Are you engaging in what you are reading? Are you thinking about how the content connects to the topic of the blog? In order to prepare for our AP and CST Test, you should always be making connections. As an incentive, the first 5 students who respond to a posting by answering the questions completely will be given extra points.
Please note: Your topic should connect to World History. Please see the instructions for writing your blog on the right hand side. Follow the format, so that we can all make the connections with the topic. If you have sent in a suggestion, please review the format and resubmit.
Enjoy the three day weekend.
Mrs.Jordan
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Eiffel Tower, Paris
Who doesn't dream about visiting the Eiffel Tower? I will never forget my trip to the top of the tower. I've been to the top twice and been to Paris three times. There is just something magical about that city. Seeing that Tower sparkle at night will always bring back fond memories. One of my favorite memories was hanging out near the Tower and it started to snow! 
Kimberly Huynh's brother inspired her to learn more about this great Parisian Monument. I hope you find her information interesting and that you also plan to put Paris on your to see list! Mrs. Jordan
In Paris, France there is one of the most visited monuments in the world and that is, the Eiffel Tower. Travelers from all around the world take trips to Paris, known as the City of Lights because it is the most lit city in the entire world, and they always make a visit to check out the Eiffel Tower. My older brother, Peter Huynh, was one of the tourists among the city of Paris that had the special opportunity to take a visit to the historical monument of France. He had this opportunity from a summer program that provided him a chance to study abroad over in a country that had so much culture and history, Europe. The Eiffel Tower of Paris, France was built around 1889 by Gustave Eiffel. Gustave Eiffel was one of over seven hundred architecture proposals that had been entered into a design competition. The purpose of building the Eiffel Tower was originally because of the World’s Fair in tribute to the French Revolution. The Eiffel Tower was built with over 18,000 pieces of wrought iron into a latticework style. Also, originally it was meant to stand for only 20 years, which is why it was built with a slant for easy removal of the tower. The cost of this tower was enormous, but by the first year the cost of this construction project was paid off by all the travelers that visited there to go on the elevator and marvel the city at a high height. However after the 20 year mark, the tower became a popular tourist attraction and also proved to be a convenient and valuable communication tool for radio broadcasting. The Eiffel tower is also a national symbol for Paris, France.
Here is my older brother, next to the Eiffel Tower, and although he looks quite tall compared the towers’ size, It is only because he is actually standing very far away to create an allusion
Two Interesting Questions to Ponder:
1. How many workers do you think it took to build this magnificent tower?
2. What is the French Revolution, and why is it so important to be honored?
About the Blogger:
Hello! My name is Kimberly Huynh. I am 15 years old and currently in the 10th grade. My favorite animal is a panda. I have a passion for eating, a motive for success and a rush for running. I like to eat all kinds of cultural foods and try different things. I actually enjoy learning, because knowledge is power and power is the key to success. And since I eat a lot, I like to run a lot to balance out my health, I would like to try other sports but I just think running is easier because you don’t need to have skills, just pure practice. I also like to be busy, and I want to live my life to the fullest by making the most of my day. O I chose to write about the Eiffel tower because my brother inspired me by all the interesting stories he told me about each historical monument he visited when he went to Europe. The Eiffel Tower was also an interesting topic that I always wondered why was built and placed in France, and upon researching for this blog, I now understand the reasons. I plan to visit Europe someday and experience the beauty of each city and learn the facts behind each historical building I approach.
