Christmas Sweats

Sorry guys... I couldn't resist! So, is this the worst Christmas song you've ever heard? What's your favorite Christmas song? Do you and/or your family have any weird traditions that y'all do to celebrate Christmas? If so, tell us about it. What are you looking forward to most about Christmas break?

Newtown

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What were your thoughts when you first heard about the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut? Do you think this tragedy will lead to stricter gun laws? Should this tragedy lead to stricter gun laws? Do you think there's anything Windsor High School should do to make our school safer?

We the People

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Did you know this website existed? What do you think about it? Go to this website and look through the open petitions. Which one(s) do you find most interesting? Write a petition you'd like 25,000 people to sign.

Commercials

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Read this article before answering the following questions.

Have you noticed that commercials are louder than the television program? What do you normally do when commercials come on (hit mute, change the channel, turn the volume down, or do you just DVR everything)? Do you think it's effective advertisement to increase the level of volume? Why or why not?

"I Like Big Butts"

Read the article and watch the video using this link.

What do you think? Was this a light-hearted joke or racism on the court? Explain.

Let's take a class poll.

'Fat Girls'

Read this article before commenting.

Describe your thoughts when reading this article. Have you ever seen anything but a table number on your restaurant receipt? Should the bartender that did this be fired? Why or why not? If it happened to you, would you make a big deal of it? Why or why not?

I LOVE The Office, and Michael Scott does something similarly offensive to remember clients' names! Check it out...

Gangnam Style

Read this article before answering the questions below. Are you a Gangnam Style fan? Do you think YouTube sensations deserve all the money they receive? Why do you think PSY is so big in America, but will only make close to $60,000 in his own country, South Korea? Would you ever try or even want to be a YouTube sensation? Why or why not?

Starbucks

Do you like Starbucks coffee? Why do you think Starbucks is so popular? Would you buy a $7 cup of coffee? Do you think others will? Do you think you would have fallen for Jimmy Kimmel's coffee tasting prank?

Elevator Prank

Is this funny or just plain mean? Whose reaction did you find the funniest? What would you do if you were "stuck" on that elevator? Have you ever pulled a prank on someone? If so, tell us about it.

Heavy Hearts

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Tell us your thoughts on the video and suicide in general.

Holiday Movie Preview

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Do you enjoy going to the movies, or would you rather spend your time elsewhere? Which movie(s) from the video do you want to see this holiday season and why? What's your favorite holiday movie EVER and why?

Sentenced to Church

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What do you think of the judge's sentence? Explain.

Power Ball

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Tonight's Powerball is the largest it has ever been. If you could, would you play the lottery? What's the first thing you'd do with $500 billion? Would you give any of it to charity, family members, and/or friends? Who is the first person you'd call if you won?

Cheater!

Read this article before responding to the following questions. Does it surprise you that teachers were cheating on their certification exams? Do you think cheating is as big of a deal as everyone makes it out to be? Why or why not? Read some of the comments below the article. Which comment did you find most interesting and why?

Cyber Monday

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Which do you prefer, Black Friday or Cyber Monday? Will you do any online shopping today? If so, what for? Do you think shoppers really save money on Cyber Monday, or do you think it's all a scam?

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

What are your family Thanksgiving traditions? What do you look forward to most about Thanksgiving? What are you most thankful for?

Black Friday... or Thursday???

Read this article before responding to the following. Who do you agree with? Explain. Do you shop on Black Friday? What's the craziest Black Friday "event" you've seen or heard about?

Word of the Year

Read this article before answering the following questions. What do you think of Oxford American Dictionary's word of the year? Are there any words on their list of possibilities that you haven't heard of? If so, what? What would your choice be for word of the year and why? :)

Offensive?

Read this article before responding to the following questions. What do you think? Was Victoria's Secret Native American-inspired "outfit" offensive? Explain your opinion. If Victoria's Secret introduced an "outfit" representing your heritage, would you be offended?

Weight Loss Shocker

Click here to watch today's video. Do you think Matthew McConaughey's weight loss is too extreme? Why or why not? Would you put your body at risk for a Hollywood role if you had the opportunity? Do you think Hollywood stars who go through extreme measures for roles are more likely to win awards?

