AUGUST MUSINGS

“Tarnation”

According the most recent edition of Webster’s Dictionary, the word “tarnation” does not exist. But, as we all know, it is commonly associated with the observation: “What in tarnation!?” that leads to the shaking of the head so the loose skin around the cheeks and neck shake like Jello. It is also one of those “cowboy words” that for some reason is linked to the current administration. Hey, when in doubt, throw out a “tarnation” or two, shake your head and keep people off-balance. It worked for Yosemite Sam!

$165 Mill to OSU

Boone Pickens gave $165 million to his alma mater, Oklahoma State University’s athletic department. Apparently, he was tired of his beloved OSU being the doormat in football and basketball. He thinks his most generous gift will allow OSU to recruit top athletes.

What in tarnation? Have all the social issues that plague our communities suddenly disappeared and now we can all concentrate on poor performing sports teams? Well, it is true that Warren Buffet did give billions to fight disease and famine, so Pickens was free to build a professional football program at OSU. And, it is his money and if sports are important to him, well, that’s his choice.

I wonder how long it will take before OSU is placed on NCAA probation for recruiting violations?

Decency

Here’s a passionate subject that was taken to new heights because of Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction. It seems like everybody wants to legislate decency. The bottom line: money and power are the roots of the fight for decency. Millions of dollars are spent to promote and protect decency and politicians love to wrap themselves in the flag of American morals.

But the definition for decency is constantly evolving. At one time in the US it was scandalous for women to show an ankle in public. Decades later the bikini made headlines for its daring. Today, a bikini is fairly large compared to some suits worn by women at the beach.

Language is also changing. Words that would only be said by dock workers or marines in the middle of a fire-fight are now commonplace in mixed company. Sensitivity to course language is abating; it is the rare person who can actually express emotions without a slew of four letter words.

Finally, technology is increasing the concerns of those fighting for decency. Technology opens access to all sorts of decency-bending standards. Pity those countries like China and Iran that try and control what their people view on the Internet! Ironically, as technology is the culprit for creating new examples of indecency, it is also the reason it will be impossible to legislate decency in the future.

Student Engagement

A recent study measured student engagement in the college classroom. The study counted such things as asking questions and participating in discussions. Freshmen were rated at a 62 percent as compared to seniors that scored a 75 percent.

Of course that four year separation is not an “apples to apples” comparison. By the time students reach the senior level, the “slackers” have flunked or dropped out. A better study would be to follow students over a four year period to determine if engagement increases or remains the same as the student progresses through the years.

And finally, according to Dave Letterman, “NASA lost the original film of the moon landing. Well, you know, in their defense, they’re not exactly rocket scientists.”

Visit www.3MinuteLearning.com

GROWTH <> LEADERSHIP <> EXCELLENCE

© 2006 3 Minute Learning LLC