Friday, October 5, 2012

WHAT PINK?


Ann Silberman - a truly cancer a**kicker.
Please vote for my friends Ann for best health blogs: 

WHAT PINK?
        To my friend Ann Silberman – a cancer a**kicker.

Sickness is part of life, but you’re handling it
with so much compassion and perseverance
As graceful and elegant as you truly are
from the chemotherapy to the mastectomy that you faced
you’re doing so with courage
and you’re full of awareness.
To me, you are awakened when you realized
“My cancer is me, my cells.
My stubborn, self-willed cells.
Why would they be any less determined than I am to live, to survive?”
Yet your determination to live has the foundation of love and compassion
Of wisdom and altruism
You’ll overcome another hurdle with devotion to serve
I admire your willingness to heal yourself as well as others
- an act of selflessness
I also appreciate and promote your openness, honesty, and attitude
Your fighting spirit is marching on
Living, learning and loving
Find the joy and beauty in the ordinary things
Even the tiny smallest things
Cherish the things that you have and things that you don’t have
You’re the true champion of love and benevolence.

Mira Loma High, Oct. 5th, 2012.



Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Tưởng Niệm nhà thơ Nguyễn Chí Thiện


                 Nguyễn Chí Thiện @ - Photo from http://anhduong.net/

Tưởng Niệm nhà thơ Nguyễn Chí Thiện
                   Tôi sống mãi những ngày quằn quại
                   những ngày khao khát sắn và khoai
                   những ngày chôn sống cả đời trai
                   trừ khí khái, tình thương, lẽ phải ! (Sao Có Thể Sống, 1968)

Hoa Đia Ngục nở Thiên Đàng bất diệt
Nay người về nước Chúa bình an
Cuộc đời người - Đói - Tù lao - Nước mắt
Thơ của người là thống khổ Việt Nam

Đó là lẽ phải 'trong bóng đêm đè nghẹt'
"Bóng cuộc đời tôi lặng vắng như tờ
Thất thểu, bơ vơ, khóc cười lỡ dở" *
Cho riêng người và cho nước Việt Nam

Cuộc đời người là anh hùng khí phách
Trong cô đơn thầm lặng nỗi niềm chung
Mong Quê hương đất nước được hoà bình
Được hạnh phúc, tự do và nhân bản

Nay người mất nén hương lòng tưởng niệm
Thôi "Hãy cho qua những gì đã qua
Chớ nghĩ tới những gì sẽ tới" **
Để người về với nước Chúa bình yên.

Bạch X. Phẻ

@ The author of Hoả Lò - Hanoi Hilton Stories.
*(Tôi Nhắm Mắt, 1969)
** (Hãy Cho Qua, 1975)

 Chữ nghiêng là thơ của Nguyễn Chí Thiện trong tập thơ Hoa Địa Ngục, 1995.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Pháp Hoa Một Cõi.

                       Lá vàng reo rắc lối Thiên Thai - Photo- Hannah Tran's fb
Pháp Hoa Một Cõi

Lá vàng lác đác bên sông
Rừng Thu vắng lặng trời trong mây hồng
Màn chi Xuân Hạ Thu Đông
Áng mây vô trụ thong dong gót hồng.


The fall leaves of New England, 2011.


                                         Thư pháp Võ Việt Tuấn

Saturday, September 29, 2012

TRĂNG - Đông Thu Hạ Xuân - TRĂNG. Để tưởng nhớ 100 năm ngày sinh thi sĩ Hàn Mặc Tử hay Hàn Mạc Tử


Để tưởng nhớ 100 năm ngày sinh thi sĩ Hàn Mặc Tử hay Hàn Mạc Tử (tên thật là Nguyễn Trọng Trí, sinh 22 tháng 9, 1912 – mất 11 tháng 11, 1940). 

Xin đăng lại những dòng thơ về trăng mà tác giả tạm gọi là: TRĂNG - Đông Thu Hạ XuânTRĂNG.

