Rhode Island Predator...

Hey guys,

Yesterday a high school wrestling coach from Moses Brown was arrested on child pornography charges.  Robert Simone is a 21 year old assistant coach for the team.  Apparently Simone posed as a teenage girl on an instant messaging service and coerced a 15-year old boy to send him sexually explicit photos and videos.  Simone told the boy that if he did not continue to send him these types of materials, that he would post previous photos and videos of the boy on YouTube and FaceBook.

The internet has provided predators of all types a safe, anonymous arena on which to prey.  When online, they can be anything…. Any gender, any age, any job… they can create an entirely new person with fake photos and profiles, all in an attempt to hurt and/or exploit the innocent; and in many cases those innocents are children.

As the former DateLine special To Catch a Predator illustrated a few years back, communities around the country are fighting these anonymous internet monsters.  These types of people prey on the weak and vulnerable. 

The most dangerous predators are people in positions of authority and trust over kids; police, religious leaders, coaches, and even teachers...etc.  Kids have an expectation of trust with these people, and because these people know and understand how kids operate from being around them so much, a predator would find it very easy to exploit, fool, and hurt them. 

Simone will be facing charges of possession of child pornography, soliciting a child, and extortion.  If convicted of all of these charges, he should have plenty of time to think about his actions in prison… if it were up to me, people guilty of these types of crimes would never get out of jail!

What do you think?

-      X

On the Road Again...

Hey guys,

Willie Nelson.  Country Singer, Folk Singer, Peace Activist, Pot Head.  For those of you who do not know who Willie Nelson is, take a few minutes to Google the man… it is pretty difficult to not like Willie Nelson; after all he is one of the last true hippies… a remnant of a bygone era and generation which tried to change the world with messages of peace and love.

Preaching peace and love and singing folk songs to millions of fans does not however make it acceptable to break the law, regardless if you agree with a certain law or not.  Our country does not operate under the conditions that you only follow the laws you think are good laws.

Willie was arrested last November for possession of marijuana, and this was not his first time at the rodeo.  This time however it looked like prosecutors were going to make an example out of him… after all, the warnings didn’t have any effect, so now he has to be punished, right?  Wrong!  He is Willie Nelson… and the prosecutor and the judge are really big fans!

Willie was offered a deal.  He pleads guilty to the charges, comes to court to sing a song for the Judge, and he will not have to serve jail time.  Are you kidding me!?!?!?  The prosecutor was even quoted as saying, “There is no way I’m sending Willie Nelson to jail.”

I am shocked and disgusted at this outright acceptance of bribery, nepotism, and hypocrisy.  This is not the way it is supposed to work in this country!  You break a law, you pay the price.  I doubt the judge would have been so “creative” in his deals had you or I been the person caught with drugs… we would have just been some pot head who got caught.

Is Willie Nelson a danger to society?  Highly doubtful.  That is beside the point.  If they wanted to simply drop the charges, or sentence him to community service which singing could be part of, I’m fine with that… but singing before the judge in a courtroom as part of the deal?… no way! Is this the year 2011 or is it 1411 in which a person must entertain his King to receive leniency?

How can we claim that we are all equal under the law as long there are some rules for the regular folks, and different rules for celebrities.

What do you think?

- X

President Obama explains Libyan action...

Hey guys,

Last night President Obama spoke to the nation in the hopes of outlining America’s role in the Libyan Civil War.  The President argued that America has a moral obligation as the most powerful country in the world to intervene in an effort to help those who cannot help themselves.

President Obama stated that had the United States not acted when it did, Libyan President Gadhafi would have massacred thousands of innocent civilians to ensure he remains in power. 

President Obama outlined that the United States is working jointly with its European Allies and with authorization from the UN and NATO, as well as with a call for help from the Arab League.  Mr. Obama did state that the United States’ role in this conflict will be limited and somewhat brief as NATO forces are expected to take over the operation; once that happens America need only honor its NATO treaty obligations.

The President said that the goal of this operation is not to remove President Gadhafi, only to protect the civilians of Libya.  He said very bluntly that removing a head of state through military action is dangerous and has unforeseen complications; “America has been down that road before, in Iraq” said the President.

There are those who argue that the President is wrong for having committed American forces to yet another conflict.  Some republican members of congress claim that the President is behaving like a “king” in sending the military “wherever he wants.”  Republicans argue that the Libyan civil war has no direct threat to American interests or to the safety of the United States, and because of this fact, America has no business being there.

