For the past few years, one of the first reading/writing tasks I’ve asked students to take on is to think about their “Landmark Texts,” those books that left a mark on them as both readers and teachers. I start out by sharing my own landmarks… texts that changed me in some way or that I go back to over and over again. Last year, these five texts were: A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett (A gift from my [...]
On Sunday evening, I had the pleasure of attending a concert at the minor-league ballpark in Geneva, Illinois. On the lineup were a The Congregation, Andrew Bird, and Wilco. I’ve seen Wilco three or four times, but never in a venue as large, or as packed, as the Fifth Third Ballpark. As I sat in the stands and enjoyed the music, I thought about all of the musical talent being displayed before me. Jeff Tweedy, the face and lead singer/guitarist [...]