Charity

A incapable creates charities, A capable eradicates poverty.

Nobel peace prize for Global Warming

"For nearly 30 years, India and Bangladesh have argued over control of a tiny rock island in the Bay of Bengal. Now rising sea levels have resolved the dispute for them: the island's gone."

Global warming deserves a Noble peace prize. What humans cannot do(bring peace on country land disputes) global warming was able to do. This solutions looks reasonable to both party's. Without any grudge the two country's can live on. I hope Global warming can bring similar peace between other nations too like Israel-Palestine, India-Pakistan etc etc

Is KIPP concept good for all schools?

KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) says "Working over time is central to KIPP's success". The program focus on spending 9 hour school days instead of normal 7 hour, held classes on some Saturdays, and run summer sessions. Students from KIPP often spend 60% more time in class than regular public schools require. KIPP focus on the result oriented success, which means higher grades. KIPP's measure of success is mostly by looking at the grades compared to other public schools in the same area.

KIPP's make perfect sense for the audience they are targeting. Currently KIPP's is focusing on getting poor and minority students ready for College. The environment for students of KIPP in their home or in their neighbor may not be well suited to develop the ethics of individual. KIPP's is well placed to develop the ethics along with intellect in school.

The problem if we implement the same concept to other schools is that students are pushed more towards improving grades rather than allowing them to choose their interest of topics.

Growing in an environment spending whole school days studying for performing better in exams, I can say that to achieve the results in exams, students thought process will be focused more on short term. I believe taking the summer break and spending the time in exploring different areas will allow children brain to expand more than focusing on grade oriented goals.

The good thing the current public schools in US is that students are allowed to choose their choice of interest. At the age of 16 student will be in a good position to select their passion and pursue their interest.

I think bringing the KIPP model to all schools will generate fewer independent and passionate students who can diverse to different areas that has not been explored.

As studies show their might be a problem in generating students who are ready for college graduation with current education model. We probably have to look for more options to effectively use the time that is spent in the schools, accept the staffing model from KIPP etc but not the grade oriented and time oriented concept from KIPP.

http://www.kipp.org/

Berlin Wall

Always being in a democratic country with freedom of speech, freedom of movement etc etc; I used to wonder if a region is willing to accept a person from other region, why the government/military tries to restrict a person who wants to get out of a country.

I am talking about the Berlin Wall. I didn't understand why East Germany wants to restrict its people if they want to move to West Germany. To me its one less person that East Germany has to take care by providing basic needs. But of course I forgot about the whole concept of no freedom of speech, no freedom of movement etc which being in democratic country people like us take it for granted.

Indian Currency (Rupee) to get new symbol that reflects Indian ethos and Culture

Indian Currency (Rupee) to get new symbol like US dollar, Euro and British Pound

"In the ensuing year, we intend to formalise a symbol for the Indian rupee, which reflects and captures the Indian ethos and culture" - Indian Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee

I wonder which symbol reflects Indian ethos and culture (?)

Hello!

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