It was deja vu. The bolt on the right front lawn mower wheel broke about three weeks ago. This morning after I made a half dozen passes, the bolt on the left front wheel broke. Same kind of bolt. Since it is Memorial Day Weekend Sunday, the Toro shop was closed.
At first I tried using three wheels to mow but that just tore up part of the lawn. Then I found a bolt that would fit the wheel part and put that on and then used duct tape to keep the wheel steady. An engineer would laugh at my temporary fix but it did get four bags of grass off the lawn. I told Neighbor Dave, the retired engineer, about it and he just shook his head.
I've only had that lawn mower a little over twenty years. They just don't make them as they used to. Back in my youth and lawn mowing entrepreneurship days, we used a two-wheel push-it mower. Now that was a man's mower and environmentally as green as it gets. A little oil and no gas and a young man was set for the duration of his lawn business which usually consisted of mowing lawns for one's own family or widows which wasn't exactly a high paying clientele but those were the good old days. When the boy got old enough, he could sell it to a younger sibling or the neighbor kid. It was free enterprise at its height.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
This week we got our first citation from the Trailmark Home Owners' Association. It appears that our portable basketball hoop had been seen in the street on May 17th. Two problems: we don't own a portable basketball hoop and secondly we weren't in Littleton on May 17th. The hoop belongs to our neighbors. This group is not only anal; they are either lazy or incompetent. Kathy handled the situation with an email. It was probably a good thing that she did and I didn't.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Tuesday while cleaning out some old clothes from a basement store room, we found the suit I was wearing when I got married. After lunch today I tried it on. It was a little snug-OK a lot snug but I had just finished lunch. I'll keep it for the 50th anniversary. That will give me nine years to trim down.
I like the political cartoons showing the Statue of Liberty having been sent back to France because she didn't have any US citizenship papers.
I like the political cartoons showing the Statue of Liberty having been sent back to France because she didn't have any US citizenship papers.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
WE DON'T HAVE ALL THE KOOKS IN THE WORLD-it just seems like it. For years the authorities have been trying to get a guy to clean up his lot of old refrigerators, car parts, etc. He just totally ignores them. Yesterday he got his day in court. The total of his fines came to $1.6 million (that's right). The judge was in a merciful mood. He told the guy he could pay 9 cents on the dollars which came to only $143,840. The guy told the judge he had no authority, etc. The judge read the law and the judge's constitutional duties and set the fine. Who knows what will happen next?
The guy did sorta tried to get even. After the hearing he filed for county sheriff-as a Republican (if you care).
The guy did sorta tried to get even. After the hearing he filed for county sheriff-as a Republican (if you care).
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
IT'S AMAZING WHAT ONE FINDS WHEN CLEANING HOUSE. Sunday we found my diploma from Colorado State University. I received it in 1969 but I don't remember the last time I looked at it. It may have been when I took it to the assistant superintendent and asked for a pay raise.
I also found my basketball and football refereeing gear. One item was a red football flag. That means it was really old because football switched to yellow flags long before I retired and that was a few years ago.
I also found my basketball and football refereeing gear. One item was a red football flag. That means it was really old because football switched to yellow flags long before I retired and that was a few years ago.
Monday, May 24, 2010
THINGS I WON'T MISS:
Yes, it's spring time in the Rockies. I worked the state track meet last week and it was either raining or windy (blustery for Pooh fans) almost the whole time. I used to wear more clothes to a spring soccer match than I did to ski. When I left Saturday, I had said hello and good-bye to the people I might miss. I don't think I will be back next year if it involves driving 300 miles to eat bologna sandwiches and stand in almost one place for three days. I say that now. They told me I could come back. I think I was the only one in the workers' parking lot with Colorado plates.
Spring time: I called this morning to set a time to get my swamp cooler hooked up later this week and this afternoon it snowed.
Yes, it's spring time in the Rockies. I worked the state track meet last week and it was either raining or windy (blustery for Pooh fans) almost the whole time. I used to wear more clothes to a spring soccer match than I did to ski. When I left Saturday, I had said hello and good-bye to the people I might miss. I don't think I will be back next year if it involves driving 300 miles to eat bologna sandwiches and stand in almost one place for three days. I say that now. They told me I could come back. I think I was the only one in the workers' parking lot with Colorado plates.
