tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-229768892024-03-13T09:24:41.191-07:00PiNLUXENTREPRENUER | TRAVELER | PHOTOGRAPHERGrace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.comBlogger358125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-35265585190037637282023-08-13T22:00:00.060-07:002023-11-10T13:50:10.165-08:00Perseid meteor shower 2023 & Light Pollution | Joshua Tree National Park<p></p>Hey party people! So, I pulled an all-nighter with half of Southern California to catch the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perseids" target="_blank">Perseid meteor shower</a> at <a href="https://www.nps.gov/jotr/index.htm" target="_blank">Joshua Tree National Park</a>. It was like the celestial Super Bowl, only with shooting stars instead of touchdowns. I saw dozens and dozens of shooting stars and even managed to photograph a few.<div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KLFZn9KNkdGGiRZK7rycroJtI6Xgiep4KoqEdsXcFCbKcrUZ6jnxB-u731r4Eb3ICiIy0arvhMjslf89ieyqZoIhcjqeRTEapcIqxyKpIRJbGj8MNVuhr8nHK98VZ2o-9XGAhQLHjP9aa5N3eByEwKsE5tfC1keEq7NiZ1HYcSoAEfgB7ErfWg/s6240/Perseid.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_KLFZn9KNkdGGiRZK7rycroJtI6Xgiep4KoqEdsXcFCbKcrUZ6jnxB-u731r4Eb3ICiIy0arvhMjslf89ieyqZoIhcjqeRTEapcIqxyKpIRJbGj8MNVuhr8nHK98VZ2o-9XGAhQLHjP9aa5N3eByEwKsE5tfC1keEq7NiZ1HYcSoAEfgB7ErfWg/w640-h426/Perseid.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Now, would I do it again? Maybe, but hold on to your telescope. There was way too much traffic to get into the park, even at 2:00 am. And escaping the headlights of passing cars? Easier said than done. Back in the day, during the Geminid meteor shower, I could've counted the cars on one hand. Now? It's like a stellar rush hour. The <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Light_pollution">light pollution</a> from the nearby towns is also worse than it used to be.</div><div><br /></div><div>But fear not, I found a semi-secret spot in JT without needing a spaceship to get there. It was just me, a handful of fellow starry-eyed folks, and the occasional jackrabbit trying to join the meteor party. Sadly, I had to abandon my dreams of light painting out of respect for my fellow stargazers. Sacrifices were made, my friends. I set my camera up on a tripod and used the intervalometer to continuously shoot for the time I was there. After that, I just sat back, drank wine, and enjoyed the show.</div><div><br />Here's the deal: let's talk about light pollution, shall we? I want you to enjoy the stars, not a glare festival. So, be a star and join the fight against light pollution<span style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; font-family: Söhne, ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji"; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. L</span>et's all take a cosmic vow to reduce light pollution. It's time to let the stars have their moment in the spotlight (or, you know, the lack of it). Turn off unnecessary lights, shield those pesky bulbs, and let the universe sparkle without interference. Let's keep it stellar, my friends! </div><div><br /></div><div>#SaveTheStarryNight<p></p></div>Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-72715740263120673712023-07-29T22:00:00.000-07:002023-11-27T09:37:41.489-08:00Kruang Tedd Thai Restaurant | Los Angeles, CA<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KQdx5b8gKhU6SYWUdqS8WCLfh5zIEw0qw3BoNodGUzg7QxHmgY3vLkNfXwuZbS_cHClmQI4m03EufVt-qBGka2dEGHghRh7hCvlmpnCXW9D8__qx91aAdKdzoVrEtZf4ucS8Gtr6spohow_CQ15PICsGFzsedjUmw2qZc02R3CSkpLJSSAFHaw/s4032/BNPO2581.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KQdx5b8gKhU6SYWUdqS8WCLfh5zIEw0qw3BoNodGUzg7QxHmgY3vLkNfXwuZbS_cHClmQI4m03EufVt-qBGka2dEGHghRh7hCvlmpnCXW9D8__qx91aAdKdzoVrEtZf4ucS8Gtr6spohow_CQ15PICsGFzsedjUmw2qZc02R3CSkpLJSSAFHaw/w400-h300/BNPO2581.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kruang Tedd</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a href="https://www.kruangteddla.com">Kruang Tedd</a><br />5151 Hollywood Blvd<br />Los Angeles, CA 90027<br />Phone: (323) 667-9800<br /><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>Hey folks! Just had the most epic late lunch hangout with Pam at Krung Tedd in LA. And yep, we totally ordered enough food for a small army, but let’s be real, snapping pics got in the way of the most important job—devouring all that deliciousness! Sometimes, you gotta prioritize the eating over the ‘gramming, am I right?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFVHH37eb3WGfZGcSWiLOKOtB3MI82Q_z7i5C4Wkj0NW4UCZdL5L86xOd0Zff_cw_OI0M5pbGTXh4wT0MUTr3Y8TwzS2l9a_ISNw1fbLmHM6jgGEkjRy0kIbA7bZ1bZRmSLG5l_9Du4X-snx0w9FAOnxi7NJRxqZ7ff6QwdKqRYuifbg5iZp_YQ/s3240/IMG_4419.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFVHH37eb3WGfZGcSWiLOKOtB3MI82Q_z7i5C4Wkj0NW4UCZdL5L86xOd0Zff_cw_OI0M5pbGTXh4wT0MUTr3Y8TwzS2l9a_ISNw1fbLmHM6jgGEkjRy0kIbA7bZ1bZRmSLG5l_9Du4X-snx0w9FAOnxi7NJRxqZ7ff6QwdKqRYuifbg5iZp_YQ/s320/IMG_4419.jpg" /></a></div><br />Seriously though, Krung Tedd is the real deal. Legit authentic flavors, portions big enough to feed a hungry Grace, and oh boy, those signature cocktails are something else! If you're in LA and craving some darn good eats, this spot's a winner. Cheers to good food and even better company! <br /><b><br />Dishes Ordered</b><br />Kai Jeaw Moo Sap (Thai-style omelet with pork) | ไข่เจียวหมูสับ<br />Yum Woon Sen (glass noodle salad with pork, shrimp, and squid) | ยำวุ้นเส้น<br />Khao Mok Gai | ข้าวหมกไก่<br />Som Tum Plara (Papaya Salad with Fermented Fish Sauce) | ส้มตำปลาร้า<br />Tom Yum Soup | ต้มยำ<br />BBQ Pork | หมูย่าง<br />Andaman Sea Cocktail<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmAQD6nykjrqSyEkmTVhqLxJCvBo_zlvaHdHyMZMWdRSTD2tjkC1g-fivVcMKFiE0UqiciZvkMv_0_3rVQYmH0fPD7GrQJ93nlk7ArBsqrUlmAbe85tNIdxH9OXbWN7oSa0wScREOOAnw6IMsIhbpiUepIflNbgoZF_q4NgzKRcJajQO9dbIFJw/s4032/IMG_4408.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjmAQD6nykjrqSyEkmTVhqLxJCvBo_zlvaHdHyMZMWdRSTD2tjkC1g-fivVcMKFiE0UqiciZvkMv_0_3rVQYmH0fPD7GrQJ93nlk7ArBsqrUlmAbe85tNIdxH9OXbWN7oSa0wScREOOAnw6IMsIhbpiUepIflNbgoZF_q4NgzKRcJajQO9dbIFJw/w300-h400/IMG_4408.