Thank you for a great year

Hey folks,

I just wanted to thank everyone for a great year. The Excel 10 blog will be taking a hiatus for the 2007-08 school year b/c I am not teaching Excel this upcoming year.

You can always check my other blogs:
Groves U.S. History http://groves-us-history.blogspot.com/
Civil War http://grovescivilwar.blogspot.com/
and the brand new one that begins in December 2007, Honors Philosophy http://grovesphilosophy.blogspot.com/

Thanks.

Geoff Wickersham

Beat Poems - 2007

The following poems were performed at our end-of-the-year party/coffeehouse poetry slam.

Birth, school, work, death,seems pretty dull in short view.
My first 10 was all backstreets still 'nsync for everybody,
growing up you see thats all frazzle dazzle.
Relationships become real, people change, people get new bigger boyfriends and try to get them to beat you up, its all life.
Already, 16, money blurs it all.
It seems its all that matters, all that can get you there, is in green.
But Lupe said that all the money in the world don't make it painless.
And what's with these american role models, seems to me like false idols.
Really, people can vote on fallacy and not leadership, get a grip country.
Does it really take that campus to open our eyes, everybody hurts, wake up, I know Geist won;t.
Right now, you can't tell Kanye nothing, the Middle East we'll never know,
Plagued with bling bling, status symbols, so much fake Holden would be going crazy with these phonies.
Keep reading your tabloid, keep spreading that rumor, keep checking your myspace, keep texting in class.
But what can I say? I am merely in step 2, dreaming, more hating the outlined future.

Josh "Slam Dunk" Sm.

Power by Henry M.

I said 1, 2, 3
G-Wick, Zimm, and Barry
Going around and teaching
Why do you tell us what to do
Over and over again?
No drugs, no sex,
Turn right, turn left,
You're wrong, I’m right
Too much arguing in the world
That’s why there’s war
I want oil and I want democracy
More like hypocrisy
Which sort of rhymes with equality
Ironic? I think not
Equality is the ultimate
The ultimate power, the ultimate weapon, the ultimate fear
Fear when used correctly is the ultimate power
Power is what we seek and what we need
They say the people hold the power
So why are we in Iraq?
People over there killin’, dyin’, hurtin’, and crying
Why do we cry?
It’s a natural bodily function
Taught to us in biology
What’s the point of school?
I guess to make our brains strong
Strong like bull
Bull___
I hate that smell
Smells in general; are power
They can strike any emotion
Emotions are the weakness
Of man
When your weak your on your knees
Beggin’ please like Clapton
He was on cocaine and his kid died
Losing family is like losing a friend
A friend is a friend no matter what
Does a tree fall if nobody is there under it?
Yes, no, maybe so
So what?
It’s the passive aggressive statement that we all know
We know nothing and want to know something
So why don’t we?
We want to know why
Because knowledge is power.
Power comes in the form of a teacher, a president, a parent, the MAN
Man oh man do I hate people in power
It is used and abused
Like children given to the state or
Like wives beaten down and silenced
Silence can be deafening or so they say
People say a lot of things but don’t stop to listen or smell the roses
Rose-colored glasses make the world look pink and not perfect
Why don’t you just buy some sunglasses and look through those?
Because we would rather be blinded by the sun than by the propaganda that is fed to us
Babies are fed and grown people aren’t
Well, aren’t supposed to
Drunk drivers and crazies and natural freak accidents leave people being fed through a tube
Tubes from a bag with nutrients going into your arm
My arm?
No
It won’t happen to me ‘cause it can’t
Teachers stress on us to learn this and that
But you only learn from experience
Experience in what?
Drive for 50 hours to get a license
A license to kill?
Just go to our loved Detroit and buy yourself a .44 Magnum and ask yourself a question
Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?
I don’t know if I do or I don’t
Let's roll the dice
Roll the dice for foreign language finals
Since we aren’t nervous enough for them
Nervousness can make you do stupid things
Stupid things aren’t stupid unless you don’t know why it’s happening
That’s why Vietnam was a stupid thing
That’s why there aren’t any stupid questions
That’s why the answer my friend blowin’ in the wind
Wind is a very peculiar thing
It is all around us and we can feel it
But for some reason we can’t hold onto it
Can I hold on to you?
I need a friend to hold onto and to cry on
I need to feel the wind in my hair that gives me the power
I need to have the power to cry, to live, and to die
People fear death but that’s a mistake
Mistakes are ok to make
They are just more experiences
Mistakes give you more power
Too much power can go to your head
Just like a brain freeze
I need a slurpee from 7/11
That’s about three fourths or 25%
Einstein’s grade in school
They say he was dumb but who really was?
Mr. Atom Bomb
BOOM
Here comes the
BOOM
Here comes the marching band
The music flows through me
The jazz band takes over me
I am consumed by it
Just like a steak to a lion
The king of the jungle
Who is the king of the world? Hitler tried and so did Caesar
Why are they so different?
Personalities is why
Personally I think a lot
About things
About people
About the world
About life
Life is what we do
What we all do
Some live it differently than others
I want money
No I want life
No I want liberty
No I want happiness
Why?
So I can be happy like everybody
Now if I’m happy won’t you just smile?
Smile with me
Now I’m not asking, I’m telling
Just like I’ve been told that I am a teen
And teens don’t have power but we can apparently still change the world
And teens go to school but don’t know a thing
So if you don’t know, now you know

