Reader poll
Do approve of the Emporia School board spending $1.6 million for a new artificial turf football field and track at the high school?
- Yes
- No
- Undecided
1182 total votes.
The Emporia School District is going “green” — in more ways than one.
Last week the school board voted 6-1 in favor of an energy conservation project that is intended to save the school district money and energy in the long term.
But to save some green, the district first has to spend some green: $6.7 million, to be financed through a lease-finance agreement at a low interest rate. And although the innovative financing set-up could bring some earnings back to the district over time, the burden of the debt will rest in taxpayers’ pockets.
Included in the planned district-wide projects are high-efficiency lighting, water conservation measures, occupancy-based air controls, light sensors in classrooms and on vending machines, new windows in many of the buildings, suspended ceilings and new boilers, steam traps and rooftop units.
Sounds reasonable.
But what doesn’t sound reasonable is the biggest- priced item and the “greenest” one of them all: a $1.6 million brand-new artificial turf football/soccer field and accompanying track at Emporia High School, promising to produce savings to the district only after several turf replacements and 28.5 years of use. Which means it’s conceivable that the first EHS students to use the new field and track will be watching their own children compete there before it has paid for itself.
It’s definitely smart to be conscientious about conserving energy in our local schools. But at what cost?
Given the state of the economy, is it fair to ask taxpayers to fund an expensive new football practice field with such a long return on investment when many students and teachers could benefit from improvements to their buildings right now?
Even the very best “good deal” always costs something and takes away from something else. The Gazette has received reports from teachers just this week of chronic problems some schools are dealing with including an inadequate number of bathroom stalls, inappropriately sized sinks and toilets for the children being served and peeling wallpaper and paint throughout the buildings, among other things.
Just think what $1.6 million could do for those buildings.
If that amount of money can so easily be justified to invest in a field of dreams for the district, it seems that the board may need to spend a little more time in the schools for which they advocate. Or, at least, make a more compelling argument to teachers, students and the taxpayers before going forward with such a project.
Mike Helbert, the one board member to oppose the plan last week, said it best.
“To me, [the turf football field] is a want, not a need,” he said, adding that he would have a difficult time asking teachers and taxpayers to sacrifice for something that should be on a “wish list.”
He’s right.
Sure, a professional-grade football field would be a nice showpiece for Emporia, but it won’t take long before that pretty, new, bright green turf will represent the debt we have to pay on it, not the energy saved by it.
Ashley Walker
Editor
Comments
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countrydog (anonymous) says...
to bad the other board members dont think like mike helbert
may be its time for a recall and get people in office that understand dollars and cents!!!!!!
October 1, 2009 at 2:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Cudos to Mike Helbert for his stand !
It would seem that the City and County commissioners have a lot of want spending in their budgets also, as there are a number of things in their budgets that are not needed, only wanted, no matter the cost or whether it will be an actual benefit to everyone in the City and County !
October 1, 2009 at 2:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
This isn't just a football field, let's not forget it is a football/soccer field. I still don't think it's worth that kinda scratch. Maybe if it was a football/soccer field/shuffleboard table but I still think that is too much money.
R.
October 1, 2009 at 2:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
You're all not thinking correctly!
Stimulus!!!! Pork!!!!! Spend $$$ without even reading what it's for!!!!!
Come on, get with the times!!!! The American people have spoken!!!!
Or else you're all a bunch of racists
October 1, 2009 at 2:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
admireed (anonymous) says...
Ashley, this is the first time I can remember the Gazette being against a local school spending issue. Good for you. Finally a media that will challange what seems to be excessive.
October 1, 2009 at 3:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Mike Helbert has long been one of the few lawyers in this town with any common sense....sounds like he may be the only school board member also.
October 1, 2009 at 3:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I agree admireed;
What a refreshing change. It also seems that Mr. Walker MAY be leaning against the extension districting idea.
You know there is only so much downsizing the private sector can do before the public sectors are forced to. Now seems to be that time.
October 1, 2009 at 3:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
the Gazeete poll now stands at 80% against this turf. Are you listening school board? Energy upgrades for the buildings, yes. Turf no!
October 1, 2009 at 4:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
sorry, Gazette
October 1, 2009 at 4:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
If we can't pay our court employees, then we absolutely don't need to take on any extras.
October 1, 2009 at 4:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Since when did having an overwhelming majority of the people for or against something ever convince those in power to follow suit? Or even if they do have one activist judge overstep his/her authority and overturn it?
Candy/Parade ban, Christmas pageant, same-sex marriage, letting child molesters off with mere probations, etc.........
$$$ talks, opinion walks.
October 1, 2009 at 4:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Nobody (anonymous) says...
Is Mike Helbert the only board member who has any brains? Sure sounds like it to me.
October 1, 2009 at 4:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
food4thought (anonymous) says...
Do I understand correctly that this will be a practice field and the game will still be played at Welch? If that is true that is the most ridiculus thing ever. Spend 1.6 million on a practice field... Crazy! Sounds like Obama must be on the school board, and this will not add to our debt for the next 10 yrs hear that anywhere else lately???? I need to move out of this crazy taxing town before they backrupt me.......
October 1, 2009 at 4:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
shoehorn (anonymous) says...
I certainly hope the opposition to the spending isn't considered astroturf.
October 1, 2009 at 5:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
goodoleboy (anonymous) says...
"You're all not thinking correctly!
War!!! Pork!!!!! Spend $$$ without even reading what it's for!!!!!
Come on, get with the times!!!! The American people have spoken!!!!
Or else you're all unpatriotic"
Somethings never change lol
October 1, 2009 at 5:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
What REALLY never changes, goodoleboy, is that a large chunk of the country is only upset about either one or the other of our scenarios, but not both........
October 1, 2009 at 6:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Remember folks, it is NOT for the people, by the people! It is WHO has the POWER!!!!! We are only the banks and loan companies, oops, not a GOOD thing!!!!!!
October 1, 2009 at 8:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FarmRaised (anonymous) says...
My daughter goes to the middle school and they had all of the students who were kept home or sent home ill from school on Tuesday go to the gymnasium for further testing. If you exhibited more than 2 signs of having the flu, you were sent home again. Here friend was sent home with a case of the chills and fatigue. No fever...no vomiting...no diarrhea...no cough. She just said that she didn't feel well and got the rest of the day off. How ridiculous is this going to get? They sent my daughter home on Tuesday and she wasn't even sick!
October 1, 2009 at 8:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chiefsfan (anonymous) says...
I guess I'm confused. What does being flu tested in the gym and kids being sent home have to do with tax payers money being spent on a fake grass practice field?
October 1, 2009 at 10:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
This is why people don't trust government. Apparently just one Emporia BOE member understands we are in a period of economic stress. Of course, there had to be some Emporia school administrators come up with this idea to begin with, personally I think they ought to be fired. The taxpayers are up against the wall right now, at least many are...it is one thing to support public education, it is another to support frills. Some heads need to be knocked together on the BOE and amongst the administration in Emporia.
October 1, 2009 at 10:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
b3bill (anonymous) says...
It is ridiculous to even suggest spending $1.6 million for the artificial turf and how it will pay for itself in 28.5 years. I think any school board member supporting this kind of careless spending should be petitioned out (or recalled, whatever).
However, what I really find ironic is the tone of this article by Ashley Walker, who also just authored the "Positive thinking" article on Sept. 24, 2009. In that article she voiced her strong disapproval of all the negativity around Emporia with statements like:
1. "Looking at the economy, education and arts and entertainment, among other aspects of our town, there are increasingly more wagging fingers who seem to enjoy pointing out “what’s the matter with Emporia” rather than pointing out what’s right about it."
2. "So, in an effort to curb this cult of negativity, The Gazette will do its part by setting aside a special place in the paper where only positive things about our town can be published."
Ashley also stated "One of our goals here at The Gazette is to be one of Emporia’s biggest cheerleaders."
Well, it looks like Ashley had just found something to be negative about in Emporia, and in only one week after her "Positive thinking" article. I fully agree with her stand against the artificial turf, so is that a positive or negative position I have?
It just goes to show that anyone, even those who have condemned others for not approving and happily going along with various proposed items (such as the visitors center), can themselves find something to not approve of and be openly negative about it. Others have equally had their reasons to not approve of various items around town. Not everything suggested meets with everyone's approval, and many times for good reason, as in this case of the artificial turf. I guess it won't be worth looking for coverage/pictures about the artificial turf in the new positive section of The Gazette?
It looks like Ashley has just joined the negative crowd on the artificial turf issue. Welcome to our cult, Ashley!
October 1, 2009 at 10:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (anonymous) says...
Why in the world do we want to complicate simpilicity, this is not progress. This kind of growth for the sake of growth and spending money we really don't have is kind of like the ideology of the cancer cell. It's horrifying that we have to fight our own government to keep us from going broke. The activist is not the man who says the million dollar turf is a dirty deal, the activist is that person who cleans up the deal by petition of the voters. The worst place to plagiarize nature is on the practice field of artificial turf. This is a good example of how simpilicity carried to the extreme becomes elegence at the expense of the taxpayer. G.K. Chesterton said,"Without education, we are in a horrible danger of taking educated people seriously."
October 1, 2009 at 10:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
educ8r1 (anonymous) says...
I am a teacher in USD 253. My feelings on the issue: Why is more importance placed on spending millions of dollars on sports fields when teachers are forking out their own money for classroom materials because the district is unable to provide us with an adequate classroom budget? Not to mention the measly raise I hear we might be getting. I guess this shows what is more important to this district....sports.... not academics.
October 2, 2009 at 6:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
voicing ones concern with the STUPID spending by the school board is not being negative. It's time for more to speak up about the tax and spend ways of all government entities.
October 2, 2009 at 6:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Way to go, Ashley!!! Way to be an independent, and critical thinker.
It's good to hear also that the Gazette has heard from teachers to attest to the shortages and poor conditions in their buildings. Way to go, teachers!
Yes, it is indeed time for the school board to tour ALL the buildings. Such a tour may shame them into questioning themselves about why they would even consider such a huge expenditure when real problems need to be tackled first.
Way to go, Mike Helbert!
Flawed thinking, School Board! Take a surprise tour. Open your eyes. Fix the schools first!!!
October 2, 2009 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
A few years ago I had the opportunity to work on temporary assignment at Lowther North. I was shocked, amazed, and deeply impressed, with the extra effort put forth by many of the teachers there to help students living on the fringe. This effort often included taking appreciable sums of money from their own pockets to pay for things needed for school the students didn't have.
I was very glad these teachers did not all share the sink or swim...survival of the fittest.....philosophies often expressed on these boards.
If the school board spent more time in the classroom,,,and less time in the architects office....they might have a better understanding of what's really needed in education.
October 2, 2009 at 8:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Someone just call my name? ....... oh, that was you, create - LOLOLOL
Totally agree with all of the above. Good to hear some teachers chime in on this as well.
Maybe everyone should get together and have a "tea party" protest. You know, Nazi's & racists and all that.......
October 2, 2009 at 8:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
countrydog (anonymous) says...
in this day and age of unemployment and a teachers college intown why cant the teachers be thankful to have a job and not worry about a raise in pay. if you worked in private business the only way to get a raise is work harder
October 2, 2009 at 8:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sunshine (anonymous) says...
I realize everyone wants to point the finger at Obama and that I'll get tomatoes thrown at me for saying this, but he doesn't want frivolous spending. He may want to hand out unrealistically amounts of money in some cases and too little in others, but I hardly think he wants money spent recklessly. More money should go to education and school improvements. That being said, it is completely asinine to spend money on extras when school have been crying for years (and rightly so) that teachers are underpaid, there aren't enough teachers, there are too few supplies...just last year I was told by one of my sons teachers that there were not enough social studies books for each kid she taught so in order for him to bring one home he had to check one out, the school supply list that parents have to spend money on each year (and more and more items are becoming "continuous" ones). The money obviously should be spent on the classrooms themselves, new textbooks, a supply of paper for the copiers, and Kleenex (one thing that really irks me every year). I sure don't mind doing my part to provide my child and even a few other children supplies but I feel like its getting excessive. Furthermore, I shouldn't have to worry that my child might not have a textbook that he can bring home to do his homework.
One other posters said exactly what I was thinking when I first saw the poll about the football field. If I was on the BOE and I knew that others in my town such as the court personnel where getting their salaries cut, I'd be ashamed of myself for even thinking about frivolous items such as unnecessary football fields.
October 2, 2009 at 8:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
What the hell are you talking about, countrydog? This isn't about salaries!!! Did you even read the article?
Get this dog outta the chicken coop! Git outta here! Shoo!
October 2, 2009 at 8:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I've often wondered why it only seems that IT jobs are outsourced. Seems to me we can replace most every job in the US with cheaper help from overseas. Just set up a remote link and projector. Save tons of $$$.
Saddam's sons used to drag soccer players who didn't perform well thru gravel and then thru sewers. Among other motivational things.
October 2, 2009 at 9:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Aren't you glad we killed those two? What a couple of degenerates.
Speaking of degenerates, the Board of Ed in Las Vegas hired a large number of Filipino teachers. They didn't even last three months and the district had to scramble to find American replacements. In the end, they paid more because they had to use salary enticements.
One of the major complaints was that while the Filipino teachers did speak English, their accents were so thick that students couldn't understand them. Imagine being in the second grade trying to understand a thick accent.
OMG, now I'm going to be painted as anti-Filipino. Hey, some of my best friends and at least two relatives are Filipino.
Pssssst...Chicken Adobo anyone?
October 2, 2009 at 10:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
food4thought (anonymous) says...
YY4U- Sad thing is it was an American teacher who taught you how to write that very sad little piece of dribble. We owe the teacher everything or each one of us would not even be able to post on here without a teacher. Pull your heads out people if times were good then it would be great to spend millions on light switches, vending machines, and eleborate football fields but times are not good they are lean. There are no jobs the Emporian people are being taxed to death on our homes and several are taking deep cuts or just plain don't have a job. Where is the common sence in this town?
October 2, 2009 at 10:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Create, we get the exact same thing in IT, except that it doesn't matter how bad it turns out. There are people in strategic places that make sure none of the bad news ever reaches the top brass, and they get nothing but a rosy picture. Because the US people at the lower levels are then driven to work tons of overtime to cover for them, and then we sit back and watch the outsourcing get all the credit. So in IT it just doesn't matter. Cheap is cheap and the $$ is all that matters.
I also see Chicago did NOT get the Olympics. See, I TOLD everyone the rest of the world was racist, too. ;-)
October 2, 2009 at 10:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Yes, too bad about Chicago. They made a valiant effort. I wonder what caused the Olympic gods to refuse Chicago?
