Suicide (DP)

Insanity and madness directly affect our protagonist, Esther, in The Bell Jar. Check out this page on suicide: http://www.suicide.org/suicide-causes.html . Is suicide ever a justifiable option? Is there a way out of committing suicide?

Sexuality (DP)

How can The Bell Jar (specifically chapters 6-10)help increase one’s awareness of sexuality?

Best. Video. Ever. (DP and Lang. B)

Happy Halloween...enjoy!!!

"Handlebars" - Flobots (Lang. B)

What do you think about the video guys?

First Impressions (DP)

What's going on whutters!?!?...After reading the first five chapters of Plath's The Bell Jar, write a minimum of three paragraphs in your notebooks in response to how you feel about her work in general, how she integrates specific devices into the narrative, apparent and underlying themes, interesting quotes, and the importance of this novel in accordance with U.S. history...always ask yourselves, 'What do I think about this novel? This writer? This time period?' Do you feel that the first five chapters spark a certain interest in you? Be well, and have this response/reaction ready for Tuesday, November 3.

MYP UNIT QUESTION

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning...right now, this moment...as i write...as the sun tries to separate the bonds of cloulds...you're taking the Pruebas SABER, administered by the ICFES...good luck...I'm writing to remind you to bring to class your MYP Unit question for our Noir-Fiction unit...we will have an activity where we choose the best three questions...then eliminate two...the winner will receive a prize...you'll see what it is tomorrow...be well...relax...work on the question a few minutes tonight...peace!!!...LOOOOoooooooo.......

I'm reading (Lang. B)

Good morning...I just woke up and it seems like the sun will hover over our city all day...so go out and do something!

I'm reading...

...http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sixty_six/ a movie review from a funny british film "Sixty Six" about jewish boy who's bar mitzvah celebration falls on the exact date and time of the 1966 world cup final...of course this game was won by england...their only world cup title...

...http://soccer365.com/english_premiership/story_171009123100.php a football article that mentions hugo rodallega and his international teammates of wigan united in the english premier league...he's doing well out there...

...http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/17/arts/music/17vultures.html?_r=2 and a music review from the new york times...very interesting of a band named 'them crooked vultures' formed by dave grohl (nirvana, foo fighters), john paul jones (led zeppelin), and josh homme (queens of the stone age)...the band hasn't released an album yet, but they've sold out many shows and fans tape the shows, then bootleg (copy and distribute) their videos on youtube and other places!!! amazing...a band of famous and successful artists never makes a studio album, but claims high praise and fame...could they keep it up?

WHAT ARE YOU READING?

Where's Plath? (DP)

...After your brief introduction to Sylvia Plath, take a look at the following link: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americannovel/timeline/index.html, and place Plath under one, two, or more literary movements. You've been handed a poem and can find many of her works online. Which literary movement best fits Plath's voice? View the descriptions of the literary movements that span the timeline. Which seems like your favorite? If you were a writer (maybe you are), which movement would you write under? Why? Be well.

Memories...(Lang. B)

Class, it's amazing how the brain works. I still can't remember when I saw this video, but I definitely saw it with my graduation class in '98, or with my freshman college class of '99. Flax, thank you for the video. It's thoughtful and inspiring. I can't believe that I had seen it and forgot about it for 10 years! Kids, cherish your good friends and love your family. What is the purpose of language in this form of communication? We'll talk...Lucho

Final Drafts (DP)

I never got the chance to sit with Jonah and get the instructions for converting word files into pdf. My little lenovo computer sucks for that process. I went online and tried to download guidelines, plug ins and what have you, to enable me to convert these files. It didn't work!!! I had no clue what to do...didn't want to bother Jonah or another teacher because they are on vacation right now. But I finally figured it out by myself. I'm not on vacation by the way. I'm not sipping lemonade next to a pool by a farm or a ranch like you kids!!! Oh, the envy!!! I'm working at the ciedi school, a workshop for MYP. Anyway, you guys all have the essay in PDF format, in your inboxes. Julian, yes, you got yours too. If you don't have an essay in your inbox...get to work and send me something. I'll even receive a love letter!!! The final version of this essay is due on Tuesday, October 13, 2009. Yes, next Tuesday. The best way to revise is to open your APA format guidelines and A2 bibles, spread these documents out with a printed version of your essay on a round table with a friend or two, and revise each other's work. Be well...Lucho

The Question (Lang. B)

