DAY 1: MUSIC
"I Shot the Sheriff," by Bob Marley
The short story that you were given today refers directly to this song so please listen to the song to provide some further context. As you read the story, pay attention to how the piece of writing exemplifies each of the categories of a well written story that are provided in the rubric.
No need to post this on the blog. Just read the story and as always HAVE FUN!
Mar 22, 2010
DAY 4: POLITICS
Last night the U.S. House of Representatives past an historic health care bill. This has been a very highly debated topic over the last 6 months; however, major health care reform has been a controversial issue for decades. As far as you know, why do people make such a big deal over this issue? Doesn't everyone deserve to have health insurance? Is this question even what the debate is over.
What are some of the reasons that people oppose the current bill? After considering the above questions, write a 250-500 word Journal Entry about your personal opinion on the health care bill. To hear from both sides of the political spectrum on this issue click here. In addition, there are two videos surrounding this post that offer a concise but effective explanation of both opinions on health care reform through fun animation. HAVE FUN!
Last night the U.S. House of Representatives past an historic health care bill. This has been a very highly debated topic over the last 6 months; however, major health care reform has been a controversial issue for decades. As far as you know, why do people make such a big deal over this issue? Doesn't everyone deserve to have health insurance? Is this question even what the debate is over.
What are some of the reasons that people oppose the current bill? After considering the above questions, write a 250-500 word Journal Entry about your personal opinion on the health care bill. To hear from both sides of the political spectrum on this issue click here. In addition, there are two videos surrounding this post that offer a concise but effective explanation of both opinions on health care reform through fun animation. HAVE FUN!
Mar 18, 2010
DAY 3: SPORTS
Think about a time when you lost an important competition (sporting event, academic debate or competition, video game). After you think about a time when you lost, write about this time. Explain how and why you lost. What was at stake--a championship, money, pride, respect? Explain how this lost made you feel. Did you feel responsible? Did you blame someone else for the loss--a bad call, a fellow teammate, a coach?
Be as specific as possible and tell the story from a retrospective approach. This means that you are looking back on the event after it has happened and reflecting on the outcome and your response to the outcome.
Write 250-500 words Story Journal Entry. HAVE FUN!
Think about a time when you lost an important competition (sporting event, academic debate or competition, video game). After you think about a time when you lost, write about this time. Explain how and why you lost. What was at stake--a championship, money, pride, respect? Explain how this lost made you feel. Did you feel responsible? Did you blame someone else for the loss--a bad call, a fellow teammate, a coach?
Be as specific as possible and tell the story from a retrospective approach. This means that you are looking back on the event after it has happened and reflecting on the outcome and your response to the outcome.
Write 250-500 words Story Journal Entry. HAVE FUN!
DAY 2: HISTORY
Here is a link to LIFE Magazine's "100 Photos that Changed the World". I want you to search through the photos and write a fictional story based on the photo. The story can be directly related to the actual context with which the photo was taken or it can be completely unrelated to the actual context. Either way, you need to write a 250-500 word fictional short story that is inspired by any ONE of these photos. HAVE FUN!
Mar 17, 2010
DAY 1: MUSIC
I'd like you to find a song on your own that you would like to write about. However, the catch to this task is that the song needs to be in the form of a story. In other words, the song should be telling a story of some kind. The song can be from any genre of music and is allowed to have a moderate amount of cursing. Once you find a song, I'd like you to write 125-250 words that continue the songs story. Tell me what happens to the characters in the song.
Here is an example of a song that is in the form of a story/tells a story:
Rocky Raccoon, by The Beatles
HAVE FUN!
I'd like you to find a song on your own that you would like to write about. However, the catch to this task is that the song needs to be in the form of a story. In other words, the song should be telling a story of some kind. The song can be from any genre of music and is allowed to have a moderate amount of cursing. Once you find a song, I'd like you to write 125-250 words that continue the songs story. Tell me what happens to the characters in the song.
Here is an example of a song that is in the form of a story/tells a story:
Rocky Raccoon, by The Beatles
HAVE FUN!
Mar 8, 2010
DAY 2: TODAY IN HISTORY
Instead of watching the typical "Today in History" video from the Associated Press' YouTube channel, here is a link to the History Channels' video that outlines the main events from this day in history. You won't have to worry about picking a topic because I want you to consider something else. One of the events from March 10 happened in Tibet in 1959 when China threatened to capture the Dalai Lama. The people of Tibet were so worried about this potential action that 300,000 Tibetans made a human wall around the Dalai Lama's palace to ensure his safety.
