Ten Years From Now

(Picture courtesy of nassaulibrary.org)


While surfing the net, poking around here and there, I ran across an article on a theme that, as I've said before, intrigues the hell out of me: Ten Years From Now. Our class doesn't have an official theme per se, but we do have some "framing" here and there for what we're going to be talking about and writing about. The more I think about the topic of Ten Years From Now, the more I like it. So I found this little article, and I'm submitting it for Exhibit A.

The article's a relatively quick read: about 10 minutes for the first skimming, and then probably another 15 for more in-depth stuff. Some things to think about when forming your response (you don't have to hit everything, or any of these; these are merely suggestions for jumping-off points):
- This article was written in 2007. How much of this has come true? How much of this was garbage that has not come true?
- In the end, this is a political advertisement. How effective is it? Did it sway you in your thinking about the coming ten (now 7) years?
- Who the hell IS Jim Cramer, anyway? Why is he important? Why does Covelli reference him?

You have 300 words to write. Agree or disagree with this author about his predictions and/or points made. You may use more recent data gleamed from the internet to back up your arguments (be sure to cite your sources if you have any).

-- MP

(please note: picking this article does NOT indicate political support for this, or any other, political position.)

Welcome to the Class Blog -- Ground Rules

All right, here's how it goes:

Each week, I'll put in a blog post posing a question or referencing some of the reading we've done. Each student responds at least once to the post, answering the question, responding to it, riffing off it, et cetera. Pretty simple.

To set you up on the blog, I will need the email address that you wish to use. If you have a Blogger account, you can use that, or create a new one if you like. Your reply to the blog can be done as a comment to the original post. If you create a new post, please put your name and the date of the post in the title, so I may be able to track these better.

Remember, each week you're responsible for 300 words on the topic at hand. Don't stretch, or try to fill -- if you give the topic proper thought, one page should not be a problem at all.

You will also see other posts and the occasional Powerpoint or video up here to give you something to think about/read/understand/see, etc.

GROUND RULES FOR POSTING:

-- No flames. The most annoying thing in the world can be "Pajama People".
-- No personal attacks. That would be BAD.
-- I don't need to reiterate that hate language won't be tolerated, but I will.
-- When making an argument, be respectful and state your position. Since this class is about learning how to make an argument, NOT how to argue, I expect civility and respect for posters at all times. Marquess of Queensberry rules, please.
-- This is an academic forum. Remember that your words are visible to other people in the world. Be yourself, keep more or less on topic, and do not be afraid to speak your mind.
-- Finally (and this may seem contrary to the above rules sometimes), feel free to state your position if I ask for it. We're going to speak about some topics that may not make everyone comfortable -- I understand that. Part of participating is learning to move a little bit outside your comfort zone. Don't be afraid. Or, be afraid, and do it anyway. Courage is nothing more than holding off fear for one more moment.

That finished...welcome to the class, everyone.

- MP