Country cooking meets fru-fru (some people call it gourmet).
Most everyone enjoys ordering baby back ribs or a pulled pork sandwich from a restaurant. Country cooking meets fru-fru (some people call it gourmet).
Most everyone enjoys ordering baby back ribs or a pulled pork sandwich from a restaurant. Some steak places promote their tender fall off the bone ribs, while others describe their pulled pork as pit cooked. Some wanna be places just throw several Boston Butts into a giant crock pot and try to pass their product as "pulled pork". You might have wondered how these delicious foods are really cooked.
If you really want to cook these food right, you have to use a smoker and cook them slowly--5 hours for ribs and 12 hours for pulled pork. Well, that's my take on it and I have been smoking regularly for several years. Don't worry; I don't inhale.
Cheryl Jamison starts her book by breaking down the basic types of smokers--a good start for beginners and for intermediates that might be considering whether a new smoker might be beneficial. This book was written in 1996 and a bigger variety of smokers are available now, but this will give you the basics.
Jamison goes on to discuss wood (but not in much detail) and charcoal, as well as various tools, and techniques such as rubs and marinades. Then Jamison dives head first into fru-fru with recipes. The first one listed is "Plum-Delicious Pot Stickers" which may not sound gourmet, but it doesn't make me think "smoker". "Turkey-Chutney Triangles" and "Guadeloupe Conch Fritters" are the next; I have never seen such offerings in BBQ places, but I have in upscale restaurants.
I'm not saying that any of this is bad, but I would approach this book from a different direction. First, learn how to smoke various meats such as whole chickens, Boston Butts, turkeys, chicken breasts, salmon, etc. You can build a simple dinner around these meats as you are learning to use a smoker. Two nights later take the left over turkey and follow the recipe to combine with chutney and you will have a completely different dish.
The author does not mention the amount of preparation for using a charcoal smoker--or the clean up. I would suggest that beginners thoroughly research the internet for tips on setting up the type of smoker they have. The mess needed to clean up will be obvious. That is why I never just smoke 1 chicken, but do 3 instead. All that work means I end up with 2 fully cooked chickens in the freezer (unless I have company) with at least 3 meals from each chicken.
I am going to try some of the recipes; although most of them call for way too many ingredients. I will make the Reader's Digest version, which is the way I cook anyway. Start with good quality ingredients and even if you are missing some rare herb, it will be delicious! ...more
My four year old grandson and I were captivated by the pictures and we read parts of it. There is a lot of information in this book that is too advancMy four year old grandson and I were captivated by the pictures and we read parts of it. There is a lot of information in this book that is too advanced for a 4 year old, but will be appreciated later. This is a book that can be appreciated by children of all ages!...more
Thomas Sowell, a conservative economist, columnist, and writer lays out the relevant factors in the recent housing boom and bust in his matter of factThomas Sowell, a conservative economist, columnist, and writer lays out the relevant factors in the recent housing boom and bust in his matter of fact tone. In pointing out that there were many factors involved in the housing crisis, Sowell systematically and logically discusses each point in a way that is easy to understand. A few of the causes Sowell discusses includes: the originator of loans had little incentive to make sure borrowers were qualified because the loans would be packaged up and sold to Fannie and Freddie, realtors benefited from the sale of homes and encouraged buyers, the Federal Reserve Bank kept interest rates artificially low, and through the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 the government encouraged banks make loans available to all so all could be part of the American Dream. Sowell goes on to discuss implications of the crash and also states that the housing crash hit low income minorities the hardest. Sowell suggests that people will learn from the mistakes made if they study what happened. As we are still bailing out Fannie and Freddie, banks are being pressured to lend, and the Fed is still tinkering and producing money out of this air, I don't think the people that run government have learned enough.
I have always enjoyed reading Thomas Sowell's columns in the paper.
Bio from 카지노싸이트: Thomas Sowell is an American economist, social commentator, and author of dozens of books. He often writes from an economically laissez-faire perspective. He is currently a senior fellow of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.