I do not always agree with the President, but in this case, I must confess that I feel strongly that the United States does indeed have a moral obligation to help and protect those who cannot help and protect themselves. 

I do understand however, why some Americans are weary of becoming involved in yet another foreign conflict.  That issue is highlighted even more so today as March 29^th marks the anniversary of the end of the United States’ involvement in Vietnam, another confusing and often misunderstood conflict.

What do you think?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110329/ap_on_re_us/us_obama_libya_analysis

UPDATE:  the French Spider Man, Alain Robert from yesterday’s post successfully climbed the Burj Khalifa.  Video footage and articles are all over the internet… simply google “Alain Robert.”

Move over Peter Parker...

Hey guys,

For those of you who believe super-heroes can be real, or that you don’t need a super-power to be a super-hero (Bat Man)… you should be aware of Alain Robert.  The 48 year old has earned the nickname “the French Spiderman.”

Robert has climbed some of the world’s tallest and most dangerous buildings, including the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Sydney Opera House in Australia, and Sears Tower in Chicago.  However today he plans on attempting to climb the tallest building on Earth, Burj Khalifa in Dubai (2,717 feet).  The climb is part of an “Education Without Borders” conference, and organizers thought having Robert there would be an exciting piece of the event.

Robert, who earned his nickname not just because of his climbing, but also because he wears a Spiderman costume while he climbs, normally does his work without the use of any safety equipment, however in Dubai he will resort to a rope and harness.  The reason for the precautions?  Dubai is hot… very hot… with temperature often close to 104 degrees!

You can Google Alain Robert to see the list of over 100 buildings he has climbed, and YouTube him to see him in action.  A word to the wise though, Robert is not always invited to climb these places and has been arrested for his spider-like activities.

What do you think?

-          X

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20110326/wl_mideast_afp/uaefranceoffbeat

Earth Hour...

Hey guys,

A little reminder for all you tree huggers and green lovers out there.  Saturday, March 26 is Earth Hour Day.  All over the world, at 8:30pm (local time) millions of people will turn off and unplug all their electronic devices in an effort to save energy and spread awareness about the dangers of global climate change.

Last year’s Earth Hour was the biggest yet for the event which began in Australia in 2007.  In just its third year, 128 countries participated in the event.  This year, Earth Hour founders are hoping that even more people pledge to do their part for Mother Earth.

For more information on Earth Hour as well as information on how you can “go beyond the hour”… click the link at the bottom of this page.

Have a great weekend!

-      X

http://www.earthhour.org/Homepage

Jerusalem

Hey guys,

This week, Jerusalem was the site of a deadly bus bombing.  The terrorist attack, perpetrated by the group Hamas, was the first such attack in Jerusalem in about four years.  The city has been on a path of peace with Jews, Christians, and Muslims living together in the city in relative harmony.

Jerusalem is a holy city for all three faiths, and as such all three faiths have cause to ensure the city’s holy shrines and sites remain undisturbed. 

The politics concerning Jerusalem, Israel, and the Palestinians as a whole are complicated, multilayered, and span centuries… as such, I can’t possibly explain this conflict in any great detail here.  Just know that the area is enormously important to all three faiths, and people have fought and died over the right to this area, known collectively as “the Holy Land.”

Israel’s response to the bus bombing is the launching of missile attacks in the area of Gaza controlled by Hamas.  Hamas has retaliated by firing missiles of its own deep into the populated areas of Israel.  This greatly involves the United States as Israel is our greatest ally in the region, and the United States has long defended Israel’s right to exist.

Aside from all the politics and religious issues, hearing the news that a new wave of violence has erupted in the region really affected me.  I visited Jerusalem this past summer and fell in love with the city, its people, its vitality, and its endurance.  It breaks my heart to see history repeating itself in the area.  I was only in the city for four days, but I can say without a doubt that it changed my life for the better, and helped me to better understand people of all faiths.

What do you think?

