tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44931446300473005002024-03-13T11:37:17.043-05:00LEE GABOR'S OPINIONSSometimes, I simply want to express myself on an issue or topic. I started out thinking I would use the Socratic Method (asking questions) and comment only on political issues. However, that has changed. I find more often I'm simply stating an opinion. Since I am over 60 years old, you can be sure I have a lot of opinions to share. Your ideas are valuable and I look forward to your adding opinions to this blog.Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-21048452288968817652020-03-10T11:55:00.001-05:002020-03-10T11:55:32.520-05:00I so seldom post Because i post on FB and Twitter, i rarely use my blog anymore. However, i have gotten so disgusted with FB, especially, that i started a new blog for postings about my corporation, Aquarian Age Inc. I also have the blog dedicated to Astrology.Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-77721036449685429232019-06-30T15:42:00.001-05:002019-06-30T15:42:24.882-05:00Hard to believeI am having a mess with this crazy iPhone 7 and wanted to check if I still could blog on my other blog. Naturally, this one came up and I saw I haven’t blogged on it since 2017. That is hard to believe, but I do blog much more often on my other blog and I don’t feel that I am very important as an individual (especially compared to what I offer on my other blog) so maybe this date of 2017 is accurate. At least I can still blog here, lol. But, need to log out and go to my other blog!Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-65284809889671935602017-12-15T08:37:00.001-06:002017-12-15T08:37:48.576-06:00Been awhilei keep up with politics and am on Twitter and Facebook often plus blogging on my astrological blog, so haven't blogged here for ages.<br />
<br />
After watching the video of the young man admitting to voter fraud in the AL special election between candidates Jones and Moore, i felt angry. The people of AL should decide who will be their senator, not a bunch of people from other states who illigitimately vote.<br />
<br />
I don't know if Moore is guily of sexual harassment. It is bothersome that this Barbara Nelson admitted to making changes in the yearbook she sbd attorney Gloria Alred have used as proof that Moore was in some type of relationship with her when he was in his 30s abd she was a teen. No wonder they wouldn't turn over the yearbook for forensic analysis.<br />
<br />
I hope the whole truth comes out at some point and i do hope the people who committed voter fraud are charged. We shall see!<br />
<br />
<br />Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-50073378775581453532017-05-31T18:18:00.001-05:002017-05-31T18:18:17.329-05:00Uranus and WarIn Aquarian Age Astrology, Uranus rules Life and Death and note, this is NOT Piscean Age Astrology.<br />
<br />
When we look at Uranus in Aries in the Pre-America and American History and consider how much violence is in the world right now and how close the U.S. is to a coming war some are calling World War III, we view the years when Uranus was in Aries. It travels through all the 12 SYSTEMS (Piscean Age is Signs) every 84 years.<br />
<br />
Therefore, 2017 is violence and we are close to war with N. Korea.<br />
<br />
84 years ago was 1939, when we see the rise of NAZI Germany and just 2 years before the U.S. enters World War II in December, 1941.<br />
<br />
84 years before 1939 was 1855, just 6 years before the Civil War in the U.S. This war also was known as the War of Rebellion, the War of Northern Aggression, and the War Between the States.<br />
<br />
84 years before 1855 was 1771, just 5 years before the start of the American Revolution against Britain.<br />
<br />
84 years before 1771 is 1687, just 2 years before King William's War in Pre-America begins.<br />
<br />
84 years before 1687 is 1603 just 4 years before Jamestown was founded and, of course, Roanoke Colony already had been founded in 1587 and then discovered to be deserted in 1590.<br />
<br />
it appears obvious that Uranus that we call "Iron Man Jumper Pumper" (c) in Aquarian Age Astrology in the Muscle System, we call "Muscle Hustle" (c) in the new astrology emphasizes enormous conflict and the muscle system does work by conflict.Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-22989041501751428362016-10-05T17:16:00.003-05:002016-10-05T17:16:47.020-05:00Pre-K Teacher arrested and charged with sexual assault(s)<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
News on DISD (Dallas TX Independent School District) teacher arrested for sexual abuse of students - Jorge Ruiz - I checked certifications and there are 3 for males of this name and all three are Bilingual Generalists EC through 4th grade (just that thoughts makes me sick).</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 6px;">
There is one more, who is Jorge Leis Ruiz, but his certifications have expired and they were all grades PE and HS Spanish.</div>
