Geez, there's like, more and more of these threats and shootings it seems like.
You all probably didn't hear about the threats at University of Santa Barbara.
But yeah, I was on my gmail trying to talk to my brother (he goes to UCSB and is in chemistry), and I saw his status thing said like "What a bad day, and then the channel 3 news comes in to tape it..." So I was like "hmm, I wanna investigate."
So I searched on google for california's channel 3, and then I saw an alert thing that was like "There have been threats sent to a professor at UCSB. Please be on the look out for any suspicious characters, especially in the chemistry building."
And I freeeeeaked out and texted him, telling him to call. And yeah, he said everything seems alright, that they think they found the threatener.

But that's scary, like, students getting back at former teachers.... seriously, all of this seems so much more relevant now....

OK...back to that 15 year old boy that was murdered...


How crazy is that? What kind of person would kill someone due to their choice on sexual orientation. I think that sexual orientation, weather its genetic or a choice, is that individuals choice. I think that people should be open to homosexuality. For the people who don't believe its right, that's their belief, their choice and they should live their beliefs but taking to the extent of killing someone? how could you feel that strongly about someone else's life and someone else's choices? how does the rest of the class feel?

I think that a lot of the violence has to do with the media, movies, and video games. Today kids are brought up so much more different than when my parents grew up. I agree with Melanie that there isn't that much you can do to stop all the violence. You could ban things like video games and movies from young kids, but i think they could eventually find their way around the bans just like kids to do get drugs and alcohol.

I agree with Melanie. It's not only the video games and the movies with violence but how and where people are being brought up, how much love and attention they are getting (sometimes it may be too much, other times not enough) and peer pressure. As much as we are try to reduce violence, it will always be there.

I agree with Julie and Trish when they say that it is up to us, the future leaders, to end problems in our country. But havent't people been trying to do that before us? I strongly believe that our country needs a second look at the rate people are dying, but i also think that violence is inevitabke, especially the day in age we live in. Think of all the movies that are out ... how many of those have shootings or war in them. some may say that these factors don't have to do with teen violence, or violence for that matter, but i disagree. Little kids now are growing up with violent movies, and if that is all they see then how else are they going to act? Thy arn't going to watch the Wiggles or Hannah Montana their whole life. My point is, yes i agree that we need to stop violence, but there is so much we can do.

The Future of America

Did anyone see writers week today 2nd and 3rd? LeAllen Jones told us about life in the ghetto. He told us a few stories of his childhood, and the terrible things that happen there. One of the stories was about a 5 year old boy that was pushed out the window by two TEN year old boys. Now speaking of young deaths. FIVE years old, that's insane. Killed by two kids none the less. I read one of Trish's posts earlier, she's right, what can we do to change this behavior, in the ghetto or even in our own community?

Shannon's Response

The Lawrence King shooting really disgusted me as well. 14? That's much much much too young to die. I don't understand what America is coming to. I know it doesn't help to dwell on the past, but with shootings happening just about everywhere nowadays it's hard not to constantly be scared. I mean just this week there was a shooting at a bus stop where five middle school children were injured and at campuses all around the U.S. copycat NIU threats have been found...including one this morning at ISU. This is so revolting. I hope the news finally does do a story on Spoor's comment. Obviously something is happening to America, if guns are becoming a common way to deal with everyday problems. Mass shootings, or any shootings in general, especially, especially random ones like VT or NIU, should not be tolerated. Something needs to be changed.

Also, Cole Hall, the scene of the NIU shooting, is being torn down… They say they can’t do anything else with the building and it will be replaced with a bigger, more modern building called Memorial Hall….

Lawrence King

This story shocks me. First of all, the fact that fourteen year old children have the ability to have a gun sickens me. Also, the fact that a fourteen year old boy is able to pull the trigger on someone is astonishing to me. Just as Mr. Spoor discussed in class one day, America needs to realize that we have a reoccurring problem happening within young to middle aged males. What stereotype has America created for our men? Does a male show his strength by killing another human being? Does he gain more respect from his peers by killing someone? However, no one seems to pose the question, what is wrong with our boys? What are the males of America being taught?

As for the posters on our wall, I think that they are inaccurate. The designs that they choose to use to illustrate the drug/smoking statistics are ridiculous. They need to show something that is more drastic and has a better affect on people, not ducks.

Lawrence King and Posters

I think that tragedy that happened to Lawrence King is absolutely horrible... I can't believe that people can be so close-minded and ignorant to actually shoot someone for being gay, especially being that young...

And the posters, I think they're really stupid. I agree with everyone with the whole, "Why would they boast and be proud that 40% of students drink" It doesn't make any sense. And those new posters about the 82% with the Earth on it is one of the worst advertising posters I've ever seen. The writing is so small, you can't even read what it says, and the giant Earth has nothing to do with anything, at least what I've seen on those posters.

Posters

I agree with you guys and unfortunately the administration really isn't doing anything about it. Yea, they had one of the counselors come to a few gym classes just to discuss the issues of the posters but I was in one of those gym classes and we didn't even talk about those posters at all. We talked about growing up and dealing with people in the real world. That has nothing to do with smoking or drinking.People do that in the real world too.

My question is what can be done to make future generations less likely to do what some of us do?

The Nitti Beat's Post

Who is the one that decides who is cool and who isn't. Not every body can be athletic and smart and funny. For instance have you ever met someone who is a genious and is very socially awkward, or vice versa have you ever met someone who gets along with every body, but is dumb as a rock. It's just the way the world is. So what if you smoke or drink, that doesn't make you cool or not cool to me. I think that for a person to be completely cool they should be good at something and know it, but you can not exploit this person though because every think is a trade off( you help them and they help you). For me it's fixing cars, for Josh Busheingn its BMX, and for Spoor its teaching. Not every body is good at every thing so why can't people just accept people for who they are and what they do well.

social norms

I also think that the social norm posters don't really do anything. In my opinion they are a waste of time and money. I don't think that saying 82% of people don't smoke or the 3 out of 5 students don't drink really affect people's decisions to smoke or drink. Also, a 3 out of 5 people don't drink is that really great of a statistic. That means that 40% of students still drink. When people are given the test, I'm sure a good amount of people lie, or just fill in random bubbles, and although the test has ways to get rid of people that put in false information, it still isn't very accurate.

Posters

I totally agree. The posters in the hall are so not true. I know that most of the people lie on the test they make us take during english. It is actually stupid to take the test. Who in their right mind would actually tell the school what they do outside of school. It is really funny though. I also laugh at them becuase it is so rediculous and what do they think putting posters up in the halls are going to do for us? I bet half the kids don't even look at them they are too focused on talking and getting to classes.

I don't think that the social norms posters accomplish anything. Personally, whenever i'm walking down the hallway i just make fun of them. I don't think that students will look at them and be inspired not to smoke ciggarets or drink alcohol. They say 82% don't smoke ciggarets, but that means that around 540 students do, and i'm sure more than half of those people aren't even old enough to smoke. I agree that probably most of the students that take the survey don't even take it seriously, and just think its a waste of time.

The poster around the school dont do anything for me. I dont understand why they are boasting that like 3 out of 5 kids choose water instead of alcohol....so that still means 2 out of 5 do and that is still high. Maybe they are trying to discourage kids to not smoke and not drink...but personally a little poster is not going to change anything. They are mostly a joke to some people because the questions are worded funny. If fremd is trying to discourage smoking or drinking they should prob try a different way.

I'm not even sure what these quizzes and posters in our hallways are supposed to accomplish. I'd like to know whose initial idea it was and what kind of outcome they hoped from it. Becuase I know for me when I ever see these posters, it doesn't mean anything to me and I take less than a second to think anything of them. And when we take the test that we base the posters off of, I am completely honest. Why wouldn't everyone be honest? It's totally miscellaneous, no one would ever know who did/didn't do what. So, I don't understand why people are saying that they lied for some of them... Then if everyone was honest we would know the real truth, but I dont think anyone can ever trust that people are completely honest. I remember taking it last year in mrs. brotsos class and one person was like "I dont understand the question.. it says you smoke rarely sometimes or never... but i smoke all the time? what am i supposed th put?" I wont name names or anything, but that was pretty funny.

I don't think the social norms posters are accurate either. People think that it is a waste of time to take these surveys and don't take them seriously. They just fill in whatever in order to get them done. And there are others that lie. I don't get what point these posters are trying to make...people just ignore them or make fun of them.

MELENY'S RESPONSE

Social Norms- I think our school some how covers the truth, I remember when I took the survey I lied about some stuff and I bet that most kids do the same. These kind of surveys never really work because people are driven to lie. I believe that more than half our school smokes and drinks. But that's just my opinion.

Shannon's Response

I also agree that the social norms posters are ridiculous. The quiz itself I don't think is accurate at all, even though they "claim" they have a secret way to tell who lied or not on the test...people still mess with it or don't take it seriously. I know last time I had to was sophomore year and my teacher encouraged us to take it as quickly as possible, and to basically fill in the bubbles without looking at the question sheet. Then, the poster advertisement all over the school is ridiculous as well. 3 out of 5 is not really a percentage to be proud of. I understand the point is to alert everyone that not all of Fremd drinks, but a poster saying 40% of Fremd students drink is not the way to get the message across. I think the meaning of the posters is a good message, but our statistics don't help the message. Until Fremd thinks of a better way to either discourage underage drinking, or let people know they're not alone if they don't drink, the posters should be taken down since they're not helping the situation.

