Grove Family Pictures

Alfred Bell Grove 1906c

Grove Family Hay wagon 1953c

Very Cool old family photographs. 

David McCullough on 60 Minutes

We need to seriously revamp the teaching of the teachers. I don't feel that any professional teacher should major in education. The should major in a subject, they should know something. The best teachers are those who have the gift and the energy and the enthusiasm to convey their love for the science, or history, or Shakespeare or whatever they teach. Show them what you love is the old adage and we have all had them, where they can change your life, they can electrify the morning when you can come in to the classroom. 

-David McCullough on 60 Minutes

Video of my visit to Dealy Plaza

Here is my video from my trip this summer visiting the site of the assassination of JFK. I was really surprised how close the road is to the School Book building. I am definitely not a conspiracy theorist when it comes to this event. Dealy Plaza - YouTube:

The narration is provided by yours truly.

I filmed in 1080HD, take the time to let that version load. It looks crisp.

But this does not mean that other people are not. Check this out for proof.

Random Pictures

This is the real car that was behind JFK's car in Dallas that fateful day.

These photos were taken here.


The amazing Black Hills of South Dakota

The Baader-Meinhof Complex by Stephan Aust

A scene from the movie: I strongly encourage you to check it out.

I just finished the Baader-Meinhof by Stefan Aust, an interesting and sometimes fascinating story, yet it lacks much analysis or real conclusion. A lot of unsubstantiated rumors fill the last few pages, causing the reader to question to whole affair. Not the comprehensive history I was expecting.

The book follows the historically accurate movie the Baader-Meinhof Complex, just released in the US on DVD, It is a fascinating movie, from the people behind Der Untertag (Downfall). I am curious what will be the next movie from these folks.

Check out the American Poster. Designed by the same people that did the famous Obama poster:

Our Man In Mexico by Jefferson Morley

I just finished this book and It was quite thought provoking. It is a fascinating account about the establishment of the CIA and the Mexico connections to the assassination of JFK are fascinating. The book also illustrates the strength of American control on the Mexican Government in the 50's and 60's. I strongly encourage you to check it out. Probably the best 20 bucks I have spent in a long time.

Our Man in Mexico Book Site

Amazon Link.

An interesting Book Review with Questions to the author.

What if the Nazi's had invaded the USA.

I found this fascinating post on metafiler with images. It is a crazy thing to think about. Possibly propaganda at its best? (or worst?)

More info with pictures...
"Metafilter's own JF Ptak has an interesting post on the Life magazine issue of March 2nd, 1942, readers of which were confronted by some startling maps detailing possible Axis invasion strategies for North America. There was invasion down the St. Lawrence valley, there was invasion via Trinidad, via Bermuda, full frontal west coast, and down the west coast as well - note the mapping of the large "fifth columns". As Ptak notes, maps such as these with huge arrows pointed menancingly at the American homeland were very much not the norm of the day.
In a second post on his marvellous site, Ptak discusses Life's dioramas of imaginary battles in the United States between Axis and Allied troops, and also outlines the development of the "Amerika" German heavy bomber. " Link Here

When Putin met Reagan...

This is the kind of thing that makes history so interesting....
This is crazy.....

The Kodak vs the King: Leopold II's Congo Free State

This is a link to a presentation on King Leopold II and the atrocities of the Belgian Congo or the Congo Free State. It is graphic and includes hi-res images. Link Here Google Link Here. I am writing the paper for a class on European Imperialism.

Some neat History Links:

this is a video of how I teach Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr: Link Here also



Also this blog called Iconic Photos is pretty incredible. Link Here

Interesting Interview from "Fresh Air"

Fresh Air can have some really interesting interviews. This one is a fascinating interview with a American man who wrote 12 years for a Japanese newspaper about the underworld of Japan.

Just click "listen" on this page
Click Here:
An American In Japan, Investigating The 'Tokyo Vice'

Autoweek feature on British Cars in America

Sir Alec Issigonis, creator of the Mini.

Autoweek has a fascinating article on the history of the Mini and British cars in the american market. A must read. Check it out here

20 Great Photographs from the American Civil War hi-res

Excellent images from the civil war with explanations.
Check it out here.

The American Civil War in 4 minutes

A pretty neat video.

The Civil War In Four Minutes

Good News:

Appalachian’s Reich College of Education highlighted in U.S. News & World Report

BOONE—The Reich College of Education at Appalachian State University is included in U.S. News & World Report’s recent focus on graduate programs.

The magazine lists graduate programs in business, engineering, education, law and medical schools.

While the college isn’t ranked by the magazine it is one of the colleges that is featured in the article “Picking the Right School for an Education Grad Degree: Is it more important to go to a great school or a school near where you want to teach?”

The article states that, “Appalachian State University’s Reich College of Education exemplifies the benefits of attending a high-quality program run out of a public institution. Reich’s dean, Charles Duke, says Appalachian’s ability to offer excellent but affordable teacher education in convenient locations is what leads so many future North Carolina educators to choose Appalachian.”

The article also addresses education programs that incorporate innovative teaching in the classroom. “A degree from Harvard or Stanford is certainly prestigious, but having one won’t help you become a better teacher any more than a degree from Appalachian will,” Duke says in the article, which further states that, “Reich College attracts faculty from across the country who bring the latest, most inventive teaching methods with them into the classroom. One plus: Faculty are also responsible for instructing students about the challenges they might face in different areas of the state.”

Nearly all of the graduate education students teach in North Carolina.

The article challenges those seeking graduate degrees in education to consider factors such as affordability and the school’s curriculum.

Have you heard of this Train Wreck?
Granville-Paris Express wreck on 22 October 1895
crazy!