My Commonplace Book

This message was posted in my UU congregation's listserv today.

The Chronicle of Higher Education published a short article in its news blog yesterday, [Pagan Students Find a Haven at Marshall U. I find the responses quite interesting, as one writer called the author on the carpet for sarcasm and others attempted to educate one another.

The comments were indeed interesting. 

It's great that the Pagan faiths are finally being acknowledged as religions, and freedom of religion is being extended to them. The Army accepts Wicca as a valid religion, and at long last the VA recently did too, albeit not without a fight.

Poor fundamentalists ... they just don't get it that freedom of religion means ALL religions. All the same religious rights they want as Christians must be extended to everyone, regardless of whether the fundies consider someone's beliefs a valid religion or not. (Personally, I don't consider Sc**nt*l*gy¹ a religion at all, let alone a valid one, but they claim it is, and as much as it pains me, they have a right to freedom of religion too.)

It's only fairly recently that schools began closing for the Jewish high holy days, and they probably still don't in many areas. Why can't Christians understand that if they want recognition for their holidays, symbols, and so on, then everybody else needs to have the same rights?² The Christian extremists' ludicrous claim that saying "Happy holidays" is an attack on Christmas tramples on my freedom of religion. If store clerks are expected to wish Christians "Merry Christmas," they should be required to give each customer the appropriate greeting -- which is why I call the fundies' outrage ludicrous.

Every action like Marshall University's is a nail in the coffin of Christian hegemony. I didn't start this post to be a diatribe, I intended it as a celebration. But the fundies are going to be aghast at this, so I'm going to leave that in here.

---

¹Name munged because they troll the web aggressively for mentions of it, and their written doctrine states that critics are "Fair game. May be deprived of property or injured by any means by any Sc**nt*l*g*st without any discipline of the Sc**nt*l*g*st. May be tricked, sued or lied to or destroyed." Frankly, yes, I am afraid of them.

²That's a rhetorical question. I already know the answer.

This wouldn't have happened if eudyptes had been her driving instructor.

JASPER, Ind. -- A 15-year-old girl crashed her SUV into Jasper High School during a driving lesson, causing $50,000 in damage, police said.
       
Jordan M. Sander was practicing Sunday afternoon with her father, John C. Sander, in the school's parking lot.

She was making a right turn when the sport utility vehicle went over a sidewalk and into the north side of the building, police said. Neither Jordan nor her father was injured. No charges were filed.

The accident also caused about $3,500 damage to the SUV.

lkeele, I thought of you immediately when I heard what the second hour of today's Diane Rehm show on NPR was going to be about:

American Universities in the Middle East: Agents of Change

American Universities in the Middle East play a vital role educating future political, business and cultural leaders from the Arab world. Three American university presidents from Lebanon and Egypt discuss the state of liberal arts education in the Middle East and how their work and the work of their students is helping to bridge the divide between the West and the Arab world.

One of the guests is the president of the American University in Cairo.

The show will be posted in the archive around 1:00 pm today, so you and Rondo can listen to it any time after that.

I wanted to listen to it myself, but I've only been able to catch bits and pieces between phone calls, showering, and getting ready for my acupuncture appointment. I'm going to try to listen to it online if I can find some time. (I wish I had one of those remote speakers where you can listen to audio from the computer anywhere in the house, but they're pretty expen$ive so to listen to anything online I have to be right here.)

( Do I deserve my high school diploma? )

I finally got around to registering for the classes I wanted to take. I marked up the original post and added links so I'll have all the information in one place.

I'm mad at myself for waiting a bit too long -- I just missed getting into the Photograph Hampden's Holiday Lights trip -- I'm first on the wait list.   If anyone cancels I'll get in ... but that's unlikely. I shouldn't have been such a procrastinator.

But I did get all the other ones I wanted!   I got the next to last place on the Photograph Fall Foliage trip -- whew! (annerism, if you want to go, grab that last opening!)

I really would have liked to do the Mansions, Mills & Ruins one, but I hadn't noticed that it was on the same date as Photograph Historic Ellicott City, so I had to pick one or the other.   I'd rather go on the photography trip, so I signed up for that.

I want to keep track of this article so that the next time I read about some kid being given an award for 100% attendance all through school, I can rant with authority instead of just growling.

