jeudi 30 octobre 2008
Born in Hawaii on August 4, 1961, Obama was the son of a mother from Kansas and a father from Kenya who left to study economics at Harvard, and then returned to Kenya, seeing his son just once afterwards. Obama was raised by his mother's parents. In 2006, he visited his father's mother in Kenya.
Obama's mother remarried and moved to Indonesia, where he lived from age 6 to 10. But he mostly grew up inj Hawaii with his grand-parents, Stanley Dunham, a furniture salesman an Grandma "Foot", who worked in a bank.
Obama attended the Punahou School , an elite prep school in Honolulu. Two pages from his 1978 Senior Class yearbook show his playing basketball and going by the name of Barry. He later insisted on the name on his birth certificate (Barack, which was also his father's name), which means "blessed" in Arabic.
Obama went on to graduate from Columbia university. After graduating from college, Obama worked for 3 years, first in Harlem and then in Chicago as a community organizer.
Obama went on to graduate from Columbia university. After graduating from college, Obama worked for 3 years, first in Harlem and then in Chicago as a community organizer.
He then attended Harvard Law School, where he was elected the first black president of the Harvard Law Review.
Upon graduating, he returned to Chicago working as a Civil Rights lawyer and lecturing on the Constitutionnal law at the University of Chicago Law School.
Obama married Michele Robinson, a fellow Harvard Law School graduate whom he had met in Chicago, on October 18, 1992. The Obamas have two daughters, malia, born in 1999, and Natasha, born in 2001. Four years after they married, Obama won a seat in the Illinois State Legislature, sponsoring legislation on the death penalty and racial profiling.
mercredi 8 octobre 2008
mardi 7 octobre 2008
PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES MEET FOR SECOND DEBATE TODAY
The debate spotlight is back on the presidential candidates tonight as Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama meet for the second of three debates. Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, is the site for the second showdown. Most major networks and cable news channels will broadcast the debate live, 9:00 pm-10:30 pm Eastern Time.
Undecided voters will ask questions to both candidates. The topics of the questions can be domestic or foreign policy.
The candidates will have two minutes to answer each question, with one minute of follow-up discussion.
With fewer than 30 days to go before Election Day, most polls show Obama as the likely winner of these elections.
Both campaigns are getting more aggressive. McCain and Obama have released negative television ads questioning the other's record and experience.
Recently, McCain called into question Obama's experience and leadership skills.
Obama responded by redirecting attention back to the current economic crisis. "I cannot imagine anything more important to talk about than the economic crisis," Obama told reporters. The aggressive approaches on the campaign trail could lead to a clash tonight.
Undecided voters will ask questions to both candidates. The topics of the questions can be domestic or foreign policy.
The candidates will have two minutes to answer each question, with one minute of follow-up discussion.
With fewer than 30 days to go before Election Day, most polls show Obama as the likely winner of these elections.
Both campaigns are getting more aggressive. McCain and Obama have released negative television ads questioning the other's record and experience.
Recently, McCain called into question Obama's experience and leadership skills.
Obama responded by redirecting attention back to the current economic crisis. "I cannot imagine anything more important to talk about than the economic crisis," Obama told reporters. The aggressive approaches on the campaign trail could lead to a clash tonight.
dimanche 5 octobre 2008
SWEENEY TODD - Johanna - ANNE CHABAT + CHLOE MAILLARD (3°7)
Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of fleet Street is Tim Burton's last movie with johnny Depp in the main role;It's a bloodie movie in which a barber slits his customers'throat to take his revenge on them. It's also a musical. Listen to this !
dimanche 28 septembre 2008
THE VICE-PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES -MARIE JACACHOURY (3°7)
JOE BIDEN - OBAMA'S RUNNING MATE - DEMOCRAT
The Us senator from Delaware ran for president himself before joining Obama's campaign.
Biden wants to find new energy sources. He believes action must be taken on global warming.He wants to improve American economic competitiveness.
SARAH PALIN
- Mc CAIN'S RUNNING MATE- REPUBLICAN
The Governor of Alaska is the first woman ever to run on the Republican Presidential ticket.
The conservative Sarah Palin, aged 44, chosen on Friday 29th as fellow candidate of the Republican candidate for the White House John Mc Cain, has been Gouverneure of Alaska since 2006.
She has got a diploma in communication and journalism.
She is married and the mother of five children.
She is against abortion and member of the NRA ( National Rifle Association), the powerful American lobby of firearms. A sportswoman, she is also very keen on hunting and fishing.
She has centered her campaign on the questions of transport, education and security.
A PRESENTATION OF THE USA - ADRIEN BRUMONT (3°7)
The United States are a constitutional republic with a presidential regime , and a federal state of North America.
Constituted of fifty states, the USA are located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean from East to West, then bordered in the North by Canada and in the South by Mexico. The state of Alaska is situated to the West of Canada while Hawaii is an island state located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Besides, the country is composed of 14 island territories disseminated in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific. The federal capital town of Washington is situated in the District of Columbia (DC), a federal district out of the fifty states.
In 2008, the USA count more than 302 million inhabitants and constitute the third most populated country in the world, after China and India.
The USA cover an area of 9,4 million km2, which makes it the fourth largest country in the world, after Russia, Canada and China. Immigration to the USA is very abundant and the population is one of the most diverse in the world.
The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America was proclaimed on July 4th 1776 by the thirteen colonies in North America. However, the United States really acquired their independence from England in 1783 following the war of American Independence. Then , they adopted the Constitution of the United States of America in 1787 during the Philadelphia Convention. The Declaration of Rights (United States Bill of Rights) was signed by the first American Congress in 1791.
The development of the territory was mostly achieved in the 19th century with the conquest of the Wild West and Indian wars, but also thanks to alliances with other European and North American nations.
In 1865, the Civil War ends to the advantage of the Northern States which were protectionist and egalitarian and which disagreed with the Southern States, in favour of free trade and slavery. The Spanish-American War of 1898 and The First World War later confirmed the military potency of the country. Since the Second world War, the hegemony of the United States is that of a superpower, notably during the Cold War.
