Day 2: Art and Advertising

Below is a documentary about three contemporary artists. Each artist discusses their controversial works that all deal with advertising in some way.  For our purposes, we are only focusing on the first featured artist, Michael Ray Charles. He is an African American artist who focuses on the imagery and portrayals on black men and women throughout history and how this effects the psyches of and relationships and relationships betweeen whites and blacks in our world today.

As you watch the clip, please take notes of anything that startles you or strikes you as potentially controversial. Then I just want you to write a reflection on Mr. Charles' work. How does it make you feel? What does if force you to think about? Did it potentially make you think about something that you previously never considered? Whatever it is, just think and write as much as you can (at least 250 words) about your reactions and feelings towards the works of Michael Ray Charles.

Watch the full episode. See more ART:21.

Day 1: Music

Check out this New York Times article about narcissism in today's generation. Apparently song lyrics are all you need to determine just how self-absorbed this generation is. Read the article are write a 250-500 word response that either agrees or disagrees with the articles assessment of modern day narcissism through music. Then, find a song that helps prove your point and reference it in your response. HAVE FUN!

CLICK HERE => A New Generation's Vanity, Heard Through Lyrics

Day 4: Politics

On April 20, 2010 the Deepwater Horizon Oil Well exploded in the Gulf of Mexico. Wednesday (Day 4) of last week marked the one year anniversary of this horrific disaster. When significant events like this occur, it is important that we as citizens do not forget about them. In this case it is especially important since the affects of this disaster are still devastating the environment, specifically the ecosystems of the Gulf.

Below you will find a series of graphs and maps that help to explain the events the followed the explosion and the subsequent oil spill. Assess how effective the response was to this disaster. Did the government do a good enough job based on the following data? Don't be afraid to hold the government accountable for anything you find to be sub-par. Remember that the oil well was rapidly leaking into the ocean from April 20-September 19. Based on what you read and evaluate below, write a persuasive essay that either backs or criticizes the government response to the BP oil spill. 250-500 words. HAVE FUN!

As of June 22, the Unifed Command identified these resources employed to respond to the spill:

• Total response vessels: 6,300
• Total boom deployed: more than 6.7 million feet (regular plus sorbent boom)
• Oily water recovered to date: more than 25 million gallons
• Dispersant used to date: more than 1.345 million gallons
• Oil reccovered to date: 13.5 million gallons
• Overall personnel responding: more than 37,000
• 17 staging areas are in place and ready to protect sensitive shorelines, including: Dauphin Island, Ala., Orange Beach, Ala., Theodore, Ala., Panama City, Fla., Pensacola, Fla., Port St. Joe, Fla., St. Marks, Fla., Amelia, La., Cocodrie, La., Grand Isle, La., Shell Beach, La., Slidell, La., St. Mary, La.; Venice, La., Biloxi, Miss., Pascagoula, Miss., and Pass Christian, Miss.

Here is some of the criticism towards the response:

A month after the accident, the Obama administration came under increasingly sharp criticism for underestimating the size of the discharge, for the lack of transparency in its response efforts, and for being too easy on BP and the oil industry. Scientists have been especially critical of the Administration for not forcing BP to fund and make publicly available more data from subsurface analysis of the leak, aerial surveillance of the ocean surface, the extent and impact of the subsurface oil plume, and the fate and impact of chemical dispersants. Scientists criticized the EPA for not releasing its finds from offshore water sampling, and they questioned why NOAA was so slow to investigate the magnitude of the spill and the damage it is causing.

Government critics point out that BP also has ties to the Department of Energy. Steven Chu was the head of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley, when the Lab received the bulk of a $500 million grant from the British oil giant BP to develop alternative energy sources through a new Energy Biosciences Institute. Dr. Chu received the grant from BP’s chief scientist at the time, Steven E. Koonin. Dr. Chu is now the Secretary of the Department of Energy, and Dr. Koonin, who followed Dr. Chu to the Energy Department, now serves as under secretary of energy for science. No one has accused Dr. Chu or Dr. Koonin of direct conflict of interest or questioned their scientific credentials, and the Department of Energy has no direct responsibility for the cleanup. Dr. Koonin is recused from all matters relating to the disaster because of his past ties to BP.