Polotics, Non-evolution, and just life

So I have found it intresting that Mike Huckabee's purpose in the race is comic relief just watch this if you dont believe me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvSXpM5qGmg unfortunatly, we could use a president with a sense of humor...

Unfortunatly, I join this class to late to really get into the whole evolution thing (im not sure to be greatful or dissapointed) and I think it really sucks that something as irrvelent as evolution could effect people so much. Shouldn't the question were asking ourselves is not how we came to be, but why we came to be?

I'm ready for senior year to be over, I can't wait to get out...I thought second semster senior year was the easiest, maybe cus I'm so axious but its harder then I had once hoped.

I don't think that the posters in the halls advertising how many people do/don't smoke/drink will stop people from making bad decisions. I agree with Carrie that it does not seem like the posters are positive because who is happy about 40% of teenagers smoking; don't they want the percentage to be zero? If someone is making bad decisions they are not going to stop just because a poster at school told them to.

to start, i think the social norm posters are not really helping anything. the numbers aren't all that convincing for either side of the argument. 3 out of 5 fremd students don't drink. that means that 40% of the schools students ARE drinking. thats about half which is nothing to brag about. in physchology we just read an article that said that this generation has it's parents too over protected and involved in their lives. It was saying how they care more about their success in terms of money instead of their success in terms of social development. it went on to say that this attachment is what causes so many students to drink in college. i totally agree. you don't need any true social skills to drink and anyone can be involved in it. when you are around other people who are drunk, it doesn't matter how awkward you are beucase the rest of the party prolly won't remember that you were even there and if they do, their perception of you is severly distorted.

Couple comments and new topic ideas

Alright, I want to make a few comments before I provide some suggestions.

1. I must say that the respect I have for Keith has definitely been enhanced by his use of the blog. It takes a lot of courage to stand up for what you believe in and to express that in spite of what your peers are saying or doing. I think that in many ways Keith is one of the only people consistently sharing thoughtful and honest responses. I would challenge many of you who have commented that you want the conversation to change to change it and not just by posting a three line comment about what you want to talk about, but actually making some substantial thoughtful comments on a different topic of interest to you and the people on the blog.

2. Having said that I am as of now imposing a permenent and enternal ban on the topic of evolution. We have not only beaten a dead horse here, but we have dragged it half way to Lake Zurich and then back again.


Anyway, possible topic options at this point:

A. Lawrence King... you can read more about him at the link here. He was 15 and in 8th grade when, February 12th, his classmate brought a gun to school and shot him in the head for being gay. http://www.rememberinglawrence.org/

B. The social norms posters around school... so 82% of kids don't smoke... but that means 18% do... why? What do you think the draw is? How can we encourage this number to go down?

Weather

I totally agree Heather. I'm sick of this weather.
I can't wait to be able to sit outside and enjoy nature.

weather

it's cold out.

and I don't like it.

We be needing some spirng weather.

yeeyuh son!

Bochat's Post

A pretty good friend of mine was at a party this weekend and something happened there where he is now facing sexual assault sharges. I have known him since 8th grade and im sure those of you who went to Sandburg know him as well. I really don't believe he is guilty. Does anybody know how long somebody's jail time could be for rape charges?

how about we change the subject to something besides God or politics..

POLITICS!!!

I don't know much bout politics either but I just hope that who ever understands it ,will pick someone that will help our country!!!!

hiliary

NO MORE EVOLUTION TALK!!!

WE ALL HAVE OUR OWN VIEWS AND OPINIONS! LIFE IS GOOD!

Honestly I don't know much about Hiliary at all. I have not been following politics as much as I would like.

Change in SUBJECT!!!!

OK so I dont know about you all but I am having a really tough time with this political stuff.... It just gets so confusing there are so many words that sound alike or are used for more than one meaning and I get so LOST!!!

How do you guys think Clinton will do with the debates coming up in a week??

Evolution

Ok well...... Evolution as we talked about before means alot of things. It doesn't just mean that we evolved from apes or whatever. It means things change over time. And I dont believe in the Evolution that we came from apes but I do believe that our world does evolve. Things change, like the ice melting or mountains getting bigger. Our economy is changing too! Everything changes we change by getting older and adapting to the world, things like that. But everyone has different opinions on the subject.

why do we always end up talking about something controversial? keith.. i dont think calling nitti's opinion stereotypical crap is nice =(

why are we back to talking about evolution? i thought that boat already sailed away..

i really think people just need to respect other people's opinions and not call them out. whats with the freaking hate? cant we find anything to talk about that we all agree on or at least not kill each other disagreeing?

This topic is old. How many times are we going to argue about evolution and God? It's getting just a bit redundant and annoying...

How about The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster?
http://www.venganza.org/

Evolution is a proven fact, it happened no matter how much people believe in God. I def dont think God is going to shun you for believing in evolution...there is a lot of evidence of it. And as much as everyone says church and school are seperate...they arent. Isnt that what the moment of silence is for. I totally disagree with taking God out of our pledge and out off our money...its getting ridicious..

10 Major Flaws in Evolution

I suggest that anyone who believes in evolution to read this and tell me what you think!


http://www.epm.org/articles/evolution.html

Keif’s Responses

Sorry for putting the word heathen is my previous post... It was rude and didn't need to be said, I apologize.


DENNIS: Good points. I agree with most of what you have said. I like how you said it was just a couple of people who feel that God should be taken out of the US. I strongly agree with you on that! I disagree on the evolution parts. I understand that some people take it as 'fact' but i refuse to learn something as 'fact' that goes against 18 years of what i have been taught and love. I do not think I should be put into a situation that tells me everything I stand for and live for is wrong and a lie, that evolutionism is the truth and only 'fact'. I am just against it.

CARRIE: I am personally sorry for saying heathen, i will attempt to keep it out of the blog from now on. But i do not agree that evolution is a "FACT". One of the key components of evolution is the theory that the lower a layer of rock (sediment and that type of stuff) is the older it is, therefore that older rocks contain the older fossils. The Bible says; "I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there.' and it will move." (Matthew 17:20) Some disagree with me 1000% but I stand firm and believe that with God all things are possible, and He alone has placed every single thing imaginable where it is for a reason and the 'fact' that a rock is beneath another does not mean that it is older. Science can 'disprove' that all it wants, but in the end my faith says it may not be true. So why am I forced to sit in the classroom and learn these "FACTS" which tell me that God is not true and that Jesus Christ did not die for my sins? You may take evolution as a fact all you want but I will not do so! Call me blind, stubborn, and irrational all you want but I will not test nor shake the foundation of my faith for some classroom discussion. It is completely absurd to do so. "The ear tests words as the tongue tests food." (Job 34:3) I should not be forced into sitting into a class that tells me my faith is wrong, sure you don't need to teach my faith but don't test it. Sure I'm not "forced" to sit in class, but I am penalized if I don't. Don't teach creationism, that's fine, but don't teach the false religion of evolutionism either. Again I am sorry about the heathen.

Melanie: I respect your opinion as well as everyone Else's in the class, I may disagree so please do not take anything I say personally. Evolution is not a proven fact. There are just as many things that prove evolution is false as there are that prove it true. go to...
http://www.epm.org/articles/evolution.html
and read about ten major flaws in evolution. I do apologize for saying heathens, it is rude, but I do not apologize for judging people based on their religion and opinions. I am human and that is what I will always do, so does everyone else. I get the shit kicked out of me verbally from some of you guys some times and I see the nasty glares I get the next day after typing one of those big posts. I judge you just as much as you judge me!

NITTI: Your posts are always so blunt, colorful, and filled with stereotypical crap! You really make me laugh some times! So, I defiantly agree that people do need to just leave it alone. They have the right to disagree with it all they want and to try and get God out of everything if that's what they want, I just don't think that is what they should be doing! I disagree with them is what it all boils down to. They have every right to fight and get God off of the dollar bill and out of school, i guess i just think that if they put that effort to other things our country would be much better off! Tacos in Mexico and Raviolis in Italy!! HAHAHA!!! you are crazy! that is so.. I don't even know! but i like it! And I agree with you with the inappropriateness of the funeral attenders, but in reality they have every right to do what ever they are doing, as much as I disagree, WHICH IS A LOT, they have the right to do it. I know it sucks but it is just they way things are.

The Nitti Beat's Post

What the hell is going on in America today. Now people want the god taken out of the pledge. I've come to a conclusion that will work. You know the saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it", well we need to put that saying into affect. I think it's bull sh*t that people are trying to change things that have been the same since my parents were kids. If you don't like it get the hell out of the US, it's not like we go to Mexico and tell the people there that they are making tacos wrong or go to Italy and say they make Ravioli wrong. I think that if people were more worried about their own problems and not the problems of the people they work with the world would be a better place. I would also like to add that the cult that has been going to the funerals protesting is one of the most disgraceful things I've ever seen and think that some one should just go vigilante on them one at a time.

I totally agree with everything that carrie said. No matter how hard schools try, separation of church and school can be difficult. Think of the bible clubs we have at fremd or the moment of silence, even though it is not supposed to be towards praying. On the evolution subject, i also agree with carrie, i am a strong roman catholic, but evolution is proven by scientist and even though you resist learning it, it is good to understand. and on the heathan subject, lets not judge people based on their opinion.

