The Greater Good

I.                    How are the other specialty programs websites set up?

James River Leadership web site is not bad looking. http://web.me.com/sarah_mansfield/Leadership/Welcome.html  However it hasn’t been updated in a year. All the capstone projects are last years. All the pictures are last years.

Monacan High School has the center of Humanities.  http://chesterfield.k12.va.us/Schools/Monacan_HS/Human/humanities_center/index.html Their website is also not bad looking. One thing they have that our site doesn’t is this year’s calendar.  However there’s a lot on the website so it a lot of reading, almost too much reading.

Clover hill’s math and science center.

http://chesterfield.k12.va.us/Schools/Clover_Hill_HS/MS/

Their website seemed very confusing and not very attractive but one thing they had that I liked was a link to their monthly newsletter which I think we could use.

II.                  This week in class we talked about the greater good. What my group definition of the greater good was doing what’s best for the most people. As a class we talked about how do we decided what is for the greater good. Can anyone really know the right answer to that question? We also talked about some examples of doing something we considered for the greater good.

An example I consider doing the greater good is soldiers fighting in the war. They risk their lives to save the millions in America. They decide that their one life is worth giving up if it saves millions of others lives. That’s why they’re heroes.

The greatest good is a tricky subject. Many movies show how one person’s idea of the greatest good may not be the same as another’s.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUpbOliTHJY . It’s hard to decide when actions are for the greater good.

III.                    Who is known most for doing the greatest good?

 N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Jan 2011. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUpbOliTHJY>.

Web. 23 Jan 2011. <http://commongoodbank.com/images/dreamingtogether.gif>.

We could all use a little change

I. How long did it take Song to go out of business?  

	Song started April 15, 2003 and ended May 1, 2006 On January 1, 2008, Delta began repainting the last aircraft bearing the Song livery into mainline Delta Air Lines colors.
	N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Jan 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Song_%28airline%29>.

II. In class we talked about how to improve or make the leadership program sexier. We list things that we felt really need improvement. One opinion I’ve had of the program is that it is very unorganized. Freshman and sophomore year I found it very hard to hear about anything going on in the leadership program. Last year we started having ambassadors that would tell us the events coming up. But even that was quick and I never really understand what the events were so I wouldn’t sign up right away and by the time I found up it was too late. This year I know what’s going on but that’s because I’m on the council. I think we need a way to get the word out to the students with more explanation.

One thing we also talked about was that the website is “sexy” or up to date. I thinking making the website in style is a great idea. It could make the center a lot more appealing to people applying to the program and help organize the center a little bit more. All the upcoming events could be explained on the site. Our hours could be logged on the site instead PTO manger, which I found very confusing and it took me 2 hours to work.

Another thing we talked about was the quad. I don’t think because we’re a specialty center we should turn the quad into a rave. It’s still a school. I like the way the tables and chairs are. I do however think that the room is bland we should put a mural or some color up on the walls.

I like the way our class are set up. Communications was a great class and a help me a lot with speaking in public. 9^th grades course however I don’t remember much from. It was very textbook learning and not a lot of hands on activity learning. That I think could be changed. I really like this ethics class right now too and I don’t think the order of any of this should be changed.

One last thing that I think should be changed around is the LEAPs. They way they were originally set up are that you can only have one out of leadership LEAP. I think we should be encouraged to lead programs outside of leadership and not limited.

III. How are the other specialty programs set up?

N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Jan 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Song_%28airline%29>. 

Web. 17 Jan 2011. <http://herd.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451e1dc69e20120a516b74a970b-800wi>.

Persuasion or Confusion?

I. Last week I asked What is the difference between the way soldiers are view now and how they were view in the Vietnam War. These good soldiers went off to fight because they believed they were protecting their country. It was quite sometime before word leaked back to the soldiers that the U.S. made a mistake by being in this war. Some soldiers were angry, while others had to stick with the old "blood and guts of war belief" because if they faltered in their beliefs then the whole war was for not and loss of many American soldiers would also be for not. When the soldiers came home they were met with "baby killers" and even had some people spitting at them. They were shocked, bewildered and saddened. Not only did many men come back with loss of limbs, blind, but also spiritually and mentally broken. Some managed to find jobs, while others had an extremely difficult time adjusting to civilian life. Many formed groups to fight for the right of honor for fighting the Vietnam War and they did win some recognition. There are still Vietnam Vets who suffer from terrible nightmares and find it difficult to function in civilian life.
N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov 2010. <http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_where_the_effects_of_the_Vietnam_War_on_the_soldiers>.

