Control and Chaos

The father was right. There must be rules around the house. Children must obey their parents. Speak when spoken to. Come when they’re called. Pick up their toys. Clean their room. Do their homework. Don’t run in the house. Do their chores. Don’t talk back to their mother. Eat their vegetables. Ask for permission. Stop … Continue reading Control and Chaos →

Kids’ Stuff

Let’s review a few rules many of us used to learn. Most of these are in the tradition of my parents and fellow Pennsylvanians. I’m concerned that the instant gratification and solipsism of our time might have already taken their toll on what was once considered common knowledge. I also worry about what might happen … Continue reading Kids’ Stuff →

On Our Sleeves

I wrote this piece in 2012. It was my tribute to Coach John Czap and became a part of my book, “On the Shoulders of My Teachers.” “I admit High School P.E. was not my favorite class. It always seemed to me the jocks got the easy A's and the rest of us might get … Continue reading On Our Sleeves →