There is a popular restaurant and sports bar open in the northwest suburbs of Chicago that I didn’t even know existed until a couple of weeks ago.  I was missing out, indeed!  In fact, I was so impressed by the hospitality of this father and son establishment that I told them I’d write a rave review . . .

TJ O’Brien’s Bar and Grill is a cozy restaurant and sports bar that serves contemporary Irish American fare, including a to-write-home-about comforting Shepherd’s pie (I tried this!), satisfying pizza (I indulged on this as well), huge hamburgers, and the juiciest beef sandwiches this side of ChiTown. Prices are extremely reasonable on top of their good taste; they are open for lunch and dinner and even offer catering.

O’Brien’s atmosphere is friendly while roomy enough to mingle with friends.  A sports bar with flat screen televisions greets patrons when they first walk in while, along the side, a homier room that includes a mantled fireplace and pool table is open for quieter dining and mingling.  I personally appreciated the welcome ambiance of this room.

Every single person who works at TJ’s makes you feel right at home, as if they’ve known you forever as soon as you walk in.  James O’Brien, one of the owners, is in almost every day; he’s constantly moving from patron to table to patron, ensuring everyone’s satisfaction with food and service.  TJ’s hosts fun neighborhood parties such as their now annual Halloween costume parties, Christmas Eve Eve celebrations, snow days commemorations and, of course, get togethers centered around popular sports events.

TJ’s recently added regular live entertainment to their establishment.  For instance, every other Thursday evening at 9pm, Darryl Markette Music plays audience requested, acoustic sets.  Stop by for a great chance to unwind and catch up with friends.

TJ O’Brien’s is located at 53 W. Slade Street in Palatine, Illinois, conveniently just off the Metra tracks, at 847.468.7468.  Go for the deliciously authentic Irish fare and stay for the friendly atmosphere and entertainment.  It won’t be your last stop . . . .

A+ to TJ OBrien’s for sweetly satisfying food, high quality local entertainment and welcoming, neighborhood ambiance!!

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I’m overdue for a BRAND NEW cardio playlist for 2012.  I pride myself in finding the latest, the most unique, the most motivating songs to keep you from getting bored on those cardio machines.  This list is no exception . . .

“Called Out in the Dark” by Snow Patrol . . . Brand new from this fabulous group!  An absolutely perfect tempo to warm up.  This is your life; this is your time ➟

“Eyes” by Kaskade (feat. Mindy Gledhill) . . . I LOVE, LOVE this one ‘ cause eyes are the windows to the soul and love is plain to see .♡  At 2:23 is when you should step up your game a bit faster on the mill!!

“Domino” by Jessie J . . . speaking of love , this one will make you happy and spin yourself out of control!!

“Paradise” by Coldplay (Fedde Le Grande remix) . . . I absolutely adore the original but this is the version for cardio!!

“These Days” by Foo Fighters . . . This group has a way of hiding profound lyrics behind smash rockin’ music.  One of these days your heart will play its final beat – but not today as you work it with this!

“Every Car You Chase” by Snow Patrol Vs. The Police . . . . One of my very favorite songs of all time paired with another fave ~ an ingenious mash-up!!  I dare you to stop during this!

“Joanna” by Little Comets . . . I’m not sure what I like about this song.  I just do:

“Video Games” by Lana Del Rey . . . A silky, sultry way to close your cardio. HEART this and the Cali footage too!!

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A slow-cooked meal is a gift from your early self to your later self.  This one makes the house smell extra scrumptious.

I made this for the first time this Christmas season.  My family members tried something new this year.  Rather than exchange material gifts (except for the young ones, of course), we took turns preparing special dinners for each other.  Here is what I decided to make . . . it is a definite repeater.  It is, in fact, the best lasagna I’ve made – and it’s healthful, on top of it!!

