Wednesday 15 September 2010

Animainiacs Wakko's US States

This lively video uses Wakko's song to accompany a map of the USA with the states outlined. As each state and its capital is mentioned in the fast-paced fun lyrics the state is filled in with color to identify it. Useful for learning the position of the states and capitals and also their pronunciation.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k87N8K-nKLo

 As a back-up to rote learning this 50 states video is a useful addition to the many methods of learning your states and capitals. There is no totally easy way but a song does tend to stick in the mind.

Some other methods for kids to learn the 50 states can be found at Clarkscript.com.

The above poem "The Young Outlaw" is from the book Stirring Western Poems by William Clark Painting by F.W Remington

Tuesday 14 September 2010

United States First Ladies

The First Lady of the United States is usually the wife of the president but if he is unmarried or his wife is ill the role of hostess of the White House can be fullfilled by a female relative or friend.

At her funeral eulogy in 1849, Dolley Madison was the first President's wife referred to as the  "First Lady".

The wife of Geoge Washington, the first president, was addressed as "Lady Washington" and some of the early wives preferred to be called "Mrs President". The current First Lady is Michelle Obama.

First ladies are not elected and they have no official duties but they make an important contribution by organizing and being present at official ceremonies and state functions. If the president is away she represents him.

First ladies are appreciated for their contributions to fashion and good causes. She is often a very able person in her own right and can be a strong force for good in a non-political way.  It hardly need be mentioned that she also has the very important and valuable role of giving support to her husband and looking after their children.

The Office of the First Lady of the United States has a staff to enable her to carry out the duties of hostess and organize the social and ceremonial side of things.


 Images and names of the First Ladies can be viewed from here:

    * List of names alphabetical order

Wednesday 8 September 2010

List of presidents

Ever wanted to know a president of the USA's full name and the year he entered and left office. Do you have to learn a list of the presidents? Chances are that at some time in your life this will be of interest to you.

At List of Presidents there is a handy list of leaders of the American people in alphabetical (abc) and chronological (time) order. It can be copied and printed out for your convenience.

From George Washington to Barak Obama there is an unbroken line of notable presidential office holders. This represents a continuity of American history and a belief in the power of a democratically elected head of state.

Of every person who studies this list there is a good chance that one day he or she will be the next President of the United States of America. Go to it!

Saturday 4 September 2010

List of emblems and symbols from the State of Alabama


Whitesmoke's Writing Tool


Here is a useful list of emblems and symbols from the State of Alabama. More information on this state and its capital of the united States of America can be found here. Alabama State Information

Emblem/Symbol
Name of Emblem/Symbol
Date Adopted

State Bible
1853

State map showing major rivers
1939

Crimson Cross of St. Andrew/white field
1895

Yellowhammer
1927

Alabama State Poets Laureate
1930

Alabama
1933
Eagles supporting shield with flags of countries that ruled Alabama
1939

We Dare Maintain Our Rights
1939

Alabama's Creed
1953

(Fighting) Tarpon
1955

Camellia
1959

Hematite (Red Iron Ore)
1967

Marble
1969

Racking Horse
1975

Largemouth Bass
1975

Wild Turkey
1980

Square Dance
1981

Pecan
1982

Basilosaurus cetoides
1984

Florence Renaissance Faire
1988

Horse Show
1988

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
1989

Monarch Butterfly
1989

Alabama Red-bellied Turtle
1990

Star Blue Quartz
1990

Scaphella junonia johnstoneae
1990

William Gibson's The Miracle Worker
1991

Demopolis Christmas on the River Cook-off
1991

Dothan Landmarks Park
1992

Stockton Fall Horseshoe Tournament
1992
AL Theatre for the Performing Arts
1993

The Incident at Looney's Tavern
1993

Southern Longleaf Pine
1997

Bama Soil Series
1997

Pine Burr Quilt
1997

Oak-leaf Hydrangea
1999

Red Hills salamander
2000

Blackberry
2004
Conecuh Ridge Alabama Fine Whiskey
2004
Black Bear
2006
Peach
2006
 
Alabama does not have an official nickname. It is commonly referred to as "the Heart of Dixie" and that phrase has appeared on state automobile license plates since the 1950s, but it is not an official nickname. Alabama has also been known as the cotton state and the yellowhammer state.