Day 14

What was the most difficult time of your life, and why? How did your perspective on life change as a result of the difficulty? This difficult change anyone besides you in the positive or negative?

Day 13

Consider your favorite books, movies, songs, works of arts, etc. Have these influenced your life, or how you look at life? Why are they your favorites? Give one specific example of one of these and how it has impacted your life specifically.

Day 12

Who is/has been one of your heroes? Discuss what qualities this hero had that made you admire him/her/it. How would you emulate this person in the future and maybe even have people view you as a hero?

Day 11

Does any attribute, quality, or skill distinguish you from everyone else? How did you develop it? How does this skill make you feel about yourself? If there is the chance that you want to answer no to this then tell me why you feel this way. Doesn't everyone have something that distinguishes them from the rest of the people they are with?

Day 10

Define, again, the idea of discrimination. Give me examples of discrimination in the world. Give me an example of discrimination that has occured in your life and how it made you feel. Give an example of a time you have discriminated against others. Why? How did it make you feel? How do you think it made the other person feel? Did you care? Why or why not? Finally, why do you think we accept discrimination in our society?

Day 9

There is the idea of what do we get out of being nice to others. This often rings true during this holiday season. Listen to the following song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1i9G60wvH7Y then tell me:

1. Would you do what this man did? Why or why not?
2. Are people more likely to react this way during this time of year than other times? Why or why not?
3. If you answered yes to #2, why do you think this is true about people and society?
4. If you answered no to #2, what causes people to do nice things for others even if we do not know them?
5. Lastly, do you see yourself as a generous giving person? Why or why not? Give an example if you say yes.

Have a great weekend.

Day 8

You have discussed the idea of the city-state in history. Based on the idea that people were moving from one to the other, what would be your preference to live in and why? When you have your family, would you rather live in a larger city such as New York or Chicago or a smaller suburb such as the one you live in now. Explain as part of this as to the importance of why the city-state became important to the growth of a society.

Day 7

Today, in history, Mr. Pouliot discussed the idea of love. We all have different types of love in our lives that shape who we are and become as people. We live in a society where relationships are often seen as disposable (hello Tiger Woods) or as something to control (Hey Chris Brown). For this evening:

Tell me what is your view on the concept of love. How do you personally define love? Do you believe that there is one true love for everyone? Why or why not? If you do, do you think you end up in a place to find your true love?

Day 6

Today you can choose between free blog and current event. If you choose free blog, do not just list things you did last weekend but make it about something that tells who you are as a person or something we do not know about you. If you choose current event, then make sure you cite your source and nothing about Tiger Woods as I am bored of this story.

Day 5

Today we finished Oedipus. It is truly sad that a good man fell the way he did because of some circumstances that were out of his control. Yet, the one thing in his control, his anger also caused some of this to occur as well.

For this evening:

By the end of this reading, do you sympathize with Oedipus or do you think he is too blame for his pain and suffering? Connect the theme of darkness or blindness into your answer with at least one specific example from the story.

Day 4

So as we find out, Oedipus' life does now suck but I guess it could be worse as Jocasta is dead. What a horrible thing to find out that your life is all just a lie. The idea of whose fault is this is a constant battle in literature. Another battle is what was true punishment and who should have been punished.

For this evening:

Choose either Oedipus and his murder of Lauis or Jocasta and her trying to kill Oedipus as an infant. Then, take the side of a defense attorney who will defend them of any guilt for this crime. Write an opening statement to the judge and jury explaining why they should not be found guilty using examples from the story to back up your opinion. Use 3 examples. This will clearly end up more than 7 sentences.

Day 3

Here we are at the end of the second cardmarking. Hard to believe that it is happening this fast. I am, overall, pleased with most of the way the class has gone although I would really love to see people put in more of an effort and show what you are truly capable of.

For today, I would like you to discuss your strengths and weaknesses thus far in this class. Also, what are your goals for the next cardmarking both in my class and as a student in general. Give a letter grade goal with ways you plan to make this happen. Lastly, give any constructive feedback as to how the class could be better or my teaching style could help you more. Constructive does not mean take this opportunity to be rude so that people who are reading this will think you are funny or rude. This does not include the comment no more blogging as that will not be happening.

Day 2

Today we shall do a little current eventing. Please do not do sports or entertainment unless it directly relates to a larger event in the world. Make sure you cite your source or NO POINTS.

Cardmarking 3, Day 1

There are 3 major events that are celebrating their anniversary today:

Dec. 1, 1913- The first service station opened (later known as a gas station)
Dec. 1, 1955- Rosa Parks chose not to move to the back of the bus in Montogmery Alabama.
Dec. 1, 1969- The first people were drafted for the Vietnam War.

Choose one of these events and tell why you think they were significant to the time they occurred as well why they are still significant today. Then, tell how your chosen event impacts your life today.

Probably more than 7 sentences.

Day 23

Discuss the idea of irony. How do you define irony? Give a personal example of irony? Then, think and comment on the following: At the opening of the scene 1, Oedipus states: “Until now I was a stranger to this tale, as I had been a stranger to the crime.” What tale is he talking about and how is this statement ironic?

Day 22

Do you think it is always best to know the truth? Consider a time when you wanted to know the truth about something and others warned that it would be in your best interest if you did not know. What happened as a result of your push to learn the truth? If this is not relevant to you, then discuss why, at times, ignorance can be bliss and give a time in your life where this was true and why.

Day 21

today, we discussed the idea of perceptions and creating a perception of ourselves. In this blog, write your eulogy focused on how you would hope that, in the end, people would think about you. This will probably take at least 15 sentences for you to truly reflect on this moment. This is not always easy as we must reflect on the fact that we all have mortality and, at some point, will die.

Good luck!

Day 20

One of the themes of this movie is regrets and what we do with them. In this blog, do the following:

1. Discuss a regret in your life and how this regret has made you a better person or has made you think less of yourself.
2. Pretend you are in Judgement City and write a letter to your judges about why you should be able to move on. In this letter, you must refer to at least one experience that shows you to be worthy of this move.

I assume that this blog will have to be more than 7 sentences.

