This Week in Review, December 22, 2019

By Nate Feldman

This week marked the beginning of the winter season in the northern hemisphere, and with it, the darkest days of the year.  Nevertheless, with Christmas less than a week away, most towns and cities in many countries are glowing with colorful lights on trees, homes, businesses, and parks.  The lights come in many shapes and forms, and people are able to go out at night and enjoy the festive atmosphere.  In addition to enjoying the lights, some people during this time of year travel from home to home singing songs.  But, no matter how you spend your time during the season, it is a great time to be outside. 

This Week in Review, December 8, 2019

By Nate Feldman

*It was a mostly overcast week with some sunshine here and there.  There were brief periods of snow throughout Monday and Wednesday morning, but there wasn't any measurable precipitation as forecasters had predicted.  By the weekend it cleared up, but it was still quite cold.

*With the Thanksgiving holiday in the rearview mirror, more and more Christmas decorations have come out in the last week.  Houses and businesses throughout the area are covered with shiny lights and ornaments.

*The fifth annual Snowflake 5K in Lehighton, PA was held on Saturday morning.  The race began and ended at the Zion United Church of Christ and wound through the streets of the town with splendid views of the surrounding area.  Runners braced the cold weather for the event and were treated to a nice meal afterwards inside the Church which was followed by an awards ceremony.  The event was time by Pretzel City Sports, an organization that hosts races throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland.  The race raised money for the Dylan and Gavin Rainbow Ministry, an organization helping families dealing with the loss of a child or a child with an illness.

This Week in Review, December 1, 2019

By Nate Feldman

Over the Thanksgiving week, I was in Florida where the weather was extremely pleasant.  Every day had clear skies and temperatures in the 80s.  When I returned to Pennsylvania after Thanksgiving, the weather was mostly sunny, but it was much colder than Florida.  This next week is expected to bring wintry weather to the area.

A Visit to the Magic Kingdom

By Nate Feldman

Since I was a child, I have seen countess Disney movies which began with the iconic Cinderella Castle in the background, so this was what I sought out when I arrived to Disney World this week. , Having never been to Disney World previously, this is the landmark I have always associated with the park. 

Cinderella's Castle 

Mosaic inside the castle

When I arrived at Magic Kingdom, I went to the castle and was surprised to discover I could actually walk on its inside.  There is a walkway that takes you through a tunnel covered with colorful mosaics depicting scenes from various stories. 

The castle, and the environment surrounding it, has an enchanted feeling that people of all ages can appreciate.  It is the hallmark of the Magic Kingdom. 

Cinderella's Castle up close 

This Week in Review, November 24, 2019

By Nate Feldman

The weather was mostly overcast with periods of sun this week in Southeastern Pennsylvania.  It cleared up a bit by the weekend.  Also, with Thanksgiving approaching, expect to see more and more people travelling for the busiest travel holiday of the year.  Finally, I conclude the report with a piano piece I am working on.

The Hectic Life

By Nate Feldman

For many years, Derrick Myers has complained abut his hectic lifestyle.  He has been working at a local area high school teaching 10th and 11th grade American history.  Derrick has always loved history and teaching events to students.  "We can't plan for the future if we don't know where we have come from," is how he always starts the school year.

Derrick's passion for history is equally matched with his passion for sports.  Because of that, he has been the school's head football coach for the past five years and an assistant coach with the baseball team in the spring.  "A healthy body and a healthy mind go well together," he tells his athletes all of the time.

If that isn't enough, Derrick is also an avid musician.  He plays piano with a local band on weekends.  They perform at restaurants, local coffee shops, and different fairs and festivals throughout the area.

Derrick's busy lifestyle has made his life very interesting, but there have been some consequences of this.  Due to his endless activities, he has been hardly around his two young children recently.  He and his wife go out to places less and less.  He also complains of feeling worn out frequently.  Those around him insist he change his habits, but he can't imagine what he'd do without them.  It's a big problem.

Types of Music

By Nate Feldman

Music is something which you can find in every culture around the world.  It doesn't matter where you are or what traditions the people may have.  You are certain to find some kind of music there.  Although everyone likes music, not all music is the same.  There are many ways to classify music, but if I had to, I would classify it between music played with instruments, music with singing, and music with both instruments and singing. 

There are many types of music which only use instruments.  It could be an orchestra playing a famous symphony.  It could be people playing jazz.  It could be a band of some kind playing brass instruments as part of some kind of parade.  There are also many people who perform their instruments by themselves.  They can do it for a recital of some kind, or they can do it in a train station or by the side of a road. 

There is also music that uses only a person's voice.  This could be people in a choir somewhere singing songs.  It could be an opera singer.  There are also a cappella groups that have several singers performing songs together. 

Then, there are people who sing and use instruments.  An example of this would be popular rock bands.  The musicians play instruments, such as the guitar, bass, drums and or piano while they sing the songs.  This type of music is probably the most popular music in modern western culture and perhaps in most other cultures as well. 

In conclusion, music is an important part of who we are.  Some people like to sing it, others like to play an instrument, and many like to do both.  The most important thing is to find the music you love and enjoy it.  Thank you. 

This Week in Review, November 17, 2019

By Nate Feldman

This week, I continued work on my film project about a workaholic who lets his habits take over his life.  I gave the story some background showing scenes of the character at a different time in his life where he was busy with different activities and wasn't all consumed by work.  I plan to film how he went from this to where he is today. 

