Blog Posts

Show Me the $$!

1/19/2020

If you do not have money to get through college, life can be hard. Once you graduate, you'll hear "war stories" from graduates lamenting about how they did hair, people's homework, cooked food, sold supplies, pimped tennis shoes, did people's laundry, babysat, posted Go Fund Me Campaigns, held book, makeup, clothes and shoes hauls, non-garage sales, holding rent parties...people got pretty inventive.

Then, you hear some talk about the more traditional ways they made money in school such as secured work studies, asked their schools for more money, applied for grants, and private and personal loans, applied for private and corporate scholarships, claimed up to a $2,500 tax credit, asked (begged) their parents, grandparents, other family members for money, etc.

But, what about the college athlete? They don't have time to do all these inventive things to make money. They are constantly on the field, court, ice, in the pool, on the green, etc. There's been a long-time debate that college athletes should be paid to play because their games generate a large revenue for their colleges, and companies like Nike for example, pay "tens of millions to elite college sports programs to be the exclusive sponsor for teams and supplier of their footwear."

And now, the State of California is advocating that college athletes be paid to play (up to $25,000) and paid to use their likenesses on apparel, video games, and other methods of advertising (up to 10% of TV and marketing profits). And even better, college basketball coaches could make at a maximum, $650,000, and college football coaches could make a max of $3 million.

At the point that this debate becomes reality for all college athletes, I'm willing to bet that simply dating an athlete will become among one of the inventive ways that some students stay financially afloat in college! (rolls eyes)

Instructions: Read the commentary above, do a little bit of research about the topic if you need to, think, then answer the following question intelligently, academically and with fidelity:

"To what extent will the professionalization of college sports create intended or unintended consequences related to this professionalism?"

Note: Don't forget break this prompt down if you need to. Change keywords to synonyms you understand until it makes sense to you.

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Your reply must be written in complete sentences.

3. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student.

4. Make sure you reply with fidelity. Provide details about what you think.

5. No identical comments on different posts (i.e., "I agree" or "I disagree" or "I like your story."). Such comments will earn you a zero.

6. To post your reply, click on the word "Comment" in the top right hand corner or bottom left hand corner.

7. To reply to others, click on "Reply" under their responses.

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. 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 Friday, January 24, 2020 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

Sacrifice

1/12/2020

Instructions: Analyze the image and write what you believe the artist is trying to reveal through the artwork.

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Your reply must be written in complete sentences.

3. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student.

4. Make sure you reply with fidelity. Provide details about what you think.

5. No identical comments on different posts (i.e., "I agree" or "I disagree" or "I like your story."). Such comments will earn you a zero.

6. To post your reply, click on the word "Comment" in the top right hand corner or bottom left hand corner.

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. 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 Friday, January 17, 2020 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

My Story to Tell...

12/1/2019

The clock winked letting me know that my work day was ending. What a hypocrite, I thought. The man on the other end of the telephone was going on and on about how a vintage cookie jar I wanted takes up too much counter space, yet on his crummy kitchen counter sits four! This city is full of wackos!

Read my story above in its entirety. Then, use the following words to create your own story in EXACTLY 59 words--no more--no less: hypocrite, cookie jar, city, telephone. Another thing, you MUST begin your story with the following: The clock winked.

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Your story must have 59 words ONLY.

3. You MUST comment on at least TWO other posts from any student.

4. Make sure you reply with fidelity. Provide details about what you think.

5. No identical comments on different posts (i.e., "I agree" or "I disagree" or "I like your story."). Such comments will earn you a zero.

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. 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 Friday, December 6, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

Guilty Until Proven Innocent

11/17/2019

In 1996, Rodney Reed, 51, was found guilty of the abduction, rape and murder of 19-year-old Stacey Stites in Bastrop, Texas. On November 17th, an appeals court made the decision not to execute him.

For decades, Reed has maintained his innocence. He, and many other people who can support his truth, say that Reed and Stites were having an affair, and that she was killed by her fiance because that affair was with a black man. Stites, who is white, was afraid of and abused by her husband according to several witnesses at the time.

