ACT, ART AND HEAT

Only 1 in 5 Ready for Challenge of Academics

The American College Testing (ACT) reports that only 21 percent of students taking the ACT meet all four benchmark scores. Those benchmarks are English composition, social science, algebra and biology. Over 40 percent pf all graduating seniors (1.2 million students) took the test.

The College Board (SAT) is expecting a decline in average scores as well. If true, this outcome will be particularly hard to accept as the SAT has been “centered” since 1995, meaning that it takes less right answers to get a high score.

For conclusions we have: (1) testing is meaningless if we believe students do well in college even with poor test results or (2) too many students are going to college with no chance for educational success. In the first instance, many colleges and universities are no longer requiring ACT or SAT as part of the admissions process. This serves both sides well as colleges no longer worry about “lowering standards” and students can save the time and effort of taking tests.

In the second instance, testing is thought to predict how prepared students are for college. Those who perform poorly are not necessarily excluded but required to take an extra level of freshman classes to catch up with their higher scoring peers.

The answer may be in holding colleges more accountable for the outcomes of student graduation and preparedness for the work world. Admissions people see a plethora of high school students and their families and can predict who might be successful. Coupled with high school coursework/transcripts and admissions requirements such as essays and teacher recommendations, predicting success by these experts will be more accurate than testing. But, since quotas are necessary, it is unlikely that these screeners will accurately deny admissions to all those who should be kept out.

As long as parents believe the myth that higher education means higher pay, students will be forced into college. By 2010, the US Census will be reporting that 60 percent or more of high school students fail to finish more than 3 years and that the average wage for professionals is lower than the average in the 2000 census.

Art: Rich Kids' Activity

The higher the annual income of parents, the more likely it is for children K-8 to be involved with art. Nearly 30 percent of children in households that earn over $75K per year participate in art activities after school (at least once a month (2005)). If the income was $15K or less, the rate of participation was less than 6 percent. Even at $50K per year, less than 14 percent participate.

So, if you want your child to be like the rich kids, provide the opportunity for art. (Source: Department of Education)

Grad School Expensive

If you believe graduate school is the answer for higher wages and opportunities, it won’t come cheap! Over 60 percent of all grad students have at least $37K in debt. As you would expect, medical students have the steepest debt at $114K (95 percent of all med students have significant debt). For a PhD, expect to have about $37K in debt. (Source; FinAid.com)

July Hot But Not a Record

The national average temperature in July 2006 was 77.2 degrees. That was hot but not the record for July; that was set in 1936 at 77.5 degrees. (The monthly national average for July is 74.3 degrees.)

The 10 hottest months on record all occurred in July. And, even though there has been much recent discussion about global warming, the top 10 records for July occurred over the last 125 years: 1936, 2006, 1934, 1901, 2002, 1980, 1931, 1954, 1998 and 2003.

It would seem that people living from 1930 to 1936 would have been concerned about global warming is such a theory mattered in that era. In fact, the earth has been warming slowly for the past 300 years.

Still, there should be growing concern about the Earth’s accelerated heating as the warmest 7 months ever recorded (since 1895) has been the stretch from January to July 2006. Also, heat stroke kills more people every year than hurricanes or tornadoes. Especially vulnerable are the elderly and the very young. Considering the graying of America, stories about heat related deaths will increase rapidly over the next few years. Certainly, that alone is worth the effort to conserve and reduce greenhouse gases.

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GROWTH <> LEADERSHIP <> EXCELLENCE

© 2006 3 Minute Learning LLC

I AM NOT A CHEATER!

Fair Play Lost When Stakes Are High

“You think not getting caught in a lie is the same as telling the truth.”

--- Comment found in several movies directed by Sydney Pollack

Several events over the past few weeks should have people shaking their heads about cheating and lying. From bicycle racing to politics, individuals who cheat and lie and think the American public will be empathetic and forgiving. Hopefully, people are recognizing the negative effects of these actions on the social fabric of America and begin ignoring these people.

First example: Joe Lieberman

Lieberman lied to his supporters claiming that he was a devoted and supportive member of the Democratic Party. Once he lost the Connecticut primary, he immediately renounced the Democratic Party and listed himself as an “Independent” for the fall elections.

Why is his “lie” so bad? Because Lieberman claimed he was doing what was right for America and that he should be re-elected because of his actions. When he could not convince Democratic voters to re-elect him based on those convictions, he did not support the outcomes by stepping aside as the voters wanted. Lieberman’s unspoken truth is that his concerns for America are overshadowed by his desires for Lieberman.

Politics is one of the few jobs remaining in the US that can be considered a lifetime job. Less than 3 percent of legislators lose their jobs because of elections. The majority of vacancies are created because of retirement. For Lieberman to lose the primary was a monumental and rare event. It would have been a great demonstration of courage for him to concede defeat, “retire” and state that he will support the Democratic nominee.