Spring time: I called this morning to set a time to get my swamp cooler hooked up later this week and this afternoon it snowed.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
IT SHOULDN'T HAPPEN BUT IT DOES:
I taught at a high school for six years. My annual class load was 125-150 with transfers in and out. I also knew several kids through coaching, club sponsorships,etc.
At intermission of the RAIN concert Thursday night a group of people were standing in line to buy drinks. I like to walk the halls during intermissions because I get tired of sitting. All of a sudden a guy says to a women I take to be his wife "That's my old English teacher but he won't remember me." Usually if a former student gives me a hint or a name, I will remember him/her. In this case I drew a total blank. I fessed up and said I didn't remember him. He told me his graduation year and I still couldn't recall him. Members of his class included Pete Williams, now of NBC News, and several people who have gone on to be very successful both locally and in other parts of the state and country. To make things worse I knew the woman standing in front of him. I had never had her in class but her son had gone to the junior high where I had been a counselor and we had done business. Even worse I knew a former student standing two people behind him who had graduated five years before the student I was spacing out. He said I wouldn't remember him and unfortunately I didn't. Ninety percent of the time I'll come close but this was a total blank and I feel terrible when that happens.
Well, on to the third and final day of what will probably my last Wyoming State Track Meet.
I taught at a high school for six years. My annual class load was 125-150 with transfers in and out. I also knew several kids through coaching, club sponsorships,etc.
At intermission of the RAIN concert Thursday night a group of people were standing in line to buy drinks. I like to walk the halls during intermissions because I get tired of sitting. All of a sudden a guy says to a women I take to be his wife "That's my old English teacher but he won't remember me." Usually if a former student gives me a hint or a name, I will remember him/her. In this case I drew a total blank. I fessed up and said I didn't remember him. He told me his graduation year and I still couldn't recall him. Members of his class included Pete Williams, now of NBC News, and several people who have gone on to be very successful both locally and in other parts of the state and country. To make things worse I knew the woman standing in front of him. I had never had her in class but her son had gone to the junior high where I had been a counselor and we had done business. Even worse I knew a former student standing two people behind him who had graduated five years before the student I was spacing out. He said I wouldn't remember him and unfortunately I didn't. Ninety percent of the time I'll come close but this was a total blank and I feel terrible when that happens.
Well, on to the third and final day of what will probably my last Wyoming State Track Meet.
Friday, May 21, 2010
YOU HAVE TO BE OVER A CERTAIN AGE to fully appreciate this. Last night we went a concert at the Events Center. The group is RAIN, four Americans who have successfully copied British accents, the Beatles' music, and the Beatles performing voices. It's billed as a tribute to the Beatles.
With the help of three large video screens it began with news clips of the mid to late 60's. Then the group came on stage to sing the Beatles songs of that part of their fame. Then they switched to the psychedelic years of the "years of love", drugs and protest. The three large screens provided the appropriate art work and images associated with that time.
The finale had the audience on their feet for the last ten to fifteen minutes while we all sang "Hey, Jude." Remember the kids of the 60's are now in their sixties but last night we all were into the mood and the music.
Well, off to day two of the state track meet.
With the help of three large video screens it began with news clips of the mid to late 60's. Then the group came on stage to sing the Beatles songs of that part of their fame. Then they switched to the psychedelic years of the "years of love", drugs and protest. The three large screens provided the appropriate art work and images associated with that time.
The finale had the audience on their feet for the last ten to fifteen minutes while we all sang "Hey, Jude." Remember the kids of the 60's are now in their sixties but last night we all were into the mood and the music.
Well, off to day two of the state track meet.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
I started today by reporting for duty as a finish line timer at the Wyoming State Track Meet. I have been doing this for almost 30 and this will probably be my last state track meet. I'll miss state track, along with timing at the state basketball tournament, but it's time to go.
I'll finish today by attending the 'Rain Concert', which is a tribute to the Beatles.
Great day!
I'll finish today by attending the 'Rain Concert', which is a tribute to the Beatles.
