The State of our State makes me angry

I'm angry that Sheldon Silver was given the courtesy of sitting in a position of prestige at this week's State of the State address when the state's teachers are not invited to sit at the table and truly participate in education reform and improvement. I'm angry that Sheldon Silver, along with the governor and other … Continue reading The State of our State makes me angry

Getting educated – 500 miles worth of lessons

Three day weekends should leave those fortunate enough to have had 3 consecutive days off feeling relaxed and satisfied. There definitely were some moments during the 72 hours which prompted some pretty positive emotions, but the overwhelming sensation I'm experiencing right now is simple exhaustion. As I am inclined to do, I scheduled the weekend … Continue reading Getting educated – 500 miles worth of lessons

Writing my son’s college essay (in my mind)

Dear Prospective College Admissions Officer - Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I can only imagine how many of these letters you must read and how difficult it must be to evaluate potential students from mere words and numbers on a page. Since neither words nor numbers adequately describe my oldest … Continue reading Writing my son’s college essay (in my mind)

Reflecting on 30 years

Despite my attempts at processing the hundreds of distinct thoughts and images in my head following my trip to the past last weekend, my mind is still in a whirl.  During my drive north, while I tried to assert a sense of order to all that had been stimulated in my head, I realized that … Continue reading Reflecting on 30 years

The multiculturalism of crepes

My youngest son goes to a magnet elementary school in our neighborhood. The latter fact is more the reason he attends that particular school than the arts and humanities centered curriculum, but we do enjoy many of the activities based upon the school's theme. This week the school community's marked their Third Annual Multicultural Celebration. … Continue reading The multiculturalism of crepes

An open letter to paleandpasty

(Dear readers: Please read this article, complete with comments, and then come back.  Okay, done?) I’ve got some information for you, paleandpasty.  Take that fence picket out of your ass and have a seat.  I am so tired of people like you anonymously criticizing my city.  From your self-perceived superior, suburban vantage point, you make … Continue reading An open letter to paleandpasty