A colleague told me yesterday that a discussion in his 12th grade class about homelessness turned personal as students started to share their own stories: four different kids told stories of being homeless because parents were absent, or on drugs, or just didn't have any money... and most of the rest of the class knew someone in similar circumstances.
One boy said that he had a job last year through which he made the most money in his family - but after losing that job felt he "had" to go back to crime to survive... another girl said she'd rather be homeless than with her abusive family... a third student said he was "sort of" homeless since although he has no parents, his aunt helps him out...
And who gets blamed when these kids don't graduate on time???
I absolutely believe that those of us in the schools need to do EVERYTHING we can - and then some - to ensure that kids have access to the knowledge & skills they need to be successful. I also believe that when they come to us unmotivated, it IS our job to try to motive them.
But that's why we do as well as we do. To do better, our kids need resources - better medical care, stable housing, support for families... Schools have had counseling & social work budgets slashed to ribbons in the last 5 years - but if we can't provide these services, then who will?
In an ideal world, teachers would be paid to do things like call home - or even visit parents at home - that would help our kids. But I routinely spend about 10 hours a week unpaid just on curriculum and assessment - my own daughter needs some of my time too.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Yay, Tony Dungy!
The first black coach to win a Super Bowl is a former Gopher - pretty cool! :)
I know that some Gopher fans were hoping the Colts would lose much earlier in the playoff season this year so maybe Tony Dungy would consider taking over the U of MN football program from fired Coach Mason, but no luck. Our loss is Indiana's gain.
Fun Tony Dungy trivia: he is the first NFL head coach to defeat all 32 NFL teams.
See more Dungy trivia at Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Dungy - I was amused to find that it had already been updated to include the Super Bowl win only an hour after the game was over!
Burn What???
I’m disgusted with Don Samuels for suggesting that we should burn down North HS because it’s not successful enough. Of course it's just a metaphor - but his point is NOT well taken here.
http://www.startribune.com/462/story/977085.html
That school is in the middle of the most dangerous neighborhood in the state – an oasis of calm where students feel safer than anywhere else – but Samuels, who represents that neighborhood on the city council, has the gall to suggest that it’s the school’s fault those kids aren’t doing BETTER academically. With a 70+% graduation rate, I say they’re doing DARN WELL given what few assets some of those kids come to school with!
The StarTribune provided some context last week - Minnesota ranks 8th in the nation in our rate of black homicide victims. http://www.startribune.com/467/story/968247.html
When will society stop expecting the schools to raise the children? I like to think of myself as a good liberal, but I have HAD IT with abused, violent, stressed and/or scarred children coming to school and (duh) doing poorly, then lawmakers blaming the teachers and/or the school system for their failure. It's not right.
Samuels is reported to be a voucher fan - what a surprise.
http://www.startribune.com/462/story/977085.html
That school is in the middle of the most dangerous neighborhood in the state – an oasis of calm where students feel safer than anywhere else – but Samuels, who represents that neighborhood on the city council, has the gall to suggest that it’s the school’s fault those kids aren’t doing BETTER academically. With a 70+% graduation rate, I say they’re doing DARN WELL given what few assets some of those kids come to school with!
The StarTribune provided some context last week - Minnesota ranks 8th in the nation in our rate of black homicide victims. http://www.startribune.com/467/story/968247.html
When will society stop expecting the schools to raise the children? I like to think of myself as a good liberal, but I have HAD IT with abused, violent, stressed and/or scarred children coming to school and (duh) doing poorly, then lawmakers blaming the teachers and/or the school system for their failure. It's not right.
Samuels is reported to be a voucher fan - what a surprise.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Molly Ivins RIP
Molly Ivins died of cancer on Wednesday and it’s taken me three days to sit down & finish writing about it. Such a huge loss, to journalism and to America. It takes time to digest.
Few people have both inspired and entertained me more. I love her work and I love her attitude. Expressing outrage with humor is a unique skill – one that I don’t possess – but one that I admire. I am not into celebrity-worship, but she is truly a hero to me.
The Strib yesterday had an example of typical Ivins, talking about the Texas legislators she often pilloried: “When I would denounce some sorry sumbitch, I would courageously prepare myself to be horsewhipped at the least. All the ever happened was, I’d see the sumbitch in the capitol the next day, he’d beam, spread his arms, and say, ‘Baby! Yew put mah name in yore paper!’”
I remember hearing her speak at some fancy dinner probably a decade ago, and loving every minute of it. She speaks truth on serious topics, but always with humor. I still have her autograph somewhere.
In her honor, I will try to write more often in 2007! Check out her most recent columns (click a choice under her picture):
http://www.creators.com/opinion/molly-ivins.html?columnsName=miv
Sunday, January 21, 2007
She's In!
Although some people have said it would make more sense for Hillary Clinton to stay in the Senate and be powerful there for the next few decades (as opposed to be president for 8 years & then retire and do what?) I've had a feeling for quite a while that she was going to run, and today it's official.
I've been excited by the prospect of a Hillary Clinton candidacy for years - and I don't believe for a second that she "can't" win. As pollster Mark Penn said, "Of course she can."
I absolutely believe that the extent to which people support her is the extent to which they believe women are really equal to men. I will be very interested to see how this race shakes out generationally - will younger voters be more progressive, more willing to back a candidate with extensive experience, knowledge and skills, despite the fact that she's female? Or will the core of Hillary's support come from the generation that did the heavy lifting on women's rights in the 70's?
I don't think there will be a ton of people who will vote for her BECAUSE she's female, the way people will vote for Barak Obama because he's black. With Hillary, there is no "all other things being equal" comparison because no one else in the race comes close to her in terms of experience or expertise. It's not like there are 3 candidates who are all great, so then you pick the female just for progress.
Think about it - leaders around the globe know and respect her. No one else in the country - save Bill Clinton - could ascend to the presidency with as much global clout as she has right now, and we know that's something the presidency is desperately in need of. She is not one of the crowd in this race - there is Hillary, and then there is the crowd.
As she said in her announcement video: "I have a feeling it will be very interesting." No doubt! :)
Check it out: http://www.hillaryclinton.com
I've been excited by the prospect of a Hillary Clinton candidacy for years - and I don't believe for a second that she "can't" win. As pollster Mark Penn said, "Of course she can."
I absolutely believe that the extent to which people support her is the extent to which they believe women are really equal to men. I will be very interested to see how this race shakes out generationally - will younger voters be more progressive, more willing to back a candidate with extensive experience, knowledge and skills, despite the fact that she's female? Or will the core of Hillary's support come from the generation that did the heavy lifting on women's rights in the 70's?
I don't think there will be a ton of people who will vote for her BECAUSE she's female, the way people will vote for Barak Obama because he's black. With Hillary, there is no "all other things being equal" comparison because no one else in the race comes close to her in terms of experience or expertise. It's not like there are 3 candidates who are all great, so then you pick the female just for progress.
Think about it - leaders around the globe know and respect her. No one else in the country - save Bill Clinton - could ascend to the presidency with as much global clout as she has right now, and we know that's something the presidency is desperately in need of. She is not one of the crowd in this race - there is Hillary, and then there is the crowd.
As she said in her announcement video: "I have a feeling it will be very interesting." No doubt! :)
Check it out: http://www.hillaryclinton.com
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Untitled
Last week, driving a student home after a school event, I asked which street I should take from where we were, as in – which one is more direct & has fewer stop signs? He replied: “I don’t know, I don’t walk around here.”
Tonight, at another school event, I started to roll my eyes at one more student-written song about the tough street life, and had a realization… if I get sick of hearing poems, songs & stories about the “thug life” and such, how much more must my students be sick of living it?!?!?
Tonight, at another school event, I started to roll my eyes at one more student-written song about the tough street life, and had a realization… if I get sick of hearing poems, songs & stories about the “thug life” and such, how much more must my students be sick of living it?!?!?
Sunday, January 14, 2007
The More Things Change...
I enjoyed an interesting conversation this weekend at the DFL inaugural ball with Mary Cathryn Ricker, the current 30-something president of the St Paul Federation of Teachers, and Liz Rose, the daughter of Minneapolis Federation of Teachers past president Bob Rose.