Kimberly Huynh's brother inspired her to learn more about this great Parisian Monument. I hope you find her information interesting and that you also plan to put Paris on your to see list! Mrs. JordanIn Paris, France there is one of the most visited monuments in the world and that is, the Eiffel Tower. Travelers from all around the world take trips to Paris, known as the City of Lights because it is the most lit city in the entire world, and they always make a visit to check out the Eiffel Tower. My older brother, Peter Huynh, was one of the tourists among the city of Paris that had the special opportunity to take a visit to the historical monument of France. He had this opportunity from a summer program that provided him a chance to study abroad over in a country that had so much culture and history, Europe. The Eiffel Tower of Paris, France was built around 1889 by Gustave Eiffel. Gustave Eiffel was one of over seven hundred architecture proposals that had been entered into a design competition. The purpose of building the Eiffel Tower was originally because of the World’s Fair in tribute to the French Revolution. The Eiffel Tower was built with over 18,000 pieces of wrought iron into a latticework style. Also, originally it was meant to stand for only 20 years, which is why it was built with a slant for easy removal of the tower. The cost of this tower was enormous, but by the first year the cost of this construction project was paid off by all the travelers that visited there to go on the elevator and marvel the city at a high height. However after the 20 year mark, the tower became a popular tourist attraction and also proved to be a convenient and valuable communication tool for radio broadcasting. The Eiffel tower is also a national symbol for Paris, France.
Here is my older brother, next to the Eiffel Tower, and although he looks quite tall compared the towers’ size, It is only because he is actually standing very far away to create an allusion
Two Interesting Questions to Ponder:
1. How many workers do you think it took to build this magnificent tower?
2. What is the French Revolution, and why is it so important to be honored?
About the Blogger:
Hello! My name is Kimberly Huynh. I am 15 years old and currently in the 10th grade. My favorite animal is a panda. I have a passion for eating, a motive for success and a rush for running. I like to eat all kinds of cultural foods and try different things. I actually enjoy learning, because knowledge is power and power is the key to success. And since I eat a lot, I like to run a lot to balance out my health, I would like to try other sports but I just think running is easier because you don’t need to have skills, just pure practice. I also like to be busy, and I want to live my life to the fullest by making the most of my day. O I chose to write about the Eiffel tower because my brother inspired me by all the interesting stories he told me about each historical monument he visited when he went to Europe. The Eiffel Tower was also an interesting topic that I always wondered why was built and placed in France, and upon researching for this blog, I now understand the reasons. I plan to visit Europe someday and experience the beauty of each city and learn the facts behind each historical building I approach.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Old Town Orange
Our next Guest Bloggers is Anna Nguyen she shares her passion of vintage while explaining the history of our neighboring city... Orange. Mrs. Jordan
Who ever said: “out with the old and in with the new?” Clearly they are mistaken, because they must never have been to Old Towne Orange. Unlike many “Old Townes,” this one is still running strong. Often referred to as the "The Antique Capital of California," it has rich history to it. In 1801, the first landholder was a retired Spanish soldier, named Juan Pablo Grijalva; he had been on one of the early expeditions to California from Mexico and was granted the land. His rancho was passed on to his heirs and was eventually divided into 1,000 units, due to a lawsuit involving unpaid debts. Two Los Angeles lawyers involved in the lawsuit, Andrew Glassell and Alfred Beck Chapman, took some of their fees in land. Together they developed the city of Orange and Plaza Square in 1886.
From then on it has been a social hub of the city and prospered and survived today. The original fountain in the Plaza Square was installed in 1887 and a replica can be seen in front of the Orange Public Library that’s located on the outskirts of Old Town. It was just remodeled a few years back and it hosts rooms dedicated to Orange’s town history. There are many consignment malls packed with antiques and vintage goods, numerous restaurants, cafes, and many charming shops. Slews of people are seen shopping here every day and not just your Grandma because I see hipster scum here flipping through racks of fine vintage clothing at Elsewhere Vintage or middle aged couples picking up a meal at The Filling Station. Elsewhere Vintage boasts large amounts of high quality apparel. They have things from French fur coats from the 1920’s or Jackie O. esque pillbox hats. While you’re down here you can’t help but stop by Watson’s Drug and Soda Fountain, which is a 1950's themed diner that has been around for over 100 years. 
Come in and enjoy all the great burgers, malts, and ice cream floats. Mr. C’s Records has a fine collection of classics from the likes of Billie Holiday and The Everly Brothers, or some more modern artists like Adam and the Ants.
