Flutes are the oldest instrument in the world. Hollowed bird bones, with holes cut for tone changes, have been found in archaeological sites as old as 40,000 years. Early man may have heard wind whistling across the tops of reeds and designed an instrument that produced the same sound. Early flutes were played vertically, with […]
“The job of the artist is always to deepen the mystery.” – Francis Bacon Liberal arts and humanities programs in colleges across America are feeling the heat. For instance, during his presidency, Barack Obama offended one of the traditionally Democratic support groups by belittling the value of four-year degrees in the Arts. He asserted that
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On October 4, 1957, the Soviet Union successfully launched the first satellite into space, named “Sputnik.” The 22.8 inch diameter steel sphere weighed 183.9 pounds and was engineered to be seen by the naked eye up to 175 miles in the sky. Its 21 day radio emitted signal reminded Americans of the failed attempts to
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Every year, Swedes celebrate a national holiday called “Midsummer.” The roots of the festival go back to the 6th century A.D. Originally held to usher in the season of fertility, Midsummer also honors the summer solstice. The traditions began in the southern areas of Sweden and then gradually spread to the rest of the country. People
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Earth Day. Twenty-four hours to celebrate the Earth and all its natural resources. Students plant and proudly bring their prized bean sprouts home–only to be left and forgotten on the window sill. One day for students to learn about gardening is not enough to create a lifetime of love and respect for nutrition or the
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I have a former student who has become, much to my excitement, an eighth grade English teacher. During a discussion with her, I have learned that although there are some very different expectations regarding the Common Core classroom, the basics of getting a classroom ready for the first week are essentially the same. I taught
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