I do'nt think that there can ever be a true seperation of church and state. especially in our country where which we partly established for people to escape religious persecution. it was colonized so that everyone could practice their religion freely. when the presidential elecion started, i didn't know anything about huckabee other than the fact that he was mormon or something. There obviously not a true seperation between church and state otherwise that would not be anything for anyone to make a big deal about.

and i think that it is time for people to stop calling everyone heathens. even though i am a christian i do not appreciate people ranting on about how awful peoples opinions are bout God. And evolution is a fact no matter how much of a believer you are, it is a proven fact.

Dennis' post

Personally, I want to keep God in the pledge of allegiance and don't really mind God being on our money, and I think the reason why these things want to get removed is because of a couple of out spoken people. I don't think most people in the U.S. really want God to be taken out of the pledge and the money or don't really care and I doubt that the word God will be taken out of the pledge or money.

Also, about the whole students in public schools having to take tests on evolution is because it has some scientific evidence where as religions like Christianity is more based on faith, and schools teach things were you can support ideas. Also, its not like the students that are learning about evolution aren't exposed to other religions. If schools didn't teach evolution, not many people would know about it because unless your parents are scientists or something, you would only be aware of one religion. In the end, the student is making the decision on what he believes, all because they are taught something doesn't mean they will believe it.

Why does God need to get out?

Why is it that so many people have fought to get God out of America?



We need God out of the pledge of allegiance!
Take 'God' off of our money!
Replace the origin of man with a false religion of evolutionism!
Separate Church and state at all costs!



Where is God needed?

Sexual imagery is what moves the media and sells products!
NASA wastes billions of dollars exploring for the origins of man and for extraterrestrial life when the Bible has been right in from of them for thousands of years!
Filth ravages the streets and impurity rapes the virgin teens!
Premarital sex is rampant in our society!


People fight for things they do not understand. Our country is filled with 'mild Christians' ones who fight the causes they can only see, not the causes that God calls them to fight. I will agree that there are many mislead groups, but that is no reason to kick God out of America. "Take In God We Trust off of our money" "Take God out of public schools"! Do all these things to separate Church and state. So i understand why others shouldn't have to learn about my religion, but then why should i sit in class and listen to ludicrous nonsense that tests MY FAITH?! I wouldn't make you understand mine, but stop making me take tests on yours!

Kick God out of America if you want, but when things like Katrina and the NIU shootings happen, don't turn around and ask 'where is God now?' and 'Why would He let this happen?'

HEATHEN BASTARDS!
So go ahead and turn away from the word, because in the end all it is is FEAR... and



The fear of the lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction

(proverbs 1:7)

i feel better

ok so I watched the memorial and happy to say that there wasn't a huge deal made about Obama being there, so thats good. The focus was on the families and friends of NIU and a lot of peopel Goverenment Officials of Il were there so it wasn't just him.
And the protesters couldn't really be seen.
So i am much more relaxed and feeling better about everything at NIU today.
Forward together forward.

writers week

Did anyone see Reggie? I'm not sure what his last name is but he preformed during 5th and 6th hour. I really enjoyed him, however, I was so surprised with the things that he was saying. I'm assuming the administration did not know what he was going to say but do you think he will come back next year?

Obama I have lost a lot of respect for you, West Boro F you, but God help NIU

I am so unbelievably pissed. How dare all these people!
I was suppose to attend the memorial service with my familyat NIU and im just like screw it now. Well I can’t go anyways for another reason too, but part of it is this RIOT that is suppose to break out.

FIRST OF ALL!! OBAMA you’re a freaken jack ass. I have lost sooo much respect for you. I can’t believe you have the balls to COME to the MEMORIAL SERVICE that is SUPPOSE to be for the PARENTS and the STUDENTS of NIU to HEAL!!!! Not for a freaken publicity stunt!!!!!!!!
You claim you freaken care sooooooo much about your home state, well then why didn’t you attend the other memorial services when the Governor came. Why couldn’t the Governor and Senator come together and support these kids. It would have showed MORE character if you stopped your champagne for like two days, come to NIU and talk to the student’s one on one and show you care about your home state. But coming now! You’re running for FREAKEN president, like are you kidding me! YOU know the baggage that comes with that and by making this huge announcement that you’re coming to “support” everyone, people will come with now for wrong reasons.
The attention should not be on you, Obama it should be on NIU and by coming now as a presidential candidate, how disrespectful of you! That’s like saying f*ck you to all of us! Obama has allowed everything to get to his head; I think he is too young and inexperienced to become president. Hilary is such a strong women, much stronger then Obama and anit gonna let no one tell her what the hell she should do. And you know what; you all are scared of her. Everyone is so scared of a strong woman and can’t handle the power she has.

SECOND of all F*UCK you WEST BORO CHURCH or should I say CULT!!!
HOW F*CKEN dare you come to the funerals AND memorial at NIU today!!!!!!
HOW DARE YOU!!!
If I were able to go and I saw your damn signs I bet the freaken shit out of all of you! AGAIN you’re saying F*UCK you to everyone who lost their lives. Well my brother was almost one of those people you ass whips. And I hope you lose someone dear to you and get told it’s your fault and have protestors at the funerals. You all suck! And I can’t wait or you all to get arrested today if you cross the borderlines. And I hope to God the riot against them doesn’t start. This is suppose to be a healing time but everyone else is this world is so F*CKING selfish that we can’t allow this.

Honestly like I said, I have lost so much respect for Obama for many reasons and if he wins primary it will take a lot of convincing to make me vote at all. Because I sure as hell will not vote for a republican and I don’t know if I have enough respect for Obama anymore to vote for him either.

I guess this wouldn’t hurt me as much if it didn’t hit so close to home, but these are my friends and family that are being messed with and anyone who knows me knows I don’t put up with that shit!!!

WW

I think that writers weeks has gone down hill a bit too. But I do still enjoy going to it. Believe it or not it really does help you out when it comes to writing. Or that might just be me. But ya I saw Clapper. He was pretty funny with his sex talk and stuff like that. At first I thought he was just kidding around with it but he really does write that stuff which is kinda creepy!!!

i liked mary fons too! i saw her 2nd period and thought she was hilarious with the keyboard thing and the iron chef act. i really like her pieces of work and i think she was right about good poetry being really specific. the one poem that really stuck out to me was the love story poem. i thought it was very touching and she performed it very well. watching her performance was definitely a good way to start off the day =]

I thoroughly enjoy writer's week. Mary Fons is one of my favorites by far, I got to see her this year and last year and her writing is just so enjoyable to listen to. I really want to see her show in chicago, too much light makes the baby go blind, with the 30 plays in 60 minutes. That really intersts me.

As for the writing assignments, I hate hate hate sheets we have to fill out during the performance, if I'm going to be writing during their speaking I would prefer to take notes at my own leisure. Last year, I went everyday in two classes, thus having two assignments at the end, one was a sheet, one was a paper. The sheets were horrible, asking nitty gritty questions that were never even mentioned, while meanwhile my paper was amazing. I got to write about whatever/however I wanted and it made me feel like I really did get a lot out of Writer's Week.

For their strict policy, I think that is ridiculous. All the teachers always rave about what a great experience WW is and how we should be so appreciative, but we're not able to see it when we choose? I don't agree with that at all. and their poem this year... oh man.

WW

I like writers week but i think its gone downhill a bit since freshman year. That might just be because at freshman we were ao in awe of it. I get to be there for half the day all week for tech so that is some fun stuff but whatever. And by the way anyone who saw Clapper tech crew does not make out on the catwalk...just throwing that out there

WW

I agree with Tommy.

I also saw Mary Fons.

I know she has been here before but I have never ever seen her.

She was really really good.

I liked her writing stlye.

She actually kept me interested and into her performance

Alot of writers fail at that.

Well I'm excited to see more writers.

I love writers week

I also think that these accusations are insane. The media is just trying to get in their faces to sway votes. They want to keep the readers attention. It's kind of pathetic that the media will go and dig up past happenings with our future presidents. Everyone knows(well not everyone) that the media over dramatizes things in the world of the famous. I guess that it's even more pathetic that Americans just soak up the gossip that the media feeds them.

I think all these accusations are ridiculous. I don't really believe them either. Its unfortunate that the media has to bring up such negative things about the candidates. I try to focus more on the positive things, and i don't really care what people say about their past personal life, like "unappropriate relationships". I think that they take it way too seriously and should just focus on positive aspects of the candidates, so the public can choose from the best and not depending on somebodys personal past.

I don't believe that what they wrote was true. It was either not true or they took something and blew it completely out of context. I think its absolutly rediculous that his family has to sit there and listen to all those accusations that aren't even true. The other lady is even denying that it ever happened and idk where they got their evidence from for this. I don't like how the newspapers have to dig that low to get something to pin on people. If he had done anything in the past that would have been illegal then i would understand the journalists trying to publish it, however, that is his real life. Not just his champaigning one. The people who are close to him like friends and family are probably really hurt by what was said.

The Nitti Beat's Post

So what do you guys and gals think of the acusations against McCane. So far I'm unsure. The arguments have been average and so have his responses. The one thing I am sure of is that he is definaitly way to moderate to be a republican. Oh well, does it matter anyway, judjing by the backing of Obamba and Clinton, I don't think he'll win any way. As much as I think that a democratic president will put us farther in the whole than we currently are.

W.W.

