December 7, 1941
On the quiet Sunday morning of December 7, 1941 no one would have thought that it would be the most devastating day in American history. Just before 8 am the Japanese surprise attacked the American military and naval forces at Pearl Harbor. There were two waves of Japanese airplanes that destroyed 18 of the US battleships and killed or wounded 3,500 American men. When the battleship, the USS Arizona, sank it took over 1,000 men down with it.
Were the Americans warned of this attack? It is said that the US cracked a code from the Japanese and could not get the message about the attack to Pearl Harbor in time. Even the day of the attack the Japanese planes came up on the radar, but were assumed to be US B-17s due to the fact they were flying into the West Coast. So, if the US knew about the surprise attack would they have been able to fight back against the Japanese?
Today, when you take a trip the serene shores of Oahu, you can visit the place where the tragic event happened. You will see the USS Arizona Memorial which was built over the sunken ship. To this day the ship leaks oil into the ocean, and you can see where the American flag flew on that dreadful day.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Santa Claus
Santa Claus is a mythical figure said to bring gifts to all the children of the world, granted they behave all year. The legend of Santa Claus was founded around the image of a monk called St. Nicholas popular around 280 A.D. St. Nicholas was famous for his kind ways and generous attitude. The name “Santa Claus” came from St. Nicholas’s Dutch nickname, Sinter Klass.
Santa Claus is generally depicted in modern American society as a plump jolly man with a red suit and hat, a large white beard, and a bag full of toys. This image first emerged in United States around the 19th century in a picture created by Thomas Nast, then a very popular political cartoonist. Santa is commonly depicted with a red sleigh and nine reindeer flying merrily through the sky.
Legend has it that Santa lands on each child’s roof, hops out of his sleigh with goodies galore, and somehow squeezes his oversized stomach down the chimney in order to leave gifts under the Christmas tree. This generally happens on Christmas Eve, December 24th. He lives at the North Pole with Mrs. Claus and hoards of obedient elves that exist to make toys for Santa.
The legend of Santa Claus is exciting for children; it gives them something to look forward to all year and is a persuasive tool that encourages good behavior. Santa Claus promotes gift giving, celebration, and Christmas cheer.
Santa Claus is popular in many countries, although he is known by a different name in most. He’s usually a symbol of Christmas, gift giving, and generosity and he remains popular with children to this day.
Santa Claus is generally depicted in modern American society as a plump jolly man with a red suit and hat, a large white beard, and a bag full of toys. This image first emerged in United States around the 19th century in a picture created by Thomas Nast, then a very popular political cartoonist. Santa is commonly depicted with a red sleigh and nine reindeer flying merrily through the sky.
Legend has it that Santa lands on each child’s roof, hops out of his sleigh with goodies galore, and somehow squeezes his oversized stomach down the chimney in order to leave gifts under the Christmas tree. This generally happens on Christmas Eve, December 24th. He lives at the North Pole with Mrs. Claus and hoards of obedient elves that exist to make toys for Santa.
The legend of Santa Claus is exciting for children; it gives them something to look forward to all year and is a persuasive tool that encourages good behavior. Santa Claus promotes gift giving, celebration, and Christmas cheer.
Santa Claus is popular in many countries, although he is known by a different name in most. He’s usually a symbol of Christmas, gift giving, and generosity and he remains popular with children to this day.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Leonard Peltier and the Pine Ridge Shootout
The Incident at Pine Ridge
The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is a large plot of land located in the southwest corner of South Dakota. It was set aside by the United States government in 1889 for the Oglala Sioux Native American tribe and since then, has been mired in both financial and legal problems almost continually. Pine Ridge is the eighth largest reservation in the U.S. and also the poorest. Unemployment and suicide run rampant on the reservation and life expectancy for the area is the lowest in the country. With these facts, you can correctly surmise that crime is a major problem for the Native and U.S. government in and around Pine Ridge, South Dakota. One of the most well known shootouts in recent history occurred here in 1975.
On June 26th, 1975, two FBI agents, Jack Coler and Ron Williams, entered the reservation with the intention of arresting a young Native American for an earlier crime he was accused of. The tension had been running high between the FBI and AIM (the American Indian Movement) because of prior circumstances between Native American groups and the U.S. government dating back to the 1800’s. The Oglala Sioux regarded the two agent’s act as trespassing and the situation on the reservation declined quickly. A shootout between the two FBI agents and several members of the tribe began and the two agents were quickly caught in crossfire. The shootout ended sadly when residents of the reservation executed the two wounded men.
