Bill Bixby - Mrs. Jones Elizabeth High School
Transcription
Bill Bixby - Mrs. Jones Elizabeth High School
Name Tuesday, January 22 Bill Bixby By Mary Lynn Bushong What do a Martian, an Apple Dumpling gang, a super hero, a magician, and a single father have in common? They are all related to parts actor Bill Bixby played during more than thirty years in Hollywood. Wilfred Bailey Bixby was born in San Francisco on January 22, 1934. Bill fell in love with acting while he was in high school. In college he tried to concentrate on getting a pre-law degree but couldn't stop thinking about acting. Finally, he made a deal with himself. He would try to make a living as an actor for five years. If it didn't work out, he'd go back to law. In 1957, Bixby moved to Los Angeles where he worked as a bell boy and a lifeguard to make ends meet. After two years, he got a break. Two executives from Detroit hired him to do both commercial and modeling work in their city. While there, he joined the local theater company. Bixby got his first guest appearance on T.V. in The Many Lives of Dobie Gillis in 1959, and then he went on to do other shows. In 1963, he was cast in a co-starring role in My Favorite Martian. The show was a hit and lasted for three seasons. Following the show, Bixby appeared in four films. Two of the films were with Elvis Presley. Bixby's next T.V. project was The Courtship of Eddie's Father. It became an even bigger hit than his first show. He played a widowed father and established a close relationship with his young co-star. Perhaps the show changed his mind about marriage. He soon married Brenda Benet, and they had a son together. Acting wasn't Bixby's only passion. He also wanted to direct. He would spend extra hours watching the editors putting shows together to learn more about post-production work. He also spoke six languages and had hobbies ranging from painting to photography, cooking, carpentry, sailing, fishing, swimming, and magic. Bill Bixby was not just interested in magic, he was an amateur magician. When he started the drama show, The Magician, he learned to do the illusions himself without camera tricks. The show lasted only a year due to the high production costs. In 1975, he starred with Don Knotts and Tim Conway in the Apple Dumpling Gang. Then in 1977, he was offered the part of David Banner in the Incredible Hulk, a weekly T.V. drama series. Many times, actors lose themselves in a part, but Bixby actively worked against that. He said, "I have to go off by myself to keep a balance. I can't always be 'Bill the actor.' I must stop and gain perspective so as not to confuse my role and my person." In 1981, Bixby's six year old son died suddenly from a bacterial infection a short time after Bill and Brenda divorced. It was his focus on work that gave him direction during that difficult time. Through the eighties and nineties he worked with several more shows as an actor, but more often as a director. It was while directing a made-for-T.V. movie, in April 1991, that he became ill and was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Surgery seemed to solve the problem, and he went back to work. The cancer returned in 1993, and he died on November 21, 1993. Bill Bixby was one of the genuinely nice people of the world. He was also a very talented actor and a workaholic. He also genuinely cared for those around him, and that is perhaps one of the best legacies of all. 5. Which one of his interests did he use in one of his shows? Name Tuesday, January 22 Bill Bixby Questions 1. What deal did Bill Bixby make with himself about acting? 6. What tragedy marred Bixby's life? 2. In which city was Bixby's first acting job? A. Los Angeles B. Chicago C. Detroit D. New York 7. What Disney movie did Bixby star in? 3. Bixby had three very successful T.V. shows; which one of these is not one of them? A. The Magician B. My Favorite Martian C. The Courtship of Eddie's Father D. The Incredible Hulk 4. List four of Bixby's hobbies or abilities. 8. What other job did Bixby learn, other than acting? Name Tuesday, January 22 "Aye, Captain!" - Old Ironsides' Captain William Bainbridge By Toni Lee Robinson "Old Ironsides" had won her nickname and her place in history with the defeat of a British warship. After her famous battle, the beloved ship was docked for repairs. While she had given much worse than she got in the fight, Old Ironsides needed some TLC before she was fit to fight again. Meanwhile, Captain Hull had gone on to a new job. Old Ironsides would go back to war with a different leader. Command of America's favorite ship went to William Bainbridge. He was an impressive man, six feet tall, lean, muscular, and dark. He was "dashing" in the old fashioned sense-handsome and adventurous, with a commanding presence. He could be kind and charmingly polite. But he had a bad reputation. He had lost three ships in a row to pirates or warring navies. Hull's crew grumbled amongst themselves about their new boss. Actually, his bad press was an unfair reflection on Bainbridge's character. He had had more brilliant victories in his career than he had losses. He had started his life at sea at the age of fourteen. He was made captain at nineteen. The seas were a perilous place in these times. If trading ships managed to elude the predatory French and English navies, they often fell into the greedy clutches of pirates. They might also be grabbed by privateers, private vessels hired by governments to capture ships of other countries. The privateer got to keep the "booty" from his captures. These legalized pirates were weapons of war, disrupting the shipping of enemy nations. Bainbridge had dealt with all the perils of life at sea. Once while captaining a merchant ship, he was attacked by a British privateer. Bainbridge's four-gun vessel subdued the eight-gun attacker. Instead of taking the defeated ship as prize, Bainbridge disdainfully let it go. He told its captain to "report to his masters that if they wanted his [Bainbridge's] ship they must send a greater force...and a more skilful commander." Another time, a Royal Navy ship stopped Bainbridge's trading vessel, the Hope, and dragged off an American sailor. After his ship resumed its voyage, Bainbridge stopped the next British trading ship he saw, boarded the vessel, and seized its best seaman. As he left the ship, he instructed its captain to report that the British sailor had been taken in retaliation for the impressment of the American sailor from the Hope. While pursuing pirates off the coast of Tripoli, Bainbridge's ship struck a rock. The helpless ship and crew was captured. A year and a half of great suffering followed for the captives. A court of inquiry later absolved the captain of blame in the incident. Bainbridge worked on merchant ships for several years afterward. When the War of 1812 began, he returned to serve his country as captain of Old Ironsides. The frigate's second adventure of the war began a scant couple of months after her stellar victory. Bainbridge had orders to "annoy the enemy" and protect American shipping. He took his ship south, off the coast of Brazil. Bainbridge hoped to disrupt vital British shipping there. The Royal Navy would then be forced to divert some of their attention from the U.S. coast to protect their merchant ships. Constitution ran across the British frigate Java in late December of 1812. Bainbridge had Old Ironsides rigged for fighting sail. The chase was on. The British ship attempted to turn across the American's bow and rake her with cannon fire. Bainbridge's crew adroitly turned their ship out of harm's way. Bainbridge ordered a blast of gunfire aimed at Java's rigging, hoping to cut down the enemy's speed. The shot had little effect. Java closed in, firing loads of grapeshot. Bainbridge was hit in the thigh. The shot tore away some of Ironside's sail, but a sailor scrambled up amid the shooting and tied it back in place. Java tried again to cut across Constitution's bow. Bainbridge fired a broadside (all the guns on one side of the ship fired at once). While smoke from the guns screened his ship from view, the captain turned Ironsides about. Java was now on her stern. Finally, Java closed and fired at Ironsides' stern. The shot damaged a mast and destroyed the ship's wheel. It also killed several U.S. sailors and wounded others, including Bainbridge. Even twice Name Tuesday, January 22 wounded, the captain stayed at his command. After quick repairs to the wheel, Bainbridge decided his best hope was to close in. Ironsides moved in and fired her smaller carronades, or "smashers." The shot brought down some of Java's rigging and sail. The British ship became clumsy and lost her speed. The battle wore on. Ironsides' guns pounded the British ship, inflicting more and more damage. Java's captain was badly wounded. Finally, with her masts mostly shot away and her deck littered with torn rigging, Java's first officer admitted defeat. The surviving crew members were brought aboard Old Ironsides. The ruined British frigate was sunk. In spite of his own wounds, Bainbridge treated the British prisoners with great kindness. Ironsides set sail for home. She had fought her toughest battle yet and won. America was nearly hysterical with the joyous news that Old Ironsides had defeated the Royal Navy again. Ironsides' two captains were given gold medals. Congress awarded the crew a $50,000 bonus for each victory. When news of Java's fate reached England, the Royal Navy instructed its ships to avoid tackling the American frigates one on one. Old Ironsides had given His Majesty's navy something to think about. "Aye, Captain!" - Old Ironsides' Captain William Bainbridge Questions 1. Why might Constitution's crew grumble about serving under their new captain? 2. Captain Bainbridge is described as "dashing," which meant he was: A. Handsome and adventurous B. Rude C. Hard to beat in foot race D. Reckless 3. What was a privateer? Explain the role of privateers in international conflicts of the early 1800s. 4. Describe one of Bainbridge's adventures at sea prior to his command of the Constitution. 5. What were Bainbridge's orders after taking command of Constitution? A. To hunt down the British fleet and engage them B. To find the Java and defeat her C. To avoid all contact with the enemy D. To annoy the enemy and disrupt British shipping so as to draw Royal Navy vessels away from the U.S. coast Is character always visible from outward appearance? Why or why not? Name Tuesday, January 22 6. When Bainbridge ordered the firing of a broadside, he meant that: A. The sailors should all shout insults at the enemy ship. B. Cannon should be fired high, into the rigging of the other ship. C. The cannon should be aimed at the broadest part, or side, of the other ship. D. All the cannon on one side of the ship should be fired at once. 7. Analyze the battle between the Constitution and the Java. What factors do you think brought about Constitution's victory? 8. After examining some of the events in the life of William Bainbridge, what kind of person do you think he was? Would you have liked to know him? To be a part of his crew? Why or why not? that had disappeared during the languid summer months. Wayward children and teenagers braced themselves for the beginning of school. Name Wednesday, January 23 Hot Stuff By Colleen Messina Caitlin tossed her baton into the air, crossed her right leg over her left, and spun around rapidly twice. Her strawberry-blonde ponytail streaked behind her like a ray of rosy light at sunset, and her clear, blue eyes followed the glittering baton. As she faced forward again on the second spin, she effortlessly caught the slender silver stick in her hand, and her face beamed. She had mastered the precarious twirling maneuver at last! "Hot stuff!" said Nancy, Caitlin's best friend. Their right hands clapped enthusiastically in a victorious high five. Caitlin and Nancy were looking forward to their freshman year of high school, and both girls wanted to join the twirling squad. They fantasized about sitting together on the bus rides to football games, sharing thermoses of hot chocolate, and watching the football players exhaust themselves. The twirling squad performed at halftime and wore smart navy uniforms decorated with shiny brass buttons and gold fringe. Caitlin seemed to epitomize gracefulness as she twirled and danced in perfect rhythm. The intricate dance steps and baton maneuvers seemed effortless for Caitlin's lithe, muscular body because she had the physique of an athlete. Nancy's build was shorter and heavier, so her twirling moves never looked completely smooth. However, with Caitlin's spontaneous encouragement and subtle correction, Nancy's mistakes became negligible. "I can't wait for tryouts!" Nancy exclaimed to Caitlin on the sultry summer days as they practiced on Nancy's asphalt driveway. The hazy 101-degree heat made the driveway ooze and sizzle like hot molasses, so practicing was impossible in the afternoon. Each morning and evening, the girls practiced until their errors became infrequent. Finally, the leaves starting turning scarlet and orange, and the sky seemed even bluer against the radiant autumn colors. The air smelled deliciously of frost and burning leaves and the cooler September weather in Maine made everyone feel a renewed mental quickness Caitlin and Nancy purchased three-ring-binders, multi-pouched backpacks, and the latest styles in teenage fashion. Spunky Caitlin bought sequins-studded bellbottoms and multi-colored shirts, but Nancy had an inordinate preference for khaki skirts and camouflage pants. Nancy's bland taste really did exasperate Caitlin. High school was a new world, but soon the long hallways lined with tall metal lockers became familiar. Caitlin and Nancy had different classes, and soon Nancy noticed that Caitlin hung out with some girls Nancy did not know. The girls were cheerleaders! Caitlin didn't want to practice twirling every night, even though tryouts were in one week, and when she did, she didn't seem as focused as she had been before. For the first time, Nancy felt strangely insecure about their friendship. On the night before tryouts, the girls sat on Caitlin's front porch steps, surrounded by the cool, green swirls of ivy leaves that covered the railings. They enjoyed being sedentary for a moment, until Caitlin suddenly turned to Nancy with a troubled look on her face. "Nancy, I need to tell you something, and I hope you will understand," Caitlin said. "What is it?" said Nancy. She had terrible, ulcerous feeling in the pit of her stomach. "I'm not trying out for the twirling squad; I'm trying out for cheerleading instead. I know this must baffle you, but I think cheeringleading is more suited to my outgoing personality," Caitlin said. "If that is what you want, then that is what you should do," Nancy finally said, and she turned and ran all the way home, feeling completely heartbroken. How was she going to make it through tryouts without Caitlin? And if she did make the squad, she still felt as though she needed Caitlin to be her mentor. Nancy nervously twirled a strand of her straight brown hair around her finger because now she felt that her chances of making the team were about one in a zillion! Twirling tryouts were rigorous and took place in a noisy auditorium packed with observers. First, the girls participated in a five-minute group routine, and then each of them performed a shorter, individual routine. Nancy did well during the group performance, and she even smiled and looked directly at the three judges, but her individual Hot Stuff Name Wednesday, January 23 routine almost fell apart. In the first minute, she dropped the baton once and neglected a series of dance steps. Her lower lip trembled, and she felt as though she might faint from embarrassment. Suddenly, Caitlin's cheerful face appeared to the left of the judges' table. Nancy almost dropped the baton in astonishment, but she quickly regained her composure. Caitlin's mouth formed the words, "HOT STUFF," and she raised her right hand high in the air. Nancy felt a surge of confidence and managed to finish her routine with a flourish. The judges nodded approvingly, and Nancy exited in triumph. "I can't believe that you came to tryouts!" Nancy said. "Of course I came! Even though I want to be a cheerleader, you are still my best friend!" Caitlin said. The size of the crowd in front of the squad list in the lobby was surprising, but Nancy and Caitlin eventually pushed through the layers of people to check for Nancy's name. "Hey, you made the squad!" shouted Caitlin. "Wow! That is great!" Nancy exclaimed. "Congratulations! We can still sit together on the bus to the football games and drink hot chocolate!" said Caitlin. "Now that's hot stuff!" Nancy answered, and the two friends burst into raucous laughter. Questions 1. When does this story begin? A. the summer before Caitlin and Nancy entered ninth grade B. the fall of Caitlin and Nancy's freshman year in high school C. when Caitlin and Nancy were in junior high D. during Caitlin and Nancy's senior year 2. Which words describe Caitlin's personality? Check all that apply. A. coordinated B. sedate C. bubbly D. shy 3. Which statement is an opinion rather than a fact? A. Caitlin and Nancy were entering high school. B. It was a hot summer. C. Nancy preferred khaki clothes to tie-dyed ones. D. Caitlin would have definitely made the twirling squad if she had tried out. 4. In your opinion, which character was more introverted? Write several sentences to explain why you feel that way. Which activity do you think is more difficult, twirling or cheerleading? Why? Name Wednesday, January 23 5. In paragraph 8, the sentence, "Caitlin didn't want to practice twirling every night, even though tryouts were in one week, and when she did, she didn't seem as focused as she had been before." is an example of what literary device, in light of Caitlin's later decision? A. foreshadowing B. metaphor C. simile D. none of the above 6. Which statement best summarizes the main idea of this story? A. Cheerleading is a better activity for outgoing girls. B. friends can remain close even if they have different interests. C. having a friend give you a "thumb's up" is helpful if you want to be selected for a team. D. twirling is easier in cool weather. 7. What does the word "mentor" mean in paragraph 12? A. someone who enjoys mint flavoring B. a cheerleader C. a special friend D. someone who guides and teaches others 8. Which word is a synonym for the word, "raucous," in paragraph 20? A. delicate B. cackling C. silly D. strident Name Wednesday, January 23 Francis Marion By Mary L. Bushong Imagine a time more than 200 years ago in South Carolina. Many Indians still lived in the forests across the state. There were plantations being built along the coast and rivers. It was into this world that the Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion was born. Francis was born near Georgetown, South Carolina in 1732. His grandparents were French Huguenots who had come there looking for religious freedom. Francis was the youngest of six children, and when he wasn't in school, he was exploring the swamps around his home. He became so familiar with them that, during the Revolutionary War, no one could find him when he went in. When he was just 15 years old, Francis left home against his parent's wishes. He planned to sail to the West Indies, but he didn't make it. The ship sank and he spent a week in the wooden lifeboat before it drifted ashore. In 1753, at the start of the French and Indian war, Francis joined his brother Gabriel's militia company, but they did not see any action. After the war, he used money from an inheritance to establish himself as a planter or farmer. He did well at it, and in 1773 he bought a plantation and called it Pond's Bluff. Two years later, in 1775, he was elected to the South Carolina Provincial Congress. This congress authorized the formation of two regiments, the second of which was commanded by Francis Marion. In 1779 he led an attack on the British in Savannah, Georgia. In 1780, Francis was almost captured by the British in Charleston, SC. He escaped capture, because he had broken his ankle and was ordered out of the city to his plantation to recuperate. He was gone when Charleston was surrendered to the British. If Francis had been caught, he would probably have been executed. Four months later when his ankle healed, Francis Marion was spying on British troop movements. He would count the soldiers and tell his superiors where they were headed. He led guerrilla strikes, suddenly breaking British supply lines before quickly disappearing back into the swamps he knew so well. He always seemed to be where the enemy did not expect him, and they could not catch him. It is no wonder he became known as the "swamp fox." In September of that year he skirmished with some Loyalist soldiers (colonists who were loyal to Britain) and defeated them. On December 30, 1780 he was promoted to Brigadier General. In 1781, he commanded the militia of both North and South Carolina, driving the British back to Charleston. Once the war was over, Francis Marion moved back to his plantation at Pond Bluff and married his cousin, Mary Videau. He attended the Constitutional Convention in 1790, voting for a Federal Union. Then he retired to his plantation, where he died on February 26, 1795. Francis Marion was a quiet, though moody, man who was daring and elusive in battle. He cared deeply for the people of his country and fought for the freedom of his countrymen. Francis Marion Questions 1. What country did Francis Marion's grandparents come from? Name Wednesday, January 23 2. What was the name of General Marion's plantation? 