Looks like Madrid.
Oh yeah, remember the local uproar when Westar hired a bunch of Filipino workers when local people were unemployed? You gotta watch those sneaky upper level dudes. Wasn't that top brass that made that decision for Westar? They sure pulled back in a hurry as soon as the public uproar began. They don't like transparency.
Take a note, Ashley. Just one more reason to think critically and let the bastards have it if they deserve it.
And how many of us have had to deal with outsourced people with thick foreign accents with regard to computer or credit cards or banking issues? I just ask for an American because I don't want to misunderstand anyone when it comes to my computer or banking. Not being a racist here, just being careful about my possessions.
October 2, 2009 at 11:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Watch sports like a champion today!!
R.
October 2, 2009 at 12:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I think ACORN didn't get to sign up the people on the International Olympic Committee ;-)
Speaking of "transparency", I see the Democrats have voted down an amendment to the healthcare bill that would require the complete bill to be available on the internet for 72 hours prior to a vote.
Anyway, I tend to stray. What does all this have to do with astro-turf at the school?
1) I'm sure more greenhouse gas was expended just flying Oprah oversees for the Olympic bid than the new field could save in 100 years
2) In this new era of so-called "transparency", at least they are letting the 80% of so of people who are against it a chance to be a Nazi & racist before they go ahead and shove it down our throat.
October 2, 2009 at 12:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
BTW, create - when you "ask for an American" - all you really get is the best (accent-wise) non-American they have. Someone who's dialect is nearly indistinguishable from local. Just because they claim they are in America doesn't mean it is necessarily so......
October 2, 2009 at 12:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
deluvly1 (anonymous) says...
Sorry, I nearly choked when I saw the poll...HOW CAN IT BE that a town in Kansas isn't all for spending, spending, and spending when it comes to sports???WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? THIS IS SPORTS! NOT JUST SPORTS, MIND YOU, BUT FOOTBALL, FER CRIMINY SAKES!
Oh, And, I almost forgot to ask, "What about the CHILDREN???" Oh you heartless skinflints!
Finally. People showing some sense. The gravy-days are gone, at least for a while. Buck up, tighten your belt, and spend money like someone with good sense.
October 2, 2009 at 1:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I've said befur an I'll say it agin, sports is important.
Where else can fat people go to get their heart rate up by watching actual healthy people exert themselves. Just kidding! LOL ;) rofl :/)
R.
October 2, 2009 at 1:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
deluvly1 (anonymous) says...
"I realize everyone wants to point the finger at Obama and that I'll get tomatoes thrown at me for saying this, but he doesn't want frivolous spending."
This about a man who just took two (actually 4) huge jets to Europe to pitch the Olympics for Mayor Daley, the Godfather of Chicago Politics? And of course he had to take the wife...too bad the kids couldn't go, too.
Oh, while he was there he FINALLY spent a few minutes with our General on the ground in Afghanistan...but, what's that again about no frivolous spending? You think this is NOT frivolous? If so, how many suns are in your world and what color is your sky? This Man is the EPITOME of wasteful spending.
October 2, 2009 at 1:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Yes, I was wondering if someone could point out to me some specific instances of cost-cutting and non-frivolous spending. Something where very close scrutiny was paid attention to the bottom $$ (by everyone, not just a partisan group who's numbers are about 180 degrees opposite of everyone else's) and costs cut wherever possible.
October 2, 2009 at 2:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I mean, in the big picture. I'm sure there are some instances but overall.
BTW - why ins't the new field being paid for as part of the "stimulus" package? Shouldn't someone in California or NY help fund this?
October 2, 2009 at 2:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Wouldn't it be cheaper and easier if the students just played the football on a gaming system and not on literal football fields? Most of them already have these gaming systems so they could easily provide their own. The only money that would need to be spent would be to provide gaming systems for students who's parents are sticks in the mud and won't fork out the dough for a gaming system for their kids. I wish we lived in a world where parent's were all responsible and provided gaming systems for their own kids but sadly we don't and we all need to pitch in and get these kids gaming systems. These kids are the future. They are going to be the ones that change our diapers when we get old and help us find our Wii controllers when we are in nursing homes. We need to encourage today's youth and tell them, "Hey, Madden 2010 is going to play it's self!". Come on everyone, let's get on board with this and invest in future generations.
R.
October 2, 2009 at 2:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
We've gotten way off topic yet again. May I remind everyone that this story is about artificial football like Madden 2010 and Backyard Football on the Wii.
R.
October 2, 2009 at 2:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
deluvly1 (anonymous) says...
This is bound to tug some short & curlies but: If anyone today were trying to introduce a game, or a sport, or a pastime that caused as many injuries and, yes deaths, as American football does every year in this country, you would be laughed off the map. This is a country that outlawed yard darts because a handful of kids were hurt, yet we continue to drive, drive, drive young men to play football because it's "Cool..."
by the bye, did anyone catch the story recently about how over 80% of NFL multi-millionaire players are flat broke...within TEN YEARS OF RETIREMENT....wow, someone sure taught them well.
Let's concentrate on spending vast sums of taxpayer money on, oh I don't know, EDUCATION.!
October 2, 2009 at 4:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
You forgot about dodgeball. Look at all the money we're saving from banning that to put towards education.
October 2, 2009 at 4:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
But education doesn't return the big bucks to higher education that football does......money trumps all. That's why we would rather spend taxpayer money to subsidies insurance companies than to provide health care.....but wait....I digress. :-)
October 2, 2009 at 4:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Haven't you been watching the news, biscuitboy? All Republicans/conservatives want sick people to just die as quickly as possible!
But ya know, that's because they're all more eccentric and less sensible overall. (Yeah right)
But to keep it on track, artificial turf has been shown to be harder on knees and cause more injuries, etc, than real grass fields, therefore by intentionally creating more injuries this will help to drive up health care costs thus getting more people on board for their version of health care reforms.
October 2, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Madden 2008 was the first year that virtual artificial turf was used in a football video game and it was the last. Every version before and since has been virtual real grass. There is a reason for this folks. I don't know what that reason is because I can't play football video games because of an old Street Fighter(Super Nintendo) injury, but I'm sure there is a reason for it. This just all seems rushed and not very well thought out.
R.
October 2, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
More thumb injuries playing Madden 2008 on virtual artificial turf than on virtual real grass (turf thumb).
October 2, 2009 at 5:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
So it's settled then. We all need to upgrade our kids verion of Madden to 2010 for their safety. And they say that these forums don't come up with any good ideas or solutions to problems. I guess we should them a thing or .............. oh my chest .....................
Did Seriously R. Folks suffer a massive coranary? Tune in to the next episode of EG online to find out.
This episode was brought to you by Fancy Feast cat food.
October 2, 2009 at 5:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Oh! Seriously! Slow down!!!!!! Have you been running much to fast?? (mouth). Now I told you NOT to eat that "Fancy Feast cat food", it might LOOK fancy but dear, it has much to much fat in it, listen to "Mama"!!!!!
October 2, 2009 at 6:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
paulkersey (anonymous) says...
Well, looks like another visit from the good-idea fairy! First the stupid and senseless smoking ban, then the genius idea for the completely idiotic visitor's center, and now spending almost $2 million dollars we don't have to put artificial turf on a 5-A Kansas high school football field. I think in Emporia, 2009 will be remembered as the year of the moron! Did everyone in power (or at least thinks they are in power) lose their fricking minds (except Mike Helbert)?
By the way, real men play football on real grass.
October 2, 2009 at 9:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
"By the way, real men play football on real grass"
That's true Paul, but realer men play football video games on virtual astro turf and the realest men play football video games on virtual real grass.
R.
October 2, 2009 at 9:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mslater (anonymous) says...
LOL @ seriouslyfolks! Too funny man!
Right now there are around 100 votes for the astro-turf on the Gazette online poll. I would personally like to thank 6 members of the school board for voting 17 times. Remember folks, vote early, vote often!
Matt
October 2, 2009 at 9:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (anonymous) says...
If you want common sense utube Thomas E Woods Jr. Why you never heard of the Great Depression of 1920. This 49 minute video is good food for thought at all levels of government.
October 3, 2009 at 12:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
paulkersey....Yes, real men play football on real grass......its called rugby. It's played totally without pads or helmets...and it doesn't pay very much compared to the NFL....but it is a "mans" game.
Meanwhile, I agree with YY4U about awesome men....and about the great god football being worshipped in the public schools.
October 3, 2009 at 5:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Me too. Too much football worship period.
Latest news just yesterday revealing how pro football players get Dementia and early Alzeimers more often than other professions.
Helmets, helmets everywhere and not a one worth having.
October 3, 2009 at 8:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Good point, YY4U. These days, if you are a sub-level teacher, (but have tenure), you're safe, or good teachers are spending money out of their own pocket and spending extra hours at their craft, trying to hold onto what jobs they have.
But if you coach and your team doesn't make the playoffs for the 2nd year in a row you are BOOTED.
October 3, 2009 at 10:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Sports teaches kids good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1F4W0R...
October 3, 2009 at 10:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (anonymous) says...
Only the enlightened bureaucratics can make wise spending decisions. These folks played to much football with their helments off on Astro turf. Go to the Ludwick Von Mises Institute for a study of the benefits of limited government.
October 3, 2009 at 10:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (anonymous) says...
utube Dr. Mark Thornton 350 years of Economic Theory in 50 minutes. I think every young person should be exposed to this video. Young people need to be educated instead of being subject to indoctrination. A single fact will ruin an interesting argument. Aim at Heaven and you will get astro turf thrown in. Aim at astro turf and you will get neither. In these economic times, we need to tighten the belt. The problem with not having the right economic goals is that were going to be running up and down the sidelines and never get in the game. We should know everything we can about government--and the first thing we should know is what were paying for it.---Robert Fulford Financial Times.
October 3, 2009 at 11:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
deluvly1 (anonymous) says...
While traveling in Europe I saw a tee-shirt that said,
"N.F.L."
RUGBY FOR WIMPS!
The guy wouldn't sell it...and he was way to big for me to steal the thing...
October 3, 2009 at 1:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (anonymous) says...
If you want some sound reasoning google 33 questions about American History you're not supposed to ask by Thomas E Woods Jr. This is a "good one."
October 3, 2009 at 5:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
"P.S. With the World Wide Web, students could receive self paced instruction in their home from a web based program and eliminate the requirements for school houses altogether. That would be even cheaper than hiring foreigners! We could get rid of the educational system as we know it. Maybe America would start rating higher in the areas of Science, Math and Reading Comprehension."
YY4U:
Check out this site. http://www.k12.com/ USD 253 offers it and the students in it count toward the funding as well as the district test scores. It is a phenomenal curriculum: schedule that you customize that reformats the new info to keep you on schedule and it's not intimidating to teach. The older students can participate in their grade level sports within the district through a classroom coop...like taking a few hours in the school building each week, usually music, art or PE. Kindergarten has seven subjects that are all at the proper learning level and depending on the student it can take as little as two hours a day..........six hours would be for the slowest or most obstinate learners. It is one semester ahead of classroom progress in the only two subjects that are done in classroom school. I used it for my older child's kindergarten and I will be using it again next year for my younger child's kindergarten. If life allows me to continue homeschooling after that year and resume with the first child, I will be using this curriculum whether or not it is district subsidized.
October 3, 2009 at 6:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (anonymous) says...
100 years from now, the kids will be reading about the Founding Fathers of Monetary Destruction, Federal, State and Local. The history lesson is, "do you want Astro Turf or the real thing." I call this the grid-iron of sound money and logical reasoning. It is by logic that we prove, but by intuition that we discover--Henri Poincare. You only live once and it doesn't matter what kind of turf you play on, but if you work it right--once is enough. I heard they are going to make watching football a misdemeanor. The more you miss the meanor you get.
October 3, 2009 at 6:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
How about spending some money on rifle ranges at the high school. Future generations might need those skills when China comes to collect.
R.
October 3, 2009 at 6:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (anonymous) says...
Seriouslyfolks that was a good point on China. Utube "Why the meltdown should have surprised no one by Peter Schiff." This is a one hour 16 minute video about what's happening in America and how to correct the problem. It's a "GOOD ONE."
October 3, 2009 at 8:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
"All that social stuff and human interaction has nothing to do with education....."
I agree one hundred percent. I do believe it is important for life, but the schools aren't to be there for teaching all life skills....just the educational ones. Interestingly, research of large families (often home-schooled ones) is finding that the social interaction inside of a family with all the variety of ages having to live together and learn each others' viewpoints results in more well-adjusted adults. This goes against the pop-psychology of the Dr. Spock era that persists into education and psychology degrees even now, but it has many more hard numbers behind it and less speculation posing as "reasoning." I will have to look up a reference on that later and post it.
I was a little perturbed a few weeks ago by a letter we received from the school district about social and emotional learning. It basically outlined how the schools are taking that on as their responsibility now and would appreciate PARENT BACK-UP!!!!! They worded it differently, but that was the gist of it.
"If parents want their children entertained with extracurricular activities, they can pay for it out of their own pockets."
Rec Center! Shouldn't that be the place for all this extra recreation that has nothing to do with education? Why are we paying taxes for the programs and equipment there AND for each school to have their own?
October 3, 2009 at 10:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (anonymous) says...
My goal as a bloger is to stimulate and provoke people into thinking for themselves. Public education in America is a failure and is so flawed it cannot be reformed. How can people who are ignorant of history, economics, and basic science make a choice for a national leader or the turf on a football field? Are taxpayers more willing to pay for being amused than educated? Maybe were getting both, and that's twice the bang for the dollar! Now I know why someone said,"the function of budget forecasting is to make astrolgy look respectable."
October 3, 2009 at 11:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (anonymous) says...
I don't think the leadership of our community realize that the U.S. economy is in a more precarious state than the onset of the great depression. Google Donald W. Miller The Austrian Cure for Economic Illness.
October 4, 2009 at 12:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (anonymous) says...
This is no time to spend public money foolishly when the economy is in a multiple dip depression. This downturn will be nonresponsive to traditional stimuli. Google John Williams "Shadow Government Statistics."
October 4, 2009 at 1:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Good info, oh4theluvof. I'm glad to see this program out there. During my career, I had taught many students who had been home-schooled prior to entering public school. Not one was up to date, and a few needed to repeat lower grades. This program should be a must for anyone who is home-schooled because it offers standards. Not all parents have strong or even healthy ideas regarding enrichment activities unfortunately.
Schools in Australia have had similar programs for many, many years. Kids in the Outback take standardized classes on TV monitors for only a couple of hours a day and are able to stay on schedule.
