2. Here are some sage words of advice for all of us, but especially for those who are graduating from school, as written by Charles J. Sykes, author of Dumbing Down Our Kids: Why American Children Feel Good About Themselves But Can’t Read, Write. Or Add

3. The topics that are dealt with here have to do with that newfangled educational philosophy of making life easy for kids, which has bred a generation of youth with no conception of reality, and how this ideology has lead these youngsters to fail outside of the protective cocoon of school.

4. The message is clear and concise, and very easy to apply. The message is clear and concise, and very easy to apply.

5. RULE 1 Life is not fair - get used to it.

6. RULE 2 The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

7. RULE 3 You will NOT make 40 thousand dollars a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice president with a car phone, until you earn both.

8. RULE 4 If you think your teacher is tough; wait till you get a boss. He doesn't have tenure.

9. RULE 5 Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your grandparents had a different word for burger flipping - they called it Opportunity.

10. RULE 6 If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

11. RULE 7 Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you are. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

12. RULE 8 Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life has not. In some schools they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as many times as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

13. RULE 9 Life is not divided into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you find yourself. Do that on your own time.

14. RULE 10 Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

15. RULE 11 Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

16. Print this list, reread it, review it and show it to everyone that you sincerely consider to be a friend, or who you feel deserves a well taught lesson…

17. …and if you’re lucky enough to have them nearby, and have the courage to do it, show the list to your parents and your children. …and if you’re lucky enough to have them nearby, and have the courage to do it, show the list to your parents and your children.

18. Listen to Demetrio Pérez Jr’s commentaries, which are broadcast each day on WAQI 710 AM and on Dear friends: It pleases me to share these passages, images, and remembrances which I have received and that I know you will appreciate. Those whose authors are known have the pertinent credit reflected; your comments and feedback through the forums that are reflected here will be valued. The distribution of these materials is free and without any commercial purpose. Nonetheless, those of you who do not wish to continue receiving them can note your desire in the appropriate space in this message. It is my intent, however, to promote culture and traditions in a positive manner. Regards, Demetrio Pérez Jr.