THE TOP BANANA - TOP READS TODAY 10-6

THE TOP BANANA - TOP READS TODAY

Economic Policy Institute: Vouchers Undermine Opportunity https://dianeravitch.net/2024/10/06/economic-policy-institute-vouchers-undermine-opportunity/ via @dianeravitch 

Colorado: Parents Push Back Against Right-Wing Social-Studies Standards https://dianeravitch.net/2024/10/06/162060/ via @dianeravitch 

Heather Cox Richardson: Lies, Lies, and More Lies https://dianeravitch.net/2024/10/06/heather-cox-richardson-lies-lies-and-more-lies/ via @dianeravitch

Washington Post Fact-Checks Trump on Hurricane Claims https://dianeravitch.net/2024/10/06/washington-post-fact-checks-trump-on-hurricane-claims/ via @dianeravitch 

CURMUDGUCATION: ICYMI: Applefest 24 Edition (10/6) https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2024/10/icymi-applefest-24-edition-106.html

CURMUDGUCATION: NPE Launches National Center for Charter School Accountability https://curmudgucation.blogspot.com/2024/10/npe-launches-national-center-for.html  

Recommended: Dr. Elana Aydarova. Science of Reading Mythologies https://radicalscholarship.com/2024/10/06/recommended-dr-elana-aydarova-science-of-reading-mythologies/ via @plthomasEdD 

Recommended: maybe there will be music (Rachel Lanik Whelan) https://radicalscholarship.com/2024/10/06/recommended-maybe-there-will-be-music-rachel-lanik-whelan/ via @plthomasEdD 

Choosing Democracy: Ways to Participate in these Vital Elections https://choosingdemocracy.blogspot.com/2024/10/ways-to-participate-in-these-vital.html 

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Good News, Bad News https://saveseattleschools.blogspot.com/2024/10/good-news-bad-news.html?spref=tw 

What happened to weird?, by @fklonsky https://open.substack.com/pub/fredklonsky/p/what-happened-to-weird?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web 

OK, MAGA: checking in with the MAGA Fluid, by @BillyTownsendEd https://open.substack.com/pub/billytownsend/p/ok-maga-checking-in-with-the-maga?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web 

Whatever Happened to Vocational Education? https://larrycuban.wordpress.com/2024/10/05/whatever-happened-to-vocational-education-2/ via @CubanLarry 

Hitting Left, Episode #234, by @mikeklonsky https://open.substack.com/pub/michaelklonsky/p/hitting-left-episode-234?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web 

ACSE Agenda October 16, 2024 - Administration & Support (CA Dept of Education) https://www.cde.ca.gov/sp/se/as/acseag1024.asp

BEWARE ‘THE SCIENCE OF READING’ | The Merrow Report https://themerrowreport.com/2024/10/04/beware-the-science-of-reading/ 

glen brown: Why are Red State Citizens Poorer, Less Educated, & Sicker than Blue State Citizens? Republicans worship cheap labor — and having a steady and reliable supply of cheap labor requires widespread poverty… https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2024/10/why-are-red-state-citizens-poorer-less.html 

The Misleading Allure of Personalities Over Policies https://norinrad10.com/2024/10/04/the-misleading-allure-of-personalities-over-policies/ via @norinrad10

Teacher Tom: What "Good Parenting" Means https://teachertomsblog.blogspot.com/2024/10/what-good-parenting-means.html 

Disturbing New Report Exposes Impact of Two Decades of Ohio Tax Cuts https://janresseger.wordpress.com/2024/10/03/disturbing-details-on-impact-of-two-decades-of-ohio-tax-cuts/ via @janresseger 

Science of Learning; an Education Fraud | tultican https://tultican.com/2024/10/02/science-of-learning-an-education-fraud/ 

“Union Mouth” https://teacherinastrangeland.blog/2024/10/02/union-mouth/ via @nancyflanagan 

Prime Palindromes | JD2718 https://jd2718.org/2024/10/02/prime-palindromes/

The Worst Mark Robinson “Nude Africa” Posts: What CNN Could Not Publish | deutsch29: Mercedes Schneider's Blog https://deutsch29.wordpress.com/2024/09/29/the-worst-mark-robinson-nude-africa-posts-what-cnn-could-not-publish/ 

Chancellor’s resignation, Teenspace, and AI, and how you can help protect student privacy | Class Size Matters | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes https://classsizematters.org/chancellors-resignation-teenspace-and-ai-and-how-you-can-help-protect-student-privacy/ 

NYC Public School Parents: Mayor indicted, Chancellor resigning, and the Panel for Educational Policy eliminates its Contract Committee; so much for Mayoral control!! https://nycpublicschoolparents.blogspot.com/2024/09/mayor-indicted-chancellor-resigning-and.html 

