best friend: February 2010

Sunday, February 28, 2010

Monday Matticchio

News-Breaking Post: You're So Vain, Carly

I'm just a little ... verklempt. For those of you who don't speak Yiddish like I do from my Pennsylvania Dutch background, that means, "choked with emotion."

People -- I know there's a lot of serious, gut-wrenching news going on lately. But amidst the tsunami in Hawaii and earthquake in Chile comes a news report that has former hippies everywhere tapping the "back" button on their DVRs to hear this once again:

CARLY SIMON FINALLY REVEALS THE SUBJECT OF "YOU'RE SO VAIN."

Yes, apparently, on a new recording she whispers the name "David" somewhere in the song. You can play it backwards; you can play it forwards, but either way, it sounds like Gollum spilling the beans to me. Listen and tell me what you think:

creepy soundbite

Then came the speculation about who "David" could be. In the last 24 hours, the consensus was that "David" is David Geffen, who was head of Carly's record label back in 1972. Apparently, if this theory is true, Carly was put out by Geffen's lack of attention toward her career compared to his enthusiastic promotion of Joni Mitchell's.

Can you say, "Anti-climactic?"

However, today we are learning why David could not have been THAT David. See this Gather news article for the details about the rebuttal.

In a nutshell, the fact that Geffen is a homosexual does not help the "Geffen is the David" campaign.

Can this story get any more riveting?

Only if I throw in MY two cents.

First of all, a few days ago, I was listening to the radio when YSV came on.

"My goodness," I said in my middle aged voice to no one, "That is the ultimate American pop song. It never ages. The theme is timeless: scorned lover strikes back. Her searing, clever lyrics are way better than keying a car for revenge. The music is great. I must buy this song immediately and put it on my Ipod machine next to all of my other ancient golden oldies."

Which I did.

Have you ever noticed that when you listen to a quality stereo or wear ear buds that you hear things you never heard through your 1972 black transistor radio with the vinyl cover that had 100 tiny holes in it?

For instance, I never knew that Carly whispers "Son of a gun" at the beginning of the song. Did you?

And I always thought the word that follows "You had one eye in the mirror as you watched yourself ..." was "go by," but it's "gavotte," which means "prancy little French dance." OUCH. Good one, Carly.

Finally, I never knew the harmony was by someone other than Carly. Google tells me it was Mick Jagger.

MICK JAGGER? Wasn't he one of the contenders for the subject of the song? Wouldn't singing back up disqualify him? But wait--Doesn't Mick GAVOTTE all over a stage when he performs? Yes he does! See exhibits A,B,C and D:

Oh, wait a minute. That last one is not Mick, is it.

Anyway, my head was spinning.

And then just a few days later, this David story breaks.

Do I have my finger on the pulse of useless pop news, or what?!

As I researched the articles to write this post (Hey, that's what professional bloggers do, and I'm a professional blogger, only I don't get paid) I realized the great irony of it all:

The longer Carly keeps us waiting with Anticipation for the revelation of the YSV protagonist, the more we talk about her. The more the song is about HER.

She keeps us in the dark because she knows we will keep talking about her for another 38 years! Is that not the HEIGHT of vanity??

Carly--are you so very vain?

If not, then just tell us, already!

PS: The very latest word on "David" is ... Bowie. Could be. He could certainly gavotte around, too.

Question: Without naming names (just like Carly) is there a "gavotter" in your past? One for whom this song could have been written?

As for me ... yes, there certainly was. He "gave away the things he loved, and one of them was me." And if he's reading this post, he probably thinks this post is about him. :)

A Romance with Rust

One of the purest forms of accidental beauty results from the harmonious union of metal and nature, the consequence being nothing more than perfection of timeless elegance. Rust. Loathed by many, it has achieved its prominence of "accessory" status in the decorating world with a flare of romantic essence. Add the flicker of candlelight and the sparkle of a glass of wine...well, need we say more?

A caution, though, REAL rust cannot be enjoyed indoors without some safety precautions. First, thoroughly scrub the piece with a bristle brush and soapy water. This will remove embedded dirt and loose flakes. Let dry completely.

Second, give the piece a few solid coats of polyurethane. The spray poly in a Satin finish is our treatment of choice.

Now that your new favorite accessory is home-ready, find a clever way to display it. Here we've accessorized a serene bistro nook by adding several touches of RUST, in combination with the glimmer of candlelight and some unexpected surprises. Come. Sit. Have a glass of wine.

