This song is so prophetic that i have to post it. Jackson is my favorite singer and what he poetically states is much of what i have alwaysalso believed:
Lives in the Balance:
I've been waiting for something to happen
For a week or a month or a year
With the blood in the ink of the headline
and the sound of the crowd in my ear
You might ask what it takes to remember
When you know that you've seen it before
Where a government lies to her people
And a country is drifting to war
And there's a shadow on the faces
Of the men who send the guns
To the wars that are fought in places
Where their business interests run
On the radio talk shows and the T.V.
You hear one thing again and again
How the U.S.A. stands for freedom
And we come to the aid of a friend
But who are the ones that we call our friends--
These governments killing their own?
Or the people who finally can't take any more
And they pick up a gun or a brick or a stone
And there are lives in the balance
There are people under fire
There are children at the cannons
And there is blood on the wire
There's a shadow on the faces
Of the men who fan the flames
Of the wars that are fought in places
Where we can't even say their names
They sell us the President the same way
They sell us our clothes and our cars
They sell us everything from youth to religion
The same time they sell us our wars
I want to know who the men in the shadows are
I want to hear somebody asking them why
They can be counted on to tell us who our enemies are
But they're never the ones to fight or to die
And there are lives in the balance
There are people under fire
There are children at the cannons
And there is blood on the wire
Who else could we place here?
support for all
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
About Dogs: tongue in cheek
Above is a picture of my Abby dog. Notice she is watching us out of the corner of her eye. A yellow lab, the best kind of dog in the world. They really are dogs for the common good. As king of the world, I would give out free lab puppies to all who want them!
But what I am wondering today is just what it is about dogs? Here is what they do that we see: they eat, they sleep, they poop, they sleep, they lick, they sleep, they watch a little t.v., they sleep, they beg for treats, they sleep, they bark and whine, they sleep, they chew on some cow hide, they sleep, they take up the whole bed at night while they sleep. The best dogs are protective but friendly, love to be petted, follow you wherever you go, and help you with your work if they can. And sleep a lot. So, yeah, you say. So what, you say. They are dogs that's it.
OR IS IT?
hmmmm Lately I have started to suspect that dogs are actually leading a double life. When they are asleep, I think they are engaged in what Carlos Casteneda termed in his amazing books, " active dreaming." And that dreaming takes place in another place called ":the dog dimension."
Have you noticed when they are asleep they are constantly doing something active? Breathing hard, limbs pumping, eyes fluttering. I think the reason they only live 15 odd years here in our time, and sleep most of it away, is because they lead a double life. With us, they are subject to our whims, and live in boring houses and do boring things. But when they are asleep they live in the dog dimension where they run free with their pals and do whatever they want! They probably can even talk there! And that place must be filled with all good things for dogs....steak bones, fluffy balls to tear apart, rubber balls to play catch with, milkbone mountains and watering holes that magically refill, tons of other dogs to play with, no t.v. And no naps.
If you think about it, it makes sense! They have to rest up in our dimension to be running free in theirs!
The term "a dog's life" may mean much more than we think!
But what I am wondering today is just what it is about dogs? Here is what they do that we see: they eat, they sleep, they poop, they sleep, they lick, they sleep, they watch a little t.v., they sleep, they beg for treats, they sleep, they bark and whine, they sleep, they chew on some cow hide, they sleep, they take up the whole bed at night while they sleep. The best dogs are protective but friendly, love to be petted, follow you wherever you go, and help you with your work if they can. And sleep a lot. So, yeah, you say. So what, you say. They are dogs that's it.
OR IS IT?
hmmmm Lately I have started to suspect that dogs are actually leading a double life. When they are asleep, I think they are engaged in what Carlos Casteneda termed in his amazing books, " active dreaming." And that dreaming takes place in another place called ":the dog dimension."
Have you noticed when they are asleep they are constantly doing something active? Breathing hard, limbs pumping, eyes fluttering. I think the reason they only live 15 odd years here in our time, and sleep most of it away, is because they lead a double life. With us, they are subject to our whims, and live in boring houses and do boring things. But when they are asleep they live in the dog dimension where they run free with their pals and do whatever they want! They probably can even talk there! And that place must be filled with all good things for dogs....steak bones, fluffy balls to tear apart, rubber balls to play catch with, milkbone mountains and watering holes that magically refill, tons of other dogs to play with, no t.v. And no naps.
