What a speacial pleasure to wake up, in February no less, to the sound of bird chirping softly, sun filtering through the blinds and the warm snuggliness of your bed. Even better, rolling over to discover it's only 7:42. 7:42! What a great day so far.
The last week has been pretty full, and I have had several items I wanted to blog about, but I have put them off. Here's a digest of some recent thoughts that spans a range of topics:
The Academy Awards: My full wrap up of tonight's gala should come later this week. Topics to watch -- Chris Rock's performance, if any leading lady gets bitchy after she loses to Hilary Swank, how long the Ronald Reagan clip is in the compilation of dead Hollywood people, if I fall asleep because the ceremony is so dang long. Oh yeah, if "Million Dollar Baby" wins Best Picture. It better.
Eastern Washington, The State: Bob Morton, a state legislator from the hinterlands of northeastern Washington, pulled his annual stunt: He tried to get Washington to split into two states. The twist this year: A legislator from King County, which contains Seattle, said, in essence, Go then. We're better off without you anyway. Western Washington sends a bunch of cash to eastern Washington in the form of taxes spent on roads, etc. Do we really want to rank 51st in everything? Look, everyone knows this split isn't going to happen unless Tom DeLay gets to the U.S. Senate. It would mean the Repubs get a couple R Senators. Big deal. Maybe it could be a compromise for D.C. statehood. Now there's a plan.
I love the Internet: Saturday night was happenin' for me. Did my taxes -- online. Filed my FAFSA (student aid for my graduate degree) -- online. I love that! I spent just about four hours doing everything. By the way, I have a handsome overpayment that I expect returned to my bank account soon, so I need to figure how to spend it. I think I could have had more (a deduction for education-related books and I forgot to include some of my professional subscriptions), but I'll just consider that a bonus to Ol' Uncle Sam. We need it after GWB raided the Treasury in his one-two punch of "refunds" and occupation of Iraq.
Whistleblowers: The Chelan County PUD (the utility that uses hydro power to generate electricity and sells it to us cheaply) is working on a new whistleblower policy. Basically, the general counsel investigates complaints now. But she is widely seen as working for the management and commissioners. She says she works for the people. Riiiiight. That's why two significant complaints from mid-level managers resulted in no validity; one was fired and the other threatened. Some objected to how much it would cost to have an outside attorney investigate. The Wenatchee World editorialized: "One wonders why no similar eyebrow was raised when the computer project went $10 million over budget. And since when has the PUD balked at spending money on lawyers? It's difficult to find a law firm that doesn't represent the PUD." Touché.
Barry Bonds, Jose Canseco, et al.: Dudes, we know you did it. Steroids, that is. Cop to it, shut up and move on. You're starting to look as pathetic as Pete Rose.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
Pope Watch!
Someone has finally done it. Yes, there is a Blog to keep abreast of the status of Pope John Paul II and his ailing health. And it wasn't even me.
Pope Watch
I would just point out, that longtime friends and confidantes might remember that I made this suggestion way back in 2002 when the pope was traveling throughout Latin America beatifying what seemed like every other Catholic. I was working at the local newspaper filling in on the coipy desk and would see the dozens of images and bulletins that would move on the news wires. The picture of the drooling pope was not the jaunty John Paul II we had all come to know and expect. Each bulletin led with his current health, explaining he had barely been able to withstand the sweltering heat or that an associate had to finish his homily. Each day's edition had some pope news of his visits to various holy sites and the throngs of the faithful that turned out to see him and bouy his energy.
Tongue in cheek, I suggested, since the newspaper's readership included a sizable Catholic population, that we publish a daily account of the pope's health, his actions and his itinerary. We could call it Pope Watch. Later, I came up with the very catchy "Miter Meter" but it never caught on.
Maybe it's time to pitch the idea again.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Pope Watch
I would just point out, that longtime friends and confidantes might remember that I made this suggestion way back in 2002 when the pope was traveling throughout Latin America beatifying what seemed like every other Catholic. I was working at the local newspaper filling in on the coipy desk and would see the dozens of images and bulletins that would move on the news wires. The picture of the drooling pope was not the jaunty John Paul II we had all come to know and expect. Each bulletin led with his current health, explaining he had barely been able to withstand the sweltering heat or that an associate had to finish his homily. Each day's edition had some pope news of his visits to various holy sites and the throngs of the faithful that turned out to see him and bouy his energy.
Tongue in cheek, I suggested, since the newspaper's readership included a sizable Catholic population, that we publish a daily account of the pope's health, his actions and his itinerary. We could call it Pope Watch. Later, I came up with the very catchy "Miter Meter" but it never caught on.
Maybe it's time to pitch the idea again.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
Moved by 'The Chosen'
President's Day Weekend. In past years, this weekend has marked my re-emergence from the cold wrap of winter, where I finally get to leave this town and take another long drag on the big city. This year was different in that I had already made two trips to Seattle in January, so President's Day Weekend was to serve more as a respite from the daily life and a chance to just sigh.
I saw the promotional flyer for "The Chosen" staged at the Seattle Repertory Theater, and I was not immediately engaged. I know that the book is in our school curriculum, though it's not one I am assigned to teach. I own a copy and even started reading it once, only to be distracted and leave it unfinished. But I felt like it would be an enjoyable experience to see this stage version this weekend.
I am glad I did.
The staging was excellent -- from the sets and props to the lighting and movements. This show was worth all $27 I paid (and even grabbed a fantastic seat that hed been turned in just before curtain). It's the tale of two boys from different sides of the same coin -- different worlds just five blocks away -- has so much relevance today. It's the story of a father who wants so much for his son to learn compassion for people's pain that he barely speaks to the son in order to make his son look inside to his own soul. It's the story of a boy who thinks he wants a world that is defined by logic and numbers but comes to love scripture and the ability to help people.
The second act was emotionally moving and powerful. Although "The Chosen" was adapted for the stage from a novel, its author, Chaim Potok, was a partner in that adaptation. I imagine he would have been pleased with the version on stage at Seattle Rep. I am reminded that this is the power of drama. Drama can convey messages with sound and expression; drama is a live art form that, when it is good, can lift a spirit, can capture a moment, can inspire an audience.
What a pleasant discovery I had in "The Chosen." I am glad that my plans and my stage in life allowed me to appreciate this beautiful piece of literature in all its complexities and intricacies.
My first and only other Seattle Rep experience was "Take Me Out" last autumn, and it was also spectacular. I could find myself spending a lot more time there if this is the quality I can expect.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
I saw the promotional flyer for "The Chosen" staged at the Seattle Repertory Theater, and I was not immediately engaged. I know that the book is in our school curriculum, though it's not one I am assigned to teach. I own a copy and even started reading it once, only to be distracted and leave it unfinished. But I felt like it would be an enjoyable experience to see this stage version this weekend.
I am glad I did.
The staging was excellent -- from the sets and props to the lighting and movements. This show was worth all $27 I paid (and even grabbed a fantastic seat that hed been turned in just before curtain). It's the tale of two boys from different sides of the same coin -- different worlds just five blocks away -- has so much relevance today. It's the story of a father who wants so much for his son to learn compassion for people's pain that he barely speaks to the son in order to make his son look inside to his own soul. It's the story of a boy who thinks he wants a world that is defined by logic and numbers but comes to love scripture and the ability to help people.
The second act was emotionally moving and powerful. Although "The Chosen" was adapted for the stage from a novel, its author, Chaim Potok, was a partner in that adaptation. I imagine he would have been pleased with the version on stage at Seattle Rep. I am reminded that this is the power of drama. Drama can convey messages with sound and expression; drama is a live art form that, when it is good, can lift a spirit, can capture a moment, can inspire an audience.
What a pleasant discovery I had in "The Chosen." I am glad that my plans and my stage in life allowed me to appreciate this beautiful piece of literature in all its complexities and intricacies.
My first and only other Seattle Rep experience was "Take Me Out" last autumn, and it was also spectacular. I could find myself spending a lot more time there if this is the quality I can expect.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Friday, February 18, 2005
Judge clarifies rulings in election lawsuit
Judge John Bridges has clarified his earlier rulings from the bench and affirmed that the trial from the state Republican Party can proceed.
It remains to be seen which standard the Republicans will have to use to prove that the election results are invalid. The Democrats say that each false vote must be matched with a voter. Republicans counter that they can use statistics or just that enough bad votes were cast to make the result unclear. More confusing? Each side has state Supreme Court precedence on to back it up.
Read the complete story from the Seattle P-I.
My take: I can't imagine that we would throw out a certified election because of statistics or just on the probability that the results were improper. Why don't we just sample each precinct, then, and just elect whoever polls better based on a sample? Each vote counts. If it was an illegal vote, prove it. It should be hard to prove; it should require evidence.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
It remains to be seen which standard the Republicans will have to use to prove that the election results are invalid. The Democrats say that each false vote must be matched with a voter. Republicans counter that they can use statistics or just that enough bad votes were cast to make the result unclear. More confusing? Each side has state Supreme Court precedence on to back it up.
Read the complete story from the Seattle P-I.
My take: I can't imagine that we would throw out a certified election because of statistics or just on the probability that the results were improper. Why don't we just sample each precinct, then, and just elect whoever polls better based on a sample? Each vote counts. If it was an illegal vote, prove it. It should be hard to prove; it should require evidence.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
Former gov. joins international law firm
Former Gov. Gary Locke, only a month out of office, has landed a lucrative, high-profile job with the Seattle law firm Davis Wright Tremaine.
Locke, 55, joined the firm as a partner with its China and governmental-relations practice groups. He'll be based in Seattle but will do some traveling to Asia. The law firm has more than 420 attorneys and offices in Los Angeles; New York; Washington, D.C.; and Shanghai, China, among other cities.
Student newspaper is showcase for First Amendment article
The article below is copied from The Wenatchee World's Web site, which limits access to subscribers. Otherwise I would just post a link. I am working on permission, and when I receive it, I will update. If I don't receive it, I'll take this post down. But I wanted to share it immediately.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
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Today’s topic - The First Amendment — Student journalists take issue with peers’ opinions on First Amendment rights
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
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Today’s topic - The First Amendment — Student journalists take issue with peers’ opinions on First Amendment rights
By Alicia Gooden, World staff writer Restricting a newspaper’s ability to publish freely without government approval? __________ Key findings of the Future of the First Amendment Project: Source: firstamendmentfuture.org __________ What the First Amendment says: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Wednesday - February 16, 2005
Government censorship of newspapers?
Not a bad idea.
Also not a bad idea — according to many of the teenagers in 544 high schools across the country surveyed for the Future of the First Amendment Project, a two-year, $1 million survey funded by the Knight Foundation.
Please say it ain’t so — at least to a group of outspoken teen journalists at The Apple Leaf, the national award-winning student newspaper at Wenatchee High School.
Telling them that only half their cohorts in the country think that newspapers should be printed without government approval is like Kryptonite to Superman — toxic and potentially fatal.
“It’s the First Amendment that allows you to see every side of an issue in the newspaper,” said Sam Rechtin, a 17-year-old senior and editor-in-chief of The Apple Leaf.
Over at Eastmont High School, student adviser Jean Gillespie of The Scratching Post, said that she was “unpleasantly surprised” by the results of the First Amendment survey. She said she is having a difficult time getting students to contribute to the paper and “stick their neck” out a little bit. But she said she still believes that the newspaper is a way to give students a chance to voice their opinions.
The Future of the First Amendment Project was funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s High School Initiative. Its aim is to encourage students to use the news media, including student journalism, and to better understand and appreciate
the First Amendment.
High school students’ attitudes about the First Amendment are important because each generation of citizens helps define what freedom means in our society, according to the study.
The results of the surveys, which were sent to more than 100,000 students, nearly 8,000 teachers and more than 500 administrators, were troubling to journalism educators and First Amendment supporters.
Almost 75 percent of teens surveyed for the project said they either didn’t know how they felt about the First Amendment or took it for granted.
That doesn’t surprise this group of passionate scholastic journalists, who added that their peers probably don’t know what rights are guaranteed to them under the First Amendment of the Constitution or how to interpret them.
“I think they (students) believe that the First Amendment doesn’t apply to them,” said Sarah Jeglum, news editor for The Apple Leaf and a senior at the school.
That’s really too bad, said Apple Leaf adviser and WHS English teacher Logan Aimone.
