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Welfare: Help or Hindrance?

11/10/2025

Times are hard. But in any given economy, some might say, they always have been. Right now, the government is “shut down,” and people who already struggle to make ends meet can’t buy food because their benefits are paused. For some, it’s proof that too many people rely on the system. For others, it’s proof that the system isn’t strong enough to protect the people who need it most.

Either way, it exposes a deeper truth: millions of Americans live so close to the edge that one government decision can change what’s on their table. Some people believe welfare should be temporary, maybe six months at most, with regular check-ins to prove that recipients are actively looking for work, like it used to be. Others argue that life doesn’t always fit into timelines or paperwork. Jobs aren’t always available, childcare isn’t always affordable, and health issues don’t wait for benefits to run out. And still others believe, if that were the case, then why are some of their very neighbors surviving without government support?

Still, the idea of personal accountability versus government responsibility is an ongoing argument: how long is long enough, and who gets to decide when help should end?

Let's Write! How much should people depend on government aid, and how much should they depend on themselves?

INSTRUCTIONS

1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block. You do not have to include an email address or a website.

2. Respond to the post. Read the entire post, including watching any videos or reading any articles attached. Do not post vague or ambiguous commentary. Your post should have depth, be thoughtful, and provide specific, meaningful insight. Make sure it addresses the topic and encourages reflection, discussion, or a connection.

3. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.

4. Language. Do NOT use profanity. Vague or repeated responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.

5. Disrespectful comments will not be accepted and will result in a zero whether you do the assignment or not.

REMINDERS

**Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

**Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

**How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school, your family or your upbringing with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you use profanity, you will not receive credit for the work. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., November 14, 11:00 p.m. CST

9 Comments

Hurt People Hurt People

10/27/2025

Malte Mueller/Getty Images

Remember that.

October is Bullying Prevention Month, but let’s be for real: bullying isn’t always loud or obvious. Sometimes it hides behind jokes, silence, or a screen. Sometimes it’s the things we don’t say when we should. Whether it happens in school hallways or group chats, bullying leaves a mark that words alone can’t erase.

Here’s the truth: you can’t always stop people from being cruel, but you can decide not to join in, and that decision can change someone’s story.

Let's Write! What makes standing up for someone harder than standing by?

Copy Edited

10/20/2025

Think of your life like a draft—you can always go back and make edits. Missed chances? Try again. Different dream? Chase it. It’s your story, so write it the way you want it to end.

Do you get it? Really GET it.

Every day is a new draft. You can rewrite your story, edit your choices, and choose a different ending—no matter how many chapters came before.

Let's Write! Thoughts? Can you for real?

No Way, PJ!

10/8/2025

NOTE THE UPDATED
DEADLINE BELOW

If you want the grade from this assignment to count in this grading period, make sure it is completed by the deadline below.

PJ Washington, Jr. is a pro basketball player in the NBA. P.J.'s relationship with his ex-wife, Brittany Renner, became public in 2020, and by 2021 the two welcomed a son, Paul. Their romance, however, ended not long after his birth.

In October, 2023, Washington remarried, and with his new wife, Alisah Chanel, had two children. Chanel has a son from a previous marriage which Washington is also taking care of. So in his household, there are three young children. Also, recently, Washington signed a 4-year, $90 million extension with NBA's Dallas Mavericks which will keep him on contract until 2030.

Renner has openly addressed the rumors surrounding her financial arrangement with Washington, noting that she receives $2,500 a month in child support. But public court records prove that he is, in fact, paying $5,500 a month in child support, and she received a lump sum of $130,000.

Despite their breakup, Renner says she is committed to making co-parenting with Washinton work, but after Washington got remarried, had two children, and then signed his new contract with the Mavericks, Renner has filed to increase support to “at least” $35,000/month because she said with a new wife and a new car, he can afford more.

Then, things got messy. A custody exchange between Renner and P.J. went viral. The child cried, tensions escalated, Renner's mother was pissed that Washington's wife came with him to pick up her grandson and called her a derogatory name in front of her grandson. Washington was also accused of saying something derogatory to Renner's mother, also in front of he and Renner's son. The mother in-law-commented that she probably would do

Washington's wife remained quiet until she was called a derogatory name by Washington's fomer mother-in-law, who also hit Washington's car. See? Ugly.

Renner claims that Washington doesn’t "do" anything with the child when he picks him up and suggested that he come to her home to spend time with and "do things" with their child.

This entire situation is a window into bigger issues around family, money, and co-parenting in the public eye.

