The Safety Net

My first car was a Ford Fiesta.  I owned it for about two months before we started noticing a problem with it.  Any time I sat idling, waiting for Rod to leave work, for example, I could see -- faintly -- steam rising from the car.  Initially I thought it was just the exhaust smoke swirling about.  Then, one day while sitting at a red light, I looked in the rearview mirror and saw a massive about of smoke billowing from my exhaust.  It seems I had literally blown a gasket.  Because my father was involved in the purchase of this car, I had to buy it from a dealer.  More money but it came with peace of mind - we purchased a warranty.  So, back the car went to the dealer.  There was a problem, however, in that the dealer never filed the paper work that accompanied the warranty.  they would not be reimbursed for the repairs.  My car was with them for about two months.  (I was told not to complain -- after all, I was given a new Chrysler K car.)  The loaner car was nothing more that a set of wheels.  When one thinks of a new car, this loaner had no similarity.

Anyway, by the time I got my Ford back, the decision had been made to get rid of it.  This was sealed when the steam problem cropped up again.  It would prove to be a faulty radiator.  We fixed it and sold the car.  The guy who bought the car had it -- problem free -- for a while.  That experience showed me that owning an American car was not worth the money.

So, now the American car makers are in trouble.  Who saw that coming?  Back in 1984 (when I got my first car), Toyotas, Datsuns (yeah, they still had them back then), and VWs were the "hot" car; however, they cost more.  I wasn't allowed to look.  the other problem was mileage.  Over 100,000 was not to be looked at.  So, I got stuck with American crap.  (Flash forward 20 years -- Rod and I bought Julia a Toyota with over 100,000 miles.  that car is running like a gem two years later.)  

I guess my point is this.  For over 25 years we have known that American cars weren't worth the money they cost.  Even for those who bought them, the resale value was much lower than the foreign counterparts.  The availability of leases simply made things worse.  More people could continue to buy cars - even if they couldn't afford the car.  It's like the housing crisis.  The unions played a part here, too.  UAW fought with no foresight.  What good is a great pension plan if there is no company to pay for it?  What good is a job that pays 53 dollars an hour if there are no cars to make?  So, now we are in the biggest economic crisis in years and the American car companies want a bail out.

Should there be a safety net?

I heard on the news that one in ten people who work, work for the car industry.  Obviously, allowing the car companies to tank would have a massive impact on this country.  However, I can't help but think that this is just putting our finger in the dam.  Down the road another leak will bust through and then what?

I think it's the saddest thing that American car companies are facing dark days.  Still, the writing has been on the wall for many years and no one paid attention.  What guarantee is there that they will in the future?

small town life

I used to watch a show called Murder, She Wrote starring Angela Landsbury (how do you spell her name?) as a retired teacher now mystery writer named Jessica Fletcher.  I thought she led the greatest life, most notably because she lived in the jazzy town of Cabot Cove,Maine.  My friends used to joke that since I too was an English teacher I just too easily identified with her.  Anyway, despite the odd number of murders that cropped up in that little town, Cabot Cove seemed like a great place to live (TV producers never showed snowy weather that I can recall -- it always was summer or fall).  Anyway, to a certain degree I have my own version of Cabot Cove right here in the fort.

Yesterday I was taking my morning walk.  On my way back, some neighbors pulled up in their mini van and invited me to go for lattes.  I was more than willing to join them.  Once I got in the car, we drove two houses down and picked up another neighbor.  Arriving at our destination, we met more people from the community.  It was good fun with nice people on a chilly day in the neighborhood.

And no murder to investigate.   

Half a job done

So, one mitten is finished.  Although I had some trouble, I think it came out okay.  Now I need to get the second mitten finished.  It sure is nice to have time off to learn a new skill.

Knitting

I initially learned to knit when I was around 11.  However, I only knew how to knit flat things like scarves and blankets.  Now that I am unemployed, I have time to really learn how to knit.  I take a class on Wednesday afternoons which has improved both my skill and my confidence.  

A couple weeks ago I bought some truly ugly yarn from the dollar store.  As I was flipping through the book One Skein Wonders, I found a pattern for Easy Mittens.  I decided to take the plunge.  And you know what?  The mittens are really easy.  this morning I took a picture of my first mitten.  You can see where the thumb is supposed to eventually wind up.  