Constituted of fifty states, the USA are located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean from East to West, then bordered in the North by Canada and in the South by Mexico. The state of Alaska is situated to the West of Canada while Hawaii is an island state located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Besides, the country is composed of 14 island territories disseminated in the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific. The federal capital town of Washington is situated in the District of Columbia (DC), a federal district out of the fifty states.
In 2008, the USA count more than 302 million inhabitants and constitute the third most populated country in the world, after China and India.
The USA cover an area of 9,4 million km2, which makes it the fourth largest country in the world, after Russia, Canada and China. Immigration to the USA is very abundant and the population is one of the most diverse in the world.
The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America was proclaimed on July 4th 1776 by the thirteen colonies in North America. However, the United States really acquired their independence from England in 1783 following the war of American Independence. Then , they adopted the Constitution of the United States of America in 1787 during the Philadelphia Convention. The Declaration of Rights (United States Bill of Rights) was signed by the first American Congress in 1791.
The development of the territory was mostly achieved in the 19th century with the conquest of the Wild West and Indian wars, but also thanks to alliances with other European and North American nations.
In 1865, the Civil War ends to the advantage of the Northern States which were protectionist and egalitarian and which disagreed with the Southern States, in favour of free trade and slavery. The Spanish-American War of 1898 and The First World War later confirmed the military potency of the country. Since the Second world War, the hegemony of the United States is that of a superpower, notably during the Cold War.
lundi 22 septembre 2008
OUR FIRST DAY BACK TO SCHOOL
BAO MAI PHAM (3°5)
Today, it's the first day back to school. I'm afraid of being late all the time and I'm very nervous when I'm in fronty of the school... now, I'm in the playground. I'm looking for my friends because I haven't sen them for a long time. Therefore, I look at the board where there are the pupils' names and their new classes.
I only think about my name and nothing else because I'm extremely stressed. Then , the bell rings and all the schoolboys and schoolgirls line up where they are supposed to stand. The headmaster walks in the playground with all the form teachers and when they find their class, they begin to call the register. Then , the form teacher goes to the classroom and we must follow him.
My friends aren't in my class but my classmates look likeable. I don't mind being with self-centered, generous or gothic people, whites, blacks, Asians or Hispanics. I like everyone and I don't care when they don't like me because you can't be appreciated by everybody.
Like every year, the teacher begins to talk about the school and the staff and the students are bored to death. But we are very lucky because the bell rings earlier than usually and everybody runs to the exit. Now, we can leave the school, I can calm down and then, have fun with my friends. Finally, I come back home and start writing...
EMMA GAUTHERON (3°5)
This year, my first day back to school wasn't perfect. At first, I believed I could be in my best friend's class. I was very confident but a bit apprehensive about that. Unlike what I thought, I wasn't with my friends, whereas my sister was with hers again. That's why I was very disappointed and quite dejected and so were my friends.
Ok, I know, I'm supposed to make friends easily, but I'm shy and my best friends are irreplaceable: whenever I'm down, they cheer me up by making me laugh. So, when I didn't see my name on the list of the 3°3, I wasn't very cheerful !
However, after my classmates and me settled in a classroom, my form teacher who I like very much, delivered us our timetable, and I realized I was very lucky about my teachers : modt of them are very nice, kind, helpful and pleasant, like my English teacher, my Spanish teacher, my biology teacher....
Concerning my schedule, I wasn't very surprised because I knew it was going to be very busy and I wasn't wrong. Then , when the bell rang, I just hoped the year would take place as best as possible, otherwise it would be a disaster.
THEO CHASSAIGNE (3°5)
Today is the start of the new school year and it isn't good because it means it's the end of the holidays.
The class is cool and looks good at school. Our form teacher is our biology teacher too and she's very nice, but we chat a lot and she gets very angry because nobody listens to her and the other teachers don't let ussit where we want.
Some pupils are good at school but aren't serious at all and get on the teachers'nerves with their comments.
This year, I'm very disappointed because I'm not with my friends: they have Spanish lessons whereas I take Italian. Because of that my first day wasn't that good. I hope the next days will be better....
NOEMIE PELOILE (3°5)
I'm sitting at the back of the classroom. My schedule is cool and the people of my class too. The counsellor has changed. His name is Mr Guantaoui. He looks nice, like Mr Bono. I don't konw him, but he looks cool.
I'm happy that my best friend is in the same class as me. all my teachers are cool but the maths teacher doesn't like me. I don't like her either. My music teacher used to be my French teacher. I like him. The history teacher is Mrs Moncla. She's fun. Well, that's all for today ....
ANTOINE BAUDEL (3°4)
This year, I'm in a new school and it is so different from the other one that I'm feeling lost. That's why I'm mistaken, I go to the wrong classroom.
I arrive later in the right room. During the break, I meet my fellows. They ate really nice with me, they welcome me. Today, I will eat in my school with my new friends.
JULIE HOSTYN (3°4)
When I arrive in this new junior high school, I'm scared of being alone during the first week. I'm also scared not to be accepted because the other students have known one another for a long time.
But on this first day, I get on well with Margaux. She is in the same situation as me. On the contrary, my class is distant with me : I have to talk to them to attract their attention and I do the same thing with Manon, Charlotte, Juliette and Fanny.
I feel good in this class, the atmosphere is pleasant and the pupils look nice and funny.
This junior high is bigger than my former school, but the playground is smaller than mine and the buildings look old. Perhaps I will disappear since it's so big!
I'm surprised because in the playground, there are groups. They aren't based on race, just on tastes or appearance and nobody changes groups. But when you are new, you can go with who you want !
Sometimes, I miss my friends from my former school but I can see them, so it's good and I will see them at the senior high.
