Foreign Languages

For those of you studying foreign languages this year, this site offers translation help.

Research

Researchers learn to extract crude oil from pig manure, read more about it in the Sun Herald.

The Twisted Mind Emporium

The Twisted Mind Emporium brings us Weird Science Fast Animals. Number six is my all time favorite the American Quarter Horse.

The quarter horse can hit almost 48 miles per hour. And to think I use to ride them..........................

Why Homeschool: Reasons to Avoid Government Schools - Part 3

Janine takes a look at public school teachers, in part 3 Reasons to Avoid Public Schools. Be sure to read parts 1 and 2.

The Homeschool Diner
is open for business. Best of all it's calorie free, fat free and full of homeschooling tips.

The Common Room: It's the Carnival of Homeschooling!!

This weeks carnival is up, so drop in for a visit.

Some People Just Don't Understand Homeschooling or Science

It seems strange that Public School Teachers and Administrators are so busy worrying about homeschoolers. One would think they would have their hands full with the public school students they are failing to educate.

Spunky points out that some people just don't get it in her blog.

And apparently the debate over rather Science (Theory of Evolution) or Religion (Intelligent Design/ my all time favorite The Church of The Flying Spaghetti Monster) should be taught in Science Classes, is alive and well.

One public school teacher had to actually fight to teach SCIENCE in her Science Classroom.

One parent asked how money could be wasted on a subject like evolution: "As budget cuts continuously chip away at our children's future of a good, quality college-ready education," she wrote, "I would think there would be more educational, more worthwhile and certainly more factual learning that could be taught." She requested that her son be permitted to "bide his time elsewhere" when evolution was taught.

Ms. New explained that evolution is so central to biology, the boy would be biding elsewhere all year long. Practically every chapter in her Prentice Hall textbooks "Bacteria to Plants," "Cells and Heredity," "Animals" used evolution to trace the development of life starting with bacteria, green algae and gymnosperms.

Honestly where do these uneducated parents come from (oh, they probably attended PUBLIC SCHOOLS). If Mom wants her son to bide his time elsewhere when Evolution is taught then she she should plan on him bidding his time somewhere other then college. I can assure her Evolution is a key concept of college Biology Classes. And for all you Flying Spaghetti Monster Fans, HIS followers have created the Flying Spaghetti Monster Game.

Related Tags: Homeschooling, Science, Flying Spaghetti Monster, Evolution

Just Had to Share

First off the COH hosted by Sprittibee with it's western theme is up. Gallop on by to read some interesting articles.

I don't usually do Book Reviews until I have finished the book, but I like this one so much I just had to go ahead and share it with you. I am currently reading Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. It's a powerful book and very well written.

Check out Homeschool 101 by Natalie Criss

The Common Room: History Books

I was out of town and missed last weeks COH, hosted at Phat Mommy when it came out. But better late then never right. I loved the galactic theme, and with my current quest for the perfect American History book I found the blog on History Books at the Common Room timely. I have some good news, while visiting my parents I found two promising history books on my parents bookshelves. I'll blog more about them later.

Book Reviews

Mary Mary by James Patterson

Alex Cross is back. This time he is hunting a merciless killer of Hollywood Stars, who emails the details of the murders to a newspaper reporter at the LA Times. I found the book to be very enjoyable.

Morgan's Run by Colleen McCullough

Wonderful historical novel. Tells the story of the English convicts transported to Botany Bay and how one convict not only survived but thrived on Norfolk Island. I encourage you to read Richard Morgan's story. I am looking forward to a sequel.

Killer Dolphin by Ngaio Marsh

Enjoyable murder mystery. You really get to know the cast of characters. Oddly enough the murder doesn't take place until the final few chapters.

Complete and Utter Nonsense

Usually the idea of banning or burning books would have me shuddering in horror. But I would actually be happy to throw this one on a bonfire myself. The Basis of Civilization by James A Vincent is pure claptrap. Here are some of his key points:

He declares that only "Christian Religions" are protected under the U.S. Constitution and maintains that other religions should not be allowed in the United States (especially Islam).

He uses illogical arguments against the Theory of Evolution; anyone with a scientific background would die of laughter after reading this nonsense.

He insists that all allergies are caused by women that don’t breastfeed.

He promotes the teaching of selective mating (whatever that may be) in public schools.

He wants to neuter men and women who have children outside of wedlock.

He calls sexual harassment and affirmative action laws ridiculous.

He maintains that people on Welfare should not be allowed to vote.

He wants the death penalty for drug users, regardless of age.

He insists that God put a curse on Blacks and American Indians, and as a result of the curse their intellectual capacity isn’t as high as other races.

And just when I thought the guy couldn’t make a STUPIDER comment – He insist that the Inca Indians practiced the Christian religion, built temples with baptismal fonts and spoke and wrote ancient Hebrew.

Carnival Of Homeschooling Week 30

Week 30 of the Carnival of Homeschooling is being hosted by The Lilting House, click here to visit.