Listening to stories of the past and of the future, I was struck by the juxtaposition of old-school and contemporary politics. It sounds like Mary Cathryn relied primarily on the tried-but-true method of actually going out to schools & meeting with teachers to introduce herself and ask for their vote. Although she was up against two older, more experienced (male) opponents, she won just by getting her ideas and her self out there. I think it's great that such old-school politics worked to elect the younger candidate. (The more things change... the more they stay the same... :)
The pundits are saying that the 2008 presidential campaign will involve the Internet and other new ways of reaching voters more than ever before - it will be interesting to see what the results of that shift will be!
Listening to stories of the past and of the future, I was struck by the juxtaposition of old-school and contemporary politics. It sounds like Mary Cathryn relied primarily on the tried-but-true method of actually going out to schools & meeting with teachers to introduce herself and ask for their vote. Although she was up against two older, more experienced (male) opponents, she won just by getting her ideas and her self out there. I think it's great that such old-school politics worked to elect the younger candidate. (The more things change... the more they stay the same... :)
The pundits are saying that the 2008 presidential campaign will involve the Internet and other new ways of reaching voters more than ever before - it will be interesting to see what the results of that shift will be!
This Isn't China... Right?
"The connection was refused when attempting to contact www.unitedforpeace.org"
My browser is working fine - I can surf quickly to different sites - EXCEPT the one with info about the big peace march in Washington planned for later this month.
I'm no conspiracy theorist - but I think it's amusing that I am not able to access a government-protest site.
What's that about?
My browser is working fine - I can surf quickly to different sites - EXCEPT the one with info about the big peace march in Washington planned for later this month.
I'm no conspiracy theorist - but I think it's amusing that I am not able to access a government-protest site.
What's that about?
Head for DC - Jan 27
There is a peace march scheduled for Saturday, Jan 27 in Washington DC.
Not sure why winter is the best time to have a huge outdoor rally, but I'm not on the planning committee, so no one asked me! (ha ha) Of course DC isn't as cold as MN in January, so maybe it's not a concern.
I have to admit I'm torn. On the one hand, Id' love to go - just for the history-making aspect of it. It would be a cool experience for my 18-year-old daughter. But while other major marches have had influencing the president (or congress) as their goal - hence doing it in DC - this administration won't listen to Americans, and both houses of Congress are now under new leadership, so I don't see what's going to change in policy because of thousands of folks marching on the Mall.
And I'm not a cynic, I swear! :)
Not sure why winter is the best time to have a huge outdoor rally, but I'm not on the planning committee, so no one asked me! (ha ha) Of course DC isn't as cold as MN in January, so maybe it's not a concern.
I have to admit I'm torn. On the one hand, Id' love to go - just for the history-making aspect of it. It would be a cool experience for my 18-year-old daughter. But while other major marches have had influencing the president (or congress) as their goal - hence doing it in DC - this administration won't listen to Americans, and both houses of Congress are now under new leadership, so I don't see what's going to change in policy because of thousands of folks marching on the Mall.
And I'm not a cynic, I swear! :)
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Bangkok, Berlin, Chile, Spain…
When I first started writing this blog, I loved to hit the “next blog” link at the top and surf randomly through the other blogs. Many are lame, but enough are interesting to make it worth the time…
I haven’t tried it in months, but I did today, and was surprised at how many of the blogs are in other languages! It feels like a change from just a year ago, and that’s intriguing to me. Several were in languages I didn’t even recognize, sad to say!
It makes the world feel a little smaller, in a good way.
I haven’t tried it in months, but I did today, and was surprised at how many of the blogs are in other languages! It feels like a change from just a year ago, and that’s intriguing to me. Several were in languages I didn’t even recognize, sad to say!
It makes the world feel a little smaller, in a good way.
University Upgrade
The StarTribune says today that it's "more than a football stadium" and I suppose they are right. The University of MN is not only building a new stadium - back on campus where it belongs - but this is part of building a better university for the next century.
http://www.startribune.com/561/story/918627.html
It's hard while paying $2,000 per class to swallow some of the spiffy new improvements to campus (and the millions that the fired football & basketball coaches just walked way with) but overall I do believe that excellence begets excellence, and attitude is everything! I appreciate that President Bruiniks has an optimistic vision for the U of MN's future and is making positive things happen.
I wonder where Gen X is in all this. Grad students are mostly commuters with careers and lives off-campus. How many 30- or 40-year-olds were at the last Gopher football game? I went to a Gopher hockey game last week & was impressed by how many 20-year-olds were there, but otherwise felt surrounded by older folks. If nothing else, we're paying a larger share of taxes every year - are we paying attention?
http://www.startribune.com/561/story/918627.html
It's hard while paying $2,000 per class to swallow some of the spiffy new improvements to campus (and the millions that the fired football & basketball coaches just walked way with) but overall I do believe that excellence begets excellence, and attitude is everything! I appreciate that President Bruiniks has an optimistic vision for the U of MN's future and is making positive things happen.
I wonder where Gen X is in all this. Grad students are mostly commuters with careers and lives off-campus. How many 30- or 40-year-olds were at the last Gopher football game? I went to a Gopher hockey game last week & was impressed by how many 20-year-olds were there, but otherwise felt surrounded by older folks. If nothing else, we're paying a larger share of taxes every year - are we paying attention?
Sunday, December 31, 2006
Holla Back!
Just discovered a fun new website - HollaBack NYC, created to post pictures of street harassers, since there isn't really much else that can be done. Gotta love this as a response to sexual harassment - their motto is "If you can't slap 'em, snap 'em!"
http://www.hollabacknyc.blogspot.com/
This site was created as a way to empower women who are victims of street harassment - a problem that is of course much harder to address that workplace harassment. Want to slap the harasser, but know that's not a good idea? Using a cell phone camera, take his picture, then send it to the site! The site is an amusing collection of pics and stories about the freaks out there & how women are coping with them.
A user from DC summed up the whole point of it nicely:
"Being called "beautiful" and "sexy" is a compliment when it comes from someone who means it and who you in return find such...not from some random man on the street with half of his teeth missing who's drunk!"
As one of the founders, Emily May, noted:
"When I didn't do anything [to respond to harassment] it didn't feel good, and when I yelled back, it didn't feel good, but now I have a response that genuinely feels good." (from an article in Ms. magazine - summer '06)
BRAVO for both creativity and positivity! :)
http://www.hollabacknyc.blogspot.com/
This site was created as a way to empower women who are victims of street harassment - a problem that is of course much harder to address that workplace harassment. Want to slap the harasser, but know that's not a good idea? Using a cell phone camera, take his picture, then send it to the site! The site is an amusing collection of pics and stories about the freaks out there & how women are coping with them.
A user from DC summed up the whole point of it nicely:
"Being called "beautiful" and "sexy" is a compliment when it comes from someone who means it and who you in return find such...not from some random man on the street with half of his teeth missing who's drunk!"
As one of the founders, Emily May, noted:
"When I didn't do anything [to respond to harassment] it didn't feel good, and when I yelled back, it didn't feel good, but now I have a response that genuinely feels good." (from an article in Ms. magazine - summer '06)
BRAVO for both creativity and positivity! :)
Friday, December 29, 2006
Update from Baghdad Burning
New post today from the Girl Blog from Iraq: http://riverbendblog.blogspot.com/
She says:
"You know your country is in trouble when:
* The UN has to open a special branch just to keep track of the chaos and bloodshed, UNAMI, but abovementioned branch cannot be run from your country.
* The only thing the US and Iran can agree about is the deteriorating state of your nation.
* For every 5 hours of no electricity, you get one hour of public electricity - and then the government announces it's going to cut back on providing that hour.
* People consider themselves lucky if they can actually identify the corpse of the relative that's been missing for two weeks."
Scary.
One thing we - who don't have a war within our own borders - tend not to think about so much is the culture of fear that takes over during war. She says, "There is no compensation for the dense, black cloud of fear that hangs over the head of every Iraqi." We have to admit there is no parallel in America. Our unsafe neighborhoods are heaven compared with most of Iraq. We have no clue...
Check out the website for her full post. The least we can do is pay attention.
She says:
"You know your country is in trouble when:
* The UN has to open a special branch just to keep track of the chaos and bloodshed, UNAMI, but abovementioned branch cannot be run from your country.
* The only thing the US and Iran can agree about is the deteriorating state of your nation.
* For every 5 hours of no electricity, you get one hour of public electricity - and then the government announces it's going to cut back on providing that hour.
* People consider themselves lucky if they can actually identify the corpse of the relative that's been missing for two weeks."
Scary.
