Social Media

*NOTE: This assignment requires MULTIPLE steps. Please do not post until you have all steps complete. It may be helpful to keep track of things in a word document, and then copy and paste your complete response here. THIS POST MUST BE ANSWERED BY TUESDAY.

Part A: In the past few years, there has been an EXPLOSION in the interest of social media outlets such as Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter. In a well-developed paragraph (4-5 sentences) discuss what role social media plays in your life. If you choose not to use social media, discuss why you stay away from it.

Part B: Interview two people (two different genders, 2 different grade levels) about the role social media plays in their lives. Please list both the question and the response you receive here. Be sure to identify who answered the question.

Olympic Success!

Without a doubt, the Olympic games produce many heart-warming moments as athletes achieve their goals after years of sacrifice, dedication and pure hard work. What story seems to be most inspirational to you and why?

If you have not watched a single moment of the Olympics, you still must answer these question in a manner that reflects effort and thought. There are tons of "feel good" Olympic stories available on the Internet.

Due Monday, February 22nd.

Olympic Tragedy

When the Olympic games opened last Friday, they were already marred by tragedy. An athlete from Georgia, a small country formerly part of Russia, died as a result of an accident on a luge training run. He was traveling at over 90 mph when he lost control of his sled and crashed into a large unpadded pole.

NBC, the American station carrying the Olympic coverage, slowed a video of his crash in slow motion several times during prime time viewing Friday night. The video was so detailed that viewers were able to see blood flying from his head and spraying the walls of the luge run.

Was showing this video ethical? Why or why not?

Due End of Class Today, Friday, February 19th

Let's Cheer for the Olympics!

GO TEAM USA!

Yes, yearbook people of 2010, the Winter Olympics are about to begin in Vancouver on Friday, and I for one, will be watching. There's nothing greater to pass away a dreary February day than with a few hours of elegant figure skating followed by some heart-stopping bobsledding.

However, the scandals are already beginning in Vancouver before the Olympic torch is officially lit. Spend some time reading some of your favorite news sites and see if you can identify at least two of potential Olympic scandals. Summarize the scandal and be sure to provide your source of information.

Follow the Olympic coverage throughout the next few weeks by either actually watching the events or reading the headlines in the news...more blogs on this most wonderful time of year to come. :)

Super Bowl Sunday

Most every American has heard some talk about the upcoming Super Bowl game this Sunday. Answer the following questions about the Super Bowl. DO NOT GIVE ME ANY ANSWER ALONG THE LINES OF "I don't like football," or "I could care less about football" and expect a grade. If you don't know the answers, use the internet to do some basic research.

1. Which two teams are in the big game? Are you cheering for a particular one?

2. What role does commercials have for the SuperBowl? What is the going rate for a commercial shown during the game?

3. Is there any company's whose commercials you are eager to see? For example, when I was in high school, the Budweiser frogs were all the rage. Everyone was always wondering what the frogs were going to do next...

Enjoy the game if you watch it. If football is not your thing, celebrate anyway with lots of buffalo chicken dip. :)

Read the News

Spend some time today reading the news online.

1. Which hard news story caught your attention? Summarize the event and explain why it interested you.

2. Which soft news story caught your eye? Why? (Avoid the Grammy coverage for this one.)

3. Which Grammy winner do you believe is most deserving? Why? If you did not watch the awards last night, look online for a list of winners.