Slow-Cooked Turkey Lasagna

~ 6 – 8 whole wheat or whole grain lasagna noodles

~ 12 oz 99% fat free ground turkey

~ 1/4 cup red cooking wine

~ 1/2 cup fat-free cottage cheese

~ 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

~ 1 cup low-fat ricotta cheese

~ 6 oz low-fat part skim mozzarella cheese

~ 6 oz can tomato paste

~ 29 – 32 oz tomato sauce

~ 1 cup chopped white onion

~ 2 tsp minced garlic cloves

~ 2 tbsp dried parsley (divided)

~ Mrs. Dash to taste (or whatever spices you have on hand!!)

~ 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg

1. Heat large sauté pan over medium heat.  Cook ground turkey, onion, and garlic until turkey is browned.

2. Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, Mrs. Dash and 1 tbsp of parsley to meat mixture.

3. Simmer for a few minutes on low.  Remove from heat.  Stir in cooking wine and set aside.

4. In another bowl, combine all cheeses with remaining parsley and nutmeg.

5. Spoon one layer of turkey mixture across bottom of slow cooker.

6. Add one layer of dry lasagna noodles (you will need to break them to fit in slow cooker)

7. Add a layer of cheese followed by a layer of cooked turkey.

8.  Repeat steps 5 – 7.

9. Top lasagna with a pinch of parsley, cheese, and 1 – 2 tbsp of red cooking wine.

10.  Cook on low in slow cooker for 7 – 8 hours.

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Need some inspiration during these last few days before Winter Break?!  While the following post does not give the NCTE 11 session, National Literature Project, nearly enough justice, I’m sharing a few inspirational tidbits that continue to stick with me since attending a month ago.  I continue to be inspired . . .

~ Meaning is neither in the text nor the reader.  It is in the transaction.

~ Literature helps us work out our relationship with the world around us.  Students have this experience all the time with games, movies, etc.  We can help them see that they can get just as lost in literature!!

~ “Unless you are educated in metaphor, you are not safe to be let loose in the world.”  Robert Frost

~ NAEP reading framework – % of Literature vs. Informational text:    4th grade – 50%, 8th grade – 45%, 12th grade – 30%

~ Young people betweeen the ages of 8 – 18 are using entertainment media 7 hours, 38 minutes a day!!

~ HOW they read matters much less than HOW MUCH they read!!!!  (in other words, the video game magazines are helping their reading as well!!!)

~ Background knowledge only builds from reading.

~ A student, on average, takes 7 seconds to look at a painting and 36 seconds to read a plaque.  In other words, students are much more likely to interpret visuals freely rather than interpret written text.  Students are visual these days!!!!

~ Reading is a way to have tea with an author. 

~ All teaching and learning is relational.  We are creating culture and knowledge!!

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Lesson idea:

A. Write a note to one your favorite authors or teachers.  Include some highlights of that relationship, influences, insights gained because of the relationship, great moments, etc.  Perhaps explore how you have grown with/because of this teacher or author.  How has this author/teacher transformed your thinking?

B.  Exchange letters with your neighbor.  Cirle words that seem to capture the relationship highlighted in your neighbor’s letter.

C.  Use those circled words to create a poem

D.  Once poems are written, ask for volunteers to stand in a line in front of the class.  One at a time, the standing students read one line from their poems.  The teacher (with the help of the students) will move students around to create a “class” poem; place students in the order of lines that build upon one another.

E.  Finally, read the final poem

The moral of this lesson . . . the power of attachment is so much greater than detachment.

“Produce great persons.  The rest follows.”  ~Walt Whitman

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Nutrition fascinates me – we can cure, build, and sculpt ourselves with food.  When I retire from the teaching profession, I’m delving into the health/fitness world for sure.  Here’s the latest research I discovered.  According to MSN Health & Fitness, the key nutrients in certain foods will help you look younger. My only complaint is I don’t seem to see anything with frosting on the list. 

Latest dietary guideline calls for 5 - 13 servings of fruit and veggies a day!!!

1. Blood oranges. These are full of antioxidants which decrease aging, increase collagen production and thicken the skin.

2. Shellfish. The fatty acids in shellfish nourish the skin, help maintain skin integrity and keep skin cells performing optimally.

