Into the Woods and Among the Masses

Posted on December 28, 2014 by Harry Brake

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Finally.  I heard the hype, I heard and anticipated the presentation of Into the Woods from our ASF drama club in the 2015 season to come and I was anxious due to that anticipation.

What is amazing is the fact that so many multiple characters, can come together to from multiple identities, multiple agendas, and multiple experiences to create one combined experience among characters that usually appear on multiple diverse screens.

Meryl Streep is not going to disappoint at all, and we still puzzle while Johnny Depp, playing his usual deceptive and cool character tole, is listed as the only as as The Wolf.”  James Corden was perfect as the baker, and added the perfect qualities as a leader, as a comedian, and as a dramatic role struggling to make it though a family curse.

Add the music and catchy lines, with the moral makeup of how various individual’s lives are full of conflict, despite a faith tale story or real life and there is plenty of room for blame.  Yet, the individual’s determination to look challenges right in the eye and deal with it – ends in a much more happier ending than what is dreamed of any of Disney’s depicted endings.  Sounds very unfairytale-like, right?  Not at all – the powerful roles, powerful underlying steps of fate that lead this musical to a expected Disney-ending, are very satisfying, and not sugar-coated in any superficial way.  The music will stick with you and what I found in seeing this in Salisbury, MD, was the chance to receive a sample song as a free download, and mine was “On the Steps of the Palace.”

It is amazing, not knowing anything about this musical – and finding out so much.  It is enlightening, captivating, and light-hearted.  Knowing something about Into the Woods before viewing, no matter, you just get a more advanced understanding of how Disney can take the leap from the fairly tales that have existed in all our lives and extend into real life.

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Home in 2014

Posted on December 28, 2014 by Harry Brake

Of course the question of home is different for everyone.  Yet, some things remain the same.

Home is that place where creativity, energy, and a sense of security reigns, and often that can occur in some very mobile places.  Being almost 2 years since actually returning home, the flight from Mexico City to Atlanta, then from Atlanta to Reagan National  seemed like the first fight ever – being able to recognize the thousands of Christmas lights on houses below the hovering of a big city of lights on the horizon, and witnessing the via of the White House, the Washington monument as we finally arrived, home was definitely home.

Spending quality time with cousins, Aunts, Uncles, immediate family, priceless.  Of course the presents add a little something extra, but it is an unusually feeling to be home in one place, and also have your heart and mind in another that you consider home, and in this case Mexico.  Yet, I had no reservations at all, as so much of one place had become part of the other, funny how that works out.

While the unbelievable moments of the fresh bay water, the smell of pine at The Vince Morris’ Nature Trail at Chapel Branch, the growth of life seen in the Soroptomist Park, and the slow hum of a relaxed life go on in my home state of Delaware, there is a mutual repeat for the amazing diversity of culture found on every corner in Roma Norte, at ASF, as well as in the very Centro /Zocolo of Mexico City.

Then it hits you – home becomes even stronger, even more of a gravitational pull when you have friends and close confidants that have been created in various locations, and then, and only then, does the real connection across worlds, across regions begin to occur.  Yes, we all know the world is easily connected with the advent of the internet – yet, it seems none of that truly happens until that heart connection that makes a true home in alternative locations occurs.  As a New Year approaches, I think it is a great goal to make the locations you have visited or hail from in the past more of a home each day due to the connections you fortify, reconnect with, and refresh.  All while unplugged so you can enjoy at maximum level those very rooted locations that bring you back to life amid the often stressful back and forth pages life often helps you turn.

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Cinematic Cornucopia…

Posted on December 24, 2014 by Harry Brake

Thanks to the accessibility, as well as to my own personal intrigue, there are some pretty powerful films that have started to roll out since October and beyond, and I wanted to share some observations I have made on some mind-blowing ideas and concepts that I have seen come to the screen.

The Hobbit 3 – The Battle of Five Armies #D and IMAX with (Two tracks from Billy Boyd!)

Just with the element of IMAX and 3d was enough to be excited about, add to that the conclusion what started as a small fascination of The Lord of the Rings, and there you have almost a great movie before you even walk through the doors and end your seat.  One of the exciting events that occurred as I arrived home since almost 2 Christmas’s ago,  I was able to take part in this thanks to my cousin in Washington D.C..   I have to say nothing for me has taken the place of The first Lord of the Rings film, as I witnessed the embedded themes of friendship and walking a mile in another’s shoes in that film.  Yet, I found that underlying theme replaced with the themes of love moreso. Of course the major battle that occurs here is epic and reminiscent of the battle that occurs in The Return of the King and the Arrival of Rohan.  What you notice in this film is the artistry as well, from the scenery that has followed Lord of the Rings  through the whole series, to the illustrations that are especially exhibited at the end, and a surprising song, The Last GoodBye, that we find ends this amazing film, sung by Pippin, who was played by Billy Boyd!

Did you know he could sing?  I am thinking the cast did not know either but wow, if you stay until the end and hear this song, this is worth the moment following the movie ALONE!   It’s nice to think Boyd also made this as a farewell to the voyage they all had made in making this incredible series and involvement in the films that have made this deep-seeded in each of us.  Again, I found myself squirming in my seat the close calls, the images that pulled me closer to the action, and I found jumping up through my throat and back down again trying to stay with the plot as it would jump out at you like a wild Ork.

I like the fact that there is so much science fiction and fantasy, mixed with the personal aspects of friendship and hoe that started as dreams and fulfills into the element of reality and hope.  There and back again…a fitting title for an amazing set of stories that might be farewell to the screen, but never in our minds.  Loved this film and a fitting conclusion to an amazing ride of adventures from the very beginning.

Interstellar – In seeing the massive number of previews via posters in Mexico City for Christopher Nolan’s Interstellar, I have to say, I was hyped up for this film WAY before it hit the movie theaters, and I was intrigued.  The fascination did not stop at the theatre door.  The intrigue of the this film truly did lie and explore what could lie in the unknown, what we think we have discovered and what possibly remains beyond.  The perfect soundtrack, the element of family that keeps resurfacing and a commitment to the human race, as well as the edge of fantasy that branched off from my recent read of The Martian, just enough to easily leave the theatre satisfied. Anne Hathaway (LOVE),  Mackenzie Foy, Michael Caine, Jessica Chastain, Topher Grace, Wes Bentley, John Lithgow, matt Damon, and especially Matthew McConaughey all pull together to have you travel to where they all go.  The great thing about McConaughey’s voice? – His gruffness manages to pull you through wherever he wants to push you to, easily, just due to the tone and the texture of his voice itself.  It works perfectly here, and the name of his daughter, Murphy – it just works for this film perfectly.  Seeing it twice, this reaches out to you as far as a fascination of what lies beyond, and the family we have here on earth.