<div>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">You can look up any teacher's certification(s) from the Texas Education Agency at the website to which I'm linking, but you must have a correct name (mine only comes up with Leciana Gabor and not "Lee," which is my nickname. The link is https://secure.sbec.state.tx.us/SBECONLINE/virtcert.asp</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The news just reported this Jorge Ruiz teaches Pre-K at DISD's Kramer Elementary School. The sex assault of the alleged first child was from 8 years ago when the victim was 7 years old and a second alleged victim has come forward. This is sickening!!!!</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">DISD has placed the guy on "administrative leave," although he is in jail. Parents of students at the school are upset that the school didn't send home a notice and some parents learned that the teacher was arrested by watching the 4:00 local television news.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span><div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-7360832436240555592016-10-05T17:11:00.000-05:002016-10-05T17:11:06.409-05:00Texas latest polls for 2016 Presidential ElectionTrump is just a few points ahead of Hillary Clinton, but both are under 50%. This is no surprise to me.<br />
<br />
Although Texas has been a strong Republican state, with all the people moving here from California, New York, and New Jersey, the state is moving to becoming more Democratic.<br />
<br />
The reason many of those people are leaving those three states is because the Democrats ruined them financially and the taxes are so high now, people can't afford to stay there.<br />
<br />
Texas has NO state income tax. That will have to change when it becomes a Dem majority.Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-38686399378991145792016-10-05T17:08:00.003-05:002016-10-05T17:08:48.283-05:00Solar Energy Tax Credit<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Solar Energy credit on IRS form - use form 5695 for Residential Energy Credit (goes on line 53 of 1040). You do NOT have to itemize deductions to take this credit, but it is a NON-BUSINESS credit - obviously for residences (per the title of the form).</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-top: 6px;">
I'm posting because there are so many ads on television and on Facebook for solar energy.</div>
Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-63384439065401123622016-10-05T16:36:00.000-05:002016-10-05T16:36:26.108-05:00Obama's programs - Which will happen first?Obama has two new programs - which will occur first? Joe Biden's committee will cure cancer or all traffic fatalities will stop because of the driverless vehicles?Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-37089068451608085962016-10-05T15:35:00.002-05:002016-10-05T15:35:50.406-05:00Blogging Today and ABOUT TIME!Good grief. This is my first blog post since February of this year and it is October. That is AWFUL.<br />
<br />
I've been posting opinions prolifically on Facebook, but need to be doing that here instead. I have started a Facebook Archive and will post here many, if not all of those opinions since February. Also, will post the astrological postings on my astrology blog.<br />
<br />
<br />Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-89298379388160476552016-02-03T15:02:00.002-06:002016-02-03T15:02:34.766-06:00School Principals Spouting off without RESEARCH TO BACK OPINIONS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This type of thing is very distressing to me because it causes problems for educators and for students.<br />
<br />
There is NO reliable and verifiable research at this time that states students should be taught by someone of their own race and for a principal to say that really frustrates me - it means SHE IS IGNORANT and also IS RACIST.<br />
<br />
There is no room for racism in education, yet I've seen so much of it and actually quit a job with a district because they continued to hire a blatant racist and I refuse to work for someone like that!<br />
<br />
Students need teachers who are knowledgeable, professional, creative, use the best teaching styles for the students' learning styles, use best practices and differentiated learning programs, and CARE about the students as well as SHOW they care!</div>
Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-83437443117101798372016-01-27T18:38:00.002-06:002016-01-27T18:38:38.641-06:00Two Doses of BS<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
First, the sports announcer on CBS is saying Jason Garrett allegedly said the Cowboys are the best players in the country. If that were so, wouldn't they be going to the Superbowl? And, I'm well aware the problem is Jerry Jones, but, to me, if each player is THAT good, he could accept a position on a team that Jerry Jones does not own - a team that might actually go to the Superbowl, so blaming JJ doesn't wash.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
And 2) I listened to Obama's State of the Union address in which he talked about how great the U.S. economy is because of his administration and yet, today, the Federal Reserve announced they can't at this time raise interest rates because the economy is so poor and, when that was announced, the Dow dropped 200 points.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; margin-top: 6px;">
So, I think both Garrett and Obama are full of BS!</div>
Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-2561516568704128072016-01-27T18:37:00.003-06:002016-01-27T18:37:58.559-06:00Will families ever see any financial help?<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