The weather dramatically changed on Tuesday.  On Monday, it was warm and in the 60s.  However, by Tuesday afternoon it had dropped a good 30 degrees bringing some light flurries during the late morning.  The temperatures were a little more pleasant on Friday, but by Saturday it was breezy and cold again.

Thanksgiving is still a week and a half away, but there are many people decorating their houses and businesses with Christmas lights already.  At malls, Santa is already taking pictures with young children. 

Finally, I received some videos from Panama of a bad rainstorm that covered most of the country. 

Sunny but Cold Weather Envelopes the Region

By Nate Feldman

Despite the fact that it was mostly sunny throughout the day on Wednesday, the Philadelphia area continued to be very cold as temperatures rose to just about the freezing mark. 

Most residents of the area bundled up in jackets and or winter coats to deal with the winter-like temperatures.  International visitors continued to comment about the cold and how it differed from their respective countries. 

In spite of the cold, many people continued to perform outdoor activities.  At tracks and on sports fields, local athletes maintained their routines, but with hats and gloves on them. 

Temperatures are supposed to get slightly warmer tomorrow, but it will still only be in the 40s.

Arctic Blast Hits the Northeast Region

By Nate Feldman

Despite warm weather in the mid-60s on Monday, the temperature dropped dramatically on Tuesday.  Because of this, the early morning rainfall changed over to snow by mid-morning. 

Many international students welcomed the first snowflakes of the season with fascination, especially those from warmer countries that get little if any kind of snow. 

Although the precipitation was gone by the early afternoon, and there was sunshine as it got closer to evening, the temperatures were only in the 30s, leaving the area quite cold. 

According to the weather reports, the temperatures are going to get as low as the teens perhaps overnight and will not get higher than the 30s tomorrow.  Due to the cold weather, people will have to dress in warm clothing and be prepared to heat up their houses. 

This Week in Review, November 10, 2019

By Nate Feldman

This week, I began a film project I am titling, "The Workaholic," a story about a person who must learn to manage their obsessive work habits.  I also caught what is left of the fall foliage in the area. 

Remnants of Foliage Still Around

By Nate Feldman

Although the branches of many trees are bare now, the remnants of the fall foliage can be found in different locations throughout Pennsylvania.  The maple tree in my front yard still has many leaves.  When I went up to Trexler Park in Allentown this afternoon, I found pockets of trees with colored leaves that have yet to fall.  The fall scenery, although well past its peak here, still isn't finished yet. 

The Workaholic (An Introduction)

By Nate Feldman

This is the beginning of a short film I am putting together about a workaholic, and how his obsession with working affects his life.  I will develop this story further, but this is the introduction.

Clear Skies and Mild Temperatures Before Big Changes

By Nate Feldman

The skies were mostly clear throughout the day and the temperatures were extremely comfortable.  Although today was a pleasant day to be outside, tomorrow is expected to be different with rainy weather coming in.  By Friday, the rain is supposed to go away, but it is expected to be significantly colder with highs only in the 40s. 

The Workaholic (Continued)

By Nate Feldman

In this video, I continue the story of someone who works obsessively and enjoys little else in life. 

A Workaholic

By Nate Feldman

A workaholic is someone who doesn't find time to enjoy the daily pleasures of life because they are so wrapped up in their work life.  Whether they are in the office or at home, their mind is always fixated on work.  Here is a clip of a movie I plan to do about a workaholic. 

This Week in Review, November 3, 2019

By Nate Feldman

After waiting the entire month of October, Halloween finally arrived this week.  In spite of some severe weather, people were able to get out and enjoy the festivities.  Also, although we are now past the peak of the fall foliage season, there are still some trees with colored leaves on them.

Still Some Fall Foliage Left

By Nate Feldman

Although the fall foliage is past its peak in most of Pennsylvania, there are still some trees with colored leaves on them.  I was up in the Lehigh Valley region of the state and caught some glimpses of fall colors on a brilliantly clear day.  Here are some images I got from Ontelaunee Park in New Tripoli, PA and Kalmbach Memorial Park in Macungie, PA.

Halloween in Berwyn, PA 2019

By Nate Feldman

Despite talks of severe weather, people were able to get out and enjoy the Halloween festivities this year in the Philadelphia area.  In Berwyn, PA, there was the annual Halloween Parade hosted by the Berwyn fire company on Wednesday night.  On Thursday, there was enough time before dangerous weather came overnight for trick or treaters to go outside and enjoy getting candy.

To see the video about this, check out this link:
https://youtu.be/u9LS53vs48k

People Enjoy Trick or Treating on Halloween 

By Nate Feldman

Despite blustery winds, along with talks of severe weather coming to the area later tonight, families were able to go trick or treating in the Berwyn area tonight.  The streets were filled with parents and children dressed in all kinds of costumes, knocking on people's doors for candy.  

For many people, Halloween is a special day for a few reasons.  First of all, they love dressing in costumes as different kinds of monsters or their favorite characters from movies or TV shows.  They also like going out and trying to scare one another.  In addition, houses and businesses are decorated with all kinds of things, such as pumpkins, lights, and creatures of all kinds.  Most importantly, people love the free candy they are able to get from their neighbors and others in the community.  For these reasons, Halloween is a special occasion in the Berwyn area and throughout the entire United States.

