journal Question #21 (2010-2011)

This is a groundhog, and Wednesday (February 2nd) is known as "Groundhog Day" in America. The superstition says that if the groundhog comes out of his hole on this day and sees his shadow, then there will be six more weeks of winter.  Well, Wednesday is supposed to be snowy, so he won't see his shadow this year!  Anyway, think of important animals in your culture, and tell me what they represent or mean to you.  Why do you think humans all over the world make some animals symbolic, or meaningful, or in some way important to society?

Journal Question #20 (2010-2011)

This is a picture of Mars.  Have you ever thought about traveling to another planet?  Have you ever wondered if life exists on another planet?  There is some evidence that, at one time, there was water on Mars, which means there could have been life there.  Should we send astronauts there to find out?  How about you - are you interested in traveling into outer space?

Journal Question #19 (2010-2011)

The best cure for the "winter blues" is to get outside and play!  Sledding, skiing, snowboarding, having a snowball fight, making a snowman, taking a walk in the snow - it doesn't matter what you do, it matters that you do it.  If you get outside in the winter, not only will you have fun, but also you won't be as likely to catch a cold or a virus.  What do you like, or what do you think you would like, to do outside in the winter?  Give your friends some ideas!

Journal Question #18 (2010-2011)

A terrible shooting took place over the weekend in Tucson, Arizona.  A 22-year-old man shot 17 people at a political meeting, killing 6 people, including a 9-year-old girl.  His main target was a US Representative named Gabrielle Gifford, whom he shot in the head; she survived, however, and is in critical condition.  Clearly, this man was a disturbed individual, and many people think he should not be allowed to own a gun, especially an automatic weapon that can fire many bullets quickly.  What's your opinion about gun ownership?  Who can own guns in your country?  Do you feel America should restrict gun sales?

Journal Question #17 (2010-2011)

Many people make resolutions for the new year on or around January 1st.  That means they want to change something about themselves, or improve themselves in some way.  For instance, a smoker might decide to quit smoking for his new year's resolution.  Do you have any new year's resolutions?  If you want to share them, let me know.  (Or, write about the idea of resolutions - good idea?  not so good? why or why not?