If I were still an investigative newspaper reporter, I would be checking out these "events" in which artists are creating art from the "leftovers" of the Christmas tornadoes in the Dallas, Texas area and are auctioning off or selling the art with the money going to help people who lost their homes.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I don't doubt the artists are collecting trees, limbs, lumber, or whatever, and creating art.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I don't doubt they are offering the items for auction or sale.</div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #141823; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
I just want to know WHO decides on how the money will be distributed, the names of those families who actually receive the money and how much each family gets.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Often, a generous idea doesn't actually END with financial impact for people. We see this all the time with money the U.S. government sends to some foreign nations - the leader of the country receives the money and sends it on to his/her Swiss bank account, OR huge fundraising events show NOTHING left after all expenses paid, so the people who are supposed to be impacted are NOT (and there is the problem of people emotionally calling in with donations which they never send).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Hopefully, somebody at Dallas Morning News or WFAA or one of the local media institutions will be tracking these art auctions!</div>
</div>
Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-38135857888780636912016-01-16T17:32:00.001-06:002016-01-16T17:32:10.513-06:00Four Iranian hostages released in trade for Iranians held in U.S.Of course, it is wonderful news that the four hostages have been released and are on their way to the Army hospital at an American base in Germany. Apparently, two are not in very good health.<br />
<br />
The Americans have been exchanged for six Iranians who were being held by the U.S. and awaiting trials for allegedly breaking laws regarding the sanctions on Iran.<br />
<br />
The exchange is said to be part of the Nuke deal that was agreed to this past summer. The Nuclear Observers today announced they have completed inspections in Iran and the country is abiding by the agreement. As a result, U.S. Pres. Obama is expected to release $150 Billion to Iran within the next few days.<br />
<br />
The longest held hostage has been there over four years, the next over three years.<br />
<br />
Amir Hekmati, a former U.S. Marine, was arrested in Aug. 2011 during a visit to see his grandmother. He was charged with espionage and sentenced to death for allegedly being a CIA spy (what the Iranians stated about him).<br />
<br />
Seed Abedini, a Christian minisiter, was held for 3.5 years, sentenced to 8 years for gathering with others for Bible studies.<br />
<br />
Matthew Trevithick also was released, but separatly from the other four. He was released after 40 days and was there for a four-month intensive language course.<br />
<br />
Evin Prison was where they were kept and Americans have said the prison was where horrible things have happened. Once the Americans are home, I'm sure we will learn much more about their treatment.<br />
<br />
Another man frieed was Khosravi-Roodsari, but we don't know anything about his at this point.<br />
<br />
Robert Levinison, who was 67 years old when captured, was NOT part of the deal. It is not known if he is even still alive.<br />
<br />
It is truly wonderful for the four Americans to be released. That said, the Nuclear Agreement is still of major concern to me. This morning from 4 to 6 a.m. I watched a documentary discussion the obsession Muslims have with the West and with Israel. There were many videos of children, including Iranian children, shouting death to America and ranting about how they wanted to murder all Americans. Because of the hatred and indoctrination that goes on in Iran and other Middle Eastern countries (as well as in other parts of the world, but we are discussing IRAN), it is doubtful to me that over time, the Iranians will abide by the agreement. Once they have the money, the sanctions are lifted and they have a little time under their belt, I think they will continue with their development of a nuclear weapon.<br />
<br />
Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-81553308268587084432015-09-25T08:25:00.000-05:002015-09-25T08:25:07.239-05:00How much is cost of Pope's visit?It will be interesting to learn the details of what various governments in the USA are paying for the visit of Pope Francis in light of the "separation of church and state" as described in the U.S. Constitution.<br />
<br />
To me, the US, state, and local governments should not be paying one penny for the visit, especially since the Vatican finances are so lucrative. The Vatican owns a large amount of real estate in Manhattan alone and much of that real estate is leased.<br />
<br />
I'm sure some reporter will soon reveal all the money side of this visit.<br />
<br />
