Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Week of April 23rd

Hello Gentlemen:

Articles Used in This Week's Quiz: "Baby, You Can Drive In My Car-Via Web"(page 20); "A Team Stands Tall" (pages 32-34); "The Perils of Pulling Out"(pages 36-39); and "A 'War' for Inclusion" (page 47).

If you've read these articles and want to try the quiz, send me an email and I'll send it to you.

Hope you are having a good week. Remember, there is no skype or webex unless you contact me and desire specific assistance with your school work.

All the best,

Miss Donna

Monday, April 16, 2007

Week of April 16th

Webex Session, Monday April 16th, 10:00 a.m.

A Parallel Peacemaker, pgs. 38-39

Explain Israel's qualms about negotiating with Syria.

The Pets We Love and Drug, pgs. 40-41

Why do Americans "throw a pill" at their pets?

NO SKYPE THIS WEEK. Responses will be provided via e-mail.

Monday, April 9, 2007

Week of April 9th

A Frank Conversation with Elizabeth Edwards, p. 38.

Read the Newsweek interview with Elizabeth Edwards, wife of the 2008 Presidential candidate John Edwards. Then, answer the following questions:

What would be the hardest thing for you to face if you were diagnosed with cancer?

What does Elizabeth want the day before she dies to look like?

What would you like to do the day before you die?

If doctors wanted you to try an untested cancer drug, would you do it?

How the Saudi King is Trying to Heal the Arab World, 42

According to the Saudis, why is Ahmadinejad using rhetoric against Israel, supporting Hizbullah and the Hamas?

Why did Abdullah ask Ahmadiejad, “Do you think those US warships are out there on vacation?”

In your opinion, what should Saudi Arabia do to maintain peace in the Middle East?

Monday, April 2, 2007

Week of April 2nd

Monday, April 2nd:

Hello Everyone! We had our technology check today and everything is now understood. Mohammed and Hussain need to get a different set of headphones. Next week, we expect to see everyone all together - on time - for the Webex conference.

OK - what about this week? The Newsweek magazine is all about war this week. I know you have an interest in CALIFORNIA, so let's visit the San Diego zoo online. Go to:

http://www.sandiegozoo.org/

Click on : New podcast: Polar Bear Plunge

Select and listen to #'s 1-3. Answer the following questions for each section.

Polar Bear Plunch Introduction:
What is the extra layer of fat on a Polar Bear called?
What are two purposes of the extra fat?

Polar Bear Personalities:
Why should you wear bright colors and a funny hat when visiting these Polar Bears?

Polar Bear Food:
What is a favorite food of a Polar Bear?
Name three types of food the Polar Bears are fed at the zoo?

You can answer these questions in the comments section of the blog. I'll talk with you about it during skype sessions on Thursday.

THURSDAY SKYPE

10:00 Balail
10:15 Khalid
10:30 Mohammed
10:45 Hussain

Of course, you are still welcome to read all of the articles in the Newsweek magazine. It's a free gift, remember?

Have a great week!

Monday, March 26, 2007

Assignments for Week of March 26th

Monday, the 26th: Meet at 10:00 a.m. for Webconference

During the week: Read the article about Computers and Culture: "Invasion of the Web Amateurs" (page 16)

READING COMPREHENSION: (Due on Tuesday)

Choose the correct answer for each item and write the corresponding letter in the space provided.

____ 1. In his new book, what does Andrew Keen say the Internet is responsible for?
a. giving idiots too much authority
b. damaging social connections
c. bankrupting the publishing industry
d. eroding people's reading skills

____ 2. Which of the following would Keen say has been most damaged by the Internet?
a. filmmakers
b. hobbyists
c. school teachers
d. experts

Mark each statement with a "T" if it is true, or an "F" if it is false. Rewrite false statements to make them true.

____ 11. Newsweek's Steven Levy believes that high-quality Internet content will eventually win out over junk.

SHORT ANSWER
Write a brief response (no more than a sentence) to the following questions.

21. Newsweek's Steven Levy compares the Internet with what past technological invention?

WRITTEN RESPONSE: (Due on Wednesday)

What is the thesis of Andrew Keen's book? What story does "Invasion of the Web Amateurs" tell about Wikipedia? How does Keen respond to the latest Wikipedia incident? With which of Keen's points does Newsweek's Steven Levy agree? To what historical invention does Levy compare the Internet? What do optimists like Levy believe? What does Levy think might threaten high-quality journalism? What irony does Levy point out about Keen?

