On Tenure

June 21, 2014

July 1, 2014

The word tenure has come to mean different things to different people at various points in time in the history of civilization. A thousand years ago, tenure related to the law of property in feudal England and the manner in which a person held or owned property. Under feudalism, the king owned all of the land, and his vassals, as tenants, were entitled to hold only those portions of the land allotted by him and only under conditions he imposed. This feudal control by the overlord of transfers of property by tenants, was ended in 1290 by the Statute of Quia Emplores. In recent years, tenure has taken on a different meaning for many people, particularly those in education. Webster presently defines tenure as “the status of holding one’s position on a permanent basis, granted to teachers, civil servant personnel, etc., on the fulfillment of specified requirements.”

This article examines the role and the effect tenure has had on both educators and the education process. Unfortunately, for some teachers – and perhaps more rather than some for teachers at the East Williston School District – tenure has come to represent a job with no accountability.

I’m a chemical engineer and proud of it. I practiced my trade primarily in the classroom for 50 years. Educating youngsters for a career in engineering and training engineers/scientists in order to enhance their careers became my signature professional purpose. I did this in part because I believe engineering, more than any other profession, has contributed significantly to improving the quality of life for society. Along the way, I was tenured for the last 43 years.

My experiences as a tenured faculty member at my institution were interesting. Most of my colleagues were reasonably dedicated and rarely missed class, but I would describe only a few as hardworking. For what it’s worth, I missed one day (in the hospital) in 50 years. Overall, most of my guys did an acceptable job. But there were some, perhaps one out of every five, who milked the system for their own aggrandizement at the expense of the students. And nearly every one of those extortive individuals viewed themselves as God’s gift to education.

The situation at the EWSD is particularly disconcerting. The Board, PTO, and Superintendent have chosen not to allow opposing voices to be heard. FOIL requests are routinely effectively ignored (they once responded to one of my FOILS by providing me with reams of paper that were impossible to decipher). Some parents are too frightened to speak out, as with the teacher who retaliated against a 6-year old because her mother had the courage to speak the truth. It is for this reason that I always advise parents who have considered speaking out to remain anonymous. I have repeatedly made the above claims, and yet, no one – including the PTO hierarchy and the Superintendent – have ever dared to challenge my accusations. The FACT that the Superintendent misrepresented herself on the application for the position has also never been challenged.

What do we have at the EWSD? Based on my information, most of the EWSD teachers, and particularly those at Wheatley High School, approach their job as teachers in a manner quite different from what I would describe as a dedicated educator. The end result has been a precipitous drop in the school’s ranking, significant absenteeism, a failure of some (or is it many?) students to be admitted into the college/university of their choice, and poor student writing skills. Why is this occurring? I have placed the blame on numerous occasions on the incompetent past School Board President, Susan Bergtraum, and the former parasitic School Union President, David Israel (I still have a copy of the contract where Israel sold his membership short in order to gain a personal giveaway from the District). They set a process in motion that has resulted in the decline of quality education and teacher abuse in the EWSD.

Although much of the above will be viewed by the enemy as rhetoric, one needs to examine teachers’ salaries relative to others. As with some other professions, e.g., medicine, I believe it is disproportionate relative to the rest of the work force. Present-day salaries simply cannot be justified, particularly for those whose salaries are at $150,000/year. When one considers the salary, perks, health benefits, abbreviated workdays, extensive vacation periods, work ethics, etc., of the suburban teacher, it is hard not to conclude that these individuals have it made. Make no mistake about it, they have it made! I ought to know, because I was part of a similar system – only at another level.

And then there is job security. Today, most taxpayers no longer have the luxury of job security. In the old days, one might receive at any time a DCM – as it was called curing the depression era – Don’t Come Monday. Being tenured means not having to worry about losing your job. What is this worth? When I was growing up, it was worth enough that teachers who earned significantly less than the rest of the workforce were grateful for their job. I knew when I accepted a teaching position in 1960 for $6,000 a year, a salary substantially below what my colleagues were accepting in industry and business, I did so for two reasons: the desire to teach and the benefits mentioned above.

The bottom line is that tenure has unquestionably produced tenured teachers who are pampered, underworked, overpaid, lazy and indifferent to the needs of their students. All of them? NO! But many of them? YES! The tenure process has led to the aforementioned disproportionate wages and benefits relative to the rest of the workforce plus a lifetime of job security. As I’ve said on numerous occasions: we teachers have jobs, the rest work for a living.

Will tenure survive in its present form? I doubt it. Nor should it. The Ivy schools have all but eliminated tenure. I can say in no uncertain terms that tenure was appreciated and probably helped me from an academic and professional perspective. But the abuses that I witnessed and the present abuses at places like the EWSD need to be reduced, if not eliminated. There needs to be accountability if the educational process is to return to what we had in earlier times. Perhaps five-year tenure appointments with periodic evaluations might help.

For tenured teachers, it is time to give thanks. It is also time to reverse the trend and provide tax relief and start putting money into scholastic programs, not teachers’ salaries. For the tenured teachers, it is payback time.

Lou Theodore

PREVIOUS POSTINGS:
APRIL 1: On the Barack Hussein Obama Update III
MAY 1: On the East Williston School District Budget Vote
JUNE 1: On the Interview Process
JULY 1: On Tenure

NEXT POSTINGS (tentative):
AUGUST 1: On a National Energy Policy
SEPTEMBER 1: On Purely Chaste, Pristine and Random Thoughts XXI
OCTOBER 1: On Barack Hussein Obama Update IV
NOVEMBER 1: On Paying Student-Athletes II
DECEMBER 1: On Hofstra Men’s Basketball: 2014-15 Season
JANUARY 1: On Football Boxes
FEBRUARY 1: On Great Eats

Leave a Comment » | East Williston, Economics, Education, School Board | Permalink
Posted by The Theodore Newsletter

On the Interview Process

June 1, 2014

June 1, 2014

Many of the younger set in the Newsletter reading audience are now fast approaching crunch time regarding employment. In effect, it’s job time.
Over the years, my students have often asked for advice on employment and careers. My response to them centers on four subject areas:
1. What are you looking for?
2. What is the company looking for?
3. What about the interview?
4. What is needed to succeed?
Each of these questions are addressed below, with more extensive information provided for (3).
Regarding (1), only you can answer this question. The applicant/student should know exactly what he/she wants for the job. Should it be challenging? Do you just want a job? Is money the big issue? Is it security? And, what about graduate school and/or on-the-job training? Quite frankly, I find it difficult for anyone to really expect a youngster to know what they really want regarding a job or career.
We can spend a bit more time on (2). Here are five factors (there are obviously more) on what the company is looking for in terms of a (new) hire.
• Experience. It is helpful to have some previous experience since it measures one’s interests within a field; internships, or the equivalent, are a great way to gain job experience.
• Flexibility. Employees may need to work longer or extended hours, or start at the bottom and work their way up.
• Attitude. Entry-level jobs are not always exciting; initial work can include photocopying or filing. A great attitude reflects being willing to do the boring work without complaining.
• People Skills. One needs to have the ability to get along with and motivate co-workers and clients. Knowing how to COMMUNICATE with others is CRITICAL IN TODAY’S JOB MARKET.
• Handling Adversity. Grace under fire is a particularly prized commodity in the fast-paced, deadline-driven job market of the 21st century. Companies want to know that you have the ability to stay motivated when things are not going smoothly.
Here are a few tips on what might help you land the job (3)… perhaps of your dreams.
• It is important to prepare an impressive and an up-to-date resume that truly reflects you. Put your best foot forward. Don’t lie. Exaggerate? Be careful. Shield the truth? Perhaps, but definitely don’t lie.
• Prepare for the interview by researching the company. Check them out on their website or review an annual report. This will enable you to ask informed questions during the interview.
• Attire is important, so dress appropriately.
• The interview does not begin when you meet the interviewer; it begins earlier at the front door.
• Turn your cellphone off and avoid texting and phone conversations earlier while in a waiting room.
• If you are shown into a room to meet the interviewer, wait for the interviewer to tell you where to sit. Remain standing until the interviewer sits. Don’t’ plop your feet on the interviewer’s desk and start picking your nose or ear(s).
• Stand up to greet anyone you subsequently meet and shake hands confidently.
• During the interview, sit on the edge of the chair and lean forward slightly to let the interviewer know you are attentive.
• Thank the interviewer for his/her time and shake hands before leaving.
• During interview meals, generally follow the interviewer’s lead. Place your napkin in your lap and begin eating when the interviewer does.
• Start with the utensils on the outside and work your way in toward the plate.
• Order something familiar that is neat as opposed to messy.
• Taste the food before seasoning.
• Keep on the same eating pace with your interviewer.
• Do not mix food on your plate into a pile of hash.
• Do not order alcohol if your interviewer does not.
• Be extra courteous to the waiter and busboy.
As the old saying goes, “you never get a second chance to make a first impression”, so make the most of it. Prepare and rehearse for the interview. I also believe it is appropriate to either send the recruiter a thank you letter or follow with a call or e-mail the following day.

