Higher Ground Learning Blog

A Hefty bag filled with vegetable soup?

2011-05-06T12:55:00.000-07:00

If you're experiencing writer's block, check out these sweet analogies/similes culled from high school student writing. Sure to get the creative juices flowing!

"She had a deep, throaty, genuine laugh, like that sound a dog makes just before it throws up."
"He fell for her like his heart was a mob informant and she was the East River."
"Her date was pleasant enough, but she knew that if her life was a movie this guy would be buried in the credits as something like 'Second Tall Man.'"

See the full list here: http://www.losteyeball.com/index.php/2007/06/19/56-worstbest-analogies-of-high-school-students

P.S. Where do you find a tutor that can help you spruce up your analogical prowess? ...HGL.

50 Things Everyone Should Know

2011-05-04T13:10:00.000-07:00

-The word "queue" is the only word in the English language that is still pronounced the same way when the last four letters are removed.
-Beetles taste like apples, wasps like pine nuts, and worms like fried bacon.
-Of all the words in the English language, the word 'set' has the most definitions!
-What is called a "French kiss" in the English speaking world is known as an "English kiss" in France.
-"Almost" is the longest word in the English language with all the letters in alphabetical order.
-"Rhythm" is the longest English word without a vowel.
-In 1386, a pig in France was executed by public hanging for the murder of a child
-A cockroach can live several weeks with its head cut off!Human thigh bones are stronger than concrete.
-You can't kill yourself by holding your breath
-There is a city called Rome on every continent.
-It's against the law to have a pet dog in Iceland!
-Your heart beats over 100,000 times a day!
-Horatio Nelson, one of England's most illustrious admirals was throughout his life, never able to find a cure for his sea-sickness.
-The skeleton of Jeremy Bentham is present at all important meetings of the University of London
-Right handed people live, on average, nine years longer than left-handed people
-Your ribs move about 5 million times a year, everytime you breathe!
-The elephant is the only mammal that can't jump!
-One quarter of the bones in your body, are in your feet!
-Like fingerprints, everyone's tongue print is different!
-The first known transfusion of blood was performed as early as 1667, when Jean-Baptiste, transfused two pints of blood from a sheep to a young man
-Fingernails grow nearly 4 times faster than toenails!
-Most dust particles in your house are made from dead skin!
-The present population of 5 billion plus people of the world is predicted to become 15 billion by 2080.
-Women blink nearly twice as much as men.
-Adolf Hitler was a vegetarian, and had only ONE testicle.
-Honey is the only food that does not spoil. Honey found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs has -been tasted by archaeologists and found edible.
-Months that begin on a Sunday will always have a "Friday the 13th."
-Coca-Cola would be green if colouring weren’t added to it.
-On average a hedgehog's heart beats 300 times a minute.
-More people are killed each year from bees than from snakes.
-The average lead pencil will draw a line 35 miles long or write approximately 50,000 English words.
-More people are allergic to cow's milk than any other food.
-Camels have three eyelids to protect themselves from blowing sand.
-The placement of a donkey's eyes in its' heads enables it to see all four feet at all times!
-The six official languages of the United Nations are: English, French, Arabic, Chinese, Russian and Spanish.
-Earth is the only planet not named after a god.
-It's against the law to burp, or sneeze in a church in Nebraska, USA.
-You're born with 300 bones, but by the time you become an adult, you only have 206.
-Some worms will eat themselves if they can't find any food!
-Dolphins sleep with one eye open!
-It is impossible to sneeze with your eyes open
-The worlds oldest piece of chewing gum is 9000 years old!
-The longest recorded flight of a chicken is 13 seconds
-Queen Elizabeth I regarded herself as a paragon of cleanliness. She declared that she bathed -once every three months, whether she needed it or not
-Slugs have 4 noses.
-Owls are the only birds who can see the colour blue.
-A man named Charles Osborne had the hiccups for 69 years!
-A giraffe can clean its ears with its 21-inch tongue!
-The average person laughs 10 times a day!
-An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain

Neko vs. Necco

2011-05-02T17:13:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Necco wafers were mentioned in the Gettysburg Address? ...Or were they?

"Indie" rock/alt-country singer, member of the band The New Pornographers and candy authority Neko Case exercises her sweet tooth on this rad episode of Wait Wait...Don't Tell Me!, NPR's weekly hour-long quiz program.

"Modern, independent, loud singing... Does that make sense?"

Kids Killing It

2011-04-18T11:24:00.001-07:00

Realms of Inquiry Art Attack at HGL 4/15/11

2011-04-13T10:24:00.000-07:00

Dave Eggers 2008 TED Prize Wish: Once Upon a School

2011-04-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

WWED?

2011-03-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

Eric would take a break and go outside. It's really nice out!

HGL HOSTS THE FIRST EVER TEEN POETRY SLAM!

2011-03-21T10:14:00.000-07:00

On February 25th, 2011, Higher Ground Learning hosted the first ever Teen Poetry Slam! The poetry slam originated in Chicago, Illinois in 1986 by a construction worker named Mark Smith (So what!) and has gained a HUGE international following since its inception. Typically, the rules governing the poetry slam go as follows: 1) each poet has 3:00 to perform a piece of their choosing (with a 10 second grace period to end the piece “on time”), 2) all work must be original, 3) the poems are scored on a 1-10 point basis, 10 being the highest, by random members of the audience—preferably those who have no prior experience with slam poetry, 4) no props or nudity allowed.

Poets battle through three rounds of slam, ultimately showcasing one winning poet who walks away with the cash prize for the evening. But at HGL, the rules are a bit different: first of all, each slammer MUST be a teenager in high school or junior high. Second of all, instead of random judges, there are only three, highly-qualified judges who have had experience with slam or performance and/or written poetry who judge each contestant on a score that is ultimately out of 150 points, as opposed to the original 30. Each judge rates a poet in one of potentially six categories: Pace, Dynamic, Language/Diction, Body Language, Poetic Content, and the special group—SYNCRONICITY! if a group piece is performed. Each category has a potential 10 points given to the poet depending on quality.