I agree with Melanie that the writing assignments given to us for writers week are unnecessary. I understand that teachers are worried that their students will not pay attention to the speakers, and that is probably why they make us write papers on what we see during writers week. But I feel like I pay less attention to speakers when I have to write a paper because I am too busy trying to scribble down notes on what they said earlier and then I miss what they are talking about later.

Bochat's Post

When I went to writers week this morning i saw Marry Fons. She was quite possibly the best writers week performer i have seen at Fremd. If anybody ever has the chance to go see her in the future go do it because it was awesome. I hope all the performers this year are going to be this good.

Bumper Stickers

So I was driving around (actually to my vikes) and I saw a bumper sticker and it said: Free North Korean refuges in China. I was like ok, cool spreading the news and stuff. And under that In smaller less noticeable letters it said: Before the Beijing Olympics. I actually got kinda upset about this, because shouldn't we "free" them just because people are going to see China because of the Olympics, we should do it because its right. Unless I misunderstood the bumper sticker, which is very possible. I was under the assumption that the refuges were free in China, or at least free of the North Korea. So what am I missing here? Anyways, I just didn't know that I would get that upset over a bumper sticker.

WW

Even though i enjoy watching the presenters at WW, i hate it when teachers assign a project like typing a 5 page response or writing 3 letters to the presenters. What is the benefit to these assignments? what am i learning when i am typing my response, i already know my response. Are these authors really going to read my letter, its not like they are going to write me back. This is just a pointless assignment teachers use to fill in grades.

Writer's Week

I don't like the idea of getting a truancy for not going to class and going to writer's week instead. If a person shows a lot of interest in writing and to that writer or speeker, he or she should be able to go see them. As for the assignments that are given by teachers during writer's week, I think that they are given so we stay focused, show some attention and so we can take writer's week a little more seriously. Also it's a way for teachers to give points for the in class assignments that are missed.

Writer's Week

I agree with Julie, the reason we get assignments from teachers is because people ditch or sleep, but then again the teachers should just give us something simple to fill out to show that we paid attention to the speaker and not some difficult in depth stuff about the speaker like some teachers had made me do in the past.

Also, I think the whole, you can't get called out to go to writer's week or you get a truancy is stupid. Teachers emphasize how much work the people that organize writer's week had to do and how great it is and all that, but the administration is so strict on Writer's Week and make it seem like its a waste of time. Seems like the administration is getting a lot more strict, first with Halloween and now this, I'm just glad that this is my last year of high school.

Julie's Post =)

To answer Nitti's post, we can't just go and enjoy the show because stupid kids in the past have ditched and not even watched. There's also the kids that just sleep through the performances. Personally, I think that is the biggest mistake. Why would you waste this awesome opportunity we get to watch popular writers talk to us and give us free advice? Our teachers are giving up a day of teaching for this. The least they could do is stay awake.

WRITERS WEEK

Oh my goodness. Don't even get me started on the stupid writer's week policies!
Our school brags that "we're the only high school that has famous writers come in and speak to the students" but then they don't even allow us to go when we want to...

My mom called me out to see Mary Fons last year. My mom told to truth, and told the attendants office that I was going to writer's week. She said "If there's a problem, please call me." I never got a call from my mom telling me they said no, so I went. And what do you think happened? I got sent down to the office for a truancy. If students are being inspired, they should be allowed to go... And when the administrators talked to my mom they talked like they were degrading writers week. Their tone was that it was a worthless thing...

I heard Mr. Wenkowski's lame poem today, but you better believe I'm still getting called out tomorrow to see Mary Fons. Based on what happened last year, the administrators taught me to lie, so that's exactly what I'm gonna do...

WRITERS WEEK

I agree with Carrie's post. Two people that are preforming second hour I would love to see. However, we cannot get called out and I was assured of this 6th period today when Mr. Johnson came in and recited Mr. Winkowski's poem, "An Ode To Writer's Week". If you get called out and are caught in school you be be assigned a truency, detentions, etc. I thought this was a very strict punishment for kids who are getting caught going to Writer's Week. Wouldn't our administration rather have that than kids ditching to go smoke meth or crack? (I only use meth because it seems to be an extremely popular subject 5th hours).

Do you guys think that the policy is to strict?

The Nitti Beat's Post

As much as everybody likes writers week, every year there's always some dumb assignment associated with it. I don't understand why we just can't go, watch, and enjoy the show. Why does there always have to be some supplemental assignment where we have to analyze the writer's work and there feelings. I'd just like to go to relax and enjoy the show. According to my last English teacher, the performers at writers week get paid, why. What kind of example are they giving the students at our school. I think they should do this for free or at least a considerably cheaper rate. What kind of example are there cons trying to show the students about giving back to the community.

Writer's Week is pretty much the best time of year however, i think it's becoming quite rediculous that the administration is trying to crack down so much. Yeah i understand that people would take advantage of the whole missing class thing but in the end, they are the ones who would be screwing themselves over and they can see the consequences of it when it comes to finals. But if students really want to see someone perform, especially the seniors, just let them. A lot of people i know are reading i would love to see them but they are all during periods that i can't. We were talking about this in English and Mrs. Enk was saying how if this is the worst problem that Fremd has they should consider themselves lucky. It's only a week out of the year, why can't we have flexibility?

Writers Week

I LOVE writers week! I like the guests that we have come in, but I especially like listening to the students and their work. I also like writers week because its a little break from classes. I am also getting really tired of school. I never do any homework when I get home and in class i can barely force myself to pay attention. The only reason i've been showing up is so i won't have to take finals...lame. I can't wait for graduation..I've been in this high school too long i want to get out of here!!

school.

i know right. im so excited for writers week. i particularly dont like teachers who make us do assignments after writers week. why cant we just enjoy it? i understand why maybe freshmen need to do it, but we're seniors, COME ON.

it kinda bothers me that our school has gotten more and more strict. when we were freshmen, we didnt have to be talked to before going to writers week, or have a counselor come in and talk to us about every little thing we come across, or be limited to who we can bring to school dances. it especially pisses me off that we cant bring in college kids to our dances. i mean come on! its only OUR school. my boyfriends a freshman in college and its my freaking senior year, why cant i just enjoy it? everything is being restricted, the school controls where we park, who we can bring to our school dances, etc. i would amuse me to see what they'll come up with next.

2nd post.

Okay so i woke up the other morning sooo pissed off that i had to go to school...seriously right now school is horrible. I find 10000 other things to do then homework, and when it actually comes to tests im screwed. Then i was thinking how lame it is that i sware all teh teachers are holding that not taking finals thing above our heads..im just soooo excited until JUNE and GRADUATION...anybody else super excited for that?

writers week

i am excited for writers week, i have always really liked it. I love seeing the students the most because all their writting is very interesting. The other speakers get kinda boring...but its hit or miss with it. My favorite is the students poetry...their all so brave to get up their in front of hundreds of people and read what hey wrote..i could never do that so props to them.

Writers Week

I also love writers week. It kind of sucks going early in the morning because I find it so hard to pay attention to the speakers. I wish I had the courage to read things in front of our school. I have had quite a few I wish I would have had the balls to read, but I am not comfortable reading aloud.... I hate it!!! probably because I am such a shitty reader.

Writers Week!!!!

Every year i always look forward to writers week. It is so cool seeing/listening to our peers read their own poetry, stories, songs, or other expersions. I would never be able to get up in front of the whole school and share my thoughts and feelings, that takes guts!! i love the guest presentors too! im so excited for next week!

Meleny's Response!!!

I think that all the situations that we are going thru are harsh from the war in Iraq to the shootings in NIU... that's why we have to become more united more than ever. The church that protested is very wrong about what they did. I guess they have never felt the loss of a family member!!! We just have to pray so that God comforts all the families and friends that lost someone in the war and shooting as well.

And for Castro, His brother has the same beliefs.... it's Mini-Fidel.... only younger!!!

Ok so i heard about the people that were protesting at the funeral of the NIU victoms but what I didn't hear is that they were from a church. Even if they weren't, that is the sickest thing Ive ever heard of people doing besides killing or murdering someone-is protesting that God sent the killer to NIU at the victoms funeral. I have only been to two or three funerals of my loved ones that have passed but they are the worst because you are so very sad and nothing can make you in a good mood because you just lost someone you love. Now imagine that feeling but then seeing these protesters at the funeral. I don't think its fair that our nation has to be so corrupt as to do things such as what these protesters did and its truley disgusting. All of my prayers and blessings go out to those families and friends of the NIU students who were injured or that lost their lives.

I can’t believe that these people are protesting at the NIU victims’ funerals. I do not understand why they would think this kind of behavior would be okay. The families of these victims are hurting enough; I don’t think they need some sick group of people protesting in front of them as they bury their loved ones. The worst part about it is that these people have been sued before by someone and they are still continuing to act like they are doing something good, and say they are having fun doing it. It scares me that there are people that believe these protesters are doing the right thing.

Westboro Baptist Church

I just read an article disscusing what Spoor mentioned today in class, how the Westboro Baptist Church who in the past have protested soldier's in Iraq's funerals have now moved on to the victims of NIU claiming that God sent the shooter. When asked why they protest funerals it's because of America's acceptance to gays and they regard their protests as a "fun time."

"When this is what you do as your hobby, as your leisure time, this is what you spend your money on," said Paulette Phelps, daughter-in-law of Fred Phelps, pastor of the Westboro Baptist Church. "This is our vacation. This is our fun time."

