Fruit for Thought: the Intersection of Education, Culture, and Performance

Leave it to the competitive nature of the human spirit to invoke a challenge with the simple question: “What are you doing for Earth Day?” My students were excited and extra conscious about their actions – light, water, energy consumption – especially my seventh and eighth graders. I think the Brookfield Zoo really opened their eyes to the part they play in excessive water usage. Their experimented was to calculate how much water they waste (4 gallons) if they leave it running while brushing their teeth (the recommended 2 minutes). Of course, I did my part giving them tech tips to staying green.  Tip #1: First and foremost, Get a Mac. Not just any Mac, but the new 17” MacBook Pro. It is “ The Greenest MacBook Pro Ever .” And I am not just saying that because I work for…I mean WITH Apple Computers. Tip #2: After getting your MacBook Pro, the only site that will double your energy conservation efforts is Blackle.com . I recommend you set it as your homepage for whenever you open up a ne...

Yesterday, I went on a field trip to Brookfield Zoo with my seventh and eighth grade students. I already know what you are thinking and no, we made it through without incident. That does not mean the gravity of the situation ( 4/11/09 ) did not cross their minds. The proverbial “Elephant in the Room” (pun intended) was addressed once we made it to the polar bear habitat. But something was a little off. While the other animals found shelter in their habitat from the three straight days of April Showers, the polar bear was prowling back and forth (like in the picture) at the edge of his cliff where the gully separated him/her from us. As if he/she too knew what had transpired 10 days ago. When I think more about it, this issue is four-dimensional. [1st Dimension] My students were comparing Lincoln Park Zoo to Brookfield Zoo saying Lincoln Park is better and when they asked me I said, “I am not really a Lincoln Park Zoo person with all those well groomed, well feed and spoiled Lincoln Par...

In light of the events of last week, I thought it was only fitting that on 4/20 I spark the debate. Let’s start with a question from President Obama’s “Open for Questions” forum held on Thursday, March 26. With over 1 out of 30 Americans controlled by the penal system, why not legalize, control, and tax marijuana to change the failed war on drugs into a money making, money saving boost to the economy? Do we really need that many victimless criminals? - Ryan Palmer, Dallas, TX Mr. Obama’s response: There was one question that was voted on that ranked fairly high and that was whether legalizing marijuana would improve the economy and job creation. I don’t know what this says about the online audience…the answer is “no I don’t think that is a good strategy to grow our economy.”  His response was met with cheers and applause, which really bothers me. Though President Obama, his administration and supporters believe that might be a “change” America just is not ready for, there needs to be ...

Today was the start of MLB’s 162-game season. Yippie. Can you hear the excitement in my voice? I follow the MLB about as closely as I follow the USEF (United States Equestrian Federation). This season will pale in comparison to last year for two reasons: 1) The US dominated 日米野球 (Nichi-Bei Yakyu – Major League Baseball Japan All-Stars Series ) was something like International World Series until it ended its every even year (since ’86) game after a ‘06 US win (outscoring Japan in five games 33-17). Taking its place is what I consider the real World Series. Started in Anahiem, California in ’06 and played every three years in the month of March, the WBC should be considered the real March Madness. I was not surprised when, for the second year in a row: the United States failed to reach the finals and Team Japan won its second WBC title – this time minus the home-field, umpire controversy . 2) I loved being one of the Bad Guys at my school because as you know, Good Guys Wear Black . W...