Dear Younger Self | wprnPublicRadio.com
Read by Jen Winters | Written by Adam Scull
Dear Younger Self,
The Casual Observer | wprnPublicRadio.com
Old Sayings – In Songs. (Vol.1)
Written by Rob Demarco – Read by Adam Scull
Old Sayings – In Songs. (Vol.1)
We hear and read ‘Old Sayings’ all the time. It occurred to me that many have been put into song, some verbatim and some just referred to. Here are a few I thought of and I invite WPRN readers and listeners to add to the list as well:
. Beauty is only skin deep. The Temptations released a recording in 1966 using the entire line as the song’s title. They added ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah.’
. All is fair in love and war. The Brilliant 1973 album Innevisions by Stevie Wonder featured a song titled, All in Love is Fair.
. Don’t rock the boat. Also in 1973, The Hues Corporation had a big hit record, Rock the Boat.
. Easier said than done. A #1 hit in 1963 for The Essex.
. The child is the father of the man. This appeared on the debut album of Blood, Sweat & Tears in 1968
. A fool and his money are soon parted. Paul McCartney wrote a song titled Come and Get It for Badfinger and also appeared on the record. A line from the song is, ‘Will you walk away from a fool and his money.’
. Knock on wood. Eddie Floyd recorded this hit in 1966 with the great lyrics ‘You better knock, knock, knock…on wood.’
. Lightning never strikes twice in the same place. This was refuted by Lou Christie in his 1965 hit Lightning Strikes, by singing, ‘Lightning is striking again and again and again and again.’
. Every picture tells a story. A 1971 hit by Rod Stewart who asked, ‘Every picture tells a story, doesn’t it?’
. Love will find a way. A 1978 hit by the group Pablo Cruise with an encouraging line. ‘So keep your heart open ‘cause love will find a way.’
. Better to wear out than rust. On the album Rust Never Sleeps by Neil Young features his hit My My, Hey Hey Where he states, ‘It’s better to burn out than to fade away.’
. Easy come, easy go. This was the title to a song first released by Mama Cass in 1969, but Bobby Sherman made it a hit in 1970.
. Fake it till you make it. In their huge album Bookends, Simon & Garfunkel’s song, Fakin’ It, delivers this admission, ‘I’ve just been faking’ it, Not making it. This feeling of fakin’ it, I still haven’t shaken it.’
. All things must pass. This saying has its roots in the Bible and George Harrison titled a song and his double album, All Things Must Pass.
. It never rains but it pours. Albert Hammond’s 1972 hit, It Never Rains in Southern California delivers this line, ‘It never rains in California, but girl don’t they warn ya, It pours….man it pours.’
. Two heads are better than one. In her blockbuster album Court & Spark, Joni Mitchell’s version of Twisted she sings, ‘Because instead of one head, I got two. And you know two heads are better than one.’
. You can’t always get what you want. This same titled Rolling Stones monster hit adds to these words of wisdom by adding, ‘But if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need.’
To be continued…
Rural Life, A Guest Essay | wprnPublicRadio.com
Written by Adam Scull – Read by Amy Kahane
In the heart of a picturesque countryside, nestled between rolling hills and sprawling meadows, stood the serene village of Greenfield. Life in Greenfield flowed like a gentle stream, intimately connected with the rhythm of nature. From the break of dawn, the village awoke to the chorus of birdsong, farmers tending to their fields, and the faint scent of fresh dew in the air.
Generations of families had cultivated a simple yet fulfilling existence in Greenfield. Each day brought a sense of unity as neighbors gathered at the bustling market square, exchanging goods and stories. The tight-knit community thrived on shared values, celebrating local traditions and cherishing the bonds that tied them together.
In this rural haven, time seemed to embrace a slower pace, allowing moments of reflection beneath the sprawling oak trees or by the babbling brook that wound its way through the village. Children laughed and played freely, chasing after butterflies in the wildflower meadows or taking shelter in the shade of ancient orchards.
As the seasons painted the landscape with their hues, Greenfield transformed like a canvas, showcasing the vibrant colors of blooming flowers in spring, the golden harvest fields of summer, the fiery foliage of autumn, and the blanket of pristine snow in winter. Each season carried its own magic, woven into the fabric of daily life.
