In the Vietnam war of the communists vs the French and, later, the US, the Viet Cong guerillas fought an effective low-tech conflict.
Booby traps, ambush, use of tunnels: the communists were canny.
But they won the allegiance of many Vietnamese people in a harsh way: through murder of community leaders. Today we performed a skit in which the VC force the people to choose between hiding and feeding the guerillas and living a peaceful, impoverished farming life.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Hue, Vietnam: the ancient capital has the Imperial City and is filled with pagodas
18 Feb 2005 - Hue, Vietnam - Venerable Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh returns to Vietnam after a 40 year ban was lifted. Hanh, 79, was banned in 1966 for his role in trying to end the violence. Hanh is a respected writer, scholar, & leader.
Originally uploaded by photongo
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Southeast Asia, nations with rising economies and, even, deposits of petroleum
Once called Indochina because the nations are tucked under India and China, the region of Southeast Asia has valuable resources (mahogany, spices, rubber, oil, etc) and a growing population ready to compete for a good lifestyle.
Identifications -
Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand.
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Da Nang.
Mekong River, South China Sea.
Americans and Europeans visit this region to buy jewelry, gems, furniture and fabrics. The trade in sex and drugs is also well-documented. Increasingly, manufacturing of consumer goods is a part of life in Vietnam and its neighbors.
Identifications -
Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand.
Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Da Nang.
Mekong River, South China Sea.
Americans and Europeans visit this region to buy jewelry, gems, furniture and fabrics. The trade in sex and drugs is also well-documented. Increasingly, manufacturing of consumer goods is a part of life in Vietnam and its neighbors.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Historic sources and scholarship in the social studies
In the Vietnam veteran interview you will be working with what we call a primary source.
When you read a book, encyclopedia or textbook you are getting info from what we call a tertiary source, or third hand.
When you read a newspaper or see a documentary, we call it info from a secondary source.
When you observe or talk directly to an observer of an event we call it a primary source. Using primary sources in addition to secondary and tertiary sources is a goal of an effective social studies class.
When you read a book, encyclopedia or textbook you are getting info from what we call a tertiary source, or third hand.
When you read a newspaper or see a documentary, we call it info from a secondary source.
When you observe or talk directly to an observer of an event we call it a primary source. Using primary sources in addition to secondary and tertiary sources is a goal of an effective social studies class.
Vietnam Veteran interview due Th, Feb 21
First, please see the Five presidents in Vietnam Project, below. It is due Th, Feb 14. Having done the Five Pres report, you will have enough background to comfortably interview a Vietnam war veteran.
Question and answer format is fine. It should be about 1 typed page in length.
1. Name, branch of service.
2. Years served in Vietnam.
3. Your responsibilities in the service while in Vietnam.
4. Locations you visted in Vietnam and East Asia. In which place did you stay the longest?
5. The terrain of the Vietnam you observed.
6. Climate that you experienced?
7. Describe the people of Vietnam. Comment on their economy, their appearance and psychology.
8. What changes have occurred in your attitude toward the US role in Vietnam?
9. What should teens learn about the war?
10. Your favorite book or movie about the war?
If the veteran declines to answer a question or two, it is OK. Please record any reason he might have offered for declining.
If the vet seems talkative and helpful, please ask additional questions. This project, believe it or not, becomes part of history. It might be used in Am Hist class or another project.
Note-taking? It is not easy to scribble all the answers as well as you'd like to when doing an interview. If you have the ability to record the interview it will give you an advantage. Cassette tape recorders work well. Computers also have a recording function built in. You can record with a videocam or camera, too. Remember to get the person's mouth and the mic as close as possible.
Question and answer format is fine. It should be about 1 typed page in length.
1. Name, branch of service.
2. Years served in Vietnam.
3. Your responsibilities in the service while in Vietnam.
4. Locations you visted in Vietnam and East Asia. In which place did you stay the longest?
5. The terrain of the Vietnam you observed.
6. Climate that you experienced?
7. Describe the people of Vietnam. Comment on their economy, their appearance and psychology.
8. What changes have occurred in your attitude toward the US role in Vietnam?
9. What should teens learn about the war?
10. Your favorite book or movie about the war?
If the veteran declines to answer a question or two, it is OK. Please record any reason he might have offered for declining.
