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Archive for September 17th, 2008


A Different Sort of Prejudice

Wednesday, September 17th, 2008
By Glinda

Photobucket

A few weeks ago, I ran into the mother of a former classmate of the Munchkin’s. I hadn’t seen her since June, so we spent a few mintues chatting.  After we found out that we are political twins, talk rolled around to our local schools.  I mentioned that I wasn’t that fond of the current principal of Munchkin’s school, and she suggested I transfer him over to the school her son is attending.

I expressed interest, and then asked if that school had a gifted program, which is also at the Munchkin’s school.  She said that it didn’t and that she wasn’t impressed with the program and how it was run. She thought her oldest daughter might test as gifted, but she insisted that she would not enroll her in the program.

I asked why, and she said, “Because I don’t want her thinking she is better than anyone else.”

My eyes goggled out of my head for a moment, and I excused myself and picked them up off the floor.

“But,” I replied after I regained my mental composure, “people and kids are always going to think they are “better” than others, and a lot of the time it isn’t even true! So if your child is academically gifted, what is wrong with acknowledging that?”

Indeed, what is wrong with that?

Parents have no problem boasting that their child is a prodigy in violin, or taekwondo, or drawing, or photography, or any other discipline.  But if a parent says that their child is academically gifted, an awkward gap suddenly yaws in the conversation. 

Many people seem to think that the gifted programs in our public schools are simply a case of elitism.  Why, academically gifted kids don’t need any special attention! They can get along just fine!

But yet these same people would chafe if their musically gifted son was to share a class with students who could barely pound out “Chopsticks.”  They would feel their child was getting shortchanged.

Why should the parent of an academically gifted child feel differently? 

Smart kids aren’t perfect.  They don’t excel at everything, and come with their own set of challenges.   But lately there seems to be a huge backlash against “smart” people, which sometimes even extends to teachers within the system itself.  We are turning into a culture which celebrates mediocrity and dubious achievement a la Paris Hilton.

Everyone should be encouraging the next generation of high-achieving doctors, lawyers, educators, and scientists instead of feeling threatened, or insecure, or whatever feeling leads you into thinking they don’t deserve special attention.

Because if you have the choice of a neurosurgeon who got straight A’s versus one with a C average, we already know which one you are going to pick. 

So get over it, already.


Back to School Links

Wednesday, September 17th, 2008
By raincoaster

Zoolander!

Alas, poor raincoaster; you knew her well. But the fact is, she’s not the same this week. It’s true. I’ve crossed the line. I’ve become one of The Others. You know, THOSE PEOPLE.

The employed.

I have, in fact, become employed by two different companies this week, which wouldn’t normally be such a killer except I’m so, so very used to nothing more than sitting in my pj’s in one chair all day, moving only periodically to let the pizza boy in so I don’t starve.

If you order twelve you get two free and then you’re set for another 14 days!

Anywhateverkins, one of these jobs involves raincoaster being A) presentable in the morning B) awake in the morning and C) on her feet from the morning all the way to early evening.

And this does not take me to my happy place.

Mind you, there are good things to be said about the job: it’s a marvelous opportunity to look at what other people are wearing and make up snarky captions in one’s head all day; it’s a good opportunity to meet lots of men, as the pizza boy just does NOT seem to be responding; and it’s great to see that, indeed, the world is NOT ready for the return of stirrup pants.

But, truth be told I am absolutely wrung out, and it’s only my second day. I have a few choice words for the person who invented this “working for a living” thing. Fortunately, I work right outside a spa and the first thing I did was enquire about some hawt pedicure and massage action; I’m gonna need it.

Giuseppe Zanotti - I76088 (Black/Red) - Footwear

Tomorrow I buy a new pair of flats (yay, flats are not only in, but on sale!) and those spongy insoles that say nobody is going to be drinking champagne out of my MaryJanes anydamnways, so what the hell. At least I’ll be comfortable. So my posts are going to be going up at wonky times for the next week until I get used to this, and they may be even more demented than usual! You’ve been warned!

Fortunately, while I’m occupied in productive sessions with either salaried labour or the epsom salt footbaths, the Internets have provided for your amusement the following roundup of the bizarre and parental, so click onward and enjoy!

The Sarah Palin Baby Name Generator (PolitTskTskTsk)

Kate Moss’ daughter is a rock off the old block. CHIP! I meant chip! (DListed)

Trump’s tips for raising tip top tots and kickass kids! (CeleBitchy)

Housework blogger wanted (5MinutesForMom)

Cute OVERLOAAAAAD!!!!! (CelebrityBabySmack)

There’s a dirty pun to be made here, but I’m not the one to do it (GoGetYourJacket)

Dance Party Workout (ParentHacks)

Talk Like a Pirate Day is Saturday! (Limeshot)


I didn’t know you could train a Yorkie

Wednesday, September 17th, 2008
By raincoaster

dog









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