MY English (Miss B) Class blogs

Here is the list of our classes blogs. Remember they all have the same end to the hyperlink (i.e. www. .blogspot.com)

arstrike (Caitlin B)
rebls-blogg (Emily S)
darkforcea380 (Brandan)
thegoatman4 (Jerome)
the-four-omegos (Alicia, Catie, Kiah, Zoe)
thefirstomego (Catie)
ryantesta (Ryan)
chloemerica (Chloe, Emily, Erica)
Robinhoodspoetry (Shaun)
wookiee-x (Sarah B)
robertspoetry (Robert)
whatev1 (Sam)
peopleperson1 (Caitlin H)
crazystrawberry13 (Jasmin)
froggyrox3 (Lauren)
reddy-d (Megan)
crazycoocooblogs (Tom)
welcomejames (JJ)
dfozsonny (Dillon)
cornbloggers (Declan)
thedogiscool (Connor)
ccblogit (Courtney)
caitlinmcgregor (Caitlin)
hilltophoods-bestband (Will)
the4thomego (Kiah)

Safety on public transport

Do you feel safe taking public
transport?

Have you had any 'interesting' experiences on buses, trains or trams, that have made you question your safety? If so, please feel free to share.

Most successful American President?

Who would you say has been the most successful American President in History? And why?

Tattoos when young ...

Should 16 year old people be allowed to get a tattoo?

X-Box or PS3?

What do you like playing more ... X-box or PS3?

Dogs vs Cats

What do you think is better ... dogs or cats?

Food aid does more harm than good

In recent times, there has been a lot of discussion about how effective food aid is in poor, developing countries. Some argue that welfare dependency creates ever more dependency instead of looking at changing policies that would promote self sustaining practices. This is why Africa has gotten poorer while other regions of the world have improved their standards of living.

In other words, should agencies spend more time, money and services in helping people develop their own food crops, than handing out food parcels all the time?

Do you think food aid is doing more harm than good?

Are the Olympic Games a waste of money?

There has been a lot of talk about how the Olympic Games are a waste of money. Some of the arguments for this are:

• The Olympics are a risky and potentially damaging proposition for any city that hosts them. Beijing spent $20 billion (U.S.) on them for this year's games; London is almost there at 9.3 billion pounds (around $18.6 billion U.S.).


• Much of this lies with the fact that instead of planning real, sustainable long-term city development, city money is being chucked at stadiums that might have a dismal afterlife after the end of the 17-day sports event.


• The only city to make a real profit with the games is LA in 1984, much of the reason being that they used existing infrastructure, but only gained little job growth and other benefits.


• The idea that the Games brings people together is only partly true. Large-scale sports brings about rivalry, and nationalism has manifested itself at the event before (1936 Berlin, 1972 Munich, Cold War rivalries, etc.).


• There's no real focus of bringing people together like a cooperative event such as, say, Live Aid or likely the upcoming Climate Change concert series.


• Nothing against sports themselves, but the limitations of promoting global unity through having countries compete for glory are apparent.

So, in the end, too much money is spent on a short-term event.

Critics argue that the Olympic Games are not a waste of money because:

• Olympics can prove very benefitial to the society.


• It promotes sports and mainly it is a service provider - an entertainment.


• This service generates a lot of income from audience , sponsors and many more.

What are your ideas about this?

Do school authorities have the right to search students’ lockers?

With the esculating violence occuring in schools (particularly in America), many schools are conducting routine searches in students' lockers, in order to reduce weapons and drugs coming into the schools.

Some students may feel that a locker search is going too far. Perhaps some may say that they'd rather the teachers pat them down than search their locker. Some may say that they wouldn't like people going in their locker, as that's personal.

Many argue that school authorities should search backpacks for weapons and allow police to search lockers for drugs, but not on a daily basis. It would be awkward for the students to be searched daily just because there are a few oddballs at the school who bring weapons and drugs in. These particular issues should not be taken lightly because it brings harm to the student body and safety issues would arise from weapons and drugs brought onto the school premises.

Do you think it is ok for schools to search students' lockers?

Should skateboards be prohibited on sidewalks?

Some argue that having skateboards in the same area as walkers can be dangerous. What are your thoughts? Should it be an offense to skate on sidewalks or should everyone share the paths?

Stereotyping Islam should be made a criminal offence

Stereotyping Islam should be made a criminal offence, says a new report.