Let's Write! Should child support increase just because one parent comes into more money? And, was PJ Washington wrong for bringing his new wife along to pick up his son he had with his ex-wife?

Glow-Up on Figueroa

9/20/2025

That video shows one dude giving a homeless man a cut, shave, "shower," fresh clothes, food, money, and real care. Most folks would’ve just walked past. Why do you think most of society ignore people who don't look like them or make them uncomfortable? How does the way someone looks change how we treat them?

Let's write! Is it your job to dress, talk, or behave defferently than you do to make others feel comfortable about you? Why/Why not?

Secret, Secret, Do Not Tell...

9/15/2025

Keeping a dangerous secret forces you to ask yourself: What matters more: being a good friend or doing the right thing? If you tell an adult, you might save your friend’s life… but you might also lose their trust forever. If you stay silent, you prove your loyalty… but what if your silence costs them their safety?

Sometimes the hardest part of this choice is that there’s no clear “right” answer. Either way, you risk losing something important: trust, safety, or even both. In this situation, you are forced to think about what friendship really means: is it about protecting secrets no matter what, or protecting the person even if it hurts them in the moment?

Let's Write! Your best friend confide s something dangerous. Do you keep their secret or tell an adult?

What’s in a Name: Legacy or Identity?

9/6/2025

Russell Wilson Officially Gives Future and Ciara s Son His Last Name Russell Wilson, Future Zahir Wilburn and Ciara. XNY/Star Max/GC Images

Future and Ciara’s Son Future Zahir Officially Has Russell Wilson’s Last Name

When a child takes on the last name of a step-parent, it’s more than paperwork, it’s a statement about family, belonging, and identity. Some see it as a powerful act of love and stability, while others wonder what it means for ties to the biological parent.

Famed singer, Ciara, and starting NFL quarterback for the New York Giants, Russell Wilson, are parents to three children they had together: Sienna, Win and Amora. Ciara also has a son, Future Zahir, with superstar rapper, Future.

According to several news outlets, Ciara has legally added Wilson's last name to her son, Zahir's name. For Future Zahir, having Russell Wilson’s last name may symbolize the bond they’ve built, but it also raises questions: How do names shape who we are? Do they carry loyalty, or just legal formality?

Let's Write! So, should children take on the last names of step-parents—or is that a choice too big to make?

Keeping Your Word vs. Changing It

9/1/2025

Promises carry weight because they build trust. Still, life isn’t always black and white. Sometimes keeping a promise can feel impossible or even unfair. The real tension comes when loyalty to your word clashes with loyalty to yourself or others.

Some people believe that once a promise is made, it should never be broken. Others see promises as flexible, shaped by the circumstances around them. Which idea makes more sense depends on how much you value certainty versus change.

Even the smallest promises can raise big questions. Is a broken promise always the end of trust, or can it be the start of honesty? Does keeping a promise matter more than the reasons behind it?

Let's Write! Is it ever okay to break a promise?

If Only...

8/24/2025

Image: https://cadenceleadership.ca/i-choose-risk/

Fear is one of the biggest barriers that keeps people from reaching their goals. It shows up in different ways—fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of not being good enough, or even fear of success. Sometimes fear protects us, but other times it holds us back from opportunities that could change our lives. Imagine for a moment that fear didn’t exist. No doubts. No second-guessing. No voice in your head telling you “you can’t.”

Let's Write! If fear didn’t exist, what risk would you take tomorrow?

When Risk Outweighs the Reward

5/19/2025

□: Troy Babbitt, USA Today Sports

According to Dallas Texas TV, Jarred Shaw, 34, from Dallas, who is playing basketball in Indonesia was arrested after police raided his apartment and seized 132 pieces of cannabis candies. Now, because he wanted to get high with his teammates, Shaw faces a life sentence or possibly the death penalty by firing squad if found guilty. Shaw attended Dallas ISD’s Carter High, he was District 11-4A Defensive Player of the Year as a senior.

Shaw, who has played in the Indonesian league since 2022, reportedly told police he planned to share the candy with teammates.

These days, a lot of people use illegal drugs and don’t think about the consequences—especially when the laws around them are different in other states or countries. They might believe it’s not a big deal, or that they won’t get caught, or even that the rules shouldn’t apply to them. But in some places, as evidenced by Brittney Griner and now, Shaw, the penalties are serious—and even deadly.

Let's Write! What are your thoughts? Do you think getting high is worth the risk?

