I think more people than not are texting or talking on their phones while driving. I'm serious. As I drive around, I think more than 50% of drivers are trying to sneak a text message or blatantly take a phone call. I'm kinda pissed.
I'm not pissed at the kids. They really don't know any better. They know the law, they just don't think its a big deal. They haven't been on this planet long enough to see or experience the consequences of inattentive driving. They are young and feel bulletproof, but as they get older, as they see more horrific crashes or as they lose friends, they will understand why we shouldn't drive without our full attention on the road. (Worlds longest sentence? Sorry Virginia Reischl) Todays teens live in a different world than adults do. They are OBSESSED with social media and LIVE AND DIE to know what someone else is doing. It is sad. I'm not pissed at the kids. Kids are kids and for the most part will push the envelope. As far as their phones while driving? Heck, all the adults are doing it.
I'm pissed at the adults. Kids don't listen to what their parents say; they watch what their parents do. And their parents are taking calls, making calls, and texting as they drive.
Great role modeling parents. Impressive.
I'm pissed. These kids need role models and people in their lives to show them how to go about their business. There clearly aren't role models outside the home for these kids. Sketchy politicians, lying athletes, overly abusive cops, greedy businessmen are what our kids are exposed to. It breaks down as follows; "Keeping up with the Kardashians" is a popular TV show. How the hell does that happen and what does that say about us?
Parents need to walk a good walk if they expect the same from their kids.
To the adults that feel that rules/laws/guidelines etc. are for "others".....Kiss my ass and get off your phone.
Monday, August 12, 2013
Friday, August 9, 2013
Women
Sometimes I browse personal ads online. There, I said it. I look at Match.com, J-Date (my people), Plenty of Fish, etc. I like to kill time by looking at women who are looking for men. When I find an ad that catches my eye, I read the profile. The "about me" section or the "what I'm looking for" section.
But if I read "where are all the good men?" one more time, I'm going to go looney.
First, it implies that all/most men are bad. That is not my experience. Maybe I've been lucky or maybe I've chosen good friends, but the guys I know are good guys. Most are really good guys. Guys that don't cheat on their wives or girlfriends; guys that don't lie about where they've been or what they've done; guys that walk a pretty darn good walk. "Where are all the good men?" Shut up. There are good men everywhere. Certainly there are bad men too, but don't come off as if all men are bad.
Second, it implies that you are a good woman and are clearly deserving of a good man. We just don't measure up to your elevated standards. You, the epitome of class, grace and decorum. Us, simpletons who lie, cheat, and lack character. Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but I would hope that before popping off about "where are all the good men", you take a look in the mirror and ask yourself what you are deserving of.
But if I read "where are all the good men?" one more time, I'm going to go looney.
First, it implies that all/most men are bad. That is not my experience. Maybe I've been lucky or maybe I've chosen good friends, but the guys I know are good guys. Most are really good guys. Guys that don't cheat on their wives or girlfriends; guys that don't lie about where they've been or what they've done; guys that walk a pretty darn good walk. "Where are all the good men?" Shut up. There are good men everywhere. Certainly there are bad men too, but don't come off as if all men are bad.
Second, it implies that you are a good woman and are clearly deserving of a good man. We just don't measure up to your elevated standards. You, the epitome of class, grace and decorum. Us, simpletons who lie, cheat, and lack character. Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but I would hope that before popping off about "where are all the good men", you take a look in the mirror and ask yourself what you are deserving of.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Goodbye
I met you the day after I moved to San Clemente. It seems like such a short time ago, but it has now been over 11 years. Do you remember? It was at the Staples on Avenida Pico and the minute I laid eyes on you I knew I wanted you. Gosh you were beautiful back then. Fresh, bold, exciting.
We left the store together and I cannot remember a moment in the past 11 years that you haven't been with me. You were with me every single school day, waiting patiently at my desk, watching me teach. You were with me every time I had to do some tutoring or test prep outside of school hours. You never complained. Not even that time that I spilled a steaming hot coffee all over you. You were a rock.
Remember our trips? Vancouver was nice. Las Vegas was very nice. But my favorite trip was our road trip to Tucson. We had a great time and never once did you violate the code; What happens in Tucson Stays in Tucson.