Only an idiot...

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Is her punishment appropriate? Why or why not? What's the dumbest thing you've ever seen ANOTHER driver do?

I Ate Your Candy!!!

What did you think of Jimmy Kimmel's prank? Explain. Would you pull that prank on your kids? Why or why not? How do you think you would have reacted if your parent would have pulled that prank on you?

Gerber

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What do you think of the new Gerber baby? Does she deserve the title? Will any baby ever be as good or better than the original Gerber baby? What do you think of the 85-year-old Gerber baby?

Man Sues Wife for Being UGLY... and WINS!

Describe your reaction to the story. Did the husband deserve $120,000? Why or why not? Should the wife have told her husband that she had $100,000 worth of plastic surgery? Why or why not?

2012 Election Memes

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Before this video, did you know what an internet meme was?? I didn't! What do you think was the funniest meme of the election? Are you happy with the election results? Who would you have voted for if you were of voting age? Why?

Where are you exactly?

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What do you think of the tracking devices the students in Texas are being forced to wear? Is it not that big of a deal, or do you think it's an invasion of privacy? Why? Would you wear one at WHS?

Adderall... an academic steroid

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Have you ever felt like you needed an "academic steroid?" Have you ever heard of students taking a drug, such as Adderall, that wasn't their prescription for what seemed like a noble or good intention? Do you think Stefan deserved arrest and expulsion from school for what he did? Why or why not?

Thirsty "Nun"

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Do you think the nun is real or fake? Why? Have you ever stolen anything or been with anyone who did? Tell us about it.

Genetically "Marked"

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Whose side are you on, the school's or the student's? Explain your reasoning. If you were kicked out of school for a "genetic marker" that might cause harm to other students, would you fight it? Why or why not?

Break Bullying

What did you think of the video? Do you think there's a double standard between the way bullying is handled/tolerated amongst teenagers versus the way it's handled/tolerated amongst adults? Do you think teachers at WHS handle bullying the way they should? Is there a difference between intervening and bringing justice to a situation? Which do you see more of? Have you had an experience with bullying?

Strike!

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Would your house be as disgusting as this one if your parent/grandparent went on strike, or do you help out around the house? It took these girls about 6 days to finally get disgusted... how long do you think it would take you? How do you think your room compares to other teenagers'? Do you think you'll care more when you get your own place one day?

no school = jail

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Should this mother be punished for not sending her children to school? Why or why not? If so, should she be incarcerated or should she suffer a different punishment? How many unexcused days do you think a student should be able to miss from school without "the law" getting involved? Explain.

Wedding Brawl

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What did you think of the video? Have you ever been to or heard of a wedding that got a little too rowdy? Describe your perfect wedding day.

Caffeine Controversy

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In your opinion, should the student have been suspended? Give a good explanation for your stance. Do you think a student with caffeine pills would be suspended at Windsor High School?

Friday Night Lights

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In your opinion, should the cheerleaders be allowed to make Bible verse banners? Why or why not? If one person is offended by a banner and the majority approves, who, if anyone, should waiver their opinion and why?

Present Like Steve Jobs

Answer the following 5 questions: 1. What element of Steve Jobs' presentations do you like most? 2. What have you seen more of, bad presentations or good, effective presentations? 3. Describe the worst presentation you've seen, and describe the best. 4. What is one thing you struggle with most when presenting to a class?

Prankster

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Are pranks funny or annoying in your opinion? This 24-year-old guy gets paid for pulling pranks on people. What do you like to do that you wish you could get paid to do? Is it possible that your hobby could ever turn into a job? If so, how? What's the funniest prank that's ever been pulled on you? What's the funniest prank you've ever pulled on someone?

Project X... again?!

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Describe your reaction to what the teenagers did to the family's home while they were away on vacation. Would you be okay with it or upset if your friends had a party in your house while you were away? Why? Do you think the teens got caught because they were unlucky or stupid? Is just partying not enough "rebellion" for teenagers anymore... do teenagers also have to "rebel" in where they party? Why?

