CHRISTMAS! WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?

Santa holding baby Jesus.

December has arrived and along with it one of the most stressful and commercial times of the year. People over-extend their credit cards, family drama explodes and depression is an uninvited guest in many homes. Christmas songs bombard shoppers as they fight their way through crowded malls in order to purchase obligatory gifts which will be exchanged on Boxing Day. The Catholic Church is waiting to make us feel repentant about only showing up once a year and charities make us feel guilty about not giving to all of them. The goal of choreographing a perfect holiday seems beyond the reach of most people. So, what's is all about?

Post an image and a brief reflection that capture your feelings about the impending holiday season.

Journalistic Ethics

Disgraced journalist Stephen Glass.

When a journalist lies, what should be the consequence?Is an apology enough?If fined, who gets the money?Does prison accomplish anything?Should they be allowed to profit from book or movie deals?

 Investigate the story of Stephen Glass. You might even watch the movie "Shattered Glass." Reflect on the questions above. Craft a well written, thoughtful and objective response to post on your blog.


Due: Sunday, November 22nd.

CONTEST UPDATE

Congratulations to Alanna, Chris, Dana, Eric, Max, Nina and Tiffany for taking a risk. Their poems were submitted to the Polar Expressions Contest, in B.C., today. Results not expected until March.

If you missed this opportunity there is another contest for Young Writers of poetry (with a 24 lines limit) due on Nov. 10th.

The PROSE portion of the Polar Expressions Contest must be sent by December 18th.  The catch is that there is a 450 word limit. This is "flash fiction". It might be a character sketch, a reflection on a past experience or a brief scene. Give it a try.

The Guelph Public Library has a contest in the spring with a 1,500 word limit.

COME TO A SLAM

On Saturday, November 21, GUELPH SPOKEN WORD is hosting a Poetry Slam at the Ebar above the Bookshelf at 41 Quebec Street, downtown. This month there is NO ADMISSION charge, so it is your chance to come out and see what is going on. The event begins at 7:00 pm and you'll want to come a bit early to get a seat. THIS IS TONS OF FUN!

Plan on participating by;

1. Being an active audience members, cheering and calling out responses.

2. Being a judging team, using a flip cart to rate each performance.

3. Read one of your original poems at the non-competetive portion of the night just to prove you can do it.

4. Participate as a Slam contestant with an appropriate, well rehearsed piece and a back-up poem in case you make it to the second round.

Note- You should plan to bring some money to buy refreshments to support the venue.