Author Archives: Allen Astin
Why I want the Texas Longhorns to go all the way.
We live in a universe that cooperates. Our planets and sun work perfectly together to maintain our solar system. In an ecosystem, plants, animals, weather, topography, and a host of other variables all work together to create a thriving whole. … Continue reading
Grandma’s Vegan Chili
Go directly to a PDF of the recipe (or scroll down):Grandma’s Vegan Chile Recipe Not all chili is created equal. To be called chili, the dish must transform the soul and make the world a better place. My mom’s chili … Continue reading
In this time of divisiveness, there is a way to greatness for our beautiful and amazing country.
The framers of our constitution were men who had a kaleidoscope of divergent ideas, but they shared the ability to work together, compromise, and solve problems with ideas. With the divergent viewpoints on abortion dividing our country, I say that … Continue reading
An Analogy Between Geocentricism and Nationalism
The scientific revolution that took place in the 16th and 17th century changed our thinking and the way we saw the world. Copernicus showed us that the earth was not the center of the universe. He showed us that the … Continue reading
Assignment: Create A Two-Minute Video
There was a virtual job fair for teachers and the assignment was to: “Create a two-minute video, or elevator pitch, telling us how you will positively impact our students. Be yourself and show us what sets you apart from other … Continue reading
Where Do We Find Strength?
What do you think of when I say “strong and invincible”? Does it conjure up images of superheroes and mighty warriors? Why is it that we excessively honor, praise, and salute physical dominance when this quality is only one patch … Continue reading
Who Are You?
Throughout history, millions of good people have been on the wrong side of issues, not because of the facts, but because of an identity absorbed from their family, religion, peers, or because of their own feelings about who they are … Continue reading
Finding Ourselves
We fought for independence from tyranny. We fought to end slavery. We fought for a woman’s right to own property and vote. We fought to end sweatshops and child labor. Gandhi, Malcolm, Martin, and thousands of others fought for justice … Continue reading
The Beauty That Is Justice
If a child steals a lollypop, what should be the consequence? Can the child learn something from this experience? Does the child want to live in a world where their own things are stolen? Should the consequences be different based … Continue reading