So far, I like what I’m seeing. They seem to be doing a better job this season of keeping the cameras on the talent and off of the judges and Jerry, which is as it should be. I wasn’t as impressed with the opera singer as they were—he felt like an echo of Paul Potts, who felt like an echo of Pavirotti—which is why even though Nessun Dorma is a showcase song you have to be damned sure you have the chops to pull it off before you step in front of an audience.
If anyone comes close to impressing me the way that Terry Fator did, I’ll be happy.
It's a glorious day here in Spokane. I took my daughter out for a long romp this morning, and now that she's down for her nap I'm enjoying some Girl Scouts Thin Mint cookies and cleaning out the email box. Tonight the Mrs. and I are off to town to see America's Got Talent winner Terry Fator do a show. He's easily the best ventriloquist I've ever laid eyes on:
Good times.
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The State Board of Education is having themselves a special meeting this coming Friday in Olympia to talk about the new math standards report. I'm guessing it'll be on TV Washington, and hopefully Where's the Math will have folks in attendance to give a report.
In conference news, registration for the Association of Washington School Principals is now open. I'll be attending on the cheap as an intern member, plus it's right here in Spokane so I don't have to pay for a hotel room. Speaking of hotel rooms, that's also Hoopfest Weekend, which means that every room in town is going to be packed. Make your reservations now!
You've probably seen the video of the girl who was beaten bloody and senseless by two other girls who thought they'd been dissed on MySpace. As is usual after these events, the question has come up: is the internet to blame?
(Editorial answer: No, it's not. Stupidity begins at home.)
The University of Southern California has ended its German department because of lack of interest. In the University's defense, German isn't exactly what you think of when you ponder what world language would be worth learning.
Also from the Golden State, academic powerhouse Stanford University is building subsidized housing for....assistant coaches, who can't afford to live anywhere near the campus. They're also constructing a cardboard box for Robin Lopez to live in after he washes out of the NBA.
If you're interested in starting work on your National Board Certification next year, there are scholarships available. I've been harsh on the NBPTS, and on the WEA for investing so much effort into the process, but with the money that's attached to it now I may need to give it a look.