I remember that night I brought that weird woman home. Remember her? Pretty as heck but I'm not sure she was playing with a full deck. You never batted an eye. You didn't look at me differently afterwards and you allowed me to make my own decisions without any guilt from you. You were always so accommodating of me spending time with others.
For 11 years I have trusted you and you have never let me down. On our hikes you always held up better than me and even if I asked you to carry the bulk of our load, you never balked.
I have used you and abused you and for that I am sorry. Because of that, I must cut you loose today. I have gone back to Staples and met another. She's amazing.
All my best old backpack. Godspeed.
We left the store together and I cannot remember a moment in the past 11 years that you haven't been with me. You were with me every single school day, waiting patiently at my desk, watching me teach. You were with me every time I had to do some tutoring or test prep outside of school hours. You never complained. Not even that time that I spilled a steaming hot coffee all over you. You were a rock.
Remember our trips? Vancouver was nice. Las Vegas was very nice. But my favorite trip was our road trip to Tucson. We had a great time and never once did you violate the code; What happens in Tucson Stays in Tucson.
I remember that night I brought that weird woman home. Remember her? Pretty as heck but I'm not sure she was playing with a full deck. You never batted an eye. You didn't look at me differently afterwards and you allowed me to make my own decisions without any guilt from you. You were always so accommodating of me spending time with others.
For 11 years I have trusted you and you have never let me down. On our hikes you always held up better than me and even if I asked you to carry the bulk of our load, you never balked.
I have used you and abused you and for that I am sorry. Because of that, I must cut you loose today. I have gone back to Staples and met another. She's amazing.
All my best old backpack. Godspeed.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Camryn Manheim
Dear Camryn,
I was watching the coverage of the George Zimmerman trial and during a break or commercial I caught an interview with you about a show you are either currently doing or currently preparing to do. First, you look great. I was a HUGE fan of The Practice and when I saw you today.....well, you looked great.
But when you said, and I apologize I don't have the exact quote, "Men are just larger boys. It's easier to do it alone" I was really disappointed. You have to know better.
I'm a 20th year high school math teacher in Southern California. I've seen a lot of teenagers and I've worked with a lot of parents. I've seen the effects of great parenting and the costs of poor parenting. While I don't have children, I still believe that my work has given me the right to share with you my experiences.
Children need balance.
The balance between a mother teaching a son to read, cook, treat others, etc. and fathers teaching their son how to swing a hammer and start a fire and change a tire. I'm not saying women can't. But some women can't. As the son of a general contractor, it turns out there is a right way to swing a hammer. Through some experiences, men learn things women don't. And of course, vice versa.
The balance between a mother buying too many v-neck pastel tee shirts for her son and a father bringing home a black Raiders hoodie.
The balance needed when the child needs to be punished. I'm not talking about belts and beatings, but on a personal note, I didn't do a lot wrong growing up because I had a good healthy fear of my father. He didn't stand for a bunch of nonsense. He also raised 3 kids, 2 with Master's degrees and the other a medical doctor. He was tough and at times brought us down. Mom picked us up. I am so blessed to have had that structure and balance.
My dad taught me to fish and shoot a gun. To this day we both share a love of cars and knives. My mom taught me about manners, character, relationships and love. To this day she is my hero.
I've seen too many boys growing up without fathers that don't have balance. Growing up, boys have questions about things they don't want to ask their mom about.
I could go on and on but I'll leave it at this. The way you dismissed a boy's need for a male influence is disappointing. Your bold and arrogant attitude will ultimately lead to your son lacking something. I pray that he lives a blessed and wonderful life but I fear your arrogance will prevent that.
Jake Schwartzberg
I was watching the coverage of the George Zimmerman trial and during a break or commercial I caught an interview with you about a show you are either currently doing or currently preparing to do. First, you look great. I was a HUGE fan of The Practice and when I saw you today.....well, you looked great.
But when you said, and I apologize I don't have the exact quote, "Men are just larger boys. It's easier to do it alone" I was really disappointed. You have to know better.
I'm a 20th year high school math teacher in Southern California. I've seen a lot of teenagers and I've worked with a lot of parents. I've seen the effects of great parenting and the costs of poor parenting. While I don't have children, I still believe that my work has given me the right to share with you my experiences.
Children need balance.
