FINALLY!

It's finally over for us seniors. We've been waiting for this. Are you ready for your senior year? What do you think you would do if you slipped walking across the stage? Ladies, do you plan on wearing heels? Guys, do you plan on doing a victory dance? Whatever you do, seniors, be careful walking, and to you upcoming seniors, make it the best - it flies by!

Weeds

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Write your thoughts.

IRS

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What do you think of the IRS's excessive spending? Does it make it worse that this excessive spending occurred during a time when tea party groups and conservatives were being targeted by the government? Is the Obama administration to blame? Do you trust the government with your money?

The happiest place on Earth?

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What were your thoughts while watching this video? Would you be willing to pay $200 or $50/hour to cut all the lines at Disney? Is it morally wrong in your opinion? If you were a guest at Disneyland, would you be upset that people were abusing the system or would you just be jealous?

"She Works Hard for the Money"

Read this before commenting.

Do you think women still have a disadvantage in the workplace? Explain. If you owned a business, would you be more apt to hire a man or a woman given they had the exact same qualifications? Why?

cheater, cheater, pumpkin eater

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Is cheating a big deal? Does the type of assignment (SOL, project, research paper, test, classwork, homework) determine whether or not cheating matters to you? Have you ever cheated on any type of assignment? How bad do you consider the cheating that took place in the video? Who could you identify with in the video, the one writing the paper for someone else, or the one paying someone else to write the paper? Is cheating easier now than it used to be? Why or why not?

China >< America

Read this article that was on Yahoo! yesterday.

Notice anything close to home mentioned in the article?

Now... read this article from our local news station.

Smithfield Foods, Chinese group agree to merger

Without doing any research, which economy would you think was in a better economic situation, the United States or China? Why? Do you think this merger will impact our community? Why or why not, and if so, how? Do you think this merger is a bad or a good thing? Why?

This season on... the Bachelorette

Have you ever watched an episode of The Bachelor or The Bachelorette? Would you ever be willing to go on this show? Why or why not? If so, would you want to be the bachelor/bachelorette or a contestant? Why? Each contestant arrives at the mansion in a limousine. He/she has to step out and introduce him or herself to the bachelor or bachelorette. Some introductions are crazy, some are sweet, some are forgettable. If you were a contestant, how would you introduce yourself to the bachelor or bachelorette?

Where are you FROM?

Could you identify with either person in this video? How? Did you find any of the comments offensive? Explain. How would you answer the question, "where are you 'from?'"

Consent and Controversy

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What are your thoughts on this case? Do you think the prosecutors pressed charges mainly because it was a same-sex sexual relationship, or do you think the prosecutors would have been upset regardless of their child's sexual orientation? Why? Do you think the defendant stands a chance in court? Why or why not? Do you agree with the law? Why or why not?

And by the way, Kmart is at it again. Check it out.

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Lesson Learned

Read this article before commenting.

Have you ever been punished in a humiliating way? Do you think it's effective? Do you think it's appropriate? Why or why not? What type of punishment do you personally find most effective and plan on using with your future children?

Cricket Clan

Read this article before commenting on today's blog.

Was this senior prank funny in your opinion? Why or why not? Should the pranksters be able to graduate? Why or why not? Do you think senior pranks are a rite of passage? How far is too far when it comes to senior pranks? Do you plan on pulling a senior prank?

The Neighbors

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Did you like the photos? Why or why not? Was it an invasion of privacy? Explain. Would you be upset if you were one of the anonymous subjects in a photograph that has the potential to make someone else $8,000? Why or why not?

IWCS Makes the News... again

Read this article before commenting.

Did you see or hear about this news story over the weekend? What were your thoughts while reading this article? Were you surprised that our superintendent is "exploring other opportunities?" How do you feel about the offensive (and some would argue racist) comments made and emails sent from our School Board member and Board of Supervisor?

For your entertainment...

MEllenial Generation

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Do you think there's any truth to this video? Explain. Was there anything said in this video with which you disagree? Explain. On a personal level, do you think you're like the rest of the "MEllenial" generation? In what ways are you similiar/different?

Pumpcast News

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Did this video make you smile? :) Would you sing karaoke at a gas pump for free gas? If not, what would someone have to give you in order to get you to sing in public? Do you think it was staged? Why or why not?

