Joe Nathan's blog
Twins triumphs and school success
by Joe Nathan • 9/26/08 • So I’m sitting here typing this column wearing my Joe Nathan #36 Minnesota Twins t-shirt, a big smile and a bigger question. The smile is for the wonderful courage and comeback that the Twins displayed this week. As you read this column, you will know whether the Twins made the playoffs. The weekend is ahead as I write this column. Having attended several Twins games this season, including their first of their 3 victories over the White Sox, I know how much joy sports can generate.
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Al Quie's life of faith, service and civility
by Joe Nathan • 9/20/08 • In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Governor Al Quie and Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe battled constantly. Last week, they hugged. Moe and Quie now regard each other as “one of my best friends.” This was one of many stories told as Quie’s new book, Riding into the Sunrise, was presented to the public on his 85th birthday.
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Spirits from the clouds bring eloquent young woman to Minnesota
by Joe Nathan, 9/11/08 • Where and when did your family, and your people come to Minnesota? Why? What surprised you, and what delighted you?
These questions came up as I read a wonderful new book, “The Latehomecomer,” by Kao Lalia Yang. This was one of those rare books that made me sad when it ended. The writing was so engaging, and the stories so compelling.
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A strong showing for dissent and democracy
by Joe Nathan • 9/5/08 • What a terrific week for all who treasure democracy! Having spent time marching (peacefully, non-violently) on the streets of St. Paul last week, as well as reading literally hundreds of emails and watching vastly different interpretations of events, I’m even more sold on America.
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A good death ends a good life
by Joe Nathan, 8/29/08 • You often hear that someone lived a good life, but rarely hear that a person had a good death. Both happened for John Brandl, a friend and Humphrey Institute colleague who died last week.
Brandl’s funeral drew hundreds of people to celebrate his more than seventy years, including service as a college professor, Minnesota State Representative and Senator, and U.S Government administrator.
Why did both former St. Paul Mayor George Latimer and brother Gene Brandl refer not only to his life, but to his “good death.”
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Leading by teaching: Leaving the boardroom for the classroom
by Joe Nathan, 8/21/08 • What happens when you have everything, and it doesn't make you happy? Tom Bloch had a wonderful family, wealth, and health. He was CEO of his family’s tax preparation business, the nationally known H&R Block Company. But as he explains in a new book, Stand for the Best, he “ decided to follow a higher calling: teaching math to inner city kids.””
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Why huge gaps between reading and math achievement in Minnesota?
by Joe Nathan, 6/30/08 • Something strange is going on: When state figures show only 34% of 11th graders statewide are passing the state’s math test, we have a large problem. Meanwhile 71% of Minnesota 10th graders passed Minnesota’ reading test, which they must do before graduating from high school.
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Thousands of families shifting to Minnesota charter public schools
by Joe Nathan, 6/23/08 • Minneapolis charter schools like Sojourner Truth and Minnesota Transitions and Harvest Prep are part of a strong trend in Minnesota public education. Thousands of families, especially low income, limited English speaking and families of color are shifting their youngsters from district to charter public school schools. Last year, the net gain of charter enrollment set a new record of more than 4,000 students, while enrollment in district public schools continued to decrease.MORE »
Perpich Art Center—An awesome but underused resource
by Joe Nathan, 6/13/08 • Anoka veteran teacher Kevan Nitzberg and Deanna Gotschall, a younger music teacher from Forest Lake agree. As Gotschall told me, ”it’s a very good resource that helps save us money.” But while many Minnesota art teachers praise the Perpich Center, it appears to be an under-used library for the general public.
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