My Grandfather was a Communist
I loved my grandfather. He was a dear, wonderful man who loved his grandchildren even more than he loved his children. He wasn't a bad father, but he was an idealist who wanted to save the world,...
View ArticleCrisis of Faith
This has been the hardest year teaching for me since I began in 1997. What a year that was. In grad school, no funding, not too much money except what came from the International Bank of Mom and Dad....
View ArticleThe Rabbit Died
So my wife and I were settled on having only two children. Both are boys, both smart, funny, happy and of course, trouble. My wife stays home at the moment with the kids and I teach at a very good...
View ArticleThe Rabbit Died Part II
It has been awhile since I last wrote about our upcoming (and unexpected) addition and I thought I'd share how things are going. I've had my fill of political diaries and I thought that a baby diary...
View ArticleThe beauty of spring
Every day, I make the drive to school. It takes about 35 minutes, maybe 40 if there's traffic or rain. It's not a stressful drive. In fact, it's pretty. I sometimes forget to look at the scenery as...
View ArticleIt's a boy
At 4:33 yesterday afternoon, my 3rd son was born. He's happy, healthy, adorable and both he and mom are doing great. The whole family is doing great. Milo at 5 minutes old I spent the day at the...
View ArticleTeeth, how much are they worth? Updated
This diary is probably not what you think. My son, 6, just lost his first baby tooth. It's been a few decades since I lost my last tooth and I was wondering what the Tooth Fairy was giving for teeth...
View ArticleAP's Fournier: Republicans most racist
Oh wait, sorry, I retitled the article. His title is "Poll: Racial views steer some white Dems away from Obama". When you read the article and look at the accompanying graphic, it is clear that the...
View ArticleUnion Phone-Banking
I spent the afternoon at the Tarrytown, NY offices of my union, the New York State United Teachers (AFT). My local held its monthly Executive Board meeting there and then helped out with the phone-bank.
View ArticleWhen your kids ask if you ever smoked pot
This is not a diary about my biological children asking me about my past. It's about my other children, my students, putting me in an awkward position. It wasn't because I was unprepared for the...
View ArticleBREAKING: Obama to call for DADT repeal!
CNN reports that DADT repeal will be called for.
View ArticleKosability: in the classroom
I'd like to talk about disability in the classroom. This won't be a discussion of learning issues or ADHD. This diary is about educating (or trying to educate) a student who is severely depressed....
View ArticleI'm a thug
I've been teaching since 1997. Currently, I'm an elected union official. I serve as a member of my teaching union's executive board. I've helped negotiate a contract. According to Governor Chris...
View ArticleMy community is fraying
I rarely write diaries. I generally lurk. I spent tonight grading papers and trying to get myself to write another college recommendation - I've written 7 and have 7 more to finish before November...
View ArticleZombies and High School Graduation
Presented to the Class of 2012 June 21, 2012 Members of the Board of Education, Superintendent, administrative and faculty colleagues, guests and friends, and members of the class of 2012. Thank you...
View ArticleAlert: New NYS student assessment program
Offered without comment from the New York Times 9/15/12 Governor Signs Bill creating new Student Assessment System By Jugatta B Kitinme Albany (NY) Fresh off the successful implementation of the new...
View ArticleHey Jim DeMint, Rahm and the rest: I'm a Thug
A repost (with some edits) of something I wrote last year. I've been teaching since 1997. Currently, I'm an elected union official. I serve as a member of my teaching union's executive board. I...
View ArticleIGTNT WWII Vet
He was born during the roaring 20s in rural Minnesota. He grew up during the Depression and served as a B-24 radioman during the closing days of World War 2. He returned to MN and raised a family that...
View ArticleThe Parable of the Pierogi and the Taco-salad from the Gospel according to Trump
13 When Orange-Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by plane privately to a solitary place, Mar-a-Lago. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. 14 When Orange-Jesus...
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