Well, what about success (4). Over the years, I had the privilege of maintaining close social and professional ties with many of my successful graduates in our profession. In thinking about what character traits likely contributed to their success, I found the following to be the most common.

• Communication Abilities. A leader must be an exceptional communicator orally and written.
• Appearance. Tall attractive men (and women) succeed more often than shorter folk (now I have an excuse). It’s a fact of life.
• Self-awareness. Leaders have an ability to recognize and understand their moods, emotions, and drives, as well as how they affect others; they are self-confident and able to acknowledge both their strengths and weaknesses.
• Self-regulation. Leaders have an ability to control or redirect disruptive impulses or moods. In other words, they are able to think calmly before acting; this demands considerable tolerance of the views of others.
• Self-motivation. Leaders are self-motivated and their ultimate goal is achievement for achievement’s sake.
• Empathy. Leaders have an ability to put themselves in other people’s shoes and think from their viewpoint.
• Social Skills. Leaders have an ability to build rapport with virtually anyone and, in the process, have created a network of associates.
• Creativity. Leaders have an ability to innovate and “think outside the box.”
• Self-deprecation. Leaders are able to laugh at themselves, and are not bothered by what others might say about them.
• Action-oriented. Perhaps most important, leaders are doers and have an ability to make things happen, even when the odds are stacked against them.

Interestingly, you will note that technical ability (or the equivalent) and GPA (Grade Point Average) correlate weakly with successful leaders.

Good luck to those who will soon be approaching the interview process. A great thing about an interview is that it is the one time you can tell people how wonderful you are and they are actually willing to listen.

NEXT POSTINGS: (tentative)

JULY 1: On Tenure
AUGUST 1: On a National Energy Policy
SEPTEMBER 1: On Purely Chaste, Pristine and Random Thoughts XXI
OCTOBER 1: On Barack Hussein Obama Update IV
NOVEMBER 1: On Paying Student-Athletes II
DECEMBER 1: On Hofstra Men’s Basketball: 2014-15 Season
JANUARY 1: On Football Boxes
FEBRUARY 1: On Great Eats

Leave a Comment » | Economics, Education, Uncategorized | Permalink
Posted by The Theodore Newsletter

On the East Williston School District Budget Vote

April 30, 2014

May 1, 2014

East Williston School District (EWSD) residents are annually requested to vote on a school budget and this year is no exception. Each voting member of the community will have an opportunity to either vote for or against the budget. Every parent, every senior, every taxpayer, and every youngster of voting age should consider what limited facts have been made available to them.

As many of you already know, I will vote NO on the budget. Why? I simply need to, once again, provide the readers with an earlier (2012) note delivered to Superintendent Kanas. Here is that unedited note:

Dear Dr. Kanas,

I believe that the following current problems are adversely affecting the East Williston School District (EWSD).

1. The per capita student cost is $30,000+/yr.
2. The student/teacher ratio is 9.75:1.0
3. The EWSD employs 21 secretaries.
4. There is rampant teacher absenteeism.
5. The failure of some students to attend the college/university of their choice.
6. The EWSD national ranking is in free-fall.
7. The school tax burden continues to increase despite reduced enrollment.
8. The lack of preparedness of some of the students for their post high school education.
9. The failure of the previous administration to, in accordance with the law, act on FOIL requests.

As a taxpayer and member of the EWSD community, I am requesting your assessment of the above nine problems, plus what steps you intend to take to either remove or reduce these problems. If a response is not received by October 1, 2012, I shall assume that you have concluded that there is no reason for concern. If you do respond, I would then appreciate a follow-up notification on the success/failure of your actions on or before December 31, 2012.

I await your response.

Guess what? Two years have passed, and I’m still waiting for a response.
One simple question: Do I deserve a response? Both Kanas and the present Board have chosen to ignore my request. Yet, unlike Kanas and the Board members, I’ve dedicated my life to education, serving as not only a professor and administrator at the College level but also as a member of the Admissions Committee. I also continue to provide free advice to those senior students requesting guidance (apparently there is little to no meaningful guidance presently available) on university and career choices.

A recent 4/7/14 article in Newsday reported that the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) voted in a new president who immediately commented on their “enemies.” I can’t figure out who she was talking about. Perhaps it was the schoolchildren and/or their parents. One member commented “This election has provided a great voice for the needs of members across the Island.” Naturally, there was no expression of concern about the needs of the schoolchildren.

You want more? Here’s a real beauty out of Newsday on the same day. The headline read:
EX-TEACHER KEEFE HONORED BY NYSUT. Here is the unedited article:

“David Keefe, a former eighth-grade social studies teacher who has devoted much of his retirement time to union activities, was honored Friday evening in Manhattan as New York State United Teachers Retiree Member of the Year. Following his 2004 retirement after a 37-year teaching career in Hempstead Public Schools, Keefe, 73, of Mineola, was elected to the board of trustees of the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System, for which he also serves as vice president.
For more than 20 years he was president of the Hempstead Classroom Teachers Association, assuming leadership positions for the retiree association for Hempstead educators following his own retirement.
Keefe’s work “is an extension of his lifelong commitment to serving union members,” said Kathleen Donahue, vice president of the state teachers union.”

For the uninformed, Keefe is a member of the EWSD Board. Anybody really think he’s there to represent the community? I can remember him laughing at me when I questioned him regarding his conduct, particularly securing full-time employment for his daughter. Appointments for Karen Love (Keefe’s daughter) made by the board since Keefe became a board member are listed below (he abstained from voting…apparently, that’s as far as his ethics go). Our remaining four elected Board members went right along with the appointments. In their infinite wisdom, they concluded that there was no conflict of interest and that Keefe’s conduct was serving the best interests of the community. All four appointments were made within a five-month period!!!

Sept. 19, 2011: Board Meeting. Agenda Item #32
School Monitor Part-time Substitute

Oct. 24, 2011: Board Meeting. Agenda Item #43
Cleaner Part-time Substitute

Jan. 18, 2012: Board Meeting. Agenda Item #33
Substitute Teacher

Feb. 13, 2012: Board Meeting. Agenda Item #37
Part-time School Monitor. (No longer a substitute!)

Who knows if she was given any other appointments in the last two years? Sometimes the agenda just refers to “list as submitted by” (either superintendent/principal/etc.) and names of those being appointed are not mentioned. One can only wonder what her pension will be!?!?!? Hopefully, some of the diehard supporters for the status quo will finally realize how Kamberg and his crew operate. In any event, an honorable man would have definitely disqualified himself from serving on the Board based on ethical and professional grounds.

