End of September 24 Column
The Master

Groundhog Day, Borowitz, Michael Moore, No Child Left Standing, Dan Grobstein File

My rave review of Ruby Sparks last week left several readers in a state of doubt. I will not be changing my favorite film; it continues to be Groundhog Day. For the reasons why, see my fan site. Ruby Sparks had originality, but GHD has originality (yes, I know there were several science fiction stories using the same gimmick that preceded it, but I've read them and Danny Rubin/Howard Ramis were much cleverer) and a message--only through selfless service can we break out of the endless repetition of this life (or the cycle of reincarnation, if you're inclined that way).

Andy Borowitz is now blogging at the New Yorker; his Letter from Ann Romney is as funny as most of his stuff, which is to say, pretty funny.

Miichael Moore's amazing book Here Comes Trouble Again is now out in paperback. I haven't read it, but I've read other books of his, seen all his movies, and read the excerpts he's posted. It looks great. Someday, I'll find time to read it. What's your excuse?

Apropos of last week's remarks about testing, a friend sends along word that the Boston Globe looked at the relationship between family income and test scores, and, mirabile dictu, kids from well-off families do better than kids from poor families. If you predict the scores based  solely on income, you get a pretty accurate prediction of how a district will score.


Dan Grobstein File