The historical elements of the dustbowl in the midwest also work alongside the importance of farming versus an engineering world.  The scenes of school, past historical feats of the space program, one’s commitment for a better world alongside what makes family, all here.  I was not in the least bit disappointed when I experienced Interstellar after seeing the promotional buzz ahead of time.

The Judge – Robert Downey Jr.  That name invokes many types of images.  Yet, add the name of Robert Duvall and the element of intrigue rises.  Add the circle of intrigue, law, family, and the name Billy Bob Thornton, and yes – something magical arises from the setting of a small town in Indiana to return to his roots.  It is easy to feel the longing for recognizing one’s own roots and not forgetting where you come from, lost loves, former hangouts, friends that made life classic and priceless.  All of these elements surface and added with the flavors of comedy that these two principle actors can provide you do walk away with a taste of nostalgia of something important that has happened in each of our lives at one time, and owing this to our roots.  Taking the aspects of My Cousin Vinny and George Strait’s Pure Country, a wide variety on a mysterious turn of events where the judge is placed under scrutiny, as well as a humor level throughout, this is a feel good movie that allows the three of family to be woven from beginning to end.

Exodus Gods and Kings – In just talking about the Lord of the Rings, I have to say that nothing is taken away from the special effects seen in Ridley Scott’s Exodus.  The opening soundtrack song itself is chilling and serve its purpose ideally.   They make this a reality alongside the plot and characters. The power, mystique, as well as biblical references are not left behind in any step of this film.  The strength, ruling power, as well as rise to power through faith and determination are fueled through Christian Bale as well as the stubbornness of Joel Edgerton – they take you on this journey and historical adventure through the pages of Exodus effortlessly.  You know what is coming if you know the story through the scriptures, yet, you are not disappointed in the depiction at all.  Most know that Charlton Heston’s version of Moses through the making of The Ten Commandments, CLASSIC.  It is refreshing to see a modern version of this absolute classic, and nothing is stolen just revitalized and yes, this version does not lose its power.  Christian Bale does an amazing job of presenting the stubbornness mankind has always held, and the result that follows.

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Thistmas – and more that can’t be said…but FELT. Gold, silver, and every other color makes US!

Posted on December 23, 2014 by Harry Brake

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Yes, I have seemingly slacked on what has been a 2014 year of posts, with my goal of reaching a total of 25000 views for the 2014 year.  However, I am always up for a challenge, and more than meeting the goals  have made for myself, as usually, life presents some amazing coincidences, or maybe not coincidences at all…

When being asked to check out the book Unwind by the author Neal Shusterman, I figured this was just one more book to add to my list.  Well luckily, it fast-forwarded to my reading list.  I instantly thought of The Giver, but then, realized, in between the pages,  held like invisible ink, were the very motives that make the word a better place.  Realization.

Yes, sometimes it takes a book, a movie, a film, and even mores, individuals to make you take a step back and appreciate what you have,t hat you have had all along, and often without realization.  Such is the case with Unwind.

Aside from the amazing setbacks and lives full of degradation that individuals face in Unwind, there is a personal sort of “Hurrah!” when it all comes together for the very individuals that deserved a true fairy tale conclusion all along. You have to read this to truly get this realization, yet, in avoiding the spoilers, there are some very real success stories you need to be reminded of or at least called attention to.

Similar to falling on this great story by accident, and aside from a book sometimes being a salvation, memory is sometimes the second strongest motivator, if not the strongest.  The other day, unknowingly again, I took a compact disc I received as a gift from ASF in Mexico City, and placed it as one cd in the 300 capable cd player I have since almost 20 yard ago – (that is insignificant, but I am still in war that they made a Sony 300 cd player that HOLDS 300 cd’s, can random play anything you want among those 300 cds, as well that is still works and it in my apartment in Mexico City.  What can I say, I am easily amused or have a low threshold for “impressiv-ity” sometimes). –

Yet what happened next was wholly unexpected.  The music that poured out caught my unaware.  These were the very moments, sounds, and talents that truly made up ASF within a single year.  Maybe this is the same as in other schools, yet. you sometimes go long stretches without hearing day to day victories of what happens in some classrooms, and yet in one rush, see the result.  The day to day details are what stick with you,just like that awesome plate of oatmeal on a cold morning (if you don’t like oatmeal sorry).  The unknown practices of solos, jazz band, choir, bells, guitars, and the drama room are a crime for people not to see what happens day to day, yet it is impossible for each of us to see how the talents rise and get better day to day, we would be better people to have that power to see how individuals gain more confidence and get better day to day, and that applies in all classrooms.  In one CD, you hear the voices, talents, aspirations, and history of an ASF in 2014-2015 that will be hard to match.

From the dedication of the FAC, to the amazing knock you off your feet production of Les Miserables, to the Open Mic stints that let others realize their talents and go on to do something even ore confident in other areas, from the hilarity of on stage production, to the moment you had tears realizing this would never happen again all together – the history of our year could be FELT – F E L T throughout he sounds, with lead to the individuals, that can change how you view successes.

I was thunderstruck and as speechless as when I was reading Neal Shusterman’s Unwind in realizing, how amazingly grateful and lucky I have been this year.  This was certainly urged on by what I was hearing and reading, and yet there is SO MUCH MORE.  Listening to the bell, guitar, and choir concert, relishing the Gold Award certificate from Columbia University

Out of over 1000 publications, Repentino. is amazing

achieved by our ASF Repentino. staff, seeing the talents pour from the hours of practice behind the choral and band rooms, remembering the 3 minute snippet talks I have had over the course of a year with students wanting to give up on some of the most amazing talents, seeing remnants my former XC (Cross Country) celebrating in Seaford and keeping the spirit of Vince Morris alive, witnessing a last day before break breakfast with my freshmen advocacy, seeing the ASF Football team spend a year practicing and achieving a defeatless and perfect winning season with a Championship (observing from a bear suit with pride!), remembering the time I was in a residential treatment center and reacted to giving the Heimlich to a student who then went back to breathing, simply being surrounded by so many individuals throughout my life that made me feel so amazing, so lucky, and pushed me to do things I never thought I would experience – I am realizing Christmas and the holidays in a whole new light.

