The legacy of Socrates - part II

This time it was Section 3's turn to come through with flying colors.  The open exchange of ideas, going back to the time of Socrates, is alive and well in the United States and in our classroom.  Thank you all so much for your candor, and for your respect for those whose opinions differ from yours. 

Another artist, the Italian Giambettino Cignaroli, painted his version of Death of Socrates in the mid-1700s.  Note the differences:  in Cignaroli's version, Socrates is already dead, and not as heroic looking as in David's painting.  Two different approaches to the same tragic event.  

Socrates would be proud.

Section 1 stepped up today, proving that the examined life IS worth living.  Socrates spent a lot of time with the youth of Athens, compelling them not just to question authority, but to examine their own beliefs.  I think we saw that in room 124 today.

The Death of Socrates, painted by Jacques-Louis David in 1787 - almost 2200 years after Socrates died.

Intro to Socrates

Section 1 - the only section meeting today - gets their first look at Socrates.

"The unexamined life is not worth living."

Back in business

Happy Monday, everybody!

Section 1 started the day with a review of the video they watched on Friday: Pericles, Aspasia, Oedipus and the origins of the Greek theater were covered.  For the curious, a brief synopsis of the story of Oedipus, the mythical Greek king, and subject of the classic tragedy by Sophocles, is here. 

Section 3 reviewed the last test, as did Section 2, who also received a free bonus pep talk.

Please note: the next test has been rescheduled for next Monday, March 18.

Amazing retreat

I hope everything went well in West Civ classes while I was away yesterday on Senior Retreat.  (Boy, do you guys have something to look forward to in three years!  LOVE retreat!)  If you like, drop me an email or post to your blog about how things went in class on Friday.

And, don't forget to set your clocks forward one hour tonight.  It's too bad we miss out on an hour of sleep this weekend, but the sun will be setting after 7:00 pm starting tomorrow.  Spring is right around the corner!

See you Monday!

News flash.

Remember Hugo Chavez?  The Venezuelan leader who referred to President George W. Bush as the devil?  He had been battling cancer for some time, and passed away yesterday.  If you're interested, you can read a news story about his death here, a collection of his most memorable moments here (including his "devil" speech to the United Nations), and an analysis of his impact here.

Don't worry, this isn't "testable" material.  I know some of you seemed genuinely interested in Chavez, and on an off-day like this, you have a chance to read some top-notch writing about this unusual historical leader.

Fearless prognostication

School, or no school?  That is the question.

We'll find out early tomorrow morning, as a winter storm (finally!) appears to be bearing down on us.  First rain, then snow, then more snow.  Possibly 5 to 8 inches of very wet, heavy snow.  What would this mean?  Well, consider this map:

A big fat snow like this brings down branches onto power lines.  Many of us could lose power over the next day or two.

Mr. Schick's prediction?  Probably no school tomorrow, and a two-hour late schedule for Thursday.  This is only my prediction; go to the John Carroll website for the official word.

If we don't have school, check in with my blog for updates.