If my photo post works, I will keep you updated with my progress.

A Dream Come True

I am still weeping tears of joy after Obama's win.  This is the most anxious time I remember passing and preparing for a presidential election.  Frankly, I was never politically motivated.  At least, not until Sept. 11, 2001.  On that day, when I arrived home after a tough day at school hoping my students' parents did not get hurt, I was first stunned by the visual images of the planes hitting the towers.  Then I was ready to talk to the terrorists about what it was that America could do to be well-regarded in the world.  I was furious with our leaders because I knew we would be going to war and I did not want to.  As time passed, it only got worse.  Good riddance to the decider.

As I watched the reactions around the country last night, I saw many crying tears of joy like me. Some had a more historical perspective.  They recognized and reacted to the importance of a country voting for a black man.  For me, this election was never about race.  I don't believe it played so large a role in the outcome, either.  Nevertheless, I am awed by the outcome.

When I watched Obama speak on the news this morning, Tyler asked why I was crying.  How to tell a nine year old that 45 years ago blacks were not able to vote in the south.  Obama's win is the dream Martin Luther King, Jr. was talking about.  The deferred dream that Langston Hughes wrote of.  So, here we are on a new shore.  there is much to be done.  This country is a mess.  But I have faith like I haven't before.  I feel like I can trust the president-elect to lead this country into safety.  I feel hope.  And joy.

The nightmare is over.  A dream has come true. 

Big Surprise

My guilty pleasure, a subscription to People magazine, just arrived today.  The cover story is about Madonna's marriage to Guy Richie is over.  Now, who is surprised?  The story -- the story that I refuse to actually read -- claims to give us some insight as to what caused the marriage to fizzle.  Here's a thought:  Poor Guy woke up one morning and realized he was married to the ugliest albeit rich woman in the world.  He finally realized, Hey, I can do better.

Madonna grosses me out (though I do listen to some of her music - I imagine prettier things).  She is all muscle and bully.  Ugly teeth and too much money do not make a character whom I want to emulate.  Remember her hit "Material Girl"?  I think Madonna is a living example of what is wrong with the entertainment industry.  What, exactly, has Madonna done that warrants our undivided attention?  Is her music really so great?

When will we cease to be enamored with the money mighty and begin to be more captivated by the normal folk who work hard and cough up additional time and effort to care for the less fortunate?  I don't mean the Brad Pitt's who work in front of a camera either.  I mean the ordinary Joe who volunteers at the ambulance hall or the woman who gives of herself freely at PTA events?

So, I suppose the biggest surprise is that I will not be renewing my subscription to People.

The Interview

I had a job interview today for a position lasting only two months.  I apply to jobs because I want one, and this one I figured, how bad can it be?  Two months of hell isn't really that bad especially when I can extend the length of time I get unemployment.

So, I arrived at the school at the correct time (actually I had 4 minutes to spare).  The drive had me concerned because it took about an hour to get there.  They made me wait for 20 minutes.  This was especially problematic as I had to use the restroom.  Anyway, when I went in to the interview, I was faced with the usual questions.  Tell us about yourself.  What is the best lesson you've ever taught (like I have only one!!!!).  What do you know about the New York State English Language Arts test (isn't that a loaded question?  What do they want me to say?  That I've studied the exam and even took it?).  Really, I wonder what they want.  This is, for all intents and purposes, a substitute job.  Frankly, I gave a lackluster performance.

As I was leaving, I made a pit stop and almost locked myself in the bathroom.  Is that a bad sign or what?

Personal Economy

It's easy to blame big-wigs for the financial mess we're currently in.  Back in the day, Rod and I needed 20 percent of the cost of a house for a bank to loan us money.  Now, people get themselves into serious debt with no money down.  If they put nothing down, they have nothing to lose so they can simply walk away from their debt.  Yet it's just a tip of the iceberg that has been quietly hammering the hull of our ship, so to speak.

Look through any fashion magazine and you'll see handbags advertised for upwards of 1500 dollars.  Women want them.  As a result, they feel as though buying a bag for only 300 dollars is a deal.  True for shoes too.  THere is no end to the money spending that goes on.  And, it happens to people who can not afford to make these purchases.  

