WWII Interview Project Training

Monday, November 30, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving!

I trust all had a blessed Thanksgiving this year! Although it has been a trying and tough year at times, we must say that we have so much to be thankful for. I thought you would appreciate this address given by George Washington:

Thanksgiving Proclamation

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Go: Washington

Friday, November 20, 2009

Always Expect Excellence


Always Expect Excellence! The higher your standards and expectations, the greater amount of things you can achieve.

Nowhere was this more true than in my economics class 3rd hour. We're currently in Chapter 13, which deals with government expenditures as a key driver of the economy. Of course, one major area of government expense is that national budget. I prepared a national budget packet for the students, where they took a look at the pie graph (shown in this post) of the government's expenses every year. 

It was fascinating to hear how some students want to privatize social security, develop an investment plan for it, and gradually eliminate it from the budget. Many more ideas were thrown around and some of them were quite plausible! If you're concerned about the job Congress is currently doing, Economics would certainly offer some bright prospects and hope for the future.

That's not to shortchange my other classes though. World Geography has discovered the traps and dangers of timeshare offers, the water crisis in Haiti, and the wide world of Caribbean Cruise Line negotiations!

US History II just wrapped up its 60s-70s unit- fascinating stuff! Excellent test scores too. Great Job!! Today starts our 3-day study of Las Vegas that will take us into Thanksgiving break.

And last but certainly not least, US History I's major accomplishment is the creation of a newspaper, 1787 style! In the newspaper, John Locke's and Thomas Hobbes' theories on state of nature are included; Shays' Rebellion is discussed, and of course the Philadelphia Convention dominates the "headlines." The articles are written from a journalist's point of view in 1787. It's great!

Countdown to Thanksgiving...3.4 school days away! Have a great weekend!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Berlin Wall Anniversary and Veterans Day

It's a historic week! Today is the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, and Veterans Day is this Wednesday.

Rather than just enjoy a day with no work or school, why not take some time to study up on the history of the day?

Veterans Day's (Armistice Day in some other countries) origins come from World War I, in which the armistice ending fighting was signed. Turns out that it was signed at the 11th hour of the 11th month of November, 1918. If you're wondering why it falls in the middle of the week sometimes, and we just don't make it a Monday or Friday holiday, this is why. The end to the "War to end all wars" was a monumental moment! Sadly, the armistice was more like the official beginning to a 20-year intermission between the two world wars.

Enjoy your day off (if you get one), but please stop and reflect on the importance of Veterans Day, thank a veteran, and appreciate what we have!

Monday, November 2, 2009

Race to the Top

The World Series is in full swing, and the Yankees hopefully will capture their 27th World Championship later this week. However, a more important piece of good news comes straight from my Economics 3rd period class- they're in 7th and racing to the top of the standings!

What am I talking about? The annual Stock Market Game Capitol Challenge, of course! Our sponsor is Representative Richard Myers from our Illinois House district. Economics has two SuperTeams involved in the Stock Market Game, where they buy and sell stock with $100,000 just as they would in real life! Many congratulations are in order for:

SuperTeam 1: Daniel S., John H., Brian D., Dalton H. and Joey S.
SuperTeam 2: Jacob, Alex, Dalton, Bhrea, and Cassie

Congratulations! They are in 7th and 9th place, respectively, and have plenty of time to continue their march to the top. They currently have gained over $1,200 in the Stock Market Game so far this year - great job!

http://stockmarketgame.org/