Jack Russells and 'teaching.' PB4L" Some will know what I mean!

If you are a teacher in New Zealand (AND possibly elsewhere) you will probably be aware of the term---PB4L. That means ‘Positive behaviours) for learning.’ I could spend quite a lot of my energy describing what this means, but in essence it is about engaging with your students in a positive manner, accentuating what they are doing well and encouraging ‘good behaviours.’ It is about the ‘relationship between the student and teacher. Hey---don’t you all remember those teachers---the ones you liked, because they treated you with respect—they had a sense of humour, yet you knew when you had transgressed. They didn’t need to yell at you—they just ‘had a word’ with you quietly and didn’t embarrass you publicly. There is a great deal of research that tells us what we all knew—education is a partnership between the home, the student and the school. We are a community. We are all ‘in it together.’ Recently, one of my friends, who used to be on the staff, visited the school and she left a book in my pigeon hole. It was called “Jack Russells for Dummies!’’ or something like that. Over the last few nights I have read it before sleeping. I had many ‘OMG!’ moments. I laughed, I sniggered and I could not help make the links between the ‘words’ of wisdom,’ in the book, with the ‘theory’ behind PB4L. Much of what I know about PB4L and my subsequent ‘bringing up of my crazy jack Russell is similar, minus of course the ‘leash and the manner of ‘treating.’ I better not get confused and apply the leash at school or give the kids a nice chewy pig’s ear!’ But I do heap praise upon the students for good behaviours, just like I do for Perdy. I send post cards home for continued ‘good behaviour, far more than I make a call about ‘less than good behaviours. It is said that PB4L works for about 90% of students. The remainder require more ‘specialist attention,’ in the form of deans, counsellors, or sadly, alternate arrangements. The link for y JR is that for about 90% of the time, my ‘positive engagement works,’ but for the 10% when she forgets she has ears, or smells a rat or some other critter---all bets are off and it is only my sense of humour (that goes a long way re working with students too!) That gets me through the ‘challenge.’ When a JR decides to use her not inconsequential brain for the purposes of deviating from the expected norm,’ well----I just wait until she decided to see things ‘my way.’ That crazy JK behaviour is observable in human form too. When teenagers disengage their brains, similar unpredictable pathways manifest themselves. Reasoning goes out the window and ‘critters’ of another from appear to be ruling the ‘norm of the day!’ I have often wondered how such episodes will turn out but thankfully, for the most part, peace does reign. It the getting there, for students and JRs, that provides the tears, the laughs and frustrations. My wish is that I don’t confuse the two ‘characters’ in my world---Oh what the hell---why not! Just don’t mix up the ‘treats!’

Mouth full of play dough---not so bad!

I am glad that ordeal is partially resolved----for now! Today was 'D' Day-----dentist day. While Perdy waited patiently in the car, just outside the window---she could almost see me, I faced some decisions. Getting older (many people have this happen, a lot younger than me!) means 'wear and tare' on one's teeth and the subsequent huge bills. My aim today was to stop the pain from a tooth that seemed intent on self-destruction. It had split and upon close examination, along with the sensitively placed injection, I was given the news that it was not possible to place a crown on it and the 'degradation' was well below the gum level, so my darling dentist gently extracted most of the tooth. Then we had the 'discussion. I could 'chuck' about $10,000 at the issue with a combination of implants, bridging and crowns. I am sure I am not describing that well. I figured that, with the fact that I have just committed to a new car that such spending was silly, given that there are other options. I am grateful that I can consider these options. Many Kiwis are not in a position to do that.( I have to say that I favour a system that is State-funded, even if that means higher taxation, because dental health and access to it is important to overall health.) OK---at the other end of the scale---simply yank the bugger out, leaving an even bigger gap in my smile and my capacity to chew. Bugger that too! I have chosen a 'a partial denture,' system, one constructed from a plastic material and costing about $1000. It also serves to fill a gap already existing from previous extractions. So, for about 45 minutes I was probed, X-rayed, had my mouth filled with a tray, play dough and generally being manipulated. I was told it would be 'uncomfortable' and that I would 'gag.' (Doug---stop laughing!) I did not and it all went well. I have huge admiration for my dentist at the Rockfield Dental Centre in Penrose. I go back in just over a week to try things on, then the real extraction of the bits that are 'left' will happen. The final countdown will occur in the upcoming school holidays. Then I shall join the 'leave ya implants on the bedpost at night brigade!' Maybe I can conjure some revolting party tricks so I guess I have just undone some possible dinner party invitations. Oh well--I don't go out much these days anyway and Perdy couldn't give a stuff about what things look like. Mind you---the new implants have been carefully 'matched!' Such fun, such fun. www.authorneilcoleman.com Like · Comment · Share

It only happens when-------BUGGER!

