Caption of the Week

By Scott Olson, Getty Images

Rich Yaeger protests Monday at the Capitol in Madison, Wis. Protesters remained inside on the eve of Gov. Walker's budget address.

Funny Parody of President Obama - Blame it on the Economy

Video courtesy of Karina Rivas's blog.  This is funny.

American Government 2/28/11

In Class - WHIP.  Continue with documentary "Stupid in America."  Continue to take observation notes while watching.

Homework - Hand out articles.  Summarize both articles and write a synthesis comparing and contrasting the main arguments of the articles.  This is due at the beginning of class tomorrow.  UPDATE YOUR BLOGS!!! 

Question of the Week will be posted tomorrow.  Need to finish my grading, and I don't have a quality writing prompt as of yet.

World History 2/28/11

In Class - Class notes - Europe Between the Wars 1919-1939. 

Homework - Read Chapter 13, Section 2.  Quiz tomorrow over chapter 13, Sections 1 and 2.

EXTRA CREDIT TOMORROW BEFORE SCHOOL.  SHOW UP @6:30.

Good Night Bloggers

Sunday, the day of supposed rest

Just thought I would take some time and share some of my thoughts.  For those interested, keep reading.  If you're not, then to each their own.  No worries.  But if you have read thus far, I suppose you may want to engage your curiousity and keep reading. 

I realize that life is too short.  We owe it to ourselves and our fellow brothers and sisters to lead the best life humanly possible.  We need to start accepting and molding our talents to our life goals.  We need to contemplate post secondary education.  We need to accept responsibility that life is what you make it.  I guarantee the life will give you lemons, and it is up to us to strive to surpass even our own expectations and make the best damn lemonade ever.  Want to be the best in everything that you do.  Challenge yourself, in all aspects of your life, to achieve perfection.  Now I realize that perfection seems to be impossible, however, in order to achieve perfection, excellence is expected.  You must have the drive and motivation to achieve excellence because doing so will bring you one step closer to perfection.  It all starts with you. 

Thanks for reading, and I will you leave with a quote that pretty much says it all.


"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."Mahatma Gandhi

American Government 2/25/11

In Class - Begin watching "Stupid in America."  Take some observation notes regarding what you see and hear.  Also, write down any questions that you might have regarding education in the United States.

Homework - Keep updating your blog.  QOW response due by 11:59 tonight.

World History 2/25/11

In Class - Turn in homework (Chapter 13, Section 1 Quiz and Primary Sources).  Class notes - Cultural and Societal changes in the US in the post WWI era.  Short video discussing Prohibition.

Homework - Read Chapter 13, Section 2 for Monday.  Be prepared for a short quiz on Monday over Chapter 13, Section 1 and 2.

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY ON MONDAY MORNING BEFORE SCHOOL AT 6:30.

American Government 2/24/11

In Class - WHIP.  Discuss education political cartoons. 

Homework - QOW due on Friday.  Keep updating your blog.

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY TOMORROW BEFORE SCHOOL AT 6:30.  JUST SHOW UP.

World History 2/24/11

In Class - Class discussion/lecture - education. 

Homework - Complete Chapter 13, Section 1 Quiz and Primary Sources.

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY TOMORROW BEFORE SCHOOL.

American Government 2/23/11

In Class - WHIP.  Introduction to education (reform).  Rate your educational experience (scale from 1-10).  Explain why you decided to rate it as such.  Discuss as a class.

Homework - QOW due by Friday.  Keep updating your blog.

World History 2/23/11

In Class - Continue discussion of the revolutions in the Middle East and North Africa.  Discuss your homework and how the current revolutions relate to the nations seeking self-determination in the post World War I era.

Homework - Read Chapter 13, Section 1.  Complete the handout (Section quiz and primary sources).

Caption of the Week

Justin Bieber attends the "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" Paris premiere on February 17, 2011 in Paris, France. (Photo credit: Francois Durand/Getty Images for Paramount)

Post a comment (one or two short sentences) regarding the following picture.  All students that participate will receive extra credit, however, the winners (one per class) will receive additional extra credit.

