9 years ago

Three updates in one week are more than normal.  This will not be one of my usual updates.

Every year I tell the same story:

I was teaching PE in Florida, it was a nice sunny day.  A teacher told me a plane flew into the World Trade Center.

“How’d that happen?” I asked.

She did not know.

Later she returned to tell me another plane hit the WTC.

“That’s messed up,” I responded.

It was not long after and we were ordered inside.  I am not sure if we inside before or after the crashes at the Pentagon and Pennsylvania.

The rest of the day we tried to reassure elementary school kids they were safe.  Because of the school demographics, very few students were picked up early.

We were also limited on what we could say.  There was no reason to discuss every detail.  It was up to the parents to determine how much they wanted to share.

Nine years later kids do not understand what happened on September 11, 2001.  It is a historical date like December 7, 1941.  Something happened that only old people remember.

(All political commentary will be deleted – time and place and this isn’t it)

More than cereal boxes

Marriage is more than simply saying; “I do” to the person I am going to spend my life with.  There is more to marriage than dealing with crisis or celebrating achievements.  Marriage is about the little things that happen between the honeymoon and the day she snuffs me out with a pillow.

The day-to-day events wreck some marriages and strengthen others.  Small issues build up to become big issues driving a wedge between two people that originally loved each other.  Talking about the small issues prevents them from becoming divisive.  On the other hand, if you have a blog, as I do, you could air out the dirty laundry for all to read.

I distinctly recall the minister asking me if “I would love Laura in sickness and in health?”  At no point did he mention cereal boxes, pillows, shoes or vampires.

Laura will not watch True Blood.  Not only will she not watch the greatest vampire show ever, she mocks me for watching it.

Previously I revealed Laura has a serious cereal problem.  At one time thirteen boxes of cereal were open.  Now, because of my heroic efforts only five boxes are open at a time.  Laura’s cereal disease also infected our son, but with treatment, he will be OK.

Laura loves pillows.  We have pillows all over the couch, the bed,  the kid’s bed and even in the basement.  We have pillows inside storage bins and on closet shelves.  Why do we need this many pillows?  I believe Laura plans to decorate our basement like a tent in Arabian Nights.

Our basement

My friend, Dan, came over to watch football.  When it was time to leave, he could not find his shoes, wallet or watch.  Laura put them “away” assuming they were mine.  Constantly my shoes will disappear into an alternate dimension.

Not just shoes disappear.  Many times while cooking, Laura begins cleaning the kitchen.  Spoons, cutting boards, knives, strainers and on two occasions pans vanish while I am still using them.

Laura thinks my hobbies are corporate schemes to charge high prices for useless equipment.  She does not see the difference between putters.  She thinks I only need one cycling helmet not five.  The need for special running, biking, and golf shoes is silly because all anybody needs are a pair of “gym shoes.”

Gym Shoes

We have been together for sixteen years.  Sixteen years of cereal boxes, stuff disappearing and not understanding why I need more than one pair of running shoes.

During our time together, we faced many challenges, some bigger than others.  We talk and laugh about the little things, keeping them in perspective.  More importantly, we accept our differences and love each other unconditionally.

Currently I am struggling to make a living writing.  Laura not only supports the idea, she encourages me to chase my dream.  She believes in me and is willing to make sacrifices so I can write. In the end, it does not matter how many boxes of cereal are open at a time.  Trust, love and supporting each other make a marriage successful.

13

This is a repost from SlowGuy June 4, 2009.  I need to thank Hearse Driver Tony (the Original “Situation”) for reminding me about this in a recent email.   I did not transfer the original comments.

Reading the original reminded me of a few things: I am a better writer now than I was then. Training for Ironman Augusta was awesome. My wife needs an immediate Cereal Intervention.

My intention today was to get active pursuing writing.  In order to accomplish my goal I would have to spend as much time as I can… writing.

I also thought how awesome it would be to attempt to describe today’s ride. The rain began to fall lightly on the trail.  The sun was still out so it was almost golden (not golden shower – that is something completely different – if kids are reading… go ask your parents).