I think that the economy is shit because we all wanted a piece of the pie and banks let us do so by offering ungodly sums of credit with little care for what that does to the soul of a person.  Students are well into debt because of student loans.  People easily get themselves in debt because their credit limit is so high.  Those with little discipline just spend, spend, spend.  Sure, on paper the economy looked like it was growing, but it was only getting itself in debt.

I've had my share of spending issues, but I realize that I have always been scared of poverty so I've listened to the little angel on my shoulder saying, don't give in.  Credit card debt at this house is zero and has been for a while.  But I don't think the economy can grow the way it was...it was a false growth.  Inflated house prices were great to those who were selling, but they needed to buy something bigger so they bought inflated big houses.  What has that done?  If people listened to the inner voice from the beginning, we wouldn't be in this mess now.  Perhaps we need to get back to the scrimp and save mode our grandparents were teaching us all those years ago.

See what happens when you don't learn from history?

Buzz Books

It bothers me to invest time reading a book only to get to the end and not like it.  I just finished reading The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski and enjoyed the story quite a bit.  His writing is fluid and intelligent.  He is a master scene setter and the topic was so readable.  However, I feel as though the end left me hanging and I just don't like when that happens.  To give you and idea, and not to give anything away, review the name of the book.  The last chapter is entitled "The Sawtelle Dogs"  PS  Edgar is not a dog.

I chose this book because it was recommended by many most notably by the indie list compiled by independent book sellers.  When Oprah announced that it was her choice, I quickly got my copy so I wouldn't find out about the book before I read it.  I should have known.  Oprah likes stories with mystical events -- stories that verge on the unbelievable.  I can't always buy it.  I felt that way about Toni Morrison's Beloved which Oprah loved (as did many others).  I never warmed up to the story.

I also recently read The Thirteenth Tale because my sister-in-law recommends it through her blog.  To be honest, I never wanted to read the book because the cover looks like a kids book (The Tale of Despereaux to be exact).  But it was a good read.  And worth the buzz.

I suppose the biggest problem with buzz books is that their hype gets me overly primed for a good read.  If, in any way, I don't like the story, the let down is that much greater.  Still, I read them and push them on others.  I came home from the library with The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick for Tyler and he loved it.  So, I will continue to read buzz books, but I set my standards higher for them.

Skeletons

I think it's natural to have skeletons in the closet.  What seems unnatural is how they find their way out.  Imagine running for political office and reading the headlines one morning about some error in judgement you'd made earlier in life.  How did that get divulged?  Did a "friend" say something that should have been kept quiet?  

I am interested in the life of a tale because they are not solitary.  Sure, there may be things we've done that we're not proud of, but when we commit a foul in front of others it's not just our story to tell even if it is our shame to bear.  The story could be kept secret for years only to leak out in passing conversation.

I am thinking about Sarah Palin who married because she was pregnant.  A fact I care little about.  However, I know people who made up their anniversary date because they don't want their children to know they married because of a pregnancy.  That's their skeleton.  Were the Palin's children aware of the circumstances surrounding their wedding before the rest of America learned of it?  I sure hope so.

I just bought Meredith Hall's memoir Without a Map about her early pregnancy (at the age of 16) and the resulting shunning by her family, church, school. and community.  What could be a skeleton for Hall has now been thrown into the open.  What if she hadn't been forthcoming about this background?  It's a huge story when hidden; less so when open.

So, I think about my own skeletons and wonder if they should be let free.  Then I consider that what may be cathartic for me could be quite damaging to those around me.  Whose tale is it to tell?

Curiosity

While I was out on Saturday, visiting my father in Connecticut, I received a phone call from an assistant principal with whom I interviewed earlier in the week.  She left a message; I called back and left a message.  No word.  The bottom line is I did not get yet another job.

What does it take for a school to hire me?  How can I break the barrier between the public and private school?  Is there really such a big difference between the two?  When I ask what I could have done to improve my chances to get hired, I've been told that I am a very strong candidate but did not possess the background to teach for the standardized tests.  However, I do much reading and the bottom line should be:  hire those who motivate.

So, here I am again wondering why I have no job.  More important, I am wondering if I will ever get a job teaching again.  This stinks feeling so low knowing there are some real bad teachers out there who don't really care (I've worked with some, I know) and one at home who works hard.  Hmmmmm.....

Homework

It's a rough afternoon/evening in my house.  With a fourth grader who does not work quickly, I have been quickly going grayer because of his homework.