October 4, 2009 at 8:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
"Not all parents have strong or even healthy ideas regarding enrichment activities unfortunately."
It really is a shame that the few always give the many a bad name. I was home-schooled all the way from Kindergarten through 12th grade by a mother who barely graduated from high school. She found good, solid curriculums and spent many long hours formatting and reformatting our schedule to make sure we completed on time. She never planned on taking us all the way through, but as each year we finished a bit ahead of schedule and tested high with only a few bad days throughout, she decided to go with what was working. She sat right there and learned right along with us on the things she had failed to master in her own schooling. I found that to be the norm among home-schoolers.....but then again, those typically wouldn't be the kids to end up switching to classroom. College teachers/professors get a better representation of home-school results than K-12 teachers do, for that reason. I can understand why most K-12 teachers dislike the mention of home-school when their experience or what they've heard of others' experiences are what you described. There are may good curriculums out there, but some are very intimidating for both the parent and the student----depending on their natural bent. There are also some that offer no challenge and are completely ineffective. My mom put us through a satellite school so she could have verification of our progress in a balanced, solid curriculum. It really does take devoted (sacrificial) parenting and PATIENCE to do it, so a parent needs to consider their motivation before taking it on. It isn't for everyone, but it would work well for many more than those who do give it a chance.
P.S. create, you need to check out the "Survival Alliance" thread on the news forums page if you haven't already.
October 4, 2009 at 9:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I know I will probably be chastised for my following comment, so let me say this first. While growing up and being educated in the public school system I had some of the most wonderful and best teachers in the world, past, present and possibly future, they were great and cared very much about our education and learning skills and took the time to teach us and see that we " learned " ! The one teacher I remember, with fondness and reverence is Mr. " Wood " Bloxom, whom I consider one of the best if not the best math teacher on this or any other planet !
Having said that, of late, in the past decade or so, I have to say that the young people comming out of our educational system do not seem to have an inordinate amount of " common sense " and it is my opinion that common sense is not and can not be taught in taught in school, common sense is something that is learned from our parents and from lifes experiences, in my opinion, what we learn from parents, family and lifes experiences is retained, remembered and applied to our everyday lives, much more readily than what we learn from public schooling. Don' t get me wrong, public schooling and being educated by competent teachers is very necessary and needed, however spending money on an unnecessary, uneducational thing such as a 1.6 million dollar practice field is not nor does not teach anyone " common sense " .If the board of education is dead set on spending 1.6 million dollars, I would rather have the 1.6 million dollars be spent on necessary and needed facility repairs and increasing teachers salarys if need be, in order to get and keep good teachers, to educate our children and future children . What has any sport taught anyone, except the possiblility that you may think that you are bigger, tougher, faster, more popular, sought after, may be able to get away with things, others cannot, have a following of those that adore you and are doted on by most everyone and may be able to go to an institute of higher learning on a full athletic scholership.
October 4, 2009 at 9:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (anonymous) says...
James C Dobson PHD stated on his daily radio broadcast, "that the public school system has become a government indoctrination center which is no place to train new generations of fredom loving Americans." America wake up! We are losing our children. The liberal Left funded by the Rockefellers and other one world elites have put a liberal slant on education. Google the Rockefeller File and the Rockefeller Charter.
October 4, 2009 at 10:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (anonymous) says...
The Rockefeller and Carnegie Foundations, which often had interlocking directorates began in the early thirities to back John Dewey and Marxist educationalists with enormous amounts of money.
October 4, 2009 at 11:12 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
deluvly1 (anonymous) says...
Our lowest achievers in school will never be on grade level--no matter how excellent the teacher. Fewer than one-third of fourth-graders can read on a fourth-grade level. (Of course today a fourth grade book was a 6th grade book years ago. Intelligence plays a part--big part--although no one dares whisper its name. If a child has low comprehension skills--which are directly related to intelligence--they may learn phonic skills --but will never really master reading. According to the Wechsler Intelligence test (I know some people pooh-pooh that but it is normed and standardized) half the population will be above average in intelligence and half will be below intelligence--in varying degrees. A lot of jobs require good skills and some people just cannot master them but they have been told they must master college!! There is too much emphasis on college education. Too many of us look down on menial jobs but they are important. I remember writing "if the wealthy professional football players and poorly-paid garbage haulers went on strike for 6 months, who would we really miss? Perhaps the negative thinking about maids, janitors, sanitation workers, etc. has caused our population to avoid work many would be suited for. The poor pay reflects the negative attitudes.
October 4, 2009 at 11:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (anonymous) says...
Those who control education control a nation. Google the Reece committee Rockefeller Foundation and you will discover how the socialist have been promoting all these programs to end the sovereignty of our nation. We need to form a committee and find out what the kids are being taught right under our noses. The NEA was founded by the Rockefellers to gain influence on the future of America and the new world order.
October 4, 2009 at 3:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (anonymous) says...
utube Glen Beck finds "Communist" Art at NBC'S Headquarters. This is profound and it's part of Rockefeller Plaza.
October 4, 2009 at 5:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (anonymous) says...
utube Norman Dodd on Tax-Exempt Foundations-Sovietization of the U.S. for world government 5 of 5. President Woodrow Wilson said,"The history of liberty is the history of the limitation of government power." Who in their wildest dreams would believe that Emporia, Kansas would even consider 1.6 million dollars on a practice football field. Is this a hoax to motivate people to go to the meetings?
October 4, 2009 at 5:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
".......and purchase laptop computers with web cams and issue them to the students. Monitor each students progress....."
Incidentally, this program offered through the school district does come with a loaner Mac notebook. Testing is done once a month, if I remember right, by one or two supervisors at the learning center for grades 1-8 (high school grades are not currently offered by USD 253). No webcams at this point as it is less expensive to pay salaries for one instructor and one assistant to conduct the program.
"Our lowest achievers in school will never be on grade level--no matter how excellent the teacher."
I really don't know if I agree with this as I tend to think of the required levels as a minimum standard, but that may just be me. I think every student can achieve this standard, but needs the proper format to be able to do so. The downfall of public education is that it has no choice but to become a one-size-fits-all education with very little actual flexibility that is based around the average student. As such, it really only fits about 1/3 of its students, but the higher than average students can adapt and supplement on their own. Try as they might, the public system cannot truly address most of the below average students. Many of them try, but it is a system that just can't be compatible with much individual learning and those who are farthest below average will fall behind and through the cracks. Sadly, public education feels threatened by home-schooling by parents who don't have teaching degrees, and won't give the parents of these below average students the information and encouragement they need to personalize their child's education and guide them successfully through. Another ill-acknowledged fact is that many students who are below average in the classroom setting thrive as above average students when given complete and consistent one-on-one attention. There are, of course, those who learn better among others who are also learning, although they don't have to be learning the same material on the same level to achieve that environment.
October 4, 2009 at 7:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
Methusla, excellent points. How could kids learn common sense when the administrators and BOE don't have any, other than Mr. Helbert? Common sense is in short supply these days nationwide, if it were more plentiful we might not be in the financial fix we are in today.
October 4, 2009 at 7:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (anonymous) says...
You Tube Dr. Stan Monteith on Alex Jones TV: 1/3. This video explains what has happened to our nation. This is real education. Wake up America!
October 4, 2009 at 9:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Teacher: "Geography class: Please use Iraq and Iran in a sentence."
Nearly illiterate athlete with a full-ride athletic scholarship: "After I picked up the fumble on the 30 yard line I Ran in for a touchdown, and I Rack up lots of points that way"
October 4, 2009 at 10:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
But I digress - it's not just athletes who are sliding thru:
http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/...
"Fewer than 4 in 10 Americans aged 18-24 in a survey could place Iraq on an unlabeled map of the Middle East, a study conducted for National Geographic found. Only about one-quarter of respondents could find Iran and Israel on the same map."
$1.6 million could be put to better use, me thinks.
October 4, 2009 at 10:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
Does world geography really matter if you are not planning on going to those places or doing business with them? Do we really expect all Americans to know everything about everything?
I may not know what the state capital of Missouri is, but does that mean I'm unintelligent? Does that hinder my ability to succeed in life in any way? Should the time come that learning all the other states' capitals would benefit me in some way, I would then set out to learn them. If it's not helpful to me, however, why should I bother knowing it?
My point is that maybe only 1/4 of Americans NEED to know where places like Iran and Iraq are. Everyone else has better things to spend their time learning…like how to make a delicious burger at my favorite fast food joint. I'd rather have my cook know the ins and outs of cooking a good burger than know where some far away country is on an unlabeled map. Mmmm...burger...must be lunch time...
'enry
October 5, 2009 at 12:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
A TEST:
MISSOURI'S STATE CAPITAL IS:
a. EMPORIA
b. PARIS FRANCE
c. KANSAS CITY
d. JEFFERSON CITY
e. DON'T BOTHER ME, I'M FLIPPING BURGERS.
October 5, 2009 at 12:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
Steve_Corbin,
Good test, but it may not be relevant to everyone. (they may not be taking that particular class in life)
Why does that question matter? It presents a load of other questions to the person taking your test.
a. Is there a culinary arts school there I may wish to attend?
b. Is my fast-food chain's headquarters located there?
c. Do I have friends or family there?
d. Will knowing the answer to this question help me succeed in life? (more money, more friends, be happier, more fulfilled, and more successful)
e. Even If I ever need to know, can't I just look it up on the Internet in under 5 seconds? If so, why do I need to know it by memory?
My thought is that people who don't know such things (because they don't need to) simply have their priorities in-line. Learn what'll help you in life first and then learn the rest for the next Trivial Pursuit game with your in-laws so you can seem smart by knowing obscure things that don’t actually apply to you in any facet of life.
'enry
October 5, 2009 at 1:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Henry - do you have, or desire to have, any clue about where or what your tax $$ are spent for, or world events that can directly affect Americans, or where our soldiers are dying? When you decide to support a particular candidate for President, do you base your decisions on his/her domestic and foreign policies, or something more like "He likes McDonalds and I work there so he's getting my vote"?
I'm really getting alot of good insights into your "conservatives are more eccentric and less sensible" - thx.
I really wish people had to take and pass a basic knowledge test of issues before being allowed to vote.......
I was just looking at your latest list, and applying them to the smoking ban. Given any particular bar that is now smoke-free that you are happy about:
a) I doubt they were teaching culinary arts there
b) I doubt your favorite fast-food chain had a booth there
c) Seriously doubt your family/friends bothered to go there (they probably simply chose not to go in smoking places)
d) I doubt it made you more money, more friends, or more successful - but you seem to be happier)
e) You can decide in under 5 seconds whether or not to enter the smoke-filled bar.
Therefore, why do you care? It didn't seem to apply to you directly as long as you made the decision to walk on by....
Oh well, I apologize to all since I'm sure we'll get a long diatribe now, just think its rather humorous how hard you campaign for something that is completely within your power to avoid, but don't think anyone needs to be informed on issues that every American pays taxes towards, and is thus directly affected.
Guess that's why eccentricity and sensibility is all in the mind of the beholder (whether they are sane or not)......
October 5, 2009 at 3:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
Jefferson City......duh!!!!! (and no, I didn't look it up)
a. I have no interest in attending culinary arts school....although I love to watch Hell's Kitchen (no Jeff City affiliation)
b. nope
c. nope
d. it would help to know how close it is in the event I am offered a transfer with promotion to there and I have a certain radius to "home" that I want to stay in
e. not if I'm needing to carry on an intelligent conversation (like with the boss about the possible transfer) where I don't have immediate internet access
October 5, 2009 at 3:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
open_eyes,
To answer your question about why I support a candidate... If I made a living working in a fast food joint, then of course I would be concerned about what a candidate thinks about the fast food industry. Will he/she try to push bans that'll put me out of business? Will he/she support our industry and make it easier to make a profit? In other words, I vote for someone based on where they stand on topics that actually matter to me. If the candidate likes the food from where I work, then that would certainly be an incentive to vote for him/her because they would have my best interests in mind. Surely they wouldn't do anything that would lead to that fast-food place going out of business, so I won't have to worry about losing my job. (that’s what I call domestic policy)
Sure, I care about how my tax money is spent, but I don't think it matters if I can't find a country is on an unlabeled map. (especially when there is Google) All I know is burgers, so I'll leave the decisions about foreign policy and how to use my tax money to people with a better understanding of such things. I vote for the person who'll best represent MY interests. If those interests revolve around burgers, then so be it. Call it selfish, but I'm looking out for myself first. If my kids come to me to ask if they should join the military, perhaps then I’ll research such things so I can better advise them on what to do. Until then, I don't really have much stake in foreign policy. As long as my country keeps me from being harmed on our own soil is all I care about.
As for you bringing the smoking ban into this... It was irrelevant, confusing, and in bad taste.
'enry
October 5, 2009 at 3:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Further list of things I don't need to know, because they have nothing to do with culinary arts schools, fast food chains, and they don't make me more money:
1) Who won the American civil war (or that there ever was one).
2) Where China is on the map - as long as everything at WalMart continues to be built there, I don't need to know). Actually, where any country is. Why do I need to even be able to point out the US on a globe? Really!
3) Who's picture that is on the $5 bill and why some (25%) of people seem to think he was important. Once.
4) Basically anything taught in school: History (who cares, what good is it now) Geography (can find it on the Internet in 5 sec or less) Math (that's what calculators are for) English (I only use 1/2 words or less texting anyway) Computers (let India do it all - at least that's what the public thinks) - Reading (just watch the movie) - and PE (don't need it, eventually medical science will come up with a pill to make me healthy). Can't think of any other general areas taught in high school but I'm sure we don't really need any of them in our day-to-day living. Skip school and just go to the trade school of your choice starting at age 5 and everything else is irrelevant.
5) Who I vote for and why
Just let the smart people do it all for me. Viva Socialism!!!!