One thing we - who don't have a war within our own borders - tend not to think about so much is the culture of fear that takes over during war. She says, "There is no compensation for the dense, black cloud of fear that hangs over the head of every Iraqi." We have to admit there is no parallel in America. Our unsafe neighborhoods are heaven compared with most of Iraq. We have no clue...
Check out the website for her full post. The least we can do is pay attention.
Monday, December 25, 2006
If you can't trust Jimmy Stewart...
It gets better! Better than a murderous Santa or religious wing-nuts losing at Christmas (see below) we now have an old FBI memo calling the movie It's a Wonderful Life "communist propaganda" for it's pro-common-man, anti-consumerist message and its portrayal of the banker as a bad guy.
You can read the actual FBI memo (with names blotted out) and some entertaining commentary at: http://www.wisebread.com/fbi-considered-its-a-wonderful-life-communist-propaganda#memo1
Even more interesting, blogger Will Chen writes:
"Perhaps the FBI was (and still is) correct when it said It's a Wonderful Life did not reflect American values. If you don't believe me, try telling your loved ones tonight that they won't be getting a materialistic gift from you, because your love for them already makes them the 'richest man in town!'"
Think about that as you reflect on the "reason for the season"! :)
You can read the actual FBI memo (with names blotted out) and some entertaining commentary at: http://www.wisebread.com/fbi-considered-its-a-wonderful-life-communist-propaganda#memo1
Even more interesting, blogger Will Chen writes:
"Perhaps the FBI was (and still is) correct when it said It's a Wonderful Life did not reflect American values. If you don't believe me, try telling your loved ones tonight that they won't be getting a materialistic gift from you, because your love for them already makes them the 'richest man in town!'"
Think about that as you reflect on the "reason for the season"! :)
Gotta have a debate, even on Christmas...
Too funny - the latest "PC" challenge apparently comes from reaction to a Santa horror movie being released on Christmas day. It seems that some random Christians don't think it's appropriate for a movie that portrays Santa as a mass-murderer to be released on Christmas.
http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2006/12/im_probably_goi.html
Hello - what does Santa have to do with Christianity? Even if you trace back to the original St Nicholas, his story is still not about the Christ child...
So I guess I don't get it. Check out the link to the article & accompanying comments - very funny commentary on the state of pop culture today. Gotta love an article that begins:
"I'm probably going to hell for saying this, but I don't see anything wrong with Santa Claus wanting to murder a bunch of Hollywood pretty people on Christmas day."
So check out the link - probably more entertaining than the movie! :)
http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2006/12/im_probably_goi.html
Hello - what does Santa have to do with Christianity? Even if you trace back to the original St Nicholas, his story is still not about the Christ child...
So I guess I don't get it. Check out the link to the article & accompanying comments - very funny commentary on the state of pop culture today. Gotta love an article that begins:
"I'm probably going to hell for saying this, but I don't see anything wrong with Santa Claus wanting to murder a bunch of Hollywood pretty people on Christmas day."
So check out the link - probably more entertaining than the movie! :)
Whoosh!
Where did December go?
It's not surprising that Christmas night is the first time I've had in a month to even think about writing, but I didn't realize it had been so long.
Other people I know have more pressing things going happening in their lives - one is waiting for her son to come home from Iraq next week - another just lost her sister in a freak accident a month ago - a third is worrying about a stalker ex-boyfriend. Nothing big like that is going on with me! Both of my U classes ended in the first half of the month, so that's no longer even an excuse.
I guess the work/home/socializing routine just gets stepped up a notch in December. More work, more social engagements, and more going on at home. But nothing earth-shattering.
One thing that's nice - my family is about as functional as they come. While other people stress the holidays and dread being around crazy relatives, I have no such problems. My immediate and extended family are all normal and nice, so the holidays are relaxing for us, not stressful. We are blessed.
Joy to the world, the lord is come! :)
It's not surprising that Christmas night is the first time I've had in a month to even think about writing, but I didn't realize it had been so long.
Other people I know have more pressing things going happening in their lives - one is waiting for her son to come home from Iraq next week - another just lost her sister in a freak accident a month ago - a third is worrying about a stalker ex-boyfriend. Nothing big like that is going on with me! Both of my U classes ended in the first half of the month, so that's no longer even an excuse.
I guess the work/home/socializing routine just gets stepped up a notch in December. More work, more social engagements, and more going on at home. But nothing earth-shattering.
One thing that's nice - my family is about as functional as they come. While other people stress the holidays and dread being around crazy relatives, I have no such problems. My immediate and extended family are all normal and nice, so the holidays are relaxing for us, not stressful. We are blessed.
Joy to the world, the lord is come! :)
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
How ironic...
...that the Twin Cities gets to the be symbolic good guy and bad guy in the culture wars this month - all at the same time!
First, we elected Keith Ellison as the first Muslim representative to Congress, and then a US Air flight out of the MSP airport returned & removed 6 Muslim imams because they made other passengers nervous. Sheesh.
On the radio yesterday, they made it sound like the imams were standing up on the plane when they shouldn't have been, but that was not the case. Apparently they made other passengers nervous simply because they were praying and speaking in Arabic.
Then, to add insult to injury, US Air refunded their money but wouldn't sell them new tickets to get home, so they had to go to Northwest. Not sure what that's about, though the NY Times article about the incident notes that US Air has had more complaints from Muslims than other airlines in recent years.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/22/us/22muslim.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
At least the media didn't call Keith Ellison to comment on the story!
First, we elected Keith Ellison as the first Muslim representative to Congress, and then a US Air flight out of the MSP airport returned & removed 6 Muslim imams because they made other passengers nervous. Sheesh.
On the radio yesterday, they made it sound like the imams were standing up on the plane when they shouldn't have been, but that was not the case. Apparently they made other passengers nervous simply because they were praying and speaking in Arabic.
Then, to add insult to injury, US Air refunded their money but wouldn't sell them new tickets to get home, so they had to go to Northwest. Not sure what that's about, though the NY Times article about the incident notes that US Air has had more complaints from Muslims than other airlines in recent years.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/22/us/22muslim.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
At least the media didn't call Keith Ellison to comment on the story!
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Perfect!
I wish I could just reproduce this here! Please check out this link!
http://www.gocomics.com/boondocks/2006/11/13/
It's a Boondocks cartoon that totally speaks to the issue of different perspectives. Perfect fit for the whole Lee/Stuart controversy.
http://www.gocomics.com/boondocks/2006/11/13/
It's a Boondocks cartoon that totally speaks to the issue of different perspectives. Perfect fit for the whole Lee/Stuart controversy.
And So It Goes...
I am so disappointed that the Strib came out calling for Chris Stewart's head over this Tammy Lee website thing!
http://www.startribune.com/561/story/808634.html
I suppose I shouldn't be surprised! Comfortable white folks miss the point - almost intentionally. The spoof site points at the ugly truth beneath the surface - or at the least the truth as it's perceived by some in communities of color!
It's fine to maintain that Lee's campaign was about more than offering a safe alternative to the muslim black guy - I'm sure it was to Lee! - but we cannot deny that it offered safe harbor to folks who couldn't bring themselves to vote for either Ellison or Fine.
A friend told me today that she voted for Ellison precisely because he's muslim and black - overlooking the parking tickets, et al. I think that's totally appropriate, and told her so. There are plenty of folks in Congress who look & think like us. We can afford to elect one person who's a little different.
http://www.startribune.com/561/story/808634.html
I suppose I shouldn't be surprised! Comfortable white folks miss the point - almost intentionally. The spoof site points at the ugly truth beneath the surface - or at the least the truth as it's perceived by some in communities of color!
It's fine to maintain that Lee's campaign was about more than offering a safe alternative to the muslim black guy - I'm sure it was to Lee! - but we cannot deny that it offered safe harbor to folks who couldn't bring themselves to vote for either Ellison or Fine.
A friend told me today that she voted for Ellison precisely because he's muslim and black - overlooking the parking tickets, et al. I think that's totally appropriate, and told her so. There are plenty of folks in Congress who look & think like us. We can afford to elect one person who's a little different.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
What Is Racism?
The following link - the spoof site of Tammy Lee's congressional campaign site, created, apparently, by (or with help from) newly elected MPS school board member Chris Stewart - was forwarded to me with the note that it shows "racism in the black community." I disagree.
http://www.trailblz.info/leetammy/hatesite/hatesite.htm
(In case it goes down soon, here's a quote: "Tammy Lee is the Best Choice to Replace Congressman Martin Sabo. After all, she's white - just like us, and that means we can trust her. We should all agree that a Negro should never replace a great statesman like Martin Sabo.")
