What are our rights?

During class early in the week we did an activity that went over the first amendment and what our rights are that go along with it. We initially decided on our own which rights should be protected, meaning it should stay as it is, or limited, meaning it should only be legal in certain situations. We then discussed in small groups what our thoughts were, then as a whole class found out what the laws actually state. Within my group and some other groups the one that was the most controversial was if it is ok to wear obscene statements or words in public. I said that it was ok, because everyone has their own opinions of what is obscene and not. If only a group of people or type of person is offended by something it doesn’t mean that everyone will think the same way. It is true that people should know who and where to wear or say certain things, but not everyone is conscience of this though. It is part of expressing yourself the way you want and show who you are in a way.

What statements were the most controversial in your group?

You Need To Make Fun of Yourself

Being able to make fun of yourself is a strong trait to have. I mean, you can't always take yourself so seriously, or be so defensive. A great example of this is SNL. SNL brings this out in people because the people that are made fun of on the show would be extremely offended. Yesterday, Sarah Palin was on SNL, there have been a few skits made about her previously too. This was a good decision for her to make. It shows that she is comfortable with herself, which is another important trait. The skits have made the number of viewers of SNL go up and more positive exposure for Palin, a win, win situation. The fact that she actually went on the show and was in the skit made it even better. SNL always makes strategic moves to make the show as good and funny it can be without crossing the line, about current events. If I were to change anything within the show it would be to be more balanced with the political skits because it has seemed one sided, against McCain and Palin so far.

Did anyone else watch this? Or have any comments about other topics within the post?

What Does First Class Really Mean?

This weekend I have been in Seattle vistiting family and colleges. For the first time of my life my family took first class. This was a very unique experience. As soon as we were in our seats we had the flight attendants asking if we needed anything. They took our jackets immediately, ask what we would like to drink, what we were traveling for, if we needed more pillows or blankets, if we had enough space, and this went on the whole flight. This is completely different then when we fly in the coach section. The flight attendants are not very polite and just want to get through the flight without being disturbed. The difference between the two are so dramatic. It is not very fair. The people in the coach section should be treated the same as first class even though the seats may not be as nice or as expensive. The experience was really great, and I hope that it is the same when we fly home on monday. The point though is the service should not be horrible just because it isn't first class.

What have your experiences been while flying?

What Are The Points For Anyways?

Today in class we were getting papers back. Normally when teachers are passing back assignments all of the students get really anxious to know what their grade was and what the point totals were. When the assignment is given back and the grade shows, the immediate thought is what is my grade and percentage in the class now? Mr. Bolos and Mr. O'Connor were explaining today how they don't grade based off of the point totals and the percentage. Although we don't know exactly how their grading process works yet, it seems as if it is a rare way of grading. It seems as if our grades will be based off of the content of our work and our participation within the class. I really envy this teaching style because the grades and perecentages should not be the main focus within the class. It should be about growth in learning and the overall scheme of work ethic, etc. I have never had any other classes like this and rather than doing the work to learn it, it was all about the end grade and percentage.

Has anyone had a class that graded similar to this? Are students only worried about what their grade is going to be? Why do we think like this, where did these ideas come from?