So folks, there are really no uneducated or less sensible/intelligent people in the world. Next time you ask someone which way is up and they don't know, don't be too harsh on them, they are probably every bit as intelligent as you, maybe more.. There simply were no culinary arts schools or fast-food chains they frequented in that direction - LOL
October 5, 2009 at 3:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Sorry, Henry, but as often as you've brought up the smoking ban in the middle of discussions that had totally nothing to do with it, I'm not fazed in the least by your sudden 180 reversal in your last statement. However, your admitted selfishness when an issue doesn't involve you directly does give quite a bit of insight into your thought processes. And is also one of those "things that make ya go 'huh'?" - thx for clarifying (sortof) ;-)
October 5, 2009 at 4:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
oh4theluvof,
So you are saying the reason you know the capital of Missouri is because you believe it'll help you get a promotion. Do you think that's typical for most people? (knowing the capital of Missouri off the top of their head will get them a promotion)
If you believe it'll help you, then that's fine. I just don't see how that piece of trivia will ever come in handy for me. Am I "unintelligent" for deciding not to waste time memorizing such things? I mean, I could easily learn it if I felt it would be worth it. I guess it speaks towards how efficient a person is; try to memorize everything about everything OR try to master the things that you’ll actually use in life. Again, the person who can cook a perfect burger is more useful to me than someone who can rattle-off the capital of every state. If you’re a politician or someone who does business over state lines, then I can see how it might help you in your daily life to know such things. All I’m saying is that it’s not necessary for everyone to know it and it doesn’t mean Americans are dumb for not knowing everything. It probably just means they are really good at what they do. (cooking burgers)
Bottom-line, you can’t say the education system is failing simply because random people don’t know the answers to random questions that don’t even impact them.
YY4U,
Your probably right because the person who wasted their time remembering 50 cities probably never learned how to dig and would just burry themselves or chop their toes off with the shovel. Thanks for illustrating my point that these type of people are worthless in daily life.
Seriously, though, I sincerely doubt knowing 50 cities led to them getting a supervisor position. When has that ever been asked in an interview? "Ok, Bob, the supervisor position is yours if you can name all 50 state capitals. Ready? Go." In reality, the person gets that position because they have management skills in the form of experience or education where as the digger does not.
open_eyes,
Don’t be an ass. You are using your stupid “all or nothing” mentality again. I didn’t say kids shouldn’t learn history, did I? I didn’t say kids shouldn’t get a basic sense of geography, did I? Why do you take everything I say and blow it way out of proportion? If you don’t know which way “up” is, then you ARE unintelligent. Knowing the answer to that question impacts nearly everyone, so knowing that answer is crucial to functioning normally. I hope some fast food worker burns your next order because they spent time memorizing useless facts instead of learning how to do something productive. (cook your burger properly) What is your occupation, high and mighty one?
'enry
October 5, 2009 at 4:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Come on everyone. Can't we all just be friends?
What about that astroturf?
October 5, 2009 at 4:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
Steve_Corbin,
I say turf it up! They need a field and the turf will save so much in maintenance. Plus, our kids will get used to playing on turf, so they'll be at no disadvantage when they go play for some big college.
'enry
October 5, 2009 at 4:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Henry,
Why must you take everything personal? Truly, what does it matter concerning "occupation"?
Do you realize how many Americans CAN'T tell you how many states are "Continental" and how many and which ones aren't? What is the difference between "intra" and "inter"?
It is VERY important that we are aware of our WORLD around us,for it is getting smaller each day. What country has admitted that they do have nuclear power? Where are they located and could they reach the United States? Yes, even tho we may not use this information everyday, it is important to "broden" your knowledge and be AWARE of the world around you, for you LIVE in that world!
Just our "immediate world " should have great meaning. I know before I've mention I am a widow and having selected to "stay put" I must now do so many things that my husband normally would do. Has it been a "learning" period? You bet, for one NEVER knows when you MIGHT need that info. I believe it is called "having an open mind".
October 5, 2009 at 4:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
sandman,
I understand what you are saying about broadening your knowledge of the world around you, but it's still don't think it is necessary for 10 out of 10 Americans to know the answer to every geography question thrown at them. For the individuals who want to broaden their horizons, that's great. It doesn't mean the education system is failing, however, simply because not all 10 people can correctly answer random trivial questions.
It doesn't matter concerning occupation, but open_eyes seems to look down upon those in the fast-food industry, so I asked so I could know what a more suitable profession might be.
'enry
October 5, 2009 at 5:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Concerning the "turf". I truly have no say since I live out of district but what really would frighten me, is the pay back period of 28 years. What amount of interest are the residents of Emporia going to be paying? Is it truly worth the "final" cost? Are you going to be that much further ahead, pros and cons.
October 5, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Henry -
Don't be an ass. Knowing all 50 state capitals was never brought up in the original post, it was brought up by YOU, and it was stupid of you to do so. Yet another example of you taking something and blowing it way out of proportion. However, I have gotten quite used to your often 180 degree reversals. Much like crack, you do not seem to be aware of your reflection anytime you pass a mirror. (Could you be a vampire???)
I agree that it is not necessary for most people to know all 50 state capitals. However, that was not at all part of what was brought up. Knowing what is going on in the world at large, especially involving events that could very well trigger WWIII or at least cause oil prices to skyrocket (and thus put much of the world's economy in dire straights), or rogue countries developing nukes with the stated intention of genocide, DOES affect nearly each and every person. And we all have a direct say in how that will be handled to a degree by this country when we vote. And when I vote I prefer to make choices based on information and knowledge as much as I can, instead of ACORN luring the "less eccentric and more sensible" people in with free cigarettes and bussing them to the polls instructing them to vote for the Democratic ticket. And, unlike you, I do care about others, not just those directly within my direct sphere of contact. Unlike you, I do NOT wish for a fast-food person to burn your next meal. You already have enough of my sympathy, and I do not wish you any further unfortunate circumstances.
October 5, 2009 at 5:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Henry, could you point out exactly where I said or implied that I look down upon those in the fast-food industry?
October 5, 2009 at 5:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
"So you are saying the reason you know the...blah, blah, blah...."
Nope. That is what we like to call an "example." It's a possible scenario of how a person might find that list they memorized in grade school to be helpful. HIghlighting those cities is useful in instilling a sense of country and to begin to understand things like what happens in capital cities that makes them important to each state and to the entire nation. Another way it might be helpful is that they won't end up being asked on a segment of "Jaywalking" and looking like a buffoon. (since you have Google, you can look up the bigger words I used :-p)
October 5, 2009 at 5:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Henry,
Something that has really "bugged" me is your statement earlier concerning "you" selecting a candidate. You state:"Will she/he push a ban that would put me out of business". Is that not what you did when pushing the "smoking ban"? Was there any concern for the various bar owners and what affect it would have on the various bars? I don't mean to bring up an "old" topic, but mainly trying to get you to "THINK" of what you are saying. I will admit I must agree with open_eyes, unless it has direct affect on you, your aren't concerned. If possible, please explain "different".
October 5, 2009 at 8:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
enry,
Here is a question for you , lets see if you have an intelligent, educated answer or are just good at cooking burgers !
Here it is . If you start digging a hole, in a downward direction and just continue to keep digging, in that downward direction, how far " down " will you have to dig before you eventually are actually digging " up " ?
October 5, 2009 at 10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
enry,
Here is another question !
If the sky is " up " on our side of the world, is the sky actually " down " on the other side of the world ?
October 5, 2009 at 10:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Why teach the football to any of them kids. Hastherebeen anyof'em from the Emporia ta use them skill in the really real world? Me thinksnot.
R.
October 5, 2009 at 11:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
methusla;
Don't look for an answer this evening, Remember that Henry, or as I like to fondly refer to him, T.P.F.K.A.C (the poster formerly known as....), doesn't post after 5:30.
October 5, 2009 at 11:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (anonymous) says...
Google Reality Zone Unfiltered News Stupid in America.
October 6, 2009 at 12:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Wow....I,m sure sorry I missed out on this one. Much I would have liked to add...but the time now has passed so I won't even try.
One point however.....the importance of education and learning has never been just so you can set and spew out unconnected bits of data.....that's the job of resource tools like computers. But all knowledge is woven together like the threads in a fine tapestry....each one inter...(not intra)....dependent on another. Only once you know this, can you really begin to understand the world you live in. Only then will you be really educated.
So the real importance of knowing which way is up is to know that once you leave the confines of our gravity there is no such thing as up. Up only exist to the extent that it defines our relationship to things around us. To really understand that you must be able to move past some dictionary understanding of which way is up.
I really enjoyed much of the last part of this thread.
October 6, 2009 at 7:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Very well put, biscuitboy.
October 6, 2009 at 7:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
YY4U,
I agree, the more Henry babbles about burgers, booze, etc., the more I believe that he/she is ( T.P.F.K.A.C.) or a clone of, or very, very close to (T.P.F.K.A.C.) !
October 6, 2009 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
I woke up and my ears (or maybe eyes?) were burning... Now I see why. Boy, am I popular!
sandman,
How many bars have closed since the smoking ban? Why do you think the bar owners voted against it? They voted against it because they were being selfish. In other words, they were looking after their own interests NOT those of the general public. If a candidate said they were in favor of smoking, would it be wrong for smokers to vote for him/her because they like smoking too? It’s not wrong to vote in a way that will benefit you first. If it has little impact on you, vote for what’s best for the general public.
A ban on fast food isn’t the same because it only harms the person consuming it. (not those around you) By banning fast food, you aren’t helping the general public because the public isn’t affected by it unless they want to be. I really like burgers and I really dislike SHS, so I’ll vote accordingly. I’m only passionate about issues that will actually impact me. I’m just picking my battles wisely instead of wasting my effort on something that doesn’t pertain to my daily life.
seriouslyfolks,
Football teaches kids teamwork, responsibility, social skills, leadership, discipline, and how to stay fit/healthy. These "skills" are very important and can be applied to many areas of life. Not to mention, the kids COULD be offered a scholarship based on their football skills, so it could give them an education as well. This is why the new field is so important. Have you ever played football? You don't seem to know what you are talking about.
'enry
October 6, 2009 at 9:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Notable quotes by Henry:
"Call it selfish, but I'm looking out for myself first."
"They voted against it because they were being selfish. In other words, they were looking after their own interests NOT those of the general public."
October 6, 2009 at 10:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
I was jestin' about the football not being taught ta the kids in tha schools, as anyone can see it teaches the kids that are big enough to play it good stuff.
R.
October 6, 2009 at 10:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
open_eyes,
I think you've almost got it.
My vote in favor of the smoking ban benefited me AND the general public.
The bar owner's vote against it would only benefit themselves.
Which vote is more selfish and greedy? Besides, I understand how a bar owner would want to vote against it if they thought it would make 'em more money. I can't blame them for that. My original point was that we all choose a candidate based on how they stand on issues that pertain to each of us individually. So, maybe I don't vote for someone based on their foreign policy because it doesn't really concern me. Is that wrong?
seriouslyfolks,
Whatever, dude.
'enry
October 6, 2009 at 10:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Yes, I completely believe sports CAN teach kids teamwork, responsibility, discipline, etc...... and I also see alot of pro athletes who exhibit zero of the above qualities. The kids COULD be offered a scholarship....... and still not get educated - just given a free pass thru classes because of their athlete status.
And people flipping hamburgers COULD be offered promotions, upper-management positions, various opportunities to "move up" based on more than just their ability to fry a burger to perfection.
Now that we're into what "COULD" be............ knowing things that some people might consider useless isn't always a bad thing. People that consider any knowledge outside of their direct daily needs are..... well...... often kinda useless.....
October 6, 2009 at 10:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
A notable quote from open_eyes:
"I personally DO believe that women are not cattle."
On Tyson worker had TB
Posted on January 19 2007 at 11:18 a.m.
Moo.
'enry
October 6, 2009 at 10:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
What is interesting is how a person considers another person's vote more greedy and selfish than theirs. If you had loved ones killed in the war, or 9/11, or currently fighting, or truly cared about the general public, one would consider foreign policy to be very important. I completely understand, however, if one just has no interest in it and does not want to bother to be informed or involved. But to claim that it does not really concern one is extremely naive. It concerns and involves us all. Choose to ignore it, fine, I will not berate anyone that takes that route, but don't be so ignorant as to claim that it doesn't concern you. Our economy, (and thus nearly every aspect of our day-to-day living), our health, our very existence - depends upon how we interact globally. So to me, personally, someone who votes based on only issues that they consider local and direct to their immediate wants and needs (when voting at the national level) and ignores the country at large because it doesn't really concern them is the most selfish and greedy of all.
October 6, 2009 at 10:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
And the point of that quote is? What was it you said about straying and being stupid? Maybe you can borrow the shovel and rope from crack, she pretty much took all the extra I happened to have.
Glad I've given you something to do - apparently you are extremely irked, if you're busy searching thru all my previous posts (nearly 3 years ago now) - I'm sure I've said some things I needed to (and often did) digress, but what does a post 3 years old have to do with this subject? Especially in light of your remarks about being an ass and stupid and getting off subject? Happy hunting!
I still stand by that - to the Muslim community - I repeat - "I personally DO believe that women are not cattle". Don't like seeing them treated that way, either here by the Somalians, or in anywhere in the world.
But that's just me. I care about more than just what affects me directly day to day.
October 6, 2009 at 10:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
Another notable quote from open_eyes:
"hehehehehe - oops, I meant moo moo moo moo...."
On Another Right Gone Part 2
Posted on July 9 2009 at 2:07 p.m.
First, you claim women aren’t cattle, yet you seem to speak the language in a later post… All I can say is don't ask Sean Connery what sound a doggy makes. Your user name should be flapjack because you flip-flop on so many issues it ain’t even funny.
I’m only picking on you because I like you. I'll be back around 6:00 pm.
'enry
October 6, 2009 at 10:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Yes, Henry, it will take you at least until 6:00pm to search back thru all my previous posts. I have even deeper sympathy for you now. BTW, the moo moo was in response to "Udderly Confusing"...... I notice that crack often had no comprehension or grasp of basic humor. You are very similar to her in that manner.
Well, as you told me earlier, "don't be an ass"..... I would say....... oh,never mind. You're doing an excellent job on your own. Please continue. (Yet another example where you're missing the humor - but I think most here get it.... ;-)
I've finished digging the moat, so here's another shovel. Seriouslyrfolks, shall we fill the moat with water or shall we wait for more of Henry's crocodile tears about caring for more than just his/her own selfish interests to fill it? Can piranha even live in that or is it too salty?
October 6, 2009 at 11:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
HenryVIII
Please explain exactly how forcing someone, anyone, to do what someone else believes is right or wrong, especially if it alters, diminishes or out right destroys their freedoms and rights and forces them to alter their lifestyle or their right to live their lives or to live their chosen way of living or freely choose or make lifes choices, benefits the general public or anyone for that matter ?
Your whole attitude or fear of a ban on fast food, seems to be based upon your selfish fear of loosing your job as a burger cooker, flipper, at, I am assuming " WENDYS " or any other fast food establishment. However, you apparently do not care about anyone elses job, freedoms, rights, business, way of life or how they choose to live their lives and only care about what you believe will affect only you and your misguided beliefs !
Exactlly who appointed you and certain others " GOD " and the purveyor'(s) of how exactly anyone or everyone should live their lives, without having the freedom of choice to do so ?
