Current Events
The following stories made up the headlines in the current events portion of today’s classes:
- Death toll has risen dramatically to 12,000 in yesterday’s 7.9 magnitude earth quake in China. In some locations 80% of buildings have collapsed or been damaged. The search is still underway for survivors and Chinese government has sent 50,000 troops to aid in rescue and clean up operations.
- 34 stingrays died mysteriously at the Calgary Zoo over the last four days. They are investigating the causes.
- Brigadier General Guy Laroche, Canadian commander in Afghanistan, is stepping down and will be replaced by Brigadier Dennis Thompson. Laroche believes we have made significant progress in Kandahar, Panjway, and Afghanistan.
- Prime Minister Harper announced a $30 billion military spending plan for the next 20 years. The goal will be to increase troop numbers and upgrade older equipment. Liberals have criticized the plan as too far seeing for a minority government.
- The federal government has announced new fines for inaccurate gas pumps increasing the fine from $1,000 to $10,000 per occurrence and will require certification every two years.
- GM has announced that 1,200 workers will be laid off in 2010 at a Windsor transmission plant. The Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW) has given GM a deadline of tomorrow to announce buy out plans and compensation packages for those effected.
- Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip are visiting Turkey. The Queen will lay a wreath at the tomb of Kemal Attaturk and the city of Bursa, the old Ottoman capital.
Period One: History 30
Following the viewing and discussion of current events the class went to room 105 to work on their World War Two presentation assignment.
Period Two: History 20
Following current events the class continued viewing Saving Private Ryan.
Period Four: History 30
Following current events the class returned to room 105 to work on their World War Two presentations.
Period Five: History 10
Following current events the class handed in the European Territorial Evolution map assignment. There was a homework check on the Crimean War questions which were then taken up before the class moved on the the Unification of Italy. The first page of the handout dealing with the unification of Italy is due tomorrow.
