Malia Obama to Take a "Gap Year" off from College Before Attending Father's (Alleged) School Harvard

This is some kind of trend, The Five are telling me.

Is this a good idea?

I think it is, actually. I don't know about you, but when I got out of high school, I was burnt. Not because it was so hard (it was, here and there, but that's not the problem), but because it was just a grind I was so tired of. I was sick of it. I was cynical about it -- I used to have a joke that 90 was the best possible grade, and a single point higher than that indicated you wasted your time.

I guess senior year is sort of a "gap year" for many because they blow it off.

I think if I had had to work between college and high school, it would have prepared me better for college, because it would have instructed me in no uncertain terms that I was unskilled and a bad worker and I had better get that Muppet-Felting degree (with really good grades) if I ever wanted to get one of those jobs where you really don't need skills and can kind of get by with being a bad worker.

I've said this over and over: education is wasted on the young. There's a push quality to it -- it's what you've been forced to do since you could talk -- and really, if you want to learn, it should have a pull factor: I'm here because I really want to be here, and I actually want to learn some shit.

Now, the drawback people will point out is that people who take a year off often do not continue with education at all.

But... is that a bad thing? If you never go back, I'm going to assume, generally, that one of two things is true: 1, you have a pretty good job out of high school, or 2, you really do not have a great desire to continue with college. Or, 3: You have kids to raise. In which case, maybe you should go to college, but it's a tough thing to balance.

If either of those things are true, the value of going back just to go back is a bit dubious.

Now what I'm all about is some serious adult learning. I needs me some of that.

Now that I'm older, I actually want to learn things.*

* I think I do, at least. Though I suspect, the moment I'm in a classroom environment being assigned to read chapters and do exercises, I'll go back to my old rhythm of work-dodging and trying to figure out the bare minimum needed to count as vaguely "learning."

Posted by: Ace at 06:37 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Good idea sure, but in this case she is taking the year to live off the Gov Tit for another year on the taxpayor's dime. Gag me

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 02, 2016 06:36 PM (V/InG)

2 Gap year: good for boning, not for learning

Posted by: wooga at May 02, 2016 06:37 PM (Jq95F)

3 The Jurassic park sidebar was good. Is that what Twitter is like? Because I am Lazy and can't be bothered to figure it out.

Posted by: wooga at May 02, 2016 06:39 PM (Jq95F)

4 Yeah, I did a 5 year gap. Looked up in 1982 and found my 5 year old constructing company was competing against illegals working at a rate of 50 cents on the dollar. I learned quite a bit in the last year for sure. I learned I'd better go do something different and got a civil engineering degree.

Now I'm competing with Indians and Asians working for $60k on a $120k job. Cool beans huh?

Posted by: DanMan at May 02, 2016 06:40 PM (RusNE)

5 I doubt this this will work. Malia doesn't seem qualified to work at the Gap.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at May 02, 2016 06:40 PM (8ZskC)

6 Maybe she should become a plumber.

Posted by: wth at May 02, 2016 06:40 PM (HgMAr)

7 I think way too many people go to college who have neither the aptitude nor inclination for it. Employers use it as short hand for "not dumb as a stump," but that's about the only functional use for a college education (unless you really do have the desire to learn).

Posted by: sunny-dee at May 02, 2016 06:41 PM (QAOZh)

8

Gap Year has been the norm in Europe, esp the UK, for 30 years or more.

Way back in the day it was the time young nobles did their 'Grand Tour' prior to settling down to act as junior managers/peasant rapers/livestock abusers on the manse in preparation for becoming le grande fromage someday...

Posted by: In Vino Veritits at May 02, 2016 06:41 PM (qul7b)

9 I think it is, actually. I don't know about you, but when I got out of high school, I was burnt. Not because it was so hard (it was, here and there, but that's not the problem), but because it was just a grind I was so tired of. I was sick of it.

Meh. Senior year in high school is a joke. Once you get into college it's just coasting from there, along with that whole summer off, too.

Posted by: ThePrimordialOrderedPair at May 02, 2016 06:41 PM (zc3Db)

10 It's common overseas.

If I had the sort of connections and money that she'll have through her father, I wouldn't have thought twice about it.

Posted by: AD at May 02, 2016 06:41 PM (XzCWg)

11 I took some gap years too, four of them in the USMC. Best decision I ever made

Posted by: Sam 78 at May 02, 2016 06:41 PM (3r/F9)

12 Funny how Malia is qualified to attend Harvard. Like all those Kennedy reprobates.

Is she really brilliant or is Harvard just recognizing American political royalty and bending the rules as needed?

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at May 02, 2016 06:42 PM (8ZskC)

13 Simple change, you don't have to go to school once you turn 16 as long as you have a job or are in an apprenticeship program. You can always go back to get your HS degree. It clears out people just filling time those last few years. Let's the one's who want to work, work.

Posted by: WOPR - Nationalist at May 02, 2016 06:43 PM (n2GmV)

14 Gap Year has been the norm in Europe, esp the UK, for 30 years or more.

Posted by: In Vino Veritits at May 02, 2016 06:41 PM (qul7b)

That should be enough to let anyone know whether it is a good idea or not. Europe does it ... thanks, but I'll pass. And keep your friggin meter sticks.

Posted by: ThePrimordialOrderedPair at May 02, 2016 06:43 PM (zc3Db)

15 Why send her to school at all? She's lefty royalty-- no indoctrination required.

Posted by: Kasichs NeckWattle at May 02, 2016 06:44 PM (QlyN5)

16

Malaria will no doubt do something terribly progressive fashionable and trendy, like volunteering with elder POC advocacy organizations, community organizing, and getting her cherry popped in the back of a Secret Service Suburban...

Posted by: In Vino Veritits at May 02, 2016 06:44 PM (qul7b)

17 Meh...I certainly don't have a problem with her taking time off betwwen HS and college (I took off 3 years), because I was unsure of college and didn't want to waste everyone's time.

Nice they have a name for it now though...very civilized. /s

Posted by: billygoat at May 02, 2016 06:46 PM (INxoa)

18 >>> Is she really brilliant or is Harvard just recognizing American political royalty and bending the rules as needed?

Malaria is brilliant. Do you doubt her GPA will be above 3.5?

Posted by: fluffy at May 02, 2016 06:46 PM (2hcmo)

19 That should be enough to let anyone know whether it is a good idea or not. Europe does it ... thanks, but I'll pass. And keep your friggin meter sticks.
Posted by: ThePrimordialOrderedPair at May 02, 2016 06:43 PM (zc3Db)

Yeah, Europe is in the best of health right now. I remember someone posting on another site about a decade ago about how great Europe was because it was just a party every day. Well the party is over now.

Posted by: WOPR - Nationalist at May 02, 2016 06:46 PM (n2GmV)

20 I started working when I was in the tenth grade in HS. Worked after schools and weekends and full time during the summer.

Continued that job full time after I graduated up until I was in danger of being drafted. So I joined the Navy to avoid getting drafted into the Army. although I was in the Navy longer than I would have been in the Army it did provide me with a worthwhile carer after I got out.

There isn't much call for a ground-pounder carrying an M-16 in the civilian world.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at May 02, 2016 06:46 PM (vvmPQ)

21 I've long thought that American college is (was) a socialization phase.

When I did a semester in Germany all the students were older, because the males had done their military service first and so were mature and ready to learn.

I wasn't ready to learn so much, but I was desperate to get away from home and the parental constraints. I think a gap year would have been one year under the unit's thumb while learning some dead end task I'd never want to do again. (And I did plenty of them through high school, it's not like I didn't know what work was).

Then college! A big pretty campus in the middle of nowhere! Thousands and thousands of young people spreading their wings in a big rubber room where no one could get hurt.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at May 02, 2016 06:46 PM (1xUj/)

22 To me the lede seems buried here.

I suppose it is possible that Malia was one of the <0.01% of high school students in the nation to have gotten into Harvard, but I somehow doubt it. I bear no ill will towards Malia herself but I've had a bellyfull of the new class maintaining taxpayer-subsidized, nonprofit hedge funds with small Universities attached to them as country clubs for their childrens' networking. N.B. ALL FOUR of Al Gore's kids got to go to Harvard, while Al Gore opposed the various attempts to end affirmative action, so this is not limited to my Obama hate. And of course Harvard is the gateway to the ruling class - the same people who think it's corrupt and backward that the Pope picks the Cardinals and the Cardinals pick the Pope believe that the ruling class perpetuating itself via these elite institutions in spite of our pretensions to meritocracy is hunky-dory.

