Sunday Inspiration from Mark Twain

“Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.”

Dan Brown's 'Haunted' Mansion

At the 3:00 mark, a peek into the New England house of the 'Da Vinci Code' author. It has secret passages, darkly-lit rooms, and a spooky ambiance. Oh, what a billion gazillion dollars can buy on you on this earth.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Wonder what Mr. Brown's views are on the afterlife, given that the title of his latest Robert Langdon novel is Inferno.

Making a Federal Case Of It

My latest Heartland Institute piece is about a school choice bill - the Educational Opportunities Act - that is sponsored by Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL).

Groove Spoon: Nice Touch

A former co-worker's son is a member of the funk band, Groove Spoon, which got their start in Ann Arbor.

This tune/music is catchy. I like the variety of fashion styles (or lack of them) among the ten-member group ... especially the drummer boy.

It's Discipleship, Not Just Education Reform

Seriously ... Pastor Voddie Baucham has jokes.

Update: Breaking news about the German homeschoolers who have been become the most famous international home educators seeking asylum in the USA -  the Sixth Court of Appeals  has ruled against the family. An appeal is forthcoming from the family's spokesperson/attorney, Michael Farris of the Home School Legal Defense Association.

Maybe the Man Without an NFL Team ...

... could pick up a new sport. Although the media frenzy would just increase if he made that move.

Yup. That's Timmy Tebow playing high school basketball.

Sat. Sighting: The Gray Dump Truck

My friend, Joe Beach of Harbor Springs, moonlights driving this cool rig.

Friday Fun: Perennials

The ice has all melted, so spring has officially arrived in northern Michigan. Casa Lyman now has flowers at the front entrance. Can you spot the gnome?

Public Servants Behaving Badly & Getting Busted

Two happy endings to serious situations where justice prevailed thanks to scrappy individuals who used technology and rule of law to make their case against injustice.

First story: "Assemblyman's case shows the flaws in DUI laws."

Second story: "Dearborn 'regrets' Arab fest arrests, must post apology for three years."

Hanging out at WMKT 1200 with Mel & Cortez

The Cancer Warrior talks about her broadcasting gig with Cortez E., North Central Michigan College communications major

Cortez does an off-the-cuff v-blog about his informative chat with Ms. Mel.

Another Reason to Not 'Like' Facebook

Mark Zuckerberg  is a big-time supporter of the Gang of 8 immigration bill.

Holland: Tulip Festival Time

At the risk of sounding like a flack for Pure Michigan, an award-winning tourism/economic development campaign that has been criticized by Ted Nugent, this is the time of year, in the Mitten State, for those delightful tulip sightings in Holland.

Sidebar: These Kentucky Derby hats, some adorned with flowers, are ridiculous.

Presidente Obama en Costa Rica

Today Barry O will be in San José, the capital of Costa Rica. Check out this 'Welcome!' video that Ticos made for Mr. Obama.

They are such lively and gracious people.

At the 1:19 mark, students from the Colegio de Señoritas make a cameo. Those spiffy uniforms have been a staple of the all-girls school for many, many decades.

On an immigration note, there have never been waves of Costa Ricans (as this Wikipedia article correctly notes) coming to the US of A, due to the tiny nation's economic and political stability and its high literacy rate. In fact, Costa Rica is a retirement haven of sorts for Americans who appreciate the beaches, climate, low cost of living, Arenal volcano (pictured below), rainforests and great café.

Mr. Arnott Loves his Bow and Arrows

An article about "Pops" (pictured) my archery instructor. This past week we learned how to hit a rolling target. An interesting experience for a near-sighted, recovering yuppie like me.

Unlike the Hunger Games movie, the mood during our class is merry.

Or should I say, happy, happy, happy.

Stealing from the Rich, Vegas-Style

Check out this trailer for a movie (about a group of magicians with a socio-economic agenda) that will debut on May 31. Looks intriguing, but as a bohemian/fuddy-duddy, I usually hold out for the 'parental reviews' before I commit my money, time, and soul.

Post-Draft Fun

                                       The 2013 NFL Draft is officially OVAH.

But this commercial is too cute (girly word!) not to post.

Real-life rookie sensation: Eric Fisher, a Chippewa and Everyman.

Chris Broussard: He Used the Word 'Sin'

How refreshing and bold.

Ya think Chris (an ESPN reporter) will back down and apologize once the 'tolerant' haters start asking for this modern John the Baptist's head?

Maybe not, given his post-statement.

Update: ESPN, however, is not ready for an outspoken Christian to come out of the closet.

Stossel in the Classroom: 2013 Essay Contest

For the third year in a row, I served as an essay reader/evaluator for John Stossel's (the investigative reporter) contest.

And for the 2012-13 school year, students, ages 13-18, were asked to write a 500-1000 word essay on the following topic:

In John Stossel's TV special and book of the same name, "No They Can't," Stossel makes the case that free people and free markets do a better job of solving problems than government. Do you think he's right? Why or why not?

