From East Lansing to Detroit

     This article by Maureen Brown Yoder is another great example of how we can use the endless resources of the world wide web to construct a project.  I can relate to her report about Geroge Washington.  I had the privlege of having a set of encyclopedias and National Geographics from 1968 on in my home.  My reports were “A+” if I do say so myself.  So what?  So I knew how to rephrase and footnote articles.  Big deal.  Instead of a report about the state of Michigan what about imagine if the British never wanted Michigan?  What if the Native Americans lived in the Great Lake State and the French just came by to trade some furs and pelts for beads and steel spears?  As Yoder mentioned, instead of a report about George Washington, compare Washington to our current President.  I am thinking “well that would be fun.  The father of our country versus the f#%$ up of our country.  Washington lead a war that united our country.  Bush is leading a war that has divided our country.  Washington never told a lie.  Bush is never honest.  Washington believed in diplomacy.  Bush believes in Dick Cheney.”  This could be fun. 

        In all seriousness, the article inspired me to create some projects.  The movies and documentaries about the origional space program prior to 1975 always fascinate me.  Considering how little was developed, how few items were tested, how much uncertainty there was for a safe return it amazes me that we made it to the moon.  Now compare that to what scientist are going through and are failing at to find a cure for AIDS.