Posted by: Alec Leamas at May 02, 2016 06:46 PM (RfZaB)

23 Statistics say a lot of folks who postpone college end up not going at all. Which in the old days would be a bad thing. But considering the modern university has become a place where one can run up a home mortgage level of debt in exchange for little of real value to many employers, it may be just as well to get started working and learn real job skills.

Posted by: Citizen Cake at May 02, 2016 06:47 PM (ppaKI)

24 Great pic of Malaria at that site.

Got Mooches smug frown down pat.

Posted by: Joe Mama at May 02, 2016 06:47 PM (t9SwN)

25 Now that I'm older, I actually want to learn things.*

Now that I'm older, I realize you don't actually have to be in a formal setting to learn things.

Posted by: no good deed at May 02, 2016 06:47 PM (GgxVX)

26 Oh yeah -- even though I took off 3 years, that doesn't mean I sat on my ass...worked those years; didn't see Europe.

Posted by: billygoat at May 02, 2016 06:47 PM (INxoa)

27 I am sort of a traditionalist about this. Take several years for Fun, Travel and Adventure and then go to school on the GI Bill.

Posted by: obnoxious ahole at May 02, 2016 06:48 PM (esol0)

28 The fact is that if anyone on the Hah-vahd entrance committee had denied Malaria that person would have been immediately fired.

Not sayign that anyone wanted to deny her acceptance, but even if he did he wouldn't be around too long and she still would have gotten in.

Posted by: ThePrimordialOrderedPair at May 02, 2016 06:48 PM (zc3Db)

29 7 Employers use it as short hand for "not dumb as a
stump," but that's about the only functional use for a college education
(unless you really do have the desire to learn).

Posted by: sunny-dee at May 02, 2016 06:41 PM (QAOZh)

No employers use it as a filtering mechanism that will keep the EEOC off their back.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at May 02, 2016 06:49 PM (vvmPQ)

30 Good idea. teenagers are not mature enough to go into the college atmosphere of booze and sex and no rules. I took a gap year until I was 40. Best thing I ever did. (Profs love you and the booze and sex is easier to manage at that age too)

Posted by: Pj at May 02, 2016 06:49 PM (3iN/4)

31 This is one first daughter that does not look like Webb Hubbell

Posted by: wooga at May 02, 2016 06:49 PM (Jq95F)

32 but I've had a bellyfull of the new class maintaining taxpayer-subsidized, nonprofit hedge funds with small Universities attached to them as country clubs for their childrens' networking

Poetry, sir.

Posted by: AD at May 02, 2016 06:49 PM (XzCWg)

33 OK, Freudian couch time.

I was moved from 1st grade to 2nd grade in the middle of the school year thanks to the efforts of my parents. I instantly went from the oldest person in my class to the youngest. I had no social skills then, nor did I acquire same anywhere through the high school process.

I walked onto the campus of Colgate University in September 1981 at age 17. I came from a small VT town of 17,000 and ran up against a school that was 65% Metro NYC. I had no business being there and I would have had no business being there even if I had not been jumped a grade.

I didn't need a gap year; I needed a gap decade. I never once possessed the social maturity to be there when I was. My cheap Scotch bill agrees.

Posted by: Captain Ned at May 02, 2016 06:50 PM (WI6nT)

34 See if your library has any of the Great Courses. Wonderful resource.

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at May 02, 2016 06:50 PM (/ciMI)

35 During her gap year, she'll be interning at NBC for a yearly stipend of around $200,000. Or so I'm guessing.

Posted by: Scott at May 02, 2016 06:50 PM (Bo7uZ)

36 I went straight from high school to college to law school to work. Now I find myself wondering what the fucking point was.

Posted by: Insomniac at May 02, 2016 06:50 PM (0mRoj)

37 When I was a kid Uncle Sam would treat a graduate to a couple-three all-expense-paid Gap Years in Uijongbu, Kaiserslautern or Qui Nhon, and most of the ones I knew came back all grown up.

Posted by: Bill Befort at May 02, 2016 06:50 PM (awbcm)

38 Is that an ace movie review...in the sidebar??

Posted by: Burn the Witch at May 02, 2016 06:51 PM (Wckf4)

39 Big deal. Who cares.

Malia, her family and tens of millions of other liberal scum in this country can east shit and die at the hands of ISIS for all I care.

Posted by: Blano at May 02, 2016 06:51 PM (uiVGU)

40 She'll need a "gap year" to recover from interning on "Girls" last year.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 02, 2016 06:51 PM (FsuaD)

41 A friend of mine is in college now, for the first time.
He is 57 years old.

Posted by: navybrat at May 02, 2016 06:52 PM (8QGte)

42 I have found much of "schooling" to be the antithesis of learning. Indoctrination, sure. Repetition of the little bit learned the previous year, absolutely. But mostly school was about conforming.

Of course, now I'm in grad school simply to get credentialed.

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at May 02, 2016 06:52 PM (/ciMI)

43 See if your library has any of the Great Courses. Wonderful resource.
Posted by: Turd Ferguson at May 02, 2016 06:50 PM (/ciMI)

The one thing I like about the Great Courses is you find out how some of the popular books on certain subjects are slanted. Not lies, but they leave out a lot of the balance that I've always found the courses to have.

Posted by: WOPR - Nationalist at May 02, 2016 06:52 PM (n2GmV)

44 Kids grow up so fast. Next thing you know, she'll be 40 and having her autobiography ghostwritten by a former terrorist.

Posted by: Azathoth at May 02, 2016 06:52 PM (XN0hD)

45 My son who is 15 suggested he is taking a gap year.

I had never heard of it.

It did make for an interesting discussion. So where are you going to live that year? Oh, you plan to save money up from now until then to buy a place to live? Have you thought about what it will cost?

I think a gap year or two in the Marine Corps would help these young people.

Posted by: blaster at May 02, 2016 06:52 PM (2Ocf1)

46 I'm actually in favor of a LOT more people taking a permanent "gap" between high school and further "higher" education.

More plumbers, electricians, and machinists, fewer gender/race/grievance studies graduates, please.

Posted by: filbert at May 02, 2016 06:52 PM (s5o+q)

47 Taking a year off is a bad idea. You loose momentum. Unless you enter the service. Then its a good idea, because the discipline your supposed to learn will serve you in good stead.
I have a sneaking suspicion that Malia isn't joining the service. She's just going to fuck around until Mommy and Daddy get tired of paying for Endless Summer, and then she'll get admitted to (what was it that Barry started at, Occidental College?) a communications program, and then follow the Chelsea Clinton path to fame and fortune.

Posted by: Iblis at May 02, 2016 06:53 PM (9221z)

48 How long will she have SS protection?

Posted by: Gentlemen Cs at May 02, 2016 06:53 PM (FXW24)

49 My son had a four year "gap." It was called the Marine Corps.

Now he's at university and dealing with easily triggered Special Snowflakes.

Heh.

He and his vet buddies were screwing around in their offices, throwing shit at each other and yelling "Allahu Ackbar!!!"

A female snowflake was severely triggered, because TERRORISM ON CAMPUS, and the guys were given a strict talking to by an administrator.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 02, 2016 06:54 PM (FsuaD)

50 44 Kids grow up so fast. Next thing you know, she'll be 40 and having her autobiography ghostwritten by a former terrorist.
Posted by: Azathoth at May 02, 2016 06:52 PM (XN0hD)

LOL

Posted by: washrivergal at May 02, 2016 06:55 PM (CFc5L)

51 The one thing I like about the Great Courses is you
find out how some of the popular books on certain subjects are slanted.
Not lies, but they leave out a lot of the balance that I've always
found the courses to have.

Posted by: WOPR

Popular histories (etc.) can be wonderful introductions to a topic, and that's often all people want. But, yes, many of those have agendas--sometimes the author isn't even aware of how blind they are to other positions.

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at May 02, 2016 06:55 PM (/ciMI)

52 Dennis Prager suggests kids take a year off before going to leftist seminary school to see how the world really works.

Posted by: Skip at May 02, 2016 06:56 PM (PFZvJ)

53 I worked for a year after high school, then served a two-year mission for the LDS church, then worked a year, then went to college. I think it helped.

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at May 02, 2016 06:56 PM (/ciMI)

54 We're talking about two different things. If you come from a heavily connected, soon-to-be-very-wealthy family, sure, take a gap year. Hell, take three.

The downside is that it'll be longer before you enter the workforce, which isn't much of a downside for you.

Now, if that isn't your background, it's a tougher call.

Posted by: AD at May 02, 2016 06:56 PM (XzCWg)

55 According to HuffnPuff, she's deserving to be president someday, because of her *brilliant* dad.

I dread seeing how the Moochettes turn out, in light of what their parents are.