3. Dandelion, turnip and mustard greens. Eating these slightly bitter greens has been shown to lessen your sweet tooth.  (GG hint:  to get my daily dose of greens, I blend mustard greens, a freshly squeezed lemon and strawberry egg white protein in a blender.  Green power smoothie without the bitter taste)

4. Oregano, thyme and parsley. If you have puffy bags under your eyes in the morning, you are likely consuming too much sodium. Instead of salt, season your meals with herbs and spices such as oregano, thyme, rosemary, parsley and garlic.

5. Crunchy vegetables. Celery, carrots, string beans and cauliflower contain cellulose, which helps scrub stains from your teeth — giving you a whiter, brighter smile.

6. Almond milk. Doctors say almond milk is a nutritious dairy alternative because of its high levels of magnesium, potassium, manganese, copper, vitamin E, selenium and calcium. Its natural fatty acids will keep your mind sharp, your immune system strong and your skin glowing.

Go for it.  Even if these don’t tickle your fancy at first read, we’re all looking for some form of fountain of youth, right?  Try it.

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My school district afforded me the wonderful opportunity to attend my very first National Council of Teachers of English conference held in Chicago, Illinois this year.  I met wonderful national colleagues, many of whom I’ve been conversing with online but never had the opportunity to meet face-to-face, and I returned to school feeling completely motivated and recharged.

Here are some of my favorite tips, tricks and theories I picked up from the sessions I attended:

I.  This tip comes from a session entitled “Using a ‘Framed’ Story Structure to Write Memoir.”  Although I went to this session hoping to come away with ideas for creative non-fiction essays, I also got a great idea that applies to literature:

The “frame” they suggested is as follows:

• When I was ____ (insert age),
• I used to think…
• I used to feel…
• I used to believe…
• I used to worry…
• I used to ___…
• TURNING POINT
• State how you are different from your opening statement:
• Now, I think…
• Now, I feel…
• Now, I believe…
• Now, I worry…
• Now, I _____…

The “frame” sections (opening and closing) should be developed with details beyond the simple sentences noted above, which are good for preliminary brainstorming.  The real “meat” of the essay comes in describing the turning point, of course.

{ GG’s note: Although this could certainly lead to some great personal writing, I also think this has applications in literary analysis, as well.  If you’re teaching a story/poem/play/novel in which the protagonist undergoes a significant transformation, why not have the kids use the above format to pinpoint the exact scene/key moment when they believe the character turned the corner?  If kids end up identifying different turning points in their essays, it could even lead to a great lively discussion!}

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II. The following tips came from attending a session on social networking in the classroom:

Twitterature:  have kids tweet about what they’re reading.  Since tweets can only be 140 characters long (including spaces between words and punctuation marks), it actually becomes a great summary activity. What about using it after a long novel to review for a big test?  What about assigning kids to different characters and having them tweet about an important scene of the novel to discuss point of view?  What about getting AP kids to review important novels they’ve read before the AP Lit exam — give each kid a title they’ve read over the past four years and have each tweet a summary of it just to recall the basic details of it?  What about doing is as a review before final exams?

I’m attaching a handout that contains a block of 140 spaces to make it easy to ensure kids don’t go over their assigned character limit.  Feel free to use/edit as needed.

Farcebook:  Creating fake Facebook pages or walls for characters in novels can be a great exercise, especially in character study.

{GG’s note:  There is an actual “Farcebook” online, but it seems to contain a lot of political satire and you have to be a member of the real Facebook to access it.  A quick Google search of the term “farcebook” uncovered interesting results, though, including a great poster set on the Founding Fathers offered by an educational supply site.  If nothing else, they might give you an idea of what a finished Farcebook poster might look like.}

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III. The following is a sampling of tips from a session titled “Zapping Apathy:  Creating a Sense of Community in English Class”      Please see Gary Anderson’s informative blog, What’s Not Wrong, for more detailed information:

My students' 1984 Chalk Talk!