Day 3: Sports

Please click the following link if you need to reread the San Quentin Tennis article from ESPN.com. San Quentin Prison Tennis.

Now that you've read the article, break it down. Then, we'll watch this video.



First ask yourself, "What perspectives are presented in Alexa Pozniak's article?" Once you know this, ask yourself, "What perspective from the article do I most closely identify or agree with?" THEN, write a 250-500 word blog that outlines ONE of the perspectives within Pozniak's piece. In other words, discuss the perspective that you agree with the most and provide evidence to justify your thoughts and feelings.

**Make sure that your opening statement is clear and presents the focus of your blog (i.e., the top down approach). As always, make connections between your opening statement and key details from the article that will support this statement. HAVE FUN!


No matter what side you argue for, make sure that you provide specific examples that will help you prove your argument and persuade the reader in your direction.

Day 2: Art and Advertising 

Titled Arc, Richard Serra

Without getting into a debate over "what is art?" I'd like you to consider the practicality and function of public art work. Although you may not find public art work to be functional or practical at first, but think about a piece that you may have seen before. Did this piece make you think? Did you originally notice this piece?

Can anyone think of a few pieces of public art that are around the city of Pittsburgh or Oakland? Think about it for a few minutes a write down the locations and a brief description of what they look like. Then consider what function each piece may have.

Let's discuss these for a few minutes.

Now let's discuss a few piece that were very controversial that one of them was taken down all together. One piece is from CMU and another was once in NYC. First, we'll deal with the NYC piece since it brings about an extreme case in the debate over the practicality and functional purposes of public art pieces.

"Titled Arc" was extremely controversial and it took years to rid it from public view. The following PBS article explains.

Walking to the Sky, Jonathan Borofsky

"Walking to the Sky" is another controversial public art piece. Here is an article that voices some concerns from CMU students. After reading this article and considering the points being discussed about public opinion and public consideration being taken into account for works of public art, argue for a side; are you for art that pleases the majority or are you more for art that makes an impact or proves a point regardless of public perception. 250-500 words. HAVE FUN!

DAY 1: MUSIC

Pink Floyd is one of the most socially significant bands in the history of rock and roll. Not only do they have a unique sound, but their ability to reflect on the human condition with such pinpoint accuracy has made their music timeless. One of their most famous songs, Another Brick in the Wall speaks to generations young and old because everyone can relate to teachers with power trips and the desire to question authority.

After listening to the song, think about what is really being said. What does it mean to be another brick in the wall? What's the wall? Why is being a brick that makes up this wall not a good thing? What other messages are being transmitted through the song's lyrics and it's music video. Give this some thought. They may be more behind the wall than you think! 250-500 word minimum.

Day 4: Politics

One way to learn about politics that is usually designated to the older crowd and found in a much older medium than most information today is through political cartoons. These are not only funny but also very informative. They are typically very biased and provide a satire of government and foreign policy situations.

Below you will find some recent cartoons that discuss some hot-button issues. Look these over and do your best to interpret their messages. Figure out what each cartoon's bias is and what information is being provided.








After reviewing and interpreting each cartoon, pick the one you find to have the most convincing or compelling argument. Write a persuasive piece (250-500 words) that discusses the aspects that make this particular political cartoon so persuasive.

Compare/Contrast:



How to Write a Compare/Contrast Essay:

Compare/Contrast essays are the other important genre of academic writing that you need to master. These essays follow a specific question and are usually easy to complete. There are several ways to write this type of essay. Other than strongly supported claims and content, the most important thing to remember is structure. Many wonderful essays fall victim to the woes of bad structure. For the introduction and conclusion, follow a similar structure to the persuasive essay. Then structure everything in between based on either of the two following formats.

1.Introduction
Your introduction — like the five-paragraph-essay, should open generally (with a quotation, anecdote, generalization), and lead into the thesis statement.