These “Sentence Navigators” Are Gifts To You, Courtesy Of A Peer Tutor https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/2024/10/05/these-sentence-navigators-are-gifts-to-you-courtesy-of-a-peer-tutor/ 

September’s Parent Engagement Resources | Engaging Parents In School… https://engagingparentsinschool.edublogs.org/2024/09/24/septembers-parent-engagement-resources/ 

Number 18 — A barely-hanging-on Blogoversary | Live Long and Prosper https://sbloom2.wordpress.com/2024/09/14/blogoversary18/ 

Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders Need Help! - Nancy Bailey's Education Website https://nancyebailey.com/2024/09/13/students-with-emotional-and-behavioral-disorders-need-help/ 

Our comments to the Attorney General on how to regulate the NY Child Data Protection Act | Parent Coalition for Student Privacy https://studentprivacymatters.org/our-comments-to-the-nysag-on-how-to-regulate-the-ny-child-data-protection-act/ 

Big Education Ape: MEMES THAT MADE ME LAUGH TODAY https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2024/10/memes-that-made-me-laugh-today.html 

Only 1% of math teachers say they use AI “a lot” | GFBrandenburg's Blog https://gfbrandenburg.wordpress.com/2024/10/02/only-1-of-math-teachers-say-they-use-ai-a-lot/ 

Alex Jallot, Pace U. HS CL, UFT Exec Bd Member, & MORE Caucus Member Desecrates the Memory of Hamas Victim Shani Louk https://southbronxschool.blogspot.com/2024/10/i-wrote-this-piece-wondering-whether-or.html

MEMES THAT MADE ME LAUGH TODAY 10-6

 

MEMES THAT MADE ME LAUGH TODAY

MENAGE NO MORE - BOOMER EXPLAINER - WTF IS A POLYAMOROUS RELATIONSHIP

 MENAGE NO MORE - BOOMER EXPLAINER

WTF IS A POLYAMOROUS RELATIONSHIP

Alright, boomers, buckle up because we're about to dive into the wild world of polyamorous relationships. Now, I know what you're thinking - "What the heck is polyamory?" Well, let me break it down for you in a way that even your old-fashioned sensibilities can understand.

So, picture this: you're at a family barbecue, sipping on a cold one and chatting with your buddies about the good old days. Suddenly, your nephew starts talking about how he's in a polyamorous relationship. You nearly spit out your beer, wondering if he's speaking some kind of foreign language. But fear not, dear boomer, I'm here to decode this modern-day phenomenon for you.

First off, let's tackle the big question - what the heck is polyamory? Simply put, it's the practice of having multiple romantic or sexual partners at the same time, with the consent of everyone involved. That's right, it's not just swinging from the chandeliers - there's communication, honesty, and respect involved. It's like juggling multiple plates at a circus, except the plates are people and there's a whole lot more emotions involved.

Now, I can already hear the collective gasps from the boomer crowd. "But what about commitment? What about traditional values?" I hear you cry. Well, fear not, because polyamorous relationships can be just as committed and loving as monogamous ones. It's all about finding what works for the people involved, and let's face it - love comes in all shapes and sizes.

But wait, there's more! Polyamory isn't just about romantic relationships - it can also involve deep emotional connections with multiple partners. Imagine having a best friend who's also your lover, and then throwing another best friend/lover into the mix. It's like a sitcom with a whole lot more kissing.

Now, I know what you're thinking - "But isn't that just cheating with extra steps?" Nope, not quite. In a polyamorous relationship, everyone involved is aware of and consents to the multiple connections. It's like having a relationship spreadsheet where everyone's name is listed and there are color-coded tabs for date nights.

So, how does one even navigate the murky waters of polyamory? Well, communication is key. It's like being in a constant state of group chat, except instead of discussing weekend plans, you're talking about feelings, boundaries, and scheduling romantic rendezvous. It's like playing a game of emotional Twister - left foot on honesty, right hand on empathy.

And let's not forget about jealousy. Ah, good old jealousy - the green-eyed monster that rears its head in any relationship. In a polyamorous dynamic, jealousy is like that annoying relative who always shows up uninvited. It takes some serious self-reflection and open communication to tackle jealousy head-on. It's like being in a never-ending therapy session, except your therapist is also dating your partner.

Now, before you start clutching your pearls and reaching for the smelling salts, let me assure you that polyamory isn't for everyone. Just like how some people prefer their coffee black and others like it with a splash of cream, relationships come in all flavors. Some people thrive in monogamous relationships, while others find fulfillment in polyamory.