Her fiance, Jimmy Fennell, was a police officer with a history of violence against women. After Stites's murder, Fennell kidnapped a woman and sexually assaulted her while on duty as a police officer. He was arrested, but while in prison, bragged about killing his "n***r loving fiance," and at her funeral bragged, "she got what she deserved." Even his friend and fellow police officer admitted that Fennell gave him inconsistent accounts of his whereabouts during the time of Stites's murder. Renowned forensic pathologists all concluded that Reed’s guilt is medically and scientifically impossible.

Six months after Stites was killed, Reed had been arrested and charged with the kidnapping, beating and attempted rape and murder of two other women. However, he was not prosecuted in either of these attempted rape cases. But somehow, the all white jury felt they had enough evidence to convict Reed.

Now, decades later, supporters from around the country were begging his pardon. Probably the most profound plea came from Congressman Michael McCaul in a letter to Governor Abbott and the Texas Board of Pardons and Parole.

“A death sentence is final, and given the doubt surrounding his innocence at this time, I believe our state cannot execute Mr. Reed in good conscience,” he wrote. Without a date of execution looming, Reed will now await his retrial.

Read the blog post above in its entirety. Then, comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity on the following: Had no one stepped up to challenge the law, Rodney Reed would have died today, probably innocent of the charge he was convicted of. Think about that. Does the government have the right to decide who lives and who dies?

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student.

4. Make sure your reply addresses the comment you're replying to. Stay on topic.

5. No identical comments on different posts (i.e., "I agree" or "I disagree"). Such comments will earn you a zero.

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. 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 Friday, November 22, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

50/50 or 70/30?

11/11/2019

From 1919 to 2019, many things have changed in the world! People have become bolder, more outspoken, relaxed (in some areas) and less formal (in other areas). Technology tells us what to do and when, and family dynamics are no longer traditional in the sense of, "the man is the head of the household and the woman is the heart of the household."

But what about relationships? It seems that, whether it's a heterosexual relationship or a same-sex relationship, one of the two takes on a more dominant lead role. It's been said that one person is going to love more and rule more no matter what. That notion hasn't seemed to have changed since 1919...or before! Critics say that it's just natural for the man (or the male-dominant) to take the lead in a relationship. No matter how feminist you are or how progressive the world seems to be, men/male-dominants rule.

So, what does that look like?

That means if the male/male-dominant makes a decision on what dogmas to follow, candidates to vote for, what foods will be eaten for dinner, what clothes will be worn by both parties, or how money is spent, that is what will happen.

Read the blog post above in its entirety and watch the video. Consider what you read and watch, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity on this question: Who should take the lead in a relationship and why?

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student.

4. Make sure your reply addresses the comment you're replying to. Stay on topic.

5. No identical comments on different posts (i.e., "I agree" or "I disagree"). Such comments will earn you a zero.

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. 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 Friday, November 15, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

A..B..C..D..

10/31/2019

When comedian and television writer, Noah Garfinkel, shared a tweet with a remade version of the ABC song, people all over the Internet became upset—again. Garfinkel said the altered version is "life ruining."

A company called Dream English Kids produced the remix for its educational website with the goal to change the melody so children don’t learn the letters L-M-N-O-P as a word, “elemenopee,” like they have in the past. On one hand, people are adamant that classics should not be altered. On social media, memes, GIFS and comments like, “n-o” and “I hope they are jk” ran amok. Even one New York Times headline begged, "L-M-N-O-Please Not Like That" Supporters of the original version, which is set to the classic song, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” feel like the rebooted version, that originally debuted in 2012, disrupts the integrity of the classic. Listen to the song in the link above. See what you think.

On the other hand, isn’t it true that if you always do what you’ve always done, you’re going to always get what you’ve always gotten: a society of students who grow up suffering literacy deficiencies? It very well may be “cute,” but is it wrong? Is it overthinking to remake a classic? Is it fun and children can learn the alphabet later? Who should we cater to? History or the future?

The world has become a confusing place.

Read the blog post above in its entirety. Listen to the song. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity on this question: How far should we go as a society to cater to the sensitivities of others?

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. 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.