Great day!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Something I noticed yesterday as I drove to Casper from Denver is the number of cars pulled over to the side of the road with people using their cell phones. Ironically I got two calls between Cheyenne and Denver but I have Blue Tooth and it's little distraction to receive calls. If the government is serious about car safety, they should require all new vehicles to have some sort of hands-free cell phone system. I still favor no texting by the driver-passengers text as much as you wish.
Our power went out last night around 11:30. At that time of night I really don't care. We heard a loud bang and then no lights, etc. First a fire truck pulled up at a neighbor's house and then a police car. Of course, they kept their motors running. Apparently the problem was the transformer behind the neighbor's house blew. It came back on around 2:30 so I went down and turned off the lights and TV. As I was going back to sleep I started thinking about all the moisture we've received lately and what would happen if the sump pump couldn't work with no juice. It wasn't a problem last night. This morning the power went out again around 7:00. This time I started thinking people who came out to open their garage doors and no power to open them. For me I can easily reach the manual release but how does a short person do it without finding a ladder or bringing out a chair (especially if wearing nice clothes)? The power came back on within ten minutes but I saw one of my neighbors go sailing down his drive as if he were late for something. When I went out to get the paper, I could hear men talking and then saw them working on that same transformer. Great way to end and start a day.
Our power went out last night around 11:30. At that time of night I really don't care. We heard a loud bang and then no lights, etc. First a fire truck pulled up at a neighbor's house and then a police car. Of course, they kept their motors running. Apparently the problem was the transformer behind the neighbor's house blew. It came back on around 2:30 so I went down and turned off the lights and TV. As I was going back to sleep I started thinking about all the moisture we've received lately and what would happen if the sump pump couldn't work with no juice. It wasn't a problem last night. This morning the power went out again around 7:00. This time I started thinking people who came out to open their garage doors and no power to open them. For me I can easily reach the manual release but how does a short person do it without finding a ladder or bringing out a chair (especially if wearing nice clothes)? The power came back on within ten minutes but I saw one of my neighbors go sailing down his drive as if he were late for something. When I went out to get the paper, I could hear men talking and then saw them working on that same transformer. Great way to end and start a day.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Yesterday morning I was driving down So. Pierce Ave. in Littleton. The first place I passed was the park just north of Columbine High School where we held Keri and Eric's rehearsal dinner (the park not the HS). We ate pizza, sub sandwiches, drank beverages, and some consumed cake. We all introduced ourselves and our connection to Eric/Keri. I wore my "Father of the Bride" cap which gave away my connection and to whom. We also celebrated Kathy's birthday with lots of cake as Safeway baked three cakes rather than the two that were ordered. For those of you who were there that night I hope you remember part of it.
A hundred yards down Pierce is Columbine HS. It was a little after 11:00 and some of the kids were heading down the street for lunch. It could be any high school at lunch time.
Just remembering a great night in the park.
A hundred yards down Pierce is Columbine HS. It was a little after 11:00 and some of the kids were heading down the street for lunch. It could be any high school at lunch time.
Just remembering a great night in the park.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Advertising in the Denver area is alive and well. Ever since we closed on the house on April 7th we have been receiving ads for various services. I don't know whether it is the realtor or the title company selling names or someone paid to check public records but it only took a couple of days before the deluge of ads hit. We're heard from lawn services, remodeling companies, dentists, painters, furniture stores, food stores. The most persistent has been a home alarm company. We even heard from a preschool (at our age a waste of paper and bulk mailing), an animal hospital (over my dead body), and a CPA offering tax services.
Seen in a MacDonald's on a T-shirt worn by a girl of about middle school age:
"DON'T BOTHER ME! I'M TEXTING."
Seen in a MacDonald's on a T-shirt worn by a girl of about middle school age:
"DON'T BOTHER ME! I'M TEXTING."
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Friday morning was strange. The snow had melted and it quit raining so around 9:30 I started mowing the lawn. I got half of the front done and a bolt on one of the wheels snapped. It was mow with three wheels or get a new part. I decided to get a new part. I went to the local Toro dealer, took in the broken part and when they asked the mower model number I didn't have a clue. Home to get the model number, phoned it in and yes, they did have that wheel bolt and I could pick it up. By that time it was after 11:00 so I decided to grab some fast food for lunch. The girl gave me the senior discount before I could even ask for it. Is that good?
