What Exactly Do I Stand For
In April, 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency calculated that fifty-five percent of monitored waterways in the United States are impaired by pollution, meaning they are too polluted for healthy recreation, public drinking water and subsistence fishing. Twenty-five percent of the nation’s beaches are under advisories or closed at least once per year due to water pollution.
Voice in My Head Today: Acceptance
You need to stop doing what you think is expected of you, and start doing what you want to do in your heart (note: drugs, video-games and Facebook are definitively not included). Accept the arbitrary human rules and the fact that they are going to slow you down, and forge ahead despite the hurdles you don’t want to bother with…
When Your Relationship Is “Irrationally” Falling Apart...
I know so many relationships that have broken up this year – the Covid pandemic and the election have put tremendous stress on every one of us, and many previously ignorable concerns are bubbling to the surface as a result. My marriage has not been immune, which prompted me...
Sustainably 'Wrapping' Your Christmas Presents
Here's a great way to get rid of some stuff that’s accumulated in your house, while saving money and reducing your contribution to the 2020 load of Xmas wrapping paper that will soon be stuffing our landfills. It’s also a great craft project for kids of all ages, and you don't have to worry about what to do with your creations once they're finished…
Fifth Grade Poetry Lesson: Imitating the Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
#TheLoveSongOfJAlfredPrufrock was my 10YO’s and my literary lesson today (‘Wellness Wednesday’ for virtual public school). It just kinda happened because, as we were leaving the house this AM, K said, "Let us go then, you and I." I have been using this phrase for years to signal to the kids that we are finally leaving. It’s probably my favorite stanza, though I’m adding “Oh, do not ask, “What is it?” Let us go and make our visit”…
To the Marriott Organization
During my last car-camping therapy trip, I was caught out in the rain and hesitantly booked a last-minute hotel room, choosing only among those that Hotwire had given ribbons (or stars or whatever) for Covid preparedness. I only stayed one night, but it made clear to me that the hotel service in America is hardly being held to high standards with regard to air circulation and ventilation…
The Ugly Pumpkin: A Fun and Funny Children's Picture Book for Halloween *and* Thanksgiving
I have been meaning to do a full review of this book all month, and now Halloween has come and gone! No worries, *The Ugly Pumpkin* (by David Horowitz) is an even better Thanksgiving book (and it lets the kids hold on to Halloween a little longer)…
From the City (Seamus Rooney)
This is the first song written and produced by my 17YO son Seamus, included here as part of his college application(s)…
Visit Pilot Mountain. Stay at Jomeokee Campground (even if it's just for the day).
Jomeokee Campground in Pinnacle, NC, is one of the most beautiful places I have ever spent the night (and I have camped throughout the US, Australia, and New Zealand). I encourage you to visit and camp (if you are up for it), particularly during the week when you may have the entire grounds to yourselves.
Variation on a Tweet
A very short, poetic (in the most modern sense) introspection while trying to get back to work…
Election 2020: On Being Asked to ‘Chip In’
Every political ad imploring me to ’chip in’ pisses me off - it doesn’t matter which candidate ‘approved this message’. What a horribly dysfunctional Capitalist country we live in. At the end of the day, they don’t need our money, they need our votes…
The Ironic Story Behind My Sweet Bessie Van
Eight to ten years ago, back when I lived in a South Durham Home Owner's Association (HOA), my neighbor across the street complained about the chalk drawings on our driveway, then my Obama signs, then our vegetable garden - all of which resulted in violation letters and my presence before the HOA board of directors to defend my actions…
Re: Trump paid more in taxes to foreign countries than to US
To the Trumpians who are shouting False News, as well as the ones who are proclaiming how smart Trump is, all I can say is: Time will Tell. ‘Course Trump could clear all this up by releasing his tax returns, like Romney did when Reid falsely accused him of not paying taxes…
To Amazon
Below is what I put in the 'description' box of the second Amazon Seller 'support case' I filled out after sifting through heaps of obscure help links and pages. If you have experienced similar problems with Amazon, please take the time to type up your frustrating experience and post it - if not in the comments here, then somewhere else. If we have learned anything in recent years, it's that even small predatory practices should be called out. Better late than never :-) …
Get up off of our knees...
I think about the horrible division, greed and just plain hatred boiling in our collective consciousness right now and remember it's been simmering throughout history and will simmer again. Then I come across the video below. "Open your eyes to my heart, Lord" the song repeats. I think God knows our hearts all too well and that he is desperately trying to open our eyes to His…
Upon being pressed to look deeper behind the Covid “smokescreen”
Looking deeper... I see a government that is fine with letting hundreds of thousands of citizens die because they refuse to impose simple medically advised procedures (masks and social distancing) that would enable businesses to open safely; I see a government that refuses to require registration, background checks, and commonsense laws to protect it’s most vulnerable population from gun deaths that profit gun sellers, manufacturers, and lobbyists; I see…
Halgo European Deli and Groceries
“After providing a uniquely Polish experience in Durham, NC, for 12 years, Halgo European Deli has closed it’s doors. In memoriam, I’m reposting my review of them back in 2017. I’m sad not to be able to go through their doors again.”
Celebrate the benefits of Musical Education on World Music Day (June 21)
This June 21, musicians of all skill levels and genres around the world will show off their prowess on World Music Day. Founded 38 years ago in Paris, France, the Fête de la Musique is a public celebration of the musical arts that has blossomed into a beloved international event. As it draws near, it's a good time to learn more about the important role music plays in our children's education…
Teaching Density to Elementary Students: Lesson Plans for Building Lava Lamps Using Materials Found at Home
The craft-store franchise AC Moore went out of business just before the Covid Quarantine was imposed. One of the prizes among the windfall we brought home was a do-it-yourself lava lamp kit. My son followed the first of several recipes provided with the kit and, with the help of his teenage brother, created a lava lamp that garnered the admiration of everyone in the family that evening. What follows is how we constructed more lava lamps using stuff we already had in our kitchen…
Voice In My Head Today (#VIMHT)
Do you ever feel like, no matter how you try, you can't make things the way you want them to be? That's because YOU'RE NOT IN CONTROL …