My Dog's Winter Vacation.... Week One

3,2,1 Blast Off!

Check out the link about three astronauts who were "launched" into space on Christmas for their latest mission!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091221/ap_on_sc/as_kazakhstan_space_launch

High School Football Player Runs Over 3 Defenders

Hey 4A! Check out this highschool football player's amazing run. He runs over three defenders on his way to scoring a touchdown!

http://highschool.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1031755

Most Popular Baby Names of 2000's

Hey 4A! Check out a listing of the most popular baby names of the 2000's. Check to see where your name came in on the list and where your friends appeared on the list.

http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/decades/names2000s.html

Dog Greets Customers at Gas Station

http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/dog-in-a-bp-shirt-greets-customers-at-clearwater-store/1054216

Thanksgiving Myths and Facts

Did the pilgrims really eat turkey on Thanksgiving? Check out the following article for some Thanksgiving myths and facts.


http://buzz.yahoo.com/buzzlog/93201?fp=1

Check Out the Muppets In Their New Music Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgbNymZ7vqY

The Happiest States; A Slideshow

Check out this slide show of the 15 happiest states to live......

http://www.comcast.net/slideshow/finance-happieststates/intro%20/

Astronaut's Baby Born

Check out the story of an astronaut whose baby was born while he is currently in space.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_space_shuttle

Baby Loves Classic Rock

See it for yourself. Check out a fussy baby who loves classic rock!

http://video.yahoo.com/network/100284668?v=6353204&l=3774749

Books Returned 50 Years Later

Thought your books were overdue. Check out the fine below for books returned over 50 years later.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091114/ap_on_re_us/us_odd_overdue_books

Most e-mailed pictures of the week!

Check out the most emailed pictures from the last week. Highlights include a man who participated in the world beard championships and a balloon dragon. Photos are from Yahoo News!

Giant Rubber Band Ball

Check out this article that discusses a giant rubber band ball made by a Florida man!


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091029/ap_on_re_us/us_rubber_band_ball

Weekend Box Office Winners

Check out which film took first place at the box office this weekend. You can see a trailer of the movie at the bottom of the link.

http://movies.yahoo.com/news/movies.ap.org/39wild-things39-delivers-325m-boxoffice-rumpus-ap

Elvis' Hair Sells For ......?

Check out how much a piece of Elvis' hair sold for at a Chicago Auction house.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_elvis_auction

Optical Illusions

Check out these mind-blowing optical illusions!

http://health.yahoo.com/featured/46/8-mind-boggling-optical-illusions/

Dancing Baby

Check out this baby who turns up the stereo so she can dance to Britney Spears.

http://video.yahoo.com/network/100284668?v=6156667&l=3774749

Smart Car

Do you think you know how many people can fit into a Smart Car? Check out this quick video clip to see if your prediction is correct!

http://video.yahoo.com/network/101149635?v=5684110&l=5144241

Best Places in World to Live Trivia

The United Nations has recently conducted an index ranking the best places to live. Of the 182 countries looked at, focus was placed on criteria such as life expectancy, literacy, school enrolment, etc. Can you guess the top five countries based on the following clues?

#5 – This is another country in Europe. It borders the United Kingdom to the west. What is the name of the fifth best place to live?

#4 – This is one of three North American countries. It is a neighbor of the United States to the north. What is the name of the fourth best place to live?

#3 – This country is north of the United Kingdom and Ireland. It lies just south of the Arctic Circle. What is the name of the third best place to live?

#2 – This is place is considered both a country and a continent. Its capital is Canberra. What is the name of the second best place to live?

#1 – This country lies in both the North and Norwegian Sea. It is bordered by Sweden to the east. What is the name of the best country to live?

Movie Trivia

The actor Jim Carrey, who has previously starred in such movies as Ace Ventura Pet Detective, is preparing for a new role. In this role, Carrey is planning on gaining between 40 and 50 pounds. He will be playing Curly of this famous trio. What is the name of trio?

Fall Harvest Facts

- Nearly one third of our nation's corn crop is exported to other countries.

- Corn is a major component in many food items like cereals, peanut butter, snack foods and soft drinks.

- Grain elevators were invented in 1842 in Buffalo, New York.

- Soybeans are used in industrial products including oils, soaps, cosmetics, resins, plastics, inks, solvents, and biodiesel.

- The "Corn Belt" includes the states of Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin, South Dakota, Michigan, Missouri, Kansas, and Kentucky.

- Harvest is the process of gathering mature crops from the fields. The harvest also marks the end of the growing season.

Illinois Pumpkins by the Numbers

1 - Illinois is the leading pumkin producer in the United States, contributing about 15 percent of the total pumpkin acreage in the country each year.

502 - Number of Illinois pumpkin farms.

13,500 - Acreage of pumpkins grown in Illinois.

71 - Percentage of the 13,500 acres planted in pumpkins that are harvested for processing, ranking Illinois first among all states.

95 - Estimated percentage of procesed pumkins in the United States that are grown in Illinois.

23.4 million - Cash receipts that Illinois pumpkin growers received for their crop in 2007.

The World's Tallest Dog

Check out this article about the world's biggest dog!


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091007/ap_on_fe_st/us_odd_biggest_dog

100 Years Later....

Hey 4A! Check out the following article about things people can do to live to 100.

http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/19787/how-to-live-to-100/

Virtual Owl Pellet DIssection

http://www.kidwings.com/owlpellets/flash/v4/index.htm

Food Chain Game

http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/content/animals/kidscorner/foodchain/decomposers.htm

A Bike Riding Dog!

http://video.yahoo.com/network/100284668?v=5966462&l=3774740

Cursive Writing

Check out the article below on how some schools are completely writing cursive out of their classroom instruction.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090919/ap_on_re_us/us_cursive_angst

The Puppy Who Just Couldn't Roll Over

http://video.yahoo.com/network/100000086?v=5982390&l=100000085

Astronauts Bring Buzz Lightyear Back Home

Check out this article and how astronauts are bringing Buzz Lightyear back home from space.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090907/ap_on_sc/us_space_shuttle;_ylt=AlCR2TeDprOeJVvV8OtH4o6s0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTMyYjQ1YmJ1BGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMDkwOTA3L3VzX3NwYWNlX3NodXR0bGUEY3BvcwM5BHBvcwM2BHB0A2hvbWVfY29rZQRzZWMDeW5faGVhZGxpbmVfbGlzdARzbGsDYXN0cm9uYXV0c3Bh

President Obama's Speech to Students

Hey 4A! Tomorrow, President Obama will be speaking to our nation's students. I will post a video of the speech as soon as it is available. Here is a text version of his speech that he will be giving tomorrow.

http://asia.news.yahoo.com/ap/20090908/twl-us-obama-school-speech-text-ef375f8.html

Looking for a way to remember the 7 continents?

Looking for a way to remember the seven continents? Check out the following song below.

http://teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=123857&title=Seven_Continents

Can Your Pet Sneeze on Command?

Check out a video in which an owner can get their dog to sneeze on command.

http://video.yahoo.com/network/100000086?v=5787757&l=100000085

A Missing Underwater Robot

Read about how scientists are trying to figure out the mysterious disappearance of an underwater robot.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090905/ap_on_fe_st/us_odd_missing_robot_2

What Does Space Smell Like?