Now to put the wheel back on. The Toro dealer assured me it would be easy. Fortunately as I was struggling to get the thing back on Neighbor Dave,a retired engineer, came by. Now the two of struggled to get the darn thing back on. After about 20 minutes we finally got the deed done. Back to mowing-by the time I finished around 2:00 I decided this was the longest time ever it had taken me to mow the lawn.
The local teachers' association had a year end get together at the Metro Coffee Company, which is one few of this ilk that doesn't have a Starbuck's or similar name on the front. In fact, our neighbors own it. They invited retired teachers to come. Kathy and I got a chance to visit with friends we hadn't seen for a while and confirmed our feeling that teaching isn't as much fun or rewarding as it once was. A sign at at Metro read "Unattended children will be given an espresso and a free puppy."
In a book I reading the author, a Swede, uses the word 'gallimaufry'. In the hundreds of books I read I've never seen the word before. I can't find the word, much less a definition, in any of my dictionaries. The context might indicate 'gallery' but I have too much time on my hands when I start worrying about things like this.
Now to put the wheel back on. The Toro dealer assured me it would be easy. Fortunately as I was struggling to get the thing back on Neighbor Dave,a retired engineer, came by. Now the two of struggled to get the darn thing back on. After about 20 minutes we finally got the deed done. Back to mowing-by the time I finished around 2:00 I decided this was the longest time ever it had taken me to mow the lawn.
The local teachers' association had a year end get together at the Metro Coffee Company, which is one few of this ilk that doesn't have a Starbuck's or similar name on the front. In fact, our neighbors own it. They invited retired teachers to come. Kathy and I got a chance to visit with friends we hadn't seen for a while and confirmed our feeling that teaching isn't as much fun or rewarding as it once was. A sign at at Metro read "Unattended children will be given an espresso and a free puppy."
In a book I reading the author, a Swede, uses the word 'gallimaufry'. In the hundreds of books I read I've never seen the word before. I can't find the word, much less a definition, in any of my dictionaries. The context might indicate 'gallery' but I have too much time on my hands when I start worrying about things like this.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
THERE OUGHT TO BE A LAW:
As I was driving across town to have coffee/hot chocolate with my Homies I couldn't ignore the number of political yard signs. There is a hot contest for coroner after the previous coroner was fired and put on probation for stealing prescription medicines from the homes of the deceased clientele he investigated. A nurse, the incumbent, is running against a fireman. She's an RN while I don't think he has a degree but the point is that a war of yard signs is being fought for a primary in September. It's the same case with four Republicans running for the November spot for governor. I sorta like one but he won't win. He just isn't conservative enough. That what lawn sign profess-"I am the most conservative candidate." It doesn't matter if he/she has almost no any other quality attributes.
THE LAW SHOULD BE: No yard signs may be posted before July 1 for a September primary. May is just too early. It's visual pollution.
For: K & E; A & R
"You may be a Redneck if...There are bumper stickers on your baby stroller."
As I was driving across town to have coffee/hot chocolate with my Homies I couldn't ignore the number of political yard signs. There is a hot contest for coroner after the previous coroner was fired and put on probation for stealing prescription medicines from the homes of the deceased clientele he investigated. A nurse, the incumbent, is running against a fireman. She's an RN while I don't think he has a degree but the point is that a war of yard signs is being fought for a primary in September. It's the same case with four Republicans running for the November spot for governor. I sorta like one but he won't win. He just isn't conservative enough. That what lawn sign profess-"I am the most conservative candidate." It doesn't matter if he/she has almost no any other quality attributes.
THE LAW SHOULD BE: No yard signs may be posted before July 1 for a September primary. May is just too early. It's visual pollution.
For: K & E; A & R
"You may be a Redneck if...There are bumper stickers on your baby stroller."
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Yesterday morning I called a friend who lives in Norman, Oklahoma, concerning all the tornado damage in his area. His house is OK but some neighbors lost power for a while. He is a high school tennis coach and Monday was returning to Norman from a match. He had planned to stop at a place called 'Country Boy' to get gas but decided with all the tornado warnings he'd just drive straight home. Later that same 'Country Boy' got leveled and was the backdrop for most of the Weather Channel reporting from Norman yesterday.