So, I want you to think of something or someone that you would be willing to sacrifice yourself for. The people of Tibet were willing to give their lives to protect their religious leader. Is there anything in this world that you'd give your life to protect. If so, who or what is it? Now, this doesn't have to be a person that you'd sacrifice yourself for, so this means that it could be your religion or something else that you believe strongly about. Whatever it is, you must also provide an explanation. Your Journal Entry should be a minimum of 125 words. HAVE FUN!
Instead of watching the typical "Today in History" video from the Associated Press' YouTube channel, here is a link to the History Channels' video that outlines the main events from this day in history. You won't have to worry about picking a topic because I want you to consider something else. One of the events from March 10 happened in Tibet in 1959 when China threatened to capture the Dalai Lama. The people of Tibet were so worried about this potential action that 300,000 Tibetans made a human wall around the Dalai Lama's palace to ensure his safety.
So, I want you to think of something or someone that you would be willing to sacrifice yourself for. The people of Tibet were willing to give their lives to protect their religious leader. Is there anything in this world that you'd give your life to protect. If so, who or what is it? Now, this doesn't have to be a person that you'd sacrifice yourself for, so this means that it could be your religion or something else that you believe strongly about. Whatever it is, you must also provide an explanation. Your Journal Entry should be a minimum of 125 words. HAVE FUN!
DAY 1: MUSIC
The following is an excerpt from the Micheal Moore film, "Bowling for Columbine". The film discusses many issues surrounding the the 1999 school shooting. One of these issues is the possible negative effects that music and television have on adolescents, and most specifically, the two Columbine gunman. Watch the following interview that Michael Moore conducts with Marilyn Manson concerning this very issue.
Now that you've watched the interview, write a 125-250 word Journal Entry that discusses your stance on the possible effects that music lyrics have on society and teens. Does it really matter? Pick a position and argue for it. HAVE FUN!
The following is an excerpt from the Micheal Moore film, "Bowling for Columbine". The film discusses many issues surrounding the the 1999 school shooting. One of these issues is the possible negative effects that music and television have on adolescents, and most specifically, the two Columbine gunman. Watch the following interview that Michael Moore conducts with Marilyn Manson concerning this very issue.
Now that you've watched the interview, write a 125-250 word Journal Entry that discusses your stance on the possible effects that music lyrics have on society and teens. Does it really matter? Pick a position and argue for it. HAVE FUN!
DAY 4: POLITICS
Pennsylvania legislators recently passed a law that bans texting while driving. Yes, that's right, it is officially illegal to be texting and driving at the same time. All cell phone while driving a vehicle now requires a hands free device in the state of PA. Some of you may be upset by this law. Others may find this law to be stupid or an invasion of personal liberties. If so, you may want to consider the statistics that are outlined in the following video. The texting while driving report start at the 6:00 mark of the video. Consider what the report is saying and then begin your Journal Entry.
In 125-250 words provide your opinion on the texting while driving. Do you think its a big deal? Remember the statistics in the above video. Then offer your thoughts on what you think about the recent legislation that bans texting while driving. Do you believe this to be a fair law or not. Please explain each opinion. HAVE FUN!
Pennsylvania legislators recently passed a law that bans texting while driving. Yes, that's right, it is officially illegal to be texting and driving at the same time. All cell phone while driving a vehicle now requires a hands free device in the state of PA. Some of you may be upset by this law. Others may find this law to be stupid or an invasion of personal liberties. If so, you may want to consider the statistics that are outlined in the following video. The texting while driving report start at the 6:00 mark of the video. Consider what the report is saying and then begin your Journal Entry.
In 125-250 words provide your opinion on the texting while driving. Do you think its a big deal? Remember the statistics in the above video. Then offer your thoughts on what you think about the recent legislation that bans texting while driving. Do you believe this to be a fair law or not. Please explain each opinion. HAVE FUN!
DAY 3: SPORTS
Big Ben has some Big Problems
Now that Ben has found himself in another alleged sex scandal, it might be a good idea for him to rethink his current lifestyle and extracurricular activities. Because of this recent issue, the question that I want you to answer in today's Journal Entry is, "What advice would you give to Ben Roethlisberger to avoid such an incident in the future?" In at least 125 words, explain to Big Ben how he should clean up his act. HAVE FUN!
