Not So Random Thoughts

I have too many ideas bouncing around my head, so I thought I'd let a few out.  These are all across the board.

--It seems the President came to believe he could do no wrong so much, that he figured his deceptions wouldn't be found out.  The health care laws just never made sense as a tool to help care for people.  We are fortunate that my job pays for health care, but people should be able to keep their chosen plan.  If I like driving a Corolla or a pickup, I shouldn't be forced to buy and drive a Cadillac.

--Our crops seemed to come in pretty well this summer.  Down in a few things and up in others.  We are blessed to live in one of the best places to grow fruits and vegetables in the world.  What we don't grow, we can buy, for now.

--I'm becoming a believer in cell phone blocking at schools.  If we are truly trying to educate young people, then we are losing the cell phone battle.  More students are clandestinely or openly using cell phone in class. If they are trying to hide it, they are not paying attention to the class.  The CAN"T multitask, even if they think they can.  If so, how come I catch many with their heads looking at their laps instead of doing classwork? Head in lap?  Cell phone or worse going on. And some get indignant if told to put phones away.  Time to just block them.

--Tonight is the last home regular season football game.  It seems so inconsequential.  There was a time that our school sports was always on my radar. Maybe that is a sign for me to move on.

--Our new neighbor is hosting a guitarist for a performance at his house, Richard Smith.  I'd never heard of him, but looking him up.  Great fingerstyle playing.  Here is a link. of him with Tommy Emmanuel.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej9-OW0pOUA

--Just heard a former student has taken a job in the next state.  Great for him.  $80,000 a year as a welder.  I' having to teaching my students howto use a scale and hammer a nail and here is a young person with curiosity and skills.  Want a job, listen and learn instead of texting.

--I just read, via Joel Salatin, that Monsanto has agreed to fund 90% of the Swedish Royal Institute of Agriculture if they abolish their Ecology department.  Which they did.  Seems like another, "Here's your sign," moment.

--It's not new news, but still relevant.  The list of the 10 most polluted cities in America is out. We live within an hour of 4 of them and 2 more are within three hours.  Thanks Dan C. for the reminder.

--Last night we dined on Drive-Through Pork.  The local FFA does fundraiser dinners in the Fall (pork) and Spring (chicken) and we always enjoy the feast.  You drive through the parking lot, pick up your dinners and drive home to great food.  Last night was another of these reminders that education can get it right sometimes. Many kids learning new skills, that's FFA.

Have a great day, and don't forget to remember those that gave something for your freedom this Veteran's Day weekend.