District of Columbia
updated
9:42 a.m.
President Barack Obama helps spell out "O-H-I-O" with the Weithman family: Rachel, 9, Josh, 11, and mom Rhonda, in their home in Columbus, Ohio, on Aug. 18, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) Ohio State 2010 Football Schedule Thu, Sep 02 Marshall Columbus, Ohio 7:30 p.m. Alumni Band Day Sat, Sep 11 Miami(FL) Columbus, Ohio 3:40 p.m. Sat, Sep 18 Oh...
The Zaftig Redhead - 7:23 a.m.
"EMILY doesn't get mad....she gets ELECTED" (Gov. Jennifer Granholm [D-MI]). Check out the new rogues gallery of Palin's radical candidates -- and she called feminists a cackle of rads??? Sign the pledge today to vote in November and send the message loud and clear: Sarah, you do NOT speak for me. The Zaftig Redhead. All Rights Reserved. ...
The Zaftig Redhead - Wed 7:27 a.m. - 3 clicks 
cross-posted from Sum of Change We have already posted several telling interviews from our filming at Glenn Beck's 828 Restoring Honor Rally , but we haven't yet posted our most emotional, interactive, and intense experiences. Towards the end of our day downtown, we stopped to chat with some folks from the crowd- as we did throughout the day. When we began our interview with M...
DailyKos (DC) - Tue 12:24 p.m. - 7 clicks
The great farcical tragedy of our unemployment situation is that there's so much work to be done, and there are so many workers who need something to do, yet no one has brought forth any means of paying those workers to do that work. And so no connection is made. The situation that threatens to undermine the upcoming Oct. 2 One Nation Working Together March for Our Future is that those who...
DailyKos (DC) - Tue 7:29 a.m. - 6 clicks
Folks, if you like the television show Glee, you will love this opening sketch from the Emmys last night. If you love Bruce Springsteen, and have a sense of humor, you will also love this sketch. However, if you are a true Boss aficionado, you may cringe and feel like someone just ran their nails across a chalkboard. Enjoy! Copyright 2010 (text only). The Zaftig Redhead. All Rights Res...
The Zaftig Redhead - Mon 5:43 p.m.
While much of the media emphasis today has been on the bamboozler on the Mall, I've spent the afternoon watching the "Reclaim the Dream" rally and march which was being broadcast live on C-Span, and is now being re-run. http://www.c-span.org/... The Washington Post and The Root have covered it with updates. ...
DailyKos (DC) - Sat 6:29 p.m. - 6 clicks
Like every decent human being, I have been disgusted and nauseated by Glen Beck's Crying Circus coming to Washington this weekend in a blatant display of disrespect for one of the greatest moments in our nation's history. To hijack this date, this site, and this great man is utter contempt for America, for Dr. King, and for centuries of struggle. It is also the worst kind of conceit a...
DailyKos (DC) - Fri 2:26 p.m. - 5 clicks
So, I inadvertently started a pretty ridiculous Twitter meme yesterday. I wrote: Painfully tempted to do a parody rewrite w/John Galt as hipster & Gulch in Williamsburg RT @thecalebbacon: Atlas shrugged and said “meh.” The 60-page speech to be replaced by a Tom Verlaine solo… Which inspired: ziege19 @normative Who is John Galt? Oh, you probably [...]...
Notes from the Lounge - Fri 11:00 a.m. - 11 clicks
In honor of Women's Equality Day and the 90th anniversary of women winning the right to vote, here is a guest blog from Phil Van Treuren at Killer Campaigning . One of the reasons we started Killer Campaigning was to show potential political candidates of all demographics how to serve their communities by running for office. As a former political consultant and campaign manager, however, I’m e...
The Zaftig Redhead - Aug 26 - 9 clicks
George Parker, 'H old Over' president of the Washington Teachers' Union (whose constitutional term ended June 30, 2010) filed a lawsuit on August 16, 2010 against the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). The purpose of Parker's lawsuit is to seek an injunction to prohibit the AFT from suspending the autonomy of the WTU. In one of Parker's many robo calls to members, he reported th...