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. 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 Friday, November 8, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

First Him, Now Her

10/14/2019

When cops kill.

First, Botham Jean was killed by a white female police officer in his own home. He was eating ice cream. He wasn't a threat to anyone. Suddenly, under the notion that she was in the wrong apartment, Amber Guyger shot him to death. She said she feared for her life; claimed he was an intruder in her home since their apartments in which they lived mirrored each other from floor to floor.

Now, Atatiana Jefferson is dead. She, too, was killed by a white police officer. This time, male. In her own home. She was playing video games with her 8-year old nephew. She wasn't a threat to anyone.

There are a number of things the two of these young people had in common. Both were professionals in their respective fields with promising futures to excel--one an accountant; the other, a medical salesperson.

They were both black. They were both killed in their homes. Neither was a criminal. What could justify killing Botham and Atatiana? Absolutely nothing. Nevertheless, I don't believe that their murders had anything to do with race, but more to do with perspectives and experiences, or lack thereof, by white cops who don't know the cultural habits of people of color. Had the white officer known that people of color open their doors when it's nice outside, maybe he would have approached the home less defensively. Who knows...

Read the blog post above in its entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity on this question: To what extent do cultural traditions effect how people interact with each other?

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. 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.

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. 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 Friday, October 18, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

I Am Not My Hair...or Am I?

9/16/2019

Look at the image above. Before you react, respond or revolt, let it sizzle in your spirit as comedian, Kountry Wayne, reminds us often. Analyze it. Ponder it. Sit with it.

R&B and soul singer, india.arie, sang the hit, "I Am Not My Hair," to remind us that we're more than what we are on the outside. I love the song but I've always wondered if her words were entirely true. In my experiences, when you comb someone's hair, their confidence is boosted, their smile seems brighter, their walk appears straighter. After all, image is everything. Right?

Then, there are biblical references and cultural pacts that speak to the symbolic power in a person's hair. It's their crown. Their glory. Their strength, like Samson's in the book of Judges. Samson was tricked into thinking that Delilah cared for him, so he let down his guard and was deceived, much like the players of a wrestling team who have been inveigled into thinking they will have better lives if they cut off their locs. If you look closely, though, you'll see that there's more to it than meets the eye. Isn't there?

Read the blog post above in its entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity. Post your honest thoughts about the image.

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. 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.

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. 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 Friday, September 20, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

September 10th, 2019

9/10/2019

“A question that sometimes drives me hazy: am I or are the others crazy?”~Albert Einstein

Sometimes, I can't decide if I'm crazy or the rest of the world is. I spin my wheels trying to get teens to understand the importance of reading, and my own children, the importance of and integrity in being humble and bringing peace. I write my ass off trying to show the world that eating better is just...better, and owning who you are is the key to real success whether you make millions from it or a dollar. I work hard to leave a legacy or maybe I work hard to uphold the generational legacy I inherited.

Then I wonder, what's my battle? Why am I battling? As I sit in a classroom full of students who just read words and do not try to understand what they're reading; as I talk myself hoarse, yearning on the inside for my children to understand their position in this world, and as I struggle to eat right, think right, look right and be right, I had to stop. Just stop. Then ask myself, Why am I struggling to get others to understand things that I sometimes don't understand myself? Like why try to educate a generation who does not want to be educated? Why not let them figure it out when it's too late? Why worry about the life path of my children when they are grown. Let them go their own way; get their own bumps and bruises. They'll either make it or they won't. Why work hard to leave or uphold a legacy when, usually, after your repast, you're forgotten?

I don't have the answers. I don't think any human being does. But I know until we reach our final destinations, whatever choices and decisions we make, the only way to have some peace of mind, is to know that you're living and making those choices and decisions with intention. There is not one purpose in life. The only purpose is to live life on purpose with passion, intention and with a goal of fulfillment. Otherwise, if you don't you'll drive yourself crazy trying to figure it all out.

Read the blog post above in its entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity. Post your honest thoughts. What legacy are you leaving behind and who are you leaving it behind for?

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. 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.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

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. It's all or nothing.

