First, an announcement: published poet and contributor Tao Yucheng would like to host and judge a poetry contest open to all readers of Synchronized Chaos Magazine.

Synchronized Chaos Poetry Contest

We seek short, powerful, imaginative, and strange poetry. While we welcome all forms of free verse and subject matter, we prefer concise work that makes an impact.

Guidelines: Submit up to five poems per person to taoyucheng921129@proton.me. Each poem should not exceed one page (ideally half a page or less). All styles and themes welcome

Prizes: First Place: $50 Second Place: $10, payable via online transfer. One Honorable Mention. Selected finalists will be published in future issues of Synchronized Chaos

Good luck, if you choose to enter!

Now, for this month’s issue: The Stories We Tell Ourselves. We explore communication, relationships, myth, history, imagination – different ways of making meaning from life.

Dildora Abdullayeva considers the study of phrases as a part of human language and how phrases have changed over the years. Toychiyeva Madinaxon points out how young people are changing global language through Internet slang. Habibullayeva Lalyokhon Zarifjon kizi explores cultural and linguistic features of phrases in the Uzbek language. Rashidova Shohshanam speaks to the rapid changes in the Uzbek language and the challenges and opportunities that poses for educators. Noah Berlatsky reflects with humor on how our brains’ memory for language might shrink with modernity.

Dildora Qobilova suggests common student grammatical errors and ways to correct them in the classroom. Yarmamatova Sevinch Elyor qizi suggests ways to enhance young children’s speech fluency. Suyarova Gulsanam explicates finer points of Uzbek grammar for audiences speaking all languages. Abulqosimova Bahora highlights the intricacies of the phonetic system of the Uzbek language. Muqaddas Islomova highlights the role of multimedia digital technologies in helping language learners enhance their speech skills. Shamsiddinova Maftuna Hamidjon qizi gives an overview of academic studies into the structure and functions of different parts of speech. Adashaliyeva Durdona Akramjon qizi highlights the central role of linguistics in reinforcing the values of a socialist society. Rukhshona Kamolova Turayeva highlights the importance of studying the history and role of the English language to understanding effective communication. Sharifov Sirojiddin Shavkatovich underscores the critical importance of basic math literacy to social functioning. Satimboyeva Risolet outlines educational benefits of AI technologies in education.

Kucharov Bakhodir outlines principles of written and spoken professional communication. Dilnoza Bekmurodovna Navruzbekovna urges people to carefully consider what career would be right for them, and for schools to facilitate that deliberation. Aslidinova O’giloy highlights the potential of a digital economy and the need to prepare students for that world. Sarvar Eshpulatov also highlights the importance of digital literacy for success in today’s society. Niyozova Shakhnoza Farhod qizi elucidates the potential of digital technologies in education. Iroda Sobirova offers suggestions for fostering entrepreneurship in Central Asia and elsewhere. Choliyev Nurbek Rözimbek ogli highlights the importance of local banks in trusting in the creditworthiness of local entrepreneurs. Eshmurodova Sevinch Bahrom qizi outlines steps credit card bureaus can take to ensure consumer security. Urinova Robiyabonu discusses the use of psychology in professional management. Qarshiboyeva Mavluda Azizbek qizi analyzes the role of international assessment exams in world education. Abduvaliyeva Jasmina Jahongir qizi outlines some upsides and downsides of economic and cultural globalization.

Satimboyeva Rizolat discusses how to develop a social culture of reading and literary appreciation that goes beyond the classroom. Aziza Xazamova highlights the joy and creativity and history of the Uzbek mother tongue. Qudratova Nozima Bahromovna outlines the innovative narrative storytelling techniques of Uzbek author Tog’ay Murod.

Lakshmi Kant Mukul shares some of a people’s history of India through the lens of one architectural landmark, the Qutub Minar. Alan Catlin renders the historical, somnolent, stuck atmosphere of the American Rust Belt into poetry. Xudoyberdiyeva Mohiniso delves into the Islamic Turkish Kara-Khanid state, which reached its height in the 700s. Duane Vorhees traces a variety of Jewish mystical influences on Sigmund Freud. Chimezie Ihekuna relates how the modern Nigerian state came together as a result of colonial powers and bears little relation to cultural realities, causing a legacy of trouble. Jacques Fleury reviews Boston Lyric Stage’s production of a mashup of Sherlock Holmes and A Christmas Carol, providing two different lenses through which to interpret Victorian England. Qulliyeva Feruza Qosimova highlights the role of the Uzbek constitution in guiding contemporary society.