So, there you have it, dear boomers - a crash course in the wild world of polyamorous relationships. It may seem like a foreign concept at first, but hey, love is love, no matter how many people are involved. And who knows, maybe Uncle Bob and Aunt Susan will surprise you with their newfound love for polyamory. After all, stranger things have happened at family barbecues.

Everything you need to know about polyamory | The Independent https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/love-sex/polyamory-relationship-dating-meaning-b2149270.html 

Polyamorous Relationship: Rules, Types And Definition https://www.relrules.com/polyamorous-relationship/ 

What Is a Polyamorous Relationship? A Poly Woman InsightsHelloGiggles https://hellogiggles.com/polyamorous-relationship-explained/ 

PRIVATE SCHOOL VOUCHERS - RED STATE TOWER OF BABEL

PRIVATE SCHOOL VOUCHERS - RED STATE TOWER OF BABEL

 Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, there was a great tower known as the Tower of Babel. This tower was a symbol of human ambition and unity, a testament to the power of collaboration and the potential of mankind. But as the story goes, the people of Babel became too ambitious, too proud, and too unified for their own good. They sought to build a tower that would reach the heavens, a monument to their own greatness. But in their arrogance, they forgot the importance of humility and the value of diversity. And so, their tower crumbled, their language was confused, and they were scattered across the earth.

In many ways, the parable of the Tower of Babel is a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the folly of ignoring the lessons of history. It is a reminder that unity without diversity, and ambition without humility, can lead to disaster. And it is a lesson that we would do well to remember in our own time.

One of the most pressing issues facing our society today is the question of education. As the debate rages on about the role of public schools and the use of public funds for private education, it is worth considering the wisdom of those who came before us. President John Adams once said, "The whole people must take upon themselves the education of the whole people and be willing to bear the expenses of it." These words are as true today as they were when they were first spoken. Education is not just a privilege, but a responsibility that we all share. And it is a responsibility that we must be willing to invest in.

Public schools are the cornerstone of democracy. They are the places where children from all walks of life come together to learn and grow. They are the institutions that foster a sense of community and belonging. They are the great equalizers, providing an opportunity for every child to receive a quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances. And they are worth fighting for.

The idea of using public funds for only public schools is not just a matter of practicality, but of principle. It is a recognition that education is a public good, and that it should be accessible to all. It is a rejection of the idea that some children are more deserving of a quality education than others. And it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to the values of equality and opportunity.

The debate over vouchers for private schools replacing public education is not just about dollars and cents, but about the kind of society we want to be. It is about whether we believe in the power of education to transform lives and communities. It is about whether we are willing to invest in the future of our children, and by extension, the future of our nation.

It is easy to get caught up in the rhetoric and politics of education reform, but at its core, this is a moral issue. It is about what kind of world we want to leave for the next generation. It is about whether we are willing to take up the mantle of responsibility that President John Adams spoke of so many years ago.

In the end, the parable of the Tower of Babel serves as a powerful reminder that our greatest achievements are built not on arrogance and pride, but on humility and collaboration. It reminds us that diversity is our strength, and that unity without it is doomed to fail. And it challenges us to look beyond our own narrow self-interests and consider the greater good.

So let us remember the lessons of history, and let us heed the words of President John Adams. Let us reaffirm our commitment to public education as the cornerstone of democracy. Let us be willing to bear the expenses of it, not just in dollars and cents, but in our collective effort and resolve. And let us build a tower that reaches not just towards the heavens, but towards a brighter future for all.

The ‘Catastrophic Failure’ of School Vouchers | NEA https://www.nea.org/nea-today/all-news-articles/school-vouchers-catastrophic-failure 

More Christian schools utilizing school voucher programs | fox43.com https://www.fox43.com/article/news/nation-world/vouchers-christian-schools/507-638cc3cc-9b4b-4179-88b2-0973c97a7b49 

Stockard on the Stump: Governor’s private-school vouchers already struggling for votes https://tennesseelookout.com/2024/09/20/stockard-on-the-stump-governors-private-school-vouchers-already-struggling-for-votes/ via @TNLookout

Cooper vetoes bill expanding private school vouchers, require sheriffs' ICE cooperation https://www.wral.com/story/cooper-vetoes-bill-expanding-private-school-vouchers-require-sheriffs-ice-cooperation/21634304/ 

Tower of Babel https://www.britannica.com/topic/Tower-of-Babel via @britannica 

Tower of Babel - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tower_of_Babel 

Tower of Babel | Answers in Genesis https://answersingenesis.org/tower-of-babel/

Big Education Ape: The New American Privateers: Privatization for Profit https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2024/09/the-new-american-privateers.html 

RUPERT MURDOCH FAMILY FEUD - WHO GETS TO KEEP THE LIES

 

RUPERT MURDOCH FAMILY FEUD - WHO  GETS TO KEEP THE LIES

Once upon a time in a land far, far away (well, actually just in Reno, Nevada), the Murdoch family found themselves embroiled in a juicy, scandalous, and downright hilarious feud over the possession of the Fox fake news and lies. It was like a real-life soap opera, complete with luxury SUVs, secret court documents, and a whole lot of drama.

