Is Academic Cheating the Norm?

The Miami Herald's Sunday, December 5th's Issues & Ideas Section includes an article, "Cheating 101," (see link above and below) which relates a recent incident that ocurred at the University of Central Florida. After reading the article and summarizing it, cite specifics about the UCF case and comment on some of the opinions quoted, in addition to stating your own opinon on the matter. Be ready to discuss the article and your posting in class during the week of Dec. 6th.


http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/12/04/1957442/ucf-cheating-incident-sparks-debate.html

How Will Haiti's Elections Affect Miami

The Miami Herald's Sunday, November 28th edition includes an article, "Haitians to Choose Leader in Face of the Crises," in which the reporter asserts that the new president "will be charged with helping to steer almos $11 billion in foreing aid" (see link above and below). Read the article and after summarizing it in the blog and stating your opinion in the same, be ready to discuss it in class. You will get extra points if you spot an obvious grammatical error (it's the first word in a paragraph)

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/11/27/1946304/haitians-to-choose-leader-in-the.html

Is the "Poverty Business" Legit?

The Miami Herald's Sunday, November 21, 2010's Issues & Ideas section includes an article: "They Get Rich Off the Poor," or "Miami Book Fair International: Author examines the high cost of being poor," which discusses the many businesses that prey on the poor while "providing a needed service." Read the article (see link above and below) and after summarizing it, express your opinion in the blog. Be ready to discuss the article and your opinions in class.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/11/21/v-fullstory/1934438/miami-book-fair-international.html#ixzz15w1blgXf

The Sunday, November 7th New York Times Week in Review section has an article titled "Now Appearing" that discusses President George W. Bush's image and new Book: "Decision Points." After reading the article (see link above and below) summarize it and post your opinion in the blog.


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/weekinreview/07baker.html?_r=1&ref=weekinreview

Is Immigration Good for the Economy?

The Sunday, October 31st New York Times has an article titled "How Immigrants Create More Job" that addresses some of the misconception regarding how the influx of immigrants impacts the economy. After reading the article and condensing it in the blog, state your views and be ready to discuss them in class.


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/31/business/economy/31view.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=how%20immigrants%20create%20jobs&st=cse

What Is Going Wrong in Washington? Is it the Message?

The Sunday, October 24th New York Times' Opinion Section includes an article, "What Happened to Change We Can Believe In?" which addresses some of the problems facing the current administration. After reading the article and posting a summary and your opinion on the blog, be ready to discuss it in class.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/24/opinion/24rich.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

What happens when the population gets older?

The New York Times Sunday (October 17th) Magazine includes an article entitled "The Old World" (see link above and below) that mentions some of the problems countries face when the population gets older. After reading the article comment about China's strategy and present your opinion. Be ready to disduss this in class.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/17/magazine/17Aging-t.html?_r=1&ref=magazine

What Do We Do About Our Local Government?

The Miami Herald's Sunday, October 10th's Opinion Page includes an editorial entitled "The real culprit: Miami-Dade charter" which addresses the problems we face in our local government and the petitions to recall not only Mayor Carlos Alvarez, but also five commissioners. After reading the editorial (see link above and below) summarize it; state something you find unusual about the status-quo and express your opinion regarding what should be done. Be ready to comment about it in class.



http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/10/10/1865468/the-real-culprit-miami-dade-charter.html

Should punishment fit the crime, or the sense of outrage over it?

The Sunday, October 3rd, 2010 New York Times' Weekend Update section includes an article (see link above and below), "Bullying, Suicide, Punishment," which deals with the suicide of a Rutgers University freshman after two fellow students posted images of him engaging in homosexual acts on the internet. Read the article, summarize it, include points you find interesting and state your opinion. Be ready to discuss your opinions in class.





http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/03/weekinreview/03schwartz.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

Doing Well by Doing Good; Is It Possible?

The Miami Herald's Saturday, September 25th'Tropica Life Section includes an article (see link above and below) which describes the entrepreneurial persuit or two South Floridians who aim to help children in Colombia, South America. Read the article, summarize it and post your opinions in the blog. Be prepared to discuss your posting as well as how these young men attempt to do well (make money) by doing good (helping).
http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/09/24/1839575/a-south-florida-man-aims-to-help.html

Would Paying a Flat-Rate for Tuition be Better for Students?

The Miami Herald's Sunday, September 19th Local Page includes a story entitled "Flat-rate tuition system weighed" that discusses the Florida state university system's consideration of having state universities charge a flat rate for tuition regardless of the number of credits a student may take. After reading article (see link above and below) post your summary of the article and state your thoughts and opinion. Be ready to comment about your blog posting in class.


http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/09/18/1831538/flat-rate-tuition-system-weighed.html

Is The President Chained to the World?

