What is that guy doing with those pliars?

Tomas Munita for The New York Times

Keeping New of Kidnapping Off Wikipedia
Richard Pérez-Peña, NY Times, June 28, 2009

afghanistan · funny · humor · ny times

Ever learned something that seems so obvious you wonder why it took so long to figure out? Like, evolution or atheism, for example.

A Plan to Hire the Best Teachers
NY Times, November 28, 2008

While I was reading a recent editorial in the NY Times this morning I though, “well duh”. I’m amazed that senior teachers have, for so long, been able to transfer at will, even when the receiving principle objects. Who, I wonder, thought that was a policy which would benefit the students. We don’t operate an education system to employ teachers, do we?

It is refreshing that New York City and its teacher’s union have updated their policy to allow principles to build cohesive and effective teams without undue consideration for tenured faculty. I was also refreshed to learn that teachers in New York City public schools are paid up to $100,000 per year. If other school districts invested as much in their talent our educational systems might not be in the dire situation in which they currently find themselves.

Within a year or so, the city should know which teachers were passed over for salary reasons and which ones have languished in the reserve pool because of poor performance. Once the data is in, the city and the union will need to negotiate a plan for ushering the inadequate teachers out of the system.

Good riddance.

editorial · education · new york city · ny times · nyc · politics · school · teachers union · tenure · union

This afternoon I spent some time at Portland Head Light reading, relaxing and taking pictures. It is, after all, my favorite place.

Things have been tough lately. Stressful. I’m not sure how much more of this I can handle. I used to take pictures to clear my mind and relieve stress but lately I feel too guilty and selfish if I’m out wasting gas and not looking for a better job. I drove Kirsten to an appointment she had at school this morning and while I waited for her I drove over to PHL. It was so nice I decided I had to return later with my camera.

Clouds over the Atlantic

Me at PHL

Kirsten and I went to the library on our way home. I checked out The Conscience of a Liberal by Paul Krugman. I had verified the night before that it was there and available. Paul won the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences on Monday. I’ve been reading his New York Times op/ed column for a long time and have been impressed by his intellect. I’m excited to read his latest book.

Portland Head Light

After dropping Kirsten off at the house I picked up a couple of chili dogs from Rapid Ray’s and headed to Cape Elizabeth. I hiked out to my favorite spot on high cliffs at the southernmost point of the park, set up my chair and settled in. I read my new library book, snapped a few pictures for fun, ate my lunch and thoroughly enjoyed being in my own little slice of heaven. I love the salty sea air, cool breeze, busy lobster boats, several lighthouses and occasional tour buses unloading people who’ve come a long way to see my lighthouse (I usually see them from a distance).

Just playin’ around

It was time wonderfully spent. I’ll need to go back soon to preserve any remaining sanity. It’s a wonderful place and will be less and less crowded as the mercury drops in the coming weeks and months.

cape elizabeth · fort williams state park · lighthouse · maine · nobel · ny times · paul krugman · phl