Category Archives: America

What do we do after Zimmerman? Listen to Abuela

Posted on July 17, 2013 by chrisryanwrites

In the aftermath of the Zimmerman acquittal, with factions still wounded by the decision, groups still debating what happened, how it happened, what went right, what went wrong, and what it all means for the Americas (white America, black America, … Continue reading →

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To self-publish or not to self-publish?

Posted on July 9, 2013 by chrisryanwrites

Indie Author News has published “Should You Self-Publish Your First Book?” seen on Scott Berkun’s website. I am in no way The Expert, but I believe, as a self-publisher who has won two awards for my first novel City of … Continue reading →

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The Soft Knock of Manhood

Posted on June 25, 2013 by chrisryanwrites

There was a soft knock in the door at 5:30 this morning. A light tapping requesting admittance while not wanting to awake us abruptly as they returned from Project Graduation. There was a thoughtfulness to that knocking and that is … Continue reading →

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An Open Message to Graduates from a Parent

Posted on June 24, 2013 by chrisryanwrites

As we approach the solemn occasion of your high school graduation, it seems an appropriate time for parental confession. Here it is. We parents are liars, and have been lying to you for your whole lives. Please forgive us, but … Continue reading →

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After Eleven Years, Dad, What Can I Say?

Posted on April 25, 2013 by chrisryanwrites

Eleven years ago today, my father passed away. I’ve missed him every day since then. We didn’t always get along (hey, we’re Irish), but eventually that settled, especially after the kids were born. Once that happened, I called him just … Continue reading →

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What Message the Boston Marathon Bombing Really Sends

Posted on April 16, 2013 by chrisryanwrites

I have been struggling with what to say to my junior and senior students about the Boston Marathon bombings. I hate that this is the “latest terror attack” – the phrase delivers the twin defeats of acknowledging we now have … Continue reading →

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Education Reform Shouldn’t Get The Bum’s Rush

Posted on April 11, 2013 by chrisryanwrites

When is Spring Break not a vacation? When teachers spend it stressed about the future of their profession, their careers, tenure, pension, health benefits, ability to pay their mortgages, send their kids to college, feed them. Yeah, it is that … Continue reading →

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Class Warfare Should be a War on Ignorance

Posted on March 30, 2013 by chrisryanwrites

I would like to comment a bit on a fascinating book I read entitled Class Warfare by Stephen Brill. This nonfiction work chronicles the last few decades in American education battles, focusing on efforts to radically change how American students … Continue reading →

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On Writing: A Phone Call Writers Dream of

Posted on March 24, 2013 by chrisryanwrites

You can’t wait for it, will it, pay for it, or do it yourself, but every once in awhile, a blessing comes to writers. Something that re-energizes, that affirms beliefs, keeps the writing going. When it comes, embrace it, live … Continue reading →

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The Rule of 36

Posted on March 22, 2013 by chrisryanwrites

There was a time in my life when my deeply held beliefs and my passions were misread as anger or being “cranky.” That time was yesterday. In my continuing efforts to communicate ever-more clearly with the rest of the world, … Continue reading →

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