'Un ' common Core: How Much Should It Be Taught, If At All

Nationwide,  our schools are diligently trying to make our students more adept and capable of competing with the world's best at whatever career path they choose. This starts with knowing the basic skills and being able to apply them early and often.  Reading, writing and of course arithmetic. 

There appears to be a problem with the arithmetic portion.  Controversy exists in the form of common core. 

Common core is when you break down certain math problems and concepts, most notably addition and subtraction,  in order to help the student understand the concept better. It appears to be complicating matters in a number of cases.

This method is fighting its way to becoming the norm in many school systems. The solution (no pun intended) may not be in this method.  It typically comes from using the tried and true methods of practice,  practice,  and more practice. And obviously the ability of the teacher plays a huge factor in whichever method you choose. 

I remember I struggled with subtracting large numbers and even long division until I received proper instruction on how to do it and retain it.  Therefore,  ensure your teachers are up for the task. 

Next, determine what type of students you have and how they learn the best. Realize that all children do not retain information the same. Some of them are very advanced in numbers,  some remedial, and some are right in the middle.  You teach basic skills in a basic matter before reverting to common core or any new and unproven method. 

Therefore,  common core is perhaps best in private tutoring sessions as a last-ditch effort to get the students to retain and get the material. 

Either way, something has to be done. Many adults, mostly because of calculators, are incapable of basic math and order of operations.  We don't need to confuse the younger generation any further.

What are your thoughts on common core? Do you think it should be given a chance?

Top NBA Big Men In The Eastern Conference

The Eastern Conference in the NBA isn't known for big men, let along true centers. Mostly power forwards and swingmen permeate the East. The West, meanwhile, has household names such as Tim Duncan, Dwight Howard,  Zack Randolph, Kevin Love and Anthony Davis.  Here are five notable bigs out of the East. 

1. Andre Drummond.

This dude is a beast, plain and simple. He scores,  rebounds and blocks. Guys find it difficult in the paint against him. The Pistons will either need to build around him, or risk losing him to another team needing that center spot to complete their roster.

2. Roy Hibbert

I mention him next because despite his youth and at times lack of aggressive play, he is still a true center. He is more known for blocking shots with his seven foot frame. His rebounding leaves much to be desired, but is slowly coming along. He is surrounded with other great players in the paint such as David West and Paul George. All of them have a blue collar work ethic and now the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Hibbert will continue to prove he's more than a one-trick pony.

3. Al Jefferson. 

After further investigation and years of watching him, Jefferson is actually much better than Hibbert,  and has rejuvenated the Bobcats into a playoff berth. He may not be a true big, but at 6'11,  he plays like one. He is simply dominant, and has been for years on different teams. It appears the Heat will face the future Hornets in the first round. They will have problems down low since they really don't have a great center, and Bosh can't hang with him the entire series.

4. Spencer Hawes.

He was dominant at center and power forward for the Kings and Sixers before joining a young and improving Cleveland Cavaliers squad. Hawes is one of those guys that rebounds, blocks, and can shoot from high and low range. He can play, period,  has good size, and can't be disregarded.

5. Al Horford.

You may question if he is a true center or another power forward. However, Horford's ability and athleticism are rarley in question. He has suffered with many injuries in his NBA career but on the court at full strength, he holds his own. He caught my eye when he played at the University of Florida alongside Joakim Noah and continues to impress me.

Honorable mention: Noah,  Tyson Chandler, Brook Lopez

High School: Do Some People Ever Really Leave?

I have been out of high school for almost eighteen years now. That's right, if you do the math, I'm almost 36.  And being in my mid 30s,  what I have discovered is that many folks never mentally leave high school, or that stage in their lives.

Their behavior is still very juvenile.  They may have successful careers and families, but they still have cliques,  drama, and thoughts like a high schooler would have. Laughing at inappropriate times and things.  Belittling others and competing to keep up with the Joneses.  These adults seem to take more pleasure out of badmouthing and trashing others than the teenagers do.  It's a 24/7 popularity contest.

High school was also the last time they may have felt significant,  or even attractive.  During those days, they were living the 90210 life: parties,  proms, popularity. They were the stars of their sports teams, head cheerleaders, class beauties, and life seemed like it would never end. Then came graduation day. Now many of the most popular kids in high school live the most boring lives. They are stuck in unfulfilling, dead end jobs, their beauty has faded, they are sky high in debt, and they are unsatisfied in their love lives. They may also feel stuck in their hometowns, and feel bitter towards others.

High school can be a rough time for anyone to grow up in. You have recently hit puberty, you are forced to make choices that could affect you long term in life. You learn to drive,  fall in love for the first time, and see how popular or unpopular you are. Oftentimes being different isn't tolerated in social circles.

It's great to look back every now and then. I'm big on nostalgia.  However,  one needs to grow up and move forward with their lives. Become more cultured and seek life outside of the norm. It's like Pharrell says, experience life in a room without a roof. Be happy where you are and live it up.