Berwyn Has its Annual Halloween Parade

By Nate Feldman

In spite of a small rainfall, Berwyn, PA held its annual Halloween parade on Wednesday night.  People gathered beside the Easttown library in costumes of all sorts for the event.  At 7:00, they began marching down Bridge Avenue towards the Berwyn fire station where there was a costume contest and treats.  This event is put on every year by the Berwyn fire company.  It was fantastic to see all of the families having a great time.  

Overcast and Rainy Day

By Nate Feldman

It was a mostly overcast and rainy day as we approach the end of October.  The temperatures remained mild and will stay that way until the end of the week when it is supposed to get much colder.  The foliage is still at peak colors throughout most of the area.  I noticed striking colors on both my rides to and from work.

This Week in Review, October 27, 2019

The last week saw the fall foliage begin peaking in many parts of the Northeast.  The colors are many trees got brighter and brighter.  From Pennsylvania to Connecticut, I caught images of many trees bursting with colors.

Road Trip to Connecticut 

By Nate Feldman

I am currently up in Hartford, Connecticut having spent the day enjoying fall foliage scenery from New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut.  Things were especially pretty along the New Jersey Turnpike, Merrit Parkway in Connecticut, and Riverside Park in Hartford.  Here are some nice pictures I got along the way:

Back on the Schuylkill River Trail

By Nate Feldman

I was back on the Schuylkill River Trail near Valley Forge Park this afternoon for running and sightseeing.  Many of the trees are reaching their peak in colors.  I also caught a nice glimpse of the river as the sun began setting.  The best thing about being out on the trail during this season is during the evening hours when the bright colors of the trees begin to reflect on the surrounding area creating a colorful atmosphere. 

What is an Important Day?

By Nate Feldman

It's easy to say that every day is just as important as the last one, but there is no doubt that some days stand out more than others.  We can refer to these as "Important Days."  But what exactly is an important day?  I would say that important days are those that influence the coarse of our lives more than others.

Important days can be referred to as watershed moments.  This means that they change the direction of our lives and there is no going back once they happen.  There are the days that when you reflect on your life, you realize that your eventual fate was forever shaped by incidents that happened then.  Days such as your graduation, marriage, the birth of your child, or the death of a loved one just to name some examples come to mind when we think of days like that.  In all of these cases, the person you were before those days is often quite different from the person you are after them. 

Of course, the important days I am referring to there are the ones that happen in an individual's life.  Then there are important days throughout the year, such as holidays.  These days are often used to celebrate holidays or mark a special occasion.  It can be a religious or national holiday.  These days create bonds within communities and entire nations.  They remind us of who we are and where we come from. 

The truth is we should treat every day as important as one another.  But, in reality, there are some days that seem more important to us than the rest.  These are the days that are etched in our memories forever.  One thing I do know is today was a beautiful day.  Here is a picture I took while outside.  That should make it important enough.

Autumn Day Brings Amazing Scenery

By Nate Feldman

After a day of heavy rainfall on Tuesday, the skies cleared up early Wednesday morning for what turned out to be a spectacular day.  It was sunny with temperatures in the mid-60s throughout the day, making it ideal weather to be outside.  The foliage is approaching its peak in the Philadelphia area, so many of the trees were bursting with bright yellow, orange, red, and purple colors.  I took a walk in downtown Berwyn to catch some of the amazing scenery.  The pictures below were taken at the Frank Johnson Park, just behind the Easttown Library. 

What is Nostalgia?

By Nate Feldman

Note: This session I am teaching definition essays.  We are taking different terms, such as crime, workaholism, happiness, and anxiety and trying to find detailed definitions of these terms.  Below is my definition of "nostalgia," something that has affected myself and most human beings.  

Do you ever find yourself returning to some place you liked going in your childhood?  It could be a park you hung out with your friends at or your family's favorite restaurant?  When you go back, do you try and relive the moments you had as if you were experiencing these same moments for a second time?  I know I have done these sort of things.  I often take vacations to places that played an important part of either my childhood or younger adult years.  The thing that leads us to doing these sort of things is what we refer to as nostalgia.  Nostalgia is a huge part of the human experience and most people experience it at one time or another.  But what specifically do I mean by nostalgia?

Nostalgia is the deep longing to return to a time from the past.  It is looking back at things that have happened before and trying to experience them for a second time.  When I think about it, nostalgia is a real doubled-edged sword as there are very many positive attributes to it and many negatives ones as well.  So, I will delve deeper into this and define what I call "good nostalgia," and what I call, "bad nostalgia."

Good nostalgia is showing appreciation for the things that came before and making sure that our past is not completely forgotten.  Let's say you have a group of friends who like to gather at a popular cafe on weekends.  Then, these friends haven't seen one another for many years.  When they get together again, they return to that same cafe because they have such fond memories of it.  Good nostalgia shows appreciation for the bonds of friendship and the place where that friendship was at its strongest.

Bad nostalgia, on the other hand, is the false promise that we can return to a time long since passed and relive things that are gone and can never return again.  You usually see this type of nostalgia in politics.  Many leaders play the nostalgia card to rally the masses to their cause.  They say if they are their leader, they will return to the greatness that once existed as if that time was really as great as they are saying.  This kind of longing for the past has led to war and far worse throughout history.

Nostalgia can be a healthy part of the human experience.  It teaches us to always remember and appreciate things from our past.  At the same time, people must also realize that the past is the past and cannot be relived again.  Respect the past, don't relive it.

