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Mauritius: Competition
The abolition of ranking in 2004, the introduction of compulsory schooling from five to 16, the A+ debate, the unanimity of pedagogues on allowing children to learn at their own pace without the pressure of career-determining exams at 11, the emergence of the first draft of a national school curriculum, all refer to the place we wish to give to competition at school. Let's revisit this subject at about the time CPE results are coming out, with, for the first time, A+ as a criteria. Competition as an activity has much to offer in education. Thus a school, which offers a healthy and diverse set of competitive events, is positive, whereas a total lack of competition may lead to think that students are not encouraged to do their best. Competition becomes absurd when the odds to be ranked are so severe as to be totally stressful to those seeking that rank.
Scholarship to encourage American Filipino journalists
Students of Filipino heritage living in the U.S who are interested in pursuing a career in journalism can apply for a scholarship to help cover the cost of their studies. Application deadline: March 30. The scholarship is organized by Filipinas Magazine and supported by the Asia Pacific Fund. The main goal of the scholarships is to encourage American Filipino students to take up journalism. A maximum of three scholarships worth US$5,000 per year each will be awarded. Successful applicants may also have the possibility of interning at Filipinas Magazine. For more information and an application form, contact scholarship@asianpacificfund.org or visit http://www.asianpacificfund.org/awards/yuchengco.shtml Filipinas Magazine: http://www.filipinasmag.com/.
STANLEY NEWMAN: TRIVIA BITS: 'Court' star was cut above narrator
LONG BEFORE HE became a star on TV's "Night Court," John Larroquette was heard as the (uncredited) narrator in the 1974 film "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre." When the film was remade in 2003, Larroquette returned as narrator. This time, his role was credited. • Shaggy dog story: Nana, the Darling family dog in James M. Barrie's "Peter Pan," is a Newfoundland. But in film and cartoon adaptations of the story, the dog seems to have always been portrayed as a Saint Bernard. If you know why, please let us know. • CNN anchor Paula Zahn is an accomplished cellist. She played at Manhattan's Carnegie Hall in a 1992 concert with the New York Pops Orchestra, and attended college on a music scholarship. • People who "get what's coming to them" get their "just deserts," not their "just desserts," as many think.
Mammoth adds depth at forward
The Colorado Mammoth on Tuesday signed free-agent forward Jordan Cornfield, who scored two goals in six games last season for the Edmonton Rush. "Jordan gives us added depth at the lefty forward position, and he has the potential to be a consistent scorer," Mammoth general manger Steve Govett said. "We're curious to see what he can do." The Mammoth released forward Cam Monroe to make room for Cornfield on the 23-man roster. Colorado opens the NLL season at home Dec. 30 vs. Rochester. DU women's lacrosse signs two from Mullen The University of Denver women's lacrosse team signed five players to scholarship offers, including midfielders Savannah Khanna and Tulley Stapp of Mullen High School. Also signing were defender Emily Benson of Millersville, Md., midfielder Jocelyn Kuchta of Ridgefield, Conn., and midfielder Cassie Novick of Mission Hills, Kan.
Tiara trouble: Trump rules on Miss USA's future
Donald Trump announced this morning that Miss USA will enter rehab after a series of high-profile missteps, but will keep her tiara as long as she stays out of trouble."This has been a very difficult time for the Miss USA pageant and especially for our current Miss USA Tara Conner," Trump told reporters in New York. He said he wasn't sure what he was going to do as late as this morning, but concluded after meeting with Conner that many of the reports were false and decided that she deserved a second chance despite some "bad mistakes" that he attributed to getting "caught up in the whirlwind that is New York." Trump, who fired Miss Universe in 2002, said Conner's going to be the "great comeback kid." A tearful Conner thanked the billionaire builder and TV star, saying she "can't wait to just get back to work and do my job." (Photo by Lucas Jackson, Reuters.) When a reporter asked about reports that she had a drinking problem Conner said: "I wouldn't say I'm an alcoholic.
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