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Spicy Glass Noodle Salad ยำวุ้นเส้น</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5aP_3LicBTfIzxb3iXgteHQ8YknfhvjpV5DXHrl-ZJV07c0ekKE3UYi54YsUKg27VwcooepdHyDudJiFdLO9ZfbUD1Tu6htlgCYmRokPWiN8S2I-aN8wb5gmGazdaYC_oQzz6o5Tbl9eonbICGF_9qAY84yZ9TN6CE94KSUOJf4p0WU6NSqG0zA/s4032/IMG_4409.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5aP_3LicBTfIzxb3iXgteHQ8YknfhvjpV5DXHrl-ZJV07c0ekKE3UYi54YsUKg27VwcooepdHyDudJiFdLO9ZfbUD1Tu6htlgCYmRokPWiN8S2I-aN8wb5gmGazdaYC_oQzz6o5Tbl9eonbICGF_9qAY84yZ9TN6CE94KSUOJf4p0WU6NSqG0zA/w300-h400/IMG_4409.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Khao Mok Gai ข้าวหมกไก่</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQl3_fe98LPlhNaJoH7WwgGpc0xCbmAJUZ-5F_Ij7JAeoillnuAKdB-J4uz3b6O78EEeqrMMkNo5CnF39uut-tSxZShb0bwngEiv4EQW1ZzvTXE2XsmJllwXWOmU6elDsf3UJdywdhOlB63mzZ-xtGiGFDB0iT937FOxQPhKxFIoO62GCWZtb8Ag/s3420/IMG_4411.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQl3_fe98LPlhNaJoH7WwgGpc0xCbmAJUZ-5F_Ij7JAeoillnuAKdB-J4uz3b6O78EEeqrMMkNo5CnF39uut-tSxZShb0bwngEiv4EQW1ZzvTXE2XsmJllwXWOmU6elDsf3UJdywdhOlB63mzZ-xtGiGFDB0iT937FOxQPhKxFIoO62GCWZtb8Ag/w354-h400/IMG_4411.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Andaman Sea</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-55637844599592670872023-07-27T23:33:00.003-07:002023-07-28T00:13:13.179-07:00Return to Blogging<p><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Hello dear readers - all 2 of you (maybe less now - it has been a while). I’ve said several times over the past few years that I would return to writing here regularly, but I didn’t. Life just got in the way. You know how that goes….</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-474ff07a-7fff-3a88-53dc-d1d7d666c4a4"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Well, as it turns out, part of that life recently got out of my way and, suddenly, here I am with a bit more time on my hands than I used to have.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Several people have told me over the past decade that I should start blogging, not knowing I’ve had one since 2006. Hardly any of my friends knew about it because I never told them. They told me to write about my travel and dining experiences, to expand on my short posts from Facebook. I said, “Sure,” but never actually followed through. I never thought anyone would care enough about what I had to say, let alone be any good at writing. A part of me still doesn’t. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Recently, I started writing theater reviews for the <a href="https://www.lamiradablog.com" target="_blank">La Mirada Blog</a>. I suppose Tony Aiello, the blog’s owner and editor, just wanted more content and was willing to help get me free tickets in return for a few notes on the show. Well, I guess he liked my writing. He wasn’t the first person to tell me that. I’d heard it a handful of times, but they were from my friends and I assume they just said that to be nice. Maybe. Just maybe. I’m not as bad I as think I am.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Well, FUCK IT. I like to write, so I’m gonna do it… even if I think I suck. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #980000; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">NICHES</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I’ve heard that in order to have a successful blog, you have to have a niche. “They” say If you’re interested in a topic, chances are, other people will be too. And I subscribe to that notion. I subscribe to YouTube channels, Instagram pages, and Podcasts that are niche specific. I don’t subscribe to anything in which the topic changes from day to day. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I’m interested in so many things though!!! Budget traveling. Eating Out (not </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">that</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> kind of “eating out”). Arts. Entertainment. Etc. I’d hate it if I had to pick just one. So I’m not. I’m going to keep writing about EVERYTHING I’m interested in. If certain topics resonate with people more than others then I’ll consider creating a blog that is specific to that niche. If there are topics you want me to write more about, let me know. I’m open to suggestions. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #980000; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">PICTURES</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I like taking pictures. Rest assured, future posts will contain them (and maybe even videos), but not tonight. Not right now. Sleep calls to me.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Right now, this post is for the readers amongst us. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #990000; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>CHANGES</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I haven't updated this blog in YEARS. Be warned. I will be cleaning up this blog over the next few weeks. Posts I now find cringy will be removed. Links will be updated. If you have any suggestions to make this better, please let me know. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Love you all!</span></p><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-6997304487077276952023-01-10T08:47:00.005-08:002023-01-10T08:47:42.149-08:00 I’m Reading Books Again<p><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I read a total of two books last year - and one of those books was half comprised of illustrations. The decade before that: none (that I can remember). I do BUY lots of books though, but never really read them. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-ad4bbaa5-7fff-abc4-7520-7a4a7fc9de96"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I used to read a lot in my childhood and through my teenage years. Oh, how I looked forward to those cheap newsprint Scholastic Book order forms each month! And no matter how many books I wanted to order or what books I wanted to read, my family just handed me the $$$ - no questions asked. Any time I wanted to go to the library, I was just taken. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t know if that was a deliberate choice by my family in order to encourage me to read or if it was just because I was spoiled. In any case, I’m grateful for that. I was never forced to read any books (to the detriment of my academic career), but I was never stopped from reading anything I wanted to either. I read just as much fiction as non-fiction. I swapped back and forth as my mood dictated. Because of that, reading and learning have always been considered pleasurable activities. I LOVED reading. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As I got to college I read fewer and fewer books until it trickled to a stop. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So why did I stop? I thought about WHY I used to read so much in the first place. It was because it was a source of entertainment and information for me. There weren’t many choices back then. Once a more robust internet came along I had a different source of entertainment and ways to gather information. That, coupled with the demands of academic life and work life, I just felt like I didn’t have time to read for pleasure anymore. It just wasn’t a priority for me. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">After a decade of barely reading anything (short of social media posts and a couple of online articles), I finally remember that books are still a good source of entertainment and they are a great source of in-depth information too. So here I am, starting to reading again. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Oh, how I miss that feeling of getting lost in a story that I just don’t get when I watch a TV show. I miss the depth of information that a 15-minute YouTube video just doesn’t give me.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t get me wrong, I still think the internet is fantastic. I can communicate with friends half a world away practically in real-time. I have access to far more information now than I ever did in the first 40 years of my life combined. It’s still a rich resource I would never want to give it up. But there’s room for books too. The more the merrier, right?</span></p><br /></span>Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-3463083108387205082015-06-14T11:53:00.000-07:002015-06-14T11:53:00.701-07:00Advice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HXrBDPrKl5E/VXh4dNSZY3I/AAAAAAAAC7w/PWpM57hocFk/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-10%2Bat%2B10.48.08%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HXrBDPrKl5E/VXh4dNSZY3I/AAAAAAAAC7w/PWpM57hocFk/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-06-10%2Bat%2B10.48.08%2BAM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I once read, "Don't take advice from someone who isn't where you want to be."<br />
<br />
That has stuck with me for nearly 20 years. Over the years I have noticed that many people give me advice and most of the time it's unsolicited. Unsolicited advice is now a pet peeve of mine. Most of the time, it's waste of my time.<br />
<br />
First off, let me say that I appreciate advice, even when it's unsolicited. I understand that people are just trying to be helpful and I am grateful for that. However, for me, when advice is given without asking, it's just a waste of my time. No, I don't think that I'm sooooo smart, I never need advice. I need advice frequently, but when I WANT it, I ask.<br />
<br />
I have noticed that people often give me advice without ever asking what it is I want to accomplish, let alone asking if I already have a plan to do what I want. No, they just give it to me. I can only assume that they are presuming to know what I want (but I think it's often projection) and assuming that I don't know enough to do what I want.<br />
<br />
I often don't ask for advice from people because I know how to use Google. I have been told many times that you can't believe everything on the web. Then I wonder why the person who told me that feels the need to say it? Have they met people who believe everything they read online? Who are those people? Why are they associating with them? Anyway, NO, I don't believe the majority of the things I read online. I do take into consideration the credibility of the source of the information. I also take the time to search for multiple, credible sources and take that information into consideration. When I think Google is a more efficient source of information, I will search for it there. When I think asking someone with credibility for information is the more efficient source of information, I will ask the person. Most of the time, Google serves my needs.<br />
<br />
I have a disdain for unsolicited advice, enough so that I try my hardest to never give it. I have been thanked by several people for the advice I gave them even though I NEVER gave a word of advice. When people lament on a problem, I start asking questions. The first thing I ask is what they want. Then I ask them why they want it and what they are doing to get what they want. Over the course of the conversation, I haven't given a single piece of advice. They come to their own conclusion about what they want to do and then they thank me for the "good" advice.<br />
<br />
I have found that people often know what they want, even if they haven't articulated it - even to themselves. I have also found out that people, generally, have an idea about how they want to accomplish it. When I don't think it's a good idea, I ask them why they think that will help them accomplish their goal. Sometimes, their explanation makes sense to me. When it doesn't, I ask more questions, like, "have you considered __________?" or why they don't think a particular course of action will work.<br />
<br />
If the person is still at a loss of how to accomplish what they want to do, I ASK them if they want suggestions or help. If they don't, I don't give it and we move on to the next topic.<br />
<br />
For me, please feel free to give me suggestions AFTER after you have asked what it is I want to accomplish and AFTER you have asked me if I already have a plan and why I want to do something a certain way, but only if you disagree with it. I will always take that advice under consideration, but it doesn't mean I'll take it. </div>
Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-9147425114435642052015-06-10T23:11:00.000-07:002015-06-10T23:11:00.642-07:00The Golden RuleThis is the best thing I read today.