This is sick. Funerals are a place for mourning, and I am appalled that some would think they are a place for protests. I think if the Westboro church wishes to protest NIU...they could find a more suitable place other than a funeral. This disgusts me.

Full Article: http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=137589

The world's longest serving leader, Fidel Castro, has resigned. Raul Castro has taken over, but I don't think that much will be different. There might be a few small changes but I don't think that the U.S. policy will change in any way towards Cuba.

Fidel Castro

Fidel Castro resigns after leading the Cuba, a communist country for almost 50 years and gives his power to his brother, Raul Castro.

Supposedly Raul Castro has very different ideas from his brother and says that he will make many changes, but I don't think this will happen because even though Fidel isn't in power anymore, all the top officials in Cuba are still the same which would probably influence Raul's decisions. I think Cuba will stay the same with small changes for a long time and don't expect the embargo to be lifted unless Cuba somehow changes a lot like turns into a democracy or something like that.

Whats next for Cuba? Do you think Raul Castro will bring any change to Cuba? Do you think that U.S. policy towards Cuba will change (like the embargo)?

I've been to the Lincoln tombstone place before too. I was younger, so I never really thought "wow, i'm standing so close to such a historical person" But reading that made me appreciate that I was there. Then on the outside is the Lincoln sculpture where everyone rubs the nose for good luck. I didn't touch that though, god knows what type of germs are on there, probably the mrsa and gonorrhea.

funny story of why we were there though:
My dad had met some people online in a "Midwestern Chatroom" And he thoughtlessly, and stupidly decided to meet up with the members, since they were having a get-together on 4th of July so everyone can meet eachother.... And my dad dragged my family along because he had sent all them pictures of our family and "they really wanted to meet us." They weren't predators, just hicks who referred to eachother by their screen names, like "Hey RainbowWaterfall, would you like a beer?"

So the lesson to be learned, if you meet up with crazies that you met online, they won't always predator you, they could just be hicks with nothing better to do... haha

Totally Off Subject...

Ok so hopefully everyone's weekend was super amazing! I mean come on 4 1/2 days is awesome! :) but I wanted to change the subject a little. My mom took me to Spring Field today to see all Lincons things, like where he was burried, his house, the museum and stuff like that. It was so cool. I went to his tomb last and it is like all marble. So pretty but totally freaky! When I saw his tomb stone I turned around and saw his wife and three of his kids that were burried there too. It was exciting to think that I was standing 20 feet away from one of the greatest presidents who made a huge difference in our country. I also saw the captial and I noticed the flag was half mass. My mom said it was because of NIU which I thought was very sweet. I totally didnt know that the governer has the power to tell everyone to put their flags half mass whenever he wants. I thought that was really neat. But ya I thought I would just share that. :)

And I am so glad that Liz your brother is ok and Heather your friend is ok that is so good and it is awesome that everyone is here for them.

NIU

I was glad to see my friend from NIU this weekend.

I gave him like the biggest hug ever.

Cause it's just so terrible for all the loved ones that lost someone or someone who got injured due to the shootings.

NIU Con....

My heart and prayers go out to everyone and their families at NIU (even the gunman's family) and anyone else who has ever gone through a horrible event such as this. It's sad to say there really isn't much anyone can do in situations like these. It can happen anywhere, anytime, at any school. I think Mr. Spoor is right, the question we need to ask ourselves is what is wrong with society where we teach our people that violence is the key to solving any problem, or it's the way to glorify yourself. What is wrong with us where we continue to have these problems? School should always be a place of peace, safety and education. But sadly with the way it's going, this will probably hit every school at some point in life. We need to change that. Once again my heart goes out to all of you. God Bless

NIU...My bro goes there...i have never been more scard

My brother goes to NIU and so do alot of my friends. When we got the phone call from him, I have never been more scared in my life. He was in the building conjoined with Cole Hall and only a hallway or two away from the shootings. My mom stayed on the phone with him until he reached safety doing the play by plays of "where are you? what do you see? What do you hear? can you block the door? can you lock the door?" and then there was this sudden commotion in the background and the entire time all we could think of was she could have been listening to her son get shot to death. She could have heard him die. I get all choked up everytime I think about. I alwasy knew a school shooting would hppen around here, but I never thought it would ever hit so close to home. I think the worst feeling was knowing there was nothing we could do. We were here and he was there and all we could do was listen. There isn't a second that goes by that I don't thank God that he is alive. Although he was not in the same room, the gunman could have easily gotten to his class or anyone elses too.I feel so guilty saying this, but every time the names are read of those who where killed the first thing I do is thank God that wasn't my brother. One of my best friends's roommate sadly was in the room and was shot in the arms and legs, and again I'm sad for him, but yet so happy that wasn't my brother.

Bochat's Post

I agree with people giving info away on what actually happened at NIU and Virginia Tech. It's the right thing to do. What i don't agree with is them talking nonstop about the psycho who shot up the place. That is exactly what they want in the first place and stations are just letting them win. Nobody needs to or wants to know about the sick assholes that do this kinda crap. I can't stand the media for doing this kinda shit all the time.

Bailey's Post

I agree with Shannon about the whole media thing. I do not think that the media went to far with their broadcasts about NIU, but, I do think that Mr. Spoor was right about the news focusing too much on what happened with only this incident, rather than what is causing all of these tragedies.

Shannon's Post

I think Danae's question is a hard question to answer, he might have been a normal kid who treated others nicely..etc. as they said in some articles or he could have been a horrible guy from the begginning like they described Cho.... but I strongly think there's something wrong when a person takes his own issues into a room of innocent bystanders and begins shooting them. I feel that no matter how he was viewed in the past, this will always be the way he'll be known. His friends and family probably have better memories of him and will think differently but I find it hard to think of him or any other murderer as a regular guy.

I disagree with Megan. I think Virginia Tech got too much coverage and I think the clips of his movies and the pictures with him wielding a gun while the newscaster was saying how that's probably what he looked like before he took the 32 innocent lives was too much. Often killers have left behind movies and pictures such as in columbine, but not all of those have been released even nearly 10 years later...which shows the media does have a hold on what's too much to realase. I think NIU was given a decent amount. In my oppinion they havn't really publicized the shooter, and I think all of the other information given was necessary. When something tragic happens I want to hear how/why and details along with it. I do not wish to see explicit videos or pictures glorifying the killer at all and as long as that's not shown, I think it's an apprpriate amount of coverage.

96.3

So! I was just listening to B96.3 and the host on there was talking to a friend of the shooters from NIU. They were talking about him being known as a monster. His friend thinks that he isn't a monster and he shouldnt be known as one the host said that he should be known as a monster from now on because he took the lives of inocent people. So my question is do you think that he should be known as a monster? Should he always be remebered as one?

Danae's Post

I totally agree. It is not the parents faults for the way their kids acts. I mean he is out of the house he is grown up, all the choices he makes from here on out are his own fault. I was watching the news on it this morning and they said alot of things could have contributed to him shooting people. They said that he was going off his meds and that he started going crazy. There must have been something seriously wrong with him if he was to shoot people. I just think there is more of a story behind it. You can't exactly say it was his peers....

NIU

I agree with Therese when she said that parents aren't a cause of the school shootings. There may be a small influence but I think their peers have a bigger influence on these people. If a bunch of big kids make fun of someone that kid won't be able to do anything about it, so he might resort to killing people which just leads to a horrible situation. About the NIU shooter, people and the media seem to focus too much on about the person being off his medication, but I doubt that this was the only reason or even a big influence in his decision for the shooting. Like I said before I think it was his peers, like if the shooter was surrounded by kids like the ones next to the freshman boys that made fun of that girl and mike, that is what probably caused the shooter to do what he did.

it is crazy what happened at NIU...seriously the media gives it way to mcuh attetnino because otehr kids who want do do that see they will get the same attention. I wrote a paper on this earlier in the year...how prescription drugs makes people go crazy...like this kid...who they claim wass off the and then shot classmates, its the same as virginia tech, and that mall shooting, the media gives it too much attention

So in class when we talked about why kids do stuff like what happened at NIU and we we talked about parenting being the cause I have to disagree. I am like hardcore church kid and my brother is, well, not. We have the same parents who tell us they love us almost to the point of annoyance, so I can't believe parenting is the cause. I believe a lot of it is how peers view you but I still think it has to be more than that.

I agree that there should be something done to strengthen security in schools, but I think its easier said than done. I am not as afraid in high school, but with these recent school shootings, I am afraid to go to college, especially since im going to depaul in the city, and i dont want to have a fear every day i go to my classes. I wish there was something that people could do to strengthen security in the schools, especially on a college campus, but there are so many students and people walking around, its hard to keep it 100% safe. Hopefully there wont be another tragedy like this.

No where to go

These past few days, we have been disucssing the NIU shootings in our classes, and there seems to be a pattern developing.... are schools safe to begin with? Even with the required lock down drills and cops at the school how can gun control or violence for that matter be limited on school grounds? OUr freshman year, we experienced a lock down and i remember being confused as to why the teacher turned off the lights and had us huddle in the corner... was this "brilliant" plan going to save us from the potenital danger at the school during that time. Not a great defense in my opinion. What can society do that we havent already done that will resotre safety to our school systems? If we can't prevent violence from the person him/herself then we should strengthen our safety at school. Especially since we are the next generation going to college next year, how are we going to be protected? Have we not learned from past shootings... how many more lives must be taken in order for someone to really take control of the situation??????

