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Holiday Fun!

To create a holiday movie with html code to embed on your blog, google search: jibjab. You might have to copy pictures to your Lindsay folder so that you can upload them to your e-card. Copy and paste the html code to a new post on your blog, and don't forget to comment me when you are done!

The Impact of Fundamentalism on Human Rights

As documented in The Kite Runner, fundamentalism, specifically the Taliban's method of enforcing religious law, had a significant impact on the lives of women and children in Afghanistan. From watching Baba, Amir and Rahim Khan's stories, we also learned that fundamentalism created a huge crisis involving refugees and internally displaced people. In addition, scenes with Assef showed us that those individuals that came into contact with the Taliban endured some of the most brutal, inhuman and degrading treatment that the world has ever witnessed. We will be examining the severity of the Taliban's fundamentalist tactics as depicted in The Kite Runner and explore the impact the Taliban had on the human rights of individuals in Afghanistan.

Start by defining the words fundamentalist and fundamentalism.

After you have read The Taliban's Rules both Rules Regarding Females and Rules Regarding All Afghans - choose one law from each list that you think is the most oppressive and write a short paragraph on each.

The Kite Runner

Write a short review of the first half of the book in a short paragraph. You make talk freely about the book or specifics, for example: who is your favorite character so far, or your most hated, and why? What are some of the larger themes covered in the novel? Additionally, include a review of today's discussion - many of you expressed that it was your favorite discussion thus far - please discuss why this is in specifics, for example: What are a few of the questions you asked of the "characters" today? What did you think about their responses?

Precious / Push Questions

Choose at least 3 (or more for extra credit) questions and post responses on your blog! You can use evidence from both the movie and/or the novel.

1. What type of person do you believe Precious is? Based on the circumstances in her life, what would you expect from Precious?

2. What about Precious' character leads her to overcome her situation and not be complacent?

3. Is Precious a movie about what we all can overcome or is it merely an examination of one girl's life and circumstances? Why?

4. Can you relate to Precious or her life? In what ways?

5. The book and movie are virtually free of men. What message does this send you about roles of men and women in Precious' life?

6. What are the roles of men and women, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers, and friends in your life?

7. What is the role you play in other people's lives?

Answer all 3 of the following questions:
1. Did Precious' story make you think about what your role is to those around you, no matter how well you know them? Do you feel a responsibility to assist others?

2. Like the investment of time that BluRain makes in Precious, what investment have you made in someone's life? If you haven't made that investment, what is stopping you?

3. Has someone made the investment in you? Who?

The Kite Runner - Ethnic groups in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has approximately 8 major ethnic groups residing within 34 provinces or mini-states, each having its own distinct cultural and political identity. The 8 major ethnic groups are the Pashtuns, Tajiks, Hazaras, Uzbeks, Turkmen, Nuristanis, Aimaqs and Balochis. Using the reading from class, please answer the following questions on your blog.

1. What is the population of Afghanistan?
2. How many major ethnic groups are there in Afghanistan? Which groups do Amir and Hassan belong to?
3. What are the two official languages of Afghanistan? How many other languages are spoken in Afghanistan?
4. What is the major religion in Afghanistan?
5. Which two ethnic groups are the largest in Afganistan?
6. What is the main language of the Pashtuns?
7. Why are the Pashtuns so influential in Afghanistan?
8. Approximately how many Tajiks are there in Afghanistan?
9. Where do most Hazaras reside?
10. Which ethnic groups were historically best known for farming?
11. Which ethnic groups are best known as nomads or for camel breeding?
12. Which Muslim sect to do the majority of Muslims in Afghanistan belong to?
13. What are the Tajiks best known for?
14. What sect of Muslims do most Hazaras belong to?

Writing Poetry / Escribir Poemas

Please submit some of your own poetry in the spirit of our recent anthology: Cool Salsa! Your poems can rhyme or be free form and if you'd like to perform/read them at our book circle, that would be awesome!!!

Also, don't forget our salsa contest on Thursday . . . bring your best!! I'll provide the chips!

God made you brown, mi'ja
to wear as a crown for you are royalty -
a princess, la raza nueva,
the people of the sun.
It is the color of Chicana women -
leader/madres of Chicano warriors
luchando por la paz y la dignidad
de la justicia de la nacion, Aztlan!!

Education not Incarceration

Education not Incarceration Forum
November 10, 2009
San Diego City College
Room D121

Organized by City College MEChA & Chicano Mexicano Prison Project

Please reflect on the panel speakers you heard - discuss some of the things you learned from the forum and talk about how the topics the speakers discussed are reflected in your own lives.