Homecoming Queen... or not.

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Describe your reaction to this video. If you were elected Homecoming Queen/King as a practical joke, would you accept the award like this girl did? Why or why not? Do you think something like this could happen at WHS?

Pee Wee or Pro?

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Do you think these claims are true? What is so wrong about incentive pay? Would incentive pay be okay in the NFL? Why or why not? Do you think some people take football too seriously?

Election 2012

Were you surprised at the number of uneducated voters, regardless of who they supported? What surprised you the most? Regardless of political party or which candidate you "like" or "dislike," it is important that you know where the candidates stand on the issues that are most important to you. So... if you could vote, who would you vote for and why?

Lip to Lip

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Are you a Carrie Underwood fan? Were you impressed with the 12-year-old boy's bold request for a lip to lip first kiss with CARRIE UNDERWOOD? If you could have or go back to your first kiss with ANYONE, with who would it be and why? Do you think it would be cool to have your first kiss on stage in front of thousands of people? Why or why not?

Humiliation or Punishment?

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What do you think? Was the 3-year-old's "punishment" cute or cruel? Explain your reasoning. If you think 3 years old is too young, is there an age when humiliation is appropriate punishment? If so, what age and why? If not, why isn't humiliation effective punishment?

One with the Tiger

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Describe your reaction to the video. What do you think of Villalobos? Is he crazy, daring, or impressively committed to Mother Earth? Do you agree that he should face criminal trespassing charges? Why or why not?

Be the Change

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Do you think we have a working or a broken educational system? Why? Why do you think other countries are moving ahead of the United States? Do you think you are getting a quality education? Why or why not? If not, who is to blame?

Bittersweet Sixteen

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Would you be flattered or highly offended and upset if your birthday party was crashed? Who is to blame for the riot that occurred in the video? Have you seen Project X? If so, what do you think of the movie? Do you think Hollywood/the media is to blame for similar riots? Why or why not?

Pants on FIRE

Read this article. Describe your reaction to the article. Is this punishment appropriate for schools? Why or why not? If you were a parent, would you allow a school teacher or administrator to paddle your child? Would you, as a parent, paddle or "spank" your child? Why or why not?

The Next Big Thing...

Are you an Apple fan? Do you want the iPhone 5? What did you think of this commercial? Do you think Apple products really are superior to other brands, such as Samsung, or do you think Apple products are merely fads and the "cool" brand to own? Explain.

This is... AMERICAN IDOL!

Read this article. Have you ever been a fan of American Idol? In your opinion, what American Idol winner was/is the best? What audition was the worst? What do you think of the new American Idol judges? Do you think ratings will go up or down with the new judges? Who do you consider the best American Idol judge ever, past or present, and why?

A Public Pee (yes, I said pee)

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Do you think it is okay to let little children pee in public? Why or why not? If yes, what age should peeing in public not be allowed? If not, what is the alternative for small children who "have to go?" Should this mother have gotten a public urination ticket? Would you fight the ticket if you were the mom? Have you ever peed in public?

Fire Devil

Read this article. Have you ever heard of a 'fire devil'? What's the worst natural disaster you've ever experienced? What type of natural disaster would you most like to see and why? What type of natural disaster are you most afraid of and why?

The Royal's Tabloid Battle

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Do you think Prince William and Duchess Kate are rightfully furious over the photos that surfaced last week, or do you think "invasion of privacy" comes with the job? Explain. Would you want to be famous knowing that you would have to put up with the paparazzi? Why or why not?

Life is Risk

Which person's story surprised you most? Explain what you think the statement, "if you've never failed, you've never lived" means. Has there been a time when a failure in one area of your life paved the way for success? Why do you think we must fail in order to succeed?

Got Service?

I know, I know... two inspirational videos in a row.  I'll have something different next week! 

What did you think of the video?  Did you learn anything from the video?  Do you think the students at WHS treat people with "service" in mind, or do you think the students are more self-centered?  If you were being truly honest with yourself, do you treat others with "service" in mind?

