Editor Peter Geiger reflects on the importance of educators. http://t.co/8ldMxpWQpF
Farmers' Almanac Blog
Honoring a National Treasure
I have been connected to education in a number of ways all my life. I had positive experiences through my formative years. I have adopted Montello Elementary School, here in Lewiston, Maine, for 25 years and served two stints on the Maine State Board of Education. As with any business leader, I know that education is the fuel that runs our economy now and in the future. Education is also what makes all of us good citizens and members of a community.
I was once with the writer Stephen King at an event honoring Maine students a number of years ago. I asked him who made a difference in his life and he quickly mentioned a specific teacher who inspired him. At another event I asked Senator George Mitchell who made a difference in is life – again it was a teacher. The power of the profession is to inspire the best in all of us. Even those people we assume to be born with success went through the difficult lessons of life and were molded by parents, teachers, and coaches.
Events of the past few weeks have served as a powerful reminder of the importance of educators.
During the Sandy Hook Elementary School shootings, it was the principal and her staff who gave their lives to protect students. During the Oklahoma tornadoes, there are stories of the heroism of teachers covering students and teachers who comforted the children. I wonder just how I would react in such an emergency. It is good to know that those we entrust our children will do anything to enrich their minds and their lives.
National Teacher Appreciation Week was May 6 – 10th. Day-in and day-out, our nation of educators work to build citizens of and for the future. If you haven’t thanked a teacher, do so. It’s not too late. If you are a bright young person, consider making education your life’s work. It is truly rewarding!
No Comments | Post a Comment »
Another Devastating Tornado!
Days after we posted our condolences to victims of a string of tornadoes that claimed six lives in Northern Texas, another massive F5 tornado, a mile wide, ripped through the town of Moore, Oklahoma, killing 24 people and flattening everything in its path. Words can not express the depth of our sorrow for the many people there who have lost homes, family members, and friends.
I shared this information just the other day, after the Texas tornadoes, but it bears repeating: If you want to help the people of Moore, Oklahoma, you can make an online donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. If you prefer, you may donate over the phone by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or by text message. Simply text the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Finally, contributions can also be mailed to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.
In our tornado season forecast for 2013, we predicted a heavy season of violent thunderstorms, with the possibility of a turbulent tornado season. If you live in an area that is prone to tornadoes, please read our tornado safety tips.
Many of you have probably already seen this video, which went viral earlier today. CBS News was interviewing this woman, Barbara Garcia of Moore, about the destruction of her home and the loss of her pet dog, when something miraculous happened. If you haven’t seen it, just watch, and be sure to have a box of tissues handy. After that, you can see more unbelievable videos of the aftermath of this tragedy here.
No Comments | Post a Comment »
Texas Tornado Caught on Video
Once again, we’re in the unfortunate position of having to express our sympathy to yet another group of people caught off guard by Mother Nature’s fury.
Six people were killed, and many others displaced, when a wave of 16 tornadoes ripped through northern Texas earlier this week, devastating homes leaving the land a barren wasteland.
Our hearts go out to the many people there who have lost homes, family members, and friends.
To help the people of Texas, you can make an online donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. If you prefer, you may donate over the phone by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or by text message. Simply text the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Finally, contributions can also be mailed to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.
In the midst of this tragedy, a few storm chasers caught some unbelievable footage of the tornado in action. While most of us can’t relate to the unmasked jubilation they display here, there’s no denying that nature is awesome, in the literal sense of the word. The following video provides a small look at the fearsome power of nature.
No Comments | Post a Comment »
Mom’s Best Advice
Yesterday was Mother’s Day. In anticipation of mom’s big day, we asked our readers on Friday, “What’s the best advice your mother ever gave you?”
The responses ranged from practical to funny to heartwarming. Here’s just a small sampling of what you said:
• My mom always told me to be true to myself!
• That being patient with children is a must. They know nothing that we don’t teach, and pick up on things we don’t mean to teach. Calmer heads will prevail and instilling good values early makes life easier later down the road. Thanks Mom!
• Never loan what you are not willing to give
• She said don’t do something if I’d feel embarrassed if she ever found out.
• When I was being bullied as a child my mother always told me to “Kill them with kindness.” I still use that advice to this day.
• This is actually something both of my folks would say to me when I was frustrated with people, “Honey, Never try to teach a Pig to sing! It’s a waste of time and it annoys the Pig!”
• Always tell the truth and you won’t have to remember which lie you told whom.
• My Mom was a psychiatric nurse for much of her career and her advice was to always treat people with compassion and understanding because you can never know how hard living might be for them.
• Don’t eat leeks before a big date!!
• Intuition breeds resolution. If it doesn’t sound right, taste right, or feel right – don’t do it.
• Watch the pennies; They grow to be dollars. Stop and think, do you really need that item. I am still trying to practice this (with quite a few failures).
• Believe none of what you hear, and half of what you see.
• Eat lots of fruits and veggies, drink lots of cold water, and try to exercise a little each day. Get as much sunshine as you can.
• Be yourself!
• In all you do, do good.
• Don’t pee into the wind, don’t pull on Superman’s cape, don’t pull the mask off the Lone Ranger, and you don’t mess with mom!
• Be classy and always hold your head up high.
