Read Excerpts From “13 Bankers”

I’m reading Simon Johnson and James Kwak’s new book — “13 Bankers, the Wall Street Takeover and the Next Financial Meltdown” – and posting a summary and excerpts of each chapter. Here is my progress so far:

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How Will Technology Impact Our Future?

A friend sent me a link to a great video showing a collage of amazing “luck”  –people barely miss disaster — with a great sound track by Judy Garland: “This Is My Lucky Day.”
This is a you-tube video by a web-site called flixxy.com.  But, the site doesn’t give the embed code.  At you-tube, the video is not available, but other flixxy videos are shown with the embed code.

I found a flixxy video, “Did you know?”, that I embedded below, that shows the march of technology, over time — and has a lot of great statistics of how technology is impacting our world.  It suggests some profound implications for anyone seeking to anticipate the future — as I suggest in the book I am working on:  Public Education In Kettering, Ohio in 2022.


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Kettering Schools’ Reduced Tax Request -- From 6.9 Mills To 4.9 Mills -- Shows “Change Of Philosophy”

Last May 4, Kettering voters rejected the 6.9 mill levy of additional operating revenue for Kettering Schools by 642 votes.  The tally showed 6573 votes (48%) in Favor and 7215 votes (52%) against.

The Kettering School Board is now asking for 4.9 mills — to be decided in this November’s general election. A change from 6.9 mills to 4.9 mills signals a significant change in the district’s five year budget plan, and, according to School Superintendent, Jim Schoenlein, it is the result of, “a change in philosophy.”

Dr. Jim Schoenlein, Superintendent of Kettering Schools, in his office, last Friday, August,

…continue reading the article Kettering Schools’ Reduced Tax Request — From 6.9 Mills To 4.9 Mills — Shows “Change Of Philosophy”

To Bring Excellence To Public Education We Must First Engineer A Better System

On the cover of Frederick Hess’s new book “Education Unbound: The Promise and Practice of Greenfield Schooling,” is an open green field. Hess’s theme is that we must transform the system of education and that the first step is to clear out the bramble and debris and create green space for new development.

Over the years, there’s been a lot of talk about transforming American education. The “Nation at Risk” report 27 years ago got the ball rolling by famously declaring, “If an unfriendly foreign power had attempted to impose on America the mediocre educational performance that exists today,

…continue reading the article To Bring Excellence To Public Education We Must First Engineer A Better System

Justin Coussoule, Democratic Challenger To John Boehner: “Public Service Must Be Selfless Service”

Justin Coussoule, the Democrat challenging Republican Minority Leader, John Boehner, to represent Ohio’s 8th District, last Tuesday spoke to the Huber Heights Democratic Club at their annual picnic. Great food.

Coussoule, 35 years old and a West Point grad, shows poise and thoughtfulness. He makes a good impression. And he spoke with conviction that the race is winnable and that he is in the race to win.

He has already raised $100,000 to fund his effort, not nearly enough, but a great start.

Coussoule spoke of the leadership and character that was emphasized at West Point, and said that although

…continue reading the article Justin Coussoule, Democratic Challenger To John Boehner: “Public Service Must Be Selfless Service”

MSNBC’s Ed Schultz: "John Boehner Is The Poster Child For The Out Of Touch, Elite, Republican Party”

Ed Schultz, host of “The Ed Show” on MSNBC, in a recent show, spared no words in ridiculing Republican minority leader, John Boehner, saying Boehner is the “poster child for the out of touch, elite, Republican Party.”

Shulz played the ad prepared by Blue America Pac showing the amazing statistics of how much golf Boehner plays each year (over 100 rounds), and how much money, each year, he spends on golf.  The ad states: “For those who want an out of touch golfer for a congressman there is  John Boehner, for everyone else there is Justin Coussoule.”

