China Beats US as World's Top Auto Market

This article describes a recent change in the international automarket. China for the first time has exceeded the number of automobiles purchased in the U.S. The author of the article gives several reasons to explain this change and its implications. After reading the article include a short summary or answer the discussion question below.

"How important to you is owning a personal vehicle? If you didn't need a car would you still purchase one? If so, why? If not, why not?"

Third Time’s…Better than the Second: “Men In Black 3”

This article is a review of Men In Black 3 which is a movie about aliens and a government agency that is trying to stop them. The review discusses ways that the movie improved from the second Men In Black but also identifies someways the movie did not improve. After reading the article include a short summary or answer the discussion question below.

"Some people like it when their favorite movie comes out with a sequel (a second or third movie that is about the same charactres). Others seem to always be disappointed when the sequel changes or isn't as good as the first. What's your opinion? Should successful movies be remade?"

Romney Clinches Nomination with Win in Texas Republican Primary

This article announces the victory of Mitt Romney as the Republican party nominee for this year's presidential election. Romney will go against President Obama, a democrat, in November. Some people are very excited for Romney's nomination while others are not. After reading the article give a short summary or answer the discussion question in the comment box below.

"Mitt Romney claims that he will be a better president because of his business experience. What do you think? Is business experience more important than political experience?"

Nail Polish Business Booms In Weak Economy

This article describes one business that has been very successful even with the economic difficulties that other companies are facing. Even though they are spending less on many things one thing that more women seem to be paying for is nail polish and manicures. Several people in this industry are related.
After reading the article include a summary or answer the discussion question in the comment box below.

"Even when you don't have money what is one luxury purchase that you like to spend your money on?"

The history of the I-15 CORE project

This article describes the construction that is currently happening on 1-15 the major highway that passes through Utah. Anyone who has driven this stretch of road has wondered is this really necessary? Well the people interviewed in this article know that it is and give some good reasons to support the delays and frustrations that drivers face. After reading the article include a short summary or answer the discussion question in the comments box below.

"Should government spend more money improving roads or should they spend more money improving public transportation?"

Runners participate in barefoot race

This article describes an unusual race that will happen this weekend in Salt Lake. It is for barefoot runners, runners that run without shoes. Barefoot running is becoming increasingly popular. In addition to being a unique opportunity for runners who enjoy running barefoot. This run will also raise money and collect donations for charities that take shoes to poorer countries. After reading the article include a short summary below or answer the the discussion question in the comments.

"What are the advantages and disadvantages to spending time without your shoes on? Do you think that people should spend more or less time wearing shoes?"

Long-term Unemployment Hits Asian-Americans Hardest

This article describes research that concluded that Asian-Americans are hurt more during economically difficult times than other racial groups. Specifically Asian Americans spend more time unemployed when they lose their job than people from other racial groups. The author offers some suggestions as to why this may be.

 After reading the article, include a short summary or leave an answer to the discussion question in the comment box below.

Yoga Provides Empowerment, Hope for Nairobi Slums

This article describes a very interesting charity project that teaches free yoga classes to the poorest people in Nairobi Kenya. This service has helped people overcome the pain caused during a violent revolution in the country. After reading it include a short summary of the article or an answer to the discussion questions in the comment box below.

"Yoga has great benefits for health particularly for releasing stress. What do you like to do to release stress?"

Swimmer Phelps Aims for More Olympic Glory

This article contains news and quotes from Olympic champion Michael Phelps. Phelps describes his achievements as a swimmer and his plans for the 2012 London Olympics. After reading the article include a short summary or an answer to discussion question in the comments below.

"Michael Phelps describes experiencing burn-out. Burn-out is a physical, mental and psychological condition that can happen to anyone. Burn-out occurs when you spend too much time doing something difficult. Even if you enjoy it you become so tired you don't want to do it.

Have you ever experienced Burnout? What were you doing? How did you know that you were burnt-out and what did you do to overcome it?"

Viewpoint: The bucket list

In this opinion article the author describes the need for a bucket list. A bucket list is a list of activities or experiences that a person wants to have before they die. The author describes why she has a bucket list and what is on her bucket list. She also recommends other people make goals and do their best to achieve them. After reading the article include a short summary or include a response to the discussion question in the comments below.

"What is one thing that is on your bucket list? Why is it there and when do you think you will accomplish it."

Devotional speaker counsels: Make a difference here and now

This article summarizes the devotional speaker's speech from Tuesday's devotional. He talked the importance of service and the opportunities that everyone even busy students have to make a difference in the world. After reading the article include a short summary or answer the discussion question in the comments below.