“I think kids get their rights trampled on all the time,” he said.
As an example, he said dress codes have turned into “good taste” codes, which squash a student’s right to free expression.
In addition to having reservations about newspapers having the freedom to publish freely without government approval, the national study also revealed that many teens have poor knowledge of what is protected under the First Amendment.
Among the other findings: 75 percent of the students incorrectly think flag burning is illegal and almost half believe the government
can restrict indecent material on the Internet (it cannot).
But First Amendment advocates and Aimone said the problem lies in what the students are not being taught.
“We’re increasing the education in math and the sciences,” said Gene Policinski, executive director of the First Amendment Center. “Maybe we need to refocus on how we learn about the rather complicated process of applying the five basic freedoms to a modern society.”
The Apple Leaf has stirred its share of controversy in recent years.
Between a diagram that showed students how to use a condom, and articles on homosexuality and the growing popularity of oral sex, the basic premise of the First Amendment has emboldened this group of student journalists.
“The less you teach people their rights, the less they’ll challenge the system,” said Jeglum.
The Apple Leaf’s plunge into sometimes controversial topics isn’t done for shock value, said the students. Those stories are the exceptions.
Most of the paper’s stories are everyday features and news stories like light-hearted features of the reemergence of fashion trends like leg warmers.
“We get ideas that are important to the student body,” said Rechtin.
However, the paper has already drawn the ire of at least one adult school staffer who called it a “left-wing rag” — a claim that they all dispute.
There is an administrative review policy for The Apple Leaf in the Wenatchee School District, but Aimone said that the paper does not have to get WHS Principal Mike Franza to approve every issue. 
“I think that shows that the administration believes that we are teaching responsible journalism and that students should be trusted,” said Aimone. “We’ve worked out a good working relationship over the past five years.”
Two recent examples stand out in the minds of staffers as to why First Amendment freedoms should be protected and valued.
One was an opinion piece from student Andrew Crollard, opinion editor for The Apple Leaf who espoused his atheist viewpoints in an opinion piece and questioned the amount of Christian practices at WHS.
It angered several students at the school.
Another story was about Panther basketball coach Brett McGinnis, who ordered a player to overthrow a ball past teammates and into the stands of rowdy fans.
Alex Pepperl, sports editor for The Apple Leaf, said there was a lot of discussion and worry among student newspaper and school staff about whether the story should run.
In the end, it was printed.
“It was important for the news to come out,” said Rechtin. “It wasn’t our job to make the news; it was our job to report it.”
Besides, student photographer Sam McHaney said that he didn’t want to be a part of a publication that watered down facts.
“Sometimes, you just end up giving data instead of stories,” he said.
Despite the national survey that shows shrinking support and limited knowledge among their peers for First Amendment freedoms, Rechtin said he wanted The Apple Leaf to become a “reader board” for WHS.
“We want the paper to be a place where
students feel free to express their opinions,” he said.
Alicia Gooden can be reached at 665-1181 or by e-mail at gooden@wenworld.com
Nearly three-fourths of students say either they don’t know how they feel about the First Amendment or take it for granted.
Students are less likely than adults to think that people should be allowed to express unpopular opinions or newspapers should be allowed to publish freely without government approval of stories.
Students lack knowledge and understanding about key aspects of the First Amendment. Seventy-five percent incorrectly think that flag burning is illegal. Nearly half erroneously believe the government can restrict indecent material on the Internet.
Students who do not participate in any media-related activities are less likely to think that people should be allowed to burn or deface the American flag. Students who have taken more media and/or First Amendment classes are more likely to agree that people should be allowed to express unpopular opinions.
Students participating in student-run newspapers are more likely to believe that students should be allowed to report controversial issues without approval of school authorities than students who do not participate in student newspapers.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Wal-Mart is an anti-union bully
As if there were not already enough reasons to despise Wal-Mart for its deplorable treatment of its workers, its shameless disregard for communities that it plunders and its ownership's anti-public education campaign, here's another:
Workers in Canada had successfully voted to form a union when Wal-Mart closed the store. Read the full story.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Workers in Canada had successfully voted to form a union when Wal-Mart closed the store. Read the full story.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Wednesday, February 09, 2005
More than just a friendly auction
I had a lot of informal discussions with students Wednesday about the upcoming Valentine's Day Auction where about 80 students will be sold to the highest bidder for what I am sure is a good cause. The event is sponsored by the Panteras Unidas club, a club designed to promote understanding among different cultures. A number of elements Wednesday kept this as a hot topic among students in various classes. The newspaper staff has a commentary in the works as well as news coverage for a paper Wednesday.
Some of my background regarding this situation:
My own high school sponsored an annual "Slave Sale" where members of the newspaper and yearbook staffs were sold to bidders. The "slaves" would do simple tasks for their "owners" -- open doors, carry books, get lunch in the cafeteria, sing "I'm a Little Teapot" -- innocent stuff, really. This sale was changed to a "Buddy Sale" when I was a senior because attitudes changed (political correctness swept the country); one student had actually dressed in black face and chains one year. I was a participant twice. I'm pretty sure the school doesn't sponsor this event anymore.
That said, I think a simple auction of personal services is no big deal -- we see it all the time in society where eligible bachelors or members of the city council or whatever are auctioned off for a good cause.
It's when the "good, clean fun" turns into something more subtly sinister that I think a problem arises. The morning announcements proclaimed this event as an opportunity to "date someone out of your league," which equates the auction with some sort of warped prostitution (a term several students used Wednesday to describe this event). Later, I saw one of this school's only black students wearing a paper sign around his neck that read: "Can you afford me?" What messages does this send not only about the nature of relationships -- that some people must buy their affection -- but about the differences in races and how we treat people of color? If we had selected a black student in class to be an example of slaves or a Latino student to be an example of migrant workers or undocumented immigrants, or an effeminate student as an example of being gay -- what is the message? The message comes across as "It's OK to perpetuate stereotypes." I don't think that is the message that WHS or Panteras Unidas intends to promote, especially since the club is designed to break down the walls of stereotype and culture.
I think we have the responsibility as educators to at least help students see these concerns. Surely I can't be the only one who has concerns with how this event is being promoted to the student body. It seems to me that one way to bring this event back to the good, clean fun that was intended is to monitor more closely the announcements over the PA system in the remaining mornings of promotion. Then, pass the word to participants to tone down the sexual references and downplay the ownership/dominance aspect. Maybe it can still be a fun event after all -- I hope so.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Some of my background regarding this situation:
My own high school sponsored an annual "Slave Sale" where members of the newspaper and yearbook staffs were sold to bidders. The "slaves" would do simple tasks for their "owners" -- open doors, carry books, get lunch in the cafeteria, sing "I'm a Little Teapot" -- innocent stuff, really. This sale was changed to a "Buddy Sale" when I was a senior because attitudes changed (political correctness swept the country); one student had actually dressed in black face and chains one year. I was a participant twice. I'm pretty sure the school doesn't sponsor this event anymore.
That said, I think a simple auction of personal services is no big deal -- we see it all the time in society where eligible bachelors or members of the city council or whatever are auctioned off for a good cause.
It's when the "good, clean fun" turns into something more subtly sinister that I think a problem arises. The morning announcements proclaimed this event as an opportunity to "date someone out of your league," which equates the auction with some sort of warped prostitution (a term several students used Wednesday to describe this event). Later, I saw one of this school's only black students wearing a paper sign around his neck that read: "Can you afford me?" What messages does this send not only about the nature of relationships -- that some people must buy their affection -- but about the differences in races and how we treat people of color? If we had selected a black student in class to be an example of slaves or a Latino student to be an example of migrant workers or undocumented immigrants, or an effeminate student as an example of being gay -- what is the message? The message comes across as "It's OK to perpetuate stereotypes." I don't think that is the message that WHS or Panteras Unidas intends to promote, especially since the club is designed to break down the walls of stereotype and culture.
I think we have the responsibility as educators to at least help students see these concerns. Surely I can't be the only one who has concerns with how this event is being promoted to the student body. It seems to me that one way to bring this event back to the good, clean fun that was intended is to monitor more closely the announcements over the PA system in the remaining mornings of promotion. Then, pass the word to participants to tone down the sexual references and downplay the ownership/dominance aspect. Maybe it can still be a fun event after all -- I hope so.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Monday, February 07, 2005
Cool Blog Alert: Cyphering
Check this one out. Good stuff from a good gal. She's my friend and now she's self-published. Way to go!
Cyphering
Cyphering
Sunday, February 06, 2005
The First Amendment and our future
Jan. 31 brought a wake-up call for those of us whose business it is to educate and promote the First Amendment. Some of the key findings, according to the sponsor's Web site:
Ultimately, the project surveyed more than 100,000 high school students, nearly 8,000 teachers and more than 500 administrators and principals at 544 high schools across the United States.
Go to the Web site.
We've got to do something. I have a laundry list of ideas, and I plan a longer post on this topic soon. But let's start a dialog among educators, students, parents and members of the community as to how we can do more to encourage students to know and value the First Amendment.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
- High school students tend to express little appreciation for the First Amendment. Nearly three-fourths say either they don't know how they feel about it or take it for granted.
- Students are less likely than adults to think that people should be allowed to express unpopular opinions or newspapers should be allowed to publish freely without government approval of stories.
- Students lack knowledge and understanding about key aspects of the First Amendment. Seventy-five percent incorrectly think that flag burning is illegal. Nearly half erroneously believe the government can restrict indecent material on the Internet.
- Not surprisingly, those students who worked for school media had a higher rate of knowledge about and support for the First Amendment.
Ultimately, the project surveyed more than 100,000 high school students, nearly 8,000 teachers and more than 500 administrators and principals at 544 high schools across the United States.
Go to the Web site.
We've got to do something. I have a laundry list of ideas, and I plan a longer post on this topic soon. But let's start a dialog among educators, students, parents and members of the community as to how we can do more to encourage students to know and value the First Amendment.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
It's time to end another type of discrimination
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer had an interesting column advocating for passage of HB 1515, which would add sexual orientation to the list of banned types of discrimination. It's the 30th year in a row that such a bill has been introduced in Olympia. The column's author, Thomas Shapley, eloquently makes the case that if we ban discrimination based on religious affiliation -- clearly a free choice -- then we should oppose discrimination based on sexual orientation, even if it is not yet proven whether orientation is inherent or a choice.
Read the rest of Shapley's column.
Just a few days earlier, Tracy Warner, the generally moderate columnist at The Wenatchee World, called for passage of the bill, too. Since The World Online requires subscription, here's an excerpt:
It's not every day that columnists for The P-I and The World are in sync. Let's hope the Legislature can see that 30th time is a charm.
Read the rest of Shapley's column.
Just a few days earlier, Tracy Warner, the generally moderate columnist at The Wenatchee World, called for passage of the bill, too. Since The World Online requires subscription, here's an excerpt:
"You're fired.""But, why?"
..."Because you're a ( )."
In Washington state, and the nation for that matter, there are certain words that legally cannot be used to fill that blank. Baptist, Methodist, Jew, Catholic, Rastafarian, Sikh, Muslim, etc. -- state law specifically forbids discrimination on account of "creed." Or write in black, Asian, Latino, Caucasian -- discrimination on account of race is forbidden, too. Or write in woman, or man, or single, or divorced, or married with children, or blind, or deaf, or mentally disabled, or physically handicapped -- all those cases are specifically protected under Washington state's law against discrimination.
By all these factors you cannot discriminate in "employment, in credit and insurance transactions, in places of public resort, accommodation or amusement, and in real property transactions." The people of the state of Washington through their elected representatives have deemed these rules wise, in the cause of advancing a just and civil society.
You can, however, fill that blank with "homosexual." Firing an employee for that reason and only that reason is perfectly legal in this state and most others. No law prohibits discrimination on account of sexual orientation, even if that orientation is not made evident by any behavior or "lifestyle." All that is required is the prejudice of the person doing the firing.
So this is not about political correctness or anything else trendy. It is not about currying favor with a political constituency. The bill is about the fundamental function of government in a free society -- to protect the rights of citizens, particularly those in the minority.
...
It merely gives to a definable minority what the rest of us have: the right to be judged by what we do, not what we are.
It's not every day that columnists for The P-I and The World are in sync. Let's hope the Legislature can see that 30th time is a charm.