For those of you who just aren't comfortable bringing the real Rust into your home, or just can't wait for Mother Nature to complete the process, there are some fabulous paint treatment products on the market that will enable you to "rust" just about anything.

RUST. The New Black.
JunkFest

Now...if you LOVE this post...head on over to Season 1 on "So You Think You Can Decorate" and VOTE!! Can't wait to hear from you!!

Linked to:
BNOTP-Met Monday

Sunday Safari - Suits Me

Collage by Jacques Prevert from airform's flickr stream

What Beauty Is by Charlene April

Toshiyuki Fukuda

Lou Beach, World of Men

LOT poster by Janusz Stanny, 1978

Stanislav Bouvier, from Cardboard Cutout Sundown's flickr stream

Antonio Saliola, Ritratto dello zio Gustavo e un amico, 1970-71

Poster by Bacanovic Branico

Valerio Doval, Good looking at work

Mark Weaver, Thief and Control

Animal Spirits, illustration for The New York Times Book Review by Shout

Illustration for Toronto's Soulpepper Theater by Sam Weber, thanks to cgunit

Javier Jaén, Señor Pajaro

Marco Cazzato, Non ho nulla da dirvi

Lesson Plan- (Pre K - K): Holy Week

Holy Week (you can break this lesson into several to cover all of Holy Week)

Objectives: The children will be able to
- retell the events of Holy Week
- discuss the meaning of Holy Week and what happens during that time
- discuss that through Jesus' death and resurrection our sins are forgiven

Review:
Prayer and questions from last week’s lesson.

Vocabulary Words:

dltk-bible.com- Easter Word Wall (scroll down for this). Word wall templates are large flash card printables that you can hang on the wall to aid children when they are learning or using new vocabulary words.

christianpreschoolprintables.com- Easter Word Wall (scroll down for this). Use the Word Wall Sets you want that are posted.

theholidayzone.com- Easter Word Wall
Cards that have pictures with words and some with just words.

Plan:

Circle Time:

Introduce story: Who died and came back to life so our sins would be forgiven?

Read your Holy Week story to the children or ”The Easter Story” (stop where Mary comes to the tomb). Then ask some of the questions from below:

What did Jesus ride on coming into Jerusalem? A donkey colt.

What did the people lay on the ground in front of Jesus? Palm leaves.

What were the people doing inside the temple that made Jesus so angry? People were buying and selling animals.

What did Jesus do? He stormed through the temple overturning the tables and furniture and driving the sellers and the animals out of the temple.

What did the Temple rulers want to do with Jesus? Get rid of him.

Who went secretly to the chief priests to tell them when it would be safe to arrest Jesus? Judas.

What did they give Judas? 30 silver coins.

Did Jesus say at The Last Supper that one of his disciples would betray him? Yes.

Jesus told the disciples to eat the bread. What does the bread represent? His body.

What does the wine represent? His blood.

Who kissed Jesus on the cheek? Judas.

Who denied Jesus three times just like Jesus said someone would? Peter.

Judas was sorry that he’d given Jesus away to the chief priest. What did he do when he went to the temple? He threw down the 30 coins.

Then what did Judas do? Hanged himself.

Who did the people choose to be set free? Barabbas, the murderer.

Pontius Pilate asked the people “What shall I do with Jesus?” And what did the people say? Crucify him, crucify him!

What was put on Jesus’ head? A crown of thorns.

What did Jesus have to carry? A huge wooden cross.

What was Jesus nailed to? A huge wooden cross.

Why were guards placed at Jesus’ tomb? The Jewish leaders were afraid that someone might try to steal the body and claim that Jesus had come alive again.

Songs and/or Finger Plays:

Introduce songs and/or finger plays: What is that special week called just before Easter? Holy Week.

Don’t Just Sit There: Bible Stories That Move You (For Ages 3-5) pages 90 & 91, from Abingdon Press. 4 finger plays for the children to do.

The Palm Sunday Song- The students can do this and act it out while singing.

Words by Harrison Woodard

Sung to the tune "She'll Be Coming Round the Mountain"
Note: The words in parentheses may be spoken, shouted, or omitted.

He'll be riding on a donkey
When he comes
(Praise God!)
He'll be riding on a donkey
When he comes
(Praise God!)
He'll be riding on a donkey,
He'll be riding on a donkey,
He'll be riding on a donkey
When he comes
(Praise God!)

Oh, we'll all go out to meet him
When he comes
(Our King!)
Oh, we'll all go out to meet him
When he comes
(Our King!)
Oh, we'll all go out to meet him,
We'll all go out to meet him,
We'll all go out to meet him
When he comes
(Praise God! Our King!)

