Start off with an ugly, green table you picked up from your sister’s junk pile.

Cut a hole out of the middle.

My daughter chose the color of the paint (a light lavender), and is slowly making the table pretty again.

Bottom Painted

Putting some 2×4′s in to hold the dirt and plants.

Painting a second coat, done.

A view from the top.

My daughter admiring her work.

Getting it’s close up.

And from the side, quick and easy… if you don’t count having to wait for the paint to dry.

She, expectedly, received a high marking for her interests in the astronomical project. She was extremely proud of herself at the news that something she was interested in, was now reflecting in a good grade. It became the best of both worlds for her, education coupled with the will of wanting to learn about a subject.

Then she received other news from her school (James Monroe K-8 School). News that brought that spirit down to fear of what would happen next year. Her school had relayed news to her that Long Beach Unified School District was planning to close it’s seventh school in the past 4 years, and Tidah’s school was the target.

Parents had banded together in the past week in an effort to sway the school board’s decision which was made last night. They passed flyers around the neighborhood in an effort to garner support and encourage people to email and call our local representatives as well as email the board officials. There was even a facebook page that was started on behalf of the effort, and of course many parents voicing their opinions and dismay over the news of the possible closure.

If you have read my previous blog posts, you can probably tell that I would not be letting a situation like this happen without myself becoming a loud mouth voice in this fight to keep Monroe open. This was a school where we, along with other parents, put a lot of care into.

My first target was to find a way to speak to Superintendent Chris Steinhauser as I had his twitter handle,  as I needed him to know I wanted him to hear my ideas besides just a plea to keep Monroe from closing. If you notice his twitter feed, he really does not reply back publicly, but I had to raise an eyebrow. Next I went the good ol fashioned route, no not calling or sending a stamped envelope. I emailed him. I sent an extremely long email. I voiced my concerns over the closing of Monroe, asked him to dispel the rumors that Monroe would be flipped into a continuation school, and hear what solutions I wanted to try.

I wanted to personalize the email a bit so he would understand that I was a parent that understood the neighborhood, as well as having attended a LBUSD school previously. Below is my letter:

Good Morning Mr. Chris Steinhauser,

Understandably, you have probably received numerous emails, phone calls, and even twitter messages (especially from myself) in regards to the closing of Monroe. I have also have been made aware of the replies you have given to other concerned parents, to where you point out child attendance within our own community, as well as busing as an issue. Unfortunately, I was hoping there was a better resolution.

My stepdaughter is currently in 3rd grade at the school (and is not bussed in, we actually live a few blocks from the school)…

……(a ton of points here between him and I)…..

Tidah, along with many others would much rather see Long Beach Unified keep Monroe open, finding alternate funding to supplement what is being lost, and working with the City of Lakewood to create their own District, and alleviate some pressure on LBUSD (as well as other school districts). This way we can possibly avoid possible traumatic experiences for our kids, which may cause them to need to attend a continuation school (yes I have heard the continuation school rumor is false).

Thank you,

Anthony Tanaka

Mr. Steinhauser was kind enough to take my message seriously, and almost promptly called me back. Unfortunately, we played phone tag for the first couple of times in trying to communicate. I missed his first call, and he was unable to answer my reply. However, we did finally speak. I calmly explained my position, and tried to include the voices of the other parents in my push as well. First I will say that from some parental positions (whom are often less educated and don’t read up on the situations going on with the school system), are often mindless enough to pop off at the mouth and claim that it must be because Monroe is a bad school. Another, is parents understand the need for budget cuts but can’t understand why Monroe is being targeted.

Mr. Steinhauser explained his position. He mentioned that even though Proposition 30 had passed, it only helped minimally. He spoke on how Monroe’s majority of the population is bused in from different parts the area, and is extremely expensive to do. Monroe’s local population was unable to satisfied the amount of students needed to monetarily justify in keeping the school open. Some have speculated that Measure K may have had some involvement. Ultimately and simply, LBUSD needed to trim some money from an already lean budget. Monroe was going to be a casualty, but the board was having a meeting on Tuesday (Dec. 4th) to hear the parents out. Although, from the sounds of things, the LBUSD minds were made up far in advance of this meeting.

Then this happened last night, every parent’s worst fear: Long Beach Unified school board votes to close Monroe K-8 in Lakewood.

Unfortunately, this was inevitable albeit we all tried, and are still saddened by the closing. My stepdaughter has noticed how popular her school has recently become because of the news. News vans were staked out in front of the school this morning as if they were doing their best impression of an ‘Occupy’ movement.

This is terrible news, but my stepdaughter will be ok. She is obviously a bit fearful of what the future holds. However, as a parent, and someone whom doesn’t like to see any child be deprived of a good education, I am not stopping there. I’d like to see what can be done by resurrecting and pushing a notion for a Lakewood Unified School district. As of right now, there are a multitude of school districts that ‘govern’ over the City of Lakewood. When I spoke to Mr. Steinhauser, he mentioned that even if this were done, Lakewood would need to close some schools. The reason for that being, not enough of Lakewood’s population can fill the necessary number of seats needed. However, perhaps with some interdistrict help, Lakewood can achieve the number of enrollments needed.

My first objective, speak to council men, and Lakewood’s leaders who are still involved in wanting to push this forward. A short conversation with my mom has lead me to Steve Croft and Todd Rogers, both part of Lakewood’s City Council. I did send a lengthy email to both of them, as I have noticed that they were involved with pushing a Lakewood Unified School District, which is currently named as Lakewood Schools Committee. Albeit, I am happy that there is a committee to bring about educational change to Lakewood, I would like to see that name returned to Unified School District. If California is going to get itself back on track on an educational high, parents like myself, as well as our elected leaders need to become even more proactive then just dropping off our kids at school and buying a candy bar during fundraisers. My hope is Lakewood will be a beacon.

I sent a letter to both of the Lakewood Councilmen, and if I am able to, I will publish here later. At time of writing this blog post (Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012, 5:30pm), I have heard back from Mr. Todd Rogers. He explained that he shares in my frustration over the issue of Monroe, as other educational hurdles I had mentioned. However, we will be speaking with each other with in the next few days, and I obviously look forward to it. I hope progress can be made, and there can be some direct action we can take to solidify a comfortable learning system for our kids.

Until then, Tidah will be outside looking at the stars.

Albeit, Apple became large. Steve started small from a garage

These are the same ideas that parallel presidential campaigns. A presidential candidate whom belongs to either a democrat or republican party tends to have a greater advantage then those who may not have the extreme financial backing of those in the to aforementioned parties. This is where the public loses, not just in politics as we cannot hear the ideas of those with a smaller campaign bank account. All though todays internet makes the information on these less known candidates more easily available, banner ads to their sites don’t have either enough real estate, or the average American is probable too lazy to see who else may be in the running.

Going back to the parallel of politics and business, and reiterating that this is where the United States public loses, small businesses is what the United States economy was built on, originally. Regrettably, larger corporations touting better benefits for lemming type of hours began to take over, and smaller businesses took a shot to the stomach (amongst other reasons, which I won’t get into).

Anthony, what’s the point you are trying to make? My point is that too much talent is being overlooked, or never able to be implemented in the first place. I have a good amount of friends and or colleagues that have an exceptional amount of well rounded ideas, and aspirations. However, whether it be a financial obstacle, a family responsibility or simply the motivation to be aggressive; the United States is missing out on a surplus of beneficial ideas. I’ve had conversations with friends on what they want to get done, and tell me of their hinderances; and can’t help to wonder what if? I don’t have a plethora of solutions to help in making their ambitions become reality, however I do know as a country we need to refocus on true talent and not on marketing, banner ads, and negative rhetoric used to steer you into another direction. However, as I am one of those that have initiatives that I want to build, I do know that to my friends, colleagues, and to those of you reading this that we need to support one another, and incubate one another. Building a network of assisting in building foundations to give everyone a fair chance at succeeding in bringing to the public a better product, is probably our best bet in jumping up the ladder.

Incubators and investors (angel or not) may be wonderful resources to help those that want to get started, but I believe this landscape needs to be modified a bit as our economy, businesses and therefore country will begin to work better as free entities for whom the consumer will see better products and positive competition between. This starts at the school levels, collaboration and simple ideas of team work and drive that push students to do better. The teacher and the rest of the educational machine is meant to cultivate, and the concept of this should be carried throughout the rest of life.

