Suggested Readings
The Northern Hemisphere still needs to deal with at least 8 more weeks of winter. If the most recent blast of Artic air isn’t enough to force you to hibernate, you’re hardier than the average person. For the rest of us, it’s a good time to catch up with some reading. Here are 5 suggestions that you’ll find amusing, enlightening and easy to squeeze in tight time schedules.
The Greatest Stories Never Told by Rick Beyer
Stories researched by the History Channel’s Timelab 2000, an acclaimed educational series. You’ll find 100 stories that are short, entertaining and can serve as reference material for future classroom assignments. Many times, the stories will dispel myths surrounding accepted historical accounts. For example, was George Washington really the first President?
The Essential 55 by Ron Clark
The Ron Clark Story was recently featured on the TNT TV network. Basically, here’s a story of an educator who refused to give up on kids that represented the most under-privileged students in the New York City School District. Clark has been recognized nationally as Disney’s Teacher of the Year. Here’s an uplifting quick read designed to light a fire under parents and teachers everywhere. Success is achievable even in the most underserved communities.
Myths, Lies, and Downright Stupidity by John Stossel
John Stossel is a Libertarian; he would prefer to be called a Liberal, but that tag has too many negative connotations presently. Regardless of the label, Stossel is against big government and its intrusions into our lives. He argues that the free market place can do a better job of serving Americans and government is in the way of real progress. Not to mislead you, government is not the only topic Stossel offers; he also discusses other myths about health, consumerism, the media, the legal system and parenting, just to name a few of the short chapters. You can read the book from cover to cover or, just skip around and read the areas of greatest interest first.
The Areas of My Expertise by John Hodgman
Hodgman is the deadpan actor who plays “PC” in the MAC versus PC commercials on TV. He is the one who gets giddy over reading 600 page how-to manuals. He can also be seen on the Daily Show as one of the “expert residents.” With that build-up you should expect a funny and irreverent look at knowledge. For example, you will find hints on building snow forts or background on four famous monsters. The book is most funny when it hits upon a topic that you may know a lot about and hence, will see the comedy behind the presentation. This is the book you hope your students won’t reference when doing homework!
Brain Building Games by Allen Bragdon and David Gamon, PhD
Here is a 90-day mental exercise program that is fun. Plus you will get a helpful list of 92 insider’s tips to improve mental performance. Improve short and long term memory, do math in your head (again for those of us pre-calculator era) recall words, new names and faces. This is the kind of book that doesn’t wear out or over once you know the ending. To learn more about skill books such as Brain Building Games, visit http://www.brainwaves.com.
The Greatest Stories Never Told by Rick Beyer
Stories researched by the History Channel’s Timelab 2000, an acclaimed educational series. You’ll find 100 stories that are short, entertaining and can serve as reference material for future classroom assignments. Many times, the stories will dispel myths surrounding accepted historical accounts. For example, was George Washington really the first President?
The Essential 55 by Ron Clark
The Ron Clark Story was recently featured on the TNT TV network. Basically, here’s a story of an educator who refused to give up on kids that represented the most under-privileged students in the New York City School District. Clark has been recognized nationally as Disney’s Teacher of the Year. Here’s an uplifting quick read designed to light a fire under parents and teachers everywhere. Success is achievable even in the most underserved communities.
Myths, Lies, and Downright Stupidity by John Stossel
John Stossel is a Libertarian; he would prefer to be called a Liberal, but that tag has too many negative connotations presently. Regardless of the label, Stossel is against big government and its intrusions into our lives. He argues that the free market place can do a better job of serving Americans and government is in the way of real progress. Not to mislead you, government is not the only topic Stossel offers; he also discusses other myths about health, consumerism, the media, the legal system and parenting, just to name a few of the short chapters. You can read the book from cover to cover or, just skip around and read the areas of greatest interest first.
The Areas of My Expertise by John Hodgman
Hodgman is the deadpan actor who plays “PC” in the MAC versus PC commercials on TV. He is the one who gets giddy over reading 600 page how-to manuals. He can also be seen on the Daily Show as one of the “expert residents.” With that build-up you should expect a funny and irreverent look at knowledge. For example, you will find hints on building snow forts or background on four famous monsters. The book is most funny when it hits upon a topic that you may know a lot about and hence, will see the comedy behind the presentation. This is the book you hope your students won’t reference when doing homework!
Brain Building Games by Allen Bragdon and David Gamon, PhD
Here is a 90-day mental exercise program that is fun. Plus you will get a helpful list of 92 insider’s tips to improve mental performance. Improve short and long term memory, do math in your head (again for those of us pre-calculator era) recall words, new names and faces. This is the kind of book that doesn’t wear out or over once you know the ending. To learn more about skill books such as Brain Building Games, visit http://www.brainwaves.com.
Who Said It?
“The war has been represented as unjust and unnecessary. The alacrity and promptness with which our volunteer forces rushed to the field on their country’s call prove not only their patriotism, but their deep conviction that our course is just.”
a) President Lyndon Johnson speaking about the Viet Nam War (1968)
b) President Harry Truman speaking about the Korean War (1951)
c) President George W. Bush speaking about the Iraq War (2007)
d) President James Polk speaking about the Mexican-American War (1846)
Here’s a clue: the more things appear to change and the smarter we think we are, the more history repeats itself.
Answer: next time
a) President Lyndon Johnson speaking about the Viet Nam War (1968)
b) President Harry Truman speaking about the Korean War (1951)
c) President George W. Bush speaking about the Iraq War (2007)
d) President James Polk speaking about the Mexican-American War (1846)
Here’s a clue: the more things appear to change and the smarter we think we are, the more history repeats itself.
Answer: next time
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