Thursday Morning: Individual Skype Appointments

10:00 Balail
10:15 Khalid
10:30 Mohammed
10:45 Hussain

Monday, March 19, 2007

This Week of March 19th - Assignments

Monday - Online Webconference - 10 a.m.

Tuesday-Wednesday: Read articles listed below and complete the quiz which your teacher will e-mail you.

Articles Used in This Week’s Quiz: “Right Ideas, Wrong Time” (page 36); “Star Power” (pages 38-41); “Paintball Passions” (page 51); and “Beyond Sticks & Bones” (pages 52-58).

TAKE THE QUIZ...

Thursday: Meet online in a SKYPE session with your teacher to DISCUSS your QUIZ.

Balail - 10:00 a.m.
Mohammed - 10:15
Khalid - 10:30
Hussain 10:45

Friday, March 2, 2007

Wednesday and Thursday, March 7th and 8th

This week, there is one article to read and one posting to make on the blog. No Skype sessions this week. You will receive feedback via e-mail. Look for it!

For Wednesday and Thursday:

Read Page 50, "Mmmm, Tasty Chemicals."

Post clear answers to each of the following questions on the BLOG.

What book has Steve Ettlinger written? What does "deconstructed" mean? Why did he go down a mine shaft? What mineral was he looking for? How many ingredients are there in Twinkies? What is corn dextrin used for in Twinkies? What else is it used for? What is Ferrous sulfate used for in Twinkies? What else is it used for? What is the Twinkie-Industrial Complex?

No Classes on Monday or Tuesday, March 5th or 6th

Good luck on your grammar/writing midterm exams!

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Thursday, March 1st, Skype Appointments

10:15 Ahmed
10:30 Khalid
10:45 Mohammed
11:00 Hussain

Wednesday, February 28th, Homework Assignment

Read p. 8, "And There's More! A Deal That Hard-Liners Hate."

What did the US agree to do to stop North Korea's activity at its main nuclear plant?

Bolton is described as "a leading hawk" on North Korea. What do you think is another word in this story that has the same meaning as "hawk"?

Tuesday, February 27th, Homework Assignment

Read page 16, "Wal-Mart's Online Movie Premiere."

Why does Hollywood not wish to offend Walmart?

Describe one of Wal-Mart's rules for downloading a movie.

Monday, February 26th, 10 a.m.

Webex Conference - see you there!

Friday, February 16, 2007

Skype Appointments for Thursday, February 22nd

SKYPE APPOINTMENTS

10:15 BALAIL

10:30 KHALID

10:45 MOHAMMED

11:00 HUSSAIN

Call me at your appointed time. I am at the computer and waiting to hear from you!

Wednesday, February 21st, Assignment

Based on your Newsweek article reading, write a short answer to the following:

In recent history, when and under what circumstances
have the the United States and Iran cooperated?

Tuesday, February 20th, Assignment

In your Newsweek magazine, read the article about Iran, from pages 28-31. Then, answer the following 4 questions.

1. How does NEWSWEEK describe the relationship between President GeorgeW. Bush and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad?
a. Both are committed to resolving differences.
b. Neither is willing to talk to the other.
c. Both understand their joint role in Mideast peace.
d. Each distrusts the intentions of the other.

2. According to NEWSWEEK, how did Iran view the U.S. invasion ofAfghanistan in October 2001?a. It was supportive of the action.
b. It was concerned about a potential flood of refugees.
c. It condemned the plan as retaliatory.
d. It feared it would come under attack, as well.

3. Along with Iraq and North Korea, what has President Bush called Iran?

4. Who is the president of Iran?

Monday, February 19th, Webex Conference at 10:00 a.m.

Pre-reading exercises and discussion about Iran.

Friday, February 9, 2007

Thursday, February 15th Skype Appointments

SKYPE APPOINTMENTS

10:15 BALAIL
10:30 KHALID
10:45 MOHAMMED
11:00 HUSSAIN

Call me at your appointed time. I am at the computer and waiting to hear from you!

Wednesday, February 14th Assignment

Hello Everyone! Happy Valentine's Day to you!

MONEY

Read the article on pages 61-62, "Wills and Other Ways." Answer each of the following questions:

Besides wills, how does money get passed down to heirs in the United States (find 3 ways)? What is a 401(k)? How do multiple marriages complicate the situation? What automatically happens when you say "I do"? How is money and property passed from one generation to another in your country?

