Thursday, January 6, 20 05
Experience USA
TODAY
YOUR GUIDE TO THE PEOPLE, PLACES AND EVENTS THAT SHAPE OUR WORLD
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News to Use
• Iraqi suicide bomb
kills at least 20; • Bush
urges Congress to pass medical liability reform; • Today’s
Debate: Disaster warnings
Activity: Cabinet shows Bush’s
respect for tenacity (Social
studies: Individuals, groups
and institutions) page 2
• New toys do neat
tricks;
•
Airlines
reconsider replacing turboprops with jets; • Ted launches
flights from Chicago’s Midway
Activity: Gates leads digitallifestyle revolution (Social
studies: Science, technology
and society) page 2
Activity: Seahawks eye Super
Bowl spot (Language arts:
Evaluating data) page 3
• ‘America’ goes over
the top in holiday
sales; • DVD buyers drove
record $15 billion year; • Bestselling books list
D e v e l o p i n g
E v e n t
U.S. aid to survivors may alter antiAmericanism among Muslims, 1-2A
“The best way for
us to help ourselves
is to do what’s right,
without regard
to how people feel
for us.”
— former president
Bill Clinton
How are U.S. military personnel being received in
Indonesia — the world’s most populous Muslim nation?
Why do some analysts believe U.S. aid to the country
could be a potent weapon in the war on terror? Why is
this seen as both an opportunity to help those in dire need
and a chance to rehabilitate the USA’s international
image? In your opinion, how important is it for the U.S. to
maintain amicable relations with foreign nations?
According to Rep. Nita Lowey, why is it critical for the U.S.
to take a leading role in providing long-term relief? What
incidents suggest that al-Qaeda has already made significant inroads in the region?
Why does Arab American Institute president James Zogby believe that U.S. aid to the
tsunami-stricken countries actually intensifies “anger and disappointment” with our
government? Do you agree or disagree with his reasoning? Explain.
C a r e e r
C o r n e r
More houses built, bought
In millions
1.7
1.2
973,000
2002
USA TODAY Snapshots
• Broncos’ Plummer
rides
tumultuous
year; • NFL markets merchandise to women; • Snapshot:
Annual AFC playoff teams
For customer service or delivery questions, call 1-800-757-TEACH
534,000
1990
1990
2002
Housing Starts
New
home sales
Source: Census Bureau
By Shannon Reilly and Alejandro Gonzalez, USA TODAY
Activity: Government gets
failing tobacco grade (Health:
Influences on health; reducing
health risks) page 3
What predictions can you make about the job
outlook in the real estate and construction industries? What other professionals benefit from new
home sales? Which of these careers interest you?
ESOL
Connections
A noun represents a person, place or thing. Label
three sheets of paper
“people,” places” and
“things.” Then, look
through USA TODAY, and
cut out five pictures with
people in them, five pictures about places, and
five about things. Paste
each picture on the correct sheet of paper, and
label each item.
E x p e r i e n c e U S A T O DAY
Thursday, January 6, 20 05 q Page 2
Cabinet reflects
Bush’s
respect for tena
city, 10A
STANDA RD: So
cial studies: In
dividuals, groups
DISCUSSION: W
and institutions
hat is unique abou
t
Pr
es
id
ent Bush’s Cabine
Who are the “upt?
by-the-bootstrap
s” secretaries th
nominated? How
at he has
do Bush’s selectio
ns differ from thos
father? How do th
e of his
e president’s choi
ces reflect the ev
the Republican
ol
ut
ion of
Party? What m
essage does Bush
send? Author Ron
’s
Ca
binet
Suskind says the
administration is
message control.”
“all about
What does he m
ean?
AC TIVI TY: Select
one Cabinet post
, and research th
sibilities of the jo
e responb. Then, choose
tw
o individuals (not
cians) who you th
politiink would excel at
the position. (Mak
choices very dist
e your
inct — e.g., a CEO
and a teacher.) In
describe what ea
writing,
ch person would
bring to his or he
secretar y. Then,
r
role as
explain what mes
sage the person’s
appointment wou
Cabinet
ld send American
s.
W
I
S
E
RD
TES T
PR EP
Define the following
words as used in
the article:
U.S. aid to survivors
may alter antiAmericanism among
Muslims, 1-2A
1. geopolitical
2. palpable
3. altruism
4. xenophobia
5. indifference
3. selfless regard for the
well-being of others
2. evident; obvious; able
to be felt
1. the relationship
between geography and
politics or government
ANSWERS:
e technologies that have
ACT IVI TY: Consider the separat
, the word processor, CD
now become par t of the PC — e.g.