This last month’s winner was Willy Palomo of Bingham High School. Willy has been gaining quite the reputation for himself during this year’s tryouts for the Salt City Slam Team, which will be competing at the National Poetry Slam this coming August. Willy was also a featured poet in the Spyhop Productions documentary The Silhouettes, directed by Sarah Schuster-Johnson (assistant directors Loren Ruiz and Candida Duran), which premiered at the 2010 Pitchnic series. Willy walked out of HGL with a gigantic grin on his face, a $70 cash prize for first place, and four hours of free tutoring at Higher Ground.

Our congratulations go out to Willy! A copy of his winning piece will be published on the HGL blog very soon. If you have any interested in competing in the slam or sharing poetry, fiction, dance, music, or art during the Open Mic, which precedes the Slam, contact Adam Love adam@highergroundlearning.com for more information! We want to hear your voices, artists!

WWED?

2011-03-14T16:02:00.001-07:00

Eric knows that comma's represent a natural pause in spoken English. While not a perfect system, checking to see if a pause is appropriate or awkward can help test if a comma is needed. Take a look at the following example:

He says, he can't imagine needing frivolous options like automatic transmission or power steering.

A. NO CHANGE
B. says
C. says, that
D. says, that,

Read the sentence aloud and see if it seems natural for a pause to be anywhere a comma is offered. If it seems really awkward to pause there, there is a good chance the comma doesn't belong. Choice B is the correct answer.

Feeding the Problem - Trailer

2011-03-09T11:42:00.000-08:00

Feeding the Problem - TRAILER from Danny Schmidt on Vimeo.

Legendary HGL tutor Danny Schmidt has been hard at work. Check out the trailer for Feeding the Problem, this movie was just picked up by PBS. Congratulations Danny.

"What began in 1912 as a gracious effort to save the Jackson Hole elk herd from harsh winters, shrinking habitat, and dwindling forage, has morphed into a century-long feeding program on what is now the National Elk Refuge and 22 other State-run feed grounds. This biological experiment has created a petri dish for wildlife disease and is now one of the most contentious, fiercely debated issues in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

These fed elk have extremely high infection rates of diseases such as scabies, hoof rot, and brucellosis resulting from the unnatural congregation of the animals on the winter feed grounds. However, after a moose infected with the highly contagious and fatal Chronic Wasting Disease was found just miles from a feed grounds, there is a deadly new threat looming over the elk herds.

Feeding the Problem explores the ecological impacts of the Wyoming feed grounds with the hope of initiating positive change and active dialogue through stunning imagery and a powerful narrative."

JR's TED Prize wish: Use art to turn the world inside out

2011-03-07T09:45:00.000-08:00

WWED

2011-02-28T16:33:00.000-08:00

Does it bum you out when you talking to somebody and they won't pay attention to you?

I hope you answered yes.

This is how your teacher feels standing in front of 20+ students. So the next time you find yourself texting, falling asleep, talking to a friend, or doodling mindlessly I want you to try SLANT.

S - Sit up. Improving your posture will help you stay awake.
L - Lean Forward. This will keep you focused on the teacher.
A - Ask Questions. This will help your understanding and shows you are listening.
N - Nod your head. This shows the teacher you are involved in the conversation.
T - Talk to your teacher. You don't have to gossip with them, just say hello or comment on the class. they are people just like you and me.

WWED-4-Eva.

Mason Time lapse video for UAF

2011-02-07T10:43:00.000-08:00

Houndstooth Peacock from Utah Arts Festival on Vimeo.

Art by HGLer Mason Fetzer and music by HGLer Mike Shrieve

WWED

2011-02-04T13:08:00.000-08:00

Eric always remembers that any two sides of a triangle must add up to more than the third side. This is an effective tool for eliminating options easily. Lets look at the following problem:

In triangle ABC above, angle C is a right angle. If side AC is 3 units long and CB is 6 units long, how many units long is AB?

A. 3√3
B. 3√5
C. 9
D. 15
E. 45

Since the first two sides add up to 9, the answer must be less than 9. Therefore, we can quickly eliminate answers C,D, and E. To find the correct answer between the two remaining choices, use the Pythagorean Formula and the answer is B

Don't hate me cause you ain't me. WWED-4-Eva.

Tip of the day

2011-01-28T16:59:00.000-08:00

Eric (tutor): You don't have to rub it in.

Matt P (student): Sometimes rubbing it in is a good thing, like sunblock.

What Would Eric Do?

2011-01-26T12:53:00.001-08:00

Almost Identical Answer Choices? Pick Neither – The ACT is not designed to be open to debate. It will avoid questions that could be considered personal preference like the plague. Therefore, if there are answer choices that seem to be almost identical in meaning and grammar then none of them are the correct choice. You are always looking for an answer that clearly stands out from others, so if one doesn’t differentiate itself from another, THEY ARE BOTH WRONG. Let’s see some examples:

A. a writers

B. a writer’s

C. an authors

D. an authors’

You don’t even need to see the question. A and C are identical assuming you know that author and writer mean nearly the same thing. Don’t pick either.

WWED-4-Eva.

We like this.

2011-01-26T12:07:00.000-08:00

When Parents Text - Click Here

What Would Eric Do?

2011-01-19T10:51:00.000-08:00

Eric plugs in numbers for variables whenever he can on both the ACT and the SAT. The following problem is from the SAT:

If j,k,l,m and n are consecutive integers and j<k<l<m<n, then what is the value of (j + n) - (k + m) ?

A. 0

B. 1

C. 2

D. 4

E. It cannot be determined from the information given.

The only requirement is that the numbers are consecutive, and each one is bigger than the one preceding it. In this example, I will pick 4,5,6,7,8. These fulfill the requirements stated in the problem because they are consecutive, and the following is true: 4<5<6<7<8. Now, I simply plug my values into the given problem:

(4 + 8) - ( 5 + 7)

This is a simple arithmetic problem that I can easily solve. 12 - 12 = 0, therefore the correct answer is A.

What Would Eric Do?

2011-01-12T13:36:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our new weekly blog post provided by our in-house SAT/ACT test prep wizard. Every Wednesday Eric will post a new WWED giving you a new hint on how to defeat your SAT/ACT exams.

"Eric always reads a semicolon as a period. On the ACT test, the two are interchangeable. If what comes before or after the semicolon could not be a stand alone sentence then that answer choice has to be wrong."

