My child, who’s in gifted, who got straight As last quarter, and who rarely worries about her grades, was up late last night worrying that she’d fail the EOGs and have to repeat 5th grade.  I think all these kids would be so much better off if the school didn’t make such a huge deal out of preparing (otherwise known as cramming at the last minute) for these tests, and just trusted that what they’ve taught throughout the year will be sufficient, rather than scaring the heck out of the kids with the potential consequences.  Who tests well when they’re scared and worried?

It’s the end of the Mayan calendar I think.

In online terminology, “1337” is a graphical representation of the word “leet”—short for elite.  It’s a term of veneration for particularly skillful hackers.  Any coincidental occurrence of the number is regarded as an auspicious omen, a token of approval bestowed by the Internet Gods.

Fellas and gals, who cares about a debate between two morons? The two of them, each in their own sweet ways, are totally reprehensible. Surely we deserve a better choice? I’m not advocating for anyone in particular; I just think it is disgraceful that these are our only choices.

also—being nice aside—none of the commercial media (for a lot of reasons, most of them economic) cover local politics in the depth that Richard and Gordon and Bobby the Mighty Thunderpig and a few others do.

Well, I for one, like Matt ... he’s the premo radio voice in this area. But… in his off hours… way down there in the Mattcave, I bet he watches URTV, TOO. ;-)

just like I listen to “Take A Stand” several days a week.

it takes us all… even crazy liberal bloggers.

hmmm… okay, let me get back to you on that last.

Matt,

Why not URTV Matt?

Richard

I have had a handgun for many years, but have never had to use it. I believe every law abiding American should have the right to carry a hand gun for protection.

Ed Hewitt
Age 85
U.S. Navy Retired

I wonder which province? perhaps I should move there except for the cold.

I could go on and on for hours about how much I hate those ridiculous EOGs! I have yet to meet one teacher who thinks they are a good idea. I actually have enough faith in our teachers to think they can teach the material and best assess if a child is ready to go on to the next grade. And whoever thought a 3rd grader should sit for 2 hours taking a test? I’ll never forget my 5th grader completely freaking out over his EOGs - Restless ended up keeping him for two days at her house, packing him lunch, and getting him to and from school. Try as best we could to support him, the pressure was just too much, and one of Mom’s fun friends was a better option.

Those things are a pox on our educational system! Aren’t we lucky we have a bunch of white, wealthy, male lawyers and and former athletes to legislate this kind of stuff for us?