Category Archives: pop culture

The USA is stronger than a magazine cover

There is a controversy now about the latest cover of Rolling Stone Magazine. It features an apparently cleaned up version of a headshot of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, the surviving Boston Bomber. Some say Rolling Stone has made him “look like a … Continue reading

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What do we do after Zimmerman? Listen to Abuela

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?

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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On Writing: Penning Permission

Joanna Penn, a writer, author and blogger you must find if you do not currently follow her, got mad recently, reacting to “an article that came out this week on one literary agent’s blog about whether your publisher will let … Continue reading

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After Eleven Years, Dad, What Can I Say?

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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Tables Turned: someone else writes about me

So today, a very good article about me arrived. I believe in local journalism, and in utilizing it to build your base. Here’s hoping you find this article interesting. http://fb.me/2mLGXmJ5i Christopher Ryan is author of City of Woe, available on … Continue reading

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What Message the Boston Marathon Bombing Really Sends

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

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

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

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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