tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13434665164701803312011-07-07T13:25:34.172-07:00Welcome to Mr. Crane's social studies blog! Join the conversation as we discuss all things economic, governmental, geographical, and sociological.Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.comBlogger251100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-32351192428449793322009-09-30T09:04:00.000-07:002009-09-30T09:05:15.490-07:00Geography Unit 1 Study Guide<br />Chapters 1-4<br />Mr. Crane<br /><br />Chapter 1 – The Basics of Geography<br />· What is geography, and the difference between human geography and physical geography?<br />· What are the Five Themes of Geography (difference between Location and Place?)<br />· What is the difference between absolute location and relative location?<br />· Why are map projections necessary, and why are none of them perfect?<br />· How are planar, conical, and compromise (cylindrical) projections created?<br />· How do we use and write latitude and longitude to describe absolute location?<br />· What are the various types of maps (e.g., qualitative) and what is each used for?<br /><br />Chapter 2 – A Living Planet<br />· What are the three parts of the inside of the earth, and how is each unique?<br />· What are the various layers on and above the earth (e.g., lithosphere)?<br />· What is continental drift theory and how does it work?<br />· What are the various landforms found on earth (see pp. 34-35)?<br />· What are the various water features found on earth?<br />· What are the four ways in which plate boundaries interact with each other?<br />· What causes earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes?<br />· What causes weathering and erosion, and how are the processes different?<br />· How do water, wind, and glaciers impact the surface of the earth?<br /><br />Chapter 3 – Climate and Vegetation<br />· What causes seasons?<br />· What are the three ways in which precipitation is formed?<br />· What are hurricanes and tornadoes, and why is each so devastating?<br />· What factors affect climate?<br />· What are the twelve climate regions, how can they be classified, and where are they located?<br />· Why is the highland climate region unique?<br /><br />Chapter 4 – People and Places<br />· What is culture and what components do all cultures have?<br />· Why do cultures change over time, and how does geography impact these changes?<br />· How are languages, language families, and dialects related, and how are they spread throughout the world?<br />· What are the five major world religions, where are they practiced, and what are their core beliefs?<br />· How are the five major world religions alike and different?<br />· What factors are involved in the world’s population growth?<br />· How is population dispersed throughout the world (where is it dense and sparse)?<br />· How does geography impact national boundaries?<br />· What factors determine the location of cities, and what are their functions?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-3235119242844979332?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-84602324239118792192009-09-11T09:14:00.000-07:002009-09-11T09:20:07.928-07:00Using your geographic knowledge, and websites such as Google Earth, you can play a game to identify various cities around the world.<br /><br />You can find the game at the Skyscraper City website:<br /><a href="http://xl.skyscrapercity.com/?page=satellite">http://xl.skyscrapercity.com/?page=satellite</a><br /><br />It's fun exploring the world and trying to identify famous (and not-so-famous) cities from directly overhead. Challenge your friends (and Mr. Crane)!<br /><br />While you're there, if you are interested in cities, especially Green Bay, feel free to become part of the conversation.<br /><br /><em><strong>NOTE:</strong> Simple, free registration is required in order to play the game and/or participate in the Skyscraper City forums.</em><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-8460232423911879219?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-18814716484312782992009-09-11T09:08:00.000-07:002009-09-11T09:14:02.250-07:00Here's an online geography game testing your knowledge of Wisconsin:<br /><br /><a href="http://whereisjessica.wi.gov/">http://whereisjessica.wi.gov</a><br /><br />Winning entries are placed in a drawing for prizes, including family passes for Wisconsin historical sites, coupons, or tickets to Wisconsin attractions!<br /><br /><em><strong>NOTE:</strong> While it is officially open to 4th through 8th graders, perhaps you could play with a younger friend, brother, or sister.</em><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-1881471648431278299?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-3772213553581988642009-06-04T07:15:00.000-07:002009-06-04T07:16:20.868-07:00<p><br />Civics Semester Exam Review<br />Semester 2, 2008-2009 Academic School Year<br />Green Bay Southwest High School Social Studies Department<br />Mr. Crane<br /><br /><br />Chapter 1: We the People<br />What are civics, citizenship, and government?<br />What are the rights and responsibilities of American citizenship?<br />What are our most important American values? How does America display and protect these values?<br />What are the two ways that one is born an American citizen?<br />How may a person become a citizen through naturalization?<br />What kinds of questions appear on citizenship tests and are they a good indication of what all American citizens should know?<br /><br />Chapter 2: Foundations of Government<br />What are the three types of nondemocratic governments?