Much was (and still is) made about the search for the agent’s killer or killers. Two men, Robert Robideau and Dino Butler, turned themselves in after an extensive manhunt, and were acquitted on controversial evidence. Another man, Leonard Peltier, was caught and convicted of the murders. Peltier’s trial is the subject of much debate as there is feeling (whether perceived or real is up for questioning) that there was a lack of nominal evidence in his case and the verdict is tainted. Mr. Peltier currently resides in prison in Lewisburg, PA awaiting parole.
Michael Roberts
Section 005
The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is a large plot of land located in the southwest corner of South Dakota. It was set aside by the United States government in 1889 for the Oglala Sioux Native American tribe and since then, has been mired in both financial and legal problems almost continually. Pine Ridge is the eighth largest reservation in the U.S. and also the poorest. Unemployment and suicide run rampant on the reservation and life expectancy for the area is the lowest in the country. With these facts, you can correctly surmise that crime is a major problem for the Native and U.S. government in and around Pine Ridge, South Dakota. One of the most well known shootouts in recent history occurred here in 1975.
On June 26th, 1975, two FBI agents, Jack Coler and Ron Williams, entered the reservation with the intention of arresting a young Native American for an earlier crime he was accused of. The tension had been running high between the FBI and AIM (the American Indian Movement) because of prior circumstances between Native American groups and the U.S. government dating back to the 1800’s. The Oglala Sioux regarded the two agent’s act as trespassing and the situation on the reservation declined quickly. A shootout between the two FBI agents and several members of the tribe began and the two agents were quickly caught in crossfire. The shootout ended sadly when residents of the reservation executed the two wounded men.
Much was (and still is) made about the search for the agent’s killer or killers. Two men, Robert Robideau and Dino Butler, turned themselves in after an extensive manhunt, and were acquitted on controversial evidence. Another man, Leonard Peltier, was caught and convicted of the murders. Peltier’s trial is the subject of much debate as there is feeling (whether perceived or real is up for questioning) that there was a lack of nominal evidence in his case and the verdict is tainted. Mr. Peltier currently resides in prison in Lewisburg, PA awaiting parole.
Michael Roberts
Section 005
Ther Black Plaque
Lindsay Ash
11-2-09
Eng-289-008
High School Textbook
Professor Domet
The Black Death
The Black Death was one of the deadliest pandemics in history. Within three years, from 1348 through 1351 it decimated half of Europe’s population, leading to religious, social, and economic upheaval. It would take 150 years for Europe’s population to recover. Having no defense against the pestilence or understanding of the cause of it, the people of Europe were devastated.
The Black Death likely began in Asia, and spread to Europe through trading routes. The disease was very contagious, and death occurred only a few days after symptoms began. The illness was bubonic plague, an organism carried by rodents and then transmitted by fleas to humans. Characteristics of the illness included swelling and infection of the lymph nodes, known as buboes. The blackish coloring of the skin due to the swellings is responsible for the name “The Black Death.” The virulence, the grotesque appearence of the victims, and the terrible pain, all served to make the disease especially terrifying.
Every part of the economy was disrupted by the plague. Financial business was disrupted since debtors died and could not pay their debts, often not only had just the debtor died, but the whole family, so there was no one to collect from. Construction projects stopped due to the shortage of skilled laborers. Farms and entire villages died out. Whole families died. Crops and animals died. The massive amount of death and devastation changed the way people viewed God. They wondered why he would allow such a massive loss of life to happen. Artistic style became macabre. Artists painted skeletons dancing with the living, and some sculpted half decomposing bodies.
The Black Plague devastated Europe in the fourteenth century. The virulence of the disease and the terrifying aftermath changed Europe for years to come.
11-2-09
Eng-289-008
High School Textbook
Professor Domet
The Black Death
The Black Death was one of the deadliest pandemics in history. Within three years, from 1348 through 1351 it decimated half of Europe’s population, leading to religious, social, and economic upheaval. It would take 150 years for Europe’s population to recover. Having no defense against the pestilence or understanding of the cause of it, the people of Europe were devastated.
