Grossmont Community College
El Cajon, Ca 92020 (619) 644-7338 [Voicemail message, if not in]
Office: 305B
Biographical data: b. Lackawanna, New York
Tucson High School
Univ. of Arizona Bachelor's of Science--Zoology/ Chem-Physics minor
San Diego State M.A. in Biology specialization in Invertebrate Physiology
thesis : CELLULOSE DIGESTION IN THE SEA HARE,
Aplysia vaccaria.
Courses taught:
Biology 110 Environmental
Biology
Biology 112 Contemporary
Issues/Environmental Resources
Science
110 Introduction to Scientific Thought
Interests: Sail crew member -- Star of India [1863 3-masted barque]
Crewed on 1986, 1989, 1993, and 1996 sailings
Native American Culture, Music, and Language
member: Golden State Gourd Dance Society
Gourd Dance Societies are warrior societies of the Southern Plains nations, such as the Kiowa and Cheyenne Nations. Repressed for a long time by the U.S. Government, they were revived during the 1950's in Oklahoma and have spread to other groups.
Today Gourd Dance Societies honor warriors, past and present, and serve as the Native American equivalent of the American Legion, VFW, and honor societies. We dance at POW-WOW's and try to fulfill our traditional role by setting a good example, teaching respect for Native American traditions, and educating the young.
As a Vietnam vet, I consider it a great honor to have been inducted into the society and thank my sponsor, Mr. Ben Carpenter, USMC ret, member of the Creek Nation. Many other Native American friends, too numerous to mention here, have helped me on my path, and I thank them all.
Languages: German -- currently finishing proficiency certificate.
at Grossmont College.
'Iipay Aa -- This is the language of the local First People, the Kumeyaay. I certainly am not proficient, but I have studied at DQ Univ. (Sequan satelite campus) with native speakers.
Farsi (Persian) -- recently I have begun to study the language of the Afghani's and Iranians. I am not proficient in this language either, but I am learning. So far I can write my name, count to ten, and say "Hello".
It is my strong belief, that to understand ANY people, one must understand them in terms of their own language, music, and cultural values. I wish all children were taught to be proud of their own heritage and to respect that of others. Only then can we truly overcome bigotry and prejudice, those enemies which prevent us from acting the way brothers and sisters should.
Music: Quite a variety... from classical to modern arrangements of traditional Persian melodies... Native American, to sea shanties.
Some favorites: Rimski-Korsakov Scherezade
Hasud [Jeolous] -- Persian song
Blow the Man Down
Sioux Traditional -- John Ranier Jr., Native American flutist
Instruments: Guitar--folk & flamenco (neither very well)
Native American flute (just learning--have a recognizable Sioux love song and a Zuni sunrise song.
Clouds courtesy of Microsoft Corp.
This is the current end of my webpage. I wish to thank Kats Gustafson and my two sons, Robert and Jeff, for all their help.
Auf wiedersehen! Khoda hafez! Nya'aamh.