Day 19

Based on today's movie, Defending your Life, think about the idea of going into a past life pavillion. Based on your current life, your current expectations and hopes, if you lived a past life do you think that it was similar to who you are now? If you could pick one person or one time period to have lived who or what would it be and why? What values of that person or time do you most wish you had? Could you take these values on now? If yes, how? If no, why not?

If you were not here to watch the movie today, sorry I guess that is one of the negatives to being absent.

Day 18

The Willingness to Ignore the Truth is often a theme found in literature. How has this theme impacted your life either through personal experience or experience with other people? Is it every ok to ignore the truth? If yes, when? What are some of the consequences when this happens?

Day 17

Today I would like you to discuss movies. What types of movies do you like? What draws you to a certain movie? Actors, directors, music? Do you think that movies play a role in American society besides just being entertainment? Why or why not?

Day 16

We shall current event today. Remember that you must summarize your current event and then connect it to you, the world or the community and the effect that it has on it. NO CITE, NO POINTS!

Day 15

I hope you enjoyed Chalkboard football and the Veterans Ceremony. I have enjoyed sitting in the library all day and grading papers. You will get back the LOTF test and your character project tomorrow. We will be quickly doing vocab and grammar and hopefully completing more of the god-a-thon. Alot to accomplish in a day. Don't forget to study for your World history test.

For this evening talk about the idea of gods vs. God. Why do you think that during the early history of man it was important to have so many different gods and then that switched to most religions and peoples having one God? Which system do you think works the best? Would you want to live in a world that relied on so many different gods? Why or why not? Benefits or defecits to living this way in the 21st
century?

Day 14

Tomorrow will be 2nd hour Social Studies- Chalkboard Football. 3rd hour you will be going to the Veterans Ceremony. Wednesday we will complete our god-a-thon. Also, do not forget that your essay/letter is due on Wednesday.

For this evening, think about the ideal of pride. We saw this a lot in The Iliad in regards to both Achilles and Hector. We will continue to see this when we read Oedipus. Read the following quote and then comment on what it means to you and how pride is or is not important to who you are as a person:

"When dealing with people, let us remember we are not dealing with creatures of logic. We are dealing with creatures of emotion, creatures bustling with prejudices and motivated by pride and vanity."
Dale Carnegie

Day 13

For tonight, FREE BLOG!!!! Make it something that will share something about you that will teach us something we do not know.

Day 12

Today you will need to do a current event. Cite your source or no points and no sports or entertainment without it relating to something very current in our society.

Day 11

Do you think Achilles has bound peace in his victory? Do you think that his revenge has gone too far? Explain your answer with at least one reference to the story. Why do you think Achille's anger is so intense, even with his vengeance complete? Lastly, have you ever experienced a need for vengeance that over run your rational thought? Explain.

This may easily take more than 7 sentences.

Day 10

We continue looking at The Iliad and all it brings to the table. One of the ideas to think about is that of victory. We live in a society that is geared toward winning at all costs. We saw some of that with Achilles and the way he treated Hector even in death. With the idea of what is victory respond to the follwing:

Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary.
Mahatma Gandhi

How could this apply to our world, you and Achilles?

Day 9

Good job reading out loud today. We have not done much of this but will be doing some more as the time goes on. One of the concepts we mentioned was that of honor. Who in this story seems more honorable? Why? Is there any irony to which character may seem to have more honor? What role does honor play in your life? Give an example of a time you did something honorable?

Day 8

One of the concepts of The Iliad is honor. How would you define the concept of honor? Is this an important value for you in your life? Why or why not? Give an example of an honorable person and how they embody this concept.

Day 7

As always, we shall be looking at current events this evening. Please pick wisely and do not choose entertainment or sports unless you can related back to a strong current event. Remember, the summary should be brief while the connection should be longer. DO NOT FORGET TO CITE!

Day 6

Today we began talking about Greek literature and the idea of the epic poem and the epic hero. We will continue this during the course of the week as we read "The Iliad." Part of the idea of the epic hero is that they often have some flaw that affects their ability to lead. In the begining of the reading from today it talks about the idea of the achilles heal and that everyone seems to have one. During Mr. Pouliot's class you touched on epic heroes from the movies. For tonight:

Pick an epic hero from a book, movie or tv program. Discuss what makes him and epic hero based on our definition of epic hero today. Mention what their achilles heal (no nothing to do with tendons)may be. Then discuss what your achilles heal may be. We all have one so you might have to actually think about some of your weaknesses and how they affect you. THIS MAY TAKE MORE THAN 7 SENTENCES IF YOU DO IT WELL!

Day 5

Technically, we have finished our reading and discussion of Lord of the Flies. I truly hope that you got from the book that people can do evil things based on what is happening to them. People can also choose to work together to avoid these evil inclinations if they think rationally and objectively at situations. The idea of order and chaos is so important to the running of our society as if we do not learn to be more orderly we will continue to be in a downward spiral.

For this evening:

"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so."
Douglas Adams

How does this quote go with the reading of Lord of the Flies? What experiences could have the boys learned from thus not creating such chaos on the island? How is this true for society in general? Give an example where society has proven this quote correct. Finally, is this quote an accurate or inaccurate reflection on your life so far? Why?

Day 4

Hopefully, you got where Mr. Pouliot and I were coming from today. As he said, we could easily do our job without caring, hand out some sheets and collect them, give some information and then test but then we would not be true to ourselves. We want each of you to be successful not only in this class but in your life. We feel privledged that we have the opportunity to help guide you to the next level in your life but need to be met with partnership and respect to truly do what we want for each and everyone of you.

With that in mind, and a new cardmarking with us, tell me about your goals for your education over the next six weeks. Not just in my class but all your classes. Talk about how you can meet those goals and the positive or negative consequences you could create for yourself if you do not meet your goals.

Day 3

Honestly, I am beginning to really question the overriding apathy that I get from a majority of the class. It is sad that many of you take your education for granted and take the learning that you can receive as if it just does not matter. So many missing assignments or lack of note taking just shows how much mediocrity is acceptable. Just think what this country would have been like if your ancestors and leaders cared about their education and their world as little as many of you do. The idea that it is acceptable to just talk when you want while someone is doing their job is not only rude but offensive as well. Sadly, if these behaviors do not change it will be reflected in the future colleges you attend and the jobs that you receive. Those students both in this school and in the schools outside of this city will leap above you due to the utter lack of interest in your own education. How selfish many of you are that you are more concerned with the person next to you than about what you could be attaining in the moment. As stated early on, I do not come in respecting or disrespecting any of my students as the year begins but many of you do nothing to earn that respect based on the way you treat the class and me. Furthermore, you disrespect those students around you who wish to learn and make something of their lives by not caring enough to be respectful at the right times.