First, he did not finish all the homework he was given yesterday.  I oversee all the work, but the little stinker did not write down that he even had an assignment in that subject.  Then, when I had to sign a note to the teacher saying I was aware that he had missed an assignment, my boy had written the wrong subject.  There was a lot of shouting going on here as I tried to figure out where his homework for social studies was only to learn that it was health homework that needed attention.  Even now I am confused.  Yesterday for health he missed questions 1-6; today his assignment book says questions 1-4.  Even he doesn't really know what to do.  Then, when he did the work, most of it was wrong so he's back at it.

This week he has already spent an hour coloring a leaf.  (Where is the educational value here?) And, he has a map to accompany the book Ribsy due tomorrow (but he tells me they got an extension -- I have too little faith to trust him.)  We still need to review for the spelling test tomorrow.  

He got off the bus at 3:10.  It is now 6:35  and I guess he has at least 2 more hours of work to do.  This is miserable.  I can't wait for the weekend.

It's a good thing I am not working now.  IF I heard one parent complain about 2 and a half hours of homework for a 7th or 8th grader, I'd probably lose my temper big time!!

The saddest part is that even with all this homework, my boy still has trouble actually understanding the material.  He is so swamped getting the work done, he doesn't even know what it's all about.  What a shame.

Literacy

I think it's safe to blame text book companies of dumbing down our children.  As a teacher, I have personally witnessed students do homework without actually reading the text.  They simply look for the answers to be placed in bold text and for them to follow along in a linear fashion.  If you can't find the answer to question 4 but found the answer to questions 3 and 5, just look somewhere between those areas.  No reading is involved.  I know this happens.  I did it myself.  And, that, paired with weak history teachers, is why I have such a weak history background.  I did not read the material.

Sadly, I witnessed the same thing here as Tyler was doing his homework.  He came home with a 4 paged newspaper.  His assignment was to do the crossword puzzle on the back page.  Unfortunately, Tyler did not understand that it would be much easier to read the clues on the puzzle then read the paper.  Instead, he dove head first into the puzzle only to have no easy way to get it done.  Furthermore, he lacked the literacy skills necessary to know where in the newspaper to find the answers.  For example, when the clue had to do with mountain ranges, Tyler did not automatically look at the map page.  

Yesterday I met with the head of the graduate education department at Mount Saint Mary College.  Initially I thought I would get certified in special education (or see what I needed to do so).  However, I left that office thinking that perhaps getting certification in literacy is the correct path for me.  

What is literacy?  It's the ability to not just read but recognize how printed material is placed on the page.  It's the skill students have when the teacher says, "Open your books to the chapter on commas."  And they can.  (I know students who cannot...I've taught them.)  Who knows, perhaps one day I will have the power to get those text book companies to reconfigure the end-of-the-unit questions so students will actually have to read to get the answer.

Miracles

Since the first day I saw it at the library, I wanted to read James McBride's Miracle at St. Anna. Now that Spike Lee is making the movie, I had the incentive to actually sign it out.  I am 170 pages into it, but I am still waiting for the miracle.  Frankly, I don't fully understand how this is going to be a movie.  The book is not told in a linear way, and much of what happens is background, not actually action but description.  It took me a while to warm up to the rhythms of the book, but even at that it requires me to have a certain leap of faith.  For example, a character in the book communicates with a young boy he finds through a series of taps.  How the hell can two people communicate that way?  I really don't buy it.  Nevertheless, I will finish the book.  In fact, I hope to finish it today.  

Anyone interested in miracles that are believable, may be interested to read The Miracles of Santo Fico by D.L. Smith.  It is a fun romp through Italy and looks at people trying to be good despite evidence to the contrary.  Frankly, I think this book would be a great movie.

Vouchers

About seven years ago I worked with a woman who was very suspicious of vouchers.  She said they sound good, but she did not trust the spirit with which they were being pushed.  I agreed with her at the time and only just recently realized why.

Vouchers give people an opportunity to send their child to a private school if they feel their local public school doesn't serve their child well.  However, the money offered through the voucher program doesn't really offer opportunity.  The independent schools where I taught cost around $25, 000 per year.  The voucher program will not pay for that.  What then is being offered?  Further, the problem with vouchers is that they work to blame the schools where supposed learning is not occurring while not actually doing anything to improve said schools.  Public education is a part of what makes this country great.  But if we allow that right to evaporate, what then will our children have in the future?