The balance between a mother teaching a son to read, cook, treat others, etc. and fathers teaching their son how to swing a hammer and start a fire and change a tire. I'm not saying women can't. But some women can't. As the son of a general contractor, it turns out there is a right way to swing a hammer. Through some experiences, men learn things women don't. And of course, vice versa.
The balance between a mother buying too many v-neck pastel tee shirts for her son and a father bringing home a black Raiders hoodie.
The balance needed when the child needs to be punished. I'm not talking about belts and beatings, but on a personal note, I didn't do a lot wrong growing up because I had a good healthy fear of my father. He didn't stand for a bunch of nonsense. He also raised 3 kids, 2 with Master's degrees and the other a medical doctor. He was tough and at times brought us down. Mom picked us up. I am so blessed to have had that structure and balance.
My dad taught me to fish and shoot a gun. To this day we both share a love of cars and knives. My mom taught me about manners, character, relationships and love. To this day she is my hero.
I've seen too many boys growing up without fathers that don't have balance. Growing up, boys have questions about things they don't want to ask their mom about.
I could go on and on but I'll leave it at this. The way you dismissed a boy's need for a male influence is disappointing. Your bold and arrogant attitude will ultimately lead to your son lacking something. I pray that he lives a blessed and wonderful life but I fear your arrogance will prevent that.
Jake Schwartzberg
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
It's my own fault for reading.
Lately, I'm really disappointed in Facebook. Not the program (app). Not that at all. Thank you Facebook makers for providing me with a location on the Internet that allows my friends, former friends, ex-wives, and former students a way to stay in contact with me. In all seriousness, Facebook has been a plus for me. I've been invited to weddings, anniversaries, funerals, memorials, reunions, and all number of events because formers can find me. Because of all the moving around I've done, 6 high schools in 6 cities, I've lost touch with former friends and students. I'm very happy people can find me. Turns out, I like being found.
The mistake I'm making is reading all the absolute garbage and nonsense my "friends" are posting. Some is great. But allow me to rant at the following,
Are we STILL TAKING PHOTOS OF OUR FOOD!!!!!!!?????? Really? We haven't gotten the memo that no one really wants to see the cute drizzle of carmel atop your 1000 calorie, whipped creme covered Mocha Frappa-Cappa Latte? Let me be clear. Stop. Stop now. Stop cold turkey. You can do this. Resist the need to take a photo of your food and drink. Know this, even your friends "liking" the photo are laughing at you.
Are we STILL TAKING ALL OF OUR PHOTOS WITH OUR TONGUE OUT? It was funny for a while. I liked seeing silly pictures. Even took my share. Enough. Especially from my more adult friends. Stop doing everything the idiot kids are doing. Looks a bit needy when adults follow the lead of the kids.
Thank you for posting photos of your weddings, vacations, birthdays, etc. I mean that. LOVE seeing happy. But, stop posting photos from random parties. It's time to be a bit more discreet and savvy. Employers are looking at FB pages. Seeing every other photo of you with a drink in your hand is a bit off-putting. And, anyone of my friends stupid enough to be photographed with a bong, pipe, joint, apple, hookah etc....ANYWHERE in the photo... I'm immediately de-friending you. In addition to questionable decision making, you are too dumb to be my friend.
Lately, I'm really disappointed in Facebook. Not the program (app). Not that at all. Thank you Facebook makers for providing me with a location on the Internet that allows my friends, former friends, ex-wives, and former students a way to stay in contact with me. In all seriousness, Facebook has been a plus for me. I've been invited to weddings, anniversaries, funerals, memorials, reunions, and all number of events because formers can find me. Because of all the moving around I've done, 6 high schools in 6 cities, I've lost touch with former friends and students. I'm very happy people can find me. Turns out, I like being found.
The mistake I'm making is reading all the absolute garbage and nonsense my "friends" are posting. Some is great. But allow me to rant at the following,
Are we STILL TAKING PHOTOS OF OUR FOOD!!!!!!!?????? Really? We haven't gotten the memo that no one really wants to see the cute drizzle of carmel atop your 1000 calorie, whipped creme covered Mocha Frappa-Cappa Latte? Let me be clear. Stop. Stop now. Stop cold turkey. You can do this. Resist the need to take a photo of your food and drink. Know this, even your friends "liking" the photo are laughing at you.
