The Dawn of a New Era

I watched this video with my wife while I was on vacation. I hope you are as blown away by this information as I was. Enjoy! And who knows... I might still be teaching 200 years from now...

C Level Book Recommendations (List not finished)

Reading is not only great for developing English skills like grammar usage and vocabulary. It can also help you develop your opinions in many of the most important aspects of life. Here is a list of books I recommend to read for both their entertainment value, as well as the lessons that they will leave imprinted upon you.

1. Dracula by Bram Stoker. I had to read this book in high school and I never saw so many of my fellow students, many of whom hated to read, devour this book so voraciously. It is a thriller from beginning to end and I cannot wait to read it again someday.


2. Lord of the Flies by William Golding. From Wikipedia:Lord of the Flies is a 1954 novel by Nobel Prize-winning English author William Golding about a group of British boys stuck on an uninhabited island who try to govern themselves with disastrous results.

 I am currently reading this book for the first time and I am simply flying through it. After finishing the first few pages, I knew I was in for something really terrifying. The feeling of helplessness and hunger for power really shine through in this incredible story of survival and society building.

3. Animal Farm by George Orwell. It is about a group of animals who rebel against the humans from the farm they live on and run it themselves with hopes of being equal, free, and happy. In the end, however, the new rule becomes a cruel tyranny of its own led by the pigs. This was another book we had to read in high school and Orwell, also being the author of 1984, does not disappoint with this incredible tale. Orwell wrote it to describe Stalin's betrayal of the Russian revolution. 


4. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. From Wikipedia: Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus is a novel written by the English author Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley that tells the story of a young science student Victor Frankenstein, who creates a grotesque but sentient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment. 


I've read this book twice and both times have been quite enjoyable. The story keeps the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat. 

5. The Stand by Stephen King. Actually, this book comes with my HIGHEST 4 star Platinum Over the Moon Amazing recommendation. Just from reading the first page you WILL be hooked. God this book is awesome... 

Election 2016: Party Acceptance Speeches

Please watch and comment on the acceptance speeches from both Donald Trump to be the Republican nominee and Hillary Clinton to be the Democratic nominee.

What is 'Black Lives Matter'?

I'm sure many of you have been reading about the shootings of both black civilians and white police officers in the news recently. Here I have gathered some links to both people and organizations that you should be aware of if you want to understand the situation unfolding in our country right now.

Trayvon Martin was a young man who lived in Florida and who was killed by a 'Neighborhood Watch' member named George Zimmerman. Click the link above to read about Trayvon's story and what happened to Zimmerman.

Black Lives Matter. Watch this video about the movement and its origins here.
Please check out these links to news stories related to people that have been killed by police officers which have caused anger and sadness in the black community.
LaQuan Mcdonald

Michael Brown

Eric Garner

Sandra Bland

Finally, here are some links to issues the black lives matter movement cares deeply about.

What is institutional racism?

Police Brutality in the USA

Also, check THIS database maintained by the Washington Post about those killed by police in America.

C1.2 Wildlife (The Dawn of De-Extinction)

Bringing something back from extinction... Impossible, yes? Apparently not. Enjoy this TED talk with Stewart Brand and find out about the dawn of de-extinction.

Entertaining, Educational, and Practical Youtube Channels to Enjoy!

Bored, I mean finished with all of your ILab activities? Looking for ways to expand your mind but also stay seated? Look no further than these fine Youtube bloggers.

1. Every Frame A Painting.

If you enjoy cinema as much as I do Tony Zhao will certainly scratch an itch. If you want to know about the world of cinematography, storytelling, and use of chairs in film look no further for thoughtful and in-depth analysis of all things film. Check out this example with Jackie Chan.


2. Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell (Watch for a description) This channel discusses many issues humans face. ENJOY!


3. Crash Course - Need to know about anything? Find it here.


4. Primitive Technology - Trying to live in the forest alone with nothing? Learn how to do it here.


5. Want to know about the most current political issues in the USA? Look no further than John Oliver and his HBO show, Last Week Tonight.


6. Believe everything you see on the internet??? Quit being so gullible and question everything you see. You'll never believe anything you see on the internet again after watching this AMAZING gentleman. CAPTAIN DISILLUSION!

C1.3 Consumerism

One of my favorite authors of all time is Issac Asimov. He was a prolific science fiction writer and he often used science fiction as a way to comment on the problems with our society. How could you connect this short story here to the issues with consumerism.

The Last Question

Issac Asimov