For this evening, I would like you to choose one of the themes that were mentioned in class today and one of the characters and find 3 examples of how that character interacted with that theme. In order to get the points you must give the page numbers of where the example is given. Then, tell how this theme has or may connect to your life within the last or next 3 years.

Yes, this will take more than 7 sentences.

Day 2

Tomorrow, we will be meeting for 2nd hour in the LGI.

As today was grammar and vocab day we all know what that means: Current Event blog day! Yeah.

Remember to cite your source and no entertainment or sports unless there is a clear reason why you are talking about them.

Cardmarking 2, Day 1

Welcome to the second cardmarking. Now that you have lived through the first cardmarking I hope that you have gotten a grasp on my expectations and how to succeed in the classroom. You will continue to work hard but each and everyone of you is capable of achieving success if you want to work for it. I continue to be willing to do my part to help you if you ask for it.

Please respond to the following quote:

"True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it be lost."
- Charles Caleb Colton

When responding, feel free to talk about your friendships both positive and negative and how they impact you.

Day 27

The movie, "Planet of the Apes," closely follows similar themes of "Lord of the Flies." In regards to this idea, choose either discrimination or survival as your topic for this blog. Then, give examples of how this theme is evident in both the movie and the novel and connect them to a character from each as well. Finally, why do authors of movies and novels use these same themes so often?

Day 26

What is the symbolism of the conch? Why does it seem to have so much power? What characteristics does it have in common with what it appears to symbolize? In the first part of Planet of the Apes, is there any symbol that is like the conch or a symbol that might represent power? Give an example in your life of some type of power symbol. This could be in your family or society and explain why that symbol has power.

Day 25

For this evening:

Jack encourages his followers to dance and chant, “Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!” In your opinion, what is the purpose of the dancing and chanting? To overcome fear? Secure Jack’s position as chief? Something else? If you were on the island who would have you supported Ralph or Jack and why?

Day 24

As today was grammar and vocab day we all know what that means: Current Event blog day! Yeah. Also, need to read chatpers 10-12. Tomorrow we will discuss 9-12 and the themes that go with them.

Remember to cite your source and no entertainment or sports unless there is a clear reason why you are talking about them.

Day 23

Well it seems that we already did the blog I posted earlier so here is another for this evening:

"You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment if you do not trust enough."
Frank Crane

Relate this quote both to you and your life as well as to one character in the book. Make sure you give a specific example from the story that relates to the quote and the character.

Day 22

Many people believe that good and evil are a part of life throughout the world, with plenty of evidence of each to some degree. What shapes each of us is how we experience these oposing elements, and how that experience affects our choices and us. Think about the three individuals who survive Arrow One's crash landing. Identify the good and bad qualities in each of them as well as the good and bad choices they make. What causes them to behave in the way they do? What kind of previous life experiences might have shaped their personalities? Based on your personal experiences what do you think your response would be to the situations they were under? What do you think would be your possibility of success under these situations? Why?

Day 21

In Ancient Greece, Aristotle argued that a citizen did not just belong to himself or herself, but to the state. Using this idea as a background, do you think that all citizens (male and female) in the United States should be required to serve two years in the armed forces after graduating High School? Why or why not? For which ever side you choose, please explain the pros and cons to your decision. Explain how this would make you personally feel or how the community would benefit or feel a deficit of your decision.

Day 20

Over 20 people did not blog last night so if that was you make sure you get it done the rest of the week.

Since it is Tuesday, we shall be doing a current event. You know the drill so make sure you have the brief summary and the connection. Also remember, NO CITE, NO POINTS.

See you tomorrow!

Day 19

So, 2nd hour got to read and received the next chapter guides and 3rd hour will receive theirs tomorrow. Please note that chapters 7-9 should be read for Wednesday. We will finish our groups from chapters 1-3 on Wednesday.

For this evening:

"You can't live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you."
John Wooden

What does this quote mean to you and how does it relate to what you have read in Lord of the Flies thus far?

Day 18

Pick any character except the one you are doing for your project. Pretend that they are rescued at this point of the book. You have been assigned to interview them for a news report. Come up with 7 questions and answers. They should be complete sentences and through them I should be able to realize that you have actually been reading.

Day 17

Hope you enjoyed day one of the Olympics. Remember to study for vocab and grammar quiz. If you are unsure about the dangling modifiers please google it and use some of the practice information.

For this evening, FREE BLOG. Make sure it is a different topic than the last one because I will.

Day 16

We continue to try and understand the inner workings of Lord of the Flies. Make sure you have read through chapter 6 by Friday. If you are doing Post Its, make sure they are completed on Friday as I will not give points for Post Its past Friday.

For this evening, ponder the following and answer the questions:

"When we take revenge against another, we lose some of our innocence."

PATRICE REDD VECCHIONE

What does the quote mean? Give me examples in your life or in world history where this may be true. What is the problem if we do not rally against this type of thinking?

Day 15

Thanks for your attention today with vocab and grammar. Make sure you study and are capable of using the words in a sentence. I will be in my room on Thursday after school for anyone who wants to go over skills for studying for vocab and grammar quizzes.

For this evening, we will look at current events. Again, make sure you pick an event that is not entertainment or sports based unless you can some how attach them to something relevant going on in our world. Give a brief explanation of the event and how it directly effect you, your community and your world.

You must Cite your source. NO CITE, NO POINTS and try and remember to do it in your original blog.

Day 14

Sorry I forgot to post the vocab last week. Obviously, we will be going over it tomorrow so you will all get the words then.

For today, I want you to pick any character in the novel but not the one you are using for your book project. As the character, I want you to give your assessment of the island and the adventure thus far. Talk about how the other characters are impacting you positively or negatively and whether or not you think you can make it until you are finally rescued or even if you are not rescued. What traits do you have that impact your last answer.

This may take more than 7 sentences to answer completely.