Are we STILL TAKING ALL OF OUR PHOTOS WITH OUR TONGUE OUT? It was funny for a while. I liked seeing silly pictures. Even took my share. Enough. Especially from my more adult friends. Stop doing everything the idiot kids are doing. Looks a bit needy when adults follow the lead of the kids.
Thank you for posting photos of your weddings, vacations, birthdays, etc. I mean that. LOVE seeing happy. But, stop posting photos from random parties. It's time to be a bit more discreet and savvy. Employers are looking at FB pages. Seeing every other photo of you with a drink in your hand is a bit off-putting. And, anyone of my friends stupid enough to be photographed with a bong, pipe, joint, apple, hookah etc....ANYWHERE in the photo... I'm immediately de-friending you. In addition to questionable decision making, you are too dumb to be my friend.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Handicap Parking Pass
I just about got my ass kicked today by a guy twice my size.
I drive into the parking lot of Kmart (shut up) and begin the process of getting out of my car. I have to put the convertible top up, put my backpack (with some very nice pencils, pens and graphing calculators) in the trunk, and make the change from prescrip sunglasses to prescrip seeing glasses. I'm early in the process when a gorgeous, black, new, expensive, BMW parks across and two spots away from me. Handicap spot. Hanging from the rearview mirror is his handicap parking pass.
About 35 years old, he parks, gets out of his car, beeps the beep, and literally jogs across the parking lot to the front door of the store. Handicap parking pass. My blood starts to boil.
Amazingly, the two of us find ourselves leaving the store and heading towards our cars at the same time. My big mouth starts and argument that I think went something like this;
Me: Nice handicap parking pass
BMW: What?
Me: I see you have a handicap parking pass. Nice.
BMW: What do you care?
Me: My parents are 88 and 82. Dad is on oxygen and he can walk about 30 steps before needing to rest. We really need his handicap parking pass so we can get him out more. Never any spots though.
BMW: So?
Me: So? That's your response? So? You take a handicap spot, jog into the store CLEARLY not handicapped, and you don't care that your taking the spot from someone legit?
BMW: My mom is handicapped asshole. I didn't steal the pass. She needs it too.
Me: Look you ass-hat, quit using the pass without your mom in the car. There are 20 other spots here (Kmart) and you use the handicap spot? Classy.
BMW: F#!k off bi%@h. Mind your own f#!king business. Get out of my way.
Me: First class language too. Classy to the end.
BMW: Keep talking bi%@h. I'll f#!king kick your ass.
He was about 6' 2" 210 lbs. I'm pretty big too. 5' 6 3/4" 150 lbs.
I got into my car and left.
I drive into the parking lot of Kmart (shut up) and begin the process of getting out of my car. I have to put the convertible top up, put my backpack (with some very nice pencils, pens and graphing calculators) in the trunk, and make the change from prescrip sunglasses to prescrip seeing glasses. I'm early in the process when a gorgeous, black, new, expensive, BMW parks across and two spots away from me. Handicap spot. Hanging from the rearview mirror is his handicap parking pass.
About 35 years old, he parks, gets out of his car, beeps the beep, and literally jogs across the parking lot to the front door of the store. Handicap parking pass. My blood starts to boil.
Amazingly, the two of us find ourselves leaving the store and heading towards our cars at the same time. My big mouth starts and argument that I think went something like this;
Me: Nice handicap parking pass
BMW: What?
Me: I see you have a handicap parking pass. Nice.
BMW: What do you care?
Me: My parents are 88 and 82. Dad is on oxygen and he can walk about 30 steps before needing to rest. We really need his handicap parking pass so we can get him out more. Never any spots though.
BMW: So?
Me: So? That's your response? So? You take a handicap spot, jog into the store CLEARLY not handicapped, and you don't care that your taking the spot from someone legit?
BMW: My mom is handicapped asshole. I didn't steal the pass. She needs it too.
Me: Look you ass-hat, quit using the pass without your mom in the car. There are 20 other spots here (Kmart) and you use the handicap spot? Classy.
BMW: F#!k off bi%@h. Mind your own f#!king business. Get out of my way.
Me: First class language too. Classy to the end.
BMW: Keep talking bi%@h. I'll f#!king kick your ass.
He was about 6' 2" 210 lbs. I'm pretty big too. 5' 6 3/4" 150 lbs.
I got into my car and left.