"The Golden Rule—treat others as you want to be treated—has a fatal flaw: it assumes that all people want to be treated the same way."Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-50592662200368946412015-06-10T09:54:00.004-07:002015-06-14T10:44:54.030-07:00Breakups<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QGRchkwZfj0/VXhrkaEewHI/AAAAAAAAC7c/EQ1hR6dZBNw/s1600/Projects.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QGRchkwZfj0/VXhrkaEewHI/AAAAAAAAC7c/EQ1hR6dZBNw/s400/Projects.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I recently broke up with my boyfriend and it's been interesting, particularly my friends' reaction to it. Many friends have offered their sympathy and some other well-meaning friends have offered their unsolicited (but appreciated) advice on how to deal with it.<br />
<br />
Now, I've been through a few breakups in my day and I haven't felt the exact same way about any of them. Sometimes I think good riddance. Other times I long to have my loved one back. This last one is a mix of both. There are things I miss terribly. There are things I am elated to not have deal with anymore. For this break up I just want to be alone so I sort can through the two conflicting emotions, find out what’s at the root of each, and then figure out what to do about them.<br />
<br />
<b>Saying His Name</b><br />
<br />
One friend mentioned that he was surprised that I still talk casually about my ex and still use his name. For a moment I thought that was odd. Why would I mind saying his name? He said he had a couple of friends who, nearly, immediately started calling their ex “that woman” or “that man”. Come to think of it, my ex, Sal, rarely said any of his ex’s names either.<br />
<br />
<b>Getting Rid of His Stuff</b><br />
<br />
Another friend was surprised that I was keeping a lot of stuff that belonged to my ex. They were things he didn’t seem to want to take with him when he left. I’m keeping some things for sentimental reason and I’m keeping others because they’re useful. I’m not throwing out the ice trays he bought. I really like ice. I’m not throwing out the chair he bought, it’s quite comfortable. I’m not throwing out the bench press or the bar because I want to use it. My arms could use some strength training. I’m not throwing out pictures of him either because, to me, they are just a part of my story. Anything I didn’t want, I gave back or threw out.<br />
<br />
<b>Don't Hurt Myself</b><br />
<br />
More than a few friends suggested that I don’t hurt myself. The first time I heard it, I just took it with a grain of salt thinking, yeah, I guess some people do want to hurt themselves after a breakup, but I’m not one of them. Then, when more people started to say it, I started to worry. Am I giving off some sort of vibe that makes people feel that I’m going to hurt myself and compels them to let me know this? Really, I just want a few days to mope around and think about how I feel. I recognize that I sometimes zone out when I have something on my mind, but does it give off the impression that I want to hurt myself?<br />
<br />
<b>Distract Yourself</b><br />
<br />
Others have suggested I go out and distract myself, to go out with friends and do something, anything. Why would I want to avoid dealing with my emotions only to have to deal with them later because I put it off? I’m not planning on wallowing in my grief forever nor planning to live as a hermit. Left to my own devices, I’m estimating about three days of soul searching. It’s going to take much longer if I just keep putting it off.
Of course, it doesn’t mean that I haven’t put it off. I’ve gone to work. I’ve gone out with friends, but my mind isn’t completely there because my attention is still on the breakup.<br />
<br />
<b>Dealing With It</b><br />
<br />
A friend of mine sent me the above Dilbert comic strip. It’s about work and interruptions. Tasks get completed far more quickly without interruptions. Distracting myself is an interruption.<br />
<br />
So, maybe, when your other friend hasn’t dealt with their break up 6 months later and you’re wondering why they are still dwelling on it, maybe, it’s because they have followed that advice to not dwell on it and therefore not deal with it.<br />
<br />
I think everyone deals with breakups in their own way. For me, please, please just let me deal with this in my own way.</div>
Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-31391509003977770862015-03-28T23:34:00.001-07:002015-03-28T23:34:01.628-07:00Fresno and Bravo FarmsI drove out to Fresno today to renew my driver's license. Heck, I love road trips.<br />
<br />
I stopped by Bravo Farms on the way back, it's my favorite place on earth. It's my little escape and I hope to have a home just like it one day, complete with goats, a mini golf course, and a pool table. Oh, and of course, the tree house.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow begins my mission to bring a little of that Bravo Farms feeling to my back yard. I'll be cleaning and working in the garden all day. Yup. I will.Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-7042819202473400222015-03-22T23:00:00.000-07:002015-03-23T07:50:24.775-07:00Happy Birthday to Me!!!Today is my birthday and I'm one of those people who LOVES celebrate to my birthday.<br />
<br />
This year was different. I wanted a quiet birthday. My birthday gift to myself this year was just time to reassess my life and my goals. I just got out of a relationship that ended badly a few weeks prior. For the first time in over 20 years, I'm single and I plan to stay that way... for a while.<br />
<br />
There are things I want to do with my life and having to balance that with time and consideration for a significant other is not something I want right now. I have a lot of quirks and I know that it can drive someone nuts. I'm 37 and have been compromising with someone else for the better part of my life. I'm taking this time for me.<br />
<br />
I hope you keep stopping by this blog in the days and weeks to come. Hopefully, we can begin this new chapter in my life together.Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-59139813555539745622014-12-25T17:20:00.001-08:002014-12-25T17:20:42.457-08:00ArizonaWe are so behind schedule. We should be setting up camp somewhere in Winslow AZ by now, but we barely just left Laughlin and have just crossed over into Arizona. Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-81564054229949012602014-12-24T21:15:00.001-08:002014-12-24T21:15:28.650-08:00Primm, NVJust crossed the first state line on my Road trip. We stopped at Primm, Nevada to get gas, but I noticed it was mostly dark at Buffalo Bill's. That's my favorite casino at state line! I love that roller coaster! It was the only roller coaster I've ever been on that gave me butterflies in my tummy. I loved that they had a huge lounge non-gamblers could sit at for hours, waiting for their gambler friends. I read there for hours. Oh, I hope they are just renovating. Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-31790744073811174272014-12-24T20:11:00.001-08:002014-12-24T20:11:09.856-08:00Baker, CAIt's now 57 degrees in Baker according to the big thermometer. Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-12081747741513609312014-12-24T20:08:00.001-08:002014-12-24T20:08:25.771-08:00The 15Living in LA, I don't get to see many stars. I'm lucky if I see 10. This is the first time in 6 months I've looked up in the sky and it's filled with stars. I can barely make out constellations. I see Orion, bright and clear, but everything else is lost in the sea of lights. Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-21187716524459334632014-09-02T07:17:00.000-07:002014-09-02T07:18:02.753-07:00Three Layer Pork Palo<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XfgkLTNMh84/VAXRQKiharI/AAAAAAAACO0/zMoK2xY_x58/s1600/Palo%2BIngredients.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XfgkLTNMh84/VAXRQKiharI/AAAAAAAACO0/zMoK2xY_x58/s1600/Palo%2BIngredients.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