Editor's Note: More to be added soon.

Pics from the Vietnam Teach-in

The End is Near!

As the end of Excel and school is nearing and we are talking about Beat poetry and finals, I have two questions for you:
1. Do you like the rebellious lifestyle of the Beats? Why or why not?
2. As finals are almost upon us, what have you done to deal with the stress of studying and preparing? Do you study a little every night or none at all? Or cram it all in the night before?

Andrew S.

Beat Poetry links

Great introductory website to the Beat Writers. http://www.rooknet.com/beatpage/index.html

The literary landmark, City Lights Bookstore: http://www.citylights.com/

It's time to reach out and help someone

The Virginia Tech tragedy really disturbed me especially after hearing that nobody expected it. It’s really hard to understand the point of view of someone depressed enough to take so many lives. It seems scary that despite his actions, nobody even suspected any rash action from the shooter. As hard as it is to think about, no one does anything thinking that they’re a bad person. The shooter probably views himself as a sort of martyr. It is unfortunate that there are so many people in the world are lonely and feel ostracized enough to lash out so radically. We should all make a grander effort to reach out to people who appear lonely and depressed. It sounds corny but a little friendliness and compassion can make a difference.

-Mickey

Editor's Note: This is a Buddhist symbol for compassion.

Wrapping up the Bees!

I thought that Sue Monk Kidd added a lot of different critical issues into this book, like Civil Rights and also religion. She also brought in the fact of mother/daughter relationships and others.

Could she have done without the side stories and worked around the issue or were all the issues necessary??? What else would you have added/ how would you have changed the novel if it was yours??

What was your opinion about the book, good/bad what parts did you like and dislike???

Michael L.

Editor's Note: Here's Sue Monk Kidd's personal website address, starting with a link to the page that has her musings/reflections on the book. If you've wanted to ask her some questions, you might find them answered here. http://www.suemonkkidd.com/reflections.asp?t=b&i=18

Her second fiction book, A Mermaid's Chair, has been made into a movie for Lifetime. And, as many of you have heard, Dakota Fanning is being slated to star as Lily in the 2009 release of the Bees movie version.

Savage Inequalities

Over the past several weeks in Ms. Zimmerman’s elective, we have been learning and looking at different types of protests. In our last elective we had to read an excerpt from the book Savage Inequalities: The Savage Inequalities of Public Education in New York by Jonathon Kozol. We then had a long discussion about how the wealthier children in the nicer schools are not aware of how fortunate they are, and how it takes them sometimes until they reach high school to see the large gap between the rich and poor. Although it’s strange that on the other side of town there is a child that knew his/her life was nothing compared to the rich. They are brought up looking at children who are spoiled causing them to think about the things they don’t have in life.

We then saw parts of the movie that was filmed in Ohio; it showed how the schools are very different from one another. Some children have to walk outside just to go to the bathroom; other kids by the time they have reached high school have never used a computer, and in one school if they didn’t provide the children with free food they would go without eating (the whole day). Other schools have advanced technology, very expensive chemistry and physics labs, and nice gymnasiums with pools and good work-out programs.

By reading the article, having the discussion or watching parts of the movie, did it have a lasting affect on you? What were you thinking during all of this?
- Have you gone to Birmingham schools your whole life, in which case were you aware of the inequalities? Do you think (educational inequalities) will ever change?
- If you went to another school before coming to Groves, was it a major change for you?

Katie G.

A quote from Savage Inequalities: "Anyone who visits in the schools of East St. Louis, even for a short time, comes away profoundly shaken. These are innocent children, after all. They have done nothing wrong. They have committed no crime. They are too young to have offended us in any way at all. One searches for some way to understand why a society as rich and, frequently, as generous as ours would leave these children in their penury and squalor for so long -- and with so little public indignation. Is this just a strange mistake of history? Is it unusual? Is it an American anomaly?"

United States of Disney?

We have been learning about the Media and its affects on the world in Mr. Barry’s elective. I find the thought of Disney one day owning every other company in the world a little bit scary, what about you? It seems that you have to be important and have money to get anywhere in this world. Do you agree and if so why? If you don’t agree, tell why.

