Ferguson Thanksgiving Lesson

On the eve of the Thanksgiving holiday, we prepare to express gratitude for he many blessings that have been bestowed on us as Americans.

While many of us will do so, there is a significant portion of the American people that will not be feeling particularly thankful this Thursday.

Rather than gratitude, their overwhelming sentiment will be anger that justice has been denied.

Whatever one might feel about the guilt or innocence of Officer Darren Wilson, and whether he was justified in shooting unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown, a tragedy occurred.

Ferguson, a predominately African-American city with a predominately white leadership and police force, is the embodiment of the abiding grievances that lie just beneath the surface in American society.

Should we bow our heads this Thanksgiving, and along with showing our gratitude, dedicate ourselves to ensuring that the bounty we enjoy is equally attainable for all of us, regardless of race, creed, color or sexual orientation?

What would Bob Moses and the protesters from the 'Freedom Summer' of 50 years ago say about last night's riots?  Are things better than they were then? How are they different?  

What have Michael Brown's parents said?

 Post your thoughts and comments below.

Layup4Lauren

 What would you do if you only had one year to live?

Lauren Hill was diagnosed with DIPG, a form of brain cancer, on 11/20/13. She is a strong young lady and continued to play basketball all through her 6 weeks of radiation and study chemo. She is an inspiration to our community and surrounding schools. The outpouring of support has been amazing. She attends Mount St. Joseph University, Cincinnati, OH where she is a member of the basketball team. Lauren captured America's heart when she insisted on playing even just one game with her college team. The story quickly spread and after the game was scheduled at a much larger venue, they sold out all 10,250 seats in less than an hour. Lauren continues to be a spokesperson, fundraiser and advocate for other kids battling brain cancer through The Cure Starts Now Foundation.

The other team's view of the Ohio miracle game

How could you help?

At the conclusion of the game, Lauren’s wish was that the movement to cure cancer would not end at that game, that people would use the game to continue to fundraise with The Cure Starts Now in her honor to fund research and help fund a cure for kids like her. Schools across the country are taking the 'Layup 4 Lauren Challenge:'

Do a personal Layup 4 Lauren challenge by spinning 5 times and shooting with your non-dominant hand. If you miss you need to donate (or make a donation anyway). 

Record and send your challenge to Mr. Kelly and at least 3 friends or family members via gmail or social media.

All Donations will be collected in the jar in Mr. Kelly's room.

Who is the Cure Starts Now? 

Started in 2007 by Cincinnati residents, The Cure Starts Now Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has revolutionized cancer research worldwide with its focus on a “homerun cure” for all cancers, starting first with  those cancers that experts believe we can learn the most from. In 2014 we reached over $2.6 million in funding which has allowed us to provide funding of new experimental treatments and research at top pediatric oncology hospitals including Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Today, our fundraising initiatives have taken many forms from the bestselling Graeter’s Ice Cream Flavor of Elena’s Blueberry Pie Ice Cream that sells nationwide, to campaigns at all Gold Star Chili restaurants and community partnerships with each of our 26 chapters nationwide.

Female Freedom Fighters

How is this war report biased based on the reading we did in class?  What is the narrative?  What conclusion does the report want us to make?

What is the Vietnam Syndrome?  Is it incurable?  Is the war against Isis potentially another 'Vietnam?'  How?   Why don't we put 'boots on the ground' to help these Women?

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

They come, day and night, to see the vast ceramic poppy field at the Tower of London.

  But how did the flower gain this power?

Why do we call it Veterans Day in America?

Print and color your own Poppy to wear in remembrance.

Space Tourism

Make your reservations now. The space tourism industry is officially open for business, and tickets are going for a mere $20 million for a one-week stay in space. Despite reluctance from NASA, Russia made American businessman Dennis Tito the world's first space tourist. Tito flew into space aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket that arrived at the International Space Station on April 30, 2001. The second space tourist, South African businessman Mark Shuttleworth, took off aboard the Russian Soyuz on April 25, 2002, also bound for the ISS. Greg Olsen, an American businessman, became tourist number three to the ISS on October 1, 2005.

But What are the risks? 

If you've ever dreamed of going to space and doing what only a few hundred people have done, then read on. In this article, you'll learn about the spacecraft being designed as destinations for space tourists, and how you may one day have a chance to cruise through the solar system.

How much would you pay to go into outer space?  Do you dream of being a space tourist?

Why or why not?

 Comment below.

Acceptance Speech

The Republican's made historic gains in yesterday's election. At the national level, they won enough US Senate races to take control of the chamber in 2015. The party also added to its majority in the House of Representatives, toppled Democratic governors in a few states, and flipped a few state legislative chambers.

 Watch Mich McConnell's (The new Senate Majority Leader from KY) and John Boehner's (Speaker of the House from Ohio) acceptance speeches then write one of your own.

Who will you thank?  What will you promise?  How are you affected by this decision?

Your finished speeches will be recorded using your iPhone or Thinkpads.  Watch an example.