A day in the life
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The LTEL Problem Might be a Testing Problem
One of the biggest ongoing challenges in ESL education is the growing number of Long-Term English Learners (LTELs). This is a cohort of students who are not considered proficient in English after the designated amount of time given by the federal and state governments. This timeframe ranges anywhere between 5 and 7 years depending on… Continue reading
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You’re not a Spartan. Our Troops are not Spartans. We don’t need a Spartan mindset.
The Spartan warrior as a symbol for ferocity, courage, and strength is a common symbol throughout the United States. In fact, just the other day I drove by a sign for a dojo called Spartan Martial Arts. On a larger scale there are the Spartan Races where you run around a bunch of tough obstacles… Continue reading
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Crusader as a Mascot
I have always had an aversion to the crusader mascot that many christian schools use for their teams. Even before I knew much about the Crusades, I thought of it as quasi-colonialism and celebrating the forcing of faith through the use of the blade. But I was never fully able to put to words how… Continue reading
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White Supremacy: Liberal Language
It’s been a minute since I have written anything. I have several writing projects planned and in process. I am excited about them, but they are all time consuming projects and will get done when they get done. In the meantime, a lot is going on in the world of American politics. I’m not here… Continue reading
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Exploring Figurative Language Across Cultures
Something that has always fascinated me is how figurative language can capture tiny chunks of culture. For example, in the United States when we want to say something is familiar to us we tend to say one of two expressions. (1) I can say/do that with my eyes closed; or, (2) I know it like… Continue reading
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Easy and Secure Voting Options in Minnesota: A Guide
Recently, I was a poll judge for the state primary elections. One of the things that opened my eyes was the number of people who were concerned about the upcoming presidential election. Some expressed it directly by asking what measures the city and state were taking to ensure safety and security at the November general… Continue reading
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Listening to Half American by Matthew F. Delmont: I will never view WWII the same.
I have read a lot of WWII history. A lot. Not only that, I grew up on the History Channel when they still showed actual history. But I haven’t had a book shake my core beliefs and values in the same way as when I listened to the audiobook version of Half American by Matthew… Continue reading
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On Palestine, Israel, and Colonialism
The author, a human rights advocate, contextualizes antisemitism, its historical roots, and contemporary presence. The article criticizes Israel’s policies, despite the complexities involved in critiquing a Jewish state, relating them to American actions towards Native Americans. It highlights oppressions faced by Palestinians, likening Israeli policies to war crimes and colonialism. The author argues for punishment… Continue reading
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Nazis in the GOP
Trigger Warning: This post contains images of neo-Nazis and discusses topics of racial hate, murder, and violence. You can tell a lot about the meaning of language based on the supporters of that language. For example, recently, Jason Aldean made a music video for one of his latest songs that caused quite a bit of… Continue reading
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Tornado Watches vs Warnings
As I was scrolling the Facebook reels during one of my insomnia fits, I ran across this video from April of a local meteorologist describing to her viewers the difference between a watch and a warning using this graphic. While I do enjoy tacos, and I think this graphic does a great job of explaining… Continue reading