Hungry Like The Wolf

This is a follow up to the first entry on Jonathan Kozol. As I mentioned, he is a noted teacher and author that has been studying the inequalities in our educational system for the better part of the last forty years. Well, Mr. Kozol is on a personal crusade against the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) that was signed into law by the Bush administration in 2002. NCLB has been a sore spot for many an educator, and Mr. Kozol is no exception. Mr. Kozol decided to show his lack of support to NCLB by fasting beginning at the end of last summer, and here is his account of why he is doing it.

Our Man Griese

I just wanted to take a little time to recognize Bears quarterback Brian Griese for being honored as NFC Offensive Player of the Week. I know that I would have never guessed that he would have achieved this after a mere four weeks as the starting quarterback, but low and behold, here we are. We have the Lions this week, which should be a good thing. But, who knows after the debacle in week four when we gave up an NFL record 34 fourth quarter points to blow what should have been a win. Anyways, things at Halas Hall are looking up after beating Philly last week, so let's hope we can make to to .5oo by the midpoint of the season in order to make a strong push toward the playoffs.

I Pledge Allegiance...

After discussing the moment of silence issue with several people, they asked me my opinion on the Pledge of Allegiance in regards to it's constitutionally and if I support it. Well, there is not a simple answer to this question. I will start by saying that I am all for flag recognition, but I do not think that "under God" should be included in this salute. The inclusion of "under God" has an interesting history, as pointed out is this column written for Slate by noted Rutgers University historian David Greenberg. I have always found it interesting that something so revered as the pledge has so much history behind it that is routinely ignored. Personally, I wonder how many conservatives that support the inclusion of "under God" know that the Pledge was written by socialist?

The issue of the constitutionality of the Pledge has been brought to the Supreme Court in the last decade through a notable case from California. The Court ruled 8-0 in favor of the Pledge, but keep in mind that this was a technicality regarding the custody of the student in question. This led deceased Chief Justice William Rehnquist to suggest that the constitutionality of the law be examined in a case that did not mix custody with the rights of the student. I personally find constitutional law to be fascinating, so I apologize if the link to the actual ruling is a cumbersome read. This issue will undoubtedly rear it's head in the future, so I hope this brief background has helped to shed a little light on the subject.

Savage Inequalites

One of my responsibilities during my preparation for becoming an educator was to familiarize myself with the work of Jonathan Kozol, a noted teacher and champion for students that face the injustices of our public school system. I have always felt compelled to pass his message on to others, so I will do so now. Here is an interview, conducted in 1993 for an issue of Educational Leadership, that explains the basics of his theory. Some of the information is a little dated, but the his basic arguments are still plausible. Mr. Kozol brings up very valid points, and after experiencing inner city schools vs. suburban schools, I still believe the gap in education is a plague upon our school system. Not everyone is aware of how the rampant damage of the class system is effecting American education, so please take a moment to give it some thought as we consider how school reforms can effect our students. I am currently reading a text by Kozol called Shame of a Nation and will write a review once I am finished.

There Is Nothing Worse Than Weak Coffee

First, I would like to start off by admitting that I have unfortunately become a drone that needs a cup of coffee in the morning to jump start my day at work. I never really thought that I would become a regular coffee drinker, but I'll be damned if the stuff doesn't help me shake the cobwebs in the morning. I have come to prefer a darker Colombian roast that is potent without being bitter. Marilyn will use this opportunity to call me a coffee snob, but I likes what I likes. Don't forget that I used to be a barista and have acquired a taste for something that is smooth and tasty, not burnt or watered down. That being said, while proctoring an ACT exam, I was provided with horribly weak coffee that should be illegal. I didn't go to Starbucks because I figured someone would be able to brew a pot with competence, but sadly, I was mistaken. What exactly is the point of brewing a pot if it is going to be weak and not provide the jolt that some of us expect and desire? Is this too much for a brother to ask?