About Boehner, Shultz said,

…continue reading the article MSNBC’s Ed Schultz: “John Boehner Is The Poster Child For The Out Of Touch, Elite Republican Party”

To Gain Public Support For 4.9 Mills Of New Taxes, Kettering School Superintendent Should Explain How New Five Year Plan Cuts $19 Million

The following is an e-mail that I sent this morning to Dr. Jim Schoenlein, Superintendent of Kettering Schools.  In this e-mail I communicate three items:  1) I applaud Dr. Schoenlein for his bringing to public discussion the new book by Frederick Hess that calls for a transformation of public education  2) I request an explanation of the new five year plan, that shows $19 million in savings and is the basis for moving from a request of 6.9 mills of new property tax, rejected last May by Kettering voters, to a request of 4.9 mills to be voted on in

…continue reading the article To Gain Public Support For 4.9 Mills Of New Taxes, Kettering School Superintendent Should Explain How New Five Year Plan Cuts $19 Million

Gov. Strickland To Dayton’s UAW: “I Am Honored To Be Part Of You. We Are In This Together”

In his talk, yesterday, at the UAW Hall in Dayton, Gov. Strickland emphasized that as a member of congress and as Ohio’s governor, he has done everything possible to help working families. He said, “I am honored to be with you in this union hall. I am honored to be part of you. We are in this together.” He was warmly received by the 60 people, or so, in attendance.

Strickland said the recession that has cost so many jobs did not have to happen, but was the direct result of the failed policies of George Bush and

…continue reading the article Gov. Strickland To Dayton’s UAW: “I Am Honored To Be Part Of You. We Are In This Together”

Democratic Candidate Justin Coussoule Should Demonstrate Leadership That Contrasts With John Boehner’s

Justin Coussoule, West Point graduate, is well positioned to demonstrate the leadership needed to win the 8th Congressional contest.

Justin Coussoule, Democratic candidate seeking to replace John Boehner as representative for Ohio’s 8th District, recently lambasted Boehner as showing a, “total and complete absence of leadership.”

Coussoule’s accusation — that Boehner lacks leadership — is poignant because, of course, Boehner is called “Leader” by House Republicans. Coussoule is suggesting that the emperor has no clothes.

Authentic leadership is sorely lacking most everywhere you look.  Occupying a “position of leadership” does not make one a leader. Our society suffers because, so often, persons

…continue reading the article Democratic Candidate Justin Coussoule Should Demonstrate Leadership That Contrasts With John Boehner’s

Gov. Strickland Blasts Kasich’s Opposition To Accepting $400 Million To Build A New Train System In Ohio

Ted Strickland, Ohio's governor, speaking to reporters at the UAW in Dayton on August 6, 2010

Ohio’s Governor, Ted Strickland, was in Dayton today at the UAW union hall on Alwildy Ave, close to Edwin C Moses Blvd.  About 60 people were in attendance. Strickland gave a short speech making the case why he should be reelected and why the election of his opponent, Republican, John Kasich, would spell disaster for Ohio.

Strickland said that it seems incredible that Kasich opposes Ohio using $400 million in federal money to create an improved rail system, but that just yesterday, Kasich went

…continue reading the article Gov. Strickland Blasts Kasich’s Opposition To Accepting $400 Million To Build A New Train System In Ohio

Gov. Strickland Urges Voters To Compare His And Kasich’s Record On NAFTA, Education, And Taxes

On July 16, Ohio’s Governor, Ted Strickland, visited with local Dayton Democrats in Huber Heights, at the home of Ed Lyons and his family. About 60 people were in attendance and everyone had the opportunity to personally greet the governor.

Strickland spoke of his record as governor and said that he was proud of his accomplishments in education and in his work to help small businesses. He said his opponent, Republican, John Kasich, would like to make the campaign a contest between Strickland and the economy, but the recession came from Wall Street where Kasich was employed by Lehman

…continue reading the article Gov. Strickland Urges Voters To Compare His And Kasich’s Record On NAFTA, Education, And Taxes