John Lennon: 20th Century Buddha

1. The ex-Beatle, John Lennon, died on the sidewalk outside of his home on December 8, 1980.
2. Mourning his loss hasn't stopped for these thirty years.
3. Mark David Chapman, a tool of evil, took from the world a shining light of humanity.
4. A section of Central Park called "Strawberry Field" has provided fans a place to gather with candles and prayer since that awful day.

 
Parts of Speech & Grammar
This is how you find the subject of a sentence.
This is how you find the verb.
This is how you find the direct object.
This is the definition of an indirect object
This is what a predicate nominative is.
This is what an implied subject is.
This is the adjective scale of intensity. 
This is an appositive. 
These are prepositional phrases,
These are notes on the adjective and adverb functions of a prepositional phrase. NEW as of 11/16
This is the passive voice. Fix it, it's all Rule of Five now.
This is a gerund, which is a verbal.
These are infinitives, which are also verbals. NEW as of 11/30.

Punctuation
Here is where you find the seven rules for commas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links.

Literary Terms
This is the definition of irony
This is the definition of 'schools of criticism.'
This is the definition of satire
This is the definition of plot structure.  
This is the definition of symbolism  
  

Edward Gorey, Creator of Gashlycrumb Tinies

1. Edward Gorey, creator of the Gashlycrumb Tinies, wrote poems rife with black humour.
2. Morbid and sarcastic, children find his death-riddled musings often by accident.
3. Looking like a child's picture-book disguises his deeply weird renderings as harmless (is this a prep phrase? Double check parts of speech).
4. Edward Gorey wrote many picture-books for Goths to read and love.

 
Parts of Speech & Grammar
This is how you find the subject of a sentence.
This is how you find the verb.
This is how you find the direct object.
This is the definition of an indirect object
This is what a predicate nominative is.
This is what an implied subject is.
This is the adjective scale of intensity. 
This is an appositive. 
These are prepositional phrases,
These are notes on the adjective and adverb functions of a prepositional phrase. NEW as of 11/16
This is the passive voice. Fix it, it's all Rule of Five now.
This is a gerund, which is a verbal.
These are infinitives, which are also verbals. NEW as of 11/30.

Punctuation
Here is where you find the seven rules for commas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links.

Literary Terms
This is the definition of irony
This is the definition of 'schools of criticism.'
This is the definition of satire
This is the definition of plot structure.  
This is the definition of symbolism  
 

Banning Books- A Really Really Bad Idea.

1. Protecting free speech means protection for the offensive stuff too.
2. A book may offend one person and enlighten another.
3. Forcing one value system onto a diverse population like America's negates the whole purpose of the First Amendment.
4. Allowing each individual to make up one's own mind tasks each individual with the responsibility of protecting the free speech rights of everyone.


Parts of Speech & Grammar
This is how you find the subject of a sentence.
This is how you find the verb.
This is how you find the direct object.
This is the definition of an indirect object
This is what a predicate nominative is.
This is what an implied subject is.
This is the adjective scale of intensity. 
This is an appositive. 
These are prepositional phrases,
These are notes on the adjective and adverb functions of a prepositional phrase. NEW as of 11/16
This is the passive voice. Fix it, it's all Rule of Five now.
This is a gerund, which is a verbal.
These are infinitives, which are also verbals. NEW as of 11/30.

Punctuation
Here is where you find the seven rules for commas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links.

Literary Terms
This is the definition of irony
This is the definition of 'schools of criticism.'
This is the definition of satire
This is the definition of plot structure.  
This is the definition of symbolism

They're the vamps I love to hate....

1. The Eclipse DVD releases tomorrow, and gives me fuel to hate on sparkly vampires fairies.
2. On Facebook, my friend Thia posted a link to a blog with corrections to Meyer's writing.
3. Giggling at Meyer's ham-fisted prose provides those in the grammatical know much entertainment.
4. Bella, a cipher of a character, makes pining after her boyfriend a totally annoying art form.

  
 Parts of Speech & Grammar
This is how you find the subject of a sentence.
This is how you find the verb.
This is how you find the direct object.
This is the definition of an indirect object
This is what a predicate nominative is.
This is what an implied subject is.
This is the adjective scale of intensity. 
This is an appositive. 
These are prepositional phrases,
These are notes on the adjective and adverb functions of a prepositional phrase. NEW as of 11/16
This is the passive voice. Fix it, it's all Rule of Five now.
This is a gerund, which is a verbal.
These are infinitives, which are also verbals. NEW as of 11/30.