Mahbub Alam reflects with nostalgia on his high school days: friends, teachers, the school environment. Mesfakus Salahin revels in the wonder of childhood and memory. Sobirjonova Rayhona expresses gratitude to a dedicated teacher.

Olga Levadnaya speaks to the ‘halo effect’ of memory, where we remember the best parts of what happened to us. Dr. Jernail S. Anand considers his memories to be friends. Taghrid Bou Merhi holds onto the hazy and charming days of childhood and dreams. Mandy Diamantou Pistikou reminds us of the innocence and joyful curiosity of early childhood. Meanwhile, Luis Cuauhtemoc Berriozabal speaks to the feelings, thoughts, and sensations of middle age.

Taro Hokkyo brings to life a moment of deep soul recognition among two different people. Turkan Ergor wonders at the vast diversity of people’s life experiences, given our common humanity. Dr. Kang Byeong-Cheol reminds us of the ingredients of love: wisdom, compassion, and humility. Mrinal Kanti Ghosh reflects on a love that captures his soul and disrupts his consciousness.

Mohan Maharana also writes of compassion, speaking of his work as a healer and social worker coming alongside people living with mental illness. Juana El Carmen Soria urges people to make wise and caring choices. Asmonur Rajabboyeva, in a piece translated into English by Shuxratova Nilufar, draws on a chamomile flower as a symbol for innocence and compassion. Eva Petropoulou Lianou puts out an urgent call for global peace. Dianne Reeves Angel looks beyond the commercialism of Christmas to seek out spiritual gifts of peace and love and hope. Brajesh Kumar Gupta affirms that goodness is so much stronger than evil. Zuhra Jumanazarova highlights the critical role of the Uzbek constitution in the country’s governance and respect for internationally recognized human rights. Eva Petropoulou Lianou laments the violence and selfishness of humanity, in poetry translated into Mandarin by Yongbo Ma. Pat Doyne mocks corruption in the United States’ federal government. Bill Tope argues against gambling from a social justice perspective. Yongbo Ma also translates a poem from Ahmed Farooq Baidoon on the weary quest of all too many people for justice. Brendan Dawson sketches some of society’s outsiders – immigrants and poets – and reflects on how society has become less welcoming.

Sayani Mukherjee wishes an old lover well with their new love during the holidays, while still acknowledging her sorrow. Abdulhafiz Iduoze speaks to the cycle of life and death in her imagistic poem. Kemal Berk yearns for a lost loved one through verse. Aisha Al-Maharabi evokes the pain of loss and longing in love. Graciela Noemi Villaverde mourns the loss of her husband of many years through poetry. Abigail George renders cautious and loving care for her father with cancer into thoughtful and slow poetry. Farzaneh Dorri pays tribute to a departed human rights lawyer.

Mirta Liliana Ramirez grieves the loss of someone who suffered much and had a difficult life. Sumaiyya Alessmael mourns the passing of her immortal, fanciful beloved. Milana Momcilovic evokes centuries of timeless longing for a lost love. Salimeh Mousavi probes probes a family’s grief to create a complex and layered character sketch and to mourn for parts of individual personhood severed by culture.

Shikdar Mohammed Kibriah speaks to the kind of immortality we find in nature, where one kind of creature lives because of the existence of another. Brian Barbeito relates a late autumn nature walk that left him feeling mystical and thinking of angels and a winter walk with friendly coyotes. Dr. Jernail Singh reminds proud humans of nature’s limits, checks, and balances. Toraqulova Pokiza Sanjarovna highlights the importance of living and working sustainability with nature during climate change. Avazbekova Rayyonakhon outlines some ways young people can work with “nature” close to us, our own bodies, and enhance immunity and stay healthier. Mahmmadjonov Saidjahon Shokirjon ogli and Mirzamansurova Robiya Ahmadjon qizi discuss clinical criteria elucidating when patients need heart valve transplants. Numonova Shohsanam Bahodirjon qizi presents an overview of the causes and effects of genetic mutation. Sejuty Rahman draws on an oyster fashioning an irritating grain of sand into a pearl as part of an extended natural metaphor for love.

Kavi Nielsen poetically expresses a sense of unity and connection with nature and their loved one. Shawn Schooley celebrates the sensual attraction he feels for his lover. Jamal Garougar speaks to the submergence of egos and unity with a broader whole inherent in love.