The Black Death likely began in Asia, and spread to Europe through trading routes. The disease was very contagious, and death occurred only a few days after symptoms began. The illness was bubonic plague, an organism carried by rodents and then transmitted by fleas to humans. Characteristics of the illness included swelling and infection of the lymph nodes, known as buboes. The blackish coloring of the skin due to the swellings is responsible for the name “The Black Death.” The virulence, the grotesque appearence of the victims, and the terrible pain, all served to make the disease especially terrifying.
Every part of the economy was disrupted by the plague. Financial business was disrupted since debtors died and could not pay their debts, often not only had just the debtor died, but the whole family, so there was no one to collect from. Construction projects stopped due to the shortage of skilled laborers. Farms and entire villages died out. Whole families died. Crops and animals died. The massive amount of death and devastation changed the way people viewed God. They wondered why he would allow such a massive loss of life to happen. Artistic style became macabre. Artists painted skeletons dancing with the living, and some sculpted half decomposing bodies.
The Black Plague devastated Europe in the fourteenth century. The virulence of the disease and the terrifying aftermath changed Europe for years to come.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Portfolio II part III
Brent Archibald
Professor Domet
English 289 014
2 November 2009
The Obsession of Money
Warren Buffett the world’s second richest man is known for his incredibly large fortune. Today he is worth over $50 billion dollars more than some countries. However Warren Buffett’s fame and notoriety has grown right along with his bank account. His financial knowledge has influenced several books, websites, and influences the stock market in the investments he makes. This extreme wealth can be traced back to his hard work ethic back in high school delivering papers and reading about stocks. Warren has amassed his fortune largely by buying big brand name companies when they are what he considers cheap in the stock market. Some examples of the companies that he owns are Coca-Cola, Procter and Gamble, and Johnson & Johnson just to name a few. He can help young people to if you only pay attention to his frugal habits.
While we may not be as obsessed with making money there are many life lessons to be learned from a man like Warren Buffett. These lessons that we could learn from Buffett would benefit younger people. He believes that you should not own a credit card because of the serious amount of interest that they charge. Warren also believes in only buying what you need and not buying many toys. This is how he lives his life too. Consider this, he could buy anything in the world yet has only one car and a house he bought over forty years ago.
Warren reads on average six or more hours a day saying that there are billion dollar ideas in newspapers. Start early on saving your money and investing it is a huge piece of advice we can learn from one of the richest men in the world. Remember that Warren was young once too and lacked the knowledge and the income, but if you work hard and are determined to succeed you to will be an American success story. If more people follow Warrens lead at an earlier age, by not spending so much money they will be amazed at how a small amount of money can grow. Now let’s start today and maybe one day you too will have fifty billion in the bank.
Professor Domet
English 289 014
2 November 2009
The Obsession of Money
Warren Buffett the world’s second richest man is known for his incredibly large fortune. Today he is worth over $50 billion dollars more than some countries. However Warren Buffett’s fame and notoriety has grown right along with his bank account. His financial knowledge has influenced several books, websites, and influences the stock market in the investments he makes. This extreme wealth can be traced back to his hard work ethic back in high school delivering papers and reading about stocks. Warren has amassed his fortune largely by buying big brand name companies when they are what he considers cheap in the stock market. Some examples of the companies that he owns are Coca-Cola, Procter and Gamble, and Johnson & Johnson just to name a few. He can help young people to if you only pay attention to his frugal habits.
While we may not be as obsessed with making money there are many life lessons to be learned from a man like Warren Buffett. These lessons that we could learn from Buffett would benefit younger people. He believes that you should not own a credit card because of the serious amount of interest that they charge. Warren also believes in only buying what you need and not buying many toys. This is how he lives his life too. Consider this, he could buy anything in the world yet has only one car and a house he bought over forty years ago.
Warren reads on average six or more hours a day saying that there are billion dollar ideas in newspapers. Start early on saving your money and investing it is a huge piece of advice we can learn from one of the richest men in the world. Remember that Warren was young once too and lacked the knowledge and the income, but if you work hard and are determined to succeed you to will be an American success story. If more people follow Warrens lead at an earlier age, by not spending so much money they will be amazed at how a small amount of money can grow. Now let’s start today and maybe one day you too will have fifty billion in the bank.
The Short Life of a Legend
Lou Gehrig, the son of poor German immigrants living in Upper Manhattan, New York City, the only one of four children to survive infancy, became one of the greatest baseball players to ever live. Known to be a “mama’s boy” growing up, he did everything he could to fulfill her dreams for him.