We all know what a precious, sweet thing Chelsea is.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 02, 2016 06:56 PM (FsuaD)

56 He and his vet buddies were screwing around in their offices, throwing shit at each other and yelling "Allahu Ackbar!!!"

A female snowflake was severely triggered, because TERRORISM ON CAMPUS, and the guys were given a strict talking to by an administrator.
Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 02, 2016 06:54 PM (FsuaD)

They should replied that her complaints were triggering flashbacks and severe emotional trauma from the memories of seeing the female victims of Islam during their time in the sandbox, and filed a formal complaint against her and the administrator.

(Yeah, I know, not really likely, but just typing it out was emotionally satisfying.)

Posted by: filbert at May 02, 2016 06:57 PM (s5o+q)

57 Screw Obozo and his whole family. Those kids are probably not even his. His whole life is one big lie fostered on the American people. Where are his college records? What is he hiding?

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at May 02, 2016 06:57 PM (ej1L0)

58

Malaria has a wonderful future as Designated Breeder and Spokesbeast for the Obama Family Foundation.

Sashimi will be kept in reserve.

Posted by: In Vino Veritits at May 02, 2016 06:57 PM (qul7b)

59 What is he hiding?

Posted by: Hairyback Guy

A mediocre intellect, but I've got ValJar fooled!

Posted by: Pres'nt Obama at May 02, 2016 06:58 PM (/ciMI)

60 And what sane parent, in his or her right mind, let's a young daughter work on "Girls"?????

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 02, 2016 06:58 PM (FsuaD)

61 I remember my gap four years in the 82nd Airborne.

Posted by: RD Walker at May 02, 2016 06:59 PM (ASayv)

62 I think the big push for college can be directly connected to the Duke Energy case. Duke Energy was sued because to be hired, you had to pass their aptitude test. Some grievance group sued because they said it disqualified too many people of color. So then it became a requirement that you had to have a college degree to even be considered. There are so many people in college that have absolutely no business being there, but so many entry level jobs have been snapped up by the people who no habla Englise that there is nowhere for them to go.
The building trades unions used to have apprenticeship programs for framers, interior trim, etc, but they had to discontinue them because of all the illegals coming in and working for half under the table. When I was driving concrete mixers, I only remember working with one crew that were all American born. The rest had to have an interpreter.

Posted by: Old Blue at May 02, 2016 07:00 PM (9iR5/)

63 And what sane parent, in his or her right mind, let's a young daughter work on "Girls"??

I've watched every episode my daughter was in.

Posted by: Brian Williams at May 02, 2016 07:00 PM (GgxVX)

64 I've seen some gaps, lemme tell you.

Posted by: Ron Jeremy at May 02, 2016 07:00 PM (/ciMI)

65 A mediocre intellect,
by: Pres'nt Obama

Graded yourself pretty high there, Barky.

Posted by: Joe Mama at May 02, 2016 07:00 PM (t9SwN)

66 Has anyone actually done a serious study comparing the quality of elite schools like Harvard or Yale to, for example, the best state colleges? What amount of success can be attributed to elite schools being able to select the students who are most likely to succeed after graduation and putting them in contact with the children of wealthy and powerful families?

Posted by: obnoxious ahole at May 02, 2016 07:01 PM (esol0)

67 "There isn't much call for a ground-pounder carrying an M-16 in the civilian world."

Now he tells me.
"But what about my 155mm howitzer experience?"
No son, we don't have any of those either.
Crap.

Posted by: teej at May 02, 2016 07:01 PM (0RM+L)

68 >>> Mommy and Daddy get tired of paying for Endless Summer

They aren't paying, donors are.

Posted by: fluffy at May 02, 2016 07:01 PM (2hcmo)

69 But that's not what kids mean by a "gap year." They just want a year to goof off and spend money they haven't earned.

On your dime beyotch.

Posted by: NJRob at May 02, 2016 07:01 PM (o1h4V)

70 Graded yourself pretty high there, Barky.

Posted by: Joe Mama

Grade inflation is a pretty big problem at the Ivy League schools, I hear.

Posted by: Pres'nt Obama at May 02, 2016 07:01 PM (/ciMI)

71 She is not taking a year off to see how the world works, unless the world only works in a small cocoon surrounded by Secret Service and limo's

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 02, 2016 07:02 PM (V/InG)

72 I took a year off between my sophomore and junior year. I was just going through the motions in college and was bored. Took off for PR and got a job teaching diving and doing commercial work. I was making great money but more importantly I saw what life was all about when I wasn't living under my parents roof or hanging out in the frat.

Went back to finish and was very motivated to do well and was also working 25-30 hours per week.

It was a great idea for me but I also came this >< close to hanging in the islands for the rest of my life with a bunch of people who had come before me. Dropping out is easy, its the dropping back in that's the hard part.

Posted by: JackStraw at May 02, 2016 07:02 PM (/tuJf)

73 Harvard has gifted us with Barry.

'nuff said.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 02, 2016 07:02 PM (FsuaD)

74 Like Chelsea, I'm sure Malia's planning on getting a really tough degree, so this breather is probably warranted.

Posted by: sage nod at May 02, 2016 07:02 PM (8ZHh3)

75 What is the presidential daughter going to do for a year? Not work, not study, not community service.

She going to do a year of clubbing, booze, drugs, and something something? Travel, to find out who she wants to be? Travel to where? Europe? Hang around D.C. and study how to organize riots?

Posted by: Skandia Recluse at May 02, 2016 07:03 PM (KPcL5)

76 My husband's freshman roommate in college was 19 because he had worked on the family farm (largest magnolia farm in the US) after high school. It was pretty smart, because he had enough money for college and knew exactly what skills he wanted to develop to eventually run the family business. Like I said, smart plan.

Posted by: pookysgirl can't come to the phone right now at May 02, 2016 07:03 PM (EgeHs)

77 Has anyone actually done a serious study comparing
the quality of elite schools like Harvard or Yale to, for example, the
best state colleges? What amount of success can be attributed to elite
schools being able to select the students who are most likely to succeed
after graduation and putting them in contact with the children of
wealthy and powerful families?

Posted by: obnoxious ahole

It's my understanding that getting in is hard part--they assume you know how to do research and write papers and the other dull crap that school teaches, so the top schools do in fact spend more time letting their students learn.

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at May 02, 2016 07:03 PM (/ciMI)

78
Must suck to go on the internet and realize how many people hate your dad.

Posted by: wth at May 02, 2016 07:04 PM (HgMAr)

79 When I was in college the most motivated students were invariably older and ex-military. They were there because they wanted to get the degree and beyond that knew what they wanted to do later on. Plus, they tended not to be easily distracted by trivia.

Many of the Joe College "not ready for a real job right now so why not burn up Dad's money for a while" types? They mostly just drifted along until maybe they sort of accidentally completed degree requirements. The ones in STEM programs were a third type - they also were focused like the ex-military guys.

Me, I had a foot in both camps, I guess. After one year I took a few semesters off, enlisted in the Army Reserve and did my basic and AIT, then came back to school. Then, after graduation went to a Navy recruiter and plopped my spiffy new BA on his desk, got into OCS. That gave me a real leg up there, too - a little bit older and lots more experience than most of the other Officer Candidates.

Posted by: Steve Skubinna at May 02, 2016 07:04 PM (1EJIj)

80 I'm sure Malia's planning on getting a really tough degree, so this breather is probably warranted.

Posted by: sage nod

Just as with her "father" (ahem) before her, the sheepskin is already printed and signed. Done deal.

Posted by: Joe Mama at May 02, 2016 07:05 PM (t9SwN)

81 This seems like another indulgence for a perpetually over indulged generation. 70 years ago, 18 year olds had a "gap year" or two; it was called World War II. Seriously, freshman year at university is too much for these little shits?

Posted by: UGAdawg at May 02, 2016 07:05 PM (c+vBe)

82 Posted by: Captain Ned at May 02, 2016 06:50 PM (WI6nT)

I had a somewhat similar experience. Getting advanced in grades was a terrible decision.

Posted by: Insomniac at May 02, 2016 07:05 PM (0mRoj)

83

I think gap years are a good idea

I don't think she really wants to go. She did want to study film at NGU, and like to hang out with entertainers and rappers

She will not att do Harvard. And Harvard would never save a spot for a year for anybody else

Can you say privilege?

Posted by: ThunderB at May 02, 2016 07:05 PM (zOTsN)

84 Must suck to go on the internet and realize how many people hate your dad.

Posted by: wth

What? I only visit major news networks and the Huffington Post.