Research has been undertaken in the UK that states the British so hate Muslims and Islam as they perceive them, that both need special protection in law.

The report highlights how people are showing "dread or hatred of Islam and Muslims". This has become "particularly dangerous", and "must be tackled with great urgency", it says.

However, some say that the report fails to address the central issue: it does not recognise the real challenge which Islam is posing to our whole secular society and it simply keeps it on the level of "let's avoid a punch up". Which of course we would all agree with, but it does not really address the serious issues."

What are your thoughts on the stereotyping of Islam?

Christmas Time

Christmas is a lovely time to spend with family and friends. There are many fantastic things about this time of the year ... what is the best thing about Christmas for you?

Innovative Ideas for schools

If you had a chance to add something into the school curriculum, what would you want to learn about (that is not part of school already)?

The water crisis

Australia is the world's driest continent. But it seems problems with water shortage are just getting worse. Everyone knows that the drought this year is causing serious problems for farmers - and this is just a continuation of an ongoing and worsening situation.

Do you think we are doing enough to save and conserve water? Why or Why not?

Rights vs Responsibilities

What do you think is the difference between something being a right, compared to being your responsibility?

Kevin Rudd vs John Howard

Now that the election is over and we are over the 'Kevin 07' campaign ... who do you think is better ... Howard or Rudd?

Australian Values

Is the Australian values quiz a fair test for citizenship?

Sample questions from the multiple choice citizenship quiz for immigrants to Australia have been revealed for the first time. According to the Herald Sun, would-be Australians will be expected to know the name of our national flower, the year when European settlers first arrived, and what Anzac Day commemorates.

Those are just three of the 200 possible questions which will be randomly served out in 20-question exams for citizenship hopefuls.

Immigrants won't need to memorise long lists of facts and figures, but they will need to know the basics about Australian culture, said Immigration Minister Kevin Andrews.

Do you think this is a fair system for immigrants in Australia?

Consumerism in Australia

How does our consumption of luxury goods impact on people in the developing world and on the environment?

We live in an affluent, developed country in which most Australias have their material needs met. To a significant degree, Australia is a consumer-driven society, in which success and personal fulfillment are measured by the gain of material things. Consumerism and overconsumption has for many Australians become a way of life, in which they experience confusion between their needs and wants. The Australian dream now seems to incorporate more than just home ownership ... bigger houses, bigger vehicles, bigger televisions, and better expectations. Has materialism gone mad, or are Australians just becoming more conscious as consumers?

Facing challenging pressures

How can young people assert their individuality in the face of so many challenging group influences?

Most people want to be accepted by their peers. Peer pressure can be a positive influence and encourage us to do our best, however it can also have negative consequences. The pressure to 'fit in' with friends, at school or at work can affect the way you talk, dress and behave. It can be direct, indirect or sometimes the pressure can even come from yourself. Peer pressure can influence us to do something we usually would not do, or prevent us from doing something that we would like to do. How do you identify and handle peer pressure like teenage popularity issues, bullying, risk-taking behaviours (dating pressures, sex, drugs) and social pressures to look and act certain ways?

Climate Change threat

Are we doing enough to tackle the climate change threat?

Dancing Penguins

Just thought these were cute!

Make Trade Fair

I found a really effective YouTube Film made by some teachers at a school, that addresses Fair trade.

Have a watch...

Why do the poor get poorer and the rich get richer?

Globalisation, trade and the free markets are the talks of today. Many envision or talk about a future where people of different nationalities and cultures will be able to share and trade resources across boundaries in a manner that will benefit all of humanity.

But, how fair is trade when a nation's own global trading policies together, with international corporations' desire to increase their profits result in manipulated international trade pacts and agreements, so that they are most favourable for themselves? How free is the free market?

Why do the poor get poorer and the rich get richer?

Execution of Saddam Hussein

Do you think Saddam Hussein's demise will now give way to reconciliation?

I believe I may speak for many that I think the hanging of Saddam Hussein will not end the violence in the country.

Many in Iraq hailed the hanging of the tyrant Saddam Hussein as a deserved punishment for a man it holds responsible for killing and torturing millions of Iraqis and others from neighbouring countries who suffered during his despotic regime.

Like many people, I was clued to the television when it was finally announced Hussein was to be executed, however had mixed reactions over the event. I have reflected over the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

'The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it… Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate…. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; Only love can do that'.