As the rain began to fall harder, the trail became wetter.  Wet trail isn’t so bad.  Wet roots and rocks are another story.

I would like to go into detail… but I don’t have the time.

I want to write about evil squirrels.  However, I can’t right now.

What is holding me back?  Writers block?  Nope.  The number thirteen.

After I went to the grocery store, I was putting food away.  I noticed the pantry was full.  Then I saw why:

13

There were thirteen boxes of cereal in the pantry.  Thirteen!  One was hidden on the top shelf.  Somebody in my house has a serious cereal addiction.  They need help immediately.

Who suffers from this serious affliction?  Grape Nuts are mine.  The Dude can’t drive.  ’nuff said.

Entertainment News Network

The music cranks a patriotic theme song.  Flags wave on the Titantron.  The crowd cheers as the entertainer makes his way to the stage.  Did Hulk Hogan enter Madison Square Garden for Wrestlemania or is it Glen Beck?

FOX News and the WWE both profit by creating controversy and drama.  Under government pressure, both companies admitted they manufacture content to achieve ratings success.  Vince McMahon, WWE CEO, admits wrestlers rehearse moves and the matches are predetermined. FOX Senior VP Michael Clemente confirmed that FOX programming mixes factual news with editorial content.

Believing the manufactured reality is critical to the success of both organizations.  Occasionally fans catch on to inconsistencies in the storyline.  Triple H feuding with Stephanie McMahon was not believable when their off screen marriage was revealed.

Recently FOX linked the Kingdom Foundation to the controversial New York Islamic center.  The same Islamic center FOX’s Laura Ingram supported in December 2009.   FOX portrayed the Kingdom Foundation as a front for possible terrorist activities. FOX abandoned the storyline when it was revealed that Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, the man behind the Kingdom Foundation, is a friend and business partner of FOX owner Rupert Murdoch.

The revelation that FOX was in business with an alleged terrorist financier shocked me.  I have not felt so betrayed since Hulk Hogan joined the NWO at Bash at the Beach in 1996.

The WWE Divas provide eye candy for the coveted 20-54 male demographic.  FOX uses super babes like Megyn Kelly and former Miss America Gretchen Carlson.  Gretchen, a Stanford University Honors graduate, takes her role a step further pretending to be a dumb blonde that needs to google big words.

The driving forces behind the WWE are the testosterone driven superstars.  The Rock, Triple H, Hulk Hogan and the Undertaker are genetically enhanced super freaks capable of crushing the opposition with a devastating finishing move.

FOX employs mental megastars to stomp out liberal agendas and anti-American rhetoric wherever it occurs.  Glenn Beck, the crying common man, uses his amazing chalkboard to link random events to complicated Nazi-communist–fascist conspiracies.  Beck may be the most honest about the role FOX News plays.  In April 2010, Beck told Forbes Magazine: “I could give a flying crap about the political process. We’re an entertainment company.”

Bill O’Riley former tabloid TV superstar uses his quick wit and abrasive demeanor to silence those that dare disagree with him.  An O’Riley “shut up” is as devastating as a pile driver though a table.

The Big Show Sean Hannity has the rage of a fat kid tormented though high school.  Like Beck, Hannity has the ability to manipulate quotes and events to fit his version of reality.  Those foolish enough to oppose Hannity are beaten down with a series of passive aggressive remarks and egomaniacal smirks.  It is rumored that Alan Combs, liberal lightweight, joined Steve Bartman in seclusion following years of Hannity abuse.

FOX and the WWE do whatever is necessary to gain ratings.  WW brings in celebrities from outside wrestling to promote the highly profitable pay-per-views.  FOX uses the most outrageous personalities as experts on various subjects.  Are Reverends Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson the only African Americans that can appear on TV?  Are Geraldo, Mark Fuhrman or Ann Coulter experts in anything other than self-promotion? I cannot wait to see Snookie and the Situation on the Great American Panel discussing Middle East peace talks.