MYP'ers...October break is a great time to relax, hang with your family and friends, look at sunsets with your girl/boyfriends...but here's loo, ready to demolish all the good times.
Your homework for Tuesday, October 13, 2009 is to have your Unit Questions (the ones that some of your classmates worked on the board) prepared and answered! Now, I don't want you to answer them in a traditional way. Find a new, creative way to answer the question. I won't give you suggestions, so as to not restrain you. Use your imagination. Captivate me and your classmates! Be well...Lucho

loohemian rhapsody (DP & Lang. B)

Kids...enjoy this masterpiece!!! Tomorrow's post will be instructions for your essay revisions...be well...Loo

Wriggity Written Tasks DUE! (DP)

Students...the time has come. The day of reckoning. Time to pay the piper. Time to make the doughnuts. Tomorrow, Thursday, October 1, 2009, your written tasks must be handed in by 8:30am. No excuses. Be well. Hopefully you've been working at home, and have got some kind of feeback from myself or one of your classmates. The essay will be due the first day back from October recess, Tuesday, October 13. I'm still trying to figure out how to convert those files to PDF. It'll be done by Friday...Lucho!

Presentations (Lang. B)

I have decided to allow you guys to present a second time, being that I was very disappointed with the content and delivery of your presentations. I also think we must work on your communication and listening skills. Before your second presentations, we will take a look at the evaluation criteria for oral presentations. As of this moment, nobody is passing the presentations. Tomorrow we will begin with Areas of Interaction. The other presentations will be for Wednesday. You will not be given time in class to revise and prepare your presentations...sorry this post is not more exciting. What do you think? Fair? Why/Why not?

Nike...Pinilla's Favorite Brand (DP)

In this video Andy Ansha says, "...when you play in a game of football, it naturally comes out. But when you work on a film set it works totally different. It has to be choreographed and coached out of you." Why then get a real footballer, to show you real football moves, and to make you feel a real football experience? Also, what do you guys think about the influential methods used here? What relationship do these methods have to the Emotions Wheel discussed in class? How effective is the slogan at the end of the commercial? Why?

Is This Your Teacher? (DP & Lang. B)

Whutters!?!?,

So my cousin sent me this video by email and asked me, "dude is this you?". I responded emphatically, "Hell No!". Since we're not gaining more interest on the blog with Bill Pronzini and the values of independence...I figured I'd drop a video today and allow you to laugh a bit. Please be mature about this! Be well...Lucho!

Hello, (Lang. B)

My name is Bill Pronzini. What was your favorite part of my story? What was your favorite line? What do you think I could've done differently? Why is this story Hardboiled/Noir?

Written Tasks and Essays (DP)

DP Whutters!?,

Please get to work...you've got tons to do...and i get back on Sunday night...work on your portfolios, your research, first drafts for the written task from the mass communication part of the A2 bibles...and of course the essays...be well...tomorrow i'll have a post about a song i love!!! please get on the blizog!!! Be well.

Lucho

POCHO (Lang. B)

Whutters B!?!?

Pocho should've given you the new story "Liar's Dice" by Bill Pronzini. Please read it. We'll talk about all three stories on Monday. Be ready for a vocab. and literary analysis quiz of all 3 stories. Be well.

Yours,

Looocho.

Essays!!! (DP)

Whutters!?

Your essays are in your inbox. I responded to your previous emails with an attachment. Work on them Thursday, Friday and the weekend. I'll see you on Monday. Comment on the post for public questions. For private, email me.

Yours,

Looocho!

A Life on the Road (DP)

What do you think about this band? Even if you know something about "The Dead", forget about your preconceptions. Do some research about the band and its fans. Begin with Wikipedia, and find TWO more sources. Trust me, once you begin reading about this band, and watching the youtube videos, you'll notice they deserve lots of attention. Why is the band significant when we talk about finding an alternative path of culture? Does another alternative path exist? And if it does, do the "Deadheads" have it right? Why? Why not? Do your research. There's tons of information about this band online. Please copy your TWO other sources after your comment. I am giving points to people on the blog. Most importantly, you know i'm involved in the discussion. This post will go from Thursday until Saturday. I will post something new on Sunday morning. "...she wore scarlet begonias..."