Facing Our Giants

What makes this clip from "Facing the Giants" motivational for you? Describe a time when someone pushed you to achieve more than you thought possible. What goals have you set for yourself this year? In your opinion, what factors determine whether or not people achieve the goals they set for themselves?

I'm Glad You're Here!

Last Blog (tear)

Bye bye bye! 1. What, if anything, did you like most about this class? 2. What was your least favorite thing about this class? 3. What would you change to make this class better?

Punishment

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Do you believe spanking children is appropriate punishment? Why or why not? Were you spanked as a child? Do you think this step-father acted inappropriately? Should he be convicted? Why or why not?

You're Not Special

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What did you think of this graduation speech? If you had to choose, would you want your graduation speech to be uplifting, inspirational, and motivational or straight-forward and honest? Why? Do you consider graduating high-school an "achievement?" Why or why not?

"War Hero"

There have been suspicions that this "war hero" was never actually injured in Afghanistan. Do you believe his story or do you think he made up a "sob story" to increase his likeability with America? Does he deserve to move on to the next level of America's Got Talent or do you think his singing wasn't good enough?

then and now

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What surprised you most about this story? What, if anything, could have helped David keep the weight off? Are you impressed by David's girlfriend, Megan? Why or why not? Do you think David will be more successful staying healthy this time around? Why or why not?

EXCUSED absence

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What's the craziest excuse you have ever given for being absent? Do you think there should be a limit on the number of absences you have? Why or why not? If you could change one rule at WHS, would it be the absence/tardy rule or something else?

Cannibal killer

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Have you seen or heard of the "1 lunatic 1 ice pick" video? Have you heard about the "cannibal killer?" Why do you think we are all of a sudden hearing so much about cannibalism?

Miss USA

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Did you watch last night's Miss USA pageant? What do you think of beauty pageants? Are they degrading to women? Why or why not? Describe what you would look for if you were a judge in the Miss USA beauty pageant.

(tear)

Follow this link to watch today's blog video. ***The video is not religious, but there is Christian music playing in the background. If you do not wish to listen to the Christian music, just turn down your volume!*** Write at least 5 sentences in response to the video.

Neighbor from He!!

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Would you press charges if she was your neighbor? Why or why not? Have you ever had a horrible neighbor? If so, what made him/her so bad? What should be done to keep this neighbor from harrassing the residents?

Skydiving --->

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Have you ever been skydiving? If so, what did you think? If not, would you ever go skydiving? Do stories like this make you wary of giving it a try? If you were this 80-year-old woman, would you have hard feelings over what happened? What is the most thrilling thing you've ever done? What is the most thrilling thing you'd ever want to try?

Workplace Readiness: Personal Qualities and People Skills

7 qualities employers expect you to have and bring with you to the workplace include a positive work ethic, integrity, interpersonal skills, conflict-resolution skills, self-representation skills, diversity awareness, and creativity. 1. Which 3 of the above personal qualities you think are most important and why? 2. Which quality do you think you already display extremely well, and which quality do you need to work the most on? Explain. 3. Number 1-7 and rank the qualities based on most important (1 being most important and 7 being least important).

Pomp & Circumstance

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Would you like to participate in a flash mob at your graduation? Why or why not? Do you think something like that would be allowed at WHS? Ladies... how would you like a proposal similar to that one? Guys... do you think you'll plan an elaborate proposal in public? Why or why not?

Peek-a-Boo!

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Should the parents be charged? Why or why not? Should Child Welfare or Social Services get involved? Why or why not? Have your parents ever allowed you to do something that, looking back, was completely stupid?

Gimme a J-A-I-L

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Do you think the teacher-cheerleader's charges and punishment are appropriate? Do you think Sarah is guilty? Why or why not? Why do you think the teenager/victim's family supports Sarah? Do you believe the accusations about Sarah on Dirty.com?

K-Mart Special!

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What do you think of the man's donation? Do you think that many people are as charitable as this man? Why or why not? Do you think it was $20,000 well spent? If you become wealthy, do you think you will be generous with your money? Why?