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!