"Magnetic Subtraction," by Jim Schutze, May 21
Bunch of Dupes
What I, too, find scary is how many people actually believe [Superintendent Michael] Hinojosa and his "fairness" and "equity" stance. It is unbelievable how easily deceived some people can be, how the masses will simply follow and not really question what is going on, or even bother to read articles like this one. They just take it at face value and are quick to jump on any notion of fairness that triggers a little alarm inside themselves that someone, somewhere is getting something more/different/better. Adults who should know better will behave like little children—that's what Hinojosa is counting on.
Scott from Dallas, via dallasobserver.com
You are on target! Thank you for doing the spreadsheet work. I have one too—on the non-magnet high school enrollment by grade for 21 high schools going back to 1996. It supports your statement that things are improving in Dallas ISD. Fewer students are dropping out, except in the six North Dallas high schools, which have only improved 1.3 percent in the percentage of ninth-graders making it to the 12th grade. Meanwhile the nine Oak Cliff Schools have improved 10.1 percent and now have 11.7 percent more of their ninth-graders making it to the 12th grade than do the six North Dallas high schools!
But the best news is that all of DISD is getting better with a total improvement of 8 percentage points in the past two years, with two of those percentage points being in the last year alone! With dropout rates going down 2 percent last year and TAKS scores going up more than 2 percent at the same time, DISD is heading in the right direction! Now we need to keep it happening!
Bill Betzen from Dallas, via dallasobserver.com
You hit the nail on the head. I'm uncommonly speechless right now. Too bad the trustees don't read the Dallas Observer. I'll print your article out and deliver it.
Ardent fan from Dallas, via dallasobserver.com
My son goes to the science and engineering magnet school. He's the lone white boy in his group of friends. They've already been to one FCDallas game and are planning on going to another one. Where else can a child make friends from all over the Dallas area? All students have the opportunity to choose a magnet school over a neighborhood school, but they do have to give up a lot in order to do it.
Sandy from Dallas, via dallasobserver.com
"Classic Schlock," by Ben Westhoff, May 21
Vintage taste
So you basically mean that we shouldn't listen to music that we like, but just go with the flow and listen to everything of this decade? I am 17 years old, and I grew up with Beatles, Byrds and Rolling Stones always playing in the living room. I happen to find that music more stimulating than most of today's music. Is it our fault that the '60s and '70s were the years the best rock music was made?
Mar, via dallasobserver.com
Interesting article. If all the young people in Dallas are listening to classic rock, maybe I'll move there. It's called "classic" because it is good, not old. Why don't you listen to your choice of music and I'll listen to mine? That's the American way.
Brenda, via dallasobserver.com
Maybe young musicians should try to make music that is as good as the songs by the old guys. Americans nowadays are making prefab music, even the so-called alternative acts. And the industry is selling it like it's the next big thing. It's got nothing, and all the bands are look-alikes of former successful acts. Therefore, I prefer old music and the alternative Brits like I Am Kloot, Super Furry Animals, Bloc Party and Bees. European music is by far more interesting than what comes from the majors overseas. There's only one new interesting American act nowadays, Yeasayer. But I think no one has ever heard of that band. And there's one other thing. You "forgot" to mention the whole new black rock/hip-hop scene. It's quite interesting to follow them. Just as interesting as listening to Pet Sounds or Willy and the Poor Boys.
Last thing: Dylan, Springsteen and Diamond can top the charts because they have fans who actually BUY stuff.
Dilanus from Amsterdam, via dallasobserver.com