Congressman "Doc" will chair House Ethics Committee
U.S. Rep Richard "Doc" Hastings, whose 4th Congressional District of Washington includes my town, has been named to chair the Ethics Committee in the House of Representatives. I could type out a big explanation, but the Seattle Post-Intelligencer's Joel Connelly does a good job in his Feb. 7 column. Read it here.
We'll see if Doc can heal the mess on that committee, mainly involving Rep. Tom DeLay, the majority leader.
Doc's other committee is Rules, and it's pretty unusual to serve on Ethics and Rules, I guess. Word is, Doc really wants to chair the Rules Committee. That is a powerful post, one that basically determines what legislation gets to the floor, how it reaches the floor and the debate rules. Incidentally, Doc was the presiding officer during the November 2003 vote on the Medicare prescription plan -- a vote that was extended by three hours to allow Republicans to force a one-vote victory. Are these the "Rules" and "Ethics" we can expect from "Doc"?
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
We'll see if Doc can heal the mess on that committee, mainly involving Rep. Tom DeLay, the majority leader.
Doc's other committee is Rules, and it's pretty unusual to serve on Ethics and Rules, I guess. Word is, Doc really wants to chair the Rules Committee. That is a powerful post, one that basically determines what legislation gets to the floor, how it reaches the floor and the debate rules. Incidentally, Doc was the presiding officer during the November 2003 vote on the Medicare prescription plan -- a vote that was extended by three hours to allow Republicans to force a one-vote victory. Are these the "Rules" and "Ethics" we can expect from "Doc"?
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
Judge: Move forward but no re-vote
From The Seattle Times Web site, Feb. 5:
WENATCHEE — The Republican court challenge to the election of Gov. Christine Gregoire will move toward trial after Judge John Bridges yesterday rejected Democratic motions to dismiss the case or move it to the Legislature or the state Supreme Court.
It goes forward, though, minus most of the defendants in the case. Bridges dismissed all the state's counties and their auditors from the lawsuit.
Bridges said in Chelan County Superior Court that allegations in the lawsuit filed by Republican candidate Dino Rossi and Republican voters, if proved at trial, would be sufficient to overturn the election. And he denied a Democratic motion to limit any challenge to issues of fraud and illegal votes, saying misconduct or neglect by election officials would also be sufficient grounds for setting aside the election.
"This case should go forward, at least at this point," Bridges said.
I was in the courtroom Friday afternoon when the lawyers made their arguments about a re-vote -- just wanted my chance to experience a bit of history. When Judge Bridges ruled immediately, there was a >gulp<>
But proving that the questionable votes would have changed the outcome will be exceptionally difficult. The Republicans would have had to do that anyway even if they would get a revote. But a lot of the wind has gone from their sails, it seems.
More to come from here in Chelan County, but it will be several days before the parties even get together and determine the next step. And there is plenty to appeal to the state Supreme Court, so we're weeks away from closure in this.
The only sure way to move on is for Rossi to say he's done, it's gone far enough. I think that's a long shot, and it sure would be disappointing to the armies of Republican foot soldiers who are carrying on as if there was some sort of coup that installed Gov. Gregoire.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
Digest: State of the Union
Digest is just a bunch of bit items.
My dream job: Sergeant at Arms for the U.S. House of Representatives. You know I have been practicing my "Mr. Speaker..." line for years.
---
All over but the shoutin': I felt very much like my mother's son tonight. I actually had a sarcastic comment (and a few nasty names for GWB) for each of the first few sections of the speech tonight. At one point, I shouted. Then reality set in -- I was sitting alone in my living room eating dinner and actually shouting at the president on TV. Wow. I need to stop that.
---
GWB -- Still against gays: In case anyone had forgotten, the president reiterated his call for a Constitutional amendment to prohibit gays from acquiring the same legal rights as all other Americans and to protect Americans from so-called "activist judges" (he calls it "protecting marriage"). Surprise.
---
Social Insecurity: Here's my answer to the people who want to have private accounts for Social Security (privatizing=screwing the future generations): Stop being selfish. It's not your money! It's your grandma's money. Your grandkids will pay for you when you're old. That's how it works. I have way too many thoughts on this for the digest, so I will formulate a full post soon.
---
Hallmark Hall of Fame moment: The Iraqi woman hugging the dead sergeant's mom in the gallery next to Laura Bush. Guess which picture will be on a couple hundred front pages tomorrow? Check out the Newseum's daily collection of pages to verify.
---
Bloggers-turned-Talking Heads: CNN had two bloggers, Andrew Sullivan and "Wonkette," as "analysts" after the speech. They argued about perspective like pros. Best comment was about the hugging women (see above) and the fact that the soldier's mom, who was holding her son's dog tags, snagged the dog tags on Iraqi woman's cuff/button as everyone in the room watched misty-eyed. Sullivan said the moment was symbolic for how these two women's lives were intertwined. Wonkette quickly quipped it was a metaphor for the U.S. involvement in Iraq -- snagged and unable to easily separate. I like this Wonkette.
---
Democrats respond: House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California clearly is a Botox babe. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada is impressive. Old opinion: Bumpkin weenie from state that's teenie. New opinion: Hardball Harry -- looks folksy, crushes enemies. Who else does that describe? That's right, GWB.
---
Weird awkward congratulatory moment: GWB spies Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman, grabs his hand to shake, places his left hand on the senator's cheeck and pulls him in for a weird hug that was a bit too uncomfortable for the House chamber. I guess since the Democratic senator is practically a Republican it was OK.
Other thoughts about the State of the Union? Post 'em!
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
My dream job: Sergeant at Arms for the U.S. House of Representatives. You know I have been practicing my "Mr. Speaker..." line for years.
---
All over but the shoutin': I felt very much like my mother's son tonight. I actually had a sarcastic comment (and a few nasty names for GWB) for each of the first few sections of the speech tonight. At one point, I shouted. Then reality set in -- I was sitting alone in my living room eating dinner and actually shouting at the president on TV. Wow. I need to stop that.
---
GWB -- Still against gays: In case anyone had forgotten, the president reiterated his call for a Constitutional amendment to prohibit gays from acquiring the same legal rights as all other Americans and to protect Americans from so-called "activist judges" (he calls it "protecting marriage"). Surprise.
---
Social Insecurity: Here's my answer to the people who want to have private accounts for Social Security (privatizing=screwing the future generations): Stop being selfish. It's not your money! It's your grandma's money. Your grandkids will pay for you when you're old. That's how it works. I have way too many thoughts on this for the digest, so I will formulate a full post soon.
---
Hallmark Hall of Fame moment: The Iraqi woman hugging the dead sergeant's mom in the gallery next to Laura Bush. Guess which picture will be on a couple hundred front pages tomorrow? Check out the Newseum's daily collection of pages to verify.
---
Bloggers-turned-Talking Heads: CNN had two bloggers, Andrew Sullivan and "Wonkette," as "analysts" after the speech. They argued about perspective like pros. Best comment was about the hugging women (see above) and the fact that the soldier's mom, who was holding her son's dog tags, snagged the dog tags on Iraqi woman's cuff/button as everyone in the room watched misty-eyed. Sullivan said the moment was symbolic for how these two women's lives were intertwined. Wonkette quickly quipped it was a metaphor for the U.S. involvement in Iraq -- snagged and unable to easily separate. I like this Wonkette.
---
Democrats respond: House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California clearly is a Botox babe. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada is impressive. Old opinion: Bumpkin weenie from state that's teenie. New opinion: Hardball Harry -- looks folksy, crushes enemies. Who else does that describe? That's right, GWB.
---
Weird awkward congratulatory moment: GWB spies Connecticut Senator Joseph Lieberman, grabs his hand to shake, places his left hand on the senator's cheeck and pulls him in for a weird hug that was a bit too uncomfortable for the House chamber. I guess since the Democratic senator is practically a Republican it was OK.
Other thoughts about the State of the Union? Post 'em!
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Turning the 'Paige'
As one of my favorite writers, Hank Stuever of The Washington Post, reports, TLC has canned Paige Davis from its signature show, "Trading Spaces." Admittedly, I have not watched the show in a while -- made me feel guilty for my home's plain walls in need of a new coat of paint -- but who doesn't have a soft spot for good ol' Paige?
Read more here. Free registration required.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Read more here. Free registration required.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
What to expect in court Feb. 4
Tuesday afternoon at the school's Political Awareness Club meeting, Russell Speidel, a Wenatchee attorney serving as co-counsel for the Washington State Democrats, explained the court proceedings and the arguments that both the petitioners (the state Republicans and Dino Rossi campaign) and the intervenor-respondent (the state Democrats) will make. I'll outline the four main points (keep in mind this is much-simplified from Mr. Speidel's information). Then, my own comments follow in italic type. My conclusion and prediction will follow last.
I want to emphasize that while Mr. Speidel represents the Democrats in this case, he did not speak at the club meeting trying to advocate a position. He spoke to educate the students who will attend a portion of the proceedings Friday. He was fair and informative.
Feb. 4 will be a historic day. This is already the closest governor's race in state and national history. It would be the first time a governor's election would be set aside. Regardless of the outcome in Chelan County, the loser will appeal to the state Supreme Court.
The four main issues:
Subject Matter Jurisdiction: The issue is whether the courts have jurisdiction to hear contests in the election for governor or whether the Legislature has exclusive jurisdiction. The state constitution, Article III, section 1, defines the state offices, including governor. Section 4 states, "Contested elections for such officers shall be decided by the legislature in such a manner as shall be determined by law." Apparently about a dozen other states have similar language. Democrats say this means that only the Legislature has jurisdiction over statewide office contests and that "by law" means that the Legislature can sit as a court and hold a trial with legal proceedings (depositions, witnesses, etc.).
My take: The state constitution seems clear to me -- the Legislature gets to decide contests for statewide office. No court can rule here. The counterargument is that the judicial power of "equity" -- to right a wrong -- is specifically delegated to a Superior Court (each county). So which part of the constitution is more powerful?
The next three issues all assume that a court finds it does have jurisdiction.
Venue: The issue is whether Chelan County Superior Court is the appropriate court to hear this case. Mr. Speidel explained that an affadavit was filed in Chelan County where four voters claimed they had been disenfranchised. The deadline for filing complaints and voter corrections (signature matches, etc.) was mid-November. All four in Chelan County were dated in December.
My take: There may be a case to make in another county but not here in Chelan County.
Relief: The issue is whether the Republicans and Rossi are entitled to a revote. The Republicans need to show that the proper remedy to the possible errors (they need to list those, too) is, in fact, a revote.
My take: See below.
Causes: The issue is what constitutes an "illegal vote." The constitution defines an illegal vote as one cast by a felon, a person declared mentally incompetent, or multiple votes cast by a single person. It also notes that an illegal vote is not a vote cast by improperly registered voters who were not properly challenged under the law. Republicans will call some votes illegal (cast by felons or on behalf of deceased -- actually a person voted twice) and that errors in registration could have been avoided.
My take: The Seattle Times found 129 felons who voted just in King and Pierce counties. Some of those felons never knew they weren't supposed to be able to vote. The state is supposed to notify a county auditor when a felon has voting rights removed or restored. It's not perfect, aiuditors say, because of delays in processing and because people move around. Therefore, that's an error in registration, not an illegal vote -- an error in registration that should have been challenged during canvassing, not after certification. Basically, it is a horrible thing to know that some ballots were cast by people who should not have cast them, but it's too late to go back. There is not evidence of widespread fraud, and we don't know for certain that the erroneous ballots would have changed the outcome.
Final thoughts: The court does not have the authority to do what is being requested. The Legislature does (and we know the Demos control both houses, so there will be no revote if they have anything to say about it). Even if the court decides it does have the jurisdiction, and let;s say Judge Bridges buys all the Republican arguments, I think the ultimate question regarding power of "equity" is this: Is a revote the appropriate solution? Just because we do the election again, it won't make things perfect. We don't guarantee perfection. This was not a "messy" election -- it was a fair election that was just very, very close, so we see how much every small factor matters. Judge Bridges is known for making decisions without a lot of delay. His entire day is available, but I would not be surprised to see a decision before the end of business. If the hearing continues late into the afternoon, I'll try to get down there. Expect an update from me by Saturday.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
I want to emphasize that while Mr. Speidel represents the Democrats in this case, he did not speak at the club meeting trying to advocate a position. He spoke to educate the students who will attend a portion of the proceedings Friday. He was fair and informative.
