WHAT DO YOU THINK?

"EQUAL OPPORTUNITY"

2012-01-25T05:24:00.000-08:00

Did you witness the President's State of the Union address last night? Regardless, words like fair, share, equal were the highlights of the Address, these words applying to those disenfranchised by the disparity of wealth, which, according to the President is relegated to the top 1% of earners.
As a graduating high school student or, perhaps, one entering the "job market," do you feel that the Federal Government should enter the world of earnings/wealth and create guarantees that you will have the opportunity to partake of a fair, share, equal re-distribution of wealth, "guaranteed" by regulations set by the Federal government? Or, rather, it is you who determines your level of wealth, the ability to earn as much as possible, without restrictions by Government?

"INNOCENT UNTIL ...Proven Guilty"

2011-11-30T08:43:00.000-08:00

Perhaps you have read or heard about the nine "accused" football players from Wayne who allegedly assaulted two students from the rival high school.
After first barred from a championship game, they were reinstated. Upon further review, last week, the nine were formally barred by the Board after public outcry. Now, they plan to sue the Board for reinstatement in order to play in the championship game.
Even if you know nothing about the case, what course of action would you take if you were 1) the parent of one of the "accused; 2) the coach; 3) the Board; or, 4) the parents of the victims - let them play? What?

Please take a "position" and explain your reasoning in a blog post.

"THE WORTH OF A LIFE ..."

2011-10-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

"... is not determined by a single failure or a solitary success ..."
Then, what is the worth of a life? Can, or, should, one be accorded a place in the "record book" or be forever "condemned" or relegated to the scrap heap of failure, never to be given a second chance?
Your thoughts, please ...

"THE PROTESTS ON WALL STREET"

2011-10-18T09:02:00.000-07:00

"Long live the '60's!"
"It's groovy, Man!"
OR...is it?

Protests have taken place in our nation since the Revolutionary War, culminating in an expression of free speech guaranteed by the Constitution. As long as one doesn't trample on the rights of another person, one can voice her/his opinion for change.
Research the protests taking place on Wall Street and validate whether or not the protesters have a valid point in their arguments for change.
Do the protesters have legitimate points to protest? choose ONE cause and examine that cause from the point of truthfulness and effective protest.
"Debate" the issue with your fellow classmates!

"SUCCESS"

2011-10-13T04:39:00.000-07:00

... to laugh often and much;
to win the respect of
intelligent people and the
affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of
honest critics and endure the
betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty;
to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better
whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch,
or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed
because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

"CAN PEOPLE REALLY CHANGE?"

2011-10-12T06:33:00.000-07:00

...for the "better"? And, begin their journey every day, whether it is at the office, in the classroom, or at home, the journey on which each of us was destined to make? Making "changes" in what we do, how we act, think and speak. And, the BIG question - how does one know that changes in the way we live must be made?
Ahhh...
Hmmm...
And other contemplative pauses.
Is it time for a change in your life? Are you satisfied with your "journey"?
But, how does one make that change?

Any thoughts? Wish to share your experience about your "change"?

I'll give you a hint - you will experience a moment when you realize that your journey is paved with uneven "stones" and you'll have the tools to make your path even again. I know. I've been "there".

"SUDDEN LOSS ..."

2011-10-06T08:26:00.000-07:00

As you begin your usual texting/tweeting, or "FaceBooking" to your "BFF's," you receive a message, quite frankly, unexpected and shocking.
"We are no longer friends. I've deleted you from ..."
Just like that! You no longer play a role in that person's social network. And, without explanation. How do you feel at that moment? Just yesterday you were chatting it up with [ ], everything was cool, nothing seemed out of place.
You do a quick self-examination, re-playing the day the moments leading up to your sudden "deletion".
"Is it really over?"
What to do?

'EVERYBODY GETS A TROPHY!"