2.Topic 1
This next portion of your essay (which may consist of one paragraph or several) should cover only the first topic of the comparison and contrast. Compare/Contrast essays take two topics and illustrate how they are similar and dissimilar. Do not mention topic 2 in this first portion.

3.Topic 2
This next portion of your essay (which may also consist of one or more paragraphs) should cover the second of the two topics. Do not discuss Topic 1 in this section. Since you have already gone into great detail about it, you may allude to Topic 1 briefly; however, do not analyze Topic 1 in this section. This portion of the paper is to discuss Topic 2 in great detail.

4.Topics 1 and 2 Together
Now that you have analyzed both Topic 1 and Topic 2 independently, now it is time to analyze them together. This section may also be one or several paragraphs.

5.Conclusion
The conclusion — like the introduction — should be a generalization of the thesis. This paragraph should express your certainty and absolute knowledge on the subject matter. You should reaffirm your thesis (essentially restate it in new words) and show how you've proven it.

OR

1.Introduction

Your introduction — like the five-paragraph-essay, should open generally (with a quotation, anecdote, generalization), and lead into the thesis statement.

2.All Comparisons (Topics 1 and 2)

This section — which should consists of several paragraphs — should go through all similarities you find in the two topics on which you are writing. There should be at least three comparisons (essentially three short body paragraphs) in which you give an example from both topics of comparisons in each.

3.All Contrasts (Topics 1 and 2)

This section — which should consist of several paragraphs — should go through all differences you find in the two topics on which you are writing. There should be at least three contrasts (essentially three short body paragraphs) in which you give an example from both topics of comparisons in each.

4.Conclusion

This conclusion is wrapping up everything you have just proven in your paper. It should restate the thesis in a new, more official way, and you should feel quite confident in your writing.

Use a venn diagram for your pre-writing

Day 1: Music

Compare/Contrast: The Original vs. The Cover

One of Tupac Shakur's most popular songs is "Changes", but did you know that the chorus and melody of the song comes from a Bruce Hornsby song titled, "The Way It Is"? It's understandable if you didn't know this about the song or even know who Bruce Hornsby is, but know that you do, let's observe the similarities and differences between the two songs. Oh yeah, and Bruce Hornsby was once a keyboard player for the Grateful Dead and was also a successful pop artist of the 1980s. Anyway, its important to recognize that the songs are actually quite similar. They deal with the same core issues; poverty, violence, ignorance and intolerance towards those who are less fortunate.

Undoubtedly, Tupac Shakur was aware of the song's content and used this as a starting point for his own song. While recognizing the songs similarities, we must also consider that clear differences in the sound, content and overall message that is being conveyed.

After listening to the two songs and comparing/contrasting the lyrics, please fill out the venn diagram to help you map out your ideas. Then write a 250-500 word response that illuminates the similarities and differences between the two songs. HAVE FUN!

Tupac Shakur - Changes

Bruce Hornsby - The Way It Is by Dixvad59

Day 2: Art and Advertising

Compare/Contrast:

Michaelango's "David" is one of the most famous scultures of all time. It is iconic. There are a number of reasons for the statues popularity and appeal. Below I have provided you with some of the note-worthy information about the statue.

Important Information:
In Autumn 1504 the Florentines witnessed an exceptional event: after four days travelling round the city, transported with the care and attention normally reserved for great events, inside a wooden cage running on greased beams, Michelangelo's David finally reached its destination, the Piazza della Signoria - and was immediately celebrated as one of the greatest masterpieces of the Renaissance.

The statue was first intended to be displayed in the Cathedral, but was then felt to be of so great merit as to deserve a more important position.

Chronicles tell us of the immense surprise and marvel that the Florentines showed as it was uncovered. 'It took the voice away from statues both ancient and modern', wrote Vasari, author of a famous biography of the artist. Such a superb work had never been seen before either in Florence or elsewhere, with its manifest expression of awareness of power.

