The Holt Blog

I just watched this 47 minute video about what money is and how it’s created. It is very educational, and if it’s all true it has some serious implications! The way we understand money is not necessarily the reality. Check out this video if you have even a minute interest in economy, money, and banks.

Note: The movie starts at 12 seconds in.

Stores are already putting Christmas stuff up!

http://consumerist.com/5053024/september-is-christmastime-at-target

Why do you think this is? Stores want you to buy things, of course – and getting everyone into the “Christmas spirit” (whatever that means) early ensures that you will buy more! Christmas has sure become a consumerist holiday in our country. Think about the guilt you would feel if you didn’t buy anyone anything this Christmas. Isn’t that horrible? When did celebrating Jesus’ birthday turn into such a day focused on gifts that we feel *guilty* about not buying things?

But as much as I could rant about this, it’s merely a symptom of a greater problem. The problem is that we’re a consumer nation! The following site has a really neat video on the whole system of consumer goods from start to finish. It’s 20 minutes long, but very educational!

http://www.storyofstuff.com/

I especially like the part about the “work -> spend -> watch” cycle. It’s sooo true! We go to work all day to “pay the bills” right? That’s what everyone tells me. But those “bills” are usually extra expenses we take upon ourselves. Why? The result of advertisements and pressure that says we “need” these things.

Jill and I got rid of our TV about a year ago. We still have the capacity to watch TV on the computer if we want, but I don’t think either of us has watched anything in months. For me, it’s been about a year since I saw anything on TV. Now, before I sound all cool, I spend plenty of time on the computer. But there’s less ads, and I think Jill and I have a more healthy view of spending than we used to?

I’m definitely in favor of a good work ethic (what does this really mean anyway?) and generosity through gift giving and buying things we want. Those things are great. But when we become a slave to these things – and our nation has – then there’s a problem.

Anyway check out that video and tell me what you think.

At school this year I am still a Community Therapist. I do trips out of the building 2 afternoons a week. But, with the rest of the time I have been given blocks in the library! I’ve just loved it, being able to plan read-out-louds and related activities. It’s been great! Also, the class I am taking this semester is on Reading Interests of Children, so it is giving me plenty of fuel and ideas. Today we’ll be reading and learning about different presidents in celebration of Constitution Day!

BOXBOROUGH AGRICULTURAL & CRAFT FAIR is today!!!
It is going on from 10:00 – 3:00. Come down to 29 Middle rd in Boxborough and support its-a-jill crafts! I’ll be selling some bag-bags and record bowls, and would love to see familiar faces, it would put me at ease Come by and visit!

I found the following article somewhat randomly on the interwebs:

http://www.city-journal.org/html/13_2_queering_the_schools.html

If even half of this article is true, I think I would homeschool my children if I ever had any. This is disgusting! It seems that we often hear about so-called “fundamentalist” groups trying to weasel their way into schools, or some poor kid getting in trouble for bringing a Bible to school. The fact that my tax money pays for gay agenda makes me even more angry.

I’m officially ashamed of my state. It seems we’re always on the cutting edge of immorality and raising taxes. To everyone in other states, I’m sorry you have to put up with Massachusetts!

PS At least I don’t live in California.