"Describe a time or situation where you were feeling bad and serving someone else made you feel better."

Word Count for book

Choose three pages (should be full--without pictures or big gaps in the page). For each page:
First Count the total number of words on the first three lines. Divide the total by three. This gives you the average words per line. Next count the number of lines on the page. Times this number by the number of words per line. This is the average number of words per page.  Repeat this step two or three times. Add the 3 average number of words per page together and then divide by 3. This is the average words per page.

Now we calculate how much time we have to read the book. 40 minutes a day should be spent on our extensive reading time. The number of minutes is multiplied by 200 wpm (our fluency goal) for a total of  8,000 words per day. Divide 8000 by the number of words per page and that will tell you how many pages you should read each day.

For example Jack counted the words of the first three lines which totaled 60. He divided 60 by 3 to get 20 words per line There were 20 lines on each page so each page consists of 400 words. 8,000 divided by 400 means that Jack should read 20 pages in 40 minutes each day his outside reading.

College graduates enter competitive market, some staying in school longer

This article describes the problem that many college graduates have--no job. Some of them have no choice but to continue studying. This article describes the consequences of this phenomenon. Leave a short summary or an answer to the discussion question in the space provided below.

"Is it easier or harder for college graduates from your country to find a job now that it was 4 years ago. Discuss causes and effects of this phenomenon.

Five unique BYU clubs you never knew existed

This article highlights five unique BYU clubs and what the purpose and participation of each of them is like. After reading the article leave a short summary or an answer to the discussion question in the comments box below.

"If you were to start a unique BYU club what would it be? Do you think it would be popular? How do you know?

The healing power of horses

This article describes a unique approach to therapy--riding horses. It shares several personal examples of people that have been successful with the therapy. After reading the article include a short summary in the comments or answer the question below.

"If you have owned a pet do you think it had positive effects on your mental or emotional health? If you have never owned a pet, is anyone you know positively impacted by animal contact?

Provo residents protest construction of new MTC building with balloons

This article describes the disagreement of people living in the area around the MTC with plans to build a 16 story building on the MTC campus. Neighbors have a concern with how completely such a tall building will disrupt their skyline. Saturday they protested by displaying balloons around town tied to 160 ft. string to represent the heighth of the building.

After reading the article include a short summary in the comments below or answer this question.

"The MTC is private property; how much influence should neighbors have over what happens on someone else's property?

Obama Announces $3 Billion in Private Sector Pledges to Help Feed Africa

This article describes a speech by President Obama when he announced a large sum of money that has been organized from private companies and will be directed to helping solve hunger related problems in Africa. After reading the article include a short summary of the article or answer the discussion question below.

"Hunger problems create obvious health problems for starving countries. However it can also create significant social problems. What are some of these social problems that hunger can create?"

It's Not Just What You Eat But When

This article describes new evidence that suggests we should be aware of when we eat affecting our bodies just as much as what we eat. An interesting experiment with lab mice is also introduced. After reading the article include a short summary of the article or answer the discussion question below.

"Likely the foods that you eat has changed since you came to the US; however possiblu when you eat has changed too. Describe changes to your eating routine since coming to the US. Do you think these changes have affected your health?"

The Pursuit of Happiness: Communication

This article describes a lecture by a professor during BYU Education week, which is a week for community members to enjoy instruction from BYU faculty. The professor discusses the importance of communication and the role of personality in communication. After reading the article include a 4 sentence summary or answer the discussion question below.

"The article uses colors to describe someone's personality. Based on their descriptions what color is your personality. Do you agree with the description of communication that works best for your personality?"

BYU student redefines homemaking

This article introduces a BYU student who has organized an educational show to discuss the changing reality of homemaking. Homemaking is the word used to describe the activities that general a woman with children does to take care of the families need at home. This student believes that the word 'homemaking' is outdated and should be replaced by a more modern and complete picture of what a 'homemaker' does.
After reading the article, provide a 4 sentence summary or an answer to the discussion question below.

"Sometimes women who stay at home instead of working away from the home are criticized for not pursuing regular employment. What is your opinion of homemaking? Is it a desirable 'career' option for women with families?"

US awaits Supreme Court decision on immigration enforcement

This article describes a very controversial issue in the United States currently--illegal immigration. Specifically it discusses the Supreme Court (the highest legal authority in the US) which will decide if the laws one state passed (Arizona) are constitutional. After reading the article include a 4 sentence summary or answer the question below.