The Florentines, who called it Michelangelo's "giant", considered it the most explicit example of the spirit of the New Republic that had chased the Medici from Florence in 1494. When he created his David, Michelangelo was not even thirty, but had already produced works of great value such as the Tondo Doni which can be found in the Uffizi today. His David was so successful that he was called back to Rome by the Pope himself, Giulio II, for whom he would then paint the famous Sistine Chapel.

Due to its popularity we should not be surprised that this statue was used to promote a product. We should also not be surpised at the type of product that was promoted. All kidding aside, consider how significant the original piece was and still is today versus the slightly compromised version displayed in the Calvin Klein ad. Obviously, the piece is being utilized for a different purpose in each situation. In other words, don't simply dwell on the exterier differences but every aspect revolving around the ad and original work of art. As I've said before, you do not have to pick a side for your response. 250-500 words. HAVE FUN!

Day 3: Sports

Compare/Contrast: NCAA Basketball Tournament costs the American economy nearly $200 Million! 

Some of you may have heard this before: "The productivity of the American workforce drops significantly during March Madness." Apparently, this is quite a popular topic this time of year considering the number of articles I was able to find on the topic. I have provided you with a few links that consider both sides of this argument. Each article describes the suspected drop in productivity and the potentially over-blown statistics that tend to accompany this argument.

The Other March Madness: Workplace Distraction   

Productivity Madness

After reading both articles, weigh both sides of information. Then write a 250-500 response that covers the entirety of the debate. HAVE FUN!



Day 4: Politics

Compare/Contrast: The pros and cons of the United States joining the UN coalition forces to enforce the no fly zone over Libya. Watch this interview and read this article before posting anything to your blog.

Remember, you do not have to choose a side in a Compare/Contrast response, but rather provide an equal amount of evidence to support each position. 250-500 word response is required. HAVE FUN!

Day 1: Music

Bob Dylan is considered one of the most significant singer-songwriters of all time. His earlier songs typically revolve around hot-button issues of the 1960s like racism, protests, wars, politics, etc. He became especially popular during this time. Below are the lyrics to his song, "Only a Pawn in Their Game." This song discusses the murder of an African American activist and how his murder is not to blame as much as the influencial people in the murder's life who promoted and developed the deep seeded hatred and racism that prompted his murderous actions.

A bullet from the back of a bush took Medgar Evers' blood.

A finger fired the trigger to his name.
A handle hit out in the dark
A hand set the spark
Two eyes took the aim
Behind a man's brain

But he can't be blamed

He's only a pawn in their game.

A South politician preaches to the poor white man,
'You got more than the blacks, don't complain.
You're better than them, you been born with white skin,' they explain.
And the Negro's name
Is used it is plain
For the politician's gain
As he rises to fame
And the poor white remains
On the caboose of the train
But it ain't him to blame
He's only a pawn in their game.

The deputy sheriffs, the soldiers, the governors get paid,
And the marshals and cops get the same.
But the poor white man's used in the hands of them all like a tool.
From the start by the rule
That the laws are with him
To protect his white skin
To keep up his hate
So he never thinks straight
'Bout the shape that he's in
But it ain't him to blame
He's only a pawn in their game.

From the poverty shacks, he looks from the cracks to the tracks,
And the hoof beats pound in his brain.
And he's taught how to walk in a pack
Shoot in the back
With his fist in a clinch
To hang and to lynch
To hide 'neath the hood
To kill with no pain
Like a dog on a chain
He ain't got no name
But it ain't him to blame
He's only a pawn in their game.

Today, Medgar Evers was buried from the bullet he caught.
They lowered him down as a king.
But when the shadowy sun set on the one
That fired the gun
He'll see by his grave
On the stone that remains

Carved next to his name

His epitaph plain:

Only a pawn in their game

 

Today, there are people in the media and in politics that induce fear in the general population. Some may argue that these fears are based on misinformation or racist thoughts or simply exagerations. Obviously, this depends heavily on what issue is being discussed and what person is discussing it. Regardless, think of a person that may fall into this category and argue for how their words and actions could be potential dangerous to someone who doesn't know any better. Write between 250-500 words. HAVE FUN!

