"The fault... is not in our stars, but in ourselves." Cassius, Julius Caesar. The Native Hue of Resolution Happy New Year! I hope you didn't think that was the end of it. (If you followed me here from my last post, then you know what I'm talking about. And if you know me, you'd know … Continue reading This New Year, Creating More Teachable Moments (Part 2)
To Be or Not To Be A few weeks ago my students were reading the "To be or not to be..." speech in Hamlet. Virtually everyone knows a part of it, whether they are aware of it or not. It's one of those things that is so ingrained in our culture that we aren't even … Continue reading After This Year, How Many Teachable Moments Do I Have Left (Part 1)
Recently a friend of mine, someone I've known most of my 42 years on this Earth, called late one night and told me his father had unexpectedly died. I hadn't seen his father in years, and the last few times were merely in passing, but the news floored me. Honestly, it hit harder than it … Continue reading A Memory of a Father
I have no doubt that in fifty years, the current administration will appear in textbooks as a defining moment in American history. One that took all of our glaring problems in this country, and laid them out for all to see, bared to the harsh light of day like some stained shirt worn too often … Continue reading Sixteen Candles, MTV, and Brett Kavanaugh: Did I Assault Someone Too? What I Thought Was Masculinity
I had one of the most enjoyable vacations (with my children) that I've ever had. I'd like to give some love to everyone in New England, you all are some truly awesome people and your towns, countryside and cities are beautiful. We got back home to Pasadena and literally within a day everyone, kids included, … Continue reading Vacationing While Fluffy (Fat, Chunky, Overweigt, etc.) – 304
"Now hold it just like this, like a frisbee, but smaller." His large, dark, rough hands would move my chubby little fingers on the oblate river rock. "It's all in the snap. In the wrist. You have to get low and snap your hand forward, but hook the rock with your finger so it spins. … Continue reading Parenting Lessons from Skipping Rocks
My Battle with Boredom and Snacking I'm a cereal murderer, ain't nobody box me in I'd drop 100 Grand, gluttony is my favorite sin Ladies call me Mr. Goodbar, King-sized to share I'm dropping mad barz, making chedda and I don't care If I see you rollin' up, I'm finna to take my shot Of … Continue reading Drive-Bys and ADD – 303
I've struggled with what this blog is supposed to be. It's been too serious, dealing with problems our country and humanity faces, the fate of education, and occasionally my colon. At other times it's been uplifting and light-hearted, dealing with my family, teaching and somehow, also my colon. Throughout it all, it's been a catharsis … Continue reading It’s Time for The Purge – 306
Yesterday, on the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King, Jr's assassination we received the news that a student at my high school drove his truck to the school flying the Confederate flag. The flag was nothing new, a common occurrence around here. The noose in the bed of his truck was not. Today, I learned … Continue reading Discovering I Teach a “Racist”