Feb. 4 will be a historic day. This is already the closest governor's race in state and national history. It would be the first time a governor's election would be set aside. Regardless of the outcome in Chelan County, the loser will appeal to the state Supreme Court.
The four main issues:
Subject Matter Jurisdiction: The issue is whether the courts have jurisdiction to hear contests in the election for governor or whether the Legislature has exclusive jurisdiction. The state constitution, Article III, section 1, defines the state offices, including governor. Section 4 states, "Contested elections for such officers shall be decided by the legislature in such a manner as shall be determined by law." Apparently about a dozen other states have similar language. Democrats say this means that only the Legislature has jurisdiction over statewide office contests and that "by law" means that the Legislature can sit as a court and hold a trial with legal proceedings (depositions, witnesses, etc.).
My take: The state constitution seems clear to me -- the Legislature gets to decide contests for statewide office. No court can rule here. The counterargument is that the judicial power of "equity" -- to right a wrong -- is specifically delegated to a Superior Court (each county). So which part of the constitution is more powerful?
The next three issues all assume that a court finds it does have jurisdiction.
Venue: The issue is whether Chelan County Superior Court is the appropriate court to hear this case. Mr. Speidel explained that an affadavit was filed in Chelan County where four voters claimed they had been disenfranchised. The deadline for filing complaints and voter corrections (signature matches, etc.) was mid-November. All four in Chelan County were dated in December.
My take: There may be a case to make in another county but not here in Chelan County.
Relief: The issue is whether the Republicans and Rossi are entitled to a revote. The Republicans need to show that the proper remedy to the possible errors (they need to list those, too) is, in fact, a revote.
My take: See below.
Causes: The issue is what constitutes an "illegal vote." The constitution defines an illegal vote as one cast by a felon, a person declared mentally incompetent, or multiple votes cast by a single person. It also notes that an illegal vote is not a vote cast by improperly registered voters who were not properly challenged under the law. Republicans will call some votes illegal (cast by felons or on behalf of deceased -- actually a person voted twice) and that errors in registration could have been avoided.
My take: The Seattle Times found 129 felons who voted just in King and Pierce counties. Some of those felons never knew they weren't supposed to be able to vote. The state is supposed to notify a county auditor when a felon has voting rights removed or restored. It's not perfect, aiuditors say, because of delays in processing and because people move around. Therefore, that's an error in registration, not an illegal vote -- an error in registration that should have been challenged during canvassing, not after certification. Basically, it is a horrible thing to know that some ballots were cast by people who should not have cast them, but it's too late to go back. There is not evidence of widespread fraud, and we don't know for certain that the erroneous ballots would have changed the outcome.
Final thoughts: The court does not have the authority to do what is being requested. The Legislature does (and we know the Demos control both houses, so there will be no revote if they have anything to say about it). Even if the court decides it does have the jurisdiction, and let;s say Judge Bridges buys all the Republican arguments, I think the ultimate question regarding power of "equity" is this: Is a revote the appropriate solution? Just because we do the election again, it won't make things perfect. We don't guarantee perfection. This was not a "messy" election -- it was a fair election that was just very, very close, so we see how much every small factor matters. Judge Bridges is known for making decisions without a lot of delay. His entire day is available, but I would not be surprised to see a decision before the end of business. If the hearing continues late into the afternoon, I'll try to get down there. Expect an update from me by Saturday.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Monday, January 31, 2005
Teachable moment: The gubernatorial contest
Two teachers at school have capitalized on the historic moment this week of the hearing on whether the Nov. 2 election for governor should be set aside and a new election called.
Feb. 1, a local attorney who is a member of the legal team for the Democrats, will speak after school to the Political Awareness Club. He'll be explaining the proceedings and the cases each side is arguing. I suspect he'll also be emphasizing just why the Deomcrats are correct and the Republicans are not.
Then, Friday, these two teachers are taking their classes of highly capable students to court -- really the Chelan County Auditorium -- to witness some of the proceedings. (Coincidentally, one of the two teachers has been called for jury duty this week and may not be able to make the trip.) Apparently the spark for much of this came from a student, ChAt, who holds a special interest and a Republican point of view. Regardless of the outcome and how long the hearing lasts, these students are witnessing history: If the election is set aside, it will be the first time in the nation's history that a re-vote is called for governor.
More to come, for sure.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Feb. 1, a local attorney who is a member of the legal team for the Democrats, will speak after school to the Political Awareness Club. He'll be explaining the proceedings and the cases each side is arguing. I suspect he'll also be emphasizing just why the Deomcrats are correct and the Republicans are not.
Then, Friday, these two teachers are taking their classes of highly capable students to court -- really the Chelan County Auditorium -- to witness some of the proceedings. (Coincidentally, one of the two teachers has been called for jury duty this week and may not be able to make the trip.) Apparently the spark for much of this came from a student, ChAt, who holds a special interest and a Republican point of view. Regardless of the outcome and how long the hearing lasts, these students are witnessing history: If the election is set aside, it will be the first time in the nation's history that a re-vote is called for governor.
More to come, for sure.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
'Girlie, sometimes tough ain't enough.'
I don't think I have enough superlatives to describe my feelings after returning home just a few minutes ago from viewing "Million Dollar Baby" with Clint Eastwood, Hillary Swank and Morgan Freeman. Simply put, it is among the best films I have seen in several years.
Good film does more than just tell you a story. It inspires. It makes the viewer think. It stirs emotions. It lifts the spirit. It suspends the viewer's recognition of time and place and makes the viewer experience what the characters experience.
I went to this show expecting to see a good story with excellent acting. I left feeling satisfied -- satisfied about the performances, about the themes and about the message of the film. Clint Eastwood has crafted a movie of quality that has a message of loss and redemption, of dealing with guilt and personal demons, of taking a risk and taking a stand. The biblical allusions alone could keep an English teacher working for hours. To see a film with just one or two themes and messages or strong performances is an exception today; to see a film that combines rich performances with strong ideas is rare and deserving recognition.
I hope this picture receives many accolades. All those involved deserve it. Eastwood, Swank and Freeman are all nominated for Academy Awards, and the film is up for Best Picture of the Year. Eastwood has never been better, and I hope the Academy voters acknowledge that.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Good film does more than just tell you a story. It inspires. It makes the viewer think. It stirs emotions. It lifts the spirit. It suspends the viewer's recognition of time and place and makes the viewer experience what the characters experience.
I went to this show expecting to see a good story with excellent acting. I left feeling satisfied -- satisfied about the performances, about the themes and about the message of the film. Clint Eastwood has crafted a movie of quality that has a message of loss and redemption, of dealing with guilt and personal demons, of taking a risk and taking a stand. The biblical allusions alone could keep an English teacher working for hours. To see a film with just one or two themes and messages or strong performances is an exception today; to see a film that combines rich performances with strong ideas is rare and deserving recognition.
I hope this picture receives many accolades. All those involved deserve it. Eastwood, Swank and Freeman are all nominated for Academy Awards, and the film is up for Best Picture of the Year. Eastwood has never been better, and I hope the Academy voters acknowledge that.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
What's wrong with education Part II: What a zoo!
Well, today was the first day of the semester, and if the number of students iwth screwed-up schedules is any indication, the term is off to a rocky start.
School seemed to begin without troubles, but apparently that was just the calm before the storm. My prep period is second hour, and I stopped by the room used for schedule corrections and noticed the line outside the room contained about 30 people. I popped into the room just to get a sense of how many students' schedules needed immediate attention, and there must have been at least 60 students inside the room.
What is most maddening about the chaos at the beginning of the semester is not that some students need a schedule fix. Of course there will be problems -- students who failed a class and need a change, students whose interests have changed since requesting courses last year and so on. However, the process by which changes are made is frustrating. Seniors were helped today as were those students who had missing courses or duplicate courses scheduled. Tomorrow is the first of the month, so no changes will be made because officials need to conduct the enrollment count for state funds. Wednesdsay juniors get a chance to change schedules, Thursday is for sophomores, and Friday if for freshmen.
That means that a student is forced to sit through several days of a class they know they propbably will change -- and will mniss several days of a course they probably will add -- just because of the logistical problems.
My other main conern and rant has to do with the way the problem is approached. It seems perfectly acceptable that students will miss several days of class because the procedure is outlined that way. If I have a problem in my teaching or with my grades, I am expected to do whatever it takes -- how many extra hours it takes -- to complete the job because student learning is the top priority. However, the official attitude seems to be that if it can't be solved by 3 p.m. on the school day, then it has to wait until tomorrow -- no matter who else it affects.
It's frustrating to say the least. Here are a few numbers to help drive home the importance of being ready to start classes on the first day of the semester:
This semester is 89 days instead of 90 because of calendar convenience. Although school will be held for all 89 days, we won't meet each class 89 times this semester. We'll miss a few for the WASL and ITED tests in April; a few more will be shortened for assemblies; some classes won't meet for teaching because they'll be used to schedule for next year; and the finals week schedule eliminates a couple sessions, too. We don't have anywhere near the number of class sessions we should have, yet students are expected to learn more and we are expected to teach more.
It's all maddening.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
School seemed to begin without troubles, but apparently that was just the calm before the storm. My prep period is second hour, and I stopped by the room used for schedule corrections and noticed the line outside the room contained about 30 people. I popped into the room just to get a sense of how many students' schedules needed immediate attention, and there must have been at least 60 students inside the room.
What is most maddening about the chaos at the beginning of the semester is not that some students need a schedule fix. Of course there will be problems -- students who failed a class and need a change, students whose interests have changed since requesting courses last year and so on. However, the process by which changes are made is frustrating. Seniors were helped today as were those students who had missing courses or duplicate courses scheduled. Tomorrow is the first of the month, so no changes will be made because officials need to conduct the enrollment count for state funds. Wednesdsay juniors get a chance to change schedules, Thursday is for sophomores, and Friday if for freshmen.
That means that a student is forced to sit through several days of a class they know they propbably will change -- and will mniss several days of a course they probably will add -- just because of the logistical problems.
My other main conern and rant has to do with the way the problem is approached. It seems perfectly acceptable that students will miss several days of class because the procedure is outlined that way. If I have a problem in my teaching or with my grades, I am expected to do whatever it takes -- how many extra hours it takes -- to complete the job because student learning is the top priority. However, the official attitude seems to be that if it can't be solved by 3 p.m. on the school day, then it has to wait until tomorrow -- no matter who else it affects.
It's frustrating to say the least. Here are a few numbers to help drive home the importance of being ready to start classes on the first day of the semester:
This semester is 89 days instead of 90 because of calendar convenience. Although school will be held for all 89 days, we won't meet each class 89 times this semester. We'll miss a few for the WASL and ITED tests in April; a few more will be shortened for assemblies; some classes won't meet for teaching because they'll be used to schedule for next year; and the finals week schedule eliminates a couple sessions, too. We don't have anywhere near the number of class sessions we should have, yet students are expected to learn more and we are expected to teach more.
It's all maddening.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Sunday, January 30, 2005
Mr. Speaker, What's the State of the Union?
We get to find out Wednesday night.
The Bush Administration may have pulled off the political play of the week by successfully keeping speculation about the SOTU speech off the Sunday morning chat shows. I listened to "Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer" for a few hours Sunday and there was no mention of the pending address to a joint session of Congress. Instead, it was all glowing praise for the success of the election in Iraq.
My favorite part of the annual event is when the sergeant at arms announces the president: "Mr. Speaker, the President of the United STATES!" There could easily be some sort of game made of the number of times the president is interrupted by applause, if only Republicans stand or if Democrats do, too, and how many times GWB will say these words: freedom, liberty, democracy, and social security. I doubt he'll mention "privatization" or "screwing the next generation" in those terms, even though that's what he really means.
My current state is being sick, resulting in me being extra-cynical, so I will leave it there until after Wednesday night.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
The Bush Administration may have pulled off the political play of the week by successfully keeping speculation about the SOTU speech off the Sunday morning chat shows. I listened to "Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer" for a few hours Sunday and there was no mention of the pending address to a joint session of Congress. Instead, it was all glowing praise for the success of the election in Iraq.
