Random thoughts about things I'd like to see:
Time for the smart kids to pick teams
I know schools have tried to bolster the not-so-athletic kids by giving more trophies and heaping praise upon mediocrity, but it's not enough. I think it's high time for the smart kids to start picking their own teams, and let the athletic kids feel the very public burn of not being chosen! That's right, I want math, science, reading and writing teams formed in each grade, with the smartest kids in each group getting to pick the classmates they want on their teams. Revenge will be sweet.
TV commercials for books
Why don't publishing companies do this? You could have a celebrity read a passage, or have actors act out a short scene. You could do a lot with a one minute commercial.
Classic TV in primetime
Every year, we hear about all the season's TV shows that failed. Why don't networks have one night featuring 'classic' programming? NBC could have the 80s at 8pm (Family Ties and Cheers), the 90s at 9 (Seinfeld and Friends), and I don't know what at 10pm. LA Law, since ER is still on the air? Vintage ER? CBS could have Magnum PI and Northern Exposure. You get the picture. Yes, I know I sound old, but they could use shows that are tried and true to advertise their new shows (which, theoretically, might be of higher quality, since you have fewer original programs you have to come up with).
Your idea made me laugh...strengthening Mathletes peer currency by placing jocks in the line of fire by being chosen last. It may work, I do remember the day I lost the school spelling bee just as darkly as the day I lost my soccer game(actually we never won a game my entire elementary career, ouch).
David Copperfield is in my top Ten. Can I recommend Suri Hustvedt "What I Loved"?
www.runopolis.blogspot.com
Posted by: JB | June 06, 2009 at 10:57 AM
the math team = punishment
i was forced to take part in a math team in grade school. it was called 'math league' and we had to go to other schools to compete.
it was a sorry affair. none of us wanted to participate. we always lost. at our last meet, right before they began, this woman barked -- any questions!? and my classmate scott said -- yeah, i have a question. do you know your butt looks like a pot?
activity cum punishment might be a catholic school thing. it happened to me again in high school when i was forced to join (and then asked to leave) 'lenten community,' a memberless easter meditation group.
Posted by: binky | June 06, 2009 at 07:20 PM
JB - I will definitely look into "What I Loved."
Binky - A "memberless easter meditation group" sounds very Zen to me. Are you sure it was a Catholic school?!
Posted by: Valarie | June 07, 2009 at 07:12 PM
groups, rooms and statuary for meditation, contemplation, reflection -- all the shuns.
Posted by: binky | June 09, 2009 at 07:06 PM