This Week in Review, October 20, 2019

By Nate Feldman

The weather was clear and warm on Monday and Tuesday.  By Wednesday, things became rainy and windy and much colder.  However, by the weekend, the weather was pleasant again.  Also, as Halloween gets closer and closer, more and more people are decorating their houses for the occasion.

Fall Foliage in the Philadelphia Area

By Nate Feldman

With clear skies and mild temperatures, the past two days have been an excellent time to go outside and enjoy the fall foliage in the Philadelphia area.  Trees with bright yellow, red, orange, and purple colors can be found everywhere.  This is definitely a great time to take pictures.

A Cold and Blustery Day Hits the Region

By Nate Feldman

The rain from yesterday went away, but it was a mostly cloudy day with heavy winds.  There was a wind advisory for the Philadelphia area throughout the day.  According to Accuweather, Philadelphia saw wind gusts as high as 47 miles per hour.  The temperatures were also much colder than the beginning of the week with highs only in the low 60s with lows overnight expected to be in the 40s.  Things are definitely getting colder and colder in the area.  The colder it gets, the more warmer clothes people will need.

Heavy Rain and Wind Blasts the Area

By Nate Feldman

After clear skies and warm temperatures for the first part of the week, heavy rain and winds came to the Philadelphia area on Wednesday.  The rain is supposed to go away later tonight, but the winds are supposed to continue well into tomorrow.  The temperatures are supposed to drop into the 50s tomorrow making it quite a chilly day.

Another Pleasant Fall Day

By Nate Feldman

The sky remained clear throughout the day, and the temperature was mild, so there were more great photos I was able to take.  Tomorrow, it is supposed to be rainy, and after that it is supposed to get much colder, so I am happy I was able to get outside this afternoon. 

Beautiful Fall Day in the Area

By Nate Feldman

After an overcast morning, the sun came out and it was a splendid day.  The morning was a bit cool, but it was pleasantly warm by the middle of the afternoon.  I was able to take many great photos of the foliage in my area, some of which I plan to turn into postcards.  The foliage has not reached its peak yet, but the colors in the trees are getting brighter and brighter.  The next couple of weeks is my favorite time of the year for both the weather and scenery, so I expect to be outside quite a bit.

The Week in Review, October 13, 2019

By Nate Feldman

This week, I talked about the importance of people following their own instincts and not just doing what everyone else is doing because they are too afraid to stand out.  I also caught some nice images along the Schuylkill River Trail near Valley Forge, PA.  Finally, I took part in the Soul Harvest 5K race at Norristown Farm Park on Saturday.  Here is a video showing all of these things.

The Sole Harvest 5K in Norristown, PA

By Nate Feldman

I participated in the sixth annual Sole Harvest 5K race in Norristown, PA today.  The race took place at the Norristown Farm Park.  It went along a trail beside big fields and through wooded areas.  The raise is organized by the Norristown Hospitality Center with the hopes of raising money for its shelter, which provides services to poor and homeless people in the area. 

 

A Walk Along the Schuylkill River Trail

By Nate Feldman

I took a walk along the Schuylkill River Trail this evening in the section that runs through Valley Forge National Park.  I caught some really nice images in the twilight hours.

Should Schools Educate Children to Eat Healthier?

By Nate Feldman

Eating a balanced, healthy diet is something that nutritionists and many people in the health industry have been advocating for a long time.  It's well known that eating well has many health benefits.  It gives you the energy you need for the day, prevents illnesses, and even helps with your mental abilities.  But, is it something we should be focusing on while in class?  I think the answer is unequivocally yes.  Having a good lifestyle in general, which good eating is definitely a part of, is something that educators should encourage from the youngest ages possible.  If the goal of school is to truly help the next generation, it's important to teach them a fundamental thing that many people sadly overlook.  There's the old saying, "You are what you eat."  People who eat well are definitely giving themselves a great chance to succeed in whatever walk of life they wish to pursue.  And while I am sure people can point to countless of examples of people with poor eating habits who went on to be enormously successful, you are more likely to accomplish results if you are taking care of yourself than if you are not.  So, I look forward to talking with some people about their views on this subject in upcoming posts.

The Benefits of Walking over Driving

By Nate Feldman

As I mentioned yesterday, if you have the opportunity to do so, it is good to walk places instead of drive if you have the chance.  It is good for the environment, your health, and your wallet. 

Should People Walk More and Drive Less?

By Nate Feldman

With concerns about climate change, and the unpredictable nature of oil prices, the most intelligent thing would be for people to use their feet, or at the very least some form of public transportation, more than driving their own vehicles to improve both the environment and protect their wallets a bit.  That is ideal.  I'd be a tad of a hypocrite, however, if I tried to shove that down people's throats too much as I must admit that I sometimes drive to places, such as the local high school about a half mile away that I could easily walk to.  Not always of course.  I walk there sometimes.  But, not as much as I could.  The same with the local library.  I think in a time crunched world, and the feeling that one needs to get so much done, it is so much more convenient to use your car.  But, that doesn't mean we shouldn't try to minimize the use of it as much as possible.  It's just something to think about. 

Following Others

By Nate Feldman

Here is a video which continues my discussion about when to and not to follow others.

