West African Art

WA State History Money Due Friday!

I just wanted to remind everybody that the five dollars to pay for actors from Living Voices during third trimester is due on Friday. I am attaching the original letter that explains everything. Thanks for your support!

From Mr. Talmadge's Class

#17 Planet Money: A Ponzi Drama

This is the podcast we listened to today that explains about Bernie Madoff and his Ponzi Scheme.

#17 Planet Money: A Ponzi Drama

via NPR: Planet Money Podcast on 3/13/09

Bernie Madoff woke up in jail today, after pleading guilty to 11 charges stemming from an enormous Ponzi scheme. How enormous? The most recent court documents put the figure at $65 billion. In another amazing Planet Money Radio Dramatization, Alex Blumberg, Adam Davidson and David Kestenbaum act out a Ponzi scheme of their own. With a cameo by Harvey Pitt, former chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, who suggests that the estimate of $65 billion is "badly inflated."

Guest Speaker!

Thank you, 10 March 2009

Below is a message from my friend in Nigeria regarding the video conference with 5th period this morning...

Dear Mr. Talmadge,

It was the highlight of my day to speak with your students for the first time. The questions asked were thoughtful and interesting.

As I mentioned in the video conference, I will attempt to get one of my colleagues in front of the camera. It may take a little convincing on my part, but I’ll do my best.

Also, I will take pictures of the following as promised and send them via email as soon as possible:

• Public transportation and other private vehicles
• Traditional Nigerian clothes
• Different types of stores
  

I look forward to our correspondence as “video pals” as we continue learning together.

Have a wonderful day.
Manuel “Manny” Martucci
--

#375: Bad Bank

Hi Folks,

This podcast does a nice job of explaining the banking crisis. I used it in class today to help the kids understand how bankers make money and why they are not currently "solvent".

Sent to you by Mr. T via Google Reader:

#375: Bad Bank

via This American Life by Chicago Public Radio on 3/1/09

Alex Blumberg and NPR's Adam Davidson team up once again to talk economy: specifically, the US's current plan to deal with banks, why the plan looks suspicious and what it all amounts to.

Things you can do from here:

• Subscribe to This American Life using Google Reader
• Get started using Google Reader to easily keep up with all your favorite sites

Washington State History

At left is a copy of a letter that I sent home with your children today. The letter explains about the high school credit received for passing Washington State History during 3rd trimester. In addition, the letter requests help in paying for some actors from Living Voices that will perform in class. Last year we had one performance that was quite good. This year I've added a second performance.

On another note, how are your stocks faring in our stock market game? I have extended the end date to March 31st, which is the new end of trimester date. There is still time for you to sign up if you haven't done so. Just click on the green button in the right hand sidebar.

Finally, this Friday (3/6) is the last progress report before the trimester ends. That evening you'll be able to get an up to date idea of how your child is doing so that you can check in with them over the weekend.