Only in America... do we set aside the fourth Thursday in November for the sole purpose of getting together with family and friends to give thanks for the many blessings in our lives. A wonderful day of reflection, family and traditions. And, on the very next day, we put all that aside to get up before dawn for the pure excitement of finding the best deals on new stuff... and God help those who get in our way. Here are a couple videos of this fun-filled day to get you in the Christmas spirit.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O6IMYSSs7c
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=mnu6yZKo7u8&NR=1 (first 30 sec)
What started out as a day to mark the beginning of the shopping season for Christmas has turned into a day of greed, frenzy and bad behavior. We can partly blame this behavior on stores that advertise an $800 TV on sale for $250, but then only stocks three of them. Companies advertise like this to entice people to choose their store over another store and they only stock a few because it is a terrible business plan. The store loses money on the first few customers, but makes money on the next 2 Gazillion shoppers who are in the shopping mood.
Author's Point #1: Ten years ago a few stores opened up at 5 a.m. to jump start this big day of shopping. Two years ago many stores opened at midnight. This year many stores opened at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving. Restaurants are also opening at similar hours to accommodate shoppers. Because companies see more opportunity for making a buck, hundreds of thousands of store employees are no longer able to enjoy their Thanksgiving holiday. Do you think any of them are able to request the busiest day of the year off? Is anyone thinking about the workers who have no say in the matter of when the stores open? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwJWe_DMfGc
Author's Point #2: After watching the videos above (and hundreds others like it), I am wondering if this is what Abraham Lincoln had in mind when he declared Thanksgiving a national holiday: people camping out in lines for a week to get a good spot in line, people stampeding in stores like cattle to save a few dollars (a Wal-Mart Employee was killed in 2008 after being trampled by customers - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqeY7j5TuuE) and people getting into fist fights over merchandise.
Maybe it's just me, but we might want to turn the clocks back on this one. I think 5 a.m. on Black Friday is early enough. Let's value the traditions of Thanksgiving and the lives of store employees over our need to buy more stuff. After all, Cyber-Monday provides the same deals with no lines. I would like to add that as a last-minute shopper, stores continue sales well into December - no joke!
Your Turn:
1) What is your opinion?
2) It's possible that I am wrong on this. After all, three NFL football games were played on Thanksgiving this year. If football is okay, shouldn't shopping be okay?
3) I wouldn't end tailgating at football games because 5% of the fans get too drunk and act like complete idiots. So, why pick on Black Friday because 5% of these shoppers cause trouble?
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
Leaders Acting Like Leaders: How Refreshing
For those who don't know, Chris Christie is the Governor of New Jersey. Early in 2012, republicans literally begged Christie to run for President of the United States. He repeatedly refused, saying that he was not ready to be president and he did not want to abandon his state of New Jersey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W24-CB6nn2k.
He gave the opening keynote address at the Republican Convention and basically slammed President Obama for 30 or so minutes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWICurHafqE. It should be noted that President Obama doesn't have any real affinity for Governor Christie either.
However, a week before the election, Hurricane Sandy hit the Northeast coast of of the United States and devastated Christie's home state of New Jersey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mZPuTOkmiA.
To their credit, these two individuals put party politics aside and joined forces to provide the people of New Jersey the best possible state and federal resources. It impresses me that two individuals could work together for the greater good and openly praise each other in press conferences www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ssl1R7oXpg4. However, there are some that believe Christie's praise of Obama was the final nail in the coffin for the Republican candidate, Mitt Romney http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-7Foalz5Qs&feature=relmfu.
Author's Perspective: I have long believed that the problem with America is the divisiveness of the two party system. When the Democrats try to do something, the Republicans stand in their way, and viceverse. Gridlock. Good 'ol fashion party politics. So, it is refreshing to see two strong leaders combine forces to serve the people. Not only did these two men work together toward a common goal, they acted the ways leaders should act...like..well...leaders.
Your Turn:
1) Two men working toward a common goal might sound easy, but think of the person who you hate the most - perhaps someone who has been your biggest critic and called you names. Could you overcome your feelings and work toward a common goal? Could you praise your enemy in public?
2) Why do you think Republicans and Democrats have such an issue working together for the good of the country?
He gave the opening keynote address at the Republican Convention and basically slammed President Obama for 30 or so minutes http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWICurHafqE. It should be noted that President Obama doesn't have any real affinity for Governor Christie either.