I'm No Angel

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Tell me what you think about Kylie's story. Do you think she's just trying to sell books or do you think she's genuine in her efforts to expose the modeling industry and help protect young girls' body image? Does Victoria's Secret sell sex or lingerie? Explain.

HOT HOT HOT

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Does global warming concern you? Why or why not? What, if anything, should be done to stop, reverse, or slow down global warming? Do you think you will see detrimental effects of global warming in your lifetime?

Pencil Shooter

Boy who held pencil like gun suspended

Should the boy have been suspended? Why or why not? Do school systems take "weapons" too seriously or are they justified after the many recent school shootings? Explain. What rules at Windsor High School do you feel are too extreme, if any, and why?

Wipeout!

The new season of Wipeout aired last night. The men in my house LOVE that show! It's not my favorite thing to watch, but I put up with it. Sometimes, however, it does get me laughing out loud, and THIS is my favorite Wipeout moment of all time! "Where's the pole?!?"




Have you seen Wipeout? Do you enjoy watching other people act/look like idiots? Would you ever go on the show? Why or why not? What is your favorite Wipeout obstacle to watch contestants try and complete?

Insane in the Membrane

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What do you think of James Holmes' insanity plea? If the judge accepts his plea, what do you think the results of his mental health evaluation will show? Should the mental health evaluation results affect the consequences of his crime? Why or why not?

Freedom

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What shocked you most hearing this story? What do you think will be most difficult for the women? If you were kidnapped for 10+ years, what's one of the first things you would do after being set free?

A Don't Dew

Commercial #1



Commercial #2



Discussion: Is this "The Most Racist Commercial Ever"



Do you think this is "the most racist commercial ever?" Why or why not? Do you agree with PepsiCo's decision to pull the commercial?

Kobe vs his mom

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Whose side are you on, Kobe Bryant's or his mom's, and why? With whom do you see the legal system siding? Do you have any "priceless" childhood memorabilia? Would you care if your parent(s) made any money off your childhood memorabilia?

Company Ink

Read this article before answering the questions below.

Would you get a tattoo of your company's logo in return for a 15% raise? Why or why not? Do you have a tattoo? Do you want a tattoo? If so, what would you get? Why are tattoos so popular? Should Isle of Wight County Schools make the same offer to their teachers? How many teachers do you think would follow through with it?

Plan B

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What do you think about the Plan B pill in general? How do you feel about the age requirement being reduced to 15? In your opinion, will this increase sexual activity among young teens? Why or why not?

isle 21

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Does this classroom look anything like a typical classroom at WHS? Explain. What benefits have you experienced this year from having an iPad at school? Have you experienced any drawbacks? Should Isle of Wight County Schools continue the isle 21 initiative? Why or why not?

What if Twitter followed you?!?

Do you have a Twitter account? Do you tweet or do you just follow other people? Do you think Twitter is anything like the video? Why is Twitter so popular? Which do you like better, Twitter or Facebook, if either? Why?

Prom!

What did you think of this guy's prom "proposal"? Guys... would you do this? Ladies... would you say yes? Has anyone at Windsor ever done something crazy, funny, and creative to ask someone to prom? Did you go to this year's prom? If so, how was it? Was it everything you anticipated it would be? If not, will you go before you graduate? Why or why not?

Art

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Tell us your thoughts on the inflatable art. What do you consider "art"? What's your favorite type of art? Do you have a favorite artist? Do you consider yourself artsy?

$@!#$#

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Should he have been fired for what he did? Why or why not? Do you think he's a good anchorman who deserves a second chance? Do you foresee him getting another opportunity in the near future? Is there a lesson that can be learned from this man's mistake?

Crime & Punishment

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Do you think the Boston bombing suspect deserves the death penalty? Why or why not? If not, what should his punishment be instead?

Pay it Forward

After watching this video, I realized how self-centered I live my life. Although I like to think of myself as being a good person, I came to the realization that I should spend more of my day looking for opportunities to make someone else's day better rather than focusing so much on meeting my own objectives or personal agenda. What did you take from this video? In your opinion, what one thing would make the world a better place? Explain.

