I'm not one with a superb sense of fashion, but what is up with the Hilary Clinton look alikes. The White House must have a strict regulation on a first lady's hairstyle. I mean look at Hilary Clinton and Laura Bush and the latest photos of Michelle Obama. At least Michelle hasn't lopped off the back of her hair yet, only pinned it up and styled the front to be a Clinton-a-like. If she lops off the back, then we'll know there is indeed a Stepford regulation in the White House.
Here's Michelle's latest picture:
http://www.stylelist.com/celebrity-style/style-evolution/michelle-obama
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Thursday, February 19, 2009
CA Budget Crisis
A very interesting article on one of the ways in which the California State budget has been a time bomb waiting to explode and how the tax breaks for the few, severly hurt the many.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-ross19-2009feb19,0,3825360.story
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-ross19-2009feb19,0,3825360.story
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Book Review: The Alchemist
The story was much different from the types of books I normally read-a novelized self-help book. The novel definitely had a unique voice and tone. I did enjoy the overall message about following your dreams, no matter how many curveballs life throws you, and good things will happen.
A number of people recommended this novel to me. After reading it, I’m surprised at a couple of people's recommendations considering The Alchemist’s heavy religious symbolism and content.
I couldn’t follow every line of reasoning. Maybe I wasn’t supposed to.
I enjoyed the protagonists’ journey through new lands, but was glad the book was really short.
My principal criticism is that I got lost in some of the philosophy.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Book Review: The Lost Colony
Awesome book! Awesome series. The second book was good, but I couldn't get over the switched perspective. Book 1 and 3(this one) were in John Perry's pov and they were definately the best. The character of John Perry is so well written it didn't matter where Scalzi put him, I was engaged. Book One took place almost entirely in space with far out technology. This one was primarily on backward worlds with old tools. It was the writing, pacing and great characters that had me fly through the book. I must say I am really bummed when he wrote in his afterword that this would be the last book in this universe. By far my favorite book this year - even though he left one minor thread untied.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
No More Science Fair
I was shocked to read in my son's school's newsletter that his elementary school has decided to do away with their science fair – except fourth grade.
Instead, his highly-ranked school has planned a Mad Science demonstration, a Super Scientist Night with scientist from the local community showing off their projects, and three teacher-guided in-class science projects to meet grade-level standards.
While these are really, really great activities to get children excited about science, it seems to me the next logical step would be to cap off the year with a science fair where children get to make and present their own project based on what they learned.
Perhaps I’m being selfish having enjoyed science fairs as a child and helping my son with his project last year, but isn't participating in a science fair a right of passage? See Jimmy Neutron or Meet the Robinsons or any other plethora of children's movies or books based on a school's science fair. Our local library has an entire shelf devoted to science fair projects.
I feel there is something to be said for a child planning out his own experiment, conducting research, creating a display, learning something new and presenting it to class. Not to mention pride in showing it off to his friends and family. Last year's science fair was packed with families taking pictures of their kids standing next to their projects.
My son had asked me twice this year when his school would have its science fair. When I told him I learned that there wouldn’t be one, he had a noticeable frown.
A teacher mentioned they didn't believe in at-home projects in general because they put a burden on time-starved families, and in many cases, the parents do most of the work anyway.
I understand that rationale, but even if some parents did do most of the work, the child still has some input on the project, learns something new, and has to present it to their class thereby improving numerous skills.
And if the concern is too much of a time-burden on the parents, perhaps schools could make participation in the science fair optional like the PTA’s Reflections Campaign or the talent show, instead of canceling the fair outright.
To take science fairs out of a child's experience really sucks. I hope this isn’t a national trend.
Instead, his highly-ranked school has planned a Mad Science demonstration, a Super Scientist Night with scientist from the local community showing off their projects, and three teacher-guided in-class science projects to meet grade-level standards.
While these are really, really great activities to get children excited about science, it seems to me the next logical step would be to cap off the year with a science fair where children get to make and present their own project based on what they learned.
Perhaps I’m being selfish having enjoyed science fairs as a child and helping my son with his project last year, but isn't participating in a science fair a right of passage? See Jimmy Neutron or Meet the Robinsons or any other plethora of children's movies or books based on a school's science fair. Our local library has an entire shelf devoted to science fair projects.
I feel there is something to be said for a child planning out his own experiment, conducting research, creating a display, learning something new and presenting it to class. Not to mention pride in showing it off to his friends and family. Last year's science fair was packed with families taking pictures of their kids standing next to their projects.
My son had asked me twice this year when his school would have its science fair. When I told him I learned that there wouldn’t be one, he had a noticeable frown.
A teacher mentioned they didn't believe in at-home projects in general because they put a burden on time-starved families, and in many cases, the parents do most of the work anyway.
I understand that rationale, but even if some parents did do most of the work, the child still has some input on the project, learns something new, and has to present it to their class thereby improving numerous skills.
And if the concern is too much of a time-burden on the parents, perhaps schools could make participation in the science fair optional like the PTA’s Reflections Campaign or the talent show, instead of canceling the fair outright.
To take science fairs out of a child's experience really sucks. I hope this isn’t a national trend.
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