Another interesting point for me was a CBS reporter stating that the Catholic denomination is the largest denomination in the U.S. While that is true of the specific Catholic denomination, what is being ignored is that all the other Protestant denominations put together total almost 92% of Christian denominations in this country. With the influx of Hispanics, the Roman Catholic denomination will not be decreasing, since most Hispanics identify with those religious beliefs.<br />
<br />
Of course, for Christians, the problem is that the number of "non-affiliated" is rising. These are atheists, agnostics, and people who just don't connect to any specific religious beliefs that are served by a formal denomination.<br />
<br />
Personally, I believe that regardless of the number of Catholics or Christians in the U.S., not one penny should be spent by governments in this country to cover the costs of a visit by ANY religious figure. I base my opinion on the wording of the U.S. Constitution, but then that document and framework for this country has been becoming less and less meaningful over the past years.Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-10353428591274509722015-09-24T18:42:00.000-05:002015-09-24T18:42:16.962-05:00Visit of Pope FrancisI should be amazed at how mesmerized people are, but I'm not. It is so much easier to put everything in one's life onto the shoulders of another or of God, rather than using one's own brain, will, etc. to manage life well.<br />
<br />
There are people who believe the Pope participates in secret rituals at the Vatican in which children are murdered and the hierarchy eat the flesh of those children and drink their blood. It is said this was also a ritual of the Caananites. I don't know, wasn't present at either. But, having read about the rituals, it has been unnerving to see all the small children run to Pope Francis. This ritual story may not be true. But, what if it were? It is just too awful to think about.<br />
<br />
I did watch the Welcome at the White House and laughed at all the military when the Pope preaches peace. That was so strange! I wonder what he thought!<br />
<br />
At least he has worked on his English so he can read his speech in the language of most Americans.<br />
<br />
For a country in which the separation of church and state is so touted, this has been an interesting event!Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-63583165076173429822015-08-21T10:15:00.003-05:002015-08-21T10:15:56.436-05:002015 is my catch-up year. The 9-month tax project I did in Dallas for a businessman there (I caught his bookkeeper embezzling, so cleaned up the mess she made) threw me 9 months off on my own projects, so this year I must update all websites, be sure Paypal buttons are on the relevant websites, re-proof all my published books and sheet music, and publish paperback editions of my books with some sheet music compilations. Lots of work, but worth it.Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-80708103766049221422015-07-17T16:19:00.001-05:002015-07-17T16:19:24.502-05:00Cannot believe how long it has been since I've blogged, but on the other hand, I did that 9-month tax project (sometimes 7 days a week and all work in Dallas which was at least 45 minutes each way every day) and after that ended, I've bee trying to catch up my tasks that I ignored for those 9 months. Getting caught up, but not totally YET!Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-16149702676806432402014-01-05T12:57:00.001-06:002014-01-05T12:57:15.044-06:00Interview My ebooks are published at Smashwords and other online retailers (Amazon and others). This year (2014) I need to get busy with marketing and I also want to publish all my ebooks in hardback and paperback formats.<br />
<br />
An interview regarding my writing is now available at Smashwords, <a href="http://www.smashwords.com/interview/LeeGabor">http://www.smashwords.com/interview/LeeGabor</a>Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-69873177366851515102013-11-03T12:42:00.001-06:002013-11-03T12:42:09.643-06:00Blog not working rightLee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-54460537891105787632013-05-12T16:36:00.002-05:002013-05-12T16:36:27.446-05:00May 2013Since my last posting, which was so long ago, I've been been writing and publishing fiction, non-fiction, and sheet music at Smashwords and Amazon. Smashwords makes ebooks available at a number of other online retailers. I'm trying to finish up my Lee Gabor writings so that I can begin to concentrate on the Lee Masters astrology writings. Also, I'm heavly involved in helpng my son with his business ventures and those do take quite a bit of time.<br />
<br />
I simply wanted to write something today in order to keep this blog going.<br />
<br />
I've done very little regarding political interests. That is because I think the US is going under and nothing I can say or do at this point is going to help turn the tide. A friend sent me info that listed the last 16 presidents of the country and the percentage of people close to them (advisors) who had experience in the business industry INSTEAD of experience only in education, community action committees, and non-profits. Fifty percent of more of the advisors to all presidents other than Carter and Obama had business experience. For Carter, 34% had for-profit business experience and, as totally expected by me, Obama's admnistration has 8% with experience in business. To me, regardless of the social ideals, the election of Romney was the only chance America had of the boat turning around and with a healthy economy again, the social ideals could have been tackle. I'll write a lot more about the downfall of America when I do the astrological writing.<br />