This reference book lists and describes state and national scholarships available to high school and college students. The author also includes suggesThis reference book lists and describes state and national scholarships available to high school and college students. The author also includes suggestions suggestions for seeking scholarships and a separate section for internships and their descriptions. Several general books have been published about scholarships, but this book lists specific scholarships, the requirements, and how to apply.
This book is well organized, but not exactly fun to read through especially because my son would be eligible for very few. It is definitely worth a look, but I'm not counting on anyone paying his tuition. I think many students have a better chance of getting tuition money from the school or from a local organization. The list of internships is a good reminder that students can often get practical experience, earn money, and learn about the job market during their college years. ...more
Our economy over time is like a Monopoly game where everyone starts out with nothing and with a little luck and some money, players pick up some smallOur economy over time is like a Monopoly game where everyone starts out with nothing and with a little luck and some money, players pick up some small properties. Gradually all of the properties are bought up and some idiot allows one of the players to gain a monopoly. That lucky player puts everything into his monopoly until each property is loaded with hotels; then he sits back and enjoys each moment he is able to extract huge sums from his unhappy competitors.
OK, maybe that is too simplistic.
Thom Hartman does a good job of presenting facts in a matter of fact way and drawing inferences regarding our economy that will give conservatives and liberals something to think about. On p. 22 Hartman states: "My purpose in this book is not to identify "culprits"--it's to point out a flaw in our social system, and propose a solution." It has taken me a long to time to read (yes, I had to read the actual book--not the audio book) because it is not a light fun read and because I have a tendency to fall asleep when I am not moving. It is definitely worth reading and discussing because our country and our economy is not working the way it should.
Let me first state that I am pro-business because businesses create and sell things people need, they provide jobs, and they create wealth. Of course I am against some things they do, such as pollute and not clean it up and not pay plaintiffs when courts rule against them, but appeal and drag the case out until the plaintiff dies or accepts a pittance.
This book seeks to explain the way large transnational corporations have been able to gain most of the wealth in the world and how/why this is destructive for the earth and the rest of us. Much of this power was gained by the manipulation of the 14th Amendment (you know the one that gave blacks citizenship--shortly after freeing the slaves in the 13th Amendment--and also offers equal protection under the law.)
I do not believe that wealth is a finite and fixed commodity; you can start your own business, create something of value, and sell it. However, giant corporations have bought influence through political donations that allows them great input into the writing of laws and regulations. This book came out in 2002 and it has only gotten worse.
This happens with both Republicans and Democrats; although the Democrats are generally better at blaming it all on the Republicans. I was so mad when this happened: OBAMA: Just Another Crooked Washington Insider On Tuesday, July 7, 2009, Barack Obama sold his soul to Monsanto while America’s media were busy covering one of history’s major news events: the funeral of the century. ()
When I saw that Monsanto (food giant) supported Obama's Food Safety law, I knew there had to be something wrong with it. It is filled with regulations that will cost the big boys little, and what little there is will be passed on in pennies per item sold. Many of the little guys, who sell fewer items, will find the amount that must be added to the price of their goods is insurmountable.
Hartmann does state that both parties have sold out (p. 221). Since the publication of his book in 2002, the flood gates of money to politicians have poured open. McCain-Feingold was supposed to reform campaign financing, but instead blew it wide open. () The Supreme Court ruled “No sufficient governmental interest justifies limits on the political speech of nonprofit or for-profit corporation,” as stated by Justice Anthony Kennedy()
If all you care about is the party, this is great; however, this is all bad for the people whether you are a D or R. Frankly all of this has bothered me for a long time and it drives me crazy that the majority of American people are oblivious.
As a country we need to take money out of the equation concerning our politicians, but I don't know how. Term limits would help, but what politician would vote for that? What we really need is a re-set button that would allow us to keep the good while eradicating the bad. Hartmann puts forth his ideas on this in the last 50+ pages of his book (see Part 4 Restoring Democracy as the Founding Father's Imagined It.) Too bad we have dug ourselves in even deeper since 2002.