Second example: Floyd Landis

Professional cycling is a grueling and not often appreciated sport. Lance Armstrong helped put cycling on a higher level appreciation because of his personal victories over cancer and his outstanding athletic abilities that made him a multiple event champion.

Floyd Landis looked like the improbable winner at this year’s Tour de France with just a few stages of the race remaining. Then, inexplicably, he lost a demanding stage that left him well behind the leaders. Thinking all was lost, Landis dropped his guard and went out for a night of “heavy” drinking, not something usually done by those in contention to win. After all, millions of dollars are at stake in future endorsements and contracts.

In what has been described as a Herculean effort, the next day, Landis on arguably the hardest stage of the race, easily defeated all other racers and put himself in third place less than a minute off the lead. Two days later he handily won the time-trial that left him about one minute ahead. The final day, he rode victorious into Paris and to the victory stand.

Two days later it was announced that Landis has tested positive for steroids, a test performed after his observed Herculean effort. A second sample tested a few days later confirmed the initial results. It will be the first time in the tour’s history that the champion will be stripped of his title.

Since the announcement of the test results, Landis has proclaimed his innocence and has put the blame on everything from natural high levels of testosterone to crooked lab officials to that night of heavy drinking. He made the rounds of TV and radio talk shows with his wife by his side to tell his side of the story.

During his interview, Jay Leno captured the right sentiment by stating that Landis just seems too smart not to know better. While the real story won’t be told for years, here are some possible explanations.

First, Landis believed that the race was over after losing the lead and falling to 13^th place. He used some performance enhancing drugs not expecting to win but just to recover and finish the tour. He never expected to win the next day, especially by such a large margin that put him in a position to win. After achieving the stunning victory he decided to press forward and hope that the drug would not show up during the test.

Second, might be the unexpected half-life of a designer steroid. Landis may have been using performance enhancing drugs all along expecting the chemicals to stay “hidden” until long after the end of the Tour. Instead, the half-life was miscalculated and turned up in the sample just days before the conclusion.

Third, the alcohol consumed the night before the “big” mountain stage win either unmasked the steroids or it was presumed that the alcohol would hide the presence of steroids. If Landis did not care about winning, the alcohol unmasked the steroids. If he thought he could still win, the alcohol was consumed to try and hide the steroids.

Regardless, Landis has created a scandal that hurts all Americans. Instead of being seen as an athletic warrior and role model, he will be disgraced and banned from future competition. People in other countries that already despise the US for its imperialism will now point to its athletes and claim drugs, not talent, are the reason why they won.

Unfortunately in this country Landis’ improbable come from behind victory only reinforces the idea to kids that taking drugs is a sure way to get recognition, scholarships or pro contracts. In close competitions those who take drugs do have an unfair advantage. For too many people, cheating is wrong only if you get caught; if caught, you lie to get sympathy.

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GROWTH <> LEADERSHIP <> EXCELLENCE

© 2006 3 Minute Learning LLC

OBESITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE

Obese People Have Shorter, Less Healthy Lives

A study from Columbia University in New York has linked weight to longevity and quality of life. Obese men and women will decrease their life span by 3 years (quality of life is compromised for many years before death). They also found overweight and obese people have more mental and physical medical issues than normal weight people.

In the US, 136 million people are overweight or obese (there are about 300 million US residents). According to the research, an obese 30 year old has the same physical problems as someone 20 years older.

While dieting and exercise programs would help, most adults won’t commit to the time and effort these programs demand for success. The best prevention is to educate young children about healthy food choices and get them active. Like most behavioral issues, adult role modeling during the early ages will significantly impact decisions made later.

Schools may have a role to play in controlling weight and promoting fun physical activities but it is the parents and the life choices made at home that will ultimately determine the child’s well-being. Starting young is the right answer.

It is too hard for adults to change lifelong habits that are counter-productive to quality health. Even the body rebels at physical changes by controlling our metabolic set point and natural chemicals (like endorphins) that allows us to feel good about ourselves. Hence, the yo-yo effect of dieting.

Medicine will most likely figure out new ways to increase longevity. The problem is quality of life. What is gained by living a longer life in a state of health that requires constant professional care? Physical fitness has been tied to mental fitness, so the obese person won’t even be able to enjoy reading or watching TV in the years before they die. When we think of life, we think about things we enjoy doing and caring for ourselves. A definition of good health would have to include the person’s ability to say “yes or no.”

Finally, there is no question that overweight and obese people are disdained in our culture and treated with prejudice. Young children that don’t fit the profile of American youth are in for a very long school year. It doesn’t take too much bullying to completely wipe out the fibers of self-esteem.

Need Cash? Tell the US Government You Are a Farmer!