Going to an Eagle's Game

By Nate Feldman

Yesterday, I went to my first Philadelphia Eagle's football game at Lincoln Financial Field in South Philadelphia in almost five years.  The last time I had been there was back in December, 2014.  When I thought about that, I felt a bit emotional, not because I missed going to the game's so much, but because I was amazed how fast the time had passed.  I thought of all the things that had happened and the changes in my life since then. 

The Eagles are the most popular sports team in the Greater Philadelphia region.  The games draw people from the city as well as the surrounding suburbs in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.  The man I sat next to said he came all the way from Virginia to watch the game.  Tens of thousands of people gather for these events.  Putting that in perspective, the stadium has a larger population than many towns when that happens. 

The weather conditions were very nice.  It was overcast, but the temperature was mild, so it was enjoyable to be outside.   

The Eagles won the game 31-6, and the crowd burst with cheers every time they scored or made a great play. 

After the game, everyone retreated from the stadium back to their cars to head home.  It was a great experience.

This Week in the News, October 6, 2019

By Nate Feldman

The last week saw the beginning of the month of October.  With it came Halloween decorations, inconsistent weather, and the beginning of the Major League Baseball playoffs. 

Should People Follow Others?

By Nate Feldman

There are many times in our lives where the decisions we make are based on what others tell us is the right choice more than what we feel is correct.  These decisions can range from simple things, such as the type of clothing we wear, or where we are going out for dinner on a particular night, to bigger things such as who we get married to, or what kind of career we have.  However, is this a good thing?  Should we make choices based on what others tell us to do?  In my view, I think we should always listen to what others have to advise us, but we also need to make our decisions from our own judgments.

There is nothing wrong with getting input from others.  We don't know everything, and there is nothing wrong in admitting that.  It is wise to take guidance from people who may have more experience or wisdom in a number of areas.  When you are looking for a job, for example, it's good to hear from people who are in particular fields to learn how people get real careers doing that line of work.  If you have no experience yourself, you will benefit tremendously from their insights.  Of course, listening to them does not mean blindly following them.  You can't just make your final decision because someone said that is what you need to do.  Hear what they have to say and then think about if that is something that fits you well.  In the end, you know yourself better than they do.

Now, if someone tells you to do something that you clearly know is the wrong thing to do, you have to know how to follow your instincts.  When I say wrong, I don't mean necessarily doing a bad thing like committing a crime.  I mean something that you know is not the best thing for you to do.  This can include a person giving you advice on how to succeed that you know will not work for yourself for whatever reason.  If your instincts tell you this is a bad thing, then it probably is.

Of course, this is easier said than done.  A lot of people don't know how to trust themselves.  They question whether their instincts are correct.  They also may admire the person who is giving the wrong advice and can't imagine that this person may be incorrect in this situation.  Being able to do this comes with having confidence.  If you believe in yourself, it is a lot easier to tell someone, or a group of others, that you disagree with what they are saying.  Of course, there are cultural and societal factors that play a role in these kind of decisions as well, but I have seen people from even very strictly collective cultures find ways to chart their own paths.

In the end, we see things through our own eyes, not those of others.  If your senses or instincts are telling you to do something, then there is good reason for you to do it.  Even if this seemingly goes against others around you, it is important to have faith in oneself and do the thing you know to be right.

Big Changes in the Weather

By Nate Feldman

The weather changed from very warm and sunny to cool and rainy overnight in the Philadelphia area. According to the weather reports, things are going to cool off significantly over the next couple of days with highs only in the 60s.  As recently as yesterday it was in the 90s.  Things are beginning to feel like autumn.

Following the Group

By Nate Feldman

Very often, there are situations where people do not follow their own individual judgment about something, but instead follow what others around them are telling them to do even if they know this thing is wrong.  Before we go into this deeper, I think we should all reflect on times where we have been guilty of such a thing and think of why we did that, and if that was the correct thing to do. 

Should People Bring Their Work Home with Them

By Nate Feldman

During the last few days of class, we have been discussing whether companies have the right to control people's personal lives.  The example we went into detail about was a company called Weyco in Michigan, which banned its employees from even smoking during its off-hours.  Out of this discussion, I have begun to think about whether we should bring work into our home life at all.  Many people do.  I work as a teacher.  Teachers have to do things at home to prepare for their lessons the next day.  In addition, it is not all that uncommon to see parents who are constantly on the phone with someone from their office while they are at home or somewhere out with their family.  But is this a good thing?  I believe people should separate their work life from their family life as much as they can even though that may be nearly impossible in some fields.

First of all, to be a good parent or spouse, it is important to focus your attention on the individuals around you.  If your mind is constantly focused on what is going on at work, you are going to miss precious moments with people in your family.

Another thing to consider is the stress it is going to inflict on you.  We all need down time.  If everything is about work, work, work, at some point we are going to burn out.  For me personally, I find it refreshing to do some activities away from the job.  Actually, I think it makes me better at my job as I don't feel worn out while I am there.

Some people will say working at home is the best way to ensure success.  They also may say that in their particular job, they have to be paying attention to it even if they are not at their workplace.  As a teacher, I understand the need for that.  But, I also know that success is not just how well you do at your job, but how well you do in life in general.  If your family life is a disaster, are you that much off a success?  That is something people have to think deeply about.

So, I hope reading this people will remember to get away from their work and focus on their private life every now and again.  It is the best thing for your physical well-being, and it will make you a better worker whether you believe it or not.

Should Companies Interfere with our Personal Lives?