The contest winners have now been announced.

First place went to Noelle Rutland, 17, who attends a public school in St. Petersburg, FL.

Second place was awarded to Chelsea Martinez, 16, who attends a private, Christian school in San Lorenzo, California.

Third place went to Madeline Peltzer, 14, a homeschooler from Arizona. Her essay on  'education monopolies' is quite the read!*

Congratulations to the winners, finalists, honorable mentions, and teachers.

Update: Stossel in the Classroom offers a free DVD - Good Intentions Gone Wrong - to educators.

*My way of complimenting the writer's intelligence.

Property Rights and 'Peasants with Pitchforks'

Last week Tom Rice, a former American history public school teacher, gave an interesting talk on the United Nations and Agenda 21 at the Emmet County fairgrounds bldg. in Petoskey, MI.

He explained that Agenda 21 is not a treaty, a law, or even an executive order. But that A-21, a byproduct of the radical environmental movement, is 'soft law.' That sounds appropriately European ... and anti-American.

But this 'sustainablility' movement - a witches brew of draconian zoning laws, international building codes, and perpetual conservation easements - has gained momentum due to a push by local public officials.

What I also found interesting was the high level of interest on the topic - about 100 (very attentive) people turned out to hear him on a weekday night for a nuts-and-bolts, two-hour presentation.

Before the talk, folks perused the New American magazines that Tom, et. al., brought. Nice to see people - at a public venue - not glued to a smart phone! Nice to also see them so concerned about property rights.

                                                     


                                                               Part of Tom's speech ...

Sun. Inspiration: Collin Klein, Waiting on God's Will

Collin Klein, the Kansas State quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate and all-around clean-cut guy, was not selected during the 2013 NFL draft. Not in round 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7.

However, it looks like his wish, to be an NFL player, may still come true.

K-Stated reports: "Interested teams began calling as soon as the draft ended, and he [Klein] was quickly presented with several quality options.

After evaluating them with his family and his agent, he decided to sign a free-agent contract with the Houston Texans.

'Everything happens for a reason,' Klein said by phone. 'I’m so happy to be able to compete and be a Texan.

Klein will soon travel to Houston and compete for a roster spot at the team’s rookie camp. He said the Texans are interested in him as a quarterback ... "

Read more here: http://blogs.kansas.com/kstated/2013/04/27/after-going-undrafted-collin-klein-excited-to-sign-free-agent-deal-with-houston-texans/#storylink=cpy

Here's part of his tweet: Collin Klein ✔@ckleincat7

I am so excited and honored to be given a chance to compete for the Houston Texans! #Godisgood #gotowork

Great attitude!

About the photo: I snapped Collin at the Heisman press conference in NYC, Dec. 2012.

Religious QB Update: The fellow Collin is most frequently compared to has been released from the Jets. Canada, Tim?

The Multimedia Post: A Night at 'Les Mis'

The local Christian school presented Les Miserables: A New Drama. Below is the story I wrote about the play.

Some of the teen-aged cast members, including the lead, Jean Valjean (far right).

Maranda Ginop, the play's 22-year-old director. Ms. Ginop is a former homeschooler

and former math student of the Ironman.

Clip from the drama.

Here's Cortez Ellis, a North Central Michigan College student, giving an insta-review after Act 1.

Hello 'Pink' Moon

It looked so pretty, last night, that I snapped a photo.

Sunday Inspiration: When Homeschoolers do a play

Wyandotte, Michigan: Funny Oops

Cinco de Mayo blooper ...

Dr. Rouzier: Good Samaritan

Another acquaintance from my family's Amherst days made the news ...

Dr. Pierre Rouzier (pictured), the UMass/Amherst sports physician, was volunteering at the Boston Marathon (working triage) when the explosions occurred.

Fortunately, he wasn't hurt, and Dr. Rouzier was able to use his skills to comfort the afflicted.

Read the story here. It's quite the gripping (and heartwrenching) tale!

Anthony, the doc's son, was on my youngest son's Pop Warner football team.

Update: The doc gets interviewed by Jake Tapper of CNN.

Of Dodgeball and Orphans

As another squishy school board is cracking down on the'violent' game of dodgeball,

 it amounted to a subversive pleasure to attend a community-wide, bracket-style dodgeball tournament.

 (Click on article, if you want to read the story I wrote.)

Below are the photos I snapped of the silliness of (mostly) guys flinging and dodging pastel-colored rubber balls. Some of the participants donned fun, goofy get-ups. There was even a 'toilet bowl' championship game for the, uh, less gifted players. Proceeds from the tournament went toward a good cause - Central American orphans.

Oh, the violence, the violence ...

Purty colors.

Two members of the Hospitality Specialist team.

Requisite zombie.

A trio who were Rockin4theMan ... Man = God.

