The Parent Trap: The Battle Hymn of the Anti-Tiger Mother
We parents are a gullible lot, suckers.
Forever searching for the latest study, the cure-all answer to our problems. We get sucked in by marketing scams, too many short-sighted studies, and questionable advice. How many copies of Amy…
The Politics of Fire: Ann Arbor Fire Fighters’ Union Goes on the PR Offensive
John Hieftje and City Administrator Roger Fraser are both fond of pointing out that the Ann Arbor Fire Department is, practically, obsolete. Fraser, in describing what the AAFD does has said, "They have very few fires. Mostly what they deal…
Detroit Society of Professional Journalists Dishes Up Awards to Ann Arborites
"Journalists, if they do their jobs right, are never very popular. Much of the time, we’re bringing you bad news, and some of the time, we are obnoxious about it."—Jack Lessenberry on "Why Journalism Matters." To read the rest of the April…
The Politics of Education: 2010 MEAP Scores Reveal Significant Achievement Gaps Between Elementary Schools in A2
At the end of March, the Michigan Department of Education released MEAP scores for the state's elementary and middle schools. The data is a treasure trove for those who enjoy sifting through such information. Test scores impact districts'…
MSU But Not U of M/Ann Arbor On League of American Bicyclist Ranking of Bike-Friendly Campuses
The Chronicle of Higher Education reported that: "Western universities dominate the first-ever ranking of bike-friendly institutions by the League of American Bicyclists, with Stanford University taking the only platinum honors and two…
The Culture Vulture: Coffee House Rules? Shut Up and Play Nice. Please.
Rules, they’re not just for curfew-breaking teenagers or grueling sports matches. Sometimes rules can be overbearing, but sometimes they are absolutely necessary for everyone’s mutual enjoyment of a place, an event, or just life.
Enter a…
WEEKLY WHOPPER: Ann Arbor Observer Prints Claim That, “40 Percent of Property” in A2 off Tax Rolls
Headline: Small town monthly tabloid newspaper supported by advertising gets circulated free of charge to most homes in the city. Lots of human interest pieces, history, restaurant reviews, and peeks into the nooks and crannies of the…
A Descent Into The Maelström: Public School Confidential (My Best & Worst Teachers)
A2PNotes: Ann Arbor is home to some 16,000 public school students. Those students are parented by tens of thousands of women and men who haven't a clue about what their kids really do at school all day, not because they don't want to know.…
The Parent Trap: The Entitled Nation Becomes The Enabled Nation
A typical day for my best friend of 40 years, who just happens to be a secretary at a public middle school, goes something like this:
Student comes in to office, needs to use the phone.
"I need the phone. I forgot my lunch."
My friend…
Library Lot Underground Parking Garage Retaining Wall Collapses: DDA Contractor Has History of Wall Collapses on Projects
A2PNotes: This is filed under "Scoops & Scores" because you read it here first.
The Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority and Christman Construction released a joint statement today concerning the retaining wall collapse that…