October 6, 2009 at 11:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
open_eyes
Be sure and make the mote HenryVIII proof !
October 6, 2009 at 11:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
P.S.
moat that is ! HenryVIII is actually the mote !
October 6, 2009 at 11:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eldiablo (anonymous) says...
The field is worth it, but home football games need to be held at Emporia High. Stop leasing Welch -- that will save some money and make the artificial-grass investment seem more logical.
Everyone who disagrees with me is wrong. :)
October 6, 2009 at 12:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
'enry.....I agree that football, if used properly as an educational tool, can help build all the qualities you outlined in your earlier post. Judging from the end result however I would argue that it is a big "IF".
Even if it is used properly however, it is at best going to benefit only a relative handful of students.....and as currently practiced....virtually no women. So spending the kind of money we are talking about here to provide such leadership learning opportunities to so few students seems to me to be a gross misuse of tax payer money
October 6, 2009 at 12:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
Very good point bisquitboy. That's a lot of money to maybe teach a few kids something.
R.
October 6, 2009 at 12:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
"I still stand by that - to the Muslim community - I repeat - "I personally DO believe that women are not cattle". "
Not to get off topic and not to pick on open_eyes but I'd like to take this opportunity to point out that not all Muslims have such a low view of women. I had a very good conversation with a Muslim dude a couple of weeks ago and he was clarifying some of the misconceptions there are about Muslims. It was a very cool conversation.
R.
October 6, 2009 at 12:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
True, seriouslyfolks. That was a blanket statement which of course does not apply to everyone. I was thinking more of foreign countries where most women are treated as mere property. Or, in the context of the thread it was taken from, things such as the Somalian practice of Female Genital Mutilation (which the statistics say is practiced on 98% of all Somalian women) - but of course I don't mean to demean the 2% that do not. I personally know some Muslim couples here in the US who do not treat women any differently from most of the civilized world. HOWEVER.... in the broader view.....well, let's just say I wasn't directing that quote at the Christian community.... overall......
YY4U - I had a similar experience where I had to miss a practice to work my butt off on the farm one evening when things broke down during harvest - was benched for the next game. But, as you say, those with the right "connections" seemed to get away with skipping practice whenever they wanted, and the flimsiest of excuses always seemed to work. So yes, I DID learn the value of teamwork, discipline, etc..... but I also got some good insight into how much of the real world REALLY works......
October 6, 2009 at 12:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Henry, You said that the Bar owners were being selfish because they were not considering the "general public". I beg your pardon, but am I not part of that "general public" because I smoke? You go on to say that fastfood is not the same, has no affect on the "general public". Again, I beg your pardon!!!! If I have a little knowledge of "our" world, aren't we known as the "fat Americans"? Have you ever sat on a plane next to a person that not only takes their seat but part of yours? I'm not picking on "heavy set" people but stating, Yes!
it does have an affect on the "general public"! Also, look at health, why do you think so many of the fast food places have gone to stating calories etc. concerning their various foods. Many now offer salads? Now, when frying that hamburger, where does some of that grease go?? IN THE AIR!!!! Yes,
the air that you and I breathe!!!!
I'm sorry, but you are so VERY two faced!!!!! (not God!) It appears you want what Henry wants and truly could careless concerning the "general public"! See, you DO HAVE choices, so please go ahead and eat all that "fast food",enjoy but when your arteries fail, remember this discussion!!!!
October 6, 2009 at 1:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
I don' t know how many of you who support a million + dollar practice field really know exactly how doted on some of the so-called star or exceptional athletes really are !
Education, almost all of the so-called star or exceptional athletes do not need to study as hard as other students to achieve the good grades needed to make them " eligable " to play or be on the team ! Some of these prima donnas have tutors hired to teach them and I have even known some who got other students to attend classes for them and even the schools will pay for someone to do their homework for them, so the so-called scholarly athlete can remain eligable for the team and games ! I know, you have heard sports casters making a big thing of the grade point average of some athletes. Well just how much of that grade point average can that athlete take credit for ?
Have any of you ever heard of a teacher being chastised or even suspended for giving a star athlete a grade that would make them ineligable for the team or a certain game ?
Let me say the real power and decision making behind any educational institution is certain powerful alumnus members, not the board of education, principal, teachers, University President or Dean .
Another for instance, if a team has 1,2, or 3 losing seasons and paid attendance to the schools games drops, how long do you think the coach will have a job ?
Nowadays, sports, athletics and athletes are nothing more than big business, just a way to make money !
There is no longer such a thing as " For The Love Of The Game " !
Sports, athletes and athletics, an educational experience, in certain aspects, Yes, it was for me anyway, as you can tell by my comments.
If we are going to invest over a million dollars on education, then invest it on real and substantial education for all children not just a privelaged few .
October 6, 2009 at 1:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Thanks open_eyes!!!! Glad you don't think women are cattle!!!! I won't look at you as a "steer"!!!!! :-)
October 6, 2009 at 1:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
LOLOLOLOLOL, sandman ;-)
I love sports - and I do think that participating in sports has many positives. However, I think it has gotten way TOO much emphasis placed on it in the last couple of decades. And in these current financially perilous times, I think spending $1.6 mil for new field is not a wise choice.
October 6, 2009 at 1:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
Just a quick comment and then I'm away until later…
The field won't just benefit a "privileged few" as some of you have stated. It will also have a track around it, right? This means track and field kids will use it. The band could practice on it, the cheerleader could practice on it, all the students will be able to jog the track or frolic on the field when it's not being used.
Furthermore, if it makes the football team better, more people will come to the games. This means the school will have more money. This means they'll be able to fund other educational programs for ALL students. The field is an investment that will pay-off for everyone involved with the school.
Finally, it sounds like a few of you didn't make the varsity squad back in the day and you are still quite bitter about it. Let it go! Don't be jealous that you weren't as good as the other kids. I'm sure you have other qualities that the jocks don’t possess. I don't think it's fair to stereotype athletes as cheaters who never do their own school work and cruise through school without getting an education. Again, it sounds like you have some personal issues with athletes.
I don’t know about you all, be we’re building futures in Emporia. (you know the tune)
'enry
October 6, 2009 at 2:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
How many of you on these forums still believe that HenryVIII and you know who are not one in the same ?
I have news for enry, if and when the citizens of Emporia are broke and can' t afford to pay their taxes or pay for public education or pay to attend sporting events, just how much future building will be done then ?
There is a time and place to waste money on building futures, it is just not now !
enry, FYI, I made the varsity team, the hard way, plain old study and hard work !
October 6, 2009 at 2:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I lettered 3 years and started varsity. And I still saw a double standard, and think sports gets WAY too much emphasis these days.
I don't see where a new artificial turf field will make the football team better. According to the statistics, it will create more injuries - possibly key players will miss games due to injuries and make the football team........worse.......
http://sportsinjuries.suite101.com/ar...
October 6, 2009 at 2:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Royals just renovated their stadium...... really nice and fancy, for those who haven't been to a game recently........
Fancy updated digs doesn't seem to have helped make them a better team.
Perhaps there is more to improving a team than how posh their surroundings are? Ya think?
October 6, 2009 at 2:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
There's still MLB? I thought everybody quit watching that "stuff" back when those dudes making all that money complained that they wanted even more money for playing a game.
R.
October 6, 2009 at 2:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
open_eyes,
Haven't you heard the saying, "What doesn't kill us only makes us stronger"? If what you say is true, it will simply weed-out the weak ones survival of the fittest style. In two years, our football team will consists of only the toughest, battle-hardened kids around! If they can survive on turf, then playing elsewhere will be a breeze! This is just like when people condition in high-altitude/low oxygen environments. The competition won't stand a chance!
'enry
October 6, 2009 at 2:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Henry, you're a clever lad aren't you?
October 6, 2009 at 3:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
LOL, Henry. Even better, lets have them practice without helmets and pads! Think of how tough we'd be then!!! ;-)
Maybe we should make public smoking mandatory. Even for those who don't smoke they should be required to. In a few generations, only those with a natural tolerance to tobacco (Like George Burns was still puffing on his cigar at 100) - will survive and then genetically we will all be immune to the effects of SHS...... Sounds like a plan!!!!! ;-)
seriouslyrfolks, yes, there IS still MLB - just not in KC.... LOL
(nor pro football, either)
October 6, 2009 at 3:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
Quite frankly, how cost effective is the astroturf? My latest concern would be how long does astroturf last? Will it last the 28 years it will take to pay for it? If it lasts that long how long will it be before it has to be replaced? Perhaps at 28 years we will have to replace it and start all over, but my big doubt is that it won't outlive the payments.
October 6, 2009 at 3:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
giggles
In order for an astro-turf field to last any length of time at all, there must be a sufficent drainage system installed to drain excess water, etc. from the field . Now I do not know whether a drainage system is included in the 1.6 million dollars or not, if not the drainage system itself can be quite expensive and if you don' t install a drainage system, you might just as well pour the money down a rat hole !
October 6, 2009 at 3:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
http://espn.go.com/endofcentury/s/cen...
"In recent years, the Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots, thinking about their high-priced rosters, have torn up their artificial turf and gone back to grass roots. The Giants and Jets will play on grass next season at Giants Stadium, in what has become an official movement.
By 2002, only nine of the NFL's 32 teams will play on turf. Six of those teams play in domes. Soon, we are told, the technology for indoor natural grass will appproach cost-effective.
By the middle of the next century, hopefully, artificial fields will have gone the way of the brontosaurus and the saber-toothed tiger. Some day, the faux turf merely will be an NFL Films staple, like the 1958 championship game and Tom Landry's hat."
October 6, 2009 at 4:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Wow, enry, just think about those who have smoked and endured SHS for decades and not died, why some those people must even be supermen and superwomen by now !
Did you ever think of how the fumes that come all that grease and sizzling burgers could be harmful to you and the general public by clogging your and their skin pores, bronchial and lung airways with all that airborne grease and fat !
Oh, I forgot sizzling burgers and fast food serves a purpose, according to your demented standards !
October 6, 2009 at 4:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
enry, try this the next time you are standing at your fast food, burger grill, cooking those savory, perfectly cooked burgers.
After cooking burgers for 2 to 3 hours, take a clean, white napkin or cloth and wipe your face, and wipe the inside of your nose or even your arms and hands and see what, exactly you are breathing, and what is collecting on your skin in the name of believing you are doing something that does no harm and is of an important purpose to all humanity !
There is a saying, " If you can smell it, it is in the air " !
October 6, 2009 at 4:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Not to mention all the greenhouse gas released as methane by all those cattle, and other by-products....... (but I'm not a vegetarian, I just support a vegetarians right to NOT walk into a fast-food place and order a burger).
October 6, 2009 at 4:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
methusla,
No studies have shown the use of astroturf leads to death. (unlike SHS) Therefore, playing on astroturf may harm you, but it'll just make you stronger. Breathing SHS will just kill you.
Very good point. Cooking fast food does serve a purpose. You don't want to eat raw meat, do you? Still, restaurants must vent the grease fumes up and out of the building, so exposure to airborne grease is limited anyway. My sizzling burgers provide sustenance for people and prevents them from ingesting harmful bacteria by cooking the meat first. Any smoke or "airborne grease" is a simply a byproduct. SHS serves no purpose (as you say) and the smoke is the product; not the byproduct of something useful.
As for the cook being exposed to “grease particles”… This is just a necessary evil of the job. A cook can’t cook burgers without being exposed to such things. That’s like saying a cop shouldn’t be exposed to danger in his/her line of work; it’s just inherent to the job. Now a bartender, on the other hand, doesn’t have to breathe SHS to mix drinks and serve beer. In this case, the SHS is an unnecessary evil and can (and should) be removed. What I’m saying is that there are some jobs that can only be made so safe due to the nature of the job itself. Another example: A pest control person has to be around chemicals (and dangerous critters) because they are inherent to do his job. SHS doesn’t HAVE to be a part of any job. That’s my point.
I’m going to use your saying as my new slogan for my burger joint:
“If you can smell it, it is in the air, but the burgers taste so good, you won’t even care!”
'enry
October 6, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
I like your slogan, methusla. It’s a lot better than what we used to have. You see, our corporate headquarters is overseas and they don’t speak English very well. When they approached us with an English advert, it was something like this…
I challenge you to find
a better burger joint for your
money. Wouldn’t it be
nice to stop by and
order an affordable,
tasty meal?
Cheeseburgers are our specialty;
relish the flavor.
Anyone can see that we
care about customer satisfaction.
Ketchup costs extra
if you use a lot of it.
Nothing else can
satisfy your cravings like
a delicious burger with
cheese and extra
ketchup.
.
.
.
Originally, our ads were quite
redundant, but we’ve fixed that.
All our ads are now handled by our
manager. He asked me, “Do you think
I should do the ads from now on
?”
I’ll be sure to send your slogan his way! Thanks!
‘enry
October 6, 2009 at 4:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
In other words, one can spin nearly everything enough to make it sound good to one's own ears ;-). What a riot.
From the same article above I linked to:
"Players hate it, and with good reason. Lying under the fake grass and an inch or so of padding is a slab of asphalt or concrete. That wrecks havoc with knees and ankles. Studies are inconclusive, but athletes are convinced it robs years from their careers. Smart NFL teams who play on artificial turf have been practicing on grass for some time, in an attempt to extend their players' effectiveness."
Doesn't sound like it's making anyone stronger. Quite the opposite. Shortening their careers.
Probably that and the wind blew all the vented grease down to the field where they not only breathed it into their lungs but it made the field even slippier ;-)
October 6, 2009 at 4:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
HenryVIII, a.k.a. crack
You are truely a misguided and dillusional person !
For instance just because something may be vented out of an enclosure does not mean that it may not do harm to anyone and just because you believe that your are doing something you persceive as helpful, necessary or serves a purpose, it is necessary to put youself at risk !
And your slogan is about as asinine as they come.
What in the hell makes you think that you have the right to work in a place that may do you and others harm and noone else has that right, such as a bartender ! Are you the only one who has the right to choose where to go and where to work, regardless of the dangers involved ?
No, HenryVIII, the more you rant the more I am convinced that you are indeed crackinsack, same stupid logic, same stupid self-glorification and same unbearable arrogance !
October 6, 2009 at 4:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reddog (anonymous) says...
75% of students in some states don't know the first president of the U.S.
October 6, 2009 at 5:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
methusla,
Careful, now. I said I wouldn't respond if you didn't address me properly.
Is there another way to cook burgers that doesn't create this alleged smoke/airborne grease? NOPE!
Is there a way to serve drinks at a bar that doesn't create SHS? YEP!
I rest my case.
