Driver Pays More than Half Million for Parking Space

Hong Kong just set another property-price record.


Photo via @busrep

https://sg.news.yahoo.com/prized-hong-kong-parking-space-sold-record-664-104700211.html


1)  In what ways are proper nouns used as evidence in this story?  What might convince someone that this was purchased for investment and not personal use?  

2)  In what ways might an American's view on this story be different than a Chinese person?  Why might an American 16 year old think about this differently than a 12 year old?

3)  In what ways is this connected to the last book you read?  To what degree is this connected to your last experience at a store?

4)  How might this story have been different if it were written 20 years ago?  In what ways would this change if the buyer was not a native of Hong Kong?

5)  What are the most significant numbers in the article?  What are some basic assumptions about parking?

Extension Activities:

1)  Students can research the most expensive cities in the world based on a variety of characteristics (etc. GDP per capita, housing, food) and identify primary reasons for the economic conditions.

2)  Students can research and propose alternative parking plans for their school at changing populations.  

China furious after saxophonist appears to back Hong Kong protesters

Kenny G Annoys Both Sides in Hong Kong Protests

Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/oct/22/china-furious-kenny-g-hong-kong-protests
by:  Jonathan Kaiman, Emma Graham-Harrison

1)  How do I know what's true and false in this article?  What more information do I need to know to make a valid opinion on this subject?  Is Kenny G's original tweet or follow-up statement more representative of his true feelings about the protests?  How can he please both the protesters and his fans?          

2)  How might a protester in Hong Kong and a protester in Ferguson, MO view this situation similarly?  Differently?  Can someone be against the protests and still be a fan of Kenny G?  Why might Kenny G's relatives and the children of a prominent Chinese government official have differing opinions?

3)  How is this connected to other protests?  Tienanmen Square?  Have other artists had similar situations?  How is this connected to science?  How is a selfie like a protest?  Like a saxophone?    

4)  What if another star had taken a selfie in the same place? Katy Perry?  Paul McCartney?  Jackie Chan?  Would you have taken a selfie in the same spot?    

5)  How is this important?  Should the opinions of musicians matter in political matters?  Other artists?  Who is affected by this?  Whose perspective is most important?  

Extension Activities:

1)  Students can choose an artist and give them advice on playing a private concert for a known/suspected human rights abuser (i.e. Beyonce playing for Mumar Qaddafi).

2)  Students can write a letter of apology on behalf of Kenny G to the HK protesters/Chinese government/fans.

3)  Students can write a "Do's and Don't's" guidebook regarding selfie etiquette in certain situations like protests, celebrations, funerals and other gatherings.