Today I had the pleasure of attending a meeting that MIT was hosting to discuss-----that went well---it was after that didn't! OK I parked in the big car park outside the campus. I locked my car and headed off to my very productive meeting. I am not going to talk about that as it may sound like I am writing an advert for that prestigious institution. I am of course referring to the Manukau Institute of Technology, not some wannabe in the USA! Jump forward two hours! I heads to the car park. Where's my car. Oh shite-----where the hell did I park it. All I can see is a sea of cars, many of them grey, like my soon to be traded Hyundai Getz. Thank God I am getting a blue car in a few days, a 'pristine blue,' no less! How does one find a car in a big car park, when he has not taken note of where it was parked? Well folks, NZers say 'bugger' a lot and that is nothing to do with the old meaning of that word. It is a 'national iconic' expression; one used by the high, mighty and not the above. One says it for a myriad of reasons, but I can assure you that my inner language and some expressed, was way more explicit. I wandered up and down many rows of boring grey cars. Had someone stolen my car? How would that affect the transaction I was due to complete on Sunday? I pondered various strategies to find my car, given that it still existed in its place of rest! It was only after about 20 minutes of intimate searching amongst the cars, whereby I was starting to attract attention. I am sure that is I was dressed in a slightly less 'tidy state' (my definition probably differs from yours!)phone calls would have been made. Sometimes it is good to look a little 'old' and not portray that 'intention to commit a heinous crime,' look. If I had a hoodie or---you can fill the rest in---it wouldn't be right for me to continue in that train of thought. I remembered my key---I made it bleep the car and finally after nearly running the battery out, the car said 'hi' to me. We were reunited and I thankfully sank into the seat, thinking---you just did this because you are about to find a new owner! Upon leaving the car park, I notice some paper scrunched up under the window wipers. Two letters were emblazoned on the paper--AT---Auckland Transport. BUGGER! Yes---wouldn't you known it. I got a bloody parking infringement. OK---only $15! My thoughts were with the students at the institution. $15 is possibly the difference between eating instant noodles and having a bit of red blooded meat! I better remember to pay the ticket or it will be a lot more --yes BUGGER!

Methamphetamine 'P" may be being 'cooked' in a place near you!

Yes, just next door, or down the road, there may be a 'P' Lab, manufacturing a product that destroys lives, families and businesses. Read about my take on this scourge on society, in ROSKILL. Click on the link at the end of the article from todays NZ Herald. The New Zealand Herald Four people accused of running a meth lab to face trial 11:01 AM Monday Jun 8, 2015 Police said searches linked to to the apartment raid netted more than a million dollars worth of drugs and cash. File photo of methamphetamine Four people accused of running a meth lab in a swanky inner-city apartment block go on trial today. Kevin Chea, Abby Cummins and Kevin Dao and Michael Debreceny were arrested after armed police raided a central Wellington apartment building last year. The apartment was just across the road from the city's main police station. As police and firefighters swarmed the area last March, stunned residents of the Chews Lane apartment block were told to leave the building, some still in their dressing gowns. Police at the time said they interrupted drugs being cooked on a stove. One person caught up in the raid tried fleeing, and allegedly tried to dump a package of meth worth $28,000 in a rubbish bin. Police caught him. Police said searches linked to to the apartment raid netted more than a million dollars worth of drugs and cash. The four accused go on trial today on charges of importing and manufacturing methamphetamine. The trial will be at the High Court in Wellington before a jury of twelve. - NZME. www.authorneilcoleman.com

She is a 'nuclear spring.' She is a Jack Russell!