Use complete and clearly worded sentences as you respond.

Tuesday, February 13th Assignment



SPACE

Read the article on page 38, "To Reach for the Moon." Respond to ALL of the following questions:

Paragraph 1): What action did China take which could have risked a new arms race? What was the main result of this action? Do you feel China was justified in doing so?

Paragraph 2): Describe four of China's ambitions, or goals, for the heavens.

Paragraph 3): What did the Apollo missions first find in moon rocks? Why does the moon have an abundance of it but earth doesn't?

Paragraph 4): What do Chinese engineers need to do to accomplish their mission? How do you feel about the possibility of strip mines on the moon?

Space craft image is courtesy of www.clipartisland.com.

Monday, February 12th, 10:00 a.m.

We have our regularly scheduled Webex Conference Online!

See you at 10:00 a.m.

Sunday, February 4, 2007

Thursday, Feb. 8th, SKYPE APPOINTMENTS


Professional and Ready for the future...


10:15 BALAIL

10:30 KHALID

10:45 MOHAMMED

11:00 HUSSAIN


Wednesday, February 7th, Homework Assignment

Read "The Man Without Doubt" (pages 42-44)

EVERYONE: What does Dick Cheney say about Iraq's prime minister? According to Cheney, what is Nuri al-Maliki's commitment to the United States? What are Cheney's concerns about the Middle East? What wasRonald Reagan's 11th Commandment? In light of what has happened in Iraq, how does Cheney evaluate the United States' efforts there? How does Cheney respond to questions about the fact that Saddam Hussein had no weapons of mass destruction?

Tuesday, Feb. 6th, Homework Assignment

Analyzing the News in "The True Cost of War" (pages 26-35), writer Weston Kosova explains the motivation behind this week's cover story.

BALAIL: Why did Newsweek write a cover story about 12 soldiers who died recently in Iraq? How did the story affect you? Did Newsweek achieve its goal as far as you are concerned?

KHALID: Why are helicopters particularly dangerous for Americans in Iraq? How many soldiers died in the helicopter crash on Jan. 20? What caused the crash?

HUSSAIN: How many American service personnel have died in Iraq? What is one reason the article gives for Americans feeling so little connection to the soldiers in Iraq?

MOHAMMED: Summarize the story of Sean Lyerly. Why are there so many helicopter flights in Iraq now?

Saturday, February 3, 2007

Monday, January 29, 2007

Wednesday, January 31st Homework

Based on information in the article “With Friends Like These…,” what are your own expectations for Iraq's future. Write a paragraph responding to this question and post answers to the blog.

Tuesday, January 30th Homework

Post the answers to the individual questions you received in your homework handout. Have fun!

Sunday, January 21, 2007

Wednesday, Jan. 24, Blog Homework

The Role of Technology

1. In "Valley of the Gadgets" (pages 69-70), Steven Levy describes the new products being promoted at the Consumer Electronics Show. Which were most interesting to you? How many types of technology do you use in a day? What would your day be like without them? Share your entries.

2. Anna Quindlen's column, "Write For Your Life" (page 74) refers to the ways that technology has both revived and changed the purpose for writing. According to Quindlen, how has e-mail revived writing? How has it also changed the form of our writing? Why does she think that "talking to yourself" is a necessary part of life? Write a few paragraphs reacting to this idea.

Tuesday, Jan. 23, Blog Homework

Reading about Education

1. The National Council on Teacher Quality has discovered that, "Learning Takes Time" (page 12). As you read, consider the following questions:

What was the purpose of a new database developed by the National Council onTeacher Quality? What did the portrait of America's 50 largest school districts show? According to the story, what are some examples of"disparity" among the school districts? What do researchers, and some members of Congress, suggest might change that disparity? How old is the idea of an extended school day? What state is setting up model extended-day programs? How do researchers suggest schools utilize the extra time? What concerns have been expressed?

Blog Response: What "inequities" did the group find? What impact might these inequities have on student learning? What are experts recommending?

2. Many of the young people featured in, "Iraq's Young Blood" (pages 24-34) have had disrupted educations. Notice examples in which learning was affected by violence, hatred or the movement of people. What advantages does school give to these students? How does its loss affect their lives and their futures? Consider the importance of school in your own life.

Blog Response: In writing, compare your life with those of young Iraqis. (75 words or more)