FYI: Lincoln-The Movie

This movie is awesome, pardon my unsolicited editorial. At least check out the trailer! :)

FYI: Did Lincoln Own Slaves? Which Presidents Did?

Apparently not according to my limited research.

16.  Abraham Lincoln

1861-1865

KY

No.

1865:  “I have always thought that all men should be free; but if any should be slaves it should be first those who desire it for themselves, and secondly those who desire it for others.  Whenever I hear any one arguing for slavery I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally.”  ( Lincoln, 1953, v8, p360-1)

More detail:

Presidents and Slaves

FYI-Virtual Child Pornography Ruled Legal and Protected Speech by US SC in 2002

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/17/us/Supreme Court Ruling Explained

I believe a relatively Ohio SC case ruled that if actual child proven to be used in modelling an avatar, criminal activity has ensued. No time right now to track this down again.

Constitution Week Extra Credit Assignment! Due 9/23

While I'm away, here's an exercise for you to receive 2 extra credit point on your quiz average! Due next Tuesday, September 23.

 "Constitution Week is an American observance to commemorate the adoption of the United States Constitution. The observance runs annually from September 17 to September 23. It was officially enacted on August 2, 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower from a congressional resolution petitioned by the Daughters of the American Revolution, but it was George W Bush who officially declared the inception of Constitution Week in September 2002.The purpose of the observance week is to promote study and education about the constitution which was originally adopted by the American Congress of the Confederation on September 17, 1787." Wikipedia

 In celebration of Constitution Week, listen to Dr. Sandel's lecture at Harvard on military conscription.  Do you think it is right for you to pay someone to take your place in the draft so you can avoid going to war in the case  the draft is implemented to supplement the current volunteer force?

Write a review of the main points made and your opinion on the above question. Post online here, as in previous assignment.

Worth 2 points on your final Quiz Average! Due online here byTuesday, September 23.

Extra Credit Assignment #1 Community Involvement

Summit County Food Policy Council (SFPC)is forging ahead with active committees including:  Micro Enterprises, Health Food Access, Education/Marketing, Community Gardens and Networking. It’s another bright spot for Akron’s growing sustainability efforts.

This Extra Credit opportunity will give you 10 extra points on your average quiz grade if done properly. A couple of options:

1/ Attend a public meeting in your community. It can be a City/Village/County Council meeting, a ward meeting, a Township Trustee meeting, A county Commissioner meeting, a neighborhood watch meeting, a block watch meeting, a neighborhood organization meeting, a local school board meeting, a University of Akron-sponsored public meeting, a political party meeting (often monthly), a local or regional planning board meeting, a local park board meeting, a board of zoning appeals meeting, or any similar or related meeting of a public or non-profit body. Consult your local newpaper (daily or weekly) to see what meetings are scheduled in your area. Ask me if you're not sure if your meeting qualifies.

2/ Participate in an effort to help the campus, community or some cause, such as a political campaign: One example was "Up 'til Dawn" organized here by UA students last year to help eliminate Childhood Cancer. Or, stop down at the political party headquarters in Akron of your choice. They'll put you to work....quickly!

Many other other opportunities exist on campus and in your own community. Visit this UA website for great  monthly opportunities on a Saturday or opportunities during the week with "Serve Akron!" Plan ahead and schedule yourself now. http://www.uakron.edu/studentlife/serve/service-opportunities/

After attending or participating, write a 1 page minimum journal article of your experience, with highlights and/or lowlights. Indicate whether attending made you more or less likely to be involved in local community groups.

Assignment is due by your final exam.

Extra Credit Assignment #2 Vote This November

Vote in the Election on Tuesday, November 4 ( or vote early if you want) and get 8 added points to your final quiz average! . Bring evidence indicating you voted ("I Voted!" sticker, signed sheet by poll worker, etc.). You must register to vote by Monday, October 6.

If not able to vote due to age, citizenship, etc., write a one page overview of one of the presidential elections in the 19th century in America. Include candidates, names of P and VP, main positions, controversies and results. Summarize how the campaign you chose is different from the current campaign in 2012. Bring evidence of why legally unable to vote. Due Wednesday after election.

FYI: Spiritual But Not Religious

A good overview of what we discussed in class:

"Spiritual But Not Religious"