Every day during Spring Break, Victor painted lines on the athletic field and changed air conditioner filters at his school. Then he painted a potting shed and two dugouts before moving on to paint a fence around the perimeter of the institution. Although Victor–at age 16–was not a member of
After years of kicking around auditions and struggling to survive waiting tables, Oscar gets his big break. It’s a small part admittedly-actually only one line-but for the first time, he has the chance to act in a real show. On Broadway, no less. Oscar attends every rehearsal and practices his
What is the one sound that resonates more than any other? What is the one sound that no one can ignore? What is the one sound that makes everyone respond viscerally, at the deepest level below conscious awareness? A jet engine is annoying, loud, disturbing, unpleasant. Firecrackers going off can
In 1962, James Meredith became the first Black man to attend the University of Mississippi. Just prior to Mr. Meredith’s enrollment, the Governor of Mississippi, Ross Barnett, tried to convince the president of the United States that Meredith should not be allowed to matriculate. The governor, representing the opinion of
The son of a farmer has done a service–saving the kingdom from invaders, perhaps, or slaying a particularly recalcitrant dragon–and the king is grateful. The king insists that, as repayment for his heroic deed, the farmer’s son accept a gift, any gift he desires. Gold, jewels, land, wealth beyond imagining
An attractive 30-something bank employee approached me as I stood in line at the teller window yesterday. “Interest rates have never been lower,” she began without preamble. As our previous interactions had never exceeded conversations of the “Nice day” variety, I was intrigued by her wide-eyed enthusiasm. “There has never
One of my ultra-marathon buddies said: “I’ve always believed that I can win any race if the event is long enough. I’m never going to be the fastest and I’m never going to be the strongest, but I believe I can keep putting one foot in front of the other
Should your adolescent children be encouraged to watch the news on television? Before reminding me that “an informed populace is the hallmark of a strong democracy” think about what you, an adult, get from televised news. Do you acquire information unobtainable elsewhere? Do you learn what is going on in
Old School: Take your kids to the market to buy brownie mix. Consider whether the 15-ounce package for two dollars is a better value than the 30-ounce package for $3.59. Politely greet the cashier in the checkout line and introduce your child. Emphasize addressing the cashier as “Miss.” Demonstrate that
Any communication can be misinterpreted. Even the simplest of greetings can be processed in multiple ways. “Good morning” can be non-committal, inviting, or threatening. “Good morning” can be heard as an invitation to conversation or as a dismissive end to one. For an example of the contemptuous salutation look no
Copyright © David Altshuler 1980 – 2024 | Miami, FL • Charlotte, NC | (305) 978-8917 | [email protected]