The Washington Teacher - Aug 26 - 9 clicks
David Roberts tweets: Every ‘winger-driven faux story now has two phases. First headline: “Faux story!” Second: “Faux story becomes huge story!” Pathetic. This is actually a bit truncated. The steps are: Faux Story Why is the Em-Ess-Em ignoring this huge Faux Story? After days or weeks of flood-the-zone coverage across multiple conservative media outlets, some sig...
Notes from the Lounge - Aug 25
I find this little ditty from the August 24 broadcast of Premiere Radio Networks' The Glenn Beck Program quite fascinating. Given that much of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan has been billed as "democracy building," you'd think Mr. Beck would have a clearer view of the importance of strong women's roles in a developing democracy. Democratization is harmed by not including gender as an important ax...
The Zaftig Redhead - Aug 24 - 5 clicks
Well, it's finally happened. Despite my clear resistance, my friends have bullied and conned and schmoozed their way into winning the Facebook argument with me. So I have finally signed up for the worldwide social networking site. But, I must admit, I am intensely ambivalent about this move -- I'm really more of a Twitter girl, quite frankly. This great clip from Southpark aptly illustrates my Fac...
The Zaftig Redhead - Aug 21 - 5 clicks
The Cook Political Report raised its House forecast "from a Republican net gain of between 32 and 42 seats to a gain of between 35 and 45 seats, with the odds of an outcome larger than that range greater than the odds of a lesser outcome." House Republicans would need a net turnover of 39 seats to take control of the chamber. "At this point, only 214 House seats are Solid, Likely or Lean Democr...
The Zaftig Redhead - Aug 19
AFT, Parent Organization Enacts Limited Administratorship of WTU On August 5, I reported on this blog that the American Federation of Teachers executive council issued an order requiring at long last that Washington Teachers Union members would have a union election of officers. The order stated that AFT would retain jurisdiction to ensure compliance . In addition to proceeding with local unio...
The Washington Teacher - Aug 17
Okay, folks. If you're a science geek -- or even not -- I bet you will find this as cool as I did. The video shows lightning strikes slowed down by 300X. While the video lasts 90 seconds, it actually covers less than a second of real time. What a scene. I don't know about you, but I love a good thunderstorm! Enjoy! Copyright 2010 (text only). The Zaftig Redhead. All Rights Reserved. ...
The Zaftig Redhead - Aug 17
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c Charlie Rangel's War www.thedailyshow.com Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party Copyright 2010 (text only). The Zaftig Redhead. All Rights Reserved. ...
The Zaftig Redhead - Aug 15
Asking citizens “Where are your papers?” We are better than that Rep. Connie Mack (R-FL) wrote, “I do not want to live in a nation where American citizens are asked, ‘Where are your papers?’ We are better than that.” Arizona’s new immigration law strikes deep at the heart of American values of freedom and fairness. Watch this video and then share it with your friends on Facebook and Twitter. Thi...
The Zaftig Redhead - Aug 13
Special thanks to @watergatesummer on Twitter , picture via twitpic . Copyright 2010 (text only). The Zaftig Redhead. All Rights Reserved. ...
The Zaftig Redhead - Aug 12
It seems that American women are having twins more frequently than ever. And certain states have even more? Why? There's actually a simple biological explanation, as little Evan and Jamie's mom knows. Yep, a pal of mine had twins, and typifies this growing trend. Perhaps she will take them to the Twinsburg Twins Festival someday! Copyright 2010 (text only). The Zaftig Redhead. Al...
The Zaftig Redhead - Aug 11 - 4 clicks
Inquiring minds want to know WTU's official position ? Excess: "is an elimination of a teacher's position due to a decline in student enrollment, reduction in the local school budget, a closing or consolidation, a restructuring or a change in the local school program when such an elimination is not a reduction in force or abolishment." I have received a number of...