The United States won’t become the best in the world again until neighbors are willing to help neighbors. Although I am not suggesting everyone should be working for free, but be open to receive ideas, and offer possible plans of support if possible. Once the United States can get over the negative competition persona of greed is when we will feel empowered again. Capitalism can be a wonderful thing, but not when its used to hurt the public by envisioning negative outcomes without a certain brand, which spills into politics.

This needs to change if we want to see change, harmful competition has spilled into personal vendettas between families and friends, neighbors and colleagues. We can’t win with these types of attitude. So what are you ideas on changing this? What else would you say to those who want to persevere with their own proposals?

Adversity causes some men to break, others to break records.
Ward, William A.

We need to become good listeners again, and not just automated, programmed recordings meant to reply with suggestions that aren’t in depth with meaning. A strong focus on ethics in ALL things we do first, and apply that to your work day and interactions, we could become the best again.

So here it goes.

The shaved head, tatooed, goatee sporting guy that you know once loved wearing his socks up to his knees, envisioning himself playing basketball and shooting 3-pointers like Michael Cooper on the Lakers. I did well when I was younger, I loved playing team sports, it made me feel invigorated and I loved competition. However, my socks were too high, I looked goofy wearing them that way apparently, and wouldn’t be viewed well in other’s eyes. That was my earliest memory of being poked at repeatedly for my appearance.

I didn’t understand it til too long ago, because I honestly try to never think about feeling sorry for myself, but I was bullied. Perhaps maybe not as long, or as harmed as much as other had been, however, I still remember it. I was going to post details of it here, but I don’t think I will attempt to. What happened no longer matters, but it occurred essentially during my middle school to early high school years.

I know it impacted me because it still bothers me today, as to why I didn’t stand up more for myself, or as to why those who were supposed to have been protecting me (school officials, especially in a Christian school setting), simply brushed my situation off as others just needing to get along with me. Everyone has been mistreated at one point or another, however, these years during my Christian middle school years, and some situations with relatives stick with me the most in turning points in my life, and how they have shaped my attitude.

The physical confrontations I had to face, to the constant blasphemous words that would be spewed in my direction for things that I felt I couldn’t control, to having to call my parents and pretend I was simply sick so I needed to leave school, it all began to shape how I view others. To this day I don’t think any of the school officials will remember brushing those issues off, and I don’t think my own parents even know the true story. It is going to stay buried.

I’m going to stop there, simply because there are others out there that need words of strength, then for you, the audience, to hear of my whining of the past. Too my little family member whom is having issues with bullies, stay strong. Keep working hard, and allow your talent be your guide to success. As an example I have always used negative things that have happened to me as adrenaline, as drive to push me forward. As long as it does not make your a bitter person, embrace negativity to help bring you to something positive without any lasting thoughts of hate, and leave all of those bullies behind.

Oh, and the Jabbawockeez were there too:

Cover Photoshopped by Jason Lee

A little list my cousin Taun, friend Jason and I (as we are fans of old school music) are putting together, which perhaps may help some men out there, we figured men out there may need some help, people may want to just have a good listen, or perhaps some wedding music?

(This list will continue to be updated, feel free to leave a comment with your suggestions):