We'll be waving our palm branches
When he comes
(God's Son!)
We'll be waving our palm branches
When he comes
(God's Son!)
We'll be waving our palm branches,
We'll be waving our palm branches,
We'll be waving our palm branches
When he comes
(Praise God! Our King! God's Son!)

We'll be shouting out "Hosanna!"
When he comes
(We're Saved!)
We'll be shouting out "Hosanna!"
When he comes
(We're Saved!)
We'll be shouting out "Hosanna!",
We'll be shouting out "Hosanna!",
We'll be shouting out "Hosanna!"
When he comes
(Praise God! Our King! God's Son! We're Saved!)

lovetolearnplace.com- Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Songs (click on the song you want)

gardenofpraise.com- Jesus’ Last Days (song)

larryholdermusic.org- Last Supper and The Cross songs
Look under From Jerusalem to the Cross (scroll down on the left hand side).

Activities:

Introduce activities: What day does Holy Week start on? What is that day called?

clclutheran.org- Palm Sunday lesson with activities

dlt,-bible.com- The Easter Story lessons that include Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, Jesus Prays, Jesus Dies, etc.

southfloridaychurch.org- The Last Supper lesson (4 & 5 year olds)

clclutheran.org- The Lord Institutes the Lord’s Supper lesson with activities

clclutheran.org- Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane His Betrayal and Arrest lesson with activities

clclutheran.org- Jesus Before the High Priests Peter’s Denial lesson with activities

clclutheran.org- Jesus Before Pilate lesson with activities

clclutheran.org- The Crucifixion of Jesus lesson with activities

clclutheran.org- The Death and Burial of Jesus lesson with activities

Crafts:

Introduce craft: What did Jesus ride on coming into Jerusalem? A donkey colt.

dltk-kids.com- Paper Bag Donkey Craft (template provided)

Introduce craft: What did the people wave at Jesus and put on the ground in front of him?

biblekidsfunzone.com- Palm Branches

dltk-bible.com- Palm Leaf Fold and Cut Craft

*Note: For younger students you can use the pattern and draw the palm branches on the paper before class.

Palm Sunday- Bible Story Wheel (Bible Wheels to Make and Enjoy by Carmen Sorvillo, page 53 & 54.)

Introduce craft: How can we remember the reason we celebrate Communion?

rotation.infopop- Craft for The Last Supper
The children will explore the events and meaning of The Last Supper while creating chalices.

dltk-bible.com- Last Supper Key Chain
This simple keychain craft reinforces the memory verse from John 6:35.

Holy Thursday/Last Supper Craft by catholicicing.com- an easy craft based on the famous Leonardo da Vinci Last Supper painting.

Introduce craft: What crowed three times just like Jesus said it would? A rooster. Who denied Jesus three times just like Jesus said someone would? Peter.

first-school.ws- Rooster Craft
A cute rooster craft made with a paper plate. Leave off the feet and the rooster can rock back and forth.

Introduce craft: What did Jesus have to carry and what was he nailed to?

Jesus is Crucified- Bible Story Wheel (Bible Wheels to Make and Enjoy by Carmen Sorvillo, page 55 & 56.)

Games:

Introduce game: What did Jesus ride on coming into Jerusalem? A donkey colt.

Play "Pin the Tail on the Donkey" game for Palm Sunday. You can buy it any where you get birthday supplies. Use tape instead of pins.

kidsbirthdaycakes.co- Pin the Tail on the Donkey (free printable game)

Introduce game: What would you bring if you went to Jerusalem? Let’s find out.

Pack Your Bag

Directions: This is a memory game. Have the players seated in a circle. The first player begins by saying, "I’m going to Jerusalem and in my bag I packed ..........." He can say anything he likes, for example an orange, a pair of shoes, a telephone, or a pet dog. The next player in line begins the same way but adds a second object after repeating the first. The third player also begins, “I’m going to Jerusalem and in my bag I packed ..........." He must repeat the first two objects and then add a third. So it goes on, but if a player can’t repeat or mixes up the order of the objects then he is out.

If you haven't got many players, the same children can keep adding more items. The game continues until one player remains or until time is up. Some lists get very long and are remembered for years by the players. A variation is to decide that the objects chosen must start with the letters of the alphabet in order, for example "apple, bat, cake...zebra." This makes it a little easier to remember. (You could also help the player if necessary so everyone can play). Or you can call on a student and ask them to name something that starts with the letter A that they would bring to Jerusalem. Go around the circle and use each letter of the alphabet. Have the students name an object that they would put in their suitcase if they were going to Jerusalem.

