Music Class

I hope you enjoyed class on Friday even though we didn't talk about English at all. For a little bonus, respond with a stanza or two from one of your favorite songs. After the lyrics, tell the rhyme scheme, the theme, and how many stars you would give out of 5 on the "making sense" scale. For ten bonus points, answer the following correctly: why is it easier to maintain meter in a song than in a poem? For help, rewatch "Rise", and compare with "Casey at the Bat".

Rise Together

Everybody falls down - the trick is getting back up again. When you've been knocked flat, it can seem as though all is lost. At times like this, it is important to dig deep for the strength and courage to get back up and face that which just a moment ago was our undoing. I believe it is crucial to see the positive; as they say in Ohio, "it's easier to tear down an old silo than to build a better one". Anybody can criticize; creating something better can be much harder.

"Rise" by the Flobots

What message do the lyrics and video send about moving forward as Americans?

How swords are made

In his inaugural address, President Obama mentioned that times of trial show our true character best. Have we read of any mythological figures that have shown, during difficult times, a strong character? What can you do to help your nation during the difficult times that lie ahead? (And, relating to the post title, how is a sword made?)

Hero Video

Thanks, Fleet, for your suggestions. To all others, feel free to suggest video that may help prove your point as to who is the Most Heroic.

What would your dream include?

Click on the picture of Dr. King to see his famous speech about the dream he had for America. Think about what your ideal vision would be for the country. What segments of society would you most want to help?

Heroes today

Who are your heroes? Why?

Alternate post - Who is the most heroic college basketball player of all time? Why?

Does being a hero mean going it alone?

Check out the story about Jason and his band of Argonauts. Why should we believe that Jason is a hero, given all of the support he received along the way? Shouldn't a hero be able to fulfill his quest all on his own? For contrast, read about Hercules (a.k.a. Heracles and Herakles).