Despite the simplicity, life in Greenfield wasn’t without its challenges. Harsh weather tested the resolve of farmers, and the changing times occasionally whispered winds of modernity that encroached upon tradition. Yet, the spirit of the village remained resilient, drawing strength from the deep-rooted connections forged through years of shared experiences.
In the heart of rural life, amidst the unspoiled beauty of nature and the warmth of community, lay a profound richness—a tapestry woven with the threads of simplicity, resilience, and an unwavering bond with the land. Greenfield stood as a testament to the enduring beauty and quiet splendor of rural life.
The Casual Observer | wprnPublicRadio.com
An Exclusive Interview with Mr. Ed
Written by Rob Demarco – Read by Adam Scull
An Exclusive Interview with MR. ED, The Talking Horse.
During the early 1960s a very popular TV sitcom was, “Mr. ED” which was a talking horse.
However, he only talked to his owner, Wilbur. It took a while for Wilbur to stop telling people Ed could talk because they thought he was crazy.
Many times Wilbur and Ed would discuss situations that came about in Wilbur’s life and Ed was quick to give his advice.
Ed retired from stardom in 1966 and moved to a very cozy ranch in the Simi Valley area of California. Ronald and Nancy Reagan were his neighbors and would visit Ed frequently, but the President never admitted to getting any advice from Ed during these visits.
Ed was very protective of his privacy and it took many attempts for me to secure an interview, but even though that was many years ago, I still think it’s worth revisiting.
It was a gorgeous, sunny California morning. I was taken by a golf cart to a barn where the interview would take place.
Ed kept me waiting about forty minutes but eventually, he sauntered up to the barn door.
Here is my Exclusive interview, unedited:
Casual Observer: “Mr. Ed, I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is to meet you, I loved your show,”
ED: Silence
CO: “How about if we just get warmed up with a few background questions?”
“Some people think that you can’t talk. They think the director had peanut butter rubbed on your gums, and when you moved your mouth around and they dubbed in someone’s voice”
ED: Silence
CO: “Is that true, Ed?”
ED: Silence
CO: “ You really can’t talk, can you?”
ED: Silence
The Casual Observer | wprnPublicRadio.com
Two-Headed Baby Bites Dog
Written by Rob Demarco – Read by Adam Scull
Got your attention? It has been the mantra of the news media since day one that if a dog bites a man, it’s not news. But if a man bites a dog, well, That’s News!
In the great days of newspapers, there was a true effort to get it right. Be accurate to maintain the newspaper’s credibility. In most cases, reports were factual and a lot less political. Sure, you could tell which direction the paper was leaning but what was most important was to address an issue and work toward a most beneficial solution. There were always different opinions but there was far more cooperation for the common good.
The advent of 24-hour news stations caused major changes in how people got their news. Unless there is something major going on, there is not enough news to fill 24 hours. Competition between networks led to more of a P.T. Barnum / Tabloid approach of sensationalizing the news. Stations produced more talk shows and talk shows thrive on controversy, opinion, and confrontation with the hosts stoking the fire content, ignoring the truth, and bending facts to meet their political agendas.
Who can you trust these days for the Truth? Lying has become commonplace, and accountability and integrity have fallen by the wayside. Divisiveness has hit an all-time high and respect for people’s right to have a different point of view is at an all-time low. Talk is cheap. Listening to each other is cheaper.
Education | wprnPublicRadio.com
Our Failing Education System – Part 1
Reported By Adam Scull
Special education, also known as special-needs education, is the practice of educating students to accommodate their individual differences, disabilities, and special needs.
Educating our young population today, is akin to parenting, perhaps the second most difficult profession to master. To the layperson, it might appear simplistic and rote, but that is a misnomer, as we routinely face enormous responsibilities and challenges annually. This is not a job, it is a calling. Although we wear many hats, our dedication and support is evident. All students are respected, nurtured, and encouraged to be active participants in the learning process. We work in tandem with other educators to ensure individual growth and creativity. Our focus is always on the child, whether gifted, special needs or other.
That’s Ivy Penzell, an elementary education teacher who has worked with special needs students over her twenty-five-year tenure,
Unfortunately, there is a big concern, as we face a tremendous void in the field of education throughout the country today. Special Education likely takes the lead. The profession as it stands now, has a higher rate of burnout than most others. There are several reasons, and if this exodus is not addressed accordingly, our students will ultimately pay the price.