I find that my best memories are those that come from bragging about those that push me forward.  Yet, I can count the many times I was told by others, I am in the wrong profession, I am not fit to be this type of professional, I make too many jokes to be a librarian, (all through my grad school posts to readings by my colleagues during college!), I ALWAYS, ALWAYS had my share of being cut back down, and been given second doubts n what others thought of me, disapproved of my methods, as well as criticisms, sometimes negativity, and yet – part of being stronger, more effective, and successful and arming yourself with those very aspects, and making them produce positive effects for those around you.  This sounds impossible, doesn’t it?  Taking an army of dubs and negativity and working through it?

Yet, when the impossible is handed to you, and you struggle through it, on the other side – there is a strength you could not possibly get from 1000 armies, vitamins, or supplements, nada.For every person it is different.  For me, being surrounded my an amazing freshmen advocacy eating waffles with fruit, whipped cream, and every other concoction imaginable?  PRICELESS.  It helped me relive the spaghetti dinners we had as a XC family in Seaford, in helped bring back the lost days of Easter and jello eggs with my family in PA, it lead me to relish the successes of an amazing student Repentino. staff that despite all kinds of opposition rise to the challenge to reach out to others and include them in their successes, pushing me through the late nights of Aloha yearbook planning and prep that drew us together over cold pizza, Chuck Hudson, and bringing out a product that had personality and a voice, to the hallowed nights of the production Les Miserables, and tears welling up as I took as many pictures as I possibly could to capture these magic moments of unity, success, breathtaking moments that would be just like Billy Joel’s song would emphasize, “This is the Time to Remember…” –

It is so important to recognize all of these moments, which in itself and compared to the grande scheme of life, tiny little drops of time, that if you are acute enough, will take, gather and sort and use to continue to support and motivate those around you and in the process, you learn alot more about yourself than ever imagined.  It is truly a two way street improving yourself and those that depend on motivation when they are weak, and hence, the idea of being an educator and not just a teacher emerges.  Truly the phrase Pay it Forward never meant so much as when it actually is given o as many people as you can come into contact with.  I feel I have been constantly paid, both when I was conscious and not conscious of it, and there is never a day that I feel I am not lucky to have had amazing individuals around me to reward me with their talents and friendship.

What it comes down to is FEELING these gifts, and truly from Unwind, an amazing celebration of accomplishment through ASF’s cd, to a year full of individuals rising above expectation and each of us realizing the best Christmas gift has been having those individuals in our lives, you realize nothing wrapped can possibly take the place of these moments we have been apart of.  You realize, individuals, both good and bad at times, have something to make everything around us better, and that is a treasure trove of realization right there.

In a year of tragedy in Mexico, a year of expression and crying out of justice, a year full of talent that will be moving beyond high school and into college, from ECC to Lower School , from Lower School to Middle School, from Middle School to Upper School, from Butler, PA, to Seaford, DE to any other state in the U.S., to areas outside of the U.S. and all things international, there is SO much potential to change things around, starting with the angle life you have the power to motivate, empower, and celebrate.  THAT is what Christmas is about, where we have come from, the very origin of individuals that have made it possible for us to be where we are now.  My lists are longer than any Santa list possible, the people that have influenced me and allowed me to go on to other things have included teachers, my family, students, their parents, governing officials, coaches, mentors, colleagues, college friends, high school friends, new friends, authors, movies, and so so so may more I can’t even put it into words, just the way I feel Christmas, and in Christmas itself, are the very aspects we celebrate during Thanksgiving and CHRISTMAS, and need to feel all year round.

Truly, anything successful in life has come from the very people I have mentioned above, so when anyone comes to me and is generous enough to tell me they think things I do are amazing, I realize INSTANTLY, it is because of someone else that believed in me to do something, that what resembles my talent, my success is really thanks to this so very long line of accomplices (laughing) that initially believed in me.

As I sit here and run through not only the cd of these ASF talents and memories, I am pulled back to the whole of my life, the individuals from beginning to end, that continue to amaze me from their singing, they playing, their creativity, their passion.  Ironically, I find this also on the negativity handed to me through the various moments in my life, and what has been done with that same negativity, and I smile.  I realize we are all tested in some form, sometimes verbally, sometimes in actions, and yet, if we take that very aspect of life and make it something not intended, what results is something beautiful.  That is where I find all of you, the very individuals that have changed my life.  I would say that Christmas and Thanksgiving could not have been any better as a result.

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The Lunario Lighting Up the Stage Through Skylight and Streetcar

Posted on December 3, 2014 by Harry Brake

Screen shot 2014-12-03 at 1.20.33 AMTheatre. In Mexico. I am a little out of that scene but miss it terribly, since at one time attending the season at The Pittsburgh’s Public Theatre and seeing so many wide-ranging plays, and then being able to discuss them with someone afterward, when a colleague asked if I wanted to attend a viewing of A StreetCar Named Desire from The National Theatre in London, but viewed in Mexico from The Lunario, I was like YES!

I remember studying a portion of A Street Car Named Desire in an older AP class, as well as viewing it, with the tension that came out similar to that from a play such as Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Yet, this was exciting and I anticipated a new experience.

The Lunario itself is beside the Auditorio, and as you walk in, I realized how interesting a theatre this was. Two individuals asked for my email to register for a possible giveaway for a ride in a Jaguar (I think more like a test drive!) then I made my way up a set of curved stairs where I came into a very relaxing, single table room that resembled a very cool and relaxing lounge. I took the resemblance of a few places in Pittsburgh right near Station Square, and I loved it. As we settled in, I did become familiar with the actress Gillian Anderson from the X files, but unfamiliar with Ben Foster, Vanessa Kirby, or Director Benedict Andrews, although from the conversations from my colleagues, I guess I SHOULD have been familiar with them.