Check out the following article. A rookie astronaut shares his views on what he thinks space smells like.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20090905/sc_space/spacesightsandsmellssurpriserookieastronauts

What Are You Reading?

Hey 4A! Did you read an awesome book over the summer? Are you currently reading a great book? If so, share the book with the rest of your class. Be sure to list the title of the book, the author if you know it, and tell us a little something about the book! Look forward to hearing about your reading!

Recent Pictures from the News

Picture 1 - Striped owls at a Brazil animal hospital.

Picture 2 - Else, the orangutan covering herself up from the cold in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, in July 2009.

Picture 3 - A photo taken from the International Hot-Air Balloon Festival in the northern part of China.

Taiwan Advances to Title Game

Check out the latest from the Little League World Series!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/bby_little_league

Lizards the size of alligators

Check out this video from a park with lizards the size of alligators.

www.comcast.net/video/alligator-size-lizards-invade-park/1226189125/Comcast/949720224/

Check out this picture from U.S. Cellular Field in August!

Anderson's Events

Check out the latest in events coming to Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville. Over the course of the year, you can have the chance to meet and greet many amazing authors. Here's what's coming in August and September. Check out Anderson's website for more information on these events.

August 6 - Fergie Jenkins

September 14 - Sean Covey - author of Just the Way I am.

September 17 - Dave Keane and Denise Brunkus - author and illustrator of the new picture book Sloppy Joe.

September 24 - Jon Scieszka and David Shannon

September Diversity Calendar

September 2 - Birthday of Christa Mcauliffe

Teacher Christa Mcauliffe was America's first "ordinary citizen" in space. She perished in 1986 on board the Space Shuttle Challenger.

September 7 - Labor Day

Begun in New York by labor leader Peter McGuire to honor the American worker, it was made a federal holiday in 1894.

September 15 - 16 - Mexican Independence Days

These days celebrate the start of Mexico's struggle for independence from Spain. Each year, the presdient of Mexico rings the bells of the National Palace.

September 19 - 20 - Jewish New Year

The Days of Renewed Responsibility begin at sunset, and end the following nightfall.

September 21 - International Day of Peace

Established by the United Nations in 1982, this is a holiday when individuals, communities, and nations highlight efforts to end conflict and promote peace.

September 24 - School Desegregation Comes to Little Rock

President Eisenhower sent federal troops to protect nine African American students who were attending the all - white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. This ensured compliance with the Supreme Court's Brown V. Board of Education ruling.

September 28 - Yom Kippur

The most solemn day of the Jewish year, and one of the most important, the Day of Atonement is typically spent at synagogue in fasting, reflection, and prayer.

August Diversity Calendar

August 15 - 18 - Bon Festival (Feast of Lanterns) -

This Japanese custom honors the spirits of one's ancestors and is a family holiday. People return to family places to visit and clean out the graves of their deceased relatives.

August 22 - Ramadan Begins

During this month of the Islamic lunar calendar, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other needs during the daylight hours. This is a time to purify the soul and practice self-sacrifice. It ends September 20.

August 26 - Women's Equality Day

Established by Congress in 1971, this day commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which gave United States women full voting rights.

New Observation Deck on Sears Tower

Hey 4A! Check out the new observation deck that is now a part of the Sears Tower in Chicago!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/us_sears_tower_ledge

4 Easy Ways to Workout Your Brain

Hey 4A! Check out the link below and the 4 easy ways that experts say you can use to workout your brain on a daily basis!

http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/19035/4-exercises-to-sharpen-your-brain/

Utah Boy Survives 18 Hours in Wild

Check out the article below about a boy in Utah who spent 18 hours in the wilderness alone after being separated from his family. What helped him you ask? Episodes of the show Man vs. Wild.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090623/ap_on_re_us/us_utah_boy_found

Scholastic Summer Reading Lists

Hey 4A! Scholastic currently has a Summer Reading Challenge going. You don't need to be a part of the challenge to check out the lists of books. Follow the link below for some great summer reading suggestions!

http://www.scholastic.com/summerreading/PDFs/Booklist.pdf?ESP=Corp/ib/20090615/awa/summer_reading_challenge_2_5_Summer_Reading_Lists_txt1///thlp/tout_txtl////

Meet White Sox Players This Wednesday June 24th

Hey Sox Fans! You can meet current Chicago White Sox players Scott Podsednik and Jason Nix this Wednesday, June 24 at Brookfield Zoo. Check out the link below for more information!

http://www.brookfieldzoo.org/czs/Brookfield/Events/White-Sox-Player-Appearance

Upcoming Anderson's Bookstore Events

Hey 4A! Check out some of the authors and events that will be coming to town over the next month.

Phil Bildner (Saturday, July 11 @ 10:00) - Downers Grove Store - Author of the new series that's perfect for baseball fans. The Slugger Series is becoming extremely popular.

Margo Lanagan - (July 11 @ 1:30) - Coming from Australia, she will be reading from her new novel for teens called Tender Morsels.

2K9 Authors ( Friday, July 10@ 3:00) - This is an exciting event. Come check out a bunch of up and coming authors that are on the verge of stardom. This is a panel designed for teens.

Readers Theatre (Saturday, July 11 @ 2:00) - Authors Avi, Sarah Week, Pam Munoz Ryan, and Brian Selznick have come together to produce a mix of literature and theatre. There is a $5.00 cost associated with the event and the event will be held on campus of North Central College.

Jon Scieszka (July 13) - Famed author will be at the Naperville store signing books and meeting his fans.

Umpire Ejects Whole Crowd

Read about a highschool baseball umpire who ejected an entire crowd from a baseball game!

http://highschool.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=955927

New Innovative Summer Gadgets

Check out the latest in new technologies!

http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/248/summers-hottest-gadgets/;_ylt=AjjFxwzKQXvWLOyFWxIlCdh0fNdF

New Innovative Nintendo Game

Check out this new game being developed by the Nintendo corporation!

http://videogames.yahoo.com/events/plugged-in/innovative-nintendo-game-help-system-to-debut-this-year/1326709

June Diversity Calendar

National Caribbean-American Heritage Month - During this month we celebrate the ways that Caribbean Americans have enriched our society and added to the strength of America.

June 14 - Flag Day - Today commemorates the adoption of the flag of the United States of America in 1777 be resolution of the Second Continental Congress.

June 16 - First Woman in Space - In June of `963, Valentina Tereshkova, a Soviet cosmonaut, became the first woman to fly in space when she orbited Earth 48 times in the spacecraft Vostok 6. A crater on the moon is named in her honor.

June 19 - Juneteenth - Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, commemorates the announcement in Texas in 1865 of the abolition of slavery, two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

Tornado

Check out this video from a recent Texas tornado.

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=13245587&ch=4226726&src=news

A Dream Job?