Perhaps we need more men like Martin Luther King Jnr in this world ...

What is your idea of freedom?

C. Wright Mills (an American sociologist) once said:

'Freedom is not merely the opportunity to do as one pleases; neither is it merely the opportunity to choose between set alternatives. Freedom is, first of all, the chance to formulate the available choices, to argue over them — and then, the opportunity to choose'.

How would you describe freedom?

Teach a man to fish...

What do you think about the message contained on this sign?

Stalin - good or bad?

Seeing as we have studied Joseph Stalin, do you believe that he was a good or bad leader and why?

I discovered a short 4 min documentary put together by a student, which is a brief biography of Stalin.

The Khmer Rouge & Pol Pot

Local & international judges were sworn in to bring the remaining Khmer Rouge members to justice ... the trial process began this year in 2006.

What do you think is suitable justice for those involved in the Cambodian Genocide?

Have a look at this short documentary ... be warned, some of the images are a little disturbing.

Make Poverty History

Do you think in our generation we could make poverty history?
Why or why not?

Rescued in time?

What do you think about the way the US Government was so slow to respond to the catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in August 2005?

Is a classless society really possible?

Humans are far from equal, and class distinctions are still a predominant feature of society.

Have such classes brought any benefits to society as a whole?

No. Social class systems divide people, resulting in envy, hatred, heartache, and much bloodshed. The one-time white-supremacy mentality in Africa, Australia, and North America brought misery to nonwhites—including the total genocide of the Aboriginals in Van Diemen's Land (now Tasmania). In Europe, classifying the Jews as inferior was a prelude to the Holocaust. The great wealth of the aristocracy and the dissatisfaction among the lower and middle classes were factors that led to the French Revolution of the 18th century and to the Bolshevik Revolution in 20th-century Russia.

Is is possible to create a classless society?

Does power corrupt all those who hold it, however well-meaning they may be?

Taking action ...

'To be prejudiced,… is to be ignorant…To be indifferent…is to be weak… to be accepting…is to be wise… and to take action….Is to be strong '

What do you think this statement means?

Should Saddam Hussein Be Put To Death?

Do you believe in the decision to execute former dictator Saddam Hussein?

On Sunday, November 5, 2006, the High Tribunal in Iraq sentenced the former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein to death by hanging for crimes against humanity (ordering the murder of 148 Shi'ite residents in 1982).

The former Iraqi dictator and 6 subordinates were convicted and sentenced for the 1982 killings of 148 people in a single Shiite town after an attempt on his life there. The 9 month trial had inflamed Iraq and 3 defense lawyers and a witness were murdered in the course of its 39 sessions.

Saddam was found hiding with an unfired pistol in a hole in the ground near his home village north of Baghdad in December 2003, 8 months after he fled the capital ahead of advancing American troops.

22 months later, he went on trial for ordering the torture and murder of 148 Shiites from the city of Dujail. Saddam said that ordering the massacre was legal, because they had conspired to assassinate him and those who were killed had been found guilty in a legitimate Iraqi court in 1982.

Do you believe executing Saddam Hussein is the moral or ethical thing to do in this circumstance?

Should John Howard apologise?

Do you believe John Howard should apologise about the injustices towards the Aboriginal People in the past? Why or Why not?

For Australia, the issue of an apology is most strongly argued by those who feel Indigenous people have suffered from European settlement, that an apology is an important part of a reconciliation process. There is widespread opposition to this gesture, most notably from Prime Minister John Howard.

Those supporting an apology suggest that it is a sign of maturity, of a willingness to face mistakes that caused suffering. It heals divisions between people, shows a deepening understanding of the life of a nation and reflects humility and honesty. The acknowledgement of guilt is not to be confused with personal guilt; rather, it acknowledges a historical responsibility. In the case of Indigenous Australians, many of whom lost family, culture and tribe, it helps to soothe the anger and frustration of those who feel affected.

Those who argue against apologising ask questions such as: What practical effect does an apology have? Wouldn't it be better to face up to current injustices? How can one atone for the past? How can people now be made responsible for what happened in the past? How can there be a "collective'' guilt, when there should only be an individual one? How can suffering be measured?

What are your feelings on the subject?

Reliance on technology

Do we rely too much on technology?

A funny story was sent to me recently that made me question how much we put our trust in technology ...

A German motorist followed the command "Turn right now!" from his (GPS) navigation system and crashed into a small toilet hut by the side of the road — about 30 metres before the crossing he was meant to take.