Even though this production took place on October 12th, what I do remember is vivid and clear. The plot was as jarring and unsettling as it should be, so far perfect. Gillian Anderson fell into her role perfectly and quickly let you forget she was ever in a series called The X Files, which is amazing to me. To top it off, the transitions between scenes was jarring, hard, rocky music that seemed to have the very edge and tenseness to it that the play itself needed to contain. Ben Foster was amazing and perfect in his mannerisms, expressions, and stereotypical role of an abrasive character that brought out the best and maybe even the worse of a “Blanche” Gillian Anderson. For some reason, I fell in love with the character Stella played by Vanessa Kirby. I liked how she was sublet, yet she played directly through the rollercoaster movements that Blanche and Stanley came out with through the whole show.

Details also really seemed to be recognized as far as even though the stage would revolve and change amid jarring music, the water somewhat disconnected from any walls actually worked as depicted from scenes when baths were drawn or water was run in the sink.

The clear set that involved no exterior walls and music to a revolving stage just added to how strong the characters were and truly no set would have still worked with the boldness and character strength each individual brought to the stage.

I loved that at intermission you were able to hear Director Benedict Andrews elaborate on the history of this production as well as learn a little about the theatre in London, The Young Vic. Although streamed onto the screen the atmosphere, as well as the quality production could have easily transported you to London without a hesitation. This was truly a successful production in every sense, and I found myself hooked to anything that might they way from the National Theatre Live in London.

Screen shot 2014-12-03 at 1.18.16 AMGood thing, because a second chance came by on October 28th with the production of Skylight, starring Carey Mulligan, Bill Nighy, and Matthew Beard, and directed by Stephen Daldry. I will commit the ultimate act of ignorance by admitting I knew none of these actors and directors, and this being a crime because each and every one was well -renowned, and amazing on stage as I would find out by the end of this production.

What I did LOVE, absolutely LOVE, was the WHOLE stage was the same apartment, and didn’t need to be anything else. Seeing the inside of an apartment as well as the neighboring apartments that are all contained in a tenement, you do realize this is no penthouse and just one one countless raised apartments in a lesser than respectable (as considered by many) part of London.

So many stereotypes and depictions of how people view education, how educators work in abysmal conditions at times, and often dramatize their situation because of that very aspect. However, there are other skeletons that are uncovered and a web on intrigue surrounds relationships, both working and personal, as well as the bond between friends that occurs outside of a love relationship.

So many flip-flip situations, and you are riveted to the lines THE WHOLE WAY THROUGH. Not knowing anything about actors, as well as the plot and walking away thinking, WOW, I was BLESSED! – that is a play worth anyone’s attention and Skylight is absolutely NO exception at all. I do not want to give away the very important meaning of the title of this play, but yes, VERY well represented and done.

The grace that all have in their own way does come out, but by no means are the characters imitating each other or indicative of a pattern, but more of a pattern that involved their love for each other despite the pain that came along the way.

Within 1 to 2 days time of the pace of this play, you feel as you indeed have travelled the length of three individuals’ lives, and what a life each has had in relationship to impacting each other. That is main charm of this play, and worth every line.

In seeing the director as well elaborate on the history and relationship with working with this particular cast, there is an ease, and moreso a detection of the talent that has oozed out in every scene, every line, and every movement from beginning to end of this production. 2 out of 2 at The Lunario has hit a homerun in both productions, redefining what theatre can be when you walk in and then walk out of the theatre. Bravo Lunario, Bravo!

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MUN, Freshmen, the Advocacy Experience, and a Total Thanksgiving.

Posted on November 24, 2014 by Harry Brake

The one unique and amazing thing in coming to an international school from a public school, is the activity of Model United Nations (MUN).  Go ahead and think this is just another version of a class performing current events.  (Shaking head) – not even close.  It was astounding the potential there was for actually knowing,researching, becoming familiar, and familiarizing one with the actual world events as they developed beyond simply accessing a current event article, and for those willing to delve into it, and not treat it as a study hall past time, this opportunity was there.

MUN was amazing and a GREAT addition to truly understanding, and being involved, in real world events and simulating them on a debate and real-life simulated experience. However, when I took the opportunity to take an advocacy class, I realized, this would be even more of a surprise this year.  Yes, I had advocacy two years ago when it was called advisory, and although I had my concerns, it ended up going from having the heavy party-crowd enthusiasts to students I love seeing to this day, and we have connected just because well, they are talented, able, and willing to succeed and even those that moved away come back to visit, so I was impressed.

After a year of putting a ton on energy to being something sightly different, I decided I needed a break (not Brake).  Then this school year, when I was asked, I truly pondered wondering, do I need or want to do this again?  What are the chances that I would have a repeat performance with an advocacy that would be just amazing?  The odds were slim.

Whoa.  Whoa whoa whoa, did I underestimate my words and my chances. I certainly since August have been BLOWN AWAY with the amazing talent, energy, and ability of all the Advocates I came into contact with in my specific advocacy.

Take for a minute the word freshmen.  Usually, there is a stereotype with that word alone, freshmen that causes you to automatically put yourself on guard and wonder, hmmm, maybe in three years we will get them to a point where they will hit a maturity level worthy of their stature.  “No way Jose” in this case.  The absolute potential, talent, and demeanor of the 17 students I came across currently, well, I wasn’t ready for the amazing awesomeness I am witnessing and still am reeling.  Setting in place the schedule of checking a planner each week, checking grades, as well as investigating Utube for new and hysterical, as well as motivating, videos, and current events that prepped us for MUN, they hit their stride and even among the misses that sometimes occurred, I had to stand by and wonder, how the HECK did I get so lucky to have such talented freshmen advocates in one room? – I still have no idea but am not questioning that at all – then MUN Country Poster day came.

From the very beginning, the ideas and ability to work together, to take assignments and actually follow through them, as well as agreeing on choosing Egypt as the country of choice, and then all the way up to creating, developing, and completing the MUN poster, even from a distance (at home and such) for those that were leaving early for vacation – they were steller.  I can’t tell you I didn’t have to repeat some assignments or bring this full attention again, however, remember, they had GRADES, PLANNERS, and on top of that, exams and so much more and let me tell you, from hearing the comparison to some, (not all) but some other Advocacies, I was blessed and one of the very top things I was thankful for, were and are these very students, each morning.  They help me get through what often is a hard day because, well it IS morning.  However, some of the best mornings so far have been because of them – and I thoroughly enjoy the Friday breakfasts we have, just because they are absolutely dynamite.