She wanted him to consider engineering as a career, so Lou went to Columbia University to study. While at Columbia University he also played baseball. During his freshman year the Yankees offered him a contract and he took it; going against his mother’s wishes for the first time. He spent a couple of years in the Minors before making it to the Yankees squad in 1925. During his first game with the team he pinch hit. The next day he started at first base for the other first baseman, Wally Pipp, who had a headache. From that day on, Lou Gehrig played in 2,130 consecutive baseball games over a fifteen year period. Because of this incredible feat he acquired the nickname, “The Iron Horse.”
However, in the spring of 1939, Gehrig would start feeling weak and sluggish and unable to perform at such a high standard as he did the previous fourteen years. On May 2, 1939, Gehrig removed himself from the lineup and went to the famous Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Before leaving the clinic, doctors told Gehrig that he had an incurable form of paralysis named Amyotrophic Lateral Syndrome (ALS); now known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
On July 4, 1939, less than a month after he found out he was terminally ill, fans held a Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium. On this day, knowing he was going to die, in front of over 60,000 fans, he delivered his “Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth” speech. On June 2, 1941, exactly sixteen years after his first game, Lou Gehrig passed away.
Nathan Blanton
Section 005
She wanted him to consider engineering as a career, so Lou went to Columbia University to study. While at Columbia University he also played baseball. During his freshman year the Yankees offered him a contract and he took it; going against his mother’s wishes for the first time. He spent a couple of years in the Minors before making it to the Yankees squad in 1925. During his first game with the team he pinch hit. The next day he started at first base for the other first baseman, Wally Pipp, who had a headache. From that day on, Lou Gehrig played in 2,130 consecutive baseball games over a fifteen year period. Because of this incredible feat he acquired the nickname, “The Iron Horse.”
However, in the spring of 1939, Gehrig would start feeling weak and sluggish and unable to perform at such a high standard as he did the previous fourteen years. On May 2, 1939, Gehrig removed himself from the lineup and went to the famous Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Before leaving the clinic, doctors told Gehrig that he had an incurable form of paralysis named Amyotrophic Lateral Syndrome (ALS); now known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
On July 4, 1939, less than a month after he found out he was terminally ill, fans held a Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium. On this day, knowing he was going to die, in front of over 60,000 fans, he delivered his “Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth” speech. On June 2, 1941, exactly sixteen years after his first game, Lou Gehrig passed away.
Nathan Blanton
Section 005
On the evening of July 20th, 1969 a small lander called Eagle slowed itself as it descended toward the surface of the moon. The two men inside stood like the Wright brothers, not knowing the impact of their feats. Suddenly they spotted their incoming target. Instead of the level landing area in the Apollo 11 flight plan, they were aimed for an enormous crater, surrounded by large boulders.
The problem was not completely unexpected. Shortly after Armstrong and his companion had begun their dive for the surface, they checked against landmarks and realized that they were going to land some distance past their planned target. There were also other complications. Communications with earth had been breaking up. This unprecedented landing was the most dangerous part of the flight.
Armstrong said nothing to ground control about the incoming crater. Now the men in the control room in Houston realized something was wrong. Only 5% of Eagle's fuel remained. One minute to go and every man in the control center was holding his breath. Failure would be devastating now. Next came some famous words from Neil Armstrong, "Tranquillity Base here. The Eagle has landed."
Inside the spacecraft, Armstrong and Aldrin made sure they could get home again. Once set and ready, the two men stepped out of the Eagle, and set the American flag. Finally they exclaimed exactly what they had achieved, "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind."
Bryan Pitstick
Section 014
The problem was not completely unexpected. Shortly after Armstrong and his companion had begun their dive for the surface, they checked against landmarks and realized that they were going to land some distance past their planned target. There were also other complications. Communications with earth had been breaking up. This unprecedented landing was the most dangerous part of the flight.
Armstrong said nothing to ground control about the incoming crater. Now the men in the control room in Houston realized something was wrong. Only 5% of Eagle's fuel remained. One minute to go and every man in the control center was holding his breath. Failure would be devastating now. Next came some famous words from Neil Armstrong, "Tranquillity Base here. The Eagle has landed."
Inside the spacecraft, Armstrong and Aldrin made sure they could get home again. Once set and ready, the two men stepped out of the Eagle, and set the American flag. Finally they exclaimed exactly what they had achieved, "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind."
Bryan Pitstick
Section 014
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