My favorite part of the annual event is when the sergeant at arms announces the president: "Mr. Speaker, the President of the United STATES!" There could easily be some sort of game made of the number of times the president is interrupted by applause, if only Republicans stand or if Democrats do, too, and how many times GWB will say these words: freedom, liberty, democracy, and social security. I doubt he'll mention "privatization" or "screwing the next generation" in those terms, even though that's what he really means.
My current state is being sick, resulting in me being extra-cynical, so I will leave it there until after Wednesday night.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
I hate being sick
I knew it was coming. Last Tuesday, I had the slight tinge of feeling sick. I dismissed it as just the stresses of finals week coupled with the demands of my master's classes as they heated up. Thursday night I fell asleep on the couch for three hours, prompting a restless night of sleep. By Friday, I was definitely feeling sick.
Enter the pain medication. The Advil Liqui-Gels eliminated the sore throat pain and allowed me to have a pretty normal day. I was feeling no other symptoms. By Friday night, I was run down and then had another restless night. I hardly slept at all and got up roughly every hour to repeat the routine of sip of water, swallow painfully, check the clock, roll over. I decided I needed to get to the clinic to see what the problem was.
After a long drive home from Seattle and another long wait at the walk-in clinic, I found out that I have some sort of viral sore throat. The nurse said she had been seeing quite a bit of it. At least it is not strep throat (although that could be cured faster). Now I basically just have to "ride it out" for a few more days.
My kitchen counter looks like some sort of alchemist's lab with various home remedies and methods to mitigate the pain in my throat, including Chloraseptic spray, hard candies, Tang and salt to gargle. Tylenol PM made Saturday night a lot more bearable, and I think I have rounded the bend toward recovery. Probably another day of rest and not talking would be best, but I think I can bear being at school instead -- it is the first day of the new semester, and my absence would most likely just add to the confusion I already expect.
Of course, I could also be headed for a relapse. I hope not.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Enter the pain medication. The Advil Liqui-Gels eliminated the sore throat pain and allowed me to have a pretty normal day. I was feeling no other symptoms. By Friday night, I was run down and then had another restless night. I hardly slept at all and got up roughly every hour to repeat the routine of sip of water, swallow painfully, check the clock, roll over. I decided I needed to get to the clinic to see what the problem was.
After a long drive home from Seattle and another long wait at the walk-in clinic, I found out that I have some sort of viral sore throat. The nurse said she had been seeing quite a bit of it. At least it is not strep throat (although that could be cured faster). Now I basically just have to "ride it out" for a few more days.
My kitchen counter looks like some sort of alchemist's lab with various home remedies and methods to mitigate the pain in my throat, including Chloraseptic spray, hard candies, Tang and salt to gargle. Tylenol PM made Saturday night a lot more bearable, and I think I have rounded the bend toward recovery. Probably another day of rest and not talking would be best, but I think I can bear being at school instead -- it is the first day of the new semester, and my absence would most likely just add to the confusion I already expect.
Of course, I could also be headed for a relapse. I hope not.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Friday, January 28, 2005
"Hotel Rwanda" is the new "Schindler's List"
I went to see "Hotel Rwanda" this afternoon in Seattle with my friend The CIB. All I can say is "Wow!" This is one of the most moving cinema experiences I have had in many years. I experienced mixed emotions -- outrage at the world for not reacting sooner, shock at the tragedy, sadness for the loss.
Simply put, Don Cheadle is amazing, as are the other performances. Well, Nick Nolte was a bit off, but I can let that slide.
This movie should be shown as frequently as possible, to as many people as possible in order to spread the word about this historical travesty. If enough people make a request, it will open in wider release.
See it soon.
-- Seattle
Simply put, Don Cheadle is amazing, as are the other performances. Well, Nick Nolte was a bit off, but I can let that slide.
This movie should be shown as frequently as possible, to as many people as possible in order to spread the word about this historical travesty. If enough people make a request, it will open in wider release.
See it soon.
-- Seattle
Thursday, January 27, 2005
A face in the fighting
I received an e-mail today that prompted both good and bad emotional reaction. It was from a student I had in my class several years ago who, now in the U.S. Air Force, was headed to Iraq in a couple weeks. He had sent the e-mail to say that he was headed there and would try to stop by and say hi to me at school while he was though Wenatchee.
One line struck me hard: He said he was "mostly excited." Of course he was excited to be sent to a challenging new mission; he would also be in a dangerous environment with much greater risk than at the base in Tacoma.
I reacted with both pleasure and fear. I am so proud of the young serviceman he has become. This is a student who worked hard during high school, had his share of discipline situations and was pretty rough around the edges. His articulate message saying he wanted to come and visit me would make any teacher proud. At the same time, I fear for his safety while he is stationed in Iraq. Suddenly, all the nameless soldiers and marines deployed to Iraq have a face, one I know and can see only as a kid sitting two rows back in Freshman English.
I didn't tell him I am opposed to this war and the misdirected mission he will be assigned to implement. I'm not sure how that would go over. Just beneath the bravado of a young serviceman is the young man who has his doubts and questions the unknown.
I hope he and his company are safe and successful during their tour of duty, and I'll look forward to seeing him come home.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
One line struck me hard: He said he was "mostly excited." Of course he was excited to be sent to a challenging new mission; he would also be in a dangerous environment with much greater risk than at the base in Tacoma.
I reacted with both pleasure and fear. I am so proud of the young serviceman he has become. This is a student who worked hard during high school, had his share of discipline situations and was pretty rough around the edges. His articulate message saying he wanted to come and visit me would make any teacher proud. At the same time, I fear for his safety while he is stationed in Iraq. Suddenly, all the nameless soldiers and marines deployed to Iraq have a face, one I know and can see only as a kid sitting two rows back in Freshman English.
I didn't tell him I am opposed to this war and the misdirected mission he will be assigned to implement. I'm not sure how that would go over. Just beneath the bravado of a young serviceman is the young man who has his doubts and questions the unknown.
I hope he and his company are safe and successful during their tour of duty, and I'll look forward to seeing him come home.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Republicans think they've got it now
The Seattle Times is reporting that the state Republican Party has found more than 300 illegal votes in the Nov. 2 election. Full story
I still don't think it matters. The Democrats are right -- any improporieties needed to have been challenged during canvassing, before certification. It's too late. My prediction is a very short hearing Feb. 4 here in Wenatchee -- just long enough for Judge Bridges to throw the case out.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
I still don't think it matters. The Democrats are right -- any improporieties needed to have been challenged during canvassing, before certification. It's too late. My prediction is a very short hearing Feb. 4 here in Wenatchee -- just long enough for Judge Bridges to throw the case out.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
It's finally over -- a crappy week
I made the mistake of telling too many people about this online forum, so I can't go into details about just why this week was so crappy, but it was. And I am glad it is done. Suffice it to say that I started the week with newspaper layout night, which consumes a bunch of time; a very frustrating staff meeting; a negative situation with a yearbook picture, which I oppose to my very core; students and their end-of-semester course-failing situations (involving the alternative high school and also students who just did not do what they needed); me being just a slight bit sick; and an online class that is very complicated and has a workload that is going to kick my butt this semester.
So, I am taking a couple days off. After getting a much-needed haircut (always makes me feel better) I plan to spend some of the time at the movies in another city where I can forget the stresses of my job and school life. I also plan to spend some curled up on the couch reading, writing and watching stupid, fluffy movies. There may even be adult beverages involved.
Next week begins a new semester. If the total bedlam at the counseling office is an indication, most of the first week will be a complete waste of time because students will have schedule changes galore. It would be funny if it weren't so serious.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
So, I am taking a couple days off. After getting a much-needed haircut (always makes me feel better) I plan to spend some of the time at the movies in another city where I can forget the stresses of my job and school life. I also plan to spend some curled up on the couch reading, writing and watching stupid, fluffy movies. There may even be adult beverages involved.
Next week begins a new semester. If the total bedlam at the counseling office is an indication, most of the first week will be a complete waste of time because students will have schedule changes galore. It would be funny if it weren't so serious.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Wednesday, January 26, 2005
Suppressing the "conservative" voice in the school paper
A reader posted this comment to one of my other entries:
"I too, congradulate you on reaching the spectacular number of 90 issues. I am a student and enjoy reading certain parts The Apple Leaf. Therefore I am sorry about having to post a negative review. There is no denying the fact that this paper is turning severly liberal, which I have no doubt you commend. I believe this because you are a pronounced democrat yourself and probably push your political ideals mercilessly onto your poor, inocent students untill they break under the strain and become brainwashed liberals. Don't get me wrong, there are many articles in your paper that are still worth reading, and I apreciate these. It is a fact, however, that the annoying liberal students have a monopoly on the opinion section. It is okay for people to have their opinions, and they are placed in the appropriate spot, but either let some conservatives at the opinions section or obliterate it completely. I have had enough of a paper more than half of the student body is unable to enjoy.
Again, great work on maintaining the quality of our treasured paper."
I felt this was an issue that deserves its own strand of discussion, and I encourage people to sound off on this topic. I also encourage each person to post his or her name; it helps understand the context. I am reluctant to respond to someone who says he or she is a student (without knowing who it is), but here goes:
First, anyone who knows me or the philosophy of The Apple Leaf knows that I seek as much of an open forum as possible. That means I want to read as many different opinions and perspectives as space permits. I know the editors welcome letters and guest columns.
Second, I don't mandate or limit the topics that are addressed on the pages of the opinion section. The writers select their own topics. I help them develop their topic -- and I frequently try to guide them to an original topic instead of just expressing a duplicate of an earlier column from someone else. I sure as heck don't force my ideas or views on a writer, and I have not mercilessly pushed my views on poor unsuspecting students. That is ludicrous.
Third, the newspaper staff currently has some very outspoken students -- young writers who have intense political beliefs. Those beliefs, this year at least, tend to lean to the left of the political spectrum. However, past years have included numerous students -- top editors, even -- who have had "conservative" views. There are arfticulate and intelligent conservatives on the staff now. They each have the same opportunity for a commentary as anyone else on staff.
In conclusion, if you have something you want to say, come out in the open and say it.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
"I too, congradulate you on reaching the spectacular number of 90 issues. I am a student and enjoy reading certain parts The Apple Leaf. Therefore I am sorry about having to post a negative review. There is no denying the fact that this paper is turning severly liberal, which I have no doubt you commend. I believe this because you are a pronounced democrat yourself and probably push your political ideals mercilessly onto your poor, inocent students untill they break under the strain and become brainwashed liberals. Don't get me wrong, there are many articles in your paper that are still worth reading, and I apreciate these. It is a fact, however, that the annoying liberal students have a monopoly on the opinion section. It is okay for people to have their opinions, and they are placed in the appropriate spot, but either let some conservatives at the opinions section or obliterate it completely. I have had enough of a paper more than half of the student body is unable to enjoy.
Again, great work on maintaining the quality of our treasured paper."
I felt this was an issue that deserves its own strand of discussion, and I encourage people to sound off on this topic. I also encourage each person to post his or her name; it helps understand the context. I am reluctant to respond to someone who says he or she is a student (without knowing who it is), but here goes:
First, anyone who knows me or the philosophy of The Apple Leaf knows that I seek as much of an open forum as possible. That means I want to read as many different opinions and perspectives as space permits. I know the editors welcome letters and guest columns.
Second, I don't mandate or limit the topics that are addressed on the pages of the opinion section. The writers select their own topics. I help them develop their topic -- and I frequently try to guide them to an original topic instead of just expressing a duplicate of an earlier column from someone else. I sure as heck don't force my ideas or views on a writer, and I have not mercilessly pushed my views on poor unsuspecting students. That is ludicrous.
Third, the newspaper staff currently has some very outspoken students -- young writers who have intense political beliefs. Those beliefs, this year at least, tend to lean to the left of the political spectrum. However, past years have included numerous students -- top editors, even -- who have had "conservative" views. There are arfticulate and intelligent conservatives on the staff now. They each have the same opportunity for a commentary as anyone else on staff.
In conclusion, if you have something you want to say, come out in the open and say it.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Monday, January 24, 2005
Funny, I don't feel 90
As usual, every third Monday night is layout night for the newspaper, The Apple Leaf. Tonight was a pretty seamless operation. I told the group of editors as I walked out the door with them at about 8:30 p.m. that this was one of the best issues in the last several years from top to bottom. I think that every page has something good on it. Sure, the last few years have had some pretty spectacular issues with a nice centerpiece section, a cool commentary or a great feature, but Volume 88, Issue 6 is as solid as it gets. With just 20 students on staff, it's even more remarkable.