On the actual poster day, when I say they ROCKED the MUN Poster day, I mean they R O C K E D ( well not like the video exactly….)  They sought out information about other countries and were able to make contact and gather info from every one of the 51 other countries, as well as represent Egypt beyond what I thought they would and could do, and looking around I saw some that did not even identify with their country, represent their country, as well as even have a pride about their poster board at all, and this advocacy group had every reason to be –  and they were 100% there.  I looked around and saw posters left behind and thought, this is what this meant to them and yet, this advocacy cared about this whole process and they did an amazing job as their poster showed, and they take pride in the talents they bring to this table, there is nothing better than this group together. Screen shot 2014-11-24 at 8.17.29 AM   Screen shot 2014-11-24 at 8.17.45 AM Take the word freshman and everything you know or knew about this word, throw it out the window when it comes to this group.  They will amaze, thrill, and motivate you every day, and Friday ?  Frozen grapes, awesome cereal, juice, and alot of extra, and sharing it with perhaps whatI consider the best advocacy in one room ? – PRICELESS!

Looking back, I absolutely know I would have had the absolute worst regrets without each and every one of these students, and I can only imagine how amazing they are going to be 1, 2, and even 3 years from now – they are very talented and couldn’t think of another way to know, I was majorly lucky for such an amazing group – Thanksgiving came early on Friday thanks to having each of them as a part.  Despite several leaving early, one being away for medical reasons, together, they are unstoppable and can accomplish anything, and I find myself right in the middle of them. I don’t think there is anywhere better to be 🙂   As I gather my Thanksgiving videos together, and gather my thanks together, and set aside some time to laugh hysterically, ( sorry, I had to do go back to this again…), with the actual historic story of Thanksgiving, I realize no matter WHERE I am, Thanksgiving is THAT much better with an amazing group of individuals such as an Advocacy as this, that leaves you with a feeling that whoa, how much luckier can you get?!  Mr. James Kitchin and the MUN Committee, thanks for giving them a chance to succeed!  🙂

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While Definitely the MockingJay, She Still is on Fire!

Posted on November 23, 2014 by Harry Brake

Hanging Tree and deeper explanations

“Are you, Are you
Coming to the tree
Where they strung up a man they say murdered three
Strange things did happen here
No stranger would it be
If we met up at midnight in the hanging tree

Are you, Are you
Coming to the tree
Where the dead man called out for his love to flee
Strange things did happen here
No stranger would it be
If we met up at midnight in the hanging tree

Are you, Are you
Coming to the tree
Where I told you to run, so we’d both be free
Strange things did happen here
No stranger would it be
If we met up at midnight in the hanging tree.

Are you, Are you
Coming to the tree
Wear a necklace of rope, side by side with me.
Strange things did happen here,
No stranger would it be,
If we met up at midnight in the hanging tree.”

Screen shot 2014-11-23 at 7.31.52 AM

Certainly the anticipation for Part I of the third Hunger Game series was part of the draw to run out and see it on November 20th.  What you will find is the additions that you do not expect as you are in the theatre.  This is what makes this perhaps one of the best films of the series, and despite Mocking Jay to appear as maybe the weakest of the books in the series, the filled in spaces this films allows quells that view once you leave the theatre.

Not knowing what to expect, you are instantly brought back to District 13 and as a viewer you never are left behind and left to forget the trauma that each character has found themselves working through.  You feel that way all the way to the end.  Then take the unexpected soundtrack, certain parts of the film just make the hairs on your skin TINGLE as they seem to evoke the exact perfect emotion and feeling and the exact, perfect time.  Then when you see it the second time (you will want to view this more than once), you pick up on the impact of the music in the beginning, the end, and the middle, everywhere, it totally works.

Is it ironic that Panem of The Hunger Games also coincides with Panam?  It is funny, whether it be Lord of the Rings or the Hunger Games, there always seems to be a current thread of truth in some films that coincide with a controversy in a specific country.  We all hope the willingness of protests and to stand up for what is right seen as a threaded theme in The Hunger Games continues with the search for justice against corruptness in Mexico as well as the various upheavals against corruption in governments across the world.

However, that is the great things of movies.  Similar to books.  Individuals that come with an wide repertoire of experiences, information, and knowledge, even those still seeking it, are able to take away so much more from the films and books that somehow touch a nerve with something going on in the world.  That is the beauty of being an educator, being a Media Specialist, being someone that can take this information, and pass it on or relate it to something outside of those very pages or theatre for something beyond entertainment.  The Hunger Games – Part I of the MockingJay has this extreme ability to inspire you to impact those around you, never give up, and strive for something better, always.  Sure, it is just a movie, however, add the extra elements you leave with and you find it becomes something so much more if you allow it.  🙂

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Debate 101

Posted on November 22, 2014 by Harry Brake

“Anyone have a flow sheet?  Yes, a flow sheet?!” – “The Point of interruption?  Completely different than barracking another debate team…” – and on would the evening go into a world I truly imagine but never knew.

When the call for ASOMEX debate judges went out for October 31st, that sounded just like any other ordinary call or need for judge volunteers.  Provided speaker score sheets, checklists, heck, we had all we needed right?  This would be easy fun, and a new experience.  Little did I know it would be so much more. Arriving amid what seemed to be hundreds of individual students in suits, and yes, some on Halloween attire with those very suits, you could send this….buzz, this enthusiasm and anticipation.  What I liked best was tons of debaters that were from other schools, and they seemed to fit right in at ASF, and that was even better.  New students, new debate coaches, the whole atmosphere was filled with excitement and you could literally feel it, this electricity of what the evening would be.

Making the judging training session, with 25 judges present, I felt relived, because yes, there were a ton of questions, (heck, I have never done this!) but reading the emails ahead of time in detail, this was a complete review of topics that I was unsure about ; hearing them reviewed, repeated, and discussed by veteran coaches and individuals that have been through this experience many times before – this did seem to calm me a little, but I did notice an anxiety level rising as I took in how comprehensive, and a whole new vocabulary being presented that was sucking me into an experience I truly had no idea about, and I was going to be a judge?  I could sense the preparedness and anxiety, yet sheer adrenalin of these students readying themselves for debate and all of a sudden my personal sense of responsibility to them grew ten-fold. Once we were dismissed from the training session, I reviewed, reviewed, reviewed, the score sheets, checklists, armed with a packet of info that I now viewed very seriously.  I had reason to grow quiet as I instantly had this sense of being a little out of my league and yet, here we were, with a sense of being involved in something that I had no idea how to envision. It was time, I had an assignment, I had a room, and walking in you can see the groups readying and discussing the methods, strategies, and tactics to be persuasive, and in my mind I realized, as an English teacher this was the very lessons I tried to bring life in, coming alive!

