Dear Skiff Editors,

I was confused and a little annoyed this morning when I opened my paper to a piece entitled "Teachers already well-off in salary." I became more upset as I continued to read the article. I found Mr. Lauck's opinion predictably stereotypical of what teachers have been battling for decades, starting with his presumption that teachers "wish [they] made more money."

The greatest reward parents can give their children is verbal praise, an early childhood and parent trainer said Thursday at a parenting workshop for faculty and staff.

That was part of the advice passed on by DeVonna Wicks, who gave a presentation titled "Developing Responsible and Independent Children." The "Lunch and Learn" event was a part of the Child Care Network, which is a pilot program through Camp Fire USA.

Big doors were opened at an everyday rehearsal for the TCU Marching Band when members found out they had the opportunity to be featured on national television and win $25,000.

Bands from across the nation submitted videos as part of a contest to appear on an episode of the television series "Hawaii Five-0." The TCU band was one of 17 chosen for the chance to appear on national television sometime this fall, associate director of bands Jeremy Strickland said.

Highs and lows of September

Frogs up to finally bringing live horned frog mascots to the university. If LSU can have a tiger and Baylor can have a bear, then two blood-squirting lizards shouldn't be asking too much.

Pony down to continued problems with freshman housing. Students live in converted community space for the fourth year in a row because there are too few rooms to accommodate incoming students. After four years, the university needs to fix this situation once and for all.

A phrase often attributed to former British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli reads, "There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics." I hate to be cliché, but I think this quote is a perfect example of a situation of which I have become aware.

An article in the Sept. 29 edition of the Daily Skiff titled "Contrary to idea, inequality exists" included the line, "the poverty rate has climbed to its highest point in 15 years, with an astounding 43.6 million Americans in 2009 (a rate of 14.3 percent) living below the poverty line of $22,050 for a family of four."

North Texas students and faculty can attend a free event for university communities tonight at the Kimbell Art Museum, said an education coordinator.

The Kimbell Art Museum is hosting University Evening from 4-6 p.m. Students can go on tours of a Mayan exhibit, have refreshments and learn about available internships at the museum, Connie Hatchette Barganier said.

Barganier, an education coordinator at the Kimbell, said reservations are no longer being accepted for the event, but half-price admission to the exhibit is available from 5-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays.