School District Budgets

So my town's school district budget is $130 million for a population of about 20,000. Yonkers' school district budget is $200 million for a population of 200,000. That's 60% more money for a population 1000% greater in size.

Christmas Season Begins?

I just saw the first 2008 Christmas commercial. It was for Kmart, in case you were wondering.

"Didn't we just carve pumpkins?"

In Boston

I'm in Boston right now for Head of the Charles, and I've just realized that other than one greasy hamburger, the only things I've eaten are egg sandwiches and Italian sausages.

3rd Debate

So I think that McCain may have actually won the last debate. Obama pretty much did nothing while McCain really went on the offensive. McCain has to drop the ACORN and Ayers talking points. Those are only hurting him. Do I think he did enough to swing things back to him? No. Obama already has about 50% of all voters. That means McCain not only needs undecided voters, but some of Obama's as well. That's far more difficult. I think McCain will close the gap a little, but Obama will dominate the electoral votes. I doubt that the Democrats will be able to reach the full 60 votes that they want in the Senate. Personally, I really hope they don't make it to 60. One party rule is completely unacceptable, no matter who it is.

So I was listening to the radio and heard the same song on two different channels (104.3 and 107.1). That's just disappointing.

I'll be up in Boston for Head of the Charles this weekend. I really want to start rowing again (I rowed throughout college), but this time I'm just there to support my teammates. It's really bittersweet. I had a couple of great rows on that river. The 2006 HotC is one of my greatest college memories.

Father Berrigan

Yesterday I met a well known Jesuit, Father Daniel Berrigan, who was speaking at my Godfather's memorial lecture at Fordham. In case you don't recognize the name, Father Berrigan is a well known proponent of Liberation Theology. He's most recognized for his antiwar protests and is currently the poet in residence at Fordham. He's quite elderly now, but it was still an interesting look at a theological area that I know nothing about. The man had a profound influence on my godfather's life, particularly during his time as a Jesuit. My godfather held very revolutionary positions, the depth of which I don't really know, but which eventually led him to leave the order despite his intense spirituality.


Note: Why is WNYU's "The New Afternoon Show" so good, while WMFO was so bad?