THURBER: Smile for the scrap metal dealer

By   /  May 20, 2012  /  Commentary  /  No Comments

Maggie Thurber

By Maggie Thurber | Ohio Watchdog
Got any scrap metal around your house? Think you might be able to make a bit of money by selling it rather than just putting it in your trash?
If so, you better make sure to put on some clean clothes, comb your hair or put on a little bit of makeup [...]

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OSSOWSKI: Confessions of a standardized testing survivor

By   /  May 17, 2012  /  Commentary  /  No Comments

Yael Ossowski

By Yaël Ossowski | Florida Watchdog
TAMPA — Even after hours of cramming mathematical formulas, composing rough drafts and tracking down ever-elusive No. 2 pencils, there was no more excruciating experience than having to complete a state-mandated standardized test.
The teachers, worn out from their recent intensive lessons on math, reading and writing expected on the next [...]

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KEEGAN: Municipal, state pension reform message gaining momentum

By   /  May 17, 2012  /  Commentary  /  1 Comment

Frank Keegan

By Frank Keegan | State Budget Solutions

Despite an organized campaign to stop public pension reform, reality is beginning to break through. One recent report outlines a possible path to long-term solutions and another details the necessity of states and municipalities finding their own way because federal bailout is impossible. And Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel released a plan that could have been based on both reports.

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BLUMER: If you can’t beat ‘em, segregate ‘em

By   /  May 17, 2012  /  Commentary  /  No Comments

Tom Blumer

By Tom Blumer | Special to Ohio Watchdog
The bylaws of the Ohio High School Athletic Association divide the state’s high schools into three classes to determine where they will compete in state tournaments in various sports: A, AA, and AAA. Where a school goes is determined solely by enrollment:
“Boys classification shall be determined by the total number of boys [...]

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HURST: GOP gov candidate really, really wants his stolen novel returned

By   /  May 17, 2012  /  Commentary  /  No Comments

Dustin Hurst

By Dustin Hurst | Watchdog.org
HELENA — Sometimes good stories fall in my lap and sometimes they end up in my mailbox.
And once in a great while, those stories end with calls to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
My post office box is where I recently found an envelope with no return address containing an unmarked computer disk. [...]

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