As the workplace struggles to pay employees a decent wage, the US Government is spending billions to farmers not to work. The US minimum wage pays a person just under $11,000 per year, well below the line of poverty. So as government officials work to eliminate individual welfare, government subsidies in agriculture has paid an average of $14.4 billion a year to farmers not to work. It would make more sense to allow farmers to grow crops and use the $14.4 billion to improve wages of non-farmers.

Considering that fuel alternatives such as E85 are in demand and in short supply, it seems counter-productive to pay farmers not to grow corn. But, that’s why we pay our Congressman hundreds of thousands of dollars every year to make these kinds of decisions.

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GROWTH <> LEADERSHIP <> EXCELLENCE

© 2006 3 Minute Learning LLC

HIGHER ED: HELPING BUILD BUSINESS

Redecorating Big Business

Have you ever wondered how big a role colleges play in the local economy? According to USA Today, last year’s college dorm redecorating tab was $3.6 billion. Parents spend from $3000 to $5500 per room in decorating and furnishings. Nothing beats a well-appointed room for entertaining guests. It’s no wonder kids move back home after college; it’s a hard lifestyle to give up!

Are You Sure That’s All?

High schools attempt to send at least 60 percent of each graduating class to college. Every year thousands of teenagers move from the 12^th to the 13^th grade. So how many people have college degrees? According to the 2000 US Census, only 24.4 percent of all adults over 25 years old have at least a bachelor’s degree. Sadly, the majority of those high school hopefuls don’t finish year after year. (But, they’ve got a great dorm room while they are there!)

Why Get Elected?

Members of Congress will only work about 90 days this year. That’s down from 134 days in 1980. Add to that their 6-figure salaries and you have the ultimate incentives for working hard to get your votes. Of course, there are other significant reasons such as the nation’s best health care system and other perks both legal and otherwise. With that lifestyle, it is easy to understand the disconnection between our elected officials and the average US citizen.

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GROWTH <> LEADERSHIP <> EXCELLENCE

© 2006 3 Minute Learning LLC

WHAT’S A NAME WORTH?

Schools Sell Naming Rights for Cash

Are naming rights to libraries, gyms or cafeterias a financial boon for schools? Schools from California to Massachusetts are selling the right for individuals or organizations to name a part of a building or athletic field. Money paid can range from $5000 for an English classroom to $400,000 for athletic facilities. Once again it looks like athletics will gain more statue as its properties are more lucrative!

If these funds were being paid directly to outstanding loans that have ballooned over the years in nearly very district, the one-time cash windfall makes sense. Unfortunately, many of you will suspect as I do that the money will be spent in a way that the result will create more long-term debt.

Property taxes in Pennsylvania averages $1010 per person, slightly below the US average of $1086. The range per capita (2004 data) has New Jersey “first” at $2099 and Alabama “last” at $367. This data begs the question, “Are high taxes wrong for our society?”

If you are retired or plan to retire, Alabama makes a good choice because of its low property taxes. Provided that taxing trend is not universal, you should expect decent roads and other infrastructure maintenance, social services, emergency services and hospital care. Chances are, “you get what you pay for.”

For example, New Jersey schools are highly ranked in the US and generally are labeled as one of the best in educational achievement. Alabama ranks as one of the worst states in educational achievement. That state is joined by several other low tax states such as Louisiana, New Mexico and West Virginia.

Also, the numbers above don’t reflect taxes as a percentage of personal income. Higher taxes along side of higher incomes take a smaller “bite” out of discretionary income. Here, New Jersey ranks 37^th in the nation or near the bottom. Basically affluence attracts more quality and taxes are inconsequential.

More About Men and Women

The percentage of doctorates awarded in sociology has shown a shift from men to women. In 1973, 74 percent of doctorates went to men and 26 percent to women. In 2003, men accounted for 41 percent and women 59 percent. The 2003 numbers represent an 11 percent increase in doctorates awarded to women since 1993.

In 1980, medical doctorates were awarded to 11,616 men and 3497 women. In 2004, 8565 men and 7256 women earned an MD.

Note: Data from USA Today July, 2006

It looks like women are ready to rule in every phase of society. The real question is will they accept the new role of men that looks to be a “catch as catch can” filler role? So far, women have shown a prejudice towards mew who appear to be under-prepared and under-educated.

Note to men: get a good education, stay in school for a lifetime and learn how to say “When would you like that to be done?” Male chauvinism isn’t just over, it’s been destroyed!

Is Nothing Sacred?

Elizabethtown College fired its religious studies chairman after he was arrested in an Internet child-sex sting. He was charged with trying to arrange a meeting with a supposed 12-year old girl (USA Today, 07-31-06).

Maybe he never got past the first few chapters of the Old Testament where pre-teens were considered for marriage? Of course, the life span was considerably shorter then than today. Plus, our society totally agrees that relationships with youngsters are wrong. He probably didn’t see the emails about sexual predators are not welcome in this country.

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GROWTH <> LEADERSHIP <> EXCELLENCE

© 2006 3 Minute Learning LLC