However, a week before the election, Hurricane Sandy hit the Northeast coast of of the United States and devastated Christie's home state of New Jersey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mZPuTOkmiA.
To their credit, these two individuals put party politics aside and joined forces to provide the people of New Jersey the best possible state and federal resources. It impresses me that two individuals could work together for the greater good and openly praise each other in press conferences www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ssl1R7oXpg4. However, there are some that believe Christie's praise of Obama was the final nail in the coffin for the Republican candidate, Mitt Romney http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E-7Foalz5Qs&feature=relmfu.
Author's Perspective: I have long believed that the problem with America is the divisiveness of the two party system. When the Democrats try to do something, the Republicans stand in their way, and viceverse. Gridlock. Good 'ol fashion party politics. So, it is refreshing to see two strong leaders combine forces to serve the people. Not only did these two men work together toward a common goal, they acted the ways leaders should act...like..well...leaders.
Your Turn:
1) Two men working toward a common goal might sound easy, but think of the person who you hate the most - perhaps someone who has been your biggest critic and called you names. Could you overcome your feelings and work toward a common goal? Could you praise your enemy in public?
2) Why do you think Republicans and Democrats have such an issue working together for the good of the country?
Monday, October 29, 2012
93-year-old man's last duty - voting!
One of the questions in the week 3 ethical dilemma is, "If you knew you were going to die before the end of the semester, what one thing would you like to do before you die?" Not one student ever said, "I'd like to vote." Yet, Frank Tanabe, a 93-year-old World War II Veteran, diagnosed with inoperable cancer, made a decision to stay alive until he could vote just one last time. A few days later he died. Mr. Tanabe saw voting as a right, a duty and a responsibility as an American citizen.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/10/22/picture-wwii-vet-3-casting-ballot-in-hawaii-captures-hearts/
A Short History Lesson: After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941, which essentially brought America into WWII, over 100,000 Japanese-Americans were forced into "internment camps" during the war. The US Government was fearful that these Americans were loyal to Japan. Frank Tanabe and his family were among these thousands of Japanese-Americans forced from their homes and their lives. Frank was forced to withdrawal from the University of Washington and locked up. Yet, while at the internment camp, he decided to enlist in the US Army and played a key role in interrogating Japanese prisoners during the war. He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal last year for his service to his country.
Author's Perspective: Many of you are still too young to vote, but please take a moment to understand the importance of your right to vote in this country. This right should not be taken for granted. Women were not allowed to vote until 1920. Study the Civil Rights movement in the South to understand the history of African-American voting in this country. Voting is a civil liberty and many have fought and died to protect this and other liberties.
American Voter Turnout: In 2008 we saw the largest turnout of American voters ever - 64%. That's right, 36% of Americans with the right to vote (18 or older, not in prison, not previously convicted of a felony and sane) decided not to vote. Was it a burden? An inconvenience? Apathy? My opinion is that if you give up your right to vote, you also give up your right to complain!
Please learn the issues. Read up on the candidates and the proposals. Watch CNBC and then watch Fox News to get both sides. Don't believe a 30 second advertisement designed to sway uninformed voters. Do your own research. The only thing worse than a a non-voter is an uninformed voter.
Your Turn:
1) If you could vote in this year's election, would you? why or why not? Would you be an informed voter or an uninformed voter? Would you still vote if it was a cold and rainy day?
2) Do you find Frank Tanabe's story to be inspiring? Despite all the discimination he faced, why do you think he felt so strongly about voting?
3) Mr. Tanabe saw voting as a right, a duty and a responsibility as an American citizen. Do you agree? Do you think it's your right not to vote?
Mr. Tanabe died shortly after filling out his absentee ballot.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/10/22/picture-wwii-vet-3-casting-ballot-in-hawaii-captures-hearts/
A Short History Lesson: After Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on December 7, 1941, which essentially brought America into WWII, over 100,000 Japanese-Americans were forced into "internment camps" during the war. The US Government was fearful that these Americans were loyal to Japan. Frank Tanabe and his family were among these thousands of Japanese-Americans forced from their homes and their lives. Frank was forced to withdrawal from the University of Washington and locked up. Yet, while at the internment camp, he decided to enlist in the US Army and played a key role in interrogating Japanese prisoners during the war. He was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal last year for his service to his country.