-      X

Link to Bus Bombing story:  I have no idea why that address is so long!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110325/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_israel_palestinians;_ylt=AgeOZxl9OUrheYlrW.XcyRFTsa8F;_ylu=X3oDMTNhbGhmdG5tBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTEwMzI1L21sX2lzcmFlbF9wYWxlc3RpbmlhbnMEY2NvZGUDbXBfZWNfOF8xMARjcG9zAzMEcG9zAzMEc2VjA3luX3RvcF9zdG9yaWVzBHNsawNnYXphbWlsaXRhbnQ-

Link to map of Israel, the occupied territories, and surrounding countries.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/middle_east/conflict

Wake me up before you go, go...

Hey guys,

Clearly since 9/11, our country has gone to great lengths to increase airport security in an attempt to make us more safe during flights… great, I’m all for that!  I will wait in longer lines, and I will go through all the machines, and take my shoes off… no problem...

Terrorism and mechanical failure are major concerns for airline travelers, but are they the biggest threats to safety in the airline industry?  No way… the number one danger for passengers… pure human stupidity.

Yesterday, two flights landed at Reagan International Airport in Washington D.C.  without clearance from the tower.  Why?  The airport traffic controller was enjoying a nap!  It’s the job of those workers on the ground to ensure that planes do not take off and land at the same time, as well as monitor traffic of flights in the air to avoid collisions.

Last year a flight overshot its destination city of Indianapolis by over 100 miles because the pilots were on FaceBook!!!!

All the scanners, x-ray machines, bomb sniffing dogs, psychics, and air marshals in the world won’t keep us safe from the biggest threat to not only air travel but to humanity… and that is stupidity.

What do you think?

- X

Bonds the Destroyer

Hey guys,

It looks like the time may have finally come for Barry Bonds.  You may remember that Bonds broke Hank Aaron’s all time home run record back in 2007 and finished his career with 762 home runs.

That sounds great… however… you may also remember that Bonds’ name has come up more than once in regards to steroids and performance enhancing drugs.  Bonds has testified under oath that he never knowingly took steroids. 

Currently Bonds is on trial for lying to a grand jury, a crime taken very seriously in our legal system.  Like all those accused of a crime in this country, Bonds is innocent until proven guilty, however the court of public opinion, has already convicted him.

Performance enhancing drugs have no place in sports… they are dangerous and it is outright cheating.  For the game of baseball, the impact of steroids has been much worse than for any of the other major sports.

More than any other game, baseball is a game defined by its statistics.  It is a game ruled by those statistics.  There are numbers in the sport that are considered to be sacred… 56, .401, 714, 755, 60, 61, 5,000… these are the numbers that help to give baseball its shape, its identity, and its soul.  I have a very difficult time putting 70, 762, and 73 in the same category.

The larger issue here… professional athletes feel that because they can hit, throw, shoot, or catch a ball, they are not subject to the same rules and laws that we “normal folk” must follow.  Lying to a grand jury and to congress?!?!?… I don’t care how many home runs you can hit!

Bonds has already helped to destroy the sanctity of one American institution, hopefully the good people sitting in that San Francisco courtroom do not let him destroy another.

What do you think?

- X   

P.S.  Feel free to post what all of those numbers represent.

Everyone gets a trophy!

Hey guys,

I think by now, those of you who are/have been in one of my classes know how I feel about the, “Everyone gets a trophy” philosophy... but just in case you missed it... I CAN’T STAND IT! 

Losing is part of life, and children need to understand that sometimes, even if you work really hard and you deserve to win... you still lose. Not learning this lesson as kids can have serious consequences for a person’s development as well as have a negative impact on adult life.

In the April edition of Psychology Today, the cover story covers this issue as well as discusses how difficult it is to give and receive negative feedback.  Too often we are simply told, “good job” or “nice try”, we never learn how to handle a boss or a colleague letting you know that it wasn’t a “good job” or that you don’t get credit, or get to keep your job because you gave it a “nice try.”

According to the article, kids learning how to receive negative feedback helps them in the adult world or performance based job reviews.  A coach letting you know what you are doing wrong, a teacher critiquing a research paper, friends letting you know that maybe “green just isn’t your color”... these are all adolescent examples of what adults face in the work force.

Truth be told, no one enjoys negative feedback, but it is a reality we must face each day.  As a teacher, my department head, my principal, and assistant principals, all offer praise, feedback, and criticism... they have to!  I want to hear when they think I’m doing well, and I need to hear about it when they think I’m not doing well... how else can I improve and ultimately keep my job?

This does not imply that people need to be cruel when offering feedback, but they do need to be honest, and we need to learn to accept it as an opportunity to improve and succeed.