Punctuation
Here is where you find the seven rules for commas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links.

Literary Terms
This is the definition of irony
This is the definition of 'schools of criticism.'
This is the definition of satire
This is the definition of plot structure.  
This is the definition of symbolism  

Total Perspective Vortex- for Douglas Adams, 1952-2001

Douglas Adams understood the need to keep a sense of perspective.
This website can also help in that regard.
1. Creation, a startlingly large place, gives inhabitants a false sense of perspective.
2. Living in our little worlds keeps us from understanding the scale of things.
3. Watching today's pop culture moment may restore us a sense of the size of the universe.

  Parts of Speech & Grammar
This is how you find the subject of a sentence.
This is how you find the verb.
This is how you find the direct object.
This is the definition of an indirect object
This is what a predicate nominative is.
This is what an implied subject is.
This is the adjective scale of intensity. 
This is an appositive. 
These are prepositional phrases,
These are notes on the adjective and adverb functions of a prepositional phrase. NEW as of 11/16
This is the passive voice. Fix it, it's all Rule of Five now.
This is a gerund, which is a verbal.
These are infinitives, which are also verbals. NEW as of 11/30.

Punctuation
Here is where you find the seven rules for commas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links.

Literary Terms
This is the definition of irony
This is the definition of 'schools of criticism.'
This is the definition of satire
This is the definition of plot structure.  
This is the definition of symbolism    

Quit Yer Cryin', Tucson...

1. With all the crying about the cold, one would think of Tucson as a frozen tundra.
2. Penguins contemplate the ravings of mad humans in insufficient clothing.
3. A polar swim provides lunatics the opportunity for parading their silliness.
4. Keeping warm even in Tucson cold snaps gives me quite enough to do.

Stupid Human of the Day

 
 
 Parts of Speech & Grammar
This is how you find the subject of a sentence.
This is how you find the verb.
This is how you find the direct object.
This is the definition of an indirect object
This is what a predicate nominative is.
This is what an implied subject is.
This is the adjective scale of intensity. 
This is an appositive. 
These are prepositional phrases,
These are notes on the adjective and adverb functions of a prepositional phrase. NEW as of 11/16
This is the passive voice. Fix it, it's all Rule of Five now.
This is a gerund, which is a verbal.
These are infinitives, which are also verbals. NEW as of 11/30.

Punctuation
Here is where you find the seven rules for commas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links.

Literary Terms
This is the definition of irony
This is the definition of 'schools of criticism.'
This is the definition of satire
This is the definition of plot structure. 
This is the definition of symbolism  

Don't Call Me Shirley

1. Leslie Nielsen, a famous comedic actor, departed the land of the living this weekend.
2. At the age of 84, he had earned his living in Hollywood for over six decades.
3. Airplane!, his breakout comedy movie, provided Mr. Nielsen an opportunity for entertaining America.


 Parts of Speech & Grammar
This is how you find the subject of a sentence.
This is how you find the verb.
This is how you find the direct object.
This is the definition of an indirect object
This is what a predicate nominative is.
This is what an implied subject is.
This is the adjective scale of intensity. 
This is an appositive. 
These are prepositional phrases,
These are notes on the adjective and adverb functions of a prepositional phrase. NEW as of 11/16
This is the passive voice. Fix it, it's all Rule of Five now.
This is a gerund, which is a verbal.

Punctuation
Here is where you find the seven rules for commas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links.

Literary Terms
This is the definition of irony
This is the definition of 'schools of criticism.'
This is the definition of satire
This is the definition of plot structure. 
This is the definition of symbolism   

What's on Your Feet is on My Mind

Today's warmups are specifically for finding INDIRECT OBJECTS. FOR whom or TO whom is the subject verbing the direct object?? 
1. Cobblers make their customers shoes by hand.
2. Custom-made shoes cost the client anywhere from $400 to $1300 per pair.
3. The cobblers craft the businessmen in NYC some very high-end work shoes.
4. The lucky soul pays the craftsman his price for meticulous, unique work.

 Parts of Speech & Grammar
This is how you find the subject of a sentence.
This is how you find the verb.
This is how you find the direct object.
This is the definition of an indirect object
This is what a predicate nominative is.
This is what an implied subject is.
This is the adjective scale of intensity. 
This is an appositive. 
These are prepositional phrases,
These are notes on the adjective and adverb functions of a prepositional phrase. NEW as of 11/16
This is the passive voice. Fix it, it's all Rule of Five now.
This is a gerund, which is a verbal.

Punctuation
Here is where you find the seven rules for commas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links.