3. Why was Francis Marion called "the swamp fox"? 4. What year did the North and South Carolina militia drive the British soldiers back to Charleston? 5. How did Francis vote at the Constitutional Convention? Name Thursday, January 24 What Is Scrapbooking? By Colleen Messina Some people think that keeping track of photographs is a chore. As much as they might like taking a picture of Aunt Edna's wrinkly, toothless smile, they might not know where to put the photograph later. Poor Aunt Edna's picture ends up in a dusty pile in the closet. For others, though, preserving pictures and other memorabilia is an art form. These people love creating scrapbooks to record the extraordinary events of their lives. A scrapbook is an album that has photographs, notes, and pictures in it. It can also include newspaper clippings or other objects. A scrapbook starts out as a book of blank pages. It turns into a place to preserve a person's memories in a colorful way. Creative scrapbookers might take Aunt Edna's photograph and dress it up with a pink border. They could even add put a funny story from her life beside it (like the day she got dentures). Scrapbooking may seem like a modern hobby, but using notebooks to keep track of events may have begun in ancient Greece. The great philosopher, Aristotle, encouraged his pupils to keep notebooks. They kept track of their great debates. A debate is an argument that stays polite! Aristotle and his students had lively discussions about philosophy, religion, and government. During the Renaissance, people became interested in the ancient Greeks. They adopted the Greek concept of preserving thoughts in a notebook. People began using blank notebooks to copy down pretty poems or snazzy quotes. In 1769, a man named William Granger took the idea of notebooks one step further. He published a book that had an appendix with illustrations. Later, his book had extra blank pages. His readers could put their own illustrations, prints, or letters on these pages. Books with blank pages were the inspiration for modern scrapbooks. President Thomas Jefferson liked to collect newspaper clippings in albums during his presidency. He enjoyed being a "scrapper." Even famous authors have enjoyed making scrapbooks. Mark Twain even made a lot of money from his hobby. The creative author spent almost every Sunday creating his personal scrapbooks. He published a series of scrapbooks in 1872. His patented scrapbooks were sold through the Montgomery Ward catalog. One article published at that time stated that these scrapbooks earned him a phenomenal sum of $50,000! Modern scrapbooking is a worldwide hobby. Entire stores are dedicated to scrapbooking. It can seem overwhelming to look at the millions of products available for creating scrapbooks. Most albums have blank pages, and each page has its own sheet protector. The scrapbooker can add photographs or clippings to these pages. Scrapbookers also like to decorate their books with stickers, patterned paper, and cutouts. Most scrapbookers recommend picking one event for each page of your scrapbook. For example, if you are making an album about your puppy Sam, the first page of the album might be about meeting Sam at the pet store. Each page of the album might tell a chapter about Sam's life. You might have a page about his first day at home. Or one about the first time Sam met the family cat. Another page might be about Sam attending puppy class and graduating with flying bones! Soon, you will have a special scrapbook dedicated to your best furry friend. Many scrapbookers use a color scheme for each page. Scrapbook paper comes in different colors and patterns. The photographs also stand out best when they have a mat. A mat is a piece of paper that is slightly larger than the photograph. It makes the picture look as though it has a frame around it. Most scrapbooks only have between 2 and 4 photographs per page. This helps the pictures stand out and not seem crowded. Scrapbooks usually have words or quotes on the pages, too. These phrases can be written directly on the paper. However, if the idea of making an enormous ink blot next to Aunt Edna's photograph stresses you out, you can write your quotes on a separate piece of paper first and glue it to the album later. Then, you can have more than one chance to get it just right. Scrapbooking can even help families who are going through hard Name Thursday, January 24 situations. One brave young mother kept track of her son's diagnosis of autism. Her touching scrapbook pages describing her son's victories comforted their family and gave them hope. This is one reason that many scrappers feel that their books are a unique record of a person's life. One dedicated scrapper explained it this way: "As scrappers, we take on the responsibility of teaching our children that each person's story is special and deserves to be documented." Wouldn't Mr. Aristotle be pleased about how his notebook idea turned out? What Is Scrapbooking? Questions 1. What is a nickname for someone who likes scrapbooking? A. a booker B. a scrapper C. a hoarder D. none of the above 2. Which American president enjoyed keeping scrapbooks? A. Abraham Lincoln B. George Washington C. Bill Clinton D. Thomas Jefferson 3. Which author also liked making scrapbooks? A. Mark Twain B. Emily Dickinson C. Lewis Carroll D. Shakespeare 4. Which day of the week did Mark Twain use for scrapbooking? A. Wednesday B. Tuesday C. Sunday D. Monday 5. Which of the following is a synonym for the word "memorabilia" in paragraph 1? A. mirror B. mementos C. Mentos D. ability 6. What does a mat do for a picture? A. makes it look clearer. B. nothing C. makes it look as though it has a frame. D. makes it look smaller. 7. How many photographs are often on a scrapbook page? A. 2 - 4 B. one C. as many as possible D. 5 - 7 8. What did one mother with an autistic son use scrapbooking for? A. to document her new job B. to remember what she planted in her garden C. to keep track of her son's victories D. to keep track of her bills Name Thursday, January 24 Maria Tallchief - The Light of Two Worlds By Trista L. Pollard The orchestra begins to play. The lights start to dim. A beautiful ballerina glides effortlessly onto the stage. The Sugar Plum Fairy has arrived. Her moves are magic. Each step is graceful and electrifying. The performance was the The Nutcracker by George Ballanchine. The year was 1954 in New York City. The Sugar Plum Fairy was ballerina Maria Tallchief. Maria Tallchief was born on January 24, 1925, in Fairfax, Oklahoma. Tallchief and her family lived on an Indian reservation. Her father was an Osage Indian and her mother was Irish and Scottish. Tallchief's family was wealthy and important. Her grandfather helped to negotiate a treaty with the United States. This treaty created the Osage Reservation. It also gave the Osage people the right to drill for oil on their land. Some of the people on the reservation were able to make money from drilling for the oil. As you can see, success was part of Tallchief's family. Danilova in The Song of Norway. Danilova was a famous Russian ballerina at the time. Tallchief also danced in the corps during the operetta. Balanchine choreographed many roles for Tallchief. Her reputation as a dancer grew. People would come to performances just to see her dance. Tallchief finally achieved the title of ballerina with the troupe. She also achieved soloist status and danced in many ballets for Ballet Russe. Tallchief stayed with Ballet Russe until 1947. She also met her husband while with the troupe. Tallchief and Balanchine married in 1946. After getting married, they left Ballet Russe in 1947 and moved to Paris, France. Tallchief again experienced discrimination at the Paris Opera because of her ethnic background. That quickly passed once people saw her talent. In 1947, Tallchief became the first American ballerina to debut at the Paris Opera. French audiences loved her! She also became the first American to dance at the Bolshoi Theatre in Russia with the Paris Opera Ballet. She was also a soloist with the company. After Paris, Tallchief and Balanchine went to New York City. They began to work with Balanchine's Ballet Society. Today this company is called the New York City Ballet. American audiences loved Tallchief's style of dancing. In fact, she was so popular, she performed up to eight times per week. This was unusual for dancers in small ballet companies. However, Tallchief was very dedicated to her craft. She danced with the company and Balanchine's choreography for eighteen years. For many of these years she was the prima ballerina. Some of their famous performances were The Nutcracker, Orpheus, and The Firebird. Tallchief started taking music and dancing lessons with her sister when she was four years old. When she was eight, her family decided to move to Oklahoma. They wanted their daughters to have more training. Tallchief and her family moved to Beverly Hills, California. She started to study with Bronislava Nijinska and David Lichine. Lichine was a student who danced with Pavlova, a famous Russian ballerina. All of Tallchief's training paid off. She danced at the age of 15 at the Hollywood Bowl in her first solo performance. The performance was choreographed by Nijinska. During her time in New York City, Tallchief continued to work with Ballet Russe. From 1955 to 1966 she was a guest artist with the company. Tallchief received the highest salary ever given to a dancer. Unfortunately in 1955 Balanchine and Tallchief divorced. In 1956 Tallchief remarried and had a child in 1958. This was her only break from ballet. In 1959 she went back to the New York City Ballet and created the Gounod Symphony with Balanchine. Tallchief joined the American Ballet Theatre in 1960. Tallchief spent five years with Nijinska. After graduating high school, she joined