II. This week in  class we watched a video on advertisers and how they plan commercials to appeal to people. It was showing how some advertisements have nothing to even do with what there selling. One example was a part of delta airlines called song. Their commercials most of the time you couldn't tell what song even was.
I find It silly to advertise in a way when the commercials over I don't even know what the product is. It may be the funniest or most feel good commercial on earth but if people don't know what your selling it's not going any good. Song ended up going out of business because for some reason their commercials of laughing people running through a meadow did sell tickets to their airline. Companies that do sell their products are the ones the can mix the feel good feeling with the actual product, not a random scene with the products name at the end.
One example I found of good advertising would be the Allstate insurance commercials. Not only are the comical but you can also remember what they are advertising. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-Sjld5yy3Q  Another example of good advertising would be the E trade commercials They also have been able to combined comedy and still know what the product is. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbh4sqgyr7c&feature=related
III. How long did it take Song to go out of business?

Web. 29 Nov 2010. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-Sjld5yy3Q>.
N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov 2010. <http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_where_the_effects_of_the_Vietnam_War_on_the_soldiers>.
Web. 29 Nov 2010. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbh4sqgyr7c&feature=related>

Sometimes all it takes is a handshake to change a life

I. last week I asked what countries don't have free speech?  Most countries have some provision for Freedom of Speech in the laws or constitutions. However, nearly every country has limitations on free speech. Several countries are notable for an extreme lack of free speech: Iran, North Korea, Nepal, and Myanmar are all examples. People are often executed in these countries for speaking out. Many other countries have severe restrictions on certain types of speech. Most Muslim countries, for example, do not tolerate speech demeaning Islam. Malaysia does not permit denigration of any religion.

"Which countries do not have freedom of speech?." N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov 2010. <http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Which_countries_do_not_have_freedom_of_speech&alreadyAsked=1&rtitle=Which_country_has_no_freedom_of_speach>.

II. This week in class we watched a movie called "The Way We Get By". It was about older adults who live in Maine and go to the air port every time there's a plane coming in or out holding People in the military. They were called the Troop Greeters. They would wait at the exit ramp to greet the troops coming home or leaving.
I thought the Troop Greeters were the most adorable people I have ever seen. The video was very sad at some part though. There was a man who could barely afford his own house but he still would get up anytime in the day to greet the troops. The Greeters would have their cell phones in a room for any of the troops to use to call their families. I hope when I'm older I do something good like these people.
These people are unbelievable. On the day Bill found out he had cancer, he was still the first one to the airport. Joan was afraid to go out after dark. Three knee operations forced her to use a walker, leaving her fearful of falling. But she goes to see plane anytime day or night. Jerry can usually be found parked near the airport runway. Sitting in his truck with his dog and best friend, Mr. Flannigan, he watches for troop planes overhead. When he spots one, if he's fast enough, he can be inside the airport before the wheels touch the ground. With troop greeting, Jerry's goal is simple-put a smile on each soldier's face. This small act helps him cope with the tragic death of his son.
III. What is the difference between the way soldiers are view now and how they were view in the Vietnam War.

n. pag. Web. 15 Nov 2010. <http://www.thewaywegetbymovie.com/cast/>.
Web. 15 Nov 2010. <http://www.cdsporch.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/twwgbonesheetletter.jpg>.  

"Which countries do not have freedom of speech?." N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov 2010. <http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Which_countries_do_not_have_freedom_of_speech&alreadyAsked=1&rtitle=Which_country_has_no_freedom_of_speach>.

Theres a reason we have free speech

I. How many people went to see Michael Moore that day? In the video it tells us that the show was sold out; meaning some people did actually want to hear what he had to say. To tell Michael Moore not to come would be like telling those students their opinions didn't matter. During the 2004 campaign, Michael Moore visited some 20 college campuses. He wasn't just going to Utah to cause a problem.