If you think about it, it makes sense! They have to rest up in our dimension to be running free in theirs!
The term "a dog's life" may mean much more than we think!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Kids is Kids: and they all can learn
Education Problems? Easily Fixed: Resources used with intent for the common good
It truly does take a village to raise a child. The modern village is no longer centered around the campfires of old. Even though many parents work and we all live in our own little bubbles these days, we are still part of our community. I totally believe that we should make the new center of the village the place where our kids spend most of their time: their school.
My experience has shown me that the child who suceeds is the child who has his parents or others as partners in learning. It is the child who is lucky enough to go to a school where scientific knowledge is as important to and supported by the community as fully as the little league team. Funny how we can find the time to volunteer to coach teams, man the refreshment stands, fundraise for new uniforms, and attend the sports events themselves, but have no idea how and where to help out in our child's school. We have gotten annoyed and let our feelings be known when we feel our kid has a crummy coach, or the umpire makes a bad call, or a foul is not noticed. But do we get as involved with a poor grade on a test, or missed homework assignments? When our kids say, "I don't get this", what do we do to help out? IF we value education, then we must find equal time to support it. I am not sure this happens. There certainly is a small but dedicated group of people at school, a handful of parents who provide back up to the teachers and students. But compared to those at a school football game, which is seen as more important?
I am fortunate to teach in an area where the teachers, students and parents all care about education. The students in my school consistently win in math competitions, science competitions, writing contests, music competitions, as well as sports competitions.
How does this happen here and not everywhere? Many reasons:
1. Students are closely monitored by their parents: many kids are not allowed to watch tv until school work is completed. Many students must practice their music every day. Many others must work on subjects even if "there is no homework". Many must read daily. Many are not allowed on social websites during the week. Some don't even watch tv during the week! This leads the kids to understand that school work is most important, and comes ahead of other considerations.
2. Teachers give extra time to academics. They give up lunch time to help floundering students. They allow retests when students haven't "gotten" the material. They stay current with the latest educational pedagogy and read about developmental stages of their clients. They LIKE to teach.
3. Common values are used by all teachers from kindergarten to twelvth grade .Through each content area all teachers focus on: communication skills, critical thinking skills, collaboration skills, self directed learning, literacy and research skills, global and local responsible citizenship. Even a kindergartener is taught the meaning of respect and collaboration. Differentiated instruction is prized.
4. The school news system: Student-produced videos that focus on topics relevent to both themselves and the general world, are presented to the whole school. Announcements from the administration always portray positiveness and the message that at our school it is "cool" to be smart. Awards in academic areas, respectful citizens and sports heroes are all mentioned equally.
Does this mean that 100% of our students succeed? Nope, some still do not. It is in this case, that the whole village is needed to help out.
Most of the reasons students do not succeed have to do with their situations in life. It is impossible to learn to read if you are hungry. Its hard to concentrate on math skills when your parents are going through a divorce. Its difficult to practice your violin when you are the one responsible to make dinner when your patents are working. It is hard to work on writing a poem if your are concerned for your own safety due to your local neighborhood bully.
Despite what certain government officials would have you think, there isn't enough time in the school day to cure the societal problems that they cannot.
The community can come to the rescue of these students by offering free programs to help. If we can support basketball tournaments, why not a free counseling program? If we can fly band members to Florida to perform, why not fund a large scale "safe place" program? Why do we take money away from headstart or food programs, when we know they are necessary? How can we pay one professional sports person 26 billion dollars a YEAR but not want to give it to improve these problems?
All of this goes back to my original point. If it is our INTENT to have a great educational experience for all children, we all need to pitch in to make it so. ALL does not mean just the parents and teachers. ALL means the entire village, working for the common good.
It truly does take a village to raise a child. The modern village is no longer centered around the campfires of old. Even though many parents work and we all live in our own little bubbles these days, we are still part of our community. I totally believe that we should make the new center of the village the place where our kids spend most of their time: their school.