Example:

Crochet hooks are available in all sizes, ranging, from very small to very large, with everything in between.

A. NO CHANGE
B. sizes, ranging
C. sizes; ranging
D. sizes ranging,

In choice C, a semicolon is used. However, when replaced with a period it becomes clear that the second half of the sentence could not stand alone as its own sentence. Therefore, choice C is definitely wrong. In this example, the correct answer is B.

WWED-4-Eva.

Bloggin'

2010-12-21T12:31:00.000-08:00

"We got Kenny Bloggins down there." - Greg, on some sweet blog action at the front desk

Sani Insanity

2010-12-21T12:22:00.001-08:00

"Why don't you talk to me when you're out of sani?" - Eric, on Greg's violent reaction to his missing hand sanitizer

A Room... With/out a View

2010-12-16T09:42:00.000-08:00

If you've been at Higher Ground lately, you've probably seen a few things things: 1) a man on stilts putting white, sticky putty on drywall, 2) a lot of white dust, or 3). Both are kind of dead giveaways that we're remodeling, but if you didn't put 2 and 2 together, then we forgive you.

When we first moved into this space last year, Billy had Greg do a lot of work on the place: putting up walls, windows, painting, etc. This was pretty focused on the downstairs area, where we planned on having students the most. It was top priority because we needed a really great space.

Not just good looking, but good feeling too. We had Mason Fetzer put up a rockin' mural, art was hung, couches and comfy chairs installed, carpet and acid stained concrete, the whole nine yards. It's really important that both parents and students feel really comfortable and focused in the environment we provide.

So, our focus on the downstairs kind of left the upstairs space (half office space, a kitchen, and the other half a classroom) in limbo. We kept the angry red walls that were left by the salon, very little natural & artificial light, and funky black accents figuring that since it wasn't the first space that would be seen, it could hold off until we had the time to beautify it.

Thankfully that time has come. After laboring in this red-zone (Billy's suffered the most, by far) we are getting a new color, new walls, windows, and a ton of new furniture. The whole office area is getting reorganized today by Emily Moroz, Eric Brown, Jacob Hanson (see deer photo below), and myself this afternoon and I am so stoked. Why am I so stoked? Do you care? Well, you'll hear it anyway. And if you don't care, go ahead and skip to the pictures below.

I used to work as the (part-time) Office Manager downstairs in the beautifully Zen and illuminated front desk area. Sure, it got cold sometimes, but it was just such a cool area (haha sorry) that I didn't really care. After Alexis, my former partner in office management crime, left this August, Billy and I discussed what to do next. I couldn't handle the full responsibilities of the Office Manager as I can only work part-time, and there were a lot of things that weren't getting done. So, he decided that I would work best in an online-marketing/PR/website maintenance roll (I still don't really have much of an official title... it's a work in progress). This meant I'd move upstairs

to hang out with the band of boys in red-land. I didn't mind so much at first. Lighting problems got solved with desk lamps and desk problems got solved with tables (I've been working on a small table as there isn't much room for a desk in the current office space), and life went on. But then, I started to miss the downstairs. All of that light. All of that desk space... oh, poor pitiful me! Luckily, before I could start whining, the remodel started, and all of these problems will hopefully get fixed... at least a little bit.

And now that you've heard my story, I bring you some pictures of the progress. Unfortunately I'm too lazy to go all the way downstairs to get the camera and post pre-remodel pictures, so this is all you get.

Also, I'm sorry for the funny formatting... formatting these pictures was kind of a half hour of hell. Also, I took most of them on my phone because it was better than using the Higher Ground Camera. Enjoy!

This is the view of the upstairs as you reach the top of the stairs. I made the panorama with Windows Live Photo Gallery. It's kind of the neatest free tool thing out there.

The door on the left leads into the office area, and the door on the more right-hand side leads into the kitchen, office area, & Billy's office.

This is the other side of that wall before these pictures. This is the office area/future tutor relaxation zone. The way back of the picture on the left, past the red wall is the kitchen, and then just NE of that is Billy's office. We used to be able to yell at him freely, but now he just hears mumbling. At least now he won't know when we're slacking and having dance parties... as often...

This is the view from the kitchen into Billy's office (left) and the classroom/tutoring area (right).

To the left is the view from Billy's desk (another neat panorama), and below is all of Billy's new swag. He tells me this will make him more productive and he'll be able to do consultations in his office now... but I just think he'll be sleeping on that couch all day... at least, that's what I'd do.

"I'm not a playa I just crush a lot"...get it? Big Pun!

2010-12-15T11:15:00.000-08:00

Diversity doesn't always mean integration

2010-12-15T10:59:00.000-08:00

Food for thought!

Take a look at the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey results, for Salt Lake:

High school grads (or higher):

... and the rest of the country, here:

http://projects.nytimes.com/census/2010/explorer?hp

Interesting stuff.

Reminding you to keep your thinkin' caps plugged in & fully charged at all times...

Em-dawg

We rule. Here's Proof

2010-12-13T10:14:00.000-08:00

Want to know how rad our staff is? Our main damie and study skills guru Jacob came into work today wearing a denim shirt, denim pants, and oh yeah, a leather jacket that he made himself from a roadkill carcass. Doubt you will see that at any of those other tutoring places. And guess what? When the apocalypse comes, not only will he be alive and toasty warm in buckskin, he will be happy to tutor you in surviving. Until then, maybe he can at least tutor you in looking Canadian.

Here is a photo we snapped of Jacob just the other day...

When asked to answer the phone...

2010-11-30T12:32:00.001-08:00

"i will answer that phone so hard" - Greg

Greg

2010-11-30T12:32:00.000-08:00

Quote of the day:

2010-11-11T10:32:00.000-08:00

"Dolphins really get people." - Emilie Jensen

(A teaser for next Friday's SLAA Art Attacks at HGL. Theme: WATER.)

"HOWDY"

2010-11-10T15:12:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to say hello! It's good to be on the blahg.

Cheers,

Emily

[This illustration comes from the Higher Ground Learning image vault. -Ed.]

