It seems to me everyone is pissed off, whether it is on the road, in the airport, at the store, or the fast food drive thru, the world is pissed. It seems like anger has become our go to emotion. Sometimes there are real good reasons to be angry, however in some cases it seems anger has become the norm. I'm thinking that's not a good thing. It can be manipulated, if anger is directed in one direction, individuals, and countries are not looking in the direction of real atrocities. If anger becomes a norm then we become desensitized to the actions and activities that truly are upsetting.

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I have had the pleasure to work at two fine Universities. Our academic institutions are the epicenters of divers thoughts, research, creativity and artistic expression. They benefit all in our society beyond their ivory covered walls. They open minds and the world to us. When a government steps in and attempts to regulate who is allowed to attend, and what they can learn, it is the ultimate form of suppression. Creating a dependent society, that is afraid or unable to question, and where the truth is just assumed. I find it ironic that our oldest University in the United States, that is locate in same place where the fight against the tyranny of a King was born, is standing up for the freedom to be able to teach and learn. Standing up for the smaller schools, students and all who benefit from ,and are not threatened by knowledge and the confidence to question.

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Before I get any farther let me make it clear I do not support the policies of the current administration on any level. I am a life long Democrat. Now, having said that I cannot deny that Donald Trump is the greatest political communicator in the history of this country. One does not overcome all he has and get re-elected to the Presidency without that skill set. He is a master of persuasion, marketing and consistent messaging. He has manipulated the media like no other, and for some outlets it has become profitable. He has controlled the news cycle He has added words to our lexicon, Fake News, Witch Hunt. He is a master brander. Instead of saying how unfair things are the Democrats need to learn from him. Also, he is not stupid, in fact I would say he is very smart, and street smart. Until this is acknowledged the Democrats will never find their message. They will continue to whine unfair, and talk at people instead for to them. You don't have to like to message to learn from the messenger.

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In this episode I would like to share some of the poems I have written. Well, I call them poems, not sure what others may call them. These are a reflections of the impact that events and people have had on me through the years. In some way this is my way of sharing my gratitude and hope in the brightest and darkest hours, realizing it is the love of those that cross our paths than makes us who we are.

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In a day and age when the truth is becoming a novelty and our leaders can say what ever they want without consequences, we are indeed walking on thin ice. Those that question the message and check it for accuracy are the called fake and presented as the liar. The speed of the internet, social media propels a lie at the speed of sound. This manipulation, false messaging will eventually yield severe consequences, as we sift through the results of this rhetorical wreckage.

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After a long cold snowy winter in the Northeastern part of the United States, there is nothing better than the aroma of fresh cut grass to let you know spring has arrived. This magical fragrance transforms me into a different time, memories of my youth in the yard, summer approaching, about to break free from the shackles of the classroom. Just a whiff of this grass brings loved ones long gone back to life as their memories embrace me. A bouquet of warmth, peace, love and energy. All this from a lawnmower.

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As a week of celebration for an extraordinary leader and pastor, Pope Francis, the peoples Pope comes to an end, I am once again overwhelmed with the power and peace for faith. Not faith defined by a certain denomination or particular religion but just faith. When faith it truly lived and taught by those that live it, then there is not fear, well except if you are being chased by a grizzly bear. All the power of faith and love, over shadows ego and its by product fear. Faith in each other, not faith in power. As they said in the 60's,"keep the faith."

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Unlike Santa Clause the Easter Bunny is an animal. While growing up and still to this day when I see Santa in the mall, at brunch, or ringing a bell on the street I can make the connection, he is a nice plump man with a beard. The Easter Bunny however is a completely different animal. First of all, he is an animal! So when I'm at the mall or Easter Brunch and some dude in a bunny costume with eyes and a mouth that do not move starts waving, I get freaked out. It looks more like a character from a slasher movie with those bulging eyes and frozen grin. This is not a bunny, it's a nightmare come to life!! Where's the real Bunny not some freak show!! Happy Easter.

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