tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-107847842012-01-06T11:53:05.429-06:00A journal of gripes, editorials, and no-nonsense solutions to many of the world's problems from the perspective of an opinionated, homeschooling Objectivist mom.Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.comBlogger2281100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-58499530653449260662011-04-15T09:27:00.000-05:002011-04-15T09:27:49.265-05:00

RRnR was picked up by The New American in its article, Mississippi Judge Goes Fishing for Home-schoolers by Michael Tennant.  Thank you, Michael, for including this blog in your wrap up of the situation in District 13. The New American is a conservative bi-weekly magazine.  You can find out more about it here: Our editorial point of view is guided by our support of the U.S. Constitution and the

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-47188710240288163652011-04-11T23:16:00.001-05:002011-04-15T09:28:33.532-05:00

Welcome newcomers and World Net Daily readers. I'd like to formally thank World Net Daily and news editor Bob Unruh for linking to RRnR in its most recent headlining post. Most especially, I'd like to thank Mr. Unruh for his liberal, accurate and judicious use of this writer's words (you even quoted my favorite parts). It was truly a pleasure working with you. PS. As a token of my respect and

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-82564796380894178172011-04-11T11:27:00.000-05:002011-04-11T11:27:44.517-05:00

I've been asked why I am do not support the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA).  It's a long, long story, but I'll do my best to keep this as brief as possible. As many of you are aware (including, by now, Judge Joe Dale Walker of District 13), the homeschooling community is very political. We know what's up. When the legislative session starts in Mississippi, I can think of several

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-31364507324111454532011-04-06T05:16:00.011-05:002011-04-25T18:29:27.628-05:00

[Scroll down for updates] There's nothing like a little local homeschool controversy to bring a blogger out of hibernation.  But it is springtime, after all.  [yawn...stretch...coffee] On Monday, April 4, I was made aware of a court order requested and signed by Chancery Court Judge Joe Dale Walker seeking to obtain the names and addresses of homeschooled children and their parents/guardians in

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-23195264523444949602011-02-08T12:43:00.000-06:002011-02-08T12:43:44.799-06:00

There has been Alot of Spam on this blog since my last post.  (Image HT: Sue G.)

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-18391402501104857212009-04-06T10:17:00.007-05:002011-01-22T00:20:25.403-06:00

Some time ago, I mentioned that part of the reason we began homeschooling was because my older daughter, Katie, struggled with learning disabilities and social phobia. During her first year of kindergarten, she stopped speaking at school and didn't utter a word within the walls of a classroom for the four and a half years that followed. We soon learned that it's a coping mechanism called

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-49671326218255380602008-10-10T18:41:00.002-05:002011-02-08T16:28:19.448-06:00

...just as soon as I finish looking at this internet procrastination flowchart (updated in 2010 for our increasing technological procrastination needs). HT: Lisa W.

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-63747232872839020472008-10-08T10:53:00.003-05:002011-01-21T22:17:30.916-06:00

One of the biggest challenges inherent of managing an inclusive homeschool network in the Deep South is the overwhelming number of people who just don't "get it." I'm referring to people who join our inclusive organization despite the fact that they clearly do not understand what that word means, or worse still, seem to know but completely disregard the polite boundaries and rules of netiquette

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-40136066156624578262008-10-07T19:43:00.003-05:002011-01-21T22:23:08.343-06:00

In 2004, I started an inclusive homeschool group near Jackson, MS. There was not (and is not) anything like it anywhere else in the state, but I figured there had to be other homeschooling heathens out there, and damn it, I was going to find them. We'd been homeschooling for only two years, so I was still hearing plenty of objections from my parents, namely my mother who is a public school

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1560255242814109222008-10-06T17:10:00.000-05:002008-10-06T23:50:59.009-05:00

During a recent statewide radio interview in which I promoted PEAK and home education, I tripped over a completely innocuous phrase. And when I say tripped, I mean that I said (in regards to homeschooling through the fear of failure), "It is a leap of f...[L-O-N-G, three-second pause during which I thought, "Faith?? You can't say that. PEAK is inclusive and you're not exactly the patron saint of

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-2697313396929870042008-08-05T00:49:00.000-05:002008-08-11T12:26:38.092-05:00

Originally written and produced by Freddie Perren and Dino FekarisOriginally performed by Gloria GaynorMercilessly altered with apologies by Natalie CrissFirst I was afraidI was petrified.Kept thinking I could never teach’Cause I’m not certified.But we spent so many nightsReteaching homework that was wrong.I grew strong,so now I teach my kids at home!We study mathand outer space.I just kept on

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-20901275599806174482008-04-28T14:55:00.000-05:002008-04-28T14:56:46.280-05:00

I will magically move posts among the three blogs I currently inhabit. Do not be alarmed.

