Last fall, as my son and I were having some fun watching football, I was struck by the following commercial:
It is an extremely powerful commercial – one that strikes and resonates within the heart.
And it is so true. 100%.
And not just for cars.
Or crash dummies.
But for everyone. Always. Especially in a job where we deal with children.
The New York Yankees have a tradition of honoring the greatest players in their history with monuments in Monument Park located within Yankee Stadium. Through the 2015 season, there were twenty-six Yankees players recognized in this hallowed ground. (This number excludes Billy Martin who is arguably included more for his managing than his playing days as a Yankee.) The Yankees have honored nine pitchers, seven outfielders, five catchers, three first basemen, a shortstop (Phil Rizzuto, although a certain Derek Jeter will soon join him) and a second baseman. In total, a player from every position on the diamond is recognized except for third base. There are no Yankee third basemen in Monument Park.
Joe Glenn was a catcher who played for the New York Yankees, St. Louis Browns, and the Boston Red Sox, mostly during the 1930’s.
Hidden among Glenn’s rather undistinguished career are a few unique moments that help to show why the history of baseball is so fun to study.
Glenn first appeared in the Major Leagues in 1932 with the Yankees. A late-season call-up, he appeared in six games and managed two hits in 16 at bats. Both of Glenn’s hits, two singles, came in the same game off long-time Major League pitcher Sad Sam Jones.
This is one reason why I love baseball…
Due to many obligations, my seventeen year old son and I had not seen much of each other for the past several days. So, as I was doing some mindless tasks, he joined me in my home office to talk baseball.
The name “Stan Musial” came up.
I’m a life-long Yankees fan, but I hold a special place in my heart for Ted Williams and Stan Musial as they were my father’s and my uncle’s favorite players when they were growing up. I enjoy talking about these legends from baseball’s past.
I enjoy music. Most people do, of course. Depending on our mood or purpose for listening, we enjoy different music styles at different times. When I run, I usually like up-beat fast paced music that will energize or inspire me. I look for songs with motivational lyrics or songs with a great beat. (Or songs from the Rocky movies.) Other times, other music will suffice. Sometimes a little Sinatra goes a long way as I complete some of my daily routines.
Over the past few years, I have found that listening to classical music also provides me with a certain peace and tranquility. I have found that the more I listen to classical music, the more I enjoy it.
For much of my life, I tried to enjoy classical music, but a few things got in the way.
Continue reading “What Classical Music Can Teach About Quality Instruction”
I was eight years old. A third grader. Elementary school…
We had to choose an instrument to play.
I picked the saxophone.
The sax is a very cool instrument.
These might be old stories, but they are all worth repeating because they speak to a common theme.
(For added enjoyment, follow the hyperlinks embedded in this post.)
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The year was 1954. In athletics there was a sense that a human could not physically run faster than a four minute mile. “It’s impossible,” many said. Athlete after athlete trained and tried – and all fell short. The four minute mile seemed to be an impassible barrier.
And then, on May 6, 1954, Roger Bannister did it. Bannister ran a sub-four minute mile! He did something no human being had ever done before. The impossible had occurred – like catching lightning in a bottle. Many thought that Bannister’s feat was fluke, a one-in-a-million occurrence.
Six weeks later, an Australian, John Landy, bested Roger Bannister’s time.
I love New York City!
I greatly enjoy taking pictures on my visits to New York – The Greatest City in the World!
Occasionally, I’ll share a few of my favorite photos. I hope you enjoy!
Recently I ran into one of my biggest fears. The week was drawing to a close and I did not have any thoughts or new material for a weekly passage that I write for teachers. (Those weekly passages helped give birth to this blog.)
I am a believer in a theory I termed, “Just Start Writing.” I find that when I start to put words to the page, my creative juices start to flow, the blank page disappears, and a passage (at least in rough draft form) is completed.
What follows is a reflection that I originally wrote for teachers, but I believe the bigger message can be applied for all.
About four years ago, I embarked on a two-week educator’s tour of Japan. It was an amazing experience. I was fortunate to be able to bring my eighteen year old son who would be heading off to college on this trip with me. I treasure those moments that we experienced together.
Each day in Japan was filled with wonder . Each day provided an opportunity to learn and grow. The trip left an indelible imprint upon my soul. It was special in so many ways.
I hope to someday have the opportunity to experience Japan again.
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