Chewing On This

And when I say purple it up, I mean let’s do some real purple! The kind of purple my brother Scoob had when the purple shag carpet was installed in his bedroom back in the Seventies. Or, the kind of purple the Phoenix Suns wore on the road when the P-H-O-E-N-I-X and the S-U-N-S was spelled out in an Old West typeface and longtime broadcaster Al McCoy referred to them as “The Purple Gang!” Or the kind of purple you could see on the Saturday morning cartoon, “Grape Ape!”

Of course the best tasting purple is the grape popsicles. Which, not coincidentally, is why we are talking purple at all. Wednesday was National Grape Popsicle Day! With Memorial Day in the rearview mirror, summer is happening. And the best way to beat the summer heat, which is at least 106 degrees where I sit, is by licking this sweet, fruity tasting, purple, frozen confection.

Now I know some people prefer not to have their icy treat on a stick. There are treat mongers in the habit of gnawing on that little cut of lumber like a beaver. Splinters in your tongue are no fun. So, how about a freezing cold slab of purple ice wrapped in plastic? Or, maybe you prefer your frozen purple treat prepared as if an ice-breaker just slammed through the frozen Arctic inside your cup. If that is you, a purple purèed slushee may be your go-to on a hot May 27 day.

Grape popsicles may not be what what Queen Elizabeth devours, but purple is the color of royalty so it is no wonder so many schools adopt it as their own. One such school, Girls leadership Academy of Arizona, has been the academic institution I have taken great pride in. In 2015 I joined the faculty and have had the pleasure of interacting with scores of students at this girls only high school. Wearing their purple uniform with pride, they made strides to become the very best. The Warriors wore the purple championing our community in athletic competition. Purple runs through our veins.

This school year is coming to an end, and so we must bid the Class of 2020 adieu. There will not be a class photo of the GLAAZ graduates in their purple caps and gowns. COVID-19 took that way from us. Nonetheless, they will long be remembered in the hallowed academic hallway of Girls Leadership Academy of Arizona. These young ladies are beginning to blaze their paths into the future. I can only hope that the road they take carries them to places rewarding and full of joy. It has been an outstanding four years.

Pretty Little Liars has broadcast its final show.  Granted the show was sometimes a little improbable and the twists and turns and characters that came and went made it hard to follow.  The end of its run marks the end of another chapter in my life.

We have recently become empty nesters. Our three kids have all gradually moved out over the past 9 years. First, Klayton moved into his dorm at Arizona State in the fall of 2008. Then Meredith moved to Rock Island to attend Augustana College in the summer of 2012. Finally, Skyler flew the coop late this spring having decided he was earning enough money at GlobalTrans to make ends meet.

As a parent I am thrilled with all of their present circumstances. We have a wonderful daughter-in-law in McKenna, boys who are well respected where they work, and a daughter who will soon be transferring to the northwest to help her firm solidify a new office.

I loved watching PLL, but not because it was critically acclaimed for the acting or writing.  I loved the show because of how I got hooked.  The hook was my daughter, at the time a junior in high school. One evening she asked me to sit with her to watch a show called Pretty Little Liars.  It was only the third or fourth episode in its inaugural season, but I found I was completely lost. Despite my annoying interruptions she asked me again the next week to watch it with her.  Pretty soon it was our standing father-daughter date.

It wasn’t long before her classmates, my students, caught on that I was watching.  They thought it was pretty funny that I had embraced the show. They quizzed me on the characters and the plot.  They were amused, but for the most part respected that I had an interest and an understanding of the mystery of “A” and then later “AD.”  But it wasn’t just her class, it was seven years worth of students who shared the experience of PLL.

After Meredith headed off to college, PLL became must see TV for her mom and me.  As Deanna and I sat and watched the dramatic final episode, I felt a little melancholy when I realized one of the final links to our kid’s youth was passing.  At the very same moment there was also a sense of gratitude remembering how I came to be a fan.  Thank you, Meredith, for inviting me to watch with you.   You opened up a path to many wonderful memories and to a common ground on which many positive relationships with students were able to take root due to the teenage drama starring Emily, Hanna, Aria, and Spencer.

 

I am back. For months I just didn’t know what to say. Maybe it was simply a case of writers block. Maybe it was something else.  What snapped me out of it? Like many Americans, I am looking for a voice. Oh yeah, then I remembered, I have one. So let’s get writing…

I absolutely do not understand how so many people jumped on the Trump bandwagon. I also do not understand how Clinton was the choice of the Democratic Party.  We voted anyway.  Geez, did we vote.  Some people felt strongly about their candidate and the party platform. Some people voted for a third-party’s policy stance.  Some voted third-party out of spite.  Some people voted against one candidate by choosing the other.  (Let’s think about how effective that is.)  Some people just threw up there hands and did not vote at all.