The Washington Teacher - Aug 11 - 3 clicks
Some fab new BP-inspired satire from Funny or Die . BP's spokesperson Beau Jangles hits the streets to ask people what they really think of BP. Copyright 2010 (text only). The Zaftig Redhead. All Rights Reserved. ...
The Zaftig Redhead - Aug 9
The Republican National Committee "has approved a resolution making dramatic changes to the way the GOP picks a presidential nominee, moving primaries to later dates and requiring states to allocate their delegates on a proportional basis," The Hotline reports. "The proposal will move the earliest nominating contests -- in IA, NH, SC and NV -- back from early Jan. to Feb. It will also require ...
The Zaftig Redhead - Aug 7
Here's some fab propaganda from the office of House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer's (D-MD) office. It also has the added benefit of being true. Enjoy, and share with friends...the more folks who see it, the better. Copyright 2010 (text only). The Zaftig Redhead. All Rights Reserved. ...
The Zaftig Redhead - Aug 6
Your Vote Is Your Voice ! Vote Saunders/Peterson slate-WTU 2010 Although long overdue, members of the Washington Teachers' Union will finally have an election of officers. According to the WTU Constitution, union elections were supposed to be conducted in May with officers being installed in office on July 1, 2010. This has been a long protracted battle which began with A...
The Washington Teacher - Aug 5
The World Wildlife Fund has released its list of Top Ten Critically Endangered Species . I knew about the Tiger and the Polar Bear, and the Giant Panda, of course. But the Monarch Butterfly is a sad surprise. I guess its something of a Pyrrhic victory that there are no whales on the list. 1. Tiger 2. Polar Bear 3. Pacific Walrus 4. Magellanic Penguin 5. Leatherback Turtle 6. Bluefin Tuna 7. Mou...
The Zaftig Redhead - Aug 4
I seem to have been a busy little bee this past week, so for those of you who aren’t following me on Twitter, here’s what I’ve gotten up to instead of, you know, blogging here: In an essay for Newsweek, I argue that Barack Obama should withdraw his threat to veto added GAO oversight of the [...]...
Notes from the Lounge - Jul 30
Were you fired from DC Public Schools? Do you know anyone who was fired due to IMPACT? I am in search of teachers and school personnel who were recently terminated from DC Public Schools by the Rhee administration due to their IMPACT evaluation score. Please encourage any terminated teachers or school personel to contact me c/o thewashingtonteacher@gmail.com As the Washington Teacher blogger...
The Washington Teacher - Jul 29 - 2 clicks
It's 2010. These days, girls and women can be whatever they want, do whatever they want -- the world is our oyster. Right? Equal opportunity is ours, doors have been flung open, and career and family choices are no longer constrained by gender-based stereotypes. If you believe that, I have a bridge in a certain NYC borough with your name on it. According to the Women's Bureau of the Department...
The Zaftig Redhead - Jul 25 - 2 clicks
Rep. David Obey (D-WI), the irascible longtime chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, is retiring. He says he leaves more discontented than when he started. Here is a quote -- and Mr. Chairman is in fine form, I must say -- from an Obey interview with The Fiscal Times : "The secretary of education [Arne Duncan] is whining about the fact he only got 85 percent of the money he want...
The Zaftig Redhead - Jul 23 - 2 clicks
During the Rhee administration, her education plan which was released 18 months into her administration promised to terminate a significant share of the DCPS teacher workforce. Well the Rhee firing squad strikes once again. On July 23, Leah Fabel of the Washington Examiner newspaper reported that D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee will fire a sizable number of...
The Washington Teacher - Jul 23 - 2 clicks
Below is a press release from the Obama Administration. Yes, they support this bill. Then-Sen. Obama was a co-sponsor. But the heavy push a year and a half after the House passed the bill might have something to do with this recent poll . The White House Office of the Press Secretary ------------------------------------------------------------ For Immediate Rel...
The Zaftig Redhead - Jul 21
Below is a press release from the Office of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid. For Immediate Release Date: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 CONTACT: Jim Manley, (202) 224-2939 REID ON GOP DELAY OF UNEMPLOYMENT SAFETY NET: “REPUBLICANS BETTER BE READY TOMORROW TO DEFEND THEIR POSITION” Washington, D.C.— Nevada Senator Harry Reid made the following remarks on the Senate floor this evening regardin...