Guess what? The Newsday article never mentioned that Keefe is a school Board member. This got me thinking. I checked his bio on the NYSRTS site where he serves as an appointed board member helping to insure that the best interests of the teachers are served. Guess what again? No mention of his involvement with the EWSD Board. Could he be hiding something? I wouldn’t put anything past him. There appears to be, understandably, a conflict of interest relative to his involvement with the EWSD board. His serving is like having David Israel (the architect of the demise of our District) on the Board. I am presently looking into not only the ethics but also the legality of Keefe’s conduct. Like I questioned earlier, does anybody really think he’s there to serve the best interests of the community, particularly when it comes to pensions?

One needs to also comment on a Friday, April 14th Newsday article that reported the U.S. News & World Report ranking of Long Island schools. I preface what follows by reminding the readers that I have served as a reviewer for the USN&WR . . . and I can tell you that the ranking is primarily based on school name recognition. Nonetheless, three points need to be made:

1. The EWSD ranking has now approached 200, the increase indicating a further decline during Kanas’ tenure.
2. The EWSD did not make the top 200 schools in the most important categories–Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. A truly sad commentary.
3. The ranking assessment process does not reflect the increasing number of EWSD parents who are opting to send their children to private schools to insure they receive a quality education.

The bottom line is that all of the concerns in my earlier note to Kanas still apply. They have been conveniently ignored, the result of which has eroded the quality of education in the EWSD. But there are four other factors that most – if not all – of the voters should consider.
1. Dr. Kanas misrepresented herself when she applied for the position of Superintendent of the EWSD. I repeatedly brought this FACT to the attention of both the Board and PTO. And, guess what? Both ignored the comments regarding Kanas. Other individuals in sports, education, business, etc., are automatically dismissed for this conduct. You’d think that if Kanas had my professional pride, she would offer some response. But I know she can’t defend her earlier behavior.
2. State financial aid has been reduced. Pension costs continue to increase and is now approaching a near out-of-control situation. What have Kanas and the Board done about this? You already know the answer.
3. CONNED!!! That’s what has happened to the EWSD parents and taxpayers (refer to an earlier paragraph on Keefe). They have been sold a bridge on the quality of education and the dedication of the teachers. They have simply been duped.
4. The turnaround will come when the community comes to realize that Board members – in almost every instance – are there for self-serving purposes. If they really cared about the kids, they would not move on once they have graduated. Think about past Board members who were so vociferous and outspoken about defending the status quo … a status quo that has resulted in higher taxes and a decrease in the quality of education.

On to the budget vote. Only two school districts in Nassau County will impose a higher tax levy than EWSD. Below is a comparison to our “neighboring/top” school districts:

School District 13-14 tax levy 14-15 tax levy % change

East Williston $50,969,855 $52,455,091 2.91

Carle Place 41,716,434 42,334.699 1.48

Garden City 96,859,458 98,392,677 1.58

Jericho 106,811,992 108,100,000 1.21

Manhasset 79,374,951 80,839,173 1.84

Mineola 77,906,690 79,045,241 1.46

Roslyn 91,050,882 92,975,619 2.11

Syosset 187,798,923 190,410,716 1.39

All other school districts in Nassau County were below the East Williston 2.91% increase–most of them below a 2% increase–except the following two school districts:

Baldwin 3.25% increase

Long Beach 3.75% increase

These numbers indicate that the EWSD is over the County average by well over 100%. This was definitely a year when school taxes could have been reduced given the current massive waste that still exists.

The bottom line: it’s OK to vote NO on the budget. Don’t be a glutton for punishment. Stop being taken for a fool. Stop being an enabler for the EXPOITERS. And finally, stop Kanas’ incompetence and indifference.

Lou Theodore

EPILOGUE

No doubt parents that I would classify as either fools or cowards will help carry the YES vote on the budget. As in the past, this will then be followed with large elaborate signs prominently displayed on the front lawn of each school reading: “EWSD Budget Passes—Thank you!!! This is obviously a direct insult to all the taxpayers who voted against the budget. I have repeatedly asked in the past for information (even FOILed it) on who paid for the signs and who allowed it to occur. I have yet to receive a response. Why? Because this is the way they operate, and it has become a way of life with them. Interestingly, they will not allow me to post a sign at each school that reads: “EWSD Budget Passes. We Apologize to Both Taxpayers and Schoolchildren.”

NEXT POSTINGS: (tentative)

JUNE 1: On the Interview Process
JULY 1: On Tenure
AUGUST 1: On a National Energy Policy
SEPTEMBER 1: On Purely Chaste, Pristine and Random Thoughts XXI
OCTOBER 1: On Barack Hussein Obama Update IV
NOVEMBER 1: On Paying Student-Athletes II
DECEMBER 1: On Hofstra Men’s Basketball: 2014-15 Season
JANUARY 1: On Football Boxes
FEBRUARY 1: On Great Eats

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Posted by The Theodore Newsletter

On a Barack Hussein Obama Update III

March 31, 2014

April 1, 2014
Unfortunately, the drama continues. I opened the last Barack Hussein Obama (BHO) article by listing his failings. I need to detail these once again.
1. dumb, incompetent, and unqualified
2. lazy
3. a liar
4. un-American
5. arrogant and insulting
6. an egomaniac
7. indifferent and uncaring
Day in and day out, this guy continues to prove me right.

A lot has transpired since the last article. This time, I will primarily address items (1) and (4) above as they apply to foreign policy. Of course, this is not to ignore BHO’s earlier conduct/screw-ups: Ambassador Rice’s debacle and her reassignment, the Benghazi cover-up, the IRS scandals, Obamacare (guaranteeing one’s existing policy, rates, and doctor, and resulting in his Liar of the Year award), the insane decisions associated with the Keystone Pipeline, the incompetence and lies of Sebelius, the Lois Lerner lies, $100MM vacations, playing golf in drought areas, accommodating crazed environmentalists on phony climate change claims, pleading for civility/collegiality, consistent pattern of corruption, tampering with phone records, Fast and Furious, releasing specific classified information, numerous deadline failures and delays, the one trillion dollar “stimulus” debacle, illegally attempting to amend the constitution, the climate change scare tactics, hordes of regulations (particularly of an environmental nature) hampering the economy, a total lack of promised transparency, continuing to maintain that the present system of government is the problem and that we are the problem and not the solution, repeatedly promising “to get to the bottom of it” or “I will take action,” and, of course, “we didn’t get where we are by ourselves!?!*.” Have I forgotten anything?

Here is what I’ve got on BHO’s foreign policy. He unfortunately believes a weakened U.S. will enhance the peace process and that the U.S., as a superpower, is the problem. I have not wavered: BHO is basically dumb and out of his league. His failed policy of embracing our enemies instead of confronting them have left us, as well as the rest of the world, in chaos. This is what happens when someone dumb runs the country. He apparently believes that evil does not exist – but if it does exist, he and he alone can rectify it. One should also not forget BHO’s purging of top military brass who do not agree with his pacifist policies and his reduction of both our offensive and defensive capabilities. He just doesn’t understand that the world would be a better and safer place with the U.S. as a superpower. As Aristotle noted nearly 2,500 years ago: “Revolutions break out when opposite parties, the rich and the poor, are equally balanced, and there is little or nothing between them; for, if either party were manifestly superior, the other would not risk an attack upon them.” This military genius simply doesn’t get it.

