Do It For The "S's"

Right now we are discussing the Constitution in US Government.  I love this topic because it isn't some old document from the past.  The Constitution is a Living Document that impacts our lives as Americans!  And I think it is really important to know what the Constitution says.  As Angelina Jolie says and has tattooed on her neck, "know your rights!"  Today in class we got into this really neat discussion about rights, and who is entitled to them.  I love that word "entitled."  Americans think they are entitled to everything, but that is a different topic!

Gay marriage came up, and the students were so opinionated!  I loved hearing their thoughts and ideas.  That was perfect because I showed two clips that I'm going to share with you!  They are both about Harvey Milk - the first openly gay man to run for public office in the 1970s.  Milk was so brave, kind, and courageous.  I said today I'm glad we have "Harvey Milks" out there fighting for every one's rights.

I think with Gay Marriage it is not an ethical debate.  America is denying her citizens rights!  If we deny one group rights - what says the group you are part of is protected?  If it can happen to one, it can happen to many.  Here is a clip from the movie.  I love what he says about the Declaration of Independence.  It is so true!

No matter how hard you try you can never erase those words from the Declaration, "ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL..." That is what America is - LOVE IT or LEAVE IT!!!

Gotta give them hope, or they will give up!  It is about the "S's."  Gays, Blacks, Asians, Seniors, Mexicans, and the list can go on.  One student compared him to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. fighting for rights.  I loved that comparison!

Presidents got Soul

I thought this would be a fun post.  A couple weeks ago President Obama sang at the famous Apollo Theater at a fundraiser.  The best part he can actually sing!  I just had to share it, and it is so popular that you can buy it as a ringtone!

Here is Obama dancing on the Ellen Show!

Good Will Hunting

I was just thinking about this movie.  It is a great movie, and there are two scenes in particular that I was thinking about.  Those two scenes are at the bottom of this post.  The first is Matt Damon's character calling a guy out in a bar.  I love this scene because the guy is trying to show that he is smart, and he discusses history.  But Matt Damon proves you don't need an ivy league education to have knowledge.  Matt Damon's character is a janitor, and the guy goes to Harvard.

The second scene is with Robin Williams and Matt Damon.  In the movie Matt Damon is angry, and has to go to counseling.  Robin Williams is a counselor, and this is the moment he gets through to Matt Damon.

BTW Academic State Champions 2012!!!

The Bracket of the championship.  It came down to Jenks and BTW - we WON!!!

The trophy we won!

I just had to mention this!  Not only is BTW amazing at sports, but we are the smartest students!  We dominate!  Our Academic Team is going on to Nationals to represent Oklahoma!  We are rooting them on!  The best part is this year we are 6A!!!

The Iron Lady

A couple weeks ago I saw the Oscar nominated film, "The Iron Lady."  It was an outstanding film, and gives a great look at leadership!  The movie follows the career of Marget Thatcher from her early 20s to old age.  Her journey is an incredible one - lots of life lessons.  Thatcher was the first female prime minister of England.  She had to face a lot, and it was inspiring to watch her stand up for her self.  Luckily all her decisions were right, and made a positive impact on England.

My favorite thing she said was when someone asked her how she was feeling.  She made a big thing about how she hates that question.  All she is concerned about is what she is thinking.  Because your thoughts become your words, your words become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your character, and your character becomes your destiny!  I believe that! Your thoughts are powerful - your thoughts create your reality!  Or I like what Thatcher said Your Destiny!

BTW's New Field House

I'm so excited that the new field house is ready for use!  Tomorrow night is the grand opening against Central.  I can't wait, and I heard the game is sold out!!!  It is going to be a great game, and all I can say is it was worth the wait!  I didn't care for the pep rallies in the stadium, but it was worth it!  They have done such a great job!  Here are some pics of the new field house:

The Center Court Hornet

The seats - love the details!

The Score Board - I hear they will put the picture of the players on the board!  How cool is that!

View of the court and seats!  It is so nice!

Equality Wins!

As I was looking at YAHOO News today I stumbled on an article that made me cheer!  If you remember a few years ago, California allowed gays to marry.  It was a huge victory, and thousands of gay couples finally had the RIGHT to exercise their rights as Americans to get married.  A few months later their was a group that wanted to take that right away.  It was called "Prop 8," and it passed.  So as quickly as they got the right - it was taken away. 

It was a sad moment for America.  I am not wanting to debate the morality of being gay.  It is not about whether you think it is right or wrong.  America is DENYING a right to her citizens!  This should make all Americans furious after our long history of discrimination.  I guess as a US Government teacher, an American, and human being I don't understand why anyone would support this?

Well this week gay couples in California got another huge victory.  The 9th Circuit Court in California struck down the state's ban on gay marriage!  Here is a little from the ruling:

"Proposition 8 serves no purpose, and has no effect, other than to lessen the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians in California, and to officially reclassify their relationships and families as inferior to those of opposite-sex couples," Judge Reinhardt wrote in the decision.

I couldn't say it better.  Gays are citizens of this country and we can't deny them their rights!  It only lessens the status and human dignity of gays and lesbians!  Yay 9th Circuit Court!  Here is the article if you want to read the whole thing:  Article about California not being able to ban gay marriage

Ellen Degeneres articulates it so well why gay couples should have the right to get married!  She takes the political stance and the rights that are being denied!  This was in 2008 when John McCain was running for president, and he is against Gay Marriage.  Ellen had some questions for him!

Coach Keendey's 300th Win!!!

This school is so lucky to have Coach Kennedy.  She is an outstanding teacher, an inspirational coach, and fierce friend.  One reason I love teaching at BTW is the faculty and staff.  We are all friends, and I have to mention what Coach Kennedy did Friday night.  She got her 300th career win!  The whole school is so proud of her!  The teachers and her friends and family surprised her with a lot of us attending the game, and we wore t-shirts that say, "Kennedy Fan Club:300 and Counting."

The best part of the night was when BTW won the game - we all stood up, cheered, and helped up signs congratulating her.  It was a GREAT night!  Here is an article from the Tulsa World about her 300 wins:

Article explaing Coach Kennedy's 300th win!

Offical Oklahoma State Meal

Yesterday and today we did something in class I have always wanted to do!  In Oklahoma History we ate together the official Oklahoma state meal.  It was so much fun, and so good.  Everything on the list was brought, and in most classes we had lots of left overs!  Here is what is included in the meal:

• Barbecue Pork
• Chicken Fried Steak
• Strawberries
• Squash
• Black Eyed Peas
• Corn
• Cornbread
• Grits
• Fried Okra
• Pecan Pie

This list is added to every once in a while because of lobbyist who push for specific food to make the cut.  Here are some pics of our meal:

Strawberries

Black Eyed Peas

A plate of the food!