Those persuasive papers I tried to create in case courts on?  Alive through debate. Those issues of social importance we visualized through video and national events? Alive through debate.  I liked this. Although my apprehension subsided, when I was asked if I was a lead judge I scoffed and said, “ohmygosh, um, NO WAY, I have never done this before, and I felt like an attorney defending someone on death row, and the was my one shot, I was green beyond the greenest valley.  To my saving grace, a colleague who HAD done this before graciously offered to be the lead judge and I had many mental notes to do just that, observe everything to be prepared for the second debate later this evening. Everything reminded me of a parliamentary meeting coming in session, organized teams on either side, the official time calling, recording of time, and yet, here in front of me were individuals readying to debate, and being Halloween or Day of the Dead soon, some were dressed to the hilt in makeup, it would be hard to take anything they said or presented seriously, or so I thought.

The debate started and despite sensing the nervousness of some individuals who this might be their first time, although none of the debaters in front of me were from ASF, I was completely finding myself connecting to them from the very beginning.  Despite thinking it would be hard to disconnect myself from issues I found biased on, no such thing occurred.  I was so drawn into their words, their presentation, their passion for being along the lines of a debate, the costumes they donned, the personal beliefs, and even sometimes what the actual agreement was at hand, slipped away.  I often had to refer to the very flow sheets that were being asked for at the beginning of the training session to insure I was not lost in their passionate stances, and make sure we were still debating the actual issue as a focus – in this case the fact that students should be given an opportunity to travel abroad before graduating. Often the issue came out that making this mandatory would be criminal as many students  clamor to just have the funds to finish school and get an education in Mexico, et alone have a travel abroad not he table.

Then you are left to wonder, wait, was the about forcing students to travel abroad or only to have the OPPORTUNITY to do so, and then the internal attention to focus on the true subject along with the arguments being made, and then observing the tactics each individual uses, while recording the length of time if too long, not long enough, on particular subjects, and well, you get the idea that by this time, I realized this was more than just listening and making a judgement. By the end of the first debate, I was EXHAUSTED.  I realized how much in-depth concentration it took for not only debaters but for judges to take all the amazing skills that are involved in this being successful.  Instantly, the level of admiration and respect for students that had the courage, stamina, concentration, planning, and manipulation of language rose ten fold, and these were students  I never met before.

Yet, in having moments following the debate to discuss what the strong and weak points were with each individuals, these students all of a sudden did not seem to be outside of ASF at all.  I felt this connection after opting for them, listening to them intently, ad I had no idea at all this would occur, I never met these students before!  Just like that, after one debate, you felt respect and appreciation for them as if you had this student in your class for at leas a year and were looking out for them.  Perhaps that stunned me the most immediately.

On the break between debates, I ran into surprised ASF students, surprised to see me there on a Friday evening, and it are me feel good for them to know I was interested in something I had never seem them do.  I held out luck for seeing them debate, and seeing them differently than in the halls from day to day as I usually did.  One of the next best unexpected moments was the familiarity of new colleagues form other schools and being able to talk with them about that first debate and the debate circuit in general.  I walked away with a brand new reference of friends that again, could only happen on such an event like this and made this whole event shine likeI never knew it would. In heading to the second debate, which would be focused on diagnosing conditions such as ADD other syndromes and what could be considering often over-diagnosing, I found myself on a with two individuals that I never worked alongside with before, and yet, one I knew and the other was a former debater, so I felt like this was an advantage for sure.

This time, I felt I was ready.  However, once again, I was sucked into the passionate responses, celebrating as I watched the debaters confidence grow in front of me as they became used to finding their own rhythm as they progressed, while furiously wrote down every single thing that came up to use as a reference points for grading their performance. You would think after a long week at school the main thing on most every educator’s minds would be – this is Friday, almost, almost.  Yet as I looked around me and I saw educator’s willing to take out their Friday for such an event, there must be something magical here.  Absolutely, positively, I realized the strength and potential housed in the very being in each of these debaters, simply from hearing them.  The ability of students has never ceased to amaze me, and seeing them motivated to take the risk of nervousness, being in front of the public eye, and being strategic on top of all that, I do not think any words I could possible come up with would match the self-strengthening valor each of the debaters exhibited.

The makeup that many wore that at first seemed distracting, not at all.  the strategies surrounding the words and they way they used them simply allowed the very disguises to fade away and bring out the points being made, and that was all that anyone seemed to notice, this amazed me. I have to say, while I never actually had the chance to see ASF students debate, which is probably good since I work at ASF here in Mexico City, pure strangers in the form of debating students had caused me to sit there rooting for them in various moments of the evening.  I was pretty sure I needed a classroom and a year to obtain that connection and appreciation of what students had to offer, usually, until I witnessed debate.

In one evening this was accomplished and matched with the appreciation of the educators willing to participate in the process, I walked away with a dumbfounded appreciation for how intense this whole process was. I also found myself feeling inadequate to offer what was a strength and was was something the debaters needed to improve on as I was simply blown away by the eery and talent they had exhibited, despite the moments they strayed from the actual debate.  That always became the most difficult part for me before, during and following a debate, and I realized that this whole process could never be realized and recognized unless you just jumped in.  That is what each student had done this evening armed with a battalion of tools, strategies, and tactics, and in dong so they defined a whole new level of success and being bold, daring, and go-getters of opportunity.  To see that unfold in front of you is dimly incredible, and I found myself different as well,  walking away and being lucky enough to be a part of this. When you hear about the accomplishments of the debate groups, take this all in and realize, there is a whole new world beyond what you think debate is and what is actually is.

The eye contact that was made that night, from each debate, was phenomenal.  If anything, matched with the powerful stances and rhetoric used, combined with the eye contact of some of the best debaters, you felt as if you knew each individual personally for years.  With this thought, I was amazed at how one specific event can change the whole definition of an activity, and with the ASOMEX debate, you will see that within the first 5 minutes.

