PRESENTATION OUTLINE
April 22, 1970 - Earth Day (Politics)
Today began a new holiday, Earth Day. We now celebrate our Earth and show special respect to it today. I think this day is great and I will contribute to help my planet more. My mother went garbage picking on the roads today to help out. Why did this event just get started?
May 5, 1970 - Kent State (Civil Rights)
Yesturday there was a horrible inccident. People of the Ohio National Guard shot at a crowd of Kent State University demonstrators. I was so worried considering cousin Jimmy goes to that school. I was so mad at the shooters, although I didn't even know who they were personaly. I now worry for my own safety at school or in public in general. Why would those people do that?
May 8, 1970 - Popular Music (Culture)
Excitment grew on me today as the song ABC came out by The Jackson 5! I listened to it as much as I could. They are such a good group. Uncle Kevin saw them perform once. I wonder what music they have to come out next?!
November 21, 1972 - Terrorists Act (Terrorism)
The news came on today to announce the bombing of the city Hall in Portland, Oregon. It said on the news they have yet to figure out who did the act. Whoever did it took out the replica of the Liberty Bell. I hope everyone was okay. That is a high hope though. My neighbor was there just last week for something business related. Thank God it wasn't today she was there. Why would the terrorists do that?
February 21, 1972 - Nixon Visits China (Politics)
Our president, Nixon, went on a visit to China starting today. I guess he went there to make peace with them. My brother and I watched about it togther. He doesn't agree with Nixon's decision for whatever reason. I don't really know what to think, but I agree with peace making so I guess I'm okay with it. I wonder what is to come in the future for us two countries now?
June 20, 1972 - Watergate (Terrorism)
Just a few days ago a couple men, who were former CIA agents, broke into the government headquarters buildings, the Watergate. Shortly after the breaking in they were arrested. Serves them right. I hope to work in that building one day. With my lack of political knowledge I doubt that's likely. Why would someone try to corrupt the government? They aren't ones to mess with. I think those people were wrong for doing that and they deserved to be arrested.
August 26, 1972 - Olympics (Culture)
Today started the Summer Olympics! Hosted in Munich, Germany. One of my favorite events of the year. Races and competition of all kinds of sports. I love watching them, maybe I'll see them in real life one day. My brother always thought he'd be in the Olympics but after failing is application he never tried to again. How much does it take for one to be in the Olympics?
January 22, 1973 - Roe vs. Wade (Civil Rights)
My mother informed me that today the Court of Law in Texas had a case where a women named Roe challenged the Texas abortion laws. She won the case. I do not agree with her fully. I have thought about abortion many times before and I just cannot make a solid point. If I were Roe, I wouldn't have done what she did though. Will other parts of our country be affected by this?
March 30, 1973 - ERA (Civil Rights)
For a while now the equal rights amendment has been trying to be pushed and I am all for it. The ERA is an amendment where women want equal rights within the ways of the law. Women should not be treated differently nor should anyone. My aunt is still a part of the NOW organization and she has taught me well about it. When will women have full and equal rights?
October 16, 1973 - OPEC Oil Embargo (Politics)
Today it was announced that Arab oil producers cut off exports to our country. They are doing this to get back at the U.S. for supporting Israel in its war this year with Egypt and Syria. At the local filling station the lines are so long they are out of the streets. And prices have rocketed. I'm concered, it will be difficult for my family and friends to keep their cars going. The town is going crazy and this cannot be good. How long will this last? What is the government going to do?
December 28, 1973 - Endangered Species Act (Politics)
I am very happy today because my mother just told me the Endangered Species Act was just signed! The conservation of species that are endangered or threatened warms my heart. I care about our animals on earth and they should be protected. I know a few animals around my area have been threatned and now hopefully they will be more secure. How many animals can we save with this act?
March 5, 1974 - Nixon Tapes (Politics)
Yesturday, I was thinking about last year when the nixon tapes inncedent came to an end. President Nixon secretly recorded 3,700 hours of phone calls across the executive offices. Why he would do this I am uncertain about, but it was a big deal. This makes me feel uncomfortable because I feel like people are listening in on my calls now. Well you know besides my sneeky brother. My neighbor would always talk about how her and her co-workers were highly appauld at this, because she works for the government. Could other people be doing this too?
September 8, 1974 - Ford Pardons (Cold War)
Today is the day Ford gave Nixon full Pardon. Nixon is free and won't be held accountable for all he has done. I beleive in forgiveness but the things Nixon did like the tapes and the Watergate are very bad. As long as Nixon is truly sorry for what he did then Ford did a good deed. I know my neighbor, miss Susan, is going to give my mother an ear full about this one. I guess the government doesn't really affect me personally but Nixon is a concerning guy. What will become of Ford now for doing this?