Day 13

Please respond to the following quote:

Integrity is not a conditional word. It doesn't blow in the wind or change with the weather. It is your inner image of yourself, and if you look in there and see a man who won't cheat, then you know he never will.
--John D. MacDonald (1916-1986)

Day 12

The following quote was made in chapter 2:

"'We've got to have rules and obey them. After all, we're not savages. We're English, and the English are best at everything.'"
- William Golding, Lord of the Flies, Ch. 2

Please state who made the quote and to whom. Then discuss why the speaker felt the need for rules and for obeying rules. What is your opinion of this quote? Do we need rules? Why? Describe a world without rules and how you think you would function within this world.

Day 11

Today we read the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson and discussed the concept of evil.

Explain in your opinion whether or not the society of the lottery was an evil society. Furthermore, discuss this concept of evil being born in you or thrust upon you. Pick an evil person real or fictional and discuss which of these is true for them and why. Finally, connect this idea of evil to the following quote:

"It is bitter to lose a friend to evil, before one loses him to death."
Mary Renault

Day 10

Good job with vocab and grammar today. Please, please study for both quizzes this week. Remember, there are many points assigned to these quizzes and you should not allow them to bring your grade down.

For this evening, we will look at current events. Again, make sure you pick an event that is not entertainment or sports based unless you can some how attach them to something relevant going on in our world. Give a brief explanation of the event and how it directly effect you, your community and your world.

You must Cite your source. NO CITE, NO POINTS

Day 9

Today we began reading Lord of the Flies which was written after World War 2. In this evenings blog, explain how writers are influenced by their times to write certain types of novels. Why is this important to history? Also, reflect on the following quote and tie it into the idea of historical based fiction:

"Society has always seemed to demand a little more from human beings than it will get in practice."
George Orwell

Day 8

Remember that your individual research is due on Tuesday. We will not have any more lab time for this portion of the assignment. Next weeks vocab is at the end of the blog.

You have discussed Hamarrabi's Code in World History and some have read it in my class as well. He talks quite a bit about the idea of consequences and really lives to a certain degree with the idea of an eye for an eye. Think about the idea of the death penalty. What are the pro's and con's of this idea in today's society as compared to back in the day? What is your personal opinion on the death penalty and why do you feel this way? Are you more like Hamarrabi or more liberal based on today's world?

Vocab words for next week:

1. alacrity
2. analogous
3. apathy
4. arbitrary
5. avatar
6. baneful
7. beguile
8. beleaguer
9. bolster
10. boreal

Day 7

Good job continuing to work on the project. Dont worry about a due date as of now.
Today will be the first of an occasional free blog. This is an opportunity to talk about anything that you want to talk about. Make sure that even though it is open ended, you must have a topic sentence and conclusion sentence.

Day 6

We continue to look at the idea of survival and what it takes not only to survive but then to begin again. Please relate the following quote to the idea of survival and how it connects to your life:

"Civility is not something that automatically happens. Civil societies come about because people want them to."
Jimmy Bise Jr

Day 5

Since we really did not have a discussion today, we are going to begin do our weekly current event. The way this works is that you find a topic that is current based on a newspaper, magazine or online news source. You need to explain your current event and then discuss how this event connects to you and your community. Last, you must cite your source from the current event. Events cannot be entertainment or sports related unless you can show how they have a true connection to the greater community.

Day 4

Imagine a local disaster where you have a choice between trying to help everyone survive at the risk of everyone dying in any case or saving yourself at the expense of the others. Talk about what the disaster might be and what you would do. Which rules or laws wouldn't matter as much any more? Or, conversely, which of them might be more important than ever? Would your views change under different circumstances? Give an example of a circumstance where this might be true.

Day 3

I hope your project is near completion. I was truly happy on the use of time in the lab over the last couple of days. Here are the words for next week:

1. abject
2. abscond
3. abstemious
4. abstinence
5. acquiesce
6. acrimonious
7. acumen
8. affectation
9. affluence
10. aficionado

Also, please respond tell me how you view your first week in school. Based on your first week, what are your goals for this school year. These goals do not have to be just academic but could be social or job related.

Have a great weekend.

Day 2

In relation to the song 100 Years think about the following quote and respond to what you think it means and how it relates to you:

"The question is not whether we will die, but how will we live."
Joan Borysenko

Day 1

Here we go. Today, we listened to Five for Fighting's 100 Years. Think about and re-read the words for the song. What is the message that the group is trying to get across in the song? How does this message impact your daily life both socially and academically? Based on this song, how do you create your goals for this coming school year and what are those goals?

Day 25

Current event day. The current event must come from within the last week. As always, no entertainment and no sports. Try and not do one that someone else has done. If you do, then you must somehow comment about theirs (if theirs was done first) in your blog. NO CITE, NO POINTS

Day 24

What is the symbolism of the conch? Why does it seem to have so much power? What characteristics does it have in common with what it appears to symbolize? In the first part of Planet of the Apes, is there any symbol that is like the conch or a symbol that might represent power? Give an example in your life of some type of power symbol. This could be in your family or society and explain why that symbol has power.

Day 23

Remember that you must be read through chapter 7 by Friday.

The following quote was made in chapter 2:

"'We've got to have rules and obey them. After all, we're not savages. We're English, and the English are best at everything.'"
- William Golding, Lord of the Flies, Ch. 2

Please state who made the quote and to whom. Then discuss why the speaker felt the need for rules and for obeying rules. What is your opinion of this quote? Do we need rules? Why? Describe a world without rules and how you think you would function within this world.

Day 22

Many people believe that good and evil are a part of life throughout the world, with plenty of evidence of each to some degree. What shapes each of us is how we experience these oposing elements, and how that experience affects our choices and us. Think about the three individuals who survive Arrow One's crash landing. Identify the good and bad qualities in each of them as well as the good and bad choices they make. What causes them to behave in the way they do? What kidn of previous life expeirences might have shaped their personalities? Based on your personal experiences what do you think your response would be to the situations they were under? What do you think would be your possibility of success under these situations? Why?

Day 21

Imagine a local disaster where you have a choice between trying to help everyone survive at the risk of everyone dying in any case or saving yourself at the expense of the others. Talk about what the disaster might be and what you would do. Which rules or laws wouldn't matter as much any more? Or, conversely, which of them might be more important than ever? Would your views change under different circumstances? Give an example of a circumstance where this might be true.

