Eminent Domain: What do you think?

I hope you all enjoyed the lesson on eminent domain. I think you all learned quite a bit, and hopefully you've already gone home and shared with your families what you've learned about this important issue. I hope that understand that anyone can be affected by this government "tool." Now I want you to sound off – I want to know what you think. Here's a little something to get you started:

"This is America. This is a country with free enterprise. You have all the rights to own your property, your own home, your own business. You have the right to build your American dream."

"The use of eminent domain is a delicate tool, but it is a tool and it helps keep a community clean; it helps keep a community vibrant. It's a good tool and, definitely, I don't think it should be taken away."

These are quotes by two of the people interviewed in the film Unintended Consequences: Eminent Domain. Use them to get your thoughts rolling. Does eminent domain have a role to play in our communities? What should government do to protect private property rights? What can we do as citizens to ensure that these rights are protected? I don't expect you to answer the questions directly (but you may as part of your thought process). These questions are intended to help you think about the issue.

This will be an open forum, which means your comments should post immediately. Do not copy the thoughts of those that post before you, but you can certainly work off of them. That means that you can comment on a comment – you can disagree, agree, or just comment on someone else's thoughts – but give me your ideas.

Your comments must be posted by Friday, November 30.

Globalization: What is it and why is it important?

Update – Wednesday Afternoon
I’m sorry that missed you all again today, but I found out on my way to school this morning that my baby daughter would be released from the hospital today to come home. I will see you tomorrow. As you learned in class today, I am extending the blog deadline until Friday morning at 9:30 am. Make sure you read the next paragraph before beginning your assignment.

Most that have commented have done a pretty good job. However, some have missed the point that I made about writing a short essay response. In other words – 2 or 3 sentences just does not get it. Exercise your brains and give me some great comments. This is not a completion exercise. I am looking for evidence of real thought. Every one of you has the ability to do quality work, but ability is worth nothing unless it’s put to use.


Beginning of Post

On Monday, you were assigned pages 101-106 to read as classwork - Time Reports: Our Shrinking World.

Combine what you learned from the Time Reports section with topics we have discussed in class concerning globalization - things such as cultural diffusion, emigration, and the movement of jobs and industries to other countries (Chapter 3 will be helpful here). After analyzing all of this information, write a thoughtful comment that addresses the following questions. Please do not feel that you are limited to just these questions. You can also include any well thought out ideas of your own.

1. What is globalization?
2. What are some of the benefits of globalization, for both Americans and non-Americans?
3. Is globalization good for everyone? If not, who suffers in a globalized world?
4. What are some of the things that young people today will have to do to prepare for life in a globalized world?

Very Important:
Your comment should consist of a well-written mini-essay. IM slang or abbreviations will not be accepted. Be careful to use proper grammar, correct spelling, and academic language.

Your comments must be posted by 9:30 am, on Thursday, November 8. Late comments will earn no more than half credit.

Do not hesitate to research the topic further. There is much information available online dealing with globalization. Try a Google or Yahoo search.

Constitution Day 2007

Welcome back!! Please address the following issues:

1. What is the relationship between rights and responsibilities?

2. How is the Constitution still important over 220 years after it was signed?

3. What is the responsibility of citizens of the United States to protect the ideas of the Constitution?

I look forward to reading your comments. Remember, be thoughtful and give me quality comments. The standards for grading comments are increasing with this post – Quality Counts!!

Assignment Completed

The blog assignment on 9/11 is now closed. Those that responded - and it was all but a couple - did a good job. Most did a great job - others not so great. Next time, I'll grade more closely with regards to quality comments.

Look for the next assignment soon - maybe next week.

Have a great weekend!!

--Mr. Veliz

Reaction to 9/11 (and our video)

I hope everyone has found the video this week on the events of September 11, 2001, informative. I also hope that you agree that it is important that events such as this are remembered long after they occurred.

There are a couple of questions that I want you to comment on here:

1. What are some of the ways in which life in the United States have changed since September 11, 2007?
2. How will 9/11 be remembered by kids 50 years from now? Will it remain as important event as it is today? How should it be remembered?

Please comment on anything else (within this topic) that you feel is important to share.

This link will take you to the Wikipedia articles dealing with 9/11. Please feel free to use it, as well as other resources, to learn about the events of 9/11/01. Keep in mind that sources such as Wikipedia are largely formed by personal opinions of the authors. Be careful what you consider facts.

To receive credit for this assignment your comments should be posted by Friday (9/14) morning.

Welcome to the 7th Grade Geography Blog

This is where you will find posts dealing with issues relating to 7th grade geography. Read the post, and then add your comment. You can comment more than once.

Directions for commenting:

1. Click on the word comment at the bottom of this post.
2. Type your comment in the box provided.
3. Below the box choose the identity "other".
4. Type only your first name and last initial in the name box.
5. Click the button - "Publish Your Comment".

Before posting, read the ground rules along the right-hand column. Please follow theses rules!!

Your first assignment is to just leave a test comment. Simply follow the steps above and leave the following comment: "Geography is cool!"

See you in class.