Posted by: I am Malia at May 02, 2016 07:05 PM (/ciMI)

85 Greetings:

I had two gap years, in a row, with an all-expense-paid tour of somewhat sunny Southeast Asia thrown in.

Another nonsense progressive re-inventing the wheel trend that we will be required to genuflect before.

Draft Malia.

Posted by: 11B40 at May 02, 2016 07:05 PM (evgyj)

86 She will 'find herself' in a tax-free charitable organization where she can get $65K for a ten minute speech.

Posted by: Kasichs NeckWattle at May 02, 2016 07:06 PM (QlyN5)

87

Malaria's Gap Year Program

Anal 101
Anal 201
Anal Independent Study & Project

Posted by: Some Dude at May 02, 2016 07:06 PM (qul7b)

88 She has figured out she doesn't need a degree for whatever she wants to do

Posted by: ThunderB at May 02, 2016 07:06 PM (zOTsN)

89 Can you say privilege?

Posted by: ThunderB

It's only the 1/4 white part that grants me that privilege.

Posted by: I am Malia at May 02, 2016 07:07 PM (/ciMI)

90
44 Kids grow up so fast. Next thing you know, she'll be 40 and having her autobiography ghostwritten by a former terrorist.
Posted by: Azathoth at May 02, 2016 06:52 PM (XN0hD)
..................

After being punished with a few babies.

Posted by: wth at May 02, 2016 07:07 PM (HgMAr)

91 got into OCS. That gave me a real leg up there, too - a little bit older and lots more experience than most of the other Officer Candidates.
Posted by: Steve Skubinna at May 02, 2016 07:04 PM (1EJIj)

LMAO...You a youngin
I was 54 in DCO School!

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 02, 2016 07:07 PM (V/InG)

92 I didn't take a gap year between HS and college, but I did take a 2 year break between college and grad school that ended up stretching into four years. In the meantime I did menial labor between bouts of unemployment, and got turned down by a young lady.

I was quite happy to go back to school, do a job I actually enjoyed a little maybe half the time, and get out of that area. Now, of course, I am doing semi-skilled labor in the same town. Go figure.

Posted by: Grey Fox at May 02, 2016 07:07 PM (bZ7mE)

93 #78: she could have asked the Bush daughters about that, maybe.

Posted by: Steve Skubinna at May 02, 2016 07:07 PM (1EJIj)

94 He and his vet buddies were screwing around in their offices, throwing shit at each other and yelling "Allahu Ackbar!!!"

A
female snowflake was severely triggered, because TERRORISM ON CAMPUS,
and the guys were given a strict talking to by an administrator.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 02, 2016 06:54 PM (FsuaD)

Please tell me you sent him the Abu Hajaar video!

Posted by: pookysgirl can't come to the phone right now at May 02, 2016 07:07 PM (EgeHs)

95 Old blue, I have read that black people in Los Angeles lost all the construction jobs because they could not speak Spanish to communicate with guys on the job.as crews got to be more Hispanic it became a death spiral. Easiest way out was to just hire Hispanics.

Posted by: Pj at May 02, 2016 07:08 PM (1/xUf)

96 No serious student takes a year off.

She will be as serious a student as her mother and father were and will probably fail upward the same way they did.

For an idea, read Michelle Obamas graduate thesis.

Posted by: Kreplach at May 02, 2016 07:08 PM (WVvzl)

97 At least her spring break trips won't be on our dime.

Husband partied and failed his first year of college. To his lib dad's credit, he closed his check book and said, "Pay your own way."

My husband traveled to S. America, taught English, imported fabrics for Pier One and earned enough to go back to school.

Ended up graduating with honors.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 02, 2016 07:08 PM (FsuaD)

98 I believe only two types of people should go to college:

1) People who want a professional career that requires an advanced degree.

2) People who are not all that driven and need the credentials to get a foot in the door.

Otherwise? Dedicate those 4 years to becoming the most knowledgable you can about whatever drives you. Or get a trade degree.

This college for all nonsense needs to die.

Posted by: Lauren at May 02, 2016 07:09 PM (pEHSp)

99 I really want and like to learn things, too, but it's unsettling how inflexible my brain has become. It's really difficult for me to learn and master completely new tasks these days.

Posted by: chiefjaybob, who hates everyone at May 02, 2016 07:09 PM (cgH9o)

100 I think the big push for college can be directly connected to the Duke Energy case. Duke Energy was sued because to be hired, you had to pass their aptitude test.

Agree, and that's one of the roadblocks to reforming higher education. As long as that stands, they're the only game in town.

Posted by: AD at May 02, 2016 07:09 PM (XzCWg)

101 Posted by: Old Blue

That case is ground zero of the requirement for a diploma.

Posted by: AmeriDan at May 02, 2016 07:10 PM (X/2JY)

102
Please tell me you sent him the Abu Hajaar video!

Posted by: pookysgirl can't come to the phone right now at May 02, 2016 07:07 PM (EgeHs)

Yeah, he and his buddies have watched it over and over again.

They love it.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 02, 2016 07:10 PM (FsuaD)

103 I have been in school continuously for over twenty years now, having gone straight from high school to college to grad school, and the burnout feeling increases exponentially the farther you go. There's basically one reason I haven't already quit, and it's that I want to finish what I started. (Also, I don't want to seem like a failure to my friends and family, but it's related.)

This has made me a huge fan of the adult education thing you speak of. I'm taking an online accounting class through the local career center, and it's the most rewarding thing I've done in a long time. Just knowing I'm picking up a marketable school outside of academia is a huge psychological booster.

Posted by: T at May 02, 2016 07:10 PM (NctcF)

104 For an idea, read Michelle Obamas graduate thesis.

----

In fairness, he didn't say it was a good idea.

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at May 02, 2016 07:10 PM (/ciMI)

105 So, Fox is playing Obama at the Nerd Prom, saying, "The last time I was this high, I was trying to decide on my major."

Awesome.

I wonder if this was before or after the black host called him, "My n****h."

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 02, 2016 07:11 PM (FsuaD)

106 Malia Obama to Take a (Alleged) "Gap Year" off from (Alleged) College Before Attending (Alleged) Father's (Alleged) School Harvard.

FTFY

Posted by: Joe Mama at May 02, 2016 07:11 PM (t9SwN)

107 #91: LMAO...You a youngin

I was 54 in DCO School!

Okay Grandpa. I was 40 when I went to Rescue Swimmer School. Even the instructors liked having somebody there older than they were. Then when I was 50 I went to a different school and got a 3rd Mate's license.

Now I'm old enough to let the kids scamper around doing whatever the hell it is they do these days, with their sex parties and Internet pills and hoverpants.

Posted by: Steve Skubinna at May 02, 2016 07:12 PM (1EJIj)

108 What amount of success can be attributed to elite
schools being able to select the students who are most likely to succeed

You can do that with law schools pretty easily. Take entry LSAT (measure of student aptitude) and compare to bar pass rates (measure of law school teaching success). Hard to compare across state lines, but you can extrapolate.

Posted by: wooga at May 02, 2016 07:12 PM (Jq95F)

109 I took a "gap year" between college and graduate school.

I worked full time, and saved a fair amount of money.

Oh wait - that's not what Malia is going to do?

Posted by: Whatever at May 02, 2016 07:12 PM (Mrl1e)

110 "No serious student takes a year off.

She will be as serious a student as her mother and father were and will probably fail upward the same way they did."
______________________________

At this point she probably couldn't fail if she tried - barring acquiring a serious drug addiction which would probably be a feat of astonishing logistics with her SS detail. Like Chelsea, she has a clear path of serial high compensation sinecures, even before she graduates. Could you see her on the board of a large corporation for "the diverse youth perspective" while still in college? If you can't you ain't trying hard enough.

Posted by: Alec Leamas at May 02, 2016 07:13 PM (RfZaB)

111 Jane

IIRC she gets full secret service for years. Still our dime

Posted by: ThunderB at May 02, 2016 07:13 PM (zOTsN)

112 Posted by: Turd Ferguson at May 02, 2016 07:03 PM (/ciMI)

I don't know about that. The most prominent Ivy Leaugers we see seem to know fuck all about anything useful, and are just indoctrinated progressive robots.

Posted by: Insomniac at May 02, 2016 07:13 PM (0mRoj)

113 111
Jane

IIRC she gets full secret service for years. Still our dime

Posted by: ThunderB at May 02, 2016 07:13 PM (zOTsN)

Yep. I guess the granny, too?

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 02, 2016 07:14 PM (FsuaD)

114 I don't know about that. The most prominent Ivy
Leaugers we see seem to know fuck all about anything useful, and are
just indoctrinated progressive robots.

Posted by: Insomniac

I never said the schools' assumption that those who get in were prepared was correct.