Day 20

Great discussion today and I am looking forward to finishing it up tomorrow.

For this evening:

Is it always best to follow the rules? If you think rules are inappropriate, what can you do? How do you feel when those who are in charge will not listen to your ideas? What are your alternative when this happens? How does what you can do differ from what you should do? Give a personal example of when you have tried to change rules in your life? Was it successful? Why or why not?

This may go over 7 sentences which is fine since we do not have Friday blogs.

Day 19

We are in the homestretch but not done yet. Some of you have to get back on board so you can pass this cardmarking and in some cases the semester. We will begin our next novel, Lord of the Flies, tomorrow so be ready to read. It is a good read.

"When we take revenge against another, we lose some of our innocence."

PATRICE REDD VECCHIONE

What does the quote mean? Give me examples in your life or in world history where this may be true. What is the problem if we do not rally against this type of thinking?

Day 18

Tomorrow we will continue our godathon, may the best god win (small g Scott Houghtaling).

For this evening, please respond to the following:

"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us."
Helen Keller

Give me a personal example of how this quote relates to you.

Day 17

Some people love it and some hate it but today we shall free blog. You cannot talk about anything you have previously talked about in a free blog. Stretch your mind. Pick a topic and give an opinion. Something that you like or something that you do not! No free blogging about blogging that will get you no points.

Day 16

Current event me today. As always, no sports no entertainment unless you can attach it to something current. Cite in your original response. NO CITE, NO POINTS.

Remember, it is the connection that you make that is more important than the summary of the article.

Day 15

Please respond to the following quote:

"Inside myself is a place where I live all alone and that's where you renew your springs that never dry up."
Pearl Buck

Make sure you have some kind of personal connection to your response.

Day 14

Achilles is a tragic hero in an epic poem. Oedipus was also a tragic hero. Which of these two was more tragic? Why? Can you think of any tragic heroes in our current society? Who and why? If your answer is no, then explain why we do not seem to have tragic heroes anymore.

Day 13

Today we shall current event. Please make sure you cite in the blog. NO CITE, NO POINTS. You should also avoid doing a current event that someone else has blogged about. The only way you can do so is if you react to their blog and then find a different article that supports or refutes what they were saying.

Day 12

Pick a theme, any theme. Then find a quote for the theme. Make sure you credit the author of the quote. Then find a song that goes with the theme. Last, discuss the meaning of the theme and the song and how they work together to show your true feelings about your theme.

Day 11

Life is all about change but it is how we deal with this change that tells what kind of person we really are.

Read the following quote:

"It is not necessary to change. Survival is not mandatory."
W. Edwards Deming

Then listen to the following song by David Bowie:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbnJo88kuP8&feature=related

What is being said about making changes? How do the quote and the song connect? Give me an example of a time change was scary but good for you?

Day 10

In regards to the personal narrative, remember the following:

I will be looking to see that the rough draft and peer/family revisions are completed by Wednesday and final copy is due on Friday. You will have one more day, Monday, to work on this in class and then you are on your own.

Today's topic is friendship. Personally, I think that nothing is more important that friendship. Please look at this quote and then listen to the cheesy song and tell me what they have in common, what you look for in a friend and the importance of friendship to you.

"Never refuse any advance of friendship, for if nine out of ten bring you nothing, one alone may repay you."
Madame de Tencin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwC4A_JAXcA Start this at about 1:16

Day 9

Today we shall current event. No sports or entertainment unless it connects to something larger, do not forget it is not about the summary but about the analysis and connection. NO CITE, NO POINT! MUST CITE IN ORIGINAL BLOG.

Day 8

“Believe it can be done. When you believe something can be done, really believe, your mind will find the ways to do it. Believing a solution paves the way to solution.”
David Joseph Schwartz

How does this quote relate to the following song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9CTkCnad2BE

How does this quote or song relate to your own life and belief system.

Day 7

Please respond to the following song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFPShUSgFyI&feature=PlayList&p=E543FFCDAC8285BB&index=0&playnext=1

What is the message? How does this message effect your thinking or your life?

Day 6

Here is what I find entertaining. Many people talk about the importance of music in free blogs or at other times. A couple people have expressed, even, how some songs really cause them to think if they listen to the lyrics. I decide to put a song (yes, a bit cheezy) into the blog not so you can ridicule the song (which many did) but to think about what the song means. I have friends who are in bands and who write music and they state that one of the most irritating thing is that people do not think about lyrics enough before they ridicule a song. I just thought it funny that people were so into the cheese factor of the song that they could not get passed it to the music. What if that was my taste in music? Would that make me a bad person or some loser who does not like the same music as some of you? How judgemental especially for those who say that music is the chance to allow us to really have our own individual choices of what we like.

For this evening, listen to this song and tell me what you think they are saying and how the topic effects you or your community. May also be a bit cheesy so if there is a song you would like people to reflect on that is appropriate then write it on a piece of paper and maybe it will end up here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZtiJN6yiik

Day 5

Please watch and listen to the following video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcSDli-Byn8

Once you have, discuss how you measure a year in your life. What do you base this measurement on? What do you think the message of this song is?

Day 4

Today is a current event. Remember that no one can do the same one and it should not be sports or entertainment unless you can truly connect it to something going on that is important. The key is the connection this event has to you not as much the summary of the event. NO CITE, NO POINTS AND CITE MUST BE IN ORIGINAL BLOG.

Day 3

"Worry a little bit every day and in a lifetime you will lose a couple of years. If something is wrong, fix it if you can. But train yourself not to worry. Worry never fixes anything."
Mary Hemingway

Besides saying what you think this means, tell me about a time when worrying made a situation worse but fixing a situation made you feel better.

Day 2

Today we shall free blog. The point of the free blog is to write on any topic you wish but have it be meaningful and an insight into you. If I sense that you are not being meaningful and just rushing, I reserve the right to not give you credit.

Cardmarking 6, Day 1

One of the themes of Oedipus was choices and consequences. Give an example of this theme in the story and how it connected it to at least one of the characters. Then, explain how this theme has been incorporated in your own life.

