September 11, Hurricane Katrina: Separate and Unequal Reactions

It's with mixed emotions that I ponder 9/11, 10 years later. I knew our nation would engulf the WTC, Flight 93 and Pentagon victims with love. My fellow Americans are kindhearted. But when a big wind named Katrina drowned New Orleans four years later, where was that compassion? It's a tale of two Americas. Two profiles in courage with a segregation of empathy. Two separate and unequal responses, two equal and opposite reactions. 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina: Separate and Unequal Reactions from a Compassionate Nation 

Constitution Day, September 17, Benjamin Franklin Lessons

The U.S. celebrates Constitution Day on September 17. Use these activities for a back to school unit on early American government, including a look a one of America's most influential men--Ben Franklin. Who was Benjamin Franklin? He was many things. Born January 17, 1706, Benjamin Franklin was the 15th of Josiah Franklin's 17 children. His parents were poor working class people. Franklin's grandparents had been blacksmith, farmer and indentured servant. Despite this, Benjamin Franklin has been called a 'Renaissance Man'.   Read on Benjamin Franklin Lesson Plans, Homework Help for American History 

Best Labor Unions History Movies to Watch for Labor Day

 Labor Day, the first Monday in September, was designated to celebrate the achievements of organized labor unions in protecting workers' rights.Labor Day is about more than just BBQs and the last summer holiday. Here are labor union movies to watch for Labor Day. When labor wins a victory it helps everyone.

We have organized labor unions to thank for better healthcare benefits, unemployment benefits, safer working conditions, womens' right, racial unity, overtime pay, paid holidays and sick days, child labor laws and many other benefits that workers now take for granted. Watch these movies to understand more about how labors unions have impacted our lives. Since writing this I've since watched and recommend "Harlan County War" also. Read on  Best Labor Unions History Movies to Watch for Labor Day

Stendhal Syndrome and Art History

Russian Woman Hurls Teacup at DaVinci's 'Mona Lisa' at Louvre Museum
Parisian authorities are holding a women for psychiatric examination after she threw a tea cup at DaVinci's 'Mona Lisa' in the Louvre. She may suffer from Stendhal Syndrome, in which persons behave oddly when they see art.
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Last Titanic Survivor: Passed Away

Last Titanic Survivor Dies at 98 on Anniversary of Launch
Titanic was clearly sinkable. But the courage of the passengers and their memory remains forever unsinkable. Perhaps significantly,the last Titanic survivor, Millvina Dean passed away on Titanic's launch date 98 years later.
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Feast of the Strawberry Moon- Native American/French Voyageur Encampment

Feast of the Strawberry Moon
a review of the week-end activities associated with a military, French voyageur and native American encampment; includes dress, food, artifacts, transportation, weaponry, dwelling and living styles
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Vietnam War Protest Songs

Music Playlist: 25 War and Government Protest Songs
Need a playlist of protest songs for your election party? Maybe you need protest music for your history, government or current affairs class? 25 songs that protest war and government intervention. Use for classroom, school projects or election issues.
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Shakespeare: Ultimate Historati

DIY Guide: How to Read Shakespeare
If high school students were asked, 'Who would you most wish to see tortured?', William Shakespeare would top the list. Shakespeare, for many reasons, is the ultimate historati. He explores people (Julius Caesar, Richard III), places (Italy, Greece). Shakespeare explores the being of man. English teachers love 16th century dialogue; English students don't. Here's a reader's guide to Shakespeare.
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Free Lessons on Native American Culture

Free Printable Native American Activities
Thanksgiving is a perfect season to explore Native American Indian cultures. Understanding American Indian history helps us understand all history better. Here are free printable Native American lesson plans to help.
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Radio Plays and the Art of Storytelling

How to Read Aloud
Remember radio plays? Radio plays bring us back in history to the days when there weren't the visuals of television. Listeners relied upon the talents of readers to visualize the story in their minds. Here's a guide to reading aloud for storytelling, reader's theater and radio plays.
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