Obama's State of the Union Address 2011, Together, the future is ours, by Sharon Powell

 Obama’s State of the Union Address seemed to simplify the needs of both political parties. His motivational quests, and interests resounded on achieving full cooperation with one another by taking a genuine interest in ourselves and the welfare of our fellow Americans. His message may suggest that political party debates and working together may be delaying his plans for economical reform and progress for improving the future of America.

The President stressed America’s future is hopeful providing our people can become the “educational leaders and innovative experts of the world.” His message for achieving these goals rests heavily upon creating innovation in order to support American jobs. Obama feels by investing in Biomedical Research, and Clean Energy Acts, Americans can break dependency on foreign oil and improve the economy. One particular reform the President will present to congress this year, is to eliminate the billions of dollars currently provided to oil companies. By cutting off government support to these industries, 80% of our energy will come from clean energy reserves by 2035. This bill will also promote a wide spread interest in the use of “Electric Automobiles” by the year 2015.

Obama also silenced the crowd when announcing his proposal to “freeze” deficit spending for the next five years. This proposed freeze will involve cutting Community Action Programs, Military spending and Annual Domestic spending. Obama wants to cut programs that America can live without. The President feels by combating corruption which only “rots” the future of America, economic improvement and growth can be achieved.

The president also focused on Educational reform, the Transportation Industry and creating tactics for destroying barriers hindering companies from competing within the world.  Obama vows to simplify the system on tax rates and double our exports of foreign trade by 2014; claiming these progresses will create new jobs for more Americans. The President also painted a brighter picture in trade relations with “China and South Korea,” claiming 320,000 new jobs have been created for Americans in the coming year.

Obama sees America measuring its progress by successful opportunities made by our people; stating these are the projects we work on together in order to achieve stability.   Obama stressed the world has changed form 30 years ago, and Americans need to educate, and move our people into the future in order to achieve economical growth.......S. Powell 2011

Resources:
1.) www.whitehouse.gov. Issue of Healthcare, 2009

2.) www.youtube.com/?v=SSjugLUsm58, 2009

Street Rod Custom Cars, Big Boy Toys, by Sharon Powell

     Belief that the antique Junker pictured on the right would someday resemble the Firery Lime Custom Classic shown above is somewhat difficult to imagine. Car enthusiasts much like Henry Ford who built the first “self-propelled” Quadricycle can profess; pioneering spirits begin by combining creativity and skill in order to advance a nation of people. Fords Quadricycle consisted of a four-wheeled cart and gasoline engine which sparked growth within the automobile industry; followed by the mass production of automobiles and assembly lines. Others, much like Ford, dedicate their lives to perfecting the technological designs of public transportation while enjoying the rewards of Classic Car designs.

The Ford Legacy

     Henry Ford was no different in 1896 than many classic car enthusiasts found today. His innovative talents and contributions to the industry helped him establish the Ford Motor Company in 1903. Ford believed public transportation was an invaluable resource to society, enough so that he dedicated his life to automobile manufacturing. Ford became the Vice President and Chief Engineer for Ford Motor Company in 1910, and by 1918, half of all the cars in America were Model T’s. Although the Ford Motor Company remains one, of many car manufacturers operating within the world, their professional successes and engineered designs make them one of the leading car manufacturers found in America today.

     Every classic car buff will profess that it takes money, and a lot of patience and skill in order to produce the “Fiery Lime Green” classic like the one pictured above. According to Matt Deoden, Custom Cars, Lerner Publications; only a certain type of custom can be classified as a “true” custom car. According to Deoden, early hot rods were pretty rough looking, and factory built cars did not have much style says Deoden. Interior Design and body style are all a part of what makes the difference with each classic car. Most builders seek to find a specific type of car in order to give their design an exciting, and unique appeal to their audience.