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at May 02, 2016 07:14 PM (/ciMI)

115 .

So, Malia is a Harvard legacy admit?

H'uh.

Just like Dubya...

H'uh.

.

Posted by: BumperStickerist at May 02, 2016 07:15 PM (A6sW3)

116 Okay Grandpa. I was 40 when I went to Rescue Swimmer School. Even the instructors liked having somebody there older than they were. Then when I was 50 I went to a different school and got a 3rd Mate's license.

Now I'm old enough to let the kids scamper around doing whatever the hell it is they do these days, with their sex parties and Internet pills and hoverpants.
Posted by: Steve Skubinna at May 02, 2016 07:12 PM (1EJIj)

OK Rescue Swimmer School at 40 is impressive. Us DR types pretty much just had to pass the BCA and PRT. But I am still hanging in there

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 02, 2016 07:15 PM (V/InG)

117 Muppet Felching?

That's aThing now?

Great Scott, I am old.

Posted by: Sharkman at May 02, 2016 07:16 PM (RQNOE)

118 She will attend Accidental.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr. at May 02, 2016 07:16 PM (k4M/B)

119

I'M MOVING IN NEXT TO SANDRA FLUKE, IN EAST COOTERVILLE. GONNA COMMUNITY ORGANIZE SKANKS FOR A 900 LINE SERVICE...

Posted by: MIRROR UNIVERSE MALARIA RECRUDESCENCE at May 02, 2016 07:16 PM (qul7b)

120 She will attend Accidental.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr.

Aw, just like her conception!

Posted by: Moochelle at May 02, 2016 07:17 PM (/ciMI)

121
And I was SO looking forward to her first spring break photos of her passed out on a wet floor.

Posted by: wth at May 02, 2016 07:18 PM (HgMAr)

122 I took a gap career after high school.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Literate Savage at May 02, 2016 07:18 PM (jR7Wy)

123 I'm not worried about Malia, the libs will be falling over each other to find a place for an Obama on their boards. Like Chelsea only x 10.

I think you're right, Ace - there should be a "pull" factor. I really wasted my time at college, but it was what was expected of me. English major with contempt for the academic life even before I knew why I should have contempt for the academic life.

I've met PhD's who are SO stupid [fill in joke here].

Posted by: Miley's Tongue at May 02, 2016 07:18 PM (bIGOo)

124 Great Scott, I am old.

Posted by: Sharkman

Okay. But why are you telling me?

Posted by: Great Scott at May 02, 2016 07:18 PM (/ciMI)

125 120 She will attend Accidental.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot Jr.

Aw, just like her conception!
Posted by: Moochelle at May 02, 2016 07:17 PM (/ciMI)

Sperm donor and turkey baster aren't exactly accidental.

Posted by: Insomniac at May 02, 2016 07:18 PM (0mRoj)

126 There are two Obama daughters?

Posted by: Joe Biden at May 02, 2016 07:19 PM (FXW24)

127 Though irrelevant in this case the number one reason not to do a gap year is that you can't qualify for student loans. They're based on financial need and if you go out and actually work (but have you ever heard of an Obama actually working?) the government will say that you're not eligible and with tuition being what it is these days you're parents had better be rich if you're not going to qualify for loans. As a current student and self funder because I didn't make a nice middle class salary for a few years it is a painful lesson to learn.

Posted by: Future illegal immigrant at May 02, 2016 07:20 PM (OPg+h)

128 The United States has told Pakistan it will have to finance the purchase of US F-16 fighter jets itself after members of the US Congress objected to the use of government funds to pay for them.

The US government said in February it had approved the sale to Pakistan of up to eight F-16 fighter jets built by Lockheed Martin Corp LMT.N, as well as radar and other equipment in a deal valued at $699 million.

However, Republican Senator Bob Corker said he would use his power as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to bar the use of any US funds for the deal to send a message to Pakistan that it needed to do more in the war against militants.

Fredo will over ride that

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 02, 2016 07:20 PM (V/InG)

129 12 Funny how Malia is qualified to attend Harvard. Like all those Kennedy reprobates.

Is she really brilliant or is Harvard just recognizing American political royalty and bending the rules as needed?
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at May 02, 2016 06:42 PM (8ZskC)

Some people are just born to rule, peasant.

Posted by: rickl at May 02, 2016 07:20 PM (sdi6R)

130 There are two Obama daughters?

Posted by: Joe Biden

Yes.

Damn that broken condom.

Posted by: Pres'nt Obama at May 02, 2016 07:20 PM (/ciMI)

131 Gap year?

I don't think Malia's ever been near a Gap, or a Dress Barn for that matter.

.

Posted by: BumperStickerist at May 02, 2016 07:20 PM (aFa2V)

132 Actually, there is emerging an alternative to a college degree for a number of skilled jobs and that is various certifications in technical skills that are becoming requirements for hiring.

Posted by: obnoxious ahole at May 02, 2016 07:21 PM (Joapy)

133 Here's hoping she comes home to Daddy with news of marrying a big white conservative bubba who will punish her with lots and lots of babies.

Posted by: Kasichs NeckWattle at May 02, 2016 07:21 PM (QlyN5)

134 I always considered the summer the gap where you get the break and recharge.

Getting a full-time job out of high school is as much of a grind as freshman year.

That being said. To each their own. Whatever someone wants to do is fine with me. We got too many kids in college anyway.

Posted by: Tommy V at May 02, 2016 07:21 PM (SRQwr)

135 I was so sick of my hometown I went to summer school BEFORE my freshman year.

How did that work out?

No so good, got drunk, you could drink at 18, got laid and got two D's. So before I even started I was behind.

Well, not really, I knew everything about campus when the rest of the meat were just showing up.

Posted by: Nip Sip at May 02, 2016 07:22 PM (jJRIy)

136 High school and working at Wendy's until 18, and the Navy for four years. Thirty plus years later and still doing the (civilian eqivilant) same thing.

Only applied for three jobs (not counting part time extra money jobs when younger) after the Navy and was hired each time. Each job being a better one than the job I had.

Doesn't work or fit for everyone, but in my case I've been blessed.

Posted by: AmeriDan at May 02, 2016 07:22 PM (X/2JY)

137 Actually, there is emerging an alternative to a
college degree for a number of skilled jobs and that is various
certifications in technical skills that are becoming requirements for
hiring.

Posted by: obnoxious ahole

Is anal a certification?

Posted by: Brian Williams' daughter at May 02, 2016 07:22 PM (/ciMI)

138 Here's hoping she comes home to Daddy with news of marrying a big white conservative bubba who will punish her with lots and lots of babies.
Posted by: Kasichs NeckWattle at May 02, 2016 07:21 PM (QlyN5)

Yeah probably not. Ya know she is not a pretty girl. Just saying

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 02, 2016 07:22 PM (V/InG)

139 So Malware is taking a year break from school. Make it three and she and Slasher can go together.

Posted by: Blanco Basura at May 02, 2016 07:22 PM (T/cxb)

140 >>> 130 There are two Obama daughters?
Posted by: Joe Biden

I don't want any candy, Creep.

Posted by: Sushi Obama at May 02, 2016 07:23 PM (2hcmo)

141 I think one of the reasons the Mormon community is so successful is that most 18-19 year olds take a gap year or two, to go off on mission. Not only are they more mature when they start college, they have an opportunity to see what life is like oustide one's protective bubble.
PS Not religious myself but I recognize what works.

Posted by: motionview at May 02, 2016 07:23 PM (hqjPT)

142 "sinecures"

My experience is that women have a harder time on the average with sinecures then men. Although plenty of men have issues to. (Although a lot of them are girlie men.) Women in sinecure positions are often delusional and think what they say and do means something. That the people around them aren't just humoring them. I think that is why Hillary is so mean. A part of her knows she is a negative contributor.

Posted by: huh? at May 02, 2016 07:23 PM (CRXed)

143 "There are two Obama daughters?"

i doubt either one is his...

why else does the SS run around scooping up everything they eat with when they're oout in public, if the DNA isn't a juicy story waiting to happen?

Posted by: redc1c4 at May 02, 2016 07:23 PM (WhYLb)

144 We demand we be made a full posting, on the homepage, with full accreditation or the Jurassic Park Sidebar Liberation Front will start executing lesser sidebar items, one every half hour until our just demands are met.

We're starting with the kitteh.

Posted by: The Jurassic Park Sidebar Liberation Front at May 02, 2016 07:23 PM (f4AGl)

145 Gap years, so Basic and AIT?

Posted by: Jean at May 02, 2016 07:23 PM (cXiMR)

146 @145 zackly.

