"The U.S. believes: Everyone has the right to be special. Europe holds: Being ordinary should be OK for everyone." - Alain de Botton

I love to gauge other culture's perspectives on Western culture.  What do you think of Alain de Botton's quote? Is he right?  Is this how Europeans and Americans think within their societies (i.e. their mindsets)?

If you agree with him, which mindset do you think is better, and why? If you disagree, what do you think the mindset might be?  What are the implications of having these American or European mindsets?

If Morocco had a mindset, what would it be?

Please write your response to this blogpost by Tuesday, December 10.

What Moroccan city has the friendliest people?

In the spirit of the argumentative essay, please write a blog post (1-2 paragraphs) telling me which city in Morocco has the friendliest Moroccans.  Tell me why you think these people are the friendliest, what they do to be so friendly, and why other Moroccans might disagree with you about your choice of city.  I'd like to see supporting ideas and refutations.

This post is due by Thursday, December 5, 2013.

You are trying to read the morning newspaper when your cat begins pawing at your leg. You brush it away, but it jumps on the table and begins meowing. Finally, the cat speaks. What does it say? Write this scene and what is the cat trying to tell you.

It's no secret that I love animals.  I've always wondered what my pets would say to me if they could talk. Please write a creative writing post (1-2 paragraphs) on the topic above.

If you want some cat inspiration, click on this link: http://distractify.com/people/personal/agonizing-struggles-that-prove-cat-owners-are-the-best-people-ever/

Your post is due on Wednesday, Nov. 28th.

Are You Left-Brained or Right-Brained? How does this affect your life?

First, please take the quick test to see if you are right-brained or left-brained.

http://en.sommer-sommer.com/braintest/

After you take the test and discover your "brained-ness," read this article about Left Brain/Right Brain Theory:

http://psychology.about.com/od/cognitivepsychology/a/left-brain-right-brain.htm

Then, write a brief blog post (1 -2 paragraphs)  telling me if you are agree with your brain test-results.  Also, tell me, based on what you read in the article about Left Brain/Right Brain Theory, how your "brained-ness" affects your life.

Your posting is due by Wednesday 20 November 2013.

My friend and I were walking through the woods one Halloween day when we saw what appeared to be a short-cut. "Let's go that way," my freind said ...

This week's blog post is inspired by Halloween. To make it more interesting, I want you to incorporate the feelings of the five senses into your writing.

First, watch the TED talk by Jinsop Lee on "Design for all 5 Senses."  You can find the link to the website here:  http://www.ted.com/talks/jinsop_lee_design_for_all_5_senses.html

Then, brainstorm using the Halloween senses worksheet.  Once you've finished the video and the brainstorming worksheet, please write a 1-2 paragraph blog post, using the prompt above as a starting point.  Make sure your post incorporates sensory experiences to make it more realistic. The story does not have to be real (it can be scary; it can be a fantasy), but it should sound realistic. I look forward to reading all your boo-tiful writing.

This blog post will be due on Wednesday, Nov. 6.

Who are you? Find out with the Carl Jung Typology Test!

This week, I'd like you to take a personality quiz.  Click on this link to take the Carl Jung typology test:
http://www.humanmetrics.com/cgi-win/jtypes2.asp

After you have answered the questions, click to score it. Once it tells you your type (the "type" will be in 4 letters, ex: ESTJ), click on the boxes below about Self Awareness and Personal Growth, as well as Career Choices. Read what they have to say.

In a paragraph, write your response to your type?  Do you disagree or agree with the description about you?  What characteristics interested you?  Do you think any of the career choices suggested would be good for you?  Why, or why not?  Respond by commenting on this blog post.

You have until Wednesday, Oct. 30th to respond with a blog post.

What will you be doing over the Eid-al-Adha holidays? Where will you go? Who will you see? What will you eat? Will you enjoy your time? Tell me how you celebrate this holiday.

Please respond to this blog post by Friday, Oct. 18th at 12:00 noon.  You may rewrite 1 or 2 paragraphs on how you intend on celebrating the upcoming Eid-al-Adha holiday.  I hope you enjoy your holiday, and I hope you find some time to relax during the break.