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-34013833944291235922008-04-09T23:57:00.000-05:002008-04-10T15:30:51.200-05:00

It's tornado season in the South, but things don't usually get cranked up here until May. I hadn't gotten around to replenishing our stockpile of batteries, bottled water and canned tuna when we nearly got blown away on Friday.Not only has the bad part of the season started early, this first storm system reorganized, arrived several hours early and hit during lunchtime rush hour. One minute, the

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-22448539065291198462008-04-01T01:46:00.003-05:002011-01-21T22:48:52.174-06:00

Thomas Bowden of The Ayn Rand Institute has weighed in on the California homeschool ruling. In Your child is not state property, Mr. Bowden says, in part: California legislators were entitled to enact this blanket prohibition, according to the judge, because they feared the supposed social disorder that would result from "allowing every person to make his own standards on matters of conduct in

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-62683550791122024452008-03-27T02:12:00.001-05:002008-03-27T02:16:46.944-05:00

...and couldn't we all use a vacation? From Pacific Justice Institute:Subject: Special Bulletin: Homeschool Ruling Vacated; Court Will ReconsiderPacific Justice Institute has just received word that the court ruling which declared most forms of homeschooling unlawful in California has been vacated. This means the Rachel L. decision, which has sparked a nationwide uproar, will not go into effect

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-59199712732869170842008-03-11T17:53:00.000-05:002008-03-11T18:08:54.988-05:00

After some reflection, I decided put on my pearls and go vote...for David Landrum, US House District 3. I may not be able to stop a liberal or socialist from occupying the White House, but I can choose to support members of Congress who will hopefully provide balance or at least create some resistance. And that's what I did today.

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-13841164641910270292008-03-11T01:13:00.001-05:002009-09-03T10:54:23.599-05:00

Every election year, one of my biggest pet peeves is the way out-of-state politicians' accents change when stumping in the Magnolia State. The moment they cross the state line, it's as if they've had a stroke or something. Suddenly, they cannot enunciate clearly.Hillary and Obama have both been to Mississippi this week and both attempted to employ the vernacular to prove that they're "folks"

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-67695718274145256662008-03-10T00:49:00.000-05:002008-03-11T01:11:56.461-05:00

Have you heard?? Home education in California is not only illegal, it has been added to the list of seven eight deadly sins! God herself came down from a mountain with an 11th commandment against it. CA homeschoolers are even moving to Germany where they can homeschool in peace! OK, not really. But I'm sure by now you've heard about the CA court of appeals ruling against a homeschooling family

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-51669559112589071312008-03-09T00:52:00.000-06:002008-03-11T00:13:24.332-05:00

Ugh, I'm behind and things just keep piling up. Aside from the usual (yard needs work, few minor house repairs, mountain of laundry, etc), Katie had to go and turn 16. Can't someone just make it stop?In anticipation of birthday celebrating and associated visitors to the house, I spent the last 48 hours marathon-cleaning (just don't go upstairs. Or look in that closet.). The majority of that time

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-55060191255764848512008-03-03T22:13:00.000-06:002008-03-03T23:33:38.721-06:00

That's what it said on the package of soap in my hotel room shower this weekend. I would have complained to management, but upon closer inspection I realized that it said something else.Even my sub-conscience is passive aggressive.

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-13553925153377164072008-02-22T01:29:00.000-06:002008-02-21T23:30:54.784-06:00

The US Navy shot an orbiting satellite out of the sky today.Amazing!

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-67324305405288577452008-02-13T11:57:00.000-06:002008-02-13T12:05:43.244-06:00

A friend just emailed this to me and suggested (in jest) that it would make a great homeschool project.(KOS warning: profanity)

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-42108629729341687862008-02-13T00:36:00.000-06:002008-02-13T00:58:17.403-06:00

This ingenious parody at Iowahawk (regarding Archbishop Rowan Williams' naive argument that Britain adopt Sharia Law to appease Muslims) is too good to excerpt. Chaucer would be proud.Snagged from Instapundit.

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-13874876763398024802008-02-08T09:01:00.000-06:002008-02-08T09:19:25.364-06:00

...even in our upcoming primaries (and I could if I wanted to because today is the deadline to register for the primary in March.). I made this decision the second that Romney "suspended" his campaign.I just can't vote for McCain. And it will be a cold day in hell before I vote for Obama or a Clinton. Usually, I can just hold my nose and vote. But not this year. This excerpt from The Bidinotto

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-51840113414685874682008-02-07T12:57:00.000-06:002008-02-07T13:01:45.004-06:00

In the next few weeks, I'll be updating, labeling, editing and otherwise tweaking the RRnR and Homeschool Cafe blogs. You'll likely see several false alarms on your feed burner. Click over anyway. You never know; I might have actually posted something new!

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-43742301435411386452008-02-01T21:03:00.000-06:002008-02-02T12:21:27.842-06:00

As I updated my blogger profile tonight, I was reminded of that old joke about the dyslexic agnostic who stayed up all night pondering the existence of dog. Although our agnostic fish continues contemplating the origins of life, sadly, our sweet "ADHD border collie" died in early December. Her name was Abby, and she was a good ol' girl.Katie and Abby in 2000.

