Brian Cohen

I would say that the science is being misrepresented. The evidence is that humanity is genetically predisposed towards the "higher power" explanation, not that humanity is simply predisposed to try to explain phenomena away. The simplest explanation of the science appeared in Newsweek in 2007 (roughly spring, if I'm remembering correctly).

Let me start by saying that I am a recent graduate of one of the main teacher education colleges in Massachusetts. I received the highest possible scores on the Communications and Literacy test and my subject area exam, which is history. That said, this exam was for elementary ed, not for specialized "math teachers". Few if any of the people taking the exam are math majors. Math majors interested in education usually go to secondary ed, as they can basically write their own ticket as far as school district. Elementary ed jobs in-state are far more competitive. The disincentive is compounded by unions that value seniority over skill, and the cultural effects of that outlook. Good jobs are given to the most experienced candidate regardless of competence in most cases. The result is that few elementary ed majors, who must have another subject area major by law, choose math for that major. Regardless, the results illuminate several major problems. Few elementary ed teachers are comfortable or even competent to teach math (arithemetic, really, but whatever). The effects of this snowball, obviously, as all of them will have to teach mathematics to their elementary students. Obviously these students will suffer from a lack of truly qualified instruction. It also will not have a real effect on teacher education. This was a first run. The education "professionals" will get feedback from those who took the exam and direct their seminars to the new test. The teacher candidates won't actually be any better prepared to teach math to children, but they will be better prepared for a stupid exam. In any event, it makes an easy target of the wrong people, so have at it! The real problems with education have little to do with subject area knowledge, so make yourselves feel better by picking at it. Enjoy!

garbage

We look great on Fridays...so we got that goin for us

The bottom line is that Shanahan (or his team) didn't perform up to expectations, so he got canned. That is how life is supposed to work. We were told last year that Jauron was being retained, and that the expectation was playoffs this year. He failed, yet he is back. W-L is not as important as meeting expectations. It is why Shanahan, Mangini, Philips, and Jauron all deserved to be fired. They did not come close to meeting the expectations set for them this season. At least Shanahan could argue that better could be expected in the future. Mangini could argue that he's had winning seasons 2 out of 3 years. Phillips could argue that he had a winning record and has perennially led playoff teams. What's Dick's argument again? And he's the one that still has a job????

I think that's part of it. He's already built in the "economic" excuse with his post-announcement comments. Season tickets will go down, overall revenues will probably go down dramatically, and it will be used to justify moving the team, when in fact the reality is that it is in response to Ralph schitting on the fanbase.

A. As far as I know this board is for discussion of the Bills, and is not limited to sycophants, season ticket holders, or even fans of the team. I have no idea where you come up with a charge of hypocrisy for people who withdraw financial support of this team but continue to follow it, or post on a message board. B. You'll have your choice of plenty of prime seats. C. BS. This is not about a good team or a bad team or a bandwagon. This is about an owner that has been crapping all over the fans of this team for over a year, in almost every way possible, and making no effort at all to hide it. If he changes that attitude, or is no longer owner of this team, fans have every right to make a choice to support this team again.

NBC wasn't contracted to cover the Olympics were they? My understanding is that NBC paid China and the IOC for the broadcast rights, not the other way around. There's no contractual obligation to be bootlickers, NBC is simply choosing to, for a variety of very obvious immediate and future considerations. The fun part is listening to Costas get a little embarrased with the rump-swabbing while a colleague gushes about the wonders of the Chinese state and the wondrous preparations for the Games every once in a while and make a brief interjection about human rights or totalitarianism and then shut up and nod along until the next event or commercial. Nothing like watching a sellout squirm live.

Ironic thing is that the show started with Artie talking about how good he felt, that he had slept for 18 hours. I turned it off to go to class when they just started talking about the passport thing and I was shocked to find out how it turned out. There was really no hint that Artie would lose it like that, can't blame Howard for that part of it. For enabling and encouraging Artie's self-destructive behavior for the show's benefit, sure, but not for instigating the fight. How they didn't do something after yesterday's show is beyond me. The therapist that called in was on the money-in the end the show is more important to them than Artie. Does anyone believe he hasn't been using the last couple of months at least? I did hear that Artie was on the flight to Amsterdam, I wonder if he did this to sabotage himself and create an excuse to give in to his addiction completely while he's there. I'd guess he'll be dead or a full-time junkie before he leaves Amsterdam.

colts, just for the polian connection.

I still say it comes down to the utopianism of liberals in general. The world has certain real energy needs. The most realistic way to cut carbon emissions is to increase nuclear power production, but they won't do that either. It's very simple economics, which socialist and communist theory doesn't recognize. The principle of scarcity. Human wants are unlimited. Recognize this, and you see the truth. The question is how to address it, with utopian clap-trap, or with real world possible solutions. Everything has consequences. Deal with that fact, and you can start to address the possible solutions.

Go Colts-for no other reason than that the man responsible for the only great teams in Bills history has built you as well. Hail Colts, Hail Manning and Hail, Hail, Hail Polian!

Actually that has been the modus operandi of any number of Arab/Middle Eastern militaries for a long time. Too much interest in hardware, and not enough in software, i.e. the people who operate them and the strategic plan for their use.

The problem with that theory is that i saw the Amerks friday night. They have at least 3 forwards and 1 defenseman that can step in now and keep up the pace the sabres want to play at. i was actually shocked that macarthur wasnt one of the callups-he was polished and very good-probably the most nhl ready. i was talking after the game i expected him to be the first call-up. stafford was ok offensively, but a little contact shy and really poor defensively. paille was balls out the best player on the ice, and umbergered former amerk norm milley. funk was really good, and a helluva skater for his size-but i hope he gets more of a chance to bulk up a little before they have to call him up. there is good depth in this organization, and the good start just insures a good seed come april.

to be fair, mcgahee was doing well before the injury too. i like the new left side and that is probably what made the running game look semi-legitimate today.