Just have to give a 'shout out' to Mr. Darryl Finkton for his extraordinary achievements.
It's also nice to know he was a graduate from one of the best high schools in nation (and also my alma mater)
Congratulations!
************
*other notable graduates of NCHS include: Mitch Daniels, Governor of indiana; Bart Peterson, former mayor of Indianapolis; 'Baby-Face' Edmonds, singer/recording artist
By Kevin O'Neal
Posted: November 23, 2009
http://www.indystar.com/article/20091123/LOCAL/911230376/0/OPINION05
A former North Central High School basketball player has been named one of the recipients of a Rhodes Scholarship for 2010.
Darryl W. Finkton Jr., a senior majoring in neurobiology at Harvard College, is a 2006 North Central graduate. While at Harvard, he has set up a water supply system for a town in Ghana and performed infant cognition research in France.
In 2006, Finkton, the son of Stephanie Finkton, said he wanted to become a pediatric cardiologist. In a 2005 interview with The Star while still a student at North Central, Finkton said, "When I'm on the basketball court, I'm a basketball player. When I'm in class, I'm a student."
He was considered one of the best high school basketball players in the Indianapolis area, receiving an honorable mention on The Star's 2006 All-Marion County boys team and honorable mention on the Topics Newspapers team. Finkton played on the Harvard team for two years before suffering a knee injury.
Rhodes Scholars receive all-expense-paid scholarships for two to four years of study at Oxford University in Great Britain. Finkton was one of 32 in the U.S. and the only Hoosier to receive a 2010 scholarship.
A well-known Rhodes Scholar from Indianapolis is Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., a former Indianapolis mayor
There's a loss in our soceity. Its impact is evident in our homes, schools, churches, businesses, and government. The loss of Thanks.
Expressing appreciation for the actions or just mere presence of others may be so edifying for ourselves and others.
Imagine the impact of just saying the word 'thanks' to your family: spouse, parents, children, siblings, et al.
Imagine the impact of just saying the word 'thanks' to your school: teachers, administrators, office workers, and volunteers.
Imagine the impact of just saying the word 'thanks' to clergy and laity.
Imagine the impact of just saying the word 'thanks' to employees and supervisors.
Imagine the impact of just saying the word 'thanks' to friends and opponents because opponents challenge us to think and act beyond ourselves.
Imagine the impact of just saying the word 'thanks' to leaders and civil servants.
Imagine the impact of just saying the word 'thanks' to God.
Just Imagine.
We take for granted the simple pleasures that peoples in other countries view as luxuries.
O' the countless times we've forgotten to express our thanks for the effforts the individuals who work 'behind the scenes' daily to make our lives just a little more comfortable. So I would like to express a simple thought to everyone: Thanks
What would we expect from someone who quit because she could not take the heat - lies. It is sad I thought she would have time on her hands to do research before she spoke - apparently not. Mrs. Palin I am disabled yet not mindless and your lies are simply more scare tactics which some of your so-called Republican cohorts enjoy doing so much. How sad, what I find worst of all is you are using your son as a pawn for your lies - Your OWN Child. This was beyond shocking. By the way this is Patti Suarez (Mistique642@aol.com) using my son's facebook page to write, because this is simply appalling in my opinion. As well as for your death camps, there comes a time, which I do NOT wish upon anyone that we MUST make difficult decisions regarding the end of our life. If I had an incurable disease, in severe pain, no way out, etcetera, I have a right to choose what to do with MY life. I believe we should all have a choice as to what we want to do at that time. However, we MUST say it in advance with sound mind. Let me guess your children do not know what you want during that time, I guess they can cremate you and throw your ashes in Alaska so you can see Russia.Think about what you are saying before you speak. Have you ever taken care of someone with terminal cancer, aids, A.L.S., etcetera? I gather you have not...