<br />What are the two types of democratic governments?<br />What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of democratic and nondemocratic government?<br />What are the three main purposes of government?<br />What are the purposes of any constitution?<br />Why are governments important? In which cases is government most necessary?<br />What are the differences between the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution?<br />What are the three parts of the Declaration of Independence (why was it written)?<br />What was the Articles of Confederation and what were its strengths and weaknesses?<br />What were the issues and debates at the Constitutional Convention? How were they dealt with?<br />Who were the Federalists and Antifederalists and what issues did they debate?<br />How did the Federalists ultimately convince the states to ratify the US Constitution?<br />In what ways did the US Constitution strengthen the national government that existed under the Articles of Confederation?<br />Chapter 3: The United States Constitution<br />What is the Preamble to the US Constitution? What principles does it describe?<br />What is the structure of the US Constitution? Be able to write the order of the articles.<br />What are the six major principles that the entire US Constitution rests on?<br />What are the roles and powers of each branch of government according to the US Constitution?<br />What are the basic similarities and differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate?<br />What are the qualifications for Presidents, Senators, and Representatives?<br />How do the branches of government check each other?<br />How can the content and meaning of the US Constitution change over time due to amendments and interpretation?<br />What are the two methods of proposing and the two methods of amending the US Constitution?<br />What is the Bill of Rights and what are some examples of its rights and freedoms? Why was it added to the Constitution, and which groups supported and opposed it and why?<br /><br />Chapter 4: Rights and Responsibilities<br />What is the Bill of Rights and why was it added to the Constitution?<br />The Bill of Rights consists of ten amendments. What are the two ways to propose and the two ways to ratify an amendment?<br />What is the freedom of religion and what two clauses does it consist of?<br />What are the various issues with the freedom of religion and when can it be limited?<br />What is the freedom of speech?<br />What are the two types of speech and which tends to have more protections?<br />How has government attempted to regulate speech?<br />What is the three-part test that the USSC uses to determine whether government may restrict symbolic speech?<br />What is “clear and present danger”?<br />What is the preferred position doctrine?<br />What is seditious speech?<br />What are “fighting words”?<br />What is the freedom of the press?<br />How does a free press contribute to democracy?<br />What are the various issues with the freedom of the press and when can it be restricted?<br />Why is the freedom of press more restricted for broadcast TV/radio than it is for other types of media like cable TV/internet?<br />What is prior restraint and what is the one situation in which it is allowed?<br />What is the freedom of assembly?<br />What is the one restriction on groups one may join?<br />Why are there restrictions on picketing?<br />What are the various issues with the freedom of assembly and when can it be restricted?<br />How have major U.S. Supreme Court cases affected these constitutional freedoms?<br />Chapter 5: The Legislative Branch<br />How are congresspersons elected and how has this changed over time?<br />Why is the Senate considered to be the more prestigious chamber?<br />What are the salaries, benefits, and privileges of congresspersons?<br />How are the House of Representatives and the Senate alike and different?<br />Qualifications<br />Term of Office<br />Number of Members<br />o Titles and Roles of Leaders<br />o Atmosphere (formality, rules, etc.)<br />What do redistricting, reapportionment, and gerrymandering mean and when/why do they occur?<br />What are the two types of gerrymandering and how do they work?<br />What are the functions of the five types of committees in Congress?<br />Which ones are permanent? Which ones contain members from both chambers?<br />How does the committee structure of Congress help it function effectively?<br />What are the steps a bill must take in order to become a law?<br />Why is it difficult to pass a law? Is this a good or bad thing?<br />What three actions can a committee take on a bill?<br />What is a committee hearing, why is it important, and when does it take place?<br />What factors influence a lawmaker’s decision whether or not to support a bill?<br />What choices does the President have when a bill reaches his or her desk?<br />If the President vetoes a bill, what can Congress do about it?<br />How many representatives does Wisconsin have in the House of Representatives?<br />Who are Wisconsin’s U.S. Senators? (Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold)<br />Who represents the 8th Congressional District (Northeastern Wisconsin) in the House of Representatives? (Dr. Steven Kagen)<br /><br /><br />Chapter 6: The Executive Branch<br /><br />What are the salary and benefits of the president?<br />What necessary and preferred qualifications exist for those who wish to run for the presidency (constitutionally and in reality)?