99 balloons

Have you seen this video before? What did you think? What impressed you most about Eliot's parents? Do you think you would be as strong as Eliot's parents appeared? What lesson can you learn from this video and our own loss here at Windsor High School?

Real Beauty

Sorry guys... I know this blog was more for the ladies, but I liked it.

What did you think of the video? Do you think you would have described yourself worse, accurately, or better than reality? Do you think you're more critical of yourself than others are? Explain. I tend to think that ladies are more apt to criticize themselves, while guys are more apt to brag. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Conspiracy Theory

Do you think this guy offers valid points or do you think he's crazy and paranoid? Explain. Do you believe any of the conspiracy theories? If so, which one(s) and why? What do you think about this guy calling the Boston tragedy an "inside job?"

Gun Control

Look at the pictures/advertisements and read the article here before answering the following questions.

What do you think of the advertisements? Explain your position on gun control.

Kmart... Ship My Pants!

In your opinion, is this commercial funny or inappropriate? Explain. Do you think it will prove to be good, effective advertisement for Kmart, or do you think the commercial will be ineffective at generating business? Why?

Stupid Video... by request (Mason Cobb)

What did you think of the video? Which "animal" made you smile the biggest or laugh the loudest, if you did at all? Have you ever recorded yourself doing something stupid? If so, tell us about it.

5th Grade Murder

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Explain your reaction to this video. Should the 5th grader be punished? If so, how? Explain your reasoning.

Monkey Family

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Do you believe her "monkey story" or are you cynical? Explain. Is it possible to tell a fabricated story so many times that you eventually believe it to be true? Do you think you would be as resilient as this woman if given her circumstances?

Accidental Racist

Listen to the song and read the lyrics below.




To the man who waited on me
At the Starbucks down on Main
I hope you understand
When I put on that t-shirt
The only thing I meant to say
Is I'm a Skynyrd fan
The red flag on my chest is somehow like the elephant
In the corner of the South
And I just walked him right in the room
Just a proud rebel son
With an old can of worms
Looking like I've got a lot to learn
But from my point of view
I'm just a white man
Coming to you from the Southland
Trying to understand what it's like not to be
I'm proud of where I'm from
But not everything we've done
And it ain't like you and me to rewrite history
Our generation didn't start this nation
We're still picking up the pieces
Walking over eggshells
Fighting over yesterday
And caught between southern pride
And southern blame
They called it Reconstruction
Fixed the buildings, dried some tears
We're still sifting' through the rubble
After 150 years
I'll try to put myself in your shoes
And that's a good place to begin
It ain't like I can walk a mile
In someone else's skin
'Cause I'm just a white man
Living in the Southland
Just like you, I'm more than what you see
I'm proud of where I'm from
And not everything we've done
And it ain't like you and me to rewrite history
Our generation didn't start this nation
And we're still paying for the mistakes
Than a bunch of folks made
Long before we came
Caught somewhere between southern pride
And southern blame
[LL Cool J]
Dear Mr. White Man, I wish you understood
What the world is really like when you're living in the hood
Just because my pants are saggin' doesn't mean I'm up to no good
You should try to get to know me, I really wish you would
Now my chains are gold, but I'm still misunderstood
I wasn't there when Sherman's March turned the south into firewood
I want you to get paid, but be a slave I never could
Feel like a new-fangled Django dogging invisible white hoods
So when I see that white cowboy hat, I'm thinking it's not all good
I guess we're both guilty of judging the cover, not the book
I'd love to buy you a beer, conversate and clear the air
But I see that red flag and I think you wish I wasn't here
I'm just a white man
(If you don't judge my do-rag)
Coming to you from the southland
(I won't judge your red flag)
Trying to understand what it's like not to be
I'm proud of where I'm from
(If you forget my gold chains)
But not everything we've done
(I'll forget the iron chains)
It ain't like you and me can rewrite history
(Can't rewrite history, baby)
Oh, Dixieland
(The relationship between the Mason-Dixon needs some fixing')
I hope you understand what this is all about
(Quite frankly, I'm a black Yankee, but I've been thinking about this lately)
I'm a son of the New South
(The past is the past, you feel me)
And I just want to make things right
(Let bygones be bygones)
Where all that's left is southern pride
(RIP Robert E. Lee, but I've gotta thank Abraham Lincoln for freeing me, know what I mean)


What do you think of the song?  Explain.  Do you think racial tension will ever go away?  Explain.  Are you offended if someone wears a rebel flag or a do-rag and sagging pants?  Can you see why some people might be offended?  Does racial tension exist at Windsor High School?  Can it be fixed?