You are able to take that away with you and as a result, are a little more aware of the potential of these bold, talented and amazing individuals that are able to bring to life topics that normally would remain very flat and static on paper. Ultimately, that has always been my goal as an educator, wanting to move students past a lecture and have them internalize the very issues on the table, to be motivated and truly feel the idea at hand, and then the learning truly appears. Here, I realized, throughout the opportunities for debate, the participants were doing this at every turn, and bringing the judges along for this experience as well.  An event that is this remarkable in every sense, for all that are involved.  My challenge would be for everyone to take in such an opportunity and see for yourself, and I would guarantee you will see the who advent of debate in a completely different light, as well as those involved in the thick of it.  Mr. Webber, thanks for opening a new door of experience to so many!

DEBATE TEAMS SHINE HOSTING ASOMEX TOURNAMENT Screen Shot 2014-11-22 at 6.04.46 AM Posted: November 10, 2014

Debating at ASF is continuing to produce great public speakers who shine in Mexico and overseas, with teams finishing strongly in the ASOMEX tournament held on campus on the weekend of Oct. 31-Nov. 1. Congratulations to our ASF Debate Team for their great showing at the ASOMEX Debate Tournament 2014! 3 Varsity teams made it to Quarterfinals with 1 Varsity team Alex, Mauricio, and Sofía in Semifinals winning 3rd place overall.

Also ASF had 4 Novice teams in quarterfinals and two novice teams (Iker, Andrew , Naomi, Dalia and the team of Matt, Pablo , Valeria, and Carlota) that won both semifinals to close out finals winning 1st and 2nd place overall for ASF! Also ASF took in more than their share of speaker awards with Adrian winning 2nd best Varsity speaker overall and Genoveva winning 1st place best Varsity speaker overall. In Novice Debate, Iker won 4th best Novice speaker and Dalia won 1st best Novice speaker overall! Congratulations to the ASF Debate team on a fine showing!

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A “Brake” for Thanksgiving, and the moments to recapture for a reason…

Posted on November 21, 2014 by Harry Brake

It’s almost unbelievable to take in, Thanksgiving Break 2014, here…now…after waiting for what seemed liked forever about September of 2014 – and here we are, moments that are slowly seeping in but will take days to really react to.

Looking back I see the future posts that have been postpone and put on hold with the advent of keeping up with so many essentials of the last few weeks, yet the topics of reflecting on Debate 101, a documentary film experience NOT to be forgotten, films that have truly been worth the visit, adding also the mix of amazing new breakthroughs of our Repentino. staff these past few weeks, and adding an amazing, amazing end to a week that involved a freshman advocacy class that took no prisoners and worked like MAD successfully through many amazing hoops, as well as the current state of Mexico amid cries for change, it has been one heck of a last few months.

I have always been the type of person to put 110% of everything I have and spread it around to everyone I come into contact with once I walk across that front gate of my school. This means students/faculty/colleagues/ etc. around me get everything I have to give, and when I walk through that door of my home, I am spent, literally, SPENT, not much left until I can crawl myself into bed and recharge for a few hours.  Yet, I’d have it no other way in seeing the amazing strides that result from being able to motivate, push, encourage, and be behind some of the greatest stockholders of the future I have ever seen.

We come to the final week before Thanksgiving “Brake” and I realize, there are two types of categories of individuals when it comes to holidays.  Those that plan out the exotic, feel the need, urge, and freedom to break away and experience the far away and totally different ( I do get this from time to time as well!)   The second category are usually the people that just, well don’t.  This is the funny thing, I have always considered, and will continue to do so, myself to be a total adventurer, ready for the next road tip, excursion, adventure.   I live for the plans on the run, last minute decisions, and see what happens as a result.  Yet, of the first four years, even with some traveling here and there, I have realized this – I have no urge at all to leave during breaks and I realize this for two main reasons – I LOVE when the city empties out of everyone and it almost feels like a release valve has been turned to allow me to dig into the amazing quietness and peacefulness the city has to offer without worrying about anything and anyone to interrupt even newer experiences.  Second, I realize I have needed these four years to take in so many exciting things about the city, I never have had the urge to leave Mexico City, ever – and even when I did, I found myself wanting to go back to simply revel in the amazing feeling I experience in my neighborhood and weekend markets.  This tells me what an invigorating, inspiring, and renewing place I live in, and I actually have taken pride in not wanting to visit any to-die for locations outside of the city due to the fact that, every aspect of this city excites me constantly without having to travel far away to feel that way.  I feel way more than a little privileged to be able to feel this way about my surroundings, which is part of the love affair I have with Mexico City.  It’s funny, when you actually stop sometimes on the street corner coming or going, right in the middle of everyone ; take in the people around you, honestly, I feel like I might be in New York, on the corner of Chicago, etc and that I am not actually in one of the largest cities into world, you simply do not realize it.  Look at a map and you stand back saying, “Whoa, this is where I am?”  I like that.

I see my years 5 and beyond being filled up with the very recommendations and locations people found themselves in during these past 4 years of breaks, holidays, etc and I do look forward to that.  Yet, I realize how amazing of a city I live in, where public expressions, the ability to witness protests full of compassion, and experiencing what it is like when many of the individuals you see from day to day leave and something is left behind that calls out, “The best is coming this break!”  Don’t get me wrong, I am going to be super excited when I continue to visit locations that I have heard and seen visit 2-3 times already when I haven’t yet, but I feel at least for me, these very excursions will be even more meaningful as I have been lucky enough to meet, experience, and write about some amazing, AMAZING individuals right here in my own neighborhood and within reach city.  I know for every person a break, puente, holiday, etc means something different, and I so so look forward to visiting home in the states when a longer break affords maximum visits.  I just find myself repelled with not being able to ask in the quietness, the calmness, the “getting back to basics” feeling that a break remaining in the D.F of Mexico affords and not taking that in on breaks; for me, this is a healing process to be able to build up my storehouses of energy to be able to again return to some amazing students when I return from break so we can push each other forward.

I regret my time in Delaware that was not on aspects I could have appreciated the amazing resources around me, (Mexico has taught me that being able to do so here) and I realize this each time I go back to visit, I feel like a tourist all over again remembering how incredibly hard I worked, so much so that I missed some incredible areas, establishments, and events that many take for granted because they are around it all the time.  I had found myself working around the clock and missed out on much of that.  However, Mexico City has taught me just the opposite, how to breathe in deeply the moments, the evening winds, the locations that are easy to walk by quickly and knowing when to slowly take them in.  In doing so I find every break allows ,e an opportunity to see the city in a totally different way, and this is exciting.