ANNE MONTALDO (3°4)
This foirst day back to school was a joyful one because I discovered that most of my friends were in my class. Even if I didn't know everybody, this class seemed cool and friendly ( and quit serious too: that's the reason why I was wondering a bit about this long and sutdious year ahead of me). I had never had Mr Lescorce as a form teacher as well as a physics teacher, but some of my schoolmates who were in his class last year told me he was nice. He delivered us our new timetables which could have been worse. I read and saw new teachers'names like Mr Cokelaere, who was writing his name and those of his colleagues on the board. He looked strict but patient and I have already noticed that these were two good qualities to teach efficiently.
AT that precise moment, I was thinking that it would not be that hard to be successful at the exams with all these positive elements.
KEVIN MEYER (3°4)
Today, I started a new school year. I was anxious about the composition of my new class, but now I'm reassured because I'm in my friends' class.
I was sitting in the front row of the class, where I met a boy whose name is Antoine. He's new in this school. We talked a little as it was boring to write ans stick papers.
Our teachers finally gave us our schedule. I was surprised when I saw I had only teacher that I had never had sofar, except my English teacher and my Spanish teacher.
I met two of my new teachers who were nice. I hope the other teachers are nice too, but I will see that for myself tomorrow.
RODOLPHE LOSPIED (3°4)
I spent a nice day today ! It was the start of the new school year and I was both happy and anxious to see if I would be with my friends in the same class.
I left home at half past nine and picked up my two best friends, Elie and Kevin to go together to our junior high school. When we arrived, we immediately mlooked at the boards to see in which class we were. Great ! We were together and with other pupils I already knew. There were also new pupils who seem to be nice. We met our headteacher, the physics teacher, who gave us our timetable, the names of our different teachers and many papers and documents to fill in.
I think the timetable is rather busy, especially on tuesdays and thursdays where I leave school at 5.30.
I think we'll have much homework as all the teachers told us they would test us at tyhe beginning of each lesson.
The class atmosphere sems rather cool. Some pupils are talkative and others seems to be funny.
I hope it will be a nice year ! I'll do my best to pass my exam, the "Brevet des collèges" !
YELENA N'DIAYE (3°4)
I remember that day, september 3rd. After two months of holidays, it was the first day back to school. Like evey year, I'm very scared and impatient as well. I go to school at ten, more nervous more and more nervous every second;When I arrive, I see my friend and I join them.We talk a long time until the school gates open.
This year is different from the others because our names are hung on a wall, unlike the previous years when the headmaster called us one by one. After several minutes, Mr Ardellier, the Head, asks us to go to our classroom. I feel vey happy because a lot of my friends are in my class.
We're waitning for oir form teacher, Mr Lescorce. We're going to a classroom for the introductions. Our new history and form teachers introduce themselves, give us a lot of papers and talk about a lot of things. I discover my new timetable and my new teachers. I understand the importance of this year because of the "Brevet", the exam we have to take. I notice that we begin school at 8 every day. That will be difficult but we have to work. I hope I'll have good marks.
DAVID SOYE (3°4)
Today is the first day back to school. As I'm a new pupil; I'm going to meet many people;I will have new teachers too.
I must get to know my new class and will learn different subjects and perhaps thazt outside school we can gather up together to go to the cinema and also sometimes do sport or maybe start a group of music...
The first days are always exciting because every day, you meet new pupils.
The teacher shows us the curriculumof this year : some things are more interesting than others.
What is enjoyable is to be able to work in a group, to learn the lessons together for the "Brevet" for example.
CHARLOTTE CHAGNEAU (3°4)
My alarm clock rings. Joséphine gets up first, then I get up with less enthusiasm than yesterday. So, I have to eat my breakfast and get dressed too. Joséphine is ready before me. We must go and fetch Anna and Audrey to go to school.
We are now in front of the gate and we're waiting.
When the doors open, everybody runs to the lists where our names and classes are written. I'm disappointed and happy at the same time, because I'm not with my girlfriends, but it's not that bad. We will not be so close but we'll have more things to tell one another when meet.
Today, it's the first day back to school. I'm afraid of being late all the time and I'm very nervous when I'm in fronty of the school... now, I'm in the playground. I'm looking for my friends because I haven't sen them for a long time. Therefore, I look at the board where there are the pupils' names and their new classes.
I only think about my name and nothing else because I'm extremely stressed. Then , the bell rings and all the schoolboys and schoolgirls line up where they are supposed to stand. The headmaster walks in the playground with all the form teachers and when they find their class, they begin to call the register. Then , the form teacher goes to the classroom and we must follow him.
My friends aren't in my class but my classmates look likeable. I don't mind being with self-centered, generous or gothic people, whites, blacks, Asians or Hispanics. I like everyone and I don't care when they don't like me because you can't be appreciated by everybody.
Like every year, the teacher begins to talk about the school and the staff and the students are bored to death. But we are very lucky because the bell rings earlier than usually and everybody runs to the exit. Now, we can leave the school, I can calm down and then, have fun with my friends. Finally, I come back home and start writing...
EMMA GAUTHERON (3°5)
This year, my first day back to school wasn't perfect. At first, I believed I could be in my best friend's class. I was very confident but a bit apprehensive about that. Unlike what I thought, I wasn't with my friends, whereas my sister was with hers again. That's why I was very disappointed and quite dejected and so were my friends.
Ok, I know, I'm supposed to make friends easily, but I'm shy and my best friends are irreplaceable: whenever I'm down, they cheer me up by making me laugh. So, when I didn't see my name on the list of the 3°3, I wasn't very cheerful !
However, after my classmates and me settled in a classroom, my form teacher who I like very much, delivered us our timetable, and I realized I was very lucky about my teachers : modt of them are very nice, kind, helpful and pleasant, like my English teacher, my Spanish teacher, my biology teacher....
Concerning my schedule, I wasn't very surprised because I knew it was going to be very busy and I wasn't wrong. Then , when the bell rang, I just hoped the year would take place as best as possible, otherwise it would be a disaster.
THEO CHASSAIGNE (3°5)
Today is the start of the new school year and it isn't good because it means it's the end of the holidays.
