I was forced to write my fair share of boring papers and essays during my time at school. But, while there were instances when doing anything else in the world seemed preferable (cleaning the bathroom, answering calls from telemarketers, and sometimes even shoving hot pokers into my eyeballs), I can honestly say it never once crossed my mind to steal (or buy) someone else’s words.

Maybe it’s due to the fact that I am someone who always has and always will have a strong passion for writing, and I was—at that time in my life—working hard to reach a point where I could build a career on the written word.

More...

Reality is often stranger than fiction. When it is, I tend to wonder if I'm just part of someone's big cosmic joke (think Candid Camera on hallucinogenic steroids). One ongoing reality in particular—a war that shouldn't exist—makes me feel this way: evolution vs. creationism in public schools.

We live in the 21st century. But you wouldn't know it by all the efforts still aimed at removing the teaching of evolution in public school science classrooms or introducing creationism as a valid alternative to it. Those who advocate teaching "creation science" or "intelligent design" in America's schools are part of a decades-old movement. Yet, despite failing numerous times—even in the highest courts—they continue their bizarre quest. Why?

More...

Are you feeling like your best (and most productive) years are behind you—but are still craving the chance to go back to school for a fresh start, or to take care of unfinished business? Well, rest easy that you’re not alone. These nagging thoughts are common. But, the truth is many individuals are not jumping into college right out of high school, and even if they are, many come back in later years to complete their post-secondary education, or gain further skills and credentials.

This dilemma is close to my own heart. I followed the typical path out of high school: moving right on to college. However, thanks to all of life’s little twists and turns, I’ve never completed my degree, and am haunted by the fact that I didn’t. I want to show myself that I can do it, and I feel strongly that accomplishing my goal will help my children to understand that with hard work and dedication, they can achieve their own goals.

My friends often make fun of me for being a “Teeth Nazi.” I have a strict daily teeth cleaning regimen, am one of those mistrusted freaks who actually likes going to the dentist for cleanings, and have even been known to whip out my “purse floss” in some seriously unconventional locations. Hey, when you have to floss, you have to floss—especially when you are a black pepper fiend.

I think the root cause of my clean teeth obsession stems from my childhood. Being a hardcore apple juice addict led to more “baby teeth” cavities than I could count (probably literally at that age). But while I may enjoy visits to the dentist that involve leaving with blissfully clean teeth, when it comes to getting my face frozen beyond recognition, and my teeth drilled into, there is absolutely no love involved.

More...

Yes, I know: A Hollywood actor would probably not be anyone’s first choice for learning about an issue of critical importance to society. I mean, the world is full of actual experts, people who stake their entire lives and reputations on their deep knowledge of a single issue. And, really, most of us prefer celebrities to stay within their box of acting or music or whatever it is they are famous for. So, when Matt Damon and teacher tenure hooked up, many people—especially those on the right of the political spectrum—cried foul. “What does this rich, cursing Hollywood star understand about teacher tenure, anyway?”

Well, he seems to understand plenty.