Follow up on Japan

Many of you expressed surprise and shock, imagine if you were Japanese. As you read this, remember textbooks are issued (approved) by the government in Japan.

Courage

Continuing our conversation on courage, what do you think about this?

A New Translation of Industrial Revoution

Here is an update to your first research assignment on working conditions today.

Appeasement

The idea of "Appeasement" has had lasting implications as written here.

Things Get Hotter on the Korean Peninsula

See how the Secretary of State (as opposed to the Secretary of Defense) does his job .

History Rhyming Again!

There have been literally hundreds of times when governments stop paying their debts (default) in the last 150 years. Since it is all over the news today (more on that later) take a look at the Wall Street Journal's view on it.

11-11-11

We just past 12-12-12 (maybe you remember the concert), go here and discover the original 11-11-11.

Military Exercises

We just discussed how military exercises can cause tension and even lead to war. Read this and see what is happening on the Korean Peninsula. Check out a link or two see what has been causing these tensions.

"Only in New York"

The article says "Only in New York" what do you think?

Storms - The New Normal

A "hundred year storm" is a storm that is so severe it is only supposed to happen once every hundred years...or so.  Clearly, this is not a reliable description anymore. Read this to see what the government says about how it may affect our country.

The Anti-industrial Place to Live!

Since we were just discussing the advantages and disadvantages of an industrial lifestyle, I thought this would be interesting.

1812 Overture

The 1812 Overture commerorates the Russian defeat of Napoleon. Read the notes from class as you listen to this piece. Play it loud and enjoy!

What is a poor noble to do?

Who knew the Second Estate still lives? See here what life is like for modern day nobility in France.

FACEbook

No, it is not a typo. As Facebook seeps further and further into the fabric of our lives and business, I thought the intersection of privacy and profit made for an interesting article. Read this and tell me what you think.

Germany Weighs Banning Video

Lets take a different look at free speech. If you have not heard about the anti-American protests over a crude anti-Muslim video; crawl out from under your rock and read (maybe even click some links to learn more) how Germany is considering banning the video to avoid conflict. Is it the same as saying you cannot yell "fire!" in a movie theater or is it the first step down a slippery slope?

Undaunted by Arrests.....

Freedom of speech is essential to enlightened ideals. See how it has become a flashpoint in Russia since the government sent the members of a young punk-rock band to jail over a recent performance.

Tiananmenn Square Flashback

Listen to how the famous footage of "Tank Man" came to be.

The Strain of War

We study of battles won and lost. We read a bit here and there of a soldier's thoughts on war. Although we get hints, we will never understand until we are there. Here is small glimpse of the darker side.

What a Difference 90 Years Makes!

Check out this article about a French / German border area. What a difference 90 years makes!

Baby We Were Born To Run! ...errr, maybe not.

This article accuses you (if you are under say, 28) of being anti adventure! Read it and let me know what you think.