Sometimes I wonder what Jack Russells are made of. Well, at the very least they can be described as a 'nuclear spring,' one that winds up whilst resting, and even that state is to say the least, perilously close to 'non-sleep!' Yesterday was one of those days, when one just does not want to go out; indeed, I spent the majority of the day inside, happily reading, watching TV, doing a few minor chores and watching the rain, smacking against the neighbours'' roofs. Perdy, for her part, slept, checked out the weather and even when I took her to the bay, for a few minutes of running and a quickly paced poo--under the bloody fence of course, then she was back in the car, heading towards home, where the 'nuclear clock' added up a debt---that just had to be paid at some stage. Today the weather took a more kind character, allowing us to head on down to the bay. Perdy exploded out of the car and headed onto the sand, leaping with joy, exuberant to the max, a definite smile on her face. Any dog, yes ANY, was her friend. She sniffed , jumped, cavorted, ran those crazy circles, attracting attention from afar and chased her ball. She couldn't get enough--it was endless. I wondered if she would ever tire! Well--she didn't, but at least she released some of that pent up energy, that tension that if left to 'boost,' is stuff made for chaos--once one returns home. Thank goodness, she is now resting in the couch, awaiting another manic run this afternoon. Better enjoy it little girl, because nest week I may not be taking you anywhere, depending on wether I am selected for the actual Jury service. My dog walking neighbour will of course take you for a turn around the block, but nothing beats the bay. It's all about the 'Bay' and that beautiful little beating heart that loves to run. www.authorneilcoleman.com

Death penalty for the Boston Bomber!

I have a problem with the death penalty, especially in nations where corruption is the norm. Recent cases re a 'not so far away neighbour,' come to mind. I also feel very strongly about individuals who construct a bomb and cause the death of innocent bystanders. So many people are affected and they have to face the daily reality that a loved one has been taken from them. How someone arrives at a position whereby they think that their cause outweighs the rights of others to enjoy life, and then goes on to cause the deaths of so many people, is beyond me. Taken to extremes, we see the actions of extreme grouping of such people, in the form of ISIS, Boko Haram and others. I acknowledge those who think nations states, too, are not above such actions! Today the judge and jury handed down the death penalty to the surviving Boston Bomber. No doubt we will see appeals to this decision, and the suffering of family members will continue. This of course would not happen in countries where the right of appeal is one that is not so clear, as in China. I live in a country where we do not have the death penalty. I am sure that may would agree that if such an action occur in New Zealand, then the death penalty would be appropriate. So far, we have not seen our streets made so unsafe for our citizens. Let's hope and for those who do, pray that we never do! I close by asking you to think of the victims and all those who love them. Now, a young man must come to terms with his evil deeds and ----well---that's over to him.

A missing police dog makes the headlines in New Zaland!

How can it be that when a police dog goes missing in the New Zealand bush, that the event replaces the headlines about other issues currently facing the nation? Social media and mainstream outlets were united in their response to the plight of ‘Thames,’ the beautiful dog.’ He went missing during a training exercise in a rugged bush area not too far from Palmerston North in the North Island of New Zealand. For a week, every paper in New Zealand and many FB posts expressed concern for Thames. The New Zealand bush does not have dangerous snakes or other predators, other than the odd rogue pig that can do some damage, given the ’wrong’ circumstances, but other than that, deaths occur more for being caught out without cold weather gear or through injury. Thames had survival skill and even though he was a bit hungry when found, he probably scored a few rats and unsuspecting possums, earning him some ‘brownie points,’ from conservationists. Hopefully, he left the Kiwis alone, had he chanced upon them! Many a kid (OK---I’m one of them!) went to bed each night, asking their parents if Thames would be OK. ‘Yes dear, Thames will be fine,’ came the reply from a not so sure adult but Thames did survive, true to the nature of his breed. When the news broke, we can be dammed sure that a few tears were shed; tears of genuine joy. ‘WHY---- It’s just a dog,’ you say. I can’t answer that with any real knowledge. Is I that part of us has this needs to love something that does not represent opinion, anger, hurt, destruction and generally is seen as an extension of family? The relationship between dogs and humans goes back thousands of years. Ask most dog owners how their dog is after an accident or sickness and you may well see a tearing up. My own feelings re my dog are very strong, to say the least. That she could go missing is the stuff of nightmares. Night after night, we have witnessed the very lowest of human behaviour, re other human events, not the least being a revolting video of an ISIS ‘execution’ a young man—the reasons way beyond anything I can relate to. It is ‘news’ like that and other reports around man’s inhumanity to others, which usually takes the slot. Are we so sickened by that, whereby we search out something more---healing?’ I think so. Dogs and other animals represent an innocence, an escape from the nasty side of humans. When we hear a story as reported in the last week, we latch onto it and it gives us hope when we hear a happy result. It is this hope and consequent happy ending that we yearn for. Hope---the missing factor in so many lives and a humble dog fills the gap! www.authorneilcoleman.com