Petros Kyriakou Veloudas depicts love, grief, and memory feeding into the artistic process. Ana Elisa Medina encourages someone close to her to sing and share his heart’s journey. Kandy Fontaine reflects on how Motorhead frontman Lemmy inspired her artistically and personally.

Dianne Reeves Angel celebrates the joy of intentional female connection and friendship over many years. Priyanka Neogi reminds women and girls to remember their insight and strength. Amirah al-Wassif’s surreal poetry speaks to womanhood and our relationship with our bodies and minds.

J.J. Campbell shrugs and finds himself in a place of dull resignation, even at the holiday season, and renders his feelings into poems. Alan Hardy speaks to the vulnerability of being alone, whether in the wild or in his own mind, and how he protects himself by letting go of regret. Santiago Burdon depicts some misadventures along the road of guiding an emerging writer towards greater originality.

Richard LeDue captures a feeling common to many creators: seasons of wandering through a morass of scanty inspiration. Mykyta Ryzhykh expresses deep inner emotional pain through vivid imagery. Sara Hunt-Flores evokes the limits of the poetic muse for dealing with extreme emotions. Anna Keiko embarks on a tender journey of self-discovery.

Patrick Sweeney captures moments of revealing character development through one-line monostitch poetry. Christina Chin and Jerome Berglund depict small moments when people are captivated by small pleasures. Zebo Zukhriddinova celebrates the fun and the spontaneous organization of a day students spent folding and flying paper airplanes. Christina Chin depicts brief moments of peace and contemplation at Thanksgiving. Taylor Dibbert highlights the culinary creativity evinced by Thanksgiving meals. Asmonur Rajabboyeva’s short story, translated from Uzbek to English by Shuxratova Nilufar, details an imaginative and curious young girl’s travel to Mars.

Mark Young expresses fascination with arbitrary liminality, how we attempt to classify the world. Duane Vorhees reflects on natural and human moments of energy and transition, such as thunderstorms, from a comfortable distance that lets him think and react with wonder.

We hope this issue brings wonder, new thoughts, and empathy to your life.

CONTENT AND ESSENCE OF INTERNATIONAL ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS

Kattakurgan State Pedagogical Institute, Student
Qarshiboyeva Mavluda Azizbek qizi

Annotation: This article analyzes the purpose, structure, and impact of international assessment programs on the education system. It examines how countries shape their educational policies based on the implementation procedures and results of PISA, TIMSS, and PIRLS. The article highlights the importance of international assessment programs in improving the modern education system.

Keywords: international assessment programs, PISA, TIMSS, PIRLS, education quality, functional literacy.

Introduction. In the context of modern globalization, assessing and comparing the quality of education at the international level has become increasingly important. Every country strives to determine the effectiveness of its education system, eliminate weaknesses, and align with international standards by using various assessment programs. International assessment programs measure students’ knowledge, skills, and competencies based on objective criteria and provide opportunities for comparative analysis among countries. These programs allow policymakers, researchers, and teachers to understand the real state of the education process.

International assessment programs emerged in the late 20th century due to the need to standardize education quality globally. Organizations such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) developed scientifically grounded methodologies to measure educational outcomes. Today, world-renowned programs such as PISA, TIMSS, and PIRLS play a significant role in shaping educational policy and improving national competitiveness. These programs not only assess students’ performance but also provide tools to analyze various components of education systems. Uzbekistan has also actively participated in these assessments in recent years to improve its national education system.

Main Part. PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment), conducted every three years since 2000 by the OECD, assesses the functional knowledge of 15-year-old students in mathematics, reading, and science. Unlike traditional tests, PISA evaluates students’ ability to apply knowledge to real-life situations, requiring critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. More than 80 countries participate in PISA, making it one of the most extensive assessment programs in the world.

TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study), conducted every four years since 1995 by the IEA, assesses the mathematics and science knowledge of 4th- and 8th-grade students. The test is based on school curricula and measures students’ knowledge, application, and reasoning skills. TIMSS provides valuable information for improving education standards.

PIRLS (Progress in International Reading Literacy Study), launched in 2001 and conducted every five years by the IEA, assesses the reading literacy of 4th-grade students. It measures students’ ability to understand, interpret, and evaluate literary and informational texts.