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-843342536220300122008-01-28T01:38:00.000-06:002008-02-07T00:47:32.693-06:00

...but not necessarily ranting *here*.As proof that I have not made good on those threats to change my name and run away to D'Lo, Mississippi, I offer you this: my first post as a guest editor at Home Education Magazine's Support Group News blog.Do check it out.UPDATE: It appears that SB 2271 is dead.

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-4850026588807864032007-11-20T11:28:00.000-06:002007-11-20T11:34:44.146-06:00

It is my (non-professional but experienced) opinion that many children in both the home education and traditional school settings are grossly misdiagnosed and overmedicated. Now that ADD/ADHD diagnoses have saturated society and the use of psychotropic drugs on children as young as two is commonplace, a new disturbing trend is emerging.Dr. ELIZABETH J. ROBERTS believes that, at the insistence of

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-55857557090382209322007-10-15T16:43:00.000-05:002007-10-15T17:26:04.848-05:00

Now that I am famous, I have a few demands:1. Sound/child/dog-proof bathroom doors.2. An uninterrupted hour-long nap each afternoon.3. A bottomless bowl of Hershey's Truffle kisses, unwrapped and de-flagged.4. Bed-side refrigerator stocked with ice, chilled glasses and an endless supply of sweet tea.5. Lighting that automatically adjusts to flatter the pale complexions of the fragile housewife.6.

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-42102995679449606262007-07-19T10:30:00.000-05:002008-02-07T12:57:26.471-06:00

Regarding the most recent recall of Easy Bake ovens based on the product's designation as a burn hazard by a government safety agency, I have one question:Where are the parents when these five-year-old children stick their hands into the business end of a baking device?There is no excuse for this lack of adult supervision. Because common sense apparently isn't adequate (or common) enough, Hasbro

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-54597908400738873412007-07-08T14:10:00.000-05:002007-07-08T15:12:48.677-05:00

Have you noticed that there has been very little substance published on this blog for that last--ooh, say--year? Well, first of all, thanks for noticing and, secondly, thanks for coming back to visit despite the fluff. (And to those who have googled "homeschool+Objectivist" and found me, my most sincere apologies. I do and I am, but you'll find very little recent commentary about it here.)In

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-78816212112604260242007-06-15T16:24:00.000-05:002007-06-15T17:00:46.190-05:00

This is Daryl's fault:1. Go to http://www.popculturemadness.com/2. Pick the year you turned 183. Get yourself nostalgic over the song’s of the year4. Write something about how the songs affected you5. Pass it on to 5 more friendsSadly, 1989 was not a good year for Rock or Pop. Hair bands were passed their hair-day. MTV played "She Drives Me Crazy" by the Fine Young Cannibals into the ground. And,

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-15557348814321797572007-06-15T12:50:00.000-05:002007-06-15T12:59:48.651-05:00

His Noodliness expressed as hair-art at the Imperia Vodka Hair Competition in NH:Here is the winning coif:Slideshow of Hair Competition.

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-39567672532712028422007-06-03T14:27:00.000-05:002007-06-03T15:29:09.077-05:00

Courtesy of Alasandra:The rules are simple…Each player lists 8 facts/habits about themselves. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed. At the end of the post, the player then tags 8 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.Eight

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-62747544794437575712007-05-31T15:35:00.000-05:002007-05-31T15:39:11.202-05:00

We just completed an Ancient Greek intensive, which concluded with a play (The Apple of Discord) and the not-quite-Greek Water Olympics. More on all that later. For now, gaze upon my beautiful daughter as Helen of Troy (wearing a, um, sundial....ok, she forgot to take off her watch):

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-16102934412441440142007-05-15T17:12:00.002-05:002009-04-06T14:24:56.780-05:00

While looking at my calendar a few days ago, I realized that we are coming upon our sixth homeschool anniversary. Six years.Six years ago, Katie was in third grade at the local public school, and she was struggling just as she always had. Born weighing less than two pounds at just 26 weeks gestation, she had already been through quite an ordeal. Doctors were honest and straight-forward with

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-34582690864296324122007-04-16T16:46:00.000-05:002007-04-16T16:48:14.809-05:00

Don't answer that...but DO go read this excellent commentary on global warming by Robert Tracinski at RealClearPolitics. And while you're there, read this and this. And this one, too.Since you obviously have so much time to kill, grab the kids and gather 'round to watch The Great Global Warming Swindle (if it's not there, do a search. It gets pulled and republished nearly every day).