And for the love of all that is good in the world...

EVERYONE DOES NOT GET A TROPHY!!!!

What do you think?

-         x

FYI:  Psychology Today’s 8 Rules of Effective Feedback (give and get)

1.  Always lead with questions:  How do you think you are doing?

2.  Never give criticism unless it’s been invited.

3.  Make sure you are seen as having authority to give corrective feedback.

4.  Distinguish whether a demand for change reflects your needs or is a valid critique of how someone is doing something.  (know if you are being too demanding.)

5.  Never give feedback when you are angry.

6.  Know who you are talking to.  (Narcissists take any criticism as a personal attack; the insecure lose all self-esteem)

7.  Know yourself!  Realize if you are being over sensitive

8.  Expect defensiveness as a first response

The Future at Ground Zero

Hey Guys,

As the United States gets involved in yet another foreign conflict, it is worth remembering how our country became so involved in this latest round of middle east turmoil during the past ten years.  And though the situation in Libya is not directly related to September 11, 2001, Iraq, or Afghanistan, it is a reminder that as a nation we have spent the better part of a decade at war.

Tuesday, September 11, 2001.  Like most Americans, I can remember exactly where I was doing and what I was doing.  I was a twenty year old student sitting in class at Rhode Island College.  It was a beautiful day; warm and sunny, the perfect seasonal bridge day between summer and fall.  That beauty was interrupted by monsters from half a world away.  Thousands of innocent civilians lost their lives in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania on that morning, and hundreds of New York City’s finest ran into the hell that was the World Trade Center in an effort to save as many people as possible.

It has been almost ten years since that day.  Ground Zero, the epicenter of the attacks that day, has become a symbol of American pride, heroism, and perseverance.  Though there is still much work to be done, the new towers are being built and are beginning to look much like they exist on paper.  One World Trade Center, known as Freedom Tower, is beginning to inch its way into New York City’s skyline, beginning to make its way over the other buildings in the area, and beginning to show that though we will “never forget the character of the onslaught against us”, we will move forward and we will be strong.

Each year, I bring a group of students to New York City.  Some of our destinations and activities change each year, but what always is included on the trip, is a stop at Ground Zero.  During the past four years, I’ve been able to see the progress that has been made and I’m very eager to see Freedom Tower as it begins its climb over the rooftops of lower Manhattan.

What do you think?

-      X

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_attacks_redevelopment

Jalen Rose, Grant Hill, and "Uncle Tom"

Hey guys,

A few days ago, current Phoenix Suns player Grant Hill responded to comments made by Jalen Rose, who was a member of the “Fab Five” from Michigan in the early 1990’s.  Rose has produced a documentary about the Michigan basketball team known as the “Fab Five.”  

The documentary chronicles the team and its members as they overcame adversity, prejudice, and stereotypes.  In the film however, Rose claims that Duke University, a rival of his “Fab Five” only recruited “Uncle Tom” type black players.

Grant Hill, a proud (black) graduate of Duke, took great offense to the term “Uncle Tom.”  Rose was claiming that because Hill, and others from Duke came from two parent households where education was a priority, that Hill and his Duke brethren were somehow “less black” than Rose and his teammates.

Hill went on the offensive chronicling his family history; from his grandfather who as an adult could not read until taught to by his grandmother, yet still saw the importance of education and managed to send their only son, Hill’s father, to Yale, it is clear Hill is proud of his family, his heritage and his race.. and he should be.

It is ridiculous to claim that because Hill came from a two parent household, is respectful to authority figures, polite and courteous is all situations is somehow “less black” because of it.  Rose’s comments support a racial stereotype that minorities are somehow ignorant and inferior, a stereotype Hill and many of his Duke teammates completely reject and disprove.

I encourage you to read Hill’s complete response posted in the New York Times… the link is below.

http://thequad.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/16/grant-hills-response-to-jalen-rose/

What do you think?

- x

Éirinn go brách! (Ireland Forever!)

Hey Guys,

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!  Ah yes, the day when even the most Italian, Greek, and Portuguese of us put on our green shirts and silly leprechaun buttons in a display of our “Irishness.” 