Author's Perspective: Many of you are still too young to vote, but please take a moment to understand the importance of your right to vote in this country. This right should not be taken for granted. Women were not allowed to vote until 1920. Study the Civil Rights movement in the South to understand the history of African-American voting in this country. Voting is a civil liberty and many have fought and died to protect this and other liberties.
American Voter Turnout: In 2008 we saw the largest turnout of American voters ever - 64%. That's right, 36% of Americans with the right to vote (18 or older, not in prison, not previously convicted of a felony and sane) decided not to vote. Was it a burden? An inconvenience? Apathy? My opinion is that if you give up your right to vote, you also give up your right to complain!
Please learn the issues. Read up on the candidates and the proposals. Watch CNBC and then watch Fox News to get both sides. Don't believe a 30 second advertisement designed to sway uninformed voters. Do your own research. The only thing worse than a a non-voter is an uninformed voter.
Your Turn:
1) If you could vote in this year's election, would you? why or why not? Would you be an informed voter or an uninformed voter? Would you still vote if it was a cold and rainy day?
2) Do you find Frank Tanabe's story to be inspiring? Despite all the discimination he faced, why do you think he felt so strongly about voting?
3) Mr. Tanabe saw voting as a right, a duty and a responsibility as an American citizen. Do you agree? Do you think it's your right not to vote?
Mr. Tanabe died shortly after filling out his absentee ballot.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Bullying...Just Plain Mean
When Whitney found out she was nominated for homecoming queen, she was surprised... giddy... elated. When she logged on to Facebook later that day, she discovered that her nomination was a joke and she felt humiliated... devastated... suicidal.
It's difficult to believe that this story could occur, particularly in a small town within my home state of Michigan. It stands to reason that many students thought it would be funny to vote for Whitney just so they could make fun of her. Many students had to think this was a good idea. They must have seen this as no big deal. Not one of these students put a stop to it, told the administration what was going on or cared that this was just plain mean. Shame on them!
To her credit, Whitney decided to show up... to show up those bullies who thought her nomination was a joke... to show up on homecoming night and represent her sophomore class with pride. Instead of letting the situation define her, Whitney defined the situation. Good for her!
To the town's credit, the community decided to take a stand... to stand up for Whitney... to stand against bullying... to stand against being mean. A dress shop donated her dress, a florist donated flowers and a salon did her hair and nails for the big event. Good for them!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzlqBh9Jyh0&feature=related (local story - 2 minutes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8PAf472QnM&feature=related (CNN - 2 minutes)
Your Turn
1) Why do you think someone would initially think this is a good idea?
2) Why did so many students go along with this idea? Why wouldn't someone just tell a teacher or the principal what was going on?
3) If you were the administration, what would you do in this situation?
4) How do you think Whitney, the school and town will be changed by this incident?
5) This became a national story covered by most of the cable news networks? Why? What do you think the moral of the story is?
It's difficult to believe that this story could occur, particularly in a small town within my home state of Michigan. It stands to reason that many students thought it would be funny to vote for Whitney just so they could make fun of her. Many students had to think this was a good idea. They must have seen this as no big deal. Not one of these students put a stop to it, told the administration what was going on or cared that this was just plain mean. Shame on them!
To her credit, Whitney decided to show up... to show up those bullies who thought her nomination was a joke... to show up on homecoming night and represent her sophomore class with pride. Instead of letting the situation define her, Whitney defined the situation. Good for her!
To the town's credit, the community decided to take a stand... to stand up for Whitney... to stand against bullying... to stand against being mean. A dress shop donated her dress, a florist donated flowers and a salon did her hair and nails for the big event. Good for them!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzlqBh9Jyh0&feature=related (local story - 2 minutes)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8PAf472QnM&feature=related (CNN - 2 minutes)
Your Turn
1) Why do you think someone would initially think this is a good idea?
2) Why did so many students go along with this idea? Why wouldn't someone just tell a teacher or the principal what was going on?
3) If you were the administration, what would you do in this situation?
4) How do you think Whitney, the school and town will be changed by this incident?
5) This became a national story covered by most of the cable news networks? Why? What do you think the moral of the story is?
A Heart-Warming Story
At a major league baseball game this summer, two young fans tried to catch a baseball that was thrown into the stands by a player. Of course, one caught it and one didn't. The boy who caught the ball, Ian, celebrated and ran back to his seat. However, when he turned around, he saw the other boy crying. Without any prompting, he decided to give the ball to this boy.