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-52678094987871310472007-03-27T16:22:00.000-05:002007-03-28T12:57:14.751-05:00

Every weekend, I enjoy working in the yard. It takes a lot of effort just to maintain (and that doesn't include clearing or relandscaping the neglected parts...we haven't even started that yet). Fortunately, motivation comes easily. It is such a peaceful setting.NE quarter of backyard as seen from balcony (above). Ross Barnett Reservoir just across the street (above).NW view of the street from

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-46921617317696528202007-03-27T14:26:00.000-05:002007-03-27T14:28:12.378-05:00

The Mississippi Legislative Awareness Watchgroup (MS LAW) blog aims to inform independent home educators of legal and legislative events pertaining to homeschooling in our state. With the impending launch of the Mississippi Virtual School, several key political races in progress and recent inflammatory statements made by Superintendent Hank Bounds, it is more important than ever for us to get

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-37081490359197640472007-03-09T13:05:00.000-06:002007-03-09T13:15:09.077-06:00

...you start lying about your child's age. Katie turned 15 on Wednesday! [muffled sobbing in background]

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-54626921861217224402006-12-13T18:56:00.000-06:002007-06-02T23:18:38.483-05:00

Is it the name of my midlife-crisis-induced garage band? No. The title of my first fictional novel based on actual events? Close. The alias my family has been using for the last five months? DING DING DING! Finally, after living in three houses in less than three months, we have a home. A real home. We moved in last week. It's lovely.PS. This is the house we found on Halloween.

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1162395025184961192006-11-02T11:25:00.000-06:002006-12-13T19:35:47.259-06:00

Guess what...We just made an offer on a house!On Tuesday night, we did tricks or treats with a good friend (She's a homeschooler and hosts our local drama group). She and I along with her husband (a professional clown) and about half a dozen kids piled into the Inky van. Katie was a pirate (only because we couldn't find a Violet Parr/Incredibles costume in time due to all the house chaos). Dagny

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1153296128728049042006-07-19T02:59:00.000-05:002006-07-19T03:02:08.743-05:00

no new bloggage until deadline (which just got longer) is over...

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1152941118310949582006-07-15T00:20:00.000-05:002006-07-15T00:26:43.600-05:00

...due to deadline and other momentary work commitments, bloggage will be light.Rambling will resume on Monday.[help me.]

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1152062667807059982006-07-04T17:37:00.000-05:002006-07-04T20:24:27.823-05:00

The neighbors across the street are already popping firecrackers. And, it's raining. Finally! However, that won't stop the free neighborhood fireworks extravaganza, I'm sure. I believe they must spend at least $200 or more on things that bang, boom and flash. And I think that's great--it means we don't have to!(Plus, it sort of makes up for their kids' garage band's repetitive attempts--and I do

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1151994242019168452006-07-04T00:45:00.000-05:002006-07-04T01:24:02.040-05:00

1. Hidden purchases (not kidding).2. Mismatched vacuum cleaner attachments (I have NO idea where some of those came from!).3. Three shelves of miscellaneous reference books I can't seem to part with4. Wireless router that was not compatible with my DSL service (drat. for sale. cheap.)5. Monsters. Learned and brave, yes. But they try on my recently purchased items and horde strange vacuum cleaner

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1151907921883485012006-07-03T00:57:00.000-05:002006-07-04T19:36:04.023-05:00

I don't generally get political in this space, but I have to share: I love this blog. Here is a recent example to demonstrate why (and another). Not only do I agree with most of what he says, Dafydd uses just the right balance of snark and commentary with gratuitous references and quotes. Granted, the posts are long and cover material that one can't mindlessly breeze through while sipping coffee.

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1151901053206408152006-07-02T23:29:00.000-05:002006-07-03T00:37:17.190-05:00

Let's see what happens when I do....this!But first, lettuce spray:Dear FSM,Please don't let Blogger eat my archives.Ramen.---Update: Well, this is better but it doesn't blow me away. But isn't this a great picture of Jack and me? It was taken in the fall at my parents'. I still look like this, but my hair is shorter. I'll have to search for something more recent, but this pic (and this template)

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1151557654735427222006-06-28T23:58:00.000-05:002006-06-29T00:10:57.726-05:00

Linda Hirshman, this is Judith Warner.[These two are so filled with vitriol that, odds are, they'll attack and kill one another before realizing they're on the same side...Hey, I'm just here to help!]More on Hirshman by Janine at Why Homeschool.

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1151535504168794952006-06-28T17:52:00.000-05:002006-06-28T17:58:24.183-05:00

No cream, no sugar. Just caffeine and conversation. Check it out at The Homeschool Cafe![note: we lost the "all-you-can-eat dessert buffet and coffee bar" edition in the wee hours of the morning just hours before the CoH was to debut. Hence, the plain Jane version. But, it's up and I'm fine now. Nothing a few weeks of therapy and a few shoe purchases can't cure....]