Now it is time for Americans with common sense to speak up. The silent majority must find their collective voice.  We can no longer remain silent.  Americans who are offended, scared, frustrated, bewildered, shocked or surprised by the actions of our new administration need to find a voice in their United States Congressman and Senators. There are rational representatives from both parties who need to hear from us.  In fact, they want to hear from us.  Marching and protests are great.  The Civil Rights movement is just one example of the power of peaceful public demonstrations, but we need to call.  Call their offices. Speak to their aides and assistants.  Let them know what you think. There is absolutely no risk.

The checks and balances that exist in OUR Constitution are in place to protect us, not the politicians. I’m not a left winger. I registered as a Republican and voted for Ronald Reagan in the first Presidential election in which I could participate. I am just calling on my friends who are feeling a little powerless to action. A five minute phone call will clear your conscience and will make a difference.  We can no longer be silent.

Directory of U.S. Congressman-  http://www.house.gov/representatives/

Directory of U.S. Senators- https://www.senate.gov/senators/contact/

Our kids deserve the chance to live in an America that is not paranoid, remains confident, and does not feel compelled to brag about the size of the gloves it wears, no matter how large or small.  Our nation will remain great because we are free to use our voice.

“Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

I guess that’s it! Summer is over!  Tomorrow we report back to school.  We officially start preparing for the new school year.  I remember, way back in the twentieth century, summer lasted a good three months.  Out as Memorial Day weekend started, back in the Tuesday after Labor Day! The two holidays were summer’s bookends. By the end of the century, however, that summer break had been cut by at least thirty days.  More in some cases.

There are all kinds of reasons for the dwindling summer.  Data showing students would retain more if they had a shorter break.  Parents weary of having kids home, needing to find an alternate “baby-sitter.”  Facing economic hardship, families eliminated expenses by cutting back on summer camps and trips to amusement parks.  No trips, no need to stay home, might as well be in school.  But, I think there is another reason!

When I joined the profession, the oft repeated refrain were the three reasons for teaching, “June, July, and August.” The summer was a time to read, relax, refresh, and recreate. Time for teachers to rebuild relationships with family and loved ones and friends outside of school. (There is a life outside of school.)  The three months were a built in sabbatical.  In truth, summer had nothing to do with teacher’s mental health.  More importantly, it was time to get the kids back on the farm.

However, agricultural technology changed everything. Companies like Deere, Case IH, and Caterpillar made improvements in farm equipment.  More efficient machinery incorporating new technology.  No need for school-aged kids to work the farms.  No need to keep schools closed.  Teachers, back to work!  John Deere, I blame you for the short summer!

Regardless, the Chew’s short summer was packed full.  We made time to “recharge the batteries.”  Here are a few highlights from the past few weeks!

 

 

 

 

Can’t wait to meet the new students.  Fall break can’t be far behind, can it?

Dear Seniors-

The summer of 2016 has been a tough summer.  We have lived through excessive heat, flooding, fire, and more heat.  As you’ve looked forward to the last year of high school you have encountered stories of domestic terrorism, serial killers, bad cops, ambushed police officers, and protests with good intentions gone awry.

This summer Cleveland and Philadelphia host the Republican and Democrat National nominating conventions.  There is no telling how people will react to each party’s presidential nominee.  There will be an election in November and a new president will take office in January.  Will our 45th President bring more division than cohesion to our nation?

 

 

 

 

I wouldn’t blame you for wondering, “What is up with the real world?”  Truth is, as a long time resident of the real world, I am more than a little concerned, too.  So, here are a few things I recommend keeping in mind as we move forward:

First, “keep the faith.”  Somehow, a strong positive leader has come to the forefront when our nation was most in need of CPR.  George Washington stepped up to help manage the creation of the Constitution after retiring to Mount Vernon following the War for Independence.  An untested Abraham Lincoln was there when the wedge was driven deeply into the heart of our union.  Franklin D. Roosevelt kept America from drowning under the floodwaters of the Great Depression.  Ronald Reagan helped pull America back together following Watergate, the Iranian Hostage Crisis, the decades long Cold War, and stagflation.  Now, don’t get me wrong.  Other than Washington, these presidents all had haters.  But, if the USA’s vital signs become critical, I have faith the right person will be there to lead the way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second, “stay curious.”  Many of you are wondering how you may fit in.  That is one of the cool things about being young.  Be open to new ideas and new fields of study and new people that come into your lives.  Don’t think you aren’t capable or that you don’t matter.  You are and you do!  Discover your comparative advantage.  Keep your eyes open and your heads up and you will blaze a path that leads to happiness and fulfillment.  Cold hard cash and fame aren’t everything, just ask your first hour teacher next month.

