Archive for November 2021

Readers of a popular email-based newsletter recently submitted gift ideas for the writers in your life. I had thoughts. Best gift for writers: Nothing original about a Moleskine notebook, but it works for anyone who can’t resist jotting down thoughts, ideas, research, etc. I love to receive one and they are not expensive! —Henry Brown Moleskine…

With Black Friday is behind us, perhaps you have a few folks still left on your shopping list. If so, allow me to  offer my annual gift giving guide to the four best presents that you can gift someone. I promise you that they are far superior to any cashmere sweater, shiny trinket, or electronic…

Here’s the thing about Congressman Paul Gosar’s recent tweeting of his head on an anime character, killing Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and preparing to attack Joe Biden with swords: It’s the act of a coward. A small, frightened, pathetic little boy. Yes, it’s dangerous,. It risks inciting violence against his political opponents. It’s utterly indecent. It’s…

Charlie found a box. He loved the box. I broke down the box and threw it on Thanksgiving morning before our guests arrived. Charlie was angry. Elysha told me he nearly cried. I get it. The one and only poem I ever published was about this very thing, inspired by an afternoon spend on a…

My retired friend, Rob, texted me this photo and message last week in an attempt to hurt me. Before it was photos of golf, Rob used to send me photos from his many hikes during the school day in an attempt to hurt me. These were far less effective. Hiking aimlessly in the forest –…

I asked my students to make lists of things for which they were thankful this year, then we spent some time talking about and sharing their lists on Wednesday. Some were quite creative. One student included me on her digital list, but she typed my name in white so that I would not see it…

On August 19, 2000, I was the DJ at the wedding of Matt Shepard and Kelly Shepard.   Two years and 38 days later, Matt and Kelly attended the wedding of their friends, John and Becky. I was the DJ at that wedding, too. As the wedding came to a close, Matt and Kelly approached…

Government spending on child care each year according to the United Nations: Norway: $29,000 Iceland: $24,000 Finland/Denmark: $23,000 Germany: $18,000 Average spending on childcare in developed nations: $14,400 United States: $500 Thankfully, when it comes to per pupil expenditures for education, the United States is doing much better. Currently ranked #66 in the world, behind…

This sign hangs in my classroom. My colleague, Steve, showed it to me two years ago. Over the summer, I commissioned an artist on Etsy to make a larger one. We refer to it often. I posted this photo on Instagram a few weeks ago, indicating that it’s a sign that my students and I…

When one of my students celebrates a birthday, I give them a packet of special birthday passes that allow them special privileges. Homework passes allow them to skip homework assignments of their choice. “No teasing” passes forbid me from hassling them for an entire day. “Eat all day” passes allow them to graze like sheep…