The winners for this week's Caption of the Week are:
1st Period - Kevin Pacheco
2nd Period - Ramon Rivera
4th Period - Joana Moncada and Jimmy Alonso (tie)

American Government 2/22/11

In Class - WHIPS (get caught up on these).

Homework - Start blogging again for this week.  QOW due by Friday @ 11:59 pm.

QOW - Think about your public education over the past twelve years of your life.  On a scale from 1-10 (1 being low and 10 being high), how would you rate your education?  Why did you rate your education this way (positives/negatives)?  Do you think your education has prepared you for the next stage in your life?  Why or why not?  Have you taken advantages of all of the opportunities given to you in your education?  Be honest with yourself and really take some time to do quality work.

No need for citations this week, however, please do not include names of teachers.  This is an opportunity to share your thoughts, but not an opportunity to bash anyone.  This is due by Friday, February 25 by 11:59 pm.

World History 2/22/11

In Class - Discuss current revolutions in the Arab world (Middle East and North Africa) and compare these revolutions to the post World War I era.  Short video clips.

Homework - Go on Youtube and pick two of the countries that we discussed today in class (Tunisia, Algeria, Sudan, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Bahrain, Palestine, Libya, Jordan, Syria).  Watch some of the first hand accounts of the videos posted and be prepared to discuss this tomorrow in class.

SHORT QUIZ TOMORROW OVER CHAPTER 11, SECTION 5 AND CHAPTER 12 - SEE OUTLINE FROM HANDOUT.

EXTRA CREDIT OPPORTUNITY TOMORROW BEFORE SCHOOL.  SHOW UP AT 6:30.

Egypt's Protest Explained

"Egypt's Protest Explained."  Abigail Hauslohner.  TIME.com. 

TIME.com reporter Abigail Hauslohner explains the events of Egypt's revolution.

Tunisia, Arab Youth, Rebellion and Twitter

"Tunisia, Arab Youth, Rebellion and Twitter."  TIME.com.

Summary of the Tunisian Revolution that really was the first Arab nation to begin its revolution.

Revolutions - Nation by Nation

"Unrest in the Middle East and North Africa -- country by country."  CNN Wire Staff.  CNN.com.  February 21, 2011.

CNN breaks down the nations facing peaceful demonstrations and the reasons behind the actions.

Viva La Revolution

"Why There's No Turning Back in the Middle East"  Fareed Zakaria.  February 17, 2011.

Considering all of the recent protests and unrest in the Middle East and Africa, protestors are demanding democratic changes and challenging the reign of long standing dictators.  Some of the protests have turned violent.  Where does the Middle East go from here?  Where does it leave the United States?

American Government 2/11/11

In Class - Class discussion over the Islamic Cultural Center in NYC.  You must participate in order to receive your points.  Turn in K-W-L Chart, 4-Square Chart, and Group Analysis.

Homework - SOTU project due by 11:59 tonight, posted on your blog.  Discussion Reflection is due by Wednesday, February 16 by 11:59 pm posted on your blog.

Have a great break!!!

World History 2/11/11

In Class - Discuss chart comparing Russian, French, and American Revolutions.  Hand out Chapter 11, Section 5 and Chapter 12 Notes and Standard Check Handouts (this is due on the Tuesday we come back).

Homework - Standard Check Handouts (3) due on Tuesday, February 22.  Also, we will be having a short test on Chapter 11, Section 5 and Chapter 12 on Wednesday, February 23.

Have a wonderful break!!!

American Government 2/10/11

In Class - Complete the public opinion poll analysis.  Prepare for tomorrow's class discussion.

Homework - Prepare for tomorrow's class discussion.  SOTU project due tomorrow, posted on your blog.  Update your blog.

World History 2/10/11

In Class - Discuss handouts from Tuesday (Ch. 7/11, Section 5).  Briefly discuss the video from Wednesday: Last of the Czars: Revolution.