The bottom line is that we have another Neville Chamberlain, who was responsible for the deaths and suffering of millions of people during WWII. BHO simply has been unable to face up and take responsibility to the realities of his actions. And here are some of his major failures – some of an equally confused Kerry has to also take responsibility.
1. Senselessly cancelling the defense of the Eastern European block and embarrassing both the Poles and the Czechs.
2. Assad “must go,” which was followed by drawing a red line.
3. Failed negotiations on Syria’s poison gas stockpile.
4. Failed negotiations on Iran’s nuclear buildup.
5. Insisting to Putin that Russia stay out of Crimea.
6. An inability to react swiftly and decisively; remember the discussion about the 3:00AM call?
7. Allowing the idiot Biden to meander outside of the White House.
It is inevitable for some (including your author) during these dangerous times to draw a comparison believed BHO with Winston Churchill. WC’s greatness was once described in the following terms: “—flowed not only from great qualities of heart and brain, indomitable courage, energy, magnanimity and good sense, but from supreme art and deliberate policy.” Think BHO can match up in any form with WC? What we have from BHO is “I would put our foreign policy accomplishment against any president…..” Wow! Clearly, this guy is dumber than dumb.

He now regularly attempts to bypass the Constitution in a manner similar to that of a dictator; has brought out the worst in the electorate, knows nothing about history, geography (especially the U.S.), medicine, economics, energy, job creation, border security, military affairs, foreign policy (as noted above) and knows nothing about the constitution although claiming to be a Constitutional Scholar; is in the process of replacing doctors with clerks; refuses to tell black Americans that if you’re not willing to sacrifice for your children, don’t have them; continues to champion the cause of the habitual loafer, and, as Commander in Chief, chose to leave his comrades behind (in Benghazi) and fly to Vegas for a fundraiser. His ignorance of history is most troubling for one naturally would assume the President would know history since it must be kept alive in order to avoid old mistakes. In effect, learn from it. He also continues to champion the cause of subsidizing people like himself through the talents and work ethics of others – actions that will commit these people to a lifetime of dependency. Why? Perhaps it is because he is a product of affirmative action efforts and socialist policies. Your author lived the American dream. Everybody deserves the opportunity of living the American dream, and I’d like everybody offered this opportunity; BHO obviously doesn’t.

On the positive side, he promised to bring change. He did. Unfortunately, he has made the country worse. There are still no term limits. 20,000 lobbyists are alive and doing well in and around the Capital. IRS reform is dead; there is not flat tax. Health care is an absolute disaster (I’ll propose a solution in a few months). Education is bad and getting worse (dedicated teachers – now more than ever – are a thing of the past). Our foreign policy, regularly punctuated with indecision, is a joke. The IRS is effectively spying on and punishing many dedicated Americans. Intelligence gathering has been reduced to spying on us. Nobody knows for sure what this idiot will do next. Can anyone think of what this guy has changed for the better?

Louie Nizer, referring to jurors, asked the question: “what would a reasonably intelligent individual conclude based on the facts and evidence?” Every reader should apply this question BHO. But, in the final analysis, I believe an irresponsible brainwashed electorate, lacking in intelligence, will ride out and ignore the catastrophe brought forth by BHO. I also believe that his liberal/progressive enablers will continue to support BHO because they are too embarrassed to admit that they made asses out of themselves. Perhaps the ultra-liberal Woodrow Wilson had it right nearly a century ago in his belief that “only stakeholders should be enfranchised…universal suffrage is at the foundation of every evil in this country.”

Our great nation has been fortunate to have been led by Presidents who were motivated by their love of country and the belief in the principles of democracy and capitalism…and never advocating any change and/or transformation. Now, we have BHO. We deserve better than an empty suit running our country into the ground. The world also deserves better—as he moves it closer to nuclear conflict.

NEXT POSTINGS: (tentative)

MAY 1: On the East Williston School District Budget Vote
JUNE 1: On the Interview Process
JULY 1: On Tenure
AUGUST 1: On a National Energy Policy
SEPTEMBER 1: On Purely Chaste, Pristine and Random Thoughts XXI
OCTOBER 1: On Barack Hussein Obama Update IV
NOVEMBER 1: On Paying Student-Athletes II
DECEMBER 1: On Hofstra Men’s Basketball: 2014-15 Season
JANUARY 1: On Football Boxes
FEBRUARY 1: On Great Eats

Leave a Comment » | Barack Obama, Economics, Education, Politics | Permalink
Posted by The Theodore Newsletter

On Purely Chase, Pristine, and Random Thoughts XX

February 27, 2014

March 1, 2014

Here’s another of a “random” variety. Much to my surprise, some of the readers enjoy these types of articles. So, once again, here goes with another 20.

• As far as I’m concerned, comedienne Wanda Sykes speaks a foreign language. It might help if she took a course in English.
• Is it me, or does Joe Biden look and behave like an idiot? Forget about it when he opens his mouth.
• Barack Hussein Obama (BHO) looks and sounds more unpresidential each passing day.
• Don’t be surprised if the ASPCA demands that teams named Bears, Blackhawks, Cardinals, etc. change their names.
• My parents came from Sparta, Greece, and are referred to as Spartans. Would it be reasonable for me to object to Michigan State University referring to their team as the Spartans?
• There is no question that Bill O’Reilly (who wronged me on one of my earlier books) is the second most powerful person in the U.S.
• Over the last half year, the media has essentially refused to report (and provide specifics) on BHO’s healthcare as it relates to increased premiums and individuals losing their coverage.
• If you can make more money on welfare than you can working, most people will gladly go on welfare.
• Network news allocated twice as much time on the Last Lady’s birthday as it did on the Benghazi cover-up expose. Anyone surprised?
• Contrary to BHO’s claims, the only way to reduce waste in government is to reduce the size of government.
• I think all Americans should accept the fact that the majority of Americans are Protestants/Christians who believe in (I don’t) salvation and that death simply separates two lives.
• Harvard, with its affirmative action Ph.D. programs, is unquestionably the most overrated university in the U.S.
• Remember my earlier suggestion (XIX) – don’t go to the movies.
• Radio did damage to vaudeville, TV did damage to radio, and ??? will do damage to TV.
• Relative to charities, I only support the Frances Pope Foundation and the Wounded Warriors Project.
• Unfortunately, money is the standard by which most measure their success.
• There are individuals on this planet who have unfortunately found it easy to use other humans as slaves and farm animals, to make them suffer, and to do away with them without blinking an eye.
• I may be wrong but it seems to me that when people are laughing, they rarely are killing one another. CONCLUSION: Laughter is good.
• If you love your work and put your heart into it, you’ll be a winner.
• Liberals like BHO believe that if we are fair with others, they will be fair with us. Does anybody believe you can successfully apply this to the likes of Statin, Hilter, Mao, Assad, Khadafy, Hussein, etc.
• I’m still trying to figure out why I have never been selected as “the sexiest man of the year”. It turns out that I wasn’t even considered this past year.

I return with XXI in November.

NEXT POSTINGS: (tentative)

APRIL 1: On the Barack Hussein Obama Update III
MAY 1: On the East Williston School District Budget Vote
JUNE 1: On the Interview Process
JULY 1: On Tenure
AUGUST 1: On a National Energy Policy
SEPTEMBER 1: On Purely Chaste, Pristine and Random Thoughts XXI
OCTOBER 1: On the Barack Hussein Obama Update IX
NOVEMBER 1: On Paying Student-Athletes (?!*!?) II
DECEMBER 1: On Hofstra Men’s Basketball: 2014-15 Season
JANUARY 1: On Football Boxes
FEBRUARY 1: On Great Eats

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HOFSTRA MEN’S BASKETBALL 2013 – 14: THERE IS HOPE, I THINK

February 16, 2014

February 15, 2014

The Hofstra men’s basketball season is better than 2/3 over, so it’s time to revisit an earlier article entitled, “….Is There Hope on the Horizon?” Their current record is 8-17 overall, and 4-6 in the Colonial Athletic Association (CCAA), including a thrilling come-from-behind (15 point) victory this past Saturday over UNCW. So, is there hope? The answer is a qualified “yes.” Here is the basis for this assessment.