'enry
October 6, 2009 at 6 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
methusla,
I'm beginning to think you are actually crackinsack... It makes perfect sense... You both had accounts in the height of the smoking ban debate and one is the polar opposite of the other. One persona would argue with the other just to stir things up. What a perfect disguise! Now that crack was banned, you are going around calling everyone else "crackinsack" in hopes that nobody points the finger back at you. Well, too bad, crack! I've figured you out!
Hey, everyone! methusla is crackinsack! You fooled me for too long, methusla/crackinsack, but no more! I bid you good night, oh great master of deceit.
'enry
Note to Gazette staff: I can't be certain if methusla and crackinsack are one in the same nor do I care to know, but he seems to keep bringing the other account up... Worth looking into?
October 6, 2009 at 6:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Is there another way to cook burgers that doesn't create this "alleged" (LOL) smoke/airborne grease? YEP!
You can microwave burgers, broil them in enclosed ovens, anything enclosed...... and dispose of the grease properly.......
Is there a way to serve drinks at a bar that doesn't create SHS? What does serving drinks have to do with smoking? You can also play gin rummy (in a bar) without creating SHS, but what's that got to do with anything? (Besides, now we're just going to refer to SHS as "alleged"..... LOL)
I'd rest my case but its too much fun
October 6, 2009 at 6:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I believe the football team could improve more from 1.6 mil worth of empanadas than 1.6 mil worth of artificial turf.
October 6, 2009 at 7:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Sorry, YY4U, I'll have a steak, thank you!!!!!! and hope and pray it wasn't "open_eyes" disguised as a steer!!! (glad he has a super sense of humor!!!) Now, to Henry. It truly amazes me how "closed" mind you are. You may not smoke, but to those that do, including myself, it is peaceful and enjoying. Just can't beat that first cup of coffee and a cig to start the day!!!!!
Turf? When my children were in grade school at Americus, they put carpet in the gym. Was to have been the "latest" thing but we (my children) got more "rug" burns and "hurts" off that carpet. It was truly terrible!!!!! Also, the "life"of the carpet wasn't what they were "soldl" to believe. It stands to reason that "turf" would not "wear" as well as grass plus as easy to replace as grass. Now that is from a womans "point of view" plus one that could careless concerning "sports"!
October 6, 2009 at 7:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Henry/crack,
You have absolutely, definately figured me out, I am crackinsack, ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha ! Oh, that makes me laugh so hard, I can't hardly stand it, ho,ho,ho,ho,ho, ha,ha,ha,ha,ha, if I were actually crackinsack, I believe I would shoot myself, just to put myself out of my and everyone elses misery and make the world a better place, ho,ho,ho,ho,ho, ha,ha,ha,ha,ha ! However with your crazy, demented, egotistical, illogical, skewed logic, you definately are crackinsack/HenryVIII and I believe everyone has or is seeing through your ruse !
Ho,ho,ho,ho,ho,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha, I can' t seem to stop laughing about your thinking I am actually crackinsack, oh God, ho,ho,ho,ho,ho,ha,ha,ha,ha,ha, !
October 6, 2009 at 10:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
'enry, I just left another sight and truly can't believe what you posted. You are so very rude and disrespectful! Why you like to hurt people is beyond my understanding. Yes, we all like to have fun and tease. Afraid I pick on "open_eyes" more then I should, but what you have done is not "teasing"! You have picked on two super posters, two people that I respect very much for their views, which is more then I can say for YOU!
You are no longer worth responding to!!!
October 6, 2009 at 10:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
brightliner (anonymous) says...
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
October 7 2009
Lee Corso, the former college football coach turned sportscaster likes to say to his colleagues – “not so fast” when he disagrees with them.
So, before we crown board of education member Michael Helbert as Champion of the Taxpayers and the Gazette’s Ashley Walker as his Lady in Waiting for their objections to the plans for a new track and football field at Emporia High School let me say “not so fast.”
We can debate the value of extra curricular activities to the educational experience or the fiscal responsibility of the Board of Education in these hard times, but we’ll likely end up having to agree to disagree on many points.
Some said Mike Helbert “got it right,” but six other school board members saw value in the proposal to replace the old track and practice field with one made of artificial turf and large enough to allow for soccer to be played there.
Are those board members to be discounted?
The old track was “decommissioned” six years ago. The so-called practice football field handles 55 games a year and even though those aren’t varsity games you’d like to see safe facilities if your son is out there.
Over-using a grass football field some 45 times not only constitutes a giant health hazard, but a liability issue too.
Granted the cost of artificial turf is high, but over time it pays for itself. Doing nothing is not an option while the adopted plan makes fiscal sense especially in light of the availability of so-called “Obama dollars.”
Ashley suggests this is some type of ploy to make “a nice showpiece for Emporia.” Actually, this plan will just put Emporia on par with many 5A schools.
Making the decision to spend money to save money is difficult at any time, but especially difficult in this economy.
Maybe we should be lifting up board members Glen Strickland, Grant Riles, Angie Schreiber, Michael Crouch, Brent Windsor and Amy Scheller rather than suggesting they “may need to spend a little more time in the schools for which they advocate.”
These dedicated public servants deserve credit for doing their homework and supporting what they feel is best for the district.
It would be easy to be “pennywise and pound foolish” on this one. Easy to say we can’t afford this and move on, but fiscal responsibility includes making decisions that over time will be valuable to the taxpayers even if they are controversial in the present.
I’m Steve Sauder and there’s something to think about.
Steve Sauder is president of Emporia's Radio Stations, Inc. the owners of KVOE-AM 1400, Country 101.7 and Mix 104.9. Steve has been in a leadership position with ERS, Inc., since 1987.
October 6, 2009 at 11:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
Steve Sauder is a smart and powerful guy. I'd listen to him if I were you.
sandman,
You may think smoking cigs is beneficial to you, but that doesn't mean you should be able to share it with me. Enjoy your first cig of the day at home and spare the general public.
open_eyes,
You're right. SHS has nothing to do with serving drinks, so this is why it is ok to ban it from bars. Alleged smoke and airborne grease from cooking has everything to do with burgers, so I don't see how you could ban it. I have seen studies on how harmful SHS is. Do you have any for Second-hand-grill fumes?
'enry
October 6, 2009 at 11:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
By the way, did no one catch how sneaky I was being in my post at October 6, 2009 at 4:49 p.m.? Why was the text formatted like that? Hmmm....
'enry
October 6, 2009 at 11:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
fotoman13......your recent post is about as watertight as a dip net!
First there are more scholarships available in disciplines other than football 101...scholarships that are available to all students despite their lack of athletic ability. And can you believe this?......most of them are even available to girls.....well lawdy lawdy...I do declare! Granted they may not be as lucrative as a full athletic scholarship .....but then full athletic scholarships tend to instill a sense of entitlement don't they.
Second...even if you get to college on an FAS without a good academic background its doubtful you will learn much except how to make more money for the school...and your future masters...the NFL. So once you are too old and broken to play anymore you will still end up shilling used cars or broke and on welfare.
Thirdly....considering the amount of money already spent on the great god football by public school systems around the country.....how many of those players ever actually sign an NFL contract...much less become a high paid super star? Look it up and you give me the answer.
Reality is this is just another sacrifice to the great god of football......so a bunch of old fat bellied men can set around and swill beer on a Sunday afternoon and dream of things that never were. Spend the money where its needed...on education...not on games.
October 7, 2009 at 7:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
henry:
Why do you always
Harp on
Other posters here?
Can't you see
All the other posters
Respect
Each other
Sometimes!
October 7, 2009 at 7:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Great post, biscuitboy. I heartily agree that the real value for our money would be obtained by spending it on academics.
Ratio to proportion, how many athletic scholarships are offered here as opposed to academic ones?
Besides that, aren't most of those athletic rides to junior colleges? When was the last scholarship given to a big university whose games are attended by big time recruiters?
BTW, on all this outdoor carpeting, what happens to all the skin and blood from injuries, big and small, everytime a game is played? Does it sit there collecting bacteria awaiting the next open cut or sore on a player?
On real grass, it all gets washed into the soil and then eaten up by soil bacteria.
Having breakfast? Can we say MRSA?
October 7, 2009 at 7:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Henry, it is well known that fast foods are unhealthy overall. However, in answer to your question, here is a study on "Exposure to Cooking Fumes in Restaurant Kitchens in Norway "
http://annhyg.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/...
"As a consequence of this, cooking fumes should be regarded as harmful to the lungs."
Or here you can even buy a book on it:
http://www.amazon.com/Association-coo...
"Association of cooking oil fumes exposure with lung cancer"
"Cooking oil fumes (COF) have been shown to be associated with lung cancer incidence in Chinese women."
Or from the Institute of Occupational Safety and Health:
http://www.iosh.gov.tw/English/Publis...
"The Threat of Cooking Fumes for Catering Workers"
http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/cont...
"Increased levels of oxidative DNA damage attributable to cooking-oil fumes exposure among cooks "
There are plenty more, but I think you get the idea.......... maybe.......
Anyway, back to the topic:
brightliner, your statement "you’d like to see safe facilities if your son is out there. Over-using a grass football field some 45 times not only constitutes a giant health hazard, but a liability issue too."
Have you not read any of the available literature on the health hazards of artificial turf? WHY do you think most major league teams (both football and baseball) have switched back from artificial turf to real grass? Would/could the existing field be made safer for the kids by spending a little extra on care and maintenance, (much less than $1.6 mil)?
October 7, 2009 at 8:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Here' s what I suggest ! If Steve Sauder wants a new practice field, then let him and his frienes put up the 1.6 million dollars to build a new practice field and then it can be named Steve Sauder Field and he can have the say as to who gets to use the field !
Heres something to think about, is Steve Sauder really a smart guy or just " manipulative and powerful " with influencial friends ! There actually is a differance between smart and being manipulative !
Be very wary of Steve Sauder and friends !
Go to the following web page, http://www.all4ed.org/files/IntlComp_... .
See where the U.S. ranks in the world for education and then decide whether a new practice field is what is really needed for a better educated child !
October 7, 2009 at 9:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Oh, and by the way people, ask yourselves these questions, are Glen Strickland, Grant Riles, Angie Schreiber, Michael Crouch, Brent Windsor and Amy Scheller , close friends of Steve Sauder or Bobbi Sauder ?
And Steve Sauder mentions the availability of Obama dollars to use for this artificial field nonsense, so ask yourselves even if Obama dollars are available, exactly who is going to end up paying these so called free Obama dollars back ?
Answer: You, me and every other taxpayer for years to come, thats who !
Again, now is not the time to be spending inordinate amounts of money that is not there for trivial and nonsensical " STUFF " !
October 7, 2009 at 9:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
Touché, Steve, touché.
'enry
October 7, 2009 at 10:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
The federal government seems to think that mindlessly printing more and more money is the answer to our financial problems. Why not do this at a local level? I've heard that we have some printing presses in town not being used. The local government could use them to print money and we could get all the football fields, visitor centers, and signs that say "Go back to your hometown and shop locally." that we need. So it's settled. Let's do that.
R.
October 7, 2009 at 10:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Apparently Steve Sauder supports what is artificial.
October 7, 2009 at 10:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Right on, seriously, and in time it would be like Confederate Money or would it be like that when it is printed ! Heck, maybe we could all print our own money and pay our taxes with it !
October 7, 2009 at 10:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Shoot, create, maybe Steve Sauder is artificial !
October 7, 2009 at 10:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Pay our taxes with money we print, boy, wouldn' t that be a kick !
October 7, 2009 at 10:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Since plants take carbon dioxide from the air and give off oxygen, isn't going to artificial turf going to contribute to global warming? Isn't artificial turf (plastics) made from petroleum products?
October 7, 2009 at 10:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
While driving to the bookeepers today, I was doing my usual texting -cell phone, cup of coffee gulp while turning and my hand hit the radio search button on the steering wheel. It came up on kvoe and it was just in time to hear Steve Sauder state "everyone must agree with me cause I have'nt gotten any calls against this" (paraphrased). I think he was talking about the astroturf thing. come to find out he has this blogy thing he started on Wed a.m. @10 o'clock. I usually stop listnening after 9, when Ron Thomas gets off the air, may have to tune in next week to see what's going on.
October 7, 2009 at 12:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Steve
Saying, " everyone must agree with me " is kind of the standard line of thought for Steve Sauder, because he believes, that if it were not for him, Emporia would not even exist ! Does he have a blogy thing or a " boggy " thing on he started on Wednesdays ?
And of course he was talking about the astroturf thing !
And I never listen to KVOE !
October 7, 2009 at 12:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I used to listen to them all the time, before the ban..Now it's another station, except I do like listening to Ron Thomas in the morning before 9. WIBW 580 in Topeka is a good a.m. station. Your boggy line would be a good title for sauders show the FOGGY BOTTOM BLOGGY SHOW.
October 7, 2009 at 1 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
or
THE FOGGY BOTTOM HOG BLOG?
October 7, 2009 at 1:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
It makes one wonder: How much does Steve stand to profit personally from whatever connections there may be, by having a new field built?
October 7, 2009 at 1:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
Did you have a lit cigarette in-hand while diving too, Steve? If so, you probably could have avoided the unfortunate switch of stations if only you had a free hand. Just another example of how smoking lessens the quality of life. :-)
The fact is that this new field will be the best thing to happen to Emporia since the smoking ban. I don’t think anyone can dispute that.
'enry
October 7, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Steve_Corbin
My favorite radio station to listen to is 97.7 KSPN, I listen to it all the time great variety of music, news and commentary !
October 7, 2009 at 1:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
My quality of life is often lessened by my free hand holding a fast-food burger while driving.
I think that people who believe that "no one can dispute that" - live in a very tiny bubble.
October 7, 2009 at 1:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Oh, Henry, get a life ! Everyone with any brains at all can dispute the idea that this sensless spending of money will benefit anyone but a few ! Henry if you would just stop and try to conjure up some intelligent thought processes, even you would see that this stupid thing would only benefit a certain few ! Just because his majesty, " King Sauder I " says that it is a good thing and that everyone must agree with and abide by his or your word, doesn' t necessarily make it a good or right thing !
October 7, 2009 at 1:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
open_eyes,
That's why I eagerly wait until I get home to tear into that delicious burger. I do open the bag, though, to allow the aroma to escape as I make my way home. By the time I get home, I'm on the edge of my seat in mouth-watering anticipation. It really heightens the experience. I suggest you try it!
By "no one can dispute that", I meant that no matter what side of the smoking ban debate you were on you'd either see the field as another improvement like the smoking ban or you would see it as another waste like the smoking ban. Either way, "the best things since the smoking ban" would still hold true.