Differences among PISA, TIMSS, and PIRLS show their unique focuses: PISA assesses functional literacy, TIMSS measures subject-based curriculum mastery, and PIRLS focuses on early reading skills. Despite differences, all three programs contribute significantly to evaluating and improving education quality.

Uzbekistan’s participation in PISA 2021 provided insights into the national education system and identified areas for improvement, particularly in functional literacy and problem-solving skills.

Research Methodology. The study employed comparative analysis, document review, and statistical analysis. Official reports from OECD, IEA, and UNESCO were used as primary sources. The structure, administration, and results of PISA, TIMSS, and PIRLS were compared, and the experiences of advanced countries such as Singapore, Finland, Japan, and South Korea were analyzed. Uzbekistan’s recent participation and results were also examined.

Analysis and Results. The evaluation of international assessment programs showed that although PISA, TIMSS, and PIRLS differ in their focus areas, their common goal is to assess education quality based on international standards. High-performing countries invest heavily in teacher training, modern teaching methods, and ensuring equity in education. For example, Singapore ranked first in PISA 2022 in mathematics, and TIMSS 2023 results confirmed the leadership of Singapore and South Korea in mathematics and science.

Conclusion and Recommendations. International assessment programs provide essential tools for comparing and improving education quality globally. Based on the study’s findings, the following recommendations are proposed for Uzbekistan:

1. Increase the share of practical tasks and real-life application materials in curricula to enhance functional literacy.
2. Expand teacher training programs aligned with international standards and modern teaching methods.
3. Establish a regular monitoring and evaluation system for learning outcomes.

Strengthening participation in international assessment programs and integrating global best practices into national conditions will support Uzbekistan’s efforts to modernize its education system and improve students’ competitiveness.

References:

1. OECD. PISA 2022 Results: What Students Know and Can Do. OECD Publishing, 2023.
2. IEA. TIMSS 2023 International Results in Mathematics and Science. IEA, 2024.
3. IEA. PIRLS 2021 International Results in Reading. Boston College, 2023.
4. Schleicher, A. World Class: How to Build a 21st-Century School System. OECD Publishing, 2018.
5. UNESCO. Global Education Monitoring Report 2023: Technology in Education. UNESCO, 2023.
6. Ministry of Education of Uzbekistan. National Education Development Strategy 2023–2027. Tashkent, 2023.

My Mother Tongue

An undying flame in the winds,

Unaffected by the passing years.

Among all the languages of this world,

My mother tongue shall never disappear.

Babur ruled over Hindustan,

Yet his language never died.

He longed for Andijan’s dialect,

Its melons he dearly missed.

Through centuries my Turkic tongue

Was polished like a shining diamond.

It witnessed Mongols, Tsarist Russia,

Yet it never broke, never fell.

— Khasanova Aziza Kumushbek qizi,

Student of Tashkent University of Economics and Pedagogy

My immortal melody 

When they ask me

I might take shelter in silence.

I might shed a tear

I might clink my glass to get everyone’s attention 

And yet…. 

I would say, he was a wider-than-life dream.

His dream spanned realms beyond sight,

yet the gravest disappointments assailed his heart.

Neither his scrawny horse is strong enough. 

Nor does his wooden sword do any good.

The songs of enthusiasm, too.

have fallen silent, for it is useless.

I would say that the wind has defeated his resolution,

As swayed by his whims.

His ship is lost

And the sea, so they say, is treacherous.

Who can foretell his death?

And the shark is open-mouthed

I will say, the vast wilds still bear 

the traces of his footsteps.

Planting false hope.

Here, a banner.

There, a surreal painting

Even on the mirage 

Hummed the murmur of the water

I’d say he was a mythical being.

Perhaps only in the imagination.

HOW IS THIS A LIFE

Sometimes I think
How is this a life
Question and answer I can not understand
As like a dream world
A dream a life
When is it starting
When is it ending
First people seems
Later they disappearing
It is as like this place is swirl for some people
An inextricable a life
Some are crying
Suffering agony
Some are laughing
Lives relaxed
I could not understand
How is this a life.

Türkan Ergör, Sociologist, Philosopher, Writer, Poet, Art Photography Model. Türkan Ergör was born in 19 March 1975 in city Çanakkale, Turkey. She was selected International “Best Poet 2020”. She was selected International “Best Poet, Author/Writer 2021”. She was selected International “Best Poet, Writer/Author 2022”. She was awarded the FIRST PRIZE FOR THE OUTSTANDING AUTHOR IN 2022. She was awarded the 2023 “Zheng Nian Cup” “National Literary First Prize” by Beijing Awareness Literature Museum. She was awarded the “Certificate of Honor and Appreciation” and “Crimean Badge” by İSMAİL GASPRİNSKİY SCIENCE AND ART ACADEMY. She was awarded the “14k Gold Pen Award” by ESCRITORES SIN FRONTERAS ORGANIZACIÓN INTERNACIONAL.