The class is cool and looks good at school. Our form teacher is our biology teacher too and she's very nice, but we chat a lot and she gets very angry because nobody listens to her and the other teachers don't let ussit where we want.
Some pupils are good at school but aren't serious at all and get on the teachers'nerves with their comments.
This year, I'm very disappointed because I'm not with my friends: they have Spanish lessons whereas I take Italian. Because of that my first day wasn't that good. I hope the next days will be better....
NOEMIE PELOILE (3°5)
I'm sitting at the back of the classroom. My schedule is cool and the people of my class too. The counsellor has changed. His name is Mr Guantaoui. He looks nice, like Mr Bono. I don't konw him, but he looks cool.
I'm happy that my best friend is in the same class as me. all my teachers are cool but the maths teacher doesn't like me. I don't like her either. My music teacher used to be my French teacher. I like him. The history teacher is Mrs Moncla. She's fun. Well, that's all for today ....
ANTOINE BAUDEL (3°4)
This year, I'm in a new school and it is so different from the other one that I'm feeling lost. That's why I'm mistaken, I go to the wrong classroom.
I arrive later in the right room. During the break, I meet my fellows. They ate really nice with me, they welcome me. Today, I will eat in my school with my new friends.
JULIE HOSTYN (3°4)
When I arrive in this new junior high school, I'm scared of being alone during the first week. I'm also scared not to be accepted because the other students have known one another for a long time.
But on this first day, I get on well with Margaux. She is in the same situation as me. On the contrary, my class is distant with me : I have to talk to them to attract their attention and I do the same thing with Manon, Charlotte, Juliette and Fanny.
I feel good in this class, the atmosphere is pleasant and the pupils look nice and funny.
This junior high is bigger than my former school, but the playground is smaller than mine and the buildings look old. Perhaps I will disappear since it's so big!
I'm surprised because in the playground, there are groups. They aren't based on race, just on tastes or appearance and nobody changes groups. But when you are new, you can go with who you want !
Sometimes, I miss my friends from my former school but I can see them, so it's good and I will see them at the senior high.
ANNE MONTALDO (3°4)
This foirst day back to school was a joyful one because I discovered that most of my friends were in my class. Even if I didn't know everybody, this class seemed cool and friendly ( and quit serious too: that's the reason why I was wondering a bit about this long and sutdious year ahead of me). I had never had Mr Lescorce as a form teacher as well as a physics teacher, but some of my schoolmates who were in his class last year told me he was nice. He delivered us our new timetables which could have been worse. I read and saw new teachers'names like Mr Cokelaere, who was writing his name and those of his colleagues on the board. He looked strict but patient and I have already noticed that these were two good qualities to teach efficiently.
AT that precise moment, I was thinking that it would not be that hard to be successful at the exams with all these positive elements.
KEVIN MEYER (3°4)
Today, I started a new school year. I was anxious about the composition of my new class, but now I'm reassured because I'm in my friends' class.
I was sitting in the front row of the class, where I met a boy whose name is Antoine. He's new in this school. We talked a little as it was boring to write ans stick papers.
Our teachers finally gave us our schedule. I was surprised when I saw I had only teacher that I had never had sofar, except my English teacher and my Spanish teacher.
I met two of my new teachers who were nice. I hope the other teachers are nice too, but I will see that for myself tomorrow.
RODOLPHE LOSPIED (3°4)
I spent a nice day today ! It was the start of the new school year and I was both happy and anxious to see if I would be with my friends in the same class.
I left home at half past nine and picked up my two best friends, Elie and Kevin to go together to our junior high school. When we arrived, we immediately mlooked at the boards to see in which class we were. Great ! We were together and with other pupils I already knew. There were also new pupils who seem to be nice. We met our headteacher, the physics teacher, who gave us our timetable, the names of our different teachers and many papers and documents to fill in.
I think the timetable is rather busy, especially on tuesdays and thursdays where I leave school at 5.30.
I think we'll have much homework as all the teachers told us they would test us at tyhe beginning of each lesson.
The class atmosphere sems rather cool. Some pupils are talkative and others seems to be funny.
I hope it will be a nice year ! I'll do my best to pass my exam, the "Brevet des collèges" !
YELENA N'DIAYE (3°4)
I remember that day, september 3rd. After two months of holidays, it was the first day back to school. Like evey year, I'm very scared and impatient as well. I go to school at ten, more nervous more and more nervous every second;When I arrive, I see my friend and I join them.We talk a long time until the school gates open.
This year is different from the others because our names are hung on a wall, unlike the previous years when the headmaster called us one by one. After several minutes, Mr Ardellier, the Head, asks us to go to our classroom. I feel vey happy because a lot of my friends are in my class.
We're waitning for oir form teacher, Mr Lescorce. We're going to a classroom for the introductions. Our new history and form teachers introduce themselves, give us a lot of papers and talk about a lot of things. I discover my new timetable and my new teachers. I understand the importance of this year because of the "Brevet", the exam we have to take. I notice that we begin school at 8 every day. That will be difficult but we have to work. I hope I'll have good marks.
DAVID SOYE (3°4)
Today is the first day back to school. As I'm a new pupil; I'm going to meet many people;I will have new teachers too.
I must get to know my new class and will learn different subjects and perhaps thazt outside school we can gather up together to go to the cinema and also sometimes do sport or maybe start a group of music...
The first days are always exciting because every day, you meet new pupils.
The teacher shows us the curriculumof this year : some things are more interesting than others.
What is enjoyable is to be able to work in a group, to learn the lessons together for the "Brevet" for example.
CHARLOTTE CHAGNEAU (3°4)
My alarm clock rings. Joséphine gets up first, then I get up with less enthusiasm than yesterday. So, I have to eat my breakfast and get dressed too. Joséphine is ready before me. We must go and fetch Anna and Audrey to go to school.
We are now in front of the gate and we're waiting.