Big Ben has some Big Problems
Now that Ben has found himself in another alleged sex scandal, it might be a good idea for him to rethink his current lifestyle and extracurricular activities. Because of this recent issue, the question that I want you to answer in today's Journal Entry is, "What advice would you give to Ben Roethlisberger to avoid such an incident in the future?" In at least 125 words, explain to Big Ben how he should clean up his act. HAVE FUN!
Mar 2, 2010
DAY 1: MUSIC
"There's Always Someone Cooler Than You", Ben Folds
At some point in your life you have probably come across an individual who acts like hes/she is better than everyone around him/her and is rude towards basically everyone. In many cases this individual is very concerned about their appearance and their social status. In the following song Ben Folds addresses these ideas in a candid and direct way. Please focus on the core message within the song. Think about anything else that Ben Folds may be trying to say?
As always the lyrics can be found below. Please excuse the vulgar language.
WRITING PROMPT
Once you come to a conclusion about the song's overall message, write a 125-250 word Journal Entry that explains the possible reasons for why some people are so concerned with how others view them. Then, continue the Journal Entry by writing about the following: In your opinion, why are people that fit into this category often rude to their peers as well? If possible, provide an example of when you were criticized by a peer for how you looked or acted and briefly explain why you believe this person treated you in this way. HAVE FUN!
"There's Always Someone Cooler Than You", Ben Folds
Smile
Like you've got nothing to prove
No matter what you might do
There's always someone out there cooler than you
I know that's hard to believe
But there are people you meet
They're into something that is too big to be
Expressed
Through their clothes
And they'll put up with all the poses you'll throw
And you won't
Even know
that they're not sizing you up
They know your mom f***ed you up
Or maybe let you watch too much TV
But they'll still look in your eyes
To find the human inside
You know there's always something in there to see
Beneath
The veneer
Not everybody made the list this year
Have a beer (not literally, he just means relax)
Make me feel tiny if it makes you feel tall
But there's always someone cooler than you
Yeah, you're the sh*t but you won't be here for long
Oh, there's always someone cooler than you
Yeah, there's always someone cooler than you
Now that I've got the disease
In a way I'm relieved
'Cause I don't have to stress about it like you do
I might just get up and dance
Or buy some acid-wash pants
When you don't care then you got nothing to lose
And I won't
Hesitate
'Cause every moment life is slipping away
It's ok
Make me feel tiny if it makes you feel tall
But there's always someone cooler than you
Yeah, you're the sh*t but you won't be it for long
Oh, there's always someone cooler than you
Yeah, there's always someone cooler than you
Oh, there's always someone cooler than...
Life is wonderful
Life is beautiful
We're all children of
One big universe
So you don't have to be a chump
And you know (you know)
That I won't (I won't)
Hesitate (hesitate)
'Cause every moment life is slipping away (away)
It's ok (it's ok)
Make me feel tiny if it makes you feel tall
Oh, 'cause there's always someone cooler than you
Yeah, you're the sh*t but you won't be it for long
But there's always someone cooler than you
Oh yeah, there's always someone cooler than you
Because there's always someone cooler than you
Cooler than you (boy)
Cooler than you (girl)
Cooler than you (sir)
Cooler than you (my lady)
Oh
Nerds go wild
Yeah Yeah
"There's Always Someone Cooler Than You", Ben Folds
At some point in your life you have probably come across an individual who acts like hes/she is better than everyone around him/her and is rude towards basically everyone. In many cases this individual is very concerned about their appearance and their social status. In the following song Ben Folds addresses these ideas in a candid and direct way. Please focus on the core message within the song. Think about anything else that Ben Folds may be trying to say?
As always the lyrics can be found below. Please excuse the vulgar language.
WRITING PROMPT
Once you come to a conclusion about the song's overall message, write a 125-250 word Journal Entry that explains the possible reasons for why some people are so concerned with how others view them. Then, continue the Journal Entry by writing about the following: In your opinion, why are people that fit into this category often rude to their peers as well? If possible, provide an example of when you were criticized by a peer for how you looked or acted and briefly explain why you believe this person treated you in this way. HAVE FUN!