Due Friday, September 13, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

The Wild, Wild West

8/19/2019

Read the blog post above in its entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity. Tell your honest thoughts.

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. 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.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

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. It's all or nothing.

Due Friday, August 23, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

Ring Around the Rosie

5/13/2019

Look, consider it all, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. 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.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school or your parents 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. It's all or nothing.

Due: Sun., May 16, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

Steph, Steph, Side-to-Side

5/9/2019

Steph Curry's wife is in hot social media water over comments she made about feeling unattractive to other men. As I read the comments about Ayesha Curry's comments on "Red Table Talk" about her insecurities, I became perturbed at some of the comments, especially from men.

We live in a society where women are objectified based on societal standards that don't seem to even be realistic. We have been reduced to being desirable based on how we look outwardly. We tear women down. On a daily basis.

Women, especially, are going broke, losing their minds, compromising their integrity, jumping into loveless relationships, all for the sake of being wanted. It is exhausting trying to be the right weight, height, class, color, natural, synthetic, made up, dressed up..you name it.

Then, along comes women like Curry who, with real tears in her eyes and heaviness in on her heart, are publicly open and honest about how they feel about all the madness. And what happens? She's crucified! The same men who objectify them (building what they envision as the "perfect woman") tear them to shreds and make them feel horribly worse about themselves than they did before. And the comments from some women! Girrrlll.....Is this a paradox or what!

Should Curry have not shared her feelings? You know, the very thing experts say you need to release or lose your mind? Should she have not commented publicly? And live up the the fake standard that society say celebs are? What are women supposed to do when they feel vulnerable? Less desirable, unfulfilled? Curry is 32 with three kids, a strong value system and a husband who gets more attention from other women on a daily basis than she could ever give, and we, as a society, are telling her that she has no right to want to feel attractive by no other male species if it is not her husband. Does this means he's not making her feel attractive? How come we haven't heard from her husband?

Her "need" doesn't come from a lack of talent, money, fame or material possessions. It comes from human nature and needing to feel needed. Period.

If nothing else, from this moment, I have learned that you can't win for losing.

Watch the clip above by clicking on the image. Read some of the comments. Look around on the Internet at other comments. Then, consider it all, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. 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.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school or your parents 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. It's all or nothing.

Due: Sun., May 12, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

Love is...

5/1/2019

Recently, I had some conversations with my students about relationships: what dating is, what it should be, how students define it. What love is, what it should be, how students define it. I was shocked that most teens believe that dating, or boyfriend/girlfriend or girlfriend/girlfriend or boyfriend/boyfriend, means commitment and more profoundly, love.

I've overheard conversations between some teens who confess their undying committed love about their partners. Then when asked how long they've been dating, the answers vary from six months to two years. I'm always shocked.

Surprisingly, teens believe that they know what love is at this age, yet they are so uncertain about everything else in life: their careers, their emotional states, their home life, their after high school plans, their sexuality, their religious/spiritual beliefs, their very futures! But ask them about love and they are absolutely sure that they have all the answers.

They speak and behave as if they've never heard of infatuation, obsession or possession. While I don't want to get into the semantics of it all, I wanted to create a post that hopefully makes teens think internally when they think, externally, that they are in love. I wanted to be neutral in my position because for some, this topic is a sensitive issue. However, I will make this one point: love is not jealously, obsession, possession, anger or rage. Love means letting go, loving you more, saving yourself for your future spouse. But in this news clip, love means jealously, rage and death.

Watch the vid above and read the article in their entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. 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.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school or your parents 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. It's all or nothing.

Due: Fri., May 3, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

Whose Right Is It?

4/24/2019

Read the article and watch the clip above, then come back over here and tell me what you think about this current issue. Not from an ethical or moral standpoint, but from a legal standpoint. Does the government have the right to impose interference on personal choices that women make?

I also want to know your opinion on "trigger laws" and whether you believe this is just another "strong arming" method also imposed by the government. What's the point? What will be the consequences if the law is overturned? Again, I want to know what you think, not from an ethical or a moral standpoint, but from a legal standpoint.