Top 10 Reasons to come to HGL

2010-11-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

10. One-on-one tutoring, SAT/ACT prep, study skills & shark attack survival.

9. Personalized curricula to suit each students' learning style.

8. College been there, done that. Let us help you.

7. We teach our SAT/ACT class all over the world. No Joke!

6. Our tutors aren't lame.

5. We have a great sense of humor. This is also no joke.

4. We are good looking and smart (but really good looking).

3. We take education seriously so you don't have to.

2. We think you could do better.

1. The only problems we can't solve are Lindsay Lohan's.

Music Technology--Summer Workshop

2010-05-26T11:02:00.000-07:00

Music Technology is going to be an amazing workshop. You can spend a week learning to synthesize music with our very own Mike Shrieve.

I like your shirt.

2010-05-04T15:30:00.000-07:00

This picture is from Yellow Bird Fabrics, a store owned by Amy Powell, who coincidentally enough, will be teaching our Fashion Design workshop this summer: June 14-18 10am-1pm and July 12-16 10am-1pm. Here is the link to sign up: http://www.highergroundlearning.com/fashion-design-school.html

and here is the link to Amy's store:
http://yellowbirdfabrics.blogspot.com/

Also, if you would like to emulate the stunning Greg Covello and the sprightly Scarlett Reeves, then you should follow their lead and donate clothing to our clothing drive. The students in the workshop will recycle it into new clothes and then display it at two art attacks shows. Amazing! The bin is near the front door of Higher Ground.

This Just In

2010-03-02T08:40:00.000-08:00

I know its been a while since our last This Just In, and its not because Justin hasn't said anything brilliant or stupid....

Here is our latest, we were completing questions for Justin's Food Mastery Assignment.

Question 7.

If you halve 1 cup, how much will you have?

Justin: If you halve one cup?....If you have one cup, you have one cup.
Greg: No Justin, halve, like in half.

maybe you had to be there to appreciate this one.

HGL Student Art Attack features Darby Dustman

2010-02-08T11:07:00.000-08:00

Here is a little bit about Darby:

"As an artist attending West High School, I concentrate on creating inspiring art every day. Between competition soccer and high school, i try to balance my schedule with as much art as possible. Art keeps me focused and sane! I have loved creating art my whole life, and have attended schools including Wasatch Elementary and the Salt Lake Arts Academy, where making art was encouraged. Now, as an AP Art student, my teacher and classmates continually help me in improving my art. In short, I love art and art defines who I am." - Darby

Hope to see you at HGL on February 19th.

There will also be 3 photographers featured TBA

Click here for Darby's Art Attack Invite

Why People Should Read Poetry

2010-01-25T18:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes we, as humans, tend to see things in the air towards dusk.
Sometimes we feel things both inside and outside of ourselves, which we can't explain.
Sometimes we'll pick up a paintbrush, snap a photo of some rustling leaves that, somehow, explain the day to us.
Sometimes human beings will pick up a pen.
Sometimes we tend to forget about what the imagination can lead us to.
Sometimes we forget that life is only motion.
Sometimes the motion of language will say what we cannot say.
Sometimes poetry can say everything we never thought we'd have the words or colors for.
Sometimes
we must listen
for a sound.

The Snowman
One must have a mind of winter To regard the frost and the boughs Of the pine-trees crusted with snow; And have been cold a long time To behold the junipers shagged with ice, The spruces rough in the distant glitter Of the January sun; and not to think Of any misery in the sound of the wind, In the sound of a few leaves, Which is the sound of the land Full of the same wind That is blowing in the same bare place For the listener, who listens in the snow, And, nothing himself, beholds Nothing that is not there and the nothing that is.

Winter

Your mountains are solid, the crags

and boulders frozen, and you glow

in this moonlight, in this swollen cyan

of a child’s blind eye. Fog above these hills.

The scent of spruce tips. The absent owls,

foxes burrowed within caves. The bones

of last summer’s fish sleeping in the dirt,

singing without noise, like a broken harp.

And when I ask about the fire of city lights

cresting over these mountains, what answer

do I hope to hear? A dry thistle rustles

in the breeze. The silhouette of some dark

bird rising higher towards the purple abyss.

They say that a storm is coming, that the stars

are hidden in the shape-shifting blizzard winding

through winds, circulating above the mountain range,

spiraling every would-be flake into the absolute,

into the vacant stare of twilight, all before they

are swept up again, carried out of this frozen earth.

When I hear the songs of wolves, when I feel

the death rattle of each mangled deer, I know

this is the sound of every moon a child’s eye

becomes, as he stares into a mirror, brushing

his teeth and spitting into the stained sink.

I know that he looks towards the vacant

stare of his father, who is hearing the call

of every invisible noise outside. And as the child reaches

for a towel to dry his face, he answers

the call of that frozen wilderness:

daddy, I’m ready for sleep now.

Ekamai Thai Curry

2010-01-12T11:34:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, Wednesday 1/13, this new Thai restaurant (right by the waffle shop--336 w 300 s) is having a grand opening special: "two item combo" for $3.99 from 11-7.

My opinion: Say no to Applebees and give Salt Lake more charm . . .and that special is really cheap.

This Just In: January 11th 2010

2010-01-11T09:08:00.000-08:00

Cutler twins may not be who they say they are. I used to find it slightly strange that Justin brought a wand to Higher Ground; now I know the truth.

Thank you Adam.

2010-01-07T15:56:00.000-08:00

here it is I'm going off! I love this place, F facebook write somebody a letter or a postcard, you know how good it feels to get something in the mail, be creative. I love THIS place, a place where i can read things that make me think or some rant that is full of BS, kinda like what I'm writing now. Adam you kill it with words, you have a gift. With every new post from each new writer this blog gets a breath of fresh air or don't blog and write me a letter so i can post it on a board at HGL or scan it into our blog. We are different and we are smart so prove it. go check out this coffeehouse, Mestizo 631 West N. Temple SLC amazing vibes and art.

Primero

2009-12-20T11:15:00.000-08:00

SHALOM!

After a debacling, debilitating, depleting semester, it has come to the attention of this blogger that a blog must be blogged about in the most bloggeresque of fashions. Being that this blistering banter of accentuated alliteration will elicit such erudite attention, what with its consequential consonance and also assonance, this blogger notes that three things must be taken into account:

1) Puppies (white labs, mostly) are the most cute Christmukkah presents, especially when slightly wrapped in meshy, bow-esque wrappings, and stuffed neatly under the tree where they will sit so patiently, so emphatically unsure of what is to become of them. And then they see the glee of their tiny, misfitted children of new owners, they will offer a Christmas tinkle to the carpet, forever staining the carpet with the indelible expression of joy and holiday anxiety.