                                           Ảnh: Lưu Trường gởi


NHỚ TRĂNG VÀ BIỂN

Trăng Đông vằng vặc buồn tê tái
Gió lạnh thấu xương nhớ quê nhà
Nhớ biển trăng ngà sao nhớ lạ
Ai buồn biển động nổi phong ba


TRĂNG SÁNG MÙA THU

Trăng Thu thanh sáng dịu dàng
Đêm khuya tĩnh lặng cung đàn véo von
Quỳnh lan khóm trúc nỉ non
Phù sinh đất khách cho tròn trăm năm


NGỒI DƯỚI ÁNH TRĂNG

Đêm hè trăng mới mọc
Tiếng suối róc rách ca
Thanh thản lại trong ta
Ngồi đây vằng vặc sáng.


TRĂNG XUÂN

Trăng sáng ngoài kia
Trăng sáng trong lòng
Trăng nào viên miễn
Trăng này thong dong.


TRĂNG !

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

BUÔNG - Rõ Ràng Thường Biết




                                                                      Thư pháp Võ V. Tuấn

BUÔNG - Rõ Ràng Thường Biết 
    Kính tặng quý Ni sư và thiền sinh Khoá tu mùa Thu

Biết thân như bọt nổi
Giác thân tợ huyễn hoá - Pháp cú 46.

Gió đưa lá diệp lao xao
Hanh hanh chút nắng trên đồi Diệu Nhân
Ban trưa tĩnh lặng vô ngần
Tiếng con dế cũng lâng lâng tơ lòng

Thảnh thơi trong cõi long đong
Trần gian Tịnh Độ ở trong tâm mình
Ngồi đây Thư giản thân tâm
Không đi cũng tới, Thiền chi cũng làm

Học buông xã để nhẹ nhàng
Cõi đời ô trược vội vàng chi mô
Thong dong từng bước Bây giờ
Ngay đây Thiền toạ bài thơ tuyệt vời

Cõi đời còn lắm chơi vơi
Rõ Ràng Thường Biết là nơi thực hành
Ba nghiệp xin giữ tinh anh
Hương Giới Định Tuệ rạng ngời Chân Tâm.

Tu Viện Diệu Nhân, Rescue ngày 23 tháng 9, 2012.

Chữ nghiêng là những thành ngữ trong Khoá tu học Mùa Thu

Monday, September 24, 2012

IN and Out at Will


                          Folsom State Prison
Click here for Vietnamese

IN and Out at Will
            To Gus, Jeff and Joette

I am in and out of the maximum-security state prison at will

What a release…

A comfortable feeling.

Finding peace, even bliss in this violent prison place

Even here Dharma seeds are sown

It is a miracle

The criminal elements, once foolish

Now show remorse and regret inside the prison

They come to the Buddha's door and join the meditation retreat,

Personally sowing their own fresh Dharma seed in the middle of stagnancy and uncertainty.

Tonight I see many benefits for the inmates

Even the prison guards are peaceful

The criminals look for ways to be transformed by finding

In the Chapel of cement cold walls true independence and freedom.

Tonight I came out of jail and found how beautiful things really are

The golden deer look at me bewildered

The crescent, Dormant, moon light is sparkling the night.

I listen to my footsteps on an immense footpath going home.


Folsom State Prison, CA.
November 2011.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

CHIỀU THU VÀ TIẾNG SUỐI


                    The beauty of Autumn - photography by Chinh Nguyen
Chiều Thu

Thu lạnh
rừng hoang
tóc em lõa xõa
ươm mây trời
gió heo may
cơn say
vừa dứt.