I've been learning how to cook these past few years. Before this, I mostly reheated frozen meals and made instant ramen. Last night, I tried to make Three Layer Pork Palo and I'm happy to report I was successful, for the most part. I could probably use a little less star anise next time, but it did come out edible and tasting like it was generally supposed to. Yay!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X8y9EjZE1jg/VAXRQfSZm1I/AAAAAAAACO4/Z4HxCMpkUTY/s1600/Palo%2BMoo%2BSaam%2BChaan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X8y9EjZE1jg/VAXRQfSZm1I/AAAAAAAACO4/Z4HxCMpkUTY/s1600/Palo%2BMoo%2BSaam%2BChaan.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-47775115595313340802014-07-05T18:48:00.000-07:002014-07-05T18:48:11.708-07:00"Business Cards"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsiZfQxBzfo/U7iqYI3GDgI/AAAAAAAACJ8/PeWgsoprI9A/s1600/social+media+cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GsiZfQxBzfo/U7iqYI3GDgI/AAAAAAAACJ8/PeWgsoprI9A/s1600/social+media+cards.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My new "business cards" just arrived. I'm so excited. Now, it's time to design something a little more traditional. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-7940044056387473252014-07-05T07:45:00.000-07:002014-10-16T09:50:56.124-07:002nd Chance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YiIXExnAXQA/U7gOYXkwYLI/AAAAAAAACJo/4Z6jsr0ZLxs/s1600/scratchers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YiIXExnAXQA/U7gOYXkwYLI/AAAAAAAACJo/4Z6jsr0ZLxs/s1600/scratchers.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My friend takes walks in the afternoon and she told me how sometimes she finds old scratchers. She'll take them home and enter the <a href="http://www.calottery.com/play/second-chance" target="_blank">2nd Chance</a> drawings. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since she told me about them, I've been stopping by the scratcher vending machine at my local supermarket to see if any were left behind. Usually I'll find one or two, but I totally scored this last trip! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Who knows. I might win some free money this time. </div>
Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-17365362603503769092014-06-12T19:51:00.000-07:002014-06-12T19:53:34.454-07:00Wildfires to Wildflowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYYFNPiJEV8/U5pd0gox_8I/AAAAAAAACGY/3B2fOdsmjAI/s1600/The_Rim_Fire_in_the_Stanislaus_National_Forest_on_Aug._17,_2013_-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MYYFNPiJEV8/U5pd0gox_8I/AAAAAAAACGY/3B2fOdsmjAI/s1600/The_Rim_Fire_in_the_Stanislaus_National_Forest_on_Aug._17,_2013_-001.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
My favorite campsite is located just outside of <a href="http://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm" target="_blank">Yosemite</a> in the <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/stanislaus" target="_blank">Stanislaus National Forest</a>. Last year the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rim_Fire" target="_blank">Rim Fire</a>, California's third largest fire, burned over 250,000 acres around the area. The trees are still pretty brown and crispy, but the forest is definitely starting to recover. Wildflowers were growing all place and these are just the ones I was able to get to.<br />
<br />
It'll probably take quite a few years for the place to become as green and lush as it used to be, but for now, it's interesting to see how a forest is reborn.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AEw4zc-uda8/U5piyBEMrBI/AAAAAAAACIc/aM40KrmTDR0/s1600/_MG_0898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AEw4zc-uda8/U5piyBEMrBI/AAAAAAAACIc/aM40KrmTDR0/s1600/_MG_0898.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8LtRUI3NJgk/U5piy-fr-lI/AAAAAAAACII/5qUzPUoTChI/s1600/_MG_0913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8LtRUI3NJgk/U5piy-fr-lI/AAAAAAAACII/5qUzPUoTChI/s1600/_MG_0913.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQXzmh7QKyU/U5pizAsHuBI/AAAAAAAACIM/w6fXt3MsRew/s1600/_MG_0915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQXzmh7QKyU/U5pizAsHuBI/AAAAAAAACIM/w6fXt3MsRew/s1600/_MG_0915.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxDsgLI_Ois/U5pisS_VslI/AAAAAAAACGw/hTJPau2sYhU/s1600/IMG_6905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxDsgLI_Ois/U5pisS_VslI/AAAAAAAACGw/hTJPau2sYhU/s1600/IMG_6905.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9gme_JgAZA4/U5piz5zFBVI/AAAAAAAACIY/7w58-D3w004/s1600/_MG_0940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9gme_JgAZA4/U5piz5zFBVI/AAAAAAAACIY/7w58-D3w004/s1600/_MG_0940.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxDsgLI_Ois/U5pisS_VslI/AAAAAAAACGw/hTJPau2sYhU/s1600/IMG_6905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxDsgLI_Ois/U5pisS_VslI/AAAAAAAACGw/hTJPau2sYhU/s1600/IMG_6905.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yFRfZUhyVlM/U5pis-CGXdI/AAAAAAAACG0/CxRzIVsvtZA/s1600/IMG_6909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yFRfZUhyVlM/U5pis-CGXdI/AAAAAAAACG0/CxRzIVsvtZA/s1600/IMG_6909.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i08bt-hyROw/U5pitkM2IPI/AAAAAAAACHU/d5LmQsoXaFc/s1600/IMG_6924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i08bt-hyROw/U5pitkM2IPI/AAAAAAAACHU/d5LmQsoXaFc/s1600/IMG_6924.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--wVxG3SVdWQ/U5pisvu1jBI/AAAAAAAACHI/HahQUwI4mgU/s1600/IMG_6914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--wVxG3SVdWQ/U5pisvu1jBI/AAAAAAAACHI/HahQUwI4mgU/s1600/IMG_6914.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Un-73Ms9qNk/U5piuAVB_bI/AAAAAAAACHE/7xYzISaBBGI/s1600/IMG_6930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Un-73Ms9qNk/U5piuAVB_bI/AAAAAAAACHE/7xYzISaBBGI/s1600/IMG_6930.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ttOoYKSChs/U5piyCeGQQI/AAAAAAAACH4/p5mW6EcnMz4/s1600/IMG_6941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--ttOoYKSChs/U5piyCeGQQI/AAAAAAAACH4/p5mW6EcnMz4/s1600/IMG_6941.