Horse Manure Park

Albert Einstein once said something like, "The world can't be changed without changing our thinking."  Like most stuff Einstein said, he was spot on.  You could say he was kind of an Einstein. I've heard an unconfirmed rumor that cursive writing, "adult writing," as the Girl calls it, will no longer be taught in elementary.  I don't know if this is true; however, the fact that no lessons have been included in her curriculum up to this point makes me think it is so. This is disappointing, although I do understand the rationale. We are in a technological age.  Computers, tablets, smart phones... these gadgets are not a fad.  They are not going away.  Considering the pressure teachers are under with the "no child left behind" act, it does seem a massive waste of time to be teaching students something they have no practical use for; cursive handwriting is no longer considered essential. Yes, it is a dying art form.  I can see a day when cur...

Why is it that we don't really know that much about a person or their accomplishments until after they've passed away?  I'm not sure why it works that way, but it seems to be one of life's truths. Perhaps it is our natural inclination to be modest about ourselves.  Most of us simply have a tendency to minimize what we've done in life, no matter how big or small, and it isn't until we pass that others celebrate our life that was. You could say it's one of the tragedies of life. I'm thinking of this today for a number of reasons.  First, my uncle and aunt recently passed away (in September and February, respectively).  At both of their funerals, in place of a eulogy, the minister asked the congregation to share a stories and memories. It was an opportunity to laugh, cry and reflect on a life well lived. In a short time, many stories were told - most of which I had never heard - and I found myself thinking, "I wish I had known that before....