Hey 4A! Check out this article about a man who has now become a caretaker of a remote island.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090506/ap_on_re_as/as_australia_world_s_best_job;_ylt=Al4n5UPZx6PhTLEUQWaR0LUazJV4

May Diversity Calendar

National Physical Fitness and Sports Month - This year, the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports is issuing a special challenge to get America up and moving. Find out more at www.fitness.gov

May 3 - May 9 - Be Kind to Animals Week - Created in 1915 by the American Humane Association, this week is dedicated to raising awareness about treating animals with kindness, compassion, and respect. Visit www.americanhumane.org

May 5 - Cinco De Mayo - The anniversary of the unlikely 1862 victory over the French army at the Battle of La Puebla is more widely celebrated in the United States than in Mexico, where it is a religious holiday.

May 6 - National School Nurse Day - Sponsored by the association of School Nurses, this day focuses on the critical role school nurses play in the health and well-being of students.

May 10 - Completion o Transcontinental Railroad - Considered one of the greatest American feats of the 19th century, this effort connected the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts by rail for the first time.

May 22 - International Day for Biological Diversity - This day is dedicated to raising awareness of the danger to species from habitat destruction and pollution.

May 25 - Memorial Day - This holiday commemorates American men and women who have died in military service.

Poetry

Hey 4A! Check out the poetry guy's website at:

http://www.childs-voice-poetry.com/index.html

Enjoy!

Rebecca Caudill List 2010

Hey 4A! The nominees for the 2010 Rebecca Caudill list are out. Check out the link below....

http://www.rcyrba.org/pdf/2010MasterList.pdf

Scariest Driving Roads

Hey 4A! Check out the slideshow below of some of America's scariest roads.

http://www.forbestraveler.com/adventure/scariest-highways-us-slide-1.html?partner=playlist&thisSpeed=25000

Baseball Trivia

Check out some baseball trivia. Turn in your answers to some or all of the questions below. Have fun and GO SOX!

What is the position of the player who throws the ball to the batter?

What usually occurs when a player hits the ball out of the ball park in fair territory?

What are the names of the two songs that are typically sung at every Chicago baseball game?

Who currently manages the Chicago Cubs? … The White Sox?

What was the previous name of U.S. Cellular Field?

What number in the batting order is the “clean up batter”?

Where is the “hot corner”?

What might be the consequence if the third base coach puts the “hit and run” sign on and the batter doesn’t catch the sign?

When did the Cubs last win the World Series? …The White Sox?

What was the name of the announcer who announced for both the Cubs and Sox?

Who is the former Cubs player that was caught with cork in his bat?

Describe numerically a double play that includes the short stop, the second baseman and the first baseman.

What might be the reason(s) for the Cubs not winning the World Series in a very long time?

20 Coolest Heroes of All-Time Trivia

Hey 4A! Recently, the top 20 heroes of all-time were named by Entertainment Weekly Magazine. Want to test your knowledge? Read some the clues below of those heroes you would be familiar with. Bring in your answers beginning Monday, April 6. Enjoy!

#18 - This is a fictional character as well as a comic book superhero. Unlike most superheroes, this one does not possess any superpowers. This character has a secret identity of Bruce Wayne, operates in Gotham City, and even has a roller coaster named after him at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, IL. Who is this hero?

#17 - This hero is a fictional young amateur detective in various mystery series for children and teens. She has also been featured in five films, two television shows, and a number of popular computer games, and she appears in a variety of merchandise sold over the world. At least 80 million copies of the books have been sold altogether, and the books have been translated into over two dozen languages. In 2002, the hero's first book published, The Secret of the Old Clock, alone sold 150,000 copies, good enough for top-50 ranking in children’s books. Who is this hero?

#10 - This is a fictional character who became a household name in comics published by the company Marvel. This hero has the ability to cling to walls, shoot spider webs he has created, and react quickly to danger using his "spider sense." Who is this hero?

#9 - This hero's story first appeared in English folklore and originally came from the medieval time period. He is most notably known for "robbing the rich and giving to the poor" and for fighting injustice. He and his merry men make their home in Sherwood Forest. Who is this hero?

#7 - This hero is a character in the Star Wars Universe. He became involved in the Rebel Alliance against the evil Galactic Empire. George Lucas, the Star Wars creator, describes him as a "loner who realizes the importance of being part of a group and helping for the common good." Who is this hero?

#4 - This hero is the title character and the main protagonist of J. K. Rowling's series. The books cover seven years in the life of the lonely orphan who, on his eleventh birthday, learns he is a wizard. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn magic. Under the guidance of the kindly headmaster Albus Dumbledore, he discovers that he is already famous throughout the wizarding world, and that his fate is tied with that of Lord Voldemort, the universally feared Dark wizard who killed Harry's father and mother. Who is the hero?

#3 - This hero is a fictional character and a comic book star. This hero is often labeled as the "Man of Steel". He lives among humans during the day as a reporter for a newspaper in Metropolis. His costume is a blue, red and yellow costume, complete with cape, with a stylized "S" shield on his chest. Who is the hero?

#2 - This hero is an adventurer, soldier, and professor of archeology. George Lucas created this character. The character first appeared in the 1981 film Raiders of the Lost Ark, to be followed by Temple of Doom in 1984, The Last Crusade in 1989, The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles from 1992 to 1996, and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull in 2008. Who is this hero?

#1 - Three numbers for you: 007. Who is this hero?

April Fools Day Prank

Read about this April Fool prank played at an Orlando Magic basketball game earlier this week.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Magic-pull-off-cruel-nay-crafty-April-Fool-s-j?urn=nba,152572

Happy Birthday To You

Hey 4A! If you are celebrating your birthday in April, you share the same birth month as these famous children's authors.

April 5 - Richard Peck, Anthony Horowitz

April 9 - Margaret Peterson Haddix

April 10 - David Adler

April 12 - Beverly Cleary

April 21 - Barbara Park

April 26 - Patricia Reilly Giff

April 29 - Ron Roy

Did You Know April Style?

Did You Know....?

April is National Turn Off the TV and Read Month!

April is National Poetry Month!

April is National Humor Month!

April is National Youth Sports Safety Month!

An extreme golf hole

Check out this really extreme golf course hole in South Africa. Players have to take a helicopter ride just to tee off.


http://sports.yahoo.com/golf/blog/devil_ball_golf/post/Quite-simply-the-most-amazing-golf-hole-on-the-p?urn=golf,152314

Sea Turtle Swims for Help

Check out this sea turtle who swam to the doorstep of one of the only places in the entire world designed to treat animals of its kind.

http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/Sick-Sea-Turtle-Pays-Unexpected-Visit-To-The-Doctor.html

Extreme Fishing

Check out this extreme fisherman who jumps out of a helicopter to catch a marlin.


http://www.comcast.net/data/fan/html/popup.html?v=1070703958&pl=949661177.xml&plc=949661177&launchpoint=Cover&cid=fancover&attr=default_headline&config=/config/common/fan/default.xml

A Jackpot at the Box Office

You've heard the hype! Check out the opening weekend information for Monsters Vs. Aliens.


http://movies.yahoo.com/news/movies.ap.org/monsters-vs-aliens-hurtles-582m-debut-ap

Tail Chasing Dog Study

March 24, 2009 -- A team of veterinarians has found a surprising link between compulsive tail-chasing in dogs and high cholesterol, according to a study published in the March issue of the Journal of Small Animal Practice.