Day 24

The idea of perception was discussed in Oedipus in regards to many characters. The YouTube video of Britain's Got Talent and Susan Boyle indicates another example of people's perceptions that may or may not be correct. Please read the following quote and tell what you think it is saying. How does it relate to Oedipus, Susan Boyle and yourself? Is there a way that you as an individual and people as a group could ever stop the perceptions so that people get a fair shake?

Day 23

Imagine that Oedipus were a current leader. Think about the scandal that would follow the revelation that he killed his father and married his mother. Imagine you are interviewing Oedipus for a prime time television show. To what questions would you want answers? Create 10 questions that you would ask him. What feelings about Oedipus would you want your viewers to have after your interview?

Day 22

Today we discussed the idea of irony and tragic irony. We discussed this last week but hopefully you have a better idea. Discuss, in this blog, the idea of fate. What does fate mean to you? How do you define fate? How is the idea of fate a tragic irony for Oedipus? Lastly, what do you think you are fated for? If you are not sure, why not?

Day 21

You are having a dinner party and can invite any 5 people to attend. Who would you invite and why? What is the significance of choosing these people.

For example, one of my people would be Will Smith. I would choose him because I would love to discuss how he went from recording artist to tv star to movie star and how it has effected his life. I would also choose FDR. He was president during a very difficult time and I have always been fascinated by his successes during his presidency. I think I could learn a great deal about the world from him. I would also have my grandfather because I have learned a great deal from him and have great respect for him and would want to share this with him. (I would add 2 more people). Overall, I would want to surround myself with a variety of people who would enhance what I think and how I act.

Day 20

Much has gone on in the world over the last week so we will do a current event to begin our blogs for this week. Please remember no sports or entertainment unless you can attach it to a real current event. Also, only one person per story and CITE YOUR SOURCE. NO CITE NO POINTS!

Day 19

How about a current event today? Make sure you read and do not do an event that someone else does. Give a short summary and then tell the effect on you, community or world. NO CITE, NO POINTS AND CITE MUST BE IN THE BLOG.

Day 18

Oh the tangles webs we weave....or in this case that Oedipus weaves. He does not believe Tiresias but who can blame him as then he has to admit his whole life is a lie.

For today's blog, please create a dialogue between Oedipus and his adoptive parents discussing some of the clues that Tiresias gave up in his speech. You should have at least 7 complete lines of dialogue for Oedipus and 7 for his parents (separate or together). Through this discussion Oedipus is trying to figure out what happened in his life. At the end, he can have an epiphany.

Day 17

Good discussion on fate today.

Discuss the idea of irony. How do you define irony? Give a personal example of irony? Then, think and comment on the following: At the opening of the scene 1, Oedipus states: “Until now I was a stranger to this tale, as I had been a stranger to the crime.” What tale is he talking about and how is this statement ironic?

Day 16

Do you think it is always best to know the truth? Consider a time when you wanted to know the truth about something and others warned that it would be in your best interest if you did not know. What happened as a result of your push to learn the truth? If this is not relevant to you, then discuss why, at times, ignorance can be bliss and give a time in your life where this was true and why.

Day 15

I am interested in learning more about you today. Give me something about yourself, your life, your family, hopes, dreams, etc. that gives a greater insight into who you are as a person.

Day 14

Today will be current event day. Please choose a current event. NO ONE CAN HAVE THE SAME EVENT SO LOOK CLOSELY TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE CHOOSING SOMETHING DIFFERENT!. As always, you need to give a brief summary of your event and focus on how this event effects you, your community, or your world. NO CITE, NO COUNT AND CITE MUST BE IN YOUR ORIGINAL BLOG.

Have a great night.

Day 13

One of the themes of this movie is regrets and what we do with them. In this blog, do the following:

1. Discuss a regret in your life and how this regret has made you a better person or has made you think less of yourself.
2. Pretend you are in Judgement City and write a letter to your judges about why you should be able to move on. In this letter, you must refer to at least one experience that shows you to be worthy of this move.

I assume that this blog will have to be more than 7 sentences.

Day 12

Based on the movie, think about the idea of going into a past life pavillion. Based on your current life, your current expectations and hopes, if you lived a past life do you think that it was similar to who you are now? If you could pick one person or one time period to have lived who or what would it be and why? What values of that person or time do you most wish you had? Could you take these values on now? If yes, how? If no, why not?

If you were not here to watch the movie today, sorry I guess that is one of the negatives to being absent.

Day 11

Today you began watching "Defending Your Life." Prior to viewing the movie, we discussed the idea of perceptions and creating a perception of ourselves. In this blog, write your eulogy focused on how you would hope that, in the end, people would think about you. This will probably take at least 15 sentences for you to truly reflect on this moment.

Good luck!

Day 10

Remember the paper is due on Monday. You will need to hand in the rough draft, peer edit, rubric and the final copy. Final copy will be on top. Remember that you need a work cited page even if the only work is "Macbeth." Also remember that it must be in MLA formatting and if you are not sure what that means Google it.

For this evening, ponder the following:

"When they discover the center of the universe, a lot of people will be disappointed to discover they are not it."
Bernard Bailey

Day 9

Hope the paper is going well. Tomorrow we will have, hopefully, time on the computers. For this evening, please do a current event. This may not be sports or entertainment unless you can attach it to something that is current in society or impacts society. Remember that this is not just a summary of an event but you must discuss why you chose it and how it impacts you, your community, or your society. NO CITE, NO POINTS AND THE CITE MUST BE IN THE ORIGINAL BLOG.

Day 8

Today I would like you to discuss movies. What types of movies do you like? What draws you to a certain movie? Actors, directors, music? Do you think that movies play a role in American society besides just being entertainment? Why or why not?

Day 7

We all like to listen to music. In today's blog, please talk about the meaning of music to you. What music do you like? Why? When do you use music for soothing and when for fun? What bands and singers do you listen to? How do you pick your music style?

Day 6

I hope you did some thinking about your character analysis before you come to class tomorrow. This essay is worth at least 102 points no including points I give for working in the lab and staying on task.

For tonight ponder the following quote:

"I think laughter may be a form of courage. As humans we sometimes stand tall and look into the sun and laugh, and I think we are never more brave than when we do that."
Linda Ellerbee

Cardmarking 2, Day 5

Today you guys continued to work on your Macbeth project while a few of you made up the test from Friday. Get these blogs done promptly so that you can rest up for your testing tomorrow!