Homework - None.

American Government 2/9/11

In Class - Continue group work from yesterday.  Use your class time wisely.

Homework - Update blog.  SOTU project due on Friday.  Class discussion Friday.

World History 2/9/11

In Class - Turn in homework (Chapter 7 and Chapter 11, Sections 5 Quizzes).  Video: Last of the Czars: Revolution.  You are to take notes on the back of the handout from the video as you watch.  Complete the questions.

Homework - Finish the video handout (and chart) for tomorrow.

American Government 2/8/11

In Class - Choose your groups and start analyzing the results from your Public Opinion Polls.  Work diligently in your groups, for I do not know how much class time you will have to complete this.

Homework - Update your blog.  SOTU project is due on Friday, February 11.  Class discussion on Friday over the Islamic Cultural Center.

World History 2/8/11

In Class - By yourself, complete questions 1-30 (Review of World War I).  Turn in when you are complete.  Work on the homework when you are finished (Chapter 7, Section 5 / Chapter 11, Section 5 Quizzes - Russian Revolutions).

Homework - 2 Quizzes due tomorrow at the beginning of class.

1,000

It's crazy to think that this is the 1,000th post on this blog.  I have so many people to thank.  First of all, I want to thank Walden University for giving me the tools and ideas to make this blog a reality.  Secondly, I would like to thank my wife, for I know there have been several late nights where she stuck by me through the good and the bad.  Thirdly, I would like to thank Queenie (RIP) for giving me so many life lessons to blog about.  Finally, I want to thank you, my students.  Without you, none of this would be possible.  I am grateful for the knowledge that I have gained while putting this blog together and the fact that it really has become a wonderful tool of education in and out of the classroom.  Thank you.

Team Jesus vs. Team Mohammed

Wyatt Cenac and Aasif Mandvi debate the issue of religion in this video.  Interesting comedy discussing 1st Amendment rights for freedom of religion.

Extremist Makeover: Homeland Edition

Interesting take from the Daily Show on the Islamic Cultural Center in NYC.

American Government 2/7/11

In Class - WHIP.  Turn in homework from last week (Public Opinion Questions).  I will give credit based on completion.  If you haven't completed this, then it must be done for tomorrow.  Discuss the Public Opinion Analysis, which you will complete in groups starting tomorrow.

Homework - Update your blog.  SOTU project due posted on your blog by Friday, February 11.  Class discussion on Friday over the proposed Islamic Community Center in NYC.

World History 2/7/11

In Class - Discussion over topics from World War I.  Each student will present their research over the topic in which they found interesting.  You must participate in order to receive points.

Homework - Benchmark review tomorrow.

Mike McCarthy's Kansas Roots

"Green Bay Coach's Game Plan Began in Kansas." Greg Eichlin. NPR.org. February 2, 2011.

Head Coach of the Green Bay Packers started his playing days at a small school in Kansas, Baker University.  From there, he jumped around the NFL and has led his team to a Super Bowl win.  It all started in Kansas at the greatest university in the world, Baker University.

Islamic Cultural Center has new identity

"Islamic Center Near Ground Zero Gets New Imam" Associated Press. CBSNews.com.  January 14, 2011.

The "public face" of the Islamic Cultural Center to be built in New York City has decided to step down and focus on other initiatives.  Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, the man that proposed the cultural center has decided to focus his energy on creating a global movement to fight extremism and build religious tolerance among the many religious faiths in the world.

World War I resource - World History

Created by a school teacher, this is a great resource about a number of different topics.  Find something that interests you.

World War I resources - World History

From PBS.org, "The Great War."  Excellent overall resource.

American Government 2/4/11

In Class - Continue to work in groups discussing the Islamic Center Controversy in NYC.  Use the articles and write down the main points and arguments from each article.  Hand out "Sacred spaces" by Nancy Gibbs.  This is an interesting article.  All you need to do is read it.  Hand out article analysis worksheet (4 squares).  In each of the squares, write down the main arguments for and against including the evidence from the articles.  Complete the paragraph on the bottom or back page.  This is due on Thursday for our class discussion.

