Although it looks totally different from years past, it’s “Back to School“ time once again. Students from kindergarten to grad school are embarking on new ways of learning, and these new ways are being met with excitement by some and resistance by others. That’s usually the way it is with learning, isn’t it? There are those who view it as an adventure – exploring new information, facing new challenges, and expanding horizons. For them, acquiring knowledge is new, exciting, fun! And then there are others who push against learning – regarding it with dread, fear, trepidation, and blatant resistance. Some folks may feel they already know everything they need to know. Or maybe they’re just lazy. After all, learning requires… [Read More]
Derailed
I recently witnessed the aftermath of a train derailment. It could have been worse. No one was hurt. The train wasn’t carrying chemicals or hazardous materials. No homes or businesses were destroyed. But the derailment triggered immense havoc. It… Created a big mess. Interrupted train travel for several days. Caused traffic congestion and detours. Negatively affected commerce for the shops, restaurants, and businesses located near the tracks. Complicated the lives of the people who live and work in the area. Produced stress for both the railroad and the community. Was costly in terms of time, money, and energy. Sound familiar? Currently many people are feeling that their lives have been derailed. Perhaps that’s you. Do you feel that circumstances over which… [Read More]
She’s a Grand Old Flag
I’m excited! For some time now, I’ve wished for a flag for our home. And several weeks ago, my wish came true. We’re now proudly flying an American flag! It’s positioned right outside my office window, so on windy days, which we seem to have quite often, I can see and hear the flag flapping in the breeze, and I love it. Every time I see that flag, or any other American flag, I’m reminded of how grateful I am to live in this country. Is it perfect? Far from it. Are there things I’d like to change? You bet. Are there serious and important issues that need to be resolved? Absolutely. The current situation of a pandemic, civil discord,… [Read More]
Who Was That Masked Man?
If you’re of a certain age, or if you enjoy watching early-era TV shows, you no doubt recognize the title of this article as a frequently asked question at the end of many episodes of The Lone Ranger, a popular TV western that aired from 1949-1957. The show was based on the premise that the Lone Ranger, who disguised his identity with a mask, was the only survivor of a group of massacred Texas Rangers and that he and “his faithful Indian companion Tonto led the fight for law and order in the early West.” Part of the show’s mystique was that the Lone Ranger never removed his mask or revealed his true identity. Thus, when he rode off at… [Read More]
It was the best of times….
“It was the best of times…. …it was the worst of times.” If you studied English literature, you probably read – or at least read the Cliff Notes – of Charles Dickens’ classic work A Tale of Two Cities. Written in 1859, Dickens’ historic novel opens with these famous words that seem appropriate today. Over the last few weeks, I’ve been thinking about this statement as our country, and the entire world, has been focused on a situation we’ve never experienced and could have never imagined. For many people, the COVID 19 epidemic feels like “the worst of times”. Many are paralyzed by the fear of illness. Some have experienced the death of loved ones. The closing of schools and… [Read More]