St. Patrick’s day is the feast day of Ireland’s patron saint, and just as the legends of the man himself have grown over the years, so has the celebration of his feast day.  The figure of St. Patrick, though celebrated, is often shrouded in mystery as not many people know very much about his life.  For example…

 Was St. Patrick Irish?  Seems like an easy one right?  Well if you said yes… you would be wrong.  St. Patrick was actually born in England and did not go to Ireland until being captured by Irish pirates; he spent six years as a slave in Ireland before escaping back to England.

Did he drive the snakes out of Ireland?  No, but don’t worry all you ophidiophobes, Ireland is snake free… not the best climate for them.

Did he explain the trinity using the clover?  Sorry again… it’s a nice story, but probably just that.

Surprising to many, the first St. Patrick’s day parade took place not in Ireland, but in New York City in 1762.  It was an opportunity for soldiers serving in the British army to reconnect with their Irish roots, as well as do something fun that their British masters really didn’t want them to do!  In Ireland, the day is observed more so as a religious holiday to most, rather than a day of parades, parties, and revelry.

Today, during St. Patrick’s, which takes place during the season of lent, dietary restricting against meat are lifted by the Pope for the Irish in for the Irish to celebrate with their traditional corn beef. (Yuck!)

So to all you Irishmen out there, and even to you part time patrons of the Emerald Isle, Happy St. Patrick’s day.

 Éirinn go brách!

He was how old???

Hey guys,

Yesterday the last American veteran of World War I was laid to rest.  Frank Buckles was born in 1901 in Missouri .  In order to enlist in the Army in 1917, Frank, then just sixteen years old, lied about his age.  His main job during the war was transporting German prisoners.

Buckles also served in World War II… captured by the Japanese in 1942, he spent over three years in prison camp where he became emaciated, dropping to under 100lbs before being liberated in 1945.

What has changed so much about the makeup of Americans from the time Buckles was sixteen to today?  I think you would be hard pressed to find a sixteen year old so eager to defend his country.  Why were the Americans of yesteryear so proud and motivated, and today’s youth seem to be known only for their apathy?  What has changed?  And are you, as the group known primarily for your apathy tired of being labeled as lazy and unmotivated?  If so, how do you change that perception?  How do you prove you do care… about something?

Or… perhaps how adults view today’s youth is just the latest example of the cycle which repeats as each generation ages… the older people think the younger people are lazy, wild, unmotivated slugs… and one day when your generation is looking to that future group of teenagers you will express similar thoughts and feelings?  I don’t know…

At any rate, Buckles died at the age of 110; he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington. 

Take a moment and think about the events Buckles life witnesses… he was born at a time when horses were the primary mode of travel, and died when private space travel is becoming a reality.

What do you think?

East Coast Quake...

Hey guys,

As the news keeps pouring in from Japan, the United States is forced to look at its own preparedness in terms of dealing with a similar disaster.  While Hawaii and the California coast were hit with much smaller, less deadly versions of the tsunami, the United States has not had to deal with the mass destruction or loss of life.

Experts claim that an earthquake with a magnitude of around 8.0 will most likely occur along California’s San Andreas Fault within the next thirty years.  While a tsunami would not result from such an earthquake because of the fault’s location, the damage to California could be devastating.  Scientists claim that most of California’s buildings are not really designed to withstand the massive shaking which would result from such an earthquake.

In fact the recent proposed budget from California lawmakers has cuts to the programs responsible for earthquake research and response programs.

That’s the west coast… what about all of us on the east coast?  Let’s just say that we are a little less prepared.  And yes, earthquakes do happen here.  The last recorded quake hit southern New England on March 11, 2008!  Granted it was only a 2.0, but still…

In 1976 a 3.5 earthquake hit near Newport and experts claim that in the past larger, more devastating quakes have occurred.  Early settlers dealt with a major quake in the 1600’s and in 1755 a quake estimated at a 6.0 hit parts of Massachusetts all the way to Maine!  The loss of life was minimal because of the population and the size of the buildings then… clearly that would not be the case now.

What do you think?

Tsunami

Hey guys,

Unless you have not turned on the television during the past four days, or have in some way avoided all human contact, then you are aware of the devastating events unfolding in Japan. 

But just in case…

On Friday an 8.9 earthquake (later reclassified as a 9.0) off the northern coast of Japan triggered a deadly tsunami which hit the coast of Japan with horrific results.  (The quake was so strong it actually affected the rotation of the Earth)  Thus far the estimated dead is above 10,000 with thousands still missing.  Potentially worse still, Japan is dealing with the possibility for a nuclear catastrophe as several of its cooling systems for their nuclear energy reactors shut down. 

