Just Like a Day at the Beach
I interrupt your life for a brief rant. I’ve had some form of this conversation many, many times in my life. If you’re a teacher, you’ve had it too. Maybe...
Category: Life and Stuff
Day Dream Believer at 30,000 Feet
(Sorry, this isn’t about the Monkees’ song, though Davy Jones is fantastic on that tune. But stick with me.) In my dad’s final year of life (he was 88), he...
The Grand Experiment
I never fared well in science classes. The only D I ever received was in Mr. Miltenberger’s (“Uncle Chuck” behind his back) Chemistry class my junior year. As much as...
When I Was A Child
I turned 66 last week. (If you missed my birthday, there’s still time for that belated gift or card.) I had a good day with all the traditional trappings: cards,...
A Few Thoughts to Chew On
So, I’m minding my own business the other day, munching on a turkey sammie. Just before Christmas, weather was mid-70’s. I ate slowly, reminiscing about frosty Chicago Decembers, scurrying about...
A Swift Trip and a Marathon
I love Gulliver’s Travels. I loved teaching it and re-reading it every year I taught AP Lit. You probably know of Gulliver and the Lilliputians, but he “discovers” three other...
Follow-Up, Numbers Up, Head’s Up.
Two weeks ago, I shared my perspective on Charlie Kirk’s assassination. Rather than opine on the political or religious overtones, I viewed the event from a more personal standpoint, as...
Another Grain of Sand, Another Bell Tolls
I was finishing up my Speech class on Wednesday, answering questions from students milling around when I heard the news. There was uncertainty and shock among them, as often occurs...
Butterfly Revolution Survivor
This week, I began my 41st year in education. 41 years as a teacher, first in high school and now as a college prof. The number staggers my meager brain....
’78 is Great!
“One-Nine-Seven-Eight, nineteen seventy-eight!” In my mind’s ear, I can still hear the chants, cheerleaders spurring on my class at pep rallies, sweaty adolescents screaming in unison. It’s no secret that...