Higher education is the path to a better future for us all.  If we fail to address the problems that plague public schools, we fail as a nation.  Stupidity is not going to solve the gas crisis, or global warming, or war.  We should urge our representatives to put money in education.  That means helping poor students and giving them a school where they feel safe.  It means getting them food.  It means providing healthcare to them.  A couple thousand dollars a year in vouchers can't fix the problems that schools face.  

Unemployment

For the first time in my life, I have to file and collect unemployment.  Trust me, this is not the path I ever wanted to follow.  And, to make matters worse, despite my intelligence, I find the whole process to be quite confusing.

First I had to call in to start.  That, thanks to phone tree technology, took three phone calls. When I did finally get through, the computer voice told me that I couldn't call until Wednesday so I had to start all over again.  When Wednesday came, I did finally get everything in order and the woman with whom I spoke was very nice to me.  When I called the computer system was down, so she wasn't able, at the time, to enter my information, but she thought everything was in order.  Just in case she took my home phone number so she could reach me.  Not ten minutes later she called to say all was well and I should plan a phone interview for Sept. 15 and another one for the 24th.  She further informed me that I would be receiving several mailings.

The mailings came.  Apparently, I am scheduled to attend a Reemployment Services Orientation on Sept. 16th in Newton, NJ, a mere 56 miles from my house.  Now I don't mean to sound like a whiner, but I don't want any job other than teaching.  I spent a lot of time and money to get the experience and education I have.  I do not want to do something else.  Anyway, now I have to duke it out on Monday and plead my case.  REally, do I have to go all the way to Newton??

In the meantime, I have applied to three jobs in the last week.  Just today, I applied for a leave replacement position at Copper Beech Middle School.  I interviewed there earlier in the year, but did not receive the job.  However, it seems that this is the third time this position has come up.  Clearly, if they had chosen me in the first place, they wouldn't be in this fix.

So, I just wait.  Wait for an unemployment check.  Wait for an interview.  Wait for the understanding of why I am in this position in the first place.

Teachers Need to Step Up to the Plate

I was reading an article in the latest issue of Phi Delta Kappan and the writer spoke of NCLB with much venom.  Much as I like to blame George W. Bush for anything that is making me unhappy, I have to say that I was aware and saddened when students were suing their schools in the 80s because they couldn't read.  Teachers, and bad systems, were at fault then and failed to make changes.  So, GW steps in and devises NCLB to hold schools accountable to the students they are supposed to serve.  Although it has become a disaster, George W. Bush did not make it so.

In 2000 when I went back to school to get my Master's degree, I was in a class where the discussion came around to a local district that was planning a teacher strike.  While one of my classmates was employed in that district and could speak clearly about why the union was suggesting a strike, the news was reporting that the teachers wanted more money.  My classmate couldn't deny the charge.  Naturally I voiced my opinion.  If teacher unions want more, they need to address the issues that motivate the masses.  Get kids interested in learning.  If our children were doing well in schools, especially in poor districts, there would be no justify a strike and no tax payer would begrudge a teacher a higher salary.  

Teachers need to clearly and repeatedly state what is wrong with NCLB while showing how they can be accountable without having the constraints of standardized tests hanging around their necks.  Too many teachers do little more than teaching kids how to take a test.  I don't think they deserve higher pay.  And, regardless of their qualifications or pedigree, I don't believe they should be considered highly qualified.  I am tired of going to parent-teacher conferences and meeting teachers who are just going through the motion.  Covering material is not teaching it.

So, the educational field doesn't like NCLB?  Big surprise!!!  But public schools need to find a way to do the job (get kids learning) while distancing themselves from the stress of the test.  If they can't do that, then they should stop complaining.  Recognizing problems is easy.  Fixing them requires truly good teachers.

Neon Lights for Noisy Neighbors

I personally love when the weather allows us to have the windows open.  Fresh air and the sound of birds chirping keep the house homey.  Sadly, with such pleasure comes the down side.  For me, at my house, it's the neighbors.