If the vet seems talkative and helpful, please ask additional questions. This project, believe it or not, becomes part of history. It might be used in Am Hist class or another project.
Note-taking? It is not easy to scribble all the answers as well as you'd like to when doing an interview. If you have the ability to record the interview it will give you an advantage. Cassette tape recorders work well. Computers also have a recording function built in. You can record with a videocam or camera, too. Remember to get the person's mouth and the mic as close as possible.
Five presidents in Vietnam project / John F. Kennedy 1917 - 1963
Vietnam Conflict Timeline project:
- 15 pts.
- based on brief, bulleted notes.
- due Th, Feb 12.
- try to contain the project on a total of 2 pages.
Include -
a. 5 presidents' images, dates & brief bios
b. brief descriptions of 5 of the following terms
Geneva Accord
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
Ho Chi Minh
Asian guerilla warfare
Anti-war protest movement
NVA & VC in Tet Offensive
Counterculture movement
My Lai village massacre
Vietnamese refugees: "boat people"
Mekong River
Armaments of the Vietnam conflict
The goal is to give you an overview before you meet your veteran for the primary source interview.
Take care for -
- titling
- documentation
- grammar, construction
- editing and brevity
- must be typed.
- 15 pts.
- based on brief, bulleted notes.
- due Th, Feb 12.
- try to contain the project on a total of 2 pages.
Include -
a. 5 presidents' images, dates & brief bios
b. brief descriptions of 5 of the following terms
Geneva Accord
Gulf of Tonkin Resolution
Ho Chi Minh
Asian guerilla warfare
Anti-war protest movement
NVA & VC in Tet Offensive
Counterculture movement
My Lai village massacre
Vietnamese refugees: "boat people"
Mekong River
Armaments of the Vietnam conflict
The goal is to give you an overview before you meet your veteran for the primary source interview.
Take care for -
- titling
- documentation
- grammar, construction
- editing and brevity
- must be typed.
Soichiro Honda: Indie work
Indie comparison essay this week:
You may research and write about -
- Soichiro Honda, founder of Honda motors, and Akio Morita, one of Sony's founders
- achievements of Yamaha company and those of Toyota motors.
You may research and write about -
- Soichiro Honda, founder of Honda motors, and Akio Morita, one of Sony's founders
- achievements of Yamaha company and those of Toyota motors.
Friday, February 08, 2008
Fuji-san: map quiz Tues
Between cities, islands, bodies of water and neighboring nations, sketch a map of Japan and identify the elements.
Label 12 items, at least 2 of them neighboring nations.
Label 12 items, at least 2 of them neighboring nations.
Sushi, nori, miso, wasabi, tempura: know your uptown Japanese foods
Vocab -
- sushi
- nori
- wasabi
- miso
- tempura
- sukiyaki
- sushi
- nori
- wasabi
- miso
- tempura
- sukiyaki
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
A visit to Mrs Hennessey's room to form Raku teabowls
Thurs, Feb 7, geography classes visit pottery classes courtesy of Mrs Hennessey. Students will learn to make pinch pots into the classic teabowl of Asian culture.
Later, the cups will be glazed and fired in the raku style.
Rakuyaki or Raku (樂) is a form of Japanese pottery characterized by low firing temperatures (resulting in a fairly porous body), lead glazes, and the removal of pieces from the kiln while still glowing hot. In the traditional Japanese firing process, the pot is removed from the hot kiln and put directly into water or allowed to cool in the open air.
Raku is considered the traditional method for creating bowls for the Japanese tea ceremony. Raku tea bowls are hand-made from earthenware, each with a unique shape and style. Raku techniques have been adopted and modified by contemporary potters worldwide.
Report to pottery class in D wing on Thursday!
Later, the cups will be glazed and fired in the raku style.
Rakuyaki or Raku (樂) is a form of Japanese pottery characterized by low firing temperatures (resulting in a fairly porous body), lead glazes, and the removal of pieces from the kiln while still glowing hot. In the traditional Japanese firing process, the pot is removed from the hot kiln and put directly into water or allowed to cool in the open air.