Come On Down!

Have you ever seen The Price is Right?  What was your favorite part of this clip?  What's your favorite game show to watch, if any?  If you could go on any game show that's ever been on television, what show would it be and why?

REJECTED

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Do you agree with Susie?  Why or why not?  Do you think some of what she said was inappropriate?  If so, what?  Do you think colleges should strive to create a diverse population, or should they admit applicants based solely on their qualifications?  Explain.

It's Magic

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Which illusion impressed you most and why?  Do you agree with David Copperfield's chosen winner?  What's the coolest magic trick you've ever seen?  Do you have any tricks up your sleeve?

Skinny Skinny

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Do you wear skinny jeans or are you ready for the next fad?  Is there such thing as too skinny?  Be honest, after seeing this advertisement online or on television, would you have gone to American Eagle's website to look at their limited time only skinny skinny jeans?  Is this effective marketing for AE?  Would you wear spray painted "jeans" if you could?

Think B-4 You Speak

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Describe your reaction to the video.  Do you agree that the "violator" should be punished?  Is yelling, "Bingo!" in a bingo hall equivalent to yelling "Fire!" in a public place?  Is this something you could see yourself doing?  Could you go an entire 6 months without saying a forbidden word, or would you cheat?

No Worries

Do you think you would be as positive as Nick Vujicic if your circumstances were similar to his? Does his positive outlook on life surprise or impress you?  What would you find (if anything) most challenging, frustrating, or sad if you were Nick?  Why?

Arson

Parksley fire confirmed as arson

Have you heard about the 70+ arson cases on the Eastern Shore?  What do you think would make someone want to do such a thing?  Why do you think he/she/they have only burnt down old, abandoned buildings?  Why haven't they been caught?

Test Drive

How'd you like the commercial?  Is this an effective advertisement for Pepsi Max?  Why or why not?  How would you feel if you were the car salesman?  Would knowing that Jeff Gordon was actually the one driving the car make you any more relaxed in the passenger seat?  If you could test drive any vehicle, what would it be?

Bieber Fever

Do you have Bieber fever?!?  Do you think Justin Bieber is handling his fame poorly?  Some say it is impossible for Justin Bieber to turn out "normal" because he became famous so young.  Do you agree?  Why or why not?  How do you think you'd handle fame at your age? 

Help Wanted!

Complete the online job application embedded below.  Pretend you actually want a part-time job as a cashier at Dick's Sporting Goods.

Innocent until proven guilty

Who do you think holds more leverage in this rape trial, the prosecutor or the defendants?  Why?  Do you think jurors in rape cases tend to be biased toward the female or the male?  Why?  Do you agree with our justice system's "innocent until proven guilty," or do you think it should be "guilty until proven innocent?"  Explain.

Operation Beautiful

Read this article and watch the first video (or at least most of it) embedded in the article (it's near the bottom of the window).


Guys: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?  Do you care whether or not the girls at WHS wear make-up?  What makes a girl attractive in your opinion?  Would you support an "Operation Beautiful Day" at WHS?

Ladies: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?  Do you wear makeup?  If so, would you be willing to come to school without makeup for a day?  If we had an "Operation Beautiful Day" at WHS, do you think a majority of the ladies would participate?  Why do girls wear makeup?

I Need a Date!

Describe your reaction to the story.  Were the coach's actions wrong?  Explain.  Would you have a problem with your coach using you to find possible dates?  Why or why not?

Offensive?

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What do you think of NYC's anti-teen pregnancy campaign and ads?  Explain.  Do you think they are offensive?  Why or why not?  Is the campaign necessary?  Why or why not?  Do you think you, personally, could handle being a teen parent?  Why or why not?

That's Not Funny!