<br />
Enough said, my purpose has been fulfilled - keeping blog going.Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-68116372735133377882012-06-07T12:47:00.001-05:002012-06-07T12:47:42.961-05:00Congressional Hearing on Green Jobs<span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"></span><br />
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_4fd0e7f3d64998373887106">
Watching some video on Congressional hearing - if you are sweeping the floor in a solar panel facility, it is a "green job." If someone drives a hybrid school bus, that is considered a "green" job. If someone puts gas into a hybrid school bus, that is a "green job." If a college professor teaches environmental studies, that is a "green job,." If someone drives any school bus driver, that is a "gre<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">en job." Employees at a bicycle shop, yes - a "green job.". Since I am more a left brain thinker, these would not be my classifications. But there are a lot of right brain thinkers in Washington, D.C., which is why we are in such a financial mess, and these classifications make sense to them as does the thinking of some that it is ok to leak intelligence information that hurts our foreign relations and makes it more difficult for U.S. employees in foreign countries to do their jobs. I think the latter is treason and to me, "green jobs" would be MANUFACTURING, INSTALLING, AND MAINTAINING solar panels, wind turbines, etc. not sweeping floors and driving hybrid busses. If somebody can help me understand the classifications, please give it a try. Maybe I got sucked into a parallel universe - LOL. I just know a lot of things coming out of Washington, D.C. simply don't make sense to me!</span></div>Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-16815883577089231622012-03-01T11:19:00.000-06:002012-03-01T11:19:49.321-06:00Pluto in the 6th HouseSince I've recently endured this, I can say it is very difficult as it finally moves to the Descendent. It was like being dead for months, in a coffin, no energy, no desire, just existing. Pluto has now moved over my Descendent and the day it hit, I felt the jolt of life returning and that day, made sure there was total truth between a friend and me. Isn't that what Pluto does? Brings out what was hidden. And, it was so easy to do.<br />
<br />
I'm working on the Aquarian Age novel, so doing very little blogging. Perhaps soon, I'll be doing more.Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-14727311274778333172012-03-01T11:15:00.000-06:002012-03-01T11:15:52.208-06:00Another YearJust stating I haven't been on here since last August (2011). I got involved in completing a great amount of research and the days passed by so quickly. I wasn't on Facebook; really wasn't available to the world. Am back now, so perhaps will be more opinionated soon.<br />
<br />
The next project is lobbying for a natatorium (indoor olympic size swimming pool) in Waxahachie. Ellis County needs one and Waxahachie is the largest city and also county seat, so that seems to be a great place for a swimming center.<br />
<br />
The new library in Ferris opened and I took my youngest grandchild to the ribbon cutting. She spent a lot of time at the old cramped-space library and this was a wonderful new place to be. I'm so proud of everyone in Ferris, Texas, for pushing to get it built.<br />
<br />
It seems that writing will be my major focus from now on and the research was related to that.<br />
<br />
Today's my birthday and it is so nice to receive the happy birthday wishes.Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-59350988245514678872011-08-29T17:21:00.000-05:002011-08-29T17:21:54.250-05:00A Story of Leo, A Person with DyslexiaI was asked by an educator to email him a few documents I had written on dyslexia. I sent three docs: the story of Leo, a form I created to help teachers quickly identify children who may be dyslexic, and a copy of a letter to the editor I have used in Ellis County, TX, where I live.<br />
<br />
The following is the story of Leo, "Who is the Student in My Classroom? Could He/She Be dyslexic?"<br />
<br />
<br />
By Lee Gabor, M.Ed.<br />
<br />
Leo is an interesting child. Unfortunately, he has severe dyslexia. But we don’t know that when Leo comes to our school. Since we are not trained to recognize dyslexia in our students, we don’t look for characteristics that could lead us to test Leo. <br />
<br />
The school district would like to offer staff development in dyslexia, but with reading, math, science, and social studies so important, there simply are not the resources to give teachers even a one-hour class.<br />
<br />
Leo’s school has almost 1000 students. There is no doubt that teachers there lack time to learn about dyslexia at their own expenses during the evenings or weekends. They care, but their most precious commodity is each minute of each day. The career demands on them are enormous, even over-whelming. And most have families who deserve quality time and attention. <br />