To My Shoira Teacher

Dear Poet Teacher, a blessing divine,

Your laughter and kindness forever shine.

You run for your students, both night and day —

From God, your smile lights my way.

Your name outshines the silver moon,

Your pride — like mountains that touch the noon.

Beside me you stand, my guiding light,

Your words — sweet honey, warm and bright.

You lit a lamp in my darkest hour,

Awake through nights with tireless power.

You teach us truth from every art —

Your wisdom blooms within each heart.

Let no envy shadow your grace,

A thousand pages could not embrace

The love, the beauty your soul bestows —

May God protect you where’er you go.

To praise your name — my student’s part,

I keep you close within my heart.

With all my strength, with love so true —

For Allah’s sake, I cherish you.

Sobirjonova Rayhona is a 10th-grade student of School No. 8 in Vobkent district, Bukhara region. She was born in December 2008 in the village of Chorikalon, Vobkent district, into an educated family. Her parents have supported her since childhood. From a young age, Rayhona has been very interested in creativity, literature, and history.

She began her creative work in the 3rd grade. Her first poem was published in the newspaper “Vobkent Hayoti.” In addition, many of her works have appeared in various journals and magazines, including America’s Synchaos newspaper, India’s Namaste India magazine, Gulxan magazine, Germany’s RavenCage journal, and many other publications.

Rayhona has actively participated in numerous competitions, achieving high results and earning many awards. She continues her creative journey today as well!

Bad Poetry is Bad Poetry 

“I just can’t figure it out. No one seems to be reading my poems. I post them in my writing groups and even on the rest of those Social Media sites. I’m not getting any comments or likes.” She sniveled. 

“Wish I had an answer for you.” I whispered.

“I’ve been thinking it might help if I change the font for my poem. Maybe use a flowery cursive style and format . I got it. I’ll overlay my poem on a picture with an image that captures the poem’s theme. What do you think?”

“My opinion isn’t important. I’m not at all familiar with how to present a piece of literature. Marketing is a mystery to me. ” I answered. It was my poor excuse for not wanting to give her the actual reason.

‘Why won’t you answer my question? I would really appreciate your professional critique. I’m trying to reach a larger audience and I believe the reason for the poor readership is the way my poems are presented. If I make them more attractive by adding a few features to capture the reader’s attention, I will become famous. Don’t you believe it’s true? Tell me what you think.”

“My professional opinion? I’m not sure I can be considered as a professional. But if you insist and want me to give you my take on your conundrum, I’ll offer my honest assessment. But listen , please don’t get all defensive and up tight and shit like that. Don’t take it as a personal attack. Now with that being said, are you sure you want me to tell you what I think is the cause of your limited success as a poet?”

“Of course I won’t be offended. I know you’ll be honest. Wait a second, are you going to put me down?”

” I’m going to offer my honest opinion. That’s what you want, isn’t it?”

” Yes. Okay, go ahead.”

” First of all, you’re way off course. You’re not seeing where the actual problem lies. The early classic Poets didn’t have Social Media and marketing tools available to dress up their work. 

Dylan Thomas, Robert Frost, Emily Dickinson, Walt Whitman, Sylvia Plath the Beat Poets and many more. Their poems were favored because they generated emotions or inspired ideas. The poem stood as a great piece of literature solely on the words and the rhythm of the verse.  

You spend more time planning the poem’s presentation than the time you spent creating the poem. 

Let me ask you this. What is your reason for writing a poem? Why do you want to be a poet?”

“I’m not really sure. I guess because it is something that comes easily to me. It doesn’t take a lot of effort for me to write a poem. Plus I think my poetry is good enough to make me famous and wealthy.”

“That is one of the most insincere reasons for anyone to choose as their purpose for becoming a poet. Really your intention is to win some type of popularity contest just to feed your ego? I’m amused by your main goal for writing poetry is to become famous and rich. I will let you In on a secret. As a poet you will be required to have a full length mirror.”

“ Why would I need a full length mirror? “

” So you can watch yourself starve to death.”