August 9, 1974 - Nixon Resignation (Politics)
Well today I believe we all saw coming. Nixon has resigned. He is no longer president. It is safe to say that he resigned so Ford would give him pardon. I hope that this new presidency will take things in a new direction. I have been following Ford for a while now and it seems he can run the country well. What will Ford do for our country?
April 13, 1975 - Fads & Fashion (Culture)
Today I got my first pet rock! They are so popular, I am pretty sure every kid on the block has one. Mine is black and his name is Ronald. I love my pet rock. It gets me excited to take care of my own pet! What is going to come after the pet rock?
April 30, 1975 - Fall of Saigon (Cold War)
Today, the North Vietnamese Army took over Saigon. It is now called Ho Chi Minh. It is the captial of South Vietnam. Now the Vietnam war is over. The start of transiting to a socialist republic begins. I am not really sure how I feel about this. I do know I am glad the war is over now though. My father almost went to Vietnam before. Although the war is over, what conflict is to follow this?
June 2, 1975 - Popular Movies (Culture)
I am absolutely never going in the ocean again. Today I went and saw the movie Jaws that came out yesterday. This shark just kept attacking people in the water, so these men went out to try and kill it. I have not read the book Jaws but I am considering it now. It was just such a good movie. My uncle's friends brother knows the author of the book. I would love to meet him if I read it. Is there actually a shark problem? I am highly concerned.
December 16, 1977 - Disco: SNF (Culture)
I went and watched SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER! I guess you could tell I loved it alot. I got the essance of the ERA touched in there. John Travolta is my favorite actor and he starred in it. How succesful will this movie be?!
June 28, 1979 - Affirmative Action (Politics)
Today, the court case of the University of California v. Bakke happened. Allan Bakke was a white person and got denied acceptance into the University twice even though applicants with lowers scores got in before him. He believed this was because of his race. I feel angered that the University would do that. They should have accepted him. Discrimination against anyone is just not right. I thought fondly about this university until I heard about this. I wonder how this will effect the affirmative action?
September 17, 1978 - Camp David Peace Accords (Politics)
Peace! Peace! Peace! My mother told me that today the Egyptian president Anwar Al-Sadat and prime minister Menachem of Israel signed the Camp David Accords. Now, Israel and Egypt have an agreement of peace. I sure hope this last. My father is going to Israel soon. Will there be more peace accords because of this?
March 28, 1979 - 3 Mile Island (Politics)
A nuclear meltdown happened at a plant in Pennsylvania my cousins went to last year. It was caused by a failure in the secondary system. This scared me hearing about it because it was a complete accident. I fear for what other accidents like this could happen. Will new safety precautions be formed because of this?
December 15, 1979 - Soviets Invade Afghanistan (Cold War)
A few days ago the Soviets invaded Afganistan. This started the Soviet-afghan war. More dissagreements within the cold war. How long will the cold war last? My cousin Gabe is fighting with the army. He may not be involved with all of this but I am sure he is effected somehow. I feel frustrated that these fights keep happening.
January 22, 1980 - El Salvador (Politics)
Today the Salvadoran national guard attacked massive peaceful demonstration, killing about 50 people. Why would they kill these people? I am angered by this. That is just unfair. My father headed there yesterday, I hope he figures out what happened. Who will this affect besides the victims family and friends?
April 24, 1980 - AIDs (Politics)
Today the first case of AIDS was discovered. A man named Ken Horne had it. Aids is a spectrum of conditions caused by infections with the human immunodeficiency virus. I feel worried that this will spread and become a huge problem. My aunt once was really sick and nearly died from a disease and I would hate to see that happen to other people and their family. Will more cases of Aids be happening?
July 19, 1980 - Olympics (Culture)
Today was the opening ceremony for the 1980s Olympics. I love them and each year it gets more exciting. Especially this year, considering America is boycotting them. This is because the Soviets attacked Afghanistan. I am not sure that this was the right move, but I trust the people who run our country. I am highly jealous of my uncle who went to the Olympics last year, that would be amazing. What will the Soviets think the the US boycotting the olympics?
August 20, 1980 - Fads & Fashion (Culture)
A little over a week ago the boom box came out. And guess who got one? Me! Well me and my brother. It is so cool. It is this giant box that plays music. I am so excited to use it more and more. It is so big and bulky though, could they make these a little smaller?
December 8, 1980 - John Lennon Killed (Politics)
I just got news of the great musician John Lennon being killed by a man named Chapman. I was shocked but not too upset because I didn't ever have a taste for his music. My brother on the other hand was devistated. He was John's number 1 fan. He went to one of his concerts once and met him. Why did Chapman kill him?