The team’s record is not a true measure of the capability of the team. Remember, this is/was supposed to be a “recovery” and/or “rebuilding” year under new coach Joe Mihalich. It also turns out that several of the losses could have gone the other way; here’s my call on why they didn’t.

1. There has been a commitment to an 8-man rotation that primarily involves 6 players. Injuries to two starters – Nesmeth and Allen (still out) – has exasperated the rotation scheme.
2. There was an inability to effectively stop the inside offensive game of several of their opponents. Hofstra’s three big men have done an adequate job but have been outmanned during a few of the games.
3. An inability to stop the premier point guard of some of their opponents added to the team’s woes. Last year, Stevie Mejia (the best defensive point guard I’ve ever seen) put Machado of Iona College and Massenat of Drexel in his hip pocket. Machado had a field day this year that resulted in a loss. Perhaps a box-and-one or a triangle-and-two would help at crunch time.
4. There was a failure to get back on defense to prevent (easy) fast-break points during several games. This effectively provides the opponents with layup practice. As I’ve always said: you can’t beat taking layups. Players need to understand the need to run back – not walk or jog – when there is a change of possession.
5. An occasional porous defense existed when playing zone. Although there are times when a zone is the defense of choice, I’ve always maintained that your grandmother can guard you in a zone. Since one can relax defensively in a zone, coach Mihalich may have opted for some zone because of his short bench.

Overall, coach Mihalich has done an excellent job with the hand he has been dealt. In addition, the team has played with intensity on both offense and defense. Seniors Upshaw (perhaps the most outstanding player in the CAA) and Nesmith are the team’s two best players. Freshman Jamall Robinson has been Rookie of the Week on several occasions and will no doubt emerge as the team’s star the next three years.

Finally, I need to pass judgment on the upcoming CAA Tournament Championship during March 7-10. It is a 4-game playoff over 4 days where anything can happen. And, the winner of the CAA Tournament gets an automatic invitation to the NCAA Tournament starting in mid-March. Hofstra’s only hope to land in the NCAA field is to win the tournament outright. But, winning the tournament – which is not totally out of reach because of the present parity in the CAA – will require playing and winning games on four consecutive days. That probability will be reduced because of a strained manpower that will arise playing with a 7-man rotation. Nevertheless…..anything can happen.

As noted on numerous times in the past, attending Hofstra games still remains the best sports buy in the New York Metropolitan area. There is ample free parking, the concession stands are not a rip-off, there isn’t a bad seat in the house and its $5 for seniors and children. Three home games remain: Delaware, 2/19, 7:00PM, Drexel 2/22, 7:00PM, and James Madison (homecoming), 3/1, 7:00PM.

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ON THE NEW YORK TIMES

January 31, 2014

February 1, 2014

Is the media biased from a political perspective? Is it biased relative to Barack Hussein Obama (BHO)? In particular, is the New York Times (NYT) biased? Most of my liberal friends (I really don’t have too many through no fault of my own) have vehemently argued that the media is fair, balanced and objective. Many others (including your author) believe the media has enabled BHO not to be transparent (as he had promised) while allowing him to lie unchallenged. Here is my take on the above questions relative to the NYT.

My main source of news information is the O’Reilly Factor, and to a lesser degree, some of the other FOX NEWS programs. I refuse to read any papers or watch the traditional TV news programs. However, our household subscribes (not my choice) to the NYT. And every day, I have the opportunity to check their news headlines, as O’Reilly has often suggested. And most of the time, I get disgusted with the aforementioned headlines. And, the headlines are consistently biased.

With the above in mind, I started a NYT file two months ago. Listed below are some of the headlines appearing in the paper during this period. The date, headline and my comments follow. Note also that I have italicized certain words in the headlines.

Date: Sunday; October 6, 2013
Headline: “A CRISIS MONTH IN THE PLANNING: CONSERVATIVES FOCUSED ON BUDGET AS HEALTH LAW WEAPON”
Comment: Note the choice of words.

Date: Saturday, October 5, 2013
Headline: “BOEHNER URGES G.O.P. SOLIDARITY IN EPIC BATTLE: RIVALS AND ALLIES SAY SPEAKER HAS NO PLAN TO RESOLVE CRISIS”
Comment: In addition to the comment begin incorrect and/or a lie, it was BHO who had no plan.

Date: Monday, October 7, 2013
Headline: “BOEHNER FIRM ON SHUTDOWN”
Comment: Draw your own conclusions.

Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Headline: “LIFT ‘THREATS’ OBAMA INSISTS”
Comment: According to my files, it was only BHO, Reid and Pelosi who did the threatening.

Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Headline: “MANY IN G.O.P. OFFER THEORY: DEFAULT WOULDN’T BE THAT BAD”
Comment: They referred to only one member.

Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Headline: “TALKS IN DISARRAY AS HOUSE BALKS OVER DEBT PLAN”
Comment: Of course Reid and the Senate, as well as BHO, didn’t balk at any of the House’s plans.

Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Headline: “WITH G.O.P. BADLY DIVIDED, BOEHNER IS LEFT ‘HERDING CATS’”
Comment: What did Pelosi do when she got Obamacare passed?

Date: Thursday, October 17, 2013
Headline: “REPUBLICANS BACK DOWN, ENDING BUDGET CRISIS”
Comment: Of course – Reid, Pelosi and BHO had nothing to do with the crisis.

Date: Saturday, October 19, 2013
Headline: “STATES ARE FOCUS OF EFFORT TO FOIL HEALTH CARE LAW”
Comment: Note the choice of the word foil – not the attempt to reduce the negative impact on the economy.

Date: Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Headline: “OBAMA ADMITS WEBSITE FLAWS ON HEALTH LAW”
Comment: This admission came one week after the site was launched and he took no responsibility. In addition, the site wasn’t flawed – it was a total disaster.

Date: Sunday, October 27, 2013
Headline: “THE MALFUNCTION OF HEALTHCARE.GOV COULD POSE A THREAT TO PRESIDENT OBAMA’S AGENDA, WHICH EXTOLS A POLICY OF ‘EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT’”
Comment: Please! “Effective government” is an oxymoron. Face it, it is impossible for the government to be effective.

Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2013 – Thursday, October 31, 2013
Headline: There was not one word on either the chaos associated with Obamacare or the hearings about the debacle on Benghazi.
Comment: Thursday’s paper did have a photograph of Sebelius, referring the reader to Page A17.

Date: Friday, November 1, 2013
Headline: “SENATE REPUBLICANS THWARTED THE CONFIRMATION OF TWO OF PRESIDENT OBAMA’S NOMINEES…”
Comment: Note the choice of the word thwarted.

Date: Sunday, November 10, 2013
Headline: “CON MEN PREY ON CONFUSION OVER CARE ACT”
Comment: There was essentially no mention of the Act being responsible for the fraud.

Date: Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Non-Headline: “WHITE HOUSE OFFICIALS ARE STRUGGLING TO MAKE GOOD ON BHO’S PROMISE THAT AMERICANS CAN KEEP THEIR INSURANCE COVERAGE…”
Comment: At this point in time, essentially everyone and the media were referring to BHO’s “promise” as a lie. There was not one word regarding his deceit.

Date: Friday, November 15, 2013
Headline: “IN A REVERSAL, OBAMA MOVES TO AVERT THE CANCELLATION OF HEALTH POLICIES”
Comment: Nothing about the ACA debacle. Instead there was this: “Obama is battling Republican opposition that has refused to open the door to any legislative fixes…and has blocked him at virtually every turn.” Interestingly, the NYT never mentioned what was being blocked.

Date: Week of November 17th
Headline: None (not one) comment about the “knockout” games being perpetrated by black youths on unsuspecting white women and seniors.
Comment: Imagine if white gangs were attacking unsuspecting blacks.