Also, on the first Saturdays of every month there is a quaint flea market right across the street from the YMCA . Many vendors that sell at the Rose Bowl commute here to sell their numerous antiques. I go to this flea market frequently and pick up some pretty interesting items like 1950’s sweater clips, 80’s dresses, and my most recent purchase of a 70’s carnival toy. And all were under $10. The city also offers many events throughout the year that takes place in the Plaza. On Labor Day it plays host to the Street Fair. The Old Towne Orange Antique Fair comes to town in February. There’s an Antique Car Show in April, haunted houses on Halloween, and Christmas tree lighting in December.
Questions to think about:
1)How has Watson’s Drug and Soda Fountain stayed around for so long?
2)Why does the plaza appeal to such a wide range of age groups?
About our Blogger:
My name is Anna Nguyen and I’m in the 10th grade. I love watching movies. Some of my favorites are Harold and Maude, My Own Private Idaho, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The reason why I picked this topic is because I have an affinity for vintage items. I also grew up around the area and so it’s one of my favorite places in the world.
Who ever said: “out with the old and in with the new?” Clearly they are mistaken, because they must never have been to Old Towne Orange. Unlike many “Old Townes,” this one is still running strong. Often referred to as the "The Antique Capital of California," it has rich history to it. In 1801, the first landholder was a retired Spanish soldier, named Juan Pablo Grijalva; he had been on one of the early expeditions to California from Mexico and was granted the land. His rancho was passed on to his heirs and was eventually divided into 1,000 units, due to a lawsuit involving unpaid debts. Two Los Angeles lawyers involved in the lawsuit, Andrew Glassell and Alfred Beck Chapman, took some of their fees in land. Together they developed the city of Orange and Plaza Square in 1886.
From then on it has been a social hub of the city and prospered and survived today. The original fountain in the Plaza Square was installed in 1887 and a replica can be seen in front of the Orange Public Library that’s located on the outskirts of Old Town. It was just remodeled a few years back and it hosts rooms dedicated to Orange’s town history. There are many consignment malls packed with antiques and vintage goods, numerous restaurants, cafes, and many charming shops. Slews of people are seen shopping here every day and not just your Grandma because I see hipster scum here flipping through racks of fine vintage clothing at Elsewhere Vintage or middle aged couples picking up a meal at The Filling Station. Elsewhere Vintage boasts large amounts of high quality apparel. They have things from French fur coats from the 1920’s or Jackie O. esque pillbox hats. While you’re down here you can’t help but stop by Watson’s Drug and Soda Fountain, which is a 1950's themed diner that has been around for over 100 years. 
Come in and enjoy all the great burgers, malts, and ice cream floats. Mr. C’s Records has a fine collection of classics from the likes of Billie Holiday and The Everly Brothers, or some more modern artists like Adam and the Ants.
Also, on the first Saturdays of every month there is a quaint flea market right across the street from the YMCA . Many vendors that sell at the Rose Bowl commute here to sell their numerous antiques. I go to this flea market frequently and pick up some pretty interesting items like 1950’s sweater clips, 80’s dresses, and my most recent purchase of a 70’s carnival toy. And all were under $10. The city also offers many events throughout the year that takes place in the Plaza. On Labor Day it plays host to the Street Fair. The Old Towne Orange Antique Fair comes to town in February. There’s an Antique Car Show in April, haunted houses on Halloween, and Christmas tree lighting in December. Questions to think about:
1)How has Watson’s Drug and Soda Fountain stayed around for so long?
2)Why does the plaza appeal to such a wide range of age groups?
About our Blogger:
My name is Anna Nguyen and I’m in the 10th grade. I love watching movies. Some of my favorites are Harold and Maude, My Own Private Idaho, and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. The reason why I picked this topic is because I have an affinity for vintage items. I also grew up around the area and so it’s one of my favorite places in the world.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Our First Guest Bloggers are Dylan Ha and Brian Vu. Listen carefully to their explanation of Vietnamese New Year and why it is important to them. Mrs. Jordan
As you all know, promptly for the Asian ethnicity, is that Vietnamese New Year is coming about, or known as “Tet” in Vietnamese. Tet, this year is on February 2 - 7. The original origin of Tet is unknown, but a man of Tet Nguyen Dan brought about the celebration of the Vietnamese New Year.