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1116916321913382212006-06-28T17:46:00.000-05:002006-06-28T17:50:42.293-05:00

6/28/06: Useful discussion for an inclusive group at a crossroads...--NO. And here's why: Homeschooling is not homogeneous.By design, homeschoolers are opinionated. Our reasons for homeschooling are as varied as our methodologies. Many of our choices are contradictory, which is why some militant unschoolers decry the use of curricula as a crime against children while sects of evangelical

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1117085155222619842006-06-28T17:27:00.000-05:002006-06-28T17:31:40.806-05:00

6/28/06: Since we are currently discussing changes within PEAK to reflect that MS now has VPS, I'm bumping this up to the top again. Enjoy.N.--(originally posted May 25, 2005...amazing, what can happen in a year.)That which we call a [homeschooler]By any other name would smell as [free]...or would it?The debate among parents who wish to educate their children at home rages on and indeed rivals

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1109748068131979442006-05-18T13:29:00.000-05:002006-05-18T13:35:50.616-05:00

The Revised and Updated Version! [Originally posted March 2, 2005] The following are excerpts of messages I posted to a homeschool group after several people asked for statistical information with which to convince or silence their critics. I thought I'd edit them together and include it here for others to read. My view was that homeschooling statistics are flimsy, especially when you're dealing

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1145982873943756492006-04-25T11:30:00.000-05:002006-04-25T11:34:33.943-05:00

...and counting in The Common Room.

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1145774951041565602006-04-23T00:44:00.000-05:002006-04-24T12:59:55.613-05:00

You can't make some of this stuff up, really, so I had to share. We have two frogs (actually they're toads--Firebelly toads) that we bought to appease Dagny, who really wanted a cat but decided she was equally thrilled with toads (we don't like cats, sorry, and toads are an easy enough starter pet.). Cherry and Hopper live in a toad haven in Dagny's bedroom. Not particularly exciting creatures,

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1145387844674063752006-04-18T14:11:00.000-05:002006-04-18T14:17:24.686-05:00

The 16th week of COH is up. Grab a cup and check it out.Speaking of coffee, the Homeschool Cafe is open for business! Come on over. And be sure to tell Shannon what a fantastic job she did.

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1138348867582723912006-01-27T01:44:00.000-06:002006-01-27T02:02:39.963-06:00

From The Objectivist Center:BB&T, a major bank with branches through the Southeast, has taken a stand for private property and individual rights, in reaction to the Supreme Court’s Kelo decision on eminent domain last June. The corporation announced that “it will not lend to commercial developers that plan to build condominiums, shopping malls and other private projects on land taken from private

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1138260228393957302006-01-26T00:40:00.000-06:002006-01-26T01:23:48.413-06:00

Carnival of Homeschooling: Week Four in The Common Room Canstruction: Architectural and Engineering feats (pictured left: Manhattan Can Chowder)Imagining the inner workings of a terrorist's mind: The War of the Hotels (TNR ID: ramblinblogger Password: bloggity)Lots of governors mentioning pre-kindergarten in their state-of-the-state addresses (Ed Week--registration required)

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1137607538987429962006-01-18T12:00:00.000-06:002006-06-28T14:39:07.810-05:00

Long overdue update: SB 2514 died in committee.--From H.S., a MS legislative committee volunteer:----------I realize that this particular Mandatory Testing bill will probably not go anywhere (though what I've not yet figured out is how fast it might get anywhere if it does pass the Senate education committee this week or something). But I went and double checked anyway, and indeed, not providing

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1137529361333520142006-01-17T14:16:00.000-06:002006-01-17T14:22:41.363-06:00

At Why Homeschool. Looks great.AND Daryl's post made this one!Thank Noodliness for that (and Henry Cate).

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1137398199812687242006-01-16T00:51:00.001-06:002006-01-16T01:56:39.816-06:00

by Edward Hudgins[From TOC archives. Originally published on January 17, 2003.]“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”Two things are significant about this statement from Martin Luther King’s 1963 civil rights speech. First, it succinctly identifies the principle by

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1137394294955434022006-01-16T00:24:00.000-06:002006-01-16T01:34:58.540-06:00

SB 2514: "The State Board of Education may establish student testing proficiency standards for promotion to grade levels for students in home instruction programs which are equivalent to requirements applicable to public school students."History: Introduced by Sen. Sampson Jackson and sent to Senate Education Committee on 1/12/06Status: In committeeHB 310: Seeks "To clarify that any child who

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1137395951961013772006-01-16T00:09:00.000-06:002006-01-16T01:36:06.953-06:00

Don't do us any favors!Signed,Natalie West Criss----------------------------------------------Here are a few more bills to keep our eyes on:House Bill 95: Homeschool Equal Access to Extracurricular ActivitiesHouse Bill 308: Surplus Public School Textbooks for Homeschool StudentsHouse Bill 512: Educational Tax Credits (pay special attention to sections 18 and 19 which tracks funding and requires

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1137392564899340442006-01-16T00:02:00.000-06:002006-01-16T01:36:42.006-06:00

Thank Joe for the inspiration.