the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo in 1942. When Tallchief first arrived, she was treated poorly. The Russian troupe had never seen a Native American ballerina. They did not believe Tallchief was talented enough. A famous choreographer named George Balanchine joined the company. He saw that Tallchief was talented. Balanchine made Tallchief an understudy to Alexandra The next five years were busy for Tallchief. She danced with famous Russian dancer Rudolf Nureyev on American television in 1962. In 1965, she retired from dancing. However, her artistic talent was shared with new, younger dancers. Tallchief moved to Chicago and became the artistic director of the Lyric Opera Ballet in 1975. In 1981, she founded the Chicago City Ballet. Tallchief also served as its artistic director until 1987. Name Thursday, January 24 Maria Tallchief's graceful dancing and contributions to the world of dance have been recognized by many people. She has won awards and honors for her work in ballet. In 1953, she was honored by the state of Oklahoma. She was given the honorary name of Wa-Xthe-Thomba which means "Woman of Two Worlds." Tallchief proved that a Native American could succeed as a prima ballerina on any world stage. In 1999 she was presented with the National Medal of the Arts award. This award is presented by the National Endowment for the Arts in the United States. Tallchief's work and accomplishments will continue to inspire future ballet dancers for years to come. Maria Tallchief - The Light of Two Worlds Questions 1. Use context clues to define the word negotiate. 3. Sequence the following events in Maria Tallchief's life. A. Was honored by the state of Oklahoma and given the name Wa-Xthe-Thomba B. Danced at the Hollywood Bowl in California C. Tallchief remarried and had a child D. Founded the Chicago City Ballet 4. What do you think "Woman of Two Worlds" means? 5. In 1959, Tallchief and Balanchine created ______. A. Orpheus B. The Song of Norway C. The Gounod Symphony D. The Firebird 6. Tallchief was the second American dancer to perform at the Bolshoi Theatre in Russia with the Paris Opera Ballet. A. True B. False 7. What words would you use to describe Maria Tallchief? Explain your answer. 2. Why do you think Tallchief's reputation grew when she danced for Ballet Russe during the 1940s? Name Thursday, January 24 8. Read the following sentence: However, Tallchief was very dedicated to her craft. What does the word craft mean based on the sentence? Use the internet, nonfiction books, and other periodicals to research the history of ballet dance. Where did the dance first begin? How has this form of dance evolved? Write a research report that provides the history of ballet, its characteristics, and its evolution over time. Name Thursday, January 24 Unexpected Inspiration By Colleen Messina Stacy sighed and slouched down into her chair, hoping to disappear from sight. Her green eyes rolled in exasperation as her bald, middle-aged art teacher rambled on about their next project. Stacy wanted to create works of art, not crafts, and the assignment to make a gadget out of shoeboxes seemed like a tawdry imitation of true art. A shrill bell sounded the liberation of the bored high school art class. "And be sure to use a lot of color in your project!" shouted the teacher, as hordes of students exited into the cool, dark hallway. Stacy walked home, enjoying the gusty spring breezes laced with the smell of freshly cut grass. She decided that she would assert herself and figure out how to avoid this ridiculous assignment. Surely, she could negotiate something. "Mom, I'm home," Stacy called, as she burst through the front door. "Can we hop on the bus and take a sojourn into the city this afternoon? I am going crazy in my art class!" Stacy was excited when they finally reached the broad stone steps in front of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Huge, sporadic flags hung perpendicular to the building, announcing the latest exhibits inside. Stacy and her mom hurried up the steps and into the museum. Stacy's favorite exhibit was the Egyptian display. It was a replica of the interior of a pyramid, complete with fancy hieroglyphics on the walls. She imagined herself as an Egyptian princess, wearing gold necklaces and black eyeliner. Stacy and her mom were tired after wandering through a model of a prehistoric forest, an exhibit of misty Monet watercolors, and a collection of Greek marble statues. Stacy was famished, so she bought a hot pretzel from a vendor on the Museum steps. "I have surprise for you," said her mom. "We are going to a museum you have never seen before. I feel compelled to show you Nicholas Roerich's paintings." Stacy felt too tired to enjoy another museum, especially since she was convinced that art was not her destiny. She wanted to be an archaeologist so she could study Egypt! The Nicholas Roerich Museum was located in a renovated house on a cobblestone street in an older section of the city. A spinster answered the doorbell and peered at Stacy with piercing, steel-gray eyes. "That is a great idea, sweetie. I just finished talking with my clients about the closing date on their house, so I am free this afternoon. Let's go!" Stacy's mom said. She was a real estate agent and loved a spontaneous excursion into New York City. "Welcome to the museum. I am the curator, but I won't detract from your visit," said the woman in a terse tone. Her long black skirt swirled with a flourish as she guided them into the foyer. Stacy drew in a breath. Enormous, multicolored canvases lined every wall. Brilliant shades of purple, aquamarine, and pink splashed across every painting in the form of dazzling mountain ranges. Stacy had never seen such chromatic beauty! Stacy tucked her auburn hair into an emerald-green beret that perfectly matched her eyes and slipped into a classy tweed jacket. Then she swung a matching fringed scarf over her shoulder. Stacy was pleased with her reflection in the mirror; at least she looked artistic! The subject matter was unique. Tibetan monasteries, yaks, riders on horseback jumping from precipice to precipice, and large statues of Buddha graced these incredible works of art. Stacy had never seen anything like it and thought these paintings were better than any display she had seen at the Metropolitan! The creaking, overcrowded bus departed from a nearby street corner. Soon mother and daughter watched the scenery gradually change from lush, manicured lawns to tall skyscrapers poking like black fingers above the smoggy haze of the city. Stacy told her mother all about art class. "Nicholas Roerich, a Russian artist, led a dangerous five-year expedition through unexplored regions of central Asia in the 1920s. He painted continuously during the trip, even at elevations of 11,000 feet in the Himalayas! He was the first westerner to visit some Tibetan monasteries," the curator explained. Her voice was gentler now. Stacy realized how much the curator loved the magnificent paintings. here," said the curator with perfect diction. Name Thursday, January 24 Stacy and her mom exchanged astonished glances. Later that week, the art teacher praised Stacy's dazzling purple, aquamarine, and pink shoebox creation. Stacy wandered through the museum with a peaceful feeling of reverence, realizing that these works of art could galvanize her to continue her own artistic endeavors. On the landing of the second floor, Stacy found a small door. She opened the door and peered inside a wood-paneled cubicle. She saw many canvases leaning against the walls. A grizzled man with bright eyes looked up from the painting he was cleaning. "Are you new to the master's work?" he asked with a ghastly, toothless grin. "Yes," replied Stacy. "His colors are simply amazing! How did he do it?" "Nicholas Roerich was a master of color, although his style was abnormal for his time. He used tempera paint because the colors are fresh and last a long time. First, he painted a single layer of a brilliant shade, such as aquamarine, emerald green, crimson or sapphire blue. After this layer dried, he painted over it to finish the work. The original layer made the final canvas dazzling! He also was concerned about protecting culture and met with President Roosevelt to negotiate an international treaty to protect museums during wartime!" said the strange man. "Wherever did you get your inspiration?" he asked. Unexpected Inspiration Questions 1. When did Nicholas Roerich lead an expedition through Asia? A. In the 1800s B. In the 1970s C. In the 1920s D. none of the above 2. What is the mood at the end of this story? A. humorous B. romantic C. frightening D. mysterious 3. Write a detailed description of the man Stacy met in the small room. Was he real or not? "I understand him perfectly; I am a renegade myself," Stacy said quietly. "I know," said the old man mysteriously. Stacy withdrew from the little room. Her mind was spinning with ideas about color. She realized that she still loved art. She might even be able to create a shoebox model for her uninspired art teacher! Stacy found her mom talking to the curator about a brilliant, midnight blue Himalayan landscape. "Mom, I met the most interesting man. He told me all about Nicholas Roerich in a hidden room by the stairs," said Stacy. "What man are you referring to? I am quite positive I am the only one 4. Where was Nicholas Roerich from? A. the United States B. Central Asia C. Russia D. Tibet If you were to visit a large museum like the Metropolitan in New York City, what would be your favorite exhibit and why? Name Thursday, January 24 5. What color is the closest to aquamarine? A. lavender B. lemon yellow C. burgundy red D. blue-green 6. Imagine that you were invited on an exciting expedition to the Himalayas. What do you think you might discover there? 7. Which word most closely matches the meaning of the word, "galvanize," in paragraph 16? 