Then, identify three standplayer, calculator, telephone, etc.
could be combined into a
alone devices that you believe
three technologies that
useful, profitable product. (Or, cite
ed into the PC.) Describe
you think will ultimately be roll
r predictions in writing.
your new product or explain you
4. unreasonable fear or
hatred of foreigners
DISCUSSION: What is the
rosoft piecing together?
nologies are companies like Mic
scription services for music
Why does Bill Gates suppor t sub
recent innovations in video
and video? What are some of the
pursuing a por table XBox?
technology? Why isn’t Microsoft
TV software benefit adverAccording to Gates, how will MS
tisers and consumers?
5. lack of concern or
interest; apathy
nce, technology and society
STA NDA RD: Social studies: Scie
“digital lifestyle”? What tech-
6. plight
6. difficult or adverse
situation; predicament
Gates leads digitallifestyle revolution, 1B
E x p e r i e n c e U S A T O DAY
Thursday, January 6, 20 05 q Page 3
This Day In History
uper
S eahawks eye S
B owl spot , 1-2C
uating data
nguage arts: Eval
th e Seattle
STANDA RD: La
ld you de sc ribe
How wou
in in this weekD IS CU SS IO N:
Why would a w
?
on
as
se
04
20
How is coach
Seahawks’
t for the team?
an
fic
ni
sig
be
? What inciend’s playoffs
players and fans
by
ed
rd
ga
re
Mike Holmgren
ason?
ed the team’s se
dents have tarnish
d the media
e ar ticle, fans an
th
to
g
in
rd
co
ar, even
AC TI V IT Y: Ac
rformance this ye
pe
ks
aw
ah
Se
e
ong the 12 conhave criticized th
doesn’t belong am
am
te
e
th
at
th
ction or usatoarguing
ing the spor ts se
Us
.
fs
of
ay
pl
e
th
ams that made
tenders in
AFC and NFC te
of
t
lis
e
th
ew
e “lucky” to
day.com, revi
ch two teams ar
hi
w
e
id
ec
D
.
fs
ts the
this year’s playof
acket that predic
br
a
te
ea
cr
,
en
Th
t
s who will mee
be in contention.
me and forecast
ga
f
of
ay
pl
s.
ch
as
ea
cl
winner of
predictions in
r Bowl. Post your
in this year’s Supe
January 6
q In 1759, George Washington and
Martha Dandridge Custis were married.
q In 1838, Samuel Morse first publicly
demonstrated
his
telegraph,
in
Morristown, N.J.
q In 1942, the Pan American Airways
"Pacific Clipper" arrived in New York after
making the first round-the-world trip by a
commercial airplane.
q In 1993, jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie
died in Englewood, N.J., at age 75.
q In 1994, over the protests of refugee
advocates, the U.S. military began sending
Haitians housed at Guantanamo Bay Naval
Base in Cuba home against their will.
G over nment ge
ts failing tobacco g ra
de, 11D
STANDA RD: He
alth: Influen
ces on health; re
ducing health ris
DISCUSSION: W
k
hat are the maj or
findings of the Am
Lung Association’s
er
ican
“State of Tobacc
o Control: 2004”
Why does the gr
report?
oup fault state an
d federal govern
failing to significan
ments for
tly decrease smok
ing rates? What pr
does the report ou
ogress
tline? What are so
me of the metho
to discourage peop
ds
used
le from smoking?
Do you think they
work?
AC TIVI TY: Acco
rding to research
, the younger pe
smoking cigaret
ople start
tes, the more lik
ely they are to
strongly addicted
become
to nicotine. In ad
dition, teens who
are three times
smoke
more likely than
nonsmokers to us
and eight times m
e alcohol
ore likely to use m
arijuana.* Smokin
associated with
g is also
poor overall heal
th. In small grou
the circumstance
ps
,
discuss
s that lead to yo
uth smoking. Th
ways that teens ca
en
,
lis
t five
n be discouraged
from tr ying cigar
other tobacco pr
ettes and
oducts. Post your
message around
school.
*Source: www.c
dc.gov
q In 2004, a design consisting of two
reflecting pools and a paved stone field
was chosen for the World Trade Center
memorial in New York.
q In 2004, hitting star Paul Molitor and
reliever Dennis Eckersley were elected to
baseball’s Hall of Fame.
J ohn Birks "Dizzy" Gillespie earned his
nickname due to his sense of humor,
penchant for playing practical jokes
and wacky on-stage antics. He is credited with creating the jazz style known
as bebop and helping to shape modern
j azz. Locate a Dizzy Gillespie album
and listen to one or more songs. Then,
in a paragraph, describe his style and
sound. (For example, is his music
upbeat or melancholy, catchy or slow,
etc.?) Share your descriptions in class.
E x p e r i e n c e U S A T O DAY
Thursday, January 6, 20 05 q Page 4
Community & Family
EXTRA CREDIT !