Images and video footage of the deadly waves coming in have been playing constantly over the past weekend and one cannot help but be in awe at the power Mother Nature can wield. 

Japan is no stranger to earthquakes and tsunamis; the country has several small earthquakes each year, most not causing any significant damage.  Video footage from Tokyo illustrates how the buildings in Japan are constructed to withstand a quake, as huge skyscrapers sway back and forth, designed with absorb the shocks of major earthquakes.

As far as the tsunami, Japan has been dealing with the deadly waves for centuries as well, with the first recorded one hitting the island nation in the seventh century.  Tsunami, which mean harbor wave is a Japanese term, and the Japanese are internationally considered to be the country best prepared for earthquakes and tsunamis.  But as the video footage reveals, no amount of preparation can protect everyone from such an event.

The people along Japan’s coast had an estimated ten to fifteen minutes on the average warning that the deadly waves were on their way.  It was enough time for millions to find some sort of safety as they fled to higher ground.  However for some, like in the small village of Minamisanriku, fifteen minutes was not enough as the entire town was wiped off the map.  The tsunami and quake were so strong, it actually moved the entire central island of Japan (Honshu) eight feet to the west!

Facebook, Twitter, and other social media websites have proven once again that they are good for more than just updating your relationship status, as they were instrumental in helping rescue workers reach survivors as well as contacting loved ones around the world to let them know they had survived.  With all cellular and telephone service down in most of the affected areas, social media was the only means of contact proving once again (along with the revolts in Arab World) the true value and power these sites can have

In fact one avid anti-Facebook educator had to admit “Maybe Facebook is not the devil”!

As the days go forward we are most likely to learn of even more massive loss of life, and Japan will need help from the international community as they face their worst disaster since World War II.  I encourage anyone who can help to do so… even with small donations to the Red Cross.  Please keep in mind Japan was one of the first to help the U.S. during Katrina as well as lend aid during September 11.

For news coverage you can go to MSNBC.com or BBC.com … both sites have links with information on how to help.

(FYI)

The last major tsunami to cause such extensive damage and loss of life was in 2004 when an earthquake in the Indian Ocean triggered a tsunami killing an estimated 250,000-300,000 in Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India, and Somalia

It's just a dog...

Hey guys,

If you go to the book store, there are a dozens of books written on the special connection between people and animals… and most of these books deal primarily with “man’s best friend”.   I am addicted to these types of books, from Marley and Me to the latest book I’ve read, Dog Years. 

Dogs (and other animals as well) can be more than just simple pets.  There is an entire industry devoted to service animals, and an entire branch of psychology devoted to the health benefits of interactions with animals.

Dogs have been used by the military and police for decades, however now they are being used to sniff out all sorts of things from mold in houses, to early stages of certain forms of cancer in people!

There are countless stories about the love and devotion of dogs, from the dog that kept going to the train station long after his owner died because it’s what they always did together, to the heroic efforts of rescue dogs during September 11, to the heartbreaking stories of dogs who have died hours after their owners or another k9 companion.

Personally, I can attest to the healing power of dogs… to make that long story short, my Isis literally saved me.

Science is just beginning to understand the special talents and connections these animals can have with people.  So please keep in mind six year old Michael from  Bellingham, MA whose one year old Lab died yesterday from unknown causes.  His dog Chemis, who was only one and weighed in at over 100lbs, had an important job.  Chemis would help Michael get through his treatments for an immune disorder which include having needles in his back for hours at a time.

What do you think?

Eye for an Eye???

Hey guys,

Yesterday, Illinois passed a law repealing the death penalty.  Illinois governor Pat Quinn also cleared death row commuting death row inmate sentences to Life in Prison without the Hope of Parole.

The law which goes into effect on July 1, will make Illinois the 16^th sate to abolish the death penalty.  Reactions around Illinois are mixed.  Some say that murderers do not deserve the right to live, while others state that too many innocent people have been put on death row, only to be cleared of their crimes as new evidence is made available.

Most nations, including virtually all of Europe have abandoned the death penalty.  Among the 58 nations worldwide which still use it, are the United States, China, Thailand, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, and Japan.

In a poll in October, researches found that roughly 64% of Americans favor the death penalty for murders.

What do you think?

