The Fourth of July has come and gone. I hope people celebrated the high ideals of this nation joyfully and safely while keeping their eyes on the past, present, and the future. Here are two thoughts from Abraham Lincoln regarding the Fourth and the day’s meaning. Frustrated Abe In a personal letter dated August 15,Continue reading “Moving Forward Together: Reflecting on Abraham Lincoln’s July 4th Ideals”
Author Archives: thinkingpopculture
Balance in Sports and Life: Overcoming Overinvestment
Recent events have set my thoughts to sports. My youngest daughter recently finished her senior lacrosse season and we attended Athletic Award Night at her school. My across-the-hall teaching neighbor is shaking off the bitter taste of coming up just short in the semi-finals of the state baseball tournament. The Boston Celtics are in theContinue reading “Balance in Sports and Life: Overcoming Overinvestment”
As Winter becomes Spring: A Spotlight on Mental Health
March is heading into April, building the anticipation for longer, warmer days. As we look forward, however, winter continues to reach out from behind. Here in New England the early morning chill is still below freezing and the afternoon breeze makes us reach for sweatshirts, not shorts. According to the calendar winter is in theContinue reading “As Winter becomes Spring: A Spotlight on Mental Health”
What Schools Have Forgotten
Over two millennia ago Socrates emphasized that learning is a form of remembering. While this Socratic rabbit hole can bring us into questions of the nature of reality, I prefer to ground us in the idea of learning, remembering, and forgetting. We will focus on our school systems and, sadly, how they seem to haveContinue reading “What Schools Have Forgotten”
Mental Health: An Ongoing Journey
A recent exchange with a younger colleague proved both hopeful and frustrating. He entered my room as I was explaining questioning techniques for an upcoming panel discussion my class will be hosting. I explained that adults with psychological disorders volunteered their time to discuss their journey of mental health and take questions form the class.Continue reading “Mental Health: An Ongoing Journey”
A Universal Christmas Wish
As Christmas approaches the inestimable beauty and meaning of the holiday can be hidden by various disrupting factors. Be it the din of exclusivist rhetoric, the twisted moralizing of the mob, or simply the terrifying pace of life; something of Christmas seems to be obscured. Forgive my age, but it appears there are many CharlieContinue reading “A Universal Christmas Wish”
Slow Down! And be Thankful
One of the great joys of my professional life was the creation some years ago of a course called P3: Philosophy, Psychology, and Pop Culture. In 50-60 minute blocks of time, four days a week, I challenge my P3ers to contemplate philosophical theories and psychological principles, utilizing pop culture as a vehicle to understanding. InContinue reading “Slow Down! And be Thankful”
Honoring Stories Big and Small
A new school year has begun and I have found the insight of educationalist Parker J. Palmer echoing within for almost three weeks. I’ve never met Professor Palmer but I suspect, since he is a teacher, he would appreciate the fact his lessons resonate long after his “class” has ended (in this case his bookContinue reading “Honoring Stories Big and Small”
Lesson in the Lyrics: Why The Little Drummer Boy Matters
Christmas carols have emerged from eleven months of hibernation, filling the air with a mountain of merriment…and, perhaps, a touch of annoyance (I’m looking at you 12 Days of Christmas!) One song which brings mixed reviews is The Little Drummer Boy. The criticisms of the song tend to flux between attempts at humor (playing drumsContinue reading “Lesson in the Lyrics: Why The Little Drummer Boy Matters”
Hello There: Obi-Wan, Trauma, and Resilience
Obi-Wan Kenobi can now be watched in its entirety on Disney+. While it is wonderful to witness Ewan McGregor effortlessly slip back into Obi-Wan’s robes, the show also allows for reflection on the impermanence of trauma and the power of resilience. I fear the phrase “impermanence of trauma” may have struck some readers as eitherContinue reading “Hello There: Obi-Wan, Trauma, and Resilience”
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