It was recorded that Chinese started to celebrate Chinese New Year from about 2000 BC, though the celebrations were held on different times under different emperors. They started to celebrate Chinese New Year on the first day of the lunar calendar based on Emperor Wu Di's almanac of the Han Dynasty.
The days before the celebration of Tet are filled with bustling preparations. People must stock up on supplies, decorate their homes, and cook certain special foods that are eaten on Tet. Homes are decorated with flowers such as the hoa mai, hoa dao, and kumquat trees. On the hoa mai, little red envelopes filled with money called li xi are hung on the branches. Banh chung (a sticky rice cake filled with green bean filling and meat) and do thu are the main dishes that are eaten. Snacks include roasted watermelon seeds and mut(which are dried and candied fruits, most popularly coconut).
On Tet day, all family members gather together for the celebration. Children go to their elders and wish them a happy new year filled with good fortune. In return, they are given li xi. Then, the food is finally able to be eaten. People eat the mut and watermelon seeds while playing games. The most popular game is bau cua ca cop(translated literally into luffa, crab, fish, tiger, not included, the deer), which is a game where players bet money on an animal, and then dice are thrown. The players that bet on the animals that show up get their bet doubled and everybody else loses. Celebrations can last for up to 5 days, depending on where it is celebrated.
Every year, cities in the Orange County region, such as Garden Grove and Westminster, which have the most populated Vietnamese people other than Vietnam, celebrate Tet with great devotion. People decorate the city as a whole, showing their faith and optimism to a new year. Most significance of these celebrations lie at the Asian Garden Mall, located on Bolsa street, and Bolsa Grande High School, located on Westminster Avenue. If you aren’t Vietnamese, doesn’t mean you can’t participate in the Tet events. In fact, many people of all ethnicity come out to enjoy the excitement, entertaining events, games, music, etc! Happy New Year, or in Vietnamese, Chuc Mung Nam Moi!
Questions to think about:
Why is the Vietnamese New Year more highly praised than the American New Years?
How does the Vietnamese Near Year differ from the Chinese New Year?
About our Bloggers:We enjoy celebrating the New Years with our families due to the excitement it brings, as well as the money that children obtain. We both came from a family that has escaped death due to the Vietnam War, meaning even though we live in the U.S., we still cherish our Vietnamese heritage. We both would like to share why Tet is important to us and to others, because it really is a magnificent time of the year, and everyone should participate!
As you all know, promptly for the Asian ethnicity, is that Vietnamese New Year is coming about, or known as “Tet” in Vietnamese. Tet, this year is on February 2 - 7. The original origin of Tet is unknown, but a man of Tet Nguyen Dan brought about the celebration of the Vietnamese New Year.
It was recorded that Chinese started to celebrate Chinese New Year from about 2000 BC, though the celebrations were held on different times under different emperors. They started to celebrate Chinese New Year on the first day of the lunar calendar based on Emperor Wu Di's almanac of the Han Dynasty.
The days before the celebration of Tet are filled with bustling preparations. People must stock up on supplies, decorate their homes, and cook certain special foods that are eaten on Tet. Homes are decorated with flowers such as the hoa mai, hoa dao, and kumquat trees. On the hoa mai, little red envelopes filled with money called li xi are hung on the branches. Banh chung (a sticky rice cake filled with green bean filling and meat) and do thu are the main dishes that are eaten. Snacks include roasted watermelon seeds and mut(which are dried and candied fruits, most popularly coconut).
On Tet day, all family members gather together for the celebration. Children go to their elders and wish them a happy new year filled with good fortune. In return, they are given li xi. Then, the food is finally able to be eaten. People eat the mut and watermelon seeds while playing games. The most popular game is bau cua ca cop(translated literally into luffa, crab, fish, tiger, not included, the deer), which is a game where players bet money on an animal, and then dice are thrown. The players that bet on the animals that show up get their bet doubled and everybody else loses. Celebrations can last for up to 5 days, depending on where it is celebrated.