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1136913330989306352006-01-10T11:06:00.000-06:002006-01-10T11:15:31.010-06:00

By Natalie CrissAssistant EditorMetro Business ChronicleMS Biz Column: December 2005In the words of Todd Rundgren, “I don’t want to work…I just want to bang on the drum all day.” According to a lengthy special advertising section in the December/January 2006 issue of Working Mother, that’s exactly what 700 attendees did at Working Mother Media’s Best Companies for Women of Color Multicultural

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1136769361175096592006-01-08T19:10:00.000-06:002006-01-08T19:16:01.196-06:00

From the website:On Sunday, January 8 at 10:00 pmThe Capitalist Manifesto: The Historic, Economic and Philosophic Case for Laissez-FaireAndrew BernsteinDescription: Andrew Bernstein talks about the benefits of laissez-faire capitalism and gives an overview of the advancements created within capitalist societies. He argues that, unlike fascism and socialism, capitalism is beneficial because it

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1136618092712444312006-01-07T00:04:00.000-06:002006-01-08T19:16:40.276-06:00

Building this.Apparently, Santa thought we'd have a much better time assembling it together than having the children experience the letdown of seeing it completed under the tree. Just so you know, this is an exercise in family bonding that has nothing to do with anyone's inability to manage time.After the paint dries, we get to decide if we're competent enough to wire it, then furnish and

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1136613146068272242006-01-06T23:36:00.000-06:002006-01-06T23:52:26.083-06:00

...says Dr. Andrew Bernstein (author of The Capitalist Manifesto), in reference to Microsoft's action against a popular freedom blogger in China. This story surfaced last week and Microsoft is experiencing quite a backlash. Google and Yahoo! have been cashing in on the Communist giant as well.Just another example of how brilliance and innovation can easily be turned into weapons by those with

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1136532063707811712006-01-06T00:46:00.000-06:002006-01-06T23:35:36.190-06:00

See note below.For heaven's sake. According to Cathy Hayden, education columnist for the Clarion Ledger (Gannett), homeschooling in Mississippi as a response to anything but extreme cases is "drastic." Excerpt from her Aug. 15, 2005 column:Q: My son was expelled from a public high school last spring. I thought I was going to be able to enroll him this month but I was told he has to stay out for a

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1136528913428279212006-01-06T00:19:00.000-06:002006-01-06T00:38:15.740-06:00

It's been a long time, but this is a must-read. Binswanger does a great job of dissecting the PA judge's decision as well as providing context and background for those less familiar with the ID debate. Binswanger notes:By any rational standard, Darwin's theory of evolution is perfect. And "testability" is not the criterion of science. But kudos to the judge for putting his finger on the main

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1136528295754056872006-01-06T00:11:00.000-06:002006-01-06T10:37:45.946-06:00

Update: fixed link. (Singing: I get no kicks from free forms. Liability risk doesn't thrill me a bit...)This is off-topic, but I get a charge out of these things:The hypothetical device, which has been outlined in principle but is based on a controversial theory about the fabric of the universe, could potentially allow a spacecraft to travel to Mars in three hours and journey to a star 11

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1136445050364284492006-01-05T00:27:00.000-06:002006-01-05T15:25:28.396-06:00

WEEEEoooooWEEEEEoooooWEEEEEooooNo! Don't click it! Wait! Come baaaaaaaaack!Well, I tried. To those of you who have no idea what the hell I am talking about, welcome to the insider politics of homeschooling. For the rest of you, I think we know what we're up against.It seems that while Scott was busy defisking HoNDA at CODs place, Section 522 was getting settled into its new digs in the hopper as

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1136359202500283962006-01-04T01:18:00.000-06:002006-01-04T02:25:01.946-06:00

For my birthday, we took the whole family out to eat at Olga's, a family-owned restaurant that serves authentic Russian cuisine. Located in a small strip next to a scrapbook store, we'd heard that it's elegant with dim lighting, candles, a piano player and less than a dozen tables were one of the best kept secrets in the Metro. Olga, the owner, is the cook at one of the large country clubs that

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1135586952201090992006-01-04T00:30:00.000-06:002006-01-04T01:22:39.430-06:00

And I don't say that in the spirit of political correctness. Christmas may be over, but I still had a birthday and wedding anniversary (34 and 5, respectively) to celebrate before we kissed in the New Year. Having a post-Christmas birthday used to be a drag, but I now see it as an opportunity to "allow" my loved ones to combine my birthday and Christmas present...but only if it's a really big

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1135033558174132362005-12-19T17:01:00.000-06:002005-12-19T17:05:58.196-06:00

VaHomeschoolers’ Position on Section 522 of H.R. 1815The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers (VaHomeschoolers) opposes Section 522 of H.R. 1815, and desires that this section of the bill be eliminated.Background:H.R. 1815 (patron Congressman HUNTER of California) also known as the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006, recently passed both chambers of Congress and is

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1134966258586959782005-12-18T22:19:00.000-06:002005-12-18T22:28:38.636-06:00