2011-09-27T06:13:00.000-07:00

Yippee! Imagine - whether one wins or loses, one still gets a trophy!
"Why?" one would ask. Because you "played well" - you didn't win, but, you played well. Can you imagine if that mindset were applied to getting into college?
"You didn't get A's, but, you showed effort. Welcome to Harvard!"
As team players, my students, one does NOT win the League, County or Division Championship based on effort. I read an article about this phenomenon, prevalent among many town sports leagues - "Great game (...even though you didn't win ...)!
Then, what are we teaching team players?
Someone always loses,but does she/he win a trophy?
Your thoughts on the topic?

"MORE THAN EVER, we need to think backward..."

2011-09-25T15:46:00.000-07:00

[from Career Coach...]

"What's the last job you're ever going to have?"

More than ever we need to think backward.

"What do I really, really want to do?"

"What is the last job I'm ever going to have?"

"How am I going to get there?"

"How far do I want to go in this field?"

"What job will I need to do just before that one?"

Get good advice through the process - network!

"COMMON COURTESY"

2010-10-28T10:17:00.000-07:00

"Thank you!"

"Excuse me."

I just love these words, recognizing the good deeds of others or simply to let others that one is aware of the other's presence and does not wish to intrude into that person's space - simple politeness. But, as I navigate through the "crowds" or offer a gift to others, the words seem to be in short supply lately.

   I'm in a restaurant and the bill comes due. It is my decision to "tip" for extraordinary service, at my discretion, average 15% or more. This "tip" is referred to as a "gratuity," a THANK YOU, for services rendered. My THANK YOU depends on the quality of services offered - and, I do say "Thank you!" in the form of the gratuity. And, in turn, receive a "Thank you!" from the recipient of said gift.
   Maybe.
   I've navigated crowded aisles in stores, only to be bumped or "sideswiped" by some relentless patron, out to break the speed record and reach the check-out before me. I don't really mind, but, to where has simple politeness vanished?
   I examine my own responses to people, and, I have to admit, find myself uttering "Excuse me..." or "Thank you..." when appropriate.
   How about you???
   Are you polite?

"INSTANT MESSAGING,ETC. - INSTANT COMMUNICATION?"

2010-10-07T06:09:00.000-07:00

FaceBook, Twitter, Texting, AIM..."Instant communication"! Yeah... But...are we any more connected and in touch with those with whom we have established relationships? Have we developed deeper, more lasting relationships with the speed with which we now have at our fingertips?
What do you think?

"LIFE IS ABOUT CREATING YOURSELF..."

2010-10-05T07:56:00.000-07:00

...and, NOT about finding yourself. I came across this statement not long ago, written by a "career coach" in one of his weekly columns. I got to thinking..."Hmmm...!?!" I remember trying to "find ourselves" in the 1960's...we read about "transcendentalism" as espoused by Emerson and the Maharishi Yogi, followed, in earnest, by the Beatles. Then, we listened to Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and got even more lost! It has since dawned on me that creation rather than location is much more constructive. We have choices, the means to BECOME anyone we wish, if we so choose.

What are your thoughts?

"UPDATE - The Intricacies of a Defense..."

2010-06-01T09:24:00.000-07:00

     Referencing misspoke and lying, I read an article by Alfred P. Doblin who was trying to clarify the distinction between the two intricacies of one's defense, should one find him/herself having to defend one's spoken word.
  Misspoke, according to Mr. Doblin, occurs when one unknowingly [...one doesn't have all the facts...] represents the truth.
  Lying, on the other hand, refers to one's knowing the facts are false but still professes them to be the truth.
  So, it appears, that ignorance is a defense!

"THE INTRICACIES OF A DEFENSE..."

2010-05-19T10:17:00.000-07:00

As a teacher of the "word," I find the recent news headlines in which a prominent person finds him/herself trying to extricate him/herself from the wreckage of simply not telling the truth, be she/he a politician, a convicted criminal or a "player" on a reality show, often hilarious, creative or simply hypocritical.