My experience has shown me that the child who suceeds is the child who has his parents or others as partners in learning. It is the child who is lucky enough to go to a school where scientific knowledge is as important to and supported by the community as fully as the little league team. Funny how we can find the time to volunteer to coach teams, man the refreshment stands, fundraise for new uniforms, and attend the sports events themselves, but have no idea how and where to help out in our child's school. We have gotten annoyed and let our feelings be known when we feel our kid has a crummy coach, or the umpire makes a bad call, or a foul is not noticed. But do we get as involved with a poor grade on a test, or missed homework assignments? When our kids say, "I don't get this", what do we do to help out? IF we value education, then we must find equal time to support it. I am not sure this happens. There certainly is a small but dedicated group of people at school, a handful of parents who provide back up to the teachers and students. But compared to those at a school football game, which is seen as more important?
I am fortunate to teach in an area where the teachers, students and parents all care about education. The students in my school consistently win in math competitions, science competitions, writing contests, music competitions, as well as sports competitions.
How does this happen here and not everywhere? Many reasons:
1. Students are closely monitored by their parents: many kids are not allowed to watch tv until school work is completed. Many students must practice their music every day. Many others must work on subjects even if "there is no homework". Many must read daily. Many are not allowed on social websites during the week. Some don't even watch tv during the week! This leads the kids to understand that school work is most important, and comes ahead of other considerations.
2. Teachers give extra time to academics. They give up lunch time to help floundering students. They allow retests when students haven't "gotten" the material. They stay current with the latest educational pedagogy and read about developmental stages of their clients. They LIKE to teach.
3. Common values are used by all teachers from kindergarten to twelvth grade .Through each content area all teachers focus on: communication skills, critical thinking skills, collaboration skills, self directed learning, literacy and research skills, global and local responsible citizenship. Even a kindergartener is taught the meaning of respect and collaboration. Differentiated instruction is prized.
4. The school news system: Student-produced videos that focus on topics relevent to both themselves and the general world, are presented to the whole school. Announcements from the administration always portray positiveness and the message that at our school it is "cool" to be smart. Awards in academic areas, respectful citizens and sports heroes are all mentioned equally.
Does this mean that 100% of our students succeed? Nope, some still do not. It is in this case, that the whole village is needed to help out.
Most of the reasons students do not succeed have to do with their situations in life. It is impossible to learn to read if you are hungry. Its hard to concentrate on math skills when your parents are going through a divorce. Its difficult to practice your violin when you are the one responsible to make dinner when your patents are working. It is hard to work on writing a poem if your are concerned for your own safety due to your local neighborhood bully.
Despite what certain government officials would have you think, there isn't enough time in the school day to cure the societal problems that they cannot.
The community can come to the rescue of these students by offering free programs to help. If we can support basketball tournaments, why not a free counseling program? If we can fly band members to Florida to perform, why not fund a large scale "safe place" program? Why do we take money away from headstart or food programs, when we know they are necessary? How can we pay one professional sports person 26 billion dollars a YEAR but not want to give it to improve these problems?
All of this goes back to my original point. If it is our INTENT to have a great educational experience for all children, we all need to pitch in to make it so. ALL does not mean just the parents and teachers. ALL means the entire village, working for the common good.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Part 2 of Those Greedy Pigs
Yayyyyyyyyy Wisconsin teachers! I am sure you all are the first of many teachers and public workers to revolt against being blamed for the mess state budgets are in. Once again the middle class is being held responsible for the lack of fiscal responsibility the state governments have engaged in! Is there no one to tell the general public that the money in these pension funds comes from the workers? My pension fund is deducted from my salary every month. The state is not entitled to this money.... it's mine.....and the other people who have been putting money into it for the last 20/30 years, duh. It certainly is NOT Governor Christie's to do what he pleases with>>> who I might add has his own lucrative racket going on which entitles him to full pension and health benefits FREE forever.
Where did my pension money go, you ask? The state government has "borrowed it" one too many times to make ends meet...starting with Christine Whitman......and now not only wants to blame me for that, but also wants to make me repay it!!!!!! What a bunch of horse crap! A good analogy would be this: you put some money into your bank savings account, and then the bank uses it without your permission, and then tells you that you must pay it back. HUH??? This sounds suspiciously like STEALING to me.