I think it points a satirical finger at the real racism that's still out there! Throughout the 5th district Congressional campaign (Keith Ellison/Tammy Lee/Alan Fine) I couldn't shake the feeling that there were a significant number of well-meaning folks who would never vote for the really conservative guy, but just couldn't bring themselves to support the black/muslim guy. Tammy Lee's campaign offered an out (a female, so see, we're not just going for another white guy) but not much else.
The spoof site shares what a lot of folks were thinking, if not saying. It's not that the black folks are racist and wouldn't vote for her because she's white. It's that the black folks could tell that there were really people out there who were more comfortable with a 36-year-old white candidate with little experience than a talented, experienced black candidate with baggage. And the spoof site points that up - with humor.
Minnesota has prided itself on being progressive and open-armed, but I think the old saying about Minnesota nice still holds: a Minnesotan will give you directions to anywhere - except their own home.
We've come a long way, sure, but there are miles to go...
http://www.trailblz.info/leetammy/hatesite/hatesite.htm
(In case it goes down soon, here's a quote: "Tammy Lee is the Best Choice to Replace Congressman Martin Sabo. After all, she's white - just like us, and that means we can trust her. We should all agree that a Negro should never replace a great statesman like Martin Sabo.")
I think it points a satirical finger at the real racism that's still out there! Throughout the 5th district Congressional campaign (Keith Ellison/Tammy Lee/Alan Fine) I couldn't shake the feeling that there were a significant number of well-meaning folks who would never vote for the really conservative guy, but just couldn't bring themselves to support the black/muslim guy. Tammy Lee's campaign offered an out (a female, so see, we're not just going for another white guy) but not much else.
The spoof site shares what a lot of folks were thinking, if not saying. It's not that the black folks are racist and wouldn't vote for her because she's white. It's that the black folks could tell that there were really people out there who were more comfortable with a 36-year-old white candidate with little experience than a talented, experienced black candidate with baggage. And the spoof site points that up - with humor.
Minnesota has prided itself on being progressive and open-armed, but I think the old saying about Minnesota nice still holds: a Minnesotan will give you directions to anywhere - except their own home.
We've come a long way, sure, but there are miles to go...
Finally!!!
Keith Ellison won! For the first time in history, we have:
* a muslim elected to US Congress
* a black representative from the state of MN
http://www.keithellison.org/
And for some Americans, it's about time!!! Beyond the ignorant & racist "fox in the henhouse" rhetoric from some corners, I think it's OUTSTANDING that there is someone of color representing Minnesota, and a muslim person representing all of us.
Progress!
* a muslim elected to US Congress
* a black representative from the state of MN
http://www.keithellison.org/
And for some Americans, it's about time!!! Beyond the ignorant & racist "fox in the henhouse" rhetoric from some corners, I think it's OUTSTANDING that there is someone of color representing Minnesota, and a muslim person representing all of us.
Progress!
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Tick... Tick... Tick...
The countdown to the election promises to be nothing but interesting! Replacing the scary pedophile senator scandal with Kerry's bad joke scandal... what's next? Can't wait to see!
It's sad that the days of office-holders running on their record - "here's what I've done that you can be proud of" - are so over. Every time I see/hear a negative ad, all I can think is how pathetic it is that incumbents don't seem to have much to run on. And even sadder - negative ads are used because they work! America is not, apparently, a land of geniuses...
One very cool thing is that most of the big-office candidates in MN this year are younger! Quite a few are in their 40's: Pawlenty 46, Klobuchar 46, Kennedy 49, Ellison 43, and Tammy Lee is only 35! Gotta love it. (And Bill Clinton, who used to be Mr. Young Guy, is now 60!) Only Ellison & Lee are really Gen X, but the others are still early career, and I think that's awesome.
It's sad that the days of office-holders running on their record - "here's what I've done that you can be proud of" - are so over. Every time I see/hear a negative ad, all I can think is how pathetic it is that incumbents don't seem to have much to run on. And even sadder - negative ads are used because they work! America is not, apparently, a land of geniuses...
One very cool thing is that most of the big-office candidates in MN this year are younger! Quite a few are in their 40's: Pawlenty 46, Klobuchar 46, Kennedy 49, Ellison 43, and Tammy Lee is only 35! Gotta love it. (And Bill Clinton, who used to be Mr. Young Guy, is now 60!) Only Ellison & Lee are really Gen X, but the others are still early career, and I think that's awesome.
Sunday, October 29, 2006
The Cure...
It's interesting to me that the cure for feeling overwhelmed and stressed out by too much work and too many commitments is... to drop it all and go out dancing!
In honor of the halloween weekend, the girls put on party dresses with kitty ears and devil horns and went downtown! I REALLY didn't want to go because I couldn't shake the feeling of having SO much work to do - but having already cancelled most of my other weekend plans in the name of busyness I decided not to bow out of this too.
We had an awesome time! Just exactly what I needed to get my equilibrium back and feel on top of the world again. I went to church this morning feeling that God is so good!
Ironic - but true. What a cure. :)
In honor of the halloween weekend, the girls put on party dresses with kitty ears and devil horns and went downtown! I REALLY didn't want to go because I couldn't shake the feeling of having SO much work to do - but having already cancelled most of my other weekend plans in the name of busyness I decided not to bow out of this too.
We had an awesome time! Just exactly what I needed to get my equilibrium back and feel on top of the world again. I went to church this morning feeling that God is so good!
Ironic - but true. What a cure. :)
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Freedom
“Freedom is the awareness of alternatives & the ability to choose.”
– Alan Wheelis
I wish my students understood the extent to which they curtail their own freedom with lackluster academic performance! They don't get deferred gratification - the way their hard work today will pay off in the future. They are not only NOT aware of all the alternatives out there, but they don't see that they DO have the power to choose - IF they lay the foundation now...
Sigh.
– Alan Wheelis
I wish my students understood the extent to which they curtail their own freedom with lackluster academic performance! They don't get deferred gratification - the way their hard work today will pay off in the future. They are not only NOT aware of all the alternatives out there, but they don't see that they DO have the power to choose - IF they lay the foundation now...
Sigh.
Friday, October 20, 2006
Since When is Social Justice "PC"?
I was both amused and disturbed by Mona Charen’s column this week about Columbia Teacher’s College and the politics of education.
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/MonaCharen/2006/10/13/letting_the_pc_slip_show
I have long suspected that one of the real reasons for the attacks on public schools since the 80’s is the realization by the right that the empowerment of the underclasses happens predominantly through the schools! It is teachers who say “you can become anything you want, and I’ll show you the path to get there.” Poor parents are not all going to either know the path or to believe in it. Hence, if they can decimate the schools, they can preserve the upper class as is into the future.
So Charen attacks Columbia’s statement that “we see teaching as an ethical and political act” as totally inappropriate, and the notion that teaching is part of “a larger struggle for social justice” as just wrong. (Then of course she goes on to blame the teacher’s unions for schools offering less than great education – typical.)
Because I can see through her rhetoric, I can afford to be amused by it. But given that much of her readership may not stop to think about public schools as the foundation of the democracy (and that democracy itself has been under attack in recent years) her column is still disturbing.
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/MonaCharen/2006/10/13/letting_the_pc_slip_show
I have long suspected that one of the real reasons for the attacks on public schools since the 80’s is the realization by the right that the empowerment of the underclasses happens predominantly through the schools! It is teachers who say “you can become anything you want, and I’ll show you the path to get there.” Poor parents are not all going to either know the path or to believe in it. Hence, if they can decimate the schools, they can preserve the upper class as is into the future.
So Charen attacks Columbia’s statement that “we see teaching as an ethical and political act” as totally inappropriate, and the notion that teaching is part of “a larger struggle for social justice” as just wrong. (Then of course she goes on to blame the teacher’s unions for schools offering less than great education – typical.)
Because I can see through her rhetoric, I can afford to be amused by it. But given that much of her readership may not stop to think about public schools as the foundation of the democracy (and that democracy itself has been under attack in recent years) her column is still disturbing.
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Gen X on Sex
More from “I’m Not a Feminist, But…”
> Why did Viagra hit the market before a male oral contraceptive?
