Today, McClatchy reported that it is more like 6,000 children who've been separated from their families. The AP reported that there are three "tender age" facilities for children under age 5 who've been taken from their parents, with the possibility of a fourth "needed." I don't remember the news source (Strib?), but they are looking … Continue reading June 19: It just gets worse.
angry
June 17: Happy(?) Father’s Day
I just finished reading this article from Texas Monthly about the separation of children from their asylum-seeking parents at our border. I am appalled and enraged and feeling helpless in the face of such cruelty. I'd seen posts before with pictures that were then challenged as fake, with articles from websites that seemed somewhat trustworthy … Continue reading June 17: Happy(?) Father’s Day
May 30: Spectacle and Substance
I've been overwhelmed by the drama of everything lately, more than usual, more than even this new era of "normal." The news, the internet world, the real world... everything seems to be so much. Things I'm thinking about or reading about, in no specific order because nothing seems to have order anymore: Roseanne being cancelled … Continue reading May 30: Spectacle and Substance
May 26: so much sadness in the world
The news feels increasingly bleak lately - kids torn away from their families then lost, potentially trafficked. Twisted scandals in Washington DC. An electoral system we may no longer be able to trust. Violence in schools and homes. Foreign policy blunders all over. Unarmed, nonviolent immigrants and protesters being shot in the head. Everything feels … Continue reading May 26: so much sadness in the world
May 25: more gun violence in schools
Today a science teacher in an Indiana middle school averted a potential mass shooting situation when a 7th grader came back to class with two handguns. Apparently he nailed the kid in the head with a basketball, then tackled him. The teacher was shot three times, but appears to be in good condition. I haven't … Continue reading May 25: more gun violence in schools
May 18: emotional whiplash
Wow. I had a great week at school. My kids did excellent on their Romeo and Juliet quizzes today. We've had a great time reading it and playing with it, and they are doing so well. My 12th graders are doing some creative writing using the story lines and interview/narrative structure of the novel we've … Continue reading May 18: emotional whiplash
May 9: total exhaustion
There are no words for the mental and emotional exhaustion I have right now. I'm wiped out. It's almost a calm place to be, because there is nothing left in the reserves. Sleep would be nice, but I'm not sure that my body and muscles will let me do it. My body is on alert: … Continue reading May 9: total exhaustion
April 22: Another Day, Another Mass Shooting
James Shaw, Jr is a hero. He hit a guy armed with an AR-15 with a swinging door, then wrestled the gun away from him, in the process severely burning his hand and likely saving the lives of many people in a Waffle House. Based on his press conference, he doesn't seem to like the … Continue reading April 22: Another Day, Another Mass Shooting
February 24: #MeToo and Art
Today I learned that one of my favorite writers - Sherman Alexie - is accused by numerous women of abuse and harassment. This is the first time where I felt genuinely surprised. Maybe that means I have a dim view of mankind (word used purposefully in lieu of humankind), but it didn't surprise me with … Continue reading February 24: #MeToo and Art
February 16: Still Angry
This is the angriest I've ever been about a news story - I'm referring to the mass murder of school children in Florida. In the past, I've been mainly shocked or sad. I remember how we watched tv and talked about Columbine with eyes wide and mouths open with shock. It seemed unthinkable. When the … Continue reading February 16: Still Angry
Adventures in Distraction 