And the Wall Street Firms that <mis> manage the pension fund lets the state do this and then takes a whooping 15% interest rate fee on top of that!! HUH? WHAT? WHO?
When was the last time you saw 15% on your money? I believe that C.D.s are paying around .05 right now. How is this legal? or moral? or even a little bit right?
Once again the greedy bastids are screwing us over.. Where is concern for the common good here? Do these governors really think they can run an effective state government, a caring police system, and a top notch public school system by denigrating their own workers??? I don't think so. SO: Go Wisconsin! Lead the way...just as you led the way to the first collective bargaining law in 1937!!!! Many of us are behind you!
Where did my pension money go, you ask? The state government has "borrowed it" one too many times to make ends meet...starting with Christine Whitman......and now not only wants to blame me for that, but also wants to make me repay it!!!!!! What a bunch of horse crap! A good analogy would be this: you put some money into your bank savings account, and then the bank uses it without your permission, and then tells you that you must pay it back. HUH??? This sounds suspiciously like STEALING to me.
And the Wall Street Firms that <mis> manage the pension fund lets the state do this and then takes a whooping 15% interest rate fee on top of that!! HUH? WHAT? WHO?
When was the last time you saw 15% on your money? I believe that C.D.s are paying around .05 right now. How is this legal? or moral? or even a little bit right?
Once again the greedy bastids are screwing us over.. Where is concern for the common good here? Do these governors really think they can run an effective state government, a caring police system, and a top notch public school system by denigrating their own workers??? I don't think so. SO: Go Wisconsin! Lead the way...just as you led the way to the first collective bargaining law in 1937!!!! Many of us are behind you!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Moomys
Have you seen Mike and Molly? Cute show........insecurities we all feel, no matter what size we are........but how about Swoozie as the mom??? Good lord, she looks like an anorexic meth addict gone to seed. And all she talks about is "sausages" and "tunnels of love" and other ridiculous euphemisms for sex parts and sex acts. This show got me thinking about how the common mother is viewed by the media these days?.
What I want to know is when did moms turn in mooms? Mooms being a derogatory term I have just made up meaning brainless morons? When did moms hand over the reins to the kids? Are these shows subconsciously or consciously depicting mothers as less bright than their children?
In the olden days, meaning when i was growing up, the tv moms, though patronizing for sure to their madmen- like husbands, were fountains of wisdom, grace, and beauty. They were perfect! They were plastic for sure, but at least they embodied some kind of values. The took care of themselves, their home and their kids.
I, for one, would really prefer June Lockhart to whoever plays the moom in Modern Family! The moom on this show appears to be in competition with her daughters for both looks and brains!!!! How does that happen? I have two beautiful daughters of my own and have never felt the need to compete with them. My job was to raise them to be strong, intelligent and caring individuals. Not flirt with their boyfriends!
Even Marge Simpson is a better mom!
People may say that this is just entertainment, and not meant to be taken seriously. But tv is also social commentary. And it is a sad day for the common good when moms are acting like mooms.
Is this why they are trying to enact laws which take away woman's rights and protections? Because they want to portray us as addled and ridiculous? Meaning we can't be in charge of our own minds and bodies??? Hmmmmmmmmmmm is there a conspiracy going on here????
To all the good moms I know who are both working and caring for their family I say "hallelujah!" And to all the people who think that these mooms on tv represent anyone real, or want our women to be like them i say "fartheads!"
What I want to know is when did moms turn in mooms? Mooms being a derogatory term I have just made up meaning brainless morons? When did moms hand over the reins to the kids? Are these shows subconsciously or consciously depicting mothers as less bright than their children?
In the olden days, meaning when i was growing up, the tv moms, though patronizing for sure to their madmen- like husbands, were fountains of wisdom, grace, and beauty. They were perfect! They were plastic for sure, but at least they embodied some kind of values. The took care of themselves, their home and their kids.
I, for one, would really prefer June Lockhart to whoever plays the moom in Modern Family! The moom on this show appears to be in competition with her daughters for both looks and brains!!!! How does that happen? I have two beautiful daughters of my own and have never felt the need to compete with them. My job was to raise them to be strong, intelligent and caring individuals. Not flirt with their boyfriends!
Even Marge Simpson is a better mom!