Most Americans have a tendency not to think too deeply about the system that runs our country. If you have a decent place to live, food on the table, and some money to spend then there is no need to question too deeply how all the juggled balls are able to stay up. If you are the ball that bounces hard on the ground, you find few to listen to your complaints. On p. 215-217 (please read these pages) Hartman lists a series of events beginning with the loss of jobs (including manufacturing) to the offshore market. I remember that happening--it was just a couple of years ago. At the time I thought that it was unfortunate that these people lost their jobs, but they can retrain and we will all get cheaper goods. But wait, there's more. Unfortunately, it's not so good.
I was beginning to see the results and connect it to the loss of manufacturing before reading this book. I was recently asked by my all volunteer church congregation to be the employment specialist. In our congregation we have a very large number of members that are in medical, dental, graduate school, or are in residencies (almost half of the families) and they always are employed when they graduate and move on and are replaced by more students. We have a large chunk of people that do IT and they have jobs. We also have a group of people who have always been able to find less skilled jobs (including some professional middle managers) until recently. Companies are making cuts and if they think they can get by without you, you will be cut. These people are left scrambling. I could see it trickling up when my neighbor, a mechanical engineer, lost his job with a company that manufactured molds for making metal parts for machines. When the company lays off engineers, you can be sure office personnel have already been cut. That means more people competing for less jobs and companies can pay lower salaries and give smaller benefits while expecting more work spread out among less people. Eventually this will effect the masses, some to a bigger extent than others.
Chapter 18 is devoted to the "Unequal Media" which immediately had me thinking about how much the media loved and praised Obama. While this chapter doesn't so much go in that direction, it does raise several interesting points. Most of this is supposed to be taught in 12th grade government, but it does not stick. Just watch this video (please, I'm begging you) to see how easily people can be manipulated into signing a petition to repeal the 1st Amendment:
Part 4 Restoring Democracy as the Founding Father's Imagined It (I love that title!) puts forth ideas to fix the problem. It's too bad we couldn't have started fixing the problems in 2002; we've only made them worse. I admit, I was busy with life. I do have hope that with networking on the internet, these problems will be brought to light and we will find leaders that will put the ideas of the Founding Fathers into action. Hopefully we will not have to become Greece first.
Halfway through and really enjoying this because I know I did not push my son too hard--I'm definitely no where near as bad as the author! Colbert inteHalfway through and really enjoying this because I know I did not push my son too hard--I'm definitely no where near as bad as the author! Colbert interviews the author:
First generation Chinese American, Amy Chua writes about raising her daughters the Chinese way. The Chinese way translates to plenty of hard work, violin/piano practice, more hard work, and no fun because the time has all been spent working. Chua is very successful herself, teaching at Duke and Yale, and this is her third book. Her rules of parenting are very strict and she isn't afraid to verbally abuse her children to get them to work even harder. The first 80% of this book is funny and easy to read. As her conflict with her younger daughter ramps up, I could feel the tension in her home. I couldn't put the book down, but I read with a bad feeling.
As I read, I constantly compared my parenting style to Chua's and what she calls the Western style of parenting (that is the feel good, let the child decide style). Battle Hymn is definitely not a "How To" book, but it does allow you to examine how a Tiger Mom style can be beneficial or how it can destroy family relationships.
The book also made me remember back when my son was in middle school and I dropped him off for a birthday party and everyone there was Asian...except Ryan. As that trend has continued, I finally asked him about his friends yesterday. He told me his friends are the ones that get math (he said this with feeling, not that they just get the right answers, they get math on a deep level that I never will)--and get the top grades. And they get Java and other problem solving. Then he switched the subject to what he was working on with the piano and how that is the only instrument worth playing, unless...maybe...a stringed instrument...like the violin. We talked a long time, maybe 2 hours--it was great, but I will spare you the details. Maybe the part of me that is a Tiger Mother produced an Asian boy on the inside. ...more
Child psychiatrist Bruce D. Perry wrote this book as a series of case histories with some overlap between cases. The cases and their treatments are wrChild psychiatrist Bruce D. Perry wrote this book as a series of case histories with some overlap between cases. The cases and their treatments are written in a very easy to understand way. In almost every case, the kids are damaged by their parents or caregivers. While all of the cases are different in major ways, in several of the cases the children are neglected from birth with little or no physical contact or nurturing. Some of the children are abused in various ways; all of the children are impacted critically, but Perry is able to help most to recover to some extent. Perry shows how family, caregivers, and others can help in the recovery.