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GtvQzAe5lWs/U5piwd3rqHI/AAAAAAAACHk/faBTFBSyLmM/s1600/IMG_6964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GtvQzAe5lWs/U5piwd3rqHI/AAAAAAAACHk/faBTFBSyLmM/s1600/IMG_6964.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HUNWnEabvmM/U5piyFnsyRI/AAAAAAAACIE/OW2u6GiNQ2c/s1600/IMG_6981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HUNWnEabvmM/U5piyFnsyRI/AAAAAAAACIE/OW2u6GiNQ2c/s1600/IMG_6981.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lmWjZadr_yc/U5pixVZiaXI/AAAAAAAACHs/_IzwqFs400M/s1600/IMG_6990.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lmWjZadr_yc/U5pixVZiaXI/AAAAAAAACHs/_IzwqFs400M/s1600/IMG_6990.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kAu5071C6Oo/U5pivu8yaJI/AAAAAAAACHg/cc_-3vOMPuU/s1600/IMG_6958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kAu5071C6Oo/U5pivu8yaJI/AAAAAAAACHg/cc_-3vOMPuU/s1600/IMG_6958.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-39065178217651708622014-06-03T13:12:00.000-07:002014-06-11T00:16:04.102-07:006 Tips for Surviving Disneyland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwql3UwI9hs/U5gBvtb0u-I/AAAAAAAACGE/mrpY5pCN89s/s1600/Disney_California_Adventure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gwql3UwI9hs/U5gBvtb0u-I/AAAAAAAACGE/mrpY5pCN89s/s1600/Disney_California_Adventure.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I'm sore. Very sore. I groan when I get up, I groan when I sit down. I groan if I have to move too much. What caused this? Disneyland.<br />
<br />
Even though I practically live down the street from <a href="https://disneyland.disney.go.com/" target="_blank">Disneyland Resort</a>, I rarely ever go. I wanted to make the most of my trip so I got the park hopper tickets and spent 16 hours going between California Adventure and Disneyland. My day felt a lot like the Lord of the Rings, there was a <i>lot</i> of walking, some eating, and I managed to squeeze in a lot of attractions along the way.<br />
<br />
Here are 6 of my personal tips to make your trip to the Disneyland Resort more enjoyable:<br />
<br />
<b>1. Go on a week day.</b><br />
It's just less crowded<br />
<br />
<b>2. Get the park hopper ticket.</b><br />
Personally, I like California Adventure more than Disneyland. It's not as crowded, I like the rides more, and of course, they serve alcohol. I wouldn't recommend doing both parks if you only have one day because there's so much to see and do at each park. For someone who's been there a few times, I really recommend park hopper tickets so you have more options.<br />
<br />
<b>3. Download a ride app</b><br />
There are a ton of free and paid apps out there that can tell you wait times for various attractions. This can help you plan your visit in real time. It even lets you know if rides close down for some reason. Lines for rides are shorter during dinner time and as people start gather for the parades, Fantasmic, and the fireworks show. These are probably the better times to go on the rides with longer wait times.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Use <a href="https://disneyland.disney.go.com/guest-services/fastpass/" target="_blank">FASTPASS</a></b><br />
Use the FASTPASS system. It will save you hours of waiting in line. HOURS. Passes do run out so pick one up as soon as you can, then do other stuff in the mean time.<br />
<br />
<b>5. Make<a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/#/reservations-accepted" target="_blank"> reservations</a> before you go</b><br />
If you're planning on dinning at a popular restaurant, make reservations online before you go. Even if you get there early, some places book up very quickly.<br />
<br />
<b>6. Get the <a href="https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/guest-services/photo-pass-service/" target="_blank">Photo Pass+</a></b><br />
You know I love taking pictures, but I didn't want to spend valuable time doing it, so I got the Photo Pass+. These can be used for pictures from rides and for the photographers located all around both parks. You can hand them your Photo Pass card and any photos taken can be viewed online, edited with fun boarders, and then you can either order a CD or download them. You can save almost $30 by ordering the Photo Pass+ at least 14 days before your visit or pay about $100 for it once you're there. Also make sure to ask for magic shots which will add a little surprise to your photos after they're taken.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24ci5zAWFkg/U5gBOdVMAMI/AAAAAAAACF0/rj4Frr8bhrE/s1600/Disney_Tinkerbell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-24ci5zAWFkg/U5gBOdVMAMI/AAAAAAAACF0/rj4Frr8bhrE/s1600/Disney_Tinkerbell.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pnta9AN0M98/U5gBZ7ZFGdI/AAAAAAAACGA/hAzlczHeM9I/s1600/Disney_Balloons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pnta9AN0M98/U5gBZ7ZFGdI/AAAAAAAACGA/hAzlczHeM9I/s1600/Disney_Balloons.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anyway, these are the attractions I managed to squeeze in in 16 hours.<br />
<br />
<b>California Adventure</b><br />
Silly Symphony Swings<br />
Redwood Creek Challenge Tail<br />
California Screamin'<br />
Sonoma Terrace (had some wine)<br />
The Bakery Tour<br />
Corn Dog Castle (had a hot-link corn dog combo)<br />
It's Tough to be a Bug - Maleficent<br />
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror<br />
Soarin' Over California<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BRpCH0J1g5s/U49-Ee3zBwI/AAAAAAAACFY/UXsgj-sQ_DE/s1600/53176280000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BRpCH0J1g5s/U49-Ee3zBwI/AAAAAAAACFY/UXsgj-sQ_DE/s1600/53176280000.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwE9WsNgk9g/U499XySUesI/AAAAAAAACEY/C5zy7xbjFuA/s1600/53176280001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwE9WsNgk9g/U499XySUesI/AAAAAAAACEY/C5zy7xbjFuA/s1600/53176280001.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Disneyland</b><br />
Jungle Cruise<br />
Pirates of the Caribbean<br />
Blue Bayou (had the jambalaya and rack of lamb)<br />
Haunted Mansion<br />
Enchanted Tiki Room<br />
Disneyland Railroad<br />
It's a Small World<br />
Indiana Jones Adventure<br />
Splash Mountain<br />
Winnie the Pooh<br />
Star Tours - The Adventure Continues<br />
Autopia<br />
Captain EO - Tribute<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3GJhuSQ-2wk/U49-mPwq6pI/AAAAAAAACFk/csya6sYsbEw/s1600/53176280002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3GJhuSQ-2wk/U49-mPwq6pI/AAAAAAAACFk/csya6sYsbEw/s1600/53176280002.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-56313829649288850552014-06-01T09:52:00.001-07:002014-06-01T10:57:05.904-07:00For the Love of ReadingI LOVE reading and I think there are two things in my life that influenced that: my dad and <a href="http://www.readingrainbow.com/" target="_blank">Reading Rainbow</a> with <a href="https://twitter.com/levarburton" target="_blank">Levar Burton</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UlCu-yxlOwU/U4tRgL1QUFI/AAAAAAAACDc/yBxhyHwM9m0/s1600/Reading+Rainbow.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UlCu-yxlOwU/U4tRgL1QUFI/AAAAAAAACDc/yBxhyHwM9m0/s1600/Reading+Rainbow.gif" height="320" width="210" /></a></div>
