[normy]

When I was growing up in the 80's in Texas we had competition called UIL. I don''t remember if it was nation wide but it was a lot of fun. There were many different categories to compete in at every grade level. I remember one of my catagories was called "picture memory". We were given 8x10 prints of some 20+ famous paintings from painters such as Rembrandt, Homer, Van Gogh and so on. We had to memorize the name of the painting, the Artist and I believe his nationality. It was intense and very competitive. Anything less than 100% right and you would probably lose. It was amazing how these type of things caused us to actually think and maybe be interested in something besides our basic everyday teachings. Too bad for these kids.

Competition can help those who don't win too. I competed in many of these competitions as a child. I rarely was the best, but I always seem to finish in the top. If it were not for these things I would have only played sports. It is encouraging for a kid who finishes 4th or fifth one year to finish 3rd the next. Heck, improvement from last to middle of the pack builds confidence.

[cookcounty]

I was a loser in the sixth grade. I thought the word was "mere" when it was really "mirror." It ruined my life.

[DocRock]

[an amused spectator]

Assistant Superintendent of Schools Linda Newman said the decision to scuttle the event was reached shortly after the January 2004 bee in a unanimous decision by herself and the district’s elementary school principals...

The administrators agreed, Newman said, that a spelling bee doesn’t meet the criteria of all children reaching high standards -- because there can only be one winner, leaving all other students behind.

Eff off, Linda Newman, you effing looooser.

[nutmeg]

ping!

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