<br />Who are the top four people in line to be president if something happens to the current president? Why did many Americans support making the Speaker of the House third in line for the presidency?<br />What are the only two constitutional duties of the vice president? What other roles have they increasingly assumed?<br />What is the structure, history, and role of the cabinet? How is the job of a department secretary a difficult one? What factors limit the cabinet’s role?<br />What are the seven key roles of the president (the “hats” he or she wears)?<br />What important leadership qualities and skills do we expect from our president?<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Chapter 7: The Judicial Branch<br />What is the structure of the federal court system?<br />What is the structure of the state court system?<br />What are the types of jurisdiction; which cases are heard in federal courts?<br />What is judicial review and how was it developed?<br />Who are the current U.S. Supreme Court justices, including the Chief Justice?<br />How is business conducted by the U.S. Supreme Court?<br />How are justices and other federal judges selected, and what influences their views?<br /><br /><br />Chapter 8: State Government<br /><br />What powers do state governments have? What do they tend to focus on more or less than the federal and local governments?<br />How and why do state governments work together with other states and with the federal government?<br />What is full faith and credit and what problems would exist if states did not follow this policy?<br />What are initiatives and referenda, and why do these exist when we already elect people in government to make major decisions for us?<br />What are the main powers and duties of state governors? Are these similar to or different from the powers and duties of the president?<br />What are the differences between trial, appeals, small-claims, traffic, and other types of state courts?<br /><br /><br />Chapter 9: Local Government<br /><br />How are local governments established, and why are they needed?<br />What powers do local governments have? What do they tend to focus on more or less than the federal and state governments?<br />How and why do local and state governments work together?<br />What is the purpose of town meetings?<br />Why are townships, villages, and other local governments formed, and how do they operate?<br />What are similarities and differences between the four structures of local government?<br />How might governments both cooperate and compete for power, influence, and money?<br />Chapter 10: Electing LeadersChapter 11: The Political System<br />What is a political party and what are its purposes and functions?<br />What are the three types of party systems and some examples of each?<br />What are the three types of third (minor) parties and what impact do they have on the major parties?<br />Why is it so difficult for third (minor) parties to win elections, especially the presidency?<br />What do liberal and conservative mean, and how do they affect one’s positions in major issues?<br />What are the similarities and differences between primary elections and general elections?<br />How are campaigns financed and what do they use the money for?<br />What is the history of suffrage (voting rights) in the United States?<br />What qualifications and characteristics are important in winning elections?<br />What are the general trends of American political affiliation (e.g., location, age, race, etc.)?<br />What are the trends of voter participation in America and how do they compare to other countries? Is this a problem and what ideas do people have to increase voter participation?<br />What is propaganda and how are the various types used to influence voters?<br />How does the electoral college elect the president, and what are the strengths and weaknesses of this indirect approach?<br /><br />Project Citizen<br />What did you learn about citizenship, government, and problems in society through Project Citizen?<br />What is public policy, who makes it, and how can citizens influence it?<br />What are the private, public, and civil society spheres and what are some examples of activities that we participate in for each sphere?<br />What procedures (rules) should governments follow to make sure that public policy is fair for everyone?</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-377221355358198864?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-43739157495007674922009-05-13T17:17:00.000-07:002009-05-13T17:19:39.606-07:00As I promised during class today, I will be checking every 30-60 minutes tonight to see if anyone had questions as you prepare for tomorrow's AP exams.<br /><br />In case anyone reads this, good luck tomorrow!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-4373915749500767492?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-76514376215373738072009-05-11T06:02:00.000-07:002009-05-11T07:26:01.545-07:00<a href="http://www.whitenova.com/thinkEconomics/index.html">ThinkEconomics</a><br />A variety of information and explanations can be found on this website. There are excellent interactive graphs to practice with (we used this site once in class to demonstrate changes in Aggregate Demand and Aggregate Supply).<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://reffonomics.com/reff/index.html">Reffonomics</a><br />This website discusses and demonstrates basic concepts, macroeconomics, and microeconomics. There are interactive graphs and activities here as well, in addition to quizzes to hone your skills. Includes the feature, "All The Graphs You Need to Know."