AN OPEN LETTER TO HSLDA’S MEMBERSHIP~from Mary McCarthyI have always felt that HSLDA has a right to exist, and if that’s what you want to spend your money on, I’m happy you have the financial means to do so. However, recent events have caused me to re-think my position. I was wrong to think that because I was not a member HSLDA did not affect me.When HSLDA re-introduced their HoNDA legislation in

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1134965941569891962005-12-18T22:00:00.000-06:002005-12-18T22:31:21.076-06:00

Here is the contact info for the house conferees compiled by Mary Nix.BUT WAIT, first, what the heck is a conferee and what shall we do upon catching one? Put down the gun, Granma. A conferee is a negotiator who works to iron out differences between Congressional chambers concerning pending legislation. These particular conferees are hammering out the dents or making new ones in the 700+page bill

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1134765922229463332005-12-16T14:38:00.001-06:002005-12-16T14:45:22.230-06:00

Sen. Warner:Good afternoon. My name is Natalie West Criss. I am the founder of a statewide inclusive homeschool network in Mississippi and have several concerns regarding Section 522 from HR 1815 that I'd like to share with you:1. Homeschool graduates who desire to to so are already able to enter the military as preferred Tier 2 recruits (which is essentially the same as Tier 1). Therefore, Sect

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1134716617978787342005-12-16T00:53:00.000-06:002005-12-16T01:03:37.980-06:00

I may not have been actively blogging lately, but I've been yapping elsewhere. Here is a message I posted to a national Yahoo! Group two days ago when someone remarked that Sect 522 didn't look so scary. While I was talking to one of PEAK's moderators about legislative events today, she also asked, "So, what's the big deal?" This post has become my standard answer:Hi [Forum Member] and

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1134715785975482132005-12-16T00:26:00.000-06:002005-12-16T01:53:08.983-06:00

This is an email I sent late last night. The names below have been altered:Hello [Support Group Person],I'm Natalie Criss, founder of Parent Educators and Kids (PEAK), a statewide inclusive homeschool network in Mississippi. I've been tracking legislation, most recently HoNDA and Sect 522 of HR 1815. Since I've learned so much during my short time as an "activist" and regularly post my findings

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1134721141970363542005-12-16T00:15:00.000-06:002005-12-18T23:07:23.293-06:00

Christmas-themed floats and fall colors debutin the creek across from my parents' house:My parents with Katie and Dagny on the porch swingmy father built:Jack and I in my mother's garden:

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1134676804335060742005-12-15T13:45:00.000-06:002005-12-15T14:00:04.370-06:00

This just in from a group in VA:VaHomeschoolers Legislative ReportDecember 14, 2005by Celeste Land, Government AffairsSpecial Report on Federal Legislation: Recruitment/Enlistment of Homeschooled Students & HONDA 2005The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers (VaHomeschoolers) is a statewide homeschooling organization which normally does not lobby on federal matters. However, we do occasionally

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1132810680275761802005-11-23T23:29:00.000-06:002005-11-24T01:54:48.653-06:00

Let's celebrate by looking at pictures from... Halloween! Yea!At the Pumpkin PatchHalloween Party and DecorationsThis year, I am most thankful for patient people, like my husband (who hasn't fired me as his Assistant Editor OR wife...yet...I love you), friends I keep meaning to call (and I will, really. Soon. I promise.) and the PEAK moderators who have stopped asking and started planning without

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1132297743375304502005-11-17T23:54:00.000-06:002005-11-18T01:09:03.393-06:00

...but don't have time:1. Why I hate PBS Sprout and the concept of The Goodnight Show2. What I think of wordless cartoons that substitute unintelligible sounds for language3. Great personal and PEAK pictures with relevent updatesCould someone loan me an hour? Just an hour.

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1132123264729860362005-11-15T23:15:00.000-06:002005-12-18T23:10:33.103-06:00

MS Biz Column~November 2005By Natalie Criss, Managing EditorMetro Business ChronicleThere comes a time in our lives when we are forced to take on a job that we would rather avoid. Perhaps it's boring or thankless. We might consider it beneath us and loudly declare, "You couldn't pay me enough to do that!" or "I didn't go to college for this!" However, sometimes an opportunity comes along that

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1131951559681718252005-11-13T23:46:00.000-06:002005-11-14T01:06:41.373-06:00

Howdy y'all,I'm back! I can't think of a better way to celebrate than to shop for shoes. Can you? Of course not.Western boots are in vogue this fall, but I live in Mississippi where, contrary to the great Manolo, boots are always in season. This handpainted boot by Lucchese is the perfect choice to indulge in the latest trends while distinguishing oneself from the local farm owners (not that

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1128619955975058172005-10-06T12:31:00.000-05:002005-10-06T12:32:35.983-05:00

How do we find and help these people?