Parents: If your kids are sick, keep them home! Do not spread germs to the entire class just so your kid can get a cheesy award -- or so you don't have to take a day off from work to care for them.

I'm not even addressing the ethics of forcing, encouraging, or even allowing a sick child to drag herself to school and struggle through the day. That's a child-rearing issue, and I suppose it's your own business. But your kid is making other kids sick, as well as reducing the teachers' effectiveness by forcing them to deal with your tired, cranky, unwell kid. And that's everybody's business.

Classrooms are the No. 1 germiest workplace, and sick students are to blame

( Full text )

Choose the correct answer:

  The school system in Washington, DC, our nation's capital is:
    A) Excellent, since so many congressmen's and -women's children attend.
    B) Very good, since congress is right there and it's easy to oversee their quality.
    C) Fairly good, since the federal government helps to support it's city's schools (in lieu of taxes, since it's by far the District's primary industry) and there's enough money to allow the system to provide a decent education.
    D) None of the above.

If you answered D, you should read Courtland Milloy's column in the Washington Post.  If you answered A, B, or C you need to read it.

  After reading the column, you will be:
    A) Shocked.
    B) Dismayed.
    C) Irate.
    D) All of the above.


( Full text )

The topic of the Kojo Nnamdi show on WAMU today was:

What does it mean to be deaf in the twenty-first century? The incoming and outgoing presidents of Gallaudet University join Kojo to discuss the recent controversy at the school and the meaning of "deaf culture" in an era of medical and technological change.

Guests:
I. King Jordan, President of Gallaudet University
Jane Fernandes, President Designate, Gallaudet University

I've found Jane Fernandes to be a very poor speaker -- her answers to questions are brief and lack nuance, so it takes an exceptionally good interviewer to get anything but the basics from her. Unfortunately, Kojo is not very good. He has great questions, but only the pre-written ones. He's unable to follow up with off-the-cuff questions to elicit a more complete answer, so whatever the guest comes up with on their own is all we get.  (He's also prone to odd non sequiturs and an occasional Beavis-and-Butthead giggle.)

So I didn't feel the show lived up to its promise at all. Fernandes and I. King Jordan missed a lot of opportunities to explain Deaf culture -- which was supposed to be half of the purpose of the show!

For example, a caller asked an excellent question about why some deaf people resent those who get cochlear implants -- but all we got from Fernandes and Jordan was basically that the Deaf don't consider deafness a disability. One of them said, "I love being deaf!" But they never really answered the question.

But the worst disappointment was their total failure to respond adequately to the angry doctor who called in near the end of the show to demand, "Why should an individual provider have to pay for an interpreter?! People used to bring family members, or other members of the community who speak their language with them! Why can't deaf people do that?"

All Nnamdi, Fernandes and Jordan could say was, "It's required by the Americans with Disabilities Act."

But the woman knew that! She was railing against the necessity for an individual provider, who is reimbursed very little for her services by the insurance companies, to provide interpreters. It's okay to require it of large institutions like hospitals, the doctor said. "But it's not fair to make individual providers pay for that service, when they could just bring a family member with them!"

Not one of them ever answered the woman's question. From two Deaf people in such high positions I expected a clear explanation of why it's inappropriate to have a family member or friend interpret for someone who can't speak the same language as the doctor, whether because of deafness or because they don't speak English.

But not a single word was mentioned about loss of privacy, damage to relationships, putting too much responsibility on a child, incorrect interpretation of complex information, and all the other reasons (which I'm sure woofiegrrl will come along and explain). One after another, Nnamdi, Fernandes and Jordan all told the distraught doctor only, "It's required by the ADA."

I'm sure many listeners were wondering the same thing after hearing the doctor's frustrated question. They completely blew all the opportunities to shed light on issues about which many people have misconceptions that are harmful to the Deaf community.

I was very disappointed.