PEOPLE AGAINST DRUG ABUSE
http://www.freewebs.com/padaministries/
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The Blue Dog Coalition - who celebrated 13 years of leadership in 2008 - has built a reputation as a serious player in the policy arena, promoting positions which bridge the gap between ideological extremes. Many of the group's policy proposals have been praised as fair, responsible, and positive additions to a Congressional environment too often marked as partisan and antagonistic.
The 47 conservative and moderate Democrats in the group hail from every region of the country, although the group acknowledges some southern ancestry which accounts for the group's nickname. Taken from the South's longtime description of a party loyalist as one who would vote for a yellow dog if it were on the ballot as a Democrat, the "Blue Dog" moniker was taken by members of The Coalition because their moderate-to-conservative-views had been "choked blue" by their party in the years leading up to the 1994 election.
The Coalition was formed in the 104th Congress as a policy-oriented group to give moderate and conservative Democrats in the House of Representatives a common sense, bridge-building voice within the institution.
Most agree that, since then, the Blue Dogs have successfully injected a moderate viewpoint into the Democratic Caucus, where group members now find greater receptiveness to their opinions. In fact, the continuing political success of "Blue Pups" in the 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006 elections points to the public's approval of the centrist, fiscally responsible message represented by The Coalition. Since 1996, 24 Blue Dogs won their seats by defeating a Republican incumbent.
The Coalition has been particularly active on fiscal issues, relentlessly pursuing a balanced budget and then protecting that achievement from politically popular "raids" on the budget. Past Coalition budgets have won the endorsement of the nonpartisan Concord Coalition and multiple newspaper and magazine editorials. As one column pointed out, the Blue Dogs have proven that "common sense, conservative economics and compassion aren't necessarily mutually exclusive."
Blue Dog Coalition proposals have served as middle-ground markers which laid the foundation for the bipartisanship necessary to bring about fundamental reforms, and helped set into law policies reflecting the "common sense, conservative compassion" so often attached to the group's efforts.
In the 110h Congress, the Coalition intends to continue to make a difference in Congress by forging middle-ground, bipartisan answers to the current challenges facing the Country. A top priority will be to refocus Congress on balancing the budget and ridding taxpayers of the burden the debt places on them.
The group also expects to be involved in a variety of issues, where the stale extreme left vs. right approach requires a breath of fresh air.
In the past I considered him to be a principled politician. His advocacy, along with Sen. Kennedy, for the Comprehensive Immigration Bill caught my attention and earned my support. Unlike Lieberman, it seems as though Specter's party-switch is not principled, but political and personal. The Democrats in general and President Obama in particular shouldn't boast too loudly.
Remember....
President Obama:
Beware of short-term thinking, mere tactical planning. Thus far, the problems your Adminstration have encountered have been the result of hyper-partisans in the Democrat party seeking short-term results. The short term results often were to debase the Republicans. Caveat: "The difference between a rut and a grave is the depth." In other words, the ditch that is dug for others may become the grave in which may bury oneself.
Thus far, I have not agreed with all your decisions (and didn't expect to) nor am I willing to rubber-stamp your ideas. ( I will not be part of the demagogue-like hysteria that characterized some media outlets & grassroots individuals/organizations) This was not the reason you receive my vote.
The 'Proverbial Report Card' (Overall: B+)
Message Discipline: C+ --- At times tend to be reactive, disjointed, and unclear/confusing.
Grassroots Network (Organizing for America): D --- Increase presence of spam on site, vitriol language as well. Corruption of your concept in community organizing and its purpose. Some people may be discouraged to even visit the site. already it has been expressed that emails from Democrat Party are not welcome specifically when soliciting donations due to increased spam. It shows lack of leadership of the site administrators. It undermines grassroot effectiveness.
Accessibility/Exposure: C- --- Need to guard against 'over-exposure'. The words and appearance of the President should command attention, not be 'too familar' or mundane. Need to guard against the appearance of campaigning instead of governing.
