2009 Scripps Spelling Bee

widgeon13 · 05-28-2009, 04:36 PM

Watching it on TV, I only see one Caucasian in the finalists, the rest are immigrants. An observation on that would lead one to believe it's not the schools but the work ethic or lack thereof in American children. It should be an embarrassment to kids who were born and brought up in US schools.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I just have never been impressed by kids' ability to memorize the spelling of words no one ever uses.

Rot 911 · 05-28-2009, 05:56 PM

It is their "life experiences" that allow them to do so well

widgeon13 · 05-28-2009, 06:01 PM

The American youth obviously isn't very enamored with it either but then again if you are exposed to what some kids write today it's clear they don't pay any attention to spelling. I would agree that memorizing the spelling is not going to lead to guaranteed success but at least the kids have focus and commitment. It just caught my attention.

MikeSid · 05-29-2009, 08:41 AM

Knowing how to spell is like knowing not to use a hammer on a screw. It might not make you a great carpenter, but it will keep you from looking like a total moron.

URY914 · URY914's Garage

If you can't spell you could never belong to a forom like this won.

widgeon13 · 05-29-2009, 11:22 AM

Thanks, four the grate advise!

craigster59 · craigster59's Garage

The ability to be a descent speller is my choich.

HardDrive · 05-29-2009, 12:44 PM

Spelling bees don't impress me. But it does show the fanatical dedication immigrant parents have to their children success.

Face it, your kids bosses name is going to be Shivagopala Ramadevimurthy, get use to it

Tanick · 05-29-2009, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeSid

Knowing how to spell is like knowing not to use a hammer on a screw. It might not make you a great carpenter, but it will keep you from looking like a total moron.

I was taught that hammers are for putting screws in, screwdrivers are for taking them out.

Rikao4 · 05-29-2009, 12:50 PM

we can laugh and poke fun...
but in a few yrs..
most, if not all of them..
will introduce themselves..
hi I'm Dr unpronounceable last name..
Kayva has a future and a plan..
unlike Brittany down the street..
with her tramp-stamp at 14,
who's greatest achievement thus far..
is a $400 cell phone bill ..
as for future.
my bet preggers before 16,
wife pinched me for that..
make it 15

Rika

aigel · aigel's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by widgeon13

Watching it on TV, I only see one Caucasian in the finalists, the rest are immigrants. An observation on that would lead one to believe it's not the schools but the work ethic or lack thereof in American children. It should be an embarrassment to kids who were born and brought up in US schools.

News flash: There are Caucasian immigrants to the US to this day. Also, the kids you see at the spelling bee did not just step off the boat. They grew up here, usually in the US school system.

My theory is that TV does in the average 3rd+ generation US kids. It spoils them mentally (at an early age) and their attitude at a later age (some unbelievable amount of teens give "star" as their professional goal).

Just my two cents,

George

PS: The spelling bee is a pretty useless competition. Mental masturbation IMHO. But only focused and reasonably smart kids can compete - that's for sure.