And it was pretty cool that it was the 90th edition I have advised since 1997. That's a lot of late nights; third, fourth and fifth drafts; trips through the drive-thru; red pens; and times I've yelled "Get to work!" Now, things pretty much run themselves. That's a good feeling.
It's not that any of my previous students were better or worse, just that they had different experiences and talents and worked with me in a different time. I've learned a lot these past 90 issues, and I hope I keep learning.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
And it was pretty cool that it was the 90th edition I have advised since 1997. That's a lot of late nights; third, fourth and fifth drafts; trips through the drive-thru; red pens; and times I've yelled "Get to work!" Now, things pretty much run themselves. That's a good feeling.
It's not that any of my previous students were better or worse, just that they had different experiences and talents and worked with me in a different time. I've learned a lot these past 90 issues, and I hope I keep learning.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
I don't know anyone who would buy these
If you can tolerate some stupid and distasteful stuff, check out this site: The Nut Shop
I come from a small town with farming roots, and I am pretty sure no one I know would attach one of these plastic items to his or her vehicle. Come on. I do know several people who would find these absolutely hilarious, including most of my male students. This is the perfect gag gift -- something everyone wants to buy and laugh about but that no one with any self-respect would ever install.
Ugh.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
I come from a small town with farming roots, and I am pretty sure no one I know would attach one of these plastic items to his or her vehicle. Come on. I do know several people who would find these absolutely hilarious, including most of my male students. This is the perfect gag gift -- something everyone wants to buy and laugh about but that no one with any self-respect would ever install.
Ugh.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Cool Blog Alert: Vestal Vespa
Now here's a gal who thinks like me. Well, at least we share a lot of beliefs in common. Check it out at Vestal Vespa.
I was particularly amused by the posts "Gross" and "Freakin' Weird". Funny stuff. Funny stuff.
I was particularly amused by the posts "Gross" and "Freakin' Weird". Funny stuff. Funny stuff.
My life, my Blog
To all of the readers out there in Cyberspace:
Thanks for reading. I get an e-mail message every time someone posts a comment to the Blog, so I do read everything that is left here. I want to make it clear that I really enjoy and appreciate the many comments. If you feel like it, please do leave your name and home town -- just for context purposes. I promise I won't hold your comments against you!
As for the visitor who suggested that I include more personal, diary-type entries, I think I am happy with the direction of the Blog so far. No one really wants to know what I had for breakfast or that I just came in from setting the recycling at the end of the driveway. I'm not as compulsive as former Florida Sen. Bob Graham for goodness sake.
That said, I realize I have been very focused on politics and work-related items. Those are my interests, so I expect they'll continue. But I'll try to add some other stuff, too.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Thanks for reading. I get an e-mail message every time someone posts a comment to the Blog, so I do read everything that is left here. I want to make it clear that I really enjoy and appreciate the many comments. If you feel like it, please do leave your name and home town -- just for context purposes. I promise I won't hold your comments against you!
As for the visitor who suggested that I include more personal, diary-type entries, I think I am happy with the direction of the Blog so far. No one really wants to know what I had for breakfast or that I just came in from setting the recycling at the end of the driveway. I'm not as compulsive as former Florida Sen. Bob Graham for goodness sake.
That said, I realize I have been very focused on politics and work-related items. Those are my interests, so I expect they'll continue. But I'll try to add some other stuff, too.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Sunday, January 23, 2005
The gubernatorial election plot thickens
Information reported in The Seattle Times Jan. 23 adds a shocking new wrinkle to the Nov. 2, 2004, election. The Times reports that 129 felons apparently voted in the election -- just in King and Pierce counties. In a remarkable coincidence, that is exactly the margin of victory of Gov. Gregoire over her opponent, former state Sen. Dino Rossi, in the election.
Read all about it here.
So, according to a comment posted by a reader of this Blog, the straws the Republicans have been grasping have become more sturdy. I agree to a certain extent. However, the Democrats interpret the state law this way: The petitioners will have to show not just that the votes could have resulted in a change in victor (because the number of disputed votes could potentially have changed the outcome). Instead, they must show that the votes would change the outcome. Furthermore, the Dems maintain that the voting by felons is a registration error that should have been challenged before the election was certified in each county. Now, it's a done deal.
As for felons voting, let's also keep from pointing fingers at the winning party. Plenty of these folks voted for Rossi, and there are errors such as these in every election in every county. There should be a reform of the procedures, for certain, but we can't undo results simply because we think the results could have been changed.
I say it's still not enough to overturn the election. The person who posted a comment here earlier also said that Gov. Gregoire could end all this by, one, calling for a revote, and, two, appointing 49.99 percent Repoublicans to her administration. Are you kidding? That is absurd. I did not expect President Bush to do that when he took office, and I would not expect Rossi to do so if he were in Gov. Gregoire's position. It simply does not work that way. Period.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Read all about it here.
So, according to a comment posted by a reader of this Blog, the straws the Republicans have been grasping have become more sturdy. I agree to a certain extent. However, the Democrats interpret the state law this way: The petitioners will have to show not just that the votes could have resulted in a change in victor (because the number of disputed votes could potentially have changed the outcome). Instead, they must show that the votes would change the outcome. Furthermore, the Dems maintain that the voting by felons is a registration error that should have been challenged before the election was certified in each county. Now, it's a done deal.
As for felons voting, let's also keep from pointing fingers at the winning party. Plenty of these folks voted for Rossi, and there are errors such as these in every election in every county. There should be a reform of the procedures, for certain, but we can't undo results simply because we think the results could have been changed.
I say it's still not enough to overturn the election. The person who posted a comment here earlier also said that Gov. Gregoire could end all this by, one, calling for a revote, and, two, appointing 49.99 percent Repoublicans to her administration. Are you kidding? That is absurd. I did not expect President Bush to do that when he took office, and I would not expect Rossi to do so if he were in Gov. Gregoire's position. It simply does not work that way. Period.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Friday, January 21, 2005
Powell says seeya to FCC
From The New York Times:
F.C.C. Officials Say Chairman Plans to Resign Today
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: January 21, 2005
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael K. Powell plans to step down, an agency official said Friday.
Powell, who maintained a light regulatory hand as the nation's chief media watchdog but collected some of the largest indecency fines against U.S. broadcasters, plans to issue a statement but was not expected to hold a formal news conference, this official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Powell, the son of departing Secretary of State Colin Powell, does not plan to immediately step down, said the official. However, he will leave soon.
-- I say good riddance.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
F.C.C. Officials Say Chairman Plans to Resign Today
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: January 21, 2005
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael K. Powell plans to step down, an agency official said Friday.
Powell, who maintained a light regulatory hand as the nation's chief media watchdog but collected some of the largest indecency fines against U.S. broadcasters, plans to issue a statement but was not expected to hold a formal news conference, this official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Powell, the son of departing Secretary of State Colin Powell, does not plan to immediately step down, said the official. However, he will leave soon.
-- I say good riddance.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Take the WASL early!
The Seattle Times reports that the state superintendent of public instruction will allow freshmen to take the state's proficiency test, the Washington Assessment of Student Learning, a year ahead of schedule, beginning next year.
Although Superintendent Terry Bergeson sees the opportunity as a way for students to practice the test, if a student passes any of the four areas, he or she would not be required to take those portions in Grade 10.
Read more including about the level of proficiency being deliberated now and options for repeating the test by those who don't pass with the first attempt.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Although Superintendent Terry Bergeson sees the opportunity as a way for students to practice the test, if a student passes any of the four areas, he or she would not be required to take those portions in Grade 10.
Read more including about the level of proficiency being deliberated now and options for repeating the test by those who don't pass with the first attempt.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Thursday, January 20, 2005
Governor election court case opens with a whimper
According to The Wenatchee World, the opening hearing of the case to determine whether the election for governor should be set aside and a new election ordered opened without much excitement. The hearing had been moved to the Chelan County Auditorium to accommodate the throng of spectators that had apparently been anticipated. The World reported that, at most, 60 people attended. The reporters from all sorts of newspapers around the state and television reporters from at least four stations also were present. I heard, but did not confirm, that former state Sen. Dino Rossi, also the former governor-elect, was in Wenatchee, but I doubt he attended the hearing; he peobably just met with some supporters.
The World indicated that a full report would be in Friday's paper because of a morning press deadline. KING-TV reported that a follow-up hearing would be in two weeks.
And so we wait.
--Wenatchee, Wash.
The World indicated that a full report would be in Friday's paper because of a morning press deadline. KING-TV reported that a follow-up hearing would be in two weeks.
And so we wait.
--Wenatchee, Wash.
Bush's Second Inaugural -- My Highlights
Well, a raspy-voiced Chief Justice William Rehnquist swore in George W. Busg for a second term today. I note he added the line "So help me God" at the end, which is not part of the official oath but hasa been customarily added since George Washington did so.
I caught most of the speech this morning live, and I've pieced together the rest from news coverage. I noticed:
Bush had a great line about race: "And our country must abandon all the habits of racism, because we cannot carry the message of freedom and the baggage of bigotry at the same time." In an ironic twist, the camera panned the audience -- a sea of white faces.
Read the complete text here.
Near the end of the speech, applause erupted from the crowd assembled below the platform. President Bush, looking slightly started that a line had garnered that much applause -- it was slightly out of place at that point -- paused for about a half second. The camera cut to the audience, and law enforcement officers moved across the screen. This from The Washington Post: "Those who came to celebrate Bush's second term weren't about to let anyone ruin their day. When the president neared the end of his inaugural address, several women stood up from seats in front of him and began shouting anti-Bush slogans. As security guards moved in, a man in suit and tie rolled up a snowball and hit one of the women in the face. The crowd stood and cheered."
A colleague noted today that the theme of the speech was American liberty and freedom. This at the same time protestors were corralled well away from the Capitol and the tightest security ever resulted in searches and other restrictions.
One of the "entertainment" pieces was a rendition of "Eagles Soar," a song written by John Ashcroft, the so-called "Singing Senator." At least he didn't sing that dreadful ditty himself.
It's all downhill from here, folks. Let's get on with it.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
I caught most of the speech this morning live, and I've pieced together the rest from news coverage. I noticed:
Bush had a great line about race: "And our country must abandon all the habits of racism, because we cannot carry the message of freedom and the baggage of bigotry at the same time." In an ironic twist, the camera panned the audience -- a sea of white faces.
Read the complete text here.
Near the end of the speech, applause erupted from the crowd assembled below the platform. President Bush, looking slightly started that a line had garnered that much applause -- it was slightly out of place at that point -- paused for about a half second. The camera cut to the audience, and law enforcement officers moved across the screen. This from The Washington Post: "Those who came to celebrate Bush's second term weren't about to let anyone ruin their day. When the president neared the end of his inaugural address, several women stood up from seats in front of him and began shouting anti-Bush slogans. As security guards moved in, a man in suit and tie rolled up a snowball and hit one of the women in the face. The crowd stood and cheered."
A colleague noted today that the theme of the speech was American liberty and freedom. This at the same time protestors were corralled well away from the Capitol and the tightest security ever resulted in searches and other restrictions.
One of the "entertainment" pieces was a rendition of "Eagles Soar," a song written by John Ashcroft, the so-called "Singing Senator." At least he didn't sing that dreadful ditty himself.
It's all downhill from here, folks. Let's get on with it.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Wednesday, January 19, 2005
Rice to be confirmed after thorough grilling
My hero this week for being the standard-bearer of the Democrat Party: Sen. Barbara Boxer of California. Man, did she give Dr. Condoleeza Rice the what-for this week during Rice's confirmation hearing to be Secretary of State. More...
Boxer held Rice accountable for having a distorted view of the truth. She and Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts were the two votes against her in the committee; both strongly oppose President Bush's strategy in the war in Iraq. Sixteen other voted for Rice. Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware, the committee's ranking Democrat, reluctantly voted for her, but also admonished her to come back and be honest and to avoid listening to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld because "he doesn't know what the hell he's talking about." Biden was referring to the rosy picture painted by the Pentagon about how many Iraqi troops had been trained to replace American soldiers. Biden said the number was far fewer than was being reported.