I give the reader, below, definitions of the word once known as the LIE that has since evolved into the repackaged explanation, MISSPOKE, as if avoiding the words, "I lied..." are somehow mitigated by burying one's falsehood in the word SPOKE, attaching the innocuous and convenient prefix, "Mis-"...

Had I only known the practical value of Latin when I was a kid, getting punished for "lying".

[What once was...] LYING...

the Free Online Dictionary ...

Disposed to or characterized by untruth: a lying witness. See Synonyms at dishonest.lying1. vb. the present participle and gerund of lie1. lying2 ..

[...but now is...] MISSPOKE...

- Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster ...

transitive verb 1 : to speak (as a word) incorrectly 2 : to express (oneself) imperfectly or incorrectly misspoke himself>intransitive ...

"THE LOST ART OF BUILDING WITH YOUR HANDS - Imagination!"

2010-05-03T10:25:00.000-07:00

   In June, the HiWay Hobby House, will shutter its doors, ending a tradition for hobbyists since 1956, my treasure-trove of building with my hands.
   What tradition?
   Building something by hand - a Lionel train layout or the thousands of plastic model kits, each awaiting the personal, customized flair of the model-builder. Now, we have video games and sports, 24/7, 365 days a year - nothing wrong with that, but, with little time out of the day to sit at one's desk and hunt for the numbered piece of engine block on the plastic "tree" for a 1963 Corvette, and imagining driving the mighty 327 roaring down the highway with you, the model-builder, in the driver's seat. Ah, but I must update my FaceBook page.
   Mitch Albom, writing for [BackPage Parade.com/backpage], says:
   "Now, I don't want to play Cranky Man to technology, but there is a time to discover what you can make on your own...to assemble? We built little airplanes...glued plastic ships...hammered nails. We made forts, we strung tin cans, we drew faces on socks and pulled them over our hands.
   "And through it all, when we held up the toy rocket or the puppet, there was quiet. No thumping music. No sound effects. We used our own voices. and, in doing so, we discovered them.
   "Children should know that the most rewarding lights of their lives will always be lit - not by microchip processors, but by their imagination."
   When was the last time you used YOUR imagination?
   That reminds me - I'd better dust off those three remaining boxes in the basement - the last of my model stash!

"TO GET SOMETHING YOU NEVER HAD, YOU HAVE TO DO SOMETHING YOU NEVER DID..."

2010-04-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

   Today's post is an entreaty, like a "prayer," but, a really affective one at that - a results-oriented "prayer," the kind to really make "things happen," I believe.
   When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you but merely opening your hands to receive something better.
   Concentrate on this sentence: "The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."

   "God our Father, walk through my house and take away all my worries and illnesses and please watch over and heal my family in Jesus' name, Amen."

Something good will happen to you today, something that you have been waiting to hear.

'DREAMS MAY COME TRUE..."

2010-03-11T08:01:00.000-08:00

When I was [much] younger, I'd fantasize about driving a big rig, hauling a gigantic Caterpillar D9 bulldozer on a flatbead, thick black diesel blowing out the twin 'stacks of my Mack tractor; or, fighting blazing infernos in full firefighting gear; or drag-racing in a top fuel dragster, zipping down the quarter-mile track at almost 300 m.p.h. Did I actually live out one of my fantasies? No...but, it was sure fun to dream big, "outside of the box". Dreams feed the imagination and provide, hopefully, reachable goals in one's life. Dreams add color to the otherwise black and white landscape of reality, not bleak, but, often mundane and requisite responsibilities one faces as one "grows up".
So, what are your fantasies, your dreams?

"BREAKING THE IDOL ADDICTION!"