Date: Thursday, November 21, 2013
Headline: “G.O.P. MAPS OUT WAVES OF ATTACKS OVER HEALTH PLAN”
Comment: Here is part of the story “closed-door strategy sessions…increasing organized attack of the ACA…a multilayered sequenced assault.” Note the choice of words.

Date: Thursday (Thanksgiving), November 28, 2013
Headline: “ANOTHER DELAY FOR HEALTH LAW AS SNAGS PERSIST – FUEL FOR G.O.P. CRITICS”
Comment: You get the drift of it all. You’re not allowed to criticize, and if you do, you are “fueling” problems.

Date: Saturday, November 30, 2013
Headline: “HEALTHCARE SITE RUSHING TO MAKE FIX BY SUNDAY; HARDWARE IS UPGRADED”
Comment: Not a word about the site’s disaster and BHO and his administration’s responsibility for the impact it has had on working Americans.

Date: Monday, December 2, 2013
Headline: “INSURERS CLAIM HEALTH WEBSITE IS STILL FLAWED; WHITE HOUSE PRAISES SOFTWARE UPGRADE”
Comment: Who would you believe? And BHO still hasn’t provided any accounting for the debacle. There just isn’t any accountability.

During this period, there was little to nothing relative to BHO in the NYT on:

1. The rampant conflicts of interest.
2. How things happened, i.e., in terms of accountability.
3. Failure to appoint/hire the right people.
4. The demand for Sebelius to resign.
5. BHO’s inability to think on his feet without the aid of a teleprompter.
6. BHO’s repeated failure to appear presidentially.
7. BHO’s inability to provide a one-line answer to a question, e.g., “yes, we deserted our people in Benghazi”.
8. BHO’s lying.
9. The deceit perpetrated on an unsuspecting public by both BHO, Lehrner, Sebelius, etc.
10. BHO unable to attend the 150th anniversary of the Lincoln Gettysburg address due to “attending to the ACA website” but was able to attend two days of fundraising three days later. Like I said, lying is a way of life for this guy.

Finally, remember when BHO promised to reduce the terror threat in 2007-8 and later claimed in 2012 that Al-Qaida was on the run? Well, here is what the flaming liberal Senator Dianne Feinstein had to say at the end of November: “There are more terrorist groups than ever, with more sophisticated, hard-to-detect bombs…there is a huge malevolence out there.” Republican representative Mike Rogers added: “…Al-Qaida is changing, with more affiliates around the world.” As one would expect, the NYT never reported the House and Senate Intelligence Committee findings. Did BHO? Of course not. Continuing on Monday, December 30, the NYT had the audacity to claim that the terrorist attack on Benghazi (over a year earlier) was really not a terrorist attack; they effectively re-initiated the lies and deceit set forth earlier by the BHO Administration. This was followed two days later with a headline that read “Million Gaining Health Coverage Today Under Law”; there was absolutely no mention of those (5 times as many) who had lost coverage.

What a newspaper!

Lou Theodore

NEXT POSTINGS:
February 15: On Hofstra Men’s Basketball; there is Hope
March 1: On Chaste, Pristine, and Random Thoughts XX
April 1: On the Barack Hussein Obama Update III

Please note that the February 15 article is a new posting.

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ON THE EAST WILLISTON SCHOOL DISTRICT II

December 30, 2013

January 1, 2014

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all. First and foremost, I need to thank those who have continued to provide support and encouragement during this past year. The last article of this year concerns the East Williston School District (EWSD). The following paragraph is an edited and updated version of material written approximately one year ago.

“The EWSD is presently in decline with its national ranking having plummeted, and there is rampant teacher absenteeism, a present superintendent that is both unqualified and incompetent plus an embarrassment to the District, difficulty in placing Wheatley seniors in the school of their choice, $150,000+ annual teacher salaries plus massive additional benefits and (unfortunately) job security, $30,000+ annual cost per student, a 9.75:1 student to teacher ratio that continues to decline, a policy of refusing to eliminate waste, and the self-serving policies of …….” The end result is that EWSD residents pay the highest average school taxes in Nassau County (because of the massive waste), the economic effect of which has been to unnecessarily depress property values. And, guess what? My effort and activities to implement reform have produced change. Unfortunately, the change has produced a situation that has worsened.

A question we engineers often ask when evaluating a scheme, proposal, contract, etc., is as follows: Is it cost-effective and is there sufficient accountability? When applied to our District, this school board, these school administrators, and these teachers have conveniently avoided answering this question. In fact, these individuals continue to try to convince concerned and angry taxpayers that taxes need to be raised further if our children are to receive a quality education.

What about the EWSD Superintendent, Dr. Elaine Kanas? I had two meetings with Kanas. I first met Kanas a few weeks after she arrived in August 2012. At that time, I presented her with a list of particulars detailing the shortcomings of our District and a call for reform. A copy of that note follows.

“Dear Dr. Kanas,

I believe that the following current problems are adversely affecting the East Williston School District (EWSD).
1. The per capita student cost is $30,000+/yr.
2. The student/teacher ratio is 9.75:1.0
3. The EWSD employs 21 secretaries.
4. There is rampant teacher absenteeism.
5. The failure of some students to attend the college/university of their choice.
6. The EWSD national ranking is in free-fall.
7. The school tax burden continues to increase despite reduced enrollment.
8. The lack of preparedness of some of the students for their post high school education.
9. The failure of the previous administration to, in accordance with the law, act on FOIL requests.

As a taxpayer and member of the EWSD community, I am requesting your assessment of the above nine problems, plus details on what steps you intend to take to either remove or reduce
these problems. If a response is not received by October 1, 2012, I shall assume that you have concluded that there is no reason for concern. If you do respond, I would then appreciate a follow-up notification on the success/failure of your actions on or before December 31, 2012.

I await your response.”

Every member of our community, and in particular, every parent, should read and reread the concerns I raised and ask yourself if these issues need to be address. Instead of expressing dismay at my description of the current state of the District, Kanas indicated that there wasn’t enough proof to validate my statements and claims, and indicated that a committee would look into it in the near future. I explained to the Superintendent that you didn’t need a Ph.D. to divide one number by another in order to verify my claims. I also explained that committees don’t get things done and that any meaningful recommendations for reform by whatever committee would be ignored by both the corrupt Board and equally corrupt teachers and their union. I became convinced that nothing meaningful would occur with Kanas as Superintendent…and my concerns have been confirmed at this point in time.

Two of Kanas’ favorite terms during our discussions were strategic and comprehensive, two popular Madison Avenue clichés. Any time I hear someone using either or both of these words, that individual gets tuned out since I know from past experience that the individual is either clueless or trying to con me, or both. Kanas appears to be in this category. In any event, Kanas never took action on my note.

More than six months have elapsed since I tried to get to the bottom of class sizes and teacher absenteeism. Thanks to Assistant Superintendent Fitzpatrick, I still don’t have the necessary background information and data to perform a meaningful analysis of both these problems. She has successfully stalled the process. The bottom line is that my repeated calls for Fitzpatrick to go (and not be replaced) have been ignored. Thank you Kanas.

Can Kanas turn things around in the EWSD? I doubt it, given the past conduct of the EXPLOITERS, i.e., Kamberg, the present Board, earlier Boards, plus the teachers and their union. The District needs a strong Superintendent who will stand up to the self-serving EXPLOITERS in our community. Unfortunately, Kanas has not even remotely demonstrated either the willingness and/or capability to do so. My present thought: Kanas may turn out to be a worse nightmare than the EXPLOITER’S earlier favorite – the incompetent and unqualified Lorna Lewis.

I’ve not heard from Kanas since our earlier meetings. Despite the drop in enrollment, the student cost is now projected to be nearly $32,000 and I was informed the student/teacher ratio has worsened. Kanas promised to take action and I was willing to give her a pass even though she misrepresented herself both on her application and during the Superintendent’s position review process. Apparently, nobody cares even though this is grounds for dismissal. I guess Kamberg and his crew feel they can control Kanas and have her under their thumb. And, on her part, Kanas has come to feel comfortable with this arrangement where she can ignore being accountable to the taxpayers and the students.

