Seems The Europeans Are Getting Bush Now

What a couple of days! I just found this, but there have been so many other articles from Britain, Germany, Slovakia, and even one from Canada. Tomorrow I'll try to find all the links, for now it's off to bed!

A Moonbat Post

Every once in awhile, they deserve their own space.

My Prayers Are With The Pontiff

The church has had more than a few problems in the past decade, especially in the US. This man however he may have coped with these, has a much larger legacy that incorporates his stands on communism, nazism, young people, and reaching out. He's been my father for most of my adult life.
"People living deeply have no fear of death"
-Anais Nin

UPDATE: The Anchoress says it much more poetically than I.

Week 3 Of the Carnival of Education is Up!

I am a slackard, well maybe a slow writer. I couldn't get my post, http://teachersramblings.blogspot.com/2005/02/what-makes-good-teacher.html completed in time for submission, but have tried to slip it into the comment thread.

Even if you choose to skip my rant/post, check out these other very worthwhile blogs!

What Makes A Good Teacher?

I am shamelessly hooking up to EdWonk's post on defining a teacher, (since this has been written over a period of days, I want it known that this before was informed I was added to their blogroll, of which I am so grateful!). Since I came across this Friday I haven't been able to quite stop thinking about it, pondering it if you will. I think this may be due to an ongoing conversation with some friends from school.

Last Friday our 'clique' from school went out and we were discussing good and bad teachers, for the umpteenth time. I teach in a ps-8 parochial school, one class of each grade. Out of 12 teachers, 8 have their masters. Considering parochial school salaries, that's pretty good by any standard for elementary schools. Unfortunately education doesn't necessarily make for great or even adequate teachers. We are looking at how to make a more cohesive curriculum across the grades. We have been finding there is a broad mix of teacher interest areas, resulting in some grades having an overemphasis on certain subjects, with a falloff in others.

I think it might be beneficial to set the stage of who was at our 'meeting.' It was a roundtable discussion, more or less. The kindergarten aid, (50+; aid 6 years; BA in education with emphasis on reading). The first grade teacher, (60+; 25+ years experience; MA in reading instruction/BA Education with emphasis in reading; +35 hrs). The second grade teacher, (60+; teaching 25+; MS in science/MA Education/BA education; principal in public schools 3 years). The third grade teacher, (26; 4 years teaching; BA education; MA education/Multiple Intelligences). Myself, middle school social studies, (50; BA history, sociology, political science; completing MS Education/Differentiated Instruction; teaching 6 years).

As all teachers and thinking adults will surmise, those skewered were not there. However, in defense of clique, we are those that have consistently put up the high standardized test scores and led in teaching inservice courses. We keep up to date on new ideas and continuously are working at improving our teaching methods.

2/23: I spent the last 2 days elaborating on the problems with the other teachers. To demonstrate the level of minutia I was about to devolve into, I have left the 'clique' info intact. I've gotten rid of all the particulars, which ran the gamut from problems with student and teacher behavior to not being able to leave the programmed lessons of teacher's editions. No one involved with education needs that much detail, at least that I wish to hear from.

My question to the educators in cyberspace: How do you influence 'less able teachers' to improve? I'm serious here. We know these are the same teachers that in some cases take notes during institutes that are worthless or at the other end are clueless when 'problems' are brought up that concern them.

Anyone have some suggestions to help well meaning but ineffective collegues become more competent?

Medienkritik Means Business

They have the numbers and the signs and the media. I have pretty heavy European traffic, considering my light traffic. If you are not from the David's Midienkritik site, check it out!

Lest We Forget

One of my regular commentors, Eddie, is serving on the USS Kittyhawk, so he's away. He has access to email though and he sent me this column. Thank you Sgt. David Sallie, my prayers go out to your family, especially your wife.

Google Needs A Goosing!

Michelle rightly takes to task Google and the MSM for ignoring the comments by a US Congressman regarding Karl Rove. I'll let you guess the party before you follow the links...

UPDATE: via Michelle, same post. Charles Johnson was just on MSNBC via audio on this story. Ron Reagan Jr. said he had 'similar thought's ' regarding Rove. LGF's Johnson nailed down the facts very professionally.

Can Someone Explain The Difference Between The Syrians and The Israelis?

I think the Israelis have the better case for occupation, but the 'world' doesn't seem to think so...

The Few and the Proud!

Via Youngpundit. There are so many brave men and women that are serving to keep the rest of us free. I just think a thank you is in order every now and again. I can’t keep track of the number of stories I’ve seen like this father son duo, but I thank God and our country that somehow we keep producing such.

Germany A Changing?

It appears Schroeder is in immediate danger of losing his control. I wish I better understood Germany 'today,' than just some of the history. Seems they've always had the best and the worst, perhaps that's true of all people's, but few seem to rise as high in positions of power.

This Sounds Like Good News

Another consequence of the Iraq War?

The GW Tapes

This has absolutely nothing to do with anything, except perhaps free advertising for the author's book. I doubt very much that anyone has been made aware of any 'truths' that they didn't already have a pretty strong feeling about.

If I was surprised at any point to be made, it was that the NYTimes points out that Bush sounds very much like he does as president:

The private Mr. Bush sounds remarkably similar in many ways to the public President Bush. Many of the taped comments foreshadow aspects of his presidency, including his opposition to both anti-gay language and recognizing same-sex marriage, his skepticism about the United Nations, his sense of moral purpose and his focus on cultivating conservative Christian voters.

Brit Blogs Roundup

An idea who's time has come. As the Guardian noted, http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,3604,1417983,00.html

it's just a matter of time...

NK: Japan Is the Aggressor

NK sends a ballastic missile over Japan. NK announces it has nuclear weapons. Japan says they will protect themselves, and Japan is the aggressor. The world according to the Dear Leader.

Ed Wonk Asks: What Is A Teacher?

He's asking for some comment help here. Go visit and leave your opinion, I did. :-)