Characteristics of a Leader

Okay, so for weeks I’ve been trying to figure out what to write about on this blog, coming up with many ideas and then deciding they were all [expletive]. Now, seeing Sisco’s post, I realized that I have to speed it up a little. So I decided, why not write about something I tend to obsess over?

I find myself to be fixated on the many different personalities that I encounter on a day-to-day basis, but there is a certain type of person that never ceases to fascinate me. This type of person has a wide circle of friends (or better said, followers) and is usually either respected or feared. He may be the captain of the basketball team, motivating his team to play better every day. She may be the cliquey mean girl who is the target of much gossip and envy, and yet no one ever says anything remotely not-nice to her face. He may even be that one kid who realizes that every person in his designated project group is a moron, ends up taking charge of the situation so as not to fail, and realizes that, hey, he’s good at it!

These people are leaders. (Obviously, some more than others.) They may know it, or they may not. They tend to be comfortable talking in front of others, taking responsibility, and designating roles in activities such as group projects. These are just some of the characteristics that most leaders possess. Now I am asking, what are some important characteristics a leader must have to be successful? What are some different types of leadership styles? How do characteristics vary between different types of leaders? What are some examples of great leaders throughout history?

Sorry, guys, no NY Times article for this one. Or better said, not yet. ;)

Cat Golner

Period II

Reading Devices

After reading this article E-Readers Catch Younger Eyes and Go in Backpacks, I realized just how popular reading devices such as the Kindle and the Nook are becoming.
I personally welcome this change, but I have also heard from others that say that the devices can't compare to "traditional" books. Which do you think is better: a reading device, or a "traditional" book? Why?

Francisco Rivera
Thank you for letting me blog, Mrs. Powers :)!

Brought you to the water - now DRINK!

Teaching is a metaphor. Constantly.  Sometimes it drains me; sometimes it inspires me.  Other times, I just laugh because, honestly, you guys crack me up! 

After reading this blog post, I realized that every day of my life is, in fact, a metaphor.  Guest Post: James Geary on Metaphor, A Taxonomy

In an effort (nerdy) to figure out what type of metaphor-user I am, I tried to place the metaphors I use regularly into James Geary's categories.  I found I am mostly an equal-opportunity employer of metaphor. 

How often or when do you use metaphors? Why?  What would the world look like without the use of metaphor? What if we didn't use this ability to draw these comparisons in order to explain what a thing is (or is not)? How does using metaphor allow us to expand communication (written and oral) in a way that allows us to add more detail to our point of view? How important is this technique?

What do you think?

Read:  Obama's Missing Subject

My perspective on the subject is unnecessary. You know what I think.

What do you think?

The State of the Union

Are you watching President Obama's State of the Union? If not, you should! Use this as an opportunity to hone in on some language arts skills, too.  Remember, speeches are written first. I bet you can apply all the concepts of good writing to the speech.

What was the focus of the speech ?  How did the President support himself? Did he use strong, detailed ideas to back up the central idea of his address?  Did anything in particular stand out to you? Why? Can you remember a line or phrase? What made it memorable?

Update:
Did you miss it? You can still respond to this blog. Just read the transcript of President Obama's speech here: State of the Union 2011

Read this

Where are you from?

Interesting.

Human Rights

I don't know how many of you are watching the human rights PSAs after morning announcements, but I am.  I am touched by most of them. Saddened that a PSA even has to be produced. Our world has come to a point where we have to remind each other that we all have rights simply because we are human.

Today's PSA:  Human Right #26 - The Right to Education.  (If you didn't see it, click the link.)

Wow.

How many of you take your right to education for granted? How many of you are actually (deep down) excited to come to school each day in the hopes of learning something new? More importantly, do you take advantage of this right or are you throwing it away?