1. INCLUDE: Last name, THEN first initial AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. 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.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school or your parents 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. It's all or nothing.

Due: Fri., Apr. 26, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

Lock Up!

4/15/2019

Watch the vid above in its entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. 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.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school or your parents 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. It's all or nothing.

Due: Fri., Apr. 19, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

What Are You Afraid Of?

4/11/2019

Many people ask me all the time why I'm always starting a business. Aren't I afraid to fail? Be broke? Lose all I have? My answer is always, "No." I think that's why I will start a business in a New York second. I always ask myself, "What do you have to lose?" And the answer to that question is always, nothing and everything. Then I self-talk and remind myself: And if I lose everything, so what? What's going to happen? My answer? Keep living. Keep trying. Keep doing. Until I get something right.

I've had friends with incredible ideas, but they don't profit from that thing because they say they have kids or a mortgage or a car note, etc. They are afraid. Except for the kid, I've had and lost all that, even almost lost a kid to gun violence. But guess what? I'm still alive to start all over and try life again and again and again.

A turning point for me was when I lost everything in 2004. My house, truck, money, relationship...everything and had to move with my children into a two-bedroom town home, and all with no job and a baby on the way. I became depressed, withdrawn, my confidence waned. The whole nine. Then one day, my then 13-year old son, "Gemini," who's now 26 said this to me.

"Mama, why are you so sad? So what if we lost everything and we don't have money any more or our house? We love each other don't we? So even if we live in a box, as long as we're together, we're rich!"

That changed everything. Then everything changed. At that point, I started asking myself, What are you afraid of? What's going to happen if you fail? If this doesn't work? If people don't support? If people talk about you?

My answer? Nothing. The world will keep spinning, I'll keep living and my ideas will keep coming. In that moment, I realized my biggest fear was probably what others would think of me if I failed. Again. Now, I realize, people's opinion of me is none of my business.

As a high school student right now, what are you afraid of when it comes to doing your school work? Or focusing on school? Or making sure you learn one thing every day? Will you be labeled a nerd by your peers? If you are, so what? Are you a nerd? If you are, so what? What's going to happen if you do it all wrong? If you do, so what? Get clarity and do it over. Get in the habit now, while you're still young of asking yourself what's going to happen? and so what? whenever you feel lazy or lack confidence in something or some work you want to do or be great in.

Finally, I want you to watch this vid of Gary Vee (Gary Vaynerchuk), who I think, is one the smartest gurus ever! He'll definitely inspire you no matter your age, and I hope you begin to follow him on social media on all his networks. He is phenomenal.

Be clear about your position
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Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school or your parents 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. It's all or nothing.

Due: Sun., Apr. 14, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

Reading IS Fundamental

4/5/2019

In an article, "Study: Children Whose Parents Don't Read To Them Enter Kindergarten With A 'Million-Word' Vocabulary Gap," the title speaks for itself in revealing to the world the cost that is paid when people don't read.

It's sad.

As an English teacher, I noticed that each time I assigned a text to read, I got more moans and groans and less reception to the task. So I asked why. I was devastated when more than half of the teens I teach, including advanced academics students, proudly admitted they hate reading. One of the issues with reading in the demographic in which I teach is opportunity and access to quality literature. Teens said it's boring, irrelevant and outdated. While I do believe the outdated "canon" should be studied, teens need more contemporary works paired, added or spiraled with the Shakespeares, Melvilles, Thoreaus, Waldens and Hemingways of old.

Nevertheless, their honesty explained why I have 17- and 18-year old near-adults who read and write on a 4th or 5th grade level (and projecting their skill at that level is generous). It made me want to cry. What's worse is that when I attended professional development training, many English teachers also openly admitted that they do not like reading and/or do not assign novel studies in their classrooms!

It's devastating. Curable. But devastating.

As a possible solution, in October, 2018, I created an organization called #BrownTeensRead for the sole purpose of hosting fun, engaging and relevant events that appeal to teens and get them interested or re-interested in reading! With the right support, we will also offer professional development to teachers to show them how to effectively implement literature studies in their classrooms.