Only a fool doesn’t understand that the EXPLOITERS, i.e., the teachers and their union, in cooperation with Kanas, Kamberg, his Board, the PTO leadership and some of its members, are destroying our school district and ripping off the taxpayer. The present system is simply unsustainable; everyone – except some voters – knows it. Unfortunately, most of the PTO members continue to be successfully brainwashed every year. No opposing voice is allowed. Even Wheatley seniors receive the usual lectures from the teachers that all will be lost if the budget is defeated. As I have repeatedly stated, the District’s ranking and reputation is in a freefall decline, the student:teacher ratio is 9.75:1.0…. Wheatley seniors are having difficulty getting into the school of their choice, and some seniors lack college preparedness. The teachers are teaching less, their indifference has increased, and the teacher role model is a thing of the past. Astonishingly, the parents have come to accept this. The ax is certain to fall when the younger children reach graduation age. Yet, the parents in our District appear not to be concerned.

What does all this mean? The EXPLOITERS have sacrificed the best interests of the schoolchildren (and the taxpayers) in order to (perhaps?) gain an advantage for their kids with teachers and administrators, all at the expense of the children of other parents. And, if the other parents don’t believe this statement, I’ve got a bridge to sell them. Simply put, parents have and continue to be duped.

A word on Sean Feeney, Wheatley’s principal. An 11/4/13 article in Newsday referred to “The Wheatley School as one of the highest rated schools on Long Island” and that “Feeney does not believe his own negative job evaluations reflect that rating.” Unfortunately, Wheatley no longer is one of the elite schools, no doubt reflected in his poor evaluation. Come on! Would he have complained if he got good/excellent reviews? I checked the criteria employed in the evaluation process (something I have been involved with in the past) and it looked fairly reasonable to me. Four words come to mind when I think of most of his (the Wheatley) teachers: indifference, mean-spirited, greedy, and parasitic. In the meantime, his graduates continue to complain about the quality of education they are receiving (details available on request). In any event, he appears next in line for the Superintendent’s job when and if Kanas is dumped or if she moves on (ala Lewis).

Keep in mind that despite the aforementioned enrollment decrease in excess of 10%, more teachers and administrators have been hired, the school budget continues to spiral upward, and the quality of education is decreasing monotonously. Thank you Kanas for allowing the waste and the quality of education to decline unabated. She really has turned out to be as bad as Lewis.

The reality is that the EWSD community has reached a point where the majority of residents – including many parents – simply don’t care about what’s going on. There is significant apathy and disinterest, with large numbers of voters ignoring their duty to vote. No doubt change will come, but it will take time.

I also need to include a few of the letters from the EWSD mailbox.

“I am sure Dr. Kanas will destroy programs and lives just as she did in Valley Stream 30. She brings in tons of programs with no follow-through and is only concerned with improving her own resume.”
Name Withheld

“Dear Dr. Theodore, Facts again seem to be right on the money. You have mentioned more than once that ‘facts and information’ are being hidden. Your only alternative is to try to use the freedom of information act. The things you mention should come under the heading of public information which should enable you to use this law. I also think that in many respects you are ‘beating a dead horse’ which must be very frustrating. However, knowing you as I do, I know you will continue the ‘good fight’.”
Bob S.

“…… aside from that, I loved this letter because none of it surprised me…which made me feel like I know you fairly well. On a separate thought, I’d love to see you do an article on how many EW School District families choose to send their children to private school. I met a family recently. They live on William Street in EW and have 4 children. They send all 4 to private schools. They don’t seem to know a soul in EW. Just around the corner is another family with 5 children. All 5 are in private school. It would be a wakeup call for EW families who think our school is so great to find out that a large percentage don’t think the district is even good enough to send their children there. Have a great weekend Professor.”
Name Withheld

“Nicely said. Sir, I was wondering…Have you ever done an analysis of how many (or what proportion) of our EWSD eligible students are utilizing other venues for education? I’m curious how many of our district’s students attend private schools or are home-schooled. Thanks for sharing.”
Name Withheld

Is there a reasonable solution that can accommodate the best interests of both the taxpayers and schoolchildren, and at the same time, be fair to the teachers? Of course! My approach has been ignored. But I believe that something other than a weak-kneed Superintendent could pull it off. In the meantime, EWSD readers should take whatever steps are necessary to help put a stop to the EXPLOITERS’ conduct regarding school and financial matters.

Readers: Don’t be a glutton for punishment. Stop being taken for a fool, and stop being an enabler for the EXPLOITERS.

Lou Theodore

NEXT POSTINGS:

February 1: On the New York Times
March 1: On Chaste, Pristine, and Random Thoughts XX
April 1: On the Barack Hussein Obama Update III

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2013-14 HOFSTRA MEN’S BASKETBALL: IS THERE HOPE ON THE HORIZON?

December 1, 2013

December 1, 2013

December has essentially arrived. That can only mean one thing: it’s time for Hofstra men’s basketball. Gone is their once-in-a-lifetime superstar Charles Jenkins. Gone are Mike Moore and shot blocker Greg Washington. Gone are Mo Cassera and several of his recruits. What’s left? Athletic Director Jeff Hathaway told me that this is supposed to be a rebuilding year for Hofstra. Let’s find out about the present squad.

First, and perhaps foremost, is the new coach, Joe Mihalich (former Hofstra great Speedy Claxton will serve as one of Joe’s assistant coaches). I have always and consistently ranked Davidson’s Bob McKillop (of Lutheran High fame) as the top coach in the country. But, given Joe’s credentials and past performance at Niagara, he may be the second best. I need to note that several of my colleagues claim that these comments are based on the fact that these are the only two coaches who talk to me.

Landing Joe has to be Athletic Director’s Jeff Hathaway’s major coup. Joe brings an awful lot to the table, including a great sense of humor. At one of the press conferences, Joe indicated that Louisville might be favored in their upcoming game, and then reminisced how his Niagara team had lost to Kansas in the NCAA Tournament at the buzzer by 40 points.

Regarding the team, the key returnees are forward Jordan Allen, and forward/centers Moussa Kone and Steve Nwankoni. I expect a big year from Allen, a multifaceted underrated soph, to play an important role. The new additions include Chris Jenkins (no relation to Charles), and transfers Dion Nesmith and Zeke Upshaw (both terrific finds). Freshman Jamell Robinson and walk-on Adam Savion appear to be pleasant additions. Allen, Kone, and Nesmith are presently starters.

The team is off to a 2-4 start, with losses to Monmouth, Louisville, Richmond and Belmont. However, the team’s record is certain to improve as they go deeper into the season and Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) play begins.

The team may have to reinvent themselves before moving toward the next level, and that will not happen overnight. With some many new faces, team chemistry will take time. The biggest question mark will no doubt center on finding a consistent scoring threat who may turn out to be Upshaw. I think there may also be a lot of building for the future. But, the building blocks are in place, with two outstanding transfers who are ineligible this season.

Entering the 2013-14 season, the team will be looking to turn the page on last season’s disasters. The Pride will welcome back just four players who saw action last season so Joe may rely heavily on the aforementioned newcomers (Upshore’s 37 vs. Louisville and Nesmith’s 27 vs. Hartford), including players that sat out last season.

I believe this year represents an excellent opportunity for the team. It’s a young team with a lot of new players, a new coach, and a group that should get better as the season goes on. Remember, there 9 teams left in their conference – the CAA. If they are playing above-average by the end of the season, things may change – and only for the better. Anything can happen. And, the winner of the CAA Tournament in early March gets an automatic invitation to the Big Dance.