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1128584942170679512005-10-06T01:37:00.000-05:002005-10-06T13:12:01.170-05:00

... visit this secular homeschool site and join its forum. It's almost too good to be true; A sassy, stylish spoof centered around--of all things--the internationally recognized icon of homeschool motherhood.Sarah Poppins, whose blog I'd somehow managed to miss until now, is the brilliant mind behind The Denim Jumper. The site looks great. The forums run smoothly. The registration process of

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1127971942901771652005-09-28T23:37:00.000-05:002005-09-29T01:18:41.133-05:00

I don't know about all my other Mississippi/Louisiana friends, but I am still having trouble dealing with this whole Katrina aftermath. Most noticeably, I don't seem to be firing on all synapses. "Rita who?" I almost asked someone who remarked that although she lingered a while, she wasn't so bad. I was thinking "ex-girlfriend?" and then "oooooh, right. The other hurricane."I went to park day

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1127504192707145142005-09-23T14:30:00.000-05:002005-09-23T14:36:32.716-05:00

"The H.R.3753/S.1691 blog is an online source of information for people working to kill the bills -- again -- and keep homeschooling from being further defined by federal legislation. "I've written my elected officials to oppose this bill (aka Homeschool Non-Discrimination Act of 2005 or HoNDA). Have you?

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1127024793884675602005-09-18T00:09:00.000-05:002005-09-18T01:28:24.040-05:00

We're famous! Well, we *feel* famous. Many thanks go out to Jeanne for including us in her Midsouth Homeschoolers interview and, of course, HEM for publishing it.Also, here is a recent local piece highlighting our newest PEAK group in Starkville, MS.

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1127015505296305132005-09-17T22:45:00.000-05:002005-09-17T22:51:45.303-05:00

HoNDA is subjected to an aggressive fisk by COD.More HoNDA info here.Call, write, fax and otherwise harass your elected officials. This is one bill that must be stopped.

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1126888254944868552005-09-16T11:21:00.000-05:002005-09-16T11:34:06.120-05:00

From a friend:HONDA federal legislationThis is not a good bill for homeschoolers. It had died, but is now backagain as HB 3753. Both HSLDA and THSC support it. Read the article below that details the problems step by step. This is FEDERAL legislation and as such could undermine and reverse the gains that have been made state by state over the years. Just say NO to HONDA. Bad news for

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1126672759723368392005-09-13T23:32:00.000-05:002005-09-14T01:09:16.270-05:00

I'm a classic movie buff, so I couldn't resist taking the Classic Dames Test. Upon discovering my classic starlet alter ego, I shall hereafter answer my telephone as: Rosalind Russell You scored 16% grit, 38% wit, 28% flair, and 28% class! You are one wise-cracking lady, always quick with a clever remark and easily able to keep up with the quips and puns that come along with the nutty situations

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1126340398627268332005-09-10T00:18:00.000-05:002005-09-10T03:19:58.633-05:00

I've been neglecting the blog due to other obligations. Hopefully, we'll be back on track in a few days. Have a nice weekend.

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1125900728550230992005-09-05T00:41:00.000-05:002005-09-05T01:14:24.466-05:00

Chrenkoff posted a reader's comparison of the ways LA and MS handled the aftermath of Katrina.I really don't like to find fault at times like this, but one thing that was missing was a quick recognition that in such a situation the potential for civil collapse is nearly 100%. Once the weather settles, you need to immediately declare marshal law and send in the MPs. That's basically what Haley

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1125727262086950002005-09-02T23:19:00.000-05:002005-09-05T00:13:36.103-05:00

I don't think I can stand to look at another moment of television coverage, yet I sit there. When I'm not planted in front of the television, I'm on the computer checking Interdictor's blog and webcam. When I'm not doing that, I'm outside trying to forget what I've seen. I've been wasting a lot of time sitting solo on the front porch staring into space.New Orleans is more than just some enchanted

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1125036122770872192005-08-26T00:35:00.000-05:002005-08-26T01:02:48.403-05:00

Or the Flying Spaghetti Monster. But even if they did, so long as no one gets hurt, it's nobody's business.Remember the Indiana judge who decreed that, as part of a divorce settlement, a couple could not practice Wicca with their son simply because he (the judge) objected? Well, it's been overturned:The Indiana Court of Appeals today upheld the rights of parents to expose their children to Wicca,

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1125001834738626882005-08-25T15:14:00.000-05:002005-08-25T15:30:34.753-05:00

In an article from this week's EdWeek:Even though more than 80 percent of the 80,000-plus high school students responding to a recent survey expect to go to college after graduation, far fewer are shouldering the kind of academic preparation they need to succeed there, the survey results suggest.“I think our data give a wake-up call to high schools to say we need to make our courses more

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10784784.post-1124997429645996052005-08-25T14:11:00.000-05:002005-08-25T14:17:09.650-05:00

I mentioned the post from Ex-Pat in which he called for support of public schools, then cited our favorite custodian. The conversation continues with an exchange between Ex-Pat and COD. Very interesting.

Natalie West Winninghamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12765259892672951327noreply@blogger.com0