Comments

• On the Blog Post Starr Kicks Me to the Curb: The Non-Interview

  Tobin Smith

  4:32 pm on Tuesday, March 5, 2013

  so Bill Gates gives 1 billion-
  1. do they use the money to bring the lowest scoring kids closer to the higher scoring kids
  2. do they try to equitably apply it across the board, more teachers per student
  3. do they try to increase parental assistance in getting more active in the kids's lives
  4. do they remove all obstacles from learning, like hungry bellys
  5. do they incent the kids with full participation in class (no disruption, no chatter)
  6. do they take the higher scoring kids to an even higher level
  7. do they fund tutor classes for any student seeking additional learning assistance

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• On the article Brickside Opens on Cordell

  Tobin Smith

  12:58 pm on Tuesday, February 5, 2013

  Prohibition era cocktails means proper mixing ingredients, hopefully they've been able to gain access to them through the county. Others have tried- only a few have succeeded.

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• On the article Maryland Schools Top Nation 5th Consecutive Year

  

  Tobin Smith

  1:37 pm on Friday, January 11, 2013

  I don't necessarily believe that a high school only degree equals fast food worker. We currently have 50% unemployment or underemployment for recent college grads yet there are shortages for skilled or vocational positions in manufacturing. People trained (associate degrees) in STEM fields have a better chance of making the same money as those with degrees. STEM is science, technology, engineering, mathematics. A good high school program gives these kids a boost and there are tons of opportunities for those driven to succeed instead of waiting for a handout.

• On the article Nearly 500 Guns Surrendered in Baltimore After Newtown Shooting

  Tobin Smith

  12:11 pm on Monday, December 17, 2012

  Lets get rid of all guns and bullets, lets get rid of the cars that allowed the boy to drive to the school to commit this crime, lets outlaw homeschooling since that was obviously part of the problem, lets make divorce illegal since it appears it also helped set this guy off and since the mom was referred to as a doomsday prepper, lets get rid of the Mayan calendar and any news organization that ever made reference to end of the world. Folks, you can't put these types of events into a box to keep you insulated from the evil that exists in this world. Evil does exist, free will exists but so does love. Love overcomes.

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• On the article Maryland Alcohol Sales Stagnant: Where Will You Get Your Christmas Spirits?

  Tobin Smith

  10:44 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012

  I have nothing against Total Wine but there's a new sheriff in town and its called Old Line Wine and Beer in Beltsville. Try to find a better selection of whisky(ey) and gin in the area or even vermouth for those great Manhattans or Martinis and you'll come up empty. ACE Bev and Schneiders in DC have great selections but a bit hard to get to (and parking at Ace is, well, good luck). Old Line is easy to get to, easy to park at and they have everything I would expect from a liquor, wine or beer store- both high end and low end and in between and a bar/bistro with cool drink menu and food. Just found this place last Friday.

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• On the article Maryland Alcohol Sales Stagnant: Where Will You Get Your Christmas Spirits?

  Tobin Smith

  1:11 pm on Tuesday, November 27, 2012

  unfortunately the county believes this place is a country club and there's a minimum amount of money you have to spend to live/belong here. it DOES take a toll on those that want to feel a part of the place. but don't give me the "I don't drink so it doesn't affect me" defense because they're getting to your pocketbook somewhere somehow, you may be too entitled to know or admit it. anyone using that same logic ignores the fact of the single or struggling parent trying to make ends meet with all the increased fees we've seen in past couple of years- as long as you're not dealing with it, its ok with you but let something hedge in on your territory and you're cursing a blue streak. we just need to find a balance, its possible with unselfish folks, not those that thing they deserve everything in their favor

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• On the Blog Post Congress Needs to Prevent Student Loan Interest Rates From Doubling

  Tobin Smith

  2:20 pm on Wednesday, May 2, 2012

  Ben, you're out of touch, the Stafford makes up less than a third of all student loans, is a subsidized loan and even doubling the interest rate only adds a small amount to the balance over time. Don't you have some eggs cooking at home that you need to tend to? Get with it man, can't believe folks fall for this stuff.

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