How do you parcel out your time when you have to work with a student alone?
This is determined in tandem with the general education teacher. The student and I might work in the classroom, and/or with a small group of students or one-on-one depending on the circumstances. It’s important to assess the student’s skills, whereby patience is key and the teacher needs to establish a safe environment for the student. The time allotment would usually be one period approximately 30-45 minutes. We are burdened with responsibilities that take us from our classrooms. Special Education teachers often have to deal with behavioral issues, as well as multiple disabilities, tailoring lessons for each student. By the same token, inclusive classes can be overwhelming for students who haven’t disabilities, as they are unaccustomed to dealing with those who do.
Do you believe Individual Education Plans are important?
Yes, they are an integral part of special education teaching. They are important tools that address each student’s learning needs.
Are there enough Special Education teachers to fulfill their obligations to the students
No. Special Education students often lose out because there aren’t enough Special Education teachers to accommodate their needs.
Special education programs are primarily facing larger enrollment and decreasing budgets. Teachers need as much support as their students. We’re already 2 weeks into the new school year, and principals are still scrambling for teachers. This impacts the entire system. Last year, there were 36,500 teacher vacancies, and 51,000 teachers and staff who left their jobs in June of 2023, and the numbers continue to escalate. We are experiencing the worst teacher shortage in history! There is so much more we can do if we work together. Teaching has always been a noble profession and it needs to be recognized and rewarded as such. We are the catalysts for future generations of children and are privileged to touch the future with them.
When and why did you decide to become an educator?
I had a 5th-grade teacher, Mr. Joeseph Conlon. He was the first educator who took an interest in me and changed my life. He saw something in me that I hadn’t realized. Promise. With his guidance from that moment on I became a very good student, and never looked back.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Seeing progress and making a difference in my student’s lives. There’s nothing more gratifying than watching their eyes light up as they gain confidence and begin to master their reading and math skills.
Have you encountered any specific challenging behavioral issues in your classroom?
Yes, I’ve handled them with patience and consistency, working closely with the student, parents, and school psychologist.
How would you integrate a student with learning disabilities in the classroom?
I would educate the other students about learning disabilities, to encourage acceptance. In addition, I would ensure the needs of the students were met through accommodations and modifications.
What teaching strategies do you prefer and why?
I use hands-on activities in conjunction with direct teaching. The hands-on activities allow students to learn through experience, and the direct instruction ensures the students understand what’s being taught.
What do you see for the future of special needs teaching?
If the present trend continues as it is now, the at-risk children will not be prepared to sustain a successful future for themselves and their families. The educational system is greatly impacted by the bureaucracy, particularly in Florida where the red tape supersedes the urgent needs of the community.
The poet William Butler Yates penned the following, “Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” This is the reason I teach, this is the reason we all do.
Welcome to the first in a series of readings called The Book Nook on WPRN PublicRadio, where finding short stories and sections of books that carry emotional depth and meaning to a broader audience of readers and listeners is our mission.
Arts & Culture | The Book Nook | wprnPublicRadio.com
Written by randall “Jay” andrews | Read By Adam Scull
Randall “J”Andrews, a writer in Los Angeles for twenty-five years, spent the first twenty working as a scriptwriter in Hollywood and has penned over forty manuscripts. He was the fiftieth president of South West Manuscripters, founded by Ray Bradbury, Steve Allen, and Rod Serling.
Randall taught writing after his postgraduate degrees in English Literature from Washington State University, Central Washington University, and the University of Washington. He founded the publishing company JaCol Publishing, and currently runs a series of boot camps for writers, helping with plot, narrative, pace, theme, and the three-act structure, as well as full editing for clients on any genre. He is the founder of Writers World, an online critique room with thousands of writers, and continues to hone his craft, having put out seven novels during CoViD.
Saving Grace
Twenty some years ago, when I lived in Eastern Washington, I was out at a lake one busy summer day enjoying the heat of an Indian day. I wasn’t a father and I didn’t have any major responsibilities outside of rounding out my education and taking in what youth was still in my body. It was a good time to be alive, mid-twenties, good shape; family members since gone still alive. It was a far better time than I realized, but isn’t that how it always is?