Raku is considered the traditional method for creating bowls for the Japanese tea ceremony. Raku tea bowls are hand-made from earthenware, each with a unique shape and style. Raku techniques have been adopted and modified by contemporary potters worldwide.
Report to pottery class in D wing on Thursday!
Japanese-style boxed lunch: Bento
Bentō is a single-portion takeout or home-packed meal common in Japanese cuisine, says wikipedia. A traditional bento consists of rice, fish or meat, and one or more pickled or cooked vegetables as a side dish.
Containers range from disposable mass produced to hand crafted lacquerware. Although bento are easily available in many places throughout Japan, including convenience stores, bento shops (弁当屋, bentō-ya?), train stations, and department stores, it is still common for Japanese homemakers to spend considerable time and energy producing an appealing boxed lunch.
Bento can be very elaborate, aesthetically pleasing cuisine arrangements. Often the food is arranged in such a way as to resemble other objects: dolls, flowers, leaves, and so forth.
Containers range from disposable mass produced to hand crafted lacquerware. Although bento are easily available in many places throughout Japan, including convenience stores, bento shops (弁当屋, bentō-ya?), train stations, and department stores, it is still common for Japanese homemakers to spend considerable time and energy producing an appealing boxed lunch.
Bento can be very elaborate, aesthetically pleasing cuisine arrangements. Often the food is arranged in such a way as to resemble other objects: dolls, flowers, leaves, and so forth.
Indie work: descriptive essay on Ichiban Restaurant
Ichiban Japanese Restaurant
(318) 219-9900
4414 Youree Dr, Shreveport, LA 71105
It is not cheap, but it is a fascinating place.
(318) 219-9900
4414 Youree Dr, Shreveport, LA 71105
It is not cheap, but it is a fascinating place.
Ash Wednesday: "From dust you came, to dust you shall return."
São Paulo-Igreja de Santa Cecília-QUARTA FEIRA DE CINZAS (Ash Wednesday)
Originally uploaded by LUIZ: São Paulo's Eyes
1) Meaning of Catholic? "universal"
2) " " " Lent? From a Latin word for "springtime."
3) Where does the Catholic church originate? In the biggest sense, Rome. Thus, Roman Catholic.
Japanese couples want to know each other's blood types
The blood type theory of personality is a popular belief in Japan, says Wikipedia A person's ABO blood type is believed to be predictive of their personality, temperament, and compatibility with others, similar to the Western world's astrology.
The theory is dismissed by the scientific community as superstition or pseudoscience.[1]couples
The theory is dismissed by the scientific community as superstition or pseudoscience.[1]couples
Global transportation star: the 50 cc Honda Cub
An amazing Japanese contribution to evolving technology is seen in the Honda Cub, a 50 cc motor bike that is still being sold across the globe. It is cheap, fuel efficient, easy to repair. It is also able to carry families ( 3 to 4 people at a time) or considerable loads. See the Honda Metropolitan scooter for the latest US version of the Cub 50.
The British vertical twin design, seen in the Triumph, BSA and Norton,
has lost favor. But the vertical twin design influenced Japanese engineers such as Soichiro Honda.
The V-twin design of Harley Davidson has lasted in the marketplace, though the design is outmoded.
The British vertical twin design, seen in the Triumph, BSA and Norton,
has lost favor. But the vertical twin design influenced Japanese engineers such as Soichiro Honda.
The V-twin design of Harley Davidson has lasted in the marketplace, though the design is outmoded.
Map of Japan / Nippon and its neighbors
Nippon -
Mt. Fuji
Sea of Japan
Pacific
Hokkaido
Honshu
Tokyo
Tokyo Bay
Kobe-Osaka-Kyoto
Hiroshima
Kyushu
Nagasaki
Shikoku
Okinawa
S. Korea
China
Russia
Mt. Fuji
Sea of Japan
Pacific
Hokkaido
Honshu
Tokyo
Tokyo Bay
Kobe-Osaka-Kyoto
Hiroshima
Kyushu
Nagasaki
Shikoku
Okinawa
S. Korea
China
Russia
Friday, February 01, 2008
The Geography of Carnival project
Create an annotated map of the nations where carnival is prevalent.