Monday, May 27, 2013
D. Chair
My principal informed me yesterday that I would be the new department chairman for the mathematics team at Dana Hills High School.
I was the department chair for 2 years at a previous school and learned an important lesson at that time. It is impossible to make everyone happy. Back in the day, the department chair had a variety of duties but none was more important, more visible, more contentious than doing the mathematics department schedule. It wasn't hard to decide when to offer a class or how many sections of each class would be needed, but making the final decision of who would teach what was never easy. There would always be teachers not thrilled with their schedule.
There are a bunch of other important things the d. chair does here at Dana; work with the district office to inform staff of changes, work with the leadership team at the school to propose changes, order and maintain supplies, etc. But again, who will teach what is a big part of the gig.
The first time I had the gig, instead of fully pissing off a couple teachers, I think I kinda pissed off all the teachers. I was audacious enough to ask the guy teaching 5 AP level classes to teach 4 AP's and one lower level class. I was so bold as to schedule a teacher to teach 2 sections of Geometry instead of 2 sections of Honors Geometry. I thought that it was important to reward a hard working teacher who had taught nothing but low level classes for 5 years with a schedule that included some higher level classes. Oh the humanity!!!
At Dana, I never wanted the job. When I got here 10 years ago, Jim Ferguson was the chair. Heck of a guy, heck of a teacher, heck of a d. chair. Jim retired a year after I started and Nancy Williamson took over. Nancy has been excellent for 10 years. Her greatest strength is her patience with us, but she is everything a chair should be; organized, motivated, honest, fair, and calm. I have come to look up to Nancy as a mathematician, a teacher, and a woman of good character.
Every year teachers are asked if anyone wants to interview for the job. Every year when we are asked if we want the job, we all say no as we ask Nancy to stay with the job.
Now, after 10 years, she's done. I was nominated by my team, interviewed by my boss, and named d. chair yesterday.
I'm proud, excited, and scared. I'm proud that my colleagues and principal believe I'm the guy for the job. I'm excited to have a seat at the "leadership" table with all the other d. chairs. I'm scared I'm not the guy Jim was and not the chair Nancy was. Big shoes to fill.
I'm also more ready for this position than I've ever been. Here's to fresh starts and new beginnings.
I was the department chair for 2 years at a previous school and learned an important lesson at that time. It is impossible to make everyone happy. Back in the day, the department chair had a variety of duties but none was more important, more visible, more contentious than doing the mathematics department schedule. It wasn't hard to decide when to offer a class or how many sections of each class would be needed, but making the final decision of who would teach what was never easy. There would always be teachers not thrilled with their schedule.
There are a bunch of other important things the d. chair does here at Dana; work with the district office to inform staff of changes, work with the leadership team at the school to propose changes, order and maintain supplies, etc. But again, who will teach what is a big part of the gig.
The first time I had the gig, instead of fully pissing off a couple teachers, I think I kinda pissed off all the teachers. I was audacious enough to ask the guy teaching 5 AP level classes to teach 4 AP's and one lower level class. I was so bold as to schedule a teacher to teach 2 sections of Geometry instead of 2 sections of Honors Geometry. I thought that it was important to reward a hard working teacher who had taught nothing but low level classes for 5 years with a schedule that included some higher level classes. Oh the humanity!!!
At Dana, I never wanted the job. When I got here 10 years ago, Jim Ferguson was the chair. Heck of a guy, heck of a teacher, heck of a d. chair. Jim retired a year after I started and Nancy Williamson took over. Nancy has been excellent for 10 years. Her greatest strength is her patience with us, but she is everything a chair should be; organized, motivated, honest, fair, and calm. I have come to look up to Nancy as a mathematician, a teacher, and a woman of good character.
Every year teachers are asked if anyone wants to interview for the job. Every year when we are asked if we want the job, we all say no as we ask Nancy to stay with the job.
Now, after 10 years, she's done. I was nominated by my team, interviewed by my boss, and named d. chair yesterday.
I'm proud, excited, and scared. I'm proud that my colleagues and principal believe I'm the guy for the job. I'm excited to have a seat at the "leadership" table with all the other d. chairs. I'm scared I'm not the guy Jim was and not the chair Nancy was. Big shoes to fill.
I'm also more ready for this position than I've ever been. Here's to fresh starts and new beginnings.
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