The overly obedient 53-year-old from Freiburg drove his sport utility vehicle off the road onto into a building site, up a stairway and into the small toilet shack.

It caused $3300 worth of damage to the stairway, $165 damage to his car, and he was also fined $60.

Mmmm ... this man learnt the hard way that letting technology think for him has its dangers!!

Curfew on young drivers

Should there be a curfew for young drivers?

What is worse?

What is worse?

Ignorance or apathy?

Gun safety

Are gun manufacturers doing all they should to manufacture safe weapons?

Homosexual human rights

Should we provide the same rights to gay and lesbian couples that are currently only given to heterosexual couples?

Such as the right to marry, adopt and receive benefits?

Testing Nuclear Weapons

What are your views on countries testing nuclear weapons?

By testing a nuclear weapon recently, North Korea becomes the 9th country to have a nuclear arsenal. The country was given reactor technology and expertise by several countries, had made the mandatory promises to use that power for energy, not weapons, however they have broken the terms of the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons Treaty (NPT).

Under the terms of the Treaty, those countries with nuclear weapons agreed to eliminate their weapons within 25 years. In return, the countries that did not possess nuclear weapons agreed not to manufacture or acquire nuclear weapons.

7 other nations have demonstrated their nuclear capabilities:

• United States of America


• The Russian Federation


• The United Kingdom


• France


• China


• India


• Pakistan

Israel is known to have nuclear weapons, but has never admitted as much, and never claimed responsibility for an explosive nuclear test. And due to the widespread use of nuclear energy about 40 other countries have access to nuclear weapons material and therefore possess the ability to develop nuclear weapons.

The Ku Klux Klan

The Ku Klux Klan -

bunch of backward thinking racist rednecks or merely misunderstood?

The Ku Klux Klan started after the American Civil War with a group of white Southerners who were very angry when the war ended. They were angry because the African-Americans had won their freedom from slavery and the townspeople had lost their slaves. No more slavery meant their lives had changed and they felt threatened. They then banded together a group who wore white masks, which looked ghoulish with only the two holes for eyes and the hole for a mouth. The Ku Klux Klan group was responsible for many mobbings, hangings, and shootings of African-American people.

DNA Cloning

Is adult human DNA cloning moral?

If you would like to read arguments for this topic, click on the link below:

http://www.religioustolerance.org/clo_intra.htm

Avoiding Religious Conflict

Do you believe different religions can co-exist without conflict?

Religion can generate great personal commitment and passion, expressed as caring, love, respect, and support for others. It can motivate believers to dedicate their lives to the alleviation of suffering and need. However, it can also motivate people to hate followers of other religions. This can escalate into actions of conflict, oppression, murder, terrorism and genocide.

How might this be avoided?

The plight of refugees

Do refugees have rights?

What do you think?

In 2001, Australian Prime Minister John Howard said his government would stick to its policy of locking up asylum seekers in remote outback camps, despite a report which found conditions in them appalling.

The report recommended a 14-week limit on the length of stay and called for low-risk asylum seekers, including women and children, to be released into the community. But Mr Howard said such moves would only increase the burden on Australia. "The worst thing Australia could do is to send a signal to would-be illegal immigrants coming to this country that we are an easy touch," Mr Howard said.

Questions remain on what Australia does with refugees who come to our country, because of political or religious reasons. Others of course are seeking out the 'better life'. However, there is no escaping the drain on Australian resources - perhaps to the detriment of full-time Australian residents ...

An interesting issue with an uncertain future...

The fight against terrorism

Should rights be sacrificed in the fight against terrorism?

Farewell Steve Irwin & Greer's comments

The tragic death of Steve "The Crocodile Hunter" Irwin, one of Australia's most well-known and well-loved figures, has shocked the world. The 44-year-old nature conservationist was filming on the Great Barrier Reef when he suffered a heart attack after a stingray's barb pierced his chest.

Irwin was used to working with all kinds of deadly creatures, most famously crocodiles, and relied on his instincts and personal experience to calculate risks. He leaves behind his American-born wife Terri and two children: Bindi Sue Irwin, aged eight, and Robert (Bob) Clarence Irwin, three.

Outspoken ex-Australian academic Germaine Greer has come under fire for her comments about Steve Irwin in the wake of his death.

