A Christmas Wish

Here we are, the last school day before the holiday break.  So what is my Christmas wish?  That is a tough one to answer.  In many ways I am truly blessed.  I have a roof over my head, lots of food in my pantry , loving friends and family.  My children are all doing well and I have five grandchildren with a sixth on the way.  In comparison with the rest of the world, I am very well off! 

For my Christmas wish, I want to see some things happen in 2013 and beyond.  How about peace on earth? It seems that too many people and nations resort to violence to settle issues and shatter that peace.  I want to see our service people in Afghanistan, Iraq, and all over the world come home safely.  Closer to home, I wish to see all of my students working smart and hard and completing their assignments.  I want to see you learn your lessons and acquire  life skills that will benefit you many years from now long after you have left WHS. 

It is difficult to write this and not think about what happened in Connecticut last Friday.  Wouldn't it be great to know that there would  never be  another school, mall or theater shooting in the future? 

Your assignment is relatively simple.  Tell us in a paragraph your wish for this holiday season.  Remember to proofread. 

Happy Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays to each and every one of you.  Enjoy your break, stay safe and see you in January, 2013.  

I close with the beginning of Saturday Night LIve from last Saturday. 

Holiday Lights

You probably know many people who put up lots of lights for the holiday season.  They decorate their houses, boats (yes I have seen that), buildings and even their cars and trucks.  And , of course, there is always the tacky lights that turn up all over at this time of year. 

And then there is the light show as shown above.  Thousands of lights set to music that entertain us as we drive by and watch on television and YouTube.  Today's questions are simple.   Do you like  holiday lights?  What kind do you like best?   Do you like simple displays?  Maybe you are a fan of tacky lights or enjoy the kind of light you have viewed here.  Proofread your work! 

Kiss Cam Antics

You are probably familiar with the "kiss cam".  The ubiquitous camera that seems to turn up during time outs at sporting events.  If you see yourself on the camera you kiss out the person you came to the event with.  Most people are cooperative and good natured about it, even if a little shy.  And every now and then the camera locks on a couple of members of the opposing team sitting on their sideline.  Most athletes laugh, smile or clown a little bit.  Maybe you have heard about Chris Wilcox of the Boston Celtics basketball team and his reaction to being on a kiss cam in Philadelphia the other night.  Here is the link to the news story about his little "indiscretion". 

Was his reaction justified?  Was the fine of $25, 000 appropriate?  Should he apologize to the fans in Philadelphia?  Was it proper for the camera to seek him out?  Should we have a kiss cam at Windsor High sporting events?  Lots of points for discussion out there. 

Symbols

Here is some food for thought. 

You see them everywhere. Christmas Trees, Santas, Menorahs, candles, wreaths and lights. Yes, they are the symbols of the Holiday season. But, can city and town governments ban them in certain places?  The city of Boca Raton, FL has done exactly that in the library building.  Does the city have the right to do that, or does it violate the frights of the city's citizens.  pay attention as you watch the video and recognize that there is a place where holiday symbols can be displayed on city property.  Is that enough or even fair to all concerned. 




Here is your assignment: Watch the video and let us know what you think of the city government decision to ban holiday symbols in the library.  Do you agree or disagree?  Make sure that you proofread and give us three (3) sentences!

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas

Maybe you have heard the song "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas."  Sung by 10 year old Gayla Peevey in 1953, this novelty song was a big hit that year.  You may have this song recently playing on one of the local radio stations that are playing Christmas music. 

A novelty song is one that  is  a comical or nonsensical song.  It is designed to be funny and get you to smile or at least laugh.  Did it have that effect on you?  What do you think of the song?  Do you want a hippo?  Remember to give us at least three sentences.  Enjoy your weekend.

Mike vs. Honey

Warning:  This video is not for the squeamish.

One of my favorite TV shows was "Dirty Jobs" with Mike Rowe.  You may recognize him from  Ford TV ads.  Granted the show was not always for the squeamish of stomach or faint of heart.  He, however championed the dignity of work and how necessary some of these jobs are for our society.  You may have heard that The Discovery Channel  is cancelling the show.  One of the reasons for cancelling it is due to a company decision to change the direction their "reality" programming is heading. 

Here is an example of how their programming is heading:  The same company that owns The Discovery Channel"  also owns "TLC" network.  TLC's most popular show is "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo." 

Sadly, I do not find Honey Boo Boo to be funny or socially redeeming.  The show seems to make fun and poke the wrong stereotypes of certain people.  But people must really love it, otherwise why would Mike Rowe and Dirty Jobs be getting cancelled?  So sorry TLC and Discovery but I will be watching something else!

Your assignment for the blog is to tell us which show you would rather watch and why.  Remember to give us a paragraph (3-5 sentences).

Words Have Power

You have heard many things about words. Some of these sayings might be as simple as "words have meanings" and "your words become you." Here is a bit of a more complex thought: "Change your words. Change your world."


Take a look at the power of changed words.

What did you think of the video? Do you believe that your words really can change your world? What kind of effect would the new sign have had on you?  When you compose your reply, try to imagine that you are the man sitting there looking for help.  Would the changed words meaning have an impact on his life? (3-5 Sentences)