<br />
Teachers are only human. They do the very best they can. Education is a profession full of caring people. However, when we are stewards of many children, it is difficult to deal individually with Leo’s apparent problems. He isn’t on track with the class and can actually be disruptive.<br />
<br />
In the primary grades, it is not Leo’s behavior that frustrates teacher as much as the fact that he won’t pay attention and he draws during class. Other students find his illustrations attracting and want to pay more attention to Leo’s contribution than to Teacher’s. Teacher gets upset with Leo.<br />
<br />
He does not want to complete his lessons. Since he avoids reading and certainly doesn’t write much, Teacher may not have the evidence that he sometimes flips his letters.<br />
<br />
Obviously, Leo is becoming more shut down and more of a behavior problem. Although he is not learning well, the system moves him up from primary to upper elementary grades. Since he cannot read well, Teacher takes him out of art classes and places him in the remedial reading classes. Is it possible he has been labeled LD (learning disabled)?<br />
<br />
Leo is very energetic in the sense of looking around the class. He pays too much attention to what is happening outside. He seems to be day-dreaming. Parents have also seen this and, after discussing this with other educators in the school, a decision is made to put Leo on drugs. His records now show he has attention deficit disorder. The drugs help him to phase down somewhat during the day. The chemicals change his behavior but do not help him to learn. At least he does not adversely affect the classroom environment as much as before.<br />
<br />
Even with the drugs, Teacher sometimes gets irritated with Leo. He is doodling on his notebook or on the paper inside. He is drawing sketches of machines and cars or, perhaps, people. We tell him to pay attention and quit messing with his notebook. We are frustrated that the other students want to see what he has drawn. Leo is an interesting and unique character and magnetizes the energy of his peers. This makes Teacher’s job doubly difficult.<br />
<br />
Leo is day-dreaming AGAIN. As the days go by, we begin to mention to him more times to pay attention. As our frustrations build, so does our vocal volume. Soon we are yelling at Leo more than once a day. We may even send him out of the room to sit in the hall. <br />
<br />
We have decided Leo has very little future potential. Teacher examines his record from previous years and recognizes in 3rd grade, he failed the TAKS (Texas) Reading test. Teacher doesn't know it, but Leo's failure was noticed in Austin. The State’s Penal Authorities marked a tally for him. They predicted he will go to prison and that tally meant a cell was scheduled to be built for him. State Corrections people think by the time Leo is about 16, he will quit school. <br />
<br />
Unfortunately, Leo's reading problems cause him to receive low grades in elementary school, in high school, and on any academic university pre-inventory test. <br />
<br />
What will happen to Leo? One of two things: he will either move down the road to quitting school, doing manual labor, and possibly going to prison OR on his own volition, he will struggle to use his abilities in some to create a successful life that reflects his talents of unique perspectives on his surroundings and the ability to put those into some visual form.<br />
<br />
Leo is not a student in a local school these days, but the behavior patterns in school are the same for the Leo in our writing as they are for dyslexic students in our schools. What can we do? The goal is to identify students with dyslexia and intervene. Other documents from Lee Gabor include methods of identification. Parents must insist that the school board, the school principal, and the teachers identify and provide intervention. Nothing less is acceptable.<br />
<br />
Fortunately for him, the Leo in our writing lived hundreds of years ago. Since he was, at that time, free of the constraints, labels, and drugs we use in modern education, he was able to develop the talents he possessed. Also, at that time, careers in art were considered as important as those in banking, education, medicine, etc.<br />
<br />
We know him as Leonardo da Vinci, one of the world's greatest artists and inventors. He had such severe dyslexia that his writing was mirror-image backwards.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">THE POINTS: </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">With dyslexia affecting 10% to 15% (according to experts in the <country-region w:st="on">US</country-region>; some experts in <place w:st="on">Europe</place> estimate 5%) of the general population, EACH class MAY have a child with this challenge. We must observe closely, use interventions, and refer students for testing.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Students who are identified as dyslexic can receive specialized training to alleviate the effects. This is NOT a disease, so there isn’t a CURE. We must modify the degree of difficulty the child has with learning.