For decades, the U.S. invested ever-growing fortunes into its antiquated K-12 education system in exchange for steadily worse outcomes. At the same time, Americans spent more than they could afford on higher education, driven by the kind of cheap credit that fueled the housing crisis. The graduates of these systems were left unprepared for a global economy, unable to find jobs, and on the hook for student loans they could never repay. Economist Herb Stein famously said that something that can't go on forever, won't. In the case of American education, it couldn't—and it didn't.
The Merchant of Venice - Penguin readers - Level 4
Bassanio wants to get married, but he has no money and a lot of debts. He asks his friend Antonio for a loan, but Antonio is waiting for his ships to return. Until then, he has nothing to lend. To help Bassanio, he borrows money from a money-lender – and agrees to an unusual condition. If Antonio cannot repay the loan in three months, the money-lender will cut a pound of flesh from his body. Will Antonio be able to repay the loan? Or will he die
Because of an indiscretion, Lady Caroline Faye finds herself in a moonlit glade beside the body of a dead man, and his murderer. Rescued by Lord Vane Brecon, she conceals her true identity, but secretly swears to repay him. Later learning that he has a dangerous enemy, she sets out to help him.
This is a book that parents should buy for their adolescent children (until it becomes compulsory reading at school). It provides both the entertainment of tales and the much needed ability to reason. Solving the riddles set forth by the author is one of the best investment of their time the readers can do. It will repay many times whatever line of work they end up embarking on. It is also fun.