Sunday Best (Palm Sunday)- This game will help children learn to honor Jesus as king. (The Encyclopedia of Bible Games for Children’s Ministry by Group Publishing, page 145-146).

Temple Bowling (Jesus Clears the Temple)- This game will help children discover God wants his house to be a place of worship. (The Encyclopedia of Bible Games for Children’s Ministry by Group Publishing, page 83). *You can also use empty 2 liter soda bottles.

Introduce game: Who ate with Jesus at the Last Supper? His disciples. Let’s see if there are enough chairs for everyone to sit. (Play Musical Chairs)

Musical Chairs

Line up alternate facing chairs, one less than the number of children playing. (Example: If there are 10 players, place 9 chairs). The players move round the chairs while the music is on. When the music stops they have to sit down on a free chair. The player without a chair is out and let that player be the one to stop the music the next time. Remove one chair each time the music is played. Repeat until you have only 2 players and 1 chair. The one to sit down first on the last chair is the winner.

*Play one of the following review games and use the questions from the Bible story above.

Introduce game: What crowed three times just like Jesus said it would? A rooster.

Pass the Rooster!

Directions- A timer is set for any time the teacher wishes. Have the students sit in a circle. The teacher then gives a student a rooster and asks them a Bible Question. The student must answer the question correctly. If they do not, the student must answer another question until they are correct. When the student is correct, the teacher says, “Pass the rooster!” and the student passes the rooster to the person on their right and that student must answer a Bible Question to be able to pass the rooster. Whoever is holding the rooster with the timer goes off is the rooster.

Introduce game: How well do you know about Holy Week? Let’s find out.

Basketball

Need: one small ball (or two balled up pieces of paper), two chairs, one trashcan.

Directions: Put a trashcan against a wall. Divide the class into two teams. Have students line up in two teams behind a chair (to keep them from getting too close to basket). Ask the first person in Team #1 a question. If they are correct, they get to try to make a basket. If they make a basket, their team gets a point. If they do not get a basket, their team does not receive a point. After the first player has his turn, he then goes to the end of Team #1’s line. It is now Team #2’s turn. The team with the most points wins.

Introduce game: Have you ever experienced a Passover Seder? For many, Seder meals are not a common part of their typical Holy Week traditions. To help you understand what was eaten during this meal, here is a game that reviews the traditional food of the Seder meal.

cajestl.org- Fill Your Seder Plate Board Game

These games are free, however they can only to be used for classroom and personal use. They may not be published on any websites or other electronic media, or distributed in newsletters, bulletins, or any other form or sold for profit.

Holy Week Spin the Bottle Game

Materials: empty plastic soda bottle, egg timer, basket, Holy Week Question (above)

Directions: Have the students sit in a circle on the floor. Set the egg timer for a specified time. Choose a player to start the game by spinning the bottle on the floor. Whoever the bottle points to, they have to answer a question. If the player gets the question right, they get the point (you can keep score on the board). If they are wrong, the person who spun the bottle the gets the point. The player that was asked the question then spins the bottle and the game continues until the egg timer goes off. Who ever has the most points, wins. You can play this game individually or as teams.

Holy Week Memory Game: Play Memory, Go Fish, or Sequencing with these cards.

Print cards out on card stock. Cut out cards. Laminate or cover with clear contact paper to make them last. (Text is in Tahoma font.)

Cards 1

Cards 2

Cards 3

Snacks:

Introduce snack: What happened on Good Friday? Discuss.

Good Friday Cross- Good Friday marks the day of the crucifixion. Make crosses out of bread sticks (use Pillsbury refrigerated breadsticks).

pillsbury.com- Cheesy Crescent Sticks and make into a cross

pillsbury.com- Twisty Dippers and make into a cross.

During Lent we do not eat meat on Fridays. We also do not eat meat on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. What can we eat during this time? Discuss. Make a snack that is meatless.

catholicculture.org- Good Friday Bread

Coloring/Puzzles:

Prayers while students are doing coloring and/or puzzles.

sermons4kids.com- The Triumphal Entry (coloring)

first-school.ws- Bible theme Palm Sunday coloring page with or without text

sermons4kids.com- Cleansing the Temple (coloring)

sermons4kids.com- The Last Supper (coloring)

first-school.ws- The Last Supper coloring page with or without text (scroll down to Easter Coloring Pages- Religious)

first-school.ws- Jesus Carrying His Cross coloring page with or without text (scroll down to Easter Coloring Pages- Religious)

sermons4kids.com- Take Up His Cross (coloring)

first-school.ws- The Crucifixion coloring page with or without text (scroll down to Easter Coloring Pages- Religious)

sermons4kids.com- The Crucifixion (coloring)

christianpreschoolprintables- Crucifix (coloring)

homiliesbyemail.com- Do you know about Holy Week? (coloring)
Color the pictures and learn about the last week before the first Easter.