When the doors open, everybody runs to the lists where our names and classes are written. I'm disappointed and happy at the same time, because I'm not with my girlfriends, but it's not that bad. We will not be so close but we'll have more things to tell one another when meet.
samedi 13 septembre 2008
A BUSY HURRICANE SEASON
Tropical storm FAY ( August 2008)
Hurricane Gustav ( Early Sept. 2008)
Hurricane Ike ( mid Sept. 2008)
Experts predicted an intense hurricane season this year and they appear to be right. Since mid-August, there have been four very violent tropical storms and hurricanes. They are always given male or female names, always in alphabetical order : FAY, GUSTAV, HANNA and IKE ( in August and September).
FAY hit Florida in August, killing 36 people and causing extreme damage.
GUSTAV hit the Gulf Coast on Sept. 1, killing at least 26 people in 3 states and leaving more than one million homes without power before moving into Central Louisiana as a tropical depression.
IKE ravaged south-east Texas early on Sept. 3, battering the coast with driving rain and ferocious wind gusts.
mercredi 10 septembre 2008
On 11 September 2001, terrorists hijacked four planes that were flying above the US.
Two of them were flown into the World Trade Center in New York and another into a top military building in Washington, called the Pentagon.
The fourth plane crashed into a field, 80 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The World Trade center towers completely collapsed soon after the planes hit the buildings, killing about 3,000 people.
Reconstruction has now begun : the twin towers of the World Trade Center are going to be replaced by a memorial and five new towers.
All the rubble has been cleared from the site and since the attacks, the location has been called Ground Zero.
THE MEMORIAL :
The two footprints that mark the place where the WTC used to stand are going to become a memorial called : "Reflecting Absence". There will be pools of water that reflect the light and the spaces around these will be planted with trees and engraved with the names of the people who died in the attacks.
THE NEW TOWERS :
The highest of the new towers is going to be called the "Freedom Tower". It will be the tallest building in the US at 1,776 feet (= 540 m). It will have four diamond shapes on top that will light up part of New York at night.
The four other towers will form a semi-circle around the memorial in the centre.
Building has started and it should be completed in 2012.
Two of them were flown into the World Trade Center in New York and another into a top military building in Washington, called the Pentagon.
The fourth plane crashed into a field, 80 miles from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The World Trade center towers completely collapsed soon after the planes hit the buildings, killing about 3,000 people.
Reconstruction has now begun : the twin towers of the World Trade Center are going to be replaced by a memorial and five new towers.
All the rubble has been cleared from the site and since the attacks, the location has been called Ground Zero.
THE MEMORIAL :
The two footprints that mark the place where the WTC used to stand are going to become a memorial called : "Reflecting Absence". There will be pools of water that reflect the light and the spaces around these will be planted with trees and engraved with the names of the people who died in the attacks.
THE NEW TOWERS :
The highest of the new towers is going to be called the "Freedom Tower". It will be the tallest building in the US at 1,776 feet (= 540 m). It will have four diamond shapes on top that will light up part of New York at night.
The four other towers will form a semi-circle around the memorial in the centre.
Building has started and it should be completed in 2012.
dimanche 31 août 2008
This day in history - August, 31 1997- PRINCESS DIANA DIES
Diana, Princess of Wales, dies in Paris' Pitie-Salpetiere Hospital after suffering massive chest injuries in an early morning car accident. Her companion, Dodi Fayed, was killed instantly in the 12:25 a.m. crash, as was driver Henri Paul, who was drunk and lost control of the Mercedes in a highway underpass. He was driving at excessive speeds in a reckless attempt to escape paparazzi photographers. Diana's bodyguard, Trevor Rees Jones, escaped with serious but nonfatal injuries. He was the only one wearing his seat belt. The death of Diana, beloved by millions for her beauty and good nature, plunged the world into mourning.
mardi 26 août 2008
FLORIDA- SUMMER 2008- PHOTO GALLERY
MIAMI BEACH- ART DECO DISTRICT
MIAMI BEACH
DOLPHINS - SEA WOLD - ORLANDO
ANIMAL KINGDOM - DISNEY WORLD -ORLANDO
MIAMI BEACH
KEY WEST
THE EVERGLADES (national park)
an air-boat ride / the alligators
DOLPHINS - SEA WOLD - ORLANDO
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS - ORLANDO
ANIMAL KINGDOM - DISNEY WORLD -ORLANDO
The Everest ( roller-coaster)
PALM BEACH
THE HIGHWAY TO MIAMI AIRPORT
PALM BEACH
THE HIGHWAY TO MIAMI AIRPORT
mercredi 20 août 2008
4th JULY - INDEPENDENCE DAY- USA
The 4th of July may not be the most original name for a holiday, but for Americans it is the most patriotic day of the year. Why is this day so important in our nation's history? On July 4, 1776, representatives from North America's 13 colonies signed the Declaration of Independence, the most important of all American historical documents.
The Birth of a NationUntil the declaration was signed, America was under the rule of the British government. But as the 13 North American British colonies began to form, Americans felt that they were being treated unfairly by the British Government. They felt that they were paying too much in taxes to Great Britain and were angry they did not have anyone to represent them in the government.
By June 1776, Americans were tired of trying to work out an agreement with Great Britain. They were also tired of being told what to do so they decided to write the Declaration of Independence. On July 2, 1776, all 13 colonies officially separated from Great Britain and became the United States.
America Inspires the World : America's Declaration of Independence was so powerful that it encouraged people all over the world to fight for their own freedom. The declaration inspired South America to fight for its independence from Spanish rule. It also inspired the French during the French Revolution. The declaration is often used as a symbol for justice and freedom for other nations as well.
WHAT TO DO ON 4th JULY ?
Most people decorate their houses for the occasion. They put blue, red and white streamers and ballons on their houses and many organize picnics or barbecues with their friends. There's an atmosphere of joy everywhere in Washington.
In the White House, the president makes a speech and the national anthem is played. Then , the President visits the washington Memorial with the First Lady, in honour of one of the Founding Fathers of the USA.
The day ends with the traditional foreworks in front of a huge crowd.
