Shiny things

No comment...say what you like.

In memory of those who gave their lives...

I want to take a moment to remember those who died five years ago...may they rest in peace forever. Also a special note to those who died trying to save others: may your bravery inspire us for generations to come.

"A rose by any other name would smell as sweet..."

But not just roses. Flowers of all kinds have come to represent numerous ideas and emotions. What is your favorite flower? Why? What does your flower mean to you? Or, if you don't like any of those questions, tell me anything about flowers in general. Enjoy!

I wish I may, I wish I might

I realize there was a post slightly similar to this earlier, but this examines a different aspect of wishing.

Imagine: A genie has just given you one wish. Nothing is beyond this genie's power. What would you wish for? Think carefully about your wish. Unintended consequences may result, even if your intentions are well-meant.

It's getting hot in here

This week a heat wave has baked the United States. Nearly every state is experiencing record highs, into the 90's and above. NASA also recorded this year's January-June the hottest half-year in the U.S. since records began in 1895. This isn't some freak exception, however; average temperatures have been rising around the world, especially this decade: 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 are in the top 5 hottest years globally. Things are really heating up!

Global warming looks like it's becoming a hot topic these days (no pun intended). Most scientists agree that humans are partly to blame for global warming, and if action isn't taken soon, it may be too late to reverse the buildup of greenhouse gases. Europe is considering implementing a mandatory emissions-reduction plan, and the Bush Administration wants to create a voluntary program of the same sort.

Is global warming an issue we need to worry about? If so, what should we do to combat it?

Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-change

A neighbor of mine is moving this week to Arkansas. She and her family have been involved in the swim team for several years, and it will feel very strange when they don't come back to swim next summer. On the other hand, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my mother's good friend has battled her breast cancer into remission and is recovering surprisingly well.

Both cases note an instance of change, though they happen to be unrelated and yield different effects. Although the second instance describes a positive change, people often consider change unsettling and unhappy. What is change and why does it bother it so much? How is one affected by change? Does change over a long period of time affect a person more than change in a short space of time? What influences change a person's character or personality?

Grim Reaper

How would you prefer to die?

How old would you like to be? What would you like to happen to your body? Where would you like your remains to be put? Do you want to have a funeral? What would you like the reason for your death to be? Do you want anyone to see you die? If so, who? Who do you want to be at your funeral?

If you could choose to be immortal, would you be? Why or why not?

What do you think happens after death?


Tell me what you think.

High School Dropouts

I recently read an article in Time magazine discussing the problem of high school graduation rates in the United States. The studies conducted for the article estimated that one out of three high school students in the U.S. drop out before they graduate. What can be done to lower this statistic? What needs to happen to our school programs in the U.S. to ensure that students go on to higher education?

Abortion

I know this topic can be extremely controversial, but I want to know what your thoughts are about it. I've heard a lot of reasons for abortion and a lot of reasons against abortion. I've heard arguments defending pro-choice and others defending pro-life. Some people also think it should be decided case-by-case. What do you think? What are the pros and cons of abortion and what should the policies be regarding it?

Hot debate

A Social Studies teacher from Overland High School was audiotaped by one of his students during a lecture. In the lecture, the teacher made some comments comparing President Bush to Hitler. The teacher ended up getting suspended, and a huge debate ensued inside the school. Students supporting both sides of the situation walked out of school in protest. He will resume teaching tomorrow, and although there was a disciplinary consequence for him, the local Board of Education has not revealed what it is.

Obviously, this is a sticky situation. If you were one of the administrators, what would you have done? If you were attending this school, do you think you would support the administration's actions or not?