Use pp 2 - 3 of the RMQRWA.
- Label the nations.
- add a rim of color round the affected countries.
- your source is a classroom copy of How To Mardi Gras or an equivalent book.
- Include nations from Europe, West Africa, the Caribbean, South America and North America.
- Ocens and seas, too.
- Draw arrows that indicate the direction of cultural tranference.
10 pts.
Use pp 2 - 3 of the RMQRWA.
- Label the nations.
- add a rim of color round the affected countries.
- your source is a classroom copy of How To Mardi Gras or an equivalent book.
- Include nations from Europe, West Africa, the Caribbean, South America and North America.
- Ocens and seas, too.
- Draw arrows that indicate the direction of cultural tranference.
10 pts.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Comparison essay guidelines
The rubric (required elements) that will guide essay writing in geo class includes:
1. Colorful opening. There are 3 recommended ways to create an interest-getting opening: a) use a quote b) ask a question c) write with vivid description.
2. Blend the topics continually in the paper. Do not write a block of material about one topic and then write a separate block about the other topic. Integrate the topics as you offer insight and evidence.
3) Use comparison terms:
* different from,
* the same,
* Both,
* similar to,
* Neither, ... nor,
* like X is (adjective),
* ... than X is (adverb) than.
* both, ...
* either...or
* likewise
* similarly
* although,
* but neither...
* nor
* however
* on the other hand
4. Specific examples must be used to support generalities. An example: generality - The Incredibles was an awesome movie. specific - The Incredibles appealed to me because the characters (especially the mom and the teen sister) were believeable. They sounded like people I know.
5. Grammar counts.
6. Spelling, too. When in doubt, see a dictionary or ask me.
7. Punctuation is paramount. Again, ask me or your Grammar Check software.
8. Include documentation via "according to ...". This means include your source - from World Book to your little brother - in the body of your writing. Usually you place it at the end of the first or second sentence, says Grammar For Today.
9. Write a snappy title. Ways to make a title fun are to tweak a song or movie title or use alliteration. Also, write an explanatory subtitle. Example: "Dinkas are Incredibles;" "Many refugees from the Sudanese Dinka tribe have moved from poverty in east Africa to comfort in the US."
10. Finally, please don't put quotation marks around your title - unless you are quoting someone.
1. Colorful opening. There are 3 recommended ways to create an interest-getting opening: a) use a quote b) ask a question c) write with vivid description.
2. Blend the topics continually in the paper. Do not write a block of material about one topic and then write a separate block about the other topic. Integrate the topics as you offer insight and evidence.
3) Use comparison terms:
* different from,
* the same,
* Both,
* similar to,
* Neither, ... nor,
* like X is (adjective),
* ... than X is (adverb) than.
* both, ...
* either...or
* likewise
* similarly
* although,
* but neither...
* nor
* however
* on the other hand
4. Specific examples must be used to support generalities. An example: generality - The Incredibles was an awesome movie. specific - The Incredibles appealed to me because the characters (especially the mom and the teen sister) were believeable. They sounded like people I know.
5. Grammar counts.
6. Spelling, too. When in doubt, see a dictionary or ask me.
7. Punctuation is paramount. Again, ask me or your Grammar Check software.
8. Include documentation via "according to ...". This means include your source - from World Book to your little brother - in the body of your writing. Usually you place it at the end of the first or second sentence, says Grammar For Today.
9. Write a snappy title. Ways to make a title fun are to tweak a song or movie title or use alliteration. Also, write an explanatory subtitle. Example: "Dinkas are Incredibles;" "Many refugees from the Sudanese Dinka tribe have moved from poverty in east Africa to comfort in the US."
10. Finally, please don't put quotation marks around your title - unless you are quoting someone.
Slight re-statement: Boat on a roof essay guidelines
Boat on a Roof guidelines: students worked on 2 guidelines in essay writing for geography class this week. I call them Boat on a Roof guidelines because such a photo was one of the most dramatic images we viewed at Meadows Museum.