Rajon Rondo's Next Award-winning Play

5/13/2025

□: Katelyn Mulcahy

Two-time NBA champion, Rajon Rondo, returned to the University of Kentucky (UK) this month for a graduation ceremony.

His own.

At 39 years old on a Cawood Ledford Scholarship.

On their website, UK Athletics notes that this award is part of UK Athletics’ Post-Eligibility program which allows former student-athletes to complete their degrees with full academic support and tuition coverage.

According to AFROtech, a digital news hub for Black S.T.E.M professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, & visionaries, the former All-Star point guard officially earned his bachelor’s degree in communications during the commencement ceremony at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY. It had been 20 years after he first enrolled at UK in 20024 as a standout freshman.

When he officially retired from the NBA in April 2024, he had amassed a net worth of over $45 million.

Let's Write! In at least three sentences, voice your opinion/thoughts about this information. YOU MUST WRITE AT LEAST THREE OR MORE COMPLETE SENTENCES.

How Much is Hate Worth?

5/7/2025

Click the link to read the article above, then respond to the prompt below. Remember the rules for posting.

Let's Write! (This is a 3-part question.) Has social media and crowdfunding platforms created ecosystems where being publicly bigoted is acceptable and what does it say about a society where doing wrong isn’t just excused but celebrated and incentivized? Why is this an issue when Black and Brown people call each other the N-word easily and often on a daily basis?

April 29th, 2025

4/29/2025

In a world where emotions are often filtered through expectations about gender, it’s worth pausing to ask questions about how we express care, respect, and affection — and who gets permission to do so.

A woman began to feel uneasy about her husband when, after leaving a dinner party at the home of their friends, the two men said "I love you" to each other before the couple left.

As you reflect on the prompt below, think about the social rules we inherit, the ones we question, and the ones we rewrite. Your answer is yours to shape based on what you observe, believe, and experience.

Let's Write! Is it acceptable for men to tell each other "I love you" on any day--not just on ocassions, sick beds, and at funerals?

Due Fri., May 2, 11:59 p.m. CST

PromCon 2025

3/31/2025

Did you go to prom? Upload your BEST one-shot photo—just ONE, HERE, so choose wisely! (It can be you alone or with someone else or others.) Didn’t go? No worries—you get to be the judge!

Here’s how it works:

If you attended prom, submit ONE photo.
If you did not attend prom, you will vote next week by writing ATE in all caps under your favorite ONE photo.
The photo with the most likes wins a prize!

CAUTION: No comments, no comparisons, no negativity—just pick the pic that stands out to you! Let’s keep it fun, kind, and all love. Ready? Let’s go!

INSTRUCTIONS

1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block. You do not have to include an email address or a website.

2. Upload image. Click the word, "HERE" above to upload your image. When the file folder opens, in the top left corner, click "New," then click "File Upload, then upload your photo and you're done. It will close at midnight on SUNDAY.

REMINDERS

**Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

**Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

**How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school, your family or your upbringing with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you use profanity, you will not receive credit for the work. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Sun., April 6, 11:59 p.m. CST

March 11th, 2025

3/11/2025

Life has a way of teaching us things we never expected to learn—sometimes the hard way, sometimes in moments of quiet realization. The most useful lessons aren’t always about school, careers, or money. Sometimes, they’re about resilience, boundaries, or even knowing when to let go. Maybe you’ve learned that failure isn’t the opposite of success but a necessary part of it. Maybe you’ve discovered that protecting your peace is more valuable than winning an argument. Or perhaps you’ve realized that life isn’t about finding yourself but creating who you want to be.

Whatever it is, your experiences have shaped your wisdom and ther have been lessons that you carry with you that you know will matter the most in the long run.

Let's Write! What have you learned in life that you feel will be the most useful?

Love, Lies, and Lost

3/4/2025

Candace is a high school senior. Her life was going great. Then, she met Raul. They started dating. They got serious. Too serious for her parents' liking. Before Raul, Candace had decided to go to college. She knew her major, what school she wanted to attend, and every day, she applied for five scholarships a day. By the time she met Raul, she had acumulated $100,000 in scholarship money.

Soon though, Raul started demanding more of her time and she got off track. They started spending too much time at each others' homes and going out. Eventually, Candace stopped applying for scholarships altogether and started missing scholarship deadlines. Her grades, once all 90s, started slipping.