>If women suffer from penis envy, why do men have more sex changes?
> When men complain that wearing a condom is a hardship, are they comparing it to giving birth, or having an abortion?
> Why did Viagra hit the market before a male oral contraceptive?
>If women suffer from penis envy, why do men have more sex changes?
> When men complain that wearing a condom is a hardship, are they comparing it to giving birth, or having an abortion?
Friday, October 06, 2006
The Old Scout Goes Off!
I don't usually think of Garrison Keillor as especially political or fiery, but this week's "Old Scout" column is serious! I often scan his columns in the Sunday Strib - and am sometimes bored - but not this time.
He begins: "I would not send my college kid off for a semester abroad if I were you. Last week, we suspended human rights in America, and what goes around comes around. Ixnay habeus corpus."
Turns out that Congress in its wisdom has determined that an "enemy combatant" is simply any noncitizen that the president declares to be an enemy combatant - and that person can be arrested and held for as long as authorities wish without any right of trial. Imagine now that your brother or sister - an American citizen - were suddenly arrested & held in another country - and you could not contact them, and they could not even contact a lawyer. For years. Oh, and it's up to the president how much torture is OK while they're imprisoned, too. Yup - America 2006.
We'd do well to remember - what goes around comes around...
He begins: "I would not send my college kid off for a semester abroad if I were you. Last week, we suspended human rights in America, and what goes around comes around. Ixnay habeus corpus."
Turns out that Congress in its wisdom has determined that an "enemy combatant" is simply any noncitizen that the president declares to be an enemy combatant - and that person can be arrested and held for as long as authorities wish without any right of trial. Imagine now that your brother or sister - an American citizen - were suddenly arrested & held in another country - and you could not contact them, and they could not even contact a lawyer. For years. Oh, and it's up to the president how much torture is OK while they're imprisoned, too. Yup - America 2006.
We'd do well to remember - what goes around comes around...
"I was a Republican..."
"I was a Republican until they lost their minds."
- Charles Barkley
In his Oct 2 New York Times column, Paul Krugman includes this quote as an example of how the "right-wing coalition" of religious and economic conservatives seems to be crumbling. He argues that because the alliance was never one of shared goals, but rather of utility, it was always vulnerable to the kind of stress it feels today.
No shock there...
The Foley scandal cracks me up - the hypocrisy is nothing but amusing. And now that the Republicans are bringing their convention to the Twin Cities in 2008 (great strategy to push our purple state a little redder!) it makes me wonder how the cities will like playing host to all that! I found extensive coverage of their last convention still archived on New York Magazine's site: http://nymag.com/rnc/index.htm - some very funny stuff!
- Charles Barkley
In his Oct 2 New York Times column, Paul Krugman includes this quote as an example of how the "right-wing coalition" of religious and economic conservatives seems to be crumbling. He argues that because the alliance was never one of shared goals, but rather of utility, it was always vulnerable to the kind of stress it feels today.
No shock there...
The Foley scandal cracks me up - the hypocrisy is nothing but amusing. And now that the Republicans are bringing their convention to the Twin Cities in 2008 (great strategy to push our purple state a little redder!) it makes me wonder how the cities will like playing host to all that! I found extensive coverage of their last convention still archived on New York Magazine's site: http://nymag.com/rnc/index.htm - some very funny stuff!
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Ancient Chinese Wisdom
"A leader is best
When people barely know he exists…
When his work is done, his aim fulfilled,
They will say: we did it ourselves."
- Lao-tzu
I wonder how much good Gen X leaders are fulfilling this ideal and thus not getting much credit for taking the reigns from the boomers...?
Sidebar: As I was researching, I was amused to find that there is a whole company - actually more than one - devoted to translating the wisdom of Sun-Tsu's ancient "Art of War" into modern business - and it makes a lot of sense! I'm not sure this is what I went back to grad school for, but it is interesting...
When people barely know he exists…
When his work is done, his aim fulfilled,
They will say: we did it ourselves."
- Lao-tzu
I wonder how much good Gen X leaders are fulfilling this ideal and thus not getting much credit for taking the reigns from the boomers...?
Sidebar: As I was researching, I was amused to find that there is a whole company - actually more than one - devoted to translating the wisdom of Sun-Tsu's ancient "Art of War" into modern business - and it makes a lot of sense! I'm not sure this is what I went back to grad school for, but it is interesting...
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Thinking about X
I haven't thought much about Gen X lately - probably because I'm too busy. Is that where we all are right now? Too busy to stop & think about the state of the world and our place in it?
A classmate was talking about that yesterday - that one thing he hopes to get out of this class (grad level leadership theory - more fun than it sounds) is the chance to stop & think about things, and not just go-go-go.
I agree. Sometimes I think I'm nuts for pursuing another degree when all it's really getting me is debt, but I love the opportunity to spend time wrapping my brain around (arguably) important issues.
It's interesting to me that there is so little in the press about Gen X and where we are right now. Maybe as more leaders like Keith Ellison, Meria Carstarphen and Barak Obama ascend we'll see folks taking a little more time to think about it...
A classmate was talking about that yesterday - that one thing he hopes to get out of this class (grad level leadership theory - more fun than it sounds) is the chance to stop & think about things, and not just go-go-go.
I agree. Sometimes I think I'm nuts for pursuing another degree when all it's really getting me is debt, but I love the opportunity to spend time wrapping my brain around (arguably) important issues.
It's interesting to me that there is so little in the press about Gen X and where we are right now. Maybe as more leaders like Keith Ellison, Meria Carstarphen and Barak Obama ascend we'll see folks taking a little more time to think about it...
Monday, September 11, 2006
More on the Gap
A bold editorial on the black/white achievement gap in MN from the PiPress by a colleague & friend of mine who knows from where he speaks…
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/opinion/15289585.htm
I think he's right on. I also think that the issue is more complicated in MN because we have a hard time keeping a black professional class here. The culture of "MN Nice" makes it feel like quicksand to folks of color from other places - they can never tell what someone really thinks of them - so it can be a very uncomfortable place to live. Then the city kids don't have good role models, so they think "being black" means being ghetto, not being successful. Hence, the gap.
White folks? Comments?
http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/opinion/15289585.htm
I think he's right on. I also think that the issue is more complicated in MN because we have a hard time keeping a black professional class here. The culture of "MN Nice" makes it feel like quicksand to folks of color from other places - they can never tell what someone really thinks of them - so it can be a very uncomfortable place to live. Then the city kids don't have good role models, so they think "being black" means being ghetto, not being successful. Hence, the gap.
White folks? Comments?
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Before the Primary
So the primary is in two days... I think there has been a lot of energy generated and the voting turnout will be good - at least I hope so! It's interesting to have several very competitive races at this point.
I sent the following email last week to just about everyone I know who lives in the 5th... I am still frustrated by otherwise thoughtful people who are not supporting Ellison but can't give any significant reason WHY - which I interpret as "I'm not ready to vote for the black/muslim guy". Bums me out! So I tried to provide a lot of info to help folks clarify their thinking:
Friends in the 5th-
We all know that the primary on 9/12 will all but determine our next 5th district representative to congress. Keith Ellison deserves your time to show up and vote for him on Tuesday! But I know many of you are still struggling with this decision, so I've pulled together some info for you. Ellison has been endorsed by Mondale, Rybak, Frasier, McCollum, Kelliher, McLaughlin, Pogemiller, Kelley, Moe, Spear... and of course the American Federation of Teachers, among many others! See the full list: http://www.keithellison.org/endorsements.htm Before you vote, please read the recent City Pages article about Ellison & this race:
http://citypages.com/databank/27/1343/article14661.asp And Nick Coleman's July Strib column about all the controversy: http://www.startribune.com/357/story/539892.html MPR's website has some audio clips of various Ellison speeches & interviews, as well as articles: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/ellison/
And if you haven't recycled it yet, read the Friday 9/1 Strib article, "Email smear is traced to rival aide" (buried on p. B7) about the "anonymous emails" that turned out to be from Paul Ostrow's campaign chair! Ostrow has fired the man and denied any knowledge of it, but it does point out to us that all the negative press has not been just because Ellison has baggage, but because someone purposely - and anonymously - made sure the media knew about it. How sad. [Also provided info on upcoming debates which have now passed.]