The Zaftig Redhead - Jul 20 - 2 clicks
Are the winds changing under Chancellor Michelle Rhee ? Given the recent announcement of low standardized test scores on the elementary level in DCPS, Efavorite poses some interesting questions for us to consider. Written by Efavorite, guest writer Have you noticed that Chancellor Rhee has not pointed the finger of blame at DC teachers for the 2010 DC CAS score decline...
The Washington Teacher - Jul 19 - 3 clicks
3/9/2010 Cloture vote to end GOP Filibuster and Move to Up or Down Vote 80% GOP No Votes 3/10/2010 Temporary Extension of UI 85% GOP No Votes 4/12/2010 Cloture vote to end GOP Filibuster and Move to Up or Down Vote 93% GOP No Votes 4/15/2010 Temporary Extension of UI ...
The Zaftig Redhead - Jul 19
I already linked the C-Span stream of my panel on digital privacy and the urgent need for reforms to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, but for those who missed it the first time, here’s a Cato YouTube clip of my portion for your viewing pleasure: ...
Notes from the Lounge - Jul 19
The Great Recession has hit American workers in the gut—unemployment is up, jobs are scarce, foreclosures are occurring at record rates and health care costs are skyrocketing. Even if you are working, wages are stagnant and many seniors will have to work past retirement age just to pay bills. In this brutal economy, what is on the minds of today’s working women? The AFL-CIO’s community affi...
The Zaftig Redhead - Jul 17
So, I’m not only struck by how profoundly screwed up Jonah Goldberg’s reaction to the recently released audiotapes of Mel Gibson threatening his ex seems—I’m astonished that, having had these thoughts pass through his head, he’s oblivious enough to this that he’d publish them: I think Gibson is clearly troubled and despite his well-documented paranoia, [...]...
Notes from the Lounge - Jul 16 - 2 clicks
Debt, deficits, and their impact on the ability of nations to maintain government spending levels is a burning issue around the globe, as national leaders try to recover from a deep recession and not break the bank. However, according to the chart below, it's clear that as debt levels increase, the power of a nation is put at risk. According to Business Insider , the British Empire might have a...
The Zaftig Redhead - Jul 16
Dwan Jordon: Bully With A Capital B ? Featuring Candi Peterson, blogger in residence On July 6, 2010- Stephanie McCrummen, a Washington Post writer featured a story about Sousa Middle School Principal Dwan Jordon, titled : "D.C. Principal's hands-on tack transforms Sousa Middle but also ruffles feathers" Sousa Middle School is located at 650 Ely Pl. SE, Washington, DC. ...
The Washington Teacher - Jul 15 - 4 clicks
Go to www.healthcare.gov for more information. Copyright 2010 (text only). The Zaftig Redhead. All Rights Reserved. ...
The Zaftig Redhead - Jul 14 - 6 clicks
It seems like the debate over where libertarians should make their political home is evergreen, even though I’ve always thought the answer was the rather boringly obvious one: Libertarian individuals and institutions should make whatever tactical alliances on specific issues that best suit their dispositions and concerns. Still, a couple points about Ilya Somin’s response [...]...
Notes from the Lounge - Jul 14 - 2 clicks
Teacher Terminator Rhee Strikes Again ! As a WTU Building Representative, I have learned from an inside reliable source that Rhee and company have issued letters of termination to non-value added employees beginning this month. It is my understanding that itinerant related service providers and special subject teachers have received their official letters of termination this month...
The Washington Teacher - Jul 13 - 3 clicks
I got this notice in the mail and wanted to pass it along: Nominate a Woman on the Rise The Women on the Rise award was created to honor women who have broken down barriers and stereotypes and who have helped to lead the way for other women through their exemplary service and excellence in a trade or technical career. Please take a moment to consider women whom you know and/or work with who...