Now THAT Was A Finale

For those of us that were keeping up with the stellar series Damages on F/X this summer, we were greatly rewarded with a fantastic finish to the season. Spoilers Ahead!!!!

Frobisher getting shot! Patty arranging Ellen's death! The amount of the settlement! This was all a total shock for me. I was blindsided at every twist and turn as we finally got the answers we were looking for, while being kept on the hook for next season, if there is one. The performances by Glen Close (how creepy was it when she was crying at the grave and her eyes appeared to be black?) and Ted Danson stole the show all season, and did not disappoint in this episode. Who would have thought that our buddy Sam Malone could have such an evil streak in him.

Now even though I'm sure not all lawyers are this diabolical as Hewes & Associates were, I do wonder what lengths some law firms go to in order to exonerate their clients. This all being said, I really enjoyed the run of this program. I was not sure what to expect, but the great cast and suspenseful plot kept me guessing the whole time. F/X might be the most consistent network when it comes to airing outstanding adult dramas that push the envelope and keeps the viewers asking for more. Let's just hope that the head honchos are wise enough to bring this show back for a well deserved second series.

Do the Evolution

Well, another week has passed and I apologize for my lack of activity. Now that we are back, I would like to ponder the idea of evolution. This little diddy comes from BBC News and it quite interesting. Evolution has been a hot topic for me since I just read Inherit the Wind, which I highly recommend (I will post on my favorite quote from this play soon). In addition to this, a pal at work blew my mind when explaining his beliefs on creationism. This coworker explained that they believed that the Earth was no more then ten thousand years old. Naturally, I was shocked by this revelation, so I posed a question about the existence of dinosaurs. The coworker responded that said dinosaurs were on Noah's ark. This was the moment that my mind was blown. However, this person is wholly entitled to his opinion, and I completely respect the dedication that this individual shows toward their beliefs.

Now, on to the article that I have linked. Looks like I'm in some trouble. While I am probably closer to the coffee colored skin tone than some, due to my height, I think I'm on my way to being mayor of Goblinville. Well, I hoped this will give us all a laugh in the name of science, and good luck to those of us who will become giants and eventually have 120 year life expectancies.

And Now, Please Stand For A Moment Of Silence

Sorry for the break, but I'm back for more. To start things off, I would like to discuss the ridiculousness of the this new Illinois state law requiring students to start all school days off with a moment of silence. This law has absolutely no intrinsic to the students and does not belong in our classrooms. What exactly should we tell our students to reflect on? I can't believe that the state Senate and House of Representatives had the votes to override the veto of the governor, but that is the unfortunate reality that we are faced with. My school is only taking 15 seconds after the Pledge of Allegiance (the Pledge is an issue of it's own), so the time lost only equals about a minute, but that is still time that is needlessly lost. As educators, every minute that we have with our students is worth it's weight in gold, so wasting even a moment for reflection makes no sense. Since yesterday, I have been bombarded with questions from students about the real meaning of the moment of silence, and when I tell my them that the time is to be used for personal reflection, they laugh and tell me it's a waste. They feel that there should be a reason given for the moment of silence, but since the language is so ambiguous, I really have no response for them. Ironically, several of them have told me t hat if they wanted time to reflect, they would simply go to church. Students and staff have both expressed uneasiness, which is not in the spirit of tolerance. This law is catering to the needs and wants of a small minority of the schools population while managing to make the majority feel uncomfortable.

