When I first started teaching, in a university, I wanted to help my students learn to love Twain.  I fretted over what to say in my lecture(s) to invite students to love the man and his work. I read critical books for ideas. I sweated....I had to do a good job.  Finally the light went on and I felt like a dummy.  I had them read Twain himself.  Problem solved, for many years to follow.
 
To think that he was just a red haired kid from a one-horse town.....

--- On Thu, 4/22/10, Bardon, Richard <[log in to unmask]> wrote:


From: Bardon, Richard <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: Re: Thank you, Mark Twain
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Thursday, April 22, 2010, 12:37 PM


Thank you, Mark Twain and Hal Holbrook.
I teach freshman English. And at the beginning of the semester, I make a
comment to the effect that if you (my students) spend enough time in
colleges or universities, you will meet someone who will show you what a
human being can become through education. These people are not
exasperated by those of us who do not know as much as they do, nor are
they intimidated by domineering personalities at their level of study.
I've met them; they leave a lasting impression. I mention that I have
read comments by both types of people on this list over the years, more
of the former than the latter. Yesterday, I threw my scheduled lesson
out the window in favor of a better idea. I asked if anyone knew what
the significance of the day was and offered a ton of points for the
correct answer. No one knew. They did, however, know I have an abiding
interest in Mark Twain because I lace quotations of his throughout my
lectures and presentations. Then I told them that years ago I saw the
original broadcast of _Mark Twain Tonight!_ on CBS. (I also mentioned
that if I'd known Mr. Holbrook was performing in Elmira sooner, they
would have had the day off.) The evening's performance years ago left a
lasting impression on me and many other people I tell them, referencing
comments made in this forum. For the next ninety minutes they paid more
attention to Mr. Holbrook/Twain than they ever did to me no matter how
many points were in play. I think it was the best lesson I never taught.
Rick Bardon
-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Twain Forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of K. Patrick
Ober
Sent: Wednesday, April 21, 2010 9:38 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Thank you, Mark Twain

Among the many, many Twain celebratory pieces that are appearing today,
here is one that I think Forum readers will enjoy....it seems to capture
the spirit of the man exceptionally well....

Pat Ober=3D20

http://mormontimes.com/mormon_voices/susan_mccloud/?id=3D3D14469