Tom Torlakson for California State Superintendent of Schools

By Banzay on 02:27

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I've never endorsed any candidate on this blog but I'd like to encourage you to vote for Tom Torlakson. His opponent is a good man, a reasonable man, but there are a couple of significant differentiators:
Torlakson believes that one-size education does not fit all--Not every student should be forced into a college-preparatory curriculum. He opposes the "everyone to college" fad.

Tom recognizes that some students, for example, those still reading on a fifth grade level when entering high school, are far more likely to find school, employment and life success in a career-technical curriculum: Instead of learning abstractions about the Peloponnesian Wars and geometric theorems, students in career-technical courses learn in a concrete context, which, for example, would prepare them for in-demand occupations such as robotics technician, chef, or medical equipment repairer.

Not surprisingly, when students who were weak academically K-8 are forced into a college-preparatory set of courses, they're more likely to drop out of high school and certainly from college. And even if they defy the odds and graduate, it will likely be with a low GPA from a third-tier college in a not-marketable major. With today's oversupply of college graduates and shortage of job openings, few employers will be excited to see an applicant with sociology degree and 2.5 GPA rom Cal State, Dominguez Hills. Tom Torlakson recognizes, indeed prioritizes the importance of high quality, well-suited options for all students.

Unlike his opponent, Tom has had experience both as a teacher and as a respected and well-liked California state legislator. That combination is key to getting things done legislatively.

So I encourage you to vote for Tom Torlakson.

Tom Torlakson for California State Superintendent of Schools

By Banzay on 02:27

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Filed Under: ,


I've never endorsed any candidate on this blog but I'd like to encourage you to vote for Tom Torlakson. His opponent is a good man, a reasonable man, but there are a couple of significant differentiators:
Torlakson believes that one-size education does not fit all--Not every student should be forced into a college-preparatory curriculum. He opposes the "everyone to college" fad.

Tom recognizes that some students, for example, those still reading on a fifth grade level when entering high school, are far more likely to find school, employment and life success in a career-technical curriculum: Instead of learning abstractions about the Peloponnesian Wars and geometric theorems, students in career-technical courses learn in a concrete context, which, for example, would prepare them for in-demand occupations such as robotics technician, chef, or medical equipment repairer.

Not surprisingly, when students who were weak academically K-8 are forced into a college-preparatory set of courses, they're more likely to drop out of high school and certainly from college. And even if they defy the odds and graduate, it will likely be with a low GPA from a third-tier college in a not-marketable major. With today's oversupply of college graduates and shortage of job openings, few employers will be excited to see an applicant with sociology degree and 2.5 GPA rom Cal State, Dominguez Hills. Tom Torlakson recognizes, indeed prioritizes the importance of high quality, well-suited options for all students.

Unlike his opponent, Tom has had experience both as a teacher and as a respected and well-liked California state legislator. That combination is key to getting things done legislatively.

So I encourage you to vote for Tom Torlakson.

Tom Kenny: The Voice of Super Heroes of ‘The Super Hero Squad Show’

By Banzay on 00:23

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Tom Kenny: The Voice of Super Heroes of ‘The Super Hero Squad Show’

By Banzay on 00:23

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Tom Mankiewicz Dies at 68

By Banzay on 07:58

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Tom Mankiewicz Dies at 68

By Banzay on 07:58

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Tom DeLay

By Banzay on 07:02

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'Dancing With the Stars' cast includes Tom DeLay
NEW YORK -- Former Republican Majority Leader Tom DeLay will join 15 celebrities from the worlds of entertainment and sports in kicking up their heels on the new season of "Dancing With the Stars.

Other hopefuls include entertainer Donny Osmond; singers Mya, Macy Gray and Aaron Carter; actors Melissa Joan Hart, Debi Mazar and Ashley Hamilton (son of George); models Joanna Krupa and Kathy Ireland; reality stars Kelly Osbourne and Mark Dacascos ("the Chairman" on Food Network's "Iron Chef America"); mixed martial artist Chuck Liddell; professional snowboarder Louie Vito; Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin; former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin and the 62-year-old former congressman from Texas.

The contestants were announced on Monday's "Good Morning America" by "Dancing" host Tom Bergeron.

He also unveiled a new competitive twist.

"In the middle of our season, over three weeks, we're going to have double eliminations," said Bergeron. "We'll lose about half of our cast within that period. It will be a ballroom bloodbath."

Samantha Harris returns as co-host, with the panel of judges including ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer-choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.

The ninth season of the hit ABC show premieres Sept. 21.



