https://www.spreaker.com/show/mr-nixons-words-of-wisdomenSelf-ImprovementCopyright ROC Vox Podcast Networkhttps://d3wo5wojvuv7l.cloudfront.net/t_rss_itunes_square_1400/images.spreaker.com/original/033cb26dc53f0e10984b57965ae87663.jpghttps://www.spreaker.com/show/mr-nixons-words-of-wisdomTue, 28 Apr 2026 08:17:21 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkROC Vox Podcast Networkfitz@rocvox.comMAKING SENSE OF MIDDLE SCHOOL--Mr. Nixon taught 7th and 8th graders for thirteen years in the Churchville-Chili School District, a suburb of Rochester, NY. During that time, he wrote and delivered twice-weekly messages to the school community aimed...falseepisodichttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/volleyball--47162672


There is something incredibly healthy about being part of a team. A player is not on the court for her own glory, she is there to help the team succeed. This is a model that carries over into other facets of life. We are responsible for how our actions affect those around us. Each person must put the interests of the team ahead of her own individual needs. That’s how it works in team sports. That’s how it works in life.



Team sports can also have some downsides. Good sportsmanship can be sacrificed for winning at all costs. Pressure from overly competitive families can rob athletes of the fun of competing. As far as deciding how important winning should be, I know two things for sure. One, winning is not everything and two, losing is not the end of the world. Somewhere in between those two extremes lies an acceptable level of importance that you must find for yourself.



Whether you are athletic or not, you will still have the chance to be a part of a team in school and beyond. It is a great way to raise the quality of your life. Enjoy it!]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/47162672Tue, 26 Oct 2021 14:31:34 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkMy granddaughter is a middle schooler having just entered eighth-grade. She is very athletic and focused her talents on dance for many years, but last year she discovered volleyball. I was thrilled personally because I can now go and watch her play....


There is something incredibly healthy about being part of a team. A player is not on the court for her own glory, she is there to help the team succeed. This is a model that carries over into other facets of life. We are responsible for how our actions affect those around us. Each person must put the interests of the team ahead of her own individual needs. That’s how it works in team sports. That’s how it works in life.



Team sports can also have some downsides. Good sportsmanship can be sacrificed for winning at all costs. Pressure from overly competitive families can rob athletes of the fun of competing. As far as deciding how important winning should be, I know two things for sure. One, winning is not everything and two, losing is not the end of the world. Somewhere in between those two extremes lies an acceptable level of importance that you must find for yourself.



Whether you are athletic or not, you will still have the chance to be a part of a team in school and beyond. It is a great way to raise the quality of your life. Enjoy it!]]>116athletics,kids,middleschool,motivation,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,positivity,roc,rochesterny,students,wisdomfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/foreign-language--40425407
This is foreign language week at Churchville-Chili Junior High School. This is the week where we recognize how important it is to understand one another. Language begins that process, but it doesn’t ensure it. Think about the times you’ve misunderstood a friend, a parent or a teacher, and they’re all speaking English. Speaking and understanding a language just gives you a chance to be on the same wavelength as another person.

Besides making understanding easier, learning another person’s language is a statement of great respect. You are saying that the other person is so important that you are willing to work really hard to try and understand him or her.

Not only that, learning another language, learning about another culture and discovering another part of the world is fun. So, “Bon voyage,” or “Buen viaje!” Enjoy your journey.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40425407Thu, 20 Aug 2020 18:40:13 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI have had many students ask me the same question over the years: “Why do we have to take a foreign language?” Said a different way, they ask, “Why doesn’t everyone just learn English?” My answer is always the same: “Je ne comprends pas,” or, “no...
This is foreign language week at Churchville-Chili Junior High School. This is the week where we recognize how important it is to understand one another. Language begins that process, but it doesn’t ensure it. Think about the times you’ve misunderstood a friend, a parent or a teacher, and they’re all speaking English. Speaking and understanding a language just gives you a chance to be on the same wavelength as another person.

Besides making understanding easier, learning another person’s language is a statement of great respect. You are saying that the other person is so important that you are willing to work really hard to try and understand him or her.

Not only that, learning another language, learning about another culture and discovering another part of the world is fun. So, “Bon voyage,” or “Buen viaje!” Enjoy your journey.]]>93adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/feed-the-wolf--40425406A young man is confiding in his Grandfather that he sometimes treats his friends harshly and sometimes kindly. He did not understand why.
His Grandfather said, “When I was your age…I felt like there were two Wolves fighting inside of me…one was mean and ornery, rebellious and committed to all things negative. The other was kind and gentle, respected nature and all living things, and always did what was best.” The grandfather continued, “These Wolves are still with me now; in fact, they live in each one of us.”
The young man asked, “Which wolf will win in the end?”
The Grandfather said, “The one you feed”.
Sometimes it is really confusing when we are torn between doing the right thing and giving in to our negative side. Understand that those two sides of us will always exist, but the one we let out the most, the one we feed, will become the most dominant part of our personality.
It’s interesting that Reverend Jackson chose to tell the new President this story. President Obama, just like you, will face daily challenges to his values. He will be called on, just like you, to treat people well or poorly. He will go forward every day, just like you, to decide whether to feed his kind and gentle wolf or to let out the negative ornery wolf. I hope he, just like you, will feed the right wolf.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40425406Thu, 20 Aug 2020 18:40:13 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkThe inauguration of President Obama has been dominating news coverage and rightfully so. It represents an historic milestone for our country. I was watching coverage of the morning after prayer service. The first woman to ever give the sermon at...A young man is confiding in his Grandfather that he sometimes treats his friends harshly and sometimes kindly. He did not understand why.
His Grandfather said, “When I was your age…I felt like there were two Wolves fighting inside of me…one was mean and ornery, rebellious and committed to all things negative. The other was kind and gentle, respected nature and all living things, and always did what was best.” The grandfather continued, “These Wolves are still with me now; in fact, they live in each one of us.”
The young man asked, “Which wolf will win in the end?”
The Grandfather said, “The one you feed”.
Sometimes it is really confusing when we are torn between doing the right thing and giving in to our negative side. Understand that those two sides of us will always exist, but the one we let out the most, the one we feed, will become the most dominant part of our personality.
It’s interesting that Reverend Jackson chose to tell the new President this story. President Obama, just like you, will face daily challenges to his values. He will be called on, just like you, to treat people well or poorly. He will go forward every day, just like you, to decide whether to feed his kind and gentle wolf or to let out the negative ornery wolf. I hope he, just like you, will feed the right wolf.]]>130adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/self-esteem--40425405We will make many choices today about how we will act. Each will raise or lower our self esteem. Take the time to notice how you are feeling after you act. If you feel better about yourself after you do it, the action increased your self esteem. If you feel like you want to crawl into a hole, you have lowered your self-worth.
Rochester’s Frederick Douglass said,
“I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.”
In other words, your value is determined ultimately by you.
A friend of mine told me the other day that the thing she regrets the most about her youth is that she gave away her own value to the opinions of other people. She said she let them determine, in her own mind, her worth as a person. Now, she says, she doesn’t allow anyone to decide how she feels about herself.
The bottom line is: do estimable acts and you will have good self esteem.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40425405Thu, 20 Aug 2020 18:40:13 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkOne of the most popular words in education and in psychology is self-esteem. Sometimes I hesitate to use it because it is used so often. But, the truth is that self esteem is the most important goal we can have for ourselves, our friends and our...We will make many choices today about how we will act. Each will raise or lower our self esteem. Take the time to notice how you are feeling after you act. If you feel better about yourself after you do it, the action increased your self esteem. If you feel like you want to crawl into a hole, you have lowered your self-worth.
Rochester’s Frederick Douglass said,
“I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and to incur my own abhorrence.”
In other words, your value is determined ultimately by you.
A friend of mine told me the other day that the thing she regrets the most about her youth is that she gave away her own value to the opinions of other people. She said she let them determine, in her own mind, her worth as a person. Now, she says, she doesn’t allow anyone to decide how she feels about herself.
The bottom line is: do estimable acts and you will have good self esteem.]]>108adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/spring-poems--40425404
Thomas Tusser wrote the now immortal words in 1557:

Sweet April showers
Do spring May flowers.

In 1852, Alfred, Lord Tennyson wrote:

In the spring a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.

T. S. Elliot wrote in 1922:

April is the cruelest month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.

e. e. cummings wrote in 1923:

in Just—
spring when the world is mud—
luscious the little
lame balloonman
whistles far and wee

and,

Robert Frost, the wonderful American poet wrote in 1936:

The sun was warm but the wind was chill.
You know how it is with an April day
When the sun is out and the wind is still,
You're one month on in the middle of May.
But if you so much as dare to speak,
A cloud comes over the sunlit arch,
A wind comes off a frozen peak,
And you're two months back in the middle of March.

Enjoy the process of early spring and know that soon enough we’ll be baking in the summer sun.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40425404Thu, 20 Aug 2020 18:40:13 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkThe last week or two, with their heavy rains and warmer breezes have truly reminded us that winter is gone and spring is gaining on us every day. I thought it would be nice to see what people have said over the years about the magic of Spring....
Thomas Tusser wrote the now immortal words in 1557:

Sweet April showers
Do spring May flowers.

In 1852, Alfred, Lord Tennyson wrote:

In the spring a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.

T. S. Elliot wrote in 1922:

April is the cruelest month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.

e. e. cummings wrote in 1923:

in Just—
spring when the world is mud—
luscious the little
lame balloonman
whistles far and wee

and,

Robert Frost, the wonderful American poet wrote in 1936:

The sun was warm but the wind was chill.
You know how it is with an April day
When the sun is out and the wind is still,
You're one month on in the middle of May.
But if you so much as dare to speak,
A cloud comes over the sunlit arch,
A wind comes off a frozen peak,
And you're two months back in the middle of March.

Enjoy the process of early spring and know that soon enough we’ll be baking in the summer sun.]]>103adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/i-am-woman--40425403
I think back to 1972, when a woman named Helen Reddy recorded a song that became an anthem for the women’s movement. It was called simply, “I am Woman.” At the time, I remember thinking, “Wow, that song really captures the spirit of the new American woman.” Now, 35 years later, I say, “Yeah?”

The fact is, women have made enormous strides since that song came out. They haven’t completely achieved equal pay for equal work, but they are on their way. Women represent more than half the future doctors and lawyers entering graduate school. They represent way more than half of the freshman entering college. A woman was just named the President of Harvard University. Here in Rochester, a woman is the CEO of Xerox. Did I mention that the leading candidate for the Democratic Presidential nomination is a woman? The fact is, in the education field, one of the hot issues now is how to keep our boys from being left behind in school.

When National Women’s History Month was established back in 1980, it made sense to set aside one month for the women, but if things keep going the way they’re going, it wouldn’t surprise me at all, in 10 or 20 years, to have July declared National Men’s History Month. The rest of the year will belong to the women.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40425403Thu, 20 Aug 2020 18:40:13 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkMarch is Women’s History Month in the United States. The celebration was begun with the National Women’s History Project in 1980. This year 14 outstanding American women are being honored for their contribution to this country and the world. I...
I think back to 1972, when a woman named Helen Reddy recorded a song that became an anthem for the women’s movement. It was called simply, “I am Woman.” At the time, I remember thinking, “Wow, that song really captures the spirit of the new American woman.” Now, 35 years later, I say, “Yeah?”

The fact is, women have made enormous strides since that song came out. They haven’t completely achieved equal pay for equal work, but they are on their way. Women represent more than half the future doctors and lawyers entering graduate school. They represent way more than half of the freshman entering college. A woman was just named the President of Harvard University. Here in Rochester, a woman is the CEO of Xerox. Did I mention that the leading candidate for the Democratic Presidential nomination is a woman? The fact is, in the education field, one of the hot issues now is how to keep our boys from being left behind in school.

When National Women’s History Month was established back in 1980, it made sense to set aside one month for the women, but if things keep going the way they’re going, it wouldn’t surprise me at all, in 10 or 20 years, to have July declared National Men’s History Month. The rest of the year will belong to the women.]]>104adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/caring--40425402It’s funny. Now I know what he meant. As you get older the number of things that can go wrong increases and the importance of being healthy gets larger every day.
When you’re a student, your parents take care of you. When you’re sick, your folks get you to the doctor so you can get on your way and back to health. Many adults here at school are taking care of their parents. The ailments vary from an inability to get around to a loss of the sense of who they are. In some cases, disease takes its toll on those growing older as well.
I mentioned last week how important it is to be good and kind to other people. Those are habits you can learn when you’re 12, but they are skills that you will carry forward throughout your life. You may be asked at some point to help with another person, a friend or a relative, and, if you’ve gotten used to it at a young age, you’ll be able to be there for them. Caring young people become caring adults. Start today by helping others.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40425402Thu, 20 Aug 2020 18:40:13 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI remember when I was the age of my students, my father’s parents came to live with us for a period of time. I remember asking my grandfather how he was doing. He used to say to me, “I’ve got my health and when you’ve got your health you’ve got just...It’s funny. Now I know what he meant. As you get older the number of things that can go wrong increases and the importance of being healthy gets larger every day.
When you’re a student, your parents take care of you. When you’re sick, your folks get you to the doctor so you can get on your way and back to health. Many adults here at school are taking care of their parents. The ailments vary from an inability to get around to a loss of the sense of who they are. In some cases, disease takes its toll on those growing older as well.
I mentioned last week how important it is to be good and kind to other people. Those are habits you can learn when you’re 12, but they are skills that you will carry forward throughout your life. You may be asked at some point to help with another person, a friend or a relative, and, if you’ve gotten used to it at a young age, you’ll be able to be there for them. Caring young people become caring adults. Start today by helping others.]]>93adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fortunately-unfortunately--40425401“Fortunately, Ned was invited to a surprise party.
Unfortunately, the party was a thousand miles away.
Fortunately, a friend loaned Ned an airplane.
Unfortunately, the motor exploded.
Fortunately, there was a parachute in the airplane.
Unfortunately, there was a hole in the parachute.”
The story goes on and on. The point of the story, besides being funny, is that it is hard to tell sometimes what’s a good change and what’s a bad change. All we can really do is confront the changes we are faced with and make the best of them.
Cuban-French author Anais Nin writes, “We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."
She adds about herself, “There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
Remember, the only constant in the world is change. Try not to be afraid of it.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40425401Thu, 20 Aug 2020 18:40:13 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkMany of us are afraid of change. We assume that even if things aren’t exactly perfect now, they can always get worse. Remy Charlip wrote a children’s book called, “Fortunately.” Here’s how it starts: “Fortunately, Ned was invited to a surprise...“Fortunately, Ned was invited to a surprise party.
Unfortunately, the party was a thousand miles away.
Fortunately, a friend loaned Ned an airplane.
Unfortunately, the motor exploded.
Fortunately, there was a parachute in the airplane.
Unfortunately, there was a hole in the parachute.”
The story goes on and on. The point of the story, besides being funny, is that it is hard to tell sometimes what’s a good change and what’s a bad change. All we can really do is confront the changes we are faced with and make the best of them.
Cuban-French author Anais Nin writes, “We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."
She adds about herself, “There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
Remember, the only constant in the world is change. Try not to be afraid of it.]]>106adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hope-poem--40425400
It was just a tiny speck of light
almost swallowed by the night
it had almost given up the fight
the darkness was all it could see

In the distance suddenly it seemed
was a sight the light could not have dreamed
another speck sparked and glowed and gleamed
the light thought "it's just like me."

So the tiny speck beamed strong and proud
through the dark that hovered like a shroud
soon enough, it drew a crowd
of small lights sea to sea.

The lights were overjoyed and soon
they joined together bright as noon
as incandescent as the moon
from darkness they were free

The moral of this story seems
to be the stuff of childish dreams
from tiny specks to brilliant beams
impossible you say

But here today it seems to me
each soul whose yearning to be free
glows silent in their hearts can see
there is only one way

And if you want to change the fate
of a people twisted blind by hate
and fear and doubt, its not too late
but there is no time to mope

Its easy all you have to do
is take your speck of light, its true
and join with thousands just like you
to light the dark with Hope]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40425400Thu, 20 Aug 2020 18:40:13 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkFor those of you feeling hopeless today, I’m going to read a short poem. I don’t know who wrote it, but I like the message. It was just a tiny speck of light almost swallowed by the night it had almost given up the fight the darkness was all it...
It was just a tiny speck of light
almost swallowed by the night
it had almost given up the fight
the darkness was all it could see

In the distance suddenly it seemed
was a sight the light could not have dreamed
another speck sparked and glowed and gleamed
the light thought "it's just like me."

So the tiny speck beamed strong and proud
through the dark that hovered like a shroud
soon enough, it drew a crowd
of small lights sea to sea.

The lights were overjoyed and soon
they joined together bright as noon
as incandescent as the moon
from darkness they were free

The moral of this story seems
to be the stuff of childish dreams
from tiny specks to brilliant beams
impossible you say

But here today it seems to me
each soul whose yearning to be free
glows silent in their hearts can see
there is only one way

And if you want to change the fate
of a people twisted blind by hate
and fear and doubt, its not too late
but there is no time to mope

Its easy all you have to do
is take your speck of light, its true
and join with thousands just like you
to light the dark with Hope]]>108adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/value--40425399First, let me tell each of you that you are of tremendous value. You have your own set of skills. You can love others and you are lovable. The trick for you, and for all of us, is to keep in touch with that value, to behave in a way that raises your own value and to avoid actions that diminish your value in your own eyes.
What are some right ways and wrong ways to approach the battle? Here are some right ways—embrace a life style that makes you feel like a good person. If you love music, develop your musical abilities. If you love words, read and write and express your ideas in a way that makes you happy. If you love to exercise, take every opportunity to use your body constructively. If you feel a sense of spiritual purpose, do everything you can to develop a relationship with your higher power.
Do not give away your value to anyone or anything. Do not let the opinions of others dictate how you feel about yourself. I know this runs counter to what you’ve been told--that adults have all the answers, but your value lies inside of you and you are in charge of how you feel about yourself. Finally, don’t give your value away to drugs and alcohol. As soon as you start letting foreign substances make decisions on how you behave, you end up the big loser.
I hope you’ll fight the good fight for your own value. I know for sure that you’re worth it.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40425399Thu, 20 Aug 2020 18:40:13 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkAs middle school students you are beginning the most important battle of your life, a battle that will literally last for the rest of your life. You should not expect to fight the battle perfectly, but you need to spot when you’re off the trail and...First, let me tell each of you that you are of tremendous value. You have your own set of skills. You can love others and you are lovable. The trick for you, and for all of us, is to keep in touch with that value, to behave in a way that raises your own value and to avoid actions that diminish your value in your own eyes.
What are some right ways and wrong ways to approach the battle? Here are some right ways—embrace a life style that makes you feel like a good person. If you love music, develop your musical abilities. If you love words, read and write and express your ideas in a way that makes you happy. If you love to exercise, take every opportunity to use your body constructively. If you feel a sense of spiritual purpose, do everything you can to develop a relationship with your higher power.
Do not give away your value to anyone or anything. Do not let the opinions of others dictate how you feel about yourself. I know this runs counter to what you’ve been told--that adults have all the answers, but your value lies inside of you and you are in charge of how you feel about yourself. Finally, don’t give your value away to drugs and alcohol. As soon as you start letting foreign substances make decisions on how you behave, you end up the big loser.
I hope you’ll fight the good fight for your own value. I know for sure that you’re worth it.]]>124adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/taking-chances--40425398
Learning is so much about taking chances, risking looking dumb in front of your friends, family or strangers. Cynthia Heimel, in her "Lower Manhattan Survival Tactics," writes, “When in doubt, make a fool of yourself. There is a microscopically thin line between being brilliantly creative and acting like the most gigantic idiot on earth.”

“Progress always involves risks. You can't steal second base and keep your foot on first.” said Frederick B. Wilcox. Wayne Gretzky noted, “You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take.” An unknown author wrote, “Many great ideas have been lost because the people who had them could not stand being laughed at.”

Julia Sorel, Rosalyn Drexler’s character in See How She Runs, says, “If you're never scared or embarrassed or hurt, it means you never take any chances.”

It will be scary sometimes, taking chances, but once you get used to it, you’ll understand you were made to try new things.

John A Shedd got it right when he said, “A ship in harbor is safe - but that is not what ships are for.”]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40425398Thu, 20 Aug 2020 18:40:13 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkFrom time to time I think about what we’re doing here at Churchville-Chili Junior High School, no not just seeing our buddies, but learning how to live. Pablo Picasso said it well, “I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn...
Learning is so much about taking chances, risking looking dumb in front of your friends, family or strangers. Cynthia Heimel, in her "Lower Manhattan Survival Tactics," writes, “When in doubt, make a fool of yourself. There is a microscopically thin line between being brilliantly creative and acting like the most gigantic idiot on earth.”

“Progress always involves risks. You can't steal second base and keep your foot on first.” said Frederick B. Wilcox. Wayne Gretzky noted, “You'll always miss 100% of the shots you don't take.” An unknown author wrote, “Many great ideas have been lost because the people who had them could not stand being laughed at.”

Julia Sorel, Rosalyn Drexler’s character in See How She Runs, says, “If you're never scared or embarrassed or hurt, it means you never take any chances.”

It will be scary sometimes, taking chances, but once you get used to it, you’ll understand you were made to try new things.

John A Shedd got it right when he said, “A ship in harbor is safe - but that is not what ships are for.”]]>105adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/forgiveness-d-c--40425397
What is striking to me about the story is the aftermath. Anita LaRoque, now a Hilton resident, took the time to find and contact Cafrarelli and to ask him to meet her and her family. In the D & C article, its author, Mark Hare states, “Now, nearly 34 years after that night, his (Cafarelli’s) burden has been lifted—or at least eased. Forgiveness is a tonic for the soul.”

Fortunately, not all of us will have such a big burden to carry, be we all will violate other people and we will need their forgiveness. We can’t make anyone forgive us for doing thoughtless or cruel acts. Remember, though, what a gift we can give by forgiving others. If you take a step like Anita LaRoque, and forgive the person who has wronged you, you’ll find out what a great gift you’ve given yourself.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/40425397Thu, 20 Aug 2020 18:40:13 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI read a very interesting and moving article in Saturday’s Democrat and Chronicle. It was on the front page and told the story of a man and a woman, he 51, she 48, who had not had any contact in nearly 34 years. Their last meeting was a near tragic...
What is striking to me about the story is the aftermath. Anita LaRoque, now a Hilton resident, took the time to find and contact Cafrarelli and to ask him to meet her and her family. In the D & C article, its author, Mark Hare states, “Now, nearly 34 years after that night, his (Cafarelli’s) burden has been lifted—or at least eased. Forgiveness is a tonic for the soul.”

Fortunately, not all of us will have such a big burden to carry, be we all will violate other people and we will need their forgiveness. We can’t make anyone forgive us for doing thoughtless or cruel acts. Remember, though, what a gift we can give by forgiving others. If you take a step like Anita LaRoque, and forgive the person who has wronged you, you’ll find out what a great gift you’ve given yourself.]]>107adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-whisper-test--27338635Each year, in those days, students had their hearing tested in what seems to us now as a primitive manner. The student would stand next to the door while the teacher whispered a sentence to determine if the student could hear clearly. Mary Ann’s hearing was not good. In fact, she had almost no hearing in one ear. She dreaded the test, but her second grade teacher changed her life with the seven words she asked her to identify.
Normally, teachers would say something like, “The sky is blue,” or “It’s dark at night.” But, Mrs. Taylor, a loving and caring woman, didn’t say those words. Instead, she said, “I wish you were my little girl.”
You have an opportunity to do a loving act or say loving words to the people in your life. It costs so little to make these choices, but it can change so much.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/27338635Thu, 14 May 2020 16:30:06 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI feel very fortunate to speak with you twice a week and to share some of the values that I consider to be important to living a happy life. Yesterday, I heard a story that moved me deeply. It was written by Mary Ann Bird from her memoir, “The...Each year, in those days, students had their hearing tested in what seems to us now as a primitive manner. The student would stand next to the door while the teacher whispered a sentence to determine if the student could hear clearly. Mary Ann’s hearing was not good. In fact, she had almost no hearing in one ear. She dreaded the test, but her second grade teacher changed her life with the seven words she asked her to identify.
Normally, teachers would say something like, “The sky is blue,” or “It’s dark at night.” But, Mrs. Taylor, a loving and caring woman, didn’t say those words. Instead, she said, “I wish you were my little girl.”
You have an opportunity to do a loving act or say loving words to the people in your life. It costs so little to make these choices, but it can change so much.]]>98adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/memorial-day-words--26727925Watching the parade got me thinking about what my Memorial Day Parade would look like. In other words, what is it about the American way of life that I would show in a parade that makes it worth fighting and even dying for?
What would your Memorial Day parade look like? Would your family be in it? How about your friends? Perhaps your teammates would accompany you down the street. Those of you who celebrate your life with dance or song could entertain the crowd as you move through the course.
The question I would ask you is, “What are you free to do that allows you to be you because you live in Churchville-Chili, Monroe County, N.Y., in the United States of America?” Figure that out and you’ll know what your personal Memorial Day Parade would look like.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26727925Mon, 04 May 2020 23:18:53 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkYesterday was Memorial Day in the United States. It’s the day when we remember, honor and thank the service men and women who have given their lives to preserve our way of life. Like many, I went to a Memorial Day Parade and watched as a sample of...Watching the parade got me thinking about what my Memorial Day Parade would look like. In other words, what is it about the American way of life that I would show in a parade that makes it worth fighting and even dying for?
What would your Memorial Day parade look like? Would your family be in it? How about your friends? Perhaps your teammates would accompany you down the street. Those of you who celebrate your life with dance or song could entertain the crowd as you move through the course.
The question I would ask you is, “What are you free to do that allows you to be you because you live in Churchville-Chili, Monroe County, N.Y., in the United States of America?” Figure that out and you’ll know what your personal Memorial Day Parade would look like.]]>100adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/trying--26727926
Here’s the good news—you have a second chance, second quarter. That’s a nice thing about life. You almost always have a second chance. Living your life as a student or as an adult is about trying things out, learning what works and what doesn’t and trying again.