Today’s Debate: Disaster warnings, 12A
What groups had some hint
that a tsunami might occur near
Indonesia? Why didn’t warnings
ever reach those in the tsunami’s
path? What impact did the communication breakdown have on
the disaster? Why do even seconds make a difference when
tsunamis strike?
According to the editorial,
what can international organizations do to help people survive
future tsunamis? How can public
education save lives?
Most areas are prone to some
type of natural disaster — hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes,
blizzards, etc. Which hazards
have occurred in your region?
How should a family prepare for
each of them? To learn more
about disaster safety, visit
www.fema.gov/kids/dizarea.htm
.
Student Challenge on ...
Character Education
USA TODAY Snapshots™
Chatting the drive away
Parents can learn a lot about their kids en route.
Common topics discussed in the car:
School
91%
Children’s friends
90%
Values
82%
Athletes’ Salaries
OBJECTIVES
P r oj e c t - B a s e d
Students groups will:
ugather information about player salaries in one of
the four major professional sports.
uidentify and explain the factors that have contributed to salary growth.
ustate and defend a position on the appropriateness of
professional athletes’ salaries.
upresent their conclusions to peers.
Week 1
ch
Resear
L ear ning
I N S T R U C T I O N S : The average NBA salary in 2003
was 4.9 million; the average baseball salary was $2.37 million; the average NFL salary was $1.25 million. Over the
past 40 years, professional sports has grown economically
and in popularity. There are more teams, more players and
longer seasons. Television has contributed to the transformation of professional sports and to its economic impact
on individuals, communities and the nation as a whole.
The four major professional sports — baseball, football,
basketball, and hockey — have seen player salaries and
team revenues increase dramatically over this period of
time. Some people argue that salaries have reached unacceptable heights. Others believe that players’ earnings are
fair compensation for the demands of pro sports and the
talent and training required to play them. The purpose of
this project is to research the growth of athletes’ salaries in
one of the four major professional sports and defend a
position on whether these salaries are too high.
During this week you should research and gather as
much information as you can about the salaries of players in one of the four major professional sports. Peruse
USA TODAY’s salary databases (see addresses listed
below) and other sources for information on pro athletes’ salaries now and in past decades. Then, research
the earnings of five other occupations, that in your
opinion, require skills or training comparable to an athlete’s. (See the Department of Labor’s Occupational
Outlook Handbook at the link below.) Record your
data and reflections, and discuss them as a group.
Baseball:
http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/salaries/default.aspx
Football:
http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/salaries/default.aspx
Basketball:
http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/salaries/default.aspx
Hockey:
http://asp.usatoday.com/sports/hockey/nhl/salaries/default.aspx
Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco/
STANDARDS
This project meets the
following national standards for middle and
high school:
Economics: Role of
Resources
in
Determining Income
(Students understand
that) income for most
people is determined by
the market value of the
productive resources
they sell. What workers
earn depends, primarily,
on the market value of
what they produce and
how productive they
are. (NCEE)
Language
Arts:
Evaluating
Data
Students
conduct
research on issues and
interests by generating
ideas and questions, and
by posing problems.
They gather, evaluate,
and synthesize data
from a variety of sources
(e.g., print and nonprint
texts, artifacts, people)
to communicate their
discoveries in ways that
suit their purpose and
audience. (NCTE)
Extracurricular activities
81%
Chores
69%
Source: Harris Interactive for Chrysler
By Julia Neyman and Karl Gelles, USA TODAY
APPLICATIONS: family, role models
How often do you and your parents chat in
the car? Is it easier to talk to your mom or dad
when you are engaged in an activity, or do
you prefer conversing face-to-face? Why is it
important for parents to ask about their kids’
friends, activities and feelings? How well do
your parents know you? Could you help them
better understand your life? If so, how?
Parents learn how to parent in many ways
— by observing their own parents, consulting
the experts (in books, on TV, in person, etc.),
talking to friends and relatives, and of
course, through trial and error. But one of the
most important teachers that a parent has is
her or his child. Younger children mimic their
parents’ good and bad behavior, while older
ones are capable of telling their parents —
hopefully in a polite manner — when they
have erred. In short, kids provide many types
of feedback to their parents, and moms and
dads become better people as a result. How
have you influenced your parents? Tonight,
ask them what they have learned from you.
4 Get an Acrobat PDF version of “Experience USA
Today” at our Web site: http://education.usatoday.com — click on “Daily Lesson Plan.”
4 Experience USA TODAY, developed by USA
TODAY Education, is written and edited by Mary
Barnes and Maria Dubuc. To send your feedback, e-mail education@usatoday.com or call 1800-USA-3415, ext. 5949.