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Did you find the man's laugh funny or annoying?  If you lived next door to him, would you call the cops?  Should he have to pay a fine or serve jail time?  Why?  Do you have any annoying neighbors?  Are you an annoying neighbor?

Present Like Steve Jobs

Answer the following questions:

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

Pickpocket

Were you impressed with Apollo's pickpocketing skills?  What trick did you find most impressive?  Do you think you'd "lose" your valuables with him around?  Would you like to have his skills?  Why or why not?

Baby Mama

Read this article before answering the questions below.


For $5,000, would you let the internet name your baby?  Why or why not?  If not, is there an amount of money you would accept?  Do you think this mother is crazy for leaving her child's name up to the public?  Should a name have deeper meaning?  

Finders Keepers!

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Here is the poem from "The Thrill of the Chase," Fenn's self-published autobiography:

As I have gone alone in there
And with my treasures bold,
I can keep my secret where,
And hint of riches new and old. 

Begin it where warm waters halt
And take it in the canyon down,
Not far, but too far to walk.
Put in below the home of Brown.

From there it’s no place for the meek,
The end is drawing ever nigh;
There’ll be no paddle up your creek,
Just heavy loads and water high.

If you’ve been wise and found the blaze,
Look quickly down, your quest to cease
But tarry scant with marvel gaze,
Just take the chest and go in peace.

So why is it that I must go
And leave my trove for all to seek?
The answers I already know
I’ve done it tired, and now I’m weak

So hear me all and listen good,
Your effort will be worth the cold.
If you are brave and in the wood
I give you title to the gold.

Happy hunting!



So... does anyone want to go to New Mexico with me this weekend?  Would you be up for a little treasure hunting?  Which would be worth more to you, the thrill of the hunt or the enjoyment of the riches?  Do you think this man is crazy for giving away his treasure?  How long do you think it will take for someone to find it?  If you found it, would you tell anyone?

I Gotta Pee!

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Who do you side with - the customer or the restaurant owner?  Why?  If you were a business owner, would it bother you if people came in to your business just to use your facilities?  Why or why not?

Gallon Smashing

What do you think of Gallon Smashing? Would you ever do this? Why or why not? Have you ever heard of or been with anyone else who attempted Gallon Smashing?  Can you think of someone who would definitely do something like this?

Yahoo!

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Do you think banning telecommuting is a good or bad business decision for Yahoo and why? When you get a "grown-up" job one day, is flexibility to work from home something you think will be important to you? Why or why not? Should Marissa Mayer, the CEO of Yahoo, be able to work from home now that she's a new mom? Why or why not?

Budget Cuts

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Do you think Congress will make changes to any of the budget cuts before this Friday, March 1st? Do you think these budget cuts are necessary? Will the budget cuts mentioned in the video help or hurt our economy in your opinion? Why? Will the possible layoffs at the shipyards in Norfolk and Newport News affect your family in any way? Do you blame the state of our economy and the possible budget cuts on President Obama? If so, why? If not, who, if anyone, do you blame? Why?

Marry Me!

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Ladies... Would that be an acceptable proposal? Why or why not? Do you have any "proposal requirements" for your future husband? Would you ever be the one to propose? Why or why not?
Guys... Have you given any thought as to how you might propose to your future wife? Did you like the way the guy in the video proposed? Do you have a better idea? Would you like it if your girlfriend proposed to you? Why or why not? Do you think a guy should ask the father's permission for his daughter's hand in marriage or is that too old school?

Shut. Up.

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In general, who do you think talks more, men or women? Do you think you could talk "a hole in someone's head?" Do you know anyone who is an exception to the rule that women talk more than men? Do you think talking a lot is a bad thing? Why or why not? Does Mrs. Bryant talk to much?

Horrible... Just Horrible...

Which gift did you think was the most creative? If you were to participate in Jimmy Kimmel's YouTube challenge, what would you give your significant other? If you were the recipient of one of these gifts, how would you respond? Would you think it was funny or a mean, terrible thing to do?

Life is Risk

Which person's story surprised you most? Explain the meaning of the statement, "If you've never failed, you've never lived." Has there been a time in your life when a failure paved the way for success? Why do you think we must fail in order to succeed? Do you think this is always true? Why or why not?