Third, remember “love,” “hope,” and “dignity.”  I believe these are keys to unlocking the door on a world less harsh and more livable.  Opening our hearts to one another leads to greater self-esteem, more loving relationships, and a more positive view of the challenges we will encounter.  If we respect one another’s dignity, if we hold hands and walk side-by-side, if we strive to support one another despite our differences, the world you graduate into will continue to be a better place.

Graduates of 2017 please, be your best you and don’t leave it up to others to make the difference.

This summer has been a scorcher. 109 F is forecast for Saturday and 118 F  for Sunday.  Sorry, I just don’t want to go outside.* The golf clubs are buried in the garage. The shrubs and trees all need trimming and the yard looks horrible.  When is that trip to the beach coming?

The heat is the bad news. The good news is, as I have stayed hold up inside, I rediscovered the record player. This summer I have played albums that I haven’t put on the turntable in a very long time. Some are scratched, a lot are warped, but some are playable.  Maybe it was a little sense of nostalgia that led me to grab a few records that belonged to my parents as we cleaned out their home this past winter.  Even they have served as a distraction from the heat.

So, I am trying something new. I am going to YouTube to see if I can find a few links to share some of the songs.  I hope this works, although the reader may need to do a little copy and paste.  I hope you have a little fun with it.  Maybe in the end, even if your turntable doesn’t spin, you will find a way to listen to some of your old stuff and stay out of the heat at the same time.

First, from the early 1960’s.  My parents (dad more than mom) listened to quite a bit of folk music.   The Chad Mitchell Trio, The New Christy Minstrels, and Peter, Paul and Mary made up part of their library.   This one is short and sweet… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsQ-DwHTcgI

Among my treasured records I found what was left of a collection of 45’s.  Some of you may think they should have remained a hidden treasure.

Stevie Wonder- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CFuCYNx-1g

Allman Brothers-  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUTORC4eoGc

Also found albums from high school and college days.  Looking back, not exactly an investment that appreciated in value.  Still, there were a couple worth listening to.  Kansas put together a couple pretty good records.  Some cuts still play over the airwaves.

Kansas- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X_2IdybTV0

This Eagles album also found its way into my cassette and CD collections.  I am sure they are in some box or stack somewhere in the house.   How about my favorite song from my favorite album?  Eagles- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8wOWNnQJgU

Hope you enjoyed this.  At least I was inside writing and not outside mowing what is left of my lawn.

*For some of you, this exercise may work better in the winter, when it is too cold to go out and you just don’t want to shovel the driveway.

 

 

 

Summer is here!   It is 115 degrees outside in the shade! Wondering how you are going to spend the time?  Here are some of my favorites.  How do these compare to yours?

Tubing the Salt!  Okay, this is a local treat, but I am sure there is something like it near you.  The river water is cool and moves along at a moderately slow pace.  It is so easy to do these days.  Bring cash and your ID and Salt River Recreation does all the work for you.  In the old days you needed a couple cars, ropes, your own tubes, and it all could be a bit of a  hassle.  Tubes and a ride in a bare bones bus takes the hassle out.  Bring the kids, but fair warning, they may be exposed to more than just the sun.

Spend some time at a museum!  There are a ton of museums in the Phoenix area.  Heck, there are a ton of museums in most cities. The nice thing is that a part of the entrance fee is going to keep the building nice and cool!  In Phoenix alone there is the Phoenix Art Museum, the Heard Museum, the Musical Instrument Museum,  the Penske Racing Museum, and the Arizona Science Museum, just to name a few.  Feel the culture oozing into your skin instead of the perspiration oozing out.

Go to a movie!  Our local cineplex keeps the temperature nice and cold.  You can also get yourself a nice cold drink and maybe eat some ice cream. Summer blockbusters are the bomb.  Remember when Jaws was first released. Too bad there have already been a couple of real shark attacks since the start of the Memorial weekend.  Stay out of the ocean, go to a movie.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Splash around at your favorite water park!  One of the originals opened in Tempe back in the sixties.  Big Surf had a big lagoon, the hottest sand beaches ever, and lifeguards reminding you constantly to stay out of the danger zone.  The wave machine threw waves at you worthy of surfing.  In fact, there was time set aside just for the boards.  Today, water slides trump the lazy rivers and wave pools.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Take a nap.  When it is just too hot to even think about going out, a nice long siesta will help.  That way, when it cools down to 105, you will be ready to start your night.  However, when that warm summer breeze comes up, you will know the only real relief is to just get out of Dodge!

Have a wonderful summer!

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was my first home:

I don’t remember it. I didn’t live in Parma, Ohio for very long…

It is Friday evening and the 6:30 flight to Midway Airport is delayed.  Landing late night in Chicago, 150 miles still has to be conquered.  The drive through the wee morning hours is uneventful.  The trip to Illinois will only last 60 hours but is well worth it.   Meredith and ninety of her college classmates will receive their Augie Blankets, recognition for four years of collegiate athletics.  Playing soccer for the Vikings was an exceptional experience for Meredith.  After graduating this May, she will be working for a firm in Davenport, Iowa.   The Quad-Cities will remain her home.

