Madison Lammert
Mismatched
My youngest daughter has always been her own person. She is still, after living almost a decade, able to be a free thinker and is true to her convictions. She…
Christmas recommendations | Mark’s Remarks
Some of my earliest memories of Christmas involved being sprawled out in front of the television set, watching all the Christmas shows. Back then, the early-to-mid-1970s, I don’t think…
Filling space | Mark’s Remarks
I read books that are designed for middle school students because I want to see what they are reading and what I can recommend. I’m currently reading a story…
Letter to the Commander in Chief
Dear Mr. President: When you became a candidate in 2016, I rooted for you. I wasn’t pleased with your demeanor or with much of how you behaved, but I strongly…
Hope, attitudes and comfort food | Mark’s Remarks
I’ve been on a diet for about two months. I haven’t lost a bunch of weight, but I’ve changed my eating habits and my water intake. However, my plan was…
Listen, my children | Mark’s Remarks
When kids get into my class, I don’t allow them to raise their hands while I’m talking. When their hands go up, they stop listening, and I try to teach…
Sound of Metal | Movie Review
In many movies, inanimate objects, concepts or ideas, and even the weather or landscape can be an extremely important “member” of the cast. In Darius Marder’s Sound of Metal, sound itself…
A firm handshake | Mark’s Remarks
I was asked by my daughter why people lie. It really surprised me that a 9-year-old would ask such a question. You may guess why she asked, considering the main…