We have a snow storm here. Last evening our electricity went out for about 4 hours. I couldn't watch TV or read. After seeing all the devastation in Oklahoma, I don't think I'll cry too long over a power outage. I'll just watch GLEE on HULU.
"You might be a Redneck if...Hail hits your house and you have to take it to the body shop for an estimate."
We have a snow storm here. Last evening our electricity went out for about 4 hours. I couldn't watch TV or read. After seeing all the devastation in Oklahoma, I don't think I'll cry too long over a power outage. I'll just watch GLEE on HULU.
"You might be a Redneck if...Hail hits your house and you have to take it to the body shop for an estimate."
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Last weekend I discovered there are a lot of bikers in Colorado. No, not that kind who wear "leathers" from their necks to their toes with Harley Davidson or their biker club on the back. These are the bikers who wear Lycra shorts with jerseys made of some sort of synthetic material. They don't refer to their bikes as 'hogs' but rather '10 speeds'. These folks don't hate "helmet laws" but rather don helmets as accepted biker wear.
They probably don't consider Sturgis, SD, a utopia but just any place with bike trails or safe streets is considered OK. Anyway, on the weekends their numbers just multiply. Their colorful jerseys contrast with the dark leathers. Best thing is you don't have to listen to them as they roar down streets and highways.
"You might be a Redneck if...your bicycle has a gun rack."
They probably don't consider Sturgis, SD, a utopia but just any place with bike trails or safe streets is considered OK. Anyway, on the weekends their numbers just multiply. Their colorful jerseys contrast with the dark leathers. Best thing is you don't have to listen to them as they roar down streets and highways.
"You might be a Redneck if...your bicycle has a gun rack."
Monday, May 10, 2010
Yesterday was Mothers' Day. I drove back to Casper last night. I watched "Desperate Housewives" as I was reading old papers. Now there are some mothers with kids who make motherhood real interesting.
My twins job last weekend was rocking and bottle feeding. During the feeding a big burp receives an "atta boy" or "good boy." Watch, in a few years that same burp would earn a rebuke of "Stop that. People might think you are from Nebraska or something." Growing older isn't always easier.
"You might be a Redneck if...You have a tattoo that says 'Mother' and it's spelled wrong."
My twins job last weekend was rocking and bottle feeding. During the feeding a big burp receives an "atta boy" or "good boy." Watch, in a few years that same burp would earn a rebuke of "Stop that. People might think you are from Nebraska or something." Growing older isn't always easier.
"You might be a Redneck if...You have a tattoo that says 'Mother' and it's spelled wrong."
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Today is MOTHER'S DAY. For our daughter who has 16 day old twins, it's her first time with that title. With twins it two times the satisfaction but three times the work. Somehow they are always out of sync. As their father says-they cry in surround sound.
It's also a special day for grandmothers. A good grandmother is required to tote a digital camera with "only" the last hundred or so pictures of the grandkids to show to other mothers and grandmothers. Great-grandmothers are exempted from digital camera carrying but require ten or more prints for show and tell.
What does the mother of newborn twins probably need for Mother's Day-how about 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Anyway, Happy Mother's Day to all of you. Where would we be without you?
It's also a special day for grandmothers. A good grandmother is required to tote a digital camera with "only" the last hundred or so pictures of the grandkids to show to other mothers and grandmothers. Great-grandmothers are exempted from digital camera carrying but require ten or more prints for show and tell.
What does the mother of newborn twins probably need for Mother's Day-how about 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Anyway, Happy Mother's Day to all of you. Where would we be without you?
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Received the April edition of the "Trailmark (the subdivision in which we recently bought) Tracks" on May 7th. Better late than never. After reading all the covenants under which we reside (furnished to us when we signed the contract), this the most anal group of enforcers I think I have ever encountered. I'm not used to a Home Owners' Association. We will live on the edge of an open space park which should stay in that stage so among the topics found in Tracks:
1. Tips on what to do if you encounter a coyote
2. How to avoid having your car stolen-three recent thefts all involved cars with the keys in them, Duh!
3. Animal poop smells, pick up
4. You can park your RV or trailer no longer than 72 hours in a 7 day period. I don't own one. Does this include horse trailers? I can't argue this one.
5. You are limited to certain colors you can paint your house-apparently you can't have hot pink. I'm against hot pink myself so there is no problem on that one.