The saga began when the New York Times got their hands on a confidential court document, exposing the family's dirty laundry for all to see. The court hearings were shrouded in secrecy, closed off to the media and the public, but that didn't stop a swarm of journalists and camera crews from descending upon Reno's Second Judicial Courthouse to catch a glimpse of the Murdoch clan.

The scene was straight out of a reality TV show as the billionaire siblings—James, Prudence, and Elisabeth—rolled up in separate vehicles, accompanied by their significant others. Rupert and Lachlan arrived in a separate convoy, with Rupert sporting his new wife Elena Zhukova on his arm and Lachlan accompanied by his wife, Sarah Murdoch.

As the family members made their way into the courthouse, they were bombarded with questions from the press, but they remained tight-lipped, adding to the air of mystery and intrigue surrounding the whole affair.

According to the court documents, Rupert was hell-bent on keeping his media empire a politically conservative force even after his demise. He was concerned that a lack of consensus among his offspring could lead to a potential reorientation of editorial policy and content at his companies, including Fox News and various newspapers around the world.

The Murdoch empire included News Corp, which boasted an impressive portfolio of media outlets such as The Australian newspaper, The Wall Street Journal, and The Sun, as well as Fox Corp, home to Fox News and Fox Sports. The family trust, set up 25 years ago, held the key to the future of these media behemoths.

Lachlan, currently the CEO and executive chair of Fox Corp, found himself at odds with his siblings over the direction of the family trust. It was a classic case of sibling rivalry with a multibillion-dollar twist. James, known for his liberal leanings, had already resigned from News Corp's board in 2020 due to disagreements over climate coverage. Elisabeth and Prudence were also reportedly not on the same page as Lachlan when it came to the company's politics.

The trust's members extended beyond just the four siblings to include Rupert's youngest daughters from his third marriage, Grace and Chloe. With so many players involved, it was like a high-stakes game of Monopoly, except instead of Park Place and Boardwalk, they were fighting over control of media conglomerates.

The courtroom showdown promised to be a spectacle of epic proportions, with Rupert arguing that keeping Lachlan in control was crucial to maintaining the companies' commercial value. He wanted to avoid any future leadership disputes that could potentially harm the Murdoch media empire. It was like a real-life game of thrones, only with fewer dragons and more legal jargon.

As the legal battle raged on behind closed doors, media outlets clamored to get a peek at the confidential documents and have the court hearings opened to the public. Even a Nevada-based organization dedicated to monitoring the state's judges and courts tried to pry open the doors of secrecy surrounding the case. It was like everyone wanted a front-row seat to the greatest family drama of the century.

Meanwhile, back in Australia, where News Corp owned a significant chunk of the media landscape, former prime ministers Kevin Rudd and Malcolm Turnbull were calling for an inquiry into the Murdoch media empire. The drama wasn't just confined to the courtroom; it had spilled over into the political arena, making for an even more entertaining spectacle.

As the days turned into weeks and the legal battle dragged on, rumors swirled about the family's fractured relationships. James was reportedly not on speaking terms with Lachlan or Rupert. He had even skipped out on Rupert's wedding to Elena Zhukova, adding another layer of intrigue to an already convoluted plot.

The whole affair had captured the public's imagination, with everyone eagerly awaiting the next twist in this real-life telenovela. It was like "Keeping Up with the Murdochs," except instead of petty squabbles over designer handbags, it was all about power struggles and corporate empires.

And so, as the saga continued to unfold in all its absurd glory, one thing was for certain—the Murdoch family feud had all the makings of a blockbuster movie. With its larger-than-life characters, high-stakes drama, and enough scandal to make even the most seasoned tabloid journalist blush, it was a story that had captured the world's attention.

As for who would ultimately emerge victorious in this battle for control of the Fox fake news and lies? Well, only time would tell. But one thing was for sure—the Murdoch family feud was one for the history books, a tale of power, politics, and plenty of popcorn-worthy entertainment. And as long as there were secrets to be uncovered and drama to be had, the world would be watching with bated breath for the next jaw-dropping twist in this larger-than-life family saga.

Rupert Murdoch's family feud over future of News Corp and Fox plays out in Nevada court - ABC News https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-17/rupert-lachlan-james-murdoch-news-corp-fox-court-nevada/104358816 

The secret battle for Rupert Murdoch’s empire has begun https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/09/16/murdoch-succession-feud-in-court-behind-closed-doors/