TIẾNG SUỐI

Thu vàng
nằm giữa rừng cây
nhịp tim thổn thức
máu xoay về nguồn
xạo xào lá khẻ nhẹ buông
mây xanh
gió lặng
thanh tuyền vọng ngân

Thursday, September 20, 2012

CHỈ MỘT MÀ THÔI




                                          Hai chiếc thuyền - Ảnh BXK
CHỈ MỘT MÀ THÔI
   Thân tặng anh Nguyễn V. Quang

Sáng tinh mơ trời lạnh
Thông rũ mình lặng yên
Đôi ta đâu cô quạnh
Bước chân nhẹ êm đềm

Mặt hồ không gợn sóng
Bình minh vạt nắng vàng
Anh và tôi tản bộ
Phút an nhàn miên man

Nước hồ trong thấy đáy
Hai chiếc thuyền cắm neo
Mây nước trời lặng lẽ
Chứng kiến tình đệ huynh

Trong anh ta thấy nhau
Trong tôi ta hiểu rồi
Một như là tất cả
Tất cả chỉ một thôi

Sáng tinh mơ trời lạnh
Cùng nhịp bước ung dung
"Tuỳ duyên" cũng là hạnh
Đôi lữ khách tương phùng.

September 16th, 2012.
Kings Beach, CA.

                                                Thư pháp Võ V. Tuấn

Monday, September 17, 2012

ĐƯA EM ĐI HỌC



                                        Xe đưa em đi học - Phút ban đầu bỡ ngỡ. Ảnh: qkhnl

ĐƯA EM ĐI HỌC
     Riêng tặng các em tham gia CXTT.

Đưa em đi học
Cát cũng xôn xao
Biển vẫn dạt dào
Ru tình lớn dậy

Đưa em đi học
Gió hát lao xao
Sóng vỗ rì rào
Vui mừng khôn xiết

Đưa em đi học
Vạt nắng lunh linh
Em cười xinh xinh
Ai ru giấc mộng

Đưa em đi học 
Nhịp cầu yêu thương
Mong em ra trường
Làm đời thêm đẹp

Đưa em đi học
Chuyến xe tình thương 
Ai chọn con đường
Trí tuệ là nghiệp

Đưa em đi học
Sa mạc ung dung
Ba mẹ hình dung
Em người thành đạt

Đưa em đi học
Cát vàng mộng mơ
Dệt thành vầng thơ
Hoà trong biển lớn.

Sacramento, tháng 9, 2012.
Bạch X. Phẻ

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Hoa Xương Rồng





                                Photos: Võ Thuý Thương

HOA XƯƠNG RỒNG
   Tặng Thuý Thương

Xương rồng hoa đẹp khoe hương
Sắc màu thanh thoát lạ thường hư vô
Yêu em đâu có bến bờ
Giọt tình hư ảo thẩn thờ thân anh.

Elk grove, September 14th, 2012.

Friday, September 14, 2012

Tản bộ trên đỉnh đồi EarthRise

                                                                       
                      Nắng mai, sương và trăng
                                                                               
                     Cõi phiêu bồng

                             Con đường trung đạo - the middle path - Photos: BXK


Tản bộ trên đỉnh đồi EarthRise *

Mênh mông sương trắng ngút ngàn
Bồng bềnh hư ảo cỏ vàng ướt thêm
Nắng mai vừa dậy êm đềm
Long lanh tia sáng nhảy mềm không gian
Bình minh trong cõi bình an
Nhịp chân nhè nhẹ trên làn cỏ thơm
Lá sồi hát với nấm rơm
Cùng ai nhẹ gót hương thơm bên lòng

Cõi trần dù có long đong
Sáng nay nắng ấm thong dong lối về.

At the IONS in Petaluma
* Trong Viện Khoa học Trí Năng
September 2nd, 2012.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

YÊU ĐỜI VÀ TỰ TRỌNG - Loving Life and Build Self-esteem


YÊU ĐỜI VÀ TỰ TRỌNG

Viết tặng ngành Thiếu

Này các em ngành thiếu
Xinh đẹp và dễ thương
Phận làm con phải hiếu
Học hành tốt ở trường

Chúng ta là tương lai
Yêu đời và tự trọng
Cho và nhận không hai
Tuyệt vời tình Lam mộng.

Loving Life and Build Self-esteem
  To our Nganh Thieu

Our dear young adolescents 
You are beautiful and charming
We are obligated to be pious 
Studying and practicing well at school

You are the bright future
Thus love this beautiful life and build your self-esteem
Be a giver and contributing to mankind
That is the beauty of great GDPT love.