The new County Rec and Parks brochure just came. These are the classes I definitely want to take:

• Long-Term Living: Covering the Costs - p. 36: Extra costs for long-term care may be part of your future. These costs may include in-home care, assisted living, and/or nursing home care. Long-term care insurance is one way to prepare for some of these costs, but not the only way. Explore the often-confusing realm of long-term care insurance and consider the ultrimate questions of whether or not to buy. Discussion will be led by representatives from Maryland Cooperative Extension and the Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program. 1 day, 2 hrs.  $0 - 10/4     → have to register by phone
  
  
• Laughter, "The Best Medicine" - p. 38: Strengthen the immune system, lower blood pressure, and promote emotional healing by participating in laughing exercises. This program is not based on joke telling'; it is a healing therapy that had its beginning in India. You can experience a whole new world when there's laughter in your life. Sponsored by a grant. 2 wks, 1 hr. $0 - (various)     → need to see if anyone else is going
  
  
• How to Get Started Exhibiting Your Photographs - p. 51: Wondering where to get solid, professional advice on how to start exhibiting your photographs? Look no further! In this unique class, a nature photographer will eliminate the guesswork and tell you how to get started. Learn how to find local venues for exhibiting prints, how to build a resume and apply for exhibits, how to mat, frame, and display photos, and how to set prices for selling prints. Bring an 8x10 photograph to mat during class. 1 day, 2.5 hrs. $25 + $10 materials fee - 11/13     ♥ registered 9/3
  
  
• Photograph Fall Foliage - p. 71: Bring your camera and spend the day in Cunningham Falls State Park and Thurmont, Md. learning how to photograph some of the most beautiful fall scenery in the state. A photography instructor will lead this day of picture taking for the novice photographer. Then spend the afternoon on your own enjoying the annual Catoctin Colorfest. Lunch is on your own at the historic Cozy Inn. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. 1 day, 9am-5pm, $35 - 10/15     ♥ registered 9/3
  
  
• Photograph Historic Ellicott City - p. 71: Bring your camera and join the photography instructor for an opportunity to photograph Ellicott City historic sites, including the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum and the Patapsco Female Institute. Enjoy lunch on your own in downtown Ellicott City. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. 1 day, 9am-5pm, $25 - 11/4     ♥ registered 9/3
  
  
• Photograph Hampden's Holiday Lights on 34th Street - p. 71: Join our photography instructor as you visit Hampden's famous 700 block of 34th Street during the holidays to photograph the wonderful holiday decorations on this one-block stretch of Baltimore City. Then enjoy dessert on your own at Café Hon. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Don't forget your camera! 1 day, 7-10pm, $35 - 12/6     ♠ #1 on wait list

Other classes I'm considering:

• Wire Jewelry for the Beginner - p. 41: In this basic techniques class, learn the basics of working with wire, as well as choosing supplies and tools. You'll learn how to make two pairs of earrings and practice techniques for making more unusual wire and beaded projects. 1 day, 3 hrs. $22 - 9/8     ◊ already have something scheduled that evening, will be too tired
  
  
• Mansions, Mills & Ruins - p. 71: What do you know about the history of Central Maryland? Explore with a local historian and author and discover the lost communities of Elkridge Landing, Anderson and Annapolis Junction, and identify the Gorman, Worthington and Dorsey homes. Enjoy lunch on your own at Savage Mill. Don't forget your notebook! Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. 1 day, 9:30am-3:30pm, $20 - 11/4     ◊ same date as Photograph Historic Ellicott City
  
  
• Flat Water Kayak Paddling Basics - p. 81: Learn flat water paddling techniques, self-rescue, safety, gear selection and how to load a kayak. Wear loose-fitting layers of warm clothing. This is an American Canoe Association certified instructional program. 1 day, 2.5 hrs. $30
  
  
• Float Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - p. 82: Paddle the tidal marshes of Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge on this one-day flatwater trip. Enjoy the scenery of mixed evergreen and deciduous forests, which are home to the Bald Eagle and endangered Delmarva Fox Squirrel. Choose double or single kayak. Beginner to intermediate paddlers welcome. All paddlers must complete our Kayak Paddling Basics class before the trip. Fee includes transportation, leadership and boats; bring lunch and beverage. 1 day 8am-6pm, Sept. 24 - double kayak, $47 per person

If woofiegrrl can go on the Blackwater trip with me in a double kayak, I'll take the basics class. There's also a Potomac River (northwest of Harper's Ferry) trip on Sept. 17 or an Antietam River (near Sharpsburg, Md) trip on Sept. 10, which I would do if the 24th isn't good, but I'd really love to go to Blackwater!

Now I just have to remember to register for these!

