Journal Question #31 (2010-2011)

This is a picture of Prince William and his fiancee, Kate Middleton.  They are going to be married on Friday, April 29th.  It's not just any wedding; it's a Royal Wedding.  This means it's a big deal, and not only for the British, but for many people all over the world.  In America, for instance, the wedding will be televised and millions will wake up early Friday morning to watch the ceremony.  What do you think of all this?  Is it silly for so many people to take an interest in two people they don't know?  Are princesses (Kate) and princes (William), Kings and Queens (William's grandmother, Elizabeth), old-fashioned for this day and age?  Why are so many fascinated by royalty, when royals have little power and influence today?

Journal Question #30 (2010-2011)

This is the Chinese artist Ai Wei Wei, holding "sunflower seeds" that are part of his art installation in London.  Ai Wei Wei is also a political and social activist, and recently, he was detained by Chinese authorities - at the time of this writing, he hasn't been released.  Do you think artists have a responsibility to express their opinions on public matters, or should they just concentrate on their art?  Do governments have the right to detain people who criticize them, or should speech always be free?  Let me know what you think. 

Journal Question #29 (2010-2011)

This piece of art is called "Dream maker."  The subject of this weeks ELL Journal is dreams.  Everyone dreams, but not everyone remembers their dreams or considers them important.   Some people keep a "dream journal" by their bed, so when they wake up, they can record their dreams.  How about you?  Do you think your dreams are meaningful, and should you pay attention to them?  Have you had any recurring dreams - the same dream, over and over again? Do you remember your dreams, and try to interpret them?