2) The best excuse for telling young children why the Santa Claus at the mall, the Santa Claus at the other mall, the Santa Claus walking the street with miscellaneous bags (does anyone oft suspect this to be Cringle the Crack Dealer, especially as he walks by the Sears on State Street and 8th South?), the Santa who came to their school party, as well as their cousin's school party (who happens to live in Wisconsin) is the real Santa:

a) he's real because he knew your name and your name was written on the present/stocking/nondenominational gift that he gave you (note, this excuse only works within the school setting).

b) he's real because he has to sneak into the city and all over the world while remaining incognito. He drives a Prius instead of his sled because 1) he's eco-conscious--Santa's the one truly feeling the pressure of Global Warming. 2) he has to look like a normal human so that the news doesn't get ahold of him and broadcast it all over--can you imagine the shock it would set for the rest of the world if Santa were spotted giving early presents to American children? Anyone else smell the holiday bustle of X-Mas lawsuits? I mean, Coca-Cola pretty much would lose its entire holiday assets and sales-pitches. Not cool.

c) You saw a man/woman who looks like him leave the designated building wearing civilian clothes because, again, he must travel incognito. And the reason his beard was gone is because he has magical, beard-growing powers. His Cringle prowess allows him to dispose of facial hair and then rapdily grow it back in a matter of hours/minutes/seconds so that children and adults alike will forever be flabbergasted by his almost-holy appearance (Resource: _The Santa Clause_, 1994, John Pasquin).

3) Eggnog really isn't that great. Unless you buy Lactaid brand because it's sweeter and doesn't stick to your throat like a Merry muciloginistic mess that requires immediate consumption of water, following the imbibing of said Nog. Also, if in America, one happens to be the age of 21, I find that Jameson helps the Nog go down. Just a few spoonfuls of sugar. You know...for um...flavor.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen and Gentlewomen.

Arreviderch.

Happy Holidays.

The Blogger Formerly Known as Adam

Dumb Move

2009-12-18T15:43:00.000-08:00

Just spent $8 to remind myself that I hate carlucci's.

I guess I'm an old fart...

2009-12-04T13:09:00.000-08:00

Ok. I was born in 1981. Yes, the eighties. I'm 28. 28.5, technically. I remember being 7 and my mother was about 30 and we were celebrating her birthday and I thought, "Wow, my mom is really, really old." Back then, I could never imagine being "so old" and I thought it would be an eternity before I hit 30.

But here I am, a year and a half away and I don't FEEL old. And I hope I don't LOOK old either. I was feeling pretty confident until I sat down for some AP Biology tutoring with my student Jack. Jack is a guy of few words. So, during one of our lulls, I ask him if he has any siblings. He tells me he has 2 sisters. When I ask how old they are, he responds:

"One is a freshman in college and one is a junior in college. You know...pretty old."

My mouth was agape and my eyes were ablaze (and I wish I could say my arms were akimbo, but they weren't). I mean, I was a freshman in college a decade ago! So, I squinted my eyes and furrowed my brow and said:

"Take that back!"

He just smiled and chuckled and we went back to reviewing the differences between light dependent and light independent reactions.

Whatever. I'm 28.5 and still pretty cool...for an "old" person.

This Just In

2009-12-04T12:04:00.000-08:00

12/5/09

Alexis: My car is freezing.

Justin: I'm not cold. I'm a polar bear.

Alexis: Really? You look sort of cold.

Justin: No, this is just my "cool" position.

Alexis: Last night I had this hair stuck in the back of my throat and I almost threw up. I was in my laundry room and I was looking for a trash can and I almost threw up but then I didn't. It was terrible.

Justin(sarcastically): Wow.

Alexis: Yeah--just a little story to carry you through the day.

Justin: Yeah. I'll tell my friends, "You are never going to believe what happened to someone I know. You are seriously never going to believe this."

Running Down Hunger

2009-11-25T14:50:00.001-08:00

This Just In

2009-11-20T14:55:00.000-08:00

J: The sky didn't light up last night like before.
A: I know. I was waiting for it. I was lying in bed thinking about an asteroid coming down. I don't even know what I would do.
J: Stop, drop and roll.

This Just In

2009-11-19T10:12:00.000-08:00

On our drive to school we pull up to a short bus/passenger van labeled Disabled Veterans.

Justin: Really? Who lets disabled veterans drive?

This Just In

2009-11-13T11:19:00.001-08:00

"The world is my tambourine." -Justin Cutler

Introducing Student Artist Katherine Maus

2009-11-12T11:12:00.000-08:00

"My name is Katherine Maus and I am a junior in the IB program at West High School. I first became involved with Higher Ground Learning when I took an SAT/ACT prep class there this fall. It was so much fun and I was really dissapointed when the class ended. I was such a fan of the laid back enviornment. Fortunately, I found a way to continue to be involved with Higher Ground through Student Art Attack, the student art program. I'm really excited to be a part of this awesome event and can't wait for everyone to see my work! I definitely have a passion for art. Whenever I have a spare second, I seem to be working on some project. I'm taking AP Art at my high school this year, and will move on to IB Art next year. I hope to take art classes in college as well as major in art. For now, I plan on focusing on high school, art, and doing what I love."

HGL's next Student Art Attack show is Nov. 20th 6:30-9:30pm. Katherine Maus and Alexis Martinez will be our featured student artists. Come support these students, check out some art, listen to some tunes provided by DJ lil g, and enjoy some food and drink created by Master Chef Justin Cutler.

Higher Ground Learning

380 West Pierpont Ave (Pierpont is between 200 & 300 South)

This Just In

2009-11-10T10:05:00.000-08:00

Greg: Why are you tired? Were you up partying all night?

Justin: Yeah.

Greg: With who?

Justin: All my gang members and girlfriends.

This Justin In

2009-11-09T09:32:00.001-08:00

November 9, 2009
10:29am

Alexis: Are you friends with this kid?
Justin: Yes.
Alexis: Oh you are?
Justin: No. I'm kidding. Can't you tell by my kidding voice?