January 21, 1981 - Iranian Hostage Crisis Ends & Ronald Regan becomes President (Cold War & Politics)
Alot happened yesterday. Iran released 52 hostages that have been held hostage for about year. They released them because the presidency went from Carter to Reagan. The Irans did this to get back at president Carter. He had tried to free them and they wouldn't and the second he isn't president they let them go. I am relieved they are free. I would be so scared to be in their shoes. I am glad my cousin wasn't one of those hostages. I get worried about him sometimes. I wonder if the Irans have anything against Regan?
May 6, 1981 -Terrorists Act (Terrorism)
President Regan expelled all Libyan diplomats from the US. This because Libyan leader Muammar el-Qaddafi had plans to kill American diplomats. Will this plan keep out people safe? It is so horrible thinking someone would plan to kill another person. I always get concered when I hear about things like this. I am fearful. My cousin has went to Libyria and saw the leader before. Sucks for him.
August 1, 1981 - MTV (Culture)
This show 'MTV' was released today. It stands for Music Television. I watched it and seems pretty cool. I am happy there is another source of entertainment. They played a good music video to start of the channel with. I want to be on this MTV one day. Will this become a big show?
June 11, 1982 - Polular Movies (Culture)
Another movie night! Went out and saw the movie ET with my brother. It made think could our space programs explore more parts of the universe? The movie was about this creature that came from somewhere in space and was stuck on earth being tested. I have my eyes open to all the possibilites of the universe now. I would love to go into a space program. I am actually considering a job in that field.
November 23, 1982 - Popular Music (Culture)
In just a week the new album, Thriller, by Michael Jackson is coming out! It is amazing how much he has grown and who would have ever thought he would branch off on his own and become this successful. My father has seen Michael on a street once before going into a hotel. What songs will be on his album?!
December 21, 1982- ERA (Culture)
Today the ERA was re-introduced. There is now an amendment that will require the 2/3 vote of congress and ratification by 3/4 of the state legislature. I feel proud of the ERA for still fighting for rights. I am happy and excited to see the new things that are coming of this. My aunt and I are huge supporters of the ERA. When will women be fully equal compared to others?
March 23, 1983 - Star Wars Program (Culture)
Today the president talked about the development of the technology to intercept enemy nuclear missiles on TV. Some critics call it the Star Wars program. I feel more comfortable now because of this. It's ballistic missiles to counter the threat of a soviet nuclear attack. I feel hope for the government to think of this. My uncle worked on missles before. Will this program really help and keep us safe?
October 25, 1983 - Grenada (Cold War)
The US is raiding Grenada today my brother told me. Probably because of the bombing of the US Marine court. We have some of our people over there. I am scared for our people and I hope they can be safe soon. My uncle is going to maybe be raiding. If he gets stationed with them. Will our people be safe after this?
March 4, 1984 - New Conservatives in Government (Politics)
Reagan has set some new conservative standards. Republicans have taken control of the senate for the first time since 1954. He is changing the political side of the US. He is against communism and Soviet Union. I agree with his doings and I am happy for this change. I am glad he is our president. My uncle met him recently. Said he was just as appealing in person. I wonder what else he is going to come for our government?
Septemebr 20, 1985 - Iran Contra Scandal (Politics)
About a month ago, this Iran Contra Affair came up. President Regan administered weapons to Iran. He hopes that they will release American Hostages, who are held captive by a loyalist to the Iranian leader in exchange for the weapons. The congress does not agree with this. I feel that we should try anything we can to get our people back. They do not deserve to suffer like they are. My cousins best friend is one of the hostages. I hope he gets home and safe soon. What will the Irans do with the weapons?
October 19, 1987 - Stock Market Crash (Politics)
Today a huge political crisis happened. The stock market crashed. The Dow lost 22.6% of its value. That's over $500 billion. My father lost so much money because of this. He is very mad. I feel bad for him and all the other people this effected. I would be mad too. What will happen to the stock market now?
August 12, 1989 Manuel Noriega (Politics)
Manuel Noriega years ago on this day was promoted to general and commander of the National Guard. He is not a good guy. We captured him recently and he is a prisoner of war. What will Panama do without him? He was caught dealing drugs and he worked for the CIA. My uncles uncle is obsessed with him for whatever reason though. He has met him before too.
November 9, 1989 - Falling of the Berlin Wall (Civil Rights)
Finally, no more part. The Berlin Wall has started to fall. The East German Communist Party announced that citizens of the GDR can now cross the border whenever they want. All tonight people have been swarming the wall. I feel happy for those people. The wall shouldn't have been there in the first place. My cousin is planning on visiting the now broken down wall. Will this change how East and West Berlin cooperate?