Today's blog is your reaction to a quote.

"Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing." -- Abraham Lincoln

Enjoy.

-Hand

Cardmarking 2, Day 4

Today you took your test on Macbeth...hopefully everyone Aced it.

Your blog for today is...

You need to find a current event for today's blog. Remember that you need to cite your source in the blog...not as an addition to the blog. Kay said you should know what that means.

Have a great weekend!

-Hand

Cardmarking 2, Day 3

Today we reviewed for the Macbeth test which you will be taking on Friday. Hopefully along with blogging your are studying hard for this test!

Your blog tonight is a question about Macbeth:

If you were writing a book review what would you say about "Macbeth?" Make sure you use info from the story to back up your opinion.

-Hand

Cardmarking 2, Day 2

Today you guys were given time to work on your Macbeth project. Hopefully tomorrow we will have more participation in the actual doing of the project while in the lab.

Today's blog:

Define tragedy in your own words. Why is "Macbeth" a tragedy? Is Macbeth's death really tragic or not? Explain using info from the story.

See you all tomorrow,

-Hand

Cardmarking 2, Day 1

Manliness is a "motif" in Macbeth. In what ways does Shakespeare show manliness in his characters? How does this motif portray itself in todays society? Support your ideas using any recent book, movie or tv show.

Day 22

Today we finished Macbeth. Please respond to the following:

What makes one person's death a tragedy while another person's death may be considered unfortunate? Give examples in history of this idea.

Day 21

Compared to some violent criminals around today, is Macbeth better or worse than they? Explain who and why. Would someone like that be able to function in today's society? Why or why not? Example?

Day 20

We see that Macbeth is beginning to act more and more desparate with the killing of Macduff's family. From your experience, what motivates a person to act desparately? Have you ever been pushed to acting this way? If you are comfortable, for what reason. If not, can you think of a book, movie or tv character, politician, etc. who has acted this way and what caused them to do so?

Day 19

Please choose a current event. No sports or entertainment unless it relates to something greater. Give a brief summary of your event and then tell me how it impacts you on a personal level. NO CITE, NO POINTS AND THE CITE MUST BE IN THE ORIGINAL POST NOT A SUBSEQUENT POST.

Week 5 Day 18

Please respond to the following quote:

"When we blindly adopt a religion, a political system, a literary dogma, we become automatons. We cease to grow."
Anais Nin

Day 17

We discussed a couple of Macbeth themes today. They are not the only ones as the following are also themes: things are not what they seem, blind ambition, power corrupts, and superstition affects human behavior. Please choose one of these themes and write how they have effected the story and characters. Make sure you use at least 2 specific examples from different acts when explaining.

Day 16

For this evening, I would like you to choose one of the characters and write a diary entry of how they are reacting to the events which are taking place. Use examples to support their reactions. Do not just choose Macbeth because he is the easiest but stretch your mind a bit. You may also use a character who has been killed up to the point of their death. Do not forget those characters that have run off as they are important to the story as well. This may take a few more than 7 sentences.

Week 4, Day 15

We have completed 3 Acts of "Macbeth" now. We have seen that the good Macbeth seems to be falling into a world with morals that only work with his ambition. Also, we seem to see him falling into a world of insanity based on his actions.

For this evening:

If you were one of the nobles in Macbeth's court, how would you react to the king that Macbeth has become? Do you think that people thought he would be a good king? Why or why not? Give examples of leaders who you feel have misused their power. give reasons for your choices. (You many not use Hitler as he is too obvious).

Day 14

Today we read the first 2 scenes of Act 3. In them we realize that Macbeth is truly beginning to lose it a bit. The fact that he was no longer happy just with being king but with having to set up his future status as well shows the fact that once he murdered and got away with it, it seems as if this type of behavior is now acceptable.

If you were Macbeth would you tell Lady Macbeth about the plot to murder Banquo and Fleance? Why or why not? What are the advantages and disadvantages to discussing this with her based on what we know of her personality? Why is it important to Macbeth that the murderers succeed in killing both Banquo and Fleance? Why doesn't he just do it himself? What does this say about Macbeth's personality from a psychological point of view? Explain your answer.

Have a great 4 days off!

Day 13

We are now done with our bubbling. For this evening, choose a current event. Summarize in a couple of sentences and then give an opinion of how this event effects you, your town or your world. NO CITE, NO POINTS

Day 12

The last few days we have spent dealing with the ACT. What is your opinion of this test and the effect it may have on your future? Do these type of tests pigeon hole us into a specific way of thinking or are they good for helping us decide on our future? Should the school be putting as much time into this test as we do or is there a better use of time? I guess, what is your opinion on this part of your life?

Day 11

Hope you did not miss me too much today and did alright with the ACT Test Prep. It may seem like a waste of time but truly it is not. The more practice the better the score in the end.

For this evening, I would like you to create a dialogue between Macbeth and Duncan after Duncan is killed. Each person must have at least 5 strong lines with references to the story. The discussion could be Duncan asking Macbeth why he killed him or what his plans may be for Scotland. Be creative but at the same time the key is me knowing that you are getting the story.

Week 3, Day 10

Please address the following quote:

“The very substance of the ambitious is merely the shadow of a dream.”
William Shakespeare

Day 9

Make sure that you reread and review Act 2 as there will most likely be a quiz on Monday. Please choose from one of the following to blog about:

How would you respond if you learned someone else was going to receive an unearned award? What if you thought you deserved the award? How does jealousy play into how we make decisions or react to other people's success?

Do you know of a situation where someone cheated the system to get what they wanted? (Avoid school related activities if possible) Is there a time when cheating the system is acceptable? Do you feel you have cheated the system ever? Give an example and/or how it made you feel.

Day 8

We continued our reading of "Macbeth" Act 2 scenes 1 & 2.

Give me your definition of motivation. How do we motivate ourselves to do things especially if we think they may not be the best choice. Give an example of something that motivates you. Then, pick a character from the play and discuss what motivates them and whether that motivation is a positive or negative thing.

Day 7

Hope you did well on the quiz. You should have had more than enough time to figure out the simile and metaphor exercise as well.