By Nate Feldman

In class today, we were reading about companies that had a policy of firing workers that smoked during their free time away from work.  Although it is good to encourage a healthy workforce, my initial reaction to this policy is that it was wrong for a couple of reasons.  First of all, the main goal of any company is to have worker's perform the things they need to do while at the office or wherever they are working.  What they do in their spare time should be completely separate from that.  In addition, the idea that the company is monitoring your habits away from the office seems kind of creepy if you ask me.  I personally value my time away from my work as just that: my time.  Some might say it is good to promote a healthy lifestyle, especially if the company says that its objectives is encouraging good health.  The problem is telling people not to smoke is just the beginning.  People will also have to monitor how much sugar they eat, how much exercise they do, or how much fried food they eat.  We can encourage people to be healthy, but we can't coerce it.  It is for these reasons that we should not have draconian policies in place to prohibit people from having habits we don't approve of, but can't really do anything to stop.

This Month in Review, September 2019

By Nate Feldman

We are now approaching the last couple of days of September.  With that, I have had an opportunity to recap some of the amazing things I took part in during the past month.  I am looking forward to making this a monthly tradition moving forward. 

This Week in Berwyn

By Nate Feldman

This may be the beginning of a new tradition of mine in which I will do a program recapping some of the images and events I saw during the previous week.

This week, the weather continued to be very sunny for the most part with mild temperatures.  I caught some nice images of the local area while outside.

My Advice about Perfection

By Nate Feldman

Today, I saw a student watching a video about people's unhealthy obsession with perfection.  This really resonated with me as I have often felt that some of my biggest mistakes have come from trying to do things a perfect way and not just doing the best I can.  I have come to believe that a lot of people make the mistake of not doing things unless they are done perfectly, or if they do the things, they obsess about perfection in an unhealthy way. 

In the following video, I give some advice on how we should just do our best and not worry about being perfect all of the time. 

Advice on Doing the Things You Want

By Nate Feldman

One thing I have recently told people is if you want to do something, no matter what it is, you have to find the time to do it, even if it seems like you don't have any.  Here is a video in which I give that advice.

Visit to the Franklin Institute

By Nate Feldman

On Sunday, I had plans to take my daughters to a park in downtown Philadelphia because the weather was so nice, but when they said they wanted to go to the Franklin Institute, I couldn't say no.  The Franklin Institute is a science museum in Philadelphia with many exhibits ranging from a giant sized model of a human heart, a longstanding attraction, to the planetarium which runs different shows about a variety of scientific subjects throughout the day.  I was happy that the girls are so interested in educational places like this and will continue to encourage this love for knowledge.

The Heidelberg 5K Video

By Nate Feldman

As mentioned on Saturday, I attended the Heidelberg 5K.  It was an enjoyable but challenging course with some amazing scenery along the way.  Here is a short video I made about my time there.

The Heidelberg 5K and the West End World of Food Festival

By Nate Feldman

A scenic area the race went through

Today, I participated in the Heidelberg 5K race, hosted by the Heidelberg Union Church, just outside of Slatington, PA.  The race went up and down hills in the very bucolic Northwestern part of Lehigh county.  The scenery was breathtaking, and I especially enjoyed the backdrop of Blue Mountain while I was running.  Because of its hilly nature, the race was a bit challenging in some spots, but I did well, finishing eighth overall and third in the men's 30-39 age group. 

Following the race, I spoke with members of the Kellyn Foundation, an organization which is seeking to promote healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle to people in the Lehigh Valley.  They were selling fruits and vegetables of all kinds, many locally grown.  They will be hosting Vegistock on October 12, 2019 from 11 AM-5 PM, for a day of promoting healthy food and entertainment for the entire family.

Allentown's West End lined with concession stands

From the race, I went to Allentown and attended the West End World of Food Festival, held between Liberty and 19th Streets.  The area was lined up with concession stands offering food of all sorts from a variety of countries.  There was also a stage with live music to entertain the crowd.  The festival is designed to attract people to Allentown's West End district and support local businesses.

While I was at the festival, I came across the Hava Java coffee shop on N. 19th Street and enjoyed a hot glass of Chai Tea.  The drink was delicious, and the atmosphere was very comforting. 

The inside of Hava Java

Waking Up

By Nate Feldman

This is something I wrote as a listening passage for an exam today, but it could be included in one of my stories:

John’s friend called him last night at 2 AM. John was asleep at the time. He picked up the phone. “What is it?,” John asked.

“Do you want to go shopping today?” asked John’s friend.

John looked at the time. “It is 2 AM. Please call me back in the morning.”

“Can you go shopping?” John’s friend asked again.

“Come on,” said John. “This is bad etiquette. I was lying and resting just a minute ago. Call later.”

John turned off his phone and quickly fell asleep again as he was exhausted.  When he got up three hours, he vaguely remembered the conversation with his friend.  He wondered if it had been a dream.  It was odd that his friend would have called him in the middle of the night wondering about going shopping.  It was still too early to check, although he realized if he woke up his friend now he would be returning the favor.

John went downstairs and began stretching his legs.  He was getting ready for his morning jog, a routine he had had for the past few years.  He went to the closet and got out a grey hoodie because the morning temperatures had cooled significantly with the arrival of autumn. 