The last chapter discusses the transition of society that has set the scene for the neglect of so many children. As I was reading the case studies, I did wonder how so many parents were so ignorant of simple parenting behaviors. How do people know how to take care of the very crucial stage of babies and toddlers?
Most couples today have a couple of carefree years without children, then have 2 or 3 in a matter of 7 years. Those children grow up and by the time they hit their teen years, are not exposed to being responsible for babies/toddlers. I did babysit a lot for the neighbors and learned from those experiences, but I really learned how to care for a baby when my Mom had my surprise brother a couple of months before I graduated from high school. It was a great experience for me, my Mom, and my infant brother--and for my Dad and 2 teenage brothers. My Mom modeled the behavior for lovingly caring for an infant and observed that I was able to follow her example.
Although I left for college a few months after the birth of my baby brother, I came home for breaks and continued to learn about raising a child--and I had fun doing it! Most families are too small to allow for much experience with very young siblings. The author makes some suggestions, but it seems impossible to reorder society. The last chapter will give you much to think about.
A short sappy parable is presented to help people realize change will come and readers will be happier sooner if they learn to adapt. If the parable wA short sappy parable is presented to help people realize change will come and readers will be happier sooner if they learn to adapt. If the parable wasn't clear enough, a discussion of exactly what was meant is played out.
I don't think I would have given this book 3 stars if I had not heard several young people complaining about how unfair life is and that they feel cheated that only people that know people get the good jobs, etc. I know the economy is bad and I do feel bad for people that are down on their luck. On the other hand, people make a lot of their own luck and should step up and take a more proactive role. Frankly, I think their parents should teach them this lesson; it is at least as important as how to throw a baseball. This lesson could actually help kids/people to better in everything including sports....more
Reading fascinates me. I went to college to prepare to teach young children to learn to read. In the end the math won out because it is so much more fReading fascinates me. I went to college to prepare to teach young children to learn to read. In the end the math won out because it is so much more fun to teach all the way through school, and I really belong with older students.
This book is really important because it tries to show through the author's own experiments how much more effective phonics is than sight reading. This book was written in 1955 and newer experiments should be conducted to verify Flesch's results.
This book also includes 72 word lists and detailed directions on teaching reading. While I agree with Flesch's basic idea, I do think teachers or parents could deviate from the precise directions found in the book and still be successful.
This book caused me to reflect on my early days in the first grade when I learned to read from Dick and Jane basal readers (sight reading!) The books were stupid, but I was a good reader so I didn't let that bother me. I received a gift of 4 Doctor Seuss books for my 6th birthday and I followed my mom around the house reading them to her. I remember that clearly.
At the beginning of the 3rd grade my family moved to Virginia and I remember the class reading out loud from our various textbooks. Someone got stuck on a word and the teacher told the student to "sound it out." Wow, how about that? From that, I taught myself to sound words out.
I tried to remember what I was taught in college about how to teach reading. I think we were told about about phonics and sight reading and that we would teach whatever the school system told us to teach.
I thought it would be fun to teach my baby brother to read when I came home for the summer. My mom borrowed some phonics books from the neighbor. David, then 4, picked up the books and taught himself to read before I got home.
After graduation I taught kindergarten at an inner city Catholic school. Of course a Catholic school is going to go with phonics. I taught the kids in groups, and most of them were reading at least somewhat by the time school ended. It was a fantastic experience!
Later I taught my 4 year old son to read using phonics (nothing as elaborate as Flesch's plan). While he was kindergarten age, he was reading chapter books. The teacher had no idea. She told me at the end of the year, I should pick up some Bob books (sight reading I think)because he was probably ready for them. What were they doing in school?