<br />
When I was in elementary school, we used to get Scholastic book order forms each month. My dad would let me order whatever I wanted from them. He never told me which books he wanted me to read nor would he ever tell me I wasn't allowed to read certain books. This resulted in hundreds of Baby Sitter's Club books, Bad News Ballet books, and horror books all over the house. Yes, I loved horror. My favorite authors were <a href="http://christopherpikefanclub.com/" target="_blank">Christopher Pike</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betty_Ren_Wright" target="_blank">Betty Ren Wright</a>, <a href="http://rlstine.com/" target="_blank">R.L. Stine</a>, and <a href="http://stephenking.com/" target="_blank">Stephen King</a>. Some of my favorite books are still Dollhouse Murders by Betty Ren Wright and The Stand by Stephen King. I was never forced to read something I didn't enjoy (and sometimes that included text books). I know too many people who hate reading because they were forced to read something they didn't care about and associate reading with boredom and even pain.<br />
<br />
My second influence was Reading Rainbow. I watched almost religiously as a kid and well into adulthood. I can still sing the entire theme song. The show was entertaining and made reading entertaining. I loved Levar Burton so much I even started watch <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek:_The_Next_Generation" target="_blank">Star Trek: TNG</a> and now I'm a Trekkie, but that's another story. In 2009, Reading Rainbow went off the air after nearly 30 years.<br />
<br />
This month, Levar Burton has a <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/readingrainbow/bring-reading-rainbow-back-for-every-child-everywh" target="_blank">Reading Rainbow Kickstarter</a> campaign to raise money to bring it back for everyone. This won't bring back the TV show, but will bring it back on other platforms. Please help support this project! Even Data makes an appearance at the end of this video. :)<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/t8DLihxcj14" width="560"></iframe><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">While the original theme song is still my favorite, this cover by Jimmy Fallon as Jim Morrison is pretty awesome too.</span><br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/eBRYsAfchkY" width="560"></iframe>Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-71875209054508673952014-05-26T10:49:00.000-07:002014-06-01T10:56:44.142-07:00Summer Reading - Raise the Bar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0544148304/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0544148304&linkCode=as2&tag=p0b38-20&linkId=I5WEC5NYOOHPVZPB" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5q9sgu0ViUQ/U4Vu9uYI9hI/AAAAAAAACC0/w7-WEL9GK_o/s1600/raise_the_bar.jpg" height="320" width="278" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The semester is over, I'm pretty sure I've aced every single class, and I'm looking forward to catching up on a lot of sleep. However, there are a lot of books I've been meaning to read during the break.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I use the summer to catch up on a lot of reading I've put off and the very first book I want to read is "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0544148304/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0544148304&linkCode=as2&tag=p0b38-20&linkId=I5WEC5NYOOHPVZPB" target="_blank">Raise the Bar</a>" by <a href="http://www.jontaffer.com/" target="_blank">Jon Taffer</a>. I've been WAITING for this book. I watch <a href="http://www.spike.com/shows/bar-rescue" target="_blank">Bar Rescue</a> almost religiously. The show is both entertaining and teaches a lot about business and marketing. </div>
Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-37779057421291912792014-04-12T22:26:00.000-07:002014-06-01T10:56:02.825-07:00LeVar Burton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CORu4O9_DdE/U4tiM4dpnpI/AAAAAAAACDs/TPqpopyVSs8/s1600/LeVar+Burton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CORu4O9_DdE/U4tiM4dpnpI/AAAAAAAACDs/TPqpopyVSs8/s1600/LeVar+Burton.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">I watched Reading Rainbow as a kid (and adult) so when I found out LeVar Burton was going to be at the Festival of Books doing Reading Rainbow LIVE on the Children's Stage, I had to go see him. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;">Apparently, I wasn't the only one who felt this way. Shortly after he arrived on stage, he commented, "Somehow, I expected more kids."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-58021278090061559102014-03-02T15:10:00.000-08:002014-06-01T10:55:26.316-07:00Goodbye Dear FriendGoodbye dear friend. You've had a relatively long life and I'm really sad to see you go.
I can remember how happy I was the day you came into my life. You helped me accomplish so much. You helped me with school work. You saw me through three different jobs. You helped me stay organized. You moved to Las Vegas with me and when I wanted to come back to California, you came back with me too. We've been through a lot together.<br />
<br />
Over the last year I saw you slow down a lot, but it was okay. You were still there for me. We still did things together, but I knew time was drawing near that you wouldn't be with me anymore. Today, you died and I mourn your loss. I don't know how I could ever replace you. I mean, really, new macs are expensive. Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-70736359227659853932014-03-01T13:04:00.000-08:002014-06-01T10:54:51.017-07:00Go Ahead and Worry“Don’t worry.”
“Worrying doesn’t solve anything.”
Well, that’s stupid.
If there’s a problem, I’m going to worry about. I’m going to THINK about it. I’m going to try to figure out a way to solve the problem.
I get it. People are just trying to be helpful. They want to make you feel better, but I don’t see how telling someone to avoiding think about how to solve a problem is very good advice. Okay, so there may be times you don't think there is much of a problem. That's why you tell the person not to worry about it, but the person worrying may have plenty of other reasons to think it is. You just don't know about them. If you really want to be helpful, ask the person what they are worried about and help them figure out a way to solve their problem. Don't tell them to stop thinking about it.
The internet abounds with articles about how to stop worrying. People tend to perceive worrying in a negative way, but it can be a good thing. It's is a process in which mental attempts are made to avoid anticipated potential threats. It can be a very productive function when it leads to constructive action to solve the issue causing the concern.