The Price is Wrong!!!!

Gas Prices:

The country is still reeling over the sudden drastic increase of gasoline prices… and it’s not just gas prices that have been affected by the turmoil in the Arab world; home heating oil has gone up, public transportation, and airfare have all seen increases.  If the prices stay high for too long,  we could see drastic increases in the cost of consumer products and our food.

Why does the conflict in Libya create price increases on gas when we do not even get gas from Libya?  Why would this conflict cause the prices of food to rise?

Everything is connected… the short answer about food and other goods is that because we import so much of our food, and because even the food that we do produce ourselves needs to be shipped, a rise in the cost of fuel, will cause the prices of the good to increase to compensate.

In terms of Libyan oil… true the United States does not get hardly any oil from Libya… but Europe does and so does China… if Libyan oil production is halted or interfered with, Europe and China will have to go to other markets such as Saudi Arabia and that creates competition with the United States…causing prices to rise.  Worse of all… so far oil production has not been hurt at all!  The increase in cost is out of the fear that it might be disrupted!!!  Basically, people are freaking out and it causes an increase in price, before there is a decrease in supply!!!

The UN has put has declared a “no-fly zone” over Libya in order to stop its government from attacking the rebels in the country with air forces.  After a few weeks of high gas prices and the likelihood of gas reaching $4 or $5 a gallon by the summer, have some of you changed your mind about UN or US intervention in Libya?

Should the international community do something or should we just the Libyan people fight for themselves and allow the fear of a disrupted oil supply continue to raise the prices of our most basic goods?  

What do you think?

P.S.  make sure you sign your names on your posts so I can give you credit!!!!

Oh God...

Hey guys,

Yesterday the Cranston school committee voted not to remove a banner with a prayer on it from the auditorium of Cranston West.  The prayer calls on “Our Heavenly Father” to protect and guide students, and has been displayed at the school since 1963.

There had been only one complaint against the banner citing that it was a violation of the First Amendment’s right to the separation of church and state.

“The constitutional squabble broke in July when the Rhode Island Affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union asked the district to remove the prayer, saying it violates the First Amendment and the constitutional principle of separation of church and state.”

The Cranston school committee listened to over two hours of discussion and public comment before voting 4-3 to keep the banner, as well as a second banner at one of the city’s middle schools.

Should the banner be allowed to remain?  Does it in anyway violate First Amendment rights?  Would Christian students feel differently from non-Christian students regarding the prayer?

What do you think?

http://www.projo.com/news/content/cranston_prayer_vote_03-08-11_62MSQ0S_v11.1cb4662.html

My child would never...

Hey guys,

Last night on Dateline, they did a hidden camera story about bullying among teenagers called "My child would never..."  This story was different… it wasn’t about telling kids that it is wrong to bully or that it is hurtful… all that has been done before… this story was designed to find out how those who wittness bullying react.

They hired three actors, two to play the bullies and one to play the person being bullied.  The object was to find out how the other kids in the room would react to a bullying situation.  Would they help the victim?  Would they join the attack?  Would they do nothing?

The parents of the teens who were the target of the investigation were watching to see how their children would react… some parents were proud of their children… others, not so much.

You can see parts of the episodes on MSNBC.com, and more of it on Youtube.

It takes a very strong person to stand up to a bully or a “popular” kid… most of the time the lack of response has to do with the fear of becoming the target…

How do you think you would react?  How have you reacted?  Are you one to stand up for a victim?  Are you a victim of bullying and wish someone would stand up for you?  Are you a bully?

What do you think?

Lots of stuff...

Hey guys,

At school today Mrs. Bennet and the AFS club hosted a little meet and greet for the many exchange students visiting the United States… it was great to see so many different students, from all over the world talking, sharing stories, and getting to know each other.  I’m grateful to Mrs. Bennet for organizing such a great event and program for Pilgrim High School.

During that meet and greet in the cafeteria , Mr. Fitzpatrick was having his sign up meeting for the tennis team as well, and members of the team had to fight for room in the cafeteria in order to get a spot so they could hear Mr. Fitzpatrick discuss the upcoming season.

In addition, there were several drama kids who stopped by briefly in order to get a quick snack and say hello before heading off to Mr. Denningham’s rehearsal for their upcoming play, Twelve Angry Jurors.  Some of those same drama kids were relieved that I had cancelled Mock Trial for day so they could go to both rehearsal and the AFS event.