With Honors

Here is another album that is WELL worth your time, Kanye West's Graduation. This is the third album that West has released and it is another gem. I am a professed rock fan, but good music is good music, which is where this album lands. Gone are the regrettable skits that often find themselves on hip hop records, so the listener no longer has to wait for new songs to begin while the artist attempts to become a comedian. Each song is very strong and shows the production prowess that has made West one of the most prolific hip hop producers of the last decade. The standout songs include "Good Life," "Champion," "Everything I Am," "The Glory," and "Big Brother." Each of these songs are personal and reflective and show the growth that West has gone through as an artist. His brash sense of self-importance is still evident, but it is scaled back from his previous efforts. Although I do miss the depth that co-producer Jon Brion brought to the last West album (I am also biased toward Brion's old work), West is able to pick up where the last album left off. The listener can hear Brion's influence subtle fashions throughout the album, adding to the depth of each song. One misstep on the record is the inclusion of Coldplay's Chris Martin on the song "Homecoming." People may be surprised to hear me say that, but "Homecoming" is a strong enough without Martin's appearance feels forced and unnecessary. Overall, this is an excellent album and worth obtaining.

Pot O' Gold

The long wait is finally over. Raidiohead has unleashed another gem on us in the form of the hotly anticipated In Rainbows. Of course, it is another masterpiece, and no, I am not speaking as a biased person. The album has a wonderful flow that blends the genius of The Bends with the atmospheric beauty of Amnesiac. It is nice to have some old fashioned guitar driven tracks that beckon to the groups old days. The centerpiece of all the tunes is Thom Yorkes impeccable vocals. Now since the band is so great, they are able to blend the everything together to create pure perfection.

The Boondocks

For all those interested in watching a cutting edge show, check out The Boondocks on the Cartoon Network tonight. It will air during the channels Adult Swim portion starting at 10:20 Central Time. This show is not for the timid. It features course language and challenges viewers to think outside the box as far as stereotypes are concerned. Social politics are prominently featured and I think it is breath of fresh air for the typical television landscape. Once again, please pass on the show if you do not feel comfortable with explicit content.

Best New Show, Worst Old and Everything In Between

Now that the new television season is a couple of weeks old, I will give my summation of the best and worst that has been offered.

Best New Show: I was pleasantly surprised by Pushing Daisies. This show will not be for everyone, but if you can tolerate the quirky, you should check it out. The show revolves around Ned, a pie maker that has a very unique talent that allows him to awaken the dead. However, this ability comes with a couple of twists. Once Ned brings someone back to life, another person in close proximity dies. Also, Ned can never touch the person or thing again after he revives them because the second touch will kill the person or thing. In addition to the show having a unique plot, it is visually stunning. I don't want to say a whole lot more right now, because I hope you watch the show.

Best Old Show: Brothers & Sisters. Before you pile on me for watching this show, hear me out. This is the best adult drama on television. Although the Walker family live a lifestyle that is out of most people's means, they have normal problems. Yes, there are some exaggerations, but the acting and writing are both top notch. This hour is well worth your time.

Worst New show: Since I really have new opinion on a poor new show, I will choose a show that aired over the summer: The Two Coreys. I have no idea why this show was even made, I just regret that I got stuck watching an episode.

Worst Old Show: This will come as no surprise, but it is Grey's Anatomy. I don't mean to pile on this attempt at entertainment, but I just don't understand the appeal of this show. Once again, I know I am a fan of Nip/Tuck, but if you watch it, you know that the writers never try to make it seem that the relationships on Nip/Tuck are based in any sort of realistic version of life. The folks over at on Grey's think that they are representing adult relationships, which I wholeheartedly disagree. Each week the characters seem more whinny and petty and it gets very irritating.

Everything In Between: Everyone knows that we watch too much tv, so I will keep this short. We have enjoyed Back to You, BONES, and of course The Office. The Office is consistently the funniest show on television and I suggest that everyone start watching it. Yes, I know I have a dry sense of humor, but this show is laugh out loud funny. I have also really enjoyed The Bionic Woman. There is a lot for the writers to work with, so I'm excited to see the direction they head toward. Well, that's it, so enjoy your watching!!