The finding adds to a growing body of evidence -- mostly from studies on humans -- that high cholesterol may be a marker for behavioral problems such as panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder, which could be expressed by frequent tail-chasing falls in dogs.

Bouts of tail-chasing can also occur after a dog experiences physical trauma, surgery or illness, noted Hasan Batmaz, a member of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Turkey's University of Uludag, who conducted the study along with a team of colleagues.

Certain breeds, such as bull terriers and German shepherds, seem to chase their tails more often than others.

For the study, the researchers took blood samples from 15 otherwise healthy dogs that were compulsive tail-chasers. To serve as controls, 15 dogs that rarely chase their tails were included in the study as well.

America's Top Ten Touris Attractions Trivia

Here are some clues to the top ten tourist attractions in America. Some are more difficult to figure out than others. Answer as few or as many as you can. You can turn your answers in beginning Monday, March 23 for tickets.

10) Opened in 1916, this Chicago landmark on the shore of Lake Michigan has served as a campus and military training facility. Today it hosts 50 acres of shops, restaurants and exposition facilities. The Chicago Children's Museum is here, along with a full calendar of nighttime fireworks shows. Over 8.5 million people visit each year. What Chicago Landmark am I?

9) America's most visited national park is neither the Grand Canyon nor Yosemite. With more than 800 miles of protected trails, this natural wonder hosted approximately 9 million hikers, birders and drivers last year. Located in the Southeast, it can be found in parts of Tennessee and North Carolina. Over nine million people visit each year. What National Park am I?

8) The thundering waters are visible from observation towers, by boat and from various hiking trails and, on the Canadian side, from the Whirlpool Aero Car, an antique cable car. These falls straddle the Canadian and United States border. Over 12 million visit each year. What is the name of these falls?

7) Bonus - This is San Francisco's number one visitor's attraction. There is great sea food, cruises, wildlife, and fun to be had at this location. Over 14 million people visit each year. What is the name of this San Francisco tourist destination?

6) This is the original Disney Park in Anaheim, California has been a stalwart American tourist attraction since its opening in 1955. Its well-known rides range from Space Mountain to the Pirates of the Caribbean. Over 14.5 million people visit per year. What is the name of the theme park?

5) This is the most popular of Disney's Florida attractions, followed by Epcot, Disney Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, and we've used it as a watermark for traffic to Disney Florida's multiple theme-park complex. Magic Kingdom Park includes beloved rides like Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Country Bear Jamboree. Over 17 million visit each year. What is the name of the theme park?

4) Bonus - Located in Boston, this market has been around for centuries. It has even been the site of famous speeches by people such as Samuel Adams. Over 20 million shoppers visit this location each year. What is the name of this Boston attraction?

3) The Washington, Lincoln, and Jefferson Memorials, and the Korean and Vietnam War Veterans Memorials are all found here. The Smithsonian Institution's 19 museums are also adjacent to this place. Over 25 million people visit each year. What is the name of this Washington D.C. place?

2) Located in the west region, this place offers much more than just gambling. This road offers a pirate ship, exploding volcano, a pyramid, a castle, a replica of the Eiffel Tower, and so much more. Over 30 million people visited last year alone. What is the name of this famous road/place?

1) Over 37 million people visit this "Big Apple" location each year. It is known as the "crossroads of the world." What is the name of this famous New York location?

Happiest States Trivia Style

Recently a survey was conducted of Americans well-being. Included in the survey were ratings on mental, economic, and physical health. Can you name the top three happiest states? Take a look at the clues below and turn in your answers for tickets beginning Monday, March 23.

Happiest States

3) Yellowstone National Park, the first national park in the world is located in this state. This state also contains Devils Tower, designated as the first national monument by Theodore Roosevelt. It is located in the West region. What is the number 3 happiest state?

2) Located in the west region, this is the only state that grows coffee. More than 1/3 of the world's pineapple supply comes from this state. Under-sea volcanoes erupted years ago forming the islands of this state. What is the number 2 happiest state?

1) This state's name comes from the Native American "Ute" tribe and means people of the mountains. It is also home to The Great Salt Lake that covers 2,100 square miles, with an average depth of 13 feet. The deepest point is 34 feet. What is the number 1 happiest state?

Monkeys Riding Rodents

Check out video in which these squirrel monkeys interact with a giant rodent.

http://video.yahoo.com/network/100000086?v=4551368&l=100000085

Breathtaking Views....

Check out this article in which the author takes you around the world to some places that provide the world's most breathtaking views.

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-25565465;_ylt=ApMKv0NF0lYj1p89WDhdPckazJV4

Overvalued points in Scrabble?

Hey 4A! Although this article is a bit difficult to read, check it out. It talks about how certain words in Scrabble are a bit unfair to the competition.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123731266862258869.html?mod=yhoofront

A Tasty Treat?

Check out this article about a "tasty treat" that is becoming more and more popular.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/18/dining/18whoop.html?no_interstitial

Undersea Volcano

Check out this video on the eruption of an undersea volcano this week.

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/;_ylt=AnhvLigmcTFQTe.HSR8y1_sazJV4?rn=3906861&cl=12563483&ch=4226714

A Deadly Spider?

Hey 4A! Check out this link to an article about what some thought was a deadly spider that was found at a grocery store in Oklahoma. Turns out the spider had been misidentified. Check it out below!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090320/ap_on_re_us/deadly_spider

Are You Kidding Me?

Believe it or don't: Golfer hits hole-in-one on her first swing ever
By Jay Busbee

Okay, ready for your you-gotta-be-kidding-me story of the week, if not the year?
Your setting: lovely St. Petersburg, Florida. Your heroine: 62-year-old Norweigan native Unni Haskell, who, after two months' worth of golf lessons, teed up her first-ever shot on a real live golf course.

On the first tee of the nine-hole par-3 Cypress Links in St. Pete, Ms. Haskell pulled out a driver -- this is a hundred-yard hole, but remember, Ms. Haskell had never played before -- and drilled a 75-yard corker that bumped, ran and ended up right in the hole.

That's right ... on the first swing of the first hole of the first course she ever played, Unni Haskell hit a hole-in-one.

"I didn't know it was that big of a deal,'' she told the St. Petersburg Times. "I thought all golfers do this.''

"She stood there and I could tell she was thinking about her grip and posture and everything,'' said PGA teaching pro Rick Sopka, who was with Haskell on the tee. "Then she makes her swing and hits it about 75 yards in the air. It kind of trundled up to the green and I'm like, 'Go in! Go in!' And then I go crazy, screaming and yelling. I give her a big hug. She didn't believe me. Then I said, 'Unni, here's the problem. There's nowhere to go from here but down.' ''

Now, our bitter and cynical culture is such that the immediate reaction is to call shenanigans, to put it politely, on this story. It's got echoes of the infamous Jacqueline Gagne 16-aces-in-six-months story, yes? And much like the two kids who hit back-to-back holes-in-one -- also in Florida, strangely enough -- it's too good of a story to believe. Plus, since the vast majority of us have never hit an ace -- and, obviously, could never match Unni Haskell's feat -- let's admit it, we're jealous as heck.