Other Senate Democrats said they would attempt to delay the floor vote on Rice's nomination until late Thursady evening, when inauguration parties commenced, hoping Republicans would rather adjourn and get to the partying.
Another bright spot this week was the delay of the committee vote on Alberto Gonzales as attorney general. Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts placed a one-week hold on the vote until Gonzales asnwered questions to the satisfaction of the committee's minority Democrats.
As a snub to the president, it could be that neither of these high-profile cabinet members would be able to assume their jobs when the president begins his second term. Perhaps the Democrats are finding their backbone again and will emerge from the 2004 election as a true opposition party.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Boxer held Rice accountable for having a distorted view of the truth. She and Sen. John Kerry of Massachusetts were the two votes against her in the committee; both strongly oppose President Bush's strategy in the war in Iraq. Sixteen other voted for Rice. Sen. Joseph Biden of Delaware, the committee's ranking Democrat, reluctantly voted for her, but also admonished her to come back and be honest and to avoid listening to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld because "he doesn't know what the hell he's talking about." Biden was referring to the rosy picture painted by the Pentagon about how many Iraqi troops had been trained to replace American soldiers. Biden said the number was far fewer than was being reported.
Other Senate Democrats said they would attempt to delay the floor vote on Rice's nomination until late Thursady evening, when inauguration parties commenced, hoping Republicans would rather adjourn and get to the partying.
Another bright spot this week was the delay of the committee vote on Alberto Gonzales as attorney general. Sen. Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts placed a one-week hold on the vote until Gonzales asnwered questions to the satisfaction of the committee's minority Democrats.
As a snub to the president, it could be that neither of these high-profile cabinet members would be able to assume their jobs when the president begins his second term. Perhaps the Democrats are finding their backbone again and will emerge from the 2004 election as a true opposition party.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Jan. 20, 2005, is a BIG day in electoral politics
Thursday, Jan. 20 is a big day when it comes to the election results. George W. Bush will be inaugurated for the second and final time at noon, Eastern time. Meanwhile, about 30 minutes earlier, here in Wenatchee at 8:30 a.m. Pacific time, Chelan County Superior Court Judge John Bridges will hear a request from Republicans to speed up the time period for finding information in the case to set aside the election because of how it was conducted. The state Democrat and Libertarian parties have joined the suit as defendants, by the way.
The Republicans allege that ballots were mishandled, that votes were cast illegally by prisoners or by those who were deceased, and that provisional ballots were improperly included in the tally before the voter's registration could be validated.
According to The Wenatchee World, Judge Bridges will consider allowing some of the 39 Washington counties to leave the lawsuit as well as House Speaker Frank Chopp and Lt. Gov. Brad Owen, who are in the midst of the 105-day legislative session. A timeline will also be set. We could be luck, of course, and Judge Bridges could dismiss the whole thing. I doubt it.
Stay tuned, folks. Bush II: The Next Chapter begins Thursday, and Washington Election 2004.2 -- Rossi's Revenge -- moves forward. More to come, fer shure.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
The Republicans allege that ballots were mishandled, that votes were cast illegally by prisoners or by those who were deceased, and that provisional ballots were improperly included in the tally before the voter's registration could be validated.
According to The Wenatchee World, Judge Bridges will consider allowing some of the 39 Washington counties to leave the lawsuit as well as House Speaker Frank Chopp and Lt. Gov. Brad Owen, who are in the midst of the 105-day legislative session. A timeline will also be set. We could be luck, of course, and Judge Bridges could dismiss the whole thing. I doubt it.
Stay tuned, folks. Bush II: The Next Chapter begins Thursday, and Washington Election 2004.2 -- Rossi's Revenge -- moves forward. More to come, fer shure.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
New movie from JibJab
Those funny satirists are at it again. The special Inauguration edition JibJab movie is now available. It's called "Second Term."
When I tried, it did not stream fully and some of the animation froze. That was probably due to heavy traffic, since I saw the site was featured on "The Tonight Show."
Regardless, I think it's great.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
When I tried, it did not stream fully and some of the animation froze. That was probably due to heavy traffic, since I saw the site was featured on "The Tonight Show."
Regardless, I think it's great.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
The new SAT writing test is on the horizon, and it will kick most students' butts
The March 12 SAT will ask students to respond to a prompt and in just 25 minutes create a logical argument supported with evidence.
I participated in a similar test when I took the GRE last summer. My assessment: It will really shock some of our students because they have not been asked to much like this in classes. That's not a problem. We can prepare them by adding similar situations -- in prompt, test format and assessment -- in our classes. And, I don't think we'll sacrifice anything by "teaching to the test."
Read more
I participated in a similar test when I took the GRE last summer. My assessment: It will really shock some of our students because they have not been asked to much like this in classes. That's not a problem. We can prepare them by adding similar situations -- in prompt, test format and assessment -- in our classes. And, I don't think we'll sacrifice anything by "teaching to the test."
Read more
Monday, January 17, 2005
Freezing rain encrusts town
After I switched off the movie earlier this evening, I heard a slight tapping outside. I discovered that a storm of freezing rain had created a crust about one-quarter-inch thick atop the light, fluffy snow accumulated on the ground here.
I recall playing with this ice layer when I was a kid. I'd see if I could scoop out the snow beneath the ice and then just play around as kids will do. I also remember, when I lived in New Hampsire, that a colleague of mine from the school used the frozen crust to joke with her father. He slammed a brittle sheet of ice against his head, pretending it was "stunt glass." No wounds were evident.
At this point, due to the slick roads, I wonder if the schools' start time will be delayed at all. It could be a real challenge to the transportation department and to parents bringing their children to school. We'll see.
Update: Tuesday morning at 5:55, the phone rang, and I knew exactly what it was -- two-hour delay. Yes!
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
I recall playing with this ice layer when I was a kid. I'd see if I could scoop out the snow beneath the ice and then just play around as kids will do. I also remember, when I lived in New Hampsire, that a colleague of mine from the school used the frozen crust to joke with her father. He slammed a brittle sheet of ice against his head, pretending it was "stunt glass." No wounds were evident.
At this point, due to the slick roads, I wonder if the schools' start time will be delayed at all. It could be a real challenge to the transportation department and to parents bringing their children to school. We'll see.
Update: Tuesday morning at 5:55, the phone rang, and I knew exactly what it was -- two-hour delay. Yes!
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Wednesday, January 12, 2005
The Joint Chiefs
For a bit more than two years, I've called the social studies teachers at my school the Joint Chiefs. I don't have a particular reason why I call them the Joint Chiefs -- something along the lines of aqll sharing power and eachthinking he is the head dude. At lunch, they guys sit around in their cluster of desks and debate the issues of the day. Each has a different perspective, and sometimes things get a bit heated. Not often, but sometimes.
This school year, I began eating my lunch with the Joint Chiefs. The election campaigns of the autumn provided daily fodder, and the Washington governor's race is still a topic from time to time. Of course, we also talk about any issue that's in the news or buzzing around school from Jon Stewart to the despised policy of the week.
It's a fun group, and there's a lot of give and take. Usually a few laughs, too.
I use some of the lunchtime discussions as the beginnings of postings for here, and lately, I have taken to saying "I just wrote about that on my blog last night." Some of the Chiefs don't know how to get to a blog, but they smile and nod anyway.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
This school year, I began eating my lunch with the Joint Chiefs. The election campaigns of the autumn provided daily fodder, and the Washington governor's race is still a topic from time to time. Of course, we also talk about any issue that's in the news or buzzing around school from Jon Stewart to the despised policy of the week.
It's a fun group, and there's a lot of give and take. Usually a few laughs, too.
I use some of the lunchtime discussions as the beginnings of postings for here, and lately, I have taken to saying "I just wrote about that on my blog last night." Some of the Chiefs don't know how to get to a blog, but they smile and nod anyway.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Another blog?
Two girl students of mine (one current and one formerly in my class) told me today that they thought I needed some outlet, so they set up a site for me on LiveJournal.com. I told them I already had a blog, but I promised to check out what they chose. Gotta admit, that's sweet, especially seeing the name they chose and the password. Hilarious. They know me too well.
Bless their hearts. But I am happy here, thanks. I mean, really: Do I need to be able to indicate my current mood and the song I'm listening to? Nope.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Bless their hearts. But I am happy here, thanks. I mean, really: Do I need to be able to indicate my current mood and the song I'm listening to? Nope.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
As of Wednesday, Jan. 12: Governor Gregoire -- but maybe not for long
Sometime mid-day, Christine Gregoire, a Democrat and three-term attorney general, will be sworn in as Washington state's 22d governor, just the second woman ever to serve in the post.
Repoublicans, meanwhile, are absolutely grasping at any straw in an attempt to convince a Chelan County Superior Court judge that this election should be set aside and a new one held. Regardless of that decision, the loser will likely appeal to the state Supreme Court (see more below). Also, it has been revealed that Dale Foreman, a Wenatchee attorney who had served as state House Republican leader and a 1996 primary candidate for governor, has been advising the Rossi campaign and the state Republicans. Apparently he convinced Republicans to file the case in Chelan County. I'm sure Clyde Ballard, the retired House speaker from East Wenatchee, had a hand in some of this as well.
The Seattle Times reported some trouble with the delivery of ballots to military members serving overseas. The ballots were mailed in October, after intense pressure and threat of a lawsuit by the U.S. Department of Justice to get a move on. Still, one soldier in Iraq complained that the ballot was finally delivered and was partially burned because of an attack on the delivery truck. I expect the Republicans to now blame an insurgent attack on the King County Elections Department.
To those who say the state can't afford a new election: A letter from a Republican activist in Douglas County printed in The Wenatchee World Jan. 11 reminds readers that the state saved $4 million by cancelling its presidential primary last winter. It had been determined that the primary was meaningless because the parties were allocating delegates from caucuses.
The state Supreme Court seated a new member Monday as well as a two who were re-elected. One, Richard Sanders, had been absent during the two cases since Nov. 2 dealing with this election. One decision was against the Democrats and one against the Republicans; both were unanimous. Sanders apparently is a libertarian who leans conservative. The new justice, Jim Johnson, is very conservative, though he apparently has bucked the state Republicans. However, he was introduced Monday by former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton, for whom Sanders worked for 10 years when Gorton was state attorney general. Gorton called for a new election last week and has been a vocal Dino Rossi supporter since November.
The new crazy-but-not-impossible scenario: Gregoire is inaugurated Wednesday. The losers of the Chelan County Superior Court case appeal to the state Supreme Court. The Supreme Court sets aside the election and calls for a new election. Gov. Gregoire campigns as governor (can this be called running for re-election?). Or would she be removed from office and Lt. Gov. Brad Owen serve as governor? What if he wants to run? Then imagine if we have a virtual tie again or if Rossi should win convincingly? Imagine the power struggle with Gov. Gregoire, Acting Gov. Owen and Gov.-Elect Rossi! My goodness, but Washington would blast Florida right off the map as electoral laughing stock. In fact, Ukraine and several banana republics would look more stable than Washington.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Repoublicans, meanwhile, are absolutely grasping at any straw in an attempt to convince a Chelan County Superior Court judge that this election should be set aside and a new one held. Regardless of that decision, the loser will likely appeal to the state Supreme Court (see more below). Also, it has been revealed that Dale Foreman, a Wenatchee attorney who had served as state House Republican leader and a 1996 primary candidate for governor, has been advising the Rossi campaign and the state Republicans. Apparently he convinced Republicans to file the case in Chelan County. I'm sure Clyde Ballard, the retired House speaker from East Wenatchee, had a hand in some of this as well.
The Seattle Times reported some trouble with the delivery of ballots to military members serving overseas. The ballots were mailed in October, after intense pressure and threat of a lawsuit by the U.S. Department of Justice to get a move on. Still, one soldier in Iraq complained that the ballot was finally delivered and was partially burned because of an attack on the delivery truck. I expect the Republicans to now blame an insurgent attack on the King County Elections Department.
To those who say the state can't afford a new election: A letter from a Republican activist in Douglas County printed in The Wenatchee World Jan. 11 reminds readers that the state saved $4 million by cancelling its presidential primary last winter. It had been determined that the primary was meaningless because the parties were allocating delegates from caucuses.
