Why blog, anyway?

#2016bestnine via Instagram

This blog is neglected. I started it two years ago as a way to gather creative ideas and reflect on personal experiences in opposition to my professional teaching blog, Symphony of Ideas. That hasn’t happened. At least not in as substantive a manner as I had hoped.

And I know what the problem is: Discipline. At the beginning of 2017, one of my resolutions for the new year was to publish a post here weekly. Didn’t happen. Then, Harvard Business Review was kind enough try to motivate me with Jennifer Porter’s article, Why You Should Make Time for Self-Reflection (Even If You Hate Doing It). Still didn’t happen.

Now, the summer vacation offers precious time. If I don’t start making a habit of writing now, it would take a miracle to build the habit after the next school year begins.

The ace up my sleeve is Connected Learning MOOC. They’re the ones who got me hooked on digital publishing and online sharing in the summer of 2013, and without any major life events scheduled, I plan to participate this summer less peripherally than in the past. You should too! Sign up for CLMOOC here.

Why blog? Who knows? Just write, share, and see where it leads.

June 27, 2016 at 08:29AM

Based on the responses I’ve seen, #Brexit is like trying a spontaneous divorce to cope with a midlife crisis.

via Twitter

How to melt chocolate

Ren wanted to melt a small piece of chocolate, but I wouldn’t let him use the microwave. His solution? Chew it until it melts, then spit it into a bowl. Gross but impressive.

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March 08, 2016 at 05:28PM

Programming is about one person doing hours of needless work to save many people from doing hours of needless work.

via Twitter

The US political establishment

While I’ve enjoyed being excessively busy this week, the political fabric of the US unravels.

The two party system is crumbling.

Both parties have serious contenders whose platforms only vaguely resemble party orthodoxy. While it’s a change I whole heartedly support, it will take courage to see the process through. Let’s hope it stays civil and peaceful.

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I need a hobby.

Realized that I don’t do anything purely for fun. Must be a byproduct of being very serious about many aspirations.

I enjoy writing and making music, but they always feel like work.

Preferably something outdoors and with other people, my wife in particular. Golf comes to mind, or tennis. Hiking? Perhaps integrating photography? Gardening? Not in Tokyo. Maybe some form of making like pottery?

Suggestions welcome!

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Flu day

I don’t have the flu, but there is a flu epidemic in Japan at the moment and my school leadership has decided to close the school on Monday in an attempt to prevent further infection. A very wise decision that I support on many levels.

We need to slow down. This culture of working through illness is partially to blame for illness in the first place! Sick people, stay home!

Fine, I’ll stay home for you. Not sad about it.

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