The reason for emphasis on these guidelines is because they will make a you a more forceful writer. The world is very competitive and use of these techniques may give you an edge.
A 2-part title is the mark of a good writer.
a) Snammy title. Brief.
b) Explanatory subtitle. What we call the hard info.
A vivid opening is a classic standard for effective writing.
a) Open with the strongest image, such as a Boat on a Roof.
b) A quote is also effective: "A boat on a roof was among the images viewed by students . . . " Also, a question is not a bad fallback in writing an opening.
Which do you like best?
- Dog bites man in CMHS incident
- Man bites dog in incident at CMHS
The reason for emphasis on these guidelines is because they will make a you a more forceful writer. The world is very competitive and use of these techniques may give you an edge.
A 2-part title is the mark of a good writer.
a) Snammy title. Brief.
b) Explanatory subtitle. What we call the hard info.
A vivid opening is a classic standard for effective writing.
a) Open with the strongest image, such as a Boat on a Roof.
b) A quote is also effective: "A boat on a roof was among the images viewed by students . . . " Also, a question is not a bad fallback in writing an opening.
Which do you like best?
- Dog bites man in CMHS incident
- Man bites dog in incident at CMHS
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Mitt Romney: presidential candidate bio series
Willard Mitt Romney (born March 12, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan) is an American businessman and politician, says Wikipedia.org. Formerly the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Romney is seeking the Republican nomination in the 2008 United States presidential election.[1]
Romney is a former CEO of Bain & Company, a management consulting firm, and the co-founder of Bain Capital, a private equity investment firm. After his business career and serving as the CEO of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Romney was elected as the 70th Massachusetts Governor in 2002. Romney served one term and did not seek re-election in 2006; his term expired.
Romney is the son of former Michigan Governor and 1968 presidential candidate George W. Romney, and 1970 Michigan U.S. Senatorial candidate Lenore Romney. He was named "Willard" after hotel magnate J. Willard Marriott, his father's best friend.[3] Mitt, his middle name, comes from his father's cousin Milton Romney, who played quarterback for the Chicago Bears from 1925 to 1929.[4] Mitt Romney has three older siblings: Lynn Romney Keenan; Jane Romney Robinson; and G. Scott Romney.[5] He has been involved in politics from an early age, having joined his father in civil rights marches.[6]
Romney graduated from the Cranbrook School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan in 1965.[7] After attending Stanford University for two quarters, Romney served in France for 30 months as a missionary for the LDS Church.[8]
After his mission service, Romney attended Brigham Young University, where he graduated as valedictorian, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude in 1971.
In 1975, Romney graduated from a joint Juris Doctor / Master of Business Administration program coordinated between Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School. He graduated cum laude from the law school and was named a Baker Scholar for graduating in the top five percent of his business school class.[9]
After graduation, Romney remained in Massachusetts and went to work for the Boston Consulting Group, where he had interned during the summer of 1974.[10] From 1978 to 1984, Romney was a vice president of Bain & Company, Inc., another management consulting firm based in Boston. In 1984, Romney left Bain & Company to co-found a spin-off private equity investment firm, Bain Capital.[11]
During the 14 years he headed the company, Bain Capital's average annual internal rate of return on realized investments was 113 percent,[12] making money primarily through leveraged buyouts.[13] He invested in or bought many well-known companies such as Staples, Brookstone, Domino's, Sealy Corporation and Sports Authority.[14]
In 1990, Romney was asked to return to Bain & Company, which was facing financial collapse. As CEO, Romney managed an effort to restructure the firm's employee stock-ownership plan, real-estate deals and bank loans, while increasing fiscal transparency. Within a year, he had led Bain & Company through a highly successful turnaround and returned the firm to profitability without layoffs or partner defections.[12]
Romney left Bain Capital in 1998 to head the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Games Organizing Committee.[15] He and his wife have a net worth of between 190 and 250 million USD.[16]
Mitt Romney is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), which makes him a Mormon. His great-great-grandfather, Parley P. Pratt, was among the first leaders in the Latter Day Saint movement in the early 19th century. Mitt's wife Ann converted to the LDS church before they were married in 1969.[76] In addition to his missionary work in France, Romney has served as a part-time lay minister, called a bishop, and has also been a stake president in his church.[77] As part of his religious upbringing, Romney abstains from alcohol and smoking.[78][79][80]
Religion has played a major role in the 2008 presidential campaign, with polls indicating that a quarter of Republican voters are "less likely" to vote for a presidential candidate who is a Latter-day Saint.