'enry
October 7, 2009 at 1:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
By the time I get to my destination, the food is usually long, long cold by then. Really "lowers" the experience.
To many Germans, Hitler was "the best thing" to happen to them in a long time.
Others would disagree.
October 7, 2009 at 1:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
well Henry,
no I didn't have a lit cigarette in my hand , this time. I had my oxygen hose in my nose and even I know you don't smoke while on oxygen. I am happy to know that there are all those well intentioned people out there that are sooooo concerned with other peoples quality of life. Makes me all warm and tingly inside.
October 7, 2009 at 2:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
meth,
didn't there use to be a candy bar called
"Oh Henry"?
Is it still around or did it go the way of dinosaurs?
October 7, 2009 at 2:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
Steve_Corbin,
Oxygen hose, you say? I sure hope you're alright. Maybe you're just joking, but I thought someone said something about you having a doctor's appointment or some such thing.
'enry
October 7, 2009 at 2:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
also methusla,
You mentioned royalty in your above, most people in Emporia think along the lines of court jester.
:)
October 7, 2009 at 2:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I always use a oxygen hose, especially when going to the bookeeper for my taxes. They just seem to take my breath away.
October 7, 2009 at 2:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Speaking of Royalty, isn't HenryVIII most known for beheading some wives? Not sure he's a figure I would like to refer to myself as. A few things gleamed from Wikipedia:
"Two days after his coronation he arrested his father's two most unpopular ministers, Sir Richard Empson and Edmund Dudley. They were groundlessly charged with high treason and were executed in 1510. This was to become Henry's primary tactic for dealing with those who stood in his way."
Ah..... I'm starting to understand.....
"The King's word could not be questioned (as he was held as God's chosen, and second only to God himself)"
Now it's becoming even clearer....
"The cruelty and tyrannical egotism of Henry became more apparent as he advanced in years "
we can only hope.....
"Late in life, Henry became obese"
Aha!!!! All those burgers!!!!
LOL ;-)
October 7, 2009 at 2:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
That was good for a chuckle!
October 7, 2009 at 2:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
Or maybe I just really like the song...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znv_sU...
Yes, my penchant for burgers may very well be my downfall, but at least I'm not taking anyone else with me.
'enry
October 7, 2009 at 2:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
No, Henry, as the links I posted for the studies above show, you ARE endangering those who work diligently to serve you your burgers with the SHF (Second Hand Fumes). Lung damage, DNA damage........ those poor bartenders (oops, I meant fry cooks).
October 7, 2009 at 3:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
open_eyes, you may have opened my eyes to my COPD problems. At first the doc thought it might be smoking, but then it might be agent orange, then maybe again chemicals used in my job here at a local radiator plant. I'm going to talk to my doc about my job during my youth where I probably cooked 1,000,000,000 burgers and other fried and grilled foods. Darn it,. nothing is safe anymore. I was going to grill out tonight, but now I guess I'll have to settle for the Italian Garden:)
October 7, 2009 at 3:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
open_eyes,
The fry cooks could wear masks if they are so concerned. A bartender/waiter can't really wear a mask because they have to interact with people and the patron certainly can't where a make while eating/drinking.
Often times, the cooking is done in back of the building and the fumes are vented up and out of the building. Have you ever even worked in a fast food joint? At a smoky bar, the smoke is everywhere and usually not removed by an industrial ventilation hood. I've cleaned the filters in the hood above the grill. I know there is grease in the air, but at least the majority gets stuck in the filter rather than filling up the uncirculated dining/drinking area.
It seems to me, measures have already been taken to make sure the airborne particles from cooking pose as little threat as possible. (I think it's mandatory to have a hood over the grill) Now that we have the smoking ban, we have finally done something to ensure the SHS doesn't harm folks either.
To illustrate my point think about this: I can dine at my favorite fast food joint and leave not smelling like grease. I cannot go into a smoky bar without leaving smelling like smoke. What is someone said earlier? Oh right... "if you can smell it, it's in the air."
'enry
October 7, 2009 at 3:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Dido1969 (anonymous) says...
Sauder is a bloviating blow-hard who is so glad that now there is a whole generation who believe that he is a “self-made” man…that the things with the Sauder name on them locally are associated with him. Do some research and you’ll find that Steve’s success is mostly based on the hard work of his father, uncles, and granddad. Steve was (is?) a spoiled brat, prone to failure (anyone remember Sauder’s clothing store?) born with a silver spoon in his mouth. He can take his silver spoon---and his condescending attitude, and stick them both…
In his ear.
October 7, 2009 at 3:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I would have no problem whatsoever with a bartender wearing a mask looking like Darth Vader. I think it would be kinda cool.
I am also aware of vents and filters in smoking areas. Many smoking areas in the past also took those measures to reduce smoke exposure to others as much as possible. Also, just exactly where do you think the grease vented goes? Is it diluted just as much before being release into the atmosphere at large as any other smoke?
I've been to some "greasy spoons" where I definitely smelled like the place when I left...... :)
But anyway, this is about the 1.6 mil sports field. How many fumes are released into the atmosphere during the use of petroleum derivatives to make this field? Is it biodegradeable when disposed of/replace?
October 7, 2009 at 3:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
open_eyes,
I went to a strip joint once that had special blades on the ceiling fans that were meant to trap the smoke. I didn't work very well, but I thought it was nice that they were concerned for their patrons and performers.
The new field will save water as well as prevent chemicals (fertilizers) from getting into the ground water. You also have to mow a field of real grass. I haven't seen anyone ever use a rotary push mower on a football field, so you are also saving gasoline and eliminating the fumes the riding lawnmowers produce. This artificial field is actually "greener" than real grass! I can’t wait to watch the kids enjoy this magnificent environmentally friendly marvel!
Honestly, I don’t really care about the field. It won't impact me one way or the other. I just like to take the unpopular position to play the devil’s advocate. I don’t have any friends, so this is how I get people to interact with me. :` - (
'enry
October 7, 2009 at 4:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Steve_Corbin
Yes there was a candy bar called O' Henry and it did go the way of the dinosaur .
Sorry, in referring to Steve Sauder as royalty, ( only in his own mind ), I should have said, his majesty " Steve Sauder I " king of jesters and fools ! Sounds much better !
And HenryVIII, what about all those who are eating those fat laiden burgers, etc. and being exposed to all that pollution those sizzling bugers are causing, while they dine at your place of employment or do you own the place, are you not, as you say, taking them with you ? And you thought you were not causing anyone else any harm !
October 7, 2009 at 4:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Oh, Oh, Wow, I can' t believe that HenryVIII a.k.a. has made a statement saying that eliminating something that causes exhaust fumes such as a lawn mower would be a good thing . Especially when not long ago, during the ban smoking debate I listed numerous things that put the general public at risk, such as anything with an internal combustion that spewed carbon, carbon monoxide, etc. from its exhaust and that other alter ego c_a_c_i_sa_k argued that these things were beneficial and necessary ! Shame on you HenryVIII for abandoning your altar egos arguments !
Henry people will interact with you, if you will respectfully interact with them ! Respect has to be earned, it is not given freely !
October 7, 2009 at 4:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Wow, dido1969, I see you too must know or know of Steve Sauder !
October 7, 2009 at 4:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
methusla,
Yeah, I'm not quite sure what you're talking about... An artificial turf is a practical solution to prevent the need for lawnmower use. How does an artificial turf transport people and goods to their destinations? I'd be in favor of eliminating internal combustion engines if there was a PRACTICAL alternative. I'm not just talking personal vehicles; I'm talking about vehicles that transport goods across the nation and vehicles that provide services for our citizens. (garbage hauler, sewage pumper, street cleaner, etc) I don't think electric/hydrogen or any other technology is to the point that we could switch over as easily as we can switch to artificial turf on a football field.
Unlike you, dear friend, I don't base judgment at a first glance. You have to look deeper to see if it will actually help or if it would just make things worse. You, too, possess the "all or nothing" attitude when it comes to banning or improving something. To paraphrase your opinion, "Well, you don't like gas lawn mowers, so you are a hypocrite for not wanting to ban cars!" I'm not a hypocrite, I'm just reasonable. Get away from the “all or nothing” mindset and analyze each topic separately.
'enry
October 7, 2009 at 4:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Well, this is a done deal, if I'm correct. The only thing to do is remember this at the next election.
The current board should think about this. If people get fed up enough with this kind of spending, next election you might have a bunch of crotchity old 80 year olds run and win, who have already raised their kids , (and grandkids), and believe it's time to go back to the good ole days. Just think , no more school buses, airconditioned class rooms, and back to 50 kids per teacher.
They will be the ones in charge of the budget. At least until some judge decides to stick his or her nose into our business. Then we would have to use 1.6 million for a lawsuit.
Now THAT is something to think about.
October 7, 2009 at 5:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
I truly don't think our children and grandchildren are going to thank any of us for the tax bills we are going to leave them.
October 7, 2009 at 5:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Steve_Corbin, yes, they will. They are being taught in our schools to sing the praises of Obama. They are being taught in our universities the sins of capitalism and working hard and the greatness of socialism and letting others do the work for you.
It's all just a matter of time.
October 7, 2009 at 6:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I think the government should institute a "Cash for Clunkers" program for lawnmowers - trade in your big gas-hog lawnmower for a rotary push mower. It will save energy, make the environment cleaner, and promote excercise and thus improve the health of Americans. So not only will it help with global warming, but also with health care (prevention, thus lowering costs) - in addition to lowering our dependence on foreign oil. Plus it will probably take more people to mow the larger areas so it will also create jobs as part of a stimulus plan.
Vote open_eyes for President if you agree with the above. My second act after instituting the plan above will be to nuke nearly every other country in the world out of existence, friend or foe, that even so much as looks at us cross-eyed - or doesn't pledge their undying devotion to the US - but if that doesn't affect your day-to-day life, whether you are flipping burgers or designing shopping malls, you shouldn't care. Vote open_eyes based only on the issues that affect you directly on Saturdays, when you usually mow your lawn. Be selfish.
Who wants to be my running mate? ;-)
(PS - I'm not telling who I'm voting for, but it WON'T be ME - LOL)
October 7, 2009 at 7:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Sorry open_eyes, when you mentioned getting a "rotary push mower" that did it for me!!!!! Do you know how much I mow? You didn't volunteer to come and help me!!!! I have a devil of time just keeping the ones I have "going"!!!!! I agree, good exercise, but SURELY there is some other way this gal can get some exericse, like keeping my foot on the gas pedal!!!!!:-)
October 7, 2009 at 8:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Also, PLEASE open_eyes, tell me when you plan to "nuke" the other countries, I will borrow your shovel and dig a hole!!!!! Do they still make those "things" that I believe they sold in the '50's incase of bombings to put in the ground? Or should I just prepare to kiss my you know what good by???????
October 7, 2009 at 8:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
You can join seriously, YY4U and others in our impenetrable fort! We voted to take down the "NO GURLS ALLOWED" sign! ;-)
October 7, 2009 at 8:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Oh! Thanks open_eyes for taking down that sign!!! I KNOW you guys will be gentlemen, correct? I do want my "own" bath, no sharing!!!!!! :-) Remember we girls need our space, which is 3/4 of the fort!!!! You guys can have the remainder l/4, sounds fair!!!!!
October 7, 2009 at 8:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
That's what the moat is for! Once the piranha are full and satisfied from feasting on burgers....... (or burger-saturated enemies)..... it should be safe for awhile to go into the water..... LOL
October 7, 2009 at 9:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
open_eyes, now wait a minute!!!! You never said anything about a moat!!!!! Piranha????? Not fair!!!!!!! You don't have to go into the water!!!!!!! Again, I repeat, I want my own "potty", please!!!!!!!!!! :-) Plus, I'm scared of the dark!!!!! Can't swim (Oh! just a little) Have a heart!!!!!! If I bat my eyes, will that do any good????? Remember, I'm just a defenseless woman!!!!!
October 7, 2009 at 9:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Thanks YY4U!!! Oh! I don't want to be restricted to the "stupid
people"thingey"
October 7, 2009 at 9:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
YY4U, Thanks! (and no thanks!) Maybe I can talk 'enry into going in first, think so???? She can "test" the water!!!!!! I bet she is a good swimmer!!!!!!
Been fun, good night!
October 7, 2009 at 10:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
sandman,
I'm a dude, so... I don't know what "she" will be testing the waters, but it won't be me.
You kids and your talk about your fictional little club... How cute.
'enry
October 7, 2009 at 10:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Sounds like someone didn't make the varsity squad....er..... I meant............ didn't get invited to join any clubs back in the day and is still quite bitter about it. Let it go! Don't be jealous that you couldn't respectfully interact with others as good as the other kids. As methusla says, you, too can learn. And earn that respect for yourself as well.
October 7, 2009 at 11:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Well, HenryVIII, I see that you do not want to interact with me or any one in a respectful manner, therefore expecting respect in return is not something you will receive anytime soon ! Also paraphrasing someone does not gain you points or respect, I too am reasonable to a point . When some one makes a reasonable and commonsense argument to change something with in reason, I will be the first to agree and praise them for their reason and common sense . However when some one wants to change something that is not reasonable and only because they want to or feel they need to, just to satisfy their I know whats best for everyone ego, then I will not agree nor support them or such a venture !
There has been much a do about " PROGRESS ", well, progress does not mean " REGRESSING " backward to the time of Kings, Queens, Tyrants, etc. and forcing a singular control upon the lives of every other person and forcing anyone to live their lives according to your or anyones dictates .
I made the point about the internal combustion engine and its harmful pollutants to show that there are many, many harmful elements that each and every citizen is exposed to in our everyday lives and that smoking and the alleged deadly SHS, which can be avoided if you or anyone so desires to do, but there are harmful polutants being belched into the very air that we all breath, and some of these harmful polutants are much worse and linger in the air we breath much longer than smoking or SHS !
October 7, 2009 at 11:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
Anyone want to start betting on how many years it will take before every single thread will not end up somehow being tied in with the smoking ban?
This could be why our taxes are so high and the government is so out of touch, even at a local level where supposedly there is more control, the voters can't even concentrate on the issue. The issue I believe is if it is necessary in a time of very tight finances to have a 1.6 million dollar pet project as part of a 6+million dollar even bigger pet project, none of which would seem to further the real purpose of the Emporia School system, to educate children to make it in an increasingly tough world. Taxpayers just can't be asked over and over again to fund these pet projects, AND fund what really needs to be done.
Dido, you are pretty much on the mark except it was a couple of great uncles. It is amazing what an average Joe can accomplish in life if he or she has enough wealthy relatives going several generations back.
