Top Ten Words of the Year

Merriam-Webster's online dictionary has again posted their top ten words of the year for 2004. See their list by clicking here.

Following the following directions to the T will earn you 10 points of writing credit (not following them exactly will earn you ZERO):

Look through the list and click on each one you don't know the definition for. Choose your favorite(s) and respond to this blog by explaining your choice(s).

1. Responding to this post, click on COMMENTS underneath these instructions.
2. Read through any other previously posted comments.
3. Click on POST A COMMENT at the bottom of that whole page.
4. Write your comment, include your FIRST NAME AND LAST INITIAL ONLY and then click on POST ANONYMOUSLY.
5. Look at the main post again to make sure yours showed up.
6. Have a great weekend. You have until Sunday night (midnight) to do this.

Mr. Baxter

Greetings from Indianapolis!

FOR ALL OF MY STUDENTS...

I suppose that most of you know where Indianapolis is. I suppose that most of you could find it on a map if you didn't know where it is. Well, that's where I am. That's right. From way across the U.S. of A. I hear that it might be snowing there soon (if it's not already). Good for you -- it's almost 65 degrees here.

I just sat in meetings with half a dozen famous authors, including Bell Hooks, Hank Stuever, Ted Kooser, and others. It's great to hear an author speak and get to know a little bit about how they think and talk and interact with us normal, non-famous people.

My question to you guys is this -- if you could meet with, talk to, or sit in a big auditorium and listen to any author you know of, who would it be? Why?????

Here's the assignment:

1. Responding to this post, click on COMMENTS underneath these instructions.
2. Read through any other previously posted comments.
3. Click on POST A COMMENT at the bottom of that whole page.
4. Write your comment, include your FIRST NAME AND LAST INITIAL ONLY and then click on POST ANONYMOUSLY.
5. Look at the main post again to make sure yours showed up.
6. Have a great weekend. You have until Sunday night (midnight) to do this.

Mr. B.

p.s. If you respond seriously (my call) and thoughtfully (my call) to another student's comments, you'll get E.C.

In the beginning...

Have you ever wondered, "Can I publish something on the Internet?" Have you ever thought that what you have to say might be so important that millions of people should hear about it? Have you ever thought, "I'd like to be able to get my thoughts down on cyberpaper, but I just don't know how?"

This is your chance to shine. Or flicker. Or fade. But hopefully, shine.

This blog (web log) is designed to be a forum for you and students like you to be able to express your thoughts and responses to topics we discuss in class and things you'd like to discuss in class but haven't had the chance.