Bottom line in my mind:
Like me, you believe God wants better for people who are not doing as well as we are. You know we should do something about it, and Ellison has presented us with "something". Ellison will be a great rep if given the chance. His work on the north side and in the legislature has shown that again and again. The people of the north side - and the south side - and the suburbs - deserve a leader they can look up to, who inspires hope for meaningful change. YOU can make this happen. I hope you do! :) Please pass this on ASAP to other 5th district voters, and take the time to vote on Sept 12th! THANK YOU!!!
I sent the following email last week to just about everyone I know who lives in the 5th... I am still frustrated by otherwise thoughtful people who are not supporting Ellison but can't give any significant reason WHY - which I interpret as "I'm not ready to vote for the black/muslim guy". Bums me out! So I tried to provide a lot of info to help folks clarify their thinking:
Friends in the 5th-
We all know that the primary on 9/12 will all but determine our next 5th district representative to congress. Keith Ellison deserves your time to show up and vote for him on Tuesday! But I know many of you are still struggling with this decision, so I've pulled together some info for you. Ellison has been endorsed by Mondale, Rybak, Frasier, McCollum, Kelliher, McLaughlin, Pogemiller, Kelley, Moe, Spear... and of course the American Federation of Teachers, among many others! See the full list: http://www.keithellison.org/endorsements.htm Before you vote, please read the recent City Pages article about Ellison & this race:
http://citypages.com/databank/27/1343/article14661.asp And Nick Coleman's July Strib column about all the controversy: http://www.startribune.com/357/story/539892.html MPR's website has some audio clips of various Ellison speeches & interviews, as well as articles: http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/2006/campaign/congress/ellison/
And if you haven't recycled it yet, read the Friday 9/1 Strib article, "Email smear is traced to rival aide" (buried on p. B7) about the "anonymous emails" that turned out to be from Paul Ostrow's campaign chair! Ostrow has fired the man and denied any knowledge of it, but it does point out to us that all the negative press has not been just because Ellison has baggage, but because someone purposely - and anonymously - made sure the media knew about it. How sad. [Also provided info on upcoming debates which have now passed.]
Bottom line in my mind:
Like me, you believe God wants better for people who are not doing as well as we are. You know we should do something about it, and Ellison has presented us with "something". Ellison will be a great rep if given the chance. His work on the north side and in the legislature has shown that again and again. The people of the north side - and the south side - and the suburbs - deserve a leader they can look up to, who inspires hope for meaningful change. YOU can make this happen. I hope you do! :) Please pass this on ASAP to other 5th district voters, and take the time to vote on Sept 12th! THANK YOU!!!
Food for Thought…
“The best way to fight tyranny is always to create something beautiful, because tyranny can't understand beauty, and thus can't destroy it.”
Saw this on a colleague's classroom wall. Put it on my own office wall & am still pondering it...
Saw this on a colleague's classroom wall. Put it on my own office wall & am still pondering it...
Friday, August 25, 2006
This is Real
Hope you're keeping an eye on: http://riverbendblog.blogspot.com/
The girl who writes Baghdad Burning says that so many people have left Iraq this summer she wonders if it’s hundreds of thousands. Of course there are no official figures for something like that…
She says that residents of Baghdad are “systematically being pushed out of the city.” No one trusts the government, the Americans, the military, or anyone but friends & relatives. The only hope is to say alive – “not safe, not secure - just alive.” We can’t even IMAGINE what that feels like.
Not that I read all the news on this subject – how can anyone without being permanently depressed? – but I have yet to see this info in the news…
The girl who writes Baghdad Burning says that so many people have left Iraq this summer she wonders if it’s hundreds of thousands. Of course there are no official figures for something like that…
She says that residents of Baghdad are “systematically being pushed out of the city.” No one trusts the government, the Americans, the military, or anyone but friends & relatives. The only hope is to say alive – “not safe, not secure - just alive.” We can’t even IMAGINE what that feels like.
Not that I read all the news on this subject – how can anyone without being permanently depressed? – but I have yet to see this info in the news…
More from “I’m Not a Feminist But…”
* If childrearing is the most important job in the world, why is it an unpaid position? (And why don't more men do it full time?!)
* Why are modeling and prostitution the only two fields in which women routinely out-earn men?
* If intelligent women are unaffected by media images, why do a quarter of female college students develop eating disorders?
* Why are modeling and prostitution the only two fields in which women routinely out-earn men?
* If intelligent women are unaffected by media images, why do a quarter of female college students develop eating disorders?
Saturday, August 12, 2006
What is Chick Lit?
As an English major and fan of literature from a female perspective, I have read lots of novels by women. Some of them probably fall into the "chick lit" category - the definition of which I'm not sure I really understand, and have honestly not thought much about.
So when I saw two book covers: "This Is Not Chick Lit" and "This Is Chick Lit" I just assumed they were spoofs - until I read the accompanying text and realized they are both anthologies being published this summer. Check it out: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eat-the-press/2006/08/10/this-blog-post-is-not-chi_e_26955.html
As I thought about it, I realized that I am guilty of two things:
* I probably tend to avoid most "chick lit" because I assume (ah, we know about that word!) that it's stereotype-filled fluff that's not worth my time,
* I just read and really enjoyed Candice Bushnell's "Lipstick Jungle".
Lipstick Jungle is not a story from which I learned anything or even got any new ideas, but it was a fun read and very affirming of women in leadership and women who don't operate within traditional roles. That is probably the essence of chick lit - and if so, why avoid it?
So when I saw two book covers: "This Is Not Chick Lit" and "This Is Chick Lit" I just assumed they were spoofs - until I read the accompanying text and realized they are both anthologies being published this summer. Check it out: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eat-the-press/2006/08/10/this-blog-post-is-not-chi_e_26955.html
As I thought about it, I realized that I am guilty of two things:
* I probably tend to avoid most "chick lit" because I assume (ah, we know about that word!) that it's stereotype-filled fluff that's not worth my time,
* I just read and really enjoyed Candice Bushnell's "Lipstick Jungle".
Lipstick Jungle is not a story from which I learned anything or even got any new ideas, but it was a fun read and very affirming of women in leadership and women who don't operate within traditional roles. That is probably the essence of chick lit - and if so, why avoid it?
Rights
Ran across this in my law class:
"Having the right to do something does not mean that doing something is right."
No doubt!
"Having the right to do something does not mean that doing something is right."
No doubt!
Friday, August 11, 2006
Question of the Day
from “I’m Not a Feminist, But…”:
Why are women warned to stay in at night for their own safety, when home is the place they’re most likely to be assaulted?
Why are women warned to stay in at night for their own safety, when home is the place they’re most likely to be assaulted?
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Has it really been 20 years???
Whirlwind reunion weekend – and then it’s over. After months of planning & organizing, the weekend itself came & went quickly! Being there - after the amusement of seeing who has & has not changed - didn't feel much different from high school itself. We have been out of high school for 20 years – but I don’t feel old!
My girls got together today to relax & recap – and be thankful once again that we stuck together through all this time. We all had a great time both nights – and felt pretty good about where our lives are at this point! Most people seemed to be doing fine, (though of course some of them probably worried about going bald or being fat or not being married or whatever,) but who knows how the people who didn’t come are doing? Most of the people that I wanted to see did show up, but there were a few that I was disappointed not to see. Hope they are well!
I'm not sure what I expected, but the whole thing wasn't exactly life-changing. It was just two nights of big fun parties. Or is that what it's supposed to be? :)
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Those who forget history are doomed to...
Given America's current state of war, lack of international good will, national debt, polarized political parties and citizen dissatisfaction, what society in early 20th century history do we most resemble?
Think about it for a minute...
If you guessed Germany's pre-Hitler Weimar Republic, you're right!
If you didn't... no surprise, most of us would never think of that comparison. But Brian E. Fogarty, a sociology professor at St Kate's, makes that case in today's StarTribune - with interesting results. Not to imply that we're on the brink of fascism, but he does assert that we're on the brink of losing sight of our democratic ideals out of fear and distraction. Hmm...
See what you think: http://www.startribune.com/562/story/574377.html
Think about it for a minute...
If you guessed Germany's pre-Hitler Weimar Republic, you're right!
If you didn't... no surprise, most of us would never think of that comparison. But Brian E. Fogarty, a sociology professor at St Kate's, makes that case in today's StarTribune - with interesting results. Not to imply that we're on the brink of fascism, but he does assert that we're on the brink of losing sight of our democratic ideals out of fear and distraction. Hmm...