Day 2: Art and Advertising

Below you will see Van Gogh's "Starry Night" and a photograph of a night time cityscape. Obviously these two pictures are very different from each another for a number of reasons. Even if you don't think this particular way about Van Gogh's piece, I'd like you to write a 250-500 word persuasive response that argues for why his depiction of a night sky over a town is more captivating, beautiful, etc. than a more realistic depiction of the same thing. Be sure to explain why this style of painting is so impressive, and/or intereting, and/or beautiful.

HAVE FUN!

Day 3: Sports

The NFL lockout. This may be something that you care very little about. It may also be something that you care about more than anything in the entire world because you really love football. Either way, it is pretty significant that America's most popular sport played on a field, court, or ice (Nascar being the overall most popular), is threatening to have no season this fall if the players and the league cannot come to a contractual agreement. Please read the linked article titled, "NFL Lockout Lunacy: They Keep Talking, But Is It Going Anywhere?" that gives some recent news about the potential lockout for next season. After reading about the issues present on both sides, come to a conclusion about which side you agree with more. Either pick the players or the league and provide evidence for why. Please keep the response between 250-500 words. HAVE FUN!

Day 4: Politics

William Bennett

An article by CNN's William Bennett illuminates some of the problems with the public school system of the United States. Although you are all privileged enough to attend a private school, the issues that he brings up are still relevant and interesting to consider. After reading his article, Pressure for School Reform is Building think about your own experience in Math and English classes while attending Central Catholic. Do you believe that they are or were up to a higher standard than a typical public school? Do you believe that your personal abilities as a Math and English student are higher than the national average discussed in the article? Please explain both answers thoroughly. If you are planning to be critical of your education here at Central, please leave out any names of teachers that you may have or have had in the past. I'm not concerned with the "Who" but rather the "What" and "Why" that you believe may need improvement. Of course, if you do believe that both you and your classes are up to par then explain the reasons for that as well. Please write between 250-500 words. HAVE FUN!

Day 1: Music

Below you will find a YouTube video featuring the Incubus song "Idiot Box"--released in the late 90s on an album entitled S.C.I.E.N.C.E. While you listen, try to focus on the message being conveyed through the lyrics. What is the lead singer hoping to express to the audience? Although this song acts as a social commentary for one very common electronic device (the television), consider how one could apply these same ideas to the many electronic devices that people utilize and possibly over utilize within our culture today.



Before you begin writing, remember to write with a top down approach. As always, provide evidence to support your interpretation of the song and also your thoughts on the song's application to society today. Your response should be between 250-500 words.

Have Fun!

Day 2: Art and Advertising

PART I: Since the Super Bowl is the most exciting time for new advertisements, I thought we would view one of the more popular ads that was featured this past Sunday. After viewing the Volkswagon Passat commercial, think about what makes this ads so appealing. Why might someone be more inclined to purchase this products after viewing this advertisement? Think about how little this ad has to do with the car itself. Don't feel like you need to think too deep about your answer. Just write down whatever comes to your mind and consider why you find this ad to be appealing to yourself and potentially others. Write a 100-200 word response.

<a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/video?vid=9f4c2bed-868f-4309-8f18-a9fdadf772f0" target="_new" title="">Volkswagen Passat: Young Vader</a>

PART II: Now I'd like you to consider other types of advertisements that persuade audiences to purchase a product that is potentially bad for them (i.e., alcohol, cigarettes, etc.). Think about the way in which these products are promoted. Below you will find two commercials for two different types of alcohol. What is the message being conveyed in each? Why might someone consider this method of advertising to be irresponsible or misleading? Determine what your beliefs are on this form of advertising and write a 200-400 word response.





Have Fun!