KÍNH TRỌNG
 Viết cho các em Oanh Vũ

Thương kính Ba và Mẹ
Thương anh em một nhà
Đức Phật trong chúng ta
Nên luôn luôn kính trọng.

RESPECTING
   For our Oanh Vu
Loving and respecting our parents
Loving and caring our siblings 
The Buddha is in all of us
So, we're always show respect.

July 15th, 2012.

Monday, September 10, 2012

Mr. Bach's Chemistry Course Outline and Syllabus


CP Chemistry
Prerequisite – IM 2 or higher
Graduation – Fulfill one year of physical science requirement
Duration - 2 semesters
Credit – 5 units per semester with “D-” or better for high school. “C-” for UC/CSU.
10 credits – 9th - 12th grade
A-G approved science course for UC 1 year laboratory science “d

Chemistry Course Outline and Syllabus
Science Department - Mira Loma High School
Teacher: Phe Bach, Ed.D.
Email: pbach@sanjuan.edu; Room: H-207
                                                     Twitter/Instagram/fb/Linkedin @PheBach                  

MLHS Vision/Mission Statement:
Embracing diversity and valuing excellence, Mira Loma High School's mission is to inspire and educate each student toward academic achievement, critical thinking, intrinsic success, and responsible contributions to a peaceful international society by providing innovative, rigorous, student-focused instruction through a rich tradition of high-quality programs and dynamic activities in a safe, compassionate, and collaborative learning community.

Course Goals:
- Achieving the defined California State Standards for High School Chemistry.
- Fulfilling the requirements of IB Middle Years Programs.
- Preparing students for college and presenting chemistry material that applies to their daily life with a positive attitude.

Organization/Course Standards: This course is followed closely the Prentice Hall Chemistry textbook.  It is organized into ten units according to California State and SJUSD’s Standards for chemistry.  Students will understand the following topics:

Unit 1 – Introduction to the Methods of Chemistry:
Measurements and Calculations; Lab Equipment and Lab Safety
Unit 2 – Matter and Changes / Scientific Measurement:
            Matter, elements and compounds, mixtures, chemical reactions. Measurements and their uncertainty, Basic SI systems, Density.
Unit 3 – Atomic Structure, Electrons and Periodic Behavior
Atoms – The building blocks of Matter; Structure of the atoms; arrangement of Electrons in Atoms, the Periodic Law, Periodic Trends
Unit 4 –Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure:
Chemical bonding; Structure of Covalent Molecules, Salts, and Metals
Unit 5 – Chemical Names and Formula/Conservation of Matter:
Chemical Formulas and Compounds, Chemical Equations and Reactions.
Unit 6 – Stoichiometry
            The arithmetic of equations, chemical calculations, limiting reagent and percent yield.
Unit 7 – Gas Laws / Gas Behavior:
Physical Characteristics of Gases, Gas Laws, Molecular Composition of Gases
Unit 8 – Solids, Liquids and Solutions / Acids and Bases:
Liquids and Solids, Properties of Solutions and Solution Concentration, Acids and Bases, Characteristics of Acids and Bases, Titration, calculating pH, neutralization of acids and bases.
Unit 9 – Electrochemistry, Thermochemistry and/or Nuclear Chemistry
Electrochemical cells, reduction-oxidation reactions; The flow of energy, heat in changes of states, nuclear radiation, nuclear transformations, Fission/Fusion of Atomic nuclei.
Unit 10 – Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry.
Subjects outside of the State Standards, covered after the Content Standards Test in early May.
GRADING POLICY- ACADEMIC GRADE:
The Academic grades will be based on the following breakdowns:
a.     Classwork/Homework, standards testing, presentations 20%
b.    Portfolio, Quizzes, and Unit Tests 25%
c.     Laboratory notebook, lab quizzes, project and lab reports 25%
d.     Comprehensive final exam 15%
e.   Participation and attendance 15%

Grading Scale: Course grades will be assigned according to SJUSD’s standard grading practice:
100% - 90% = A || 90% - 80% = B || 80% - 70% = C || 70% - 60% = D || Below 59.9% = F
I’ll use the normal grade scale with “plus” and “minus”.
I’ll not curve my tests, but I DO give extra credits.