8. What was the purpose of the treaty that Nicholas Roerich negotiated? A. to protect trade routes in the Himalayas B. to create a political alliance with Tibetan monks C. to protect artistic works during wartime D. to patent his method of painting their monkeys, added to the festive atmosphere. Donkey rides were a children's favorite. Name Friday, January 25 Holidays By Sharon Fabian Holidays were not something new in Victorian times, but they did take on a new significance. Before this time, holidays had been mainly religious in nature, but during the Victorian era, the idea of holidays began to expand. Holidays became times for family get-togethers and family outings, like mini-vacations. The change happened gradually. As the middle class grew, with more free time and more money to spend, families planned special events for their days off from work. At first, this was mainly on Sundays and Christmas Day. Then in 1871 with the passage of the Bank Holidays Act, workers gained more days free from work. The Bank Holidays Act set aside certain days that banks would be closed. This meant that other businesses could not operate either, so workers got the days off. The bank holidays in England were Easter Monday, a spring holiday called Whit Monday, the first Monday in August, and Boxing Day, which was usually the day after Christmas. One of the most popular holiday activities was a day trip to the seaside. Families would pack a picnic and take the train to Blackpool, Southend-on-Sea, or another seaside town. At that time, people did not go to the beach to get a sun tan as they do today. Back then, the attraction was the brisk sea air. Adults took walks on the beach and enjoyed being by the ocean. Little children played in the sand, digging with their pails and shovels and building sand castles. As more people vacationed by the sea, seaside towns began to offer more attractions. Long promenades were built where visitors could stroll and enjoy the sea air and the sights. Bandstands were added, too, for live music. Other entertainers, like clowns and organ grinders with The favorite holiday of all, however, was probably Christmas, and this one was usually celebrated at home. With the addition of Boxing Day as a day off from work, families could enjoy a two-day Christmas holiday. Boxing Day was the traditional day for giving gifts to the poor and to servants. Christmas boxes were filled with money and other useful presents and given out on this day. Christmas Day was celebrated in a big way in Victorian England, as it is today. In fact, many of our ideas of a traditional Christmas date back to this time. Picture a Christmas scene right out of a pretty Christmas card; you will probably be looking back at a Victorian Christmas. A yule log crackled in the big fireplace. Red-berried holly draped the mantles. The gaslights were decked out with garlands of evergreen that gave a woodsy pine scent to the air. The celebration began on Christmas Eve when the children began their wait for the arrival of Santa Claus. Christmas Day was a day for feasting and opening presents. Children received useful presents, like thick wooly scarves and fun presents, like building sets, dolls, toy soldiers, and story books. Christmas stockings gave up treats, such as apples, oranges, and candies. At dinner the family sat down to a table laden with a roasted goose and all the trimmings. Children and adults popped Christmas crackers for the small prizes hidden inside. In the evening, everyone sang Christmas carols including "O, Come All Ye Faithful" and "Away in a Manger." Many things have changed since Victorian times. Today, we have more holidays than the people did in Victorian times. Children have the whole summer off from school, and families often take vacation trips for a week or more. Still, the beach is a favorite family getaway, and Christmas, when it is at its most joyful and jolly, is still much like it was in Victorian times. Name Friday, January 25 Holidays Questions 1. Beginning in the Victorian era, more families were able to enjoy leisure time. A. false B. true 2. The first holidays were celebrated during the Victorian era. A. true B. false 3. Sunbathing at the beach was popular during Victorian times. A. true B. false 4. Victorian Christmas celebrations were strictly religious with no visits from Santa Claus or gifts. A. false B. true 5. The ______ gave families more leisure time. A. Holidays Act B. Bank Holidays Act C. Seaside Act D. Christmas Holiday Act 6. The day after Christmas when gifts were given to the poor was known as ______. A. Christmas Eve B. Seaside Holiday C. Boxing Day D. Christmas Sunday 7. Vacationers taking a stroll by the sea could enjoy ______. A. sea air B. music C. entertainment D. all of the above 8. Christmas favors that contained small prizes and popped when opened were called ______. A. yule logs B. poppers C. crackers D. crackerjacks Name Friday, January 25 Kim Il-Sung By Vickie Chao Democratic People's Republic of Korea, a.k.a. North Korea, is one of the world's poorest, least-understood, and most isolated countries. And there is nothing about it that is remotely democratic despite its name, for it is also an absolute totalitarian state. Founded on September 9, 1948, this mysterious nation occupies the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. For more than five decades now, it has never given up the idea of overtaking its southern neighbor, Republic of Korea, a.k.a. South Korea. The two countries, separated by the famous 38th parallel north, are like the opposites of two extremes. Whereas South Korea is prosperous, North Korea is destitute. Whereas South Korea is industrialized and technologically advanced, North Korea does not even have a stable supply of electricity. Whereas people in South Korea can express their opinions without fear of retribution,people in North Korea are better off keeping their thoughts to themselves. To comprehend what kind of country North Korea really is, we must first become familiar with one name -- Kim Il-Sung. Kim Il-Sung was born on April 15, 1912, near Pyongyang. When he was about eight years old, his parents moved the entire family to Manchuria (the northeastern region of China) and lived there for several years. During his stay in China, Kim Il-Sung attended a local school and became fluent in Chinese. In 1929, he was briefly jailed for being a member of a student political group led by the South Manchurian Communist Youth Association. After he was released, he dropped out of school and joined the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army. For the next few years, he rose through the ranks quickly. Everybody in the organization recognized his potential. By the mid-1930s, he decided to change his name from Kim Song-Ju to Kim Il-Sung, supposedly in memory of his uncle who was a participant of the so-called March First Movement (or the Samil Movement, an uprising against the Japanese occupation of Korea in 1919). When the Second Sino-Japanese War broke out on July 7, 1937, the Japanese began to crack down on guerrillas with a heavy hand. Knowing that his life was in serious danger, Kim Il-Sung and his followers fled from China to seek safety in Siberia, Russia. (Back then, Russia was called the Soviet Union.) While there, his second wife gave birth to a son whom he named Kim Jong-Il. Interestingly enough, the father-and-son duo would later deny that fact. The official history of North Korea claims that Kim Jong-Il was born in a log cabin on the slopes of North Korea's highest and most sacred mountain, Paektu-san. As if that story is not embellished enough, it goes on to say that there was a double rainbow and a bright star in the sky to mark that auspicious moment. Even the actual year of Kim Jong-Il's birth is now in controversy, too. The record in Russia indicated that it was in February 1941, but the North Korean government insists that it was the following year when Kim Il-Sung turned thirty years of age. Kim Il-Sung and his family stayed in Russia until 1945. After the U.S. dropped two atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the Japanese Emperor Hirohito surrendered on August 14, 1945, ending both the Second Sino-Japanese War and World War II. Along with the victory, the Koreans finally regained their independence. And it was during that time that Kim Il-Sung returned to his homeland as a major in the Soviet Army. One year later, he helped to establish the Korean Workers' Party (KWP) and assumed the leadership role until the day he died. The trouble in the Korean Peninsula after the defeat of Japan was far from over. Separated by the 38th parallel north, the northern half was backed by the Soviet Union and the southern area by the United Nations and the U.S. The divide would later become the border between two countries; both declared independence in 1948. Kim Il-Sung was the Prime Minister of North Korea from the very first day. One of his ambitions was to overtake South Korea. To realize his dream of uniting the whole peninsula under one regime, he launched the Korean War on June 25, 1950. The campaign seemed to favor Kim Il-Sung at first, for his forces captured Seoul (the capital of South Korea) on June 28. But the victory turned out to be short-lived. As the soldiers from the U.S. and United Nations began to pour in to help South Korea, the North Korean army retreated and his death are national holidays. Name Friday, January 25 gave up Seoul in late September. Less than a month later, Pyongyang (the capital of North Korea) fell, forcing Kim Il-Sung to be on the run. He went to China and persuaded the Chinese government to pitch in. For the next three years, the conflict dragged on. At last, a cease-fire was reached on July 27, 1953, using the 38th parallel north once again to be the border between North Korea and South Korea. Along the line, there is now the so-called Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), about 155 miles long and 2.5 miles wide. Troops from either side must be stationed outside of it. Right down the center of the DMZ is the Military Demarcation Line (MDL). Soldiers from one side may patrol within their own DMZ, but they can never cross over the MDL. After the Korean War ended with a stalemate, Kim Il-Sung began his economic reforms. He launched a five-year plan to make all the industries state-owned and all the farms collectivized. He introduced the concept of Juche in a speech delivered on December 28, 1955. He later explained the ideal and outlined the three principles. In short, Juche means to be self-reliant in politics, economy, and national defense. When the North Korean government issued its new constitution in 1972, it made Juche the country's official ideology. The same year, Kim Il-Sung became the President, and a personality cult centering around him and his son was in full swing. Like the mystified tale of Kim Jong-Il's birth, the state propaganda continues to present Kim Il-Sung as the person who could do no wrong. Henceforth, even long after the country's economy collapsed and millions died of starvation, the North Korean government refuses to relent because acknowledging the problems would be a direct insult to Kim Il-Sung or the "Great Leader." To remain true to the core concepts of Juche, North Korea shuns outsiders. On the rare occasions when foreigners are allowed to visit, their trips are scripted, down to the minute. They cannot travel on their own. They cannot talk to whomever they want. Under such an oppressive regime, it is extremely difficult to find out how much of the international food aid actually reached the hands of the mass public. The little information we have often comes from the North Koreans who risked their lives to escape to a better place. Kim Il-Sung died on July 8, 1994. His son and successor, Kim Jong-Il (or the "Dear Leader"), later proclaimed that his father is the country's Eternal President. Both his birthday and the anniversary of The picture shows Kim Jong Il, 3 years old, with father, Kim Il Sung, and mother, Kim Jong Suk. Kim Il-Sung Questions 1. Which of the following about Kim Il-Sung is true? A. He was North Korea's "Dear Leader." B. True to his belief of being self-reliant, he did not ask for help from other countries during the Korean War. C. The new constitution in 1972 made him the country's Eternal President. D. He established the Korean Workers' Party in 1946. 