Unfortunately, we're only a small piece in a larger puzzle. Check out these other facts: from The Literacy Project:

“20% of Americans read below the level needed to earn a living wage.”
“50% of American adults can’t read a book written at an eighth grade level.”
“Six out of ten American households do not buy a single book in an entire year.”
“85% of juvenile offenders have problems reading.”
“Three out of five people in American prisons can’t read.”
Some states look at how well current elementary schools perform on reading tests to help determine the number of beds future prisons will require. It comes full circle.
One in four children grow up without learning how to read.
Three out of four food stamp recipients perform in the lowest two literacy levels.

So what does reading mean to you? How do these statistics effect you? Can you read well? If not, why not? What do you plan to do about it? (And please don't say you don't need to know how to read to make money or be rich because that's a whole other blog post.) Do you have younger siblings who struggle with or cannot read? What will you do about it?

Read the blog post above in its entirety. Consider it, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. 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.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
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Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school or your parents 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. It's all or nothing.

Due: Sun., Apr. 7, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

Do It For the Vine! I Ain't Gon' Do It!

3/25/2019

I remember that phrase. People would do strange things to be seen for a whole six seconds on the Vine App. Adults videoed their kids twerking, neck rolling, "acting grown," you name it. Adults were just as silly.

Since the Vine App launched in 2013, people and their antics have only grown worse. Even putting innocent lives on the line seems to be acceptable, as long as it is posted, shared, snapped, tweeted or "lived" to get "influencer-level" likes or follows. What are people thinking? Well, maybe that's it: people are not thinking. They are not considering the risks, dangers, long-term effects or consequences of getting a photo just right, at just the right angle, with the dangerous jungle animal..whatever. And even more devastating: no one is holding anyone accountable. After all, someone has to be filming. But how far is too far in order to be insta-famous on social media?

Apparently, a woman was trying to see just that and went way too far, having her entire insane actions recorded on IG. Check her out: Woman Throws Chair/s Over Balcony.

Click the link to watch the IG Story, then let me know what you think. Was it worth it? What was the point? Her intent? What did she prove? Comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. 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.
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Is All that Glitters, Gold?

3/19/2019

Click the image to read an article, then analyze the image. After compare what the article says to what the image reveals. Comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. 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.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school or your parents 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. It's all or nothing.

Due: Fri., Mar. 22, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

Unapologetically Black

3/5/2019

If you have ever watched the series, "Orange is the New Black," episode after episode, you'll see an Oscar-level performance by Danielle Brooks, also known on the show as "Taystee."

But wow. On the dawn of Black History Month, Brooks dropped her first single, "Black Woman," and oh, my did she come out swinging! After hearing her single and watching the video, I was shook! As I always do when something or someone intrigues me, I had to go research her background. It turns out, she's a Julliard graduate. *gasp* Her talent runs deep! I had no idea! She's amazing!

In several interviews, Brooks says the song represents her experiences as a black woman in America. So, after gathering myself and calming down from her Grammy-level performance and cinematic-feel of her video, I had to go listen again because the first time, I was too astounded by the vibe and rhythm to pay attention to what she was actually singing about.

I was not disappointed.

The lyrics to her song are powerful, yet disturbing, encouraging, yet unnerving. This is 2019. Why are black women still being made to feel less than when every life needle points to black women being more than?

An obvious anthem for black women, this song is both riveting and inspiring in that it pulls into light attributes that the world says are our flaws, yet that same world will damage their bodies and sometimes risk their lives to replicate and appropriate who and what we are. But even more empowering, "Black Woman" celebrates the resilience of black women, which I am positive is the reason for the overflowing aquatic symbolism. Water is resilient.

I am here for it!

Read the commentary above, click the image to listen to the song, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. 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.
Be sure to--

Be clear about your position
Provide specific support for your argument
Use rhetorical devices and other grammar elements
Write EPIC Content-Engaging, Powerful, Informative, Creative

CAUTION!! Do NOT embarrass me, yourself, your class, the English department, the school or your parents 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. It's all or nothing.

Due: Fri., Mar. 8, 2019 11:59 p.m. CST

If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

Slaves to Connectivity

2/27/2019

What is connectivity (the Internet, social media, computers) doing to our society? What is it doing to you?

Read the commentary above, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity. If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. 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.
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Are You Enough?

2/22/2019

As a teacher, I am both excited and concerned about my students leaving for college, a career, the military or to pursue entrepreneurial goals. Each day, I watch and listen to them go on about their lives, futures, goals and fears.

I get excited because I know that they have no idea what this world has in store for them. Some think they do because they have watched family members and friends succeed and fail. But my excitement comes from them not realizing that the world is their oyster. And, when they realize that, it will be like rebirth all over again. Once they figure out that whatever they want to do, they absolutely can, they will be ecstatic!

I'm am so ready for them to meet people from all walks of life and backgrounds who will in some way or another influence their decisions to "do" or "not do." I'm ready for them to figure out that their path is their own and no matter what someone else's path is, it will unequivocally not be theirs! I'm ready to see the states and countries they'll live in or visit. I'm ready to see the careers they'll forge for themselves. I'm ready to see their families and communities they will build.

But I'm also concerned. The closer it gets to May, the greater my concern becomes because I don't think they are ready. I don't think many of them have the fortitude or belief in their own abilities to take life on, face-to-face, and tackle it with all they have. So far, I have seen them too caught up with looks, trends, social media, and music to know whether they fully understand that life is about to happen and how it is about to happen.

I'm disturbed because of the people they choose as role models to follow. Like Cardi B: boys say she's a freak and a bad influence on women, but girls say she's a powerful influence to women because she raps about no water in jail, brags about money and builds confidence by being brave enough to pop her p***y in church. Is she not concerned that one day, her daughter is going to grow up and see her mother's behavior and what she truly represents? Is money more important than self-respect and integrity?

Then there's Jesse Smollett. When did we not become enough? When did we become so thirsty for attention that we are willing to jeopardize the integrity of a culture, sub-culture, race, or gender to get more attention when you're already enough?

When did Black girls become so culturally conditioned that they believe they are absolutely grotesque without wigs, weaves and perms? Of course this group does not include girls who just like to switch things up sometimes and will rock their natural hair. This is for the girls who go broke getting fake hair, nails and accessories to seek the approval of their peers.

When did Latino girls and boys become so embarrassed by their heritage that they reject their native languages and customs in order to be American enough, even those who were born here.

When did Black boys become so lost that they believe selling drugs, making music and playing ball is the only option they're qualified to achieve? Not that the last two options are bad options, but do they know that there's more and they are worthy of those options?

But either way, May is coming. Fast. And I just cannot stop wondering, will they know they are enough?

Read the commentary above, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity. If you would like to submit a topic for discussion, submit it here.

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. 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.
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Is it Enough?

2/13/2019

Is belief in yourself all you really need to succeed? I hear a lot of people say you need money, time, the right environment, school or situation. Some go so far as to note they need better parenting and upbringing to succeed.

Nevertheless, quotes like the one above, lifestyle experts, business pros and motivational gurus all say that all you need is to believe in yourself. But what does that mean? I'm sure there are a lot of people who believe in themselves in this world who are still sick, stuck, and broke, and can't figure out how to either get out of their situation or make a more positive one happen.

Where does talent, skill and acumen fit into the equation? Wouldn't you need some of that in addition to belief in order to reach success? Albert Einstein said, "Genius is 1% talent and 99% percent hard work." If that is true, then isn't hard work more important than merely believing in yourself?

Read the commentary above, then comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. 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.
Be sure to--

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Smoke Screens & Mirrors or Real Life?

2/8/2019

Generation Z is overflowing with young people who thrive on a sense of worthlessness and low self-esteem. Or, so it seems. Whether it’s in the self-deprecating memes or self-degrading comments, it seems that most iGeners are depressed and the reasons are clear.

There is this unspoken rule that you must be successful by the age of 25. So if you don't have your life together by that age, when will you? A habit that contributes to the self-decaying self-worth is comparing achievements and success to other Gen Zers or always wondering, Why haven’t I thought of the next million dollar idea yet? Why can’t I draw as good as “her”? How come my rank is so low compared to that of my friends?

Gen Zers fixate on the achievements of others and the notion that they are incapable of holding remarkable qualities. However, this sense of self-deprecation, if left uncontrolled, can have negative consequences. For instance, belittling others successes to feel better, or overestimating the value of high school class ranks can be damaging to someone’s self-esteem. The focus should not be on the success of others. Instead, it should be on the progress made over time.

Most of my high school career, I was an anxiety ball contemplating suicide because I thought I wasn’t good enough. I didn’t even think I was going to make it to my 16th birthday, let alone graduation. Now that I am in my senior year, I know that I am good enough. After experiencing that kind of pain, I realize that I am strong and resilient, and can make it through anything life throws at me.

Nevertheless, there is still a concern for my future. I often hear that success equates happiness, “when you reach your goals you will feel fulfilled!” This kind of ideology is ever-present in my life. In the novel “Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock” by Matthew Quick, the protagonist questions this kind of thinking. This same thinking jump-started my anxiety for what awaits for me in the future. What if I reach my goals and I am unhappy or unsatisfied?

YouTuber, Elle Mills, had a mental breakdown in May, 2018 because although she had reached her career goal, she felt unhappy. So, with that, if success isn't the pathway to happiness then what is?
—Contributed by D.T., LHS High School Senior

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Let's Help Charllie

1/31/2019

Ariana "Charlie" Dewberry was an IB student at Lancaster High School. She graduated in 2017. I taught her English and TOK. She was a brilliant student. Bubbly, helpful, intelligent, academic and an awesome reader!

At the time of this writing, Charlie is classified as a sophomore at Sam Houston State University. She has maintained all A’s and B’s since enrollment, and accomplished her goal of being on the Dean’s list! She was excelling!

Then, life happened and it all changed.

Late in October, what doctors thought was a viral infection, and later, muscle pain and a UTI, turned out to be a rare illness that has caused Charlie to need around the clock care.

Just barely in her 20s, a once vibrant young girl who was living life, carving out her future and enjoying college was now back at home, wheelchair bound, unable to see or even bathe herself. She spent her birthday in December wondering, "why me?" To date, doctors still do not know what is wrong with Charlie.

But as it is her way, giving up is not an option for Charlie. Although she is able to walk again (sans walker), she still cannot see. Nevertheless, through it all, her mother has not left her daughter’s side. Like her daughter's, her mother's life was drastically changed. At one point, she had to feed and bathe her daughter all over again.

Although her job is protected by FMLA, her medical leave is without pay. While we do not know why nor how Charlie was struck with this mysterious illness, we do know that we can be there to support her mother with financial and food donations.

If you are willing and can, do something to help Charlie! Click her to visit her GoFundMe page and help give her family peace and light. 'Ase!

Click here>> Let's Help Charlie!

Read the commentary above, then make a decision. Also, comment intelligently, academically and with fidelity.

1. INCLUDE: First initial AND last name AND class period.

2. Respond in no more than 10 sentences and no less than five.

3. You MUST respond to at least TWO other posts from any student. 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.
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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

Show Me the $$!

Sacrifice

My Story to Tell...

Guilty Until Proven Innocent

50/50 or 70/30?

A..B..C..D..

First Him, Now Her

I Am Not My Hair...or Am I?

September 10th, 2019

The Wild, Wild West

Ring Around the Rosie

Steph, Steph, Side-to-Side

Love is...

Whose Right Is It?

Lock Up!

What Are You Afraid Of?

Reading IS Fundamental

Do It For the Vine! I Ain't Gon' Do It!

If you would like to submit an idea for discussion, click here:
Idea Generator!

Is All that Glitters, Gold?

Unapologetically Black

Slaves to Connectivity

Are You Enough?

Is it Enough?

Smoke Screens & Mirrors or Real Life?

Let's Help Charllie

Mixed Ink

Bridge Builders

Grading Rubric

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Categories

If you would like to submit an idea for discussion, click here:Idea Generator!

Mixed Ink

Bridge Builders

Archives

Categories

If you would like to submit an idea for discussion, click here:
Idea Generator!