I have attended two high school reunions and I have my third coming up in a couple of years. One thing to remember is that everyone isn't stuck in high school.  Many people are into their own lives now and have put old drama behind them. Therefore,  it should not be rekindled. Rather it should be resolved. You shouldn't still be thinking about how you miss that post-prom blowout in 1994.

Therefore, take off the Richie Cunningham letter jacket and stop worrying about not getting invited to the first cookout or soiree' of the year. It's time to live in the present moment and make the most positive memories you can.

10 Different Types Of Friends

We encounter many different types of friends in our lives. Some are very loyal,  always down with us. Others serve different purposes, and we know the role they play in our lives. Which type of friend are you to a certain person?  Everyone can't be #1 to everyone, that's just the way of the world.

1. Old homies/best friends. 

You have a long history with these friends.  They know you better than you know yourself. You all may still hang out, but you may not because of proximity,  work schedules,  etc. However,  it seems when you do all hang out or talk, nothing is lost. You simply pick back up where you left off. 

2. Hang Out/Partying Friends

These are simply the friends you have wild times with. Parties, bonfires,  drinking,  smoking,  clubbing,  etc. Their devotion is really tested, however,  when one needs bail money.

3. Business/Work.

You know each other through work and spend a lot of time mostly because of that. You may hang out, go to dinner and do fun stuff together.  However,  outside of business at hand, there isn't much in common.

4. Hook Up/Connections

These are your friends with all the connections on everything from EBT to hotel rooms and other vacation amenities.  They know or are your mechanics and fix it folk. They basically help you obtain things at a free or a discounted price.  They are also good for a job reference or even giving you extra work.

5. Opposite Sex Friends (minus the benefits).

These friends serve many purposes. You may be able to talk to them easier about things that your same sex friends wouldn't understand. They give you the point of view from the opposite sex. They also may be good either as a connection friend also, or a mother/father figure.

6. Simply Virtual Friends.

These are friends that you communicate with primarily through social media. You don't really hang out with them, and you may not know them in real life. However,  you all have awesome conversations and discussions over status updates, hot button topics,  and pictures. 

7. Friends That Are Like Fam.

Similar to #1, these are your elite friends.  They are closer than a friend.  They are more like a brother or a sister. You can count on them for anything and they won't betray you. You could have known them for a couple of years or decades but they are there for the long haul.

8. Frenemies (Fake Friends)

We have many people in life that we entertain briefly,  mostly to be polite. There is no real friendship. You may have a mutual friend, connection or interest. That is basically it. This isn't the person you call over to watch the game with, or have a drink. 

9. Activity Friends.

These may be the friends that you see the most, as they are the ones who are at the activities you partake in the most. Parties,  cookouts, church,  sporting events, and even vacations.  These are who you do all your fun stuff with, often for convenience or mutual love for the same thing.  Good friendships can be built from these fun activities.

10. Down For Anything,  Beat Down friends.

These are the ones you call or contact when you feel in harm's way.  They will be there on the double to protect you. Some of them aren't even afraid to go to jail for you. If someone is threatening you or whatever,  they have your back and your front. They are like your team.

Friends come and go, in most categories and instances. Again, know which roles they have in your lives, and the ones to draw closest to.

The Life Cycle Of Dating For The Average Male

We men are not that complicated, really. It just appears women want to make us that way. However, our levels of maturity and cycles of dating are something out of the ordinary. 

Here is a sample, not an exact model, of a typical dating cycle for a man from boyhood until way deep into life.

1. Chasing Around During Recess

This is how women first get into bad boys. They often fail to get past the perception "if he hits you, he likes you." This is usually only true in elementary school,  when he chases you around,  throws rocks at you, and may throw you in the mud. He may occasionally write one of those corny "do you like me" notes.  At this age, those, he is literally about the chase.

2. The butt and boob grab.

This is around middle school and early high school. Puberty has ascended upon the males and hormones are out of control,  especially with how the girl's bodies have matured.  In short, this is the pervert portion of a young male's life. Oftentimes the guys will show their affection by grabbing a girl's booty and running.  The more brave will grab a breast.  These are the times when a young man has usually received his first kiss, once he learns to control his hands. 

3. Puppy Love.

You are full on into high school.  You have many crushes, but may only one to date one girl. You want to take her to the school dance, prom, or even want her to be your first. This can turn into puppy love,  as you believe this is your future wife. Sometimes this ends up that way, but most of the times the guy still wants to play the field.

4. Young Adulthood.

The guy either is married right now, or is engaged in a variety of activities. These could include college,  the military,  or their first full time job. They're trying to earn enough money and/or education to make themselves more desirable to a woman, even if they aren't settling just yet.

5. Going through certain female types.

You may be going through your "opposite race" phase, big girl, prep, cheerleader,  or even cougar phase. An older,  attractive woman has their eye on you,  and you feel like Dustin Hoffman in The Graduate: flattered and drawn into her. You could end up with any of these ladies,  but you at least want to try out these ladies first.