Homeschooling is a GREAT Idea!

I have become a COH junkie; every Tuesday you'll find me visiting the latest and greatest carnival to find out what has been going on in the homeschooling community. It also provides fodder for my blog, especially the comments. Now I really meant to link to the comments in the blog that prompted this post. But I couldn't find them again......................So much for my incredible memory. But there was a single guy with no kids asking questions about homeschooling. His two biggest worries about homeschooling were 1.) Who would report child abuse if kids are homeschooled (like the public schools do such a wonderful job?) and 2.) Kids would be brainwashed by their parents if they weren't exposed to Public Schools (who do their own brainwashing). I find it troubling that anyone would think it is the GOVERNMENT'S duty/responsibility to watch over children from cradle to grave and that without government interference parents are incapable of doing a decent job. The majority of parents, homeschooling parents included, have their children's best interest at heart and would never dream of abusing them. And what about all the public school teacher's that abuse students? The guy stated that thanks to his public school education he has beliefs and values radically different from those his parents have. Sounds like the public schools do their own form of brainwashing, but that's another post. Homeschoolers do not live in a vacuum. Homeschool students watch TV, go to movies, listen to the radio, and play with neighborhood friends just like public school students do. So they have ample opportunity to be exposed to ideas differing from their parents. And why does single guy assume that his beliefs and values garnered from his life in public school are somehow superior to his parents? It seems to me that public schools are nothing more then breeding grounds for the latest politically correct ideas or feel good policies these days. Some how their goal to educate the masses has been tossed aside.

But at least single guy seemed honestly interested in finding out more about homeschooling. Not so the public school teacher from FL., Jeanne, who not only bashed homeschoolers on the Why Homeschool site, but felt compelled to link to this post By Robert Paul Reyes on her site. Mr. Reyes assumes parents are STUPID (apparently his are). Not only can I balance a checkbook, I can find Iraq just fine on a map - thank you. As for teaching Algebra and Geometry, it's not a problem for me, but if it was there are tutors and co-ops to supply help for parents that need it. Homeschool parents aren't limited to teaching everything themselves. As for parents being rank amateurs, perhaps Mr. Reyes is unaware that eleven U.S. Presidents were homeschooled by rank amateurs. See Home Schooling for Success to read about other famous, successful homeschoolers.

He then goes on to state that homeschoolers will be social misfits and turn into monsters like Jerry Dalhmer (I think he must have meant Jeffrey Dahmer, Jerry Dalhmer is a fictional character in a law school examination) and Paul Hill. There is only one big problem with his theory. Both Dalhmer and Hill were graduates of PUBLIC schools. Jeffrey Dahmer graduated from a public high school in Ohio and Paul Hill attended Coral Gables High School, a public school in Florida. Other infamous PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS are Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold who slaughtered fellow classmates at Columbine. Public schools seem to be doing an excellent job of creating social misfits, Mr. Reyes.

Then Mr. Reyes goes on to add that most homeschoolers are religious zealots and if homeschooling is allowed to continue homeschoolers will turn America into a theocracy. Geez it makes you wonder what Mr. Reyes has against religion and how a product of the public school system like Mr. Reyes could be so misinformed and narrow minded. First off the United States Constitution in the First Amendment guarantees us the right to freedom of religion. This means Americans are free to worship as they see fit. They are even free to teach their children about God. So Mr. Reyes, just because you don't approve of someone's religious beliefs doesn't mean you or the government has the right to stop him or her from teaching those beliefs to their children. Secondly most homeschoolers aren't religious zealots. More and more homeschoolers are homeschooling for reasons other then religion. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's report Homeschooling in the United States: Trends and Characteristics by Kurt J. Bauman 50.8% of homeschoolers were primarily homeschooling because they believed they could give their children a better education at home then they would receive in the public school system. Only 33% were homeschooling primarily for religious reasons.

Mr. Reyes then goes on to say that while he knows the public schools are in a dismal state Homeschoolers should just join the PTA or become a Teacher's Assistant. Wow, the same parents that Mr. Reyes maintains can't balance checkbooks or find Iraq on a map have the power to FIX the public schools when all the educational professionals can't????? And why should I settle for a substandard education for my children while raising money through the PTA to support the substandard public education system?

Next Mr. Reyes states that homeschooling poses a serious threat to our educational system. Why? Because homeschooling works and public schools don’t?

Perhaps Mr. Reyes would like to explain how my 15-year-old son scored so high on the ACT, that he was able to get early admission to college if homeschooling is such an utter failure? And contrary to what Mr. Reyes would have you believe my son gets along well with his college classmate (even though they are older then him), as well as his co-workers at his summer job.