2. Which of the following events took place first? A. The DMZ was established to serve as a buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea. B. Kim Il-Sung fled to Siberia, Russia. C. The Second Sino-Japanese War broke out. D. Japan surrendered and ended World War II. 3. Which country was on North Korea's side during the Korean War? A. China B. The Philippines C. Japan D. The United States 4. Which of the following wars lasted the longest? A. The Second World War B. The Second Sino-Japanese War C. The Korean War D. The Six-Day War Name Friday, January 25 5. Who instigated the Korean War? A. U.S. General Douglas MacArthur B. Kim Jong-Il C. U.S. President Harry S. Truman D. Kim Il-Sung 6. Which of the following is NOT a principle of Juche? A. To be self-sufficient in national defense B. To be economically independent C. To be politically independent D. To be culturally independent 7. What is North Korea's official name? A. Republic of Korea B. Democratic People's Republic of Korea 8. Which of the following words would people NOT use to describe North Korea? A. Isolated B. Free C. Oppressive D. Totalitarian In your opinion, who is the most notorious dictator in history? Explain why you chose him or her. Name Saturday, January 26 Myanmar Cyclone Relief: Ler Shee's Story By Jennifer Kenny Ler Shee survived. He survived a horrific catastrophe. He survived the loss of his immediate family. He survived Cyclone Nargis. Cyclone Nargis hit Asia in May of 2008. It was the deadliest cyclone to hit this area since 1991. A cyclone is a tornado, or a storm with a quiet center that is surrounded by strong, destructive winds. The cyclone was particularly devastating to the southern part of Ler Shee's country, Myanmar. In fact, the most severe destruction occurred in the Irrawaddy Delta region, a place Ler Shee called home. Myanmar, or Burma, is an underdeveloped region. The government is ruled by an authoritarian military regime. The government suppresses anyone who is against it. There's even a law that makes it illegal to gather in groups of more than five people. Even peaceful demonstrations are illegal. Medical care is considered quite inadequate, even for routine care. In 2008, it was estimated that approximately 48 million people were living in Myanmar. Cyclone Nargis was quite obviously devastating in a country that was struggling to begin with. According to the United Nations, Cyclone Nargis killed more than 84,000 people and more than 53,000 are still missing. It also left over two million people needing food, shelter, and medical care. The infrastructure in many areas was destroyed. Where Ler Shee lives 95 percent of the homes were destroyed. Ler Shee lost his mother, his father, his sister, and his brother in the tragedy. The sights around him were grim. He was terrified. It took days to reunite Ler Shee with his aunt, but after everything and everyone he had lost, he was so happy to see her. Some of his friends were not so lucky. Relief efforts began immediately. Certain organizations, such as UNICEF, had relief workers already in Myanmar. They were focusing on vaccinations, HIV prevention, malnutrition, infant mortality, safe drinking water, and malaria prevention. When countries around the world realized the devastation and destruction, a global response was launched. The problem was the military government refused most help at the beginning of the crisis. For example, military helicopters from neighboring countries were not allowed to enter the country to help. Therefore, relief agencies had to find private helicopters to bring in materials, thereby wasting precious time and money. Even as late as June of 2008, U.S. Navy ships were not allowed permission to help for fear that the United States would invade and steal oil instead of truly providing help to the people. Immediately after any mammoth catastrophe, people need basic necessities, diseases need to be prevented, and temporary shelters need to be established. People immediately needed water containers and water purification tablets because the water was contaminated. Tarps were needed since roofs were gone. Hygiene kits and mosquito nets were needed for health and cleaning. Only the tiniest amount of flexibility on the part of the government allowed help to arrive during the aftermath. Months afterward, some remote areas, where access was most difficult, still lacked assistance. In the middle of 2008, conditions in some areas gradually improved while the hardest hit areas still lacked many basics and were at high risk. Relief agencies on the ground have shifted into recovery mode. Ler Shee has benefited from some of these services. For example, the public schools that were destroyed in the cyclone obviously were not open. While schools are being rebuilt, relief organizations are creating temporary learning spaces with basic furniture, latrines, and water tanks. Ler Shee also goes to a child-friendly space with his aunt. It's a temporary playroom with books, balls, bowling pins, and so on. These little things offer tiny elements of a normal life. In the meantime, the people of Myanmar have a long road ahead. Name Saturday, January 26 Myanmar Cyclone Relief: Ler Shee's Story 7. Which was NOT an immediate need to Ler Shee the day after the cyclone hit? A. shelter B. clean water C. video games D. care Questions 1. Myanmar and ______ are names for the same country. A. Burma B. Japan C. China D. Indonesia 2. Nargis refers to a(n) ______ of 2008. A. tsunami B. earthquake C. hurricane D. cyclone 3. The government of Myanmar is a ______. A. democracy B. military regime C. monarchy D. none of the above 4. The government of Myanmar was open to outside help immediately following the catastrophe. A. True B. False 5. Which is true about the aftermath of Nargis in Myanmar? A. Ler Shee lost his parents. B. Over 84,000 people were killed. C. Ninety-five percent of homes in the area were destroyed. D. all of the above 6. Disease is an immediate concern after a natural disaster hits a region. A. True B. False Imagine you are a relief worker. What immediate needs do you see after the cyclone hits? and William L. Garrison. Name Sunday, January 27 Susan B. Anthony By Mary L. Bushong Have you ever thought about how different life was for women before the 1900's? They had almost no rights, much like slaves. Money they earned was usually paid to their husbands. They were not allowed to vote. Many women wanted to make changes, but it did not really begin to happen until a woman by the name of Susan B. Anthony stepped into the picture. Susan was born on February 15, 1820, in Adams, Massachusetts. Parents who were social activists raised her in a strict Quaker home. She was not allowed to play with toys or games or have music. Her father did not want his children distracted by things which were not important. He wanted them to learn to be self-disciplined and have a strong sense of their own self worth. Young Susan was very bright, learning to read and write when she was just three years old. When she was six, her family moved to Battensville, New York. There she attended the local public school, until the teacher refused to teach her long division. Susan's father set up a school at home for his daughters. Mary Perkins taught it. This teacher gave Susan and her sisters an example of an independent, educated woman. Susan eventually attended a boarding school in Philadelphia and then taught school for a time before moving back to her parent's home in Rochester, New York. It was from there that she began her own activist career on behalf of the Abolitionists and Temperance. Abolitionists wanted slavery to be ended, and Temperance was a movement to help people reduce or stop drinking alcohol. It also tried to help women and children with alcoholic family members. Susan's family had been long-time supporters of the Abolitionists. She knew or met many of its leaders, including Frederick Douglass When Susan became more involved in the Temperance movement, she found she had a problem. As a woman, she was not allowed to get up and speak at rallies where men were in attendance. This was a source of great frustration to her and other female activists such as Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Amelia Bloomer. In 1854 Susan devoted most of her time to the Abolitionist cause and became an agent for the American Anti-Slavery Society. She was threatened by hostile mobs, was hung in effigy, and her image was dragged through the streets. After the Civil War, from 1868-1870, she and Elizabeth Stanton produced a weekly paper called "The Revolution." In it, she advocated an eight-hour workday and equal pay for equal work. In 1872 Susan began demanding the same civil and political rights for women that had been extended to blacks in the 14th and 15th amendments. She was arrested when she tried to vote in a presidential election. When she was convicted of breaking the law, she successfully refused to pay the fine, which was her punishment. From that point on she worked tirelessly to get a federal women's suffrage amendment. Between 1881 and 1902 Susan and others published four of the six volumes of History of Woman Suffrage. By the 1890's people stopped laughing at her and finally began to respect what she was working for. In spite of all her hard work and efforts over the years, Susan died in 1906 without seeing the result she wanted so much. It was not until 1920 that the 19th amendment was passed, which gave American women the right to vote. Her contribution to helping women get the vote was honored in 1979 with her image on a one-dollar coin. She was the first woman to be so honored in the United States. When Susan B. Anthony was young, women had few legal rights. Through the efforts of her and many others like her, women can get a higher education, work at almost any job, own property, hold public office, and vote. While she never married or had children, she left a legacy of inspiration to make the world a better place, and it is still felt today. 