Facing Hard Truths

The H1B Visa – it’s hard to believe that it has been only about eight months since Elon Musk’s controversial remarks regarding this program in the United States were generating outrage and dominating the news cycle. I think that this is perhaps why life seems so overwhelming at times; we never really bring one controversy … Continue reading

Who’s the Real Villain?

As I work to improve my Spanish language skills before moving to Mexico in September, I’ve started reading the Spanish editions of many of the stories I enjoyed as a child. Most of the stories bring back wonderful memories of having the stories read to me, by my mother, grandmother, or a beloved teacher at … Continue reading

Trapped in the Twilight Zone

When I was a kid, one of my favorite late Saturday night past times was to watch reruns of Rod Serling’s anthology series known as The Twilight Zone. I loved the show because the stories usually weren’t exceptionally scary (except for an episode called Living Doll, which featured actor Telly Savalas, who I knew more … Continue reading

Fueling the Fire or Starving the Beast?

What the film: FernGully: The Last Rainforest Taught Me About MAGA Escapism – in these turbulent political times I suspect that there are many Americans who, me included, just need a break from all of the negativity. I must admit that the outcome of the 2024 Presidential election hit me hard and in the months … Continue reading

Do I Really Hate America?

Ever since the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, I have found it increasingly curious to understand why the Make America Great Again (MAGA) crowd, who largely condone the skirmish at the U.S. Capitol, accuses those on the left of being anti-American. Politically, I would label myself as a Progressive Democrat, and although … Continue reading

Is “Flip-Flopping” Always a Bad Thing?

“Flip-Flopping” or Simply an Evolving Point of View? In the world of politics, facing accusations of being a “flip-flopper” is often the kiss of death for a potential candidate. Back in 2000, when then Vice-President Al Gore launched a campaign to  be the successor to President Bill Clinton, many believe that Gore’s change of direction … Continue reading

Will I Ever Use This in Real Life?

Although many things in society have changed between the time when I was a middle school and high school student from 1975 to 1981 and today, I suspect there is one area in which older Gen Xers like me and today’s Gen Zs. For generations, students in required history courses have often questioned the need … Continue reading

Always Define Your Terms

Always Define Your TermsI’m sure that anyone out there who has studied Algebra is familiar with the maddening nature of word problems. You know the ones: “The PTA Bake Sale raised a total of $177.50. Cookies were sold for 50 cents each and frosted cupcakes were $1.50 each. If the combined total of cookies and … Continue reading

Forgive Us Our Sins

Back in 1995, actors Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt starred together in the crime thriller, Se7en, about a serial killer whose crimes fashioned to represent the seven deadly sins: sloth, gluttony, lust, wrath, envy, greed, and pride. The order of the sins is important; they traditionally begin with sloth, which is considered as the least … Continue reading