The secret is to learn from your mistakes and your successes. If you fall short of your goal, don’t beat yourself up so badly that you’re afraid to make another mistake. Trying is the important part. If you show up for life every day and just put in some effort, you’ll succeed sometimes. If you don’t make it, you can try again. That’s what I intend to do.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26727926Mon, 04 May 2020 23:18:05 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkThe first quarter of the school year is history. No efforts of yours can change the results. If you did well, you can take a moment to reflect on a job well done. If you’re like some of my students, you’ll come around to see me today and say, “What...
Here’s the good news—you have a second chance, second quarter. That’s a nice thing about life. You almost always have a second chance. Living your life as a student or as an adult is about trying things out, learning what works and what doesn’t and trying again.

The secret is to learn from your mistakes and your successes. If you fall short of your goal, don’t beat yourself up so badly that you’re afraid to make another mistake. Trying is the important part. If you show up for life every day and just put in some effort, you’ll succeed sometimes. If you don’t make it, you can try again. That’s what I intend to do.]]>73adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/election-words--26727927
It was an amazing experience. I met thousands of people as I went door to door in my district. I listened to people’s complaints, dreams and hopes. I spoke French to a few people. I even met a dog named “Nixon,” a poodle whom I met personally when his owner learned who I was. It was a lot of fun. It was a lot of work. It had a lot of highs as I felt our momentum growing the final days of the campaign. It had one big low Tuesday night when my daughter gave me the bad news as she read off the numbers from the internet.

I have had a day to reflect on the experience. I’m glad I did it. I might do it again. In my life, I have the opportunity to turn only one thing around overnight—myself. Society as a whole, my family, my friends, all of those take time. They turn around when they’re ready to turn around. In my race, as in so many other things in life, it is not the result that matters, it is the process. It is the journey, not the destination. I have learned more from my disappointments in life than I have from my successes. That doesn’t mean I would mind more successes.

Finally, the thing that I have learned that has meant the most to me is that I am loved by way more people than I deserve. For me, it is difficult sometimes to let that love in and to realize that it is sincere, but when I do feel it, it is possible for me to turn around and love others the same way. It seems to me the great religions of the world have been built on that truth. Thank you for your love and your support, and consider running for something when you’re able.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26727927Mon, 04 May 2020 23:17:29 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI want to take a couple of minutes this morning to talk about what I’ve learned by running for Monroe County Legislature these past 9 months. For those of you who don’t know, I ran in the 10th district of Pittsford and East Rochester, the area where...
It was an amazing experience. I met thousands of people as I went door to door in my district. I listened to people’s complaints, dreams and hopes. I spoke French to a few people. I even met a dog named “Nixon,” a poodle whom I met personally when his owner learned who I was. It was a lot of fun. It was a lot of work. It had a lot of highs as I felt our momentum growing the final days of the campaign. It had one big low Tuesday night when my daughter gave me the bad news as she read off the numbers from the internet.

I have had a day to reflect on the experience. I’m glad I did it. I might do it again. In my life, I have the opportunity to turn only one thing around overnight—myself. Society as a whole, my family, my friends, all of those take time. They turn around when they’re ready to turn around. In my race, as in so many other things in life, it is not the result that matters, it is the process. It is the journey, not the destination. I have learned more from my disappointments in life than I have from my successes. That doesn’t mean I would mind more successes.

Finally, the thing that I have learned that has meant the most to me is that I am loved by way more people than I deserve. For me, it is difficult sometimes to let that love in and to realize that it is sincere, but when I do feel it, it is possible for me to turn around and love others the same way. It seems to me the great religions of the world have been built on that truth. Thank you for your love and your support, and consider running for something when you’re able.]]>146adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/new-year-2006--26727928
The beginning of the New Year is a traditional time to make New Year’s Resolutions. The hardest thing about Resolutions is that most of them, if not carefully selected, go by the boards in a week or two. Therefore, I am here to tell you that you need to make New Year’s resolutions that you can keep, and the only way to do that is to decide to do something that you really want to do, but have been putting it off for just the right moment.

Short-term, one-time jobs like cleaning your room are good resolution material. They are doable and they make you feel like you’ve accomplished something when you’re done. Plus, it’s nicer to live in a neat room than in a dump.

Resolutions that lead to long-term benefits, but are fun to do in the short run, are also excellent New Year’s resolutions. For example, you can decide to read a book a week for the month of January. You will expand your mind and you may decide at the end of the month that a book a week in February sounds like a great idea, too.

I believe that by making resolutions, we are reminding ourselves of how good we can really be if we just try.

Today, take some time to come up with a New Year’s resolution that you can actually do and that makes you feel good about yourself. 2006 is a long year, and you’ll have many chances to grow, but you might as well start now. Good luck in having a happier 2006.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26727928Mon, 04 May 2020 23:16:43 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkHappy New Year and welcome back to Churchville-Chili Junior High School! The big question is how many times will you write the date as 2005 before you get used to it being a new year? I hate to say it, but when I dated this message, I wrote 2005....
The beginning of the New Year is a traditional time to make New Year’s Resolutions. The hardest thing about Resolutions is that most of them, if not carefully selected, go by the boards in a week or two. Therefore, I am here to tell you that you need to make New Year’s resolutions that you can keep, and the only way to do that is to decide to do something that you really want to do, but have been putting it off for just the right moment.

Short-term, one-time jobs like cleaning your room are good resolution material. They are doable and they make you feel like you’ve accomplished something when you’re done. Plus, it’s nicer to live in a neat room than in a dump.

Resolutions that lead to long-term benefits, but are fun to do in the short run, are also excellent New Year’s resolutions. For example, you can decide to read a book a week for the month of January. You will expand your mind and you may decide at the end of the month that a book a week in February sounds like a great idea, too.

I believe that by making resolutions, we are reminding ourselves of how good we can really be if we just try.

Today, take some time to come up with a New Year’s resolution that you can actually do and that makes you feel good about yourself. 2006 is a long year, and you’ll have many chances to grow, but you might as well start now. Good luck in having a happier 2006.]]>120adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-history-month--26727929When it comes to race relations, it has been said that, “We don’t know what we don’t know.” In other words, we don’t even know where to start when we want to reach out to people of a different race. Black History Month gives us some concrete knowledge of the Black experience in America. When we hear the stories of Harriet Tubman, of Muhammad Ali, of Dr. Martin Luther King and of President Barack Obama, it is easy for each of us, regardless of race, to appreciate and identify with these individuals.
Learning historical facts is an important first step in improving race relations at Churchville-Chili. However, it is just the beginning. We must realize that, we not only “don’t know what we don’t know,” what we do know may not be right, so it is vital to have an open mind when approaching challenging situations dealing with race.
Getting to know and like other people, however different on the surface, is not impossible. In fact, it can be fun. Keep an open mind and learn what you can during and after Black History Month.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26727929Mon, 04 May 2020 23:16:09 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkToday is the first day of February which means it’s the first day of Black History Month. It began in 1976 to commemorate the achievements of African-Americans down through history, but it also provides a door which can open between the races, to...When it comes to race relations, it has been said that, “We don’t know what we don’t know.” In other words, we don’t even know where to start when we want to reach out to people of a different race. Black History Month gives us some concrete knowledge of the Black experience in America. When we hear the stories of Harriet Tubman, of Muhammad Ali, of Dr. Martin Luther King and of President Barack Obama, it is easy for each of us, regardless of race, to appreciate and identify with these individuals.
Learning historical facts is an important first step in improving race relations at Churchville-Chili. However, it is just the beginning. We must realize that, we not only “don’t know what we don’t know,” what we do know may not be right, so it is vital to have an open mind when approaching challenging situations dealing with race.
Getting to know and like other people, however different on the surface, is not impossible. In fact, it can be fun. Keep an open mind and learn what you can during and after Black History Month.]]>108adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/thanksgiving--26727931Let me share a few of the things I am thankful for. On the top of the list is my wife to whom I have been married for 39 years. Those years have been filled with great joy and difficult challenges. To use a favorite word of mine, we have persevered and I am eternally grateful for that.
As a result of my marriage, I am blessed to have five grandchildren, age 10, 8, 6, 4 and 15 months. Four of them were at the house yesterday dressed in Brett Favre jerseys watching the Minnesota Viking football game.
I feel very lucky to be teaching at Churchville-Chili Middle School. I landed here 12 years ago after a long-time career in radio and I have thoroughly enjoyed my students, my colleagues and even my bosses. I also feel very fortunate to be able to deliver these messages twice a week. It has allowed me to get to know many students who are not in my classroom. It has allowed me to pass along the values I was given by my parents whom I will thank this Thursday even though they are no longer with me.
We all have much to be thankful for. Chances are good the ones you’ll think of on Thursday will have to do with other people—your friends, your family, maybe even your teachers. Whoever they are, take time to be thankful for them on this important holiday.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26727931Mon, 04 May 2020 23:15:25 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkThursday is Thanksgiving, which I must say is one of my favorite holidays. There isn’t the pressure to buy the perfect present that there is for some other holidays. Really, all I have to do is show up for dinner and behave myself with my wife’s...Let me share a few of the things I am thankful for. On the top of the list is my wife to whom I have been married for 39 years. Those years have been filled with great joy and difficult challenges. To use a favorite word of mine, we have persevered and I am eternally grateful for that.
As a result of my marriage, I am blessed to have five grandchildren, age 10, 8, 6, 4 and 15 months. Four of them were at the house yesterday dressed in Brett Favre jerseys watching the Minnesota Viking football game.
I feel very lucky to be teaching at Churchville-Chili Middle School. I landed here 12 years ago after a long-time career in radio and I have thoroughly enjoyed my students, my colleagues and even my bosses. I also feel very fortunate to be able to deliver these messages twice a week. It has allowed me to get to know many students who are not in my classroom. It has allowed me to pass along the values I was given by my parents whom I will thank this Thursday even though they are no longer with me.
We all have much to be thankful for. Chances are good the ones you’ll think of on Thursday will have to do with other people—your friends, your family, maybe even your teachers. Whoever they are, take time to be thankful for them on this important holiday.]]>128adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/veterans-day--26727932
We do take something from that day in 1918. The armistice, signed at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, is the point at which we stop to remember our fallen soldiers, sailors and marines. We don’t have school tomorrow, and I hope you’ll stop to thank those who have died in all the wars that America has fought. Since 1900, we have lost men, and in some cases women, in World War I, World War II, The Korean War, The Vietnam War, The First Gulf War, The War in Afghanistan and the Iraqi War. The last two continue as I speak.

I hope that none of you will be put in a position to wage war and potentially sacrifice your life for the rest of us. I’d like to think that the world is going in the right direction, but until we reach that destination, we’ll continue to remember and thank those who have laid down their lives to protect our way of life.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26727932Mon, 04 May 2020 23:14:53 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkLast Friday I talked about the historic scene that took place in Grant Park, Chicago the previous Tuesday night. If you had been alive, and in attendance at the Palace of Versailles on November 11th, 1918, you would have been a part of another...
We do take something from that day in 1918. The armistice, signed at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, is the point at which we stop to remember our fallen soldiers, sailors and marines. We don’t have school tomorrow, and I hope you’ll stop to thank those who have died in all the wars that America has fought. Since 1900, we have lost men, and in some cases women, in World War I, World War II, The Korean War, The Vietnam War, The First Gulf War, The War in Afghanistan and the Iraqi War. The last two continue as I speak.

I hope that none of you will be put in a position to wage war and potentially sacrifice your life for the rest of us. I’d like to think that the world is going in the right direction, but until we reach that destination, we’ll continue to remember and thank those who have laid down their lives to protect our way of life.]]>121adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/king-s-words--26727933
Martin Luther King Sr. was a minister and his son Martin grew up firmly planted in the Southern Baptist tradition. But, it would be wrong to say that Martin Luther King Jr. had no doubts about his faith and his world view. He was challenged early and often and never more so than when his life and the lives of his family came under fire.

Martin Luther King Jr. chose to stand up to oppression knowing that his courage might cost him his life. Ultimately, it did, but not before he made an incredible impact on the people of the United States, black and white. Martin Luther King Jr. told us that he had seen the promised land, that he might not make it there with us, but he knew the promise was there.

The promise is still there and we still haven’t reached the promised land. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content
of their character" We haven’t gotten there yet, but Dr. King’s dream lives on.

"From every mountainside, let freedom ring, and when this happens . . . when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, 'Free at last. Thank God Almighty. We are free at last.”]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26727933Mon, 04 May 2020 23:14:15 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkThere’s no school on Monday, and the first reaction is to wake up at the normal time, cheer, roll over and go back to sleep. That sounds good t me, too, but before you do that realize what Monday is all about. It’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day and it...
Martin Luther King Sr. was a minister and his son Martin grew up firmly planted in the Southern Baptist tradition. But, it would be wrong to say that Martin Luther King Jr. had no doubts about his faith and his world view. He was challenged early and often and never more so than when his life and the lives of his family came under fire.

Martin Luther King Jr. chose to stand up to oppression knowing that his courage might cost him his life. Ultimately, it did, but not before he made an incredible impact on the people of the United States, black and white. Martin Luther King Jr. told us that he had seen the promised land, that he might not make it there with us, but he knew the promise was there.

The promise is still there and we still haven’t reached the promised land. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content
of their character" We haven’t gotten there yet, but Dr. King’s dream lives on.

"From every mountainside, let freedom ring, and when this happens . . . when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, 'Free at last. Thank God Almighty. We are free at last.”]]>143adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/contact--26727934Its main character is a scientist named Ellie Arroway. Her primary purpose in life is to locate life on other planets and she sets up a giant array of antennas searching for messages from outer space. Few believe in what she is trying to do, but she continues on. One night, her faith is rewarded. “Evening, Willie, Steve. Let’s see the data. Good…Now, let’s see if there’s any nearby star in that field of view. Oh my, we’re looking at Vega. That’s a pretty near neighbor.”
The story progresses in a wonderful, unpredictable way and concludes with one of the most remarkable endings of any book I’ve ever read. Needless to say, I won’t tell you what it is.
Reading books is wonderful. We’ll be celebrating reading during the month of January. You’ll be able to share your favorite books with your friends and teachers. I’ll be excited to find out what you think is interesting. Books touch us. In Ellie Arroway’s case, she is touched by her long deceased father. “And now here he was—not a dream or a ghost but flesh and blood, or close enough. He had called to her from the stars and she had come.”
Enjoy your reading.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26727934Mon, 04 May 2020 23:13:46 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkStarting Monday, you’ll begin to see displays on and around teachers’ doors telling you what book they are currently reading and what book is their all-time favorite. On my door, you’ll see my favorite book, “Contact” by Carl Sagan. I was led to...Its main character is a scientist named Ellie Arroway. Her primary purpose in life is to locate life on other planets and she sets up a giant array of antennas searching for messages from outer space. Few believe in what she is trying to do, but she continues on. One night, her faith is rewarded. “Evening, Willie, Steve. Let’s see the data. Good…Now, let’s see if there’s any nearby star in that field of view. Oh my, we’re looking at Vega. That’s a pretty near neighbor.”
The story progresses in a wonderful, unpredictable way and concludes with one of the most remarkable endings of any book I’ve ever read. Needless to say, I won’t tell you what it is.
Reading books is wonderful. We’ll be celebrating reading during the month of January. You’ll be able to share your favorite books with your friends and teachers. I’ll be excited to find out what you think is interesting. Books touch us. In Ellie Arroway’s case, she is touched by her long deceased father. “And now here he was—not a dream or a ghost but flesh and blood, or close enough. He had called to her from the stars and she had come.”
Enjoy your reading.]]>124adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/breakfast-club--26727935One thing I like to do during breaks is to watch movies and this time I got the chance to see one of my favorite “coming of age” movies from 1985. It’s called, “The Breakfast Club,” and it launched the careers of many famous actors. It is the story of 5 teenagers thrown together to serve Saturday detention with a hostile school principal. The five know each other but are all from different cliques. One is an athlete, another an airhead, a third a basket case, a fourth a criminal and the fifth a nerd.
During the 9 hours of detention, the students go from hating each other to distrusting each other, to opening up to each other, to finally worrying that when the day is over they’ll go back to behaving the way they did when they first walked in the room. In one of the most telling conversations at the end of the film, one of the girls says to the other, “Why are you being so nice to me?” The other’s answer is, “Because you’re letting me.”
We have so many chances to let people into our lives every day. I’m not suggesting that you let in everyone, but I am urging you to be willing to trust, to be willing to let people be nice to you. You will find that you are capable of having many different kinds of friends and with each you will add to the richness of your world.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26727935Mon, 04 May 2020 23:12:58 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkWelcome back! We are now officially on the home stretch of our school year. This is the fourth quarter and you still have time to finish strong and to feel good about your school year. I hope you had a good spring break whether you went away or...One thing I like to do during breaks is to watch movies and this time I got the chance to see one of my favorite “coming of age” movies from 1985. It’s called, “The Breakfast Club,” and it launched the careers of many famous actors. It is the story of 5 teenagers thrown together to serve Saturday detention with a hostile school principal. The five know each other but are all from different cliques. One is an athlete, another an airhead, a third a basket case, a fourth a criminal and the fifth a nerd.
During the 9 hours of detention, the students go from hating each other to distrusting each other, to opening up to each other, to finally worrying that when the day is over they’ll go back to behaving the way they did when they first walked in the room. In one of the most telling conversations at the end of the film, one of the girls says to the other, “Why are you being so nice to me?” The other’s answer is, “Because you’re letting me.”
We have so many chances to let people into our lives every day. I’m not suggesting that you let in everyone, but I am urging you to be willing to trust, to be willing to let people be nice to you. You will find that you are capable of having many different kinds of friends and with each you will add to the richness of your world.]]>118adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/making-good-decisions--25761072
This story exemplifies the decision making process that we use throughout our lives. An adult form of this debate is, “Do I go 65 on the highway because it’s safer to go that speed or because if I go faster I might get a ticket from a state trooper. Or, do I decide to go 80 anyway figuring nothing can happen to me?

In the most recent issue of Time Magazine, an article examines the way the teenage brain works. The study concludes that the part of the brain that is the latest to form is that which decides, “I’ll do this because it’s the right thing to do.” The same study states that the best form of discipline for teenagers provides them with clear immediate consequences to their actions. In other words, “I’m telling,” does get results with teenagers.

The hope is that we will all get better at making decisions for the right reasons, not just to avoid ending up in trouble.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25761072Mon, 04 May 2020 12:06:44 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkMy wife and I were out for a walk yesterday, enjoying the beautiful spring weather. A couple of brothers rode by on their bikes. I’d say they were probably 12 and 10 year olds. About 20 feet past us the younger one stopped and took off his helmet....
This story exemplifies the decision making process that we use throughout our lives. An adult form of this debate is, “Do I go 65 on the highway because it’s safer to go that speed or because if I go faster I might get a ticket from a state trooper. Or, do I decide to go 80 anyway figuring nothing can happen to me?

In the most recent issue of Time Magazine, an article examines the way the teenage brain works. The study concludes that the part of the brain that is the latest to form is that which decides, “I’ll do this because it’s the right thing to do.” The same study states that the best form of discipline for teenagers provides them with clear immediate consequences to their actions. In other words, “I’m telling,” does get results with teenagers.

The hope is that we will all get better at making decisions for the right reasons, not just to avoid ending up in trouble.]]>100makinggooddecisions,middleschool,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wisdom,wisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/red-ribbon-week--25761062
There’s a chemical in your brain that sets your pleasure centers dancing. It is released when you stare at a sunset or when you go out for a run or when you have a nice conversation with friends. It is also released when you do drugs. The problem is that it is released in massive quantities by drugs. It causes what is called a rush and it calls on the body to do it again and again. The same level of rush requires more and more of the substance and it becomes increasingly likely that you’ll take in more drugs than your body can stand and you’ll overdose.

Even if you’re lucky and you don’t o.d., you will make it practically impossible to enjoy those sunsets, runs and conversations that used to give you pleasure. Subtle pleasures will bore you compared to the rush induced by drugs.

I hope you’ll take my words today seriously. If you don’t, I hope the consequences you face are manageable. I want each of you to live your life drug-free and to the fullest.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25761062Mon, 04 May 2020 12:05:44 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkThis is Red Ribbon Week at Churchville-Chili Middle School. This is the week when we stop and consider the consequences of using drugs and alcohol and the benefits of not using them. I talked last week about how quickly young brains and bodies can...
There’s a chemical in your brain that sets your pleasure centers dancing. It is released when you stare at a sunset or when you go out for a run or when you have a nice conversation with friends. It is also released when you do drugs. The problem is that it is released in massive quantities by drugs. It causes what is called a rush and it calls on the body to do it again and again. The same level of rush requires more and more of the substance and it becomes increasingly likely that you’ll take in more drugs than your body can stand and you’ll overdose.

Even if you’re lucky and you don’t o.d., you will make it practically impossible to enjoy those sunsets, runs and conversations that used to give you pleasure. Subtle pleasures will bore you compared to the rush induced by drugs.

I hope you’ll take my words today seriously. If you don’t, I hope the consequences you face are manageable. I want each of you to live your life drug-free and to the fullest.]]>110justsayno,middleschool,podcast,redribbonweek,roc,rochesterny,wisdom,wisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/equality--26011442
Martin Luther King Sr. was a minister and his son Martin grew up firmly planted in the Southern Baptist tradition. But, it would be wrong to say that Martin Luther King Jr. had no doubts about his faith and his world view. He was challenged early and often and never more so than when his life and the lives of his family came under fire.

Martin Luther King Jr. chose to stand up to oppression knowing that his courage might cost him his life. Ultimately, it did, but not before he made an incredible impact on the people of the United States, black and white. Martin Luther King Jr. told us that he had seen the promised land, that he might not make it there with us, but he knew the promise was there.

The promise is still there and we still haven’t reached the promised land. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content
of their character" We haven’t gotten there yet, but Dr. King’s dream lives on.

"From every mountainside, let freedom ring, and when this happens . . . when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, 'Free at last. Thank God Almighty. We are free at last.”]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26011442Mon, 04 May 2020 12:04:16 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkThere’s no school on Monday, and the first reaction is to wake up at the normal time, cheer, roll over and go back to sleep. That sounds good t me, too, but before you do that realize what Monday is all about. It’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day and it...
Martin Luther King Sr. was a minister and his son Martin grew up firmly planted in the Southern Baptist tradition. But, it would be wrong to say that Martin Luther King Jr. had no doubts about his faith and his world view. He was challenged early and often and never more so than when his life and the lives of his family came under fire.

Martin Luther King Jr. chose to stand up to oppression knowing that his courage might cost him his life. Ultimately, it did, but not before he made an incredible impact on the people of the United States, black and white. Martin Luther King Jr. told us that he had seen the promised land, that he might not make it there with us, but he knew the promise was there.

The promise is still there and we still haven’t reached the promised land. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content
of their character" We haven’t gotten there yet, but Dr. King’s dream lives on.

"From every mountainside, let freedom ring, and when this happens . . . when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, 'Free at last. Thank God Almighty. We are free at last.”]]>124middleschool,mlk,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wisdom,wisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/respect--26358113“R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Find out what it means to me
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Take care, TCB

Oh (sock it to me, sock it to me,
Sock it to me, sock it to me)
A little respect (sock it to me, sock it to me,
Sock it to me, sock it to me)”

Actually I never really understand most of that except I like the respect part.