The Sunday, September 12th's New York Times includes a article entitled "The Presidency, Chained to the World" in which the author, Matt Bai, discusses the predicaments of being president of the United States. After reading the article (see link above and below) and when you are ready to enter your blog, state some facts contained in the article and state your opinion about the subject. Be ready to discuss the article and your views in class.







http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/12/weekinreview/12mattbai.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=The%20Presidency,%20Chained%20to%20the%20World&st=cse

Are For-Profit Schools Providing a Service or Disservice to Students?

The Miami Herald’s September 5th’s front page carries an article, “For-profit colleges grow as do complaints,” about the appeal that for-profit colleges have for some students and the apparent pitfalls associated with these schools. After reading the article (see link below) post your comment by summarizing what the article says are the reasons for the growth in enrollment of for-profit colleges and the problems that, according to the article, students and the public at-large face. In addition to providing a summary about these two factors, give your point of view (something that the article does not mention but that you deem relevant) regarding these two issues.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/09/04/1809205/for-profit-schools-grow-as-do.html

The Predicaments of Being President: Is Obama Doing Enough?

The August 29th The New York Times has an editorial, "Waiting for Mr. Obama," in which the paper exposes what has been reported by other media: that the economy has not improved and it is not expected to do so in the immediate future. The Times exposes the Democratic agenda and the Republican agenda which are at odds. Read the article, recount what it says and after thinking about the topic and reflecting on it, express your views about the economy, the Obama administration's handling of the economy and how you are personally affected by what each party wants to do and what Obama has done. After posting your views, be ready to speak about them in class.


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/29/opinion/29sun1.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

Florida Ranks Dead Last in Government Funding for its Public Universities

The August 22nd Miami Herald's Issues & Ideas section includes an article (see link above and below) that addresses Florida's inadequate funding for public educational institutions. After readomg the article comment about what the authors say and what you think the problem is (or the problems are). Mention something you see as being a problem(s) regarding funding, the need for it, and the difficulties in getting funding or disbursing funding that the article does not mention but that you think is(are) important to address. Prepare to discuss your opinion in class.


http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/08/22/1787013/florida-puts-little-investment.html

Would you pay $18 for a regular T-shirt if you know the workers are being paid fairly?

Today's (July 18th, 2010) New York Times' Business Section (see the link above and below) includes an article entitled "A Factory Defines Stereotypes, but Can it Thrive?" that exposes the business downside of paying workers a "living wage." Read the article and comment about it, the dilemma that business face when they try to "do the right thing, and what can and should be done about it.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/18/business/global/18shirt.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

Why Are Bank Bailout and Stimpulus Packages Not Popular with Voters?

The July 11th The New York Times' article (see link above and below), "Bank Bailout is Potent Issue for Fall Faces," states that even though banks have paid back the government to the $700 billion for the Troubled Asset Relief Program approved by the Obama administration in the fall 2008, most voters confuse TARP with the stumulus package and are, thus, are rejecting incumbents in recent or upcoming elections. Read the article and comment on the article and why there is such anti-incumbent sentiment throught the country.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/11/us/politics/11tarp.html?_r=1&hp

Can we Still Aspire to Equality, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness?

A New York Times' July 4th editorial titled "Liberty Thoughts" (see link below) comments on the meaning of the Declaration of Independence 234 years ago and today? Read the editorial and comment regarding changes that have taken place in our history and whether the proposition exposed by the Declaration is still relevant today


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/04/opinion/04sun4.html?_r=1&ref=todayspaper

Who is a Feminist? Do ALL women have a voice?

The Sunday June 27th's Miami Herald's Opinion Page includes a piece from Washington Post columnist Kathleen Parker regaring what it means to be a feminist. Read it (see the link above and below) and comment about Parker's and your views.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/06/27/1701797/all-women-have-a-voice.html

Oil Clean Up: Threat or Opportunity?

New York Times' columnist Frank Rick states - in the article whose link you can find below - that the BP oil spill, though a environmental nightmare, can be injurious to President Obama as well as provide him with opportunities. Comment on what Rich says (you must read the article) and state why you agree or disagree with Rich as well as with your fellow students who'll also post their comments.


http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/20/opinion/20rich.html?ref=todayspaper

Age No Excuse for Bigotry on the Job

In the article, whose link is posted above and below, columnist Leonard Pitts exposes his views about the comments made by veteran journalist Helen Thomas regarding Jews in Israel, their possible occupation of Palestine, and their "home." Comment on what Pitts said and what Thomas said. You may look up recent information regarding Thomas' comments, the Gaza Strip and the history of the area.



http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/06/12/1677596/age-no-excuse-for-bigotry-on-the.html

Problems with Education? What can be done?

