February 24, 1939 is one of the most important days that I know.  Why?  February 24, 1939 is my mom’s birthday.  What is the saddest day of my life?  Not only do I know the day, I know the time:  9:27pm.  January 31, 2019 at 9:27pm my mom passed away.  Today, February 4, 2019, I […]

In the 1950’s, this statement was heard, “Are you now, or have you ever been, a member of the Communist party?” Some 60-plus years later, here is the post-modern version of that same statement given in three different ways.  Shorter, but just as effective: If that’s true… If it’s true… If true… Recently, Buzzfeed gave

Thursday, October 11, 2018.  Do you know what the significance of October 11 is for many people in our nation?  I didn’t either.  October 11 is a day that has been celebrated for thirty years.  October 11, 2018 was the thirtieth anniversary for … “National Coming Out Day.”  Seriously.  I am fifty-two years-old.  On January

The pinnacle of a being a father is when the father sees his son be a father to his father’s grandchild.  In my case – my grandson. On September 1, 2018, Diana and I were given the honor to become grandparents to Jason Paul (JP) Everts.  Fortunately, Diana was able to be in San Diego

Where was Cindy Lou Who’s Dad?  Did y’all ask the same question?  No?! Really? You didn’t?  Well, I guess I am becoming the “minority” of folks who are sensitive to “treat men as if they are not needed and stupid.” Now, I know the new movie about MR. GRINCH is just a “simple” adaptation of

When there is adversity / are challenges, we need to turn those moments into ways of make the world better and MORE IMPORTANTLY – our lives better.  When we better our lives, the world benefits.  The brutal fires in California give us the opportunity to do better / be better!!  I am shocked by the

I am fifty-two years-old.  Since July 3, 1989, I have been teaching high school music.  I have been accused of all sorts of things:  too tough on the students; saying “bad” words in the classroom; saying “we suck” (as I told administrators, “Well, there are times when we are bad.  So, if you want me

I have a real good friend who is a long-time teacher.  My friend tells me all sorts of stories of his experiences of teaching.  Teaching for thirty years.  So, I thought I would share a recent story with ya, just so you could have a sense of what one teachers has experienced. We are now

Wow… terrific (context of the word?  FRIGHTENING) experience with a former student on FACEBOOK.  I never thought I would have a student who would be so assured that communism is “the best” system until today.  The ignorance to world history is frightening.  On FACEBOOK, another time a “friend” (who sent me the reason to “unfriend”

“Do you need more time, Paul?”  That was the first question the “Little Town” school board president asked me in March 2008.  Why did he ask me that question?  Because, I was crying. See, at the time of that private “Little Town” school board meeting, I had been on paid administrative leave since February 5,