Summer, Summer, Summer (Almost)!

Well, lovelies,
You're almost there! Just a few more weeks and you'll have completed the school year. Some of you are back for more fun and torture in September; others will move on to the world beyond W-O walls. I wish you all success in whatever you persue, and I hope that writing somehow remains part of your lives. There's no reason to quit your blog--feel free to keep it up.

Speaking of blogs...today you will compose your final blog for the course. Whether you are 4C or 4U only one blog today is required. As for the topic? Anything. Maybe you want to reflect on highlights of this past school year. Perhaps you want to fill us in on your summer plans. Or, maybe you want to finally begin writing that epic novel about bats. Whatever. Just be sure to have all of your blogs caught up by the start of exams. I'll be marking them that week.

I really have enjoyed working with you this year! Thanks for being willing to risk and to share your talents.

Peace,
Feicky

Well, Hello there, May.

Okay, if you've made it this far today that means you have completed:
a) Your travel story
b) Commenting on my blog post today (to tell me if you prefer to work on writing play scripts or short stories)
c) The class feedback survey--remember to print off a copy without your name, please.

Good. Now, here are today's topics. Choose one, two or come up with your own darn ideas.

1. You guessed it: I'm going to ask about the election. Um, if you are wondering what election it's best to skip this topic and move on to option 2. Otherwise, tell me about your attitudes when it comes to Canadian politics. Do you care? Are you old enough to vote? Do you know much about the parties or candidates? What do you think of past prime ministers? Maybe you want to make up your own party. If you had the chance, what would you call your political organization and what would you stand for?

2. From the relatively calm world of Canadian politics i take you to a far more violent leadership: that of Osama bin Laden. By now you've heard the news that he was captured and killed by American forces. Reactions to this are mixed. While most Westerners seem relieved by the news, some wonder if "celebrating" the death of this tyrant goes too far. Are loud public demonstrations of joy at his death acceptable? What are your thoughts? You may wish to read articles describing different countries' and groups' reactions before commenting. Here are a few links.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/features/binladen-dead/
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/americas/the-world-reacts-to-bin-ladens-death/article2007028/


3. Okay, the first two topics are fairly heavy. So, here's a lighter option. Sort of. If you had to make the choice between living a life where you were guaranteed to become rich or a life where you were guaranteed to fall in love, which would you choose and why?

Remember, if you hate these topics you can devise your own...That's democracy, folks!

Things that make you go: Hmmm...

Today you are to expose yourself and us to some quirky news. That is, fill us in on something unusual, bizarre, interesting or just plain weird. For your post: Simply search for "bizarre news" or "funny world news" and see what you find. Don't just go with the first one you find. Be sure to explain why you chose your news item, to summarize it, indicate where you found it (if there is no link provided) and offer your thoughts about it. 4UIs: you can write about TWO news items or you can choose your own blog topic. Here are some examples of news items from around the globe, in keeping with our travel unit. You are welcome to comment on them.

A picture is worth...I am all for beautifying cityscapes--remember my post on yarn bombing? So, when I stumbled across what the Japanese were doing with their man hole (sewer) covers, I was intrigued. I'm not sure I'd want someone driving over my art, and I worry it might cause drivers to suddenly stop and have a look-see while being rear-ended, but the idea is a creative one none-the-less. Check it out:
http://www.boingboing.net/2010/10/19/drainspotting.html

Ah, censorship. The Chinese government does it well. Their latest subject deemed morally dangerous: Back to the Future. That's right. And you thought Marty McFly was wholesome-ish.
www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturenews/8452907/Chinese-censors-attack-frivolous-time-travel-dramas.html?sms_ss=google&at_xt=4dad77e8c84c1761%2C0

Home Stretch

Believe it or not, Bloggers, the school year is coming to an end.

Yup, you only have fewer than three months left to enjoy this class. Wipe those tears away; there is still work to be done. Speaking of which: today you will blog THEN check the webpage for a list of the blogs you should have completed for the end of March. Enjoy!

Today's Blog:What are your plans for next year? Have they changed from what you were thinking at the start of this school year? How has this year gone for you so far? If you came for a "victory lap" do you regret it or celebrate that decision?

4UI's: Come up with your own topic for your second blog. Come on, don't be sad. It's been awhile since we've blogged so you should have heaps of good ideas.

Trippy

Good morning, Bloggers.

Today you are to post a blog (2 if you are in 4UI) AND make sure you read at least THREE other people's blog posts from any day and comment on them. If you were absent last class, make sure you read my post from that day and catch up on the work.

Today's topic:
Reflect on a time when you and your family or friends embarked on a road/rail/air/sea trip. Maybe it was a long journey to Florida or a relatively short drive to the store. Perhaps it was the illustrious Ottawa trip in grade 10. Recall the uncomfortable seats, the mindless chatter, the fighting if you were wee siblings and the urgent pit stops. Now, write about it. Your'e not focusing on the destination here, but the journey itself. Describe your physical space and how you felt in it, the sounds, the sights, the emotions, etc. Be as original with your images as possible.

Can't recall such a trip? Make one up. You are all creative writers, after all.


4UI's: Choose your own topic for the second post.

Don't forget to read others' posts and comment on them, everybody. That means ZERO time for Facebook etc.

Your Mission...and you Will Accept it.

Happy Spring (ha ha ha), Bloggers!
Here is what you are to accomplish today:
1. Please make sure you hand in a second, typed copy of your poem to me by the end of class today. I will return your marked poems, but need a clean copy for us to read in class.

2. Go to . http://www.worldhum.com/Go to the Features tab, and then to the Travel Stories link. Find a story that appeals to you. Read it. Then, under the comment section of my post today, give the title of the piece and why you would or would not recommend us to read it. This MUST be done this period.

3. If we have time, we'll start blogging today. Today's topic: Write about a trip (can be even to the grocery store) where something went wrong. Can't recall such an event? Make one up. :) We'll continue blogging next class.

Lucky Bloggers

Good morning. Well, all of you who sighed sadly last class when you learned we weren't blogging can now smile instead. Hopefully you have noticed by now that I am not here. So, I've given you a chance to blog afterall.

BUT FIRST:
Print off a copy of your poem that you will recite. Tuck it in your binder. Go ahead, I'll wait...
Good. Now, remember to bring it to Monday's class so we can do some practice work with it.

Feel free to use this period to work on your poem/song writing if you haven't done so yet.

Today's Blog:

Today is 80's dress up day. I am saddened that I had to miss out on donning my turquoise tights and shoulder padded tunic. Perhaps I'll save it for our coffee house...Thinking of the '80s takes me back to my high school days. Guns 'n' Roses, concert shirts, high top running shoes and Corey Hart obsessions. (See much earlier post for his dreamy photo.) What decade would you teleport yourself to for a day? The roaring '20s? The nifty '50s? Perhaps you'd channel your inner beatnik and join some coffee house poetry readings in the sedated '60s. Whatever your choice, describe why you are drawn to that era and how you would spend the day.

See you Monday. With your poems.
Feicky