Rihanna breaks silence about domestic violence

Rihanna told interviewers she feels ashamed about falling for Chris Brown and says she left him as an example for other young women who might be in abusive relationships - she warns other young women to not be blinded by love - watch video clip below:

Rihanna: Chris Brown 'had no soul in his eyes' -- latimes.com

The Road Less Traveled - Writing Contest

We often travel the familiar road, the most certain route. However, sometimes we take a road less traveled because our hearts tell us, "You need to step off the safest path. It is time. Don't worry about what others think. Do it because you know it is right for you."

In a short story, essay, memoir, poem, or graphic panels, describe an action you took, not because it was easy and expected, but because your heart told you to take a different direction, and as a result, you arrived at a new destination.

Awards:
If you piece is chosen as a winner, it will be read aloud at a public reading and published in a statewide magazine.

Deadline:
November 15, 2009

School Goals for the New Term

Now that you've received your report cards, reflect on areas you did well on, as well as those that could use improvement. Pick 3 goals for the next term and talk about how you plan to achieve these goals. Make two of them academic goals and the third a social goal. Don't forget to include what steps you are going to take to achieve these goals!!!

Dia de los Muertos - Persistance of Indigenous Culture

More than 500 years ago, when the Spanish Conquistadors landed in what is now Mexico, they encountered natives practicing a ritual that seemed to mock death. It was a ritual the indigenous people had been practicing at least 3,000 years. A ritual the Spaniards would try unsuccessfully to eradicate. The ritual known today as Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead.

The ritual is celebrated in Mexico and certain parts of the United States.

Celebrations are held each year in various areas and although the ritual has since been merged with Catholic theology, it still maintains the basic principles of the Aztec ritual, such as the use of skulls.

Today, people don wooden skull masks called calacas and dance in honor of their deceased relatives. The wooden skulls are also placed on altars that are dedicated to the dead. Sugar skulls, made with the names of the dead person on the forehead, are eaten by a relative or friend, according to Mary J. Adrade, who has written three books on the ritual.

The Aztecs and other Meso-American civilizations kept skulls as trophies and displayed them during the ritual. The skulls were used to symbolize death and rebirth.

The skulls were used to honor the dead, whom the Aztecs and other Meso-American civilizations believed came back to visit during the month long ritual.

Unlike the Spaniards, who viewed death as the end of life, the natives viewed it as the continuation of life. Instead of fearing death, they embraced it. To them, life was a dream and only in death did they become truly awake.

"The pre-Hispanic people honored duality as being dynamic," said Christina Gonzalez, senior lecturer on Hispanic issues at Arizona State University. "They didn't separate death from pain, wealth from poverty like they did in Western cultures."

However, the Spaniards considered the ritual to be sacrilegious. They perceived the indigenous people to be barbaric and pagan.

In their attempts to convert them to Catholicism, the Spaniards tried to kill the ritual.

But like the old Aztec spirits, the ritual refused to die.

To make the ritual more Christian, the Spaniards moved it so it coincided with All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day (Nov. 1 and 2), which is when it is celebrated today.

Previously it fell on the ninth month of the Aztec Solar Calendar, approximately the beginning of August, and was celebrated for the entire month. Festivities were presided over by the goddess Mictecacihuatl. The goddess, known as "Lady of the Dead," was believed to have died at birth, Andrade said.

Today, Day of the Dead is celebrated in Mexico and in certain parts of the United States and Central America.

"It's celebrated different depending on where you go," Gonzalez said.

Tears of a Tiger

Please post your shelfari review for our novel and the Words Alive discussion.

Candlelight Vigil at Chicano Park

15 Years of Operation Gatekeeper!

Candlelight vigil for all those who have fallen victim!

Friday, October 2, 2009

Chicano Park

5:30 - 7 pm

Reflection on the DV Rally

The organizers of the San Diego Domestic Violence Awareness Rally would like some feedback so as to better improve the rally next year. Please answer the questions below and offer any other advice or suggestions you'd like.

1. List at least one or two things you learned at the rally.

2. What was you favorite event/ booth/ exhibit at the rally and why?

3. What would you include next year? (ex: location, speakers, activities, etc.)

Domestic Violence Rally

Looking at the Teen Power and Control Wheel, we recognize that there are many ways that young women are involved in violence relationships. Please list (with description) the type of violence you believe most affects young teenage women and why. Have you had any experience with any of these types of violence? How have you handled them? What advice would you give to other girls in similar situations?