Women Unions - Jul 13
In case you have been wondering what I have been up to, I have been disappointed in Seattle, Washington attending the American Federation of Teachers' convention as a DC delegate for the past week. Disappointed in the state of our national union- that is. What a rude awakening for me to see first hand how our national union is really run behind the scenes. As a second time delegate to the AFT ...
The Washington Teacher - Jul 12 - 3 clicks
The WTU Constitution Says It Isn't George Parker A lawsuit has been filed due to election tampering by George Parker, Washington Teachers' Union (WTU) President. According to the WTU Constitution, Parker's elected term ended June 30, 2010 and the new slate should have been installed July 1. Parker's cronie, John Tatum reported to the Washington Examiner earlier last month that...
The Washington Teacher - Jul 3 - 2 clicks
What's the Count of DC Principals Fired under Rhee's administration? 20, 30, 50 ? UPDATED STORY I received an email dated June 21 stating that David Markus, a new principal of Johnson Middle School located at 1400 Bruce Pl. SE in Washington, DC received the official ax from Chancellor Michelle Rhee and company on Friday, June 18, 2010. Inside sources reveal in a...
The Washington Teacher - Jun 23
Having grown up in a family with much older grandparents, I always valued the opinions and words of wisdom from my elders. Even though I prided myself in having a mind of my own, I learned early on that wisdom and life experience bring much needed insight. I think some people refer to it as the school of 'hard knocks'. Several years ago I ran into several younger teachers who ov...
The Washington Teacher - Jun 18 - 4 clicks
Featuring Candi Peterson, blogger in residen ce The email below was written by an elected member of our elections committee condemning Washington Teachers' Union President George Parker and his failure to hold union membership meetings as promised and required under the WTU Constitution and by-laws. Thomas O'Rourke who also is a teacher and building representative at Roosevelt Senio...
The Washington Teacher - Jun 17
By the way I posted the requested video clip of Fenty under the video section above the header. Click on the video link. I received an email which indicates that the Office of the Inspector General School is investigating allegations that a DC public high school administrative team fixed grades so that students could graduate. ( I have removed the name of the school for purpose...
The Washington Teacher - Jun 12
Hope you can join us FRIDAY ON SPECTRUM TODAY WPFW 89.3 FM 6:00-7:00 PM (streaming at wpfw.org ) Peter Tucker will be hosting the full hour tonight. Angela Rice taught English for 33 years in DCPS. When Michelle Rhee became Chancellor, the experienced English teacher was told that she was now to teac...
The Washington Teacher - Jun 11 - 2 clicks
THURSDAY ON SPECTRUM TODAY WPFW 89.3 FM 6:00-7:00 PM (streaming at wpfw.org ) Rhee Cooks the Books Chris Bergfalk is an award winning District of Columbia Public Schools teacher who has carefully examined the test data for DCPS. His analysis shows that the actual gains made by DCPS stu...
The Washington Teacher - Jun 10
The Washington Teachers' Union (WTU) is looking a bit iffy these days in terms of election preparedness thanks to teachers' union prez' George Parker. And with less than three weeks to go until school is out, things just keep getting stickier. It seems that there will be no WTU elections for officers- not yet if George Parker has his way. First the elections committee was bungled and AFT Presi...
The Washington Teacher - Jun 5
It's been a while since I posted. I'm trying to figure out how to go back to school (in classes now) and to then pay for school. Reality certainly bites. Then today came and I got an email from Working America with the latest main street blog post, and my issues seem so far removed now. I "lost" my job way back in 1995 and 1996. My daughter was 2 and then 3 at the time. I can't say that I lost...
Women Unions - Jun 4
UPDATE: Inside sources report the principal of Dunbar SHS informed his staff on June 2 that he received his letter of termination (aka non-renewal). In addition, it is also reported that principals from Coolidge SHS and Anacostia SHS will not be renewed. Two vice principals at Jefferson MS will not be renewed as well as the vice principal at Watkis ES. (See June 2 entry below). DC tea...