The WWE is upfront about their deception while editorial news programming continues to pretend they are delivering facts. Before the explosion of 24-hour news and talk radio, the news media respected the intelligence of the audience.  Editorial based morning shows, news magazine shows and talk shows reacted to the news they did not create the news.  I am disappointed in the new corporate news media for choosing ratings and dollars over journalistic integrity.

Look here for successful schools

Georgia public schools are failing our children.  DeKalb County schools make national headlines due to their constant ethic violations and questionable decision making.  Atlanta Public Schools are under investigation for cheating on the CRCT.  Clayton County lost accreditation in 2008.  The National Education Association protects bad teachers.  Georgia Republicans point out the failures and call for alternative forms of education.

Except not all public school systems are failing. Cherokee County Schools produced high scores on the CRCT.  The majority of the schools meet the Adequate Yearly Progress

standards as determined by No Child Left Behind.  In spite of the success, our local Republican elected officials continue to push for vouchers and school choice.

Cherokee County high school seniors did better on the ACT than their peers in Georgia.  Cherokee seniors beat the state average by nearly two points.  In comparison with the rest of the country, our seniors beat the US average by over a point.  A system producing above average scores on the ACT is not failing.

This spring Cherokee County first through eighth graders did extremely well on the CRCT.   Georgia Department of Education records show 95 percent of Cherokee County students met or exceeded standards in reading, 95 percent met or exceeded standards in language arts and 89 percent met or exceeded standards in math.  Test scores prove that Cherokee County Schools are succeeding.

Despite gains across the county on the CRCT, three elementary schools and one high school failed to make Adequate Yearly Progress.  The data on the Georgia Department of Education website provides insight into factors contributing to a “Not Meeting AYP” label.  A group less than 10 percent of the school population resulted in the schools not meeting AYP.  Academic performance and graduation rate are controllable by the school.  Attendance, included in the AYP formula is beyond the control of the school.

In 2009, Hasty Elementary School did not make AYP but rebounded this year.  How were they successful?  Did a revolutionary idea come from the Department of Education?  Perhaps the threat of competition with charter schools forced teachers to work harder.  Were the teachers threatened with their jobs?  No, the teachers, parents and students worked together to create a successful learning environment.

Collecting and analyzing data identified the strengths and weaknesses of the school.  Teachers identified students needing extra instruction using individual student data.  Teachers had the freedom to try different classroom strategies such as small group or collaborative learning groups to reach students.  Computer based instruction and technology created interactive centers for students to individually work on their weaknesses.

Schools with a higher percentage of students coming from stable college educated families score better than the students from less stable or less educated homes did.  The correlation between household income and test scores is undeniable.  However, it is a fallacy to believe poor students cannot learn.  Learning takes place but requires patience and creativity by the teachers and administration.  Studying for a test may take a back seat to family responsibility.  Students coming from homes valuing education generally excel in school.  Valuing education is not necessarily class related but connected to parental beliefs.

Instead of using mismanaged districts as the indicator of public schools, we should focus on successful ones.   I worked in several schools during my 13 years teaching in Florida and Cherokee County.  Like most professional educators, I have a good idea of what works and what does not work. The short answer is leadership.  Dr. Petruzielo is a strong leader and he demands much from his staff. Principals are responsible for setting the expectations in the schools.   Teachers take their cues from the principals and set expectations for the classroom.  When all school personnel, parents and students are on the same page, it creates an ideal environment for learning.

Instead of telling us the public school system is failing, it is time for our Georgia Representatives and Senators to look at our schools and determine why they work.  Most of the systems in Georgia are successful in spite of political interference.

Irresponsibly blaming teachers or unions shows a gross ignorance to the commitment of the professional educator.   It is disingenuous for our local Representatives and Senators to claim our schools are failing when obviously they are not.  Perhaps if their children attended a public school in Cherokee County they would know better.

I hope that with a new governor the state can look at what works instead of focusing on a few mismanaged systems.

The Big Dawg!

Yes, I really did apply for the UGA Athletic Director job.  Below is my letter.

