Don't Forget About Me!

You have probably flown on an airplane somewhere before.  And you may have heard the horror stories of people who miss connecting flights, have flights cancelled or get stuck overnight in an airport.  If you fly a lot, sometimes these things may happen to you.  Having flown many times over the years, my opinion is that these things happen all too frequently.  And yes I have been stuck in airports over night and have had flights cancelled.  

Meet Tom Wagner.  it seems that Mr. Wagner woke up recently to find him self in a deserted, locked airplane cabin.  Check out the news story.   What do you think of that?

Fortunately the story has a happy ending as Mr. Wagner was able to get help to unlock the plane a little later.  You have to wonder if airline workers  checked the plane before locking it up. Mr. Wagner was compensated with a free hotel room that night and a $250 airline voucher.  

Now for your questions.  Whose fault was it that he was left behind?  Do you think he was compensated fairly?   Will this change your desire to fly places?  Is the airline's apology enough?  

Happy Birthday Mustang

That most iconic of American cars, the Mustang will soon have a 50th birthday.  Take a look at the new Mustang.  Next April the Mustang will have been around in many forms over 50 years.  A short history of the Mustang is contained in the first hyperlink; the second hyperlink looks at the 50th anniversary edition.  The video is a celebration of the car.  Enjoy it.

Now for your assignment.  Check out both links and watch the video.  Learn about the history of this auto.  In your post today, tell us one fact that you have learned about the 'stang.  Also tell us what kind of car you want and why.

Finally, most of you know that I have a 1966 Mustang at home.  I may bring it to school before the end years!

Holiday Light Shows

You probably know many people who put up lots and lots of lights for the holiday season.  They decorate their houses, boats (yes, I have seen that), buildings and even their cars and trucks.  And , of course, there is always the tacky lights that turn up all over at this time of year.

And then there is the light show as shown above.  Thousands of lights set to music that entertain us as we drive by and watch on television and YouTube.  Today's questions are simple.   Do you like  holiday lights?  What kind do you like best?   Do you like simple displays?  Maybe you are a fan of tacky lights or enjoy the kind of light you have viewed here.  Proofread your work!

Hanukkah is Here

Tonight at sunset, Hanukkah begins. Besides the fact that it can be spelled several different ways, what do you really know about Hanukkah? Is it the Jewish version of Christmas? Probably not! Is it eight nights of presents like Adam Sandler sings about? Or is it something more?



So, how much do you know about Hanukkah? This website is very helpful and filled with information about Hanukkah. Read it and you might learn some things about Hanukkah. Your assignment is to research the site, learn two facts about Hanukkah and present them in your reply. Your reply needs to be a paragraph with at least three sentences in it.

Thanksgiving

Thursday is Thanksgiving.  The history of Thanksgiving goes back to the days of the Pilgrims, so in many ways it is truly an American holiday. Read about Thanksgiving history in the link.

 With a four day weekend coming up, I am sure that you will have many opportunities to do many of the things that make you happy, in addition to visiting friends, family and of course hopefully enjoying some good food.

Now for your assignment, share with your classmates three items.  In your post, list some things that you are thankful for.  Name one fact that you learned from your reading. What plans do you have for Thanksgiving and the rest of the weekend?

Enjoy the video.  Finally, be safe and enjoy your time off.  .

The Kennedy Assassination 50 Years Later

Fifty years ago today, on a Friday, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas.

Watch both videos only after reading this link.  Yes, I want you to read the entire article.  This is probably the best source of information about the assassination.  You will learn the events that transpired, conspiracy theories and some of the impacts of the event.  After you read the website, then watch the videos. I will warn you up front, some of you may find the second video a little disturbing.

The Kennedy assassination is probably the defining moment of my generation.  The impact of it, I believe is many ways still being felt today.  I have no doubt that it changed American and world history and not for the better.  Sadly, to many people think this event has no or very little significance.  How many of your classes, or other activities you participate in today will even acknowledge it?  I had the opportunity to visit his gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery this summer.  It is a very moving place to visit.  The crowds are quiet, respectful and take their time to pay their respects to President Kennedy.

Note to fourth block:  we will observe a moment of silence at 2 pm today in honor of President Kennedy.  Now for your assignment.  After you have read the website, maybe checked out some of the links and viewed the videos, post your feelings.  How does this impact you?  Do you feel differently about it after doing this assignment?

One Final Act of Kindness

What if you knew when you were going to die?  What would you want your final act and conversation to be?  Meet San Diego police officer Jeremy Henwood.  Not only was he a highly respected police officer, he was a highly decorated Marine veteran who had served several tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.  As you watch the video you will find out that he had just walked into a McDonald's and was ordering food when a child asked him for some change to buy cookies. Officer Henwood purchased the cookies for him.  Minutes later he was gunned down in a cold blooded shooting.  So his final interaction with a human being was to show kindness to a child.

Think for a few moments.  How heroic and compassionate is that?  So, what would you want your final act to be?  In your post, tell us your reactions to the story and what you think of his final act.  Would you have reacted differently to the child?  What has happened to the child since the shooting over two years ago?