In “Sorry, teachers: Bailout cupboard is bare” The Miami Herald quotes Superintendent Alberto Carvalho stating that his office will attempt to protect “teachers and educational programs” by – among other things – “containing costs, renegotiating contracts and imposing a 27 percent reduction in the central office…” the article also addresses other federal expenditures that are increasing the deficit and negatively affecting education. In “Keep Florida’s educators working,” also in The Herald’s “Other Views’” section, Secretary Arne Duncan expresses his views regarding how to weather the storm by saying: “We should be educating our way to a better economy.” After reading the articles, comment about the problem, possible solutions, repercussions and possible reasons for our conundrum.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/06/06/1664744/sorry-teachers-bailout-cupboard.html

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/06/06/1664728/keep-floridas-educators-working.html

Who changes first? Societies or laws? Also... what can we draw from a photo?

A news item reported in The Miami Herald and the New York Times (see links below) reports on Malawi's reversal of the sentence imposed on two men for their homosexuality. Athough pardoning the men, the president of Malawi said that the men had "committed a crime against our culture, our religion and our laws." Why do you think these men were pardoned? When do laws change? Why? Read the two articles and another related article in the Herald about the Supreme Court nominee Elena Kagan's 17 year old picture. Post your comment

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/30/1655491/malawi-gay-couple-freed-after.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/30/world/africa/30malawi.html?scp=1&sq=Malawi's%20President&st=cse
http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/30/1654162/sexism-softball-and-the-supreme.html

What (and HOW) we teach our clildren about race

In his Miami Herald Opinion piece columnist Leonard Pitts writes about a white woman who cried after wathching her daughter in an "experiment" in which the daughter claimed a white doll was better than a black doll because the white doll most resembled her. There are many things that can be extrapolated from this piece. Read the piece and comment on the actual experiment, the racial implications and other examples or analogies than may come to mind. Click to the article below, read it and comment.

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/22/1642457/what-we-teach-our-children-about.html

Can academic dishonesty be considered a felony?

The Miami Herald reports that a Harvard University student was "indicted on 20 offenses, including larceny, identity fraud and pretending to hold a degree" after it was discovered that he was admitted to Harvard on false pretenses and was awarded "$45,000 in finncial aid, grants and schlarships." 

Do you think that academic dishonesty should be prosecutd by the law?

"Obama Proposes Sweeping Change in Education Law"

In an effort to better education in the United States, The New York Times reports that President Obama is changing Bush's No Child Left Behind policy.  The new change calls for replacing "the law's requirement that every American child reach proficiency in reading and math, which (Obama) administration officials have calle utopian," and replacing this with a "new target that could prove equally elusive: that students should graduate from high school prepared for college and career"  As Bush's order, Obama's proposed law would include "requirements for annual reading and math test."  What do you think of the change?  Read the attached article and comment

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/14/education/14child.html?ref=todayspaper

Is genocide the right word? Is it offensive? Did it happen?

The House of Representatives' Foreign Affairs Committee defy the Obama Administration's plea and voted to condemn Turkey's involvement in the alleged Armenian genocide of 1915.  Turkey has never admitted to having engaged in the annihilation of Armenians the early part of last century, but Armenians and Armenian-Americans in the U.S. claimed that 1.5 people were killed.  Read the article linked to this page and the related ones (see the link when you open the page and read the article) and comment on this.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/05/world/europe/05armenia.html?ref=todayspaper

Is there a problem with our Jury System

Many people have criticized our “jury system,” in which a jury made up of our “peers” (people who are representative of the community a-large) follow instructions from a judge renders a decision. Juries must render decision in unison. Does The New York Times article (below) “Astor Juror Says Her Fear Dictated Vote” suggests problems with the system? What do you think? You may seek background information on the Astor trial before you state your opinion.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/22/nyregion/22astor.html?ref=todayspaper

Can we afford to learn from Obama & put our family above our job?

New York Times reporter Sheryl Gay Solberg comments in the Sunday Styles section that President Obama breaks from important meetings to attend his daughters' recitals and spend time with family and his staff knows to schedule important meetins around his family's schedule. The Times mentions that while President Obama puts his family first, he expects his staff and others in Congress to put their job first. The article quotes Rahm Emanuel stelling President Obama that indeed his administration is "family-friendly to your family." Is his "family first" governing style commendable? Good for the country? Hypocritical? Does it send a positive message? Should other fathers learn from the President? Can other fathers afford to do what the President does?
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/14/fashion/14dad.html?ref=style