I've been watching the RNC almost as faithfully as the DNC. I found a zen place of analyzing the rhetorical devices without really delving into the content too much.

Although, Palin's segment on energy reliance was almost directly lifted from Obama's speech. And, she flat out lied about his [lack of] achievement while in the Senate.

And, she flat out lied about his [lack of] achievement while in the Senate.

As well as the Bridge to Nowhere.

{{{Sean}}} I have a strong urge to run down here and just sit with you and/or s.

Sean, before I go off on a totally unrelated rant, I just want to say again that we're here. Please call us if you need to get away or just be with people to distract yourself. And please, PLEASE, don't forget to take care of yourself right now. It's so easy to let that happen in a crisis, and with the guilt you've been feeling already, I'm really damned concerned about you right now. Keep checking in, okay?

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Since NPR is broadcasting the RNC throughout my hour+ commute home, I kept hearing snatches of it, shouting inarticulately, and changing the channel to Jack FM. Then I'd get sick of that and try NPR again. Then more screaming. I will be really glad when I get my normal NPR back.

ION, Barb, I agree that Abby's new teacher sounds both annoying and presumptuous. I'm sorry you're facing a whole year with her. I can't imagine having a child leave her laptop in my classroom for a night, let alone all week. Can you say "liability"? Holy crap.

Warning, soapbox TOTALLY not directed at anyone in particular ahead. As I read some of the conversation earlier, I started thinking about the topic of tech in schools and apparently found I had a lot to say.

I'm definitely in the "technology good" camp in general terms. Computers have profoundly changed (and improved) the way I teach, especially writing, and it's so much easier for my students to have those resources at their fingertips during class. It also makes it easier to conference, exchange comments on drafts, and so on without having to waste a whole lot of paper. I totally get the concern about equity, but often schools have some computers, but not enough for every student, so kids being able to bring a laptop (if they can and with no pressure to get one if they can't, of course) can make a huge difference in a teacher's ability to provide technology to everyone (i.e. the "only eight of these twenty school computers are actually working" syndrome). Though I teach at an affluent private school now, I've spent most of my career in public schools where many of my students had no tech at all. Having those few students who could afford to bring in their own laptops allowed me to use computers as a tool for everyone. For some of the students, that was the only computer exposure they were going to get, and I wouldn't have been able to provide it otherwise. ITA that this topic raises concerns about privilege and opportunity, but I don't want to throw the baby out with the bathwater, you know?

And sure, a part of me is a little nostalgic for the library stacks, but that's just not a reality in most Americans' lives anymore. It's kind of like refusing to switch from a typewriter to a computer--I find that charming and cool in a personal choice sense, but it wouldn't be responsible of me as an educator if I didn't at least attempt to provide more current techniques used in the job market and college. On a personal note, how much do I love having access to online research databases where I can search for obscure lit crit with a few key words and a little creativity? I wouldn't go back to the stacks for anything in the world. Oh JSTOR, how I love thee!

(And because this is clearly All About Me, I have to share that this year, I'm tech-spoiled in a whole new way. The school has been involved in a technology fundraising drive for a couple of years now in order to have a Smart Board in every room. We're about a third there. I got one for the first time in my life this year, and it's AMAZING. OMG the things I can do. We're talking about American lit and "The New Colossus" comes up? I touch the board and browse over to pictures of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We're doing a writing workshop? I project a student's paper onto the screen and use the digital "markers" to brainstorm with the class and write comments, circle key words, or model annotation...and then I save the screen and instantly email it to the class to use as a model. We're having a discussion? A student notetaker writes key points on the board, which can be saved and stored in the online class folder, where anyone--even someone absent--can access (continued...)

( continues...) them. Unbelievable. Every teacher in the the US should have one of these.)

But...ranting aside? I hate that the students in the schools that struggle the most don't have the same opportunities the most middle and upper income schools have. Kozol's Savage Inequalities still rings true, and I don't know what the solution is. It makes me feel angry and frustrated and guilty all at once.

As well as the Bridge to Nowhere.

Well, she said that she told Congress "Thanks, but no thanks," so I supposed that could be construed as technically true.

Kristin, a friend of mine here is trying to develop a website with lesson plans for Smart Board tech so she can get her stuff into classrooms. She was a French teacher for years and has lots of good ideas. I loved hearing about the SB stuff. I can only imagine what my kids will have when they get to high school.

My favorite quote of the night (reading through highlights because no way can I stomach actually listening) came from Mike Huckabee:

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee accused Obama of having a naive approach to foreign policy and said McCain would be tough enough to protect U.S. security.

"Maybe the most dangerous threat of an Obama presidency is that he would continue to give madmen the benefit of the doubt. If he's wrong just once, we will pay a heavy price," Huckabee said.

Um... Sparky? Weapons of Mass Destruction ring a bell?

Well, she said that she told Congress "Thanks, but no thanks," so I supposed that could be construed as technically true.

And Congress said, "who the hell are you and why are you bringing up a project that's been dead for a year?"

And sure, a part of me is a little nostalgic for the library stacks, but that's just not a reality in most Americans' lives anymore.

Sad, but true.

I hate that the students in the schools that struggle the most don't have the same opportunities the most middle and upper income schools have. Kozol's Savage Inequalities still rings true, and I don't know what the solution is. It makes me feel angry and frustrated and guilty all at once.

And so very much this.