2010-02-25T14:15:00.000-08:00

I'm making a clean break - after years of American Idol "addiction," I'm going cold turkey after last night's broadcast, featuring the 12 men. I was already reeling from a limpid, lukewarm presentation from the 12 women on Tuesday night - two painful hours, searching between the endless commercials, for a spark of hope and stardom. And so, after just two contestants last night, I've packed it in - it's simply hopeless. I can do more reading, writing, anything, but succumb to the dregs of "talent" mined by the panel of Randy, Kara, Simon and Ellen, just for the sake of ratings...anyway, I'm publicly declaring my independence from slickly packaged, corporate-driven ratings with hacks and off-key, pitchy lounge singers!

"AND, NOW ... FOR SOMETHING REALLY FUNNY ..."

2010-02-22T10:08:00.000-08:00

[From comments made in the year 1955 ...]

1. "No one can afford to be sick anymore, at $15.00 a day in the hospital. It's too rich for my blood!"
2. "If they raise the minimum wage to $1.00, nobody will be able to hire outside help at the store."
3. "Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won't be long before $1000 will buy only a used one."
4. When I first started driving, who would have thought gas would someday cost 25 cents a gallon. Guess we'd be better off leaving the car in the garage."
5."Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $50,000 a year just to play ball? It wouldn't surprise me if someday they'll be making more than the President."

How far have we really come in 2010? We're still complaining about the same issues, except, the numbers have changed. See? Healthcare... Energy ... Economy... Auto Industry. When I was seven in 1955, I thought my parents' complaining wouldn't be my problems when I became an adult - Hah!

"SOUNDING OFF!"

2010-02-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

As directed on EdLine, sound off on any article - political, sports, global, etc. - from this past week in The Record. It's worth an "easy" 25 big ones, so write thoughtfully. I'll expect you to complete this little project by Monday, 2/15. I'll check, but, let's get started now and I'll guide in class. I'll choose the "best" ones for publication in the next Talisman.

"WEEKLY UPDATE"

2010-02-03T09:39:00.000-08:00

   Well, we're at the beginning of February, but, have you implemented any of Mitch Albom's "Rules for 2010" from an earlier Post? FaceBook hasn't disappeared yet...hmmm. And, someone told me, "Stop playing Guitar Hero? Are you crazy? No, I can't play real guitar - that's why I play Guitar Hero! D'uh!" Ok...that makes sense - I think.
   Now, for a little irony. It seems there's quite an uproar over CBS running an "advocacy ad" for a pro-life organization. Yet, some of the op-ed pieces I've read in the paper voice no objection over ads PROmoting alcohol consumption and for "dysfunctions," if you get my drift. I can imagine a family gathered around the TV, munching on chicken wings and drinking beverages when one of those latter ads appears during a commercial break. Interesting...

   Should CBS pull the advocacy ads? Why or why not? Please be specific.

"LET THEIR VOICES BE HEARD!"

2010-01-26T07:48:00.000-08:00

"Who do they think they are, challenging the status quo, threatening rebellion and revolution?"
And, I'm not talking about the independents who recently threw the state of Massachusetts into a tizz and sent the Administration into reflection and deflection. NO! I'm referring to the Revolutionary War writers who stood up to the British and, with the stroke of the pen, said, "We're not gonna take it anymore!" Read The Declaration of Independence? Yep...it's all there - the formula, the paradigm for constructive "revolution"...

So, we move ahead to 2010 and, in one "special election," we have a surprising "revolt" against the status quo...Scott Brown wresting a Democratically-controlled Senate seat heldfor the past four decades. Who would've thunk?

As John Lennon sang, "I read the news today, oh boy... about a lucky man who made the grade..."

Forget about the wrangling, back and forth, about which Party holds claim to "victory". Apparently, enough "voices" spoke loudly and clearly about their destinies, sending a message to their representatives in D.C. that it is "We the People"... Very interesting turn of events. What do you think?

"NEW RULES for 2010"

2010-01-12T07:57:00.000-08:00

I read this "editorial" by Mitch Albom in The Record from January 6. Mitch Albom writes for The Detroit Free Press and has authored many inspirational novels and essays. In this article which I'll summarize, Mr. Albom, once and for all, sets "new rules" for 2010 - judge for yourself, but, they are both funny and worthwhile!