To link to wheel: http://www.ncdsv.org/images/Teen%20P&C%20wheel%20NO%20SHADING.pdf

Not To Be Forgotten Rally - Domestic Violence Awareness
Thursday, October 1st
Old Town Plaza
4002 Wallace Street

Everyone together
Victims can be anyone - children, pets, men, women, elders
Enough
Relationships can be safe, calm, tender and loving
You can make a difference
Others play a role - neighbors, friends, family and coworkers
No excuse for abuse
Everyone has the power to heal

The Supremacy Clause - Study Questions

1. Read the quote from Thomas Jefferson on page 18 of your study guide. Why do you feel this promise was not kept by the U.S. government?

2. Give examples of how the Cherokees became acculturated to European culture, mostly by force.

3. By 1932, how much of their original reservation lands had Indians lost? Describe how the Dawes Act caused much of this loss.

4. Why did Chief Joseph and "Captain Jack" engage in battles with the U.S. Army?

5. Why do you think constitutional rights guaranteed in the "Supremacy Clause" were not granted to the American Indians in their land disputes with white settlers?

6. If you were an American Indian ordered to move immediately to a place that was harsh and cold, and you did not have enough warm clothing or supplies (ex: the Trail of Tears), would you follow this order? What choices would you have?

Music Therapy

Lindsay Community School has been blessed with a music therapy program for the infants and toddlers and their mothers. In order to ensure the continuation of this program, we will be writing letters of recommendation for the program. Below are some questions to consider when writing your letter.

1. Why do you think this music program exists for mothers and their babies?
2. What have you learned through this program?
3. Do you use music besides during music class? If so, when and how often?
4. Describe how you feel when you and your baby participate during music class.
5. What is your favorite part of the music time? How about for your child?
6. Does your baby do any of the sign language, play instruments, or sing at home? Describe what you observed.
7. Do you think the music experiences affected your relationship with your child? If so, how?
8. Is the music class for mommies and babies a worthwhile experience overall?
9. Did the music class improve your child's development (language, motor, social skills?) How so?
10. Would you recommend this music program to a friend who was pregnant or who had a child?

When you're done with the assignment, please post you letter onto your blog. Also, for extra bonus points, take a picture of your child during music therapy and post it on your blog!! When posting, please use your Scribd account so that it appears as Word document! (see sample above)

Grito de Independencia!!

Food and Live Music!
Comida y Musica en Vivo!

Tuesday September 15, 2009
Martes 15 de Septiembre del 2009

Chicano Park - En El Parque Chicano

5:30 pm - BE THERE!!

Post your day on your blog for 10 hours credit - plus another 5 for pictures taken at the event!

Obama's Video Contest !!

Obama has released a "I Am What I Learn" video contest. Students are invited to submit a video no longer than two minutes in length, explaining why education is important and how education will help them achieve their dreams. For more details, visit: www.ed.gov

Obama's Speech: My Education, My Future

Now that you have watched, taken notes on, and discussed Obama's speech on education, please answer the following questions: (If you missed the video or want to watch again, the link is below. Also, there is a transcript of the speech included for those of you who would like to read it)

1. What resonated with you from President Obama's speech? What lines or phrases do you remember?

2. What were the three most important words in Obama's speech? What do they mean?

3. Is Obama inspiring you to do anything? Is he challenging you to do something? What is it?

4. Obama said, "no one has written your destiny for you, you make your own destiny." What does this quote mean to you and your life?

5. Obama stressed the importance of working hard in school and contributing to your country. He also asked, "What's your contribution going to be? What problems are you going to solve?" How would you answer this question if you were conversing with Mr. Obama?

transcripts: http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/

video: http://www.whitehouse.gov/mediaresources/

I Am Poetry

Please post your I Am Poem on your blog. Don't forget to use our college-level characteristic adjectives to describe yourself! And, as always, please be creative and imaginative! Also, please comment me when finished!!

I am passionate and revolutionary . . .

Report Cards - Setting Goals

Now that all of you have your report cards, I'd like you to reflect on your academic goals for next grading period which ends October 23. I want you to set at least three goals for this term, two of them academic and 1 social/personal. Please list your three goals and describe the ways in which you will attain/reach these goals. Be specific in your plan and we will revisit these goals at the end of the term.

Words Alive Discussion: Piece of Cake

• go to your blog and write a final review of Piece of Cake and the group discussion. You might want to include: what you enjoyed about the discussion, what you would have changed, what you learned from other girls' comments, other activities you'd like to do during the discussions, etc. On your shelfari, write a review of the book and the discussion

• On your Shelfari, copy and paste your book review from your blog onto your Shelfari account.
  