5. What was the name of Susan's weekly newspaper? Name Sunday, January 27 Susan B. Anthony Questions 1. Why didn't Susan's parents let her play with toys or games? 2. Which two famous Abolitionist reformers did Susan know? 3. How old was Susan when she learned to read and write? A. 3 years old B. 7 years old C. 5 years old D. 2 years old 4. The Temperance movement wanted to help people with A. money problems B. smoking problems C. drinking problems 6. How did people treat Susan when she became an agent for the American Anti-Slavery Society? 7. What two amendments gave more civil and legal rights to blacks? 8. How was Susan B. Anthony honored in 1979? Name Sunday, January 27 9. If you had grown up when Susan did how would you have tackled these same issues she faced? Name Sunday, January 27 Boomers and Bomb Shelters - The Nifty Fifties By Toni Lee Robinson The decade of the Fifties was a funny time in U.S. history. It was as if the culture as a whole was engaged in a massive role-play. The Forties, with their dark clouds of war, had at long last departed. Now, Americans wanted more than anything just to live without drama. They wanted to live in a stable, forward-looking nation with no problems. They wanted prosperous families with nothing more warlike to worry about than the kids playing "Cowboys and Indians" in the back yard. The happy event of soldiers returning from war had already taken care of the family department. The explosion of post-war babies was called a "boom." (Now, over fifty years later, people born in the post-war boom are nearing retirement age. They are still known as the "baby boomers!") Many of these Fifties families found that post-war life was settling into some pretty comfortable patterns. They'd lived through the hardships of the Great Depression and the rationing and sacrifice of WWII. Now, many families were enjoying a steady paycheck. At the same time, industry was producing a bountiful supply of goods to buy. A major focus of Fifties culture was material. The "stuff is good" mentality was reflected in the newest form of entertainment-television. The number of TV sets owned by households in the U.S skyrocketed during the decade. In 1950, there were ten and a half million TVs. By 1958 there were 45 million. TV programs of the day showed Americans a pleasant, rosy picture of themselves. Shows like Leave It to Beaver, Father Knows Best, and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet were about middle American families who lived in nice homes and solved all their problems by the end of each 30-minute episode. Whether it really panned out that way or not, families at least thought they should look like the ones on TV, with Dad going off to work and Mom in the housewife role. The male-female employment rate was 5-1 at the time. Homes-preferably located outside the busy, smoggy cities-were an important purchase for Fifties families. The decade saw a mass migration of city dwellers to a new Utopia-the suburbs. There were some nagging problems in Paradise, however. While many white families acquired mortgages and bought homes in Suburbia, families of other races weren't so fortunate. A higher percentage of mortgage requests from black and Hispanic families were denied by banks. They ran into trouble in the course of pursuing the American Dream of home ownership. Federal funds had been set aside to make it easier for low-income families to own homes. Non-white applicants were approved for these loans more frequently than they were for regular bank loans. But there were often only certain areas of a city in which a non-white family could purchase a home with the loaned funds. The dreams non-whites had of moving their families out of crowded ghettos often went unfulfilled. Investigators discovered that banks and some government housing officials had actually taken maps of their cities and marked off certain areas, sometimes with red pencil. These were usually poor, non-white neighborhoods. No money would be loaned for purchases within the marked areas. This practice came to be called " redlining." Eventually, discrimination in lending was outlawed. In the Fifties, however, it intensified segregation and poverty in cities. Many civic governments in the Fifties era took action to "clean up" the inner cities. The Federal Highway Department began building roadways through the heart of urban areas. Older, shabbier sectors were demolished to make space for new freeways and sparkling new cityscapes. This process of "urban renewal" displaced thousands of residents. Many were turned out of what had been thriving-if somewhat down at the heels-ethnic neighborhoods. Relations between blacks and whites was a problem simmering below the surface of the Fifties culture. The struggle for civil rights was not new. In the Fifties, however, America saw the first effective stirrings of the Civil Rights Movement that would ultimately change the nation. It began with individual black people refusing to bow to segregation in schools and buses. Leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. arose during the Fifties to give focus and structure to civil rights efforts. For the most part, rural and small-town America lived the idyllic Fifties image. They didn't have to worry about urban renewal or race 2. Judging from general trends of the era, what would you say people of the Fifties wanted their lives to be like? Name Sunday, January 27 riots. There was another problem lurking in the depths of the nation's consciousness, however-one that touched farm and city dweller alike. A potent fear had invaded the country. Communism and the atomic bomb had become the stuff of which nightmares are made. People feared China and/or Russia would launch a nuclear attack against the U.S. Many families built some type of shelter in their backyards. They hoped the bunkers would protect them in case of a nuclear explosion. In addition to nuclear worries, a major panic took place in the U.S. over the elusive "enemy within." Were Communist sympathizers in the U.S. on a covert mission to undermine the system? Suspected Communists were blacklisted and harassed. As weary of war as they were, Americans answered the trumpet call again as the UN battled Communism in Korea. In the Fifties, America was caught between what it wanted to be and what it was. Like a child trying to look confident and dignified, dressed up in Mother's heels or Father's business suit, it kept tripping on the carpet. Boomers and Bomb Shelters - The Nifty Fifties Questions 1. What factors brought about the cultural climate of the Fifties? 3. How were the lives of non-white families different from whites in the Fifties? 4. "Baby boomers" are people who: A. Were part of an explosion of births that took place after servicemen returned from WWII B. Advocated the use of nuclear weapons to end the Korean War C. Were born to "war brides" brought home by soldiers of the Korean War D. Led efforts to care for children left fatherless by soldiers killed in WWII 5. One of the most popular consumer items in the Fifties was: A. Television sets B. Radios C. Video games D. Automatic dishwashers Name Sunday, January 27 6. Television programming of the Fifties tended to portray: A. The lively, sometimes volatile interplay of differing outlooks in American culture B. Prosperous, white, middle American families with men as breadwinners and women as housewives C. The misery and violence of war D. The harmonious ethnic diversity that Americans desired to encourage 7. "Redlining" and urban renewal were related in that: A. Redlining was the process by which leaders of ethnic groups directed urban renewal programs to restore inner city neighborhoods. B. Both were housing and development practices that caused hardship to non-white families in cities. C. They were the most popular government housing and development practices ever carried out. D. Loss of homes and neighborhoods in Fifties urban renewal projects caused a collapse in families referred to by sociologists as "redlining." 8. The article is written from the point of view that the Fifties was a time when American culture was trying to be something that it never quite achieved. Do you agree with this view? Why or why not? Give an example of how individuals and families are influenced by the times in which they live. Use at least two different generations of people to illustrate your example. has hairs, can see and hear, and is ready to venture outside. Name Monday, January 28 Unusual Mammals: Marsupials & Monotremes Mammals, by definition, are haired, warm-blooded vertebrate animals that feed their young with milk. While most mammals (such as lions and rodents) give birth to live young in their nests, others are wired to rear their offspring differently. Scientists divide these other mammals into two groups: marsupials and monotremes. Oddly, Australia is like a magnet to mammals that strive to be unique. Evidence? Most marsupials reside in Australia, and all monotremes establish their homes on this giant continent that we nickname the Down Under. So, what animals are marsupials, and what animals are monotremes? Furthermore, what make marsupials and monotremes exceptional? Of nearly 300 marsupial species, kangaroos and koalas are not only the most famous marsupials, but also symbols of Australia. Aside from these two well-known animals, opossums, wombats, bandicoots, and Tasmanian devils - to name just a few - are also marsupials. Although marsupials give birth to live young, they do so at a very early stage of the embryo's development. Hence, baby marsupials are not yet fully formed when they are born. Let's use the koala as an example. A female koala gives birth to a single baby once a year. Her baby (called a "joey") is tiny in comparison