Soon after his return from missionary work in France, Romney married high school girlfriend Ann Davies on March 21, 1969.[121] They have five sons--Tagg, (b. 1970), Matt (b. 1971), Josh (b. 1975), Ben (b. 1978) and Craig (b. 1981)--[122] and eleven grandchildren.[123]
Romney is a former CEO of Bain & Company, a management consulting firm, and the co-founder of Bain Capital, a private equity investment firm. After his business career and serving as the CEO of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Romney was elected as the 70th Massachusetts Governor in 2002. Romney served one term and did not seek re-election in 2006; his term expired.
Romney is the son of former Michigan Governor and 1968 presidential candidate George W. Romney, and 1970 Michigan U.S. Senatorial candidate Lenore Romney. He was named "Willard" after hotel magnate J. Willard Marriott, his father's best friend.[3] Mitt, his middle name, comes from his father's cousin Milton Romney, who played quarterback for the Chicago Bears from 1925 to 1929.[4] Mitt Romney has three older siblings: Lynn Romney Keenan; Jane Romney Robinson; and G. Scott Romney.[5] He has been involved in politics from an early age, having joined his father in civil rights marches.[6]
Romney graduated from the Cranbrook School in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan in 1965.[7] After attending Stanford University for two quarters, Romney served in France for 30 months as a missionary for the LDS Church.[8]
After his mission service, Romney attended Brigham Young University, where he graduated as valedictorian, earning his Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude in 1971.
In 1975, Romney graduated from a joint Juris Doctor / Master of Business Administration program coordinated between Harvard Law School and Harvard Business School. He graduated cum laude from the law school and was named a Baker Scholar for graduating in the top five percent of his business school class.[9]
After graduation, Romney remained in Massachusetts and went to work for the Boston Consulting Group, where he had interned during the summer of 1974.[10] From 1978 to 1984, Romney was a vice president of Bain & Company, Inc., another management consulting firm based in Boston. In 1984, Romney left Bain & Company to co-found a spin-off private equity investment firm, Bain Capital.[11]
During the 14 years he headed the company, Bain Capital's average annual internal rate of return on realized investments was 113 percent,[12] making money primarily through leveraged buyouts.[13] He invested in or bought many well-known companies such as Staples, Brookstone, Domino's, Sealy Corporation and Sports Authority.[14]
In 1990, Romney was asked to return to Bain & Company, which was facing financial collapse. As CEO, Romney managed an effort to restructure the firm's employee stock-ownership plan, real-estate deals and bank loans, while increasing fiscal transparency. Within a year, he had led Bain & Company through a highly successful turnaround and returned the firm to profitability without layoffs or partner defections.[12]
Romney left Bain Capital in 1998 to head the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Games Organizing Committee.[15] He and his wife have a net worth of between 190 and 250 million USD.[16]
Mitt Romney is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), which makes him a Mormon. His great-great-grandfather, Parley P. Pratt, was among the first leaders in the Latter Day Saint movement in the early 19th century. Mitt's wife Ann converted to the LDS church before they were married in 1969.[76] In addition to his missionary work in France, Romney has served as a part-time lay minister, called a bishop, and has also been a stake president in his church.[77] As part of his religious upbringing, Romney abstains from alcohol and smoking.[78][79][80]
Religion has played a major role in the 2008 presidential campaign, with polls indicating that a quarter of Republican voters are "less likely" to vote for a presidential candidate who is a Latter-day Saint.
Soon after his return from missionary work in France, Romney married high school girlfriend Ann Davies on March 21, 1969.[121] They have five sons--Tagg, (b. 1970), Matt (b. 1971), Josh (b. 1975), Ben (b. 1978) and Craig (b. 1981)--[122] and eleven grandchildren.[123]
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