Bill Gates recently told a group of legislators that education is an industry least changed by technology. Gates also said that reducing class sizes isn't as important as placing a highly skilled teacher in every classroom.

Gates heads the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, a philanthropic organization that spent $4 billion dollars to improve under performing high schools, and to improve graduation rates.

Many of the teachers I've talked to believe smaller class sizes give teachers the opportunity to be better teachers. Yes, Mr. Gates, quality teachers are essential, but to not address yearly budget cuts in education that affects class sizes is like a car mechanic with 150 cars that need fixing, but only has a few tools with which to fix them.

Large class sizes in public education affects students achievement according to practicing professionals with whom I've spoken. The number one reason for this belief is that public school classrooms are diverse with many, many needs, packed into one classroom. Public schools must accept all students. Reducing class sizes allows the one adult in the classroom to meet as many students needs as possible. Meeting student needs allows individual students to learn content, which affords them more success in life, and on high stakes tests.

Hamilton's 2nd Saturday celebration served over 100lbs. of tri-tip. Amazing cooking machine.

The Central is seattle's oldest saloon, established 1892.








-- Post From My iPhone

Today in Seattle the sky is cloudy and the wind is cool, coming in from the west, over the Sound. It's unusual weather because everyday here, thus far, has been sunny, hot, and wonderful.

Here's a short run-down of my Seattle trip up to now:

1. Arrived last Tuesday, stayed overnight in Ballard, a quiet neighborhood in north Seattle. I manned the BBQ grill, preparing chicken and veggies on kabobs.

2. Hung out with high school friend Derrick, and his friend Victor.

3. Went to beer festival on Friday

4. Attended a wedding reception in Sumner

5. Visited many beer serving emporiums, like Elysian and Bouwer's

6. Ate salmon, sushi, corned beef, chicken adobo, and a crappy burrito from Taco Del Mar (yuck)

7. Drinking lots of cappuccinos

8. Not taking a lot of pictures

9. Reading "How Soccer Explains The World," lent by Dirk

10. Bought a throw-back Seattle Mariners cap

11. Staying at Executive Hotel Pacific in a tiny room (403), over looking a parking garage and the heating-air conditioning equipment. High class accomodations

-- Post From My iPhone

Yummy. Belgians!

D.B.
(from my iPhone)

The Space Needle overlooks the line at the beer festival.

With my shoes off, and the sun bright, I'm at a Capitol Hill park
reading, relaxing, and thinking about the beautiful game.

I feel as if I'm on top of the world.

Another nice day in Seattle. First full day.