"Is illegal immigration a problem or concern in your country too? If it is, explain the consequences and possible solutions to the problem. If it is not, explain why it isn't."

App of the week: The world through an Instagram lens

This article introduces the popular app for many mobile devices Instagram. Instagram allows people to take pictures and share them instantly with family and friends. After reading the article, include a 4 sentence summary or answer the question below in the comments.

"In the last 24 hours describe a moment that you would have liked to take a picture of."

Facebook Boosts Its Initial Stock Price

This article describes Facebook's upcoming public offering. A public offering is when the stock(ownership of a company) can be purchased by the public. Investors are both excited and nervous for this big opportunity. After reading the article respond to the question below or include a 5 sentence summary in the comments below.

How has Facebook changed your life? Do you think it is worth the $100 billion dollars that it is rumored to raise this Friday?

US Investigates JPMorgan's $2 Billion Loss

This article is part of the news coverage of JP Morgan Chase one of the largest banks in the United States that reported earlier in the week that it had made a $2,000,000,000 mistake. That is a really big mistake!!! After reading the article, give a 5 sentence summary or offer a response to the following question.

Have you ever made a 'billion' dollar mistake? How would you feel if you were one of the employees of the bank responsible for the mistake?

BYU professor leads students to more than a first place trophy

This article describes the success of one BYU professor and his students who together successfully won a prestigious engineering contest. The group of students built a hybrid (gas and electric) car as part of a project related to their course of study.

After reading the article answer the following question or leave a short summary of what you read in the article.

Do you agree or disagree with this statement, "The best teaching happens outside of the classroom".

p.s. This group of students often practice in the parking lot North of the ELC.

BYU to participate in Provo Bike Week

This article describes this weeks celebrations surrounding National Bike Week. This week intends to encourage people to use bicycles more than they currently do to get to work and school and enjoy the health benefits of bicycling.

Include in the comments your feelings to this question or a 5 sentence summary.
"Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Only having a bicycle is sufficient for BYU & ELC students. 

Use specific details and examples to support your answer."

CES fireside speaker shares lessons learned by observing trees

This article includes a summary from a fireside given by Elder Marlin K. Jensen a leader in the LDS church. Elder Jensen gave advice to young people comparing our life to trees and what we can learn from trees an apply in our lives.

Include a summary in the comments or answer this discussion question.

"Can you add to the list of ways that successful people are like trees? How else could we compare the life of a tree to our lives?"

Hey, BYU student: Want to be a university president? Here are 5 steps

This article describes certain characteristics that a person should develop if they want to become the president of a university. To develop the main points the authors of the articles use examples from former BYU students who are now university presidents.

Leave a five sentence summary in the comments or answer the following discussion question.

"How would being a university president be different than being the president of a business?"

How to get over your team’s loss

Sports fans will be interested in this article that discusses how to emotionally recover when your favorite sports team loses. It provides 8 steps to help you be positive instead of angry.

Give a 5 sentence summary in the comments or answer this discussion question.

"People can become very emotional watching sports even to the point of crying when their team loses and crying when their team wins. Who is the craziest sports fan you know?"

“Follow His Light” exhibit opens in honor of Mother’s Day

This article highlights an art exhibit that will open Saturday at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, UT. The art exhibit will focus on inspirational artwork with the primary subject matter being Jesus Christ with special interest also on Mothers.

Give a summary in the comments or answer the discussion question below.
"What is the value of seeing art in person? How is seeing an actual work of art different than seeing a picture of that art in a picture online or in a book?"

Yertle the Turtle

Here is the text from Yertle the Turtle. Use it to practice oral reading. Record yourself reading while using enough excitement in your voice to interest a small child. You can find a recording of me reading it in the classes folder or you can watch the YouTube video below!

On the far-away island of Sala-ma-Sond,
Yertle the Turtle was king of the pond.
A nice little pond. It was clean. It was neat.
The water was warm. There was plenty to eat.
The turtles had everything turtles might need.
And they were all happy. Quite happy indeed.

They were… until Yertle, the king of them all,
Decided the kingdom he ruled was too small.
“I’m ruler”, said Yertle, “of all that I see.
But I don’t see enough. That’s the trouble with me.
With this stone for a throne, I look down on my pond
But I cannot look down on the places beyond.
This throne that I sit on is too, too low down.
It ought to be higher!” he said with a frown.
“If I could sit high, how much greater I’d be!
What a king! I’d be ruler of all that I see!”

