*Drum Roll Please*

Funny/Interesting/Cool/Gross/Etc. Video requests should be placed in the comments section here. Make sure they are school-admissable. And don't make me regret requesting this...

I found a map of Starbucks/McDonald's proliferation. Wow. But remember that Starbucks will be closing 300 stores soon, while McDonald's has seen record profits. People are ditching the $4-$5 cup o' joe for some extra fries with that in this downtrodden economy. If you are interested, try deciphering the economic indicators.

Lastly, let's see what Bill Gates is up to nowadays. Check out TED for more info. Great site - may even offer some EC for viewing some talks.

Maps and Tails

Today we watched a video about the physical and human geography of Africa. It is a basic intro to the continent - and you had a viewer's guide to fill out and turn in. We'll take a test on Africa (the chart you did yesterday, today's video, and other things in the future) in two weeks. Tomorrow will have you complete the map test in class and do some extra work on 2-5 of your countries. You'll have to explain to me the history, culture, and economics of a region on your New Africa. If you need a new blank outline map, go here. Also, if you want additional map prep, go here.

Lastly, when presented with Lucy, many of you referred to her (and us) as monkeys. WE DO NOT HAVE TAILS! Oops, maybe I am wrong. Now go back and study!

Graphic Content

No, nothing gross or inappropriate...unless you count reading the text (p. 277) and sorting information (about Africa) in a chart as gross or bad. From your perspective, it could be...but from mine, it seems perfectly acceptable. You'll have some class time tomorrow to finish today's chart and/or your New Africa.

Has anyone ever been to a Wal-Mart or Target? There is a guy who has presented a video about the spread of each over time - similar to how a viral outbreak spreads across a community or region. Check out the Wal-Mart Virus and Target Virus (which looks like nuclear explosions) for some scary entertainment. Any trends or especially scary things evident?

Speaking of scary things, I also found this on the web. Wow. Thanks to Joey.

I made the Africa map test - there are 51 places to match. You should do just fine...if you study and come prepared. We'll go over the chart tomorrow and perhaps watch something about Africa. Until then...toodles.

Whiddling Away

You'll need to start bring your books every day. Yeah, I know - but people want us to do more "traditional" geography. To start, we'll explore Africa.

Grades arrived at home. I am sure some of you are either ecstatic or disappointed. If you want to discuss your final grade, please come see me and we can always try to figure things out.

We are going to look more closely at Africa for the next couple of weeks. We are exploring how the continent was carved up by European powers without consideration of ethnic groups. In class, you created your own, more "natural" African nations. By following Ethnic, physical, and historical maps, you hopefully solved the border problems (yeah, right).

Tomorrow, you will have more time to finish your New Africa map. I'll also have a graphic organizer for you to complete. The skiers can pick it up in the morning. And do not forget about the Africa map test on Friday! As of now, there are now capitols...so be good!

Bowling

What a Super Bowl! I was hoping the Cardinals would pull it out, but the better team won, which we have to respect. If you missed any of the ads and/or wish to see commercials of Bowls past, check them out here. Do you have a favorite? For Monday, you get to critique me and then fill in the countries and capitals of Africa. Don't forget the Ch. 21 test on Tuesday and the Africa test on Friday (hopefully NOT including capitals if everyone behaves/behaved appropriately for the sub). See ya Tuesday...