The Washington Teacher - Jun 3
UPDATE: Inside sources report the principal of Dunbar SHS informed his staff today that he received his letter of termination (aka non-renewal). In addition, it is also reported that principals from Coolidge SHS and Anacostia SHS will not be renewed. If you have additional information, please email saveourcounselors@gmail.com In a June 1 email sent to me regarding the terminati...
The Washington Teacher - Jun 2
In early May of this year, thirteen new instructional superintendent positions were posted on the DCPS website with annual salaries ranging from 120,000 to 150,000. Many were aghast after learning of the news especially in light of the 528 million dollar deficit that DC government is currently facing as well as Rhee's overspending of the central office budget. Rhee and company's rationale for d...
The Washington Teacher - May 29 - 2 clicks
For all those who came out to Logan School yesterday, I thank you for your support. The Nathan Saunders - Candi Peterson endorsed slate of candidates for the Washington Teachers' Union Elections Committee won overwhelmingly. (See the list of candidates below under May 27, 2010 entry). Candidates for AFT delegates will be announced soon. Again, I thank you for your support. Candi Peterso...
The Washington Teacher - May 28
IMPORTANT WTU ELECTIONS COMMITTEE ELECTIONS TODAY! 4pm to 7:30pm @ Logan School 215 G Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Full Dues Paying Members Urged To Come and Vote We need your participation to elect this committee who will be responsible for properly conducting the upcoming WTU Officers Election! We Need You To Vote! Read below and learn why yo...
The Washington Teacher - May 27 - 3 clicks
5/26/10- Update on Principal Firings Starring: Michelle Rhee DC Public Schools Chancellor Hey folks, it's that time of year again when DC schools approaches its final days as the school year comes to an end. Some principals have already faced Chancellor Rhee's 'meat axe approach' to principal terminations or if you prefer a nice way of saying their contract was not-renewed. ...
The Washington Teacher - May 22
Hope to see you on Friday, May 21, 2010 @ 6:30 pm Charles Sumner School 17th & M Streets NW Washington, DC 20036 Let's Celebrate DC teachers & school personnel. Join Nathan Saunders, WTU General V.P. at a meet and greet to celebrate you. ...
The Washington Teacher - May 20
It's been a very long time since I was able to hold my nose, turn off my brain and watch the Sunday morning talk shows. I know, it's not just me, but with Health Care, the economy and jobs the arguably top stories of the day, this Sunday hosts folks like Disgraced Former Majority Whip Tom DeLay (isn't he still awaiting trial or did he plead out?), Orrin Hatch (when was the last original thought ...
Women Unions - Mar 6
I've been so busy with life. I changed jobs and started taking classes for a Master's degree, and that doesn't even mention the single mom thing and how my kid graduated from High School last month and is hoping now to get into a study abroad program called NSLI-Y . See how busy, look at that run-on sentence I just wrote! So, anyway, this is where I get to the title. I've been planning a graduat...
Women Unions - Mar 5
I gave to Oxfam during the Tsunami and I gave to the humane society for Katrina (mostly because I couldn't bring myself to give to the Red Cross or the Salvation Army, and if I couldn't give to the humans, I had to give to the animals). This morning, I gave to ShelterBox . It wasn't much, but I figure, if I gave $$ and I can inspire 5 more folks to give $$ even just a dollar, and then they insp...
Women Unions - Jan 14 - 3 clicks
We're very pleased to be co-sponsoring the online labor film database together with the DC Labor Film Fest. This extraordinary resource includes no fewer than 1,465 union films and videos. I think it's a fantastic resource for trade unionists everywhere and we should all be grateful to Chris Garlock and the Washington DC Metro Labor Council for putting this together. If you have videos to sugg...
Women Unions - Jan 4
Crossposted on UnionReview When I heard South Carolina Republican Senator say that Collective Bargaining threatens US security, I thought I'd actually fall off my chair. We cannot allow them by unanimous consent, to move ahead with the unionization and collective bargaining of our Airport Security. And there it was, coming out of the mouth of a sitting US Senator, working Americans are a h...
Women Unions - Dec 31