The one thing that was not addressed in this book, which is directed mostly to parents, is that first you must convert the kids to books. I call it "convert" because you want the kids to love books and be deeply interested in them. Well, maybe I am just a zealot when it comes to books. When the kids are really little, buy them the board books. As they get older, buy or check out books with real pages and fantastic pictures. Get them the stuff they like. Look at the books together and laugh at them together, act scared at the spooky stuff, be totally silly, and generally cut loose. Here is a great tactic: tell them too early that it is time for bed. They can't tell time, but they never want to go to bed anyway. When they are in bed and begging you not to leave, agree reluctantly to read them just one book. After the book, agree to another one. You can read to them as long as you want and they will love it. When they are old enough to read to themselves, make them go to bed and tell them they can read for 15 minutes. They will still be reading an hour later when you go to check on them. They will be converted.
Nothing succeeds like success. Start early and celebrate your child's accomplishments with a high five and a hearty hug and laugh. Celebrate with a special dinner your child chooses and announce that dinner is in recognition of Johnny reading his first book all by himself--you have to eat anyway. If your kids are poor readers, they will hate school and do poorly in subjects that depend on reading.
We waste very little food at my house, so I find it hard to believe that Americans let almost half of our food go to waste. The author explains many oWe waste very little food at my house, so I find it hard to believe that Americans let almost half of our food go to waste. The author explains many of ways food go to waste in this interesting easy to read book. One of the big food wastes is that produce never makes it out of the fields unless it is perfect--it simply gets plowed under. OK, I know I am not going to buy any produce unless I am sure it is really good. I love really good produce, fruit especially and I want it to be the best. I carefully pick out the best looking apples (or whatever) and I don't want bruised or anything less than perfect. Just looking good isn't enough for me--the taste and consistency must be perfect.
There is lots of waste at the grocery store when less than perfect fruit or dated fruit is discarded. Many people buy too much at the grocery store and throw away what they can't eat--along with their left overs.
This would be a good book for people at food banks and other related nonprofits to read. It could help them to find a way to gather food that can be used at soup kitchens and for the homeless. A few times I have gone to Einstein bagels when they close and collected the bagels that would be thrown away and taken them to the church where we made them into sandwiches which we packed into lunches for the homeless who were being sheltered in various churches. I went to Panera to see if I could collect their bagels, but they have a policy that they will only donate to a group that is willing to come every week on a set day. So I guess they let their food go to waste often.
Food banks are sometimes notified about food on farms that they could have if someone would come get it, but because of lack of resources they are unable. Families that are looking for opportunities to volunteer could read this book and see how they could help gather food for the hungry.
I have seen people with big gardens that let tomatoes and other good produce rot on the vine or on the ground. Maybe they don't have time to pick it; that can be very time consuming. I had planned to grow extra produce and donate it the food bank, but I found there are a lot of hungry people even closer. We have lots of young families at church where the husband is in dental or medical school and they are living on loans. They are happy to enjoy my extras. Some of my 카지노싸이트 friends are included!
The author did have a few crazy ideas like a food czar. We don't need any more czars! People can help people, we don't need the government involved in this!
My dad always used to say, "Take what you want, but eat what you take." Good advice today! ...more
Mary Roach, a writer of humor, takes on the topic of human cadavers. This is a topic I never considered, because I thought human cadavers go to the fuMary Roach, a writer of humor, takes on the topic of human cadavers. This is a topic I never considered, because I thought human cadavers go to the funeral home, are prepped (please spare me the details), are present and often on display at viewings and funerals (which I have been attending more and more as I get older), and finally are buried. The people live on in family and friends as they are remembered and talked about with love and humor.
The author has uncovered an entire hidden life (to most of us) of cadavers. This life includes practicing surgery on the dead, bodies that are snatched from the grave, human crash test dummies, crucifixion experiments,decapitation,cannibalism, and more.