Pimping Your Ride

     There are many visual aspects involved with custom car building, and in order to assure a car will qualify for most national car show events, builders must work to design the best looking model they can. Rebuilding custom cars begins with stripping the car of old paint and residue before new parts can be replaced and welded onto the newer model. The stripping process is necessary in order to modify the original body style and prepare it for the next stage of redesign. Some builders choose to “Channel” the body; meaning they drop the car lower to the ground, or shave the door handles in order to provide the car with a smooth and fine finish. Other builders prefer to replace the car’s engine with a more powerful V-8 model. Much like the newer trendy “Pro Street” designs, some builders enjoy using the “Ford Flathead V-8, or the Chrysler Fire Power Hemi, or a Chevy big block engine in order to give the car a unique design. Once the car has gone through the welding and parts replacement, the builder will then sand the metal to a fine finish in order to prepare the car for a new and “flashy” custom paint job.

     Who would have thought that engineers like Henry Ford, or Thomas Edison could have made such an impact on public transportation, but they did. Their names and life successes will remain an important part of social growth. Custom car builders and enthusiasts will always pay tribute to those responsible for the foundational strengths of industry within America.

To find out more about Custom car building, go to your local library or internet search engines at: http://www.customcarmag.com; http://www.hotrod.com; or http://www.mrgasser.com. or http://www.pimpmyride.com........S. Powell, 2011

Resources:

1.) Doeden, Matt, Custom Cars, Lerner Publications Co., Minneapolis, MN, 2008

2.) McCollum, Sean, Custom Cars, The Ins and outs of Turners, Hot Rods, and Other Muscle Cars, Velocity-Capstone Press, Mankato, MN, 2010

3.) http://www.hfmgv.org/exhibits/hf/printfacts.asp

4.) http://www.hfmgv.org/exhibits/hf/

Galileo Galilei’s Vision, By Sharon Powell

Biography

     Have you ever wondered what Galileo Galilee noticed while gazing into the night sky? Some people might think the astronomer saw nothing at all. According to Howard Schneider’s, and National Geographic’s Backyard Guide to the Night Sky, Galileo was considered legally blind by the age of seventy.  Although his blindness was not caused from the suns rays, Galileo spent countless hours gazing into the earth’s atmosphere while discovering some simple, but very important facts about our solar system.

     Galileo was a famous inventor during the 17th. Century, and classified as physicist, astronomer, and philosopher who played a major role within the world of science. Galileo was also professor of mathematics at the University of Padua from 1592-1610, instructing students on the concepts and functional processes of math.  Among Galileo's most famous inventions were the first high-powered telescope, a horse powered pump to draw water, and hydrostatic balance, making him a well known figure within the world of technology.

     Discoveries of the 17th. Centuries were often difficult for scientists. New methods of technology were questioned by officials, and church denominations who continually disputed the scientific theories Galileo presented. Although suffering much criticism throughout his career, Galileo’s work led to the development of new discoveries and helpful tools used today, including the 12 month calendar.

Telescopes

     There are many different kinds of telescopes in use today, but the basis of all, is to view objects from a distance. A Dutch eyeglass maker known as Hans Lippershey invented the first optical, or Refracting Telescope.  Refracting Telescopes magnify the object while bending light in order to bring the subject into focus.  Other models include the Reflecting Telescope, and Solar models. Reflecting Telescopes incorporate the use of mirrors to enhance magnification. Positioning and precision, are specifics found necessary in order to reflect the image into a single lens.  Solar Telescopes allow scientists to look directly into the sun without suffering damage from the effects of the suns rays.

     Galileo was a powerful and significant thinker, whose research laid the framework for the theory of relativity, and laws of motion. Future scientists, such as Sir Isaac Newton, and Albert Einstein studied Galileo’s theories, and later redefined them as scientific knowledge.  To learn more about our solar system and Galileo’s study of Jupiter’s’ Moon’s go to your local library, or search engine http://www.nasa.gov/topics/solarsystem/index.html……...S. Powell, 2011

 

Resources:
1.) Howard Schneider, National Geographic’s Backyard Guide to the Night Sky; National Geographic Publishers, Washington, D.C., 2009.
2.) http://www.answers.com/topic/galileo-galilei
3.) http://www.life123.com/technology/home-electronics/telescope/different-types-of-telescopes.shtml