Every year, cities in the Orange County region, such as Garden Grove and Westminster, which have the most populated Vietnamese people other than Vietnam, celebrate Tet with great devotion. People decorate the city as a whole, showing their faith and optimism to a new year. Most significance of these celebrations lie at the Asian Garden Mall, located on Bolsa street, and Bolsa Grande High School, located on Westminster Avenue. If you aren’t Vietnamese, doesn’t mean you can’t participate in the Tet events. In fact, many people of all ethnicity come out to enjoy the excitement, entertaining events, games, music, etc! Happy New Year, or in Vietnamese, Chuc Mung Nam Moi!
Questions to think about:
Why is the Vietnamese New Year more highly praised than the American New Years?
How does the Vietnamese Near Year differ from the Chinese New Year?
About our Bloggers:We enjoy celebrating the New Years with our families due to the excitement it brings, as well as the money that children obtain. We both came from a family that has escaped death due to the Vietnam War, meaning even though we live in the U.S., we still cherish our Vietnamese heritage. We both would like to share why Tet is important to us and to others, because it really is a magnificent time of the year, and everyone should participate!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Video: The History of the World in 7 Min.s
Hi Everyone,
Here is a really great short video (7 mins) explaining world history. Follow the link.
It's interesting how life is very simple and there is little change for most of the time people lived on earth. It's only in the last few hundred years.... lots of change. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/user/WHFUA
Here is a really great short video (7 mins) explaining world history. Follow the link.
It's interesting how life is very simple and there is little change for most of the time people lived on earth. It's only in the last few hundred years.... lots of change. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/user/WHFUA
Thursday, January 20, 2011
The Palace of Versailles, France
If you travel to France, most likely you will visit the capital of Paris. However, to make that trip complete you must take a short train ride about 20 minutes outside of Paris to the city of Versailles. Leaving the train stop you will walk down a long boulevard that ends at the palace. Immediately you will be struck by the grandeur and beauty of this historic site.
However, It wasn’t always a grand palace, at first the estate was a simple hunting estate in a small village. History tells us that it won’t stay that way for long…
During the 1600s France was becoming a great power in Europe. The absolute ruler Louis XIV took over the throne in 1661 and so he began the project of expanding and creating a grand palace that was more suitable for his luxurious lifestyle.
Louis XIV hired many great artisans to restore and expand his new home. He hired landscape gardener Le Notre, architect Le Vau and painter Le Brun who spent a great amount of time renovating and completing the palace.
Overtime the palace continued to expand. Slowly the palace acquired many great works of priceless art and was decorated using extraordinarily expensive interior design.
In 1789, during the reign of Louis XVI, tension over social structure and an overspending monarch caused one of the most memorable revolutions in history. Members of the third estate revolted and insisted upon a new democratic government. France experienced great chaos for a long period of time and that the beauty and splendor of the great palace was overshadowed. In modern times, the palace was turned in to a museum to document the grandeur and vision that Louis XIV had for Versailles.
Since this palace represents France’s strength and beauty, many historical moments have occurred here. Some include: The Women’s famous march to Versailles during the French Revolution and the Paris Peace Conference after WWI 1918 in the famous Hall of Mirrors.
Now it is tourist attraction and museum.
No trip to France is complete without a trip to Versailles where you can be transported the 1700s. I’ve been there three times and would easily go again. It really should be on your list of must see locations!
Interesting facts: Floor Space, 67,000 m2; Number of Windows, 2,153; Number of rooms, 700; Staircases, 67; Paintings in the Museum’s Collection, 6,123; Drawings, 1,500; Engravings, 15,034; Sculptures, 2,102;
To Learn more visit the museum’s official site: http://en.chateauversailles.fr/homepage
Questions to think about
How did King Louis’s drive to build one of the greatest palaces influence the demise of the French the monarchy?
Despite the hardship it placed on the French economy, was this project worthwhile because it gives visitors an understanding about life in the 1700s?
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