I am squeamish and I don't like thinking about the topics in this book and I don't actually find them funny. I read this book because it is one of our book club selections this month. While it held my interest, I didn't enjoy it. At first I kept imagining I could smell the fetal pig I dissected in college (which I had no problems doing, but I didn't like the smell.) The part about crucifixion experiments seemed ghoulish and I didn't like what I pictured in my mind. When I read about crash test dummies, I pictured a friend of my son's that was hit by a car when he was 13 and thrown onto the windshield and bounced off with a broken neck and multiple broken bones--he is fine now thanks to the miracle of modern medicine and God. There was a section about reattaching body parts. That took me back 20 years to the day a 16 year old I knew accidentally cut his hand off using a saw I used about month previous to that incident. I have always had a big fear of dismemberment and I got a call that he and his mother were on the way to the hospital and I had to get the kid's dad when he came home from work and take him to the hospital. Did I mention that I am squeamish? OK, I took care of it, but mentally was freaking out!! By the way, David's hand was successfully reattached and because of his circumstances, the entire incident turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to him.
I realize that using human cadavers is a good way for medical science to advance and I am fine with that. I just don't want to think about any of that. A long time ago I agreed to be an organ donor, but this book almost made me want to rethink that. I would say there is a big difference between being an organ donor and donating your entire body to medical science....more
I just heard VA Tech is raising tuition rates by 9 point something for Fall 2011. My son told me, "An education that will lead to a fulfilling career I just heard VA Tech is raising tuition rates by 9 point something for Fall 2011. My son told me, "An education that will lead to a fulfilling career is a good investment." If that isn't a good enough reason, it will get your kids going in the right direction and make them a well rounded individual. I'm just hoping for a good job and independent.
This is another reference that will guide students/parents through the financial part of college. ...more
Laura Hillenbrand, author of Seabiscuit, tells the story of another great runner, Louis Zamperini. After competing in the Berlin Olympics, Zamperini sLaura Hillenbrand, author of Seabiscuit, tells the story of another great runner, Louis Zamperini. After competing in the Berlin Olympics, Zamperini served in the USAF as the bombardier in the South Pacific in WWII. Without spoiling the story, I would say Zamperini's experiences will not let you put this book down! Read it!
When you hear the name Katrina, what do you think? I always remember Hurricane Katrina and the horrors of the destruction in FL and New Orleans. I folWhen you hear the name Katrina, what do you think? I always remember Hurricane Katrina and the horrors of the destruction in FL and New Orleans. I followed the saga on the news, donated $$ to help the people I heard were stuck in the Superdome without food or water--and I was disgusted with the local, state, and federal (Good job Brownie!)agencies and leaders.
The story of a handful of real people is told in this graphic novel. Do you think comic book when I say graphic novel? Please don't. Newsweek said it best, "Raw and painful, down to the detailed depictions of ruined homes and the frenzied dialogue among friends." The artwork is very good and makes it easier to get the story without having to read a lot words. Rats swimming through the water when some of the people you care about are also in the water--ewww--gives me the creeps!
Did you ever know anyone that constantly complained about everything and always had a scowl on her face? I use the past tense because by now you have hopefully been able to find a way to get away from that person. Unfortunately there is a character in this book like that. Yes, she did have a lot to complain about, but she is the last person you would want to be trapped on Survivor Island with. If not for her, I would have appreciated (I can't say enjoyed) this book more and would have given it a higher rating. All of the other characters were much more likable and easier to relate to.
The book does raise many questions that it does not seek to answer, maybe there are no answers. I can't even understand why anyone would want to live in New Orleans, especially without the means to get away in an emergency. Many of the people stuck there were poor and lived there all of their life, but I could never accept that for myself. Why didn't the mayor call for evacuation sooner? People went to the Superdome with nothing! When I go away for a weekend, I have a case of water in the trunk, snacks for all, and reservations at the Holiday Inn Express. Then I realized that Katrina hit at the end of the month and many people had nothing left to take. Why didn't the Mayor load up the buses according to the Plan? Maybe they never planned where to take the people. And why didn't the Governor proclaim a state of emergency to open the way for the Feds to help. And what was wrong with FEMA? What a mess!
I read also Zeitoun, about another man that rode out the storm in New Orleans, and would highly recommend that book.