People may say that this is just entertainment, and not meant to be taken seriously. But tv is also social commentary. And it is a sad day for the common good when moms are acting like mooms.
Is this why they are trying to enact laws which take away woman's rights and protections? Because they want to portray us as addled and ridiculous? Meaning we can't be in charge of our own minds and bodies??? Hmmmmmmmmmmm is there a conspiracy going on here????
To all the good moms I know who are both working and caring for their family I say "hallelujah!" And to all the people who think that these mooms on tv represent anyone real, or want our women to be like them i say "fartheads!"
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Gossip Girls Rant
I'd like to say a few words on gossip today. I recently read two articles about it and both of them point out the effectiveness of it for establishing the "social norm" and for "bolstering self confidence and self esteem" And so on and so on and blah blah and blah.....Now, I don't know if all that's true <but you've got me and baby I've got youuuuuu.....> oops I digress>>>But it is an interesting topic.
I, for one, certainly believe that gossip is absolutely necessary to the common good!!
I think that gossip occurs because someone has forgotten kindergarten rules. Or playground rules. Or moral rules. And people notice and get pissed and comment on it. She is a bitch because she isn't polite; he is an idiot because he is so self absorbed. They are so sickening because their pdas have become sooo excessive.
All the lessons we learned in school should somehow be part of us by time we're grown ups.
For example, just the other day, during a faculty meeting, one woman talked all through and over the speaker during the whole first half of the meeting. so much so that those of us around her couldn't hear much. However, when it came to something she wanted to hear, she actually had the nerve to raise her hand to complain that it was too loud for her to hear it!!!!! What??? Nonsense!!! Kindergarten rule broken. Be quiet when other people are talking.
Do you think people gossiped about this person the next day? AAAAAAA yup.
Gossip actually makes people personally responsible for their words and deeds! HUH? Let me repeat that. YOU NEED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT YOU SAY AND DO!!!! or the rest of us are going to talk about you. hehehehe
Some people i know refuse to gossip because they are "positive people" and "understanding individuals". PUKE >>>>Bull hockeys. Gossip isn't a "negative" force. Its a force for a positive change. Accepting inane behavior got this country into the fix we are in now. And I blame our generation, the flower power people, because we invented being so acceptable of intolerable behavior; after Nixon resigned of course..
We should and can forgive kids anything, they are still learning, but stupid adults??? Come on. Forgiving them does nothing to help society along. And let's face it, their nonsensical behavior makes us NUTS and if we didn't gossip about it and vent about it and talk about it we might EXPLODE over it.. <sweet smile> And then we might break some of the playground rules ourselves!
So therefore, in my opinion, gossip is a way for people to reinforce what they believe are common values.. Plus it's a lot of fun!!!
I, for one, certainly believe that gossip is absolutely necessary to the common good!!
I think that gossip occurs because someone has forgotten kindergarten rules. Or playground rules. Or moral rules. And people notice and get pissed and comment on it. She is a bitch because she isn't polite; he is an idiot because he is so self absorbed. They are so sickening because their pdas have become sooo excessive.
All the lessons we learned in school should somehow be part of us by time we're grown ups.
For example, just the other day, during a faculty meeting, one woman talked all through and over the speaker during the whole first half of the meeting. so much so that those of us around her couldn't hear much. However, when it came to something she wanted to hear, she actually had the nerve to raise her hand to complain that it was too loud for her to hear it!!!!! What??? Nonsense!!! Kindergarten rule broken. Be quiet when other people are talking.
Do you think people gossiped about this person the next day? AAAAAAA yup.
Gossip actually makes people personally responsible for their words and deeds! HUH? Let me repeat that. YOU NEED TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT YOU SAY AND DO!!!! or the rest of us are going to talk about you. hehehehe
Some people i know refuse to gossip because they are "positive people" and "understanding individuals". PUKE >>>>Bull hockeys. Gossip isn't a "negative" force. Its a force for a positive change. Accepting inane behavior got this country into the fix we are in now. And I blame our generation, the flower power people, because we invented being so acceptable of intolerable behavior; after Nixon resigned of course..
We should and can forgive kids anything, they are still learning, but stupid adults??? Come on. Forgiving them does nothing to help society along. And let's face it, their nonsensical behavior makes us NUTS and if we didn't gossip about it and vent about it and talk about it we might EXPLODE over it.. <sweet smile> And then we might break some of the playground rules ourselves!