Respect is what all successful relationships are built on. I’m not just talking about romantic relationships
although it’s true of them too. I’m talking about friendships, business relationships, parent-child
relationships and school relationships. Most of the time in school the knowledge flows in mainly one
direction, from teacher to student, but respect mist flow equally in both directions.

Respect is built on that magic word empathy---putting yourself in another’s place---and when it’s gone,
it’s painfully obvious. You need look no further than the brawl which ended the Indiana/Detroit NBA
game last Friday, and the melee which ended the South Carolina/Clemson football game on Saturday.
Both represented a total lack of self-respect, respect for the opposing team and respect for the game.

One of my students shared how she had stood up for another student because she was not being
respected. I applauded her and I urge you to respect yourself, your friends, your teachers and even the
people you don’t like. Respect holds us together.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26358113Sat, 02 May 2020 18:54:31 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI think Aretha Franklin said it best when she said: “R-E-S-P-E-C-T Find out what it means to me R-E-S-P-E-C-T Take care, TCB Oh (sock it to me, sock it to me, Sock it to me, sock it to me) A little respect (sock it to me, sock it to me, Sock it to...“R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Find out what it means to me
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Take care, TCB

Oh (sock it to me, sock it to me,
Sock it to me, sock it to me)
A little respect (sock it to me, sock it to me,
Sock it to me, sock it to me)”

Actually I never really understand most of that except I like the respect part.

Respect is what all successful relationships are built on. I’m not just talking about romantic relationships
although it’s true of them too. I’m talking about friendships, business relationships, parent-child
relationships and school relationships. Most of the time in school the knowledge flows in mainly one
direction, from teacher to student, but respect mist flow equally in both directions.

Respect is built on that magic word empathy---putting yourself in another’s place---and when it’s gone,
it’s painfully obvious. You need look no further than the brawl which ended the Indiana/Detroit NBA
game last Friday, and the melee which ended the South Carolina/Clemson football game on Saturday.
Both represented a total lack of self-respect, respect for the opposing team and respect for the game.

One of my students shared how she had stood up for another student because she was not being
respected. I applauded her and I urge you to respect yourself, your friends, your teachers and even the
people you don’t like. Respect holds us together.]]>107adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/inevitable-things--25533507Sorry to say, there is no way to avoid conflict. Just when you think things are on an even
track, someone will get in your face and bang…conflict. No matter your age, you have a
developed a way to deal or not to deal with conflict.
My two children could not have been any more different in their ways of dealing with
conflict. My son would argue until both of us were blue in the face. My daughter would
go up and hide under her bed. It’s funny, because they still have the same basic models
that they use for dealing with conflict even though they are now 33 and 29 years old
respectively.
I’m going to tell you that the model you developed to survive as an eight year old is not
necessarily the best one to serve you as an adult. I also want to say that fear of conflict is
greatly overrated. Conflict resolution can be a freeing and empowering experience. You
just have to remember a couple things. Winning a conflict is not the most important
thing. Listening to opposing views and expressing your views clearly are the most
important things. Giving respect to someone you differ with will always pay off in the
future. It may even pay off during the conflict.
Next time you are in a conflict, and that could come soon, be respectful, be honest and be
responsible for what you say. That way everyone will win.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25533507Sat, 02 May 2020 18:49:46 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkThere are a few things in life that are inevitable: getting older, getting a job and conflict. Sorry to say, there is no way to avoid conflict. Just when you think things are on an even track, someone will get in your face and bang…conflict. No matter...Sorry to say, there is no way to avoid conflict. Just when you think things are on an even
track, someone will get in your face and bang…conflict. No matter your age, you have a
developed a way to deal or not to deal with conflict.
My two children could not have been any more different in their ways of dealing with
conflict. My son would argue until both of us were blue in the face. My daughter would
go up and hide under her bed. It’s funny, because they still have the same basic models
that they use for dealing with conflict even though they are now 33 and 29 years old
respectively.
I’m going to tell you that the model you developed to survive as an eight year old is not
necessarily the best one to serve you as an adult. I also want to say that fear of conflict is
greatly overrated. Conflict resolution can be a freeing and empowering experience. You
just have to remember a couple things. Winning a conflict is not the most important
thing. Listening to opposing views and expressing your views clearly are the most
important things. Giving respect to someone you differ with will always pay off in the
future. It may even pay off during the conflict.
Next time you are in a conflict, and that could come soon, be respectful, be honest and be
responsible for what you say. That way everyone will win.]]>94adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/really-lost--25761073I remember, as a boy, I visited my grandfather’s farm in southern Minnesota. The corn
was tall, and I was warned not to go out into the fields; but I went anyway. I got
hopelessly lost and soon I began to panic. I yelled for help. Nothing. I ran this way and
that and succeeded only in getting more lost. Finally, I heard the voice of my father
calling my name. I followed his voice and I was safe.
Have you ever felt really lost?
On a trip to France, as an adult, I took a late night walk on the back roads of Brittany. I
got disoriented and could see nothing but black. Again, I felt the panic rise in me until I
saw, off in the distance, a light. I headed for it, lost it again briefly, but kept going until I
was safe.
Have you ever felt really lost?
A friend shared with me that when she was in college she took an overdose of pills. She
woke up in the emergency room staring into the face of a nurse. She asked the nurse,
“Haven’t you ever felt this way?” The nurse nodded slightly and said, “yes, I have.”
What if there had been no voice? What if there had been no light? What if there had
been no face?
I am here to tell you that there is always a voice; but we must be willing to listen for it.
There is always a light; but we must look in unexpected directions to see it. There is
always a face; but it may belong to a stranger.
We will miss our friend. She was a talented, bright, artistic spirit. We are all diminished
by her loss; but realize that we are all voices, all lights and all faces for someone else. Be
confident that your love and spirit can make a difference for the people that you touch.
Be there for them.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25761073Sat, 02 May 2020 18:47:47 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkHave you ever felt really lost? I remember, as a boy, I visited my grandfather’s farm in southern Minnesota. The corn was tall, and I was warned not to go out into the fields; but I went anyway. I got hopelessly lost and soon I began to panic. I...I remember, as a boy, I visited my grandfather’s farm in southern Minnesota. The corn
was tall, and I was warned not to go out into the fields; but I went anyway. I got
hopelessly lost and soon I began to panic. I yelled for help. Nothing. I ran this way and
that and succeeded only in getting more lost. Finally, I heard the voice of my father
calling my name. I followed his voice and I was safe.
Have you ever felt really lost?
On a trip to France, as an adult, I took a late night walk on the back roads of Brittany. I
got disoriented and could see nothing but black. Again, I felt the panic rise in me until I
saw, off in the distance, a light. I headed for it, lost it again briefly, but kept going until I
was safe.
Have you ever felt really lost?
A friend shared with me that when she was in college she took an overdose of pills. She
woke up in the emergency room staring into the face of a nurse. She asked the nurse,
“Haven’t you ever felt this way?” The nurse nodded slightly and said, “yes, I have.”
What if there had been no voice? What if there had been no light? What if there had
been no face?
I am here to tell you that there is always a voice; but we must be willing to listen for it.
There is always a light; but we must look in unexpected directions to see it. There is
always a face; but it may belong to a stranger.
We will miss our friend. She was a talented, bright, artistic spirit. We are all diminished
by her loss; but realize that we are all voices, all lights and all faces for someone else. Be
confident that your love and spirit can make a difference for the people that you touch.
Be there for them.]]>142adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/remembrance--25761083Rogers.” It is a small book full of the warmth and intelligence that were such a part of
Mr. Rogers’ life. This past weekend, the man who played Mr. McFeely was in Rochester
at the Strong Museum. His name is David Newell and he states easily how much he
misses his friend.
A report in Thursday’s Democrat and Chronicle quotes Newell as saying it isn’t the
youngest fans that miss Mr. Rogers the most, it’s the adults. He says, “I think what they
realize is that we won’t get another like him. The tears are really a tribute to Fred. And I
miss him dreadfully.”
We are sending our ninth graders off to a new building, but there are two who are not
going to make the trip, and we miss them dreadfully. Brian Scipioni and Matt Gnage lost
their lives while they were in our junior high family. Truly there will never be anyone
like either of those two young men. We will remember them.
There are no television shows that live on with Brian or Matt. There are no books of
helpful wisdom. They didn’t get to that point in their lives. But, they lived long enough
to touch our lives. Let’s remember how precious each of us is to our friends, our families
and to our school. Today, value each other.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25761083Sat, 02 May 2020 18:45:24 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkOften this year I have quoted Fred Rogers from the book, “The World According to Mr. Rogers.” It is a small book full of the warmth and intelligence that were such a part of Mr. Rogers’ life. This past weekend, the man who played Mr. McFeely was in...Rogers.” It is a small book full of the warmth and intelligence that were such a part of
Mr. Rogers’ life. This past weekend, the man who played Mr. McFeely was in Rochester
at the Strong Museum. His name is David Newell and he states easily how much he
misses his friend.
A report in Thursday’s Democrat and Chronicle quotes Newell as saying it isn’t the
youngest fans that miss Mr. Rogers the most, it’s the adults. He says, “I think what they
realize is that we won’t get another like him. The tears are really a tribute to Fred. And I
miss him dreadfully.”
We are sending our ninth graders off to a new building, but there are two who are not
going to make the trip, and we miss them dreadfully. Brian Scipioni and Matt Gnage lost
their lives while they were in our junior high family. Truly there will never be anyone
like either of those two young men. We will remember them.
There are no television shows that live on with Brian or Matt. There are no books of
helpful wisdom. They didn’t get to that point in their lives. But, they lived long enough
to touch our lives. Let’s remember how precious each of us is to our friends, our families
and to our school. Today, value each other.]]>97adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/thanksgiving-gratitude--25761067in and of itself, is something to be thankful for, but all of us have a lot more serious
things we can be grateful for.
Here’s my short list. My long list would take us into second block. I’m thankful for my
friends and family, for the people that I love and that love me. I’m thankful for the good
health that enables me to come to school every day. I’m thankful for my brain that lets
me think and for my heart that lets me feel. I am thankful for my second chance in life
that has given me the chance to teach and to make a difference in people’s lives.
Whether you connect Thanksgiving to a higher power or not, the day is still a great
opportunity to look at your life and realize how many positives there are. I’ve heard it
said that a positive life begins with an attitude of gratitude. Every day you have the
opportunity to choose your attitude and that’s probably the greatest gift of all.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25761067Sat, 02 May 2020 18:43:21 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkBecause of Thanksgiving on Thursday, this is the shortest school week of the year. That, in and of itself, is something to be thankful for, but all of us have a lot more serious things we can be grateful for. Here’s my short list. My long list would...in and of itself, is something to be thankful for, but all of us have a lot more serious
things we can be grateful for.
Here’s my short list. My long list would take us into second block. I’m thankful for my
friends and family, for the people that I love and that love me. I’m thankful for the good
health that enables me to come to school every day. I’m thankful for my brain that lets
me think and for my heart that lets me feel. I am thankful for my second chance in life
that has given me the chance to teach and to make a difference in people’s lives.
Whether you connect Thanksgiving to a higher power or not, the day is still a great
opportunity to look at your life and realize how many positives there are. I’ve heard it
said that a positive life begins with an attitude of gratitude. Every day you have the
opportunity to choose your attitude and that’s probably the greatest gift of all.]]>72adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/accepting-a-compliment--25761080when I complimented one of the students on what she had done. She, like many people,
shrugged off the compliment and wanted me to believe that she bore no special gift and
had done nothing outstanding, certainly nothing worth being singled out for. Her
reaction was not unique. I have reacted exactly the same way in my life many times
thinking I was being modest, and, after all, modestly is a good thing, right?
Accepting a sincere compliment is a difficult thing to learn how to do. What do you do
when someone gives you a heartfelt compliment? It is so easy to shrug it off or minimize
it, but if you can honestly hear a compliment and let it in, it is one of the most nurturing
experiences of your life. Self-esteem means feeling good about yourself, and it would be
nice if we all had a self-esteem generator cranking out good stuff about ourselves 24/7.
Unfortunately, it’s just as likely that we’re producing self-doubt, maybe even self-
loathing along with the good stuff. So, being able to let positive opinions of others into
us really makes life a lot easier.
I was brought up to believe that believing a compliment about myself was a sign of
conceit, but that’s not true. Being able to believe that someone really likes and
appreciates me makes life a whole lot more fun to live. Next time someone compliments
you, say, “Thanks,” and realize what a good person you really are.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25761080Sat, 02 May 2020 18:42:04 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkToday’s words of wisdom were suggested by one of my study halls. The subject came up when I complimented one of the students on what she had done. She, like many people, shrugged off the compliment and wanted me to believe that she bore no special...when I complimented one of the students on what she had done. She, like many people,
shrugged off the compliment and wanted me to believe that she bore no special gift and
had done nothing outstanding, certainly nothing worth being singled out for. Her
reaction was not unique. I have reacted exactly the same way in my life many times
thinking I was being modest, and, after all, modestly is a good thing, right?
Accepting a sincere compliment is a difficult thing to learn how to do. What do you do
when someone gives you a heartfelt compliment? It is so easy to shrug it off or minimize
it, but if you can honestly hear a compliment and let it in, it is one of the most nurturing
experiences of your life. Self-esteem means feeling good about yourself, and it would be
nice if we all had a self-esteem generator cranking out good stuff about ourselves 24/7.
Unfortunately, it’s just as likely that we’re producing self-doubt, maybe even self-
loathing along with the good stuff. So, being able to let positive opinions of others into
us really makes life a lot easier.
I was brought up to believe that believing a compliment about myself was a sign of
conceit, but that’s not true. Being able to believe that someone really likes and
appreciates me makes life a whole lot more fun to live. Next time someone compliments
you, say, “Thanks,” and realize what a good person you really are.]]>107adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/funny-family-stories--25761071“Kid’s Little Treasure Book on Families.” The subject of all the quotations in the book is
family and the authors of the quotes are kids from 7 to 16 years old. I thought I’d share
some of their thoughts. You might recognize some that sound familiar.
Meghann, age 13, tells us, “When your mother is mad and asks, ‘do I look stupid?’ it’s
best not to answer.”
Angela, age 9, says “I shouldn’t ask my dad what a word means unless I want to look it
up in the dictionary.”
Matthew, age 12, tells us “If you want something expensive, ask your grandparents.”
Kimberly, age 8, says, “I love it when my mom brushes my hair and tells me stories
about what she did when she was my age.”
Brett, age 13, says, “It’s impossible to win an argument with an eleven-year-old sister.”
Nicole, age 13, tells us,” If you’re going on your first date, beware that your dad will
fingerprint and take mug shots of your boyfriend.”
Annette, age 10, says, “My dad would rather be lost for hours than stop and ask for
directions.”
Cheryl, age 10, has good advice when she says, “When you get a bad grade in school,
show it to your mom when she’s on the phone.”
And, finally, Neely, age 13, tells us, “If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.”
I would add: families are great things to laugh at.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25761071Sat, 02 May 2020 18:39:16 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkOne of my students gave me a really funny and interesting book a week ago. It’s called “Kid’s Little Treasure Book on Families.” The subject of all the quotations in the book is family and the authors of the quotes are kids from 7 to 16 years old. I...“Kid’s Little Treasure Book on Families.” The subject of all the quotations in the book is
family and the authors of the quotes are kids from 7 to 16 years old. I thought I’d share
some of their thoughts. You might recognize some that sound familiar.
Meghann, age 13, tells us, “When your mother is mad and asks, ‘do I look stupid?’ it’s
best not to answer.”
Angela, age 9, says “I shouldn’t ask my dad what a word means unless I want to look it
up in the dictionary.”
Matthew, age 12, tells us “If you want something expensive, ask your grandparents.”
Kimberly, age 8, says, “I love it when my mom brushes my hair and tells me stories
about what she did when she was my age.”
Brett, age 13, says, “It’s impossible to win an argument with an eleven-year-old sister.”
Nicole, age 13, tells us,” If you’re going on your first date, beware that your dad will
fingerprint and take mug shots of your boyfriend.”
Annette, age 10, says, “My dad would rather be lost for hours than stop and ask for
directions.”
Cheryl, age 10, has good advice when she says, “When you get a bad grade in school,
show it to your mom when she’s on the phone.”
And, finally, Neely, age 13, tells us, “If mom’s not happy, nobody’s happy.”
I would add: families are great things to laugh at.]]>104adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/where-your-heart-wants-to-go--25761075could touch that part of him or her that will really get him or her interested in learning.”
Sometimes it can be a frustrating search, but other times, the answer is so close I have to
try to hard miss it.
Cat Stevens wrote and sang a song back in the 70’s called, “The Wind.” It contains this
lyric, “I let the music take me where my heart wants to go.” That is the best answer I’ve
heard for my teacher’s dilemma. Every person, every student, has a place where their
heart wants to go. For some, it is music. Ask Mrs. Hartzler-Baker. For others, it’s art.
Mrs. Grocki-Bareham or Mrs. Kline can identify some of these students. For others it’s
literature or poetry. All of our great ELA teachers know who these students are.
The point is this; you probably know what takes you “where your heart wants to go.”
The goal for all of us as teachers and students is to connect with what works for each
person and to help it work in our whole life, in school and beyond school. I remember as
a teenager my athletics took me where my heart wanted to go. I know many students in
my classes who are like that today.
It would certainly be nice if we could all work together to reach that part of us that
touches our deepest feelings. Can you imagine how rewarding school would be if our
experience every day led us where our heart wants to go.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25761075Sat, 02 May 2020 18:36:56 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkAs a teacher I often think, “If only I could reach this student or that.” I think, “if only I could touch that part of him or her that will really get him or her interested in learning.” Sometimes it can be a frustrating search, but other times, the...could touch that part of him or her that will really get him or her interested in learning.”
Sometimes it can be a frustrating search, but other times, the answer is so close I have to
try to hard miss it.
Cat Stevens wrote and sang a song back in the 70’s called, “The Wind.” It contains this
lyric, “I let the music take me where my heart wants to go.” That is the best answer I’ve
heard for my teacher’s dilemma. Every person, every student, has a place where their
heart wants to go. For some, it is music. Ask Mrs. Hartzler-Baker. For others, it’s art.
Mrs. Grocki-Bareham or Mrs. Kline can identify some of these students. For others it’s
literature or poetry. All of our great ELA teachers know who these students are.
The point is this; you probably know what takes you “where your heart wants to go.”
The goal for all of us as teachers and students is to connect with what works for each
person and to help it work in our whole life, in school and beyond school. I remember as
a teenager my athletics took me where my heart wanted to go. I know many students in
my classes who are like that today.
It would certainly be nice if we could all work together to reach that part of us that
touches our deepest feelings. Can you imagine how rewarding school would be if our
experience every day led us where our heart wants to go.]]>109adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/spring-fever--25533518its good and its bad sides. The good is that people generally have more energy in the
spring; more daylight seems to transform into higher moods. The bad news is all of the
above—more energy and higher moods. For some reason, those characteristics often lead
to behavior that makes learning a little harder.
I had a student ask me to talk about one of the things she is seeing more of this
spring—what she called “instigating.” According to her, that means spreading rumors for
the purpose of causing trouble for someone else. Instigating, defined as provoking or
inciting, is a good word, because it cuts through the myth that telling stories about
someone else is harmless or neutral in intent. Spreading rumors is almost always aimed
at causing harm, destroying a reputation, or dishonestly improving the teller’s social
standing.
Stopping instigating is easy if you are aware of what you’re doing and you have the
courage to stand up for what’s right. You will have many choices in this short week of
school to do the next right thing or the next wrong one. The Hippocratic Oath for doctors
says, “Do No Harm.” I would hope you could agree to that as well.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25533518Sat, 02 May 2020 18:35:37 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkSpring fever has officially set in at Churchville-Chili Junior High School. That has both its good and its bad sides. The good is that people generally have more energy in the spring; more daylight seems to transform into higher moods. The bad news is...its good and its bad sides. The good is that people generally have more energy in the
spring; more daylight seems to transform into higher moods. The bad news is all of the
above—more energy and higher moods. For some reason, those characteristics often lead
to behavior that makes learning a little harder.
I had a student ask me to talk about one of the things she is seeing more of this
spring—what she called “instigating.” According to her, that means spreading rumors for
the purpose of causing trouble for someone else. Instigating, defined as provoking or
inciting, is a good word, because it cuts through the myth that telling stories about
someone else is harmless or neutral in intent. Spreading rumors is almost always aimed
at causing harm, destroying a reputation, or dishonestly improving the teller’s social
standing.
Stopping instigating is easy if you are aware of what you’re doing and you have the
courage to stand up for what’s right. You will have many choices in this short week of
school to do the next right thing or the next wrong one. The Hippocratic Oath for doctors
says, “Do No Harm.” I would hope you could agree to that as well.]]>86adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/women-s-writing--25761063we are celebrating 30 years of that recognition. Of course now, and as of 1987, the entire month of
March is set aside to celebrate the extraordinary contribution of women to our society. President Carter
noted in his address:
"From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended
them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung
and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength
and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.
The theme of this year’s Women’s History Month is, “Writing Women Back into History.” Choose an
area of importance and women are at or near the top of influential people. For example, women are
very well represented as authors. You can probably name some female authors of books you’ve read
like J. K. Rowling, Stephenie Meyer, Alice Sebold, and Jodi Picoult. Classsic female authors include Louisa
May Alcott, Jane Austen, Willa Cather and Virginia Woolf.
If you are a girl or a woman and you are thinking about becoming an author, you have lots of great role
models to choose from. Spend some time with the books and authors you love and try writing from
your own viewpoint. Thirty years from now your name might be held up to middle school students as a
great example of a woman who has contributed tremendously to our society.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25761063Sat, 02 May 2020 18:34:37 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkOn March 2, 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared the first National Women’s History Week. This year, we are celebrating 30 years of that recognition. Of course now, and as of 1987, the entire month of March is set aside to celebrate the extraordinary...we are celebrating 30 years of that recognition. Of course now, and as of 1987, the entire month of
March is set aside to celebrate the extraordinary contribution of women to our society. President Carter
noted in his address:
"From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended
them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung
and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength
and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well.
The theme of this year’s Women’s History Month is, “Writing Women Back into History.” Choose an
area of importance and women are at or near the top of influential people. For example, women are
very well represented as authors. You can probably name some female authors of books you’ve read
like J. K. Rowling, Stephenie Meyer, Alice Sebold, and Jodi Picoult. Classsic female authors include Louisa
May Alcott, Jane Austen, Willa Cather and Virginia Woolf.
If you are a girl or a woman and you are thinking about becoming an author, you have lots of great role
models to choose from. Spend some time with the books and authors you love and try writing from
your own viewpoint. Thirty years from now your name might be held up to middle school students as a
great example of a woman who has contributed tremendously to our society.]]>116adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/brian-scipioni-memorial--25552129unexpectedly of meningitis. I was asked to prepare and read to an emergency staff meeting, and
minutes later to the school community, a message of condolence and hope. The message I put together
began a nearly nine year record of twice-weekly “Words of Wisdom,” which I wrote and delivered to our
school community. Many of my messages are assembled on this website as well as new messages which
I hope will help you navigate this really difficult time. Here is the original script from December 16,
2002—as relevant today as it was then. Mr. Nixon]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25552129Sat, 02 May 2020 18:32:47 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkOn December 13, 2002, an eighth grade student at Churchville-Chili Middle School, Brian Scipioni, died unexpectedly of meningitis. I was asked to prepare and read to an emergency staff meeting, and minutes later to the school community, a message of...unexpectedly of meningitis. I was asked to prepare and read to an emergency staff meeting, and
minutes later to the school community, a message of condolence and hope. The message I put together
began a nearly nine year record of twice-weekly “Words of Wisdom,” which I wrote and delivered to our
school community. Many of my messages are assembled on this website as well as new messages which
I hope will help you navigate this really difficult time. Here is the original script from December 16,
2002—as relevant today as it was then. Mr. Nixon]]>86adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/birthday--25761078remember the thing we all have in common—we were all born. When I began teaching, I
made it a habit of telling my students about the birth stories of my children. Having been
there for the birth of both my kids, I can tell the stories in a lot of detail. Yesterday, in
fact, was the birthday of my oldest, my son Erik who turned 34. Erik was born 11 weeks
premature at a time when preemies were not all that common, but today he stands 6 foot
4, weighs somewhere near 270 and has four children of his own.
It’s fun to find out how we came into the world. Sometimes the way we start sets the
tone for the rest of our lives. Some people believe a tranquil birth environment promotes
serenity later in life. Some people believe that a baby who has to fight for his or her
place in the world will carry that fighting spirit into adulthood. If you feel comfortable
with the idea, ask someone who can tell you about your birth.
I encourage you to get in touch with your roots and to realize that building on what we
have in common, like being born onto planet Earth, will lead to a lot happier place for us
all of us to live our lives.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25761078Sat, 02 May 2020 18:32:06 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI like birthdays. In a world where people want to point out what separates us, it’s nice to remember the thing we all have in common—we were all born. When I began teaching, I made it a habit of telling my students about the birth stories of my...remember the thing we all have in common—we were all born. When I began teaching, I
made it a habit of telling my students about the birth stories of my children. Having been
there for the birth of both my kids, I can tell the stories in a lot of detail. Yesterday, in
fact, was the birthday of my oldest, my son Erik who turned 34. Erik was born 11 weeks
premature at a time when preemies were not all that common, but today he stands 6 foot
4, weighs somewhere near 270 and has four children of his own.
It’s fun to find out how we came into the world. Sometimes the way we start sets the
tone for the rest of our lives. Some people believe a tranquil birth environment promotes
serenity later in life. Some people believe that a baby who has to fight for his or her
place in the world will carry that fighting spirit into adulthood. If you feel comfortable
with the idea, ask someone who can tell you about your birth.
I encourage you to get in touch with your roots and to realize that building on what we
have in common, like being born onto planet Earth, will lead to a lot happier place for us
all of us to live our lives.]]>91adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/can-you-be-counted-on--25533516really important quality to be reliable, to be able to be counted on. It means that if your
friends are asked what kind of person you are, they’ll be able to say something positive.
Write down a description of yourself. Here are some opposites you might wrestle with:
honest or dishonest, responsible or irresponsible, supportive or selfish, reliable or
unreliable. I hope the first words describe you more than the second.
You will always have many true friends if you say what you mean and honor your word.
Can you always do that? No, of course not, but you should always strive to. It’s often
easier to give a person the answer she wants to hear rather than being honest up front.
For example, you might tell your teacher that you’ll come in for extra help after school,
making her happy for the moment, and then you just don’t show up. Or, you may make a
commitment to do something but then you decide you’ve gotten a better offer and you
don’t bother living up to your word.
The problem is that people start to think about you in a negative way, just because you
didn’t do what you said you were going to do. It doesn’t take too long to shift people’s
perceptions from the positives to the negatives: dishonest, irresponsible, selfish and
unreliable. Then, you have to work really hard to win your friends back and to become a
good friend to yourself again.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25533516Sat, 02 May 2020 18:30:30 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkAre you a person who can be counted on? Is your answer, yes, no or sometimes? It’s a really important quality to be reliable, to be able to be counted on. It means that if your friends are asked what kind of person you are, they’ll be able to say...really important quality to be reliable, to be able to be counted on. It means that if your
friends are asked what kind of person you are, they’ll be able to say something positive.
Write down a description of yourself. Here are some opposites you might wrestle with:
honest or dishonest, responsible or irresponsible, supportive or selfish, reliable or
unreliable. I hope the first words describe you more than the second.
You will always have many true friends if you say what you mean and honor your word.
Can you always do that? No, of course not, but you should always strive to. It’s often
easier to give a person the answer she wants to hear rather than being honest up front.
For example, you might tell your teacher that you’ll come in for extra help after school,
making her happy for the moment, and then you just don’t show up. Or, you may make a
commitment to do something but then you decide you’ve gotten a better offer and you
don’t bother living up to your word.
The problem is that people start to think about you in a negative way, just because you
didn’t do what you said you were going to do. It doesn’t take too long to shift people’s
perceptions from the positives to the negatives: dishonest, irresponsible, selfish and
unreliable. Then, you have to work really hard to win your friends back and to become a
good friend to yourself again.]]>96adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/change--25533514The answer: “Only one, but the light bulb has to want to change.” Change is a funny
thing. Many people are more afraid of change than they are of staying where they are
even if that place is really bad. Really, the only thing you can change is yourself, but
even that is too much to think about sometimes. Here’s a bit of advice that might make it
easier for you to make changes in yourself that seem particularly hard. Act “as if.”
There are lots of examples in pop culture of the people acting, “as if.” For example the
Holiday Inn Express ads feature people doing things they are totally unqualified to do
because they spent the night before in a Holiday Inn Express. The Leonardo DiCaprio
movie, “Catch Me If You Can,” features a real life young man who pretends to be an
airline pilot, a doctor and a lawyer. The point is not that I want you to try and deceive
people, but that acting, “as if,” helps you to break old patterns that might be holding you
back from reaching your full potential.
In school, there are lots of examples of how acting, “as if,” can help you succeed. Doing
homework, preparing for tests, or showing what you know in front of a class all give you
chances to act as if you are confident in your abilities. The funny thing is, the more you
act, “as if,” the more likely you are to really become what you want to become. Try
acting “as if”. I think you’ll be surprised what you can do.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25533514Sat, 02 May 2020 18:29:19 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI remember a joke that asks, “How many therapists does it take to change a light bulb?” The answer: “Only one, but the light bulb has to want to change.” Change is a funny thing. Many people are more afraid of change than they are of staying where...The answer: “Only one, but the light bulb has to want to change.” Change is a funny
thing. Many people are more afraid of change than they are of staying where they are
even if that place is really bad. Really, the only thing you can change is yourself, but
even that is too much to think about sometimes. Here’s a bit of advice that might make it
easier for you to make changes in yourself that seem particularly hard. Act “as if.”
There are lots of examples in pop culture of the people acting, “as if.” For example the
Holiday Inn Express ads feature people doing things they are totally unqualified to do
because they spent the night before in a Holiday Inn Express. The Leonardo DiCaprio
movie, “Catch Me If You Can,” features a real life young man who pretends to be an
airline pilot, a doctor and a lawyer. The point is not that I want you to try and deceive
people, but that acting, “as if,” helps you to break old patterns that might be holding you
back from reaching your full potential.
In school, there are lots of examples of how acting, “as if,” can help you succeed. Doing
homework, preparing for tests, or showing what you know in front of a class all give you
chances to act as if you are confident in your abilities. The funny thing is, the more you
act, “as if,” the more likely you are to really become what you want to become. Try
acting “as if”. I think you’ll be surprised what you can do.]]>99adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/bullying--25761064featured Kevin Jennings, who is coming to speak Wednesday at the Strong Museum. The
occasion and subject of his talk will be, national “No Name-Calling Week,” which his
group began in 2004. It is joined by the local Community Task Force on Bullying
Prevention of Monroe County.
Strong Museum’s Susan Trien believes that the serious topic of bullying goes well with
their museum centered on play. She says, “Bullying and name-calling make for an
unhealthy environment not conducive to either play or learning.” Jennings points out that
a 2005 report found that 65 percent of students surveyed reported being harassed or
assaulted because of, “their perceived or actual appearance, gender, sexual orientation,
gender expression, race/ethnicity disability or religion.”
Bullying, like other negative behavior goes away when it is brought into the light of day.
A bully gets power because his or her actions are kept secret. When those acts are
exposed, the bully’s power is diminished and the right of all of us to live our lives in
peace is restored.
Don’t be afraid to talk about bullying or name calling. Stand up for others. Don’t take
part in acts of bullying yourself. If you get a chance, head to the Strong Museum this
Wednesday at 7 PM to hear Kevin Jennings share his ideas and the ideas of kids all
around the country that have faced the challenges of dealing with bullies.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25761064Sat, 02 May 2020 18:28:08 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkDenise Marie Santiago is a columnist for the Democrat and Chronicle. Last Friday, she featured Kevin Jennings, who is coming to speak Wednesday at the Strong Museum. The occasion and subject of his talk will be, national “No Name-Calling Week,” which...featured Kevin Jennings, who is coming to speak Wednesday at the Strong Museum. The
occasion and subject of his talk will be, national “No Name-Calling Week,” which his
group began in 2004. It is joined by the local Community Task Force on Bullying
Prevention of Monroe County.
Strong Museum’s Susan Trien believes that the serious topic of bullying goes well with
their museum centered on play. She says, “Bullying and name-calling make for an
unhealthy environment not conducive to either play or learning.” Jennings points out that
a 2005 report found that 65 percent of students surveyed reported being harassed or
assaulted because of, “their perceived or actual appearance, gender, sexual orientation,
gender expression, race/ethnicity disability or religion.”
Bullying, like other negative behavior goes away when it is brought into the light of day.
A bully gets power because his or her actions are kept secret. When those acts are
exposed, the bully’s power is diminished and the right of all of us to live our lives in
peace is restored.
Don’t be afraid to talk about bullying or name calling. Stand up for others. Don’t take
part in acts of bullying yourself. If you get a chance, head to the Strong Museum this
Wednesday at 7 PM to hear Kevin Jennings share his ideas and the ideas of kids all
around the country that have faced the challenges of dealing with bullies.]]>111adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/13-going-on-30--25761079summer takes some adjustment. By next weekend, you’ll probably feel like you’ve been back in school
forever.
Speaking of summer, I saw a movie this summer from a few years ago. It starred Jennifer Garner and it
was called, “13 Going On 30.” My son-in-law called it a “chick flick,” but its lessons are appropriate for
girls and boys. Here’s the gist of the movie: a 13 year old girl, through the help of magic wishing
powder, is given a glimpse of what her life will be like when she’s 30. Slowly, she realizes she has
become a not very nice person. She is selfish, dishonest and immoral. Things simply are not going to
work out the way she wants them to in her future.
It turns out that she started down the wrong path with a bad decision as a 13 year old. This being
Hollywood, she gets the chance to make it right in her real life and there is a happy ending. The point
I’m making is that if we took the time to think about where our choices would lead us in the future, we
would be a lot more careful in making them now. In the movie, the lead character valued the opinion of
the “cool girls” way too much. That gave her the false compass of popularity which lead her astray.
Take the time to see what is driving your choices and make sure you’re really choosing to be the person
you want to be now an in the future.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25761079Sat, 02 May 2020 18:25:54 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkIt’s nice to have a three day week to start out the school year because the change in schedule from summer takes some adjustment. By next weekend, you’ll probably feel like you’ve been back in school forever. Speaking of summer, I saw a movie this...summer takes some adjustment. By next weekend, you’ll probably feel like you’ve been back in school
forever.
Speaking of summer, I saw a movie this summer from a few years ago. It starred Jennifer Garner and it
was called, “13 Going On 30.” My son-in-law called it a “chick flick,” but its lessons are appropriate for
girls and boys. Here’s the gist of the movie: a 13 year old girl, through the help of magic wishing
powder, is given a glimpse of what her life will be like when she’s 30. Slowly, she realizes she has
become a not very nice person. She is selfish, dishonest and immoral. Things simply are not going to
work out the way she wants them to in her future.
It turns out that she started down the wrong path with a bad decision as a 13 year old. This being
Hollywood, she gets the chance to make it right in her real life and there is a happy ending. The point
I’m making is that if we took the time to think about where our choices would lead us in the future, we
would be a lot more careful in making them now. In the movie, the lead character valued the opinion of
the “cool girls” way too much. That gave her the false compass of popularity which lead her astray.
Take the time to see what is driving your choices and make sure you’re really choosing to be the person
you want to be now an in the future.]]>103adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/friendship--25533512me thinking about what is really important to me. What do I value enough that I would
plant a tree to it? High on my list would be friendship.
Elbert Hubbard said, “A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same.”
There is a Chinese proverb that says, “ A true friendship is like sound health, the value
of it is seldom known until lost.”
The power of friendship is enormous. If you are willing to trust another person with
your secrets and you are trustworthy enough to keep theirs, you are on your way to
establishing a life-long bond.
Abraham Lincoln recognized the value of friendship when he said, “Am I not
destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?
I believe the French philosopher Albert Camus said it wonderfully when he said, “Don't
walk in front of me, I may not follow; Don't walk behind me, I may not lead; Walk
beside me, and just be my friend.
Today, as you consider what you value enough to plant a tree to, consider valuing
yourself enough to be a really good friend.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25533512Sat, 02 May 2020 18:22:56 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkThe planting of the flowering plum tree last week as a memorial to Brian Scipioni started me thinking about what is really important to me. What do I value enough that I would plant a tree to it? High on my list would be friendship. Elbert Hubbard...me thinking about what is really important to me. What do I value enough that I would
plant a tree to it? High on my list would be friendship.
Elbert Hubbard said, “A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same.”
There is a Chinese proverb that says, “ A true friendship is like sound health, the value
of it is seldom known until lost.”
The power of friendship is enormous. If you are willing to trust another person with
your secrets and you are trustworthy enough to keep theirs, you are on your way to
establishing a life-long bond.
Abraham Lincoln recognized the value of friendship when he said, “Am I not
destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?
I believe the French philosopher Albert Camus said it wonderfully when he said, “Don't
walk in front of me, I may not follow; Don't walk behind me, I may not lead; Walk
beside me, and just be my friend.
Today, as you consider what you value enough to plant a tree to, consider valuing
yourself enough to be a really good friend.]]>93adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/choices--25533510do with them? How often do you think about your gifts, the things you do really well?
How often do you avoid taking on a task that is hard for you or that doesn’t fit well with
your natural gifts? These are all interesting questions that you should think about from
time to time.
Professor Dumbledore in Harry Potter, says that what matters in life is not your talents
but your choices. As you might expect, J. K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter agrees,
“It is our choices…that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
General and former Secretary of State Colin Powell writes, “You can't make someone
else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.” Former Beatle George
Harrison said, “Everyone has choice when to and not to raise their voices: It's you who
decides.”
Returning to J. K. Rowling, she talks about our ability to make good decisions. She says,
“As much money and life as you could want--the two things most human beings would
choose above all. The trouble is that humans do have a knack for choosing precisely
those things that are worst for them.”
You are born with certain talents. They are your gifts. How you use those gifts are your
choices. I hope you’ll make the most of them.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25533510Sat, 02 May 2020 18:22:22 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkWhich do you think is more important, the talents you’re born with or what you choose to do with them? How often do you think about your gifts, the things you do really well? How often do you avoid taking on a task that is hard for you or that doesn’t...do with them? How often do you think about your gifts, the things you do really well?
How often do you avoid taking on a task that is hard for you or that doesn’t fit well with
your natural gifts? These are all interesting questions that you should think about from
time to time.
Professor Dumbledore in Harry Potter, says that what matters in life is not your talents
but your choices. As you might expect, J. K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter agrees,
“It is our choices…that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
General and former Secretary of State Colin Powell writes, “You can't make someone
else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.” Former Beatle George
Harrison said, “Everyone has choice when to and not to raise their voices: It's you who
decides.”
Returning to J. K. Rowling, she talks about our ability to make good decisions. She says,
“As much money and life as you could want--the two things most human beings would
choose above all. The trouble is that humans do have a knack for choosing precisely
those things that are worst for them.”
You are born with certain talents. They are your gifts. How you use those gifts are your
choices. I hope you’ll make the most of them.]]>83adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/geena-davis--26011434a broader look at what facing challenges is all about. The tests this week will come and
go. You’ll either do well or you won’t, but you can be sure that you will have challenges
in your life for as long as you live. So, it’s worthwhile to think about how you face
challenges.
Geena Davis, the actress who plays the first woman President on ABC’s “Commander in
Chief,” talks about the challenges she has faced in her life. She has succeeded in some
and failed in others. On her list of successes is almost making the US Olympic archery
team while in her forties. She has also learned to ice skate, fence, ride horses, shoot
pistols, practice tae kwon do, train dogs and, for her current show, learn how to row to
give the President an interesting hobby. What’s the point? Geena Davis learned to do all
these things as an adult. As a teenager she felt awkward and uncoordinated. Now she
plays the President.
Mother Teresa said it concisely, “Life is a challenge, meet it." Norman Vincent
Peale advised, “In every difficult situation is potential value. Believe this, then
begin looking for it." Dale Carnegie agrees. He writes, “Most of the important
things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying
when there seemed to be no hope at all."
Tests are tests, and I hope you have prepared for them and do well, but a
positive, can-do attitude towards the challenges in your life will serve you well.
Who knows, maybe one you listening today, boy or girl, will take my words
seriously and grow up to be the real President.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26011434Sat, 02 May 2020 18:20:11 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkThis is Mid-term week at Churchville-Chili Junior High School. It’s a good time to take a broader look at what facing challenges is all about. The tests this week will come and go. You’ll either do well or you won’t, but you can be sure that you will...a broader look at what facing challenges is all about. The tests this week will come and
go. You’ll either do well or you won’t, but you can be sure that you will have challenges
in your life for as long as you live. So, it’s worthwhile to think about how you face
challenges.
Geena Davis, the actress who plays the first woman President on ABC’s “Commander in
Chief,” talks about the challenges she has faced in her life. She has succeeded in some
and failed in others. On her list of successes is almost making the US Olympic archery
team while in her forties. She has also learned to ice skate, fence, ride horses, shoot
pistols, practice tae kwon do, train dogs and, for her current show, learn how to row to
give the President an interesting hobby. What’s the point? Geena Davis learned to do all
these things as an adult. As a teenager she felt awkward and uncoordinated. Now she
plays the President.
Mother Teresa said it concisely, “Life is a challenge, meet it." Norman Vincent
Peale advised, “In every difficult situation is potential value. Believe this, then
begin looking for it." Dale Carnegie agrees. He writes, “Most of the important
things in the world have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying
when there seemed to be no hope at all."
Tests are tests, and I hope you have prepared for them and do well, but a
positive, can-do attitude towards the challenges in your life will serve you well.
Who knows, maybe one you listening today, boy or girl, will take my words
seriously and grow up to be the real President.]]>118adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/rumors--25533515do with them? How often do you think about your gifts, the things you do really well?
How often do you avoid taking on a task that is hard for you or that doesn’t fit well with
your natural gifts? These are all interesting questions that you should think about from
time to time.
Professor Dumbledore in Harry Potter, says that what matters in life is not your talents
but your choices. As you might expect, J. K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter agrees,
“It is our choices…that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
General and former Secretary of State Colin Powell writes, “You can't make someone
else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.” Former Beatle George
Harrison said, “Everyone has choice when to and not to raise their voices: It's you who
decides.”
Returning to J. K. Rowling, she talks about our ability to make good decisions. She says,
“As much money and life as you could want--the two things most human beings would
choose above all. The trouble is that humans do have a knack for choosing precisely
those things that are worst for them.”
You are born with certain talents. They are your gifts. How you use those gifts are your
choices. I hope you’ll make the most of them.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25533515Sat, 02 May 2020 18:19:29 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkWhich do you think is more important, the talents you’re born with or what you choose to do with them? How often do you think about your gifts, the things you do really well? How often do you avoid taking on a task that is hard for you or that doesn’t...do with them? How often do you think about your gifts, the things you do really well?
How often do you avoid taking on a task that is hard for you or that doesn’t fit well with
your natural gifts? These are all interesting questions that you should think about from
time to time.
Professor Dumbledore in Harry Potter, says that what matters in life is not your talents
but your choices. As you might expect, J. K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter agrees,
“It is our choices…that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
General and former Secretary of State Colin Powell writes, “You can't make someone
else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.” Former Beatle George
Harrison said, “Everyone has choice when to and not to raise their voices: It's you who
decides.”
Returning to J. K. Rowling, she talks about our ability to make good decisions. She says,
“As much money and life as you could want--the two things most human beings would
choose above all. The trouble is that humans do have a knack for choosing precisely
those things that are worst for them.”
You are born with certain talents. They are your gifts. How you use those gifts are your
choices. I hope you’ll make the most of them.]]>78adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/waffling--25533513only to have a friend tell you it’s a dumb idea? Join the club of wafflers. In the political
world, being a waffler is considered a very bad thing. In the real world, waffling on a
decision is as common as syrup on pancakes or waffles.
John Lennon and the Beatles sang a song back in the sixties that captured the problem
perfectly. It’s called, “Strawberry Fields Forever,” and here is the lyric. “Always no
sometimes think it's me, but you know I know when it's a dream.
I think I know I mean "Yes," but it's all wrong.
That is I think I disagree.”
Now that’s waffling.
How do you go about being decisive? First, realize that it’s okay to change your mind.
Another song from the sixties, a protest song against the Vietnam War, talks about being,
“Waist deep in the big muddy (a river), and the big fool says to push on.”
You have to be comfortable with your decisions and if that means changing your mind to
feel more comfortable, then go ahead and waffle. After all, waffling is just an
unflattering word for having common sense. Do what’s right for you, even if it’s not
what you thought it was ten minutes ago.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25533513Sat, 02 May 2020 18:18:23 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkDo you ever have trouble making decisions? Do you decide to do something one way only to have a friend tell you it’s a dumb idea? Join the club of wafflers. In the political world, being a waffler is considered a very bad thing. In the real world,...only to have a friend tell you it’s a dumb idea? Join the club of wafflers. In the political
world, being a waffler is considered a very bad thing. In the real world, waffling on a
decision is as common as syrup on pancakes or waffles.
John Lennon and the Beatles sang a song back in the sixties that captured the problem
perfectly. It’s called, “Strawberry Fields Forever,” and here is the lyric. “Always no
sometimes think it's me, but you know I know when it's a dream.
I think I know I mean "Yes," but it's all wrong.
That is I think I disagree.”
Now that’s waffling.
How do you go about being decisive? First, realize that it’s okay to change your mind.
Another song from the sixties, a protest song against the Vietnam War, talks about being,
“Waist deep in the big muddy (a river), and the big fool says to push on.”
You have to be comfortable with your decisions and if that means changing your mind to
feel more comfortable, then go ahead and waffle. After all, waffling is just an
unflattering word for having common sense. Do what’s right for you, even if it’s not
what you thought it was ten minutes ago.]]>82adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/playing-fair--25761081
If you’ve been following the presidential race, you’ve seen a lot of mud slinging, truth-stretching and outright lying. The question has to be asked, “Does the end justify the means? Is it okay to lie, cheat and steal because only by winning can the greater good be served?”