The Birth of a NationUntil the declaration was signed, America was under the rule of the British government. But as the 13 North American British colonies began to form, Americans felt that they were being treated unfairly by the British Government. They felt that they were paying too much in taxes to Great Britain and were angry they did not have anyone to represent them in the government.
By June 1776, Americans were tired of trying to work out an agreement with Great Britain. They were also tired of being told what to do so they decided to write the Declaration of Independence. On July 2, 1776, all 13 colonies officially separated from Great Britain and became the United States.
America Inspires the World : America's Declaration of Independence was so powerful that it encouraged people all over the world to fight for their own freedom. The declaration inspired South America to fight for its independence from Spanish rule. It also inspired the French during the French Revolution. The declaration is often used as a symbol for justice and freedom for other nations as well.
WHAT TO DO ON 4th JULY ?
Most people decorate their houses for the occasion. They put blue, red and white streamers and ballons on their houses and many organize picnics or barbecues with their friends. There's an atmosphere of joy everywhere in Washington.
In the White House, the president makes a speech and the national anthem is played. Then , the President visits the washington Memorial with the First Lady, in honour of one of the Founding Fathers of the USA.
The day ends with the traditional foreworks in front of a huge crowd.
lundi 18 août 2008
LET THE GAMES BEGIN !!
Fireworks and festivities dazzled the world at the Olympic opening ceremonies.
An audience of 91,000 people packed in to the Olympic National Stadium in Beijing, China, today to watch an entertainment program including 30,000 fireworks and more than two hours of music at the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics.
China's opening ceremonies are reported to be the largest and most expensive of any in Olympic history.
The National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest for its unique design, came alive with excitement on the hot summer night. There were 2,008 drummers, to match this Olympic year on the calendar, rocking the stadium. Nearly two hours of music, specially composed for the event, filled the air. Twenty fairies fell from the night sky, or so it seemed as acrobats on wires descended into the stadium. A group of 56 children gathered around the Chinese flag. Participants wore 15,153 costumes that were created in 47 styles.
World leaders gathered to enjoy the spectacle, including United States President George W. Bush, who became the first U.S. president to attend an Olympics held in a foreign country.
The timing of the ceremony itself, which began at 8 p.m. on 8/8/08, is considered good luck in China, where eight is the luckiest number.
The opening ceremonies kicked off 17 days of Olympic events, stretching straight through to the closing ceremonies on August 24. More than 10,000 athletes from 205 countries are gearing up to compete at the top of their game.
Fireworks and festivities dazzled the world at the Olympic opening ceremonies.
An audience of 91,000 people packed in to the Olympic National Stadium in Beijing, China, today to watch an entertainment program including 30,000 fireworks and more than two hours of music at the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics.
China's opening ceremonies are reported to be the largest and most expensive of any in Olympic history.
The National Stadium, known as the Bird's Nest for its unique design, came alive with excitement on the hot summer night. There were 2,008 drummers, to match this Olympic year on the calendar, rocking the stadium. Nearly two hours of music, specially composed for the event, filled the air. Twenty fairies fell from the night sky, or so it seemed as acrobats on wires descended into the stadium. A group of 56 children gathered around the Chinese flag. Participants wore 15,153 costumes that were created in 47 styles.
World leaders gathered to enjoy the spectacle, including United States President George W. Bush, who became the first U.S. president to attend an Olympics held in a foreign country.
The timing of the ceremony itself, which began at 8 p.m. on 8/8/08, is considered good luck in China, where eight is the luckiest number.
The opening ceremonies kicked off 17 days of Olympic events, stretching straight through to the closing ceremonies on August 24. More than 10,000 athletes from 205 countries are gearing up to compete at the top of their game.
WHO ARE THE U.S. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES ?
SENATOR BARACK OBAMABarack Obama was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, on August 4, 1961. His father, Barack Obama, Sr., was born and raised in Kenya, Africa. His mother, Ann Dunham, was raised in Kansas. His parents met while studying at the University of Hawaii.
Obama graduated from to Columbia University in 1983. In 1985, he moved to Chicago, Illinois, to become a community organizer working to improve poor neighborhoods in Chicago. Obama then attended Harvard Law School, graduating in 1991.
Obama returned to Chicago soon after law school. He worked as a lawyer and taught law for a few years before he ran for the Illinois State Senate in 1996. He served as a State Senator for eight years. Obama joined the U.S. Senate in 2004. He was the third African American to be elected to the U.S. Senate since 1877.
Obama lives in Chicago with his wife, Michelle, and their two daughters, Natasha and Malia Ann.SENATOR JOHN MC CAIN
Senator John McCain, 71, likes to describe himself as "the luckiest man you will ever meet." But hard work, not just luck, helped him reach the Republican Party's nomination in early March.
McCain has traveled a long road to get to where he is.
He was born on August 29, 1936, while his father was serving as a U.S. Navy officer in the Panama Canal Zone. Both McCain's father and grandfather were Navy admirals. Young John followed in the family career, and became a naval aviator.
As a flier, McCain withstood several near-death experiences. In 1967, during the Vietnam War, his plane was shot down. He survived more than five years as a prisoner of war. After returning home, he continued to serve in the military until 1981 when he retired as a captain.
In 1981, McCain was elected to the U.S. Congress as a representative. Five years later, he was elected to the Senate. He has served in Congress for 25 years.
This is not the first time McCain has run for President. In 2000, he unsuccessfully tried to gain his party's nomination. If McCain wins the November election, he will be 72 years old when he takes office. He would be the oldest first-term President ever.
McCain lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with his wife, Cindy. He has seven children, Doug, Andy, Sidney, Meghan, Jack, Jimmy and Bridget, and four grandchildren.
mardi 10 juin 2008
OUR REACTIONS TO THE MOVIE "INTO THE WILD"
ALIX J.
I like this film because eventually, Christopher realizes his dream and meets many good and interesting people. The people he meets will make him discover different worlds, new ways of life, new ways of thinking. I think that is important for his balance. But although Christopher manages to make his dream come true, I think he is rather reckless and unconscious of the danger or maybe he is, but then he must be a bit crazy.