• make sure you are linked to Lindsay's Shelfari account
  

• create a link on your blog to your Shelfari bookshelf

• put a Shelfari bookshelf, as a widget, on your blog
  

Piece of Cake discussion questions

In preparation for the Words Alive discussion tomorrow, and in support of Yesenia who will be facilitating the discussion, please post a minimum of 3 possible discussion questions that we can use.

For example: Why does Cupcake include so many subordinate characters in the telling of her story? Which subordinate character do you believe most influences Cupcake's life for better or worse?

spelling bee sentences

Choose five words from the spelling bonus list and use them appropriately in a sentence. Please bold the word used.

Example: Dawn does not condone the use of the words "um" or "like" in her class discussions.

Responding to Cupcake's Memoir

Choose one of the following questions about Piece of Cake and answer on your blog!

1. Has part of this book inspired you in any way? If so, how and can you give a specific example from the book that exemplifies this inspiration?

2. Did this book change your life in any specific way, or perhaps, cause you to think differently about certain issues? If so, what and how?

3. What do you think Cupcake's motivation was for writing this novel? What do you think she believes her readers will get out of hearing her story? Is she trying to reveal something, or just telling her life story?

Manifest Destiny and Ethnocentrism

Use class readings and notes to answer the following:
1. Why can we say that there was cultural diversity in the Americas even before whites arrived?
2. Give two examples of how the Native Americans and the Europeans experienced acculturation.
3. Describe how Navtive Americans and Europeans had different ways of looking at how the land should be used and shared.
4. Explain why the idea of Manifest Destiny is an example of ethnocentrism.
5. How do you believe American history would have been different if Phillip/Pometacomet or Tecumseh had been successful in their plans?
6. What purposeful strategies (list at least three) were employed by the English to clear the Wampanoag from their lands?
7. What were the main events of King Phillips War? Why were the whites ultimately successful in winning this war?

Bugs in food...

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/01/05/bugs-in-your-food/

Using your blog to document events

Many blogs are used by people to report on events that happen in their neighborhoods and communities, especially events that are not covered by the mainstream news media. This week, you are to report on an event/occurrence that happens in your community that you believe is news-worthy. We often talk about the ICE Raids, gang shootings, etc. - now we're going to publish it as news to the world! Report on your event by this Friday and be prepared to present it to the class! Also, look at Juan's blog for an example of reporting on a community event.

Creating Your Own Political Party Platform

Now you have examined two political parties: the Libertarians and the FMLN. You will create your own political party and a platform to represent it. Start by organizing you information on the worksheet from class. Make sure to include the following on you blog post:
1. Name of your political party
2. Party slogan
3. Party symbol
4. Three most important party principles/stances on issues, with explanations on why this position was taken

Farabundo Marti - FMLN

Read both the article on the FMLN titled "La Victoria del FMLN en El Salvador" and the biography on Farabundo Marti and post the answers to the following questions on your blog!
ARTICLE
1. Who was Farabundo Marti and what was he fighting for?
2. What other revolutionaries was Marti compared to in this article and why?
3. What three things is the FMLN, the party named for Marti, struggling for?
4. Who fought each other during the "civil war" in El Salvador?
5. Why was the El Salvadorian government so successful in repressing the guerrila fighters?
6. Where did the U.S. train the Salvadorian army?
7. Why do you think the U.S. spent so much time and money supporting the dictator of El Salvador and repressing the guerrilla fighters?
8. Who is the opposing political party to the FMLN? How did this political party stay in power for so long?
9. In this last election, an FMLN candidate finally won the election. Who is the new president of El Salvador?
10. What are some of the things the FMLN will be fighting for now that they are in power? Or what are some of the changes they want to make?

BIOGRAPHY
1. Where was Marti born and where did he attend school?
2. What did Marti major in and why did he drop out of college?
3. Why was Marti arrested?
4. When he returned to El Salvador after being in exile, he helped found the Socorro Rojo International Party. What did this political party stand for?
5. After returning to El Salvador after his second exile, who did Marti organize to start a revolution?
6. What happened at La Matanza (click on the hot link)
7. What happened to Marti in the end?
8. Do you admire Marti? If so, why? What would you do differently or similarly if you were organizing you own political party/revolution?

The Kumeyaay Tribe

Do some research on the indigenous peoples of the San Diego area - the Kumeyaay - and answer the questions below by posting your answers on your blog. Please try to answer in complete sentences. I have listed one website below to help you with your search!