Her parents noticed the shift—missed curfews, unfinished assignments, and a growing distance between them and their daughter. They warned her about Raul, about how love shouldn’t make her lose herself, but Candace didn’t want to hear it. She was in love. But, the more she accommodated Raul, the more obsessive he became. When her parents gave her an ultimatim, Raul wasn’t happy about it and started questioning her commitment, making her feel guilty for wanting more than just him.

Candace was faced with a dilemma: fight to reclaim the life she planned for herself or risk losing it all for a relationship that may not last.

One day, when Raul was at her house, he fell asleep in Candace's room. Candace's mom sent her to the store. While she was gone, Candace's mom went through Raul's phone. She discovered he was cheating and sharing intimate photos with another girl at their school who was in one of Candace's classes. She told Candace, who was devastated.

Let's Write! Explain whether mom was wrong for going through Raul's phone and saving her daughter an extended amount of hurt, pain, and embarrassment.

Girls Run the World!

2/24/2025

For centuries, power and leadership have largely been shaped by men. Some argue that this has led to cycles of war, inequality, and imbalance, while others believe the issue isn’t gender but the way power itself is structured. As the world evolves, more women are stepping into leadership, bringing new perspectives, solutions, and ways of thinking.

Let's Write! The image above says, "The future is female." Is it? Why or why not? If not, for centuries, different men have been in power, yet the results have remained the same, so what would change if we continue being (mis)lead by men?

Masterpiece or Mess?

2/18/2025

Graffiti covers everything from train cars to alley walls, from political messages to intricate murals. Some call it vandalism—an illegal defacement of public and private property. Others see it as an art form—raw, unfiltered expression that gives a voice to the unheard.

One artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat's, rise to fame began on the streets of New York City, where he first made his mark as SAMO, a graffiti tag he used to spray cryptic, thought-provoking messages on buildings in the late 1970s. His raw, poetic style caught the attention of the art world, and by the early 1980s, he transitioned from street art to painting on canvas.

Jean-Michel Basquiat died on August 12, 1988, at the age of 27 from a heroin overdose in his New York City studio. Despite his meteoric rise in the art world, he struggled with addiction, a battle that ultimately cut his groundbreaking career short.

Jean-Michel Basquiat's net worth at the time of his death in 1988 was estimated to be around $10 million. Since then, the value of his artwork has skyrocketed. In 2017, his painting "Untitled" (1982) sold for $110.5 million, setting a record for an American artist. In 2022, his estate generated $439.6 million in sales, ranking him just behind Pablo Picasso in art sales. His work, blending graffiti with social commentary on race, wealth, and power, catapulted him into the fine art scene, making him one of the most influential artists of his time.

Let's Write! What do you think? Was Basquiat an artistic martyr or a scribbling saint? Should graffiti be considered art or vandalism? Does it beautify a space or destroy it? Who gets to decide what’s classy or trashy?

DEI or DIE

1/28/2025

Image: OKA Blog

Retailers across the U.S. are cutting DEI initiatives due to political pressure, with Target and Walmart being two of the biggest names. Target’s decision was especially surprising since they had just promoted their commitment to diversity before the election.

A few weeks ago, influencer and entrepreneur Tabitha Brown urged people not to boycott Target entirely. Instead, she encouraged them to shop there but only buy from Black-owned brands. Her concern? A full boycott could hurt small Black-owned businesses that rely on Target to reach more customers.

But some of her followers disagreed, calling her stance selfish. They argue that corporations like Target and Walmart still profit from consumers of color, making selective shopping ineffective. Others believe boycotts work best when they completely disrupt the system—just like the Montgomery Bus Boycott during the Civil Rights Movement. Their actions weren’t about finding convenient middle grounds; they were about collective, often uncomfortable disruption to demand change. A bold, unified stand can force companies to change, but it often comes at a cost.

It's hard for some to know the right move. Consumers have to consider whether the short-term sacrifices of a boycott outweigh the potential long-term gains. And if change requires disruption, how do consumers make the Targets, Walmarts, and Amazons of the world feel the pressure without giving in to convenience?

Notes to help inform your opinions:

What is DEI?

Diversity is embracing the differences everyone brings to the table, whether those are someone’s race, age, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability or other aspects of social identity.
Equity is treating everyone fairly and providing equal opportunities.
Inclusion is respecting everyone’s voice and creating a culture in which people from all backgrounds feel encouraged to express their ideas and perspectives.

Let’s Write!: Thoughts?