But it's honestly not that tough to believe. Apparently, Ms. Haskell has played tennis for quite some time. And a 100-yard hole isn't that tough to reach, particularly with a driver. Think about how many people spray golf balls around the course; doesn't it make logical sense that one of them would eventually drop the ball into the hole? It's the golf equivalent of the infinite monkeys on infinite typewriters eventually banging out the works of Shakespeare.

Still, I'm thinking Ms. Haskell missed an opportunity here. After she hit that shot, she should have dropped her clubs and walked away from the game, retiring as The Greatest Golfer In The History of the Universe. Nobody could ever top that.

A Cat in a Couch?

Check out this strange news story of a woman who bought a donated couch only to find out there was a cat inside.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090313/ap_on_fe_st/odd_couch_cat

New IPOD Shuffle

Check out Apple's new IPOP Shuffle! Read all about it at the link below.

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/patterson/43468

Shattered

Check out this article about a boy whose dunk before a high school basketball game might have cost his team a shot at the state title.

http://highschool.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=922635

Lower Number of Iditarod Entries

Hey 4A. Check out this article that details why there has been a smaller amout of teams that have entered this year's race than in previous yearas.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/us_iditarod;_ylt=AmFaR02EikzXfUnBCx21.WLNaMYA

Iditarod Slide Show

Check out these early pictures of the mushers and their team from this slideshow taken right before and during the start of the race.

http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/Iditarod-Trail-Sled-Dog-Race/ss/events/sp/030709iditarod#photoViewer=/090308/483/6704e26cb3ae4bbc8d2b813c98df8c0e

Do You Have a Poll Question to Ask Your Classmates?

Hey 4A! Do you have a poll question to ask your classmates? If so, go ahead and leave it in the comments section or drop it in the notes bin. I will post your question on the blog and your classmates will be able to vote on it. Remember, your poll question should have four choices for others to vote on.

Top Ten Wii Party Games

Recently. a list of the Top Ten Wii Party Games was released. Wii Sports is not included in the list, since it comes bundled with the pack and many people love it already. What do you think of the list? Post your comments below if you've played any of the games or if you would have your own suggestion....

10) Wii Play 9) Tetris Party 8) Boom Box 7) Lego Games 6) Rock Band 2

5) Wii Music 4) Raying Raving Rabbids 3) Guiness World Records 2) Mario Party 8

1) Swordbird... just kidding 1) Smarty Pants

Amazing Dribble

Check out this amazing dribble by the NBA's Chris Paul during a recent basketball game!

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Video-Chris-Paul-YouTubes-Jason-Terry-Maveri?urn=nba,146324

Unbelievable Hockey Goal

Check out this goal in the Minnesota Wild Hockey game last night. You have to watch about three minutes into the video. The wild were down 3 to 2 at the time of the goal.

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=207187&cl=12350637&ch=240479&src=sports

Happy Birthday ______________________?

Created in March of 1959, this toy is celebrating its 50th birthday/anniversary. Ruth Handler originally developed the toy with inspiration from a German toy which she modeled hers after. This toy is manufactured by Mattel. What is the name of this popular toy? Turn in your answers to me beginning today.

Animal Babies

Check out this slideshow of pictures from baby zoo animals all across the United States and the world. Click on the link below.

http://www.nbcchicago.com/around_town/the_scene/Zoo_Babies.html

Did You Know Chicken Style and Trivia

Enjoy these fun facts about chickens. Also, check out the trivia below for a chance to earn tickets.

Did You Know....

It takes a hen 24-26 hours to lay an egg.

The Latin name for chicken is Gallus Domesticus.

The closest living relative of the T-Rex is the chicken.

Each year, a person will eat approximately 250 eggs.

The most common types of poultry in Illinois are chickens and turkeys.

A chicken can have 4 or 5 toes on each foot.

About 240 million laying hens produce 5.5 billion dozen eggs per year in the United States.

Trivia....

#1 This is often used to help hatch eggs. What is it?

#2 This is the room that chickens are put into once they hatch. What is the name of the room?

#3 This city in Georgia is known as the chicken capital of the world. What is the name of the city?


Super Bonus...

#4 There are four cities in the United States that have the word "chicken" in their name? What are they

Did You Know Horse Style and Trivia

Hey 4A! Here are some agricultural did you know's regarding a horse. There is an opportunity to also earn some tickets. Enjoy!

Did You Know....

A horse's stomach can hold up to 4.5 gallons of food.

A horse drink s 10 to 12 gallons of fresh water each day.

There are more than 350 different breeds of horses and ponies.

The smallest breed of horse, the Falabella, grows to only 30 inches in height.

The oldest horse on record lived to be 62. The average lifespan for a horse is 20-25 years.

Trivia...

#1 What is a newborn horse called?

#2 This is the name of the long heavy hair that is found on a horse's neck. What is it?

#3 This is the name of a horse that is found in the western plains. What is it?

#4 This is a large enclosure to hold a horse. What is the name of this enclosure?

World's Healthiest Countries - Trivia Style

Hey 4A! Similar to the last post, a recent study was conducted of the world's healthiest countries. Again, here are clues for the countries that finished in the top five of the study. You may want to use your social studies book, an atlas, or a world map to help you identify the countries based on the clues. You can turn in your answers beginning tomorrow for tickets.

#5 - This is a country in West-Central Europe. Bern is it's capital and Zurich is the largest city. Men have a life expectancy of 71 and women have a life expectancy of 75. What is the name of this country?

#4 - This is a country in North Central Europe. Berlin is the largest city as well as the capital of the country. In this country, you do not have to pay for a taxi to go to the hospital. What is the name of this country?

#3 - This is a country of northern Europe bordering on the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland. Helsinki is the capital and the largest city. On average, people in this country have doubled their intake of fruits and vegetables in the last year. What is the name of this country?

#2 - This is a country of norther Europe. Stockholm is the capital as well as the largest city. What is the name of this country?

#1 - This is an island country in the North Atlantic Ocean near the Arctic Circle. It is known for its glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanoes. It is the least polluted out of the healthiest countries. Reykjavík is the capital and the largest city. What is the name of this country?

World's Friendlies Countries - Ticket Style

Hey 4A! There was a recent study conducted over four continents and 48 countries that asked people to rate just how friendly their country truly is to visitors and "outsiders". The results are in and listed below are clues to help you figure out the top five. You can turn your answers into me beginning Tuesday, March 3 for tickets. You may want to use your Social Studies book or another resource with a map to help you out. Enjoy!

#5 - This country is in Asia. It is bound by the Indian Ocean on the south, the Arabian Sea on the west, and the Bay of Bengal on the east. It has a coastline of 7,517 kilometers (4,671 mi), and is bordered by Pakistan to the West. What is the name of this country?

#4 - This is an island country. It lies between the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. It is commonly referred to as the Great Britain. What is the name of this country?

#3 - This is a country in the Southern Hemisphere whose mainland is the smallest continent. Neighboring countries include Indonesia to the North and New Zealand to the South-east. What is the name of this country?

#2 - This is a country in central Europe. It is bordered by Denmark to the North, Poland to the East, Switzerland and Austria to the South, and France to the West. What is the name of this country?

