1/5 - 1/9

With the upcoming Inauguration, there is a lot of controversy regarding Obama's pick for a speaker to lead the prayer for the Inauguration. President-elect Barack Obama has angered many of his supporters this week by selecting the evangelical pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church to speak at his inauguration.

While Warren, the leader of twenty thousand member church in Orange County, California is highly praised for his work with AIDS in Africa, social justice and the environment, he holds opinions contrary to the president-elect on some social issues. Warren has equated gay marriage with incest and abortion with the Holocaust.

Please view the video, and answer the following questions in your post.

Video


1. Why do you think the president-elect chose Rick Warren? Do you think it was a good choice? Why or why not?

2. Who would you like to see speak at inauguration? Why?

12/15 - 12/19

Due the attacks of September 11th, a lot of people became wary or even hostile towards Muslims. While I admit that Muslim extremists were responsible for the attacks, we have to take into consideration that it was a small facet of a typically peaceful and kind religion.

In the video, a woman is told she must remove her head dress, a typical item of clothing for Muslims. I would equate it to a cross that most Christians wear. Now this court told the woman she must remove her head dress. This then would be the same as telling a Christian to remove their cross.

In the United States, we have the right to express our faith and practice our religion. However, with terrorism on the rise, we as Americans have agreed to give up certain rights in order to protect ourselves. This includes searches of our bags, metal detectors, etc.

Please leave a comment answering the following questions:

1) Were any rights being infringed upon? Why or why not?

2) Why do you think the court asked her to remove her scarf?

3) What do you think will happen to her case?

*This will make you cry*

During Christmas we lose sight of what really matters, and get caught up with presents, gifts, and holiday events. I found this video to bring you back to reality and remind you of all your blessings, big and small.

Leave a comment with your class and number if you enjoyed the video :)

12/8 - 12/12

Adults play video games???

Yes, it is true!

I myself have my own X Box 360 with Guitar Hero. I am hoping to get a Wii one day, but we shall see. My family plays Rock Band at the majority of family functions like Thanksgiving and dinners. View the following video and answer the questions in your post:


Watch CBS Videos Online


1. Who plays video games in your family? What games do they play?

2. Are you surprised adults play video games? Why or why not?

3. Why do adults like to play video games?

12/8 - 12/12

Ever consider the priesthood?

This soccer player did! After an outstanding career in the world of professional soccer, he chose to leave it all behind and become a priest!

Read the article and view his photos at the following link, and answer the questions below in your post:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/19/AR2008111904007.html?referrer=emailarticle

1. What do you think of his decision? Could you make the same choice?

2. What does his choice tell you about pursuing what makes you happy?

12/8 - 12/12

With the economy in a downturn and many families struggling to make ends meet, it is conflicting to know that the auto companies will be receiving a bail out. On one hand, they will be saving thousands of jobs in Detroit, Michigan. On the other hand, these companies made certain choices that led them to this place. I mean they had their own fleet of PRIVATE JETS!

Watch the video below and answer the following questions in your post:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/video/blog/2008/12/ford_ceo_makes_his_case.html


1. Why do you think Congress was dissatisfied with the CEOs the first
time they came to Washington? Why was the corporate jet travel a
problem?

2. Do you think automakers should get big loans from the government?
Is it the government's job to make sure big companies don't fail?

3. Why do you think other car makers, like Toyota, are doing so much
better than American car companies?

Remember...ANONYMOUS and then your class and #.

12/1 - 12/5

I found this video about rising college costs and how much parents pay for college based on their income.  It's really scary knowing that you may be forced to choose between your dream school and the more "economic" choice.  

In your post, answer the following questions:

What are your concerns about college costs?

What would you rather choose, your dream school, or the "economic" choice?  WHY?

Watch CBS Videos Online

12/1 - 12/5

I was browsing the websites for your homework, and found this journal entry by House Minority whip Roy Blunt (Republican).  He is definitely not happy with Democrats, and raises some questions about the success of the Democratic Congress. 

Read the article here.

In your post, answer the following questions:

Do you agree with Rep. Roy Blunt in his attitude toward the Congress?  

Do you think the Congress should be taking a break?  

Week of 12/1 - 12/5

Check out this article, and leave a comment explaining your thoughts on a topic/idea that was mentioned in the article.

Do you agree with him? Disagree? Why?

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/speakout/us/july-dec08/newterm_1201.html

Leave a comment below with your class and student# (example: 8A2). DO NOT LEAVE YOUR NAME