Extra Credits:
            You made earn up to 1.0% per semester. Bonus points are awarded from time to time at the instructor’s discretion for a variety of little extra reasons such as bring materials for the lab, writing summary of science/chemistry articles, asking brilliant questions and seeking the answer, helping out the room/lab, etc… or conducting an original research or writing an exceptional research paper and this work is no “Mickey Mouse” project. Ask the instructor for more information.

CITIZENSHIP GRADE:

Besides HONESTY and PERSONAL INTEGRITY, RESPECT is the key. Being courteous, mindful and respectful to fellow students, T.A., substitute, your instructor, and our classroom settings are expected at all times. Unnecessary acting out, put down, talking, trashing class/campus, or other immature behaviors will lead to lowering of your citizenship grade. Finally, the citizenship grading policy will comply with Mira Loma and San Juan School Districts’ policies. This includes adhering to all rules in our handbook. For example, after 3 tardies (<30mins) results in parent-called plus 1-hour detention and after each truancy (>30mins) will results in lower 1 citizenship grade.

The following criteria will be used to determine the citizenship grade:
                        A: Student is attentive, stays on task, complies with teacher requests, is
courteous to others, treats equipment well, contributes positively to the
class learning environment, follows class rules and is on time to class.
B: Student demonstrates occasional transgressions of the expectations listed for an A, but makes an effort not to repeat them.
C: Student demonstrates occasional transgressions of the expectations listed for the “B” student and may be inattentive, off task, unprepared or occasionally tardy and may require reminders to remain on task.
D: Student is disruptive to the class and learning environment and makes little effort to correct his/her behavior even after disciplinary actions are taken.  He/she may exhibit unacceptable or rude interpersonal behavior and may accumulate many tardies during the grading period. 
F: Student persistently disrupts the classroom learning environment, fails to respect individual rights and property or school responsibilities along with possibly being chronically tardy to class.

NOTE: A major infraction of these rules may result in a more dramatic drop in the citizenship grade after conferencing with the student, legal guardian and/or administrator. Issues with academic malpractice will also negatively affect the student’s citizenship grade.


Electronic Devices:     MUST BE TURNED OFF AND STORED OUT OF SIGHT WHILE STUDENTS ARE INSIDE THE CLASSROOM.
Electronic devices may be used before school, after school, during passing periods, break, and lunch. The school is not responsible for any lost or stolen items.  Students will receive progressive discipline for using their cell phone during class (1st warning, 2nd phone taken away/‘phone jail’, 3rd detention/referral). Phone sleeves will be used during quizzes and tests. 
At any time during the school year the privilege to use electronic devices during school hours may be revoked by school administration (phone lockers in the VP office).

Passes:        Please use the restroom at lunch, passing periods, or before school, however, if you need to use the restroom, just raise your hand without interrupting the class.  If this becomes a frequent occurrence, I will be forced to have a (remarkably awkward) conversation with you and your parents about the obvious medical issue you have.  Per school rules, students are not allowed to use the restroom the first and last ten minutes of class.  A forgetful mind is not an emergency, make sure all of your possessions are with you and not in the quad, or in you car, or in your last classroom, or . . .

Academic Integrity Policy:
Each student is responsible for performing academic tasks in such a way that honesty is not in question.  Plagiarism is a serious violation of academic honesty, and students are expected to maintain the following standards of integrity:  All tests, term papers, oral or written assignments, projects and recitations are to be the work of the student presenting the material.  Any use of wording, ideas, or findings of other persons, writers, or researchers requires the explicit citation of the source; use of the exact wording requires a “quotation” format and citation (MLA format). Any student deliberately assisting another student in academic dishonesty is also culpable.  (i.e.  Letting a friend copy your homework, sharing test questions or answers, providing a photo of tests or quizzes)  Students found in violation of the academic integrity policy will be subject to school discipline which may include, loss of, or zero credit on the assignment, lowered citizenship grade in the course, parent conference, and Saturday School.  Teacher, counselor, or student may request restorative practices.