See what you think: http://www.startribune.com/562/story/574377.html
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
FLOW
FLOW: A NorthSide ArtsCrawl is this Friday night 6-10pm – visual & performing arts of all kinds, at several different venues - www.flownorthside.com for more info.
I’m a little annoyed that I haven’t seen anything in the press about this yet. It’s the kind of wonderful, positive thing that happens on the north side but doesn’t get the coverage that the big killings do! Our poets are performing, along with many other youth & adults. It’s going to be great – if the city actually finds out about it!
I’m a little annoyed that I haven’t seen anything in the press about this yet. It’s the kind of wonderful, positive thing that happens on the north side but doesn’t get the coverage that the big killings do! Our poets are performing, along with many other youth & adults. It’s going to be great – if the city actually finds out about it!
Monday, July 24, 2006
Courage
“Courage is the most important virtue, because without it we cannot practice any other virtue consistently.”
- Maya Angelou
I have had this as a poster on my classroom walls for years. Bottom-line truth! We talk about all the things that people should do, but so much in life is easier said than done. What’s tough requires courage.
- Maya Angelou
I have had this as a poster on my classroom walls for years. Bottom-line truth! We talk about all the things that people should do, but so much in life is easier said than done. What’s tough requires courage.
More Flashbacks!
RSVPs are (finally) pouring in for our 20th reunion next month, and I’m talking with people I have not seen in years! Some in Minnesota but not nearby – some in other states – one just moved back. I’m impressed with the positivity I’ve heard in all the conversations – people who have not registered yet are working on childcare or their spouse’s work schedule, but they are planning or at least hoping to come. I’ve made several calls to old friends and not one has said that they don’t want to come. I’m really looking forward to seeing people – I had a lot of fun in high school and expect the reunion weekend to be a lot of fun too!
I still wonder what can really be said of our generation – how are we different, unique? Maybe I'll have some insight after seeing everyone...
I still wonder what can really be said of our generation – how are we different, unique? Maybe I'll have some insight after seeing everyone...
Monday, July 17, 2006
Questions
From a fun little book called "I'm Not a Feminist, But.." by Lang & Rajah:
* Why is doing anything "like a girl" a bad thing - even for a girl?
* Why is it that when you own 51% of a company's stock you control the company, but if you make up 51% of a society you don't control a thing?
* Why is a bachelor always eligible, but a spinster never so?
* Why aren't there any father-in-law jokes?
Food for thought! :)
* Why is doing anything "like a girl" a bad thing - even for a girl?
* Why is it that when you own 51% of a company's stock you control the company, but if you make up 51% of a society you don't control a thing?
* Why is a bachelor always eligible, but a spinster never so?
* Why aren't there any father-in-law jokes?
Food for thought! :)
Monday, July 10, 2006
Coleman on Ellison
Getting to the point on Keith Ellison's candidacy for Congress, Nick Coleman articulates in yesterday's column the view - which I share - that all the news about his parking tickets and late report filings is really much more about our DFL-endorsed candidate being black and Muslim. Even though it's 2006, I guess that still freaks some people out.
He points out that our governor has had much larger sanctions for doing much worse things than Ellison ever did while campaigning, and that many of our fearless leaders in the state legislature & executive branch have lots of driving & parking tickets too. (And none of them were pulled over for DWB...)
http://www.startribune.com/357/story/539892.html
It's nice to see someone cut so articulately through the BS...
He points out that our governor has had much larger sanctions for doing much worse things than Ellison ever did while campaigning, and that many of our fearless leaders in the state legislature & executive branch have lots of driving & parking tickets too. (And none of them were pulled over for DWB...)
http://www.startribune.com/357/story/539892.html
It's nice to see someone cut so articulately through the BS...
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Post from Santa Cruz
I was too busy to get to the computer while in Santa Cruz this week, but we can pretend! ;) Interesting to be in California & have the weather be cooler than Minneapolis, but that was the case. It was beautiful, but mostly in the 70's.
The training I attended was an excellent example not only of great professional development, but of Gen X at the helm - an organization run by 3 people pretty close to my age! The guy who ran our training was actually several years younger than I am. (I love that!) The woman who led the small group I worked with for the week was about 27, but had no problem leading folks of all ages.
When folks know what they're doing - become experts in one particular area - age ceases to matter and expertise becomes the currency. Onward & upward, Gen X! :)
The training I attended was an excellent example not only of great professional development, but of Gen X at the helm - an organization run by 3 people pretty close to my age! The guy who ran our training was actually several years younger than I am. (I love that!) The woman who led the small group I worked with for the week was about 27, but had no problem leading folks of all ages.
When folks know what they're doing - become experts in one particular area - age ceases to matter and expertise becomes the currency. Onward & upward, Gen X! :)
Who Thinks up This Stuff???
A fun website: http://www.thecoolhunter.net/home/
Endless entertainment – just click & scroll. Crazy-interesting ideas, from practical to just-for-fun. I was intrigued by the wheelchair car, the floating pool lamps, and the landmark houses. I love things that make me ask: Who thinks up this stuff???
Endless entertainment – just click & scroll. Crazy-interesting ideas, from practical to just-for-fun. I was intrigued by the wheelchair car, the floating pool lamps, and the landmark houses. I love things that make me ask: Who thinks up this stuff???
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Unbelievable - and yet not so shocking...
Someone has actually come up with a reason why not to rely on wind power as an alternative to oil…
Military radar. That’s right – wind turbines just might interfere with military radar. We don't know - but they might... so they must be studied, and the FAA has decreed that no more can be built (by refusing to issue the required safety permits) until the Department of Defense study – with no published completion timeline – is finished.
Yea, and we believe ya, too.
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/mld/sanluisobispo/news/politics/14855761.htm
Military radar. That’s right – wind turbines just might interfere with military radar. We don't know - but they might... so they must be studied, and the FAA has decreed that no more can be built (by refusing to issue the required safety permits) until the Department of Defense study – with no published completion timeline – is finished.
Yea, and we believe ya, too.
http://www.sanluisobispo.com/mld/sanluisobispo/news/politics/14855761.htm
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
MIAMI WINS!!!
Yea for the Miami Heat - '06 NBA champions! :)
I don't have any really great reason for liking Miami - other than maybe ha ha to Kobe Bryant - but I'm glad Miami won!!! See the celebration: http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/
I don't have any really great reason for liking Miami - other than maybe ha ha to Kobe Bryant - but I'm glad Miami won!!! See the celebration: http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/
An Interesting Look at AYP
I was surprised to read that only 28 percent of Florida schools made adequate yearly progress (AYP) this year, so I went searching to see how Minnesota compares. According to the MN Dept of Ed, 82 percent of our schools were making AYP as of October ’05. That did not surprise me so much.
The Bush vs. Bush article is amusing – apparently now Jeb is saying that the Florida rating system is more meaningful than his brother's AYP system... because it makes the FL schools look much better. Watching how one brother has to distance himself from the other in order to make excuses for his state's poor performance is pretty entertaining! While I do suspect that the whole AYP system is rigged to produce failure and open the door for vouchers, I also believe that it has done some good in forcing schools to take a hard look at who’s learning what. The problem is not the tests or the standards, but the sanctions. We need more help, not less!
I would love to see a state-by-state breakdown of AYP rates. Bet the blue states do better.
Check out the Florida numbers:
http://schoolsmatter.blogspot.com/ (Bush vs. Bush: AYP vs. FCAT)
And the Minnesota numbers:
http://education.state.mn.us/mde/Data/Data_Downloads/Accountability_Data/NCLB_AYP/index.html
The Bush vs. Bush article is amusing – apparently now Jeb is saying that the Florida rating system is more meaningful than his brother's AYP system... because it makes the FL schools look much better. Watching how one brother has to distance himself from the other in order to make excuses for his state's poor performance is pretty entertaining! While I do suspect that the whole AYP system is rigged to produce failure and open the door for vouchers, I also believe that it has done some good in forcing schools to take a hard look at who’s learning what. The problem is not the tests or the standards, but the sanctions. We need more help, not less!
I would love to see a state-by-state breakdown of AYP rates. Bet the blue states do better.
Check out the Florida numbers:
http://schoolsmatter.blogspot.com/ (Bush vs. Bush: AYP vs. FCAT)
And the Minnesota numbers:
http://education.state.mn.us/mde/Data/Data_Downloads/Accountability_Data/NCLB_AYP/index.html
Sunday, June 18, 2006
A Question for Fathers...
