Television
Writing advice from a toddler that authors should heed carefully
When my daughter was three years old, still unable to read, she taught me three invaluable lessons about the craft of writing. Specifically, she offered three specific pieces of criticism made an impression on me as an author and remain with me today. 1. Don’t overwrite. More importantly, don’t refuse editing. After watching some of…
Read MoreReach out to a teacher. We want to hear from you.
My former second and third grade student – now a 24 year old woman – texted me this image along a message: I know this answer because of you. Being a teacher, this may sound a little self serving, but if you have the chance to reach out to a former teacher and let them…
Read MoreWhen I watch children’s television, I ask questions about fictional funding (or the lack thereof)
My kids are currently watching large amounts of the television show The Octonauts. They also own many Octonauts toys. I tend to avoid watching these shows with my kids, and when I do, I rarely pay much attention. I listen to podcast, work on stories in my head, and make excuses to leave. Despite my…
Read MoreWhy I think professional wrestling is stupid
My friends who watch professional wrestling have long argued that watching a fake sporting event is no different than watching a fictional television show like Breaking Bad or Mad Men. And it’s true. As long as they are willing to acknowledge that all professional wrestling is staged for the sake of the storylines being written…
Read MoreLosing can be so entertaining when it’s not you.
I’m not a fan of Jeopardy. Listening to other people answer trivia questions has never appealed to me, but if games of Jeopardy ended like this more often, I might start watching. I love this. The dismissive way that Alex Trebek responds to the contestants is brilliant. I love it so much that I’ve watched it…
Read MoreJim and Pam are still together. There is hope.
On the rare day that I’m feeling pessimistic about the world or sad about something in my life, I will often stop and think, “Jim and Pam are still married. As long as they’re still together, there is hope.” Sometimes I go back and watch their wedding. It brings me such joy. I miss those…
Read MoreI thought I became a teacher because I love kids, but it turns out that the real reason was far more selfish and insidious
It appears that knowledge of your spouse is a highly effective indicator of satisfaction in your relationships. “Knowledge of one’s partner and life skills are much better predictors of average satisfaction across relationships, according to Harvard-trained psychologist Dr. Robert Epstein and student Rachel Smith, who have just presented their study at the Western Psychological Association…
Read MoreThis video encompasses so many of my fears for my students
I watch this video from the Jimmy Kimmel Show, and it encapsulates so many of my fears for my students. I’m afraid that they are growing up in a world with an African American President and legalized same sex marriage (two things I never thought I would see in my lifetime), and yet sexist, stupid, degrading…
Read MoreThere’s nothing better than a little fire in your belly to keep you moving forward. Find something to hate.
“The rage you feel? Listen to me carefully. It’s a gift. Use it, but don’t let anyone see it.” – Nucky Thompson, Boardwalk Empire Nucky may be a fictional character, but these are words of wisdom. I may not feel actual rage on a regular basis, but I’m also not a gangster and mob boss…
Read MoreHow did television meteorologists become household names, and why can’t I name a single one of these guys?
Everyone in my life seems to know the names of the television meteorologists. They say things like, “Brad Somebody is hosting this charity event next weekend” or “Bruce Gobbledygook says it’s going to rain tomorrow.” Even my student’s know these names. I can’t help but wonder: These people can’t actually be watching the local news.…
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