So therefore, in my opinion, gossip is a way for people to reinforce what they believe are common values.. Plus it's a lot of fun!!!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Random Thoughts
One of my kids who is from Singapore told me that it is always warm there...like Florida..... and that chewing gum in Singapore is against the law! He amended that to say that it just wasn't sold there but his dad smuggled it in for him. Geesh if they smuggle gum to Singapore, what hope do we have of keeping it out of school in the USA? Huh?
My students tickled me today. It's nice when they are working on a project together. One of them kept calling nebulae the nubula...just hard for him to wrap his lips around the proper pronunciation i guess. But it made me smile. It's great when you see them all talking and collaborating about a science topic. Arguing over the difference between a red giant and a red super giant star! Where's Bill O'Reilly when you need him?
My students tickled me today. It's nice when they are working on a project together. One of them kept calling nebulae the nubula...just hard for him to wrap his lips around the proper pronunciation i guess. But it made me smile. It's great when you see them all talking and collaborating about a science topic. Arguing over the difference between a red giant and a red super giant star! Where's Bill O'Reilly when you need him?
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Space Story
I was watching Bill Maher the other night. I think he is funny. I think he is a misogynist, and I think he is as dense on the left as others are on the right, but he always presents some good thoughts and conversations. I particularly liked his rant on the NFL being a socialist organization, taking the money made by all and sharing it evenly. Hence: a different team may wind up in the Superbowl every year.
But anyway, this week the noted astrophysicist Dr. Neil Tyson was a guest on his show. It was cool to see someone with a science background on t.v. It got me thinking about how the country has really missed Carl Sagan, the Star Trek shows, and Sully and Maulder. Fringe is still a little too far out there for the common man, though I love it, and Steven Hawking parodies still show up on South Park from time to time, though the new generation of kids have no idea who that guy in the wheelchair is.
OK, sooooooooooo, the idea that anyone would be interested in space travel completely baffled Bill Maher. When asked, Dr. Tyson explained the fact that even though the NASA and space exploration budget are only a 1/2 penny of the US budget, people always want to cut it. But that wasn't Bill's main concern. "Why go to Mars" sayeth Bill, "what's there that we need?"
Now I may not an astrophysicist, but I do teach space science and my 8th graders and I love thinking and talking about the universe. I do wish I were there to answer Bill's question. The first thing I would ask him is how the heck he thinks his show gets to me? "On my FIOS fiber optic cable!" I would reply, "And just how do you think that technology came about being developed, huh Bill? huh? huh?"
I guess the common folk, like Bill Maher, don't realize that the reason we have computers, hd tvs,cell phones, remote control garage door openers, microwave ovens, and all the other technological gewgaws we use everyday is because JFK, (in the early 60s!), had the wisdom to throw money and resources into math and science that was necessary at the time to get us to the moon. Now I know that the impetus for this idea was to beat the Russians there. But the payoff of having a "Sputnik" moment, as Barack recently called it, was all the cool stuff we now own and use today, stuff that was invented for and is used by the common good.
I, for one, absolutely adore my Smart board, and am not sure I would love teaching as much anymore if someone took it away from me. The internet, for about a dollar a day, allows me to gather and use resources from all over the world. I have a digital camera that i can plug into my laptop and show my relatives all over the country the pics of my new grandson. NONE of this would have occurred without the Space program.
The importance of research and development in this country is not what it used to be. You can tell what the country is interested in by watching what's on mainstream t.v. The only science that is discussed nowadays is forensic.
How is it that in the early part of the 20th century we cured tuberculosis, eradicated small pox, and developed inoculations for childhood diseases, and nowadays, with billions of dollars sunk into research every year, we can't cure a thing; can only can come up with expensive pharmaceuticals that have horrible side effects?
It's sad in my mind that there aren't enough television shows that stimulate curiosity and the desire to find out new stuff. . 40 habitable planets have just been discovered. 40 places we now know of where life can exist besides earth Isn't that awesome? Who knows what inventions lie in trying to discover more about these worlds?