She claims he was an embarrassment to millions of Australians, and said that given the way he treated dangerous animals "it's no surprise he came to grief." And those who had mourned him with their tributes at the Irwin family's Australia Zoo in what the British had labeled "a Princess Diana moment" were idiots, she said.

Greer, who now lives in Britain wrote in The Guardian newspaper after Irwin's death that the animal world had taken revenge on "self-deluded animal tormenter Steve Irwin".

And on the 6th of September, she continued her attack on Irwin. She told Channel 9's A Current Affair she did not understand Australians' feelings of loss for Irwin.

She said he had exploited animals by telling the world how dangerous they were and then treating them disrespectfully. "I find the whole Steve Irwin phenomenon (embarrassing) -- and I'm not the only person who did," Greer said.

But when pushed, she was unable to name anyone who had publicly agreed with her. She rejected claims her sentiments were "un-Australian". "I don't care what I'm being called," Greer said. "I just hope I'm out of touch with what idiots are thinking."

Asked if Australians were idiots, she said: "I don't believe Australians are as dim or as easily led as you may perceive. As far as I can see, quite a few Australians have been embarrassed by Steve Irwin -- lots -- millions possibly. "Why are the English calling it 'Australia's Princess Diana moment'. Aren't you embarrassed about that, at least?"

What are your thoughts on Greer's comments?

Global public outcry about the war in the Middle East

For more than four weeks now we've watched the bloodshed in the Middle East with horror. For a month, global and regional leaders have stood by and failed to take the necessary action to stop the violence. Thousands of innocent civilians have been killed or wounded in the bombings in Lebanon, Palestine and Israel and the death toll is rising every day. If the US, Syria or Iran get involved, there is a chance of a catastrophic larger war.

Finally, last weekend, the US and France reached agreement on a plan. But it's now clear that this flawed compromise plan, which did not call for both sides to stop all attacks, has failed to curb the violence.

This is unacceptable! Over a thousand innocent civilians have already been killed, thousands more wounded, and almost a million people have been made homeless.

UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has called for an immediate ceasefire and the deployment of international troops to the Israel-Lebanon border, and been strongly supported by almost every world leader. This is the best proposal yet to stop the violence, but the US, the UK, and Israel have refused to accept it.

Now is the time to act! People around the world must tell their leaders to speak out and support Kofi Annan's proposal. If we can persuade our governments to unite in demanding a ceasefire, all sides in this conflict will be pressured to stand down.

I have just signed a petition calling on US President Bush, UK Prime Minister Blair, and Israeli Prime Minister Olmert to support Kofi Annan's proposal. If millions of people join this call, and we advertise our views in newspapers in the US, UK, and Israel, we can help pressure these leaders to stop the fighting. Please sign this petition and ask your friends, family and colleagues to do the same.

The UN Security Council needs to know that the world is watching them, and that anything less than an immediate ceasefire is not good enough.

Click below to sign this petition demanding that the members of the UN Security Council take immediate action to end this bloodshed.

http://www.ceasefirecampaign.org/mo/en.html

Please sign the petition today, and then spread the word by forwarding this website address onto all your friends and family. The goal is to deliver a petition to the Security Council with 1 million signatures, and to publicize the petition in major newspapers in the capitals of the US, UK, France and other Security Council members.

NB
Groups and leaders from across the world and from diverse perspectives agree that an urgent ceasefire is an important part of resolving this crisis. Most countries of the world, from Lebanon to Tanzania to India, have called for a ceasefire, and have been joined by major international NGOs such as Oxfam and Amnesty International. Christian leaders such as Pope Benedict XVI, and the World Council of Churches have also called for a ceasefire. Arab and Muslim organizations such as the Organization of the Islamic Conference and the Arab League have also been joined by Israeli and Jewish groups such as Meretz Israel, Degel HaTorah, and Brit Tzedek v'Shalom in calling for a ceasefire.

Your ideal society

The word 'Utopia' refers to the notion or idea of a perfect world - a perfect society.

With all that is happening in our world, I often question what our lives would be like if it were a perfect society.

What would be your ideal society?
What would it look like?

The end of the world

If you believed the world will finish tomorrow, what would you say and do?

Winning the lottery

If you believed that you had just won the lottery, what would you say and do?

Serving others

Sometimes people say:

"Why should we help people who are poor? It usually is their fault; either they are lazy or they have not used their resources and opportunities wisely."

How would you respond to this?