1. All adults must teach a child, not their own, until there is no more illiteracy.
2. Bye, bye Facebook!
3. All politicians are gone after two terms.
4. Wrap it up, Harry Potter!
5. New rule: You can't play Guitar Hero until you can actually play a guitar.
6. You drink and drive a second time and it's jail for a year.
7. High schoolers - NO texting, e-mailing, or cell phone until you've tried human interaction.
8. Good-bye, Simon Cowell!
9. We all agree - Michael Jackson is not the Savior. And...
10.If you are beaten, harassed cheated on or abused, you cannot go on a talk show.

...So, what do you think? Which rules ring true for you? Wish to add any "new rules" of your own?

"LET'S GET BACK TO THE BASICS..."

2010-01-08T10:14:00.000-08:00

We've covered this terrain once under a different "post," but, now, more than ever, we need to re-focus on independence, self-sufficiency, and do-it-yourself. Why? For starters, the largest government expenditure and co-dependent agency is about to be foisted on most Americans who object to its institution - "universal healthcare". However, this post is not about "healthcare" - government "run" healthcare is just the latest and most egregious example of co-dependency humankind will ever face. Yet, there is a climate of "need" from outside "agencies" to assist us as we face adversity. To where has the mettle of our ancestors - building, breaking, rebuilding -
disappeared? The ability to fend for ourselves? To discover, create, or envision without so-called leadership or direction from outside agencies, rather than from within?
Am I wrong? Teach me, then... Otherwise, let's stand up for ourselves!

'WHAT'S YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION?"

2009-12-11T09:20:00.000-08:00

Let's hear from you! It's the requisite time for reflection, when, at the stroke of 12:01 A.M., 2010, we begin the new year with a new agenda, promises we may or may not keep and hope for a happy and healthy new year. Share your thoughts and ideas, whether or not you alone can accomplish your goals.

"WHAT A DIFFERENCE A PRAYER CAN MAKE..."

2009-12-04T08:37:00.000-08:00

What's your story? How has prayer made a difference in your life? If you're reading this post, then, you, too, know.

"THE WAR AGAINST CHRISTMAS"

2009-11-27T14:16:00.000-08:00

"Merry Christmas! I mean, "Happy Holiday!" No, that's not right. "Happy Winter Solstice!" There you go. Now, I'm politically correct, tolerant, diverse...whatever the buzz words of the day may be...today, the day after Thanksgiving, we must follow the directive of the consumer world and embrace, Black Friday - the insane rush to grab the door-busting bargains and deep discounts on [1] Christmas gifts; [2] holiday shopping; [3] or Winter Solstice shopping (...pick ONE...). No, I'm not being sarcastic...just read the headlines. So, what are your thoughts on this hot-button topic?

"TIME TO REFLECT"

2009-11-20T08:32:00.000-08:00

As we approach Thanksgiving next week, it's time to reflect on what is really important in our lives. We'll most likely sit around the table on Thanksgiving with family and/or friends and probably answer the question, "For what are you thankful?" will your answer, be, however, one of these three: goodness, happiness or success? And, will you be able to describe your choice so that others may learn from you? I'm curious - what will you answer?
"Happy Thanksgiving!"

"EXTRATERRRESTRIAL BROTHERS," says the Vatican...

2009-11-16T05:24:00.000-08:00

What? "ET" in the house? I mean, Vatican City? Well, not exactly in Vatican City. Perhaps life on other planets. Yep...so says the Vatican's chief astronomer, Reverend Jose Gabriel Funes, head of the Vatican Observatory and a scientific adviser to Pope Benedict XVI. The astronomer goes on to say that there is the possibility of extraterrestrial "brothers" perhaps more evolved than humans. "How can we exclude that life has developed elsewhere? certainly, in a universe this big you can't exclude this hypothesis." The astronomer said he saw no conflict between belief in such beings and faith in God. "This is not in contrast with our faith because we can't put limits on God's creative freedom." Does this thesis put any credibility, for you, on the subject of life on other planets now?