This would never fly in Wyoming. Enforcers would be greeted with rifles.
1. Tips on what to do if you encounter a coyote
2. How to avoid having your car stolen-three recent thefts all involved cars with the keys in them, Duh!
3. Animal poop smells, pick up
4. You can park your RV or trailer no longer than 72 hours in a 7 day period. I don't own one. Does this include horse trailers? I can't argue this one.
5. You are limited to certain colors you can paint your house-apparently you can't have hot pink. I'm against hot pink myself so there is no problem on that one.
This would never fly in Wyoming. Enforcers would be greeted with rifles.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Yesterday when I arrived at our house in Littleton and when I opened the door, I heard a series of beeps. I figured it was the alarm system and unfortunately I was right. I went to the control box, entered what I thought was the password, but nothing happened and the beeping went on. I called the former owner and she couldn't remember what to do since it hadn't been armed in quite a while. I finally found an 800 number on the box and called. The guy at the other end walked me through and it shut off. I was about five minutes away from buying a wire cutter or using a hammer to shut it off. Of course I was paranoid waiting for the thing to start beeping again but it's silent so far.
I think I am being punished for putting the snowblower away before June. BTW we did get a skiff of snow here in the Denver area.
I think I am being punished for putting the snowblower away before June. BTW we did get a skiff of snow here in the Denver area.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
In cleaning out drawers I found another paper I wrote for a class. This one was the results of a survey of junior high students on discipline and grades. In December 1974 I surveyed 60 students per grade level at the 7th, 8th, and 9th grades. Summer 1975 I was taking a class at the Univ. of Wyoming and thought the results would make a good paper and nobody could question them.
To make a long survey short:
DISCIPLINE
1. boys preferred swats (these were unenlightened, dark ages of discipline) to sentences, detentions, automatic suspension after a certain number of transgressions and last by a mile notifying the parents.
2. girls preferred detentions at all three grade levels
3. sentences were the second choice of both genders because they could always get friends to help write sentences over the lunch hour (no, we weren't stupid).
4. The least favorite punishment (both genders) was to have parents informed. That's back when society wasn't blaming teachers and education in general for everything.
GRADING:
1. At all three grade levels student preferred an A,B,C,D,F grading system.
2. The least favorite was parent conference (guess which direction we went on that one, right-at lest three to five times a year). Remember these are students responding.
3. 7th graders compared to 9th graders by a slight margin (91% to 84%) replied that grades were important to them. Ironically 9th graders are working on high school credits and GPA's.
4. About half at all three grade level said grades were more important to parents than to the students themselves.
5. The big one: 7th graders (68%), 8th graders (65%), and 9th graders (81%) believe that too much emphasis is put on grades.
REMEMBER:
A. This survey was done over 35 years ago.
B. I did get an A on the paper. The UW instructor was in Casper and visited me to see if I wanted to do a follow-up (was this a hint of dissertation?), but I said no that I want to go on to other things.
C. The sample was pretty small and I did it just out of curiosity.
D. 55% of 7th graders compared to only 21% of 9th graders thought the counselor should administer discipline. I must have really fooled them in 7th grade.
Sent by a friend-senior bumper stickers:
"I'm so old I don't buy green bananas."
"And under no circumstance take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night."
To make a long survey short:
DISCIPLINE
1. boys preferred swats (these were unenlightened, dark ages of discipline) to sentences, detentions, automatic suspension after a certain number of transgressions and last by a mile notifying the parents.
2. girls preferred detentions at all three grade levels
3. sentences were the second choice of both genders because they could always get friends to help write sentences over the lunch hour (no, we weren't stupid).
4. The least favorite punishment (both genders) was to have parents informed. That's back when society wasn't blaming teachers and education in general for everything.
GRADING:
1. At all three grade levels student preferred an A,B,C,D,F grading system.
2. The least favorite was parent conference (guess which direction we went on that one, right-at lest three to five times a year). Remember these are students responding.
3. 7th graders compared to 9th graders by a slight margin (91% to 84%) replied that grades were important to them. Ironically 9th graders are working on high school credits and GPA's.
4. About half at all three grade level said grades were more important to parents than to the students themselves.
5. The big one: 7th graders (68%), 8th graders (65%), and 9th graders (81%) believe that too much emphasis is put on grades.