1. What did the Spanish rename the Kumeyaay tribe?
2. List at least three of their main food staples (what they ate).
3. What three groups or bands were the Kumeyaay divided into?
4. Did the Kumeyaay convert to Christianity?
5. What happened on November 4 & 5, 1775?
6. How many Kumeyaay currently live in San Diego county?
7. What kinds of tattooing were used by this tribe?
8. What type of clothing did the Kumeyaay wear?
9. The Kumeyaay were experts at making what product? What were the uses for this product?
10. Where can we view Kumeyaay artifacts today?
11. When you educate your child about the Native Americans from this area, what do you believe is the most important part of the information you learned, that you will share with them? Why?

http://www.desertusa.com/mag99/july/papr/kumeyaay.html

blogger scavenger hunt

On MY blog:
1. What is the word of the day and what does it mean?
2. Go to the link "free rice" on link list and earn 50 grains of rice.
3. Look at the translation station widget - what is the word for 'school' in Italian?
(post your answers on your blog)

On YOUR blog:
1. add me to you links list
2. add one other new student to your blog
3. go to 'blogger widgets' on my links list. Explore different widgets and add one to your sidebar
4. go to 'refdesk' on my links. Scroll down to find out why watching tv is bad for your children, and then write a short post on your blog explaining why.

Characterization in A Piece of Cake

Why would Dot be considered a subordinate character in this chapter?
Describe an example of a dynamic and a static character from this memoir and why? Please answer in complete sentences and include definitions for academic terms.

Resolution/Denouement (day-noo-ma) = at the end of the story when all the loose ends of the plot/conflicts are tied up

Subordinate Characters = less important characters that usually do not affect the plot, but they often do serve to reveal more information about the main character/protagonist

Dynamic Character = character who changes in an important way during the story

Static Character = character who is the same at the end of the story as at the beginning (usually a subordinate character)

Cupcake's newest conflict

What is Cupcake's (our protagonist) newest conflict? What type of literary conflict does this represent? What do you believe will result from her current living situation (the resolution)?

Maiko

• Maiko are young women training in arts such as Japanese dance, shamisen (a Japanese instrument), and a traditional way of singing to become geisha, whose profession is to entertain guests at traditional Japanese-style restaurants.

• Their hairstyle varies slightly depending on how many years they've been training. However, their unique appearance with the red collar peeking from underneath a long-sleeved kimono and long dangling obi belt is exactly the same as girls who lived in the towns at the end of the Edo period (1603-1867).
  
• Because their dance was performed in dim candle-lit rooms at the time, they colored their skin white to make it look beautiful. Makeup techniques of spreading hair oil on the face and applying special face powder remain the same today.

Japanese Language

There is only one official language spoken in Japan, which is of course Japanese. However, many Japanese are able to understand English to a certain extent since English is the foreign language that everyone must learn as part of their education.
Following are a few phrases that we can all practice together.


Useful Japanese Phrases:
Japanese to English
Ohayou gozaimasu - Good morning
Kon'nichiwa - Good afternoon
Kon'banwa - Good evening
Oyasumi nasai - Good night
Sayounara - Good-bye
Sumimasen - Excuse me
Gomen nasai - I am sorry
Wakarimasen - I don't understand
Arigatou - Thank you
Hai - Yes
Iie - No

Tequila, Lemon & Salt Review

my favorite story so far is an undocumented wedding because it exposes the differences between white and Mexican families . . . when one enters a Mexican home, there is often a happy spirit in the air and you are always welcome - there are rarely times of silence during meals also . . . i liked the protagonist because he figures out a way to integrate his family into the wedding, even though they refused to cross the border . . the story also exposes the ridulculousness of the border and how love knows no borders (theme)

polleverywhere

Make your own poll voting question with Poll Everywhere

scribd practice

Dia de Los Muertos Project

Publish at Scribd or explore others: literature

Shelfari !

Shelfari Objectives:
- create Shelfari account
- add at least 5 - 10 books to shelf
- add at least 5 lindsay friends to your account
- edit your profile : personal message
- write a review of Push and one other Words Alive book (ex: Night, Persepolis, A Child Called It)
- upload a picture
_add Shelfari widget to your blog

sex class - STDs

1. What does it mean if an STD is asymptomatic?
2. List four things that put teens at a higher risk for catching STDs.
3. Why do you think the rate of chlamydial infection in people who are 15 to 19 years old is highter than the rate in people who are 30 to 34 years old?
4. Why do females catch STDs at a higher rate than males?
5. List four things you can do, besides abstinence, to protect yourself from STDs.