The return flight left late Sunday night.  With a couple hours sleep and cup of coffee in hand, it is back to work at Girls Leadership Academy.  The school year is almost complete.  It is supposed to finish up like every other year.  Score the final exams, sign a few yearbooks, wish students a happy summer vacation. Simple, clean, no drama. Summer is here, see you in August.  Or, I thought it was simple.

When I signed on last August I imagined teaching at GLAAZ was a no-brainer.  I could put in a 7:30 to 3:30 day and then out the door I would go, guilt free.  Maybe carry a few papers home to work on but nothing too intense. The reality was much different. Clearly I had no idea what I was getting myself into.  Things got complicated.

The Class of 2016 snuck up on me.  I was assigned AVID 12.  Simply put, students were there to reflect on their high school experiences and make connections with colleges, scholarships, and employers.  The entire senior class fit neatly into one classroom.  I tried to get to know them just well enough to encourage them to take their next step forward after high school.  Easy-peasy. No strings attached.

The plan was to stand tall, aloof, and quietly say “congratulations and good luck”  as they graduated.  To sincerely feel good for them knowing they were well prepared for whatever path they blazed.  I guess the plan back-fired.

The Class of 2016 is made up of 16 bright, generous, caring students.   They are uniquely talented. They are each singularly capable of changing their world.  Touched by their stories, the walls I constructed came tumbling down.  I began to allow them in.  Relationships grew, bonds were formed.  When news arrived this week that four of the students passed their on-line government final,  I was thrilled for them, but felt an uneasiness, a tug on my heart.  So much for staying aloof.  Saying “good-bye” was supposed to be easy.  Why is there a little tear welling up in my left eye?

Whether the students love it or hate it, GLAAZ is their home.  I hope the Class of 2016 remembers what happened here for a very long time…

The topic for today is… “What is your favorite animal?”
Here are my top 3—

#3 Penguins- Penguins are very sophisticated animals. They get all dressed up in their little penguin tuxedos. They hang out with their buds in the cold. They enjoy a good walk and a nice swim. Other than menacing sea life waiting under the ice to devour them and the really cold temperatures in the Antarctic, penguins seem pretty charmed.

#2 Otters- River otters more so than sea otters, but what the heck, they are both pretty amusing. Some time ago, Disney distributed cool 16mm movies about nature.   No matter how hard Disney worked to make otters look serious, they were always sliding down the snow covered hill or splashing around with their little river buddies. It just seemed like they were having such a good time. I am all for that. But if you’re going to live like an otter, have fun with a work ethic.

#1 Panthers- I dig panthers. There aren’t many animals who have all the tools. Panthers do. Panthers are smart. They are brave. They are sleek. They are beautiful. They capture my attention. I know a few people who remind me of panthers. They are just so elegant and so cool! I used to like hanging out watching the panthers at the zoo. Ironically, I am not a cat person.  Panthers are the exception. Any one want to go to the zoo and see the panthers?

The bottom two?
It is a tie! Here are my bottom two. It hasn’t always been this way, but over the past year or so they have really started to bug me. What are the two animals that bug me the most?

 

 

 

No, not those. Elephants and donkeys are fine, proud animals. I’m talking about these.

 

 

Lets start with the donkey. Are Bernie and Hillary the best the Democratic Party could do? They both make me nervous. No matter what some people say, Secretary Clinton hasn’t earned a whole lot of trust.  Sen. Sanders leans just a little too far left for my tastes. Vice-President Biden drew the short straw. He did have a lot of personal issues when candidates hit the campaign trail. But Biden was the veep for two terms.  I vote for the donkey from Shrek!

Elephants used to be fun. You remember the original animated “Dumbo” and the more recent “Dumbo Drop?” That was entertainment.  Now, the Republicans are taking all the joy out of this election cycle. Trump continues to stir up hatred for people who are already on the margins. Yeah, that is what bullies do.  Sen. Cruz is not much better. Problem is, when it comes to life-lines, he has trouble finding a friend to phone. Remember Ronald Reagan? He had the temerity to ask the Soviet Union to tear down a wall. Now Trump and Cruz both want to build one to keep people out who seek freedom and opportunity.  Gov. John Kasich seems to be a man of reason. But the Republican big-wigs don’t seem to favor him.  He is from Ohio.  I trust him.

November will eventually arrive.  No matter who wins, I am confident our next president will do all in his or her power to help America’s kids enjoy their lives, their liberty, and their pursuit of  happiness.  C’mon, let’s go see the panthers!