October 8, 2009 at 8:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
No need for a tea party. Why don't we all just go to the next school board meeting and make our opinions known. Let 'em know we taxpayers expect a tight fit on those shoes we elected them to wear.
I know damn well you school board members read these posts. Yes, they do get silly at times, but just read past the silliness and pay attention to the very sensible opinions that have been posted here.
One poster spoke of the number of teachers who must take $$$ out of their own pockets to finance classroom needs. I for one used to do that all the time before I retired. Books, resources, supplies. Teachers do that all the time, and you board members need to pay attention to that and think about increasing classroom budgets before you jump into this spending pool for a brand new carpeted playing field. That is just plain foolishness at a time when needs in the classroom are not being met.
Have you looked into a reading program for the lower and middle grades? Can your current one be beefed up? Have you looked into coordinating your current reading program with national standards?
A football field? Really? What do your test scores look like? Could they be even higher? What can you do beside buying something to improve them?
October 8, 2009 at 9:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
alfalfa, yes, I will be the first to admit that it is very hard to concentrate on the problems and debate at hand, when certain people continually bring smoking, smoking ban and SHS into the fray and I appologize for straying from the present subject and debate. I will try to stay focused on the present subject and discussion ! Having said that, here is my latest comment on the current discussion.
create said it most admirably, " new carpeted playing field."
To me the most important word in this particular part of creates comment is the word " PLAYING ", which defines most all sports activities as, big and little kids playing a game on a playing field, and thats all that it is, " PLAYING A GAME " and it is just a game ! Serious education on the other hand is not a game, it is serious business and needs to be supported with all that we can muster to support it with !
In other words academic education should take precedence over any sport that is nothing more than a game that is played !
The U.S. ranks somewhere between 14th and 29th in the world as far as academic achievement ! And this is out of 30 of the richest and poorer and developed countrys in the world ! This fact tells me that our education priorities are not where they should be !
An artificial practice or playing field, I shoud say not. However as I said in an earlier post, I am afraid that this artifical practice or playing field is a done deal !
October 8, 2009 at 10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
I am the one that first mentioned the smoking ban on this thread (not Henry - for once!!!!!!) - and I apologize.
All silliness aside, if we do show up and make our voices heard, if there is one stupid apple in the crowd, will we all be branded Nazi's and racists? Yeah, I know, sounds like I'm going off the deep end again............ but look around......
October 8, 2009 at 10:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
open_eyes......I would be proud to attend that meeting with you....two people that occupy different ends of the political spectrum......to show that the right and left can stand together for the common good without either of us being Nazi's, racist, socialist or people that just hate America. Because I know I am none of those things....and I am certain you are not either.
October 8, 2009 at 10:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
open_eyes (anonymous) says...
Thank you, biscuitboy. And I 100% agree.
October 8, 2009 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
I have at times on these boards received a lot of grief for my penchant for defending the have-nots and criticizing the haves for their arrogance and hypocrisy. When I have done so it was not my intention to be critical of the common joes who through their own hard work and grit have built for themselves a better life. For those people I have nothing but respect and admiration.
My disdain in these instances have been aimed at the King Sauders of the world who inherited everything they have from already wealthy families and then proceed to place themselves above everyone else because they have accomplished so much with their lives.
We don't need the inherited rich telling us how we need to spend our hard-earned tax dollars while they wallow in the excesses their daddy gave them. When they have to start giving up needed things to satisfy the tax man then they can come back and tell us what we should be willing to pay for.
October 8, 2009 at 10:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
alfalfa (anonymous) says...
Amen biscuitboy, I am 100% in agreement.
October 8, 2009 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
I'm only in 97.4% agreement with the above comments.
'enry
October 8, 2009 at 11:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
With so many people against this, isn't there some way of countering what they have already approved? We should be able to get together, tell the school board that we as their constituents said no, so that should be the difinitive answer. Why wait until the next election? What else are they going to approve before then? I think it has come time for us to put our foot down now and not budge on it.
October 8, 2009 at 11:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
open_eyes, biscuitboy, I would also be honored to attend that meeting with the both of you, however if you are planning on attending either a B0E or CC meeting as a common, ordinary Joe or Jill, then I am afraid that you are in for a very nasty surprise, as the only people attending such meetings that are really listened to or given any credence at all are those with affluence or power. I learned this fact at the last CC budget meeting I attended !
Also giggles as you say " putting our foot down " has the same affect as I explained above, does absolutely no good what so ever !
I sincerely believe that BOE and CC public meetings are a waste of everyones time, as it would seem that the BOE and CC members have already decided what will be done anyway !
I believe the only reason the BOE and both CC and CC only hold a public hearing just for show ! That is to " show " the majority of the general public that they are going to do as they and a certain few want, no matter what the general public says and regardless of how it affects anyone and everyone !
October 8, 2009 at 2:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
methusla......I totally understand and agree with what you are saying...and that is not about to be changed by a few of us "disgruntled forum freaks" showing up and protesting. It will never change until more people start taking more interest in city elections.
There are a lot more eligible voters in this town than the roughly same number that show up each time to vote in roughly equal numbers for all the politically correct candidates. But all those eligible voters never show up to support the few people with their interest at heart that do try to run. Until that changes, I'm afraid we are doomed to continue getting what we have always gotten.....screwed.
October 8, 2009 at 2:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
But I think that is the point here, methusla. I too went to one of the big meetings a couple of months ago when they wanted public input about the city budget. I voiced many concerns and questions, only to be waved off, so to speak, and then watch them feel good about themselves when certain audience members patted them on the back and practically kissed the ground they walked on.
I guess if I voiced my concerns and objections in a "kiss their butt manner" I might get heard, but I still think they would rather just spend the money.
Heck, if I were clever enough I would come up with the next thing they should throw big bucks at. Then I wouldn't worry about it because they would be paying me!
Back to the point though, Perhaps we should call a Topeka news station about our concerns and even take our poll and show that 80% of the people said no, but 80% of the school board said yes.
If you can't get through to them talking TO them get through to them going AROUND them.
October 8, 2009 at 2:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Beo_Saoirse (anonymous) says...
I'd gladly support $1,6 million for astroturf IF the school district will spend that much on academics. It is a tragedy that teachers, who like the rest of us, must pay taxes to support education in addition to forking out money from their own pockets just to buy for the classroom.
Here's another idea: Let's fund academics first and let students who want to do extracurricular activities cover the costs of those activities.
Beo S.
beosaoirse@gmail.com
October 11, 2009 at 5:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
admireed (anonymous) says...
I am going to barf if I read any more about how underpaid teachers are.
October 11, 2009 at 10:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Barf away, admire. When you factor in the amount of time spent, they are underpaid. Teachers spend more than time in the classroom at their jobs. I used to spend a lot of time at home grading papers nearly every night. Unfortunately, most people actually believe that since kids only go to school from 8 until 2:30 or 3 that teachers do the same. Not true. You really have it in for teachers, don't you. I suspect an underlying cause.
October 12, 2009 at 8:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
There are certain jobs you take where you know you will be "underpaid". Supposedly these jobs have a reward that is more than just monetary if the person chooses to see it. The military is one such job. Considering how many hours a soldier puts in, lets say a mechanic, an hour of pt and then 9 or so hours in the motorpool 5 or 6 days a week plus common areas to take care of, all that plus the possibility of getting your gray matter splattered all over some foreign country you may have never heard of. If you just look at the pay, it really sucks, but people still volunteer to do it, thankfully.
Perhaps teachers need to reevaluate why they chose to do what they do and if it's for the pay and the summers off, I really hope they don't tell the kids that is their reason. It would break their little hearts.
R.
October 12, 2009 at 9:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Considering the attitude and behavior of some of the kids that have to be taught or not taught, as it may be and the diminished ability to deal out discipline in your own classroom or school nowadays, I would not want to be a teacher for any amount of money !
For instance if you discipline a child, such as wearing inappropiate clothing, you as a teacher or school administrator will incur the wrath of the parent or parents, if you don' t discipline a child for wrong doing, then you will have lost all semblance of control and respect at your job and in your classroom and school ! As I see it being a teacher in todays world is a no win situation and would take someone very special to do the job and I commend and thank anyone who wants to take on that thankless responsibility !
October 12, 2009 at 2:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
giggles (anonymous) says...
Back to the topic at hand...
Still, no one in favor of this project, (not that there really is anyone with that stance on this thread, other than Hank, who just wants someone to argue with) has given any length of time that astroturf is good for.
This to me is just another reason that I feel like changing Dorothy's mantra of "There is no place like home." to something that suits us. I think it should now be "This is no place to call home." or " I can no longer afford to call this place home."
October 12, 2009 at 3:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
admireed (anonymous) says...
Create, I have great respect for teachers but I just am so tired of the complaining about pay, hours worked...etc.
October 12, 2009 at 3:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Beo_Saoirse (anonymous) says...
Anyone who thinks teachers need to stop complaining about pay has never, EVER set foot in a classroom as an adult. It is not the school of our youth.
October 12, 2009 at 4:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
Raising our next generation of responsible adults...(our current generation of kids)...is arguably the most important job any society ever has to do. In a world where many parents have shunned that responsibility...our teachers are our last line of defense. We owe them all the support we can give them....and the thanks.
October 12, 2009 at 5:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oh4theluvof (anonymous) says...
Some of us wax poetic today
Others of us spend a bit of time and money
At the car wash cleaning the summer treats out of the car upholstery and carpet
Resigning ourselves to winter's beginning.
October 12, 2009 at 6:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
seriously, Good points about the real reasons soldiers and teachers do their jobs. There's altruism again. I know I never did it for the pay. I did it because I wanted to make a real difference in somebody's life. As it turns out, and as time has told, I was right to become a teacher. I still get letters and phone calls from people I taught years and years ago telling me how much they appreciate what they learned from me. Some have even taken the time to drop me a card to say, "Wow, you're right, most people in my classes didn't even know what a thesis statement was. What a shock!"
You can just imagine how great that makes me feel.
One young lady e-mailed me recently to say, "Guess what Mrs. ----, we studied Emily Dickinson in my Lit class today and I got it, I really got it. I had to explain it to the rest of the class. Thanks for teaching us about her works."
admireed, yes, I think I know where you are coming from to hear about teacher salaries all the time. Yes, I understand how tiring it must be. What really makes me want to barf is hearing politicians say those magic words everytime they run for office. "And I'm all for giving teachers what they're really worth. Our teachers are underpaid." Then they get elected and that's the end of that. No more is heard about underpaid teachers.
October 12, 2009 at 8:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
By the way, I don't know about you guys, but I've enjoyed this thread today.
Nice work there, Oh4theluvof.
October 12, 2009 at 8:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sandman (anonymous) says...
Boy! was it called "right"! On Oct 2nd, 2:11, open_eyes mentions the "new field" being paid by "Stimulus" package, guess what? On the news tonight, at 10:00, they were speaking of the "6 Million Dollar "Stimulus" that Emporia would be receiving. They interviewed Mr. Mike Helbert, was INTERESTING!!!! Believe the "Stimulus" is to be used making repairs, upkeep, NOT a new field, interesting!
October 12, 2009 at 10:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
biscuitboy (anonymous) says...
I've told this story here before but I think it deserves a recap. When I was in the eighth grade....(at what is now called Lowther South)......I was a punk little juvenile delinquent from south of the tracks that wore my ignorance like a badge of honor. Then I met my new lit teacher......fresh out of college on her first teaching assignment We made her life a living hell and she only remained in the position for one semester before disappearing from my life forever. I don't even remember her name.
But in those few weeks that she was in my life, she took the Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner....and told this punk kid that he did have a brain.....that it wasn't sissy to use it......and that it was a portal to a wonderful world of learning and knowledge. I didn't really know it at the time...but she changed my life.
In that first teaching experience....one she probably considered a failure.....she accomplished what many teachers spend their whole careers trying to do......she broke through to one child and changed his life. I have spent much of my adult life wishing that I knew who she was so I could both thank her for what she gave me.....and beg her forgiveness for what I did to her.
It's been said we are always only one generation away from barbarism.....our teachers are the front line in that fight.
October 13, 2009 at 6:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
Everyone,
The BOE and CC are most certainly salivating over receiving a 6 million dollar stimulus and the carpet for the new practice field has most certainly already been ordered and the City Commissioners are most certainly laughing, " gladhanding" and slapping each other on the back at their wind fall !
All of these people who serve on the BOE and CC, whom can do only one thing, spend and raise taxes, are most likely celebrating, boisterously at their good fortune and windfall . However most of you/us taxpayers who have any modicum of common sense and ability to think and reason, know that this so called 6 million dollar " freeby " , is not really free and is going to cost someone " plenty " and the cost is going to be born by you, me and future generations of Emporians !
Also if you think that this so-called free windfall money will keep your taxes, etc. from being increased, I am afraid you/we will be in for a big surprise !
And who is going to be the " WATCHDOG " to see that the BOE and CC use and spend the 6 million dollars for needed and necessary expenditures and not thrown away on not needed, unnecessary and frivilous items !
The news of this windfall has, more than likely, had the same affect as throwing an animal carcass in the middle of the wilderness, the scavangers, vultures and buzzards are already circling, looking to get their free bit of the prize !
My father used to always say, " Son, nothing in life is free, free means that it is going to cost someone something at some time, whether it is now or down the road ! "
Have a good day, everyone.
October 13, 2009 at 7:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
methusla (anonymous) says...
biscuitboy,
I too was from south of the tracks, in fact, still am !
I too do not remember most of my teachers or proffesors names, however they all impacted my life in a positive way. t
The one teacher I remember the most, was Mr. Bloxom my math teacher in high school. Math was always my most difficult subject, but Mr. Bloxom made math seem so easy, simple and most of all " fun" . There was most certainly others that influenced my life as well !
October 13, 2009 at 7:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Ahh, yes biscuitboy, "at length did cross an Albatross..."
And we have all referred to that famous albatross from time to time, some without even realizing from whence it came.
Your teacher was a brave one indeed for teaching you Coleridge's poem with all the archaic language, but what a feat. And what better audience for sea monsters and desperation aboard a lost ship than a classroom full of junior high kids. Good stuff!
October 13, 2009 at 8:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
glarson (Gwen Larson) says...
Moved to a forum:
http://www.emporiagazette.com/forums/...
October 13, 2009 at 9:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seriouslyfolks (anonymous) says...
There once was a man from Emporia,
Boy he'd do anything for ya
If the pockets of his jeans
Would be lined with crispy greens
So to whom does this writ refer
Why it could be to two, three, or even more
R.
October 13, 2009 at 9:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )