December 1, 2013

give it up

"We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give."
-Winston Churchill

I would give to Heifer International.
Spread some generous ideas around this holiday season by telling us who you would donate your money or time to if you could (or perhaps you already do)!

[1] Name an organization,
[2] include a web address,
[3] tell us who they are/what they do, and 
[4] explain why their cause is significant to you.
[5] Finally, if you want extra credit, choose an organization that has not already been posted by another student. That's right: you will need to read what your peers wrote, and the earlier you post, the easier your task.

If your ideal organization has been "claimed," check out some Nonprofit Organizations or this Charity Navigator for ideas. Oh--and if you've got a little to spare this season, consider following through on your recommendation or making a donation in a loved one's name as a gift!

November 1, 2013

time to thank it up

It's an annual White House tradition for the President to pardon a turkey who was otherwise meant to be eaten. This lucky bird gets to live out his days at a turkey sanctuary (while another gets served in the White House dining room, of course). The pardoned turkey, other than being the focus of a press conference, is probably most grateful for the chance to live out his days, without stuffing and with his wishbone intact.

What I want to know, during this month of Thanksgiving, is what are you thankful for? Rather than the obvious, somewhat cliche answers involving family and friends, I encourage you to be a bit more thoughtful and creative--for example, name a specific friend or family member and write about why you're grateful they're in your life.

Or go a completely different route, and choose something that many of us may not have even realized was a blessing (such as object that makes your life easier). Whatever you mention, if you want to earn extra credit, be sure to explain why you are thankful.

Please come back periodically to read and comment on each others' posts. I hope these serve as positive reminders to us as we head into what can sometimes be a challenging time of year.

October 1, 2013

nails on a chalkboard

In an article on pet peeves, the New York Times explained: "...some annoyances are particular to the individual, some are universal to the species, and some, like the fly, appear to torture all mammals. If ever there was a subject for scientists to pursue for clues to why we are who we are, this is the one."

So, how about you? Describe at least three things that drive you crazy, and tell us why you find them so irksome. Feel free to comment on your peers' posts.

Please sign your post with your first name, last initial, and period #. You may earn extra credit by posting here by midnight on 10/31.

September 4, 2013

nice to meet you

Goats like literature.
We'll be spending oodles of time together this year (lucky us!), but unfortunately, we have to spend much of that time discussing Englishy things rather than getting to know each other. Help your classmates and I understand who you are by posting a brief (at least a paragraph) autobiography. This can be a narrative timeline, it can include your favorites, a pivotal moment, food allergy info...whatever you want us to know.


You have until midnight on 9/30 to post a response for extra credit. Sign your response with your first name, last initial, and period #, please!