ONGOING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT MODERN LIVING…
What is a good philosophy for parental involvement in schools?
Mark Oppenheimer raised this question during our conversation at Claire’s about the whole “back to school” phenomenon.
We also discussed those tiny chairs they make you sit in for parent-teacher conferences. Are they kidding? If you can’t find me an adult sized chair, let’s just meet at Starbucks.
So, what is a good philosophy for parental involvement in schools?
Editorial Meeting 14: Back To School, Division of Labor, and Red Plaid
Podcast: Download
We met at Claire’s Corner Copia, among the hustle and bustle of downtown New Haven, and in the shadow of what Duo told us is “reputedly the first Gothic Revival structure in America”. (We love Claire and we wanted to show our support after she and her husband Frank took a direct hit from Irene.)
Joining the conversation: New York Times Beliefs columnist Mark Oppenheimer and food writer (and vintage clothing store owner) Todd Lyon.
Claire, Todd, Bruce, Mark and Duo. Photo by Gary Choronzy.
We talked about wrestling, those little chairs the teachers make you sit on at back to school night, and the way that fall feels like the start of a new year…
What are the most important things to think of – or have on hand – in case of a weather emergency?
At last week’s meeting at Manjares, the obvious topic of conversation was the aftermath of Tropical Storm Irene. [For my money, that was a Hurricane.]
Meteorologist Matt Scott shared his secret (and Sarah her disgust) for toilet flushing when you’ve got well water and no power. (You pour a bucket of water in there. Or, in Duo’s case, “Champers”.)
Now we turn to you: What are the most important things to think of – or have on hand – in case of a weather emergency?
Real Life Conversation 13: An Earthquake, A Hurricane, and What’s Really Important
Podcast: Download
Joining the conversation this week: Paul Sessions, the Director of the Center for Family Business at the University of New Haven, dog adoption advocate Sarah Oren, co host Duo Dickinson, and Meteorologist Matt Scott.
Paul, Sarah, Duo, Stephanie (the Manager at Manjares), Matt Scott, and me, your less-than-humble Narrator. Photo credit: our intrepid Producer, Cindy Papish Gerber
We gathered at Manjares, a wonderful family owned restaurant in the Westville section of New Haven, on Sunday September 4th. In the previous week we had all experienced an earthquake, a hurricane, and long days spent without electrical power in our homes.
Needless to say, we had plenty to talk about…
What is your favorite smartphone app?
In Episode 12 at the New Haven Open, Gary Choronzy (our web guru) complained about what he perceived to be “techno bashing” in previous conversations.
Invoking the story of the Luddites, Duo Dickinson “manned up” and took responsibility.
So, in deference to our previous “Neo-Ludditeism” (Duo’s term), I pose the following question: What is your favorite smartphone app?
Episode 12: The New Haven Open
Podcast: Download
We’re now three months into producing a radio show and podcast for “The Real Life Survival Guide”, and with summer winding down I thought it would be a good idea to reflect a bit. Joining cohost Duo Dickinson and me were author and radio host Binnie Klein, web designer Gary Choronzy, producer Cindy Papish Gerber, executive producer Kim Grehn and Kim’s wife Deb.
I chose The New Haven Open at Yale as the site for our meeting because I’m a huge tennis fan. Oh, and it’s about a half a mile from my house. (Speaking of which, many thanks to Captain Joanne Peterson of the New Haven Police Department. Captan Peterson provided much needed logistical support to an unnamed – and extremely disorganized – radio host.)
Photo by Gary Choronzy
We gathered around a table in the food court on Sunday August 21st , and – thanks to Binnie – discussed ripples, the trickster, and fox urine. (You’ll just have to listen…)
When you greet someone: handshake, hug, or kiss?
One of the leading causes of awkwardness these days seems to be the art of figuring out what’s appropriate – especially if you hadn’t been thinking about the subject just before you encounter someone.
I’ve noticed recently that right before I greet a member of the opposite sex, my brain is forced into overdrive to process the level of social intimacy I should/should not bring to the greeting.
Hence, this question for your consideration: When you greet someone: handshake, hug, or kiss?
What’s your “go to meal”?
Everyone has one: the quick, easy delicious dinner, and we had a lot of fun batting ours around during this week’s editorial meeting.
(In a perfect world, they’re all healthful, easy to prepare, and go nicely with a buttery chardonnay. For Duo, the the on-the-go architect, the solution comes in the form of the pre-cooked chicken from Stop and Shop.)
So, what’s yours?