Lawsuits

In Big Mouth & Ugly Girl Matt's family is suing the school, the principal, and all those involved with the bomb threat allegations for $50 million. Sure Matt suffered....but did he suffer $50 million worth? What happens to our system when crazy (and unfounded) lawsuits are filed?

Censorship

In Chapter 14 of Big Mouth & Ugly Girl we see a blatant example of censorship in America. But wait... what happened to freedom of speech? Freedom of the press? Those rights are guaranteed, aren't they???

We are going to talk quite a bit today about censorship...why it happens and if it really is ever necessary. But first-- listen to this song. If I were to tell you that I did not know the REAL words to the song until I bought Nickelback's CD, would you be shocked? Listen to the song, read the lyrics, and I will show you the parts that most American radio stations censor before the song ever hits the airwaves...... and you have to decide WHY.

Ursula

Ursula stood up for Matt. Because of her, the charges were dropped and Matt was able to return to his "old life". She is an example of one person making a difference. How can you be ONE who does something to make a situation better???? Have you ever thought about your footprint that you will leave on the world? What will it look like?

Listen to this song and talk about how you will make a difference.....

WHAT ABOUT NOW? by Daughtry

Ursula looks after Matt...but why???

Think about what Ursula did when she contacted Matt and "got involved" in the mess

at Rocky River High. If it caused negative attention to yourself, would you come to the

rescue of a stranger? Based solely on principle? Why or why not?

Taken out of Context

After reading the first few chapters of Big Mouth & Ugly Girl, you now know why Matt is in such trouble..... something he said was "taken out of context". But what does that expression really mean?

to take (something) out of context-
-To interpret something in a manner in which it was not intended

to be understood, often deliberately

Here is real-life example:

OBAMA- OUT OF CONTEXT

You will work in your discussion groups to look at another example of someone being quoted "out of context" and all the trouble that caused....much like the situation with Matt.
1. Why are people quoted "out of context"?
2. Who is at fault when this happens?
3. How do you "fix" a situation like this when it happens? Or is it really "fixable"?
4. In the case of Matt, did the principal handle the situation the best way possible?

5. Should the person who overheard Matt reported this to the principal?

Thanksgiving

Since you will be in Seattle for Thanksgiving next year, I thought it was appropriate that today, Thanksgiving Day, you find out what this day is really all about.

Links: Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Dallas Cowboys' Football Game

The First Amendment

Think about what your group discussed regarding the First Amendment rights of people of the United States. Think about this from both a pre-Columbine and post-Columbine perspective as you answer this question from chapters 1-3 of Big Mouth & Ugly Girl.

In your opinion are Matt's rights being violated?

Why or why not?

Post your opinion as a comment to this blog post before class on Thursday, 26 November.

First Amendment... should it always be protected?

As we prepare to read Joyce Carol Oates' novel Big Mouth & Ugly Girl, we will talk quite a bit about the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and what it means.

This discussion will include reading the following article:
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5923915/columbine_whose_fault_is_it
written by Marilyn Manson, the musician blamed for the tragic acts that took place at Columbine High School.

First, let's listen to what Manson and the media have to say about whose fault it is......

The question for your group as you discuss the First Amendment and this article by Manson is:

Do the events of Columbine High School (and others like it) change how the First Amendment should be interpreted? Why or why not? Be prepared to defend your opinion.

That was then, this is now- An analysis in song

As we finish our study of S.E. Hinton´s That Was Then, This Is Now, I want you to think about this song and our protagonist, Bryon.
First, read the lyrics before you watch the video.
This post will help you complete your own comparison between the novel and a song.

"Stand" by Rascal Flatts
You feel like a candle in a hurricane
Just like a picture with a broken frame
Alone and helpless
Like you've lost your fight
But you'll be alright, you'll be alright

Cause when push comes to shove
You taste what you're made of
You might bend, till you break
Cause it´s all you can take
On your knees you look up
Decide you've had enough
You get mad you get strong
Wipe your hands shake it off
Then you Stand, Then you stand

Life's like a novel
With the end ripped out
The edge of a canyon
With only one way down
Take what you're given before its gone
Start holding on, keep holding on
Cause when push comes to shove
You taste what you're made of
You might bend, till you break
Cause it´s all you can take
On your knees you look up
Decide you've had enough
You get mad you get strong
Wipe your hands shake it off
Then you Stand.

Everytime you get up
And get back in the race
One more small piece of you
Starts to fall into place



Does Bryon "stand"? Does he bend or does he break? And would you say that he finds out what he is made of throughout the story?

