November 6, 2012

1. I pray for the folks on the east coast. “Sandy” killed people and caused billions in property damage. Yet, I think I am grateful to live in the day and age we do--when people can receive plenty of warning. Thousands of lives would have been spared in New York in 1938 and in Galveston in 1900 (to name two major storms) had there been more advance warning.

2. Today is Election Day. I think the posts I have seen advocating turning this day into a national holiday have it right. Surely that would encourage more turnout, jog our memories as to how blessed we are, and remind us that “[W]e the people” are responsible for our own government. This last point is so important. Ultimately, in terms of making a difference, it’s not the politicians; it’s the people. Politicians always listen to their bosses—otherwise known as their constituents.

3. We are halfway through the NFL season and I am sticking with my preseason Super Bowl picks-- San Francisco and Houston.

4. I know everybody has jumped on Dallas’ case lately, including myself; however, last Sunday night, they showed me something in their loss to Atlanta. They played very well in the harshest of environments against the team with the best record in football. Dallas is facing adversity at just the right time—now. Four of the last five Super Bowl champions had similar records this time of the season. They all peaked at the end. Mark my words: barring injury, Dallas will make the playoffs this year and play very well. If they peak and catch some breaks—they will make it to the Super Bowl. You heard it here first.

5. Did you see the TIME cover story on Spielberg’s new movie LINCOLN? The movie opens this weekend. I think this is a must-see movie.

*Thanks to Peter King for the inspiration for this title.

October 16, 2012

1. I think public schools should not force students, who refuse to learn, to stay in the classroom. It is disruptive for the students who desire to learn, impairs the teacher's ability to educate, and ultimately destroys the future of the rebellious student.

            The only hope of impacting the student’s attitude is consequences. Consequences can be very good for the student, and for society.

            Here are some consequences that I propose for students who insist upon disrupting the classroom. Under supervision:

            1) they could engage in community service such as beautification works for the community

            2) they could perform the labor tasks that typical workers do not want to act upon. (One of the reasons we have so many undocumented workers in the United States is because they are doing jobs that people who are American citizens do not want to do.)

            3) place them resurrected vocational programs (Not every child is cut out for college, and many of our trades—such as welding—are in crisis because few people are qualified to work in these fields)

            I propose that students always be given the chance to reenter the classroom. Sometimes the greatest motivation for study is the discovery that one does not want to spend the rest of his life digging ditches.

            Others find motivation in seeking redemption in the classroom. I would not have my doctorate today were it not for the fact that I was seeking redemption in the classroom. I lamented my earlier wasted opportunities.

            This is a more realistic approach when it comes to human nature. Unlike the materialistic philosophy of the federal government's Department of Education, this approach recognizes the spiritual component of training people to be good citizens. It is a win-win: the students become more responsible and we will ultimately produce more students who score higher in the classroom.

2. I think the Dallas Cowboys lack the physical talent and intelligence to be a good football team. When you have an enormous amount of physical talent, you can overcome the stupid mistakes. When you have intelligent football players, you can overcome the lack of physical talent. But when you have a shortage of both, you find yourself 2-3 on the season. These are the realities that Jerry and Jason must address.

3. I think BATMAN BEGINS is one of the best movies of all time. My daughter, Abby, recently gave it to me for my birthday; I watched it again for the umpteenth time. A classic.

4.I just completed the book THE SNOWBALL: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life by Alice Schroeder. Is a good-sized book–over 800 pages–but it reads very well. She offers a fascinating and detailed account of Warren Buffett’s path to riches, within the context his times, life and relationships. Schroeder perhaps offer the best conclusion I have ever read. She is a master at summarizing the events of a person's life and placing them in perspective. I definitely give this biography a thumbs up.

5. Both of the teams I picked to make to the World Series lost last week in the first full round of the baseball playoffs. After seeing the Cardinals against the Nationals, I feel a lot better about the pain I experienced last year watching the Texas Rangers lose the World Series. I don't know who to pick now to win the series, but I'm hoping Detroit does. I like Jim Leyland and I respect Triple Crown winner Miguel Cabrera.

*Thanks to Peter King for the inspiration for this blog's title.