21Aug 2017 by CJ

Winnie-the-Pooh is still teaching us lessons

Love & Relationships, Youth
On August 21, 1920, Christopher Robin Milne was born. For many of us, his name is immortalized in the stories of a lovable little boy and his favorite toy bear, more affectionately known as Winnie-the-Pooh. A.A. Milne was a prolific writer – books, plays, essays – but will forever be known for his creation of the beloved Winnie-the-Pooh series. History says that in 1925, Milne and his young family moved to a picturesque farm in Sussex – the 100-acre woods surrounding the property serving as the perfect magical setting for a series of children’s stories countless generations continue to admire. When young Christopher was around one, he received a present – a stuffed bear. That one stuffed animal would serve as the inspiration for a series of whimsical stories. Over…
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25Apr 2017 by CJ

Manners are your way of showing respect for someone

Life & Living, Youth
“Manners are a sensitive awareness of the feelings of others. If you have that awareness, you have good manners, no matter which fork you use.” - Emily Post
 Manners are the way people conduct themselves – their behavior towards others. Here’s an example of what I’m talking about. I once was acquainted with someone who made spending time together more of a chore than a pleasure. You’d call on a Monday, ask about seeing each other for dinner on a Friday, and find yourself waiting until Thursday for confirmation. Their typical response – “I’ll have to get back to you on that.” I always found that response to be puzzling. I mean, either you want to see me or you don’t, right? Yes, we all have to check our calendars,…
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13Dec 2016 by CJ

Sounds of the Christmas season are my favorites by far

Youth
Throughout December, reminders of the holidays captivate our senses. We marvel at the sights of dazzling twinkling lights, relish in the smell of freshly baked cookies and hum along to tunes we remember from our childhood. For me, the sounds of the Christmas season have always been my favorite. As a young child, I remember listening to songs about a magical snowman, and a one horse open sleigh. But as an adult, I find myself drawn to musical themes which many times parallel the realities during this time of year. One example came to me while driving on a roadway lightly covered with the season’s first snowfall. It was called Home On Christmas Day. One of the truest sounds of the Christmas season. The song was penned by talented songwriters Jay Landers…
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04Dec 2016 by CJ

Is there really a Santa Claus?

Youth
The internet is like a treasure trove of information. Forget that recipe for gingerbread cookies? What about the best way to clean red wine off your beige carpet? How about the population of the United States back in the early 1850's? Or even, is there really a Santa Claus? In a matter of minutes, you'll have answers to all your questions and still have plenty of time to check your local weather. But we all know there's a dark side to the internet, even though some recently polled college students proclaimed it was "as important as eating and breathing." Some examples would include cyber bullying, child pornography and Santa Claus. If that last one has thrown you, let me clarify. Many young children today are more computer savvy than some…
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30Oct 2016 by CJ

Prejudice is taught, not instinctive

Youth
“Racism isn't born, folks, it's taught. I have a two-year-old son. You know what he hates? Naps! End of list.” - Denis Leary Many times parents overlook the reality that they are in fact their child’s very first teacher. Children are incredibly impressionable, and therefore they often adopt the qualities and behaviors of their parents – the good, and unfortunately the bad as well. Children are not born prejudice towards other races. The don’t enter this world prepared to be homophobic. And while they understand there are differences, gender stereotypes are a non-issue. What they are born with is the capacity to love, to be accepting and perhaps most importantly to recognize that being different is not always a bad thing. As I said, parents are their child’s first teacher,…
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