A famous FOX pundit recently stated that he didn't "believe" that the moon caused the tides. <eyeroll> Belief has nothing to do with science. Belief is for things taken on faith. I believe my dad is in heaven looking down on me. I can't prove it. But I can believe it.
For scientists to state something, however, it must be proved. As I tell my students every day "evidence is the enemy of dogma". Or as Dr.Tyson put it: "The good thing about science is it's true whether or not you believe in it."
But anyway, this week the noted astrophysicist Dr. Neil Tyson was a guest on his show. It was cool to see someone with a science background on t.v. It got me thinking about how the country has really missed Carl Sagan, the Star Trek shows, and Sully and Maulder. Fringe is still a little too far out there for the common man, though I love it, and Steven Hawking parodies still show up on South Park from time to time, though the new generation of kids have no idea who that guy in the wheelchair is.
OK, sooooooooooo, the idea that anyone would be interested in space travel completely baffled Bill Maher. When asked, Dr. Tyson explained the fact that even though the NASA and space exploration budget are only a 1/2 penny of the US budget, people always want to cut it. But that wasn't Bill's main concern. "Why go to Mars" sayeth Bill, "what's there that we need?"
Now I may not an astrophysicist, but I do teach space science and my 8th graders and I love thinking and talking about the universe. I do wish I were there to answer Bill's question. The first thing I would ask him is how the heck he thinks his show gets to me? "On my FIOS fiber optic cable!" I would reply, "And just how do you think that technology came about being developed, huh Bill? huh? huh?"
I guess the common folk, like Bill Maher, don't realize that the reason we have computers, hd tvs,cell phones, remote control garage door openers, microwave ovens, and all the other technological gewgaws we use everyday is because JFK, (in the early 60s!), had the wisdom to throw money and resources into math and science that was necessary at the time to get us to the moon. Now I know that the impetus for this idea was to beat the Russians there. But the payoff of having a "Sputnik" moment, as Barack recently called it, was all the cool stuff we now own and use today, stuff that was invented for and is used by the common good.
I, for one, absolutely adore my Smart board, and am not sure I would love teaching as much anymore if someone took it away from me. The internet, for about a dollar a day, allows me to gather and use resources from all over the world. I have a digital camera that i can plug into my laptop and show my relatives all over the country the pics of my new grandson. NONE of this would have occurred without the Space program.
The importance of research and development in this country is not what it used to be. You can tell what the country is interested in by watching what's on mainstream t.v. The only science that is discussed nowadays is forensic.
How is it that in the early part of the 20th century we cured tuberculosis, eradicated small pox, and developed inoculations for childhood diseases, and nowadays, with billions of dollars sunk into research every year, we can't cure a thing; can only can come up with expensive pharmaceuticals that have horrible side effects?
It's sad in my mind that there aren't enough television shows that stimulate curiosity and the desire to find out new stuff. . 40 habitable planets have just been discovered. 40 places we now know of where life can exist besides earth Isn't that awesome? Who knows what inventions lie in trying to discover more about these worlds?
A famous FOX pundit recently stated that he didn't "believe" that the moon caused the tides. <eyeroll> Belief has nothing to do with science. Belief is for things taken on faith. I believe my dad is in heaven looking down on me. I can't prove it. But I can believe it.
For scientists to state something, however, it must be proved. As I tell my students every day "evidence is the enemy of dogma". Or as Dr.Tyson put it: "The good thing about science is it's true whether or not you believe in it."
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Maybe this is why teachers need a union?
I found these posted on the internet. I wonder how many other professions both for women and men had such strict guidelines?
New Hampshire Historical Society 1915 Rules for Teachers
1. You will not marry during the term of your contract.
2. You are not to keep company with men.
3. You must be home between the hours of 8 PM and 6 AM unless at a school function.
4. You may not loiter downtown in any of the ice cream stores.
5. You may not travel beyond the city limits unless you have permission of the chairman of the school board.
6. You may not ride in carriages or automobiles with any man except your father or brother.
7. You may not smoke cigarettes.
8. You may not dress in bright colors.
9. You may under no circumstances dye your hair.
10. You must wear at least 2 petticoats.
11. Your dresses may not be any shorter than 2 inches above the ankles.
12. To keep the classroom neat and clean you must sweep the floor once a day, scrub the floor with hot soapy water once a week, clean the blackboards once a day and start the fire at 7 AM to have the school warm by 8 AM when the scholars arrive. <scholars huh?>
Teacher Rules 2 1872 Rules
1. Will fill lamps, trim wicks and clean chimneys.
2. Each morning teacher will bring bucket of water and a scuttle of coal for the days session.
3. Make your pens carefully. You may whittle nibs to the individual taste of the pupils.
4. Men teachers may take one evening each week for courting purposes or two evenings a week if they attend church regularly.
