Articles written by Dean Traylor

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About me - Dean Traylor

I started writing at a young age; however, it wasn't until my early twenties I did anything about it. Back then, I was a journalism major who had published news and magazine feature articles in two college publications (El Camino College and Cal State Fullerton)

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Education > Education (Other) Should public schools offer courses in the Bible?: 1 of 66
One has to respect the proponents who are pushing for Bible courses in public schools. Unlike those trying to insert the theologically-based intelligent design into the nation's public schools as a genuine scientific theory, the Bible course proponents are upfront about what they want: to bring Christianity into the public sc... More..
Entertainment > Movies (Other) Is it better to watch movies in theaters or DVDs at home?: 1 of 62
There's something magical about a movie theater. Once the curtain rises and the lights dim, the collective masses of movie-goers stop talking, rush to their seats, and cast their eyes upon the giant screen. Then, when a stream of projector light hits the screen's silver surface, everyone in the theater is transported to anoth... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Past relationships: 1 of 28
" Lady-Ghost" I heard the window slide open and somebody flowing in from the darkness. She moved gently to my side Believing I was deep in sleep. I heard her pant, quick, soft and Barely audible to my ears. Until she was too close to ignore. But I can't see her. My back was to her, The covers, tucked over my shoulders. I felt... More..
Education > Educational Philosophy Should schools be allowed to teach creationism alongside evolution as part of their science curriculum?: 3 of 78
The Question, "So how did life begin?" should never have been a rallying cry for ideological war. One side got it correct, while the other attacked it on everything but the facts. Proponents of Creationism have fought a mean and nasty war to get their concept on the origin of life into the science school curriculum throughout... More..
Education > Educational Philosophy Banning prayer in schools has increased student behavior problems: 1 of 22
A few thoughts comes to mind when thinking about prayers in school: how can the act of putting your hands together, closing your eyes and praying to a higher source help you keep your emotions and behavior in check at school? How will this simple act of conversing with God help you calm yourself and get through the trials and... More..
Education > Special Education What every special education teacher needs to know: 1 of 13
A little patience can go a long way, as the old saying goes. My longevity at my post as a high school special education teacher in one of Southern California's roughest neighborhoods is an example of that cliche. However, if I had to say "patience" is the only thing an aspiring special education teacher needs to know in order... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Mythology & Folklore Is the Loch Ness Monster real?: 3 of 38
To misquote Sting (who used the Loch Ness Monster as an allegory in the song "Synchronicity II"), there's "nothing" that lurks at the bottom of a dark Scottish Loch. The so-called evidence of its existence is questionable - in some cases, a hoax. Yet, this monster of the deep has managed to avoid logic and reason and exist a... More..
Arts & Humanities > Writing Tips Tips for writing poetry: 2 of 25
There was a poem posted on a website with the following lines: "Give me the murky door/ so I can walk on love's floor." The lines are confusing and it's tough to decipher. The rest of the verses in this poem shed little light on what they mean. Instead, it rambles on making supercilious comments and eliciting the name of Bash... More..
Entertainment > Movie Characters & Performances Who portrayed the Joker better: Jack Nicholson or Heath Ledger?: 3 of 30
There was something all-too-familiar about Jack Nicholson's portrayal of the Joker in the first "Batman"; it was Jack Nicholson in white makeup, green hair and a permanent grin. As entertaining as he was, Jack's one-liners, mannerism and devilish grin was vintage Jack Nicholson, not the Joker. Heath Ledger, on the other hand... More..
Education > Special Education What is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?: 1 of 9
Individual with Disability Education Act (IDEA) is the backbone of special education. Its various amendments and reauthorizations have helped to define the educational programs, related services, and classification of learning disabilities that make up today's special education programs. This important act is also responsible... More..