Posted by: blaster at May 02, 2016 07:24 PM (2Ocf1)

147 There is a new app out there where you can find jobs that interest you, and pay some money to shadow someone who actually does that job.

This way you can see what they actually do.

I think that would be awesome to spend a gap year doing that!

Posted by: Harun at May 02, 2016 07:24 PM (UBBWX)

148 "Ya know she is not a pretty girl. Just saying"

Wouldn't hurt either of those kids if they smiled now and again. Michelle too.
That is one scowling bunch of pissed off people.

Posted by: navybrat at May 02, 2016 07:24 PM (8QGte)

149 I think one of the reasons the Mormon community is so successful is that most 18-19 year olds take a gap year or two, to go off on mission. Not only are they more mature when they start college, they have an opportunity to see what life is like oustide one's protective bubble.
PS Not religious myself but I recognize what works.
Posted by: motionview at May 02, 2016 07:23 PM (hqjPT)

Not sure if this has been mentioned but that is mostly what happens in Israel, except it's the Military for 2-3 years, a short vacation, then they got a what ever school or tech program they are serious about and get it done. Works out much better than the 4 year Country Clubs we have here and at a fraction of the cost

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 02, 2016 07:25 PM (V/InG)

150 IowaHawk twittered a few times about this yesterday. One of them was: Kid who has never attended a public school will continue not attending a public school

Posted by: Driveby Poster at May 02, 2016 07:25 PM (jnRfN)

151 Wouldn't hurt either of those kids if they smiled now and again. Michelle too.
That is one scowling bunch of pissed off people.
Posted by: navybrat at May 02, 2016 07:24 PM (8QGte)

Amen to that

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 02, 2016 07:25 PM (V/InG)

152 Bad idea to take a year off in between highschool and college.

It is hard to get back into the habit of daily studying after spending a year in the workforce where you don't have to do anything after work except just goof off.

Posted by: chemjeff @ Fapplebee's at May 02, 2016 07:25 PM (+4mdw)

153 I see four daughters.

Posted by: Jean Luc Picard at May 02, 2016 07:25 PM (k4M/B)

154 There is a new app out there where you can find jobs
that interest you, and pay some money to shadow someone who actually
does that job.

Posted by: Harun

That's racist!

Posted by: Someone, somewhere, probably at May 02, 2016 07:25 PM (/ciMI)

155 Neither one of those girls look remotely like "daddy." They both have the early signs of resting bitch face.

Who knows who their actual sperm donor is.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 02, 2016 07:26 PM (FsuaD)

156 145
Gap years, so Basic and AIT?

Posted by: Jean at May 02, 2016 07:23 PM (cXiMR)

Well, it DOES seem like I spent at least a year in the Gap.

What was her name?

Posted by: Lena Dunham at May 02, 2016 07:26 PM (jJRIy)

157
Never went to college. Didn't have any desire to, I knew what my career was going to be from a little kid.

Enlisted after school as a 12B figuring to get some play time with the equipment I was fascinated with.

That didn't workout quite as intended, since nobody was shooting at you while you were working in civilian life.

Southeast Asia sucks.

So I spent a life being the friendly person who fixed your car right the FIRST time.

Posted by: irongrampa at May 02, 2016 07:26 PM (P/8aq)

158 Wouldn't hurt either of those kids if they smiled now and again. Michelle too.
That is one scowling bunch of pissed off people.
Posted by: navybrat at May 02, 2016 07:24 PM (8QGte)

Well, we've all kind of been a disappointment to them.

Posted by: Tommy V at May 02, 2016 07:26 PM (SRQwr)

159 Nck will get a gap couple of months before her happy ass starts at UT
Hell, I'm shipping her ass out 48 hours after she graduated high school

Posted by: Navycopjoe at May 02, 2016 07:27 PM (lnki2)

160 60 And what sane parent, in his or her right mind, let's a young daughter work on "Girls"?????
Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 02, 2016 06:58 PM (FsuaD)

I think you answered your own question there.

Posted by: rickl at May 02, 2016 07:27 PM (sdi6R)

161 Wouldn't hurt either of those kids if they smiled now and again. Michelle too.

That is one scowling bunch of pissed off people.

Posted by: navybrat

How much smiling would you be doing if Barry and Michellin were your parents?

Posted by: Turd Ferguson at May 02, 2016 07:27 PM (/ciMI)

162 151
Wouldn't hurt either of those kids if they smiled now and again. Michelle too.

That is one scowling bunch of pissed off people.

Posted by: navybrat at May 02, 2016 07:24 PM (8QGte)

Well, to be honest, we *have* been a huge disappointment to Barry and Moochelle since they were born.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 02, 2016 07:27 PM (FsuaD)

163 1.5 GPA sent me home after one semester.

I had a 5 year gap. I lapped my peers. OJT had something to do with it.

Posted by: Golfman at May 02, 2016 07:27 PM (48QDY)

164 Mets have hit 3 home runs.

In the first inning and there is still only 1 out.

Posted by: JackStraw at May 02, 2016 07:27 PM (/tuJf)

165 Jane D'oh,

I seem to remember that your husband is liberal. How on earth could he be, after creating his own path like that? Congratulations to him.

Posted by: Wenda (sic) at May 02, 2016 07:27 PM (pZEKq)

166 103
Posted by: T at May 02, 2016 07:10 PM (NctcF)
---------------
Is that you, Kid DeVille?!?

Seriously, it sounds like my son. He's wrapping up his 3rd year in grad school --- burnt out but too invested to stop.

I don't know what possessed him but this semester he decided to take an adult-ed, night class in machining.
And, as in your case, it's given him a big psychological boost.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at May 02, 2016 07:27 PM (T/5A0)

167 "Who knows who their actual sperm donor is."

and they both radiate their "mother's" inner beauty...

anyone ever see a picture of the Wookie when she was preggers?

Posted by: redc1c4 at May 02, 2016 07:28 PM (WhYLb)

168 She should take three years off and go in the service. It will make a man out of her.

Posted by: Grump928(C) says Free Soothie! at May 02, 2016 07:28 PM (rwI+c)

169 Uhhh, didn't Obama say private universities were cheating students?

Posted by: Harun at May 02, 2016 07:28 PM (UBBWX)

170
Does she have her Mom's arms? Maybe she could be a lumberjack or a welder.
She's tall but probably inherited Dad's mad skilz so b-ball is out.

Posted by: wth at May 02, 2016 07:28 PM (HgMAr)

171 Mets have hit 3 home runs.

In the first inning and there is still only 1 out.
Posted by: JackStraw at May 02, 2016 07:27 PM (/tuJf)

yeah but let's be honest here, they are only playing Atlanta?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 02, 2016 07:28 PM (V/InG)

172 Miss us yet?

Posted by: Bush Girls at May 02, 2016 07:28 PM (FXW24)

173 i doubt either one is his...

why else does the SS run around scooping up everything they eat with when they're oout in public, if the DNA isn't a juicy story waiting to happen?

Posted by: redc1c4 at May 02, 2016 07:23 PM (WhYLb)

Malia looks like a female Barry so she is his.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at May 02, 2016 07:29 PM (4ErVI)

174 165
Jane D'oh,

I seem to remember that your husband is liberal. How on earth could
he be, after creating his own path like that? Congratulations to him.

Posted by: Wenda (sic) at May 02, 2016 07:27 PM (pZEKq)

Husband is not liberal, however his entire family and their hell spawn are.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 02, 2016 07:29 PM (FsuaD)

175 Uhhh, didn't Obama say private universities were cheating students?

Posted by: Harun

No, no--I said *cheating students* get to go to privates universities.

Posted by: Pres'nt Obama at May 02, 2016 07:29 PM (/ciMI)

176 Look on the bright side, we won't ever have to hear about the classes she doesn't take, read none of the papers she doesn't write, hear what leftist radicals she doesn't hang with. Oh wait that was her father,never mind.

Posted by: Skip at May 02, 2016 07:29 PM (PFZvJ)

177 She should take three years off and go in the service. It will make a man out of her.

Posted by: Grump928(C)

Join the military? Are you kidding me!? Have you seen what a mess my dad has made of the world?

Posted by: I am Malia at May 02, 2016 07:30 PM (/ciMI)

178 >>yeah but let's be honest here, they are only playing Atlanta?

True. But they've been playing really well after a slow start.

I'll take all wins.

Posted by: JackStraw at May 02, 2016 07:30 PM (/tuJf)

179 146 @145 zackly.
Posted by: blaster

If my Dad was President, I could probably squeeze in Jump school, too. I'm sure the Army would figure it out.

