But Wait! There's More!

Obama is doing what he said he'd do- meet Iran without pre-conditions:

The United States and Iran have agreed in principle for the first time to one-on-one negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, according to Obama administration officials, setting the stage for what could be a last-ditch diplomatic effort to avert a military strike on Iran.  

What are the chances for a peaceful outcome?


(Gracias)



An unmanned drone observed the attack on the American embassy in Benghazi, Libya but did nothing:

CBS News has been told that, hours after the attack began, an unmanned Predator drone was sent over the U.S. mission in Benghazi, and that the drone and other reconnaissance aircraft apparently observed the final hours of the protracted battle.

This just gets worse.


Halloween has become the new Christmas in the proverbial war on fun:

A Seattle school has banned students from celebrating a new holiday this year: Halloween.

Lafayette Elementary School has decided to not allow students to dress up in costume for Halloween this year. And there is still some discrepancy between parents and the administration as to why the ban has been implemented this fall.

The decision was first reported by the district (Seattle Public Schools) as being a preventative measure in the event that Halloween costumes could offend and upset students who come from other cultures. Dozens of parents complained to the school over the measure demanding a detailed explanation.

Lafayette’s principal, Shauna Heath, e-mailed media outlets, including The West Seattle Blog, arguing the decision was made because of the limited instructional time that falls on Halloween this year. Seattle Public Schools observe a half-day of instruction on Wednesday, October 31.

“This decision was made by the entire staff after two deep and detailed discussions. The initial conversation was initiated by staff members who suggested that since Halloween falls this year on a half day of school, we not allow costumes. It takes students a while to change into their costumes, and students are distracted taking away from the already limited instructional time.

“The Lafayette Staff met again on Monday, revisiting and recommitting to their decision of no costumes so that we can focus on academics during the limited time we have available. The staff has committed to continuing the conversation throughout the year before deciding on what we will do in the future about Halloween celebrations.”

“I was just really sad and I had to fight back tears,” fourth-grader Leilani Nitkey told KCPQ-TV.
CBS affiliate KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reports the school announced it will be hosting a “Harvest Party” in lieu of a costume party.

There is no time for a Halloween party but there is time for a "Harvest" party? How will that be accomplished given half-days and such?


This is the lamest excuse I've seen from schools (it wouldn't surprise me if the true reason was more "culturally oriented"). These are the same institutions that plow junk subjects into classrooms and strike "for the children". I've planned Halloween in my lessons and ALWAYS made time for celebrations with no instructional periods lost. If teachers are that concerned about lesson time, there's always summer.


(Two paws up)