first-school.ws- D is for Donkey (handwriting)

Last Supper (handwriting)

christianpreschoolprintables.com- X is for Crucifix (handwriting)

Holy Week (handwriting)

lambsongs.co.nz- “Jesus Rides a Donkey to Church” by Jill Kemp (booklet for the children to color)

Cover

Booklet

lambsongs.co.nz- “The Last Supper” by Jill Kemp (booklet for the children to color)

Cover

Booklet

lambsongs.co.nz- “Jesus Has Dinner With His Friends” by Jill Kemp (booklet for the children to color)

Cover

Booklet

clclutheran.org- Palm Sunday (worksheet)
Read the class the sentences and have them color the donkey by each true sentence. (Scroll down to this.)

clclutheran.org- The Lord Institutes the Lord’s Supper (worksheet)
Cut out the pictures at the bottom of the page and glue them into the proper spaces in the verse below. Memorize the verse. (Scroll down to this.)

clclutheran.org- The Crucifixion of Jesus (worksheet)
Help the children complete these pictures by drawing a cross where you think it should go. Then color the pictures. (Scroll down to this.)

clclutheran.org- The Death and Burial of Jesus (worksheet)
Do these sentences make us happy or sad? Read each sentence to the class and have them color the happy or sad face. (Scroll down to this.)

Washing Feet (dot-to-dot)- Dot-to-Dot Bible Pictures PK-K by Linda Standke, page 26.

Remembering Jesus (dot-to-dot)- Dot-to-Dot Bible Pictures PK-K by Linda Standke. Page 27.

The Cross (dot-to-dot)- Dot-to-Dot Bible Pictures PK-K by Linda Standke. Page 28.

Bless the King! (find the hidden picture)- Hidden Pictures Explore Hidden Treasures in God’s World: PK – K by Linda Standke, page 27.

Jesus Died for You (find the hidden picture)- Hidden Pictures Explore Hidden Treasures in God’s World: PK – K by Linda Standke, page 28.

Bless the King! (color picture and cut on dotted lines to make a puzzle) page 118, Waving High (dot-to-dot) page 119, Do Not Keep Quiet (hidden pictures) page 120, Whole Heart (dot-to-dot) page 121, Remembering Jesus (dot-to-dot) page 122, The Passover (color the two pictures that are the same) page 123, Washing Feet (dot-to-dot ) page 124, The Crucifixion (dot-to-dot) page 125, Jesus Died for You (find the hidden picture) page 126, The Cross (dot-to-dot) page 127 - Bible Story Puzzle ‘n’ Learn! PK-K

The King of Kings- Look at the pictures in each row. Color the picture in each row that look the same as the first picture in that row. (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus’ Life and Lessons by Carla Williams, page 70).

Jesus Enters Jerusalem- Use the code to fill in the blanks and see how Jesus answered the Pharisees. (Red Hot Bible Puzzles by Nancy I. Sanders, page 44).

Peter Denies Jesus- Peter denied Jesus three times. Hidden in this picture are three numbers 3’s. Can you find them? Color the picture. (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus’ Life and Lessons by Carla Williams, page 76).

Crucify Him! Crucify Him!- Jesus had to go before many people before finally going to the cross. Follow this maze to see where He went. (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus’ Life and Lessons by Carla Williams, page 77).

Soldiers Make Fun of Jesus- The soldiers mocked Jesus. They dressed Him like a fake king. Draw a line to the things that the soldiers put on Jesus. (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus’ Life and Lessons by Carla Williams, page 78).

Simon Helps Jesus- Connect the dots to see how Simon helped Jesus. (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus’ Life and Lessons by Carla Williams, page 79).

Jesus Forgives the People- Write the first letter of each object to fill in the blank in this sentence. (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus’ Life and Lessons by Carla Williams, page 80).

Jesus Dies on the Cross- Listen to the directions and circle the correct answer. (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus’ Life and Lessons by Carla Williams, page 81).

A Friend Shares His Tomb- Look at these pictures. They tell the story of Jesus’ burial. Number the pictures in the correct order. (Big Puzzles for Little Hands: Jesus’ Life and Lessons by Carla Williams, page 82).

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