I Despise Jalapeños

I live in Texas, where things like jalapeños are an important component of meals. Texans eat jalapeños with all kinds of things: bacon, beans, beef, chicken, pasta, eggs, fish, cheese – just about everything. It’s kind of an obsession in Texas, like sweet tea, chicken-fried steak, brisket, chili (without beans), kolaches, Tex-Mex, and more. I’m okay with most of these food items.

Except for jalapeños - I hate the stuff.

 

Not liking such a staple food makes me a bit of an outlier. I don’t much like chicken-fried steak or okra either, but I pretty much keep that to myself. The jalapeno thing can be a problem though when eating in a restaurant if a meal that otherwise looks appealing comes with jalapeños.

Bob Kendrick Should Be Commissioner of Baseball

It is long past time that Major League Baseball made a significant change that would alter the course of the sport for the better. MLB owners should name Bob Kendrick as Commissioner. Kendrick is President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, a well-respected man, and a tireless ambassador for the sport of baseball. He would be an exceptional choice to lead MLB into the future.

Afghan Refugee Olympian Disqualified For Protest

Manizha Talash, an Olympic break dance competitor in Paris, was disqualified for displaying a cape with “Free Afghan Women” clearly visible. Talash, also known as ‘b-girl Talash’ is an Afghan refugee living in Spain, and a member of the Olympic Refugee Team.

I Am Moving To A Pacific Atoll

Okay, probably not, but it sure is an attractive possibility. I have long been fascinated by South Pacific islands and atolls, and for years have entertained the possibility of visiting several. The weather is fantastic (year round daily average of 79°), the beaches and water are incredible, the coconut palm trees flutter their leaves gracefully in the ocean breeze, and the scenery is memorable. 

Americans Cole Hocker and Yared Nuguse Stun the World

You have to love the way Americans Cole Hocker and Yared Nuguse quietly took it all in and delivered when it counted. The U.S. 1500 meter Olympians spent the early days of the Paris games listening to two of their competitors brag about how great they were. When all was said and done, Cole and Yared came through in thrilling fashion.

Come On, White Sox – Hire Me!

The Chicago White Sox fired their manager and three coaches. So naturally, I applied for the manager’s job. I sent them a tweet announcing my availability for the position, and who knows? I may get the call any day. I was totally honest with them: I can’t do any worse, and it will cost them less to hire me than they were paying the former guy.

The Congressman's Secret

Just published: The Congressman's Secret, A Novella. 

Is the Congressman from West Texas who he says he is? Does he have a dark secret involving a famous crime from decades ago? Richie Conway thinks he knows the answer, and he’s going to do something about it.

 

New Teacher Blues?

Just released: ‘New Teacher Blues - How To Survive the First Years.’ Are you a new teacher? Do you know someone just starting out? My experience and this book can help. 

New Teacher Blues

In paperback and e-book, on Amazon.com.

Books For Teachers

 

Find these books on Amazon.

What's Your Station

Teaching Essay Writing

New Teacher Blues (coming soon)

Grow Up, Bryce Harper

Bryce Harper is 30 years old – in calendar years. In mental years, his age is substantially lower. The Phillies player proved his immaturity yet again on May 14 when he charged the Rockies dugout, apparently looking for a fight.

Benches have cleared in the Rockies-Phillies game

(via @NBCSPhilly)pic.twitter.com/2nSBv4OzVb

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 14, 2023

Books, Books, & More Books

 

Jonathan Stephens Is Hanging In There!

The Third Book in the Jonathan Stephens Series is out on Amazon: Jonathan Stephens Is Hanging In There!

Jonathan and his family are building a life in their new home, but many challenges await. Some of the strangest things are happening – unusual weather, and a pandemic require everyone to adapt and survive. Jon and his family are doing their best, and they are hanging in there!

Order now: Jonathan Stephens Is Hanging In There!

Prospect Spotlight: Nick Loftin

The Kansas City Royals have several top prospects in spring camp, and Nick Loftin is one who is getting a look. The 2020, 1st round pick out of Baylor is in a select group of young men with no pro experience invited to Spring Training - he’s the Royals #6 top prospect, and they are looking for Loftin to play a big role in the future of the team.

2023 update: Loftin spent the 2022 season at AA Northwest Arkansas and AAA Omaha. He slashed a combined .254/.333/.403 with 17 home runs, and 98 Ks in 516 ABs. Once again, he is a non-roster invitee to Spring Training.

We're Glad We Knew You

The last time I saw him, it was only for a brief moment – less than a minute. Had I known it would be our last conversation, I would have made it last longer. But at that moment, I was busy, he was busy, and we had about thirty seconds to say, "Hey, how you doing?" And then we were both on to other things.

A week later, he died.

Jonathan Stephens Is Moving!

The 2nd book in the Jonathan Stephens series is out now on Amazon: Jonathan Stephens Is Moving! 

Jonathan Stephens just got the worst news of his life. He and his family are moving. He just survived fourth grade, and now, getting ready for fifth grade, he will have to do it in a new city in a new state. The new place offers all kinds of new adventures and other things for Jon. Will he find new friends? What’s going to happen in the new school? Will there be hurricanes and floods? Who knows what awaits Jon in his new home.

Order now: Jonathan Stephens Is Moving!