I had an experience when I was a senior in high school that has stick with me all my life and dramatizes exactly what I’m talking about. We were selling chocolate bars to raise money for new band uniforms. The person who sold the most candy bars won a cash prize. I got very excited about the project and went out door-to-door every available minute. The day we were to turn in our money, I proudly presented my cash, confident that I would win. It was not to be. Another student, whose father owned a grocery store, waited until I turned in my money and then sold just enough to his father to beat me. His father turned around and sold the chocolate at his store during the following weeks. I was shocked and angry and I couldn’t believe that winning would be so important to someone that they would compromise fair play so completely.

Teachers, if you have thirty seconds, ask your students who thinks playing fair is more important than winning and vice versa. We all need to decide, every day, what we believe in. Your decisions will dictate how you live your life and how easily you face yourself in the mirror.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25761081Wed, 29 Apr 2020 23:18:45 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkThe discussion continues everywhere you look. Is it better to win or is it more important to play fair, win or lose? Since this question is being asked in school by me, a person who talks about making good choices, you might think this is an easy...
If you’ve been following the presidential race, you’ve seen a lot of mud slinging, truth-stretching and outright lying. The question has to be asked, “Does the end justify the means? Is it okay to lie, cheat and steal because only by winning can the greater good be served?”

I had an experience when I was a senior in high school that has stick with me all my life and dramatizes exactly what I’m talking about. We were selling chocolate bars to raise money for new band uniforms. The person who sold the most candy bars won a cash prize. I got very excited about the project and went out door-to-door every available minute. The day we were to turn in our money, I proudly presented my cash, confident that I would win. It was not to be. Another student, whose father owned a grocery store, waited until I turned in my money and then sold just enough to his father to beat me. His father turned around and sold the chocolate at his store during the following weeks. I was shocked and angry and I couldn’t believe that winning would be so important to someone that they would compromise fair play so completely.

Teachers, if you have thirty seconds, ask your students who thinks playing fair is more important than winning and vice versa. We all need to decide, every day, what we believe in. Your decisions will dictate how you live your life and how easily you face yourself in the mirror.]]>126adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/it-s-you-i-like--25761076
Mr. Rogers wrote a song for his TV program which was published in the book, “The World According to Mr. Rogers.” It’s called, “It’s You I Like.” Here’s how it goes:

It’s you I like,
It’s not the things you wear,
It’s not the way you do your hair,
But it’s you I like.

The way you are right now,
The way deep down inside you,
Not the things that hide you,
Not your toys, they’re just beside you.

But it’s you I like, every part of you,
Your skin, your eyes, your feelings
Whether old or new.

I hope that you’ll remember
Even when you’re feeling blue
That it’s you I like,
It’s you yourself, it’s you,
It’s you…I…like!

I hope you’ll make an effort to become a good friend to someone. It will help him or her. It will help you, and it will help all of us at Churchville-Chili Middle School.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25761076Wed, 29 Apr 2020 23:17:28 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkOne thing I especially like about middle school age is that we begin to learn how to be a friend. If we are doing it right, we learn to love, support and be there for our friends. Being a friend does not mean blindly following or supporting our...
Mr. Rogers wrote a song for his TV program which was published in the book, “The World According to Mr. Rogers.” It’s called, “It’s You I Like.” Here’s how it goes:

It’s you I like,
It’s not the things you wear,
It’s not the way you do your hair,
But it’s you I like.