</span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">With dyslexia no longer a major limitation, we all are able to see the many potentials and opportunities of our children for successful careers and futures. This, along with the newer ease of and confidence in learning, helps the student to build/gain self-esteem. We must encourage.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Districts and individual schools who offer training in dyslexia identification can help teachers recognize this potentially devastating challenge early in the student’s educational path. We must train educators AND parents.</span></div></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4493144630047300500.post-4689238004890712972011-08-26T15:56:00.000-05:002011-08-26T15:56:58.624-05:00Software for Writing Projects and My Writing CareerJennifer asked me about software - here is a quick explanation as well as info on how I have started my new writing career:<br />
<br />
For the screenplay, I used an old version of Movie Magic Screenwriter (I also do Astrology and knew back in 2006 I would be writing a screenplay, so bought software in preparation). Any software dedicated to screenwriting automatically sets margins for descriptions as well as for dialogue, etc. This, to me, is much easier than trying to set Word. In fact, I tried to use Word and had such a hard time with it, I quit and went back to MMS. <br />
<br />
I think I bought MMS when it was on sale at The Writers Store, online.<br />
<br />
I am using Word for both the screenplay logline (finished) and synopsis (working on today). The logline goes directly into the query (whether hard-copy letter or email to producers and/or agents). Once finished, I will convert the synopsis into PDF format so that I can attach it to an email or print it, if hard copy is desired.<br />
<br />
I use Cute PDF for converting text written in Word into PDF. Years ago, I downloaded CutePDF free from the Internet and use it ALL the time!. Also, since I wanted the finished 120-page screenplay with Title Page in PDF format (as well as printed hard-copy), I used Cute PDF to convert it.<br />
<br />
On my computer, When I click on Print, I can choose PDF as a conversion or print onto copy paper. When I downloaded the program and installed it, Cute PDF automatically set itself as a print choice.<br />
<br />
MY WRITING CAREER AND MORE SOFTWARE INFO<br />
I grew up wanting to be a newspaper reporter and began college majoring in journalism. After three years, I left college, was married, and had my son, Rocky (and later, a daughter, Kristina).<br />
<br />
Shortly after Rocky was born, I needed a job and begged the managing editor of the local newspaper in our town to give me a chance as a reporter, stating I would work without pay for a week to show him I could do the job. He immediately hired me and I was a reporter on a daily for four years, covering a lot of political and business news as well as writing features (just had a nose for news, so didn't have to be told what features could be written).<br />
<br />
After four years as a reporter, I had the opportunity to return to college. I graduated with a degree in elementary education (the school didn't have a journalism program). Since teacher pay was so low and I had two children to support, I became a full-time entertainer and opened a talent agency. <br />
<br />
Those careers continued for the next 25 years. When I closed the agency and retired from performing, I did free-lance technical writing. Then, I was (I almost want to say kidnapped, since I never really planned to teach) drafted to teach by a principal with DISD - they were desperate.<br />
<br />
I taught, returned to college to get a Masters degree, and became Academic Coordinator for two years, then resigned in June, 2008. Before resigning, I started writing again, only my interest was fiction. I had already been offered the job as News Editor at the Ellis County Press, but my dad had been ill and I didn't take the job. Also, I had already experienced working on a daily and didn't need to re-experience covering county politics.<br />
<br />
I wrote my first short story in 2006 (Zigzags) submitted it to an online contest at WritersNotebook.com and won first place, earning me a software program geared more for planning and writing short stories and novels as well as non-fiction books.<br />
<br />
I have that short story somewhere in a file on my computer. Until a few months ago, it was available on the contest website, but that site appears to have been terminated.<br />
<br />
With that software program, Page Four (a great program), I wrote a romantic novel based on the Vietnam War. I write fast and am wordy. When I wrote the novel, <u>Love Never Dies</u>, it expanded to 130,000 words. When I tried to sell it, everyone I contacted rejected it, stating nobody would read such a lengthy novel from a first-time novelist. They want initial novels to be about 90,000 words. <br />
<br />
I tried my hand at editing it, but found the task too difficult at the time, since I was so close to the novel. I put it on the backburner. When I finish the screenplay sales attempts (hopefully next week), I plan to go back and either re-write the novel as a screenplay OR severely edit to 90,000 words, or, as my granddaughter said, if the screenplay sells, fiction publishers may be willing to read a 130,000-word novel from a newbie. <br />
<br />