Scrum-like.

Winners of the Gold Toilet Bowl Cover - Psalms 91. (Yeah, that really is the team's name.)

Easy there, laddie. You wouldn't want to annoy the dodgeball police.

I Love a Good Gaffe by Know-it-All Journalists

Thanks to Larry K. for making me aware of this story about 'UMass/Amherst' winning the D-III national hoops championship (men).

Repeat after me, Anthony Lenahan, a Lord Jeff is not a Minuteman, a Lord Jeff is not a Minuteman, a Lord Jeff ...

The Iron Lady Rests

Ah, the classy Mrs. Thatcher. Perhaps the best and bravest female political leader the modern world has known.

Back in 1998, I heard her speak in Springfield, MA and wrote an opinion piece about how her visit attracted a throng of left-wing protestors. Jolly good fun!

Since I was 'pro-Thatcherite' (although, honestly, I did find her talk a little boilerplate), the letters of dissent came came fast and furious.

But this wasn't the first time I saw her in action.

My mom and I visited London (back in my salad days). We happened to walk by 10 Downing Street, as the prime minister - impeccably dressed - came out the door. I even managed to snap a photo, like a paparazzi.

 I should go dig the pix out of the basement and scan it and post it, shouldn't I? In the meantime, a video where the Iron Lady brilliantly rails against wealth redistribution, the European central bank, and the liberalism of the MPs in her midst.

Not Your Father's Vocational Education

My latest piece, for the Heartland Institute of Chicago, is about vocational education.

Education Reform in Egypt

Congratulations to Mahmoud Salama who was recently awarded a masters degree from Mansoura University located in Mansoura City, Egypt.

That's Mahmoud in the middle. We exchanged cordial emails, over the past few years, about home education.

Click on the photo to better see the actual title of his dissertation. 

Getting into the Big Dance Spirit

I'm not trying to provoke the Wolverines that live in my neighborhood ... especially with a little kitty cat to protect.

 

I'm just excited that my alma mater will be playing in the Final Four this weekend. 

Homemade! Can't you tell?

Go 

'Cuse!

Agenda 21: Cutting Through the Propaganda

Nancy S. on "Sustainable Development" at Emmet County Republican Women's Meeting in Petoskey, 3/18

Nine principles of Agenda 21:

1. Move citizens off private land and into high-density urban housing.

2. Create vast wilderness spaces inhabited by large canivores.

3. Reduce traffic congestion and slash fuel use by eliminating cars and creating "wallable" cities.

4. Support chosen private businesses with public funds to be used for "sustainable development."

5. Make policy decisions that favor the greater good over individuals.

6. Drastically reduce the use of power, water, and anything that creates urban pollution."

7. Continue to use bureaucracies to make sweeping decisions outside of democratic processes.

8. Further increase taxes, fees, and regulations.

9. Implement policies meant to incentivize a reduced population (i.e. "one-child" type mandates).

More here and here and here.

Being Schooled by Bobby Flay

My latest article at the Weekly Choice/Charlevoix County News. 

Law & Order Waiter: Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette

A pair of photos I snapped of AG Schuette as he schmoozed/poured coffee at the February 9th Reagan Birthday Celebration Dinner hosted by the Republicans of Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, and Otsego counties.

Schuette, who spoke to the group gathered at the Stafford’s Perry Hotel in Petoksey, described himself, among other things, as a “Second Amendment Attorney General” with a “keen interest in gun safety” and “who will fight to keep your right to bear arms.”

Eagle Scout: Mike Sullivan

During the January Emmet County Republican Women's meeting, Michael Sullivan (middle) was honored with a 'State of Michigan Special Tribute' by Rep. Frank Foster (left) and State Sen. Howard Walker (right). The tribute (signed by Gov. Rick Snyder) was given to Mike for achieving Eagle Scout, the Boy Scouts of America highest achievement rank.

For his Eagle Scout project, Mike, who is a student at Petoskey (MI) High School, built shelves for a local food pantry.

Congratulations, young man!

More here.

In Miami, FIU: Richard Pitino Coaching a Game

I caught a Panthers hoops game last week. Rick's son is the head coach of the men's team.

Petoskey: Sanctity of Life Sunday

 Today, a group of us braved the wind, ice, and cold (10 degrees!) to do a little activism on behalf of 'life.'

Zion Lutheran Church was were we met (before we started our walk on the street).

After the mini march, I brought my 'statement' to the local P 'ugh' P.

For more information, visit the National Right to Life site and RTL/Michigan

Also Students for Life of Michigan.

Steeve Jean of Port-Au-Prince

I recently had the opportunity (at a church in Harbor Springs) to meet Steeve. Among other things, he dreams of starting an IT school in Haiti.

An engaging presentation and vision. Take a listen.

Chatting with Collin Klein in NYC (Heisman Presser)

NYC: Interviewing Manti (Heisman Trophy Presser)