Monday, August 25, 2008

An Urban School That Works?

I agree with this idea:  lower income students need serious order in their school (and in their habits) if they are to succeed.  Anything that stands in the way of implenting order is detrimental.  I wonder, however, if the facts about the school correspond the the Will's rosy vision. 

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Naysayer Bullseye

Perhaps this is just a pat paradox, but often I find naysayers to be the greatest optimists.  What is more hopeful than seeing either the truth (if you're right), or recognizing that things can (only) get this bad (if you're wrong)?
 
Also, I have an old friend whose name is actually Dr. Dooms.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Bush Bull

I seriously doubt the premise here:  that Bush is a Trumanesque visionary whose cowboy bluster actually succeeded in turning the world tide against radical Islam; and that selling out the middle class of America for the mach-speed growth of India and China is a categorically positive deed of a benevolent capitalist.  But, hey, it's always good to consider the contrarian's POV.

Friday, August 08, 2008

Alas, once a "trend" is reported, it's doomed for a backlash. So the literary rockers will probably soon be loathed and a new crew of AC/DCites will arise. Hey, there have been literate songwriters forever. Just not always so celebrated...

On Kultcha

So very sad yet true:  gadgets have supplanted thought amongst the sassy masses, always eager not to think, but to reap the social benefits of appearing to think. 

Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Invincible

A very cool local artist, Invincible

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Science Dying On the Cross Of Self-Esteem?

Sometimes I should level about my own anti-science misgivings.  They aren't mentioned in this article.