If your worrying is an attempt figure out a way to solve a problem, go ahead and do it. If you can't figure out a way to solve the problem by yourself, talk to someone. Maybe they can think of a solution you can't.
Not thinking about a problem doesn't solve anything. Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-28707919460833377812014-01-30T08:34:00.000-08:002014-01-30T08:46:49.404-08:00Academic TitlesI've been in college for a long time. This semester I have an instructor who wants me to call her by her first name, another wants me to address him as Professor [last name] and another prefers Mr. [last name].<br />
<br />
For most of my college career, almost all the instructors I've had have preferred to be called by their first name. I liked that. It somehow made me feel like they were more approachable. I understand the social need for formality and can respect their wishes to be called whatever they want, but I do have a difficult time addressing people as "Professor" if they haven't earned the title. While I understand the term "professor" has been accepted for general use, there is a little academic snob in me.<br />
<br />
Colleges and universities often have <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Academic_ranks_(United_States)" target="_blank">academic ranking</a> and if an institution has them, I'd prefer if the people who instructed there respected those titles if they are, in turn, going to demand a degree of respect by requiring students to address them by those titles.<br />
<br />
Anyhow, I'm not going to loose any sleep over this. I'll call them whatever they want as long as they can teach me something and so far, all look promising and I think I'm going to enjoy them very, very much.Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22976889.post-8347390960842090292014-01-18T20:44:00.000-08:002014-06-01T10:07:15.895-07:00Learning OnlineI'm constantly trying to learn new things. I take classes, read books, ask people to teach me things, but I learn a lot of stuff online these days. I like online courses because I can usually learn at my pace. I can skip topics I already know or repeat videos as often as I like for me to get a concept. Most of them are even free. Today, I want to share my favorite sites with you and if you're an educator, maybe you can use some of these resources to provide a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flipped_classroom" target="_blank">flipped classroom</a>.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://lynda.com/">lynda.com</a></b><br />
Cost: $25/month or $250/year or $350/year<br />
This is where to I go to learn software, anything from Photoshop to Microsoft Office applications and more. I also learn design skills, business skills, and watch the occasional inspirational video. The software training videos are usually more in-depth than what I find in traditional classrooms.<br />
<br />
Here is a sample video about proactively managing your career.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/IivOu65aAtQ" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/" target="_blank"><b>YouTube</b></a><br />
Cost: free<br />
I can find videos on just about any topic I want, although I usually watch cooking videos. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/FoodTravelTVEnglish" target="_blank">Food Travel TV English</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/BrunoAlbouze" target="_blank">Bruno Albouze</a> are my two favorites. I learn how to cook traditional Thai food with Food Travel TV. Bruno, well, aside from his food looking super tasty, I just swoon at his accent.<br />
<br />
Here is a video for some fried shrimp wontons I think anyone can make and makes a great appetizer for any occasion... unless you're Jewish. The video is in Thai, but there are English subtitles.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_A2fuIm37QU" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
One of my favorite dishes is ratatouille and Bruno makes one that makes me want to lick the screen. One day, when I get an oven, I'll even try to make this dish.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/u1w7zqbBiXM" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ted.com/" target="_blank"><b>TED</b></a><br />
Cost: free<br />
I watch these videos to learn new ideas about technology, entertainment, and design. I also learn about education and watch performances that sometimes just leave me with my jaw on the floor.<br />
<br />
Here's a video from TED featuring Malcolm Gladwell about choice, happiness, and spaghetti sauce. I like this talk because it clearly illustrates that sometimes, a one size fits all approach isn't the answer.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/iIiAAhUeR6Y" width="480"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.duolingo.com/" target="_blank"><b>Duolingo</b></a><br />
Cost: free<br />
I'm using this site to learn Spanish and Italian. I live in Southern California and knowing Spanish will be extremely useful. Italian is just interesting to me. As an added bonus, I'm also helping to translate the world's knowledge. To find out more about Duolingo, check out this TED video:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-Ht4qiDRZE8" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.codecademy.com/" target="_blank">Code Academy</a></b><br />
Cost: free<br />
I wanted to learn how to make my own website. I tried to learn Dreamweaver, but I still couldn't get it to look the way I wanted. I knew I had to learn how to code. I poured over lynda.com's tutorials and learned basic coding, but Code Academy has exercises. I could type something and see what happened. I think everyone needs to learn some coding in this day and age. If you can't find what you need, create it yourself.<br />
<br />
This video is about code.org, but it still explains why it's important for all of us to learn how to code. Whether you use lynda.com, Code Academy, or code.org, just take a few minutes each day to learn how to code something.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/dU1xS07N-FA" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.khanacademy.org/" target="_blank"><b>Khan Academy</b></a><br />
Cost: free<br />
I feel like the only Asian who is bad at math. Khan Academy is helping to solve that nagging problem. Actually, something clicked in college, I'm fine with math these days, but I still use Khan Academy to practice my math skills and learn new concepts.<br />
<br />
Here is talk present by Sal Khan about how he started Khan Academy and flipped classrooms, the latest rage in education. It's insightful and funny.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/gM95HHI4gLk" width="560"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://academicearth.org/" target="_blank"><b>Academic Earth</b></a><br />
Cost: free<br />
I've always dreamed of going to Standford or Harvard or Yale, and now I can, sort of. Lectures are presented by professors from some of the top academic institutions in the country on subjects ranging from art history to calculus to chemistry to mechanical engineering. Now you can hear the same lectures people pay good money for. Watch videos at your own pace.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.edx.org/" target="_blank"><b>edX</b></a><br />
Cost: free<br />
Pretty similar to Academic Earth, but classes have beginning and end dates and due dates for assignments. You'll get to participate with students who are learning what you are, when you are. Participating schools use us as Guinea pigs for research on education and use that information to improve retention, course completion, and learning outcomes in traditional courses.<br />
<br />
Want to find out more about it? Take the edX Demonstration Course.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.coursera.org/" target="_blank">Coursera</a></b><br />
Cost: free/pay<br />
This site is similar to edX. Okay, I haven't really checked out much of this site yet, but I know you can have access to lectures for free. For a small fee you can sign up for the course and get certified if you successfully complete the course.Grace Suphamarkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09216382116498853309noreply@blogger.com0