For this evening:

Macbeth allowed outside forces to have some control over his life. So far, these include the witches and Lady Macbeth. Often in our lives, we allow outside forces to have more control than we think they should. What outside forces do you feel control your life? Why do you allow this to happen? Does this make you a weak person? When can it be positive to allow outside forces to be an effective part of our lives?

Day 6

Today we looked at Act 1, Scenes 5-7. As always, reread and make sure all work it up to date including the Act 1 questions. As part of Act 1, we saw Macbeth making decisions with his life about his future. These choices include the potential death of King Duncan at his own hands. With that in mind:

Most people who rise to high positions had to step on someone else’s toes to get there. Do you agree or disagree with this statement. Why? Can you give examples of this happening in our society? Is there always something wrong with doing what it takes to move ahead?

Week 2, Day 1

Today we listened to scenes 3 & 4 (we are going to begin moving a bit faster than one or two scenes a day). Make sure you re-read these scenes for clear understanding. Also, make sure that you are filling in the grid sheet as well as looking at the other unit long assignment. Do not get behind or you will end up losing points in the end.

For this evening, please discuss the following:

Describe your first impression of Macbeth. What do we know about him and how do we initially perceive him? Does this impression change after he hears the witches predictions or the fact that he became Thane of Cawdor? What about his comments at the end whe he learns that Malcolm will be the next king? How does all of this tie into the idea of ambition?

REMEMBER AT LEAST 7 SENTENCES!!

Day 4

We began our listening/reading of Macbeth. Please reread the first to scenes for clear understanding making sure that you follow the guidelines of the unit long assignments.

For this evening, look at the idea of Natural v. Supernatural as we have seen this already. Give an example of this in the first 2 acts and then predict what may happen next. Also, talk about why we continue to read Shakespeare after all of these years even though it is difficult to understand.

Have a great weekend and Go Steelers!

Day 3

Tried to get the blog up earlier but had to rush out of school and have been carpooling since then.

Today we discussed the concepts of fate, guilt and ambition as prevailing areas of life. We all have encountered thoughts of these one way or another. For this evening, comment on one of the following quotes:

“Ambition is the path to success. Persistence is the vehicle you arrive in.”
Bill Bradley

“There are no little events in life, those we think of no consequence may be full of fate, and it is at our own risk if we neglect the acquaintances and opportunities that seem to be casually offered, and of small importance."
Amelia E. Barr

or

“Guilt is anger directed at ourselves.”
Peter McWilliams

Day 2

Please give me your own personal definition of ambition. Based on the discussion today discuss whether you see yourself as willing to do anything to meet your ambition or ambitious but cautious. Explain the one you choose. Lastly, give an example in your life where your ambition caused a positive or negative outcome.

Semester 2, Week1, Day 1

So, I gave my speech about pride. With that in mind, give me your goals for this semester both in school in general and in my class. Tell me how you are going to take my words about pride and put them into action. Then, tell what grade you would like to work towards during this first cardmarking. Be realistic with all of these but most importantly, be honest.

Day 23

I hope you find something of interest in "A Doll's House." I think that it is somewhat fascinating that this event occurred so long ago but that some of the perceptions of women still exist.

For this evening, I want you to find something or someone that you found interesting in the play. Talk about how that event or person caught your attention and how it made you think more deeply about the play and about history. What is the message that you take from this story in regards to it application to us as Americans currently? To get the points for today, you must refer to 3 incidents and those impacts on the event or the person you have chosen.

Day 22

To Dr. Rank, Nora says, "When I was at home, of course I loved Papa best....I feel the same about Torvald as I did about Papa." In what ways is Nora's and Torvald's relationship like that of daugher and father? In what ways is Nora encouraged to behave in a childish and silly manner? How might she behave if people treated her more seriously? In what ways does Nora encourage Torvald's paternal treatment of her? Why might she do so?

Day 21

So we keep reading Act 2 and you should be re-reading Act 2 as we finish various parts. Nora is freaking out and somewhat paranoid thinking that Krogstaad is going to be popping up at any moment. For this blog, I want you to write out a dialogue between Nora and Torvald where she comes clean with him. Think about how you think he would react finding out about her borrowing money and then keeping a secret and think about her reaction as he reacts. Also, think about the time the story takes place.
Your dialogue needs to include 10 interactions from both people and should clearly indicate that you get their personalities thus far. Also, no direct copying from someone else. Show your creativity.

Week 5, Day 20

Today we began discussing themes and how they have impacted "A Doll's House." Please choose a theme other than one that your group did and do the following:

1. Give 3 examples of the theme
2. How has this theme impacted 2 characters in the way they interact with each other?
3. Discuss the theme in relation to realism and what Ibsen was trying to prove about that time period.

Day 19

Hope the reading went well and you are at the end of Act 1. There will most likely be a quiz on Monday over Act 1.

For today, free blog. Whatever you would like to talk about as long as it makes sense and is at least 7 sentences.

Have a great weekend.

Day 18

Today we continued our reading of "A Doll's House" and have read up to page 119. Make sure that you are re-reading as it is the best way to understand.

Based on today's reading, has your opinion of Nora changed at all. Why or why not? Based on Nora's maccaroon eating and loan taking do you think that she falls under the themes of betrayal or deception? Why or why not? Does the character of Nora create a grey area for these themes within society? Give an example of when betrayal or deception may not be negative but a neccesity.

Day 17

Today we began reading "A Doll's House." Please re-read the pages we have read thus far, 111-115.

Based on the limited interaction we have seen thus far, describe the relationship between Nora and Torvald. Do you think that they have a good relationship? Why or why not? Why does Nora feel the need to lie to him and based on his comments thus far what would be his reaction if he knew she was lying? If she has lied about little things do you think that she would be willing to lie about bigger issues?

Day 16

Tomorrow we will begin "A Doll's House."

For this evening, we shall look at a current event. When discussing the current event, make sure that you make 2 specific references to your article and to why it is important to you. Also, make sure that you cite your source. NO CITE, NO POINTS.

Week 4, Day 15

Welcome back and I hope you had a restful break. As we are down to the last weeks of the semester we will be working fast and furious to read "A Doll's House" and review for the final exam.

Remember that you have a test on Things Fall Apart tomorrow and that your charts are due.

For this evening:

"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right."
~Oprah Winfrey