<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/courses/teachers_corner/index.html">AP Central</a><br />This is the starting point for the College Board's official AP website. Choose AP Macro or AP Micro and then look at frequently asked questions, test guidelines, course content, and much more.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exam/exam_questions/2083.html">AP Central -- AP Macro Exam Questions</a><br />This link takes you directly to prior year free response questions for the 2003-2008 AP Macroeconomics Exam.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exam/exam_questions/2084.html">AP Central -- AP Micro Exam Questions</a><br />This link takes you directly to prior year free response questions for the 2003-2008 AP Microeconomics Exam.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.umw.edu/cas/fipse/virtual_workshop/view_workshop_online/assignment_5/documents/EssentialGraphsforMicroeconomics.doc">Essential Graphs for Microeconomics</a><br />Self-explanatory.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-7651437621537373807?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-13009640197604076222008-11-04T21:23:00.000-08:002008-11-04T21:36:32.895-08:00I'm going to bed. Here are the things I'm going to be looking for when I wake up:<br /><br />1) Does Obama end up winning Indiana, North Carolina, and Missouri? I have been thinking all night that IN and NC would be very close wins for Obama, and that MO would be a close win for McCain. Right now, I think MO may end up in the Obama column -- many of the uncounted votes are in the urban areas around St. Louis and Kansas City that tend to vote Democratic.<br /><br />2) What about Congressional races? Does Kagen hold off Gard in the House race here? Does comedian Al Franken win the Minnesota Senate race? What will be the total number of seats the Democrats take from the Republicans? We know that the Dems will not get to the magic number of 60 in the Senate.<br /><br />3) How will the pundits dissect the result? Will they credit Obama for running a great campaign or will they criticize McCain for running a poor campaign? Or will they say it didn't matter, because the conditions were perfect for any candidate running on a campaign of "change?"<br /><br />4) Who will be mentioned as possible members of the Obama administration? Wisconsin governor Jim Doyle has been mentioned as a possible candidate; he is not the most popular politician in a state that has otherwise favored Democrats over the past several years.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-1300964019760407622?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-83090417977435717152008-11-04T20:23:00.001-08:002008-11-04T20:23:35.891-08:00He is being very gracious in defeat.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-8309041797743571715?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-59402942570840390182008-11-04T20:00:00.000-08:002008-11-04T20:03:10.023-08:00All of the networks have given CA, OR, and WA to Obama. He now has more than the required 270 electoral votes.<br /><br />The first minority president.<br /><br />The first member of Congress elected president in 48 years.<br /><br />Only the second Democrat to be president since 1980, only the third since 1968.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-5940294257084039018?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-61266507336570702092008-11-04T19:29:00.000-08:002008-11-04T19:35:54.672-08:00The networks have long called Wisconsin for Obama. It's 52-47 Obama with 20% of the votes counted. Locally, incumbent Democratic Representative Steve Kagen leads Republican John Gard 54-46 with 32% of the votes counted.<br /><br />On an unrelated note, it's amazing to see the crowd at Grant Park in Chicago awaiting Obama's speech, which will likely be a victory speech. The crowd is humongous. Whether you are happy, sad, or indifferent about Obama's impending win, you have to admit it's interesting to see the excitement Obama has brought to the country.<br /><br />Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin also brought this excitement for a couple of weeks, but according to the polls it seems to have faded. One recent survey indicated that well over half of Americans felt that she was not prepared to be vice president.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-6126650733657070209?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-79368477526657490442008-11-04T18:25:00.001-08:002008-11-04T18:27:45.776-08:00I know I just said I wouldn't post as much, but.... this is huge.<br /><br />Obama has finally flipped a big "red" state -- MSNBC has given Ohio to Obama. Coupled with his win in Pennsylvania, he has taken another major step to victory.<br /><br />Also, Louisiana to McCain.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-7936847752665749044?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com65tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-70765792872212499842008-11-04T18:18:00.000-08:002008-11-04T18:21:13.668-08:00I haven't posted as much lately because:<br /><br />1) I had to put the kids to bed (they enjoyed their special Noggin treat? [Noggin is a kids' channel -- Dora and Diego were among the shows]<br /><br />2) My wife called from El Salvador to get an update on how things were going.<br /><br />3) Based on the lack of messages from my students, I get the idea that no one is reading my posts. :)<br /><br />I'll keep adding things here and there unless I see a surge in participation. Maybe my students are all night owls and will start posting later?