Style: C --- Need to balance between being 'natural', conversational and formal, authoritative. For the most part, the problem arises situationally. Introducing novelty while maintaining dignity of office has been good; should continue to exercise balance in this regard. See <Accessibility/Exposure>
Politics: C --- Need to guard against shift towards far-left idealogy/trying to please those who ascribed to the far-left idealogy. Danger of being tagged as knee-jerk liberal as well as encouraging a more polarizing political environment. (This is mistake of your predecessor) Remember: Balance and Process Matters.
Policy Formulation: A+ --- Great comprehensive approach to Nation's issues and concerns. See <Message Discipline>
Personnel: B --- Highly qualified individuals; Execution of their duties adequate --- often with lingering perception of incompetance.
Promises: B --- Given the complexity of the issues, this isn't so bad.
Transparency: A- --- Given the complexity of the issues, this isn't so bad.
Be informed
Check out the USA.gov Home Page and/or health-related pages on USA.gov ( http://www.usa.gov ).
This page has been updated with a new link to Swine Flu. Find guidance, travel notices, and other information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about human cases of swine flu in the U.S.
Look for the link in the "Features" box on the right side of the USA.gov Home Page.
In the past, I strongly supported affirmative action but over the years and after and listening to and encountering others, I have found some problems it poses. People should not feel or assume you are only in college or any job setting because of affirmative action. Although affirmative action was designed to help minorities and women; it has actually caused some obstacles today surprisingly. The Extended Post is mostly all my opinion. So please feel free and don't be afraid to share with me you own opinions as well. If you'd like, feel free to leave a comment. See my extended response for more info.
Fantastic Football Data -> Fruitful Educational Experiences
By Jacqueline Brannon Giles
Millions of people love football, but so few realize the power and importance of the data which measures the performance of teams and players. A man with a vision leads a relatively new Hall of Fame committee charged with the mission to use the fantastic NFL data and other data to inspire learning in American classrooms. Jerry Csaki realizes the potential of his educational leadership role, and the U. S. Department of Education in Washington, D. C. has documented the need. During the conference in Washington, D. C., in October 2008, hundreds of mathematicians and educators convened to discuss the crisis in student proficiency in mathematics. Csaki believes his committee can help write and administer creative learning experiences, using real world data, i.e., football data.
One team, the National Association of Mathematicians, led by Lt. Colonel Donald Outing, a professor at the United States Military Academy (West Point) prepared its statement and call to action. It states:
Team Name National Association of Mathematicians (NAM)Team Leader& Members Donald Outing Jackie Giles Duane Cooper Bill HawkinsArea & Recs Learning Processes 13, 10, 12Plan Reports indicate that students with a strong grasp of mathematics have an advantage in academics and in the job market regardless of ethnic background or family income. The reports point to the eighth grade as being the critical point in student's mathematics education. Achievement at this stage clears the way for students to take rigorous high school mathematics and science courses which are keys to college entrance and success in the labor force. Surveys indicate that most students would like to go to college; however, many mathematically talented minority students plan to drop mathematics as soon as they can. This indicates that most minority students do not understand the importance of taking rigorous mathematics courses in high school (nor are they encouraged). With fewer minority high school students enrolling in rigorous mathematics courses, the pool of fully qualified minority college applicants is small. Consequently, the pool of potential mathematicians, scientist, and engineers is even smaller. There is an urgent need to intervene to encourage middle school students to continue studying mathematics in high school. Programs that inspire undergraduate mathematics students to continue studying mathematics in graduate school have already proven successful, e.g., SUMSRI at Miami University and SPIRAL at the University of Maryland. Similar programs developed for middle school students could increase the numbers of students taking rigorous mathematics courses in high schoolResources The National Association of Mathematicians (NAM) has always had as its main objectives, the promotion of excellence in the mathematical sciences and the promotion of the mathematical development of groups historically underrepresented in mathematics fields. It also aims to address the issue of the serious under-representation of minorities in the workforce of mathematical scientists. The organization achieves its goals by focusing on five areas: 1. Mathematics Education 2. Professional/Career Development 3. Scholarly Productivity 4. Student Development 5. Databases. NAM has received funding from numerous agencies to include National Science Foundation, National Security Agency, and MAA to conduct activities and conferences to accomplish its goals