THOMAS H.
What a nut job ! How didn't he realize his madness ! Mr MacCandless was totally wrong when he went to Alaska without proper equipment. The conditions of living are harsh there and he knew that. We have lost one more person in the wild as if it weren't enough. Going to Alaska and dying there, how stupid !
EDOUARD V.
The film is really great ! Christopher MacCandless was very courageousto mleave as he did at the risk of his life. Without any technology he lived for more than a hundred days, which is impressive !
I like this film because eventually, Christopher realizes his dream and meets many good and interesting people. The people he meets will make him discover different worlds, new ways of life, new ways of thinking. I think that is important for his balance. But although Christopher manages to make his dream come true, I think he is rather reckless and unconscious of the danger or maybe he is, but then he must be a bit crazy.
THOMAS H.
What a nut job ! How didn't he realize his madness ! Mr MacCandless was totally wrong when he went to Alaska without proper equipment. The conditions of living are harsh there and he knew that. We have lost one more person in the wild as if it weren't enough. Going to Alaska and dying there, how stupid !
EDOUARD V.
The film is really great ! Christopher MacCandless was very courageousto mleave as he did at the risk of his life. Without any technology he lived for more than a hundred days, which is impressive !
JULIEN L.
I admire what he did . I think he can't be blamed for leaving even unprepared as he was for he wand to livith as few man-made items as possible. He must have been gifted with an exceptional willpower.
CHLOE H.
Christopher MacCandless followed his goal : living in the wild despite the difficulties. I think that even if he died, I agree with what he did. The saddest think in this story is that he died alone and just as he was dying he realized that one cannot live on one's own. The movie was really good and beautiful.
CONSTANCE B.
Christopher had a dream and made it come true. I think that when you have dreams, it's good to realize them. What I didn't like is when Christopher tore the banknotes that he had left. Otherwise, living in the wild for a few days is something I wouldn't mind trying. He was very courageous to leave everything behind, to live cut off from society. He must have prepared himself mentally to do that.
JULIETTE T.
The movie is very touching , particularly as it reminded me of several very close people, which made it even sadder. The processes which he undertook seems very interesting to me and not selfish at all. Indeed, he deprived himself of very nice things, especially without money. Of courses he inflicted much suffering on his parents but I doubt that his parents had ever been an example. However, I think he was most unfair with his sister.
CAMILLE L.
I think Christopher was completely right to leave as he did since it was his dream. You can't reproach him with being selfish. It was HIS life, not his parents' nor his sister's. He died in total agreement with himself, which spared him the regrets of not having had the guts to live according to his own choices. He could be blamed for dying in a stupid way or for lacking preparation but I can't believe that he left without thinking the whole thing out.
ANONYMOUS
This film is very moving and I admire the courage that Christopher showed when he set out for this incredible adventure. What's very beautiful too is the kindness of all the people he comes across with and who give him their support. This man was a dreamer who lived out what he wanted. Lots of people would like to live as he did. He had a goal and it's nice to see that he tried to reach it. I really enjoyed this movie.
ANONYMOUS
Christopher MacCandless decided to live in Alaska for a while so as to run away from that society he despises. After he left, he met all kinds of people who helped him to reach his goal. I find that very courageous.
HUGO N.
Christopher MacCandless was quite brave but he didn't think much of his family. They were close to him and he left them as well as his friends without letting anybody hear from him. He shouldn't have broken up with his relatives and friends who certainly suffered because of him.
PIERRE-ALEXANDRE R.
I think that Christopher MacCandless shouldn't have been so extreme and he should have thought it out before he set out for such a dangerous asventure. It isn't done to leave one's family behind . Even if he did take information, even if he did live enriching experiences, he shouldn't have gone backwards.
I admire what he did . I think he can't be blamed for leaving even unprepared as he was for he wand to livith as few man-made items as possible. He must have been gifted with an exceptional willpower.
CHLOE H.
Christopher MacCandless followed his goal : living in the wild despite the difficulties. I think that even if he died, I agree with what he did. The saddest think in this story is that he died alone and just as he was dying he realized that one cannot live on one's own. The movie was really good and beautiful.
CONSTANCE B.
Christopher had a dream and made it come true. I think that when you have dreams, it's good to realize them. What I didn't like is when Christopher tore the banknotes that he had left. Otherwise, living in the wild for a few days is something I wouldn't mind trying. He was very courageous to leave everything behind, to live cut off from society. He must have prepared himself mentally to do that.
JULIETTE T.
The movie is very touching , particularly as it reminded me of several very close people, which made it even sadder. The processes which he undertook seems very interesting to me and not selfish at all. Indeed, he deprived himself of very nice things, especially without money. Of courses he inflicted much suffering on his parents but I doubt that his parents had ever been an example. However, I think he was most unfair with his sister.
CAMILLE L.
I think Christopher was completely right to leave as he did since it was his dream. You can't reproach him with being selfish. It was HIS life, not his parents' nor his sister's. He died in total agreement with himself, which spared him the regrets of not having had the guts to live according to his own choices. He could be blamed for dying in a stupid way or for lacking preparation but I can't believe that he left without thinking the whole thing out.
ANONYMOUS
This film is very moving and I admire the courage that Christopher showed when he set out for this incredible adventure. What's very beautiful too is the kindness of all the people he comes across with and who give him their support. This man was a dreamer who lived out what he wanted. Lots of people would like to live as he did. He had a goal and it's nice to see that he tried to reach it. I really enjoyed this movie.
ANONYMOUS
Christopher MacCandless decided to live in Alaska for a while so as to run away from that society he despises. After he left, he met all kinds of people who helped him to reach his goal. I find that very courageous.
HUGO N.
Christopher MacCandless was quite brave but he didn't think much of his family. They were close to him and he left them as well as his friends without letting anybody hear from him. He shouldn't have broken up with his relatives and friends who certainly suffered because of him.
PIERRE-ALEXANDRE R.