#1 - This is the world's second largest country by area and and extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the East, to the Pacific Ocean to the West, and northward to the Arctic Ocean. What is the name of this country?

P.S. - Look for more country trivia tomorrow. Topic: World's Healthiest Countries.

April Diversity Calendar

April - National Poetry Month

Begun by the Academy of American Poets in 1996, National Poetry Month brings together many literary organizations, libraries, schools, and poets around the country to celebrate poetry and its vital place in American culture. Visit www.poets.org/index.php

April 9 - 10 Passover, First Days

Jewish families traditionally mark this festival - which commemorates the deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt - by gathering together for a special dinner called Seder.

April 12 - Easter Sunday

Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ on the first Sunday, following the first full moon on or after the vernal equinox.

April 19 - 25 Public School Volunteer Week

Encourage your parents to visit www.projectappleseed.org and to sign the online Parental Involvement Pledge.

April 22 - Earth Day

March Diversity Calendar

March - National Women's History Month

Visit the National Women's History Museum online at www.nwhm.org . The latest exhibit is Women Wielding Power: Pioneering Female State Legislators.

March - Irish American Heritage Month

This month is a time to remember the many ways America is enriched by contributions from people of Irish heritage.

March 2 - April 18 - Orthodox Lent

During this period, members of the Eastern Orthodox and Greek Orthodox churches fast and do penance prior to Easter Sunday (April 19 in the Orthodox calendar).

March 11 - Johnny Appleseed Day

The Nature Conservancy hopes to plant a billion trees in the Amazon to help replenish the rapidly diminishing rain forest.

March 16 - Publication of First Black Newspaper in America

In 1827, Samuel Cornish and John B. Russwurm debuted Freedom's Journal, the first African-American-owned and operated newspaper published in the United States.

State Websites

Hey 4A! Check out the list of websites below. You will be able to find all kinds of great information about your state for State Fair.

http://www.50states.com/

http://www.infoplease.com/states.html

http://www.enchantedlearning.com/usa/states

http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/index.html

http://www.kids.gov/6_8/6_8_states.shtml

Iditarod Dog Sled Race

Check out the latest news, musher biographies, race route, history and more at the official website of "The Last Great Race". The 2009 race begins next Saturday, March 7.

http://www.iditarod.com/

A New Discovery

Hey 4A! Read about a new fossil discovery that was found in Peru.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090228/ap_on_sc/lt_peru_fossil

An unusual discovery

Read about an interesting find while landscapers were digging a front yard pond.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090226/ap_on_re_us/ancient_tools

A Ticket?

Read about a man who originally received a ticket after being hit by a car while helping two people cross a street in Colorado.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090228/ap_on_re_us/good_samaritan_ticketed

Fight over Declaration of Independence copy

Read this article about a man who sued and won a lawsuit he filed against the state of Maine for ownership of a copy of the Declaration of Independence.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090227/ap_on_re_us/declaration_lawsuit

Doodling

Hey 4A! Check out this current research article that suggests doodling can help improve your memory.

http://health.yahoo.com/news/healthday/takenotedoodlingcanhelpmemory.html

Coke or Pepsi?

Hey 4A! Which is your choice: Coke or Pepsi? Read the article below to find out what brand of soft drinks the President and his staff prefer at the White House.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20090227/us_time/08599188216700

Aquarium Flood

Read this short article about an unlikely cause of a flood at an aquarium in California.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090227/ap_on_fe_st/odd_octopus_flood

Did You Know Presidential Style Trivia......?

Hey 4A! Recently, historians have released a list of the best and worst of the United States Presidents. Historians based their decisions on what qualities each president possessed, such as leadership, public persuasion, relations with Congress, and their belief systems. Based on the clues below, see if you can guess the presidents that finished in the top five on the list. We will start with number five and work our way to number one. Each correct answer is equal to two tickets. You can turn your answers to me beginning Tuesday, February 17.

5. This was our 33rd president. His middle name is S . The S in his middle name does not represent anything. There is no period after the S since it doesn't stand for anything.

4. The Teddy Bear was named after him. He is also given some credit for helping Maxwell House establish one of their most famous slogans of all time: "It's Good to the Last Drop." He was the 26th president.

3. This president was one of eight presidents to die while in office. He served longer than any other president, served four terms, and was the first president to have a presidential aircraft and fly in a presidential plane. He was the 32nd president.

2. This president was the only to receive 100% of the Electoral College votes in both 1789 and 1782. He was the first president of the United States.

1. The nation just recently celebrated this president's 200th birthday. He was assassinated in the Ford Theater, a theater no other President visited until Gerald Ford came along. He spent time working on flatboats taking cargo to New Orleans, realizing first hand the struggles of slaves in the South. He was the 16th president.

More Upcoming Events

Chicago Flower and Garden Show - March 7 - March 15 (10:00am to 8:00 pm) - Enjoy 25 lush theme gardens, a marketplace, celebrity chefs, and educational seminars. Visit www.ChicagoFlower.com for more information.

Mary Poppins - Cadillac Palace Theatre - Chicago - March 11 - May 17. This is Disney's stage version of the popular movie. They are beginning their national tour in Chicago. Visit www.BroadWayInChicago.com for more information.

North Central College Annual Jazz Concert Series - Wentz Concert Hall, North Central College - March 11 at 7:30 pm. A series of concerts that allows all ages, including students, the chance to hear world-class professional jazz artists close to home. Visit www.NorthCentralCollege.edu for more information.

2009 Naperville St. Patrick's Day Parade - Saturday, March 14 at 10:00 am - Downtown Naperville. Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a parade complete with Irish costumes, dance, and music. Starts at Naperville North High School and ends at Municipal Center. Visit
www.WSIrish.org for more information.

Upcoming Events

Hey 4A! Looking for something to do with your families? Check out this list below for events coming soon....

McCormick Tribune Ice Rink - Located in Downtown (weather permitting). Skate rentals are available on site. runs through March 15. 10:00 am - 10:00 pm. Check out www.MilleniumPark.org for more information.

Chicago Auto Show - McCormick Place, Chicago. February 13 - February 22. This is the nation's largest running auto show. There are over 1,000 vehicles to check out. Visit www.ChicagoAutoShow.com for more information.

Polar Adventure Days - Northerly Island, Chicago. Saturday, February 21 from 12:00 to 4:00pm. Explore Northerly Island and come face-to-face with live animals, engage in winter activities, watch ice sculpture carvings, listen to storytellers, and create nature-inspired crafts. Visit www.ChicagoParkDistrict.com for more information.

The New Shanghai Circus - Paramount Theater Aurora. Sunday, February 22 at 3:00pm. Athletes defy gravity and execute breathtaking feats as they stretch the limits of human ability in this spellbinding show. More than 2000 years of Chinese tradition in this great family show! Visit www.ParamountArts.com for more information.

National Pig Day at Brookfield Zoo - Sunday, March 1. First created in 1972, the day celebrates and appreciates one of the most intelligent of the farmyard animals. Enjoy pig related activities and the Children's Zoo's pigs. Visit www.BrookfieldZoo.org for more information.

