http://people-press.org/reports/display.php3?ReportID=392

I know, more politics. I find them interesting and somewhat exciting. I grew up watching politics on TV because my dad is a total political junkie. I am not as crazy about politics as he is. I still choose to watch MOTAB Sunday morning rather than "Meet the Press". What I linked here is a survey that looks at Democrat and Republican parties. I find the stats interesting when they look at what Obama Supporters think of Clinton and visa versa. They ask if people are excited to have Bill Clinton back in the White House. They look at what separates the Republicans and what that does for the nomination. I really found some of this interesting. There are other types of information on the site, one about "Generation Nexters" and what their values are. If you have some time take a look.

I like to discuss with my class the role of media in politics. Looking at some of this information and public opinions we talk about how they might differ from Utah opinions and how is that reflected in local media. We can talk about voter turnout and why some people vote and others don't. There was and article in ESPN The Magazine asking Black athleats if they vote or not. Most don't, and don't feel it is important because they don't see how it changes anything. The article pointed out that taxes on large salaries changes depending on who is in the White House and that alone should get more athletes to the polls, but it doesn't. I feel that students are not talking about politics at home and don't understand how tightly media and politics are interwoven.

Bottom Up politics.

Getting Young People Involved with Politics

Two different videos, both support Democrates. One paid for by Hillary Clinton and the other paid for by Will-i-am of the Black Eyed peas. I find them both very good. I know my students would love them despite their personal feelings toward politics.

In my class I use this type of media as a current event lecture or discussion. Students today are more involved and interested in politics. I know that I will not be able to go to school tomorrow without talking about Mit Romney and his leaving the race. I am excited to go to school tomorrow because of politics and what candidates are doing to get young people involved.

Flashlights are like onions.

After class last Tuesday I was walking across the white bridge covered in new white snow when I thought back on the discussion we has about the flashlight. I was thinking about my experience reading the assignment. I pictured myself walking down the isle of the supermarket pushing my basket with one wheel shivering and fighting my every move. The store is full of colors and shapes. Logos and product placement are all fighting for my attention. My hands squeeze tighter as my cart shivers again, two of the wheels decided to guide me into a spice rack. The water isle is next to the bakery and I smell the fresh bread and wonder if they have any fresh Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Spice Cookies. Suddenly I become aware of music playing, could it be? Yes, its Neil Diamond, "Cherry Cherry" man life is good. Looking at the water I size up my need for bottled water, price, shape, color, "Fuji" is just too good for me. What does that man need with so many cans of olives? It dawned on me that I as I walked down the isle I was able to read and function at the same time. My reading of the water bottles was deepend becasue of my awarness of the surrounding elements. I wasnt just reading the bottles, but all five senses were reading my expereince. This was what I was doing every second of the day. Even while walking on the new snow I realized it was soft and smooth, I wish I had my snowboard. I miss that floating feeling as I coast down some untouched hillside.
Here I was doing what I was asked to do in class, but in class, I was frozen waiting for someone else to take the lead. Amy had read the same reading but had a different experience. She thought for sure we could take what we had read and act. None of us did. Once we did act, we did it all differently. Glori put things in to her classroom. I was caught in design and color. Brett churned out one response. Watching Amy try and get us going I felt like I was back in math class. I had just watched the teacher take me step by step through a problem, but I still didn't understand. I just needed repeditive practice one step at a time, taking me back to that water isle or across the white walkway to my car. One step then another, uncovering one layer leads to the next layer.