Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday. And in many ways it is a perfect symbol of our national character. The stories that we feed ourselves, tales of grateful Pilgrims, peaceful Indians, and bountiful tables of turkey and pumpkin pie are completely false. Just as false as the story that hard work, faith, and education will bring success to any American. And yet . . . not only do we need
One good thing that came out of the Gulf wars, maybe the only good thing, is a belated recognition of Vietnam veterans. Somewhere in all of the “Support the Troops” fervor that gripped much of the country came a wave of guilt over how veterans of Vietnam were treated. What M.A.S.H. did for Korean War vets, “Mission Accomplished” did for Vietnam survivors. I received more thanks in one year than
Fueled by sun buffeted by air higher Water climbs higher and til seizing a speck of dust and then each other They freeze into hexagons of ice unique in shape size altitude. Finally they succumb to Earth’s siren call. Snow F A L L S . A tumbling billowing mass of white clutching sleeves eyelashes branches erasing colors. Flake clusters meet the river, instantly dissolve, rejoin their polarized molecular brothers
I’m really glad Halloween is over because it has always confused me. It started when I was young. Growing up in a Catholic family, most holidays had a connection and a compulsion to include church services. But not Halloween. That was a holiday that seemed just for kids. Sure, some adults dressed up as they handed out candy, but it was the children who got so excited, spending weeks arguing
Sam Fox peered over his shoulder into the darkness. For a second he thought he saw a movement. A light perhaps, shining just beyond his line of sight. But staring produced no definite image just the grey glow of the blacktop. Afraid of stumbling, Sam returned his gaze to the road ahead. The steady slap of his Adidas shoes drowned out his uneasy feelings of being followed. His mind bathed
Okay, maybe saving the internet is a bit hyperbolic, but better math instruction could reduce some of the arguing that occurs. Internet trolls and pranksters are an internet hazard that most of us would like to see less of. Trolls are a separate issue. but there are certain pranksters that like to take advantage of the poor math instruction that plagues our country. Exhibit A is the math problem 8
