Conquer It

For some reason this week on Sirius XM 80’s on 8, there has been a large amount of Michael Jackson music.  Not that I am bothered by it because I am a bit of a fan. In the 80’s he led a charge of music greats including Prince, Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, not to forget the great bands like the Police, Genesis, Van Halen, or Guns-n-Roses.  The decade was filled with great music that was played by now-aging artists that are entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Understanding this, Michael Jackson, had a string of hits that spanned several albums.  Every time I hear one of his songs, I am immediately transported back to the past.  I was lucky enough to see him in concert three times, once with his brothers.  Every time was a unique experience that left me wanting to see another.  Though I have my favorites from him, there is one song and lyric that always draws my attention when I hear it.  In Human Nature, he sings “If this town is just an apple, then let me take a bite”. I always interpreted that as the ultimate go-getter attitude. I like the frame of mind that you are going to take a bite out of a big city like New York. It's the attitude! It is a modern version of the quote by Julius Caesar from antiquity when he said,”Veni Vidi Vici”. Again, it is all about the attitude. I understand it as not simply about the conquer but the confidence to do so.  Just think if we could instill that kind of confidence in our math students. The attitude that no matter what is thrown at me, I will not only conquer it, but have an enjoyable time doing so.  What a mindset! With that, enjoy your 3-day weekend. Conquer it with pleasure. Have an exceptional weekend! Go BEARS!…RiseUP! (cue Michael Jackson - Human Nature). 

Until next time...