Interesting article in the current Fast Company magazine - "What Kind of Dad Are You?" - blames men for being conspirators in a corporate culture that continues to see juggling work & family as a female problem, and offers suggestions for how dads can actually change the culture where they work!
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/07/138whatkind.html
It's nice to think that we're inching closer to the day when childcare will be considered a family problem, not just a women's problem...
http://www.fastcompany.com/magazine/07/138whatkind.html
It's nice to think that we're inching closer to the day when childcare will be considered a family problem, not just a women's problem...
Father's Day
Great ad for The Economist magazine:
“Have more intelligent fights with your father.”
Since my dad was a CPA, I can relate! :)
“Have more intelligent fights with your father.”
Since my dad was a CPA, I can relate! :)
Friday, June 16, 2006
"Covering"
I am intrigued by a new book called “Covering: The Hidden Assault on Our Civil Rights” by Kenji Yoshino, a Yale law professor.
The premise is that prejudice has evolved beyond the pressure to convert – as for gays to try to be straight, for example – through the pressure to pass – like the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy – to a new place where those who don’t share the majority culture are expected to “tone it down” or downplay their differences.
I think it’s probably true.
One thing that’s been bugging me for the last few years is the notion that white America is no longer prejudiced against blacks per se – and in fact embraces those blacks who choose to embrace a suburban lifestyle – but still looks down on urban blacks who make different lifestyle choices. A black man in a polo shirt & khakis is welcomed just about anywhere, but a black man wearing headgear and a baggy T-shirt is not.
According to Yoshino, today’s civil rights laws protect people based only on what they are, not on what they do. So a woman can’t be fired for being black, but she can be fired for wearing her hair in cornrows. (True story.) She can’t be fired for being gay, but she can be fired after having a public commitment ceremony with her partner. (Another true story.)
How far have we really come, baby?
The premise is that prejudice has evolved beyond the pressure to convert – as for gays to try to be straight, for example – through the pressure to pass – like the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy – to a new place where those who don’t share the majority culture are expected to “tone it down” or downplay their differences.
I think it’s probably true.
One thing that’s been bugging me for the last few years is the notion that white America is no longer prejudiced against blacks per se – and in fact embraces those blacks who choose to embrace a suburban lifestyle – but still looks down on urban blacks who make different lifestyle choices. A black man in a polo shirt & khakis is welcomed just about anywhere, but a black man wearing headgear and a baggy T-shirt is not.
According to Yoshino, today’s civil rights laws protect people based only on what they are, not on what they do. So a woman can’t be fired for being black, but she can be fired for wearing her hair in cornrows. (True story.) She can’t be fired for being gay, but she can be fired after having a public commitment ceremony with her partner. (Another true story.)
How far have we really come, baby?
Brooks on the Sexes
David Brooks’ column this week surprised me – not because he makes a case for gender-separate education, but because a normally articulate columnist is reduced to ridiculous generalizations to make his points.
AAUW did pretty extensive research on gender-separate education in the 90’s and came up with a clear conclusion: it’s good for girls, but not for boys. Girls relax in a more cooperative, less competitive atmosphere where they can excel without fear of not being feminine enough. Boys, however, are left with each other – competitive and annoying. They generally don’t learn more or achieve more.
But Brooks ignores this research completely, relying instead on one random author to make his case. He then throws out some ridiculous statements:
For example: “…these new-wave young adult problem novels, which all seem to be about…” – has he read them all? How on earth would he know what they “all” are about? There is a ton of young-adult literature out there today. I’m an English teacher & I haven’t begun to read it all.
And “…men and women can excel at any subject. They just have to be taught in different ways.” Have to? Or else what – they will fail to learn? Such a sweeping statement is easily refuted by just a glace through several centuries of American education.
Too bad Brooks didn’t do his homework – he could have written a meaningful piece instead of a superficial, one-sided argument that will go no further than entertaining dinner-table conversation.
Read the column “The Gender Gap at School” at http://topics.nytimes.com/top/opinion/editorialsandoped/oped/columnists/davidbrooks/index.html?8qa
AAUW did pretty extensive research on gender-separate education in the 90’s and came up with a clear conclusion: it’s good for girls, but not for boys. Girls relax in a more cooperative, less competitive atmosphere where they can excel without fear of not being feminine enough. Boys, however, are left with each other – competitive and annoying. They generally don’t learn more or achieve more.
But Brooks ignores this research completely, relying instead on one random author to make his case. He then throws out some ridiculous statements:
For example: “…these new-wave young adult problem novels, which all seem to be about…” – has he read them all? How on earth would he know what they “all” are about? There is a ton of young-adult literature out there today. I’m an English teacher & I haven’t begun to read it all.
And “…men and women can excel at any subject. They just have to be taught in different ways.” Have to? Or else what – they will fail to learn? Such a sweeping statement is easily refuted by just a glace through several centuries of American education.
Too bad Brooks didn’t do his homework – he could have written a meaningful piece instead of a superficial, one-sided argument that will go no further than entertaining dinner-table conversation.
Read the column “The Gender Gap at School” at http://topics.nytimes.com/top/opinion/editorialsandoped/oped/columnists/davidbrooks/index.html?8qa
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Mpls MOSAIC begins today
The mayor was right in his letter to the Strib today (http://www.startribune.com/563/story/484346.html) - amid the current immigration debate, it makes sense to pause & notice the amazing mosaic of ethnicities in the twin cities! This weekend, the Mpls MOSAIC arts festival kicks off a celebration of the many facets of who we are with performances by local folks with roots from around the world.
Some of our Youth Slam League spoken word artists will be on stage at 9:30 - and myriad other options run up Hennepin avenue as well. Check it out 6-10pm tonight!
Details & event schedules: http://www.minneapolismosaic.com/
Some of our Youth Slam League spoken word artists will be on stage at 9:30 - and myriad other options run up Hennepin avenue as well. Check it out 6-10pm tonight!
Details & event schedules: http://www.minneapolismosaic.com/
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Youth Speak!
Spoken word as the movement of the future - I am coming to believe in it more & more! My students are able to articulate really important concepts and ideas through spoken word poetry, and that is step one toward impacting the world! Call me crazy, but the potential for voices to be heard & understood that often are not because they don't embrace standard English - huge. And exciting!
We had a blast with the Youth Poetry Slam League this spring - went undefeated! - and they just continue to grow, both in skills and in readiness to speak to the world. The most fun I had in all the great facets of my job this spring was with them. I am inspired every day.
Check out their web page!
http://henry.mpls.k12.mn.us/Spoken_Word.html
We had a blast with the Youth Poetry Slam League this spring - went undefeated! - and they just continue to grow, both in skills and in readiness to speak to the world. The most fun I had in all the great facets of my job this spring was with them. I am inspired every day.
Check out their web page!
http://henry.mpls.k12.mn.us/Spoken_Word.html
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Go Patriots!
Great article about the "magic" of our school in the paper today! Bravo Patrick Henry HS!
http://www.startribune.com/1592/story/471108.html
Interestingly, the genesis for the article several months ago was, "Why is this school doing so much better than all the others with tough kids?" but over the course of his research it turned toward a theme of, "Can we sustain our success through all the budget cuts?" Of course the answer is no. Everyone's exhausted!
I'll believe money doesn't matter in education the day I see the exclusive private schools accomplish what we do within our budget.
We have a lot to be proud of. Go Patriots! :)
http://www.startribune.com/1592/story/471108.html
Interestingly, the genesis for the article several months ago was, "Why is this school doing so much better than all the others with tough kids?" but over the course of his research it turned toward a theme of, "Can we sustain our success through all the budget cuts?" Of course the answer is no. Everyone's exhausted!
I'll believe money doesn't matter in education the day I see the exclusive private schools accomplish what we do within our budget.
We have a lot to be proud of. Go Patriots! :)
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Another Young One at the Helm
I mentioned a few weeks ago that both the superintendent and teacher's union president in St Paul are in their 30's - and now we can add the new teacher's union president in Minneapolis to the list too! Even though I voted for his Boomer-age opponent and don't like some of his positions, I still think it's fun to have a Gen X teacher at the helm. Makes for interesting times! :)
Face it...
"Not everything we face can be changed, but we must face things in order to change them."
- James Baldwin
- James Baldwin
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