Posted by: Jean at May 02, 2016 07:30 PM (cXiMR)

180 I get that we don't like Obama or anything about him. But Malia is pretty young woman, and GIS her, she seems to smile a lot.

Posted by: blaster at May 02, 2016 07:31 PM (2Ocf1)

181 True. But they've been playing really well after a slow start.

I'll take all wins.
Posted by: JackStraw at May 02, 2016 07:30 PM (/tuJf)

Shit even Colon hits better than the Yankees?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 02, 2016 07:31 PM (V/InG)

182
Miss us yet?
Posted by: Bush Girls

Me too!

Posted by: Amy Carter at May 02, 2016 07:31 PM (k4M/B)

183 If my Dad was President, I could probably squeeze in Jump school, too. I'm sure the Army would figure it out.

Posted by: Jean

I'd have gone to Hump school, IYKWIM.

Posted by: I can't think of a funny president's kid to say this, sorry at May 02, 2016 07:32 PM (/ciMI)

184 Please tell me you sent him the Abu Hajaar video!
Posted by: pookysgirl can't come to the phone right now at May 02, 2016 07:07 PM (EgeHs)

Yeah, he and his buddies have watched it over and over again.
They love it.
Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 02, 2016 07:10 PM (FsuaD)

"This is rocket for people!"

*throws empty water bottle*

Posted by: HopefulMonster Bravely supporting kittens at May 02, 2016 07:32 PM (uURQL)

185 "the Mormon community is so successful"

I don't agree that the Mormon community is successful. Instilling compliance has a cost that can't be measured in money.

Posted by: huh? at May 02, 2016 07:32 PM (CRXed)

186 But Malia is pretty young woman

Cough Cough. Sure

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 02, 2016 07:32 PM (V/InG)

187 The MFM trashed the BOOOSH girls for under-aged partying.

Considering Barry's drug use, I'm sure the MFM will avoid watching Malia at all costs.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 02, 2016 07:32 PM (FsuaD)

188

I'd let her clean my carpet...

Posted by: HilDog at May 02, 2016 07:33 PM (qul7b)

189 160 60 And what sane parent, in his or her right mind, let's a young daughter work on "Girls"?????
Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 02, 2016 06:58 PM (FsuaD)

I think you answered your own question there.
Posted by: rickl at May 02, 2016 07:27 PM (sdi6R)

What the hell are you talking about?

Posted by: Brian Williams at May 02, 2016 07:34 PM (7qAYi)

190 186
But Malia is pretty young woman

Cough Cough. Sure

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 02, 2016 07:32 PM (V/InG)

And she doesn't speak with a Negro dialect.

Posted by: Harry Reid, Pederast at May 02, 2016 07:34 PM (jJRIy)

191 She'll end up in the Senate some day. Count on it. And after that...

I hope I'm dead.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 02, 2016 07:35 PM (FsuaD)

192 And she doesn't speak with a Negro dialect.

Posted by: Harry Reid, Pederast at May 02, 2016 07:34 PM (jJRIy)

Too old.

Posted by: The Real Harry Reid at May 02, 2016 07:36 PM (cmE8J)

193 "There's a push quality to it -- it's what you've been forced to do since you could talk -- and really, if you want to learn, it should have a pull factor: I'm here because I really want to be here, and I actually want to learn some shit."

An episode of Ricochet's flagship podcast made an interesting point that this reminded me of. They were promoting The Great Courses (one of their sponsors), which sells recordings of college lectures. They pointed out that series was informative because it was subject to different market forces than university, in that it was only being purchased by people interested in intellectual self-betterment, as opposed to people who just see it as a path to a better career or as something that's expected of them by society, and consequently they don't sell bullshit courses like women's study's, which don't appeal to people serious about bettering themselves.

Posted by: reform highlander at May 02, 2016 07:36 PM (jCH/T)

194 "But Malia"

Took a vacation in Mexico at our expense chaperoned by Secret Service Agents. Don't know if these were the prostitute using agents or not.

Apprentice freeloading?

Posted by: huh? at May 02, 2016 07:36 PM (CRXed)

195 If kids taking a gap year worked and learned the value of an education, I would be all for it. Instead, most of them will spend the year in mom's basement smoking weed and playing XBox.

Posted by: Zombie John Gotti at May 02, 2016 07:37 PM (g4zfM)

196 My paper told me today and Barry and Mooch will remain in DC while the youngest Moochette finishes Sidwell Friends (she's a freshman this year).

I'm SURE if a Republican ends up as Pres., Obama will keep his yap shut, just like Jimmy Carter, and avoid putting in his three cents every few days.

Posted by: Jane D'oh at May 02, 2016 07:38 PM (FsuaD)

197 Apprentice freeloading?
Posted by: huh? at May 02, 2016 07:36 PM (CRXed)

Apprentice my ass, she is a pro. Why the fuck do you think she is taking a year off before College? So she can continue to Freeload in her daddy's final months in Officer

Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 02, 2016 07:38 PM (V/InG)

198 Snood, if you haven't noticed.

Posted by: Grump928(C) says Free Soothie! at May 02, 2016 07:38 PM (rwI+c)

199

I wish I knew then what I know now...senior year, 1986, I completely quit...had to go to some special school to graduate me, I was that bad. Ended up smoking dope with another idiot almost every day when he would pick me up in his Jeep.

Worked, did a bunch of jobs, and figured out I needed to finish that degree...and did, but in my later 20s.

I will say, I was working as a bike mechanic, which I have an aptitude for, and saw a cute blonde girl come in. She looked like she was together.

When asked about what school she was going to etc, she said "I'm not going to college, I'm going to work in the family business".

The older I get, the more wise that was. Owning a business is a good thing, working for the family is a good thing, skipping college to do so will put you ahead of everyone else.

I wasted so much fucking time...she didn't.

Posted by: Rev Dr E Buzz The Main Dude My Man Esq at May 02, 2016 07:41 PM (ijIy6)

200 Now what I'm all about is some serious adult learning. I needs me some of that.

^^^

And if the Mizzou post earlier is any indication, you won't be getting any of that in college.

Posted by: Mandy P. (Not Patinkin), lurking lurker who lurks at May 02, 2016 07:44 PM (KkVB6)

201 I think Malaria is good-looking. She has nice features and is tall and slim with long legs.
She is not particularly attractive, though. She rarely smiles and, when she does, it does not light up the room. There's a certain lack of affect in her face, a dullness.

Sushi, the younger one, is not so pretty but has an occasional twinkle in her eye. I suspect that she is better company --- or perhaps a serial killer.
I dunno.

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at May 02, 2016 07:45 PM (T/5A0)

202 (Insomniac, 82): "Getting advanced in grades was a terrible decision."
Instituting age-graded instruction and measuring education in units of time ("a year of Algebra I", "three credit-hours of 20th. Century US Diplomatic History") were a terrible decisions.

Posted by: Malcolm Kirkpatrick at May 02, 2016 07:45 PM (IbUUZ)

203 why else does the SS run around scooping up everything they eat with when they're oout in public, if the DNA isn't a juicy story waiting to happen?
Posted by: redc1c4

They do? Haven't heard that one.

Posted by: AmeriDan at May 02, 2016 07:51 PM (X/2JY)

204 Disagree. The Young are disagreeable, unruly little tyrants that must have education hammered into them with a 8 lb bronze hammer.

I could go into why I think that is so, but that's my position.

Posted by: West at May 02, 2016 07:53 PM (C7qn4)

205 I get that we don't like Obama or anything about him. But Malia is pretty young woman, and GIS her, she seems to smile a lot.

Posted by: blaster at May 02, 2016 07:31 PM (2Ocf1)

Ok mister no more prayers for you!!!!

j/k

Posted by: Blano at May 02, 2016 07:54 PM (NHQQx)

206 Re: Obama's daughters, it's actually one of the rare windows into the man not clouded by his shitty, trolling nature. When he joked he would drone strike his daughter's boyfriends, I knew immediately he was going to get shit from the nutjob feminists about "their bodies, their rules" and whatnot but he did it anyway. It's the only thing about the man that isn't entirely lousy with his shitty left wing politics.

Posted by: Alec Leamas at May 02, 2016 07:57 PM (RfZaB)

207 I get that we don't like Obama or anything about him. But Malia is pretty young woman, and GIS her, she seems to smile a lot.

Posted by: blaster at May 02, 2016 07:31 PM (2Ocf1)

I actually try and avoid talking about the kids. Not there fault their father is a prick.

I saw one photo of her on vacation where she's riding a bike and she spots the photog and just has this oh for fuck's sake look on her face.

I get that. Can you imagine being a teenager and having to go through that crap? I couldn't have done it.