The NIU shooting shocked me and scared me a lot. I know so many people that go there and I was glad when I found out that they were ok. I was talking to my parents about it last night and they are so scared that I am going off to college next year. They are scared it might happen to my school..... which parent wouldn't?

I think the NIU shooting is so sad. It is crazy that there have been two school shootings in a year. I was talking to my aunt about it and she felt so bad, but what made her really mad is she doesn't want to have to worry about her child when he goes to school in a couple years. It is terrible if parents have to worry about their kids while they're away at school. The only thing that parents should have to be concerned about is that their child is getting good grades. I heard today on the news there was a recent finidng that the shooter went off of his medications. Like we talked about today in class, you can't blame just one person for this, because everybody contributes to making fun of somebody or causing this society to think that you have to be so big and manly. Carrie mentioned at the end of her post that kids next to her locker today were making fun of kids, and that is a perfect example of how critical people are today and they don't take into consideration how it may be hurting somebody really badly. I wish there was something people could do to stop all of this.

Julie's post

So when we talked today in class, its freaks me out that there isn't a whole lot we can do. I mean we can all make small changes, resulting in a bigger change, but right now the future of America is in danger. Maybe, this is just one of those things that I feel strongly about because I want to become a teacher, but I think everyone needs to be aware of this issue. I think Amercia needs to open their eyes and become aware of how we treat and talk to the future of america, the kids.

the scariest thing about the whole NIU shooting is not only that the kid didn't even go there but we're going to school next year. This is the second major school shooting in a year and it's too easy for people to get guns. I think its ironic that we were touching on gun control the other day. How long will it take for people to realize that something needs to be done? When things like this happen it gives me very little confidence in the human race. And another thing happened to do that made me very angry. The freshman boys at my locker would'nt move for a girl to get to her locker. She was a quiet girl and had to push the boy out of the way. When she left they made fun of her. 5 mins later they made fun of mike, the blind, kid after he had walked through the hallway. I don't understand how people can be so mean anymore.

NIU

ok so I got off work at 12 and this guy I'm dating had been txting me he like so ive been trapped in a building for 9 hours. and i was like yeah me too i had work, and he like no im at NIU and i was like ok and I'm at work, since I had been at work since 3 I hadnt heard any of this shooting stuff. He was like right there, he saw the shooter, im really scared right now, he's fine nothing happen but they had to run into building and stuff to get away from it...seriously people who do this are horrible im seriously disgusted right now. and kinda still shooken up....happy v-day well i guess its the day after v-day now

NIU

I cannot believe what I hear when I sat down to dinner tonight that there was a shooting at Northern Illinois University and 5 people were pronounced dead and 16 people are injured. The world is a crazy place and so corrupted with violence. With the VT shootings not long ago and now this in a matter of only months is so hard to take in. To know that Im going away to college soon just kind of freaks me out with all this happening.

yeah i turned on the tv today and saw the breaking news about niu. thats so crazy. it seems like theyre happening more often, and also theyre getting closer and closer to us. i have a few friends at niu and ive already called them and theyre ok. im pretty sure everybodys pretty shocked still. its like you hear about these things but think oh, thats never gonna happen to me or anywhere near here. and now that it has, its a reality check. and with us being so close to going to college, it makes us cautious of everything.

NIU shootings

This shootings freaks me out! It makes me worried to go away next year. Naturally, when I heard about all the other past shootings, its worried me, but now, that it's happened to one of my possibilities for next year, the reality hits me. When I first heard about the shootings at NIU I assumed it was some other NIU in anotehr state, but then I heard it was the one in IL. I hadn't even thought that something could happen to a school that I know of, and I even applied there. I can't even imagine what it would be like to be there right now. How scary would that be, espeically if you knew someone involved with the shootings. I'm scared for the future of our nation. What has happened? I don't understand where these people are getting the idea to kill multiple people at their school. To bring up the gin control issue, I jsut can't understand how anyone could think that making guns legal would help this issue in any wy. Even when guns are banned there are enough problems. Clearly we have enough problems with guns on our hands.

NIU

Yeah, this shooting is scarier than usual because of how close we are to the university. It's scary how many school shootings there are. This is the fourth school shooting this week. One week and four school shootings, that is just really scary and I would think something like this could never happen, but with all these shootings it worries me that a shooting could occur in a school I go to or someone I know goes to.

Northern Illinos University Shooting

At 3:00 today a gunamn entered Cole Hall and opened fire on the 150 students in the class, injuring 18. Nobody yet is known to be dead except the gunman...who was also said to not have been a student at NIU. This is scary. He was said to be aiming at certian people and to not have said a word.

Shootings are happening everywhere and this one really it home with me. I know so many people at Northern that as soon as I found out I instantly grabbed my phone to make sure everyone was okay. Also, Northern was one of the colleges I wanted to go to next year and I was suppoused to visit on Monday, I can't believe shootings have been happening so often lately.

...I hope nobody else dies from this one.

The Nitti Beat's Post

I agree that Valentine's day is becoming one of those holidays that we all feel obligated to buy our loved ones gifts. What ever happened to actually caring about people to make them love you instead of buying a person's love. I feel like when I get gifts from other people I'm obligated to give them something, and for that same reason that's why I don't like buy things for people because I don't want them to feel obligated. If everyone just let the holidays happen and if the big stores like Wal-mart didn't put out Valentine's day stuff out on Halloween, the holidays would be more enjoyable. If all else fails, just be good to your family and possible furture family and everything will be fine.

I also agree with Heather. Valentine's day is not one of my favorite holidays, I don't know why. Yes, it's nice to get chocolate, flowers and candy and a day to show how much you love someone....but doesn't that happen often and not just Valentine's day? That is why I think that Valentine's day is not needed.

I agree with Heather; Valentine’s Day is definitely not needed to show someone how much you love/like them. Valentine’s Day has become a “hallmark holiday”, a reason for people to go out and spend a ton of money on cards and gifts to show people how much they care, when all they really need to do is tell the person they are with how much they care.

Happy V-tine Day

the past topic is too intense for sooo...

I just want to state that Valentines day is a non needed holiday.

You should show that special someone you love them everyday not just on this holiday

well.. personally i dont have a religion, but i can see both sides of this little situation. keith is totally entitled to his beliefs, but i think in this case, not everybody has the same opinion as keith. to put it as lightly as possible, its just that other ppl have different viewpoints on this whole sexual offender winning the lottery thing. i personally agree with jamie in that the lottery is a game of chance, not fate. i think the reason why we keep having this issue is because religion keeps getting mixed into the discussion, and thats one thing that everybody should to respect.

First off I think it's kinda humorous that we're talking about God on the 666th post... haha

But ok, Keith, I think you're overreacting just a little bit. I read everyone's posts, and I don't think, in any way, they were saying "ignorant heathen crap." Most of what everyone said was that the lottery is gambling and just pure luck...and that God doesn't have much to do with it... How that equals heathenithic crap, I just don't see.

Actually, what ended up happening to that guy; he had violated the law by moving to Massachuettes without telling Conneticuit authorities, so he's most likely going to jail for disobeying that law.

"Why does everyone have to think that me saying God has something to do with the lottery means that He is back stage choosing which balls to pick.... That is not what I meant at all so I’m sorry if I made it sound that way."
Okay, so tell us, what DID you mean by it? If you want us to know what you actually meant, then clarify it, don't just tell us that we're ignorant heathens, explain what we misunderstood.

DON’T READ IF YOU GET OFFENDED BY CHRISTIAN BELIEFS

I am honestly appalled at the things I have just read. It is some of the most ignorant heathen crap I have ever heard. God plans NO role in the lottery… with NO in all caps. Alright I will try and respect everyone’s own personal opinions here but I may go too far.

Almost everyone said God as nothing to do with the lottery. Yet they still say they somewhat believe, He just has nothing to do with the numbers chosen. God is in everyday life, living with each of us. If a person tries to picture God as human, just another guy upstairs with a long beard and robe, then you are fooling yourself. We have been created in God’s IMAGE. He does not just lend a hand here and there where it is needed, He is in each and every one of us each and every day.

1 John 4:4
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.

The lottery is chance I will agree. But who created this all, He has a plan for each and every soul. Whether easily seen to some or virtually invisible to others, His plan will be carried out and He knows whether you will embrace it or not.

Since when does prayer mean answers? God says to pray and then listen, He does not grant you wishes like a genie or wizard, God listen to your prayers and gives you what you really need, whether you agree or not.

Maybe he will get hit by a car and his family will give it to charity? That is one of the worst things I have ever heard. That is just flat out terrible, immoral, and inhuman to wish something like that upon someone else, or “hypothetically” say it may happen. UGH

DAMN IT!!! Why does everyone have to think that me saying God has something to do with the lottery means that He is back stage choosing which balls to pick and knowing who is going to get the money. That is not what I meant at all so I’m sorry if I made it sound that way. No one can even comprehend thinking about the magnificent wonders of God, you cannot think of Him as just some guy playing favorites, well I guess you can think of Him anyway that YOU want to, but in the Bible it states that we are his IMAGE not a mirror replication.

God has everything to do directly with the lottery. If it weren’t for God’s love of this world and each and every one of us, none of us would be here right now. God has everything to do with everything every second of every day. He lives all around us. He doesn’t live up in Heaven but check in every once in a while.