Mr. Reyes then claims that we have the best public school system in the world. But is that true? According to the U.S. Department of Education Study - Findings from the Condition of Education 2006: U.S. Student and Adult Performance on International Assessments of Educational Achievement: Students in Finland, Canada, and New Zealand did better then students in the United States on Reading Literacy. Students in Switzerland, Norway Bermuda and Canada out preformed the United States in Mathematics (Only Italy’s score was lower then the United States average). And in Science Literacy Finland, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia, Netherlands, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Canada, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Sweden, Ireland, Hungary and Germany all out preformed the United States.

And then there is the fact that HOMESCHOOLERS out perform PUBLIC and PRIVATE school students on test. According to a study done for the Educational Policy Analysis Archives by Lawrence M. Rudner -

“Compared to students nationwide, the median fourth-grade home school student test performance is 1.1 grade equivalents above his public/private school peers. By 8th grade, the median performance of home school students on the ITBS/TAP is almost four grade equivalents above that of students nationwide. Similar trends hold for all subject areas.”

Based on this study, maybe we should require all parents to homeschool.

Mr. Reyes claims to be a columnist for the Lynchburg Ledger, I suppose it's really hard to find qualified columnist. I agree whole heartedly with the blogger at 3Mew.com who labeled Mr. Reyes a Jackass, he certainly seems better qualified for that. And I loved Chris O’Donnell’s question, “Can we also pass a law making it illegal for anybody with a double digit IQ to be employed as a journalist?”
So Mr. Reyes, Homeschooling isn’t a GOOD idea, it’s a GREAT idea!

Really Good Book

Angels Fall
by Nora Roberts

It's a really good read if you like murder mysteries. You'll never guess who the killer is...............and Reece and Brody are a really hot, funny couple, plenty of romance to spice up the mystery.

Why Homeschool: Rants, Raves and Comments - part 1

Why Homeschool: Rants, Raves and Comments - part 1

A public school teacher felt the need to leave a comment bashing homeschoolers, on the Why Homeschool blog.

An example of her vitriol

I am very ANTI HOMESCHOOL. IT IS "i WON'T PAY TAXES, I am not going to get my child in a class that is color diverse, I don't want to help the local school , I am more holy or more Catholic than the Pope" attitude. FRANKLY, GET REAL YOU NAIVE PEOPLE.

While I could spend my time issuing a response, Janine at Why Homeschool did a wonderful job. I encourage you to read all three parts of Why Homeschool: Rants, Raves and Comments.

Must Read

Killer Dreams

by Iris Johansen

For those of you who have read Countdown you will be glad to know that Jock Gavin and MacDuff are back. Johansen delivers her usual thrill with Killer Dreams. And Matt Royd is HOT! Now if she will only hurry up and write another book.

Why Homeschool

Is hosting the Carnival of Homeschooling, this week. The pictures alone are worth a visit.

Book Review

The Secret Supper

by Javier Sierra

I have heard some people dismiss it as a rip-off of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, believe me it's not.

For one thing the story takes place in 1497. When Father Agostin Leyre is sent to solve a puzzle.

• First who is the Soothsayer and why is he sending messages to Rome denouncing Leonardo da Vinci.
• Why is the Soothsayer killing pilgrims to San Francesco il Grande in front of the Maesta.
• Does Leonard da Vinci's Cenacolo have Cathar symbols in it leading one to the Church of John.

And Father Agostin Leyre delivers a few surprises of his own after discovering the answer to his puzzle.

Ok, I'll Play

You can blame Natalie of Ramblings, Rants & Remedies for this.

Five things in my closet

1. Too many clothes. Hubby's need to go somewhere, so I can actually find my outfits without taking most of the clothes out first.
2. Shoes, some that need repairing; because who knows when I will be able to find a pair I like in my size.
3. Hats I NEVER wear; because I look terrible in hats, but I am suppose to wear them to prevent sunburns.
4. Hubby's lose change.
5. Belts (some of which I have had since High School-yeah I know it's time to clean out the closet)

Five things in my refrigerator

1. A watermelon. Wouldn't you know I would buy one, and it would start pouring down rain here. Making it impossible to eat on the picnic table.
2. Yogurt
3. Leftovers, that no one will eat, except me.
4. Eggs
5. Carrots

Five Things In My Car

1. XM radio play list
2. Cell phone recharger
3. Umbrella (unless the kids took it out, whenever I need it; it has vanished)
4. Halo Cd's; because Hubby and boys can't bear to be without Halo for any length of time. (they wouldn't mind being without me).
5. Jacket, in case I get cold (it's leftover from soccer season).
This is so weird I had to add it to the list electrical tape. Why it is in there I don't know. I suppose Hubby left it there.

Five things in my purse

1. Keys, at least they better be there.
2. Pocket book
3. Pens
4. Scraps of paper
5. Ummmmmmmm a monster that eats things that I know I put in there but can't find (mainly my keys and cell phone).

Now to announce the 5 victims I have chosen to tag
1. PolyitiCalypso (who I know is really busy, so if she can't play I'll understand)
2. Stonewall
3. Lord Epa
4. Sheila
5. Vida