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at May 02, 2016 08:00 PM (4ErVI)

208 Miss us yet?
Posted by: Bush Girls

Perfect timing on ^^this^^ comment.

Also, oh hell yes we miss you!!!

Posted by: AmeriDan at May 02, 2016 08:02 PM (X/2JY)

209 Miss us yet?
Posted by: Bush Girls

Perfect timing on ^^this^^ comment.

Also, oh hell yes we miss you!!!

Posted by: AmeriDan at May 02, 2016 08:02 PM (X/2JY)

So, not a hardwood man then.

Posted by: Grump928(C) says Free Soothie! at May 02, 2016 08:23 PM (rwI+c)

210 I hope her grades are higher than her old man's.

Posted by: La Frontera at May 02, 2016 08:26 PM (H6mA6)

211 Is this England??

Posted by: Frederick Bronski as Addy Hilter at May 02, 2016 08:29 PM (wyeK6)

212 Truth be told, Momma got artificially inseminated with us, and we're living props in a Chelsea Clinton way......but we sho' ain't marrying no Jooos!

Posted by: The 0Bama Mistakes at May 02, 2016 08:34 PM (wyeK6)

213 I drank my way out of community college. Then I joined the military (sort of... joined the USAF).

In the next 2-3 years, I'm going to retire and go full-time to college. I *want* that more than I want a six-figure contractor job, or an "unfireable" overpaid gov't position.

Posted by: Five-eighths Tard at May 02, 2016 08:47 PM (4Boke)

214 After high school (as a completely devoted stoner and Yes fan) I continued to work locally for 5 years and then lived/worked in Europe for 14 months before going to 2 colleges back here. So I was almost as old as the teachers in the first college. I could absorb the studies with a completely refreshed and relaxed attitude. It was So easy to retain knowledge. I even had to help some teachers with the more abstract lessons. For one thing it was weird to be surrounded mostly by 18/19 year olds who realized I was more relaxed. Easy to make friends yet avoid the whole high school+ attitude.

Posted by: Corona at May 02, 2016 08:53 PM (ragzU)

215 Not going to college right out of HS, and joining the military, taught me that 90% of college courses were filler and really were not needed. Adult education is great, take just what you need without the extraneous BS.

Posted by: Fish at May 02, 2016 09:04 PM (jJt7b)

216 In my day you didn't take a freakin' gap year, you either went to college or you did not, and if you did not you never did.

I wasn't ready for college when I went, effed around for two years until they kicked me out. Talked my way in to the local junior college, graduated two years later cum laude, went to a four year school for my BS and graduated magna cum laude.

A gap year would have been good for me except none of my subsequent college stuff would have happened because I would have had to work - no rich parents for me to finance a gap year - and then the money would have been too good to give up.

Posted by: Steve Walsh at May 02, 2016 09:09 PM (SPxQP)

217 May be I should take a gap year off work. I am feeling pushed...

Fcuking snowflakes.

Posted by: Malignantly aggrieved and economically useless at May 02, 2016 09:13 PM (3ZttN)

218 After high school, I went to school full-time (12-15 hours per semester) and worked full time at a local pipe plant making PVC and ABS pipe. I worked the 4-to-midnight shift. I had to in order to pay my bills; my folks couldn't afford to pay my way. I was the first on either side of the family to graduate from college, but my siblings followed my lead and both sisters and my brother are also college graduates. You have to want it...but it's definitely doable.

Posted by: Sixkiller at May 02, 2016 09:37 PM (pcyHg)

219 Gap year? Pfft. I graduated from high school two weeks early so I could start college in the summer time. I didn't even get a gap week..

Posted by: Nancy at 7000 feet CO at May 02, 2016 10:21 PM (JreH3)

220 College is not for everyone. Trade schools are a great option. Forbes and others have done articles that make sense- eg. start working out of high school at say, Macy's, 4-5 yrs later you're ass't manager or manager making decent money no debt. Fellow classmate is out of college is looking for job with $40,000 debt. 5 years later you're regional, making same or more and he still has debt. You're 9 yrs vested into retirement, he's at 0. Same for say mechanic. 10 yrs, 15 yrs looking to start own shop.

Made a lot of sense for those looking for easy degree by way of bullshit liberal arts major and going because "supposed to go". Get out in debt and, lo and behold, start working at Macy's.

Posted by: oddnot says ~sigh~ at May 02, 2016 10:24 PM (g1MTt)

221 Malia doesn't look particularly bright to me. I've always figured she'd come out as a lesbian in a few years. Sasha doesn't look terribly bright either, but I think she'll go for boys.

Neither of them have the sparkle of the Bush girls. One of them stuck her tongue out at the photogs once, but got called down for it. They both looked happy.

Obama grrrrrlz have Bitchy Resting Face, as mentioned above. It's obviously genetic, coming from the grandmother through the mother to the daughters.

Posted by: MathMom at May 02, 2016 10:28 PM (EE96d)

222 So maybe she did not get an admit?

Posted by: torabora at May 02, 2016 10:38 PM (92QQ4)

223 Malia has been sheltered for many years, so she needs this Gap year to go out into the real world where all the racist white people are so they can heap scorn and hatred on her and turn her into a bitter race baiter like Mom and Dad.

Posted by: Hamilton at May 02, 2016 10:43 PM (3iHUQ)

224 It always makes me feel better, when I read about TFG's kids and their entirely un-earned status as royalty, to remember that Malia will always look like Squidward on "Spongebob".

Posted by: Noam Sayen at May 02, 2016 10:54 PM (bIhmV)

225 Foolish mistake. Learning gets harder with age.

Posted by: william at May 02, 2016 10:58 PM (JMJJs)

226 A good thing about a gap year is that it interrupts the indoctrination. Malia may find out things about real life that will make her think. She gives the old eye roll to her father a lot, so there's hope for her.

Posted by: PJ at May 02, 2016 11:39 PM (cHuNI)

227 I agree Ace - I dropped out of HS at 16, worked full time at Jack in the Box while going to continuation [aka stoner] school on Monday nights got a California equivalency certificate [aka GED] then at 19 [1980] I joined the USN, did my 4, went into the Reserves, reenlisted in 1985 got out on a medical in 1991.

2 years later, in 1993 [am now 32] I went to college thru the VA I was HUNGRY to learn! Got my 2 yr AA degree but ran out of time/$$$ with 6 credits to go for my BA at UNLV.

Since my back got worse, the degree and a 1/2 never got used, but - especially at Community College - those kids were not there to learn!

Oh yeah - I'd always scan the syllabus to see what I could NOT have to do still get an A- or B+

Posted by: Amy Shulkusky at May 02, 2016 11:50 PM (iTpVl)

228 The truth is: there is no such thing as a "gap year". People don't go into suspended animation. This mentality comes from the notion that one must go to university for at least 4 years of one's life to be a "normal" person. I went into the USMC after high school, it wasn't any damned "gap year". I later went on to university, and grad school and PhD studies, but that was my own path, not one that must be followed. If one learns a trade, does military service, or just gets a job down at the Gap, one is learning stuff about the real world. The only kind of "gap year" would be if a person just lounged around their parent's house eating Cheetoes and playing play station. Maybe that is what Ms. Obama is contemplating, I don't know. Probably more like a Chelsea Clinton type of bullshit "public service" type deal.

Posted by: tanarur at May 03, 2016 03:45 AM (8m82d)

229 I've been working full time since graduation in 1980-
Never went to college, never saw the sense in paying money to skip school...

Posted by: Eric Leidberg at May 03, 2016 07:58 AM (Pl0mm)

230 I did a year of college and then took a year off to work. Best thing I ever did. Returned to college motivated after realizing how crappy the prospects were for someone with no skills.

However, I doubt that she will be working at McDonald's during her gap year. My guess would be that she will live quite well with support from her parents and that the gap year will be nothing but an extended vacation while she "finds herself".

Posted by: Heresolong at May 03, 2016 09:08 AM (ntIeo)

231 Greetings. Eric Leidberg:

(at May 03, 2016 07:58 AM (Pl0mm) (229)

I had a social studies teacher in high school who liked to say that education was the only consumer product that the buyers liked to get shorted on.

Posted by: 11B40 at May 03, 2016 11:13 AM (evgyj)

232 1966...had I tried to pull that BS when I got out of High School, I would have spent my gap year in Viet Nam.

Posted by: rocdoctom at May 03, 2016 12:12 PM (nP2eK)

233 Getting a job before and learning real world skills like showing up to work and working while on duty is good.

It's also good to realize how hard you have to work if you're not being paid to use your brain.

Posted by: Servius at May 03, 2016 01:01 PM (SXIn9)

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