They moved in about 6 years ago.  What I first noticed about them -- and thought I admired -- was that they had Boxers.  I love Boxers because they are friendly and quiet.  However, upon closer inspection I noticed that these Boxers were fat.  Boxers need to maintain their shape because they are prone to hip problems.  Needless to say, I had concerns about my neighbors then.  When I met them at a neighborhood party, I was even more unimpressed.  They are natives of Stony Point.  Now, Stony Point seems, on the surface to be a nice place.  But talk to people who live there -- even those who've lived there since birth -- and a dirty secret is revealed.  They're hillbillies.  So, lucky me, I have hillbillies for neighbors.

It didn't take long to realize that that was the least of my problems with my neighbors.  They're loud too.  Trust me, I know loud.  And the language!  I know I can sound like a trucker, but I try not to announce it to the world.  This summer I was especially cognizant of the language because it starts so early in the morning (and we've had the windows open).  For some reason they carry on business via phone from their back deck.  And judging from the conversations I can't help but to hear, they do not speak nicely to anyone.  

So, this morning I couldn't help but overhear the neighbor (there's a father and son team) carry on his business.  Whoever he was talking to got his hair up.  I heard, "What shit?" at least six times with no time for an answer.  Then a couple F words and yelling.  Jeez!  I can't begin to number the times I've wanted to shout across the stream, "Shut up".  This morning was no different.  Then, I began daydreaming about how I could change the neighbors' behavior.  I could install a neon billboard on the back of my bungalow (which faces the neighbors) and type what they're saying.  I could be a light up reminder of their behavior without becoming a bother to other neighbors.  I suspect if I could throw in their faces what I hear every day it would change their behavior (or be annoying which would be just as satisfying). 

Polls

I cannot believe that the McCain ticket is doing so well now that the inflexible, poor example for a person Sarah Palin is running with him.  How can the American people be so gullible?  Don't they wonder about a woman who preaches abstinence but can't practice it (nor can her daughter).  I don't care much about her daughter being pregnant; I am sure there are many 17 year old girls in the same boat.  I really don't understand how the American public can be so dumb....

But, I never fully understood how numbers work.  Take ratings for example.  How can a wonderful show like Joan of Arcadia be pulled from the airwaves when Survivor is still on?  Perhaps this is all just an indication that I am not like the rest of the people in this country.  This line of thinking worries me ... if I am not like the American people, does my vote really count?  Maybe my opinion really doesn't matter.  Well, I will (and usually do) still vote.  I'll also be wondering how these polls work.  And, I'll take the time to answer questions the next time I get one of those phone calls.

Football

I genuinely enjoy watching football on Sunday afternoons with Rod.  However, it is no fun when the team you want to win doesn't.  Case in point, the Dolphins.  While I know Jets fans did not like Chad Pennington, I still think it stinks that he was out of a job because Brett Favre decided he didn't want to retire after all.  As one who lost a job this year I am especially empathetic towards Pennington.  So, what must the poor guy face?  First game of the season he has to meet his old team the Jets with their new quarterback Brett Favre.  And he lost!  Poor kid.

The second game of the day was worse...the Cowboys beat the Browns.  I just hate the Cowboys and I could care less who they play as long as the Cowboys get beat.  But why did my Sunday have to get ruined because network programming forced me to watch that game.  couldn't they have given me something else?

Next week should be better because the Giants will be playing on Sunday.  Even if they lose, I still have a real interest in the game, the players and their stats.  Sadly, I will be stuck with another Jets game, but that's the nature of the programming beast here in New York.  My only real concern is whether or not I will be able to really let loose and cheer when our cadet (one we are sponsoring...more on that topic at another time) is here.   We'll see.  He didn't get offended when I joked with Tyler about how they serve "snacks" at church.

Just the Beginning

Well, here I am.  I thought, right up until now, that I was up for this adventure, but I am not so certain now.

Why Blog?

Mostly to practice writing on a daily basis.   I have many thoughts which do not get spoken or written because, now that I am not working, there is no one to whom to say this.  Also, I have time to post ideas and rants.  If Julia was able to do this, then so am I and here I am.

I have to admit that for the first time in my life, I watched any portion of the Republican and Democratic National Conventions.  How did I make it to the age of 45 and never watch them before?  I am driven, for the first time, to actually speak out about what the issues are and how I perceive each candidate.  Mostly I am interested in education.  Is there a way to improve public schools?  I don't know but I will be sharing my opinions in the coming days....

Sit back and relax and enjoy!