HGL is Blowing Up!

2009-11-05T16:13:00.001-08:00

SHARK ATTACK

2009-11-05T15:20:00.000-08:00

four seconds after this picture was taken, my friend steph became fish food.

HGL on Facebook

2009-10-23T14:34:00.000-07:00

Become a Fan, check out our events, comment on our page and pics, and spread the word about HGL...We are going Viral! Click on the link to visit our FB page---> HGL FB Page!

Introducing Master Chef

2009-10-20T09:35:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone my name is Justin Cutler or more formally known around the kitchen as Master Chef. This is my last year here at Higher Ground as a high schooler since I am 18 and a senior who also attends Rowland Hall in the afternoons for lunch and a couple of classes. I may decide to continue my absolute rule over Higher Ground when I am in college so...yeah. It has been decided by the higher powers around here that I will be catering HGL's Grand Opening on November 20th. The contents of my most excellent menu will be kept top secret until that that time. I may release 1 or 2 recipies but we will see....One item that I will be telling you guys is Hot Apple Cider....awesome stuff there. The rest you guys will have to wait for the 20th

This Just In 10/20/2009

2009-10-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

8:35am
JC: I did a bunch of highlighting in my book.
GC: Nice! so yo did some reading
JC: No. Just highlighting.

8:47am
JC: Who is that outside?
GC: Maybe its the sink guy.
JC: If it is I'm going down there and giving him a hug

9:03am
JC: I have a lot of funny stuff to say

9:09am
JC: This questionnaire just told me i have low self-esteem
GC: Screw that questionnaire

9:17am
GC: I'm wicked smart huh?!
JC: Totally

This Just In

2009-10-16T09:33:00.001-07:00

10/15

(Alexis and Justin)

A: "Do you know what 'colossal' means?"

J: "Yeah. Huge. Justin-like."

A: "Exactly."

Fw: Fwd: Fw: My Mom is Spamming Me

2009-10-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

Unread messages pile up in our Gmail inbox with titles such as, Social Security Changes, Interesting Observation, Farmers That are Bored, Rarely Seen Shuttle Activities, 1909 Ford, Words for Women to Live By, A Women's Week at the Gym, Surprising Laugh (turn the speakers up loud), and The Ziploc Omelet. Our moms are now using email to make sure we know about all the important mom stuff that they cant tell us about in the morning while eating breakfast or on our way out the door to school or work. These emails are sent To: a huge list of people you have never heard of (except for your mom), From: some other random person who means nothing to you, and Fwd: (by mom) to you, siblings, family members, friends, and more people you have never heard of . These emails are fairly harmless and often are a cute mom joke (possibly borderline dirty), a warning of some kind, and may be politically motivated. We might not know why our moms send us these emails, but its your mom and she loves you. Below are a list of rules to help you deal with Subject: My Mom is Spamming Me.

Rules you must follow when it comes to Mom Spam:

NEVER tell your mom you don't read these emails.

Continue to "send to trash" before reading BUT NEVER TELL MOM.

NEVER continue the Fw: Fwd: Fw: by sending to your friends or coworkers (that reason deserves its own explanation and list of rules.)

NEVER call it Mom Spam in front of your mom.

NEVER tell your mom to stop spamming you.

Thank you mom.

Love,

Greg

HGL Beginning To Suspect Creative Director Suzi Montgomery Might Not Be American

2009-10-13T12:35:00.000-07:00

Oh say can you see? Suzi Montgomery hopes not! Here at HGL, Suzi Montgomery has been busy multitasking, keeping her eye on the future while blinding those around her. Speculation has set in and people are wondering "who is the real Suzi Montgomery, loyal American or a Canadian." The smokescreen around Suzi is starting to clear causing HGL employees to choose sides. When asked about Suzi's Dual Citizenship, Billy Thomas replied "Look, we would love to help Suzi out, but there is one thing Higher Ground Learning doesn't believe in, and that is handouts and global warming."

Good luck Suzi Montgomery, some of us are behind you and your unknown agenda.

This Just In

2009-10-12T09:40:00.000-07:00

I have decided to start a new series of posts. It will be called "This Just In." This series will be a continual posting of comments, stories or moments concerning Justin Cutler.

Here is the first one:

10/12
For Justin's wedding, he is not going to request pots and pans on his registry, he, instead, would like live game.

Dollars For Doman October 16th

2009-10-07T14:11:00.000-07:00

Parallel Parked the Homeless Man

2009-09-29T17:47:00.000-07:00

This morning I had to parallel park around the homeless man.

You know who he is.

He was lying on the ground with his arms and legs spread out. His shopping cart was a few feet away. I wouldn’t have parked near his space, except it was so good. It was one of the spaces without a time limit. I needed it. I’ve already gotten two tickets. Come on.

I backed in slowly. I could see him the whole time in my mirror. My hands were sweating; I kept imaging my foot slipping off the brake. Oh my god, I thought, this is to avoid a $15 ticket. What is wrong with me? What is wrong with this entire scenario? But, then I thought, he is taking up an entire parking space. I backed in and stopped—two feet from his shopping cart, maybe one. I was in. He was still asleep.

I got out of my car.

It didn’t cross my mind to ask him if he was okay, or to even really look to see exactly how far away I was from his cart. Instead all I thought was, how weird is this exactly? How incredibly not right is this entire situation?

My mom told me about this story she read in a newspaper. It was about a businessman who walked by a homeless man everyday on his way to work. The businessman talked with him—just short conversations that broke up the briefcase-commute. Gradually, he learned things about him. He found out that the homeless man liked to read. One day he brought him a book, “Like Water for Elephants.” The homeless man took it. The next day the homeless man told the businessman how much he was enjoying reading it. The businessman began bringing him other books on his way to work. Then, the businessman and the homeless man decided to start a book club for other homeless people. The other homeless people loved it. They all read together in a church and had discussions about the characters and the plot, what they liked about it and what they didn’t. Even though it wasn’t to get people off the streets—it was really just to have a book club—this helped the homeless man get a part time job as a janitor, and then after that, a place to live.

And, that’s it.