Day 3: Sports

Football is and always will be a collision sport. Because of this, players get hurt. Injuries of every kind are expected to occur in a game that thrives off of big men delivering even bigger hits. It shouldn't be surprising then that this fast paced collision sport is having some problems with head, neck, and brain injuries. We are probably all familiar with the controversy over the "illegal" hits James Harrison's put on some players earlier this season that costs him over $100,000 in fines courtesy of the NFL. Even if you disagree with the reasons for the league fining Harrison, it is likely that the problem of football players getting hurt and getting hurt often is not going away due to some high priced fines. Players of all ages are affected by the hard-hitting nature of this great American Pasttime and fining a rich NFL player might not be the final solution. So, what is one to do? Should people just face facts that football is dangerous and anyone who plays it has to face the consequences? Or,is there another and maybe even a better way to handle this issue?

After watching the Outside the Lines special about this very issue, consider both sides, pick a side, and then write s 250-500 word response that argues for that side.



Have Fun!

Day 4: Politics

On Super Bowl Sunday Bill O'Reilly of The O'Reilly Factor conducted an exclusive interview with President Barrack Obama. While viewing the following interview, please write down your reactions to any questions and answers given throughout the conversation. From your reactions, formulate a thesis and write a response to any aspect of the interview that you found to be significant, thought-provoking, or note-worthy. Provide evidence from the interview to support your argument. Your response should be between 250-500 words.



Have Fun!

DAY 3: Sports

The Terrible Towel--What does this iconic symbol of the Pittsburgh Steelers' Franchise mean to you? Maybe it doesn't mean anything to you. Maybe it means a great deal to you. Regardless of how it makes you feel personally, consider the edge that it potentially gives our home team when they step onto the field. In many ways, this probably doesn't give the Steelers that much of an edge at all. The reality is, both the Steelers and the Packers are in Super Bowl XLV because they both played well enough on the field to win their respective conferences.

So, instead of talking about the allure and mystique of the great Steelers' battle flag, the Terrible Towel, let's talk about undeniable, irrefutable FACTS! Typically, die-hard fans have a difficulty referring to concrete aspects of the game like statistics, but I figured it might be fun to take a close look at both the Steelers and the Packers 2010 season statistics and make a rationale and academic argument for which team will win Super Bowl XLV. The really fun part about this is that you do not get to decide which team will win. 


I will assign you a team and you must make a valid argument using the stats that I provide you with today. Please utilize and feature the most applicable statistics in your 250-500 word response that will argue for "your" Super Bowl winner! 

Have Fun!

DAY 4: Politics

The following video will help make sense of Day 4's political discussion about Egypt and it's current politic situation and social instability. Enjoy.

DAY 4: Politics

If I would've asked any of you a month ago, "What comes to mind when you think of Egypt?" it is likely that you would've responded with answers concerning pyramids, mummies, hieroglyphics or other aspects of the ancient civilization that dominated the Arab world thousands of years ago. If I were to ask you the same question about Egypt today, some of you may have much more to say about the modern Arab state and how it is in the midst of a serious uprising.

The current situation in Egypt is a complex one that dates back 30 plus years. To give you an idea of the turmoil that this country has faced, the last president of Egypt, Anwar al-Sadat was assassinated 30 years ago due to his unpopularity; however, his successor has been in power ever since. That means that for twice as long as most of you have been alive, Egypt has had only one president. And just in case you were wondering, they don't like him either.

Because of these unsettling political issues that have plagued Egypt over the last half century, the people are demanding CHANGE. They want it, need it, and believe that they deserve it. Below you will find a series of videos that depict the protests that have been going on over the last week and a half. I want you to observe the civil liberties that are being denied to the Egyptian people.

In addition to the Egyptian government cutting off internet access, they also cut off cell phone reception and transportation services to its people. Consider that riot police brutalized peaceful protesters and vandalized properties (like the mummies in the museum) to make the protesters appear more destructive than they actually were.

These are the times when more fortunate individuals such as ourselves need to reflect on the value and the significance of our rights as American citizens. For example, freedom of speech is important. It is the core right that makes our nation so unique. So think about it...

In 250-500 words, write a persuasive response that argues for the importance of freedom of speech. Use examples from the Egyptian protests to support your argument. In other words, explain how the current situation in Egypt acts as an example for how valuable it is for all people to have the right to free speech. 

HAVE FUN!