99 Reasons

Well, it was a fun season. Although I am not happy with the final results, at least we made the playoffs. We got decent pitching tonight, but the offense was nonexistent with runners in scoring position. What the hell happened to Rodrigo? 0-12 is unacceptable and he will have some splainin' to do next year. And what about Alfonso. Flying out to end the game was only fitting. Lou did a lot in his first year and there is something to look forward to. Now, all we need is another starter (Prior?) and I'm sure having A-Rod at short will help. :)

Another Fun Story From Russia

So, since most of you are gutless dog lovers, I have been looking for a great cast story to justify their superiority. Well, I think I have found one. This story hails from the BBC's website and is about the felines that inhabit the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. This is a really cool piece that describes where they came from and how they have persevered in the Museum since the times of Catherine the Great. I hope everyone enjoys this as much as I did.

Are We There Yet?

So, today marks the 5oth anniversary of the Sputnik launch. Make no mistake, this is a very important date. When the USSR launched this little satellite, a revolution was started. The Space Race changed our society and was a focal point of the Cold War. The Soviets beat the U.S. in launching an orbiting vessel, but the Americans would be damned if they didn't make the initial visit to the Moon. In short, don't underestimate the importance of this date.

Now on to the real meaning of this post: the race to Mars!! Yes, I said Mars. Do not forget what the good old Commander in Chief said back in 2004. We are going to make it to Mars, so let's not forget where our priorities lie. Never mind our health care issues, the housing market or putting more money into education. It's Mars or bust baby, see you on the Red Planet!!!

A Nice Little Story About Our Ronny

This little entry by Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune brought a smile to my face. Even if you consider to Ron Santo to be nothing but a paid cheerleader, you have ice in your veins for not cheering for him to see a winner.

Like Father, Like Daughter

Little Jenna Bush was on Larry King Live last night to promote her new book. During the interview, King asked her about the situation in Iraq and here is her answer. I will admit that Larry is not on the top of his game here, but it sounds like the apple didn't fall far from the tree in regards to Ms. Bush.

Smokers Get Rights Too

So, you will probably be surprised that I am writing in favor of smokers rights, but I think these Californian towns are going a little too far. As we know, I am all for smokers being snuffed out in public places, but taking their rights away in private homes is ridiculous. If a private company decides to make their property smoking that is their prerogative, but the town or city should not make it law. This is taking away rights just like any other situation where choices and freedoms are taken away.

UPDATE!!

I have updated the link on this post to include the correct article. Once again, I am totally for banning smoking in public places, but if a person wants to smoke in their homes, they should have that right.

Supreme Decisions Part II

Here is a nice little summary of the cases facing the Supreme Court and the major questions that they will answer. As I mentioned, I will try to update decisions as they come down.

Healthy Choice?

I hope that I am not the only one to be upset about the potential veto coming from the hands of the President tomorrow. In a brazen move, Bush will veto a bill that would help keep 10 million children protected by insurance. The House needs only 15 more votes to pass a veto-proof bill, so let's hope those votes are attained if nothing else for the protection of our future generations.

Vulgarity Update

Hello all, I accidentally linked the same article twice in my previous post about the vulgarity issue at Colorado State University. Here is the story that appeared on the New York Times website. Sorry about the hiccup.

Supreme Decisions

Today marked the beginning of the new session for the Supreme Court, which may continue the march toward taking away our civil liberties. The current Court has extreme conservative leanings that were started during the Reagan Administration and are starting to come to fruition. We may be headed toward dangerous waters as the Roberts Court is packed with ultraconservatives that continue to cater to the "compassionate conservatism" that President Bush made his goal. Time will tell what how this group will impact our future with their decisions, but after the decisions they made last judicial year, I am not confident. I will try keep us updated as the decisions come down. In addition, I will try to put the important decisions in their historical context as they compare to previous rulings. Sorry if this seems like a dry topic, but it is very interesting to me.

What A Game

Okay, I know that the Padres/Rockies game is considered part of the regular season, but in my opinion, this was the beginning of the playoffs. This was a classic that Rockies fans should treasure. It was fun to watch and showed everyone why baseball is still our national pastime.