So maybe I should have given the homeless man a book, maybe I should have bent down by him, close enough to see the part of his belly that was exposed from his shirt being pulled up, maybe I should have set it down next to him, near enough so he could see it was a gift. I could think this, end it in a neat bow of “maybe next time,” but it’s not true.

I would probably never do that. I’m 5'4 and a woman and I’m afraid of situations like this—maybe not every woman is—but I’ve been taught to be on the defense specifically for situations like these. I would probably never start talking to a homeless man, let alone enough to give him a book, but I will think about how much that sucks.

2009-09-27T23:06:00.000-07:00

On September 19th, 7 members of Higher Ground Learning's Staff ran 5 kilometers to raise money to benefit research for ALS (Bob Marshall 5K: Kick in the ALS). We had such a great time and were happy to be among the 7 fastest people there!

Dollars For Doman Art Show - Calling All Artists With Good Vibes

2009-09-25T10:43:00.000-07:00

If you are an artist or you know of an artist/artists that would like to contribute to this event please click on the picture above. I hope to see you all at HGL (new location 380 West Pierpont) on October 16th. Lets show SLC what kind of community we really are!

Here is an update on Dave's status. Dave was released from the hospital last night and is now continuing his recovery at his parents house. Dave hasn't lost one bit of his personality, sense of humor, or love of life. The doctors are calling him and is fast recovery some kind of miracle..."oooh big deal" Dave says in his sarcastic tone of voice while shaking his hands above his head. Dave is killing it, and this Art Show is a way to help a homie and celebrate Dave's crazy path to a full recovery.

(if you are not sure what Dollars For Doman is, check out the Friend and Local artist post Here)

Thanks,

Greg

Friday Night Football!

2009-09-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

This Friday night (tomorrow!), at East High School we will be setting up a table at the football game to pass out free popcorn to the community. I look at this as a way to have a little fun, get involved with the school, chat it up with parents and students, and invite them to get to know us better. I'm looking for a few good tuts to join me in this feat from 6pm to 7:30 pm. We'll give out popcorn until we run out and just chat with anyone wants to know more about us. It's a great opportunity for us to show off our many awesome workshops and rad tutors. Would you join me?

After football, I know that Alexis mentioned playing scrabble at Juniors. I personally have had a blast playing with Alexis in the past and plan on joining her. Please email me if you can come to the game! AND COME TO JUNIORS! I would really appreciate it!

-Katie

Running sucks...kind of.

2009-09-24T10:48:00.000-07:00

"Really?!?! Really?!?!”

This is the reaction I get when I tell anybody who knew me before a month ago that I’m running. (If you can’t pull up the visual of shock in your head, ask Billy to reenact it for you.)

I grew up with 5 brothers and ZERO sisters. Therefore, things such as slimy animals, farts, dirt, sweat, and sports grossed me out. I was primarily a pink-on-pink kind of girl and had decided that any female shouldn’t want to be anything other than a ballerina.

In middle school, I dreaded going to P.E. I couldn’t understand why any girls would be excited to kick a ball around in 90% humidity under a bright, bright sun. I couldn't understand why girls CHOSE to play softball, basketball, soccer, etc. These girls scared me to death and to me, they were the same as my sweaty, smelly brothers. I would always scoff at the female college athletes and thought that they were sadly wasting their time on silly pursuits.

The truth is, I’ve realized, that I would make fun of these women because they could do what I couldn’t: they could run. In my entire life, I think I’ve run a total of 4 laps around the track with my college roommate, who herself was a track and field athlete. I envied that she could keep running and running and not exhibit the exhaustion that I exhibited 2 minutes into my run. I never gave running a chance and the fact that I would stop the minute my breathing became even the slightest bit laborious was not conducive to me ever running. Again.

So, fast forward 10 years and here I am, just finishing my fastest mile ever: 7:51.

What made me decide to go running? Well, a few things: Billy has run in 6 marathons and NEVER talks about it (if I had done the same, I would wear every medal with every outfit every single day) and I would like to be able, one day, to beat him in a footrace. His mother, an avid runner who has run in lots and lots and lots of marathons, kept asking me when I would run a marathon with her. I would smile and roll my eyes thinking, yeah riiiiight, but the seed was planted. I WANTED to prove to myself that I could run. I wanted to get to the point where I could run and run and run and not feel the terrible burning pain in my lungs, legs, sides, shoulders, etc and finally feel that “high” that everyone talks about.

And I’m hooked. I’m running a decent amount now and am feeling better than ever, although I still haven't felt that elusive high. I did, however, run in my first 5K a week ago and, although the hills KILLED me, I did pretty well. So, what’s the moral to this longwinded story? Being a ballerina doesn’t pay the bills; running doesn’t either, but it’s a heck of a lot cheaper to do…

To Blog or Not to Blog....

2009-09-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

To Not To Blog is evidently, not really an option- unless I committed suicide I guess. Morbid! Anyway, Greg, Okay, I'm blogging buddy!

Look forward to my upcoming "HGL Emeritus" column that will chronicle the "what are they doing now?" of past Higher Ground 'alumni' as we like to call them- students and teachers alike. But for now, I am going to post something a little about me. I am writing this piece for a Canadian anthology, should they include me, about being adopted. Matt Webster, I am thinking of you as I write this: I began writing this story this morning and stopped when the coffee got cold, so here Part I of Draft 1:

1969

The year 1969 has some impact. Walking my 75-pound Newfoundland dog, I have plenty of time to think – he is fourteen now, a little grumpy, stoic and off-leash as pulling him by the neck, even gently, would be an insult to his seniority. He has arthritis along his spine and a bad right hip, and he coughs as he walks, like he is choking on a fur ball. Needless to say he dictates the pace. So we walk, very, very slowly, through the long and wide blocks of Salt Lake City, leaving me with plenty of time to think. I think a lot about the future: how could I do this; how could I do that? And sometimes my ideas trail to things in the category banal: I dwell on ideas of consumerism and postulate my own trendy, kitschy twist that would assail my fellow ladies and cajole them into purchasing my, well my idea. For instance, for awhile I was bent over for months soldering tiny silver balls to tiny silver loops- a manifestation of an earring idea that I wanted to pilot…. and then on to making a line of poodle skirts, as my boyfriend likes to call them: I truly believe you could take any skirt and attach a small decal of a cute pink poodle to it and people will fall all over it in bliss. And, for that matter, just screen-print 1969, strategically, on anything, and BAM! You have yourself a ringer.