John put on his shoes and opened the door and trotted out to the street to begin his mile long run around the community.  As John started picking up the pace, he began looking at the houses he passed by.  He noticed that their gardens, which typically were filled with plants of all kinds, were barren.  It wasn't one house, or even a group of houses in one section of the community.  It was all of them.  He knew it hadn't looked like that the day before.  It startled him.  He kept running, but he wanted to investigate further what was happening to people's gardens.  

Roadwork, Good News, and a Tour of the Countryside

By Nate Feldman

Yesterday, I was driving home on Montgomery Ave. This is the way I usually get home. However, it took much longer yesterday to get home. People were doing roadwork, so it was slowing down the traffic. This was true on Montgomery Ave. It was also true on Lancaster Ave. They were doing road work as well, so it took me 15 minutes longer to get to my home.

 Fortunately, I did not hear any heartbreaking news yesterday. I am sure if I read the news, I’ll find it. Actually, it was a nice day in my community.   The weather was similar to the day before.  I am sure there is some data about how many sunny days we have had, but I haven't seen it yet.

In other news, I have made a short video about the scenery here in Pennsylvania's rural areas.  I have been fortunate to catch remarkable shots of the beautiful areas this state has to offer.

Another Nice Day

By Nate Feldman

I ran this morning under a moonlit sky.  The air is crisp.  Autumn is definitely coming.  It is refreshing after a long summer.  This is my favorite time of year because of the mild temperatures and the beautiful scenery.  The leaves are changing colors and people in some places are beginning to decorate their houses for the upcoming Halloween season. 

The afternoon was just as lovely as yesterday.  There was barely a cloud in the sky.  I went running on the Schuylkill River Trail near Valley Forge Park.  I definitely encourage people to be outside when it is nice like this. 

A pumpkin for Halloween

Bright Weather Comes to the Philadelphia Area

By Nate Feldman

A clear view from Berwyn, PA 

Morning clouds gave way to a clear afternoon in the Philadelphia area on Tuesday.  The temperatures were mild, so it was a pleasant day to be outside.  According to the weather forecast, it is supposed to remain sunny and dry throughout the week with pleasant temperatures. 

The Fall Festival in Werley's Corner

By Nate Feldman

 A sign for the Fall Festival 

For the past few years, the Weisenberg/Lowhill Township historical society in Werley's Corner, PA has hosted "Der Spoatyahr Fesht," which means, "The Fall Festival," in Pennsylvania Dutch, on a weekend in the middle of September.  The festival has live music, locally produced arts and crafts and food, and a chance for visitors to see barnyard animals.  Children have the opportunity to play games and decorate pumpkins and weave baskets.  People can also enter the historical society and see old pictures and items, some of which date back many years, from the local community. 

A Trip to the White Lake Natural Resource Area and Blairstown, NJ

By Nate Feldman

On Saturday, I was in New Jersey's bucolic Warren County and visited some important landmarks.

I began the afternoon by walking around the White Lake Natural Resource Area, which is run by the Ridge and Valley Conservancy, an organization dedicated to protecting natural areas in Northwestern New Jersey.  There are several trails winding around the lake and the surrounding area that take you through a series of woods and meadows.  I walked along the blue and red trails.  The weather was overcast, but I still enjoyed many excellent views.  Besides walking, the area provides people the opportunity to fish and boat on the lake.  Although I did not participate in it, I saw that there were evening activities where people can boat on the lake under the moonlight.

I also visited Blairstown, about 3 miles away.  I walked through the downtown area which is featured in the original Friday the 13th film from 1980.  Since it was Saturday the 14th, there were still tons of fans of the movie walking around taking pictures and making short videos.  I visited several places featured in the movie.  First, I went to the Blairstown Diner, where Steve Christy, Camp Crystal Lake's owner, has coffee and a conversation with the waitress.  The restaurant was covered with hockey masks and tons of Friday the 13th paraphernalia.  There was even a special menu with dishes named after characters from the movie.  After that,  I went into the Blairstown Museum, which was filled with tons of memorabilia from the film, such as old photos and props.

Afterwards, I went across the street from downtown Blairstown to the Footbridge Park.  The Paulinskill Valley Trail, which is 27 miles long, goes through it.  I got on the trail and jogged through an area of dense woods.

I had a great time and plan to return to see some of the more attractions the area has to offer.

The Vegetarian Zombie (Continued)

By Nate Feldman

Michael Duncan noticed his bare garden one morning just as it was beginning to lighten up.  He had just taken his morning jog in the dark and was at his kitchen stove preparing his morning oatmeal.  He looked outside the glass slide door that separated the kitchen from a deck overlooking his yard.  He caught a glimpse of his garden in the distance and saw nothing but brown soil.  The garden had been overgrown with plants of all sorts, but now there wasn't anything.  He put the stove on low heat as he walked towards the slide door to get a better look. 

Michael opened the slide door and walked out onto the deck.  There was a grey mist in the air, but he still saw the image of a garden with only soil and not a trace of any vegetation.  He went down the deck stairs onto the yard and walked to the garden.  When he noticed that all of his plant life had completely disappeared he stared in shock.  He didn't gasp or show any sign of anxiety.  He just stood there, looking at what was before him. 

The Vegetarian Zombie

By Nate Feldman

Note: This is the beginning of a story I am writing for the upcoming Halloween season.

There were no vegetables of any kind left.  Something had completely devoured them.  The local community was completely aghast.  They had successfully isolated their area from every vermin known to mankind.  Some had hunted them.  Others had semi-fortified their gardens and fields with fencing of all sorts.  Others had generously applied pesticides to keep away pests.  But it had all been to no avail.  The plants were all gone.  All in one night.  And nobody knew why.