5. After 10 hours in school the teachers may spend the remaining time reading the Bible or any other good book.
6. Women teachers who marry or engage in unseemly conduct will be dismissed.
7. Every teacher should lay aside for each pay day a goodly sum of his earnings for his benefit during his declining years so that he will not become a burden on society.
8. Any teacher who smokes, uses liquor in any form, frequents pool or public halls, or gets shaved in a barber shop will give good reason to suspect his worth, intention, integrity and honesty.
9. The teacher who performs his labor faithfully and without fault for five years will be given an increase of $.25 per week in his pay providing the Board of Education approves.
Sources"The sources for these “rules” are unknown; thus we cannot attest to their authenticity—only
to their verisimilitude and charming quaintness. They have been used for years by the New Hampshire Historical Society Museum as part of its Going to School outreach lesson, but they also appear independently on numerous other websites from Auckland to England.
The rules from 1872 have been variously attributed to an 1872 posting in Monroe County, Iowa; to a one-room school in a small town in Maine; and to an unspecified Arizona schoolhouse. The 1915 rules are attributed to a Sacramento teachers’ contract and elsewhereto an unspecified 1915 magazine."
www.nhhistory.org/edu/support/nhgrowingup/teacherrules.pdf
New Hampshire Historical Society 1915 Rules for Teachers
1. You will not marry during the term of your contract.
2. You are not to keep company with men.
3. You must be home between the hours of 8 PM and 6 AM unless at a school function.
4. You may not loiter downtown in any of the ice cream stores.
5. You may not travel beyond the city limits unless you have permission of the chairman of the school board.
6. You may not ride in carriages or automobiles with any man except your father or brother.
7. You may not smoke cigarettes.
8. You may not dress in bright colors.
9. You may under no circumstances dye your hair.
10. You must wear at least 2 petticoats.
11. Your dresses may not be any shorter than 2 inches above the ankles.
12. To keep the classroom neat and clean you must sweep the floor once a day, scrub the floor with hot soapy water once a week, clean the blackboards once a day and start the fire at 7 AM to have the school warm by 8 AM when the scholars arrive. <scholars huh?>
Teacher Rules 2 1872 Rules
1. Will fill lamps, trim wicks and clean chimneys.
2. Each morning teacher will bring bucket of water and a scuttle of coal for the days session.
3. Make your pens carefully. You may whittle nibs to the individual taste of the pupils.
4. Men teachers may take one evening each week for courting purposes or two evenings a week if they attend church regularly.
5. After 10 hours in school the teachers may spend the remaining time reading the Bible or any other good book.
6. Women teachers who marry or engage in unseemly conduct will be dismissed.
7. Every teacher should lay aside for each pay day a goodly sum of his earnings for his benefit during his declining years so that he will not become a burden on society.
8. Any teacher who smokes, uses liquor in any form, frequents pool or public halls, or gets shaved in a barber shop will give good reason to suspect his worth, intention, integrity and honesty.
9. The teacher who performs his labor faithfully and without fault for five years will be given an increase of $.25 per week in his pay providing the Board of Education approves.
Sources"The sources for these “rules” are unknown; thus we cannot attest to their authenticity—only
to their verisimilitude and charming quaintness. They have been used for years by the New Hampshire Historical Society Museum as part of its Going to School outreach lesson, but they also appear independently on numerous other websites from Auckland to England.
The rules from 1872 have been variously attributed to an 1872 posting in Monroe County, Iowa; to a one-room school in a small town in Maine; and to an unspecified Arizona schoolhouse. The 1915 rules are attributed to a Sacramento teachers’ contract and elsewhereto an unspecified 1915 magazine."
www.nhhistory.org/edu/support/nhgrowingup/teacherrules.pdf
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