The state Supreme Court seated a new member Monday as well as a two who were re-elected. One, Richard Sanders, had been absent during the two cases since Nov. 2 dealing with this election. One decision was against the Democrats and one against the Republicans; both were unanimous. Sanders apparently is a libertarian who leans conservative. The new justice, Jim Johnson, is very conservative, though he apparently has bucked the state Republicans. However, he was introduced Monday by former U.S. Sen. Slade Gorton, for whom Sanders worked for 10 years when Gorton was state attorney general. Gorton called for a new election last week and has been a vocal Dino Rossi supporter since November.
The new crazy-but-not-impossible scenario: Gregoire is inaugurated Wednesday. The losers of the Chelan County Superior Court case appeal to the state Supreme Court. The Supreme Court sets aside the election and calls for a new election. Gov. Gregoire campigns as governor (can this be called running for re-election?). Or would she be removed from office and Lt. Gov. Brad Owen serve as governor? What if he wants to run? Then imagine if we have a virtual tie again or if Rossi should win convincingly? Imagine the power struggle with Gov. Gregoire, Acting Gov. Owen and Gov.-Elect Rossi! My goodness, but Washington would blast Florida right off the map as electoral laughing stock. In fact, Ukraine and several banana republics would look more stable than Washington.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Others' thoughts on solving education
In my random blog-clicking adventure tonight, I came across this site, which is interesting because of its group-post format and because the toipic turned to education reform.
Check it out: Blog Spectrum
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Check it out: Blog Spectrum
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Saturday, January 08, 2005
Saturday's all right with me
Ahh, Saturday.
Woke early because of the light reflecting off all the light and fluffy snow outside. Watched a bit of morning news and slept on the couch for another hour.
Back at home this afternoon, I listened to a new CD and watched the snow outside. CD is "Simon and Garfunkel: Old Friends." It is a two-disc recording of their concert tour last year. I attended the Seattle concert, so it is especially enjoyable.
The snow is the dry powder that the skiers enjoy so much. I shoveled the driveway twice yesterday. The grater finally cleared the street this morning, and a neighbor with a snowblower was nice enough to clear much of the cul-de-sac, including the piles blocking driveway access to the street.
Snow, Simon and Garfunkel and a nice neighbor. It's a good Saturday.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Woke early because of the light reflecting off all the light and fluffy snow outside. Watched a bit of morning news and slept on the couch for another hour.
Back at home this afternoon, I listened to a new CD and watched the snow outside. CD is "Simon and Garfunkel: Old Friends." It is a two-disc recording of their concert tour last year. I attended the Seattle concert, so it is especially enjoyable.
The snow is the dry powder that the skiers enjoy so much. I shoveled the driveway twice yesterday. The grater finally cleared the street this morning, and a neighbor with a snowblower was nice enough to clear much of the cul-de-sac, including the piles blocking driveway access to the street.
Snow, Simon and Garfunkel and a nice neighbor. It's a good Saturday.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Ground Zero in the Washington governor contest
Wenatchee and Chelan County are now at the center of those who are contesting the election for governor of Washington. That election was eight weeks ago. The basics:
Keep in mind that a new election is just that -- a new election, not a re-vote of the same candidates. Anyone would be eligible to run. Gregoire would be able to run as governor if, in fact, she is sworn in Jan. 12. And the Democrat-controlled legislature is unlikely to stop that.
My take: Gregoire won. Or at least we think she did. No election is perfect. There is not much in the way that is compelling to support setting aside the Nov. 2 election. What makes anyone think a second election would be any more clear?
And so we wait and watch history in the making, right here in Chelan County.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
- The Nov. 2 ballots were counted, and the Republican candidate, state Sen. Dino Rossi, won by 261 votes. That triggered an automatic machine recount.
- Rossi won the machine recount by just 42 votes. Democrat candidate Christine Gregoire, the 12-year attorney general, sought a hand recount. The Democrats paid for it, knowing that if the results changed, the state woulf refund the money.
- Gregoire won the hand recount by 129 votes, including some votes from a set of almost 800 ballots in King County that had previously uncounted. Even without the King County votes, which were allowed to be counted by the state Supreme Court, Gregoire led by 10 votes.
- Secretary of State Sam Reed, a Republican, certified Gregoire the winner on Dec. 20. She is set to be inaugurated Jan. 12. Meanwhile, Reed has been chastised by his fellow Republicans for not doing more to help Rossi.
- Rossi and other prominent Republicans (notably Ralph Munro, former secretary of state, and Slade Gorton, a U.S. senator who lost a 2000 re-election by a very slim margin) have called for a new election. State law allows this if fraud or other improprieties can be determined in court.
Keep in mind that a new election is just that -- a new election, not a re-vote of the same candidates. Anyone would be eligible to run. Gregoire would be able to run as governor if, in fact, she is sworn in Jan. 12. And the Democrat-controlled legislature is unlikely to stop that.
My take: Gregoire won. Or at least we think she did. No election is perfect. There is not much in the way that is compelling to support setting aside the Nov. 2 election. What makes anyone think a second election would be any more clear?
And so we wait and watch history in the making, right here in Chelan County.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Outrage in the Bush "Education" Department
Some senator or representative ought to call for a name change over at the U.S. Department of Education. Please change it to the Department of Propaganda. (Oh, wait, we already have that at the Department of Defense.)
I discovered this outrage Jan. 7 when I learned that the Education Department had paid a black commentator $240,000 to support the so-called "No Child Left Behind" Act (really called the far-less-rosy Elementary and Secondary Education Act). Even more outrageous: He said he supported the law anyway. I don't know if it is worse that the government paid him or that he would have said nice things about the flawed law even without the quarter-mil.
Finally, we don't have the money to fully fund the law, but I guess we have the money to pay people to say they like it.
Read the full story here.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
I discovered this outrage Jan. 7 when I learned that the Education Department had paid a black commentator $240,000 to support the so-called "No Child Left Behind" Act (really called the far-less-rosy Elementary and Secondary Education Act). Even more outrageous: He said he supported the law anyway. I don't know if it is worse that the government paid him or that he would have said nice things about the flawed law even without the quarter-mil.
Finally, we don't have the money to fully fund the law, but I guess we have the money to pay people to say they like it.
Read the full story here.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Wednesday, January 05, 2005
To a new sofa
To a new sofa
Thick cushions under my rump
Make me relax , thankful when I come home
From a stressful day of work and chaos.
You comfort my shape, supporting and warming,
Taking the pace of a twenty-year veteran
Who has served well from home to home.
A nod to the sleeper and off to the Goodwill
With hardly a second thought as I stretch
My full length along the new microfiber upholstery.
Thank you, old friend, and welcome home, new Natuzzi.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Thick cushions under my rump
Make me relax , thankful when I come home
From a stressful day of work and chaos.
You comfort my shape, supporting and warming,
Taking the pace of a twenty-year veteran
Who has served well from home to home.
A nod to the sleeper and off to the Goodwill
With hardly a second thought as I stretch
My full length along the new microfiber upholstery.
Thank you, old friend, and welcome home, new Natuzzi.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Sunday, January 02, 2005
Good news for a change: A new award
Over the winter holiday, I received word that the school newspaper, whose staff I advise, had been included among the 83 nationwide that will receive a Crown Award from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association at Columbia University. The 2003-04 paper will receive either a silver or gold Crown at the annual convention in March. This is a prestigious award, and the newspaper earned this accolade in its first entry to the contest.
This adds to the previous recognition for last year's paper, which earned top national ratings from CSPA and National Scholastic Press Association as well as a National Pacemaker from NSPA.
I am fortunate to work with such talented young people. They impress me every day.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
This adds to the previous recognition for last year's paper, which earned top national ratings from CSPA and National Scholastic Press Association as well as a National Pacemaker from NSPA.
I am fortunate to work with such talented young people. They impress me every day.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
What's wrong with education. Part I: Completion
I went to school today and finally plowed through some student work that had accumulated for too long. Well, at least I felt it was too long. Others are much slower than me. Anyway, I entered a bunch of scores in the computer gradebook I keep and was disappointed to see that in one class I have eight of 26 students below 70 percent; in another I have six of 16. Here's why: Missing work.
I am disappointed because I saw my class sizes at the beginning of the semester and was interested to see if class size had anything to do with student success. Of course it does -- I can cruise through a set of 24 papers much faster than one of 32. And I can get around the room to answer questions, students are less intimidated and so on. But it does not account for lack of completion by the student. And there is the problem.
It's not that students don't learn. No, it is that I have not had an opportunity to assess the learning fully because work assignments have not been submitted. On one hand, the student has failed to meet a certain standard. I don't know of he or she has failed to learn. The problem then causes others to draw the conclusion that students aren't learning, teachers aren't teaching and so funding should be eliminated or staff should be replaced.
Ask any teacher at my school what is the top reason for students to fail a course. I bet every one says lack of completed work is the culprit. Perhaps some acknowledgement should be given to the idea that I have assigned too much work or it is too difficult. That has happened before. But this much is an irregularity.
A larger issue is that the system for assessing student work is the one area of education that has not been reformed in the push of the last decade. Legislators and school staffs have retooled and remodeled our testing system, our accountablity system, our teacher-training system, even our school composition. But we still give letter grades with intervals of 10 percentage points and 60 percent is passing. Colleges still look at grade-point averages. We still publish the honor roll.
I don't know the solution to combat the Culture of Incompletion. Perhaps we should look at the idea of dropping current grades altogether and replace them with a standardized test at Grade 10 (the Washington Assessment of Student Learning) and a culminating project where students have to prove what they know. As long as they have to demonstrate their knowledge in the end, who cares whether they turned in each essay or lab report?
At least I never made a resolution to be less cynical in 2005.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
I am disappointed because I saw my class sizes at the beginning of the semester and was interested to see if class size had anything to do with student success. Of course it does -- I can cruise through a set of 24 papers much faster than one of 32. And I can get around the room to answer questions, students are less intimidated and so on. But it does not account for lack of completion by the student. And there is the problem.
It's not that students don't learn. No, it is that I have not had an opportunity to assess the learning fully because work assignments have not been submitted. On one hand, the student has failed to meet a certain standard. I don't know of he or she has failed to learn. The problem then causes others to draw the conclusion that students aren't learning, teachers aren't teaching and so funding should be eliminated or staff should be replaced.
Ask any teacher at my school what is the top reason for students to fail a course. I bet every one says lack of completed work is the culprit. Perhaps some acknowledgement should be given to the idea that I have assigned too much work or it is too difficult. That has happened before. But this much is an irregularity.
A larger issue is that the system for assessing student work is the one area of education that has not been reformed in the push of the last decade. Legislators and school staffs have retooled and remodeled our testing system, our accountablity system, our teacher-training system, even our school composition. But we still give letter grades with intervals of 10 percentage points and 60 percent is passing. Colleges still look at grade-point averages. We still publish the honor roll.
I don't know the solution to combat the Culture of Incompletion. Perhaps we should look at the idea of dropping current grades altogether and replace them with a standardized test at Grade 10 (the Washington Assessment of Student Learning) and a culminating project where students have to prove what they know. As long as they have to demonstrate their knowledge in the end, who cares whether they turned in each essay or lab report?
At least I never made a resolution to be less cynical in 2005.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
New year
I feel like I should post at least something simple for the first day of 2005.
Spent New Year's eve with Cokers. We had a nice pleasant evening of relaxing conversation, good food and beverage. Watched "The Bourne Supremacy," which we paused for the 30 minutes of countdown revelry. It included a few minutes of Regis Philbin trying to be Dick Clark, fireworks from the Space Needle and listening to the neighbors light firecrackers in the street while it snowed. Then we finished watching the movie.
I spent most of the day being lazy, watching TV and reading. I also had lunch with two former students. That was fun.
That's it. Happy new year. Vacation over; back to the grind.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
Spent New Year's eve with Cokers. We had a nice pleasant evening of relaxing conversation, good food and beverage. Watched "The Bourne Supremacy," which we paused for the 30 minutes of countdown revelry. It included a few minutes of Regis Philbin trying to be Dick Clark, fireworks from the Space Needle and listening to the neighbors light firecrackers in the street while it snowed. Then we finished watching the movie.
I spent most of the day being lazy, watching TV and reading. I also had lunch with two former students. That was fun.
That's it. Happy new year. Vacation over; back to the grind.
-- Wenatchee, Wash.
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