Join the discussion

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram is pleased to provide this opportunity for you to share your thoughts and observations about news topics. We enjoy lively debate on the issues of the day, but we ask that you refrain from using profanity, racist or hate speech, making personal attacks, posting advertising or including remarks that are off topic. To post comments, you must be a registered user of Star-Telegram.com. Your username will show along with the comments you post. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

Tom DeLay

By Banzay on 07:02

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'Dancing With the Stars' cast includes Tom DeLay
NEW YORK -- Former Republican Majority Leader Tom DeLay will join 15 celebrities from the worlds of entertainment and sports in kicking up their heels on the new season of "Dancing With the Stars.

Other hopefuls include entertainer Donny Osmond; singers Mya, Macy Gray and Aaron Carter; actors Melissa Joan Hart, Debi Mazar and Ashley Hamilton (son of George); models Joanna Krupa and Kathy Ireland; reality stars Kelly Osbourne and Mark Dacascos ("the Chairman" on Food Network's "Iron Chef America"); mixed martial artist Chuck Liddell; professional snowboarder Louie Vito; Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin; former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin and the 62-year-old former congressman from Texas.

The contestants were announced on Monday's "Good Morning America" by "Dancing" host Tom Bergeron.

He also unveiled a new competitive twist.

"In the middle of our season, over three weeks, we're going to have double eliminations," said Bergeron. "We'll lose about half of our cast within that period. It will be a ballroom bloodbath."

Samantha Harris returns as co-host, with the panel of judges including ballroom judge Len Goodman and dancer-choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba.

The ninth season of the hit ABC show premieres Sept. 21.



Join the discussion

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram is pleased to provide this opportunity for you to share your thoughts and observations about news topics. We enjoy lively debate on the issues of the day, but we ask that you refrain from using profanity, racist or hate speech, making personal attacks, posting advertising or including remarks that are off topic. To post comments, you must be a registered user of Star-Telegram.com. Your username will show along with the comments you post. Thank you for taking the time to offer your thoughts.

Tom Pfaeffle, Local Sound Engineer From Black Diamond Killed

By Banzay on 05:31

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Tom Pfaeffle, Local Sound Engineer From Black Diamond Killed



It is being reported that in a tragic and unfortunate incident, a local and reputed sound engineer from Black Diamond, had been killed. The unfortunate event occurred on Friday. According to reports, Tom Pfaefflehas died of gunshot wounds received in an encounter at a motel in the Twisp area.

The Methow Valley News reported that a 49 year old man was shot on the night of July 17, at about 10:42 p.m. The fatal shot seems to have been fired by a 57 year old man from Seattle area, who had been held back in the county jail. The alleged suspect has been charged with Murder in the Second Degree and Reckless Endangerment. Methow Valley News also reports that the victim had been taken to the Mid Valley Hospital in Omak, where he had died two hours later from the fatal wounds, as has been stated in an early morning report from a police officer from Twisp, Ty Sheehan. The police are still investigating the matter. The police did not release the names of the victim, the suspect or the motel at which the incident had taken place. However, on Saturday, The Seattle Times came out with the reports that the victim had been Tom Pfaeffle.

Pfaeffle is a well known name in the local music scenario and is known to have worked with such names as Nirvana, Heart and The Black Crowes. He was also reported to have been an instructor at the Art Institute in Seattle. He owned and operated the a recording studio by the name The Tank, which is located in the woods of Black Diamond.

Tom Pfaeffle, Local Sound Engineer From Black Diamond Killed

By Banzay on 05:31

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Tom Pfaeffle, Local Sound Engineer From Black Diamond Killed



It is being reported that in a tragic and unfortunate incident, a local and reputed sound engineer from Black Diamond, had been killed. The unfortunate event occurred on Friday. According to reports, Tom Pfaefflehas died of gunshot wounds received in an encounter at a motel in the Twisp area.

The Methow Valley News reported that a 49 year old man was shot on the night of July 17, at about 10:42 p.m. The fatal shot seems to have been fired by a 57 year old man from Seattle area, who had been held back in the county jail. The alleged suspect has been charged with Murder in the Second Degree and Reckless Endangerment. Methow Valley News also reports that the victim had been taken to the Mid Valley Hospital in Omak, where he had died two hours later from the fatal wounds, as has been stated in an early morning report from a police officer from Twisp, Ty Sheehan. The police are still investigating the matter. The police did not release the names of the victim, the suspect or the motel at which the incident had taken place. However, on Saturday, The Seattle Times came out with the reports that the victim had been Tom Pfaeffle.

Pfaeffle is a well known name in the local music scenario and is known to have worked with such names as Nirvana, Heart and The Black Crowes. He was also reported to have been an instructor at the Art Institute in Seattle. He owned and operated the a recording studio by the name The Tank, which is located in the woods of Black Diamond.