My Portfolio

Thomas Wolfe, the author, wrote a book entitled “You Can’t Go Home Again.”   Johnny Cash told us in song that “The old home town looks the same.”    Cash, however, admits later in the song that he “was only dreaming.”  Wolfe got it right.  You can go to the “place” - but...

When I was an Assistant Superintendent for Instruction in one of the larger city schools in Ohio (way back in the early `80's) it was quite common  for consultants and universities to schedule workshops and even offer courses that purported to tell we "leaders in Education" what was coming down the...

I have truly never made a New Year's resolution. Probably I gave some thought to one or two, but I knew I'd never keep them, so it was just dismissed from my mind! Consequently, there isn't much to write about this topic! Most likely I have reflected over the past year,...

It is difficult to limit myself to only three incredible changes that I have witnessed in my, now, 60 years. I have seen the invention of television, stereo record players, transistor radios, toaster ovens, electric flying pans, electric knives, microwave ovens, computers, iPods, iPads, MP3 players, central heat and air-conditioning, movie...

1.  Technological mobility and the ability to connect with each other has gone through the roof.  As a kid growing up in North Conway, NH back in the late 70's-80's I don't remember a single cell phone, ipad, nextel walkie talkie, bluetooth or computer let alone a laptop in my home. ...

On October 4th, 1957, my first year as a teacher and one day after my 25th birthday,  we were "treated" to a beeping sound being sent from space by a man-made satellite.  The first of the many that now roam about the earth. It was called "Sputnik," and, God forbid, it...

There are some things we did in our lives that we may wish we had done differently, but there is a good probability that if we got a second chance we would not do them differently.  Why? Because the motivation to do what we did the first time is firmly grounded...

The Value of Truth What value can be set on truth?  It is of immeasurable worth to all of the world.  The person who possesses this priceless gift is easily discovered, because of his bright cheerful countenance. There is such value place upon truth that we never think how much it...

How is it possible to determine the best advice from the man who guided me in purpose, direction, integrity, responsibility, ethics and so much more throughout my life? I know, everyone believes their Dad is better than mine. Not so. There are no greater men on earth. Yes, it's possible there...

This is the story about two mothers. It was the summer of 1967, right after graduation. I had no clue what to do with my life. Nobody in my family could afford college and in those days it was never even considered. My family was big. Very big. 10 kids. My...

My two teenage sons and I follow our growling stomachs to the local fast-food restaurant.  Lunch trays in hand, we maneuver our cokes and spicy-chicken sandwiches through the crowd and settle at a table.  Andy takes a bite of lunch, then pauses, a look of utter incredulity on his face. His blue...

Dear Paul, Diana, Andy and Ben, It’s not always easy being a mom.  First, you birth them, then you bathe them, then you teach them right from wrong.  No matter how hard you try, with all that you do right, you're bound to do some things wrong.  You gently guide, praying that your mistakes will be minimal, and their understanding...