The bottom line: I offer this to the fans in the reading audience relative to the question raised in the title to this piece. There may be hope for this season. Only time will tell whether the hope is real or whether it is indeed just an adjustment year.

Finally, folks do yourselves a favor and attend one of the games. The past enthusiastic support of the Hofstra student body at the games is contagious. For me, attending Hofstra games still remains the best sports buy in the New York Metropolitan area; it’s even cheaper than going to the movies. There is ample free parking, easy access in and out of the Sports Complex, the concession stands are not a rip-off ($3.25 for a dog, $1.50 for a soda, etc.), and there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Did I mention that its $5 for seniors and children, and the whole exciting atmosphere is conducive to family attendance? Share it with someone you care about. I guarantee you won’t regret it.

Lou Theodore

Earlier articles:

June 1: On the School Budget Results
July 1: On the New New York Racing Association
August 1: On the New Cooper Union
September 1: On Chaste, Pristine and Random Thoughts XIX
October 1: On the Barack Hussein Obama Legacy II
November 1: On the OHI Day
December 1: 2013-14 Hofstra Basketball: Is There Hope on the Horizon?

On the Calendar:

January 1: Revisiting the East Williston School District
February 1: On the New York Times
March 1: On Chaste, Pristine, and Random Thoughts XX
April 1: On the Barack Hussein Obama Update III

MAILBOX:
Hi Lou,
I just got a computer and learned how to congratulate you for a splendid OHI reminder to readers of the Garden City News. Good work as always. You are and always will be tops in my memory as will Greece and all Greeks.
Corrinne

1 Comment | Basketball, East Williston, Sports | Permalink
Posted by The Theodore Newsletter

On The OHI Day III

October 28, 2013

November 1, 2013

It’s been 8 years since I penned my first article on the OHI day (much of which is reported below). This is a special day in Greek history as it regards Greece’s heroic involvement in WWII. My recent read of Winston Churchill’s biography “The Last Lion” was yet another reminder of this day.

My ancestors have a long history of battling and suffering with evil elements and oppression. Flash back over 2500 years ago when King Leonidas and 300 brave Spartans stalled 10,000 Persians at Thermopylae, a pass between the mountains and the sea leading to Athens. The defenders from Sparta (my father’s birthplace) delayed the Persians long enough for the Athenian fleet to ready a trap at Salamis, where it defeated the invaders, who then high-tailed it. History was to repeat itself in 1939, as documented below.

The media-novels, movies, television (particularly the History Channel), documentaries, etc., have done a superb job of educating the younger generation about the background and struggles of World War II. The battle for Britain and the defense of Stalingrad are two examples that come to mind, as well as the continuing repetitive and perhaps overdone coverage of the horrors of the holocaust. But there has been little to nothing about the role Greece played on the events and final outcome of the war.

On to the theme of the article. The 73rd anniversary of the repulsion of fascist forces by the Greek Armed Forces was recently celebrated several days ago on October 28. As in the past, the day came and went without a whimper here in the United States. The Greeks refer to this as the OHI (no!) Day. OHI was Prime Minister Metaxa’s response to Hitler’s order to peacefully surrender. What followed Metaxa’s response to Hitler was 219 days of fierce battles. That in turn was following by intense guerrilla warfare that resulted in a brutal occupation that included executions, sufferings, and severe famine. The rest is not history for some people but history for all Greeks.

For comparison purposes, the days of resistance of the various combatants to the Nazi-Fascist invasion are listed below:
1. Belgium 18
2. Czechoslovakia 0
3. Demark 0
4. France 43 (the supposed superpower of that time)
5. Greece 219 (13,696 Greek soldiers died)
6. Luxembourg 0
7. Norway 7
8. Poland 30
9. The Netherlands 4
10. Yugoslavia 3
The total number of human losses in percentage of total population are also listed below:
1. Belgium 1.5%
2. France 2.0%
3. Greece 10.0% (750,000)
4. Poland 1.8%
5. Soviet Union 2.8%
6. The Netherlands 2.2%
7. Yugoslavia 1.7%

Here is what some of the more important players of that time had to say (citations available on request) about the heroic Greek accomplishments against the armies of not only Germany but also the armies of Italy, Bulgaria and Albania.

Adolf Hitler: “As a matter of historical truth, I must ascertain that only the Hellenes, of all the adversaries that confronted me, fought with daring courage and the highest disregard for death…”

Sir Robert Anthony Eden: “Regardless what historians will say in the future, what we can say now is that Hellas gave a memorable lesson to Mussolini, that she was the reason of the resistance in Yugoslavia, that she kept the Germans on the soil of Ipiros and Crete for 6 weeks, that she changed the chronological order of all of the German Major Generals’ plans and, thus, brought about a general alteration in the entire war’s journey…”

Sir Winston Churchill: “The word heroism, I’m afraid, does not reflect in the least the Hellenes’ acts of self-sacrifice that were the defining factors of the victorious ending of all the nations’ common struggle during the 2nd WW for human freedom and dignity.”
“If it were not for the bravery of the Hellenes and their courageous hearts, the ending of the 2nd WW would not have been clear.”
“Until now we were saying that Hellenes fight like heroes. Now we will say heroes fight like Hellenes.”
“The Hellenes fighting against the common enemy will share with us in the prosperity of peace.”

Charles DeGaulle: “I fail to give the most needed gratitude that I feel for the heroic resistance of the people and the leaders of Hellas.”

Maurice Schumann (French Minister of Foreign Affairs): “Hellas is the symbol of martyric enslaved, bleeding, but live Europe. Never has a defeat been so honorable for those who underwent it.”

Josef Stalin: “I’m sad because I’m getting old and I will not live much longer to express my gratitude to the Hellenic people whose resistance determined the 2nd WW.”

Moscow Radio Station: “You fought without weapons and you won, being small before the great ones. We owe you gratitude, because you brought time and, thus, we could arm ourselves. As Russians and as fellow humans, we thank you.”

Georgy Zhukov (Marshal of the Soviet Army): “If the Russian people managed to raise resistance before the gates of Moscow to contain and reverse the German hurricane, they owe it to the Hellenic people who delayed the German divisions that could have beaten us. The gigantic battle of Crete was the peak of the Hellenic contribution.”

In effect, Heller’s decision to vent his rage against a small country that, unlike the other countries on Europe’s mainland had dared to defy him, was unquestionably the most catastrophic military decision of WWII. As with Napoleon centuries earlier, unless Russia was defeated by November, Hitler’s most feared enemy would extract its toll on the battlefield: WINTER!

OHI day serves as another tribute to all Greeks, including Greek Americans. Following the War of Independence in 1812 when the brutal uncivilized Turks were defeated, the immigration of Greeks to America began in earnest (the Turks has pillaged, looted, persecuted, and enslaved the Greeks for centuries). Nearly one tenth of the total population (including both of my parents) immigrated to our country during the period 1821 – 1934.

Through it all, Greece has remained the fountainhead of culture and democracy throughout the free world. Despite lacking the political and media clout of other ethnic groups, Greek-Americans have evolved into a success story that has become a best-kept secret. They have contributed mightily to our great nation. They rank second only to the American Jews in per capita wealth but first in percent who have earned doctoral degrees.

Yep, I still get that special feeling when someone refers to me as a Greek-American.

Note: Thanks are due to my first cousins Helen Lake Anton and Harry Lake, aka Apostolakos, for providing some of the background material for this article. Helen was stationed in Greece during part of her CIA career. Harry serves on the National Board of Directors and was Finance Chairman of AHEPA (American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association).

Lou Theodore

Here is what is on tap in the coming months:

December 1: 2013-14 Hofstra Basketball: Is There Hope on the Horizon?
January 1: Revisiting the East Williston School District
February 1: On the New York Times
March 1: On Chaste, Pristine, and Random Thoughts XX
April 1: On the Barack Hussein Obama Update III

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