Some thoughts to “leaf” you with today:
Archive for June 12, 2014
America’s Shame
That’s what President Obama calls it, and I agree. He also pointed out that “we’re the only developed country on earth where this happens.” And it happens once a week!
It’s well past time to put aside politics and debates over Constitutional rights and come together–reason and act together–to stop school shootings!
Are Your Laurels Worth Resting On?
“You just want to rest on your laurels.” Is that your hind-quarter, your back, your elbows, or what? Today I briefly take chalk in hand to explain this odd phrase and how its meaning has changed. (Then I’ll put my bun, ruler, and other old-fashioned teacher stuff away for awhile again.) The phrase “rest on your laurels” means, of course to be totally satisfied with what you’ve already achieved, to the point that you don’t see the need or have the desire to improve. It’s really rather negative, used as an insult. But it didn’t begin that way. It goes back to Ancient Greece, where a laurel wreath was given one as a sign of victory in games. Then the phrase meant that the person was triumphant, and those who won one were expected to go on to bigger and greater achievements, not sit around feeling that they’ve done enough in their lives–today’s meaning. So, enjoy life’s little victories. And, remember, laurels are to be preserved and appreciated; if you rest on them they get squished, wither, and die.
Interesting D-Day Facts
D-Day was the largest-scale over-water attack in the world’s history. Today is its 70th anniversary. Read other interesting facts about this historical event by going to an article in the Constitution Daily.
What’s an American Worth?
Let’s look at value. There’s much controversy over the prisoner trade to get Bowe Bergdahl back home after spending five years in Taliban captivity. Of course, there would be less brouhaha if elections weren’t coming up. But let’s set aside the politics, the “what-ifs,” and “should-haves” for awhile and ask what I think is an important question: How many Taliban members does it take to equal one American? The answer, obviously, is five, making a single American pretty valuable.
Take that, Taliban!