Team Name National Association of Mathematicians (NAM)
Team Leader& Members Donald Outing Jackie Giles Duane Cooper Bill Hawkins
Area & Recs Learning Processes 13, 10, 12
Plan Reports indicate that students with a strong grasp of mathematics have an advantage in academics and in the job market regardless of ethnic background or family income. The reports point to the eighth grade as being the critical point in student's mathematics education. Achievement at this stage clears the way for students to take rigorous high school mathematics and science courses which are keys to college entrance and success in the labor force. Surveys indicate that most students would like to go to college; however, many mathematically talented minority students plan to drop mathematics as soon as they can. This indicates that most minority students do not understand the importance of taking rigorous mathematics courses in high school (nor are they encouraged). With fewer minority high school students enrolling in rigorous mathematics courses, the pool of fully qualified minority college applicants is small. Consequently, the pool of potential mathematicians, scientist, and engineers is even smaller. There is an urgent need to intervene to encourage middle school students to continue studying mathematics in high school. Programs that inspire undergraduate mathematics students to continue studying mathematics in graduate school have already proven successful, e.g., SUMSRI at Miami University and SPIRAL at the University of Maryland. Similar programs developed for middle school students could increase the numbers of students taking rigorous mathematics courses in high school
Resources The National Association of Mathematicians (NAM) has always had as its main objectives, the promotion of excellence in the mathematical sciences and the promotion of the mathematical development of groups historically underrepresented in mathematics fields. It also aims to address the issue of the serious under-representation of minorities in the workforce of mathematical scientists. The organization achieves its goals by focusing on five areas: 1. Mathematics Education 2. Professional/Career Development 3. Scholarly Productivity 4. Student Development 5. Databases. NAM has received funding from numerous agencies to include National Science Foundation, National Security Agency, and MAA to conduct activities and conferences to accomplish its goals
The U. S. Department of Education conference call to action inspired a response in the African tradition. Jackie Giles, a NAM team member and a professor at an open admissions university in Texas, selected 35 students to complete a simple survey. The survey question was “Have you heard of the Educational Outreach Program of the Hall of Fame?”
The students eagerly let Giles know that they were familiar with the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but they showed expressions of surprise when she mentioned the existence of an education committee. Quickly, the mission statement was shared with these young people who are enrolled in a mathematics course which overlaps the curricular content of middle school and senior high school mathematics classes. In an effort to keep the interest of the class, the teacher’s alto voice sounded out the mission statement:
The efforts of the Hall of Fame education component are outstanding, but Giles believes that the news of its existence and functions need to be spread throughout all communities, including African American, Hispanic, Jewish and other groups, especially in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi.
One book of wisdom shares, in summary, “Line upon line; precept upon precept; a little here, a little there.” So this article is designed to introduce more communities and educational institutions to the resources and expertise available through the Educational Outreach Program. The concept of the Hall of Fame initiative is described “line by line” spelling out the “precept upon precept” with the hope of advocating change, “a little here, a little there.”
Just as millions of people are uplifted and inspired by great plays and touchdowns in mammoth football fields packed with millions of spectators, why not embrace a vision that more students (perhaps millions) will get excited about using real-world data from those fantastic plays in football, and, metaphorically, run, run, run toward the end zone of excellence in learning and applying mathematics in the real world to get that touchdown and victory in mathematics and mathematics education in the United States of America. After all, some of the studies of the U. S. Department of Education correlate national security issues with mathematical and technological proficiency of the general populace. It’s about time we use the fantastic real-world data in the NFL, for example, to inspire more fruitful learning activities in American classrooms. It’s a thought—it is the Hall of Fame’s vision.