This book is different from any other book you have read. I was afraid it would be like an astronomy textbook (yawn). It wasn't. It was written by CalThis book is different from any other book you have read. I was afraid it would be like an astronomy textbook (yawn). It wasn't. It was written by Cal Tech professor and astronomer Mike Brown about whether or not Pluto and other large celestial bodies found by Mike Brown could qualify as planets.
This book reads more like a detailed blog with plenty of humor and drama. Brown also includes the story of meeting and interacting with the woman that would become his wife. About half way through the book, as his wife was getting closer to the birth of their daughter, I thought "This book needs pictures!" There were no pictures, but the next paragraph referred to the website that details (and I do mean details!) early life with Lilah (lilahbrown.com). I really enjoyed the website complete with pictures, video, scatter plots, and narrative devoted to cute little Lilah. I thought it was hilarious that Brown would construct scatter plots of how long Lilah would go between feedings. Different people bring order to their lives in different ways!
This is a good book for someone very interested in astronomy and the excitement of new discoveries. It is very easy to get wrapped up in the competition of sporting events or which awards our favorite entertainers will win, but there are other groups of very intelligent and dedicated people who labor and are recognized but have a much smaller spotlight.
As I read this book, I reflected on my childhood and how different it is now. Sure we had balls and games, but we had a telescope and and a microscope. In the summer we had jars of spiders and other insects with crude nail holes in the lids that we studied in the backyard until we knew we better release them. One of the neighbors had a chemistry set which we used to perform experiments. As we needed no help from our parents, we did manage to get into trouble at times, but we had a lot of hands on experience with earth science and biology. Is today's virtual world a good replacement?
Early in life very intelligent people are often labeled as nerds--the same for people gifted in some technical area. For those that embrace that title, I say, "Go nerds! You rule!"...more
This book contains some common sense advice about how to prepare for this test that I would recommend to all who are planning to take the test soon. TThis book contains some common sense advice about how to prepare for this test that I would recommend to all who are planning to take the test soon. The book also presents strategies to use when taking the test and breaks down the type of questions on the test. The book provides examples of the types of math questions found on the test--you should be given the tools to solve these types of questions in Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. The book includes 10 practice SAT tests with the answers. I can't imagine anyone taking all 10 practice tests!
I checked this book out for my son who is taking the SAT in March--he has shown no interest in this book. At least he did take an interest in his scored PSAT test and why he missed the ones he did.
I would recommend this book for high school English teachers in the hopes they would teach the skills that would help college bound students understand the Verbal portion--definitely the hardest part of the test! The skills of comparing a 3 paragraph selection to another 3 paragraph selection is something that will help them in college and in life!...more
This book contains tips for college students and soon to be college students that focus mainly on classes and academics. Most of the comments are commThis book contains tips for college students and soon to be college students that focus mainly on classes and academics. Most of the comments are common sense and students that have been paying attention will have already heard much of what is in this book.
The second half of the book included topics quite different from students' high school experiences, including making the most of professors' office hours, how to pick a major, graduate school, finding a job, studying abroad, and signs you are in trouble--to name a few. Unfortunately, the people that need to know that they are in trouble (and don't already know it) will never pick up this book. I have heard that more colleges are including a freshman seminar that teaches kids how to be successful in college. This would make a good textbook.
I would like to add a thought on choosing a major the author did not include. Choose a major you can job in that you would not hate. If you are planning to go to graduate school, be sure to have a back up plan with your major should you not get into graduate school. I will be even more specific: don't major in psychology unless you are at the top of your class and absolutely sure you will be getting a PhD or Masters. Well, unless you like scrubbing crap off the wall of a group home as one of my roommates did. Each to their own.
I did suggest this would be a good book for my professor husband to read, particularly the chapter about bad professors. He should be sure to avoid any of those characteristics. As I read further, I found several variations on the topic of how to not PO your professor. I suggested he read it and make a list for his students--he did not find any of my suggestions of interest or humorous. A few nights later he was reading the topics submitted for a paper for a masters level class. One was "Right Wing Terrorist Groups." I thought that was hilarious! You would think with that much education, a student might think about his audience--even if you don't know your professor's political views. Turns out the student decided to change topics after a few questions from the professor.