The way you are right now,
The way deep down inside you,
Not the things that hide you,
Not your toys, they’re just beside you.

But it’s you I like, every part of you,
Your skin, your eyes, your feelings
Whether old or new.

I hope that you’ll remember
Even when you’re feeling blue
That it’s you I like,
It’s you yourself, it’s you,
It’s you…I…like!

I hope you’ll make an effort to become a good friend to someone. It will help him or her. It will help you, and it will help all of us at Churchville-Chili Middle School.]]>96adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fear-of-success--25761069
The central theme of the movie, and why I bring it up, is that our biggest obstacle to success is not the fear of failure, but the fear of success. Put a different way, in order to succeed we have to be able to picture ourselves as successes. As Akeelah says it simply in the movie, “I need to get over me.”

I can certainly think of many times in my life when I couldn’t get out of my own way and it kept me from performing up to my potential. Every time I get a golf club in my hand, my brain becomes my worst enemy. Speaking of golf, Tiger Woods talks about the importance of visualizing every shot before he hits it. I sure wish I could do that.

Akeelah remembers the really tough words by memorizing them while she jumps rope. It puts a rhythm into her learning and takes the natural resistance out of her brain. As we approach finals, it’s a good time to think how you can best picture yourself as a success. If you get a chance to see the movie, “Akeelah and the Bee.” you may find yourself getting inspired. Picture yourself succeeding and you will.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25761069Wed, 29 Apr 2020 23:16:32 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI saw an interesting movie over the weekend, It’s called “Akeelah and the Bee.” It follows the often used plot of incredible underdog coming out of a disadvantaged environment to compete in the national spelling bee. It uses a lot of tried and true...
The central theme of the movie, and why I bring it up, is that our biggest obstacle to success is not the fear of failure, but the fear of success. Put a different way, in order to succeed we have to be able to picture ourselves as successes. As Akeelah says it simply in the movie, “I need to get over me.”

I can certainly think of many times in my life when I couldn’t get out of my own way and it kept me from performing up to my potential. Every time I get a golf club in my hand, my brain becomes my worst enemy. Speaking of golf, Tiger Woods talks about the importance of visualizing every shot before he hits it. I sure wish I could do that.

Akeelah remembers the really tough words by memorizing them while she jumps rope. It puts a rhythm into her learning and takes the natural resistance out of her brain. As we approach finals, it’s a good time to think how you can best picture yourself as a success. If you get a chance to see the movie, “Akeelah and the Bee.” you may find yourself getting inspired. Picture yourself succeeding and you will.]]>109adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/face-on-the-milk-carton--25761066
I am reading a book right now called, “The Face on the Milk Carton.” It’s the first in a series by Caroline B. Cooney. The central charter is 15 year old Janie Johnson, but one of the supporting characters caught my eye and I want to talk about him. His name is Reeve. He’s a couple years older than Janie, lives next door, and has always been overshadowed by his older sisters and brother. He has made a career out of not doing homework and getting mediocre grades. All of a sudden, Reeve pops up on the Honor Roll first term of his Senior Year, surprising all his classmates.

Is it possible to flip a switch in your brain and to go from being one type of person to being another literally overnight? The answer is yes. I have seen it in my life, and I have experienced it myself. It requires two things, One, you have to commit to a new image of yourself, and two, you need to take the transition one day at a time. Successful diets are based on this formula. Kicking drug or alcohol habits uses this concept. Becoming a better student or a more responsible citizen is not as tough as giving up drugs, but the idea is the same---View yourself differently and then commit to being the new you for just one day.

Books offer insights into other people, but really they open the door onto whom we can be ourselves. Be open to how you can change for the better. It’s your choice.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25761066Wed, 29 Apr 2020 23:14:26 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI read a lot of books, so many of my students in the past have been the same way. If they had five minutes to spare, they would open a book and immerse themselves in the story. One of the good things about books is the variety of characters that we...
I am reading a book right now called, “The Face on the Milk Carton.” It’s the first in a series by Caroline B. Cooney. The central charter is 15 year old Janie Johnson, but one of the supporting characters caught my eye and I want to talk about him. His name is Reeve. He’s a couple years older than Janie, lives next door, and has always been overshadowed by his older sisters and brother. He has made a career out of not doing homework and getting mediocre grades. All of a sudden, Reeve pops up on the Honor Roll first term of his Senior Year, surprising all his classmates.

Is it possible to flip a switch in your brain and to go from being one type of person to being another literally overnight? The answer is yes. I have seen it in my life, and I have experienced it myself. It requires two things, One, you have to commit to a new image of yourself, and two, you need to take the transition one day at a time. Successful diets are based on this formula. Kicking drug or alcohol habits uses this concept. Becoming a better student or a more responsible citizen is not as tough as giving up drugs, but the idea is the same---View yourself differently and then commit to being the new you for just one day.

Books offer insights into other people, but really they open the door onto whom we can be ourselves. Be open to how you can change for the better. It’s your choice.]]>130adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/check-in-the-mirror--25761082I should just end m words of wisdom now and let you figure it out, but I have a contract and I get paid by the word. So, here’s what that advice is all about. Your peace of mind doesn’t rest with the people you run into, it rests between your ears. If everyone is getting on your nerves, the problem is most likely with your nerves. If everyone around you seems to be acting like a jerk, you will probably find the source of all this jerkiness by looking in the mirror.
That may seem a bit harsh to you and unfair, but the good news is that the reverse is also true. If everyone seems particularly nice, you’ll find the reason for that in the same place, looking back at you in the mirror.
Every day, take a look at how things are going at the end of first block. If you’ve been meeting a lot of really nice people, you’re on track. If you’ve met three jerks, it’s time to head to the nearest mirror and have a few words with the responsible party.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25761082Wed, 29 Apr 2020 23:12:07 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI heard a good piece of advice the other day. A friend told me, “If you run into three jerks before nine o’clock, check the mirror.” Now, I know there are all sorts of people looking at each other and saying, “{Mr. Nixon has finally lost it.” That...I should just end m words of wisdom now and let you figure it out, but I have a contract and I get paid by the word. So, here’s what that advice is all about. Your peace of mind doesn’t rest with the people you run into, it rests between your ears. If everyone is getting on your nerves, the problem is most likely with your nerves. If everyone around you seems to be acting like a jerk, you will probably find the source of all this jerkiness by looking in the mirror.
That may seem a bit harsh to you and unfair, but the good news is that the reverse is also true. If everyone seems particularly nice, you’ll find the reason for that in the same place, looking back at you in the mirror.
Every day, take a look at how things are going at the end of first block. If you’ve been meeting a lot of really nice people, you’re on track. If you’ve met three jerks, it’s time to head to the nearest mirror and have a few words with the responsible party.]]>95adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/drugs-and-alcohol-2--25761068Everyone who starts drugs or alcohol begins as a recreational user. In other words, to have fun. Sometime it works for a while. Sometimes not and they go right to the bottom of a black pit. If you have known anyone who has found themselves in this state of incomprehensible demoralization, you’ll know what might wait for you if you start using drugs or alcohol.
You may think I’m just saying this to scare you, but I think you’ll find it hard to imagine how far down even a young person of 16, 17 or 18 years old can fall because of drug use. If you understand the chemistry of drugs and alcohol in the body, you’ll see how possible, even probable it is to slip into real trouble. Nexdt week, during Red Ribbon Week, I’ll explain the physical basis for addiction, but all you really need to know is that you are risking your life if you choose to put drugs and alcohol into your body.
This weekend, spend some time learning about drug and alcohol abuse and next week we’ll learn more about what the results of your choices might be.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25761068Wed, 29 Apr 2020 23:10:33 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkNext week, you’ll be seeing red at Churchville-Chili Middle School. That’s because it’ “Red Ribbon Week,” when you[‘ll be reminded how important it is for you to make good decisions about what you put into your body. The most important choice you’ll...Everyone who starts drugs or alcohol begins as a recreational user. In other words, to have fun. Sometime it works for a while. Sometimes not and they go right to the bottom of a black pit. If you have known anyone who has found themselves in this state of incomprehensible demoralization, you’ll know what might wait for you if you start using drugs or alcohol.
You may think I’m just saying this to scare you, but I think you’ll find it hard to imagine how far down even a young person of 16, 17 or 18 years old can fall because of drug use. If you understand the chemistry of drugs and alcohol in the body, you’ll see how possible, even probable it is to slip into real trouble. Nexdt week, during Red Ribbon Week, I’ll explain the physical basis for addiction, but all you really need to know is that you are risking your life if you choose to put drugs and alcohol into your body.
This weekend, spend some time learning about drug and alcohol abuse and next week we’ll learn more about what the results of your choices might be.]]>105adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/handling-anger--25761070There isn’t a person in this building who hasn’t been angry, sometimes really angry, at another person. It’s natural. It’s part of the “fight or flight,” defense mechanism t5hat is a part of us all. The trick to growing up is to deal with anger in a positive way.
Don’t feed your anger. Don’t sit there and brood about what you want to do to that nasty mean so-and-so that did you wrong. You may have a right to be angry, but realize what Confucius said, “When anger rises, think of the consequences.”
My personal experience with anger is that I need to feel it for a while, but, at some point, I need to let it go. What do I put in in its place? Joan Lunden said it really well in Healthy Living Magazine. “Holding on to anger, resentment and hurt only gives you tense muscles, a headache and a sore jaw from clenching your teeth. Forgiveness gives you back the laughter and the lightness in your life.”
Forgiving the person you’re mad at is the best gift you can give to yourself.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25761070Wed, 29 Apr 2020 23:08:43 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkWhen is the last time you were really angry? Can you remember what it felt like I can. My heart rate picked up. My temperature rose. I felt incredibly focused on doing harm to the person I was mad at. Anger is a really strong emotion, but the...There isn’t a person in this building who hasn’t been angry, sometimes really angry, at another person. It’s natural. It’s part of the “fight or flight,” defense mechanism t5hat is a part of us all. The trick to growing up is to deal with anger in a positive way.
Don’t feed your anger. Don’t sit there and brood about what you want to do to that nasty mean so-and-so that did you wrong. You may have a right to be angry, but realize what Confucius said, “When anger rises, think of the consequences.”
My personal experience with anger is that I need to feel it for a while, but, at some point, I need to let it go. What do I put in in its place? Joan Lunden said it really well in Healthy Living Magazine. “Holding on to anger, resentment and hurt only gives you tense muscles, a headache and a sore jaw from clenching your teeth. Forgiveness gives you back the laughter and the lightness in your life.”
Forgiving the person you’re mad at is the best gift you can give to yourself.]]>115adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/coretta-king--25761065
It is clear that both Mrs. King and her husband had a burning passion to bring freedom and equality to all people. Dr. King called it, “the inescapable web of mutuality.” In other words, we are all connected. The success or failure of any of us reflects on the well-being of all of us. It is not okay to say that problems that exist outside of our community or outside of our circle of friends aren’t our problems.

The legacy of Coretta Scott King is to try to make things better. As President Clinton said at Mrs. King’s funeral this week, “The difficulty of success does not relieve one from the obligation to try.” We can all try in our own ways. Trying can be objecting when you hear a racist joke or remark. Trying can be volunteering at a soup kitchen. Trying can be helping another student who you don’t know very well with homework. Trying can be taking a few minutes each day to reflect on what you can do to make the world a better place.

Talking about a person’s legacy when they die is a helpful thing, but it is only talk. What is called for is action. Figure out how you can make a difference and then do it.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25761065Wed, 29 Apr 2020 23:04:16 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkWhen someone famous dies, the word legacy is used a lot to identify what part of that person will continue on. In the case of Coretta Scott King’s death last week, her legacy and the legacy of her husband, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are naturally tied...
It is clear that both Mrs. King and her husband had a burning passion to bring freedom and equality to all people. Dr. King called it, “the inescapable web of mutuality.” In other words, we are all connected. The success or failure of any of us reflects on the well-being of all of us. It is not okay to say that problems that exist outside of our community or outside of our circle of friends aren’t our problems.

The legacy of Coretta Scott King is to try to make things better. As President Clinton said at Mrs. King’s funeral this week, “The difficulty of success does not relieve one from the obligation to try.” We can all try in our own ways. Trying can be objecting when you hear a racist joke or remark. Trying can be volunteering at a soup kitchen. Trying can be helping another student who you don’t know very well with homework. Trying can be taking a few minutes each day to reflect on what you can do to make the world a better place.

Talking about a person’s legacy when they die is a helpful thing, but it is only talk. What is called for is action. Figure out how you can make a difference and then do it.]]>116adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-history-month--26011443
One such example is Benjamin Banneker, the son of a freed slave in Maryland, a mathematical wizard and a social activist; in 1791, he wrote a long letter to Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson in response to Jefferson’s assertion in a publication that blacks were void of mental endowments.

Banneker wrote, “that one universal Father hath given being to us all, and all that he hath not only made us all of one flesh…however diversified in situation and colour, we are all of the Same Family, and Stand in the Same relation to him.” Jefferson responded with encouragement and forwarded his letter to Paris for study.

Modern African-American orators have made their way to center stage. Senator Barack Obama from Illinois addressed the Democratic Convention in 2004, and spoke these inspirational words:

“Tonight is a particular honor for me because, let’s face it, my presence on this stage is pretty unlikely. My father was a foreign student, born and raised in a small village in Kenya. He grew up herding goats, went to school in a tin-roof shack.

But my grandfather had larger dreams for his son. Through hard work and perseverance my father got a scholarship to study in a magical place, America, that shone as a beacon of freedom and opportunity to so many who had come before.”

Take hold of your education. Learn how to write well. Learn how to speak as clearly as you can. It will make all the difference in your life.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26011443Wed, 29 Apr 2020 23:02:08 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI spoke on Friday about the belief by African-American leaders in the importance of education. Why is their belief so strong? Simply stated, your ability to stand up for yourself depends entirely on your knowledge and your ability to communicate your...
One such example is Benjamin Banneker, the son of a freed slave in Maryland, a mathematical wizard and a social activist; in 1791, he wrote a long letter to Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson in response to Jefferson’s assertion in a publication that blacks were void of mental endowments.

Banneker wrote, “that one universal Father hath given being to us all, and all that he hath not only made us all of one flesh…however diversified in situation and colour, we are all of the Same Family, and Stand in the Same relation to him.” Jefferson responded with encouragement and forwarded his letter to Paris for study.

Modern African-American orators have made their way to center stage. Senator Barack Obama from Illinois addressed the Democratic Convention in 2004, and spoke these inspirational words:

“Tonight is a particular honor for me because, let’s face it, my presence on this stage is pretty unlikely. My father was a foreign student, born and raised in a small village in Kenya. He grew up herding goats, went to school in a tin-roof shack.

But my grandfather had larger dreams for his son. Through hard work and perseverance my father got a scholarship to study in a magical place, America, that shone as a beacon of freedom and opportunity to so many who had come before.”

Take hold of your education. Learn how to write well. Learn how to speak as clearly as you can. It will make all the difference in your life.]]>116adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/black-history-month-2--26011441
Malcom X was aware of the comparison between himself and Dr. King. He said, “I’ll say nothing against him. At one time the whites in the United States called him a racialist, an extremist, and a communist. Then the Black Muslims came along and the whites thanked the Lord for Martin Luther King.”

At his heart, Malcom X believed in the same thing Dr. King believed in---freedom for all people. Malcolm X knew the route to that freedom. He said, “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” And, he added, “Without education, you’re not going anywhere in this world.”

Getting a good education is not a radical idea. It is a necessity if freedom and equal rights are to be achieved. That message continues to be trumpeted by today’s African-American leaders. One of them is Aaron McGruder, creator of the comic strip Boondocks. In last Sunday’s strip, McGruder wrote that “Artists knew if they didn’t excel, black people would yell and boo and heckle them off the stage. Tough audiences have always made our artists better.” Now, he says, “If we could only get black people to start booing each other in math class.”

Your future is in your hands. It’s called your education. Malcom X knew it. Aaron McGruder knows it. Do you know it?]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26011441Wed, 29 Apr 2020 23:00:53 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkMalcom X has the reputation of having been a firebrand, a radical and, frankly, the Mr. Hyde to Martin Luther King Jr’s Dr. Jekyll. He earned that reputation with some of his early comments including his words, “Our objective is complete freedom,...
Malcom X was aware of the comparison between himself and Dr. King. He said, “I’ll say nothing against him. At one time the whites in the United States called him a racialist, an extremist, and a communist. Then the Black Muslims came along and the whites thanked the Lord for Martin Luther King.”

At his heart, Malcom X believed in the same thing Dr. King believed in---freedom for all people. Malcolm X knew the route to that freedom. He said, “Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” And, he added, “Without education, you’re not going anywhere in this world.”

Getting a good education is not a radical idea. It is a necessity if freedom and equal rights are to be achieved. That message continues to be trumpeted by today’s African-American leaders. One of them is Aaron McGruder, creator of the comic strip Boondocks. In last Sunday’s strip, McGruder wrote that “Artists knew if they didn’t excel, black people would yell and boo and heckle them off the stage. Tough audiences have always made our artists better.” Now, he says, “If we could only get black people to start booing each other in math class.”

Your future is in your hands. It’s called your education. Malcom X knew it. Aaron McGruder knows it. Do you know it?]]>133adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/help-quiz-words-of-advice--26011432
The second question is, if you ask someone for advice, how often are you likely to follow it? A) more than 90% of the time, b) half the time, or c) rarely.

The final question is, if you follow the advice of a friend or family member, how likely are you to credit or blame them depending on the outcome of your solution? a) very likely to credit them if it works, b) very likely to blame them if it doesn’t, or c) I usually forget who I asked for what.

The reason I’m asking these questions is that asking for help is a really hard thing for a lot of people to do. Asking the right people for help is even harder. It is very easy to ask someone who you know will give you the answer you want, but it is much smarter to ask someone you respect for advice.

I had an experience in my life when I asked someone for advice because I knew he would tell me what I wanted to hear. I followed his advice, got myself in a world of trouble and resented his bad advice for years. The bottom line is, no matter who you ask for advice, the decision is ultimately yours and you own it. So, do your best to make the best decisions you can.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26011432Wed, 29 Apr 2020 19:19:10 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI’m going to start off my words today with a multiple choice quiz. Think carefully about your own behavior before you answer. First Question—When you have a difficult problem in your life you are most likely to a) keep it to yourself and try to...
The second question is, if you ask someone for advice, how often are you likely to follow it? A) more than 90% of the time, b) half the time, or c) rarely.

The final question is, if you follow the advice of a friend or family member, how likely are you to credit or blame them depending on the outcome of your solution? a) very likely to credit them if it works, b) very likely to blame them if it doesn’t, or c) I usually forget who I asked for what.

The reason I’m asking these questions is that asking for help is a really hard thing for a lot of people to do. Asking the right people for help is even harder. It is very easy to ask someone who you know will give you the answer you want, but it is much smarter to ask someone you respect for advice.

I had an experience in my life when I asked someone for advice because I knew he would tell me what I wanted to hear. I followed his advice, got myself in a world of trouble and resented his bad advice for years. The bottom line is, no matter who you ask for advice, the decision is ultimately yours and you own it. So, do your best to make the best decisions you can.]]>111adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/boundary--26011438As a person, you are entitled to your space. You have boundaries and you have every reason to expect other people to respect your boundaries.
I remember the boy in the bubble, David Vetter, whose severe immune deficiency required him to stay away from germs in a giant bubble. His very visible boundaries protected him and, in a way, the boundaries we have for ourselves allow us to feel safe and to give us the freedom to try challenging behavior.
We all deserve to feel safe. Make sure your behavior contributes to our positive feelings. As Maxwell Maltz said, “Self-image sets the boundaries of individual accomplishment.” We can accomplish as much as we feel safe in trying]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26011438Wed, 29 Apr 2020 19:06:58 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkThe first video game, invented more than 35 years ago, was called “pong.” It was unsophisticated but very popular. The skill involved was judging the angle of a carom, like in shooting billiards. I think of that game when I watch passing time...As a person, you are entitled to your space. You have boundaries and you have every reason to expect other people to respect your boundaries.
I remember the boy in the bubble, David Vetter, whose severe immune deficiency required him to stay away from germs in a giant bubble. His very visible boundaries protected him and, in a way, the boundaries we have for ourselves allow us to feel safe and to give us the freedom to try challenging behavior.
We all deserve to feel safe. Make sure your behavior contributes to our positive feelings. As Maxwell Maltz said, “Self-image sets the boundaries of individual accomplishment.” We can accomplish as much as we feel safe in trying]]>87adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/quebec-second-chance--26011444
There is an expression that in life you always get another chance. Sometimes, though, they are not really as obvious or clear as the Quebec trip. In fact, sometimes second chances don’t look anything like first chances on the surface. For example, sometime in your life you will have a friend who says something about you that hurts you. You cannot undo the act, but you will have a second chance to choose another friend who will honor your trust.

For some of you, you will lose a loved one. What will your second chance look like in that case? There is a movie entitled, “Second Chance.” It is about a 10 year old girl who is badly hurt in an accident that kills her father. It tells about her second chance. I recommend the film to anyone who is struggling to see what a second chance looks like.

An unknown author wrote, “Opportunities are never lost; they are taken by others.” Thomas Alva Edison wrote, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Edward F. Halifax writes, “He who leaves nothing to chance will do few things poorly, but he will do few things.”

Be willing to look in unusual places for your second chances. You will be better for your searching and finding.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26011444Wed, 29 Apr 2020 19:02:15 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkLast weekend 63-8th grade French students took their trip to Quebec. The original trip had been postponed a month earlier because of a failure of the bus company to provide busses. The delay caused a great deal of anguish and it was no sure thing...
There is an expression that in life you always get another chance. Sometimes, though, they are not really as obvious or clear as the Quebec trip. In fact, sometimes second chances don’t look anything like first chances on the surface. For example, sometime in your life you will have a friend who says something about you that hurts you. You cannot undo the act, but you will have a second chance to choose another friend who will honor your trust.

For some of you, you will lose a loved one. What will your second chance look like in that case? There is a movie entitled, “Second Chance.” It is about a 10 year old girl who is badly hurt in an accident that kills her father. It tells about her second chance. I recommend the film to anyone who is struggling to see what a second chance looks like.

An unknown author wrote, “Opportunities are never lost; they are taken by others.” Thomas Alva Edison wrote, “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Edward F. Halifax writes, “He who leaves nothing to chance will do few things poorly, but he will do few things.”

Be willing to look in unusual places for your second chances. You will be better for your searching and finding.]]>112adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/room-entry--26358107
First, everyone drops what they are doing, jumps up, hugs you and tells you how glad they are to see you, That’s a keeper---rare, but a keeper.

Second, everyone pretty much appears to keep on doing what they were doing, There’s an occasional, “hi, how’s it going?” This one happens all the time and everyone settles into a nice comfortable silence.

Third, when the door opens to announce your arrival, a lively conversation comes to a screeching halt. You can hear the proverbial pin drop and you have the distinct impression that you might have been the subject of the now ended conversation.

All of us have found ourselves in each of these situations. The first is great but almost never happens. The second is business as usual and we probably don’t even take note of it. The third brings a basic reaction of attack, flee and what’s wrong with me?

I’m bringing this up, because this third reaction and a person’s reactions to it happen every day and are the bases for prejudice, racism and misunderstanding in our society. If we feel that we are being shunned for no reason, we will either strike back or decide we deserve the attack and crawl into a shell. That situation has happened to all of us sometimes, but imagine that it happens to you every day because of the color of your skin, your gender, your age, the clothes you wear or the amount of money you have. That turns into a lot of striking out or a lot of self blame.

The point is, we should never be part of a room that is unwelcoming to anyone who enters it. If we are, maybe we need to get out of that room or change the way it feels.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26358107Wed, 29 Apr 2020 19:00:52 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkHow many times a week do you enter a room where there are already people talking? A lot I bet. Here are three possible scenarios for your entrance. First, everyone drops what they are doing, jumps up, hugs you and tells you how glad they are to see...
First, everyone drops what they are doing, jumps up, hugs you and tells you how glad they are to see you, That’s a keeper---rare, but a keeper.

Second, everyone pretty much appears to keep on doing what they were doing, There’s an occasional, “hi, how’s it going?” This one happens all the time and everyone settles into a nice comfortable silence.

Third, when the door opens to announce your arrival, a lively conversation comes to a screeching halt. You can hear the proverbial pin drop and you have the distinct impression that you might have been the subject of the now ended conversation.

All of us have found ourselves in each of these situations. The first is great but almost never happens. The second is business as usual and we probably don’t even take note of it. The third brings a basic reaction of attack, flee and what’s wrong with me?

