gregintenn

I never really looked at it that way. I'm not sure I agree, but it is something to consider. Thanks.

My children are often drafted into helping some of the slower students, grading papers, etc. I don't see that as fair to my children. Do you?

YOu've made several good points in your last post, buttonhook. No Child Left Behind, as I see it, is a failure. How do we get rid of it? You are probably correct, also, in saying that I should go to our schools and offer to volunteer. I was not aware that a person could do this. I've always gotten the impression that I should give them money and stay the heck out of the way. The only knowledge I have on the subject is first hand experience. I don't wish to give the impression that I know a lot about it; just what I've witnessed. I guess I'm lucky, as both my children are straight "A" students. Their problem is that they aren't challenged, and become bored waiting on the children who have learning problems. I don't think my children should be neglected because they aren't learning "challenged".

Very well stated. I couldn't agree more.

I never lumped ALL teachers into this group, but the vast majority fits in it nicely. If you'll go back and read, you'll se I made the statement that a quality teacher should make six figures. This will never happen as long as you let a union lump all of you together. Now this just pegs the B.S. meter! Name one instance in which "the children" were considered in any union push. What can I do? Also there are less than 20 kids per class here. No offense taken. I enjoy a good discussion. I would appreciate it if you'd drop all the union rhetoric and have an actual discussion about this. Our public school system sucks. I do not blame the teachers. You are correct in saying that government regulations are crazy! WHat can we do about this? DOn't say support a union, because there's been a union for years, and the school system has gotten progressivly worse. It isn't the answer. If you have any serious ideas, I'd like to hear them, as I'm irate at the condition of our schools. I support our few good teachers, and would like to see more of them. I'd also like to see them rewarded. One more question for you on the subject..... What, in your opinion, would be the best way to evaluate teacher performance?

I don't give them a zip code or phone number if asked at a store checkout. The clerk usually rolls their eyes in disgust, or looks at me like I'm insane. If anything else is said, I ask for their address and phone number. That usually gets them to stop and think about it.

Unless she has a vault full of it, it's probably worth more in the cool factor of having it than what you'd get exchanging it for dollars. I have coins I inheirited from my grandfather from several different nations. I'm unsure of where he got it. I believe some of them are silver. They are neat conversation pieces.

This is probably what I was thinking of when I thought it had expired. Thanks.

buttonhook, I work for the state as well. I haven't had a raise since you have. If it gets to the point where I think i'm not being trated fairly, I'll simply leave and do something else. I don't get on an internet forum and cry about it. I don't tell everyone what a hero I am, and that I'm being mistreated. I will leave. If you like teaching, teach. If it is as bad as you say, there are a world of other opportunities out there waiting for you. My youngest son has a wonderful teacher this year. My oldest son had a wonderful teacher in kindergarten. That's it! The rest of them haven't been worth the air they breathe. The entire time I attended public school, I had maybe one decent teacher. I've heard that old "if you can read, thank a teacher" crap until I could puke. I was reading proficiently before I entered kindergarten. I can say that I learned very little in the thirteen years I wasted in public school. My children both attended a private preschool at a Methodist church, two half days a week for most of a year. My oldest son is in the sixth grade, and he learned a lot more in that preschool than in the entire time he's attended public school. Guess what? That preschool didn't have a union. Buttonhook, Please don't think I'm simply picking on you, you may be a fine teacher; I don't know. I've heard these same old NEA/TEA talking points; word for word since I was five years old. Surely they could write some new ones every so often. The thing is that all of us have sacrifices to make. I'm willing to bet that there are very few, if any here who simply punch a clock, stay there 8 hours, punch out and go home.

It is a stupid law, and pizzes me off, but I don't get upset at the person who actually asks for your I.D., as they are simply doing what is required of them. I am upset at the stupid politicians who enacted the law. If it's that important at a restuarant or convenience store, wouldn't you want to do it at a liquor store as well? I though I read somewhere a while back that the law had expired or something. I haven't been able to find that again to verify it.

Somebody got a tax refund check!!!!

Less than a C note. They are a good shotgun if that'w what you want.

Cry me a river.....if you aren't satisfied there, find different employment! I've had my fill of teachers' bitching about how bad things are. If you ever get out here in the real world, you'll find that things are bad all over. A teaching degree is the easiest college degree to get. That, and the summer off, and you'll understand why every school has a room full of job applications. What I want is a teacher concerned with TEACHING my children something; not fundraising, or getting out of school early because of snow, or rain, or heat, or cold. There are a precious few quality teachers, and a plethora of sorry ones. I have no idea where you fit in, but your undying support of the teachers' union gives me a clue.

Stick it in the bottom of your closet. As long as it isn't subjected to extreme heat and doesn't get wet, it'll outlive you.

So how was the show?

There are a lot of fine members here. Sounds like you met one.

I'm glad to hear no one was hurt. Now I expect to see a chitload of firewood in the classified section.

Cool! I'll bet you liked it, didn't you? I've read about others using a vacuum sealer, but I haven't tried it.

If the movie is as long as the book, it needs to be a mini series. I did love the book, but man it was long.

Thanks for the offer. To be honest, I'm not a fan of excessive recoil.

I'd like to try a Ruger LCR sometime. The trigger on them feels great. They seem to fit my hand well too.

I highly admire quality teachers. You can usually tell who they are by their view of the teacher's union. The good ones don't have a use for it. A top notch teacher should earn six figures. It's all the lazy ones that we can't get rid of due to tenure that I have a problem with.

I just bought the one I wanted to begin with. Once upon a time, an Essex frame was the one to start with. I didn't see the quality in them others claimed.I'm guessing a Para or Springfield would work pretty good, as would a Colt or Kimber. My father made a tack driver out of an Auto Ordinance, but it took a lot of work one shouldn't have to do to a higher quality gun.

Around here, they're usually $500 trailers. How about a match? Why would you spend 5k to clean up something that should be disposed of anyway.