So Yertle the Turtle King, lifted his hand
And Yertle, the Turtle King, gave a command.
He ordered nine turtles to swim to his stone
And, using these turtles, he built a new throne.
He made each turtle stand on another one’s back
And he piled them all up in a nine-turtle stack.
And then Yertle climbed up. He sat down on the pile.
What a wonderful view! He could see ‘most a mile!

“All mine!” Yertle cried. “Oh, the things I now rule!
I’m the king of a cow! And I’m the king of a mule!
I’m the king of a house! And, what’s more, beyond that
I’m the king of a blueberry bush and a cat!
I’m Yertle the Turtle! Oh, marvelous me!
For I am the ruler of all that I see!”

And all through the morning, he sat up there high
Saying over and over, “A great king am I!”
Until ‘long about noon. Then he heard a faint sigh.
“What’s that?” snapped the king,and he looked down the stack.
And he saw, at the bottom, a turtle named Mack.
Just a part of his throne. And this plain little turtle
Looked up and he said, “Beg your pardon, King Yertle.
I’ve pains in my back and my shoulders and knees.
How long must we stand here, Your Majesty, please?”

“SILENCE!” the King of the Turtles barked back.
“I’m king, and you’re only a turtle named Mack.”

“You stay in your place while I sit here and rule.
I’m the king of a cow! And I’m the king of a mule!
I’m the king of a house! And a bush! And a cat!
But that isn’t all. I’ll do better than that!
My throne shall be higher!” his royal voice thundered,
“So pile up more turtles! I want ’bout two hundred!”

“Turtles! More turtles!” he bellowed and brayed.
And the turtles ‘way down in the pond were afraid.
They trembled. They shook. But they came. They obeyed.
From all over the pond, they came swimming by dozens.
Whole families of turtles, with uncles and cousins.
And all of them stepped on the head of poor Mack.
One after another, they climbed up the stack.

Then Yertle the Turtle was perched up so high,
He could see forty miles from his throne in the sky!
“Hooray!” shouted Yertle. “I’m the king of the trees!
I’m king of the birds! And I’m king of the bees!
I’m king of the butterflies! King of the air!
Ah, me! What a throne! What a wonderful chair!
I’m Yertle the Turtle! Oh, marvelous me!
For I am the ruler of all that I see!”

Then again, from below, in the great heavy stack,
Came a groan from that plain little turtle named Mack.
“Your Majesty, please… I don’t like to complain,
But down here below, we are feeling great pain.
I know, up on top you are seeing great sights,
But down here at the bottom we, too, should have rights.
We turtles can’t stand it. Our shells will all crack!
Besides, we need food. We are starving!” groaned Mack.

“You hush up your mouth!” howled the mighty King Yertle.
“You’ve no right to talk to the world’s highest turtle.
I rule from the clouds! Over land! Over sea!
There’s nothing, no, NOTHING, that’s higher than me!”

But, while he was shouting, he saw with surprise
That the moon of the evening was starting to rise
Up over his head in the darkening skies.
“What’s THAT?” snorted Yertle. “Say, what IS that thing
That dares to be higher than Yertle the King?
I shall not allow it! I’ll go higher still!
I’ll build my throne higher! I can and I will!
I’ll call some more turtles. I’ll stack ‘em to heaven!
I need ’bout five thousand, six hundred and seven!”

But, as Yertle, the Turtle King, lifted his hand
And started to order and give the command,
That plain little turtle below in the stack,
That plain little turtle whose name was just Mack,
Decided he’d taken enough. And he had.
And that plain little lad got a bit mad.
And that plain little Mack did a plain little thing.
He burped!
And his burp shook the throne of the king!

And Yertle the Turtle, the king of the trees,
The king of the air and the birds and the bees,
The king of a house and a cow and a mule…
Well, that was the end of the Turtle King’s rule!
For Yertle, the King of all Sala-ma-Sond,
Fell off his high throne and fell Plunk! in the pond!

And today the great Yertle, that Marvelous he,
Is King of the Mud. That is all he can see.
And the turtles, of course… all the turtles are free
As turtles and, maybe, all creatures should be.

Center Street Businesses Get Federal Facelift

This article from the Daily Universe discusses business in downtown Provo that are getting ready for the new Downtown Provo Convention Center to open.

Include in the comments a five sentence summary of the article or give a supported opinion on this discussion question.

Should a city invest money in repairing old buildings or should they destroy the old buildings and build new modern buildings?