I know many feel alone, lonely, or as if they are missing out on something by not leaving on every break they can.  If you take careful observation, you will realize that Mexico City  has this magnetic pull if you tune into it, and when the holidays and breaks occur, you realize so much more about yourself, your home city, and the people within these areas when you stay close and have the freedom to let yourself discover – a morning run or walk, a late night up with the windows open and the smells of a BBQ grill drift in, the sound of saxophone music in the morning, and the early morning sun that hits you as you slowly wake up on your terms with no rushing involved; yes, Mexico City embraces you as much as you allow yourself to embrace the city – and after that – you find nothing more is needed outside of Mexico City, which is certainly different than anything I have ever experienced.

Debate 101 – the next post- refers to October 31st and the amazing world of student debate, a world that took me in and I never even realized what was happening before I walked away amazed at the experience I was lucky enough to be involved in.  After that, you will see a series of posts this week that will also show you what I am truly thankful for, and all those that helped bring those realizations to light.  It is an amazing meaningful life when you reflect on how many amazing individuals help make it that way, and all the more reason to celebrate these during Thanksgiving Break.  I look forward to sharing these with you 🙂

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“My place is your home!”

Posted on November 14, 2014 by Harry Brake

IMG_9472Yes, that was the very first phrase from the manager’s greeting on coming to El Laberinto for the premier of David Lida’s book, Las Llaves De La Ciudad un Mosaico De Mexico.  Coming to a great corner of Roma Norte, Durango and Cozumel, (some awesome looking establishments here that need to be checked more closely!) – I went in to see at first a trickling of friends and fans, and then even with 30 minutes into the wait time, the place was swarmed!  How exciting for David Lida! One thing I rediscovered, David is an author that has an aura around him.  Meaning, no, he is not an official saint, yet, in talking or walking with David, you realize that he has the extreme ability to be at ease with most students and adults, due to the versatility of his accounts of the countless faces of Mexico.  Home becomes quite relevant when you talk to Mr. Lida, as his words bring a sense of comfortableness and ease with so many connections to the Mexico around us.  Seeing El Laberinto so full so quickly, especially as a newly established lounge, made this evening even better. IMG_9570Seeing photographers and reporters from all over, representing newspapers such as El Universal just added to the atmosphere that this was something happening, right here, that was noteworthy.  Having Mr. Lida visit ASF last year and having an amazing rapport, conversation, and experience with his writings, you can imagine how much I was looking forward to his introduction to his 1990 text with new writings this evening. I also realized that is the unique thing about art and being a librarian.  There are aspects of research information, and society in places that most people do not see fits with being a librarian, and I often feel it is my duty to explore those areas so others may be informed of how it all fits together.

Additionally, the same applies to art. The art of finding information in places such as performances, readings, photography, events, writing, meeting others, and more – it is an art that is under everyone’s very eyes, and yet, we often miss so much.  If it is through the lens of a camera, through a magazine, through other people that we can share that art, and grow from it, shouldn’t it be exposed and discussed? I recognized many people that would come in and out that night, Mexico City authors, writers, artists, and yes, our own Jason Schell who is featured in sections of David Lida’s text as well as our own ASF students.  I often feel unsocial sometimes, where I just want to observe and not participate in the discussion, only to absorb the feeling of the event, and such was this evening.

As what always happens, everywhere David Lida goes, this feeling of welcome appears, despite the upper class society middle, and even lower, Mr. Lida has the ability to make everyone feel that they can be a part of what he has to observe, relate, and discuss – hence the art beyond his writing comes out easily enough. An evening filled with laughter, serious topics, as well as anecdotal incidents helped represent what he has to bring to Mexico, a landscape of events that show despite the tragedy the we hear and see in the news lately, despite the stereotypes we follow and have about Mexico City from the outside and within, there is a heartbeat of Mexico City worth hearing, noticing, and reflecting about that helps us grow as a person.

Whether you consider David Lida a mediator, a medium, a critic, or a literary tour guide of culture and art of Mexico City, what you do realize is there is a scene exposed that can change you as a person thanks to the time he has taken to notice the beauty, tragedy, and events of life that have occurred around him.  Truly, he has made a home in Mexico and continued to  create a home for those around him.  That is certainly worth seeing and hearing about! We hope to see you December 11th, at 2:45 at ASF when Mr. Lida shares this very ability with each of us – and you too will be able to understand that yes, “Our Home is yours as well!”

Screen shot 2014-11-14 at 5.23.22 AMDavid Lida will be at ASF! Born and raised in New York City he has been switching his time between New York and Mexico City, this last considered by him as his home. David is the author of three books; “Travel Advisory: Stories of Mexico” (2000), “Las llaves de la ciudad” (2008) and ” Mexico City, Capital of the 21st Century” (2009) and editor of two more; “¿En qué cabeza cabe?” (2005) and “El gringo a través del espejo” (2006). He also has a 25 year career as a bilingual journalist publishing articles in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Reforma.

Apart from being a writer, David is a mitigation specialist where his main experience has been investigating cases in which Mexican nationals, incarcerated in the U.S., are facing the death penalty. David Lida will be presenting the new edition of his book “Las llaves de la ciudad” on December 11 at the Upper School Library at 2:45. Please enjoy this visit and invite your students to attended David Lida.

Nacido y criado en la ciudad de Nueva York, ha dividido su tiempo entre Nueva York y la Ciudad de México, esta última a la que considera su hogar. David es autor de tres libros; “Travel Advisory: Stories of Mexico” (2000), “Las llaves de la ciudad” (2008) y ” Mexico City, Capital of the 21st Century” (2009) y editor de dos más; “¿En qué cabeza cabe?” (2005) and “El gringo a través del espejo” (2006). Cuenta con una carrera de 25 años como periodista bilingüe por la que ha publicado en medios como The New York Times, Los Angeles Times y Reforma. Además de ser escritor, David es especialista en mitigación particularmente en casos donde Mexicanos radicados en Estados Unidos han sido condenados a la pena de muerte. David Lida estará presentando la nueva edición de su libro “Las llaves de la ciudad” el próximo 11 de diciembre en la biblioteca de preparatoria a las 2:45. Por favor disfruten de esta oportunidad e inviten a sus alumnos.

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