SPECIAL EXTRA CREDIT BLOG

Happy Holiday, Everyone. Complete this blog, and we'll drop your lowest blog grade from MP2.

Okonkwo's fictional suicide in Things Fall Apart is upsetting, but it's much worse that suicide is the THIRD leading cause of death for people between 15 and 19, and the SECOND leading cause of death for people aged 25 to 34. What do you think should be done to stop this calamity? Why do you think people consider suicide?

REMEMBER that your words appear on a public blog, and remember NOT to use any names other than your own.

While you're at it, take a look at this recent NY Times article: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/30/us/30bully.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=teen%20suicide&st=cse

Special Blog Opportunity

Hello, All. On Monday, Ms. Thompson and I will post a special extra-credit blog that will replace your lowest MP2 blog score.

In the meanwhile, did you miss the clip of President Obama on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart? Here is a permanent link: http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-october-27-2010/barack-obama-pt--1

Words of the Wise

Words to live by often come from our favorite celebrities. What is one of your favorite deep statements by a rapper, actor, or other major public figure? How has it affected the way you view yourself, others, the world, or life? How does it relate to literature you have read? If the quote contains curse words, edit them out to receive credit.

No ideas? Try this one by Jay-Z from "Guns and Roses":

You know the saying, somebody's loss is another's gain
The sun comes out when the water goes down the drain

A rainbow, then the clouds come out we do it again
Everything evens up, you just wait--Even a garbage can gets a steak

Meet the President

Before last week's election, President Obama went on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Stewart took the chance to ask some tough questions (watch the interview at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIMgenYf-Tc). If you could meet the President, what would you ask and say to him that could make a real difference? Don't just praise him, rebuke him, or ask for help without a specific message. Feel free to respond to talking points from the show.