Literary Terms
This is the definition of irony
This is the definition of 'schools of criticism.'
This is the definition of satire
This is the definition of plot structure. 
This is the definition of symbolism   

The second I saw him, I fell in love (LUV)

1. R. Lee Ermey, the drill sergeant from Full Metal Jacket (87), owned the first forty-five minutes of that film.
2. Clips from that movie are unplayable on school grounds. :)
3. His Geico commercial on the air now channels the persona from that movie.
4. His epithet "jackwagon" became an instant classic upon the airing of that commercial.


Parts of Speech & Grammar
This is how you find the subject of a sentence.
This is how you find the verb.
This is how you find the direct object.
This is the definition of an indirect object
This is what a predicate nominative is.
This is what an implied subject is.
This is the adjective scale of intensity. 
This is an appositive. 
These are prepositional phrases,
These are notes on the adjective and adverb functions of a prepositional phrase. NEW as of 11/16
This is the passive voice. Fix it, it's all Rule of Five now.
This is a gerund, which is a verbal.

Punctuation
Here is where you find the seven rules for commas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links.

Literary Terms
This is the definition of irony
This is the definition of 'schools of criticism.'
This is the definition of satire
This is the definition of plot structure. 
This is the definition of symbolism

For Megan, on the Occasion of her Eighteenth Birthday

1. Yo-Yo Ma, the most celebrated cellist in the world, plays his cello with warmth and soul.
2. From Carnegie Hall to Sesame Street, he brings the classical music to life.
3. In the Time interview below, he speaks of the relationships between musicians during collaborations.
4. The serenity of his spirit comes to the audience through his playing.


 Parts of Speech & Grammar
This is how you find the subject of a sentence.
This is how you find the verb.
This is how you find the direct object.
This is the definition of an indirect object
This is what a predicate nominative is.
This is what an implied subject is.
This is the adjective scale of intensity. 
This is an appositive. 
These are prepositional phrases,
These are notes on the adjective and adverb functions of a prepositional phrase. NEW as of 11/16
This is the passive voice. Fix it, it's all Rule of Five now.
This is a gerund, which is a verbal.

Punctuation
Here is where you find the seven rules for commas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links.

Literary Terms
This is the definition of irony
This is the definition of 'schools of criticism.'
This is the definition of satire
This is the definition of plot structure. 
This is the definition of symbolism

The Man in Black

All you need to do today is find every prepositional phrase and tell me if it is functioning as an adjective or adverb. 

1. Johnny Cash, the Man in Black, was the champion of the "story song."
2. A story song is a ballad with a tragic end.
3. To his death the young hero usually goes.
4. Mr. Cash's lugubrious tones suit the tragedy of his tales to a tee. 

 


  Parts of Speech & Grammar
This is how you find the subject of a sentence.
This is how you find the verb.
This is how you find the direct object.
This is the definition of an indirect object
This is what a predicate nominative is.
This is what an implied subject is.
This is the adjective scale of intensity. 
This is an appositive. 
These are prepositional phrases,
These are notes on the adjective and adverb functions of a prepositional phrase. NEW as of 11/16
This is the passive voice. Fix it, it's all Rule of Five now.
This is a gerund, which is a verbal.

Punctuation
Here is where you find the seven rules for commas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links.

Literary Terms
This is the definition of irony
This is the definition of 'schools of criticism.'
This is the definition of satire
This is the definition of plot structure. 
This is the definition of symbolism

Courage is continuing in the face of failure.

All you need to do today is find every prepositional phrase and tell me if it is functioning as an adjective or adverb.
1. The girl in the video kept trying her best through the whole race.
2. Continuing in the face of failure takes courage on an epic scale.
3. Alexis, the then-8th grader in lane two, ran the track again after this video.
4. Allegedly, she ran the hurdles with no faceplants on her second attempt.

 
 Parts of Speech & Grammar
This is how you find the subject of a sentence.
This is how you find the verb.
This is how you find the direct object.
This is the definition of an indirect object NEW as of 11/3
This is what a predicate nominative is.
This is what an implied subject is.
This is the adjective scale of intensity. 
This is an appositive. 
These are prepositional phrases 
This is the passive voice. Fix it, it's all Rule of Five now.
This is a gerund, which is a verbal.

Punctuation
Here is where you find the seven rules for commas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links.

Literary Terms
This is the definition of irony
This is the definition of 'schools of criticism.
This is the definition of satire
This is the definition of plot structure. 
This is the definition of symbolism
 

This is how to do it RIGHT.

The Westboro Baptist Church of Topeka Kansas has a... unique way of interpreting God's word.

1. Weston, Missouri was selected for a protest by the Westboro Baptist Church.
2. The funeral of  Sgt. First Class C.J. Sadell was targeted for picketing.
3. The residents of the small town were horrified by the hatemongers.
4. They were determined to hold a funeral for their own with no disrespect from those who are filled with fear and bile.
Full story HERE.

 Parts of Speech & Grammar
This is how you find the subject of a sentence.
This is how you find the verb.
This is how you find the direct object.
This is the definition of an indirect object NEW as of 11/3
This is what a predicate nominative is.
This is what an implied subject is.
This is the adjective scale of intensity. 
This is an appositive. 
These are prepositional phrases 
This is the passive voice. Fix it, it's all Rule of Five now.
This is a gerund, which is a verbal.

Punctuation
Here is where you find the seven rules for commas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links.

Literary Terms
This is the definition of irony
This is the definition of 'schools of criticism.
This is the definition of satire
This is the definition of plot structure. 
This is the definition of symbolism

A Capella al fresco

Remember, all you have to do is change the sentence from passive to active voice.

1. Lady Gaga's songs were performed by the "On the Rocks" singing group.
2. The bros performing the medley were choreographed quite well.
3. "Glee" might be held responsible for this resurgence in a Capella singing.
4. The group's performance was received enthusiastically by the audience.
 
Parts of Speech & Grammar
This is how you find the subject of a sentence.
This is how you find the verb.
This is how you find the direct object.
This is the definition of an indirect object NEW as of 11/3
This is what a predicate nominative is.
This is what an implied subject is.
This is the adjective scale of intensity. 
This is an appositive. 
These are prepositional phrases 
This is the passive voice. Fix it, it's all Rule of Five now.
This is a gerund, which is a verbal.

Punctuation
Here is where you find the seven rules for commas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links.

Literary Terms
This is the definition of irony
This is the definition of 'schools of criticism.
This is the definition of satire
This is the definition of plot structure. 
This is the definition of symbolism

Remember Remember the Fifth of November

1. Guy Fawkes, an English conspirator, would be considered a terrorist today.
2.  King James I was given information about the plan to blow up Parliament.
3. The character V from V for Vendetta, a movie based on the graphic novel of the same name, is disguised with a Guy Fawkes' mask.
4. "I see no reason why gunpowder, treason/ should ever be forgot."

Here is a web-page explaining the Guy Fawke's day tradition.



Here's a clip from V for Vendetta.

Parts of Speech & Grammar
This is how you find the subject of a sentence.
This is how you find the verb.
This is how you find the direct object.
This is the definition of an indirect object NEW as of 11/3
This is what a predicate nominative is.
This is what an implied subject is.
This is the adjective scale of intensity. 
This is an appositive. 
These are prepositional phrases 
This is the passive voice. Fix it, it's all Rule of Five now.
This is a gerund, which is a verbal.

Punctuation
Here is where you find the seven rules for commas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links.

Literary Terms
This is the definition of irony
This is the definition of 'schools of criticism.
This is the definition of satire
This is the definition of plot structure. 
This is the definition of symbolism

Octopuses or Octopi?

1. Changing its shape gives the mimic octopus a variety of escape options.
2. Looking like a sea snake scares annoying fishes away.
3. A potential meal looks suddenly poisonous  for eating.
4. Squirting ink makes this creature a defensive genius, alongside its natural costuming.

Parts of Speech & Grammar
This is how you find the subject of a sentence.
This is how you find the verb.
This is how you find the direct object.
This is the definition of an indirect object NEW as of 11/3
This is what a predicate nominative is.
This is what an implied subject is.
This is the adjective scale of intensity. 
This is an appositive. 
These are prepositional phrases 
This is the passive voice. Fix it, it's all Rule of Five now.
This is a gerund, which is a verbal.

Punctuation
Here is where you find the seven rules for commas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links.

Literary Terms
This is the definition of irony
This is the definition of 'schools of criticism.
This is the definition of satire
This is the definition of plot structure. 
This is the definition of symbolism   

Escapism is the word of the day...

1. Watching Harry Potter movies takes the viewer to a land of magic and wonder.
2. The protagonist and antagonist of the story give epic battling a different twist.
3. Voldemort fills established literary functions in foiling the main character.
Make sure you read ALL the definitions of the verb "to foil!"
4. One of the joys in life is reading favorite adventures.
 