How did I get started in screenwriting (and this is my first attempt)?<br />
<br />
I started the short story about 9 pm and wrote very quickly. The deadline for the contest was at midnight and I submitted it a few minutes before the contest closed. With that success, which thrilled me, I next wrote the novel over the 2005 Thanksgiving weekend plus a few weekends after that (wish I had stopped with what I had at the end of the Thanksgiving weekend - I had about 90,000 words at that point).<br />
<br />
I started sending query letters and hard printed copies of the novel (expensive to do) and hoped for the best (all eventually rejected - too long!)<br />
<br />
In the meantime, in January of 2006, I joined Dallas Screenwriters Association and attended a workshop they sponsored featuring William (Bill) Martell, who has had 18 of his screenplays produced as movies. The workshop was fabulous and gave me the confidence to try screenwriting in the future. Among my photos on Facebook, there is a pic of me with Bill. Also, one can Google him, go to his website, and sign up for his newsletters, which are full of tips for screenwriting.<br />
<br />
During that time, I was still employed by Dallas ISD and stayed very busy. With the novel rejected, I stopped writing. After resigning from the district, I got into various activities and put writing aside. The photo of me with the camel in my FB albums contains a description of my activities since leaving DISD.<br />
<br />
In early June of this year (2011), in my own astrological chart, my Midheaven (career) finally moved from Taurus to 0 degrees of Gemini, which is the communication and writing sign. I've known I would start writing more diligently once June of 2011 came around. Therefore, over these past years since June 2008, I've been writing down ideas and getting prepared for this next stage of my life.<br />
<br />
On June the 11th, I began the screenplay and the plot easily flowed. The first draft was very easy to write (both descriptions and dialogue). It totaled almost 160 pages. To make myself create a quality work, every day I read lots of articles on the Internet and also read books I had purchased (a few years ago) on screenwriting.<br />
<br />
After writing the draft, the hard part was going over and over and over the pages to whittle it down to 120 pages and to strengthen the dialogue. Editing is not the fun part, but it is necessary. It has been difficult for me to do, but has helped me develop discipline.<br />
<br />
I just recently finished the screenplay and, as mentioned, have had to write the logline and, now, the synopsis of 450 words. Both of these have been very difficult for me. I think they also get easier over time..<br />
<br />
To summarize, I loved the four years I spent as a reporter. Winning the short story contest was unexpected and thrilling and spurred me on. I enjoyed writing the novel and will do something more with it. The screenplay is finished, logline is finished, and synopsis is almost finished. I WILL sell the screenplay to somebody. The rest of my life will be spent writing and I have tons of outlines and ideas ready to go. <br />
<br />
My philosophy about the writing: I am a great believer in trying something and if it doesn't work, practice, practice, practice until a quality product is the result. Therefore, if the screenplay queries don't incite someone to request and read the screenplay, I will know 1) either my logline and synopsis aren't good enough or 2) the concept is not good enough. At that point, I'll continue working on the screenplay until it becomes something that can sell.<br />
<br />
I think writing is 1) having something to say, 2) not being afriad to say it (after all, God listens and reads and if what we do is good enough for God, it doesn't matter what others say), 3) not allowing the self to stop trying, and 4) at some point some level of success will come. Any finished product is worthwhile.<br />
<br />
If one reads how many rejections famous writers have received, it is easier to realize we jsut have to keep going. Also, recently, I re-read James Michener's Workbook and it is astounding how he had to tear apart his work and re-write. And, Michener actually did physical cutting and pasting. We have it easy when we use comptuers and word processors.<br />
<br />
One can Google "free writing software" and there will be lots of full, unrestricted programs, as well as trials of programs. If screenwriting is a goal, I strongly recomment joining Dallas Screenwriters Association, at least for awhile and attending both any workshops, all the meetings, and all the readings, to get a hang of what screenwriting entails.<br />
<br />
There are lots of writing websites and many offer free newsletters with tips. <br />
<br />
All of that is fine, but the only truly meaningful action is to write, write, write!<br />
<br />
I hope this info is helpful. The most important words I can write are: just do it - like everything else, writing improves with practice.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
I watch a lot of movies, many really stupid, so I know there is somebody out there who will want to produce my screenplay. It may take awhile to find that person, but I'm persistent.Lee Gaborhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03111918517850842401noreply@blogger.com0