I'm a little hesitant about the exhibiting your photographs class -- 2½ hours seems a little short to cover all of that material. Is she going to talk to us while we're working on matting the photos? I don't absorb things very well that way. I have to take notes with that type of information. Plus I have to get my printer straightened out before then -- it's exhibiting some banding right now, and I don't know what to do to get it to work right so I can print one of my photos. Other than that they all sound exciting!

If there's anybody local who wants to do any of these with me, let me know! I'd love to have company for any of them, but especially on the ones where some of the time is on your own. momomom and/or annerism, are you interested in the nature photography trip? If Meredith can't go to Blackwater, do you want to do that, Carla? I can't manage a single kayak alone because my arms aren't strong enough to do all the paddling the whole time, but I can help if there's someone else to help also!

conuly, do you know about this?

Call to Action: NYS Regs Allow Schools to Use "Aversive Interventions" on Children

In June, the New York Board of Regents approved "emergency regulations" that permit public schools to use aversive behavioral interventions and time-out rooms as consequences for behavior of children with disabilities. These regulations went into effect on June 23, 2006.

According to the New York regulations, "aversive behavioral intervention" means:

(i) application of noxious, painful, intrusive stimuli or activities intended to induce pain such as electric skin shock, ice applications, hitting, slapping, pinching, kicking, hurling, strangling, shoving, deep muscle squeezes or other similar stimuli;

(ii) any form of noxious, painful or intrusive spray, inhalant or tastes;

(iii) withholding sleep, shelter, bedding, bathroom facilities or clothing;

(iv) contingent food programs that include withholding meals or limiting essential nutrition or hydration or intentionally altering staple food or drink in order to make it distasteful;

(v) movement limitation used as a punishment, including but not limited to helmets and mechanical restraint devices;

(vi) the placement of a child unsupervised or unobserved in a room from which the student cannot exit without assistance; or

(vii) other stimuli or actions similar to the interventions....

Electric shock?? Withholding bathroom facilities?? Withholding essential nutrition and hydration?? The Supreme Court just told Bush that these things constitute torture and he can't use these techniques on adult "enemy combatants" ... but apparently the schools in New York are allowed to torture autistic and other disabled children!

I hope this is just exaggerated and incorrect scare lore ... but it's probably all too accurate. =sigh=

(found in chungjik's journal)

Soap and education are not as sudden as a massacre, but they are more deadly in the long run.
                    —Mark Twain (1835-1910), American humorist and writer

For the rest of their lives, these college kids won't have any trouble coming up with an answer to the question "What was the most embarrassing moment of your life?"

Students in Tutus Saved From Mountain Road

Feb 1, 4:53 PM (ET)

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) - Two dozen Caltech students wearing Superman capes, tutus and other odd attire as part of a hazing stunt were rescued after getting stranded on the Mount Wilson Toll Road.

Organizers of the California Institute of Technology initiation ritual said they didn't realize the road had been covered last year by a landslide.

"You've got to remember that common sense is not factored into the intelligence quotient," said Deputy Greg Gabriel, who leads the Altadena Search and Rescue team.

The annual Mount Wilson Night, when freshmen are initiated into the Page House dormitory at Caltech, started off as planned Monday night, Caltech sophomore Nick Goeden said Tuesday.

The group had a large dinner before dressing the freshmen in costumes and parading them throughout Pasadena. The young men and women were then taken to the Mount Wilson Observatory for the planned 10-mile descent down the road.

A quarter-mile from the bottom, the group got stranded in Eaton Canyon where the landslide blocked their path. Rescuers were called in at about 3 a.m.

The students didn't have flashlights, warm clothes or other important supplies, Gabriel said. But the deputy said they were equipped with "distinctive headgear - hats with antennas and horns, that kind of stuff."

"Going up those trails in the middle of the night without any safety equipment and no lighting is pretty stupid," Gabriel said. "We've had washouts. If they took a wrong trail or fell off that trail, it's hundreds of feet down."

This was posted today:

Wanted- Slide Rule (calculation tool)

Recently I tried to describe to my kids how we calculated before affordable electronic calculators were available.  That is, the days of using slide rules.  They had never heard of one.  I thought it'd fun to show them one.

Anyone have an available slide rule that you're not, uh, using right now?

Scott "When I was a kid..." Austin

Education is not the filling of the pail, but, the lighting of the fire.
              —William Butler Yeats (1865-1939), Irish poet, playwright.