“You’re real funny. Ha ha.” 

” Seriously, it’s obvious you don’t have the slightest inclination of the enchantment that lives and breathes inside the soul of a poem. If ever you discover the intoxicating essence of its purpose It’ll be an enlightenment confirming that your fate chose you to be a poet. As if madness wasn’t enough.”

“What, you don’t think I’m a real poet?”

“I think anyone that creates a poem is a poet. But not everyone that creates a poem is a talented poet. Some writers just produce ‘Bad Poetry’ pablum, doggerel, drivel, prattle or pure garbage.”

“So you’re saying my poetry is garbage?”

” No, I didn’t say that. I consider the theme of your poems as narcissistic. Always centered around you which in turn evokes an unfavorable response.They’re filled with uninteresting thoughts, unoriginal insights, egocentric desires and dreams. You believe your experiences, your feelings, your ideas and your opinions are as important to everyone else as they are to you. What makes you think anyone is interested in your trivial dramas, your inconsequential dilemmas. They’re all insignificant. Remember this quote; ‘ Just because it happened to you doesn’t make it interesting.’ 

“Do you understand the meaning?”

“Yes I’m not an idiot.”

“ And I’m not suggesting you are.

But, another glaring flaw appearing in your poetry is your use of grammar school childish rhymes. Rhyming love with dove or home with roam and a long list of others. Then there are the worn out idioms or cliches that just add to your poem’s unoriginality. Maybe if you spent more time creating the poem instead of the hours you waste away planning its presentation, you’d find an epic piece that’s been hidden away inside of you.

And as far as your ideas to gain attention, when I see a poem overlayed on a picture with fancy hard to read fonts in some jumbled format, I don’t even take the time to read the title. Speaking of titles, stop using Untitled for a title. Because Untitled is actually a title. It says to me, If the poet lacks the talent to create a title, the poem must be equally uncreative. Make me understand why it’s necessary to gift wrap a poem and tie it up with ribbons and bows.”

“You don’t have to be so mean. I just asked for help, not your degradation. Ya know what, go to hell. Your opinion doesn’t make you right.”

” That’s correct, I’m not claiming to be right. I said I would give you my honest opinion. That’s exactly what I’m doing.”

” Fine now no sex for you until maybe forever. You know I’ve received a lot of positive responses and encouraging comments from a few of my writing groups in the past.”

“And what good did that do? Tell me. I see it as a dishonest act, perpetuating a major untruth. I’ll call it like it is, a lie. When someone posts their poems in some Poetry Group and it receives undeserved compliments. People comment with positive statements to someone who obviously has no talent for writing. Telling them it’s great ink or interesting creative verse, raving about how wonderful the poem is. Instead they should be offering suggestions on how to write a decent poem or give examples of how their poem could be better. Give them an honest assessment of their work. What people are doing by giving undeserved kudos and accolades is setting them up for a horrible realization when every poem they submit to a magazine is rejected. False encouragement and untruthful evaluation of their writing is a cruel act. It will surely backfire in the future. Admins of those groups explained to me it is an act of being nice. Personally, I’d rather have an honest critique of my writing, positive or negative instead of bullshit. I don’t need anyone to be nice. I don’t need my ego stroked. I prefer to be told the truth. “

“What makes you Mr.Know it all? I don’t see your books on the Bestseller list or your poems winning any awards. Who do you think you are? No matter what you say I’ve been told my poetry is unique.”

” See, now here you go reacting exactly like a self-righteous person getting angry and defensive because you didn’t receive flattering comments. What makes you think everyone should shower you with praise? Let me give you a fact of life. There are some real rude, insensitive, cold-hearted, brutal and callous people in this world that won’t be as polite when offering their opinion. So toughen up. “

“You hurt my feelings. I thought you would give me advice not to belittle me. You don’t know what being nice is.”

” I’m sorry if you’re upset but it’s just the way I see things. Ya know what I’ve got a great idea. Didn’t you take some Art classes in painting a couple years back at the Community College? I remember your Watercolor Paintings were dazzling. Maybe you should take a shot at being an Artist. What do you think? “

JSB

Judge Santiago Burdon 

Stray Dogs and Deuces Wild, Not Real Poetry, Quicksand Highway, Fingers in the Fan, Tequila’s Bad Advice, Lords of the Afterglow, Overdose of Destiny, Architect of Havoc, A Charlatan’s Aphorisms.

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