Homework - Poll Opinion questions (10 Interviews) are due on Monday for analysis.  Make sure this is done.  Update your blog.  SOTU project due by next Friday, February 11.

World History 2/4/11

In Class - Finish posters from yesterday.  Each group will discuss the main points from each section.  Students listening will write down the key terms and words for each section as review.

Homework - Come prepared on Monday to discuss.  You are to select something from World War I (anything related to the topic) that interests you.  You don't have to write anything, just come prepared to discuss this in class.  This is worth points, so come prepared.

American Government 2/3/11

In Class - WHIP.  Continue group work from yesterday (Mosque Controversy in NYC).  Analyze articles, write down the citation along with the main arguments. 

Homework - Public Opinion Poll due completed on Monday.  You will need this on Monday to participate in class.  Keep updating your blog.  SOTU project due next Friday.

World History 2/3/11

In Class - Group work: World War I Review.  Divide large paper and draw the key terms for each section.  Focus on the standards to help you along with what we have covered in class, homework, tests, and quizzes.

Homework - Watch the news.

Cordoba Initiative

This is the website of the group that proposed the building of the Islamic Community Center in NYC.  Excellent resource.

American Government 2/2/11

In Class - WHIPS.  Continue to discuss the issue of the Islamic Community Center in NYC.  Short video clip from documentary "God in America."  Hand out poll questions concerning the topic.  Group Work: article analysis.

Homework - Keep updating your blog.  Interviews (10) for the poll questions is due on Monday, February 7.  SOTU project due on Friday, February 11.

World History 2/2/11

In Class - Briefly discuss the World War I test.  Class discussion regarding student performance to date.

Homework - Watch the news.

Egypt Protests Turn Violent

"New gunfire erupts in central Cairo."  CNN Wire Staff.  CNN.com. February 3, 2011.

Peaceful protests in Egypt turn violent with heavy gunfire and violent actions.  The reform movement was met by pro-Mubarak supporters in Tahrir Square to break up the nine day protest, which many reports claim the violence was "state sponsored."

State of the Union Project

Obama's Statement on Egypt

"Obama says Egypt's transition 'must begin now'"  CNN Wire Staff.  CNN.com. February 1, 2011.

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak has vowed to not run for reelection.  In the thirty years of oppression under the rule of Mubarak, Mr. Obama stated that now begins a new history and new relationship.  The United States' main ally in the Arab world is Egypt; Egypt is also a vital partner in the Middle East peace process along with their treaty with Israel.

Interesting statements made by the President seeking for change and peaceful reform in Egypt.

Muslim Brotherhood

"Where does Muslim Brotherhood fit in Egypt's movement?" Carrie Rosefsky Wickham.  CNN.com. February 1, 2011.

Political science professor Carrie Rosefsky Wickham elaborates on the protests in Egypt and highlights how this movement in Egypt is connected through the use of social networking and technology.  These shebab (youth) are not as much connected through ideology but rather the desire and want for reform.

Interesting perspective on rights that we sometimes take for granted.

American Government 2/1/11

In Class - WHIPS.  Introduction to new topic: NYC Mosque controversy.  Begin the K-W-L chart.  Keep filling this in as we progress throughout our class discussions.

Homework - Class discussion reflection over health care needs to be posted to your blog by 11:59 tonight.  SOTU Wordle project due on Friday, February 11.  Keep updating your blog.

NOTE - I will be working on the issues with Wordle.  If you have questions, try working through them.  If it works, excellent, then please give this information to your classmates.  If not, then perhaps we can collaborate on the issue.

World History 2/1/11

In Class - Take Part II (Short Answer) of the WWI test.  If you completed your review sheet, then staple this to the back of your answer sheet.

Homework - Watch the news.