Archive for March 2023

In September of 1990, the band Extreme released their balled “More Than Words” off their album Extreme II: Pornograffitti. Unlike anything the group had ever done before, the song features just two of the band members singing while playing acoustic guitar. By January 1991, the song had hit #1 on the Billboard charts. I loved…

One of the prizes that I gave to my students last week was a small, plastic boy with red hair. Long ago, my children played with this boy, but being in middle school now, these toys have become meaningless to my kids.] Truthfully, they would be meaningless to my students, too, if not turned into…

It’s easy to think that in our polarized environment, people from opposing viewpoints can’t possibly reach across the aisle, change their minds, and find common ground. But that’s not always the case. Happily so. Here’s a recent exchange between a reader and me that may give you some hope for a better day. It certainly…

Opposition is hard, but it’s not always impossible. See Nebraska State Senator Machaela Cavanaugh, who stands opposed to anti-transgender legislation, including a bill that would outlaw gender-affirming therapies for those 18 and younger, as well as requiring people to use the restroom corresponding to the sex they were assigned at birth. The kind of close-minded,…

Here’s my latest obsession, which should also be yours: Diaries of Note From the About page of the website: Every day, beginning on January 1, 2023, a new (old) diary entry will be published on Diaries of Note, with each entry appearing on the same day and month as it was originally written. Every single…

During the 1980s, the average chart-topping song had 21 seconds of introductory instrumentals before the vocals kicked in. As streaming services took the place of physical music, the music industry realized that a big, catchy lyrical hook was important to grab the attention of streaming listeners. so the time devoted to instrumental introduction has declined…

My wife, Elysha,  is currently learning to become a teacher of English language learners. She’s working through an intensive, year-long program that has essentially stolen away vast swaths of her weekends all year long. It hasn’t been easy. It represents an enormous commitment on her part. She’s working like hell. And she’s doing brilliantly. She…

The substack Many One Percents offers ten rules of productive online communication for people in the Gen Z population.  I found the list a little silly at times. Incredibly annoying at others. 1. Never end a sentence with a period (“.”) I end every sentence in every text message with a period. Apparently, doing so…

Why do teenage boys wear shorts in the winter? Why does a 50-degree day in October feel so different than a 50-degree day in March? At last, some actual answers, based in science. An excellent and informative video. Strongly recommended.

Here’s a stupid and ridiculous thought: Last night’s Oscar winners featured a large number of Asian actors and actresses, including: Actor in a Supporting Role Ke Huy Quan Actress in a Leading Role Michelle Yeoh Best Director Daniel Kwan (alongside Daniel Scheinert) Best Picture (producers Daniel Kwan and Jonathan Wang alongside Daniel Scheinert) Best Original…