The point is, there are many clubs, sports, and organizations in our school, run by very caring and dedicated teachers.  With all the news lately about union battles and budget cuts, sometimes it’s lost how much some teachers do for their school and their students.  And sometimes it’s lost how amazing some of the students in our school really are.  

Mrs. Bennet does not have to run the AFS program, Mr. Fitzpatrick doesn’t have to be the tennis coach, Mr. Denningham doesn’t have to run the drama program… but they do. 

We all know improvements need to be made to Pilgrim and to the school system in general… however stop for a moment and look around at what some of your teachers, coaches, and administrators to for you guys and your school. 

What do you think?

Strike Three... You're Out!!!!!

Hey Guys,

As most of you know, I have coached several sports in Warwick... at all three high schools.  Currently I am the coach of the freshman baseball team at Toll Gate... however that may be subject to change.

Numbers are down in sports, and some sports may be in danger of being cut.  The economic reality of the situation is that we need to find ways to cut spending and/or spend our money in more effective ways.

Should cutting sports be an option... all sports?  some sports?  Freshman sports?  As a teacher, coach, and former athlete I feel that athletics are enormously important.  However not all people agree, and feel money could be better spent elsewhere.

What do you think?

Teachers..."You're fired!"

Hey guys,

Well by now most of you are probably aware that Providence Mayor Angel Taveras approved a plan to essentially fire the city’s entire teaching staff… over 1900 teachers.  Providence is somewhere around $40 million in debt, and the mayor believes that a reorganization and restructuring of the city’s schools can help fix the budget.

The plan also calls for most of the teachers to be rehired beginning in mid-March.  What appears to be likely is an attempt to rehire certain teachers without regards to seniority, as well as an increase in class sizes.  People fear that veteran teachers will not be called back because they earn more money than do newer teachers.  As of right now, it is difficult to see how Providence will be able to examine each of the city’s 1900 teachers in order to decide their status based on teacher quality rather than just income. 

Other school districts are watching closely; if Providence is successful with these mass firings, we can expect other cities, possibly Warwick, to attempt to follow suit.

Obviously, being a teacher, I fear that these types of actions will come to Warwick.  I love my job, and I like to think I’m pretty good at it… I also fear what increase class sizes will do to the learning environment for our students… could this mean 40+ student per class?!?!?!  Talk about potential for kids falling through the cracks and a lack of personal attention!!!

Obviously something needs to be done to fix the economic situation in public education…  but firing entire staffs and bringing people back based solely on how much they make is detrimental to the academic success of our students… as is bringing back people based solely on seniority… so what do we do to fix the problems?

The job of unions is to protect union members and union jobs… and I’m thankful for that.  The job of school committees is figure out a way to run the schools in an economically viable way.  What is missing  here?... students… there is no one representing or protecting students… 

Do parents really want forty students per classroom?  Do they want experienced, dedicated teachers to lose their jobs because they make more money than a first tear teacher?  Do they want ineffective teachers to stay in the classroom while effective teachers get laid off because of a hiring date?

I’m not saying I know what the solution is, but I do know that what Mayor Taveras is doing in Providence is not it.

What do you think?

-          X

From the "Really?" files...

Hey guys,

In an interview yesterday, embattled Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi continued to claim that all is well in Libya and that his people love him.  Recently he claimed that the actions taken by protestors were the results of a joint effort by the United States and al-Qaeda to poison Libya’s water supply.  He says that agents from the U.S. working with members of al-Qaeda put hallucinogens in the water causing the youth of Libya to revolt...really?  … talk about out of touch with reality.  (for those of you who may have forgotten, al-Qaeda Osama bin Laden’s organization who attacked the U.S. on 9-11.)  I didn’t know we had patched things up…..lol.

Yesterday Iran said it would boycott the 2012 Olympic Games in London because the logo for the London games is offensive to Muslims.  Iran claims that the logo resembles the word “Zion”, a term for the historic homeland for Jews...really?   Iran and other Muslim countries do not recognize Israel and refer to it as the “Zionist Enemy.”

Olympic officials said the logo, which reads “2012”, resembles 2012...

I’ll agree the design is ugly… but I’m finding it hard to believe the Olympic Committee made the sign as part of a pro-Zionist or pro-Israeli international plot...

What do you think?

- x