Parts of Speech & Grammar
This is how you find the subject of a sentence.
This is how you find the verb.
This is how you find the direct object.
This is what a predicate nominative is.
This is what an implied subject is.
This is the adjective scale of intensity. 
This is an appositive. 
These are prepositional phrases 
This is the passive voice. Fix it, it's all Rule of Five now.
This is a gerund, which is a verbal.

Punctuation
Here is where you find the seven rules for commas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links.

Literary Terms
This is the definition of irony
This is the definition of 'schools of criticism.'
This is the definition of satire
This is the definition of plot structure.
This is the definition of symbolism 

Bird-Brain: A compliment, really.

1. Speaking gives humans a means for communication.
2. Alex, the most famous African Grey in America, proved the truth about avian thinking.
3. Processing his environment provided him fodder for chatting with his human.
4. My birds could achieve the same, with 30 years of training.

 

This bird is rather smarter than most three-year olds I know! *giggle*



Here's a clip of Alex's "research colleague" upon his death.
 

I have not put as much time in as Dr. Pepperburg. 
 
Parts of Speech & Grammar
This is how you find the subject of a sentence.
This is how you find the verb.
This is how you find the direct object.
This is what a predicate nominative is.
This is what an implied subject is.
This is the adjective scale of intensity. 
This is an appositive. 
These are prepositional phrases 
This is the passive voice. Fix it, it's all Rule of Five now.
This is a gerund, which is a verbal.

Punctuation
Here is where you find the seven rules for commas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links.

Literary Terms
This is the definition of irony
This is the definition of 'schools of criticism.'
This is the definition of satire
This is the definition of plot structure.
This is the definition of symbolism

Bullying Still Sucks

1. A story from Philadelphia highlights bullying as a non-group-specific problem.
2. In the CNN video, Wei Chen speaks to America about fixing the problem.
3. At Mountain View, bullying freshmen seems like the preferred target.
4. Bullying any group is completely unacceptable.

Look up GERUNDS and GERUND PHRASES as SUBJECT for today's diagram. Chapter 19 starts on pg 488.






 Parts of Speech & Grammar
This is how you find the subject of a sentence.
This is how you find the verb.
This is how you find the direct object.
This is what a predicate nominative is.
This is what an implied subject is.
This is the adjective scale of intensity. 
This is an appositive. 
These are prepositional phrases 
This is the passive voice. Fix it, it's all Rule of Five now.

Punctuation
Here is where you find the seven rules for commas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links.

Literary Terms
This is the definition of irony
This is the definition of 'schools of criticism.'
This is the definition of satire
This is the definition of plot structure.
This is the definition of symbolism

Halloween is on the way...

1. With Halloween on the way, Salem, Massachusetts finds itself with no available rooms at its hotels.
2. The Salem Witch Trials of the 18th century show hysterical behavior on the part of the populace.
3. One theory about the witch trials sees mid-wives as the target of doctors.
4. They may not have wanted the competition from women in the medical field.

For more information on the Salem Witch trials, click here.



 Parts of Speech & Grammar
This is how you find the subject of a sentence.
This is how you find the verb.
This is how you find the direct object.
This is what a predicate nominative is.
This is what an implied subject is.
This is the adjective scale of intensity. 
This is an appositive. 
These are prepositional phrases 
This is the passive voice. Fix it, it's all Rule of Five now.

Punctuation
Here is where you find the seven rules for commas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links.

Literary Terms
This is the definition of irony
This is the definition of 'schools of criticism.'
This is the definition of satire
This is the definition of plot structure.
This is the definition of symbolism 

The Best Moustache Besides My Dad's

1. The New York State gubernatorial debate
provided information on each candidate, with a break-out performance by one third-party representative.
2. The probable governor-elect, Andrew Cuomo, agreed with one of those third-party candidates during the debate.
3. This candidate, Jimmy McMillan, started the "The Rent Is Too Damn High" party in New York City.
4. The average rent for a non-doorman studio apartment in Manhattan ranges from $1300 in Harlem to over four grand in TriBeCa.



Parts of Speech & Grammar
This is how you find the subject of a sentence.
This is how you find the verb.
This is how you find the direct object.
This is what a predicate nominative is.
This is what an implied subject is.
This is the adjective scale of intensity. 
This is an appositive. 
These are prepositional phrases 
This is the passive voice. Fix it, it's all Rule of Five now.

Punctuation
Here is where you find the seven rules for commas. Scroll to the bottom of the page for the links.

Literary Terms
This is the definition of irony
This is the definition of 'schools of criticism.'
This is the definition of satire
This is the definition of plot structure.
This is the definition of symbolism