading Girl gives BriteTab an A+ for its completely comprehensive resumes with stand-out appeal and effortless access.  If I was in the market for a new position, I would definitely take advantage of this opportunity and use BriteTab!!   I am recommending this site to my friends, family, and GG followers!!

Go to BriteTab today.  Check out the video tutorials and FAQs.  Explore and see for yourself how easy it is to create a resume that will help you land that new job and/or career.

I enjoy getting requests to review A-quality products and services.  Put yours to the test and let Grading Girl give the grade.

 

 

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