I’m bringing this up, because this third reaction and a person’s reactions to it happen every day and are the bases for prejudice, racism and misunderstanding in our society. If we feel that we are being shunned for no reason, we will either strike back or decide we deserve the attack and crawl into a shell. That situation has happened to all of us sometimes, but imagine that it happens to you every day because of the color of your skin, your gender, your age, the clothes you wear or the amount of money you have. That turns into a lot of striking out or a lot of self blame.

The point is, we should never be part of a room that is unwelcoming to anyone who enters it. If we are, maybe we need to get out of that room or change the way it feels.]]>133adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/women-s-humor--26011435
The first really funny woman I remember is Lucille Ball. She and her husband Desi Arnez were on the show “I Love Lucy,” but it was really Lucille Ball’s show. I occasionally still see reruns of the program and one in particular makes me laugh so hard I cry. Lucy and her friend Ethel are working on an assembly line trying to put cakes into cake boxes. All goes well at first until the conveyor belt begins to speed up. Their attempts to stay on pace are truly hysterical.

In the 70’s I watched a lot of funny women, my favorite being Lily Tomlin. Lily played a wide variety of characters rather than herself. A standout was a nasty telephone operator named Ernestine. Ernestine was every customer’s worst nightmare when they called for help from the phone company.

Nowadays, my favorite female comic is Ellen Degeneres. Ellen is a great physical comedienne as well as a master of the absurd. She talks about her early school experience, “I was coming home from kindergarten--well they told me it was kindergarten. I found out later I had been working in a factory for ten years. It's good for a kid to know how to make gloves.”

Ellen says, “I have the worst memory ever so no matter who comes up to me - they're just, like, 'I can't believe you don't remember me!" I'm like, 'Oh Dad I'm sorry!'

A final piece of advice from Ellen: “Procrastination isn't the problem, it's the solution. So procrastinate now, don't put it off.”

I’m thankful for women who make me laugh.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26011435Wed, 29 Apr 2020 18:58:10 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI have four young grandchildren and I can guarantee you one thing about them; they all have a sense of humor and love to laugh. In fact, a desire to laugh is one of the things we all share as human beings. We don’t all think the same things are...
The first really funny woman I remember is Lucille Ball. She and her husband Desi Arnez were on the show “I Love Lucy,” but it was really Lucille Ball’s show. I occasionally still see reruns of the program and one in particular makes me laugh so hard I cry. Lucy and her friend Ethel are working on an assembly line trying to put cakes into cake boxes. All goes well at first until the conveyor belt begins to speed up. Their attempts to stay on pace are truly hysterical.

In the 70’s I watched a lot of funny women, my favorite being Lily Tomlin. Lily played a wide variety of characters rather than herself. A standout was a nasty telephone operator named Ernestine. Ernestine was every customer’s worst nightmare when they called for help from the phone company.

Nowadays, my favorite female comic is Ellen Degeneres. Ellen is a great physical comedienne as well as a master of the absurd. She talks about her early school experience, “I was coming home from kindergarten--well they told me it was kindergarten. I found out later I had been working in a factory for ten years. It's good for a kid to know how to make gloves.”

Ellen says, “I have the worst memory ever so no matter who comes up to me - they're just, like, 'I can't believe you don't remember me!" I'm like, 'Oh Dad I'm sorry!'

A final piece of advice from Ellen: “Procrastination isn't the problem, it's the solution. So procrastinate now, don't put it off.”

I’m thankful for women who make me laugh.]]>131adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/valentine-s-day--26011437
In the movie, “Groundhog Day,” the lead character Phil the weatherman lives the same day over and over again. What saves him from the spell is not his love for his girlfriend; but his dedicating his life to loving and helping all people.

We are advised to love others as we love ourselves and to love our enemies as well as our friends. That is the bottom line of the non-violent civil rights movement. That is what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. meant when he said, "Non-violence is a powerful and just weapon which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it."

Rosa Parks, in her 1994 book, “Quiet Strength,” described that love when she remembered, "I kept thinking about my mother and my grandparents, and how strong they were. I knew there was…an opportunity being given to me to do what I had asked of others."

Many of the civil rights leaders had a background in the church with a belief in unselfish love. Dr. King, Andrew Young and other leaders of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference read extensively from the writings of Mohandas Ghandi. Ghandi wrote, “Nonviolence is not a garment to be put on and off at will. Its seat is in the heart, and it must be an inseparable part of our being.”

Enjoy the fun feeling of Valentines Day tomorrow, but remember the love that changes worlds goes way beyond valentines and candy hearts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26011437Wed, 29 Apr 2020 18:56:53 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkTomorrow is Valentine’s Day, the day we celebrate romantic love. Most of you will experience romantic love at least once in your life. It is a thrilling and wonderful experience, as Joni Mitchell describes it, “that dizzy dancing way you feel”; but...
In the movie, “Groundhog Day,” the lead character Phil the weatherman lives the same day over and over again. What saves him from the spell is not his love for his girlfriend; but his dedicating his life to loving and helping all people.

We are advised to love others as we love ourselves and to love our enemies as well as our friends. That is the bottom line of the non-violent civil rights movement. That is what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. meant when he said, "Non-violence is a powerful and just weapon which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it."

Rosa Parks, in her 1994 book, “Quiet Strength,” described that love when she remembered, "I kept thinking about my mother and my grandparents, and how strong they were. I knew there was…an opportunity being given to me to do what I had asked of others."

Many of the civil rights leaders had a background in the church with a belief in unselfish love. Dr. King, Andrew Young and other leaders of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference read extensively from the writings of Mohandas Ghandi. Ghandi wrote, “Nonviolence is not a garment to be put on and off at will. Its seat is in the heart, and it must be an inseparable part of our being.”

Enjoy the fun feeling of Valentines Day tomorrow, but remember the love that changes worlds goes way beyond valentines and candy hearts.]]>121adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/equality--25761074
As any teacher knows, each person or student is unique, but there is much more that unites us than divides us. Linda Ellerbe writes, “People are pretty much alike. It's only that our differences are more susceptible to definition than our similarities.”

There is an Old Italian Proverb that says, “Once the game is over, the king and the pawn go back in the same box. In other words, we go through our lives doing what we do, hopefully well and with kindness, but at the end of the game, we all go back in the box.

How does this reality play out in the treatment of minorities? Malcolm X had an interesting insight. He said, “Don't be in a hurry to condemn because he doesn't do what you do or think as you think or as fast. There was a time when you didn't know what you know today.”

Dr. Martin Luther King had a dream about equality. He eloquently envisioned “a dream of a nation where all our gifts and resources are held not for ourselves alone, but as instruments of service for the rest of humanity; the dream of a country where every man will respect the dignity and worth of the human personality.”

Realize today that no matter how unique and different you are, underneath your differences you are the same as the person next to you; you are the equal of everyone around you, and they are yours.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25761074Wed, 29 Apr 2020 18:55:48 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkSusan B. Anthony once said, “If one of us is not equal, none of us is free.” Her statement reflects two things I believe in completely. First, that we are all connected and second that only if we are equal are we truly free to be whom we strive to...
As any teacher knows, each person or student is unique, but there is much more that unites us than divides us. Linda Ellerbe writes, “People are pretty much alike. It's only that our differences are more susceptible to definition than our similarities.”

There is an Old Italian Proverb that says, “Once the game is over, the king and the pawn go back in the same box. In other words, we go through our lives doing what we do, hopefully well and with kindness, but at the end of the game, we all go back in the box.

How does this reality play out in the treatment of minorities? Malcolm X had an interesting insight. He said, “Don't be in a hurry to condemn because he doesn't do what you do or think as you think or as fast. There was a time when you didn't know what you know today.”

Dr. Martin Luther King had a dream about equality. He eloquently envisioned “a dream of a nation where all our gifts and resources are held not for ourselves alone, but as instruments of service for the rest of humanity; the dream of a country where every man will respect the dignity and worth of the human personality.”

Realize today that no matter how unique and different you are, underneath your differences you are the same as the person next to you; you are the equal of everyone around you, and they are yours.]]>121adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/heroes--26358101
Mister Rogers, in his collection, “The World According to Mr. Rogers,” recognizes the importance of what’s going on here. He writes, “When I was very young, most of my childhood heroes wore capes, flew through the air, or picked up buildings with one arm. They were spectacular and got a lot of attention. But as I grew, my heroes changed, so that now I can honestly say that anyone who does anything to help a child is a hero to me.”

George Herbert Palmer wrote, “Teachers sometimes say, ‘I would like to teach if only pupils cared to learn.’ But then there would be little need for teaching.” What goes on here is almost like a dance. There are the flamboyant dancers who need little encouragement, but the biggest successes often come with those who linger at the side waiting for the right person to ask them onto the floor. The world of teaching and learning can be a very exciting place to be, even during the short days of winter.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26358101Wed, 29 Apr 2020 17:05:19 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkAs we turn the corner towards winter, only a week away, it’s a good time to look at what we’re doing here. Sometimes we feel like we’re putting in time until the next vacation, just two weeks away. Other times we are highly motivated either by an...
Mister Rogers, in his collection, “The World According to Mr. Rogers,” recognizes the importance of what’s going on here. He writes, “When I was very young, most of my childhood heroes wore capes, flew through the air, or picked up buildings with one arm. They were spectacular and got a lot of attention. But as I grew, my heroes changed, so that now I can honestly say that anyone who does anything to help a child is a hero to me.”

George Herbert Palmer wrote, “Teachers sometimes say, ‘I would like to teach if only pupils cared to learn.’ But then there would be little need for teaching.” What goes on here is almost like a dance. There are the flamboyant dancers who need little encouragement, but the biggest successes often come with those who linger at the side waiting for the right person to ask them onto the floor. The world of teaching and learning can be a very exciting place to be, even during the short days of winter.]]>100adviceforkids,helpforkids,heroes,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/a-gratitude-words--26358118
When I was a kid and I was struggling to finish my dinner, it happened on the rare occasion my mom served Brussels sprouts, she would invoke the plight of the “starving Armenians.” I didn’t even know where Armenia was, and, even if I had, I couldn’t understand how my Brussels Sprouts were going to affect the Armenians one way or the other. The point being, my sense of gratitude was not being awakened by this remote appeal to my guilt.

As an adult, I have found that there are indeed things for which I am intensely grateful. Clearly, I am grateful for my wife, my children and my grand children. But there is something else which surpasses that gratitude.

I am grateful to be able to make a difference in the lives of my students, at least some of the time. But there is something more basic that I am grateful for.

I am grateful for my health, my home and my faith, but beyond all those things I am grateful for something more fundamental.

I am grateful to be able to choose what to do with my life. I literally make hundreds of choices a day. I can choose to help a friend or ignore a request. I can choose what battles I want to fight and which ones I want to ignore. I can choose whom I will be vulnerable with and with whom I will be a true and honored friend.

It is my freedom of choice that I am most truly grateful for. I may not always get what I want, but I get to choose, and that’s what really matters.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26358118Wed, 29 Apr 2020 17:00:13 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkThe Rolling Stones recorded a song back in the 60’s that went, “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try some times, you just might find, you get what you need.” I interpret that lyric to mean, when you don’t get your way, you better find a...
When I was a kid and I was struggling to finish my dinner, it happened on the rare occasion my mom served Brussels sprouts, she would invoke the plight of the “starving Armenians.” I didn’t even know where Armenia was, and, even if I had, I couldn’t understand how my Brussels Sprouts were going to affect the Armenians one way or the other. The point being, my sense of gratitude was not being awakened by this remote appeal to my guilt.

As an adult, I have found that there are indeed things for which I am intensely grateful. Clearly, I am grateful for my wife, my children and my grand children. But there is something else which surpasses that gratitude.

I am grateful to be able to make a difference in the lives of my students, at least some of the time. But there is something more basic that I am grateful for.

I am grateful for my health, my home and my faith, but beyond all those things I am grateful for something more fundamental.

I am grateful to be able to choose what to do with my life. I literally make hundreds of choices a day. I can choose to help a friend or ignore a request. I can choose what battles I want to fight and which ones I want to ignore. I can choose whom I will be vulnerable with and with whom I will be a true and honored friend.

It is my freedom of choice that I am most truly grateful for. I may not always get what I want, but I get to choose, and that’s what really matters.]]>132adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/honesty-mirror--26358106
John McKay, the legendary basketball coach, said, “I am a big believer in the 'mirror test.' All that matters is if you can look in the mirror and honestly tell the person you see there, that you've done your best.
Many times a person is dishonest to avoid an argument. We can all remember a time when we didn’t tell someone, a parent, friend or spouse, something because we knew they wouldn’t approve and it would lead to a battle. Some of that avoidance is just good sense, but other times, as Mahatma Gandhi said, “Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress.”
F. M. Hubbard said, “Honesty pays, but it doesn't seem to pay enough to suit some people.” The real payoff to honesty isn’t in money; it’s in peace of mind. It’s in passing the “mirror test.” The real payoff is because, as the French proverb says, “There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.”

Be honest today. You’ll feel better about yourself and others.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26358106Wed, 29 Apr 2020 17:00:13 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkLast time I talked about self respect and respect for other people. Our ability to get along with others depends on our ability to get along with ourselves. One of the key ingredients in that process is honesty. If you are doing things that make...
John McKay, the legendary basketball coach, said, “I am a big believer in the 'mirror test.' All that matters is if you can look in the mirror and honestly tell the person you see there, that you've done your best.
Many times a person is dishonest to avoid an argument. We can all remember a time when we didn’t tell someone, a parent, friend or spouse, something because we knew they wouldn’t approve and it would lead to a battle. Some of that avoidance is just good sense, but other times, as Mahatma Gandhi said, “Honest disagreement is often a good sign of progress.”
F. M. Hubbard said, “Honesty pays, but it doesn't seem to pay enough to suit some people.” The real payoff to honesty isn’t in money; it’s in peace of mind. It’s in passing the “mirror test.” The real payoff is because, as the French proverb says, “There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.”

Be honest today. You’ll feel better about yourself and others.]]>99adviceforkids,helpforkids,honesty,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/pooh-reading-value--26358112
The Disney studios have made Pooh and his friends household names. What do these timeless characters have to teach us? First, Pooh shows us it’s okay to make mistakes. In fact, as Christopher Robin says to him often, you “Silly Old Bear.” It’s all right to for us to make mistakes, too. It’s what makes us human and lovable.

Second, friendship is just about the most important thing in the world to Pooh, Piglet and the rest. It’s right up there on our list as well. Sure, it’s easy to get into a mess sometimes with friends, but it is also the support of friends that helps us to really enjoy our lives.

Third, I have to confess that I love Eyore, the eternal grouch. I have known many Eyores in my life who always find the glass half empty if they find the glass at all. There is something that forces me to be more positive and hopeful when I am around an Eyore, someone who is so sure that everything is about to fall down around his or her shoulders.

I love to read, because, every once in a while, I come across friends like Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eyore and Christopher Robin. I urge you to check out these books and see what they can offer you.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26358112Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:55:08 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkWelcome back. I like three day weekends. This one was especially nice for me because I got to visit my 11 week old granddaughter Sidney. It’s nice to be surrounded by baby things. On my way home I heard a story on NPR that said yesterday marked...
The Disney studios have made Pooh and his friends household names. What do these timeless characters have to teach us? First, Pooh shows us it’s okay to make mistakes. In fact, as Christopher Robin says to him often, you “Silly Old Bear.” It’s all right to for us to make mistakes, too. It’s what makes us human and lovable.

Second, friendship is just about the most important thing in the world to Pooh, Piglet and the rest. It’s right up there on our list as well. Sure, it’s easy to get into a mess sometimes with friends, but it is also the support of friends that helps us to really enjoy our lives.

Third, I have to confess that I love Eyore, the eternal grouch. I have known many Eyores in my life who always find the glass half empty if they find the glass at all. There is something that forces me to be more positive and hopeful when I am around an Eyore, someone who is so sure that everything is about to fall down around his or her shoulders.

I love to read, because, every once in a while, I come across friends like Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eyore and Christopher Robin. I urge you to check out these books and see what they can offer you.]]>121adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/quirky-families--26358109
For me, Thanksgiving always brings back memories of family. I know family is a hard thing to generalize about, because there are so many different shapes and sizes of families, but let me try to describe what I believe to be true about families, and you decide how my observations fit your family.

For better or worse, families are the people we know the most about and that know the most about us. That’s good because they know our strengths. It’s not as easy because they know our weaknesses. If empathy exists in our family, those closest to us will be there for us no matter what. They will love us not in spite of our imperfections but because of them; because they usually recognize the same shortcomings in themselves.

I have seen my relationships with my brothers improve over the years. When I was the youngest of three boys, I spent most of my time trying to undo the damage my oldest brother was creating. Now, when I ask him about it, he says he wasn’t trying to be a problem, he was just an eccentric, some would say, weird kid, listening to classical music at ear-splitting levels at age 8.

When you get to know a bunch of quirky people really well, you have a family. They may share your name or just your life, but your family will be very important to you]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26358109Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:55:08 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkWelcome back from the Thanksgiving Holiday. I hope you ate too much, slept too long and did less work than you planned. If you did, you had a successful break in my book. For me, Thanksgiving always brings back memories of family. I know family is...
For me, Thanksgiving always brings back memories of family. I know family is a hard thing to generalize about, because there are so many different shapes and sizes of families, but let me try to describe what I believe to be true about families, and you decide how my observations fit your family.

For better or worse, families are the people we know the most about and that know the most about us. That’s good because they know our strengths. It’s not as easy because they know our weaknesses. If empathy exists in our family, those closest to us will be there for us no matter what. They will love us not in spite of our imperfections but because of them; because they usually recognize the same shortcomings in themselves.

I have seen my relationships with my brothers improve over the years. When I was the youngest of three boys, I spent most of my time trying to undo the damage my oldest brother was creating. Now, when I ask him about it, he says he wasn’t trying to be a problem, he was just an eccentric, some would say, weird kid, listening to classical music at ear-splitting levels at age 8.

When you get to know a bunch of quirky people really well, you have a family. They may share your name or just your life, but your family will be very important to you]]>102adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/student-death-matt-gnage--26358102
When I returned to town yesterday I learned about the tragic death of Matt Gnage, a seventh grader here at Churchville-Chili Junior High. Needless to say, I was shocked and saddened by the news.

It is startling sometimes how close together joy and sorrow can live.

Most of the time, we live comfortably away from the two extremes, but I would like you to ask yourself a few of questions about how you are planning to live your life today. What if you knew, like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, that you were going to live forever? How would that change the way you live today? What if you knew this was going to be your last 24 hours? How would that affect your decisions? How about if you had no idea how long you were going to live, and the only thing you could control was how well?

That’s what it comes down to. Live your life well today. Treat your friends, the people you don’t care for and yourself well. Then, when you call it a day, tonight, you can feel good about your place on earth.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26358102Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:55:08 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI had the pleasure this weekend to watch my daughter, my youngest child graduate from Physicians Assistant School at George Washington University in Washington D.C. It was one of those peak experiences in life, some call them mountain top...
When I returned to town yesterday I learned about the tragic death of Matt Gnage, a seventh grader here at Churchville-Chili Junior High. Needless to say, I was shocked and saddened by the news.

It is startling sometimes how close together joy and sorrow can live.

Most of the time, we live comfortably away from the two extremes, but I would like you to ask yourself a few of questions about how you are planning to live your life today. What if you knew, like Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, that you were going to live forever? How would that change the way you live today? What if you knew this was going to be your last 24 hours? How would that affect your decisions? How about if you had no idea how long you were going to live, and the only thing you could control was how well?

That’s what it comes down to. Live your life well today. Treat your friends, the people you don’t care for and yourself well. Then, when you call it a day, tonight, you can feel good about your place on earth.]]>103adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/family-birthday-words--26358110
The reason I mention this family stuff is because I believe that we can learn a lot from our families. The first thing we can learn is that we don’t get to choose our families or where we fall into them. We don’t get to choose to have a loving older sister or a twin who reads our thoughts before we say them. We don’t get to choose our parents, loving quirky or even mean. What we do get to choose is how we will react to our family.

Seventh and eight grades are times of great transitions for students. There is a temptation for 13 year olds to consider families like dinosaurs, outdated and irrelevant. Friends suddenly seem to have all the answers even though they know no more than anybody else that age. I would like you to consider your family as a resource for you in making wise choices. They may or may not be any smarter than you in math and sciences, but they have lived a lot more years and they have learned tough life lessons that you are yet to face.

Think about one last thing—families care about you. Their emotional support will help you to survive today and to face the tough choices you’ll have to make the next few years.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26358110Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:50:03 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkToday is my father’s birthday. If he were still alive, he would be 94 years old. Today is also my daughter, Jessica’s birthday. She is 33 years old today. When she arrived on my dad’s birthday, we decided to name her after him—her middle name is...
The reason I mention this family stuff is because I believe that we can learn a lot from our families. The first thing we can learn is that we don’t get to choose our families or where we fall into them. We don’t get to choose to have a loving older sister or a twin who reads our thoughts before we say them. We don’t get to choose our parents, loving quirky or even mean. What we do get to choose is how we will react to our family.

Seventh and eight grades are times of great transitions for students. There is a temptation for 13 year olds to consider families like dinosaurs, outdated and irrelevant. Friends suddenly seem to have all the answers even though they know no more than anybody else that age. I would like you to consider your family as a resource for you in making wise choices. They may or may not be any smarter than you in math and sciences, but they have lived a lot more years and they have learned tough life lessons that you are yet to face.

Think about one last thing—families care about you. Their emotional support will help you to survive today and to face the tough choices you’ll have to make the next few years.]]>116adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/women-s-humor-wisdom--26358108
Sometimes the best way to relieve stress is to laugh at oneself, so here are some thoughts on the subject of being empowered from some famous women. On being the good wife, Rosanne Barr says, “I’m not going to vacuum ‘til Sears makes one you can ride on.” Cher says, “The trouble with some women is they get all excited about nothing – and then they marry him.”

On being the good mother, Erma Bombeck comments, “Never lend your car to anyone to whom you have given birth.” Phyllis Diller adds, “Always be nice to your children because they are the ones who will choose your rest home.”

On the subject of being the good professional woman, Linda Ellerbe says, “If men can run the world, why can’t they stop wearing neckties? How intelligent is it to start the day by tying a little noose around your neck?” Indira Gandhi says, “My grandfather once told me that there were two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit. He told me to try to be in the first group; there was much less competition.”

And, on being a good daughter, one of the top ten reasons that show you’re not a good daughter, “7. When your mom calls and asks you what you’ve been up to, you go “I’m sorry, Who is this?”

Girls, you’ll face a lot of pressure to make people happy. My advice is to make yourself happy first and the rest will take care of itself.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26358108Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:50:03 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI asked a professional friend of mine, who is a woman, what she thought the greatest importance of the women’s movement is. She didn’t hesitate in saying, “empowerment---giving women the ability to succeed at multiple opportunities.” In her next...
Sometimes the best way to relieve stress is to laugh at oneself, so here are some thoughts on the subject of being empowered from some famous women. On being the good wife, Rosanne Barr says, “I’m not going to vacuum ‘til Sears makes one you can ride on.” Cher says, “The trouble with some women is they get all excited about nothing – and then they marry him.”

On being the good mother, Erma Bombeck comments, “Never lend your car to anyone to whom you have given birth.” Phyllis Diller adds, “Always be nice to your children because they are the ones who will choose your rest home.”

On the subject of being the good professional woman, Linda Ellerbe says, “If men can run the world, why can’t they stop wearing neckties? How intelligent is it to start the day by tying a little noose around your neck?” Indira Gandhi says, “My grandfather once told me that there were two kinds of people: those who do the work and those who take the credit. He told me to try to be in the first group; there was much less competition.”

And, on being a good daughter, one of the top ten reasons that show you’re not a good daughter, “7. When your mom calls and asks you what you’ve been up to, you go “I’m sorry, Who is this?”

Girls, you’ll face a lot of pressure to make people happy. My advice is to make yourself happy first and the rest will take care of itself.]]>137adviceforkids,helpforkids,humor,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,women,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/women-s-friendship--26358114
What does this say about our efforts to have strong, meaningful friendships with members of the same sex? What it says to me is that we should focus on what we have in common and still honor our differences. In other words, don’t expect your friends to be clones of you and don’t get mad when they’re different.. It is possible for two very different people to grow together in a supportive friendship.

Women throughout history have been victims of a “divide and conquer” strategy. Women have been told that professional women are bad mothers. Women have been told that stay-at-home moms are lazy. Women have been told just about anything to keep them from realizing that all women have a lot more in common than they have that separates them from other women. Making good, strong friends as girls will lead to a healthier, more balanced view of the world as a woman. Honor your friends today.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26358114Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:45:16 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI was listening to a radio program the other day interviewing a female author who had pretended to be a man in order to write a book about the differences between the sexes. She had some interesting observations, particularly when it came to...
What does this say about our efforts to have strong, meaningful friendships with members of the same sex? What it says to me is that we should focus on what we have in common and still honor our differences. In other words, don’t expect your friends to be clones of you and don’t get mad when they’re different.. It is possible for two very different people to grow together in a supportive friendship.

