grin and bare it
A blog by Matthew Dicks
Three lessons from LBJ’s holiday offering
In December of 1967, Lyndon Johnson made an unscheduled, unannounced visit to the Vatican. The visit was so unannounced that even the Pope Paul VI – recovering from a recent, undisclosed surgery – didn’t know…
Read MoreA lesson ruined by a murder
I’m lying on my back beneath a pine tree alongside one of my students. It’s Field Day at my school, and we’re enjoying a break together. We’re staring into the branches and at the sky…
Read MoreBest barbecue guest
Elysha and I hosted a barbecue on Sunday. Our backyard and deck were filled with neighbors and friends. I had a joyous time for many reasons, but the one that will stand out for me…
Read MoreResolution update: May 2022
Every month I report the progress of my yearly goals in order to monitor progress (or the lack thereof) and hold myself accountable. The following are the result from May 2022. PERSONAL FITNESS 1.…
Read MoreKnow-nothings doing nothing
The next time a know-nothing lawmaker like Ted Cruz argues that the solution to school shootings – which only happen in the United States with this level of frequency and lethality – is to harden…
Read MoreClara and The Hobbit
Clara was not pleased. We had finished reading the Harry Potter series and had decided to move onto “The Hobbit” and eventually The Lord of the Rings trilogy. She was having none of it. She…
Read MoreTake your child on a trip via Google Maps
Brilliant idea from Elysha: Last week she used Google Earth to take Charlie on a tour of all of the places where she has lived throughout her life, complete with descriptions of each locale and…
Read MoreMy Eagle Scout extension explained
On the heels of realizing that my mother never sent my letter offering film critique to Steven Spielberg (because how could she in 1981?) came this other realization: My parents probably never requested my Eagle…
Read MoreWhat is an author’s filmography or discography called?
If you’re a filmmaker, the list of movies that you’ve made is called your filmography. If you’re a musician, the list of albums that you’ve made is called your discography. But if you’re an author?…
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