MAKE UP POLICY:
When you are absent, it is your responsibility to turn in work that was due during your absence the following day you’re back. If you missed a lab/test, it must make up within ONE week or it will results in a zero. Late works will NOT be accepted unless it is an excused absence. Homework are turn in every Wednesday and Friday. Late work is no longer accepted. All grade discrepancy must take care of within one week of posted grade.
Contact:         I am almost always available during lunch (except when participating in intramural sports) and you may catch me during break, before or after school. To ensure you catch either of us, a quick email to set up an appointment is useful.  The best way for you and your parents to reach us is through E-mail: pbach@sanjuan.edu. Students can also use Google Classroom (which goes to our email anyway). If needed, we will message students using Google Classroom so please ensure you have set up a method to see those messages (historically, students have found the app is VERY helpful for this).

Code of Conduct: Classroom policies, policies on attendance, tardiness, dress code, and behavior, are addressed in the student handbook, will be implemented along with district policies (Please see below)

Mr. BACH’S FIVE STUDYING AND LIVING PRINCIPLES
Or CODE OF CONDUCT

            Classroom policies, policies on attendance, tardiness, dress code, electronic devices and behavior are addressed in the student handbook. They will be implemented along with district policies.  Students cannot use electronic devices at any given time in the classroom. Exceptions will be allowed during class activities such as Kahoot, Google classroom, researching, and so on.

FIVE STUDYING AND LIVING PRINCIPLES
            Mr. Bach will also implement these Five Studying/Living Principles in our classroom. It is a mindful way of living and we will practice reflective and mindfulness, as it is the key to peace and harmony with oneself in the classroom, in the family and ultimately in the world.

1. Do no harm. (Non-harming) – Abstain from intentionally hurting or killing any animate life.  Do not harass or bully anyone or other beings physically, mentally or emotionally. For example, if you see spiders or other insects in the classroom please take them outside or let me know and I will do it. In Mr. Bach’s classroom remember this wise saying: think no evil; speak no evil; act no evil, text no evil, post no evil and comment no evil.

2. Have integrity. (Honesty) – Don’t take anything that does not belong to you without permission, including intellectual property. This means that you should avoid plagiarism, copying, or taking materials such as chemicals from the lab. Only take what is offered. Practice self-discipline and show self-esteem.

3. Respect yourself and others. (Respect) – Respect all others, including different living organisms, fellow classmates, other teachers, substitute teachers, and so on. Show courtesy and politeness. Being respectful starts with the Golden Rules. Be considerate of other people's feelings. Show manners, etiquette and sincere intention as it is a way to keep society in harmony. Respect the classroom space and property. Being respectful also means don't discriminate and being open-minded.

4. Communicate responsibly. (Communication) – Let’s put ourselves in each other’s shoes. Be mindful of your communication, including what you think, say and do. Please be responsive rather than reactive- think of a win-win situation. Please listen attentively; use deep listening skills and loving speech.

5. Show kindness and compassion. (Compassion)  Show empathy and sympathy. Be kind, warm-hearted and caring to yourself and others around you. However, before you can show kindness, love or compassion for others, you must first practice self-kindness, self-love and self-compassion for yourself and family. In order to make our surroundings more kind, loving and compassionate, we have to be an agent of change. Happiness, love, kindness, and compassion start from the within.

Resources:


  1. Good website to learn: www.sciencegeek.net
  2. KhanAcademy: https://www.khanacademy.org/science/chemistry
  3. All classroom lesions/presentations and resources can be downloaded under classroom notes: http://www.cottonchemistry.bizland.com/chemistry/chemindex.ht
  4. Games for your brain: http://www.lumosity.com/
  5. Mr. Bach’s other corner: www.phebach.com