That was then, this is now Chapter 8

In Chapter 8 the people at the hippie house are described as being "free".
Think about your own personal definition of "being free" or "having freedom". Do you agree with this comparison? Are they really free? Why or why not?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxiYBcJi8y4

That was then, this is now Chapter 7

As you listen to this song by Lifehouse, think about how the relationships in the book are beginning to change. Who is getting closer? Who is growing apart? What relationships are in trouble of surviving?

That was then, this is now Chapter 5-6

As you listen to this song and its lyrics, think about this--
What or whom have you wanted in your life that you now realize was not good for you?
Did others attempt to "talk you out of it" or keep you from getting hurt?
Why did you want it anyway?
Why do we want things that are not good for us?

That was then, this is now Chapters 3-4

As you listen to the song, think about how the idea of being a "HERO" applies to the book That was then, this is now.
Who is looking for a hero? Or who is trying to be a hero for someone else? Are heroes necessary? Or is it dangerous to have a hero?

Characterization TWT, TIN

As you read That Was Then, This is Now, we will spend quite a bit of time analyzing the characters from the story. Rather than just describing them with adjectives, we will use a variety of metaphors and similes that represent their physical, emotional and developmental traits.



In order to familiarize you with this process, each student needs to post 1 description of a person in his/her life as a COMMENT on this post NO LATER THAN 7 October as we will use these in class on 8 October.

You decide if you will use a metaphor or a simile. Remember--the only difference is that a simile uses "like" or "as" to make the comparison.


Here are 3 examples to guide you:

That was then, this is now Chapter 2

Think about Chapter 2 which you have just read for class today.
What connections can you make between chapter and this #1 hit by the Fray?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UksIFm8Ru6s

An Introduction to SE Hinton

The Outsiders (1967) was S.E. Hinton´s first novel. That was then, this is now was published only 4 years later. To understand the characters, the setting and the "unwritten rules" of society in That was then, this is now, we must first begin with the story she tells in The Outsiders.

http://www.sehinton.com/books/

Teen Spirit

A teenager is defined as someone between the ages of 13 and 19....but who are you really?

Recently the counselor worked with you to determine your learning style.
What style were you?
Do you believe this is a good analysis of who you are?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXO3OMGKPpw

The Wilderness Trip

Last week you went on your Wildnerness Trip...
Tell me about it! Did you have fun? What did you learn?
Do you think it was a good experience for you personally and for 1y?

HAPPY...

Today we are talking about character traits and adjectives that describe one's mood.
As you listen to this song, write down all the words you can think of that are SYNONYMS with the word "happy".
"Don't worry...it's easy.... " :-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQU

Forever Young

What part of growing up scares or worries you the most?
Why???

High School Never Ends

Some parts of high school are great, but others are the parts you want to forget. However, we find that the things we do in high school have made their way into society and into adult lives. One of those things is bullying. How did it become so "normal"? Why do people do it? Have you ever been bullied or been the bullier? Have you ever stood around while someone else was being bullied, but did nothing to stop it? Why or why not? Does "high school" really ever end?!?

Photograph

We have many photographs of our "growing up". Some are actual photos, and others are just imprinted in our minds. What photo comes to mind as the most memorable in the last 16 (or 17) years? Where were you? Were you happy? What were you doing?

Role of Parents

A very important component of "growing up" is the role of the parent. What role do your parents play in your life? Are they examples for you to follow? Are they guards watching your every move? Are they friends who you like to hang out with? Are they counselors to whom you can tell anything? Or is your relationship something totally different?

Will Smith says that "parents just don't understand"....what do you think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI0dCVwdedE

Reality of growing up

Coldplay"Viva la Vida"
The song's Spanish title, "Viva la Vida", is taken from a painting by 20th century Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. It translates into English as "long live life"....

When you are a kid, it is easy to think about life as this great big thing awaiting us, full of wonder and excitement. However, as we grow up, the wonder and amazement can turn to reality and even disappointment.Where are you on this journey? Is life still fun and free or have you already experienced the realities associated with growing up?

Journal is a verb???

Each class you will hear a song (and perhaps see a video) that has some connection to what we are currently studying. Your task is to listen to the song and RESPOND.... Sometimes I will give you a question to think about, but other times, you will just write whatever comes to mind as you hear the song. Do not worry about spelling, grammar, or anything mechanical. Just write.... Just say what you feel like saying...