Waiting for Superman

I saw Waiting for Superman tonight and it brought up some interesting points about our public education system. Definitely worth seeing and serves as a good start for a conversation about public education.

Lighting up in a Prius

I saw on my way home two people smoking cigarettes while sitting in a Toyota Prius and it struck me as dichotomous. Who drives a Prius, demonstrating a concern for a healthy environment in limiting CO2 emissions, yet smokes cigarettes, showing little concern for their own health? Evidently at least two ladies sitting in a car in Crystal City do...or do they?

Putting a bit more thought into it...maybe they did not own the Prius for environmental reasons. Maybe they just wanted to pay less at the pump or liked that Prius style with funky dashboard. Because if they were really environmentally conscious would they even own a car? Wouldn't they be biking instead?

After all, buying a Prius for environmental reasons is a bit like a smoker smoking Marlboro Lights rather than regular Marlboro. Consistent smoking, whether regular or light, is going to shorten your life, the difference being a few years.

CO2 emissions arguably decreases the habitability of our planet so driving a Prius rather than a SUV is essentially smoking light rather than regular...saying I am concerned about keeping the earth healthy enough for my grandchildren but their children are just out of luck.

This is not to say driving a Prius does not have comparative environmental benefits. It is better than driving just about any other car. But to get really serious about environmental consciousness driving a Prius is just scratching the surface. I bet the Prius ladies were smoking Marlboro lights.

Why become a Marine

I have a new friend. His name is Eric from North Carolina but more recently Vienna. Eric was in the military for a few years and told me about his experience enlisting. He went to the military recruiting offices and spoke with the Army recruiter who told him about the various perks and incentives for enlisting in the Army.

Armed with the benefits of Army recruitment, no pun intended, he spoke with the Marine Corps recruiter to see what they could offer. The marine recruiter spoke of the training, four year commitment, potential MOS. Eric thought this was all well and good but asked what the perks were, the signing bonuses, etc. for joining the Marines.

Eric said the marine recruiter reacted offended by the question and frankly explained the "perk" for joining the Marines is the privilege of being a Marine. And with that singular pull of honor and elitism Eric became a Marine.

What are some ways I can use this modus operandi? Any ideas?

Monticello

Dad and I made it to Monticello last Monday. Thomas Jefferson had a great house, definitely marked by his personality in architecture and quirkiness. The benefits of constructing your own home and having the money to make it large and nice.