Click here to learn more about the HOF Educational Advisory Panel http://www.profootballhof.com/hall/EducationalAdvisoryPanel.jsp
Jacqueline Brannon Giles is a Resident Professor of Mathematics in Houston, Texas who has written several articles in Mathematics and Sports. She has been featured in the Jewish Herald Voice in an article written by Michael Duke, titled "Pointed toward Israel."
Related articles http://www.jewishaz.com/issues/story.mv?050923+nfl [edit] Football (American)
Jews in the NFLPlayersAlex Bernstein - OL, Browns (inactive)Hayden Epstein - K,Vikings (inactive)Jay Fiedler - QB, DolphinsLennie Friedman - OL, RedskinsAntonio Garay – DE, BrownsDan Hadenfeldt - P, Patriots (inactive)Andrew Kline - OL, Rams (inactive)Brian Kopka - K, Ravens (inactive)Josh Miller - P, PatriotsIgor Olshansky – DT, ChargersGus Ornstein - QB, Jets (inactive)Vitaly Pisetsky - K, Bears (inactive, NFL Europe)Sage Rosenfels - QB, DolphinsMike Rosenthal - OL, VikingsScott Slutzker - TE, Jets (inactive)Josh Taves – DE, Panthers (inactive)
ManagementArthur Blank - Owner, FalconsAl Davis - Owner, RaidersMalcom Glazer - Owner, BucaneersRobert Kraft - Owner, PatriotsRandy Lerner - Owner, BrownsJeffrey Lurie - Owner, EaglesArt Modell - Owner, RavensDan Snyder - Owner, RedskinsAndy Sugarman - Assistant Coach, 49ersRobert Tisch - 1/2 Owner, GiantsMarc Trestman - Assistant Coach, RaidersRon Wolf - General Manager, Packers
Cable news and right wing blogs are swarming with the revisionist history on the New Deal. Arm yourself against lies, spin and propaganda by reading info from a number of sources.
Here down a article about this topic. [Media Matters is a progressive media watchdog and fact checking organization which has received accolades from numerous sources (except the right wing media which often gets debunked by Media Matters).]
The link to digg it and for article: Conservatives Cherry-Pick 1930s Unemployment Figures
Summary: Columnists Mona Charen and George Will continued a trend among conservative media of responding to comparisons between the current economic situation and that of the 1930s and between Barack Obama and FDR by attacking the New Deal. In separate columns, both Charen and Will cherry-picked unemployment figures to assert that the New Deal did not reduce unemployment. But historians and progressive economists have noted that unemployment fell every year of the New Deal except during the 1937-38 recession; further, Nobel-laureate Paul Krugman has said it was a reversal of New Deal policies, not a continuance of them, that contributed to rising unemployment in 1937 and 1938.
Yes we can! Best wishes, Steffen
http://changeforbetterworld.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-way-to-say-goodbye-to-neocons-bush.html
Formal Petition to Attorney General-Designate Eric Holder to appoint a Special Prosecutor to investigate and prosecute any and all government officials who have participated in War Crimes.
You can Digg it: My_way to say GOODBYE to neocons, Bush and Cheney!
A picture from me to say goodbye from most bad president of US and all neocons.We can only hope many people will long enough remember. Bush had a lot bad gifts for the change! Let's take care the poor and normal people will not have to pay now too much after the rich made profit in good time!And what's with impeachment now?! What's with hidden knowledge of Sept. 11 2001?[ Maybe an explanation of picture: it's made like an "egg laying wool milk sow" a metaphorical-idiomatic term in Germany]
Yeah, and here you can see something new about neocons were bringing to us - for me to say: don't forgive Bush and neocons and there is still a lot to work of. We will and can do this too - Yes we can!I got now message too like "If anybody can clean up the mess bush left, it's President Obama." - Yes and Obama likes people helping still to do the work - help him! We were a big and strong movement and so people got knowledge back how strong people can be together! Whistleblower: Bush's NSA spied on EVERYONE (already 4255 Diggs) The NSA had access to ALL YOUR COMMUNICATIONS, regardless of who you were or whether or not you were communicating internationally.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
'What I Want for You — and Every Child in America'
By President-elect Barack Obama
Publication Date: 01/18/2009 Photo By Kwaku Alston/Corbis Barack and Michelle Obama with daughters Sasha, 7, and Malia, 10.
