education

What Caused The Debt?

July 12, 2011

What caused the debt? That sounds like an easy question. Could that be the problem? One would hope that our “leaders” could get their arms around a simple question. Well, apparently we never learn. The short-bus riders on The Hill are pretending to deal with what to do about the debt. It seems logical to […]

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Invisible Handjob

April 19, 2011

Please don’t jump to the conclusion that I am a socialist based on this article. Socialism has at least as many problems and inanities as capitalism. Also, it is not the only alternative. Besides, I detest all ideologies. All that I ask is that you not insult me by associating me with any of them. […]

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Imagination At Work

April 1, 2011

I pay more taxes than General Electric. You pay more taxes than General Electric. Technically, they pay more, just not to the United States Government. For some reason, though the bulk of their business income comes from this country, they always seem to lose money here and make tremendous profits overseas. Why didn’t TurboTax do […]

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My Favorite Teacher

March 26, 2011

It’s been over half a century since I have seen my favorite teacher. That I still recall him means he made a lasting impression. The year I first met him, counting substitutes, we had five teachers in the first semester of our junior-year English. One left due to pregnancy. One got married and moved. One […]

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Back To Basics

March 17, 2011

Many teachers and union representatives became upset when I would first advise giving up tenure. It was necessary to explain or suffer a fate worse than death. Remember, my wife is a retired teacher. Their understanding of what tenure used to be, and should continue to be, was incomplete. It was necessary to give them […]

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Fake Yodas

October 25, 2010

Have you ever acknowledged that there was something you didn’t know? Fortunately, it’s a problem I need seldom confront. I have a pet peeve. I constantly see politicians and others pontificate on issues as though they actually know what they are talking about. Given the certitude with which they deliver their dicta, one would think […]

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Learn Me Too

September 21, 2010

Who is the handsome guy in the picture? The frame is taken from the movie Blackboard Jungle. The credits give the name of Jameel Farrah. Later, he changed his name. Does Jamie Farr ring a bell? Would he be more recognizable in a dress? Don’t you remember Corporal Klinger? Interestingly, though still off the point, […]

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Learn Me

September 16, 2010

Is anyone satisfied with the state of education? Silly question. Everyone has complaints but most of those complaints are specious. Most of the proffered solutions miss the point. There is no doubt that our schools are not producing results that generate pride. The first matter at hand is to determine why. That will lead us […]

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How Much Is That . . .

July 17, 2010

First, don’t be surprised at the posted prices in the window. They are in ¥en. Second, considering the real, total cost, it may not be far off the mark. This is not going to be pleasant. This is the area where we probably are most reluctant to confront reality. Despite the unpleasantness of the reality, […]

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Blackboard Bungle

March 13, 2010

This is a subject that I wanted to post on but found someone who has already done it in a much more entertaining manner. Bill Maher periodically offers his “New Rules.” I have provided this one unedited for your edification. A school board in Rhode Island just fired all of the teachers at a school […]

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