Les Invalides - best war museum in Paris

Hi everyone,

I want to tell you about one of my favorite war museums, Les Invalides, in Paris, France.

The very beautiful Les Invalides

I love this museum because it has a timeline from when Napolelon the 1st was in power through WW1 and 2. You learn about the military history of France with models and many maps (I'm a map lover!).

These maps show allied powers take over Italy to stop Mussolini

My favorite exhibit focuses on WW2.  I find WW2 fascinating because the war was such a brutal conflict, and almost every country in the world participated. 

What interests me most is Hitler's rise as he takes over Europe, and his inevitable fall.

A large WW2 tank

Les Invalides also has an exciting history. It used to be an army base, holding thousands of weapons, and many cannons for the French.

I feel bad for whoever had to cary these cannons in war time! A very accurate model of the trenches, or fox holes,  in the first world war

The French Revoluion began when the commoners and soldiers alike stormed Les Invalides to steal weapons. 

A mob attacks the bastille.

Les Invalides also holds the tomb of Napoleon, and some of his generals.

Such a big tomb, for such a little guy

 This museum is great, if you love history and weapons. Sometimes museums can be boring for kids, but this is a great museum for kids, and especially boys!

Thanks,

Emmanuel

Reach high for your goals

Hi everyone,

I found an interesting quote by Winston Churchill. I like this quote because everyone faces challenges achieving their goals and it's good to know challenges make us stronger.

" Kites Rise Highest Against the Wind, Not With it." Winston Churchill

 The quote basically means the harder you have to work for something the higher you go. When things are easy and unchallenging you don't grow and get better. 

My challenge this next few months is to get into the best middle school. I'll have to work hard to write the best essays, test well on the isee (scary) and get great grades. I hope my kite flies high

Thanks,

Emmanuel

Ebola Outbreak!

Hi everybody,

Aghhhh - New Virus in town!!!!

 I just read a terrifying article about a virus that is infecting people in Uganda, Africa. 

Ebola virus!

So far 53 people are infected and 16 have already died from the highly contageous virus. 

You might think 14 deaths may be a small number compared to the people who die from Malaria every day. Keep in mind, in Africa a child dies from Malaria every 30 seconds. 

Malaria can be controlled with mosquito nets

  

But the Ebola virus has a terrifying rate of death and horrible symptoms!

The effects of Ebola (man that is CREEPY!)

Ebola has the potential to wipe out entire villages and even cities! 

A worried man who has been infected with Ebola

Uganda's government says the outbreak is "under control", but the virus has stricken fear through the country.

Uganda 

Let's hope Ebola  actually is "under control" and doesn't find it's way to any other country in Africa or around the world.

Thanks everybody!


Emmanuel

Turning Insults to Advantages

Did you ever wonder why the Democrats and Republicans use a donkey and an elephant as their symbols? I did, and I thought I'd share what I found.

Donkey = Democrat

Andrew Jackson was the first Democrat to be associated with the donkey symbol. In 1828, his opponents called Jackson a "jackass" for his slogans about letting the people of America rule themselves. Jackson decided to use the "strong willed" donkey as a symbol on his campaign posters, representing the people ruling themselves. Cartoonist Thomas Nast used the donkey in political cartoons making the donkey famous. 

Way to go AJ for turning an insult into your advantage! 

Republican = Elephant

In a cartoon appearing in Harper's Weekly in 1874, cartoonist Thomas Nast drew a donkey clothed in lion's skin scaring away all the animals at the zoo. One of those animals, the elephant, was labeled "The Republican party”. That’s how the elephant became associated with the Republicans who consider the elephant strong and dignified. 

Nast's actual cartoon, note the donkey in lion's skin. 

Here are some funny political cartoons using the two symbols….

Seems like this will be a tough Debate

The Democrats beating the Republicans

The Republicans beating the Democrats

Here are some political cartoons mocking Romney and Obama.

Can Romney use his idea of flip-flopping to his advantage?

Will obama turn bad economics to his advantage?

Next time someone makes fun of you, use it to your advantage like our forefathers!

Thanks,

Emmanuel