"There's Always Someone Cooler Than You", Ben Folds
Smile
Like you've got nothing to prove
No matter what you might do
There's always someone out there cooler than you
I know that's hard to believe
But there are people you meet
They're into something that is too big to be
Expressed
Through their clothes
And they'll put up with all the poses you'll throw
And you won't
Even know
that they're not sizing you up
They know your mom f***ed you up
Or maybe let you watch too much TV
But they'll still look in your eyes
To find the human inside
You know there's always something in there to see
Beneath
The veneer
Not everybody made the list this year
Have a beer (not literally, he just means relax)
Make me feel tiny if it makes you feel tall
But there's always someone cooler than you
Yeah, you're the sh*t but you won't be here for long
Oh, there's always someone cooler than you
Yeah, there's always someone cooler than you
Now that I've got the disease
In a way I'm relieved
'Cause I don't have to stress about it like you do
I might just get up and dance
Or buy some acid-wash pants
When you don't care then you got nothing to lose
And I won't
Hesitate
'Cause every moment life is slipping away
It's ok
Make me feel tiny if it makes you feel tall
But there's always someone cooler than you
Yeah, you're the sh*t but you won't be it for long
Oh, there's always someone cooler than you
Yeah, there's always someone cooler than you
Oh, there's always someone cooler than...
Life is wonderful
Life is beautiful
We're all children of
One big universe
So you don't have to be a chump
And you know (you know)
That I won't (I won't)
Hesitate (hesitate)
'Cause every moment life is slipping away (away)
It's ok (it's ok)
Make me feel tiny if it makes you feel tall
Oh, 'cause there's always someone cooler than you
Yeah, you're the sh*t but you won't be it for long
But there's always someone cooler than you
Oh yeah, there's always someone cooler than you
Because there's always someone cooler than you
Cooler than you (boy)
Cooler than you (girl)
Cooler than you (sir)
Cooler than you (my lady)
Oh
Nerds go wild
Yeah Yeah
DAY 4: POLITICS
The Postal Service is so 2000 and Late!
The following link is an article about the U.S. Postal Service's proposal to stop Saturday deliveries. Post Office Article.
Now that you've read the article and watched the video, write a 125-250 word Journal Entry that offers your thoughts, opinions, and suggestions on this situation. Consider what both sources are discussing and then offer your own opinions as to why the U.S.P.S is struggling and what they could do to be more competitive in the future. HAVE FUN!
The Postal Service is so 2000 and Late!
The following link is an article about the U.S. Postal Service's proposal to stop Saturday deliveries. Post Office Article.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Now that you've read the article and watched the video, write a 125-250 word Journal Entry that offers your thoughts, opinions, and suggestions on this situation. Consider what both sources are discussing and then offer your own opinions as to why the U.S.P.S is struggling and what they could do to be more competitive in the future. HAVE FUN!
DAY 2: TODAY IN HISTORY
Write a 125-250 word Journal Entry, but this time take a different approach. Pick an individual from the above video that you would like to interview. It could be an Islamic extremist. Maybe you'd like to hang out with Johnny Cash. Perhaps Ronald Reagan is your hero. Just choose a person that you find interesting. Think about the things that you'd like to ask or say to this individual. Once you decide who you'd speak with, write an explanation for why you want to speak with them.
THEN write a series of questions that you'd like to ask this person. It is not necessary to provide answers to these questions. HAVE FUN!
Write a 125-250 word Journal Entry, but this time take a different approach. Pick an individual from the above video that you would like to interview. It could be an Islamic extremist. Maybe you'd like to hang out with Johnny Cash. Perhaps Ronald Reagan is your hero. Just choose a person that you find interesting. Think about the things that you'd like to ask or say to this individual. Once you decide who you'd speak with, write an explanation for why you want to speak with them.
THEN write a series of questions that you'd like to ask this person. It is not necessary to provide answers to these questions. HAVE FUN!
DAY 3: SPORTS
Canadian Women's Hockey team "celebrates" on the ice. Based on the arguments made in the following video, take a stance on whether or not you agree with this behavior.
Write a 125-250 word Journal Entry that expresses your opinions on this issue. Regardless of the position that you take, provide a rebuttal section that considers the other side of the argument. HAVE FUN!
Canadian Women's Hockey team "celebrates" on the ice. Based on the arguments made in the following video, take a stance on whether or not you agree with this behavior.
Write a 125-250 word Journal Entry that expresses your opinions on this issue. Regardless of the position that you take, provide a rebuttal section that considers the other side of the argument. HAVE FUN!
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