1.  Build Community Through Movement:  Chalk Talk:  A silent, non-threatening way to generate ideas, spawn discussion, understand connections.  Here’s my students’ first 1984 Chalk Talk.  (see my sample in picture)

2.  Build Community Through Online Means: 6-Word Memoirs with Wordle: A team-building, creative writing activity.  First, show the following two YouTube videos – First video and Second Video.  Second, students write their own six-word memoirs.  Third, have students go to www.wordle.net and create and a visual of their memoirs.  They’ll be able to play with font, color scheme, etc to fit their subject and make it come to life.

3.  Build Community through Cell Phone Activity (shared by Lee Anne Spillane):  Did you know that if students text Google, 466453, and punch in Define: (followed by the word), Google will text back a definition of that word?!

4.  Build Community through Discussion  - A means to get the quieter students involved. Provide envelopes filled with slips of paper numbered 1 – 10.  Give these envelopes to about 4 students and have those students stand in front of class.  Read a statement and ask students to hold up a slip that represents how strongly they agree with the statement.(1 = strongly disagree; 10 = strongly agree)

Like these samples? . . . see Gary Anderson’s What’s Not Wrong site for more along with the original handouts and Prezi’s from the session.

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There are so many more worthwhile sessions I attended.  For instance, stay tuned for a synopsis of Carol Jago’s Literature Project!!!!

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Want to indulge without the bulge this holiday season?!  If you exercise now and push yourself a little harder with your cardio (4 days of cardio instead of 3? or 30 minutes instead of 20 minute sessions? or Run/Walk instead of Walk?), you will be able to partake in the festivities wholeheartedly!!  

“The One You Say Goodnight To” by Kina Grannis . . . My right now song.  Positively perfect beginning.  :-)

“Dakent“ by Banger (VooDoo Bear Remix) . . .  the xylophone will appeal to your inner child!!  A unique, creative instrumental that has an inspiring beat for your beginning.  At about 40 seconds in, the beat increases to get your heart rate off and running.

“Phazing Disposition” (JRowe Mashup) . . . . a remix of “Sweet Disposition” from 500 Days of Summer.  Time to start kicking things up.  This version moves your groove to a stronger beat.  I’ve meshed mine so that this song begins before “Dakent” ends – perfect transition!!  (Flash mob choreography is improving my remix abilities!!)

 ”Big in Japan” by Martin Solveig . . . remember Solveig’s song “Hello?”  This may be even more heart-throbbing!!  Great to get you in your faster zone ⟾~

“So Much Love” by Fedde Le Grand . . . . LOVE this song!!  This song will find you in your happy zone!!!  Love, music, dance:  the necessities of life.  I adore the heart-shaped hands:

“Good Feeling” by Flo Rida . . . Leave it to this artist to provide a workout wonder song . . . Workout video too!

“I Like How It Feels” by Enrique Iglesias . . . Just when you start to get tired, you need this feel-good number!  ”Cause this is our time!!

“We Found Love” by Rihanna – This is one of those songs that just sounds happy!!!  And, yes, love is usually found in a hopeless place.  Celebrate it!

“Without You” by Eddie Vedder . . . another from his Ukelele songs.  This song is simply beautiful – lyrics and tune.  I saw this show over the summer; this is a fabulous live version of this song.  Download it from Vedder’s Ukelele album.  A smooth cool-down.

BONUS SONG FOR THE LADIES:

“Rumor Has It/Someone Like You” Mashup by GLEE - Okay, gentlemen may not like this one as much.  Girls, this one is good for your cardio mix as you pound the pavement and feel lucky that you dodged that bullet from the one who made the mistake!!!!!!!

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Whether or not you are an educator, viewing the two videos below will be worth your while.  Sit back and enjoy the symbolism within our daily lives. . . .

Here is an assignment I recently shared with my two accelerated freshman English classes.  We have a rigorous curriculum to follow in the classroom yet I wanted to give the students opportunity to express their more creative sides.  I came up with this to supplement our study and analysis of symbolism.  Aside from the period during which we watched and discussed “Words”, this is a project they had to complete solely at home on their own.  The student sample below is just one example of how well they ran with this!  