6. Settling Down

OK now you're ready to settle. You have it together financially,  you have a steady woman, maybe a child or two together.  You realize it's time to become a family man and get married.

7. Divorcee' or widower

It can  be tough to get back in the saddle when your perfect marriage has fallen apart. You almost have to learn the dating game again,  depending upon how long you have been out of it. It can be very challenging. 

8. The Old Man In The Club.

This is something most do not care to be. They are few,  but around.  These men are like sugar daddies,  going after much younger women, trying to manipulate them, and even using old school lines on them.

9. Old, Retired, and Just Tired

At a certain point,  even the most vibrant man cools down.  Viagra and Cialis have increased sexual activity amongst the senior citizen community. However many would rather settle in and watch Matlock with their wives and go to bed at 8pm than go out hunting for more or new action. 

Men's sexual peak does end early, and that's probably why so many of us like to date a lot while young. Either way, if he's the settling type, he will eventually settle.  Just allow him to do it on his terms and bear in mind he may have more living left to do.

Men: Commit! Or Quit and Keep It Moving!

OK fellas to avoid being anti-female and keep my blog balanced, I have a simple message for you all, especially the grown up men over 30. Please stop playing around with these women that are looking for something deeper than sex or a simple relationship.  If a long term commitment isn't your thing,  let it go and move on.

Do it for the good of mankind.

Women aren't even comparing us to dogs anymore because dogs are too loyal.  Rather we are more like cats: sneaky, not wanting much affection, having a different agenda, and chasing after rats.  Admittedly it's a harsh comparison but a very true one. It appears that the many ones out there plotting and playing games makes it tougher for us good men to convince a woman that we are right for them.

Fellow men, the last thing we need is another challenge. Finding true love and connecting with that woman is difficult enough.  The waters are further muddied with nasty, trifling guys basically misrepresenting the male race.

Some of you never will be that type of man andd that's not all bad. You are who you are and no one should force you to change.  All I'm asking is to be honest with yourself and these women who want more. Find someone that's into the games and lack of committment.  Trust me, these women are out there and they love to sneak around also. However, when a female does it, the double standard is applied and they are called whores. 

Men, wouldn't you be much happier with a woman who's not looking for anything significant?  It will take the pressure off of you, especially when it comes to commitment and philandering. Please don't ruin the good women out there, just as you have smeared the image of the average male. It's time for this madness to end.

Judgement House: Uplifting, Touching, and Informative

Christian Churches nationwide are always looking for creative and Informative ways to reach people and bring more people to Jesus Christ. One of the more popular programs over the last few years has been Judgement House.

Judgment House is a series of skits that a church can utilize to portray a person or family's choices about serving the Lord, and showing the results, positive and negative, of these decisions.

Hopewell Baptist Church in Blacksburg, SC has been doing Judgment House for about four years now, returning in 2014 after a year off. Hundreds have come through to view the rooms of skits the church members have put together.  Many souls have been saved and rededicated to Christ as a result.

I attended one of their final showings during this period and will have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it. The message is simple and one I have heard all my life: accept Jesus into your heart completely and you can achieve the gift of eternal life in Heaven. If one fails to acknowledge Him or has doubts, an eternity in Hell could be waiting.

The delivery of this message is what stole the show. The actors and actresses were very dramatic and passionate.  Skits included one with God at the gates of Heaven, Hell itself and Satan, and finally the kingdom of Heaven with Jesus and many angels. It was very obvious the work Hopewell had put in to learn the various skits, coordinate the rooms, design the sets, and make the experience touching and memorable.

Often when churches put on productions such as Judgement House, they are critiqued for asking for monetary offerings, pressuring people to accept Christ, and even soliciting membership into their congregation. I cannot speak for other churches regarding their JH performances. However I can say that Hopewell Baptist Church does none of this.  The pastor,  however,  does pray with each group at the end of the show and allow them to dedicate or rededicate themselves to Christ, pressure free. This is something I can very much respect. 

I enjoy it when groups of people find innovative and groundbreaking methods to bring people closer to God and His son, Jesus Christ.  We are in an era where it often takes more than witnessing and traditional church services to reach the masses. Hopewell gets this and has been using Judgement House as a positive vehicle this past few years. 

Visit www.judgementhouse.org to find a Judgement House near you. Or if you are interested in learning more about the one I attended,  visit Hopewell Baptist Church on Facebook,  or call the church office at (864) 839-6653. I know many of the members well, and recognized them in the skits.  They, and the ones at other churches performing Judgement House, definitely want to assist you in your spiritual journey. 

Dedicating yourself to anything important,  including worshipping the Lord, is both a commitment and a choice.  Thanks to Judgement House, the decision is now more visual and graphic, aligning with the Holy Bible and the teachings of Christ.

Have you attended a Judgement House either at Hopewell or another church? What type of impact did it have on you and others?