112 – Any
3T – Anything
702 – Don’t Go Breaking My Heart
98º – I Do (Cherish You)
98º – Invisible Man
After seven – ready or not
Amyth – Tender Love
Atlantic Starr – Masterpiece
Atlantic Starr – Always
Az Yet – Last Night
Babyface – Everytime I Close My Eyes
Babyface – Two Occasions
Barry White – You’re my First, My Last, My Everything
Blessid Union Of Souls – I Believe Love Will Find A Way
Boyz II Men – I’ll Make Love to You
Boyz II men – please don’t go away from me
Brian McKnight – Only One For Me
Brian mcknight – back at one
Bryan Adams – Everything I Do
Chicago – you’re the inspiration
Color Me Badd – forever love
Color Me Badd – Sex You Up
Color Me Badd – Sun, Moon, Earth
Cover Girls – Promise Me
Damage – Forever
Debbie Gibson – Lost In Your Eyes
Devotion – Need You By My Side
Dru Hill – Never Make a Promise
Edwin McCain – I’ll Be
Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight
Foreigner – Waiting For A Girl Like You
Forte – Give My Love To You
Ginuwine – Pony
Ginuwine – So Anxious
H-Town – Knockin Da Boots
Hi-Five – I Can’t Wait Another Minute
Hi-Five – I Like The Way
Immature – Constantly
INOJ – Let Me Love You Down
Honeyz – finally found
Jeremy Jordan – The Right Kind Of Love
Jodeci – Feenin
Jodeci – Freakin You
Jon B. & Babyface – Someone To Love
Jon B. – Pretty Girl
Johnny Gill – My, My, My
Jordan Knight – tender love
Karyn white – One Heart
K Ci and Jojo – All My Life
Kai – Say You’ll Stay
Keith Sweat - I’ll Give All My Love To You
Keith Sweat – Nobody
Keith Sweat – Twisted
Kenny G feat Toni Braxton – That Somebody Was You
Lea salonga – bakit labis kitang mahal
Lionel Richie – Hello
LSG – My Body
Luther Vandross – Here and Now
Luther Vandross – There’s nothing better than love
Marvin Gaye – Let’s Get It On
Matsuda seiko – The right combination
Meatloaf – I Will Do Anything For Love
Maroon 5 – She Will Be Loved
Marvin Gaye – Sexual Healing
Mint Condition – Breakin’ my heart [pretty brown eyes]
Monica – Angel of Mine
Monica – For You I Will
New Edition – Can You Stand The Rain
New Edition – Lost In Love
New edition – I’m still in love with you
New kids on the block – I’ll be loving you [forever]
New kids on the block – Since you walked into my life
Next – Too Close
One Voice – Deep In My Heart
One Voice – Here I go
Peabo Bryson – If Ever You’re in My Arms Again
Pebbles – why do i believe
Pinay – Next Time
PM Dawn – I’d Die Without You
Prince – Diamonds and Pearls
Public Announcement – Body Bumpin’
R. Kelly – Bump N Grind
R. Kelly – Down Low
R. Kelly – You Remind Me
R. Kelly – Your Body’s Calling
Regine velasquez – In love with you
Remedy – Closer
Richard Marx – Now and Forever
Rome – I belong to you
Secondhand Serenade – Fall For You
Stevie B – When I Dream About You
Stevie B – Because I Love You
Silk – Freak Me
Shai – Comforter
Shai – if i ever fall in love
Shania Twain – From This Moment
Shanice – Saving forever for you
Surface – Shower Me With Your Love
SWV – Right Here
Tevin Campbell – Can We Talk
Timmy T – One More Try
Troop – I Will Always Love You
Tyrese – Sweet Lady
UNV - So In Love With You
Usher – Nice N Slow
Voices of Theory – Say It
Westlife – swear it again
Whitney Houston – If You Say My Eyes Are Beautiful
Xscape – The Arms of the one Who Loves You

Tommy proceeded to post his undertakings onto a  (then) popular designer forum (his username was iDp). I was ridiculed, and scorched harshly for being interested in the music of a mainstream band, as well as lashed by sharp tongue (deservedly) about how taken I had been by Tommy’s  maneuvers. It felt like being overwhelmed, attacked by people like  a gang of hipsters charging into line for the newest iPad or a flannel scarf.

I will post the screenshot of his deeds below, and just remind Tommy, that was a very good prank, taking advantage of a man in his weakest hour (had a night out drinking before for my Sister’s Birthday, and was recovering).

Read more from the screenshots below. Many years have past since, although I have not retaliated, I want Tommy to know thatI will never forget, vengeance is coming.

>:)

Tommy’s Post:

His Post on how I responded:

As this next year goes I hope to start some more ideas, as well as The Big Juicy and Inventive Roots ventures. There of course are frustrating times when I feel things are going a bit slow, and perhaps at times other become non responsive, so 2012 I want to continue to change that. My family, relatives, friends, and community in general need to thrive, and there will be a different effort towards that goal.

and as corny as it may be, this song’s chorus says it all for 2012. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year everyone!