Art, Politics, and the Cost of Complicity Ignite a Cultural Firestorm

1/26/2025

In 2016, Snoop Dogg made headlines for his criticism of Donald Trump, including his Instagram video where he smoked to an anti-Trump protest song and said, “We ain’t voting for your punk ass.” In another video on January 10, 2017, he threatened to “roast the f—k” out of any “Uncle Tom” who performed at Trump’s inauguration. Later that year, Snoop sparked controversy by pointing a toy gun at a Trump impersonator in a music video.

It gets worse. In 2019, during the federal government shutdown, Snoop posted online, “All you people for the federal government that not getting paid right now, ain’t no f—kin’ way in the world y’all could vote for Donald Trump when he come back up again.” He also said, “If y’all do vote for him, y’all some stupid m*fks.” He also said this about the "Make America Great Again" slogan. “Certain people feel like we should make America ‘great again,’ but that time they’re referring to always takes me back to separation.”
Fast-forward to 2025.

The "Trump s**t talker” and mogul shocked fans by performing at Trump’s Crypto Ball before the inauguration. He was joined by Rick Ross, Soulja Boy, and Nelly. His gesture sparked outrage. “This is culturally embarrassing and disrespectful asf,” wrote one of his fans. Another wrote, “Not a check in the world worth selling my soul to the Devil.”

Surprisingly—or not—a growing list of Black and Latino celebrities (mainly men) have shown support for Trump. This list includes Waka Flocka Flame, Antonio Brown, Mike Tyson, hockey’s Evander Kane, Rod Wave, Kodak Black, Fivio Foreign, and Anuel AA, leaving many fans questioning the cultural and political shift among high-profile figures in entertainment.

Are they not aware or do they just not care about the systemtic oppression that is being imposed on Blacks and Latinos like mass incarceration, mass deportation, voter suppression, the threats to education? Are they only concerned about those with money and advancing their wealth even further?

Let's Write!: Are Black and Latino artists, especially men, “sellouts" who only care money over their people? Or is it every person for themelves in the fight to survive racial, social, financial, and educational oppression?

You Can Do Whatever You Like...

1/21/2025

Photo: Courtesy of the Law Offices of Seth P. Chazin.

Donald Trump, despite having 34 felonious counts of falsifying business records, being held liable for sexual assault, and saying on national television when he was 60 years old that if then, 24-year old Ivanka, wasn't his daughter, he'd be dating her, has assumed the role of President of the United States. On his first day in office, he pardoned 1,500 other felons. Yet, his administration advocates for the mass deportation of immigrants with criminal records and rap and business mogul, Sean "Diddy" Combs, sits in jail with sexual assault allegations looming.

What does this say about accountability and justice? What does this say about consequences for those in power versus mainstream society? Does this set a precedent that people can act without facing repercussions? And how does this shape our perception of fairness and the future of justice in America?

Let's Write!: Do you think there should be different standards of consequences for people in power compared to others? How does this impact your view of fairness in society?

It's Your Fault; No, Yours!

1/14/2025

153 Comments

Teachers pour an immense amount of time, energy, and creativity into crafting lessons that are not only informative but also engaging and meaningful. Behind every worksheet, presentation, or group activity lies hours of planning, research, and thought to ensure that the material connects with students and meets educational standards. Yet, it can often feel like this effort goes unnoticed or unappreciated, especially when students disengage, complain about the workload, or question the relevance of what they're learning.

Most students blame teachers for assigning too much homework, making lessons "boring," or not understanding their personal challenges. They often feel that teachers are out of touch with the pressures they face, such as balancing school, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, or personal issues. This blame can create a disconnect, with students viewing teachers as the source of their frustration rather than allies in their learning journey.

Let's Write!: Whose responsibility is it to make learning engaging and how can students and teachers work together toward a more collaborative classroom environment?

153 Comments

Disconnect to Reconnect

1/8/2025

The increase in cell phone addiction among youth has become a pressing concern, especially in schools. Many students struggle to focus on academics when their devices constantly buzz with notifications. Instead of academics, students engage in a never-ending stream of entertainment and social connection. This addiction isn’t just about the technology—it’s about the dopamine hit they receive every time they interact with their screens, making it difficult for them to disengage.

To address this issue, some schools have implemented policies requiring students to lock up their phones during class hours. While these measures may seem extreme, they highlight a growing recognition of the need to create boundaries around technology. Removing the temptation allows students to reconnect with their education and peers in more meaningful ways and promote deeper focus and engagement.

Let's Write!: Comment on the following: John D. Horn should lock up phones and other devices like smart watches and glasses during school hours.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. INCLUDE: Last Name, First Initial, AND Class Block. You do not have to include an email address or a website.