Women throughout history have been victims of a “divide and conquer” strategy. Women have been told that professional women are bad mothers. Women have been told that stay-at-home moms are lazy. Women have been told just about anything to keep them from realizing that all women have a lot more in common than they have that separates them from other women. Making good, strong friends as girls will lead to a healthier, more balanced view of the world as a woman. Honor your friends today.]]>108adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,women,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/asking-for-help--26358111I’ve been out the last couple of weeks due to an infection. Some of the time was in a hospital, but the majority was at home, by myself. For me, losing the social exchange of being at school, talking to students and colleagues, was very difficult. Each day was worse than the one before until I got so desperate that I picked up the 500 pound phone and asked for help. My friends responded quickly and blessedly and the crisis passed.
My message to you is this: You all have friends, networks of people who would love to help you, but sometimes you have to ask them. None of them are mind readers, but many of them will be there for you when times are tough. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26358111Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:45:16 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI’m afraid I come by this characteristic quite naturally. First, I’m a man and second I had a father as a role model who was a champion at this shortcoming. I hate to ask for help. In its most simple, harmless form, it might cost me a few extra...I’ve been out the last couple of weeks due to an infection. Some of the time was in a hospital, but the majority was at home, by myself. For me, losing the social exchange of being at school, talking to students and colleagues, was very difficult. Each day was worse than the one before until I got so desperate that I picked up the 500 pound phone and asked for help. My friends responded quickly and blessedly and the crisis passed.
My message to you is this: You all have friends, networks of people who would love to help you, but sometimes you have to ask them. None of them are mind readers, but many of them will be there for you when times are tough. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.]]>86adviceforkids,askforhelp,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/peanuts-trust--26358117
Tomorrow is Election Day in the United States. I guess you would have had to be living in a cave to have missed that fact. It seems to me that this election cycle has been going on forever. In fact, it has been in full swing for more than a year-and-a-half. The French system of a six week campaign begins to seem pretty good.

A lot has been written about the importance of voting. To the registered voters who are listening, exercise your right as a citizen. Vote tomorrow for the candidates that best reflect your beliefs. To those of you who are not yet of voting age, pretend that you are and find out as much as you can about the candidates.

Every fall, the comic strip, “Peanuts,” there is an exchange between Charlie Brown and Lucy. Every year, Lucy tries to get Charlie Brown to kick the football while she holds it. Every year, Charlie Brown believes Lucy and tries to kick the ball, only to have it yanked away.

For many citizens, they feel that it doesn’t really matter if they vote or for whom they vote. They figure the government, like Lucy, is going to just snatch the ball out of the way anyhow. But, I would urge you to be like Charlie Brown. He has hope that things will be different this time. It doesn’t matter that Lucy keeps pulling the football away. What matters is that he keeps trying.

I urge you to vote tomorrow because you have hope in the future. In this tough time, I urge you to believe that things can be better. It’s not dumb to believe that you’ll have a chance to kick the football. It’s a sign of your belief in the values of the United States of America.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26358117Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:40:12 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkWords of Wisdom, 11/3/08 Tomorrow is Election Day in the United States. I guess you would have had to be living in a cave to have missed that fact. It seems to me that this election cycle has been going on forever. In fact, it has been in full...
Tomorrow is Election Day in the United States. I guess you would have had to be living in a cave to have missed that fact. It seems to me that this election cycle has been going on forever. In fact, it has been in full swing for more than a year-and-a-half. The French system of a six week campaign begins to seem pretty good.

A lot has been written about the importance of voting. To the registered voters who are listening, exercise your right as a citizen. Vote tomorrow for the candidates that best reflect your beliefs. To those of you who are not yet of voting age, pretend that you are and find out as much as you can about the candidates.

Every fall, the comic strip, “Peanuts,” there is an exchange between Charlie Brown and Lucy. Every year, Lucy tries to get Charlie Brown to kick the football while she holds it. Every year, Charlie Brown believes Lucy and tries to kick the ball, only to have it yanked away.

For many citizens, they feel that it doesn’t really matter if they vote or for whom they vote. They figure the government, like Lucy, is going to just snatch the ball out of the way anyhow. But, I would urge you to be like Charlie Brown. He has hope that things will be different this time. It doesn’t matter that Lucy keeps pulling the football away. What matters is that he keeps trying.

I urge you to vote tomorrow because you have hope in the future. In this tough time, I urge you to believe that things can be better. It’s not dumb to believe that you’ll have a chance to kick the football. It’s a sign of your belief in the values of the United States of America.]]>112adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/betty-friedan--26358120
Betty Friedan went on to be a leader in the women’s movement. She was a founder of the National Organization of Women and wrote her last book in 1993 entitled, “The Fountain of Aging.” She fought for women’s choice to live the type of full, satisfying lives that had been reserved strictly for men. She fought for the Equal Rights Amendment, and was a convener of the Nation Women’s Political Caucus. Betty Friedan died last month at the age of 85.

We can all learn something from Betty Friedan. A popular and true expression says, “Change is inevitable; growth is optional.” There have been many changes in the role of women in the last fifty years. We have the choice to fight changes or turn them into opportunities for growth. Today is also the beginning of Foreign Language Week. There is no better way to turn change into growth than by learning another language. I hope you’ll choose to fight for positive change and grow with the changes.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26358120Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:35:07 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI have seen a dramatic change in the role of women during my lifetime. My mother and women of her generation were primarily homemakers, mothers and tenders of the family. That certainly was the model in the 1950’s and didn’t really start to change...
Betty Friedan went on to be a leader in the women’s movement. She was a founder of the National Organization of Women and wrote her last book in 1993 entitled, “The Fountain of Aging.” She fought for women’s choice to live the type of full, satisfying lives that had been reserved strictly for men. She fought for the Equal Rights Amendment, and was a convener of the Nation Women’s Political Caucus. Betty Friedan died last month at the age of 85.

We can all learn something from Betty Friedan. A popular and true expression says, “Change is inevitable; growth is optional.” There have been many changes in the role of women in the last fifty years. We have the choice to fight changes or turn them into opportunities for growth. Today is also the beginning of Foreign Language Week. There is no better way to turn change into growth than by learning another language. I hope you’ll choose to fight for positive change and grow with the changes.]]>114adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/thanksgiving-words--26358119
What is so universal about giving thanks? Even if one does not believe in a higher power, it is clear that we could be a lot worse off than we are. Especially in this country, most of us have enough to eat, money to buy clothes and at least minimal access to health care. Most of the world has none of these things. That’s a lot to be thankful for.

On this day before Thanksgiving, count your blessings, but I want to warn you about a trap that many fall into who have lots of things to be thankful for. When you have a lot of stuff, more than you need, it is easy to be afraid that you might lose it. That is a common, but not a happy, place to be. It is very hard to say a prayer of thanksgiving with both hands, while you are trying to hold on with one hand to all your possessions.

Tomorrow, just say thanks, and let the day after bring what it may.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26358119Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:35:07 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkTomorrow is Thanksgiving, a holiday which seems uniquely American with its history of Pilgrims, Indians and Plymouth Rock. The history that we will celebrate tomorrow is our own, but the need to be grateful and to express our thanks is as human as it...
What is so universal about giving thanks? Even if one does not believe in a higher power, it is clear that we could be a lot worse off than we are. Especially in this country, most of us have enough to eat, money to buy clothes and at least minimal access to health care. Most of the world has none of these things. That’s a lot to be thankful for.

On this day before Thanksgiving, count your blessings, but I want to warn you about a trap that many fall into who have lots of things to be thankful for. When you have a lot of stuff, more than you need, it is easy to be afraid that you might lose it. That is a common, but not a happy, place to be. It is very hard to say a prayer of thanksgiving with both hands, while you are trying to hold on with one hand to all your possessions.

Tomorrow, just say thanks, and let the day after bring what it may.]]>99adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,thanksgiving,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/women-helping-others--26358115
But now it’s March 20th, cold gray and windy. It’s no coincidence that we celebrate Women’s History Month in March. Women’s History in this country has moved women from bleak hopelessness to the promise of a better day, from the blustery early days of spring to the beauty of an early June day. That journey is obvious when you look at people like Rosa Parks, Mother Teresa and Barbara Jordan. Each served their fellow humans and, in so doing, lifted themselves.

You have heard me say from time to time that it is important to take care of yourself, build your own dream and the rest will follow. Then I also say, do good by helping others. To me the two are connected. You will improve your own self-esteem by performing random and organized acts of kindness for other people. The greater your self-esteem, the clearer your dream will be and the easier it will be for you to help others.

For some reason, women, throughout history have been more intuitive about this reality. They have led the charge in gray hopeless times, like early spring, knowing that the rains will come; the flowers will bloom; and the dream of a new and better life will be realized.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26358115Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:31:05 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkToday is the first day of spring. I know it doesn’t seem much like spring out there today, but this is only the beginning. Three months from now, we’ll be greeting summer, walking out the door and enjoying our personal time of rejuvenation. But now...
But now it’s March 20th, cold gray and windy. It’s no coincidence that we celebrate Women’s History Month in March. Women’s History in this country has moved women from bleak hopelessness to the promise of a better day, from the blustery early days of spring to the beauty of an early June day. That journey is obvious when you look at people like Rosa Parks, Mother Teresa and Barbara Jordan. Each served their fellow humans and, in so doing, lifted themselves.

You have heard me say from time to time that it is important to take care of yourself, build your own dream and the rest will follow. Then I also say, do good by helping others. To me the two are connected. You will improve your own self-esteem by performing random and organized acts of kindness for other people. The greater your self-esteem, the clearer your dream will be and the easier it will be for you to help others.

For some reason, women, throughout history have been more intuitive about this reality. They have led the charge in gray hopeless times, like early spring, knowing that the rains will come; the flowers will bloom; and the dream of a new and better life will be realized.]]>103adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/miracle-worker--26358116
The teacher who made those words possible, the Miracle Worker in her life was Anne Sullivan, an Irish girl from Boston who came to the South to try and teach the young Helen Keller who had been left deaf, blind and dumb by rheumatic fever when she was a year old. The result was nothing less than a miracle. Anne, through a system of palm-signing she developed herself, taught Helen that things had names and that naming things made creating and exchanging ideas possible. Her efforts have been recorded in the incredibly moving play, “The Miracle Worker.”

I had the privilege of seeing Patty Duke play both parts in that play, first as Helen, then as Anne. If you get a chance to see either version, it is well worth while.

Helen Keller said so many inspirational things in her life, it is difficult to isolate just one, but in keeping with the theme of miracles, here are her words. “When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.”

Do your best; then watch how it changes you and those around you.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26358116Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:30:42 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkMy words today are a sandwich really. Yesterday’s Women’s History Month Quiz answer is half the sandwich. Tomorrow’s St. Patrick’s Day Irish tradition is the other half. The two people I’m talking about spent many years together and have had many...
The teacher who made those words possible, the Miracle Worker in her life was Anne Sullivan, an Irish girl from Boston who came to the South to try and teach the young Helen Keller who had been left deaf, blind and dumb by rheumatic fever when she was a year old. The result was nothing less than a miracle. Anne, through a system of palm-signing she developed herself, taught Helen that things had names and that naming things made creating and exchanging ideas possible. Her efforts have been recorded in the incredibly moving play, “The Miracle Worker.”

I had the privilege of seeing Patty Duke play both parts in that play, first as Helen, then as Anne. If you get a chance to see either version, it is well worth while.

Helen Keller said so many inspirational things in her life, it is difficult to isolate just one, but in keeping with the theme of miracles, here are her words. “When we do the best that we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life, or in the life of another.”

Do your best; then watch how it changes you and those around you.]]>113adviceforkids,helpforkids,miracleworker,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/spring-second-chances--26358121
David Wilkerson believes, “One of the most tragic words in any language is SOMEDAY! He says, “It sums up the unfulfilled hopes and dreams of this entire generation. Someday is never going to happen if you just sit around hoping for some kind of miracle. If the miracle ever happens, it will be a result of something you do!”

You can help create your own miracles in this final quarter of school. Maybe your miracle is getting straight A’s. Maybe your miracle is helping another student to pass all his or her courses. Maybe your miracle is passing all your courses yourself.

American Poet Robert Frost understood the nature of life. He wrote, “In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on. At any point in our lives, we can decide to try and do better. If it works, great. If it doesn’t, life goes on.

In the movie, Vanilla Sky, the character played by Penelope Cruz says, “Every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around.”

Today is my second favorite day of the year because it is a great day to turn it all around. The end of the school year is just over the horizon. Today is yours. Make your miracle happen.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26358121Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:30:19 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkWe’re in our final week before Spring Break and the forecast highs tomorrow are near 70. We can just about feel the breezes of summer. Next to the first day of school in September, this is my favorite day of the year. Why? Because everything is...
David Wilkerson believes, “One of the most tragic words in any language is SOMEDAY! He says, “It sums up the unfulfilled hopes and dreams of this entire generation. Someday is never going to happen if you just sit around hoping for some kind of miracle. If the miracle ever happens, it will be a result of something you do!”

You can help create your own miracles in this final quarter of school. Maybe your miracle is getting straight A’s. Maybe your miracle is helping another student to pass all his or her courses. Maybe your miracle is passing all your courses yourself.

American Poet Robert Frost understood the nature of life. He wrote, “In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on. At any point in our lives, we can decide to try and do better. If it works, great. If it doesn’t, life goes on.

In the movie, Vanilla Sky, the character played by Penelope Cruz says, “Every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around.”

Today is my second favorite day of the year because it is a great day to turn it all around. The end of the school year is just over the horizon. Today is yours. Make your miracle happen.]]>117adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/forgiveness--26011440
Harriet Nelson of “Ozzie and Harriet” fame suggests this: “Forgive all who have offended you, not for them, but for yourself.” Why, because anger and resentment have no effect on the person you’re angry with, but they do a nasty number on you.

Resentment and a desire for revenge play an important role in the world. Hatred gets passed down from generation to generation and becomes part of the fabric of the culture of a country. The on-going problems in the Middle East reflect an inability to replace anger and hatred with forgiveness.

Marianne Williamson writes, “The practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution to the healing of the world.”

Don Henley captured the toughest part of forgiveness in his song, “Heart of the Matter.” He sang, “I've been tryin' to get down
to the heart of the matter
But my will gets weak
and my thoughts seem to scatter
But I think it's about...forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don't love me anymore.”

Even if things don’t go your way, the way to go is forgiveness.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26011440Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:30:01 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkAs much as you want everyone to treat you fairly, as much as you try to treat others the way you want to be treated, someone is going to do you wrong. Sounds like a country song. When that happens, you are most likely going to be angry, hurt or...
Harriet Nelson of “Ozzie and Harriet” fame suggests this: “Forgive all who have offended you, not for them, but for yourself.” Why, because anger and resentment have no effect on the person you’re angry with, but they do a nasty number on you.

Resentment and a desire for revenge play an important role in the world. Hatred gets passed down from generation to generation and becomes part of the fabric of the culture of a country. The on-going problems in the Middle East reflect an inability to replace anger and hatred with forgiveness.

Marianne Williamson writes, “The practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution to the healing of the world.”

Don Henley captured the toughest part of forgiveness in his song, “Heart of the Matter.” He sang, “I've been tryin' to get down
to the heart of the matter
But my will gets weak
and my thoughts seem to scatter
But I think it's about...forgiveness
Forgiveness
Even if, even if you don't love me anymore.”

Even if things don’t go your way, the way to go is forgiveness.]]>112adviceforkids,forgiveness,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/d-c-making-choices--26358105One hundred years ago, in a blizzard, her funeral was held here in Rochester. Then president of the University of Rochester, Rush Rhees, Praised Anthony’s “untiring moral energy,” despite the fact that she pressured him relentlessly to allow women to attend the institution. Two weeks ago, at the Hochstein School, a reenactment of Susan B. Anthony’s funeral was held. The service was complete with hymns, eulogies and political commentary.

Ellen Wheeler, director of development for the Susan B. Anthony House, said, “What a wonderful opportunity to re-create an even and impress upon people the impact she truly had.” Susan B. was 86 when she died a hundred years ago. She didn’t live long enough to see the enactment of the 19th amendment giving women the right to vote. But, she did see a lot of changes and was responsible for many of them herself.

We are faced with many choices in our lives. Often times we have to decide whether we are going to start down a certain road. Many times a challenge we choose to accept is too large for us. We know we’ll probably never finish it. But, like Susan B. Anthony, we will decide to do it anyway. The effort for a worthy cause is its own reward. Helping other to improve themselves will help us as well, whether we see the finished product of our efforts of not.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26358105Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:28:30 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkA news item in the Democrat and Chronicle might have slipped your attention last week. It had to do with a reenactment of the funeral of Susan B. Anthony. One hundred years ago, in a blizzard, her funeral was held here in Rochester. Then president of...One hundred years ago, in a blizzard, her funeral was held here in Rochester. Then president of the University of Rochester, Rush Rhees, Praised Anthony’s “untiring moral energy,” despite the fact that she pressured him relentlessly to allow women to attend the institution. Two weeks ago, at the Hochstein School, a reenactment of Susan B. Anthony’s funeral was held. The service was complete with hymns, eulogies and political commentary.

Ellen Wheeler, director of development for the Susan B. Anthony House, said, “What a wonderful opportunity to re-create an even and impress upon people the impact she truly had.” Susan B. was 86 when she died a hundred years ago. She didn’t live long enough to see the enactment of the 19th amendment giving women the right to vote. But, she did see a lot of changes and was responsible for many of them herself.

We are faced with many choices in our lives. Often times we have to decide whether we are going to start down a certain road. Many times a challenge we choose to accept is too large for us. We know we’ll probably never finish it. But, like Susan B. Anthony, we will decide to do it anyway. The effort for a worthy cause is its own reward. Helping other to improve themselves will help us as well, whether we see the finished product of our efforts of not.]]>110adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/communication--26011433
That game makes you wonder what communication is all about. Simply stated, communication is one person putting forth an idea and another person understanding it. Edward R. Murrow, the subject of the current film, “Good Night and Good Luck,” correctly observed that communication doesn’t depend on the means one uses to communicate. He said, “The newest computer can merely compound, at speed, the oldest problem in the relations between human beings, and in the end the communicator will be confronted with the old problem, of what to say and how to say it.”

It is very important for each of us to make sure we listen to others’ ideas, but it is equally important to make sure those we are communicating with actually hear what we’re saying. In teaching jargon it’s called checking for understanding, but each of has to be aware of whether our message is getting through. Otherwise, we’ll be sending our thoughts into a giant telephone game and we won’t recognize what comes out on the other end.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26011433Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:28:09 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkDo you remember the game where a message is whispered to one person who then whispers it to another and on down the line until it comes to the last person? I learned that game with the name telephone. Today, it would probably be called “chat room.”...
That game makes you wonder what communication is all about. Simply stated, communication is one person putting forth an idea and another person understanding it. Edward R. Murrow, the subject of the current film, “Good Night and Good Luck,” correctly observed that communication doesn’t depend on the means one uses to communicate. He said, “The newest computer can merely compound, at speed, the oldest problem in the relations between human beings, and in the end the communicator will be confronted with the old problem, of what to say and how to say it.”

It is very important for each of us to make sure we listen to others’ ideas, but it is equally important to make sure those we are communicating with actually hear what we’re saying. In teaching jargon it’s called checking for understanding, but each of has to be aware of whether our message is getting through. Otherwise, we’ll be sending our thoughts into a giant telephone game and we won’t recognize what comes out on the other end.]]>103adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/seeing-second-chances--26011439
Some of you might have watched the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. The winner was Barbaro; his rider, trainer and owner were first time champions at the run for the roses. It also seems that the trainer was a hero a number of years ago when he brought three children out of the crash of a United Airline jet in Iowa. He got his second chance by providing a second chance to others. It often works that way.

Finally, here are what a few famous people have had to say about second chances. Alfred W. Greely said, “We're given second chances every day of our life. We don't usually take them, but they're there for the taking.” Mary Pickford said, “If you have made mistakes, even serious ones, there is always another chance for you. What we call failure is not the falling down but the staying down.” And Oprah Winfrey said, “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”

We always have another chance to get it right. Good luck on yours today.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26011439Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:27:54 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI talked about second chances on Friday, how life is full of second chances, we just have to be willing to look for them. I saw real live evidence of that over the weekend. My wife’s brother was married to his new wife in our backyard on a beautiful...
Some of you might have watched the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. The winner was Barbaro; his rider, trainer and owner were first time champions at the run for the roses. It also seems that the trainer was a hero a number of years ago when he brought three children out of the crash of a United Airline jet in Iowa. He got his second chance by providing a second chance to others. It often works that way.

Finally, here are what a few famous people have had to say about second chances. Alfred W. Greely said, “We're given second chances every day of our life. We don't usually take them, but they're there for the taking.” Mary Pickford said, “If you have made mistakes, even serious ones, there is always another chance for you. What we call failure is not the falling down but the staying down.” And Oprah Winfrey said, “Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”

We always have another chance to get it right. Good luck on yours today.]]>100adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/real-strength--26358103
“When I was a boy I used to think that strong meant having big muscles, great physical power; but the longer I live, the more I realize that strength has much more to do with what is not seen. Real strength has to do with helping others.”

Antoine de St. Exupery writes in “The Little Prince,” “The eyes are blind. One must look with the heart.”

The real source of strength lies in our ability to put ourselves in another’s place. That’s called empathy, and it is the source of everything that is good and kind in this world. It is what underlies the golden rule—do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If we are unable to make a connection with others, everything falls apart.

Today, in school, make an effort to see with your heart, to feel what your friends or neighbors are feeling, and be strong in the way that really matters.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26358103Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:27:37 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkOne of my favorite sources for thought starters is Fred Rogers. His little book, “The World According to Mr. Rogers,” is a real gem. Here’s what Mr. Rogers has to say about being strong: “When I was a boy I used to think that strong meant having...
“When I was a boy I used to think that strong meant having big muscles, great physical power; but the longer I live, the more I realize that strength has much more to do with what is not seen. Real strength has to do with helping others.”

Antoine de St. Exupery writes in “The Little Prince,” “The eyes are blind. One must look with the heart.”

The real source of strength lies in our ability to put ourselves in another’s place. That’s called empathy, and it is the source of everything that is good and kind in this world. It is what underlies the golden rule—do unto others as you would have them do unto you. If we are unable to make a connection with others, everything falls apart.

Today, in school, make an effort to see with your heart, to feel what your friends or neighbors are feeling, and be strong in the way that really matters.]]>79adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/puff-treasures--26358104
Frankly, I can’t hear this song without getting a little bit choked up. I have seen my own two children leave their childhoods behind, replacing them with their own version of adulthood and responsibility. I have seen hundreds of students begin to transition themselves in mine and other classrooms. I have seen those same students years later come back to visit me as adults.

What does, “Puff” have to teach us? The fact that I am touched, 45 years after I first heard the song tells me that it is speaking to the universal experience of growing up and helping others do the same. It also tells me how important it is to keep in touch with those things that touched me as a child. Friendships that you have now at Churchville-Chili Middle School will be available to you the rest of your life. You do not have to choose between the, “painted winds and giant’s rings,” and the things you’ll love as an adult.

Remember to live today as if toy are going to treasure it for the rest of your life, because, if you take the time to do it right, you will.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26358104Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:27:20 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI was listening to a song the other day that first became popular when I was a junior in high school. It was written by Peter Yarrow, one of the trio of Peter, Paul and Mary. The song has become a classic. It’s called, “Puff the Magic Dragon.” There...
Frankly, I can’t hear this song without getting a little bit choked up. I have seen my own two children leave their childhoods behind, replacing them with their own version of adulthood and responsibility. I have seen hundreds of students begin to transition themselves in mine and other classrooms. I have seen those same students years later come back to visit me as adults.

What does, “Puff” have to teach us? The fact that I am touched, 45 years after I first heard the song tells me that it is speaking to the universal experience of growing up and helping others do the same. It also tells me how important it is to keep in touch with those things that touched me as a child. Friendships that you have now at Churchville-Chili Middle School will be available to you the rest of your life. You do not have to choose between the, “painted winds and giant’s rings,” and the things you’ll love as an adult.

Remember to live today as if toy are going to treasure it for the rest of your life, because, if you take the time to do it right, you will.]]>109adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/oz-didn-t-give-nothing--26011436
The characters are wonderful. There are classic heroes and classic villains and many in between. I really like the Wizard. He’s basically trying to keep people thinking that he deserves to be doing what he’s doing even though, to use his words, “I’m a good man, I’m just a very bad wizard.” Who of us has not felt like the man behind the curtain, just waiting to be exposed as a fraud.