to herself - a joey measures about 0.8 inches long and weighs under 0.2 ounces, whereas its mother averages around 24-34 inches in length and 10-30 pounds in weight. The newborn is blind, hairless, and earless. Yet, its front limbs and sense of smell are fully developed. Following the scent of its mother's milk, the joey slowly crawls on its front limbs and claws to find the entrance into its mother's pouch. Once inside, it attaches itself to one of the two nipples that swells to fill its mouth. The joey remains in the pouch for the next six months. When the six-month period is over, the joey If you think marsupials are unusual, then you will think monotremes are just outright bizarre! Although there are only three living monotreme species - the platypus, the short-beaked echidna, and the long-beaked echidna - their uniqueness forced scientists to rewrite the definition of mammals. Prior to the discovery of monotremes in the 18th century, scientists stated that all mammals give birth to live young. Thus, you can imagine how shocked scientists were when they came across mammals with reptile-like breeding behaviors. That's right! Platypuses and echidnas lay eggs, and their soft-shelled eggs look quite similar to those laid by snakes or other reptiles. Aside from the fact that monotremes don't give birth to live young, scientists also discovered that female monotremes lack one thing that all other female mammals have - nipples. Instead of nipples, female monotremes have mammary glands where milk oozes out onto two patches of fur on their bellies for their young to suckle. After rounds of discussions and lengthy debates that went on for nearly a century, scientists finally conceded that platypuses and echidnas are indeed mammals, as they feed their young with milk. Although nobody knows why most marsupials and all monotremes are found only in Australia, we do know one thing - if we want to have a close encounter with, say, an echidna, we must visit this beautiful, wondrous continent that is just full of surprises! Unusual Mammals: Marsupials & Monotremes Questions 1. Which of the following statements about marsupials is correct? A. Marsupials have mammary glands. B. Marsupials lay eggs. C. Koalas and echidnas are examples of marsupials. D. Baby marsupials are not yet fully developed when they are born. Imagine you are a scientist witnessing the birth of a joey. Describe its development in an article for a science magazine for kids. Name Monday, January 28 2. Which of the following statements about monotremes is correct? A. Platypuses, short-beaked opossums, and long-beaked opossums are the only three monotreme species on Earth. B. Monotremes feed their young with milk. C. Baby monotremes attach themselves to their mother's nipples that swell to fill their mouths. D. Monotremes' eggs are hard-shelled. 3. Marsupials live nowhere else but in Australia. A. True B. False 4. Which of the following is NOT a marsupial? A. The flying squirrel B. The red kangaroo C. The black-shouldered opossum D. The common wombat 5. Which of the following is NOT a monotreme? A. The long-beaked echidna B. The Tasmanian devil C. The platypus D. The short-beaked echidna 6. What makes an animal a mammal? A. It has a pouch to carry its young. B. It feeds its young with milk. C. It lays eggs. D. It gives birth to live young. 7. What do female platypuses feed their newborns with? A. Milk B. Grass C. Eucalyptus leaves D. Fish Name Monday, January 28 Great Aunt Ella's Treasures By Colleen Messina Erica lazily lounged in bed and breathed in the delicious smell of clover wafting through her open window. Her mother had already called her once, but Erica loved the luxury of sleeping late on summer days. She knew she should strive for a more disciplined schedule...starting tomorrow. "Erica Magdalena, GET UP! Remember, you have to visit Great Aunt Ella," called her mom. Her mother's voice sounded dissonant. Erica was averse to her old-fashioned middle name and felt disgusted when her mother used it. Erica felt that visiting Great Aunt Ella would be a trial. Ella looked like a sweet woman, but sometimes she was a vixen. She wore her silvery hair pulled back in a modest bun, and her wire-rimmed glasses were perched demurely on the end of a nose as rough and rosy as a partially ripe strawberry. However, sweet Great Aunt Ella usually launched into a pugnacious discourse about modern fashion when she saw Erica's tight blue jeans and spaghetti-strap tops. Erica tried to conduct herself respectfully, but it took time for her bruised feelings to subside after Ella's criticism. "Coming, Mom, but I've got to shampoo my hair," called Erica. "Your great aunt is expecting us at 10 am sharp, and it is 9:40 now, so I'll call and reassure her that we're on our way," answered her mom. Erica was relieved that her mother's voice sounded buoyant again. Erica had lots to collect for her 4H project on genealogy at the Crawford County Summer Fair. Erica hoped to find a family tree, birth and marriage certificates, heirloom jewelry, and old photographs at her great aunt's house, if she could survive the visit. It would be worth it, though, if she won a blue ribbon at the fair! Erica loved going on the dizzying rides, then eating homemade bratwurst followed by sparkly cups of shaved ice in obnoxious neon colors. The county farmers were jubilant about their harvest each year and proudly displayed their enormous cucumbers, saucer-sized zinnias, and delectable tomatoes. The livestock barns housed fuzzy lambs, bleating goats, and lethargic pigs, but Erica secretly admitted that the animals were not the real reason she visited the barns. What she really liked to do was to chat with the boys who tended the animals! "Mom, I'm ready! It's only 9:52," said Erica. "Here is a bagel to eat in the car," replied her mother with a devious smile, as she deliberately handed Erica a hot cinnamon bagel spread with cream cheese. Breakfast consumption had been an ongoing discussion between mother and daughter for some time. Erica thought the idea that breakfast was the most important meal of the day was ridiculous. If she did not feel like eating a meal, why was it so important? However, the toasty bagel made her mouth water in anticipation, and soon Erica was munching happily. The drive took them on roads lined with cornfields and lumbering cattle. The corn's golden, translucent tassels waved against the turquoise sky like triumphant flags. Occasionally, they passed a square Victorian house with delicate wrought-iron porch railings and overflowing vegetable gardens nearby. The fields were comforting, but Erica was looking forward to graduating in two years and going to college in California. They cruised up Ella's driveway, and Erica noticed that the large, luscious, lavender lilacs next to the porch were in full bloom. Voluminous, decorative pots of red geraniums sat next to the door. Great Aunt Ella peered at them through the screen. "Well, there you are! Come in quickly, and don't let the flies in," she snapped. Erica and her Mom slipped in. The screen door slammed shut with a terrific bang. "Hello, Great Aunt Ella," Erica said nervously. She waited for her great aunt's usual caustic remarks about her clothes but, surprisingly, none came. "Your mom told me you need things for your 4H display about the family. Let's go to the attic to help you in your foray into genealogy," replied Ella. "OK, great!" answered Erica, astounded at her great aunt's sudden Great Aunt Ella's Treasures Name Monday, January 28 graciousness. A single bulb hanging from the ceiling at the top of the attic staircase eerily lit a vast collection of mahogany furniture, black-and-white portraits in broken frames, and lamps edged with beaded fringe. Great Aunt Ella's many treasures were a revelation to Erica! "Over there is a box of antique jewelry, and here is my old photo album. You may have my superfluous photographs," explained Ella. Erica leafed through the crinkly yellow pages cautiously and looked carefully at the somber white faces that seemed to stare back at her. Why didn't those people ever smile? Some photos featured people with tinted pink cheeks, but that was the only trace of color. Erica was startled when she found a photo of a delicate, young girl in an ominously dark bathing suit. The girl, who bore a remarkable resemblance to her great aunt, was not smiling, but her eyes held a mischievous twinkle. "Yes, that photograph was taken when I was sixteen. I had quite a reputation as an accomplished swimmer! I would have loved one of those multicolored suits you wear now rather than those horrible trunks!" Great Aunt Ella said wistfully. Questions 1. What does the word "trial" mean in paragraph 3? A. a walking path B. a legal proceeding C. a difficult experience D. none of the above 2. What subject was a point of contention between Erica and her mom? A. what Erica should use in her fair display B. whether they should visit Great Aunt Ella that day C. Erica's choice of clothes D. Erica's breakfast habits 3. What was the relationship between Erica's mother and Erica's Great Aunt Ella? A. Erica's mother was Ella's granddaughter B. Erica's mother was Ella's niece C. There was no relationship between Erica's mother and Ella D. Erica's mother was Ella's sister Erica realized with amazement that Ella was a teenager once, too. Did Ella actually like some of the flamboyant styles of today? Faultless script under the photograph noted: Ella Magdalena, age 16. 4. The phrase, "large, luscious, lavender lilacs" is an example of what literary device? A. simile B. alliteration C. synonym D. metaphor Magdalena! Erica looked at her great aunt with renewed appreciation, and now she was sure her 4H project would be a success. She suddenly had an idea! Turning to Great Aunt Ella, she asked, "Can you help me shop for a bathing suit?" 5. the farmers only displayed edible items at the fair. A. False B. True Great Aunt Ella's eyes lit up with a mischievous twinkle. Name Monday, January 28 6. Would pumpkins be displayed at a summer fair? Why or why not?______ 7. What does the word "genealogy" mean? A. an account of the descent of a family B. a display of vegetables C. the study of the history of blue jeans D. the study of chromosomes 8. Where does Erica plan to go to college? A. Colorado B. Ohio C. Erica does not plan to attend college D. California Imagine that you discovered a secret compartment off of the attic in your grandmother's home. What exciting treasure would you discover, and what would you do with it?