1 John 4:16

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in Him.

Lottooo

It sucks that the money went to that guy. But it was out of true randomness. It wasn't like the people were like hmmmmm.... let's give all this money to a sex offender. All you have to do is pick some lucky numbers and anyone has a chance to win. True the guy has does wrong in the past but does he still do that stuff? If not maybe he wants to turn around his life. You never know.

The Mega Million Lottery

Do you guys remember in the movie Bruce Almighty when Jim Carrey is God and he answers "Yes" to all his prayers? In the movie, the next day about 15 people all had won the lottery because they prayed to win it and Bruce Almighty answered yes to all of his prayers so they all won. I believe very strongly in God but I definatly don't think he has anything to do with what goes on in the lottery. The lottery is gambling and gambling is not something that is in any way tied into God. I think that the lottery is just like what Kristen said it was--straight up Pure Luck. Its the luck of the draw and any one of the millions that buy a lottery ticket could win.

lottery

Yeah, I don't think God has anything to do with the lottery. Even if he does exsist that'd kind of be a bad thing of him to do right? Cause basically he's picking favorites. So I don't really think God has much to do with it. I think it's funny that a sex offender of all the people won.... really ironic. God may not have anything to do with it, but only he knows what in the world that man will spend that money on.... He'll probably buy the Neverland Ranch from Michael Jackson, since now it's in foreclosure XD

I totally agree with meghan on this one... God plays NO part in the lottery and who wins it. Unfortunate things happen like that EVERYDAY. So why does it happen? like meghan said, i also believe in karma... we don't know what is going to happen to this man after he gets the money, maybe he'll get hit by a car and one of his family members will give it to charity. I do believe that certain events are controlled by God, but if god did control the lottery.... a lot of people would win the game from all the praying.

Honestly, god really doesnt play a huge role in a lot of things. I definitally dont believe in the "god has a plan for everyone" because why are some people's plan to die? I think the whole lottery thing is just purely luck...i dont believe god plays any role in that. The lottery is completly random. Also good things happen to bad people all the time....and if it really was god in charge or these things im sure he wouldnt let it happen that way. God is something to believe in but not to believe that he can makes everything happen the way it is

I don't think that the topic is silly at all, however, in my opinion I don't think that it has much to do with God. The lottery is an extremely random process and no one has a winner in mind, it just happens. In the case of God, I'm sure the last person he would want to win the lottery would be a sex offender. Good/lucky things happen to bad people all the time. However, I myself believe in karma and believe that one day they will get what they deserve.

Big bucks in boston

A registered sex offeneder just won the lottery, $10 million. It leaves many people asking why good things happen to "bad" people.

what do you guys think about this topic? Is it God's fault? Is there no God? Is this whole topic silly?

I agree with nitti in the fact that it was interesting to see where everyone lies on these issues but i don't think that this is anyway to see what the future will be like. That was 30 people in a one class in one school is palatine il. Just becuase we were all in agreeance for a few issues doesn't mean that for the future everyone is going to happy dandy. No matter what issue there is, people are going to fight it and be against it. It is virtually impossible to make an entire country of this many people happy. Even when you look at our school, there is no way that you can meet everyone wants.

The Nitti Beat's Post

It was interesting today to see every body's views and to also see where the majority on the subjects were. Although I know that people can change their views over time, it was interesting to see what the future will be before it happens. Me personally I think for the most part people were in agreeance with one another. In my opinion, that's good because there won't be much fighting or disputing among the countries citizens over these matters in years to come. The only one that really stuck out in my mind, was were everyone was spread around the room over the topic of "stem-cell research" and is it OK. Obviously it is another pro-choice or pro-life type question, but I think that some type of agreement will present its self in time.

75 years old

Roy Scheider passed away at age 75. For those of you who do not know who this is, he was the police officer from JAWS. I loved that movie so much. when I was little I didn't want to swim in pools because I was scared that a shark would eat me... oh how the imagination is a mysterious thing!

North Korea Movie

That North Korea movie was seriously insane. It's so wierd to think that some people have no idea what's going on with the rest of the world. I can't even imagine living like that. They are so cut off from the rest of the world it's insane. Like the one part when they went into a hotel and the only books they have are written by only like 2 authors. Do they even have libararies then? They have so much more to learn about everything, but, they will never have the slightest idea that there's more to life than their leader, Kim Jong Il. It shocked me to see the way the people were crying when Kim Jong Il's father died, they acted like they were dying or something. And also the way they praised Kim Jong Il when their vision was healed. It's crazy that the people of North Korea think they have the strongest nation in the world, they just sound so stupid when they talk about it. But then again, it's like they can't really help it because that's all they've ever known.

Sno Day

Ya the snow day was probably the smartest decision ever made. I got woken up by a text and couldnt go back to sleep so i played some super smash bros for 64 from 6:30 to about 10:30-11:00 when everyone was waking up. and yes sean i do believe that 2 snow days within a 5 day period is in fact a record.

p.s. i liked the part in the north korea movie when the guy said that their countries unity was stronger than our nuclear weapons, when in actuallity they would all just die faster if they were clumped together.

North Korea Movie

The movie about north korea was insane. it's weird just to think about how all the people in that country show so much respect and loyalty to one man...and for what? If they had only to slightest idea of what life was like outside of that country they would finally see that Kim Jong Il is not the great leader everyone thinks him to be. Who knows, maybe someone in north korea will lead a rebel army and overthrow kim jong il. its quite unlikely but what is going on in that country needs to be stopped.

North Korea movie

So that movie about North Korea. Holy crap! How messed up is that Country! I can’t believe that one man can put so many people on fear. I mean, can’t they revolt or something. There is hell a lot more of them then him so why can’t they come together and do something. It’s just like in Iraq now and Germany back in those Hitler days, where these people let one man rule them. How can you let one person take away your rights, your freedom, your health, your life! It pisses me off so much that they don’t do something. I guess it’s easier for me as an outsider sit here and say this because I don’t actually live there. I guess I kind of get why they are so scared because I wouldn’t want my entire family and then generations to come to have to live in camp 22 their whole lives, but still. It just crept me out how after they all had their eye surgery that they bowed down to their “leader”, like are you kidding me? He tries to kill you, HELLO!? But I have to say, to me, it sounded more like an act. They were so over the top with their praising and each new person like tried to out due the other in their thanks to their “leader”. It was almost like they were so afraid that if they weren’t as enthusiastic as the last person they’d get their chopped off or something. I don’t know that country is messed up. I am so glad I don’t live there, don’t ever want to and for their sake I hope their leader dies and a better one takes power.

Snowday and Global warming

Ha ha yeah I too can’t believe we had a snow day either. This district for, whatever reason has the hardest times declaring a snow day for us. Thank god they did because there was no way I could have gotten out of my house. We can’t get to our snow blower and the plows didn’t come past our house until 9 or 10am and then dumped the pile of snow in front of our driveway which I spent 3 hours trying to shovel all that crap up. It has been so long since we’ve actually had a real snowy winter or even one this cold. I think that’s due to Global warming, which is scary. Our seasons are so messed up and so is our ozone layer. Everyone keeps saying we have to change our ways to save this world, but I wonder if it’s just too late. I mean I would totally change and do whatever it takes to keep this Earth we live on, if not for me then at lest for my children to come, but it almost feels too late. And even if I did change my ways, how can I just as one person change the effect it has on the world. It would take all of us to come together, care about it and being willing it change to even make a slight difference. We, as people have really screwed up this time, it’s our fault this world is dying and I hope whoever becomes elected president finally does something to help this planet.

ryans post

i am wondering who is going to win the primary. i dont care who becomes president but i wonder on how everything is moving. i dont care about pollitics but it is interesting to know what is going on every now and then.

blog post

when do we find out who won the primaries..

and that video we watched on friday about women in Africa was heart breaking

North Korea

I am so upset with that movie. I HATE places that are run in fear. Those people have no lives. North Korea itself is like a concentration camp. They do install fear within the people and they give those people only two choices. To follow them or to die. I think it is stupid how they can't leave and how they are brain washed! I seriously am so AHHH I am so ticked off. And those people who thanked the great leader for not doing anything! What CRAP!!! I am sorry but no one should have to live like they do!

its still saterday night to me....

okay so the movie on north korea was crazy sick. I cant believe that when they were asked why they wanted to see it was because they wanted to see teh great leader...it was almost like if they didnt say that they would get in trouble...no one had anything bad to say about Kim Jong. It was sick how the people the people shown in the apartment were one of the wealthier in north korea....and they lived in an apartment that was not very nice. Kim Jong II is a crazy person.

Scotty B's post

I agree with all of that's been said about North Korea. Indeed, there should be a change in the North Koreans view of their leader and how the country is run, but I don't think it's America's job to do that. We police the world enough as it is.

N. Korea

I am surprised on how the people can adapt to the fear that the Great leader deals out.  that even if the american people do help them out, the people still thank the leader.  the only thing that the people in north korea rely care about is there look. Even though that they may think that they can do everything themselves they still need help every now and then. even other countries need help but they seem to be a little to selfish. 

that is my personal thought and feelings. 