Dear Mr. Gausvik,

I am applying for the Athletic Director of the University of Georgia.  I look forward to bringing my educational experience, communication skills and public speaking ability to the University of Georgia.

Working with student athletes requires a strong moral compass to guide in decision-making.  Teachers, coaches and athletic directors serve as role models and official representatives of the school or university.  During my 20 years working with students and the community, I strived to make a difference in young people’s lives while serving as a positive representative of my employer.  The University of Georgia needs a person of character to serve as the face of UGA athletics.

I possess the pertinent skills and experience to lead the Bulldogs to athletic excellence.

• I have 20 years experience working in athletic environments.  I am familiar with all aspects of athletic competition.  My work with the City of Pinellas Park brought me in contact with civic and business leaders while I transformed a defunct community center into a vibrant safe haven for teens.
• I worked with parents and students from all social economic backgrounds.
• I have excellent organizational abilities due to my experience as a teacher.
• Education is a fluid environment; adaptation and ingenuity are essential for success.  I am able to adapt to any situation to complete tasks on time.
• Responsible for budget to maintain physical education equipment for 800 students.  I stretched the allocated budget to meet all financial needs.
• B.A in Education from the University of South Florida.
• Relevant computer skills (Office, HTML, etc…)

My leadership style is collaboratively driven and results orientated.  I achieve success by creating an environment where all stakeholders are comfortable providing input.  While final responsibility falls to the Athletic Director, it is paramount to solicit input from those impacted by the decisions.  Through teamwork and trust comes success on the field and off.

I welcome the opportunity to meet with you and the selection team to discuss my candidacy for the Athletic Director position at the University of Georgia.  I believe my experience and credentials, while unique, make me the ideal candidate.

Sincerely,

Duane

Breaking up is hard to do

It recently struck me how similar working and dating are.  I was working in what I believed to be a stable and healthy environment for 14 years.  Sure, we had our difficulties and occasionally I considered quitting.  Once or twice, I looked at other occupations but never acted on those impulses.

My reward for devotion and faithfulness was a meeting with my principal.  She said, “As you know there have been some changes…”

The rest of the conversation is a blur.  I knew this day was coming. I saw the signs.  People around me were not making eye contact, my key did not work on my office door and custodians stopped emptying my trashcans.  I knew in my gut something was different but did not expect my 14 years as an educator to end following car circle duty in the rain.

A week later, I received a form letter from the school system.  They graciously thanked me for my service but because of budget cuts, they eliminated my position.  “It’s not you… it’s me,” was the subtext of the letter. The system blamed a lack of tax revenue but I could not help but to question myself.  Was I moving too fast?  Did I smell bad?  Are they still upset because I sent students to Starbucks?

Finding a job is more difficult than I thought.  I reapplied for my old position and other teaching jobs as well.  “We’ll keep your resume on file,” the Personnel Director told me.

We will keep your resume on file is business speak for “I will call you sometime.”  It means either you are a loser or there is no way we will be seen together.  On the other hand, it might mean we will call if all other candidates turn into brain munching zombies.

I also hear “We are not hiring right now” frequently.   Not hiring right now is the equivalent of “I am not looking for anything serious.” Perhaps the organization currently does not have open positions.  It could also mean I am not their type, my head is two sizes too big for my body or I have spinach dip in my teeth.

It does not seem that long ago companies were desperate for help.  By third quarter, unfilled positions went to the first candidate with brain waves and a heartbeat.  Now companies have “standards” and “requirements”.  The days of hooking up with a desperate company at last call is gone.

I am searching for a job not the right job.  I know I am too good for the available positions but hire me anyway and we will have some laughs.  Companies are tired of being burned by the over qualified candidate that jumps at the first available mid level management job.  I try to convince them I am different from the others, but they do not buy it.  Apparently my 4 years of college and 14 years of teaching means, I am over qualified to be a host at Taco Mac.

My life changed the day I learned the school system wanted to move in a different direction.  They needed some time to find themselves as an organization.  I suppose I should sit and wait patiently for them to call me back.  After all, the separation letter wished me luck and hoped we could still be friends.