The announcers saw all of this unfold and commented on this random act of kindness. They were so impressed by Ian's generosity that they decided to reward his selflessness. Ian received an autographed bat, was introduced to members of the team and threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the next night's game. They were highly praised for doing the right thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfF1m3-Dl_Q
Author's Perspective (Positive): When interviewed about the incident, Ian said, "My mom and dad taught me that way...so it just came natural." One announcer said, "That's good home training," while the other one commented, "That's a very well-bred young man." It reminded me of the enormous impact that parents and teachers have on the morality and the actions of young people. I hope all parents spend time teaching such values and virtues to their children.
Author's Perspective (Negative): The announcers commented, "I can't believe I just witnessed that... You, young man, are a star!" I might just be in a cynical mood, but is our world that void of character that we need to make such a fuss? Don't get me wrong, I thought it was a noble gesture and I also like to point out when people do the right thing. The announcers seem to be implying that they have never seen a fan do something so kind and/or they would not expect others in the same situation to do the same thing. ABC News thought it was such a shift from the norm that they decided to make Ian their national person of the week. My reaction to that is, "Really?" Has our society dipped that low? Are "we" really that mean? Uncaring? Selfish? Is Ian one in a thousand kids, one a a hundred or is he pretty typical of what "you" would have done? I prefer to think the latter.
Your Turn:
1) Is Ian unique or is he pretty typical? Why or why not?
2) It's very easy to say what you would have done and to give yourself credit, but think of something that you really care about (like an autograph from your favorite celebrity) and ask yourself if you would have done the same thing? Take a poll in your class.
3) How much an impact do you think a parent has on a child's morality and behavior? What about teachers? Other adults? Friends? Who has influenced you the most?
The announcers saw all of this unfold and commented on this random act of kindness. They were so impressed by Ian's generosity that they decided to reward his selflessness. Ian received an autographed bat, was introduced to members of the team and threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the next night's game. They were highly praised for doing the right thing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QfF1m3-Dl_Q
Author's Perspective (Positive): When interviewed about the incident, Ian said, "My mom and dad taught me that way...so it just came natural." One announcer said, "That's good home training," while the other one commented, "That's a very well-bred young man." It reminded me of the enormous impact that parents and teachers have on the morality and the actions of young people. I hope all parents spend time teaching such values and virtues to their children.
Author's Perspective (Negative): The announcers commented, "I can't believe I just witnessed that... You, young man, are a star!" I might just be in a cynical mood, but is our world that void of character that we need to make such a fuss? Don't get me wrong, I thought it was a noble gesture and I also like to point out when people do the right thing. The announcers seem to be implying that they have never seen a fan do something so kind and/or they would not expect others in the same situation to do the same thing. ABC News thought it was such a shift from the norm that they decided to make Ian their national person of the week. My reaction to that is, "Really?" Has our society dipped that low? Are "we" really that mean? Uncaring? Selfish? Is Ian one in a thousand kids, one a a hundred or is he pretty typical of what "you" would have done? I prefer to think the latter.
Your Turn:
1) Is Ian unique or is he pretty typical? Why or why not?
2) It's very easy to say what you would have done and to give yourself credit, but think of something that you really care about (like an autograph from your favorite celebrity) and ask yourself if you would have done the same thing? Take a poll in your class.
3) How much an impact do you think a parent has on a child's morality and behavior? What about teachers? Other adults? Friends? Who has influenced you the most?
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Say It Isn't So...Lance
Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Marian Jones, Roger Clemens, Ben Johnson...let me tell you, the list of professional athletes who used performance enhancing drugs could go on and on and on. Well, the list grew by one very prominent athlete last week. Lance Armstrong, cancer survivor and 7 time Tour de France winner most likely cheated his way to those victories.
While the evidence is not conclusive and it was not proven in a court of law, several of his former teammates came forward to corroborate Armstrong's drug use. These teammates saw him inject himself and they claim that cheating was a part of the team culture. The United States Anti-Doping Agency is probably going to strip Armstrong of his 7 titles and ban him from the sport for life.