According to this faded green rectangular piece of weathered paper I am holding, I was born at the Osteopathic General Hospital in Cranston, state of Rhode Island, in 1969. This document is officially sealed by the State Office in Providence and contains a 10-digit state file number that perhaps one day will serve to unlock the gate to my heritage. I think this is the first time I have even taken a serious look at this document. My mother, Norma Jean Sturm, passed me this envelope a few years ago in one of those archetypal moments when a mother sheds her responsibilities as vigilante, so to speak, and you find yourself tucking away a handful of documents and heirlooms that come with this implicit message that your history now belongs to you. My proof-of-adoption papers now sit in my cedar box along with other proofs and tellings of my life: my Canadian citizenship papers, my dual(ing) passports, old recipes for wine-making from my late father, proof of paying off my U of A student loans over 15 years ago should ‘they’ ever come back one day and ask me for ‘that’ money, and multifarious ID’s that chronicle my aging process and provide me with tangible metaphor for where I have been all these years. I am no pack-rat, ask my mother who says I throw out everything, but to these I hold on rather tightly-this scant recollection of me and of my famous disappearing act……

to be continued

Open House Featured Artist: Alexis Martinez

2009-09-18T10:40:00.000-07:00

Artist: Alexis Martinez
This piece will be on display 11/20/09

Here is a little bit about HGL's own Alexis Martinez, one of our featured artists during the HGL Open House/Art Show (November 20th from 6-9pm at the new 380 West Pierpont Ave. location.)

"Hey! My name is Alexis Martinez. I'm originally from Texas, but moved to Salt Lake City after 6th grade. I am a senior at Judge Memorial Catholic High and will graduate in May 2010. I'm currently applying for the United States Military Academy and the Naval Academy. I am also pursuing an ROTC scholarship. I aim to become a pilot or bio mechanical engineer, and I am contemplating Pre-Medicine.

I am an avid soccer player, snowboarder, skateboarder, and runner. I love to read, write, and listen to music.

Art has always been a part of my life, I started with Japanese cartoons in my preteens. As I started Art classes at Judge, Mr. Bettin incorporated realistic art and design in place of Cartoons. I still do both as a hobby.

Higher Ground Learning has been an AMAZZZING experience for me. I love the environment and the staff. Not only have I improved my grades at school, I created friends. :)"

Come support this artist, student, and friend.

Homeless Ground Learning?

2009-09-18T10:18:00.000-07:00

As the parking guy next door pushed this junk in front of HGL he spoke to himself out loud, "Now its your problem."

Thank you parking guy!

-HGL

Parking

2009-09-11T15:26:00.000-07:00

Study Skills - "Where we're going, we don't need roads."

2009-09-10T13:34:00.000-07:00

Take a look back in time.

This is what your Study Skills instructors looked like before Higher Ground Learning.

Billy Thomas

Suzi Montgomery

Greg Covello

After all these years we are still bringing you style and class....You are welcome!

Dave Doman - Friend and Local Artist

2009-09-04T15:23:00.000-07:00

This is my friend Dave Doman. Not only is he one of my closest friends, he is also the Celtek designer and a well-known Salt Lake City artist. Dave suffered a severe head injury while skateboarding in San Clemente, California on August 21st. Dave was rushed to Mission Hospital in Mission Viejo, where he currently just opened his eyes after being in a medically-induced coma. Things are looking positive, but its going to be a long road to recovery. Below is a link where you can purchase a print or a shirt of Dave's artwork. It's one of his personal favorites. All of the proceeds go to Dave and his recovery. If you can't buy anything, send some good vibes towards my friend.

Dollars For Doman Link - Click Here

Thanks,

Greg

Where were you?

2009-09-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

You had a season pass at Lagoon.

HGL was busy with a ton of Summer Workshops:

Urban Art - A taste of Hip Hop Culture & Graffiti. You may have seen us at the Utah Arts Festival.
Fashion Design School - Students were using their individual flavors and passions to create clothes and accessories that expressed their creative ideas. These designers were also at Arts Fest.
Pop Goes the Paint Brush - Students worked with renowned pop artist Jann Haworth to create their own collection of fine art pieces.
Real Life Math and Science - Applying math and science to understand the world around us.
Study and Test-Taking Skills - (btw, way cooler than it sounds) This class addressed all learning styles with a highly innovative curriculum that gave students the skills to personalize their academic experiences.

Arts Fest

Graffiti Cube

HGL Fashionistas

More photos to come...

Dunkin' Donuts has never insulted me.

2009-09-04T09:39:00.000-07:00

Coffee drinkers beware.

This morning I visited a coffee shop/bakery directly south of HGL, adjoined to Tony Caputo's Market & Deli at 314 W 300 S, and rhymes with "Barlucci's". I arrived at "Barlucci's" (wink) around 10:30am for an iced coffee. The girl who served me fooled me into thinking she was nice and was able to hold some small enjoyable conversation. As a customer I was polite, personable, and left a tip after I was served. I said "thank you" and proceeded to the small station where I could prepare my coffee with just enough cream and sugar to make it bearable to drink, as I stirred the ingredients into my coffee, one "Barlucci's" girl says to the other, "remember when we worked at Whole Foods and a billion hot guys would come it all at once?" and the other "Barlucci's" girl says, "Yeah, a ton of hot guys." That's when the first "Barlucci's girl says "No good looking guys ever come in here, Ever." I was four feet away from this conversation. If I had tipped cash I would have reached into that poor excuse for a tip jar and grabbed my money back. I don't consider my self a stunner or a hunk but C'MON! Really!?

Viva Higher Ground Learning

Greg

We are HGL and we blog too.

2009-09-03T14:52:00.000-07:00

Thanks for checking out the new Higher Ground Learning blog. We will be updating our blog constantly with pictures, videos, ideas, and anything else we think is cool about what we do (if you don't know what that is, check out our description on the right hand side of your screen, or click on our link that will take you to our homepage).

We would love it if you spread the word... Visit HGL Here!

Thanks,

Greg