MORA

2012 RAP
Most significant events of 2012 as seen by Google

“We each live our stories and we learn most from the stories of others. When you feel alone, you can find community in stories; when you weaken, you can find strength; when you are disheartened, you can find resolve; when you are down, you can be lifted; when you feel pain, you can find comfort; when you question, you can find inspiration;
when you tire, you can find new energy; when you wonder why, you can find inspiration.” – Louis Schmier

Elements of a Short Story video
Short Story of the Day
Figurative Language video
Figurative Language: Idioms
Advice on writing
Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling
Synonyms for words commonly used in student writing
16 Literary Techniques explained by Disney

“As I see it, a short story is like a child’s kite – a small wonder, a brief, bright wonder.” – Sean O’Faolain

Writer’s Block 911
Creative Writing Prompts

Election Maps
Social & Economic World Maps

“Reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life.” -Mortimer J. Adler

Need suggestions for what to read next? Maybe ask The Book Seer:click here
Watch how a little bookmark has a great adventure when the book is open:click here
Book lists of young adult fiction: click here
writer, Ally Carter, describes how “The Outsiders” changed her life click here

“The books that help you most are those which make you think the most. The hardest way of learning is that of easy reading; but a great book that comes from a great thinker is a ship of thought, deep freighted with truth and beauty.” -Theodore Parker (1810 – 1860)

How does geography shape culture?
A Life of Constant Thirst
Extreme World: Hot and Cold
Where Children Sleep
The Places We Live

How is culture shared and should it be?
Brand Maasai: Why nomads might trademark their name
Amazon Chief’s Son Moves to New York
The Rise of the Maori Tribal Tattoo

Maybe change in a culture isn’t a slow, difficult process after all? What’s going on here?
Friends will be there for you at Beijing’s Central Perk

Speaking of changes in culture — high heels were once a symbol of masculinity and men were the first to wear them! Don’t believe me? Check it out:
Why did men stop wearing high heels?

How do cultural values change over time?
Why Drinking Tea Was Once Considered A Dangerous Habit

Once a cultural hub, Timbuktu (yes, it’s a real city!) is not the hotspot it once was.
From Here To Timbuktu: Myth And Reality At The World’s Edge

New York Times
Timeline

Behind the Name
Baby Names

Jump Back in Time
Historical Eras
US History Timeline
American Cultural History Timeline
CIA World Factbook

Cain’s Arcade
From Homeless to Harvard