Another major issue we have talked about is violence in the media. Every time you turn on the television, it’s always about violence. This is not a good thing and it is having many effects on the younger children watching it. Children are becoming less caring about the world's problems and are starting to think violence is acceptable in everyday life. Do you agree or do you have your own opinion? Please explain your thoughts…

Erin.B.

Mike says, "violence? What violence?"

Weight Problem in America?

Hey Excel-ers!
I was wondering, do you guys think (over) eating is a big issue in America? Do you feel a lot of America is overweight? What are some healthy ways to start a good lifestyle?

I just started Weight Watchers, and it's a really good plan and it's not hard either. There are plans to choose from and you get to eat what you want! It's great!

I think everyone should be happy and healthy at the same time. What do you guys think?
THANKS!
JOSH F. :)

Effects of stereotypes?

In Excel, we learned about how men and women are portrayed in the media. Through the videos we saw, we were able to learn that women are made out to be sensual in the ads in order to help sell their products, and that they are usually showing off their bodies, which has a negative effect on children today. In the movie “Tough Guise”, we saw how men are supposed to be tough and gain respect through violence and intimidation, as the media portrays "true" men as strong and buff.


My question for you is this. What is your view on men and women that are being portrayed in the media, and how do you think we can change the way that men and women are shown in the media? What kind of effect do these stereotypes have on the next generation?


Zach Y.

What could have been done differently at Virginia Tech?

As you all might have heard, there was a horrific shooting at Virginia Tech a few days ago. Many innocent people both young and old were killed and very injured. The investagation is still being taken care of and closely looked at. Some of the students that I have heard on the news and read online were aware of what was going on as it was happening after being able to check their email early in the morning. The school sent out an email and tried to worn the students of what was going on and to keep them cautious and stay locked inside their dorm rooms. Others were still walking to class with much precaution. Many people are wondering if the school did enough to keep everyone and every classroom safe. What do you think? Do you think there is anything else the school could do to keep people aware and safe? What about keeping people calm? What do you think about schools teaching their students what to do in case of a lock down or emergency?

Emily W.

Final Thoughts on Catcher?

Now that we have finished reading Catcher, what are your view points on the book? How did you like the way J.D. Salinger portrayed Holden and how do you like the way he wrote the book? What did you like about it? What didn't you like?

I liked the book especially the ending - it seemed very emotional and I liked how much Holden had changed by the end.

Josh T.

Is Holden postponing the inevitable?

The other day in Mr. Wickersham’s class we talked about how the title Catcher in the Rye relates to Holden and the rest of the book. Holden is stuck in between being a child and an adult. When Phoebe asks him what his ideal job would be, he says he would love to be a catcher in the rye. He wishes he could still be a child and he does things, like scratching off the bad words in the museum, to prevent other kids from losing their childhood innocence and having to become an adult.

Have you ever done anything because you didn’t want to grow up, or because you didn’t want someone else to have to grow up? If so, why? If not, can you understand why someone, like Holden, would do this, or do you think it is completely crazy and pointless? Do you think Holden was avoiding the inevitable or do you think some people just need the extra time to figure things out? Please explain.

Pic from: www.bittersweetfatkid.co.uk/catcher_holden.jpg

Elizabeth

Stem Cell Research

Tonight I went to the Stem Cell Research Foundation: International event at the Detroit Science Center, and I learned many interesting things about what stem cells are about and what they have to do with what the research is all about.
My dad and Bubbie are both co-chairmen and presidents of the Stem Cell Research Foundation: International. They are very excited about what they are doing, because they can help people in the future. My papa, his dad and her husband were killed from pancreatic cancer 2 years and 2 months ago. This is a motivation for them to help save lives.
What I was wondering was, what do you think about stem cell research, and what are your positions on it?

Editor's Note: An issue surrounding stem cell research is one similar to that surrounding abortion - namely, when does life begin? It is the contention of some believers that life begins at the moment of conception, and that the initial embryonic cells that divide are part of the human living organism - a human soul. The 4-5 day old cells are ones that can be used in stem cell research. President Bush has limited the use of stem cell research to only a few stem cell lines, and that any labs that receive federal money cannot conduct research on other stem cell lines and expect to receive more federal money. The following diseases can possibly be helped by stem cell research:
Alzheimer's disease, Heart disease, Cancer, Spinal cord injuries, Rheumatoid Arthritis
Lupus, Scleroderma, Diabetes, and Parkinson's disease.

