Made in the U.S.

As some of you may have guessed, my lack of posts has been due to a new career start in a local, private high school.  This opportunity has "put me in the trenches" and allowed me to witness firsthand  some of the issues in education that interest me.

With a month of school in the books and college recruitment days in full swing, the senior class has attracted (rightfully so) a fair share of my attention.  Many students have used their time wisely in high school to craft a college application that few schools would ignore; full of athletics, extracurricular activities, and community service.  Couple this with high scores on Regents achievement tests and what do you find?  A testament to our "well-rounded, All-American student."  

Now please don't mistake what I'm trying to say- I'm a strong supporter of athletics, extracurricular activities, music programs { :) } and community service.  These activities aid tremendously in the growth and development of our young pupils.

But I think there is a large piece of the puzzle missing in education, being simply in the word WHY.  There appears to be a general lack of the ability to formulate and support original opinion or thought in our high schools.  It is my belief that ever-rising state standards which promote memorization over actual learning, are overshadowing the study of current events, independent reasoning, and researched debate practice.

And what do the students find when they arrive at the colleges they spent four years preparing for?  That when asked to right an argumentative paper portraying two sides of a controversy, they don't know where to start or what to think.

Education is being associated more and more with business models promoting effective productivity and results.  As American students leave school each June are we proud of the figurative stamp that such models are placing on the next generation of American citizens?

GREAT READ- Educating the "Right" Way by Professor Michael Apple

Neighbo(U)rs to the North

One of the clear cut signs of being a proud citizen of Buffalo is that one's 19th Birthday is almost as important as the 21st.  Why is this the case?  Because our WONDERFUL Canadian neighbors decided that one may "pull up a stool" at the ripe ol' age of 19 rather than 21.  (This debate can and will be saved for another time)

So the summer offers ample time for those who head to school elsewhere to come home and enjoy this privilege that UB and Buff State folks cherish year round.  Personally, HebNational and I often use the summer to trek over the peace bridge and spend time at Bay Beach and Crystal Beach, ON via bicycle.  (yeah, we rode 42 miles in one day....we pretty much think we're champions...)

But, the post 9/11 era we live in has caused much trouble in border-crossing paradise.

Buffalo now finds itself plagued with the question of "What do I need to get over the border?"

Here are the responses from our civil servants:

D.C.- Buy a Passport.

Albany- Buy an enhanced Driver's License (due in Sept.) for $80

Border towns- Buy a $45 Passport-card that will get you to Canada via land or sea

Yikes.  It's tough to work together to find ONE solution.

Moral of the story- the faithful pilgrimages by 19+ year old college students will certainly decrease come January 1st 2009.  (Sigh) Enjoy the summer while possible....

Fowl Behavior

To Quote Dear Peter Griffin; "Something's really Grinding my Gears lately..."

So unless you've been living under a rock for the past few months, you've noticed McDonald's new "Southern-style Chicken Sandwich."  You may have also heard a radio advertisement promoting how 'forever inventive America is!' and "I'd like to find the genius at McDonald's whose responsible for this chicken sandwich, and just shake their hand

Here's the problem: McDONALD'S DIDN'T INVENT ANYTHING!

Someone simply rode in and stole the Chik-Fil-A recipe for their basic chicken sandwich!  All the way down to the mayo and pickles!

Damn you Ronald McDonald, you stealing #@$*!  Don't try to fool me with your fast-food trickery!

Summer Suggestions

Today, I have two discoveries to share.  One is old, and one I just recently came upon.

1.) You can totally make little pizzas on the grill and they're fantastic.  The trick is to start 'em off on foil to let the ingredients warm up a little bit (the cheese melting is a good indication that the dish is getting warm :)  Then you lift the pizza, remove the foil, and cook for a few more minutes being sure not to let the bottom burn.  (Hence the foil to start)

*For extra group fun, KJGrl devised a "Make your own Pizza" scheme.  Great success.  It looks like even KFed can do it...

2.) Kan-Jam is arguably the greatest game ever invented.  Now those that know me are quite aware that I've been hawking this game for nearly two years, but I always look to grow the fan base.  I should totally be a sales man.

Here's the twist: you throw a frisbee at a can and different points are awarded based on how the disc hits and how your partner plays it.  (One partner at each can)  You play 'til 21 and compete in best 2 of 3 sets.  Stunning.

*Check out kanjam.com sometime

Thanks for the pics KJGrl

Cooler Confessional

So rather than acting like a poser philosopher last night, I decided to turn down the classic rock and listen to what people actually say as they remove dairy products from the cooler. 

You wouldn't believe some of the things people mutter.

First, there's the scrutinizer; the one who stands in the door for at least 90 seconds considering all of the different orange juices known to man that the store carries

Then there's the speed racers; generally the middle-aged moms that have two or three kids in tow and are determined to finish their entire grocery list in under fifteen minutes.  Sometimes they make the rakes shake as they rip the product down.  Go Jeff Go

Finally there's the definitely not in the store but in the store shopper.  This individual is clearly thinking of something else that's happening in his/her life and so they take the opportunity to speak with themselves.  "we're totally gonna get through this"

This also provides ample time to be up to no good.  For example, grab product before someone's about to take it, sing the next few words to a song if someone opens the door and starts singing, or surprise the child that finds it necessary to touch EVERY PIECE OF YOGURT THEY CAN GET THEIR HANDS ON by looking out through the opening in the wall

P.S. I went to the zoo yesterday.  Hence the picture.  I think he's got the right idea

They've Done It Again

Summertime tends to be a prime-time for me to head to the theaters and catch a few shows.  So last night, Ms. KJGrl and I ventured out to witness Pixar's most recent film Wall-E.  I had heard nothing but good things from reviews, which always leaves me a bit skeptical as the columnists who write said reviews are often polar opposites of my tastes, but away we went nonetheless.

And I must say, it was fantastic.

Now be warned, this has nothing to do with my high regard for Pixar studios or my more than unhealthy love and respect for Steve Jobs.  Instead, I feel that the studio has indeed done it again and produced another Finding Nemo, only this time we follow the trek of a cute little robot.

I highly recommend the film and be sure to keep track of the jabs at Wal-Mart, Global Warming, and Fat People that come along the way.

P.S. Wall-E totally has the Mac boot up G Major chord.  Leave it to a Mac to work after 700 years...

Dance Monkey, Dance

Today I had the pleasure of witnessing what happens what the Big Wigs come to the local grocery store that I work in during the summer.

All of the managers worked today.  And each one has their own little dance.

One likes to smile and shake everyone's hand

One likes to judge though normally quite bland

One chef is clumsy, and frantic, and nuts

The other, a vet, hates all of this fuss

And then there's me, a part-timer caught in the middle

Expected to work and ne'er to fiddle

But I laugh to myself in my own special way

As I wonder why we're not this good each and every day...

A short post; see, I can do it!