I love Dorothy’s three companions, the scarecrow, the tin man and the cowardly lion. Each is a character in search of the quality that he perceives will make him whole. Each already has that quality in abundance. It just takes the events that are thrust upon them to live up to their potential. As a teacher, I try every day to give my students something they already have—the courage, heart and intelligence to succeed.

And, of course, I love Dorothy. When this movie was made in 1939, women were seldom the heroines of movies, at least not without a leading man to rescue them from danger. In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy saves herself. She throws the water on the wicked witch and melts her. She really is the best of all her friends. She is loving, smart and courageous. She is a dreamer who ends up with her feet, heels clicking, firmly on the ground.

This holiday season, try to give a really valuable gift to those you love. Let them know how much you appreciate the gifts they already have.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/26011436Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:26:56 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI was listening to the radio the other night and I heard the song, “Tin Man,” by America. There is a lyric in that song that says, “Oz never did give nothing to the Tin Man that he didn’t already have.” Aside from being a mess grammatically, the...
The characters are wonderful. There are classic heroes and classic villains and many in between. I really like the Wizard. He’s basically trying to keep people thinking that he deserves to be doing what he’s doing even though, to use his words, “I’m a good man, I’m just a very bad wizard.” Who of us has not felt like the man behind the curtain, just waiting to be exposed as a fraud.

I love Dorothy’s three companions, the scarecrow, the tin man and the cowardly lion. Each is a character in search of the quality that he perceives will make him whole. Each already has that quality in abundance. It just takes the events that are thrust upon them to live up to their potential. As a teacher, I try every day to give my students something they already have—the courage, heart and intelligence to succeed.

And, of course, I love Dorothy. When this movie was made in 1939, women were seldom the heroines of movies, at least not without a leading man to rescue them from danger. In the Wizard of Oz, Dorothy saves herself. She throws the water on the wicked witch and melts her. She really is the best of all her friends. She is loving, smart and courageous. She is a dreamer who ends up with her feet, heels clicking, firmly on the ground.

This holiday season, try to give a really valuable gift to those you love. Let them know how much you appreciate the gifts they already have.]]>126adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-little-prince--25969653
One of my favorite books is “The Little Prince,” by Antoine de St. Exupery. In one of the more insightful parts the Prince gets depressed because he sees a field full of roses. They all look exactly the same as the rose that he loves and he believes her value has been diminished. Fortunately, he has a fox to explain to him that a rose or a person’s value is in their willingness to share their uniqueness, to allow themselves to be really known by another person.

As I stand in the hall at the beginning of the school year what I see are students that all look the same. As the year goes on, I am allowed to know those students as individuals. When that starts to happen, the value of those young people goes up in my eyes.

The most important thing you can do as a friend is to really let another person get to know you. When they do, they’ll find out about your uniqueness and your value in their eyes will go up. When that happens, you’ll be able to be a better friend. Take a chance. Be willing to be known.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25969653Thu, 23 Apr 2020 20:34:18 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkIf you have ever tried to buy or sell anything on E-Bay, you know that the price is directly related to the uniqueness of the item on sale. In other words, if you are looking to buy a mint 1968 Chevrolet Corvette and there’s only one available, you...
One of my favorite books is “The Little Prince,” by Antoine de St. Exupery. In one of the more insightful parts the Prince gets depressed because he sees a field full of roses. They all look exactly the same as the rose that he loves and he believes her value has been diminished. Fortunately, he has a fox to explain to him that a rose or a person’s value is in their willingness to share their uniqueness, to allow themselves to be really known by another person.

As I stand in the hall at the beginning of the school year what I see are students that all look the same. As the year goes on, I am allowed to know those students as individuals. When that starts to happen, the value of those young people goes up in my eyes.

The most important thing you can do as a friend is to really let another person get to know you. When they do, they’ll find out about your uniqueness and your value in their eyes will go up. When that happens, you’ll be able to be a better friend. Take a chance. Be willing to be known.]]>107adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/red-ribbon-week-2--25533511
Professor Dumbledore in Harry Potter, says that what matters in life is not your talents but your choices. As you might expect, J. K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter agrees, “It is our choices…that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

General and former Secretary of State Colin Powell writes, “You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.” Former Beatle George Harrison said, “Everyone has a choice when to and not to raise their voices: It's you who decides.”

You are born with certain talents. They are your gifts. How you use those gifts are your choices. The quality of your life will depend on the quality of the choices you make. I hope you will choose to make the most of your gifts.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25533511Thu, 23 Apr 2020 18:49:39 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkWhich do you think is more important, the talents you’re born with or what you choose to do with them? How often do you think about your gifts, the things you do really well? How often do you avoid taking on a task that is hard for you or that...
Professor Dumbledore in Harry Potter, says that what matters in life is not your talents but your choices. As you might expect, J. K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter agrees, “It is our choices…that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

General and former Secretary of State Colin Powell writes, “You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.” Former Beatle George Harrison said, “Everyone has a choice when to and not to raise their voices: It's you who decides.”

You are born with certain talents. They are your gifts. How you use those gifts are your choices. The quality of your life will depend on the quality of the choices you make. I hope you will choose to make the most of your gifts.]]>119adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/fat-kid--25533519
The most important lesson that Troy learns is not to compare his insides with other people’s outsides. He discovers the truth of this statement by realizing that even the so-called perfect people are running just as fast as they can trying to cover up their own imperfections.

It is so easy to be hard on ourselves because we know our own strengths and weaknesses way better than anyone else does. We know our friends and immediate family members pretty well, but we know ourselves better, and that can get in the way of giving ourselves a break.

Realize that each of us is a mixture of traits that we are proud of and ashamed of. Be kind to yourself and know that you are a lovable, worthwhile person. As Troy finds out in the book, one of the best ways to find one’s own self worth is to help another person find his or hers.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25533519Thu, 23 Apr 2020 18:47:23 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI read a book a couple years back aimed at young adults. It carried some big time lessons. The book is called, “Fat Kid Rules the World,” by K. L. Going. It’s about a 17 year-old boy named Troy Billings who weighs in at a hefty 298 pounds. He is...
The most important lesson that Troy learns is not to compare his insides with other people’s outsides. He discovers the truth of this statement by realizing that even the so-called perfect people are running just as fast as they can trying to cover up their own imperfections.

It is so easy to be hard on ourselves because we know our own strengths and weaknesses way better than anyone else does. We know our friends and immediate family members pretty well, but we know ourselves better, and that can get in the way of giving ourselves a break.

Realize that each of us is a mixture of traits that we are proud of and ashamed of. Be kind to yourself and know that you are a lovable, worthwhile person. As Troy finds out in the book, one of the best ways to find one’s own self worth is to help another person find his or hers.]]>100adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/own-self-be-true--25533520Today, I am going all the way back to 1600, and a play set in Denmark, entitled, “Hamlet.” It was written by William Shakespeare and, in a few words, it contains some of the best advice for growing up and living that I’ve ever read.
Polonius is sending his son off into the world and he is giving him advice on how to live his life. Here’s what he told him:
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Farewell, my blessing season this in thee!
As I am moving on, I leave you with the best advice I can: Find what is true in yourself and live towards that. If you are honest with yourself, you won’t be tempted to lie to others. Live truly and you will make the world a better place.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25533520Thu, 23 Apr 2020 18:43:46 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkDuring the 8-1/2 years I have been writing and delivering “Words of Wisdom,” I have been inspired by many people in my attempt to express helpful thoughts for living. I have heard my mother’s words from my youth. My high school baseball coach...Today, I am going all the way back to 1600, and a play set in Denmark, entitled, “Hamlet.” It was written by William Shakespeare and, in a few words, it contains some of the best advice for growing up and living that I’ve ever read.
Polonius is sending his son off into the world and he is giving him advice on how to live his life. Here’s what he told him:
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Farewell, my blessing season this in thee!
As I am moving on, I leave you with the best advice I can: Find what is true in yourself and live towards that. If you are honest with yourself, you won’t be tempted to lie to others. Live truly and you will make the world a better place.]]>98adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/red-ribbon-week--25533508
Most of the people I know who have become alcoholics or drug abusers started when they were 12 or 13 years old. There is a lot of evidence that starting early on this path really does lead to longer, more severe problems, unless, of course, you overdose and become a depressing statistic.

People who make the wrong decision know what the consequences are, what the risks could be, but they do it anyway. Why? The number one reason is that users tend to feel bad about themselves. They are looking for a way to feel better, even for a short time. There’s a better way--get involved in something that gives you pleasure and makes you feel proud of yourself. Another effective strategy is to hang around with people who don’t use alcohol or drugs.

British pop star Natasha Beddingfield wrote, “Life is a blank page. Each person holds their pen and writes their own story.“ I hope that you will write your life story fully in command of all your abilities and wonderful talents.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25533508Thu, 23 Apr 2020 18:38:03 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkThis is Red Ribbon Week in Churchville-Chili. Red Ribbons symbolize our intention to live a drug and alcohol-free life. If you think it doesn’t matter whether you use, take a look at the evidence to the contrary. Most of the people I know who...
Most of the people I know who have become alcoholics or drug abusers started when they were 12 or 13 years old. There is a lot of evidence that starting early on this path really does lead to longer, more severe problems, unless, of course, you overdose and become a depressing statistic.

People who make the wrong decision know what the consequences are, what the risks could be, but they do it anyway. Why? The number one reason is that users tend to feel bad about themselves. They are looking for a way to feel better, even for a short time. There’s a better way--get involved in something that gives you pleasure and makes you feel proud of yourself. Another effective strategy is to hang around with people who don’t use alcohol or drugs.

British pop star Natasha Beddingfield wrote, “Life is a blank page. Each person holds their pen and writes their own story.“ I hope that you will write your life story fully in command of all your abilities and wonderful talents.]]>93adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/the-3-r-s--25533509Now, I would talk about 3 new R’s which I personally consider the most important things to learn in school and in the real world. They are Rules, Respect and Responsibility. Rules have gotten a bad name because the theory is that anyone can learn a rule, but rules often hold our society together until we can learn the other two.
Respect means honoring other people and their property. Self respect means valuing yourself. Responsibility is the most difficult and the most important of the three. Your happiness will be directly related to your ability to own your actions.
Let me give you an example. Recently there has been a great deal of damage done to school property in the libraries. Batteries have been taken out of laptops, keys have been removed from keyboards and damage has been done to books. These actions violate all three of the 3 R’s.
I hope you will take your place in the school more seriously. We all have a chance every day to show that we have learned how to get along following the rules, respecting ourselves and others and taking responsibility for our actions]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25533509Thu, 23 Apr 2020 18:35:09 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkWhen I was growing up, we talked about the 3 R’s—Reading, ‘Riting and ‘Rithmetic. Of course they’re not really R’s, but they did emphasize the part of education that was considered the most important. Now, I would talk about 3 new R’s which I...Now, I would talk about 3 new R’s which I personally consider the most important things to learn in school and in the real world. They are Rules, Respect and Responsibility. Rules have gotten a bad name because the theory is that anyone can learn a rule, but rules often hold our society together until we can learn the other two.
Respect means honoring other people and their property. Self respect means valuing yourself. Responsibility is the most difficult and the most important of the three. Your happiness will be directly related to your ability to own your actions.
Let me give you an example. Recently there has been a great deal of damage done to school property in the libraries. Batteries have been taken out of laptops, keys have been removed from keyboards and damage has been done to books. These actions violate all three of the 3 R’s.
I hope you will take your place in the school more seriously. We all have a chance every day to show that we have learned how to get along following the rules, respecting ourselves and others and taking responsibility for our actions]]>96adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/holiday-break--25533504I waqs on a walk with my wife the other day and my mind was drifting off from what she was saying. After my first inappropriate question, she got irritated. After my second dumb question, she stopped and roasted me. After my third question when I asked about material she’d already covered, I aasked if maybe we could change the subject and we could get a fresh start.
The point of telling you this story is even though I hate it when people don’t pay attention to what I’m saying, I’m guilty of the same thing myself. Ouch!
What does it say to someone when you look them right in the eye when they’re talking to you? It says they’re important. It says that their experiences and opinions are valuable. It says they are worthwhile friends. Simply put by Depak Chokra, “If you want to get something, give it.” If you want people to pay attention to you, pay attention to them. There’s an African proverb that says, “God gives nothing to those who keep their arms crossed.”
This holiday season, open your arms, your hearts, your eyes and your ears. Then when the holiday season is over, you’ll be in the habit of giving the most precious of gifts to those you care about—your attention.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25533504Thu, 23 Apr 2020 18:31:12 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkThis is our last day before holiday break. You can almost hear the collective sigh throughout the building. The holidays, Hanukah and Christmas bring with them the tradition of giving gifts to those we love. I’ve been giving a lot of thought as to...I waqs on a walk with my wife the other day and my mind was drifting off from what she was saying. After my first inappropriate question, she got irritated. After my second dumb question, she stopped and roasted me. After my third question when I asked about material she’d already covered, I aasked if maybe we could change the subject and we could get a fresh start.
The point of telling you this story is even though I hate it when people don’t pay attention to what I’m saying, I’m guilty of the same thing myself. Ouch!
What does it say to someone when you look them right in the eye when they’re talking to you? It says they’re important. It says that their experiences and opinions are valuable. It says they are worthwhile friends. Simply put by Depak Chokra, “If you want to get something, give it.” If you want people to pay attention to you, pay attention to them. There’s an African proverb that says, “God gives nothing to those who keep their arms crossed.”
This holiday season, open your arms, your hearts, your eyes and your ears. Then when the holiday season is over, you’ll be in the habit of giving the most precious of gifts to those you care about—your attention.]]>109adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/vocabulary-list--25533506I don’t know if Mrs. Kunz was being malevolent or benevolent in assigning the plethora of words. One of the more gregarious students was making a valiant effort to read her copious notes on the project. For another, the arduous task of memorizing was monotonous, perilous and of dubious value.
Two students were actually in a vicious argument t, the one more loquacious than the other. Another student made a colossal error by fervently asking Mrs. Kunz to have compassion on them and let up on the incessant assignment f homework. Mrs. Kunz was aghast.
Many of Mrs. Kunz’ students think she is being nefarious in giving this seemingly malicious assignment. However, I know she is doing all her students a stupendous favor by teaching them perseverance.

Next time you wonder when you’ll use what you learn in school, think of my words today. You can never have too gargantuan a vocabulary, not just impress your friends, but to avoid becoming truculent. Those last two words are for extra credit.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25533506Thu, 23 Apr 2020 18:27:32 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkI share a study hall with 7th grade English teacher, Mrs. Kunz. I overheard her talking to her students about the spelling list and how tough it was. I checked it out and found that the students were right, it was tough. But, I told them, I could...I don’t know if Mrs. Kunz was being malevolent or benevolent in assigning the plethora of words. One of the more gregarious students was making a valiant effort to read her copious notes on the project. For another, the arduous task of memorizing was monotonous, perilous and of dubious value.
Two students were actually in a vicious argument t, the one more loquacious than the other. Another student made a colossal error by fervently asking Mrs. Kunz to have compassion on them and let up on the incessant assignment f homework. Mrs. Kunz was aghast.
Many of Mrs. Kunz’ students think she is being nefarious in giving this seemingly malicious assignment. However, I know she is doing all her students a stupendous favor by teaching them perseverance.

Next time you wonder when you’ll use what you learn in school, think of my words today. You can never have too gargantuan a vocabulary, not just impress your friends, but to avoid becoming truculent. Those last two words are for extra credit.]]>94adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/student-death--25533503This is a horrible shock not only to those who knew these two wonderful boys, but to everyone who even shared our schools’ halls with them. We see promise and hope replaced by sadness and despair. We are left with the question, “what next?”
I believe it is important to honor both of these young men. We need to mourn the passing of Dijon Pratt and we need to give our love and our prayers for the recovery of Marcus Blythers. They have been lifelong friends and teammates and they have touched their classmates with their personalities and warmth. We will miss Dijon and we will wait for the return of Marcus to his school home.
As a parent, a grandparent and a teacher, I watch my children, grandchildren and students with a mixture of excitement, hope and love, but I also have a bit of dread because I know that while each is precious each is also vulnerable and subject to the dangers of the world.
I hope that you will take a moment to realize how important each of you is in our school. Keep Dijon and Marcus in your thoughts, but don’t forget to treasure each other in your heart.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25533503Thu, 23 Apr 2020 18:23:56 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkWe suffered a tragedy this weekend at Churchville-Chili. Two of our seniors were involved in an accident on Buffalo Road. One, Marcus Blythers, survived and remains in the hospital showing promising signs of recovery. The other, Dijon Pratt, was...This is a horrible shock not only to those who knew these two wonderful boys, but to everyone who even shared our schools’ halls with them. We see promise and hope replaced by sadness and despair. We are left with the question, “what next?”
I believe it is important to honor both of these young men. We need to mourn the passing of Dijon Pratt and we need to give our love and our prayers for the recovery of Marcus Blythers. They have been lifelong friends and teammates and they have touched their classmates with their personalities and warmth. We will miss Dijon and we will wait for the return of Marcus to his school home.
As a parent, a grandparent and a teacher, I watch my children, grandchildren and students with a mixture of excitement, hope and love, but I also have a bit of dread because I know that while each is precious each is also vulnerable and subject to the dangers of the world.
I hope that you will take a moment to realize how important each of you is in our school. Keep Dijon and Marcus in your thoughts, but don’t forget to treasure each other in your heart.]]>100adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/loveable--25533502He made one observation in the book which I especially like. He wrote, “Deep within us, no matter who we are, there lives a feeling of wanting to be lovable, of wanting to be the kind of person that others want to be with, and the greatest thing we can do is to let other people know that they are loved and capable of loving.”
That’s a remarkable statement, I believe. It really identifies what makes us all human, what makes us care for and about other people, what makes us worthwhile and care about ourselves. Benjamin Franklin weighed in on the subject nearly three-hundred years ago when he said, “If you would be loved, love and be loveable.”
How do you go about being lovable? First, understand that lovable and perfect are not the same thing. It’s fine to strive to do your work well, but it’s not what makes you lovable. I think being real, being genuine and being kind make you lovable. In other words, to the degree you care for others, you invite other people to care for you. To me, that’s what being lovable is all about. If you want to be cared about, care for.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25533502Thu, 23 Apr 2020 18:21:19 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkFrom time to time, I look at the little book entitled, “The World According to Mr. Rogers. It was published around the time of his death in 2003. It is a gentle book with words from a gentle man, Fred Rogers. Many of you grew up with Mr. Rogers’...He made one observation in the book which I especially like. He wrote, “Deep within us, no matter who we are, there lives a feeling of wanting to be lovable, of wanting to be the kind of person that others want to be with, and the greatest thing we can do is to let other people know that they are loved and capable of loving.”
That’s a remarkable statement, I believe. It really identifies what makes us all human, what makes us care for and about other people, what makes us worthwhile and care about ourselves. Benjamin Franklin weighed in on the subject nearly three-hundred years ago when he said, “If you would be loved, love and be loveable.”
How do you go about being lovable? First, understand that lovable and perfect are not the same thing. It’s fine to strive to do your work well, but it’s not what makes you lovable. I think being real, being genuine and being kind make you lovable. In other words, to the degree you care for others, you invite other people to care for you. To me, that’s what being lovable is all about. If you want to be cared about, care for.]]>96adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/hurtful-words--25533501Lisa Merlo-Booth, a writer on relationships, says, “The reality is that words can be just as painful, scarring, and brutal as fists and belts.”
This has become increasingly true with the advent of social networking and the instant ability to strike at and hurt someone with your words. You must protect yourself on the internet, but realize that you are still vulnerable to other people’s words, words that can hurt you very much.
Hurtful words don’t have to be delivered on the Internet. They can be whispered into the ears of your friends. They can be told to your teacher or boss or they can be spread as rumors are often spread—in hushed tones and false confidences.
Be careful of your words. Follow another wise bit of advice—“Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25533501Thu, 23 Apr 2020 18:20:02 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkWe know many sayings that seem to give us good advice. The golden rule tells us, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Another saying is, “If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem.” But, once in a while...Lisa Merlo-Booth, a writer on relationships, says, “The reality is that words can be just as painful, scarring, and brutal as fists and belts.”
This has become increasingly true with the advent of social networking and the instant ability to strike at and hurt someone with your words. You must protect yourself on the internet, but realize that you are still vulnerable to other people’s words, words that can hurt you very much.
Hurtful words don’t have to be delivered on the Internet. They can be whispered into the ears of your friends. They can be told to your teacher or boss or they can be spread as rumors are often spread—in hushed tones and false confidences.
Be careful of your words. Follow another wise bit of advice—“Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”]]>94adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/say-nothing-at-all--25533500Here’s a mini-quiz for you to take. If you walk up to a group of friends and they are talking badly about someone, do you, a) listen to the conversation but don’t say anything, b) pitch in with your own dirt, c) stand up for the person being talked about, or d) say nothing but walk away.
Be honest. Which is your most likely course of action?
If you can seriously picture this scene in your mind, you can prepare for it when it happens and, I guarantee you, it will happen again.
In order for you to behave well, make a plan that you can put into action quickly. Realize that the longer you stay in the hostile environment, the tougher it will be for you. So, picture yourself doing this: add a quick positive comment about the person being discussed and then leave.
Why not stay silent or add your own negative remarks? Because you will have missed a chance to show your friends what kind of person you are. By watching you behave in the way I described, they will know that you are a friend who will stand up for them in the future-- that you won’t say anything at all if it’s not good.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25533500Thu, 23 Apr 2020 18:18:38 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkAs I was leaving school on Friday, I heard a teacher talking to a group of students. She was passing along a piece of long-standing good advice. She said, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” Here’s a mini-quiz for you to...Here’s a mini-quiz for you to take. If you walk up to a group of friends and they are talking badly about someone, do you, a) listen to the conversation but don’t say anything, b) pitch in with your own dirt, c) stand up for the person being talked about, or d) say nothing but walk away.
Be honest. Which is your most likely course of action?
If you can seriously picture this scene in your mind, you can prepare for it when it happens and, I guarantee you, it will happen again.
In order for you to behave well, make a plan that you can put into action quickly. Realize that the longer you stay in the hostile environment, the tougher it will be for you. So, picture yourself doing this: add a quick positive comment about the person being discussed and then leave.
Why not stay silent or add your own negative remarks? Because you will have missed a chance to show your friends what kind of person you are. By watching you behave in the way I described, they will know that you are a friend who will stand up for them in the future-- that you won’t say anything at all if it’s not good.]]>95adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/acting-as-if--25533517So, how do you change? Here’s one suggestion, act “as if.” Change may be as simple as telling yourself you’re going to act as if you had self confidence. Change may be as easy as acting as if you can master a foreign language. Change may be acting as if you care about yourself and other people.
The characters in the Holiday Inn Express ads act as if they can do all sorts of things. The point is not to convince yourself and other people that you are what you’re not, but to shake up the stereotypes you have of yourself and replace them with a better vision.
In school, there are lots of examples of how acting, “as if,” can help you succeed. Doing homework, preparing for tests, or showing what you know in front of a class all give you chances to act as if you are confident in your abilities. The funny thing is, the more you act, “as if,” the more likely you are to really become what you want to become.
Change doesn’t have to be scary if you act as if you’re welcoming it.]]>https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25533517Tue, 21 Apr 2020 16:38:59 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkSometimes, you just have to change. You may have gotten yourself into bad habits that are making your life miserable. Sometimes, you just see a chance to do better than you’re doing. Sometimes, you just don’t have a choice—change or go down in...So, how do you change? Here’s one suggestion, act “as if.” Change may be as simple as telling yourself you’re going to act as if you had self confidence. Change may be as easy as acting as if you can master a foreign language. Change may be acting as if you care about yourself and other people.
The characters in the Holiday Inn Express ads act as if they can do all sorts of things. The point is not to convince yourself and other people that you are what you’re not, but to shake up the stereotypes you have of yourself and replace them with a better vision.
In school, there are lots of examples of how acting, “as if,” can help you succeed. Doing homework, preparing for tests, or showing what you know in front of a class all give you chances to act as if you are confident in your abilities. The funny thing is, the more you act, “as if,” the more likely you are to really become what you want to become.
Change doesn’t have to be scary if you act as if you’re welcoming it.]]>94adviceforkids,helpforkids,mrnixonswordsofwisdom,podcast,roc,rochesterny,wordsofwisdom,wordsofwisdomforkidsfalsefullhttps://www.spreaker.com/episode/25-years-ago--25533505https://api.spreaker.com/episode/25533505Mon, 20 Apr 2020 10:11:49 +0000ROC Vox Podcast NetworkMr. Nixon's Words of Wisdom.92falsefull