"INDEPENDENCE"

2009-11-10T06:58:00.000-08:00

...a word for which blood was shed and for which wars were fought...but, it seems we face, yet another, battle for "independence" as the Federal Government "courageously" voted for health reform legislation this past weekend. I'm not here to debate the bulleted points of the 2,000 page document but to let your voices be heard if you object to any "government option" that would basically allow the Government to make your choices for healthcare. If Social Security and Medicare aren't proof that "government-sponsored" programs have proven to be far from successful, then why do we allow MORE government interference in our choices for healthcare? Sorry, but, I like to make my own choices, and, not along "party lines"...

What do you think?

"...finally...CHANGE..."

2009-11-04T04:42:00.000-08:00

...in which we really can believe! The electorate has spoken...it's back to the "drawing board" in NJ and time for a new sketch of what the landscape - property taxes, education, controlled spending, the unborn, etc.

And, now, the leadership is in the hands of Chris Christie and Kim Guadango. We wish them well and Godspeed...but, we will be watching!

"MAKE AN INFORMED CHOICE..."

2009-11-02T04:29:00.000-08:00

...for governor of NJ. and, thank you for taking the time to cast your vote! Your vote is the only way that change can be made, if it is necessary to "renew" or change the direction of NJ for the next four years.

"A HALLOWEEN WISH..."

2009-10-29T07:29:00.000-07:00

May you experience all of your childhood fantasies of ghost and goblins! Live through the "fear factor" that makes this weekend a tingling, bone-chilling adventure as you, perhaps, trick or treat, or vicariously live through the younger boys and girls who may knock on your door and shout, "Trick 'r Treat!"

Do you have a favorite Halloween story or adventure you'd like to share? Let us know!

"BOO!"

"COMMON SENSE"

2009-10-20T06:16:00.000-07:00

"Society is produced by our wants ... government by our wickedness; the former promotes our happiness positively by uniting our affections, the latter negatively by restraining our vices."
"Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil;in its worst state an intolerable one..."
"The cause of America is, in a great measure, the cause of all mankind (Thomas Paine; Philadelphia, Feb. 14, 1776..."Common Sense").

Common sense? You betcha! If only we heeded the words of one of the primary promoters/instigators for freedom in the Revolutionary War/Independence from Great Britain, Thomas Paine.

Enough said...

"SELF-RELIANCE"

2009-10-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

"Man is his own star; and the soul that can
Render an honest and a perfect man,
Commands all light, all influence, all fate..."

"There is a time in every man's education when he arrives at the conviction that envy is ignorance; that imitation is suicide; that he must take himself for better, for worse, as his portion; that though the wide universe is full of good, no kernel of nourishing corn can come to him but through his toil bestowed on that plot of ground which is given to him to till"(Emerson, "Self-Reliance").

So, my readers, what do you think? Is it better to be INDEPENDENT, rather than dependent on someone else or agency that makes one a "servant" to that person or agency?

"HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL"

2009-10-05T06:03:00.000-07:00

I came across this article in The Record, 9/27. It was aimed at those who were trying to enter the job market after graduating from college, but, the tips offered have value, I believe, for anyone who wishes to be "successful" at whatever he/she does.

1. ATTITUDE...Your attitude determines yiour altitude. Be positive. Be proactive. Accept the tough challenges. No complaining or blaming. Associate only with positive, active people.

2. NETWORKING..."A-B-C..." Always be connecting. It's a state of mind, a way of life.

3. WIN! A once-great warrior stated, "Victorious warriors win first and then go to war. Defeated warriors go to war and then seek to win."

4. COMMUNICATION SKILLS...Ask, if you do not know. Respond within 24 hours. No delay today!

"Let me know what you think..."

'BE VICTORIOUS..."

2009-09-28T16:36:00.000-07:00

"...in war, BEFORE you go into battle!"

