Current Event #27: Switching Identity/Past or Present

Current Event #27: Switching Identity/Past or Present

Due: Friday, June 1st, 2012

Recently, First Lady Michelle Obama, was asked by reporters if she could be anybody in the world past or present, who would she choose and why. She responded by selecting R&B/Pop Sensation Beyonce Knowles-Carter. She stated that she loves her dance routines and would have to learn how to sing in order to come close to the music icon. This indeed is a great compliment and honor for Beyonce, considering that the U.S. President's wife idolizes such a cultural musical giant.Michelle Obama's article can be found at the following Huffington Post link:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/24/michelle-obama-wants-to-t_n_1543567.html

What You Will Do:

1. Select one individual past or present that you admire and would consider switching identity with. Be sure to discuss who the person is and what contributions or actions/influence he or she has had on society.

2. Explain why you chose the individual and what experiences would come from walking in that person's shoes for any amount of time.

3. Discuss at least one thing that makes you similar to the person you chose and one thing that you would have to change/do in order to come close to the talent of your person of choice.

Current Event #26: The Separation of Church and State in Schools

Current Event #26: The Separation of Church and State in Schools

 

Due: Friday, May 25th, 2012

Recently, the Taliban demanded the closure of some schools due to the implementation of new religious studies being pushed into student's curriculum. With the past war actions and the more recent ending near, several government entities have forced some schools to change the way in which students learn and perserve their future country. These actions are a pure reflection of how the government is in the position of regulating both affairs of the state as well as religion within the school environment. As the United States led military effort winds down in Afghanistan will the Taliban tighten its grip on daily life in the country?

What You Will Do:

 After reading the following CNN article and viewing the video link, http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/22/world/asia/afghanistan-taliban-schools/index.html?hpt=wo_c1Please note that your responses should be in detailed paragraph form. Be sure to explain your points in well-thought out sentences to reflect each question in its entirety.  

you should then answer the questions below to share your thoughts and opinions regarding the closure and takeover of some schools in Afghanistan by the Taliban. 

1. Relate these actions to various education reforms taking place in American schools. Would you take offense of these actions being done to provide a different learning perspective?

2. What are your thoughts concerning the government being given enormous power to exercise basic freedoms when it comes to the way schools are ran?

3. Do you agree or disagree that this strategy of school takeover is a way in which a society can safeguard or perserve its daily/social/religious principals? Explain.

Current Event #25: Interest of Your Choice

Current Event # 25: Interest of Your

 

Choice

Due: Friday, May 11, 2012

The topic for this week's current event blog assignment is your choice. The topic must revolve around a  topic in history which focuses on something currently happening the world of politics, education, government, etc. Please refrain from using sports or entertainment articles. Make sure to use a current and reputable source (not Wikepedia) and find an article that interests you. Your post should adhere to the following format:

Heading/ Be sure to include the following in your blog post:
-Your name/class period
-Title of article/author
-Source/date of article
-URL (copy and paste your article link in your response for me to review your article)

Paragraph #1:
-Summary of your selected article (minimum of 5-7 sentences that provide detail about who/what, when, where, and why your current event is significant) 

Paragraph #2:
-Reflection/Opinion of article (minimum of 5-7 sentences)
-Give supporting facts and include any personal experiences associated with the article
-Relate the current event to what we've been studying in class (if applicable)
-pose questions/concerns about the event

Current Event #24: Facebook's New Initiative: Organ Donors

Current Event #24: Facebook's New Initiative: Organ Donors

Due: Friday, May 4, 2012

            Billionaire Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg announced that the social networking site wants to "help solve the crisis" by allowing users to volunteer as potential organ donors in the United States. Currently, more than 114,000 people in the U.S. are currently awaiting organ donations, according to the government. Facebook is allowing users to ID themselves as potential organ donors. Zuckerberg thinks that a lot of people who might just be on the fence about whether or not they want to do this, could be convinced to do. He described widespread acceptance of organ donation as "a shift in society that will probably take a while to fully take hold" until more Facebook users start sharing their experiences. Zuckerberg goes on to say that he thinks that if people choose to share these stories with their friends, that can make a big difference over time.

What You Will Do:

***After reading the article and viewing the video link: http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/01/health/facebook-organ-donors/index.html?hpt=hp_c1 , you should answer the following questions below to share your thoughts and opinions regarding Facebook's new initiative to seek organ donors.  Please note that your responses should be in complete detailed paragraph form. Be sure to explain your points in well-thought out sentences to reflect each question in its entirety.

1. Do you agree with Mark Zuckerberg that this move in organ donations may "make a big difference over time"? Why or Why not? Expain.

2. Would you consider signing up as an organ donor to participate in this cause to save human lives? Expain.

3. What might be additional efforts that our society can take toward campaigning other initiatives or advancements devoted to saving lives? Expain and provide specific details of possible examples.