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grin and bare it

A blog by Matthew Dicks

My first and only earthquake

By Matthew Dicks | April 3, 2011

I am fortunate to have experienced only one earthquake in my life. Years ago, I wrote about the three best compliments that I have ever received. The first came on January 1, 1988 when I…

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CNN reads the Internet in poorly constructed segments

By Matthew Dicks | April 2, 2011

Watching CNN this morning while on the elliptical, the anchor announced that census data has revealed the most segregated cities in America. The fifth most segregated city is Cleveland, followed by Detroit and Chicago. “Want…

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New bathroom amenities

By Matthew Dicks | April 2, 2011

My daughter insists on manipulating her environment whenever possible.  After blow drying her hair, my wife turned around to discover this:    

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The ability to make fun of oneself is a sign of great intellect.

By Matthew Dicks | April 1, 2011

The willingness to do so is a sign of great inner strength. Bravo, Rebecca Black.  Even if your song sucks. Friday Lyrics Analyzed with Rebecca Black from Rebecca Black

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Ice cream dinner

By Matthew Dicks | April 1, 2011

Another peak into the mind of my daughter via her little people. With the ponies and dragons lined up with a precision that would make my wife and I a little nervous if she weren’t…

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Swallowing the apology

By Matthew Dicks | March 31, 2011

The request for an apology is a clear indication of a person’s likelihood to be eaten first in a zombie apocalypse. That is, if the zombies can stomach the sense of entitlement and degree of…

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Great moments in academia #3

By Matthew Dicks | March 31, 2011

Last year I mentioned that I had three great academic moments while in college. The first pertained to a poem that I wrote. The second (and perhaps my favorite) pertained to a Toni Morrison novel.…

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The changing faces of Matthew Dicks

By Matthew Dicks | March 30, 2011

For your general amusement, my school ID cards from years gone by: Seventh grade (1983): Ninth grade (1985): Manchester Community College (1994) Trinity College (1996)

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Hug a teacher. Or at least send a note of thanks.

By Matthew Dicks | March 30, 2011

Yesterday a former student stopped by my class to say hello. He stood awkwardly in front of me for a second until his friend told me that he wanted a hug. Nothing was wrong. He…

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Lemmings unwillingly launched to the sea

By Matthew Dicks | March 30, 2011

Lemmings don’t leap off cliffs and commit commit suicide as they migrate.  It turns out that the phrase “like lemmings to the sea” is nonsense.  The metaphor derives from the 1958 Academy Award winning Disney…

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