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Eating on the Porch Makes For A Good Meal

James — Mon, 21 May 2012 00:25:40 +0000

It’s a veritable rite of spring, and of temperate early evening weather, to have that first meal on the porch out back. It was a good way to end a particularly busy, social weekend (as Sarah put it), with a few dinner engagements, a baby shower, a visit to the church in Newton, and a [...]

Courtside at the Celtics Playoff Game

James — Fri, 18 May 2012 00:18:11 +0000

There are only a few events in life that cause a lot of people to get in touch with you all at once. A marriage, a death in the family or perhaps an individual winning the lottery. Another one? Getting broadcast on national TV a few times during an NBA playoff game. So as perhaps [...]

CEE Survey of the States Report

James — Wed, 02 May 2012 22:32:13 +0000

An introductory letter that Ron Thorpe, new President of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and I co-authored for the Council of Economic Education Survey of the States report recently got published. Alright! Guest Post | James Liou and Ronald Thorpe on Survey of the States POSTED: April 23, 2012 | BY: lrasimas | [...]

Full Sun and a Walking Day in Old San Juan

James — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 22:10:44 +0000

I think that the pictures are going to suggest a different journal title—something along the lines of ‘Sarah visits Old San Juan!’ Heh. But I happily revisited Old San Juan again, too … I just happen to be the person snapping away on the camera and handy I-phone throughout the day. A leisurely start at [...]

From Culebra to El Yunque Rain Forest

James — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:23:46 +0000

Why not? We had talked about the possibilities of visiting the islands of Vieques or Culebra so instead of the either/or proposition, we went ahead and decided to do both. There’s always the chance of feeling rushed with busier travel plans, but with Culebra being so close (via puddle jumper flights from Vieques to Ceiba [...]

Buen Dia, Puerto Rico!

James — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 02:31:28 +0000

Oh, Puerto Rico. It’s only been a year since I was last able to visit, and that already seems too long. It’s easy to tell why expatriates of all kinds, but especially those luckier ones from island climates and cultures, always think of home. Very lucky to be spending the April break back in Puerto [...]

Education Champions Fellowship Applications

James — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 02:20:19 +0000

Just heard word about the application deadline coming up for the Education Champions Fellowship. Take a look at the information below and pass on the word (or nominate!) for anyone who might be interested. Apply today for the outstanding opportunity to join the second cohort of the Education Champions Fellowship. Fellows receive a stipend and [...]

Will Always Love You, Commodore 64

James — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:56:34 +0000

Just saw that Jack Tramiel, the man behind the Commodore 64 computers, passed away recently. Man. Talk about the best video game memories as a kid— with that rigid joy stick and orange ‘mash’ button and those 5.5 inch floppy disks. And the games. Summer and winter games, Bruce Lee where I always got frozen [...]

Family Easter Visit 2012

James — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 23:15:23 +0000

Wonderful to have Sarah’s mom and D come up for a visit over this three-day Easter weekend. Perfect timing to make full use of our freshened bathroom space, and for Sarah and her mom to bust out some impressive culinary moves for the big Easter meal: fresh lamb from the local butcher served rare, potatoes [...]

Bathroom Renovation Done!

James — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 22:33:29 +0000

I tell you, finishing up a home renovation project is pretty satisfying. And sure, while a close observer might suggest that it’s especially satisfying when someone else is getting the major stuff done with expertise (certainly true in this case), it was good to add a bit of ‘sweat equity’ into it as well. I’m [...]