• You have a backbone so don’t forget to use it
• Leave him!
• A clear conscience is the best sleep remedy.
• YOU are the only person who can make YOU happy.
• Mom gave me many pearls of wisdom over the years that kept me out of trouble. Here is only one: “Always keep a dime in your pocket in case you need to call me.”
• Lime your yard every year if you want a nice lawn.
• Put lotion on your hands before putting on pantyhose.
• When my kids were little my mom told me not to worry about always having a clean house, to spend time with my children, they grow so fast! Very good advice!
• You can always come home.
I Like It Here!
Earlier this week, my company put on our 25th Annual Night of the Stars for students at Montello Elementary School in Lewiston. This is the night when we recognize the best writers among all students and do it in a glitzy Hollywood style. We have 500+ people from the community attend. My mother, Ann Geiger, has been to everyone over the years. At 91 years, she wouldn’t miss it for anything.
At the end of the event we were having a conversation about her son (me) and how, when I was in kindergarten, I cried every day while being dragged off to school. Out of frustration she finally asked the obvious question, “Why don’t you want to go to school?” My response was, “What’s so wrong with staying at home. I like it here.”
My mother, and all moms, have to deal with the trauma of children growing up. Well, I made it through kindergarten and all the other grades with some dignity, but I still like visit my mother. I like it there.
This weekend, we salute all the wonderful moms who do so much for us. Through all the good times and bad, we love you for your warmth and compassion. It is just what we need when we need it the most!
Happy Mother’s Day!
No Comments | Post a Comment »
Backyard Workout
Want to get in shape? You don’t have to spend a fortune on gym memberships or exercise equipment. Check out this fun video Farmers’ Almanac reader Alicia Doyle, of Wales, Maine, sent us of the backyard workout she does with her kids. It’s a bit long, but filled with inventive ideas.
What creative strategies do you have to motivate yourself, or your family, to exercise?
No Comments | Post a Comment »
Man Bites Dog?
Ever see a headline like “Man Bites Dog”? How about “School Closes for Nice Weather”? This story caught my attention. When you think of the Pacific Northwest, one conjures up lush green lawns, beautiful mountains and gray skies. Last Friday, administrators in the Bellingham Christian School decided enough is enough. Bellingham is located 90 miles north of Seattle. Roughly speaking they average 150 days of rain a year dropping 35+ inches. One can expect it to be partly cloudy 92 days a year and cloudy another 226 days.
Last Friday, there was a decree “SCHOOL CANCELLED DUE TO GREAT WEATHER!!” That’s right, the sun was out in all its glory and Principal Sampson decided the students should get out and enjoy the weather. For those of us in the Northeast who monitor school cancellations for snow have to chuckle about the concept of closing school for good weather. Then again, we do that for three months each summer.
Good call, Mr. Sampson!
No Comments | Post a Comment »
Some Thoughts On Grey Days
The word grey is just so grey, isn’t it? It doesn’t conjure up any excitement nor does it give me any extra energy or motivation. It certainly isn’t my favorite type of weather day. It’s grey today. And it’s Monday.
I try to deny the fact that weather has an affect on my attitude, but it’s true, I have a much better outlook when the skies are blue and the sun is shinning. This past weekend was gorgeous here–blue, blue skies, sunny, warm with a little wind. I can’t complain, as I know people are suffering with too much rain and never-ending spring snow, but today is grey.
Now I’m not saying that I wouldn’t get bored if the weather was always sunny with blue skies, but my least favorite weather days are grey ones. If it’s going to rain, let it rain. Or in the winter, let it snow. I really don’t mind an occasional rainy day, especially after a warm stretch of summer weather, and snowy days are one of my favorite. But grey days I could do without.
Does anyone list their favorite color as “grey?”
Our previous editor had it right when he came up with his tombstone engraving – “May it rain just enough.” Here’s to less grey days in the future.
Cast Your Lines! It’s Fishing Time!
Spring means that everyone, young and old, can take advantage of lake fishing. You will find many pieces of good fishing advise on our website including our own Fishing Calendar for best days and times. There is something special about catching “the big one.”
Last week, a friend and his son, Luke, went out for a quick fish one evening and pulled in a 20” wide mouth bass. With waters still ice cold here, I am told that bass are particularly active. This was a catch and release, so Luke can get him again when he is 22” or larger.
Luke also plays hockey. So, I asked the obvious question: “If you could be the greatest hockey player of all time or the greatest fisherman, which would you choose?” Without hesitation, he said, “A fisherman, of course.” Smart boy.
If your children or grandchildren catch a nice fish, send the photo to us via our Facebook or Twitter pages. Tell us a whopper – share what state and lake, and any other specifics you feel comfortable divulging. Bragging goes with the sport!
In the meantime, enjoy this article about how the Hook Kids on Fishing!
If you notice a hole in the upper left-hand corner of your Farmers' Almanac, don't return it to the store! That hole isn't a defect; it's a part of history. Starting with the first edition of the Farmers' Almanac in 1818, readers used to nail holes into the corners to hang it up in their homes, barns, and outhouses (to provide both reading material and toilet paper). In 1910, the Almanac's publishers began pre-drilling holes in the corners to make it even easier for readers to keep all of that invaluable information (and paper) handy.