Make sense? But, "I'm not fighting a war," one would offer. Of course not...but, each day, as you enter the "battle" in each of your classes, you must be victorious! Without that mindset, you'd lose a lot of games, if you were playing a sport. So, why not think that way as a student? No matter what the "battle" [a difficult lesson, a test, impossible homework, etc.], think "victory" before entering that fray!

Never cry "Defeat"!

"CAN ONE DAY MAKE A DIFFERENCE...?"

2009-09-24T06:32:00.000-07:00

Can one day in one's life really make a difference? I got this idea from our reading, "A Day's Pleasure". In the story, for the first time in Mrs. Markham's life, she felt really special and appreciated, something she hadn't experienced, even as a mother and wife, struggling everyday to make things work as the wife of a 19th century farmer. but, on that one day, when she went into town, her life changed, just for that one day! someone reached out and appreciated Mrs. Markham for what she was - a caring, loving mother. This experience may just change with all those who live on the farm, particularly her husband's opinion of her.

So, can a "day's pleasure" really make a differnce in one's life? What's your story? Your opinion?

"A BLUEPRINT FOR THE FUTURE- Our Past..."

2009-09-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

After you have read "A Day's Pleasure" in your literature book, ask yourself - "Is there anything really different today that would make the past totally irrelevant in 2009?" What happened in the story among all the characters that does, in fact, resemble us in the 21st century? Aside from the technology, don't people make choices and interact along the same guidelines we follow today?

There's a saying - "You can never go back..." I disagree. We can, and we should! Not as an escape from the difficult times, but, a place of remembrance and a source of ideas we can bring back and help us cope. You agree? Let us know.

"THE MONKEY'S PAW" or "THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME"

2009-09-17T08:11:00.000-07:00

All right! You've finished both stories...now, as a "reviewer" for Rolling Stone magazine, review the stories for your readership and "sell" either one of the stories - highlight the "best" parts of the plot. Right here on the blog! And, sound like a really "cool & hip" writer!

"Why Can't We All Just Get Along?"

2009-09-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

With the health-care debate raging on mostly along Democratic and Republican lines, the tone of the debate has turned rather ugly - a Republican Congressman calls Barack Obama a "liar" at a joint session of Congress last week. Why? Because Rep. Wilson believed the President to have lied about who would e covered under the President's health-care plan. Now, supporters of the President have accused those who oppose the President's plan as "racists".

These are just two of the public outcries from both supporters and detractors of health-care reform. Last weekend, approximately 1.8 million opponents of bailouts and high taxes marched on D.C., to voice their dissatisfaction of Washington's spending spree - all on the taxpayers' dimes! But, guess what? Republicans marched alongside Democrats, Independents, liberals and conservatives.

So, maybe we can all get along! A united effort can bring needed change as opposed to bullies slugging it out in the parking lot after school, just furthering the hatred between enemies. Look at waht happened when the 13 colonies united against Great Britain in the Revolutionary War!

So, what do you think about civil discourse? Is fighting better?

"Remembering 9/11/01"

2009-09-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

And, so, we begin another school year, and, on the day the world faced international terrorism in NYC. Never before has BCHS begun our school year on this day of mourning, a time to reflect on all whom we may have lost, what we have done since that day, and, the state of the world peace today. BCHS, in fact, lost many on that day - a memorial in front of the school is a constant reminder of loss to the BCHS family. Many were my former students as well. So, what are your thoughts today? Perhaps, through the weekend? Share your thoughts with others - classmates, friends, family...here is a chance to express yourself, by responding to this first "Post" of 2009 -2010.

Hello! From Somewhere in the Summer!

2009-06-29T14:59:00.000-07:00

...and a hearty "summer shout-out!" Settled into the groove of taking it easier and making plans for the fall? Yeah, right, Mr. F. Can't believe it's July already! 30 days down...60 to go! So, how's the summer going so far? Me? Doing the summer projects list and waiting for a couple of mini-teaching gigs...and, then, off to the Cape in August...it's been constructive & productive, I must say.