Calling Michael Moore and Ann Coulter . N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Nov 2010. <http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2006/04/27/aaup

II. This week in class we finished the movie "Divided State". The student council in charge of inviting Michael Moore didn't back down even though they we threatened, bribed, and sued. They believed it was only fair to show both side of the political spectrum. They weren't going to not bring Michael Moore because some people didn't like we he had to say.
In my opinion they did the right thing. To not let Michael Moore come would be like taking away free speech. However why they couldn't have picked to speakers a little more to do with politics I don't know. Michael Moore is a movie director in my opinion bashing America and Sean Hannity who was a radio and television host, neither of them had much to do with politics.
We are lucky enough that our country has freedom of speech. The are other countries when discussing certain topics is punishable. To stop a speaker that was invited would be no better than any of those countries. Some people in Utah need to remember Utah was founded on people who wanted to keep their freedom.

III. What countries don't have free speech?

"Sean Hannity." N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Nov 2010. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Hannity.

Web. 3 Nov 2010. <http://netrightdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Free-Speech.jpg>.

N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Nov 2010. <http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Does_every_country_have_freedom

Calling Michael Moore and Ann Coulter . N.p., n.d. Web. 3 Nov 2010. <http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2006/04/27/aaup

Who's Un-American?

I. Last week’s question was how much do the celebrities get paid to say that they eat at Subway? Unfortunately I couldn't find the answer to that question. I did however find that Michael Phelps makes $5 million in endorsements. I don't think subway gives out information like how much they pay celebrities to endorse them.

N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Oct 2010. <http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_much_does_Michael_Phelps_make_in_endorsements

II. This week in class we were watching a documentary about Michael Moore coming to Utah to speak at a school. Utah is a very republican state. Michael Moore coming to Utah has made the state turn chaotic. Some of the people see Michael Moore as Anti-American and don't want him to come. Other people see it as un-American to take away freedom of speech and not let him talk. Debates have been held at the school so the students can express their opinion.
I can understand why the students wouldn't want Michael Moore to come, because I wouldn't want Michael Moore to come. I do think it's unfair to band someone from coming and talking though. If the student did want to hear him then they don't have to buy tickets to see him. The school wasn't requiring the students to listen so they don't really have a reason to be angry.
One thing that was mentioned in class was that the other speaker waved his fee, and Michael Moore didn't. I do think it would make more sense if they hired some on Michael Moore side that would also wave their fees also. That way the college isn't paying one side more money. However they are paying to bring the other speaker there and they didn't say how much his private jet was going to cost.

III. How many people went to see Michael Moore that day?

Web. 25 Oct 2010. <http://davegranlund.com/cartoons/wp-content/uploads/color-moore-capitalism-web.jpg>.
 N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Oct 2010. <http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_much_does_Michael_Phelps_make_in_endorsements

End of the election

I. Last week I said, because we have not finished the movie, we don't know who’s won the office yet. So my question for today is will they let Oliver North help run the country? Not my most thought provoking question. In class we learned at the end of the movie that Oliver North did not win, and Chuck Robb did get elected.

II. This week in class we finished the movie 'The Perfect Candidate", and learned the outcome of the election. We also talked about and did a worksheet on the principles of propaganda. We learned about using "Word games”, “False Connections”, “Special Appeals", and "Logical Fallacies". And discussed were these were used in daily life.
     Though I was happy with the outcome of the election, I was a little surprised. Because the movie was shot from what seemed to be Oliver North's side, I assumed it was because he had won the election. It was a pleasant surprise when it turned out that he hadn’t one. In the movie Oliver North's advisers were making comment that he had won the "Morality Vote". This statement made no sense to me. I couldn't understand why they thought that because Oliver North admitted to secretly selling arms to Iran he was a good man. He still did it! They were saying that Chuck Robb was a worse man because he cheated on is wife. While I never condone cheating on your spouse I don’t think you can compare that to what North did. Especially when his wife even stated it was a private matter and that she had forgiven him.
     Regarding the worksheet we did in class on the Principles of Political Propaganda, I've notice them a lot more in daily life. One thing that I’ve really noticed is the "Testimonials" Principle. One Example would be the Subway commercials using athletes to advertise for them.

Because athletes are advertising for them it gives the appearance that there food is good for you, otherwise these amazing athletes wouldn't eat it.

III. How much do the celebrities get paid to say that they eat at Subway?

Web. 17 Oct 2010. <http://www.televisioninternet.com/news/pictures/michael-phelps-subway.jpg>.