Rochester, NY (Lang. B)

What's up guys? Rochester plays an important role in understanding, appreciating and falling in love with "The 9:13" by Martin Naparsteck. This post will serve for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I want you guys to research the history of Rochester, NY. Be careful not to confuse our city with Rochester, MN!!! After you find out about the city's peculiarities, comment on what interests you the most about its politics, society and culture. Who are the famous people from Rochester, NY? Are there any United States national treasures found there? What do people do in the summer? Winter? After reading this post, I know you're all going to Wikipedia! No problem. But you must also use another TWO sources. When you comment, please copy the links to the other TWO sources you have used. Be well. And remember, I am taking note of who's on the blog. The points will be reflected on your final essay. Last week's essay was just a draft. Take your time, read about the city, its impact on the state of New York, on the United States. Read about its past, present and future. The first five comments (well researched) get double points...who can beat Carlos and Dairo to the punch? Good luck!

Disappointment (DP and Lang. B)

Any questions?

Are you ready for tomorrow's story? (Lang. B)

We begin reading a new story tomorrow. How have you liked noir fiction? Has it in any way influenced, negatively or positively, your attitude towards literature? Do you feel this could be a type of literature for you to read for the rest of your days? Why? Be well....

What would you do if...(DP)

....what would you do if the world's most powerful religion had killed and raped your ancestors; destroyed your religious temples and constructed their own? What if they made you worship their god(s)? What would you do?

What to do? (DP)

Think of Sam's class today...What is freedom? Do we really have choice? What difference does it make if we do or don't?!?!

Values? (Lang. B)

Which of these words is the most important to you? How difficult is it to put into practice the concept behind the word you chose? How probable is it that you will put one of these concepts into practice this trimester?

SELF-CONTROL / FRIENDSHIP / UPRIGHT / DISCIPLINE

The Inquiry Cycle (Lang. B)

How does your group definition, combined with your personal definition, enable your participation in the inquiry cycle? The inquiry cycle could be thought of as a process in which a person is aware, reflects and understands. Take a look at the pictures of the inquiry cycle. Which one better describes the process? Why? Can you find other viable examples of the inquiry cycle? Or have you created your own?

Get To Work (DP)

You've witnessed my dedication and maturity. It's time for you to show me, to prove to yourselves, your preparedness in the A2...Monday@8am!

Which One Are You!?!? (DP and Lang. B)

Classic Comics Go NOIR (Lang. B)

As most of you might know, I'm an avid comic book fan. I love the art, the stories, the symbolism. Two of my favorite charactes, Wolverine and Daredevil have left their stamp, not only in the print editions of the comics, but also as action figures and big-screen movie stars. Wolverine intrigues because of his troubled past, ruthless attitude and awesome abilities. Daredevil is a blind man whose other senses are magnified a thousand-fold, and is capable of astonishing feats...therefore labeled as 'The Man Without Fear'. In recent months, Marvel has published a new series of comic books (daredevil: http://marvel.com/catalog/?id=11425 ; wolverine: http://marvel.com/catalog/?id=11550). They've been extremely successful, favorites among comic book lovers. Do they appeal to you? Why or why not? Do you see them as believable noir protagonists? Why or why not?

Stress or Tranquility (DP)

Do I have reason to be mad, or am I overreacting?

Climax (Lang. B)

What is a climax? Can it be defined as the most important part of the story? How about the most exhilirating? The most truthful, or revealing? Is it always clear? Tom Verde's "The Big Dance" has some amazing moments of climax. And it could be argued that there's more than one, if any! What the hell is a climax?

Stuff (DP)

There's lots of information and tasks bouncing around my head. Recently, my brain has been housing media and culture, repetitive, like a car alarm at 2a.m., the owner's on vacation! MYP is a dream, a nightmare, a realization. Julian's extended essay has arrived to the party and is getting drunk in the corner, a vagabond performing obscene acts for attention! Where do we begin? Where do we end? There's also time to be philosophical. What about you?

The FOX Influence (DP)

How does this man control what you view on television? Does his media influence your culture? Explain...

What's happened to Sherlock Holmes? Is he now 'Hardboiled'? (Lang. B)

Which Actor??? (Lang. B)

If you were directing a movie of "The Big Dance", which of these four actors would you choose for the role of Bancroft? Why? Who is your chosen actor?

West and Whitman in the same breath....(DP)

What does Kanye West have to do with the following quote by Walt Whitman?:

"Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes."
from: "Song of Myself"

Why is West worthy of being a centerpiece for Media and Culture?

Be well!

Welcome

This is the first, of hopefully many, posts on this blog. Let's make it an integral part of communicating at The Victoria School. Feel free to leave a welcome post...