Westminster Dog Show

Hey 4A! Each year, there is a dog show called the Westminster Dog Show in New York City. This year's winner was a ten-year-old Sussex Spaniel. Check out the picture below and be sure to read about the winning dog's amazing journey to becoming champion.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090211/ap_on_sp_ot/dog_show

Kentucky Fried Chicken Recipe "Safe" Again

Hey 4A! Check out the following story to learn how the Colonel's Secret Recipe used to make Kentucky Fried Chicken is back safe again!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090210/ap_on_bi_ge/kfc_secret

Did you Know Walt Disney Style?

Here are some little known facts about Walt Disney:

Walt tried to join the Army to fight in World War I. The problem was that he was too young. He was only 16 at the time. Walt went to work for the Red Cross where he was an ambulance driver.

Walt's first venture went bankrupt. In 1922, he founded the animation company Laugh-O-gram. The company ran into trouble and Walt sold his only movie camera for a one-way ticket to Hollywood.

Before Mickey Mouse, there was Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Walt helped create the character for Universal Studios in 1928.

Walt tried several sketches before settling on a mouse. Originally, Walt wanted to name Mickey Mortimer Mouse.

Walt's first full-length animated movie, Snow White, was not expected to do well. He ran well over budget (1.5 million dollars) and had to sell his house to get a loan for the movie. It became a huge success and made over 66 million in the United States alone. Today, the movie has made over 184 million dollars. Not bad for a movie created in 1937.

Walt was a train lover. He built a miniature railroad in his backyard. It had over 2,615 feet of track and even included a tunnel. His backyard railroad become an inspiration for the Disneyland park.

Walt respected his father greatly. Walt's dad made about $1.00 per day. Although Walt's dad didn't get to see Disneyland, there is a lamp in his window that is always lit in his honor.

Walt's bronze statue in Disneyland has a tie with the letters S, T, and R. This stands for Smoke Tree Ranch, Walt's ranch in Palm Springs California.

DId you Know Disneyland Style?

Here are some cool little known facts about Disneyland:

It only took 364 days to build Disneyland!

Main Street represents Walt's home town, Marceline, Missouri, in 1901, the year he was born.

The drawbridge to Sleeping Beauty's Castle really works. It's been raised only twice: once on opening day, and once in the 1980's when Fantasyland reopened.

The organ that was in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea now lives in the ballroom of the Haunted Mansion.

In the early years of the park, the Rivers of America were stocked with catfish and visitors were allowed to fish off the docks of the Tom Sawyer Island.

Disneyland was expected to fail. It opened on a day that was 101 degrees and the street asphalt wasn't dry. By the end of the first day, about half the rides were broken.

There is an underground to the park where cast members (employees) can relax, change into costumes, and eat lunch in peace.

Employees have the option of working out in the Matterhorn. It is officially classified as a gym and has a full basketball court inside.

If your balloon pops, you can show any balloon seller your popped balloon and they'll give you a new one.

Coca-Cola gives the park free soda to eliminate competition in the park and for the advertising.

There are hidden Mickey's spread all over the park and there's at least one in every ride!

Record Setting Swimmer

Hey 4A! Check out the article below. It introduces you to a 56 year-old woman who set a record by swimming across the Atlantic Ocean!

http://sports.yahoo.com/top/news?slug=ap-atlanticswim020809&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

Television Trivia

Hey 4A! Answer the following question and receive a few tickets in class. Just put the answer on a sheet of paper. In 1997, this show became the longest prime-time animated series on television. It beat out the Flintstones for that spot. Name that show! Hint: There are five people in the family and it can still be found on television on Sunday nights. What is it?

New Animal Species Discovered

Hey 4A! Check out this cool article that explains some of the new animal species that have been recently discovered around the world!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090202/sc_nm/us_amphibians

An Amazing Survival Story

Check out this amazing survival story of two fishermen who survived a disaster on the sea for 25 days.

CANBERRA, Australia (Jan. 20) - Two desperate, dehydrated men found bobbing in an ice box off Australia told authorities they spent 25 days adrift after their fishing boat sank, officials said Tuesday. There was no sign of 18 other crew members.

Authorities were amazed that the men, from the Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar, were spotted by a routine customs service flight that patrols for far larger craft such illegal trawlers and people-smugglers in Australia's northern waters.

Monsoon rains in recent weeks may have prevented the pair from dying of thirst.
The men, 22 and 24, were rescued from the Torres Strait by a helicopter Saturday and flown 57 nautical miles (66 miles) southeast to a hospital on Thursday Island off Queensland state, Maritime Safety Authority spokeswoman Tracey Jiggins said.

A photograph taken from the patrol plane shows both men standing shirtless in their pink ice box — a waist-high container barely larger than a bathtub and often used to store freshly caught fish — and waving frantically.

"These two people being spotted is miraculous in itself in the huge expanse of ocean after drifting for 25 days," Jiggins said.

Authorities have not said what the men ate or drank during their ordeal. Media reports have said they survived on fish chunks that had been stored in the cooler before the boat sank and rain water that pooled on the floor

Do Cows Really Have Feelings Too?

Hey 4A! Check out this article in which researchers concluded that cows who were called by a name produced more milk than cows who weren't addressed with name.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/livescience/cowswithnamesmakemoremilk

A Six Year Old's Birthday Surprise!

Hey 4A! Check out this article of a six-year-old from the West Coast who received a huge birthday surprise while eating cupcakes with his class. Read the article to check out who was in the oddly shaped box.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090130/ap_on_fe_st/odd_birthday_surprise

Happy Birthday To You

Hey 4A! There are many famous authors who share their birthday month with President Lincoln and Washington. Check out the list below to see if one of your favorite authors will be turning a month older in February.

Jerry Spinelli & Meg Cabot - February 1
Laura Ingall Wilder - February 7
Mark Teague & E.L. Konigsburg - February 10
Mo Willems & Jane Yolen - February 11
Judy Blume - February 12
Clifford The Big Red Dog's Birthday - February 15
Megan McDonald & Lemony Snicket - February 28

Washington D.C. Fun Facts

Hey 4A! Check out the link below to learn some really cool facts about Washington D.C. and some of the people who have called it home!

http://www.washington.org/visiting/experience-dc/kidzone/fun-facts

White House Resident Fun Facts

Hey 4A! Ever want to know who was the first movie actor to be elected President? Want to know which President received permission to build a movie theater and swimming pool at the White House. Check out the link below for a whole page full of fun and interesting facts about the residents of the famous White House.

http://content.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=4670

Did You Know Agricultural Style?

Hey 4A....! Here is a new feature of the blog. Every so often, we will have a did you know of agricultural facts. There might also be some trivia questions as well so you can earn tickets. Check out some of these cool facts....

The United States produces about 900 million gallons of ice cream a year.

Dairy cows drink 35 gallons of water a day - the equivalent of a bathtub full of water.

Illinois has just over 100,000 dairy cows that produce more than two million pounds of milk a year.

The average American consumes almost 25 gallons of milk a year.... that's 400 glasses.

It takes more than 21 pounds of whole milk to make one pound of butter.

Americans eat about 350 slices of pizza per second, or almost 3 billion pizzas per year.

The milk bottle was invented in 1884. Plastic milk containers were introduced in 1964.

