Can “Battlestar Galactica” finally conquer the Emmys?

Several years ago, the Emmys created judging panels that were designed to give lower-rated series like “Battlestar Galactica” a fair shot competing against the Nielsen titans by having judges screen sample episodes. But just when McDonnell made that top 10, TV academy chiefs changed the rules last year to diminish judges’ input by half when they mixed their scores on a 50/50 with the results of the original popular vote. Ridiculous! That defeated the whole purpose of the panels’ existence, and Emmy leaders did it for the worst possible reason: They couldn’t take the heat when the producers of “Lost” screwed up the year before, submitted a lousy sample episode to judges in the best-series race and the show got snubbed, triggering screams from America’s top TV critics.

Ron Silver R.I.P.

Ron Silver R.I.P.

This will help our kids how?

I just made a serious decision with my wife that it will be OK in the fall to transfer our girls to public schools from private school.

Now, I’m not so sure anymore.

Texas School District Ditches Homework

What’s the best way to educate our children? Should it be that if they cheat, they always get a second chance? What about late school work? Should students be allowed to turn it in at any time, no matter how late? One North Texas school district is considering some drastic changes like these.

According to several Plano Independent School District teachers, they have been informed that beginning next school year, homework will no longer be required for middle school students. And the grades for homework assignments that are assigned will not apply to students’ report card grades.

Faculty members also told Lucero they think their students will suffer academically and the teachers will be held responsible. A lot of parents say they’re unhappy with the plan as well.

E-li-mi-nate the Negative

“The fundamentals of our economy are strong.” – Jon McCain, September 2008

“He doesn’t get what’s happening between the mountain in Sedona where he lives and the corridors of Washington where he works…. Why else would he say, today, of all days — just a few hours ago — that the fundamentals of the economy are still strong? Senator — what economy are you talking about?” – Barack Obama, September 2008

If nothing is done, this recession could linger for years. The unemployment rate could reach double digits. Our economy could fall $1 trillion short of its full capacity, which translates into more than $12,000 in lost income for a family of four. We could lose a generation of potential and promise, as more young Americans are forced to forgo dreams of college or the chance to train for the jobs of the future. – Barack Obama, Janaury 2009

“The federal government is the only entity left with the resources to jolt our economy back into life. It is only government that can break the vicious cycle where lost jobs lead to people spending less money which leads to even more layoffs.” – Barack Obama, February 2009

“If we are keeping focused on all the fundamentally sound aspects of our economy, all the outstanding companies, workers, all the innovation and dynamism in this economy, then we’re going to get through this,” Obama said, March 2009.

Whatever.