Links:
National Institute of Health's Stem Cell page: http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/
Student Society for Stem Cell Research: http://www.ssscr.org/
About.com's site on stem cell research: http://alzheimers.about.com/od/research/a/stem_cell.htm
Stem Cell Research Foundation's FAQ page: http://www.stemcellresearchfoundation.org/About/FAQ.htm

Follow up: (This is a reply from JJ's dad, Dr. Alan Bittker, about the benefits of stem cell research) -"As you said, we are very excited about our progress with the stem cell foundation. We really believe that the research will make a dramatic impact and improve the medical treatments and cures during the next decade. While some people in the community are hesitant or opposed to support embryonic stem cell research, we were very encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive reaction we received following the kickoff event. The 'typical' negative reaction is usually due to the fact that some people believe that every cell – regardless of circumstance – could become a human life. And, because the research is conducted on cells from embryos, they believe a potential life was somehow eliminated.

Our support of this research is based on the fact that scientists, in less than ten years, have been able to create and grow the following from basic stem cells: beating heart tissue, insulin-producing cells, human heart valves and human tissue that reproduces with its own blood supply. Each of these discoveries has the potential to change the face of medicine and offer cures for future generations. Additionally, we are encouraged that nearly 75% of the U.S. population supports this research due to its enormous potential. For all these reasons, we believe we are on the right track and have the momentum needed to raise funds and accelerate this critical research."

We'd like to thank Dr. Bittker for taking the time to work with us on this issue.

So what's the big deal?

I have been wondering why this novel is so revolutionary, so I guess I want to see what other people think.

In class we have discused the events in the novel Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Sallanger in great depth. Also we have seen how the novel affected American literature forever. Many students after reading have asked themselves "why is this story so famous?" or "these events that Holden experiences are not that crazy, why is it so interesting?"

Why do you think Catcher in the Rye is so famous, and what elements of this story are so unique compared to literature that we've studied before this novel?

Josh "Slam Dunk" Smith

Temporary Moment of Insanity

In reading Catcher in the Rye, we all know that Holden is a madman. However, he never comes out and straight forwardly admits that. In all his crazy moments he simply points fingers at other so called "phonies" and psychos.

Do you think your insanity is open to interpetation by others the way others see sides of Holden he doesn't see himself? Have you had certain instances where you were put into the situation where others might feel you are slightly insane? Help us out by explaining.

Lisa

Holden: Love him or hate him?

Now that we have finished reading The Catcher In the Rye, what is your take on the book?

Did you like the main character, Holden Caulfield or did you secretly despise him? Many people have pointed out that Holden is a hypocrite. He constantly expresses his hate towards people who are phony, yet it is clear that Holden himself is a phony.

Also, what are your final thoughts on the book? Did you like The Catcher In The Rye? Why or why not?

C-Kal

A Catcher website: http://www.euronet.nl/users/los/books.html

Copycat threats? What's the deal?

On Monday, there was the Virginia Tech shooting with 33 people dead. But, this past week there have been over a dozen threats to Oakland County Schools.

• Berkshire was closed on Friday due to a threat.
• Groves was on la perimeter lockdown at the end of the day (code white) on Thursday, and there was an investigation into a classroom discussion earlier in the week.
• Sunday night e-mail threat (even before the shooting) at four Rochester schools brought out the bomb sniffing dogs
• The dogs came back Wednesday night to two Walled Lake High Schools, and three more threats were issued on Thursday.
• Oxford received warnings on Tuesday at a middle school.

Why do people think it is funny to make a threat? Just so it can close school and no one has to school? What do you think about all these threats recently?

Paris

Articles: http://www.dailytribune.com/stories/042007/loc_threats001.shtml

Oakland County Prosecutor says that fake threats are no joke, will be taken and punished severely: http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/12520802/detail.html

Editor's Note - In an article in the Daily Tribune, it can cost "$200,000 to $600,000 to close an entire district and add security measures", according to Oakland Schools Superintendent Vickie Markavitch. So please, in our cash-strapped district, don't do anything stupid. And even if money wasn't an issue, if you need someone to talk to or have an issue, we can find ways to work it out. Violence isn't the answer.

Virginia Tech Tragedy

On April 16, 2007, there was a shooting at Virginia Tech University. The shooter came in and shot students with no warning. He killed 32 innocent teachers and students and then killed himself. The shooter had a roommate who said that he was not a popular kid; he was quiet and had almost no friends.

How does a person get to a mindset where they would take another person's life and after killing one person, how does he/she have no remorse or conscience and keep killing others?

Why do you think that this very quiet kid would do such a thing? Even his roommates who lived with him for the past 7 months did not think he could do something so horrible just like the kids at Columbine didn’t think that the shooters would do such a thing as well.

Tripp

Yahoo articles: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070417/media_nm/television_massacre_dc

http://news.yahoo.com/s/infoworld/20070418/tc_infoworld/87786_1