Outrage, anxiety after Providence mayor 'fires' almost 2,000 teachers

It's things like this that make me worry about the future of America's education system. Society is begging the government for education reform, but it's falling upon deaf ears. Teachers are under paid and under appreciated; in many respects no job sector is safe. There was a time that education was considered "recession-proof" and immune for cuts and lay offs.

I graduate in several months, and frankly, terrified about the prospects of landing a job. The districts that are hiring are looking for math and science teachers. The fine arts are being drastically cut, and now one fine arts educator is responsible for teaching nearly 200 students.

The qualifications requirements for teachers are also becoming more demanding, and many districts are hiring teachers with Master's degrees or hiring. It is no longer satisfactory to merely have a Bachelor's degree.

Information about the Providence firings are below.

Outrage, anxiety after Providence mayor 'fires' almost 2,000 teachers

http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/02/25/rhode.island.teachers.fired/index.html?hpt=Sbin

Corporate Grind. Part I

“Do you realize that if you choose to proceed any further, I can’t be held morally or legally responsible,” Stacy asked, her shockingly green eyes piercing through him. Walter felt himself shake, and he struggled to keep his tone steady. He’d never been so sure about anything in his life, before this moment. Walter ran his hands over her body, and her skin was electric to his touch.
“Yes,” he said, “I’m ready”.
*
Maybe I should look into Rogaine, Walter Legrange thought. He flattened his hair, combing the thin strains into rows. He adjusted his paisley tie, and frowned. It wouldn’t hurt to try, or maybe a new pair of glasses. Walter examined himself behind his thick frames, bitterly noting that women would never find him handsome. As a tired man of fifty his stomach bulged and flopped over his waistline, and he’d lost his hair years ago. He’d never been married and never had a girlfriend. All around him, people his age were married with children, and now becoming grandparents, while he begrudgingly stayed a perpetual bachelor.
*

The Future Face of Book Stores

So, the face of book stores are changing. As a company that couldn't adapt to the digital books, Borders has filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy protection.

Retailers like Amazon, and Indie book stores are thriving. Maybe this is a change in the times. Have books become moot and pointless. In many respects, I believe that the classics are being replaced with video games and technology. Not to bash technology, I believe our society is relying more upon technology. And companies who can't keep up are left in the dust.


More information on the demise of Borders Group can be found below.
http://tinyurl.com/45g3bju

There is a couple who go to my gym, and I absolutely adore them. They've been married about twenty years, but the catch is that she's deaf. Being born deaf, the couple met in college and he learned sign language for her.

Frankly, that's devotion and love.

Valentine's Day

So, it's Valentine's Day. Today is the day that many people suddenly grow very cynical. Believe me, I understand, but don't think today should be a day worth boycotting.

“Do you want me to tell you something really subversive? Love is everything it's cracked up to be. That's why people are so cynical about it. It really is worth fighting for, being brave for, risking everything for. And the trouble is, if you don't risk anything, you risk even more.”

A new challenge

My parents are my heroes. They've been an important part of my life since I was a child. As an only child, they've been an influential part of my life.

Today, I had an awesome conversation with my Dad. He asked me why I'd stop writing on Project 365, and I honestly didn't have an answer.

Over the past few weeks I haven't had the motivation to write. I haven't had the motivation to talk.

He reminded me of all the people who've read my writing. He reminded me of my internationally published stories. He reminded me of the people who've read my work from other countries.

He suggested that I write about the beauty of life and the quirks of the human condition.

His peptalk helped renew my spirit. So, I'm going to write. I can't guarantee I'll write everyday, but I'm going to write one day at a time.

Day Fifty-Two: A Whole Lot of Nothing

It's my first Saturday night off in months, and what have I been doing? Laundry. For the past few hours, I've been cleaning, because well, I don't really have the time when I am working. Yep, I'm not at some exclusive club, but doing laundry and watching Grey's Anatomy. Pitiful? Nope. Fantastic? You betcha!
____________________________

Although I did work this morning, and upon approaching one of my first tables, I did my standard introduction.

"Hey there guys, welcome to [name of my restaurant], could I get you something to drink?"

The family looked directly at me, making eye contact, and replied...
"Chips and queso".

Umm...I was asking about drinks. I explained this fact, and they slowly blinked some more.

"Oh, why didn't you say that?"

Dear patrons, freaking listen when I'm talking! Chances are, it's in your benefit. I'm not hovering because I want to make a new friend. I'm hovering beceause I just want to know what the hell you want to drink!