Our "esteemed" President and major ruling party are really keeping its constituents on their toes...nutty and frustrating to say the least!

So, share your summer stories...keep in touch! Hope to hear from some of you!

"The Emperor's Club"

2009-05-28T05:41:00.000-07:00

I meant to show you this film as the year began, but, I think the film will have the same impact as we close the school year. As we view it, please "blog" with your reactions to what the film offers to you. Any and all opinions appreciated. Remember - the more you blog, the more you earn! I'll be checking! This is my LAST generous offer to you!
Blog 'til the cows come home!

"Inspiration..."

2009-05-26T09:06:00.000-07:00

"Believing in our hearts that who we are is enough is the key to a more satisfying and balanced life."

Do you believe the "secret" to a joyous life could be so simple?

"Would It Be Terrible If People Had to Buy Less Than They've Been Buying?"

2009-05-20T05:16:00.000-07:00

Henry David Thoreau - you remember him - living in Concord, MA, long before the current economic upheaval of the 21st century, had experienced a similar economic crisis in the 19th century - a largely self-sufficient rural economy was just beginning to give way to an economy based on mass production and consumption. He sensed its danger.

"Most of the luxuries, and many of the so-called comforts of life, are ... positive hindrances to the elevation of mankind," Thoreau advised.

Henry David Thoreau, more than a century before Home Depot or Lowe's, built his own 10-by-15 foot cabin at Walden Pond for $28 in materials. His furniture consisted of a table, a chair and a bed. For a short time he kept three ornamental pieces of limestone on the table, but decided these were superfluous, throwing them out when he found he had to dust them constantly (Holt A 12).

- from The Record

Have we accumulated too much? Have we recently thrown something out?

"Three Rules for Success!"

2009-05-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

1. Dream Big!

Never think "small". Choose the wildest, most rewarding path in life and go for it!

2. Work Hard!

With your Dream in mind, work hard everyday - the reward? Your Dream!

3. Learn Something New Everyday!

Knowledge is nourishment for your mind - feed your mind! Your Dream, then, becomes easier to achieve.

4. Stay Focused! [Scott M.]

LITERATURE Prompts - "The Seven Ages of Man," p. 206

2009-05-06T07:33:00.000-07:00

1. Before you read the poem... In your limited experience in the so-called "stages of life," through what stages does an individual pass in her/his life on the way to...?

2. After you read the poem... List the stages Shakespeare writes in his poem.

...A total of TWO posts...required for a "quiz" grade!

"PANDEMIC" - Growth of the Federal Gov't!"

2009-05-04T05:33:00.000-07:00

Ha! Thought I'd discourse about the "swine flu" pandemic? Wrong! There's a more frightening "disease" spreading in this country - the unprecedented growth of the Big Government! Is that all right with you, though? Maybe you wish for more government control of your life, and, it is control! Already, we work for the Federal Government - don't believe me? Do your research! hey, as long as you don't mind throwing shovelsful of your income into a govenment black hole and allowing others to make decisions about how to spend your income - then go for it! Or, more rules and regulations! Cool [Im' being facetious, of course...]! The pandemic is sweeping the nation, "infecting" millions, with no known cure, as long as the Democratic party hoards the "antidote" and refuses to dispense it to those crying in the wilderness for a "cure"!

Do you really to be a shareholder in a car company, with your tax dollar$ paying the unions' healthcare co$t$ and salarie$? If the Feds have anything to do with that decison - you will! and on and on...

"What Leadership?"

2009-04-30T06:38:00.000-07:00

Catch President Obama's news conference last night? Between the bias towards the selected news agencies allowed questions and the rhetorical responses, lacking any specific detail, I must admit I was not convinced the taxpayer and constituent were represented duly... I am afraid for this Nation, unless people wake up and take off the blinders...