ASSIGNMENT:

In conjunction with our study of “The Scarlet Ibis” and symbolism, watch this video from NPR’s Radiolab to help illustrate how images are contextual. You will complete an assignment afterwards, but first I just want you to watch and enjoy it:  

Now search for the word semiotics and define it.  Watch the video again with that definition in mind.  As you watch, write down all of the words presented through the images and sound in the video.  We will discuss how the varied definitions of these words match the context within which they are shown.

For the end result, you are going to create your own video.  You will need to decide on eight words of your choosing.  Four of the eight words must be from our most recent vocabulary list.  You must find at least two different meanings for each word and at least one image to represent each meaning.

Use PhotoPeach, MovieMaker or another program of your choice.  In addition to production of your slideshow, provide a “key” that highlights which words you used along with an explanation of the word definitions.  Happy producing!!! 

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The name itself evokes a dreamy, blissful state.  While shopping for fashionable clothing and eye-catching jewelry may not make all our dreams come true, it can help!!   Finding that perfect dress or blouse or accessory actually can be a step to reaching goals, to building a confidence-enhancing wardrobe, and to creating special occasions!

“Create the occasion for the dress!” declares my savvy sis-in-law.  This could be the motto for this popular Los Angeles boutique.  I’ve been to Polka Dots and Moonbeams, located on 3rd Street in West Hollywood, a few times this year since my sis-in-law re-introduced me. Each time, I came out completely satisfied with my unique finds, and I can’t wait to pay another visit very soon!!! See just how satisfied I was last time.  Two bags full!!  ➔➔➔

Thank you to fashion savvy Polka Dot girl Lorin for her expertise in finding these items for me!!

The Polka Dots and Moonbeams concept is to bring the latest, newest designer collections together under one (adorably adorned) roof.  It’s a one-stop-shop!  Polka Dots & Moonbeams buyers stay on top of the trends, carrying such brands as Hudson Jeans, Milly, Hale Bob, Tarte, and Bailey 44 to name a few.  The boutique carries a perfect mix of well-known designers as well as less mainstream brands.  I am confident when I walk into Polka Dots and Moonbeams that when I walk out, I will leave with pieces I won’t dismayingly spot on others.  Not only does the boutique carry just one item in each size, but the clothing itself is not what one can find at the local mall by any means.

As cited on their website, “Our customers come in whether they are looking for the special piece or the whole outfit.”  That’s true for me – I paid a visit at the beginning of summer looking for any ‘new and exciting summer pieces’ as well as later in the summer for a first date outfit.  On both of these visits, my finds were fulfilled thanks to Polka Dot’s expert shopper, Lorin.  Lorin is one of the fashion savvy people who just look at you and know what will look good on your body-type.  Lorin now knows me by name, knows my likes and dislikes, and knows me!!!  It’s to the point where I simply walk in the door, excitedly chat with Lorin and mosey around while Loran briskly picks up piece-upon-piece for me.  It makes me feel so . . . . Hollywood!!!  I completely trust her judgment as I find pieces waiting for me in the dressing room that I would never pick up myself but look surprisingly flattering on. Check out me modeling a sampling of my purchases below ➔➔➔

One of my purchases I wear again & again - Viereck dress

This is one of those 'I'd never pick it out myself' purchases - Waverley blouse!

One of my new Bailey 44 dresses!

Grading Girl gives Polka Dots and Moonbeams an A+ for fabulously unique, fashion-forward finds, expert, friendly fun fashion advice, and reachable prices. Whether you need one eye-popping necklace or a dress for that wedding next Friday, you will find what you’re looking for at this trendy boutique in the heart of West Hollywood.  Ask for Lorin and tell her Grading Girl sent you.  :-)

Bonus . . . Julia Roberts, Demi Moore, Drew Barrymore, Eva Mendes, Reese Witherspoon . . . to name a few . . . have all been spotted shopping here!!

**Photos of GG taken by Proof Digital Image

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power foods – 150 delicious recipes with the 38 healthiest ingredients

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