Inauguration Specials Headline-Making First Kids Spotlight-stealing moments from the White House's younger set Who Said It? Match the president to his memorable quote Wise Words Watch the most famous inaugural addresses More on Parade.com • Hope and new beginnings Great inaugural moments » On Tuesday, Barack Obama will be sworn in as our 44th President. On this historic occasion, PARADE asked the President-elect, who is also a devoted family man, to get personal and tell us what he wants for his children. Here, he shares his letter to them. Dear Malia and Sasha, I know that you've both had a lot of fun these last two years on the campaign trail, going to picnics and parades and state fairs, eating all sorts of junk food your mother and I probably shouldn't have let you have. But I also know that it hasn't always been easy for you and Mom, and that as excited as you both are about that new puppy, it doesn't make up for all the time we've been apart. I know how much I've missed these past two years, and today I want to tell you a little more about why I decided to take our family on this journey. When I was a young man, I thought life was all about me—about how I'd make my way in the world, become successful, and get the things I want. But then the two of you came into my world with all your curiosity and mischief and those smiles that never fail to fill my heart and light up my day. And suddenly, all my big plans for myself didn't seem so important anymore. I soon found that the greatest joy in my life was the joy I saw in yours. And I realized that my own life wouldn't count for much unless I was able to ensure that you had every opportunity for happiness and fulfillment in yours. In the end, girls, that's why I ran for President: because of what I want for you and for every child in this nation. I want all our children to go to schools worthy of their potential—schools that challenge them, inspire them, and instill in them a sense of wonder about the world around them. I want them to have the chance to go to college—even if their parents aren't rich. And I want them to get good jobs: jobs that pay well and give them benefits like health care, jobs that let them spend time with their own kids and retire with dignity. I want us to push the boundaries of discovery so that you'll live to see new technologies and inventions that improve our lives and make our planet cleaner and safer. And I want us to push our own human boundaries to reach beyond the divides of race and region, gender and religion that keep us from seeing the best in each other. Sometimes we have to send our young men and women into war and other dangerous situations to protect our country—but when we do, I want to make sure that it is only for a very good reason, that we try our best to settle our differences with others peacefully, and that we do everything possible to keep our servicemen and women safe. And I want every child to understand that the blessings these brave Americans fight for are not free—that with the great privilege of being a citizen of this nation comes great responsibility. Sasha (l) and Malia Obama at play in New Hampshire in 2007. Bumper cars at the Iowa State Fair in August 2007. That was the lesson your grandmother tried to teach me when I was your age, reading me the opening lines of the Declaration of Independence and telling me about the men and women who marched for equality because they believed those words put to paper two centuries ago should mean something. She helped me understand that America is great not because it is perfect but because it can always be made better—and that the unfinished work of perfecting our union falls to each of us. It's a charge we pass on to our children, coming closer with each new generation to what we know America should be. I hope both of you will take up that work, righting the wrongs that you see and working to give others the chances you've had. Not just because you have an obligation to give something back to this country that has given our family so much—although you do have that obligation. But because you have an obligation to yourself. Because it is only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you will realize your true potential. These are the things I want for you—to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will help build that world. And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow and thrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure. I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humor as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House. Love, Dad Inauguration Day is a time of hope and new beginnings. Read about the greatest inaugural moments »
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