Armstrong's response to the latest charges - no contest. "I'm finished with this nonsense," he said. "There comes a point in every man's life when he has to say, 'Enough is enough'. For me, that time is now." To be fair, Armstrong has consistently stated his innocence to numerous doping allegations over the years. He has been tested for drugs hundreds of times and he never tested positive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGOhX6ymj38&feature=related (case against Armstrong)
http://www.lancearmstrong.com/foundation\ (Armstrong response)
Author's Perspective: For me, it's another role model who has failed us...another individual who lowered the bar for our youth...another person who sacrificed their integrity to merely win...another cheater. I can't tell you how close I was to putting Lance Armstrong in my role model book for perseverance. He was a cherished role model of mine- the key word is "was."
Your Turn
1) After watching these videos, do you think Armstrong is guilty or is this a witch hunt on an innocent man?
2) On a scale of 1-10, how big of a deal is this case?
3) We tell the next generation not to cheat in school or lie to get ahead...we stress character and integrity... but I wonder if cases like this lowers the bar and/or make you more cynical.
While the evidence is not conclusive and it was not proven in a court of law, several of his former teammates came forward to corroborate Armstrong's drug use. These teammates saw him inject himself and they claim that cheating was a part of the team culture. The United States Anti-Doping Agency is probably going to strip Armstrong of his 7 titles and ban him from the sport for life.
Armstrong's response to the latest charges - no contest. "I'm finished with this nonsense," he said. "There comes a point in every man's life when he has to say, 'Enough is enough'. For me, that time is now." To be fair, Armstrong has consistently stated his innocence to numerous doping allegations over the years. He has been tested for drugs hundreds of times and he never tested positive.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGOhX6ymj38&feature=related (case against Armstrong)
http://www.lancearmstrong.com/foundation\ (Armstrong response)
Author's Perspective: For me, it's another role model who has failed us...another individual who lowered the bar for our youth...another person who sacrificed their integrity to merely win...another cheater. I can't tell you how close I was to putting Lance Armstrong in my role model book for perseverance. He was a cherished role model of mine- the key word is "was."
Your Turn
1) After watching these videos, do you think Armstrong is guilty or is this a witch hunt on an innocent man?
2) On a scale of 1-10, how big of a deal is this case?
3) We tell the next generation not to cheat in school or lie to get ahead...we stress character and integrity... but I wonder if cases like this lowers the bar and/or make you more cynical.
Live Life to the Fullest
I was looking through my photos on my cell phone from the past year and I couldn't believe how blessed I am to lead such a full life. I can't believe all the places I've been and all of the experiences I've had. I am always telling students to live their lives with passion, to not sit on the sidelines of life as others play the game, so I am pleased that I have taken my own advice.
I know what many of you are thinking. "Easy for you to say, you travel with your job" or "I don't have enough gas money to get to 7-11, how am I supposed to do such things." These are good points. Truth is, I never made it out of Michigan until I was 17 years old.
I would argue that you don't have to travel the globe in order to live your life with passion. Sure, it looks prettier in pictures, but consider this point. Many thousands of years ago, it was alleged that in order to get into Egyptian Heaven, you were asked two questions upon your death. 1) Did you find joy in your life? 2) Did you provide others joy? Your answers determined whether or not you made it into heaven.
Can it really be that simple - to find joy and provide others joy in this lifetime? It's not that bad of a life philosophy, if you ask me.
Your turn
1) Have you found joy in your life? 2) Do you provide others joy? Can you provide examples?
3) Are you sitting on the sidelines of life or are you out there playing this game of life?
4) If I asked you to display pictures of your life over the last year, what would your life look like?
I know what many of you are thinking. "Easy for you to say, you travel with your job" or "I don't have enough gas money to get to 7-11, how am I supposed to do such things." These are good points. Truth is, I never made it out of Michigan until I was 17 years old.
I would argue that you don't have to travel the globe in order to live your life with passion. Sure, it looks prettier in pictures, but consider this point. Many thousands of years ago, it was alleged that in order to get into Egyptian Heaven, you were asked two questions upon your death. 1) Did you find joy in your life? 2) Did you provide others joy? Your answers determined whether or not you made it into heaven.
Can it really be that simple - to find joy and provide others joy in this lifetime? It's not that bad of a life philosophy, if you ask me.
Your turn
1) Have you found joy in your life? 2) Do you provide others joy? Can you provide examples?
3) Are you sitting on the sidelines of life or are you out there playing this game of life?
4) If I asked you to display pictures of your life over the last year, what would your life look like?
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