Besides using some of the advice in this book for my HS junior son and HS students that I work with, I found that some major universities offer online classes for free (not for credit.) I may take advantage of this. Here is the link:
I had hoped my son might want to read this book...not a chance!...more
This book presents issues that face many college students, such as dorm life, roommates, friends, food, class, drinking, drugs, sex, laundry, money, eThis book presents issues that face many college students, such as dorm life, roommates, friends, food, class, drinking, drugs, sex, laundry, money, etc. The book is organized and narrated by Harlan Cohen, an encouraging and positive voice, and contains letters, stories,questions, and advice from real college students.
As a parent, I am not as laid back in my attitude about some issues as Harlan, but I recognize college students will be and should be making their own decisions. I would really like my son to read this book so that he can decide ahead of time how to handle situations the way he wants to--not just fall into what everyone else is doing or not doing.
I did check this book out for my high school junior who seemed very interested at first and took it to his room (without my prompting)where it sat for a week without moving. So I picked it up and read it.
About 2 months ago a good friend told me about her nephew's roommate at University of Maryland. For whatever reason, at the end of his freshman year, he allowed himself to be thrown into the hat for a roommate. As he started his sophomore year, he found that his roommate liked being completely naked when he was in his dorm room. He told his roommate, "Put some pants on dude." But the guy refused. Apparently the roommate was mildly autistic and liked feeling unencumbered. That must have been so awkward especially if you had friends stop over. Anyway, after first semester ended he was able to get into another room and life is better--his girlfriend is willing to drop by his room. So when I was the cover of this book, I knew I had to read it....more
This book is compiled annually, but every university listed is not updated every year. This book has those lists you have heard about: top 20 party scThis book is compiled annually, but every university listed is not updated every year. This book has those lists you have heard about: top 20 party schools, top 20 milk drinking schools, top 20 schools for best food, along with lists such as top 20 undergraduate schools for mechanical engineering and various other majors.
Each of the top 373 colleges featured is given 2 pages that include: what students say, campus life, student body, admissions and financial aid information. Each school also has numeric information listed in easy to find columns. Two of the numbers that I find the most interesting are a selectivity or admissions rating (the higher the number, the harder it is to be admitted) and the quality of life rating (how happy students are outside of class). Average range for SATs are listed also--they seemed low compared to what I saw on the SAT sight where I recently looked when registering/paying for my son to take the SAT test.
This is one of several books I picked up at the library in hopes that my son, a junior in high school, would find interesting. He actually spent less time with this book than he did with the version I checked out when he was a high school freshman. He did look at the 3 universities he is interested in (BYU, UVa, Va Tech) and some schools that his friends have been talking about.
When he was a freshman, I didn't think he would be all that interested in the book, but I was wrong. I read a few things to him, and he came over and took the book away from me. He looked at the lists for the top 20 party schools/no drinking schools, politically liberal/conservative lists, etc. Then he looked at BYU, where they quoted a student saying that they don't drink, but they have lots of parties, dances, and everyone has fun. He said, "I want to go here."
As an educator I found this book to be very interesting and a good tool for high school students and parents to consider. This book could motivate student to work harder in their classes and take the PSAT/SAT tests seriously....more
I took biology a long time ago--before they knew nearly as much as they do now about DNA, RNA, DNA replication, protein synthesis, etc. As part of my I took biology a long time ago--before they knew nearly as much as they do now about DNA, RNA, DNA replication, protein synthesis, etc. As part of my goals for the year, I am going to go through the online version of this book (available to all HCPS students and teachers)--including the worksheets, quizzes, etc. I'm on Chap 2, The Chemistry of Life. This should be beneficial in my job as a Homebound Teacher--because I always dread tutoring something I haven't mastered. I read through and completed most of the worksheets for the first 13 chapters but didn't finish; however, this book did motivate me to take college biology as part of my teacher recertification. This book does a good job of presenting high school biology and the worksheets will serve as good study guide for students that are not up to picking out the most important info and organizing it themselves....more
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