I think that Christopher MacCandless shouldn't have been so extreme and he should have thought it out before he set out for such a dangerous asventure. It isn't done to leave one's family behind . Even if he did take information, even if he did live enriching experiences, he shouldn't have gone backwards.
AHMED E.
I think it's a good film. The story is really exciting and there are beautiful landscapes. In my opinion the way Christopher died is a bit silly.On the whole, this is a good film.
THOMAS D.
I really enjoyed this movie. It makes a nice change from most action films which have no real story to tell. I found the film very profound. When you come out of the cinema, it feels as if you were locked up in yourself. You ask yourself questions and find yourself questioning your goals in life. Nevertheless, I didn't like the hero's character. He despises people who love him, makes his family suffer by not letting them hear from him. Besides, he sorts of commits suicide through his choice of life while he had everything that could make him happy.
JULIEN L.
I think the story of MacCandless represents an impossible dream for many people. However, this is a good story showing an alternative way of living. The character is captivating and meets many engaging people. It's the story of an incredible tramp !
CAROLINE C.
I found the film moving although, according to me, this idea of extreme freedom is a bit crazy. However, the film was truly amazing, with wonderful landscapes, but a bit long especially as it lacked action to my mind. The end is sad as he dies slowly which implies much suffering.
PIERRE D. L J.
I haven't got much to say, except that the sheer remenbrance of the movie makes me feel like crying. Christopher should have gotten himself prepared more thouroughly and he should have come back to write his book himself. Society, I'm not cut out for you !
BENJAMIN F.
This film conveys a special message. Society makes Christopher sick and when eventually, he realizes he needs civilization , he has to come back to his "magic bus". If Chris hadn't done that experience, he would have never lived happily. To my mind, cutting yourself out from society may be good, but just for a short while.
ANONYMOUS
I loved "Into the Wild" because it's a true story. It proves that the system most of us agree with is not compulsory. There are alternatives. I love Alexander Supertramp, he's my hero.
OLIVIA L.
I really liked this movie even though it's quite long. The fact that the character wants to live alone, in the wild, is interesting. He's trying to understand the world we live in. The music is really good and I think the actors are very talented. I've seen this movie twice, and each time it was wonderful.
lundi 2 juin 2008
THE TELECTROSCOPE (Paul Nivelle)
The Teletroscope By Paul St Georges: a tunnel from N.Y to London.
Hardly anyone knows that a secret tunnel runs deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean. In May 2008, more than a century after it was begun, the tunnel has finally been completed. An extraordinary optical device called a Telectroscope has been installed at both ends which miraculously allows people to see right through the Earth from London to New Yorkand vice versa.
http://www.tiscali.co.uk/telectroscope/
Hardly anyone knows that a secret tunnel runs deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean. In May 2008, more than a century after it was begun, the tunnel has finally been completed. An extraordinary optical device called a Telectroscope has been installed at both ends which miraculously allows people to see right through the Earth from London to New Yorkand vice versa.
http://www.tiscali.co.uk/telectroscope/
vendredi 30 mai 2008
THE RABBIT-PROOF FENCE : A STORY OF THE "STOLEN GENERATION" IN AUSTRALIA
Rabbit-Proof Fence is set in Western Australia in 1931. For 100 years the Aboriginal people had resisted invasion of their land by the white settlers but now, a special law, the Aborigines Act, had come in to place. This allowed the white authorities to control their lives in every detail. In the film Mr. Neville is the Chief Protector of Aborigines which meant he is the legal guardian of every aborigine and has the power to remove any ‘half-caste’ child from their family.
The film follows the true story of a young girl named Molly and her little sister Daisy, 8, and cousin Gracie, 14. They all belonged to the Jigalong mob, a group of Aborigines. The authorities often considered what would be better for the white population; leave the black aborigines to it out in the bush, attempt to integrate them into white society or breed the black out of society all together by making them marry and have children with white people.
The youngest of the three girls had been promised to a full blood Aborigine and so was of particular concern to the authorities. This called for immediate removal from their home. All three girls were captured from their parents and taken to the Moore River Native Settlement. This was a camp for young Aborigines where they were forced to speak English and say grace. The motto of the camp was Duty, Service and Responsibility. Children with fairer skin were considered to be more intelligent and were sent to real schools. But before the girls were separated they decided to run away from the camp and return home. They walked for nine weeks along the Rabbit-Proof Fence, across harsh open land as they knew it would lead them home.
The youngest of the three girls had been promised to a full blood Aborigine and so was of particular concern to the authorities. This called for immediate removal from their home. All three girls were captured from their parents and taken to the Moore River Native Settlement. This was a camp for young Aborigines where they were forced to speak English and say grace. The motto of the camp was Duty, Service and Responsibility. Children with fairer skin were considered to be more intelligent and were sent to real schools. But before the girls were separated they decided to run away from the camp and return home. They walked for nine weeks along the Rabbit-Proof Fence, across harsh open land as they knew it would lead them home.
The fence is the longest ever made by man and went down the entire length of Australia. After the girls returned home Molly married and had two children. But again she was captured along with her children and taken to Moore River, and once again she escaped and walked the whole way home carrying her baby. By the time the smallest child was aged three the authorities had taken her again. Aborigines were forcibly removed from their homes until the 1970s but even today they still suffer due to this destruction of family life, culture and identity. Children like Molly are now described as being from the 'Stolen Generation'.
THE APOLOGIES OF THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT TO THE STOLEN GENERATION
After many years of denial and refusal to apologize, the Australian parliament made official apologies to the Aborigenes on February 14, 2008.
They apologized for past assimilation policies, in which up to eight generations of Aborigenal children were taken from their families and brought up in white households.
“For the pain, suffering and hurt of these stolen generations, their descendants, we say sorry,” the Prime Minister said. “To the mothers and the fathers, the brothers and the sisters, for the breaking up of families, we say sorry. And for the indignity and degradation thus inflicted on a proud people, we say sorry.”
jeudi 29 mai 2008
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