Music

Music in some form has been around since the beginning of time. Everyone has a favorite type of music, be it country, rock, classical, hip hop or jazz. Can you think of other types of music? What is your favorite? Why is it that?

It seems that every generation has a favorite of music that may not be as popular with the older generations. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not? Do you sometimes hear older people (older than you) say that they don't understand your music? I heard the same thing about rock music in the 1970s. It seems that it is still around. To me, the test of music is this: Will future generations listen to it and purchase it?

Tell me what you think! Proofread, proofread... and proofread some more!

Finally, we will play some music. Let me know if you have requests. Make sure that your requests are appropriate. Sit back and enjoy!

Shift Happens

The videos you are about to watch are at the very least eye-opening and hopefully thought provoking. Do you believe the statistics you have just seen? Is the United States at a disadvantage, education wise? Does this make you want to work harder in school?

Does size really matter, and what does this imply for the future? Think it over and reply. Really think it over! I am looking for at least five sentences in your response! And as always, remember to proofread it!

They Can't do That to Us!

By now, you have probably heard the news that MacArthur Mall (Center) has a new policy in place that as of October 19, people under 18 will not be allowed in the mall past 5 pm unless they are accompanied by someone over 21. Read the press release. What do you think of this? Is it unfair or just an attempt to help merchants of the mall?

This video from a local television network seems to sum up at least the mall's side of the argument. Let's watch it. Here is another video. What do you think of the policy? Do you go to that mall, or to another one? Maybe you don't go to a mall at all. Please tell us what you think of the policy and how you will react to it.

The way I see it is that the mall is an "upscale" facility that want to attract customers with money to spend. They seem to think that unsupervised individuals under 18 might scare off customers. On the other hand, teens in this nation spend between $85 and $170 billion per year! That means that they are an important part of the national economy. Is it correct to potentially exclude them?

Don't Mess With This Kid!

All I can say is wow! This first grader certainly should have some interesting tales at school these days. It seems that he shot a 12 foot long alligator recently. Read the news article! Then we will watch the news video. I wonder how many shots he fired?

I am sure the hunters among you will appreciate this story. What amazes me is that the five year old seems so calm. I would have been so excited that I would be hard pressed to remain quiet about it! The biggest alligator I have seen was on a golf course in SC about 20 years ago. He was probably about 6 feet long, but still frightening to look at! Have you ever seen an alligator?

Now, tell us what you think!

Dancing with the Hard Hats

This one you have to see to believe. In Great Britain construction workers building a ballet center decided to see for themselves what ballet dancing was all about. Their experiences were both funny and interesting. Funny because most people don't assume that ballet and construction are a good mix. Interesting because these construction workers wanted to find out about what they were building. Think they might go on tour? Wonder what their significant others think? Me, I was laughing all over seeing this on the news the other night!

Watch the news broadcast.

What do you think of this? Tell us in a paragraph.

The Mom Song

Have you heard "The Mom Song" by comedienne Anita Renfroe? It seems to have become a YouTube and Television sensation. Here is the premise. In just under three minutes, she sings all the things that a typical mom might say in a single day. Very funny and entertaining.

Of course, as with many discussions between parents and children there is probably going to be a comment from both teenagers and younger children. Thus two videos; one from a teen's perspective and another from a younger child. Was that a natural thing to follow The Mom Song?

Watch the videos and tell the class what you think. Remember the rules from my earlier blog! Be creative and enjoy!

Welcome Back

Welcome back to school and thanks for checking out this blog. I intend to use this as a teaching tool during keyboarding and CIS classes.

Just a few quick rules: First off, be respectful, tolerant and positive in your comments. Anything else will not be posted. Second: You must post to my blog to earn your class participation grade for that day. We will blog on many days, but not all days. Thirdly, I will read your comments. They must be grammatically correct and proofread. We will talk about this before you leave your first comment. Fourth: Have fun!

Tell the class what you think of this. For this and all comments, remember to respond using a full paragraph (3-5 sentences).