Neo Geo Arcade Stick Pro

After ordering the Neo Geo Mini, I did more research and found that the Arcade Stick Pro (ASP) had also been released.  Many of the games bring back nostalgia since they were in the arcades when I was a kid with no money to play.  The joystick is reviewed to be a good quality product, and with the included 20 games and 20 additional downloadable games, this seems to be a value console.  $100 on Amazon. Hylostick can update the firmware and increase the number of playable games with an USB flash drive.  I plan to decorate the ASP with some 90s video game character stickers to relive my childhood.  (From 12/19/2020)

Retro gaming

Video games

Neo Geo Mini

Just to have a break from teaching, running, and kettle belling, I purchased a Neo Geo Mini Pro Player Pack for fun during the winter break.  I enjoyed learning about the history of this unique company SNK and its legendary original console.  This retro mini comes with a 3.5" screen and two control pads.  It requires a power source (AC or power bank/battery) and can be connected to an external monitor.  I have not played video games for over 15 years, these games bring back a lot of memories from the 90's.  $70+tax on Amazon, this pack included the console with a 3.5 inch display.  Included are 40 games.  (From 12/19/2020)

The Neo Geo Mini comes with 40 games in the system.  Hylostick can load many more Capcom, NES, and Sega games onto its firmware or via an external USB flash drive.  I particularly appreciate the nice packaging of this 2 player pack.  The games is nostalgic in that they bring back memories of my childhood days playing arcade games in Las Vegas or at the local mall with my brother and friends.

I further ordered some silicone covers for the gamepads and plan to decorate the mini console with video game character stickers to relive my childhood.

And its funny Japanese commercial...

Retro gaming

Video games

Winter Trail Run 2020

 

I did a high altitude trail run with friends Chris and Alistair on Christmas Eve.  It was great to get away from WiFi and digital screens for a morning.  We were up to 8250 feet for our 9-miler with a mix of running and hiking.  Chris lead the way and guided us to a few awesome hallow trees for photo ops.  (From 12/24/2020).

Photo Credit: Chris C.

Thank you Tracy, Camille, & Daniel

 

It was wonderful seeing my former students.  We had Thai food and Thai tea for an outdoors lunch on the Tuesday of our winter break.  These young adults are amazing and I look forward to the fruits of their hard work in the future.  Daniel made me this intricate geometric origami and they got me chocolate and a gift card.  No gifts necessary, I was just happy to see them.  (From 12/22/2020)

Thank you Karly

 

Karly gave me some delicious peanut better chocolate chip cookies and a beautiful car.  She is on our school's field hockey and soccer teams, as well as one of the top chamber singers of our choir program.  Thank you Karly!  (From 12/19/2020)

Thank you Paloma

I have the pleasure of having Paloma in my AP Statistics class this year.  While we meet online, we have gotten to know each other a bit thanks to her visit during office hours.  I found this lovely card from her in my mailbox on the Friday before winter break.  Paloma is a multi-talented student.  Her solo holiday performance is below at 22:38 of the Choir Virtual Holiday Concert.  (From 12/18/2020)

A Virtual Christmas Celebration

Thank you to my student Denny and many young musicians for this beautiful concert.  (From 12/23/2020)

Program:  Google Doc Program

LVYE: A Virtual Christmas Celebration 2020

 

I received a special invitation from my student Denny.  See below.  I'm excited to see their performance.  They were able to publish the show one day early. (From 11/23/2020).

Hi Everyone!

I hope you’re all doing well. I wanted to let you all know that my chamber orchestra, LVYE, will be presenting it’s 2020 Christmas concert, “A Virtual Christmas Celebration.” 

The concert will premiere on YouTube at 8:00pm EST, on Christmas Eve. Here’s the link to the YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcXmn9rAe0L_CUSs96aIfqw

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and I hope you can all join us, virtually, for this event.

Best,

Denny

Thank you Eva

Eva, our head custodial staff, left me a surprise on Friday morning before our holiday break.  We are very lucky to have Eva at our school.  She is amazing.  (From 12/18/2020)

Thank you Lindsay Family

 

I am grateful for Mrs. Lindsay for being an excellent mentor and leader.  Thank you for the lovely holiday card.  (From 12/18/2020).

Thank you Nick

Nick is one of our dedicated and hardworking night janitors on campus.  We share an interest in 80's and 90's martial arts films and in sports.  Thank you, Nick, for your box of chocolate.  (From 12/16/2020)

Bonita Virtual Band Holiday Performance 2020

Thank you to Mr. Bird and to his amazing student musicians for their performance.

From the video description 12/17/2020:

The annual Bonita High School Marching Band and Jazz Ensemble Holiday Performance moved to a virtual format for 2020.  This year, students recorded at home and their parts were edited together by the BHS Video Production Program.  We hope you enjoy this very different experience and we look forward to an in person concert next year.

Bonita Virtual Holiday Concert 2020

From Mr. Helm (From 12/15/2020):

Beginning tonight at 6:00 pm you have the opportunity watch the first (and hopefully last) virtual Holiday Choir Concert. The concert features performances by all 5 choirs as well as solo spots from some members of Chamber Singers. 

Virtual choir videos require an enormous amount of work. This could not have been done without the help of Mr. Eichen and the students in the video production class (Omar D, Brooke G, Emily M).  Enjoy. 

https://youtu.be/C0MmtgJdLqQ

 

Todd Helm

Director of Choral Music

Bonita High School

Amber's Artwork

My student Amber (Honors PreCalc, c/o 2022) is a talented artist. She shared some of her recent artwork with me.  Love the drawings! (From 11/7/2020)

Bonita High School - Announcements - Dec 16, 2020

I met Jordan during the Holiday Drive Through last week.  I told her how she and Mr. Eichen are doing a great job putting together the announcements each week.

THE PAWSE -- SEASON 6 -- Episode 7

In this episode, Bonita teachers share their new hobbies during the lockdown.  I made a visit to the Mr. Wes Farm.  Thanks to my brother Randy for filming on a cold windy night.

THE PAWSE - SEASON 6 - Episode 6.5

Limitless Mind - Jo Boaler (Book Read 2020)

The Six Keys: 

1) The brain grows - neuroplasticity

2) Mistakes and challenges have positive impact

3) The growth mindset affects behavior

4) Multidimensional approach is beneficial

*page 113 - The author suggests that HW has limited benefits. But the cited source is focused on highly privileged, high-performing high schools.

5) Flexible thinking over speed

6) Collaborate with others

I appreciate the work on improving student learning and math education.  I would like to see the research that back up the key points.  I wonder if the conclusions can be generalized to all levels of learners at all schools. (From 11/29/2020)

Bonita Virtual Holiday Rally 2020

bonita_asb  Virtual Holiday Rally - Nothing like some Bearcat Spirit to help us celebrate the holidays.  <https://www.instagram.com/p/CIrF0Otg757/>

Bonita Holiday Drive Through 2020

 

It was a fun night seeing students and parents drive through.  We collected many toys to donate to those in need.  Aww Yeah Bearcats.  (From 12/10/2020).

David and friends made us laugh with his reindeers pulling his Mini. =)