Trivia (You can turn in your answers to me for tickets)...

1) On average, how many times a day is a cow milked?

2) These are America's top two favorite ice cream flavors.... What are they?

Loose Moose

Learn about a moose who broke through a family's window after playing a game of chase with a neighborhood dog!

http://news.aol.com/article/moose-gets-loose-in-washington-home/301405?icid=sphere_newsaol_inpage

At 140, Lobster Earns His Freedom

A 140-year-old lobster once destined for a dinner plate received the gift of life Friday from a Park Avenue seafood restaurant.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090110/ap_on_fe_st/odd_liberated_lobster

Did you Know President Style?

Do you know what Malia and Sasha Obama, daughters of President Barack Obama received for Christmas? Not the puppy they were promised, at least not yet. The girls were given the all-time best selling video game system. That's right, a Nintendo Wii!

Did you Know Fastest Growing States Style Trivia?

Hey 4A! Here's another chance for you to earn tickets. Just recently, a list came out listing the top ten fastest growing states in the country. Your job is to name the state given the clues below. You can turn in your answers to me beginning on Wednesday, January 14. For every answer you have correct, you will earn up two tickets. Answer as many, or few as you would like, but you can earn a total of 12 tickets if all are answered correctly. Good luck!

1. This WAS the fastest growing state in 2007. However, it fell to eighth place in 2008. It is located in the West Region, became the 36th state in 1864, is nicknamed the "Silver State," and is home to Mr. A's parents. Name the state.

2. This states comes in fifth place on the list. This state is known as the "Centennial State," and is located in the Rocky Mountain Region. Name the state.

3. This state comes in fourth place on the list. Known as the "Tar Heel State," this state was one of the 13 original colonies, and is bordered by South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia. Name the state.

4. This state comes in third place on the list. Known as the "Lonestar State," and is the second largest state in both area and population. Name the state.

5. This state comes in second place on the list. Known as the "Grand Canyon State," this state is in the Southwest Region and has a capital city of Phoenix. Name the state.

6. This state comes in first place on the list. It is known as the "Beehive State." Name the state.

Did you Know Movie Style Trivia?

Hey 4A. Here's your chance to earn some tickets! Listed below are clues describing some of the top ten money making movies at theaters in the year 2008. Combined, movies brought in over 9.78 billion dollars in the year 2008. Your job is to identify the movies and turn in your answers to me beginning Wednesday, January 14. For every correct answer you turn in, you will earn two tickets. You don't have to answer all of them, answer as many or as few as you would like and get them turned in. Good luck!

1. Featuring the voice talents of Jim Carrey and Steve Carell, and based on Dr. Seuss' storybook classic, this computer-animated movie hit it big in March with one of the top spring opening weekends ever. The movie made over 154 million dollars.

2. In the sequel to 2005's animated animal hit, Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra and the rest of the zoo crew crash landed in uncharted territory, and "moved it, moved it" at the box office, kicking off the holiday movie season. The movie landed at number 7 making over 176 million dollars.

3. Armed with all the right moves and an all-star voice cast, DreamWorks' unlikely kung fu hero battled his way to box office greatness, nabbing the animation studio one of its biggest, fattest, fuzziest hits yet. The movie came in at number 6 m aking over 215 million dollars.

4.The animation wizards at Pixar rocketed to critical and box office success again with the biggest family movie of the year, an out-of-this-world tale of a lonely little robot with a really big heart. The movie came in 5th place at theaters making over 223 million dollars.

5. Christian Bale faced off against Heath Ledger for the highly-anticipated, action-packed follow-up to 2005's "Batman Begins," conquering the box office with not only the biggest movie of the year, but also the second highest-grossing movie of all time -- behind "Titanic" -- sending the Joker laughing all the way to the bank. This movie finished first at the box office making over 530 million dollars.

Cute Things Falling Asleep

Want to see some videos that will make you laugh? Check out the following website below. The website features videos of babies, ducks, dogs, kittens, etc., who simply just can't keep their eyes open. The creator of the site ranks each video on cuteness and sleepiness, with a 5 being the highest score, and a 1 being the lowest score.

http://www.cutethingsfallingasleep.org

Jackpot

Bernice Gallego, a 72-year-old from Fresno, California, has hit the jackpot. While digging through an anitque collection she had purchased, she discovered a baseball card. Last summer, she put it on Ebay for a starting bid of $10.00 . She started to think that the card could be worth more when lots of people started asking her questions about it. It turns out her hunch was right. The baseball card was 139 years old and was made in 1869. It featured the Red Stocking B.B. Club of Cincinnati, baseball's first professional sports team. This card is considered one of the first cards ever produced and could be valued at more than $100,000. There are two unique angles to this story. First, Bernice doesn't know where she even got the card from because she and her husband buy lots of different antiques from collectors all over the state of California. Second, Bernice has never even been to a baseball game!

Superstitions

Are you superstitious? Do you follow the same routine before a big game/performance? Do you carry a lucky charm? Learn about some superstitions of some college football players who will be playing in the national championship game.

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=207187&cl=11435830&ch=244008

Obama's Presidential Limo

Although said to not be finished yet, there have been some discussions and possible pictures of what President Obama's new limo will look like. Made by the Cadillac company, the new limo will be put into use during the inaugural parade by the Secret Service on January 20. The new limo, which looks like part car and part truck, is said to feature eight inch think doors and 5 inch thick windows. It is said to be build to blast-proof ceramics and other metals. Many of the other features of the new limo remain top secret. The unveiling of the new limo continues a tradition of the Secret Service. The Secret Service began the responsibilities of driving presidents after the death of Franklin Roosevelt in 1945. In 1965, Lyndon B. Johnson was the first president to ride in a bullet proof limo in an inaugural parade after the assassination of John F. Kennedy approximately two years before.

This is what many believe the new limo will look like (the color will be black, not gray) when put into service on January 20.

What Does President Bush Do After His Term Expires?

Hey 4A! Have you ever wondered what a president does the day after their term expires? Well, now you can find out. President Bush has revealed what he and his wife Laura will be doing the day after Barrack Obama officially becomes president. You can read all about it at the link below...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090107/ap_on_go_pr_wh/bush_back_home

Did you Know Country Music Style?

Like country music? Did you know that Taylor Swift's new album, Fearless, has now reached its fifth straight week on top of the Billboard 200 music charts. In eight weeks, over 2,20o,000 copies of the record have been sold. Included in that number is 244,000 paid downloads. This makes Taylor's album the most downloaded digital country music album in history. Taylor Swift is also the first country music artist to reach two million paid downloads mark with two different songs.

Did You Know Video Game Style?

Do you know what the highest selling video game of all time is? If you said Super Mario Brothers, you would have been right if it was still December of 2008. However, Wii Sports has now surpassed the legendary Super Mario Brothers as the best selling video game of all time! Worldwide, the Wii Sports game has sold over 40 million copies. Remember this game comes bundled with the Wii game system. Non-bundled statistics show that Wii Sports is selling well too. In Japan, the non-bundled Wii Sports sold over 3.2 million copies in 2008 alone! Wii Sports has broken this record in a remarkable two years!