REMEMBER:
A. This survey was done over 35 years ago.
B. I did get an A on the paper. The UW instructor was in Casper and visited me to see if I wanted to do a follow-up (was this a hint of dissertation?), but I said no that I want to go on to other things.
C. The sample was pretty small and I did it just out of curiosity.
D. 55% of 7th graders compared to only 21% of 9th graders thought the counselor should administer discipline. I must have really fooled them in 7th grade.
Sent by a friend-senior bumper stickers:
"I'm so old I don't buy green bananas."
"And under no circumstance take a sleeping pill and a laxative on the same night."
Monday, May 3, 2010
Went to the car wash this morning. The guy ahead of me was a rancher who brought his pick-up in for its annual spring cleaning. I knew it was a rancher by the way the truck was decked up and he was wearing a huge cowboy hat. It took the two guys with hoses almost ten minutes just to get the pick-up ready to go through the automated portion of the wash. I could follow which options he chose as he went through. Other than the basic wash, he got the undercoating. It took another 5 to 10 minutes to wash the mud off the floor so I could go through. I don't believe car washes like to see the oil company and ranch pick-ups come through. They must use three or four times as much water and time on each of them. Luckily I drive a town vehicle and I tip.
I have to thank my daughter for referring readers from her blog to my blog. Readership took a real leap. Thanks, Keri.
I have to thank my daughter for referring readers from her blog to my blog. Readership took a real leap. Thanks, Keri.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
In August, 1967, as part of the requirements for a Philosophy of Education course I was taking while in grad school at Colorado St. Univ., I submitted a paper with the title "The Pros and Cons of the National Assessment Test." At this time, during the Johnson administration (I think), it was a totally new concept. It was so new that my bibliography has seven sources.
National testing began with the AFQT (Armed Forces Qualifying Test) which was limited to the military and mostly male. This was followed by the National Merit Test. I think I was still in high school when this one came around.
What came out of this was the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) which later led to testing as part of No Child Left Behind.
Ironically as the US was getting in the testing business, in Europe, where national testing (group and individual results) was a way of life, countries were doing away with much of it. They used the same arguments we hear today which are spending too much time teaching to the test and it curbs creativity.
Since I, as well as most educators, knew so little about what the effects would be, I tried to be fairly neutral about national testing and the emphasis and misuse of results. Having administered the NAEP for a number of years, I now would oppose any testing that would be used to evaluate states, districts, or teachers.
At that time the Federal Government was just beginning to fund public education. People feared the government would try to run the schools if they were paying part of the bills. We didn't realize how true that would become.
BTW-I got an A on the paper.
National testing began with the AFQT (Armed Forces Qualifying Test) which was limited to the military and mostly male. This was followed by the National Merit Test. I think I was still in high school when this one came around.
What came out of this was the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) which later led to testing as part of No Child Left Behind.
Ironically as the US was getting in the testing business, in Europe, where national testing (group and individual results) was a way of life, countries were doing away with much of it. They used the same arguments we hear today which are spending too much time teaching to the test and it curbs creativity.
Since I, as well as most educators, knew so little about what the effects would be, I tried to be fairly neutral about national testing and the emphasis and misuse of results. Having administered the NAEP for a number of years, I now would oppose any testing that would be used to evaluate states, districts, or teachers.
At that time the Federal Government was just beginning to fund public education. People feared the government would try to run the schools if they were paying part of the bills. We didn't realize how true that would become.
BTW-I got an A on the paper.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Spring time in the Rockies: It took me two days to mow my lawn. OK, there was a snow storm on the first day. I thought I could beat the snow, donned my ski cap and ski gloves, and mowed like crazy. I did get the front done yesterday before the snow forced me to stop. I finished the back this morning. Grass was still a little wet.
Speaking of twins-I finally got the watch the Minnesota Twins last night but the game was in Cleveland so I couldn't see their new stadium.
From the calendar:
"You might be a Redneck if....Your underwear is older than your wife."
Speaking of twins-I finally got the watch the Minnesota Twins last night but the game was in Cleveland so I couldn't see their new stadium.
From the calendar:
"You might be a Redneck if....Your underwear is older than your wife."
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