Remembering the September 11th Attacks Eighteen Years On

By Nate Feldman

It's been eighteen years since the September 11th attacks on the United States.  It's hard to believe that so much time has passed between that day until now.  I still remember the events from that day clearly.  There's very little I can add that probably hasn't already been said about this terrible day.  I think the most important thing is that we always remember that this happened and do our best to prevent things like this happening again in the future. 

What Causes Anxiety?

By Nate Feldman

I was reading today about an author who found ways to reduce anxiety in his life by taking chances and letting it gradually vanish through a process he referred to as "extinction."  What he meant by this was the more you do something, the less anxious you will feel about it eventually.  While reading this, I began to think of why people get anxious in the first place and how this can be harmful to one's well-being.  Here are some of my thoughts about that.

Anxiety is that jittery feeling inside us that we constantly feel, especially when we are in difficult situations, but also in plenty of ordinary life situations. Some might say it is a survival mechanism because it helps us do things to protect ourselves. Without it, we wouldn’t feel danger. But, some people feel it about everything, and that can be potentially harmful. So, why do so many people have out of control anxiety? It’s because they overthink.

Some people see a problem everywhere. They assume that the world is just a bad place with tons of bad things. Their brains have all kinds of images of horrible things happening. For example, if they smell smoke, they think there is a fire. If they hear a strange sound, they think a bad thing is going to happen to them. They don’t just go with the flow of life, so they are filled with endless anxiety.

The effects of this of course can be quite detrimental to people. People can have tons of chronic health problems because of being overly anxious. They can also have social difficulties because they are always nervous and upset, which will make people feel the same way when they are around them. Even worse than both of these is that life will pass them by, and they won’t take the time to enjoy some of the amazing experiences that come with it because they will be worrying about everything all the time.

So, in the end, while we need to have a little anxiety to protect ourselves from bad situations, it is ideal if we can learn to rid ourselves as much as possible of anxiety and enjoy the many great things that life has to offer.

Phoenixville Holds its 10th Annual Blues Festival

By Nate Feldman

A singer from the group Hotlanta performing

Reeves Park in Phoenixville, PA hosted its 10th annual Blues Festival on Saturday.  There were many performers throughout the day playing live music.  The park was crowded with people of all ages, who came out to enjoy both the festivities and the beautiful weather. 

In addition to the music, the park was lined with different vendors of a variety of arts and crafts. 

The Leaser Lake 5K

By Nate Feldman

Leaser Lake

Today, I ran in the second annual Leaser Lake 5K.  Leaser Lake is located in northwest Lehigh county, PA, between the villages of Jacksonville and Wanamakers, and near the town of Kempton.  The weather was crystal clear with mild temperatures, so it was an ideal day to run.  The race followed a trail through a wooded area beside the lake.  The terrain was quite steep in many locations, but the scenery was breathtaking.  Prior to the race, I heard one of the other participants refer to the area as a "hidden gem," and I agree with that.  The race went out about a mile and a half in one direction, and then the runners turned around in the direction they came.  I came in third place overall and first place for the men's age group of 30-39.

The race's start and finish line

The race was organized by the Kempton area Lion's Club with the hope of raising money to build a pavilion beside the lake.  They plan to hold this race in the future for other causes.

Overall, the pristine nature of the area and the beautiful weather made this a race well worth participating in. 

Time at the Delaware Beaches

By Nate Feldman

I was at the Delaware beaches a little over two weeks ago.  While I was there, I spent some time at the beaches at Rehoboth and the Delaware Seashore State Park.  Here is some footage I got while I was down there.

A Nice Sunset

By Nate Feldman

Here is a video of a nice sunset I saw today. 

The Great Allentown Fair

By Nate Feldman

As mentioned in my previous article, I was at the Great Allentown Fair yesterday.  I enjoyed the sights and sounds of the festival.  Here is a short video of some of what I saw.

The Great Allentown Fair

By Nate Feldman

I've always enjoyed fairs for their atmosphere.  The bright lights and large crowds are fun to be around.  Fairs also teach us to appreciate the basic things, such as farming life, which is something that we all depend on but perhaps overlook sometimes.  One fair in particular I like to visit is the Great Allentown Fair.

The Allentown Fair has been around for 167 years.  It takes place the week leading up to Labor Day.  The fairgrounds is located across from the Lehigh Valley Hospital on the corner of 17th and Chew Streets in Central Allentown.  It celebrates local agriculture with farmers showcasing their best crops and animals.  There is basic livestock, such as chickens, cows, and sheep, other animals like rabbits and pigeons, as well as more exotic animals like Alpacas. 

The fair has a carnival atmosphere with countless games and rides, ranging from a Ferris Wheel, a carousel, and a maze, to thrill rides like roller coasters.  The paths are lined with food concessions of all sorts.  There are also food and art exhibits inside the Agri-Plex building.

Next to the Agri-Plex, there is a small play area, known as Lil' Farm Hands, where children can pretend to do different farming activities, such as husking corn and milking cows. 

People can also enjoy top notch entertainment with performances by both local and nationally known artists of all kinds.  There are singers and dancers.  This year's highlight was a concert by the famous pop duo Hall & Oates.

The Allentown Fair has been entertaining the local community for a long time and will continue to do so well into the future.