Shannon's Post

I agree with Jannelle. The North Korea and Congo movies were devestating. I can't believe more people don't know or don't care about what's happening in other parts of the country. As for the North Korea movie those people were ridiculous. How could they do nothing but worship the ground their "great leader" walks on? I know it's been years of brainwashing, but still.. even after the gracious doctor performed all of the eye surgeries all they do is thank their 'great leader' and promise to work harder when it was his disease ridden country that caused the blindness in the first place. I'm so glad we have so much freedom in the United States.. while the North Koreans are going around worshipping the pictures of Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Song we have numerous tshirts like Mel's with Bush and his dad's picture saying dumb and dumber. I'm so thankful to live in a country with such freedoms. It really puts everything in perspective..

North Korea

I also really liked the video on North Korea. I agree with Carrie that the majority of the people in the country don't act out of fear. They have been taught about the Great Leader since birth, and they don't know any different. Unfortunately, I don't think that there is a lot anybody can do about the country. After watching the North Korea video and the video about what is going on in the Congo yesterday, I realized how lucky I am to have what I do and to live in this country and have my freedoms. I wish there was something that we could do to really change what is happening.

What are you gonna do?

Spoor said something in calss as we were all getting ready to leave. He said something along the lines of, "The rest of the world is living in poverty, what can you do besides worry about how you can get your next pair of Ugg boots?" Spoor is right, most of the world can live on less then a dollar a day, the cost of a pair of Ugg boots could feed someone for 160 days! The question we need to ask ourselves is "As high school students, what can we do?" Everyone always tells us we could make the differnce, but its a big world and the bubble of Palatine Illinois really isnt that big. So how can a few little high school kids change the world? I really don't know. I metioned in class that over spring break I am going to South Africa for ten days, I cant wait to see the world more up close. I know that going for ten days might not change the world but at least its a start, but there has to be something more we can do. Any ideas?

i agree with everybody. this video sheds light on an issue that america has a country needs to be aware about. i really think people should start acting and stop spectating. watching this documentary kinda bothered me because to think that north korea is so close and china wont do anything to stop kim jung il.
this isnt only america's problem but i think the whole world needs to get involved and do something.

N. Korea

I really like that movie, actually it gave a lot of insight. I was confused though about some stuff, because if they are so convinced that everyone loves the Great Leader so much are they so worried about people leaving their country, it should be obvious that there is a flaw in the system. Also if Kim Jung Il is so convinced his country is the best why does he feel the need to keep the country under lock down? The movie was very insightful because I feel that most people are unaware of the world outside of Palatine Illinois.

I agree with Carrie. Some of the people in North Korea probably do realize that Kim Jong Il is not "the great leader" he is made out to be. I think that the people that like Kim Jong Il so much just do not know enough to go against what he says. If a person grows up not knowing the world around them, how can they protest the way their life is going.

I don't really believe that the North Koreans act out of fear. I think that there is a small portion that do otherwise there wouldn't be anyone trying to escape. but at the same time, they do'nt know any better. The generations of people who were alive before the totalitarian rule are almost all gone and even the oldest people can remember all the invasions into their country. They just can't compare their life to anything else. Its not like europe were they have access to the internet to researh things about the US or other places who have freedoms.

Yay Speech team!

If anyone saw the performance from logan and chris on speech team... it was AMAZING. i totally got into their performance and connect right away. I would never be able to get up in front of my peers and perfrom an intense scene like they did and then perfrom it in front of hundreds of people. more power to them! I totally have a new respect for speech team, put me in front of a crowd and i would most likely fall over and crumble into tiny little pieces. It goes to show that just because the big sports like basketball and football are most favored in the school doesn't mean that other clubs and sports work just as hard if not harder. All my love to speech team and the best of luck at their competition!!!

N. Korea

It is crazy how the people of North Korea are obsessed with their Leader and how they have been brainwashed to the extreme. After the doctor took the bandages off the patients eyes...I thought that their reaction was unbelievable. They all said the same words and did the same things...I think that they don't know other ways to react because fear has taken over their lives.

N. Korea...

That video made me realize how lucky it is to be an American and to have the freedom that we do. It all has been taken for granted not knowing or caring that people in an other country are ruled by an unfair leader. The citizens of N. Korea don't even know what the word freedom means. They serve under the watch of the dear leader. He doesn't care about his people. He only cares about the power and money. And here are all these N. Korean citizens brainwashed into functioning the only way they know how. To me it is sad because these people don't see what their so called leader is really doing to them. They don't see all the hurt he is causing. They are only trained to see him as some kind of godly figure. His people are afraid of him and I think that is terrible

North Koreans are a bunch of crazzziessssss!!!

Wow after watching this very amusing yet educational video, I have now realized how crazy the people and government of North Korea really are. All of these citizens of N. Korea are believing nothing but what comes from their great leader Kim Jung Il and this totalitarian government is only making the country worse. They have little to no communication with any other countires around them and anything good or bad that happens in this country is praised to their great leader Kim Jung Il. I agree with almost all of you guys when you say that this country needs help and they need to have more freedom to do as they wish. They are so set on their believes and tradtitions that they don't know any other way of life. But all in all, I enjoyed the movie and cannot wait to take this hard quiz tomorrow!

North Korea

I agree with Jamie, I don't think we should interfere in North Korea. Sure we can beat them if we went to war, but in doing so they would probably send a nuke killing many Americans. Also, I'm sure the leaders in the United Nations know of this problem and how bad it is even though they may have not seen this particular video, and even though they probably feel the same way that we do about North Korea, they wouldn't want to interfere because of the problems it could cause to their country. Also, if we invaded N. Korea, whoever the president was at the time would just be hated because it would be sending American soldiers to die just like what happened to Bush.

north korea

Ehh, I'm not too sure about what Nitti said about North Korea. I don't think that we should interfere with North Korea. It would just cause soo many more problems. The way the North Koreans view us now would not help the situation of us bombarding them. If we tried to dethrown Kim Jong Il they'd go freaking crazy, and their nuclear bombs would most likely be heading our way not too long later.

The Nitti Beat's Post

Imagine this, you are in America and the country is being ran like North Korea. Every where you go there are statues and pictures of non other than George W. Bush. What a frig'n night mare. ha ha. I know the people of N. Korea don't know any different, but they are being brain washed by the 100 thousands. If the US can interfere with Afghanistan and Iraq, why don't we go into N. Korea. I think that if the UN and other nations were shown this video they would want to go into N. Korea and give the people there freedom and a better standard of living. If you ask me the major leaders of the world should attempt this problem.

Scotty B's post

I agree with you guys about the snow day. I thought that we would for sure not have one, but recieved a text in the morning and was excited to go back to sleep which I'm sure a lot of others did as well. The video on North Korea was very intriguing. Those people have been brainwashed since birth for a long time, and probably for generations to come. I'm just glad I was not born into a country like that.

Keith and North Korea

I do not get how they can make all these educational videos that are so boring. They did a terrific job on this one, why can't they do it with all the others? (I do not know who "they" are but you know who I mean) This video is actually captivating. I enjoy to watch it and it is jam-packed with tons of facts and information. How often do you enjoy to learn in school anymore? It is a little sad that most people hate school now.

I wonder when the transformation took place; from when school went from this spectacular fun filled time of magic and growing, to the relentless task of boring your brain to sleep everyday. UGH!!! SENIORITUS!!!!

Caitlyn's post

I agree with you guys about the North Korea video. It was , for the first time, an educational movie i wanted to keep watching. It was amzing to see how the poeple in North Korea are living their lives without knowing anythign else that is goign on in the world. The things the governmetn teaches seem crazy, but to them its not. I could never imagine being in a place that controlled everything I did. It's sad to see that people are dieing when they don't need to be. So much technology can help the North Korean's stay alive but they don't use it. Not only medical needs, but even food. So many of their people are dieing or sick because they aren't getting proper nutrition. It worries me that everyone in North Korea thinks things are great but in reality thing could be ten times better if they were all properly cared for.

Snow day

I agree with mike and sean. the snowday call was a good call because when i woke up and saw that there was not to much snow on the roads, i felt like double checking to make sure we had school. when i looked on the web site and it said snowday i was very surpized. but as the day went on i saw that i was a very good call. the road became so bad and it was very hard for the snowplows to keep up with it. my brothers own a snow plow company and i helped them and i saw that even after we had finish a lot that it was already starting to get covered again. and after 2 hours there was another 1 to 2 inches of snow on the ground. It was out of control. i think that store should be shut down on days that are that bad. we need to keep people off the road so there can be less crashes and other problems. SNOW DAY ARE SO SWEET.

Mike, I tottaly agree with your whole look on the snowday that we had, on Wednesday! I looked outside when I woke up and, i dident even bother to check to see if we had a snowday at all... I mean there was some snow on the ground, but judging on the past snow stroms that we had, i felt lucky if i was to be let in to school late with out getting a tardy. I later recieved a text message as well that read "hell yeah snow day." haha... but I was very pleased to see that they made the right decision in calling a snow day. The roads quickly built up with snow, and made it almost impossible to get anywhere. Although, it was nice to have another day off. 2 snowdays in a 5 day period... is that a record?

The movie that we saw was very interesting. It is scary to know that they have that much power and brain washing there. North Korea could very well lauch a huge attack against the U.S. If their leader asked the people to fight against us i think they would in a heart beat. i think that the leader Kim Jong need to be killed or removed of his power some how.

I also thought the movie we saw about North Korea was good. It is scary to watch how dangerous that country is and how peoples' lives revolve around their leader Kim Jong. It is also kind of sad seeing h0w they have no clue about what is going on around the world and that they still have a negative view of Americans.