2. Respond to the post. Read the entire post, including watching any videos or reading any articles attached. Do not post vague or ambiguous commentary. Your post should have depth, be thoughtful, and provide specific, meaningful insight. Make sure it addresses the topic and encourages reflection, discussion, or a connection.

3. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student in any class. Your replies cannot be identical comments on different posts and posting shallow comments such as "I agree" or "I disagree" will earn you a zero. Make sure your reply addresses the comment that you are responding to.

4. Language. Do NOT use profanity. Vague or repeated responses will not be accepted in your post or replies.

5. Disrespectful comments will not be accepted and will result in a zero whether you do the assignment or not.

REMINDERS

**Set a weekly alarm or calendar timer. Whatever you do to remember other important events, I'd do the same for this assignment.

**Don't wait until the last minute. Telling me that you didn't do the assignment on Friday because you broke your leg, for example, on Thursday will not do anything for you when you've had a week. Be responsible and accountable.

**How to post. Click in the top right hand corner or the lower left hand corner where it says Comments to access the discussion board. Once there, scroll to the bottom of the page to post a Reply. After, choose comments from at least two students from any class and Reply to what they wrote.

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school, your family or your upbringing with tasteless, meaningless comments. This is for a grade.

DISCLAIMER: If you do not respond AND comment on TWO others, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you do not write your name correctly, and I don't see your work, you will not receive credit for this assignment. If you use profanity, you will not receive credit for the work. It's all or nothing.

WARNING: If you post even one second past midnight, your comment might appear to be posted, but as soon as it is opened to be graded, it will automatically delete.

Due Fri., January 10, 11:59 p.m. CST

Health Insurance Kills?

12/10/2024

According to the New York Post, Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was tragically shot and killed on December 4, 2024, outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel in Manhattan. The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and has been charged with second-degree murder. Authorities discovered a manifesto in Mangione's possession, criticizing the healthcare industry and indicating that he viewed the attack as a "symbolic takedown" of what he perceived as a "parasitic" system.

According to the New York Post, Luigi Mangione, the suspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson killing, was an ivy league grad with a grudge against the healthcare industry.

Now, according to CNN, the "UnitedHealth Group’s market value has tumbled by about $45 billion since the fatal shooting last week of the CEO of its insurance unit."

Let's Write! Look at the image. Analyze it. Think. Then, respond.

Dear OLD Dad...

12/2/2024

Marco Grob/Variety/Penske Media via Getty.

Al Pacino, a renowned actor who played Michael Corleone in the famous, The Godfather series, became a father for the fourth time at 83-years old. As an octogenarian, he is one of the oldest father's on record and he is single and has never been married.

He and his girlfriend, Noor Alfallah, welcomed their son, Roman, in June 2023. They are no longer together. Pacino's children range from 16 months to 34 years old: Julie Marie (34) with acting coach, Jan Tarrant, twins Anton James and Olivia Rose (23) with actress Beverly D'Angelo, and Roman (16 months) with producer, Noor Alfallah. He did not have children with Diane Keaton, Jill Clayburgh, Tuesday Weld, Marthe Keller, Veruschka von Lehndorff, Kathleen Quinlan, Lyndall Hobbs, Penelope Ann Miller, or with Argentine actress Lucila Polak, with whom he dated for 10 years from 2008 to 2018.

Let's Write!: Considering Al Pacino's experience of fatherhood at different stages of his life, how do you think the age of a parent influences their parenting style and the experiences of their children? Also, discuss the benefits and challenges that are associated with significant age differences between parents and their children.

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Mixed Ink

Mixed Ink is our class blog, the window into our souls. It was designed to improve students' writing, critical thinking and communication skills by giving them a platform to provide meaningful content based on their interpretation of what they see.

Although the students receive a grade based on a rubric for completing this assignment, they are not graded on complexity of thought. This is a place where students of all levels can freely, confidently and creatively express themselves and their opinions in a nonjudgmental platform. They are required to respond to and critique each other, but degradation, slander, lewdness, etc., will not be tolerated.

Bridge Builders

All subjects are vital to learning, but English is the bridge of communication. So let's build the arch, one word at a time...

Grading Rubric

Learning Objectives

Communicate effectively
Be aware of current events
Write concisely
Boost critical thinking skills
Be accountable
Follow directions
Have a voice about what goes on in the world around you

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Mixed Ink

Bridge Builders

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