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-7076579287221249984?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-67906855683843649412008-11-04T18:02:00.001-08:002008-11-04T18:07:12.967-08:00McCain has won North Dakota, which Obama had been leading by a small amount in recent polls.<br /><br />Fox has given Obama WISCONSIN, NM, MN, MI, NY, and RI. They have called KS and WY -- in addition to ND -- for McCain.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-6790685568384364941?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-49698802510900662612008-11-04T17:29:00.000-08:002008-11-04T17:38:05.041-08:00Fox News has now given Pennsylvania to Obama. In addition, they have called Tennessee and Arkansas for McCain.<br /><br />MSNBC has called the North Carolina Senate race for Kay Hagan, defeating Republican incumbent Elizabeth Dole. Dole's husband was the Republican nominee for president in 1996. This inches the Democrats one step further toward a filibuster-proof 60 votes in the Senate.<br /><br />MSNBC has called Alabama and Georgia for McCain. Their electoral vote total right now stands at 103-58 in favor of Obama.<br /><br />I continue to watch Indiana, and McCain has continued to hold a 3% lead with 42% of the vote counted. I'm starting to watch the county-by-county results for Virginia and North Carolina. These three are very interesting to watch geographically.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-4969880251090066261?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-30136941111526076702008-11-04T17:15:00.000-08:002008-11-04T17:25:52.915-08:00Not the vice presidency.<br /><br />Democratic VP candidate Joe Biden has been reelected to the Senate by his state of Delaware. If he is elected VP, the governor of Delaware will appoint someone to take his place in the Senate.<br /><br />The Democrats have switched another Republican Senate seat, so they've picked up 2. If they pick up 9, they will have a powerful 60 Senate seats.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-3013694111152607670?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-53176924310069240042008-11-04T17:05:00.000-08:002008-11-04T17:07:52.584-08:00Unlike CNN and Fox, MSNBC has called the crucial state of Pennsylvania for Obama. If this is accurate, it is a tremendous blow to McCain. He saw PA as his last best hope to win the election. Now he has to win some other states that have been expected to go for Obama, like Florida, Ohio, and Colorado.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-5317692431006924004?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-6790046028800779052008-11-04T16:58:00.001-08:002008-11-04T17:03:59.016-08:0015 states plus the District of Columbia have their polls close at 7:00. Here we go, according to CNN:<br /><br />Obama<br />ME, MD, CT, IL, DE, DC, NJ, MS<br /><br />McCain<br />TN<br />OK<br /><br />Too Close to Call<br />AL, FL, MS, MO, NH, PA<br /><br />According to CNN's projection, Obama now leads 77-34. Florida, Missouri, and Pennsylvania are critical battleground states, but we don't know about them yet!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-679004602880077905?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-65188277941558591192008-11-04T16:51:00.000-08:002008-11-04T16:53:25.702-08:00Not a surprise -- but it gives McCain a 21 to 3 electoral vote lead so far according to Fox News.<br /><br />I'm still watching Indiana closely by county. You can too, at this link:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25362046">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25362046</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-6518827794155859119?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-46535676526661074212008-11-04T16:28:00.001-08:002008-11-04T16:33:47.167-08:00MSNBC is looking at the results in specific rural Indiana counties, saying that Obama is running several percentage points higher than Democrat John Kerry did in those counties. Even though Indiana is still too close to call, this could be a sign that he could win this reliably "red" state.<br /><br />CNN has McCain expanding his lead to 52-47 in Indiana right now.<br /><br />Watch for urban areas in each and every state; they tend to go Democratic. Rural areas are more likely to go Republican. In Indiana, Indianapolis and Gary (southeastern Chicago metropolitan area) are the two major urban areas.<br /><br />Several more states have closed their polls now at 6:30 but MSNBC is not calling any of those states yet. I believe Fox has called West Virginia for McCain, which would give him a 13 to 3 electoral vote lead so far.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-4653567652666107421?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-91459271622236130382008-11-04T16:05:00.000-08:002008-11-04T16:14:12.947-08:00CNN has called Kentucky for McCain and Vermont for Obama. This gives McCain an 8 to 3 lead in electoral votes.<br /><br />The Kentucky Senate race between McConnell and Lunsford is 50-50 with 10% of the votes counted. McConnell, the incumbent Republican, is the leader of the Republicans in the Senate ("Minority Leader"). It would be a major blow to the Republicans should he lose.<br /><br />McCain has a 51-48 lead in Indiana with 6% of the votes counted.<br /><br />In 20 minutes, the polls close in NC, WV, and OH. If Obama wins any one of those three, he is in strong shape. All three states went for the Republican candidate four years ago.<br /><br />Finally, the first switch in the Senate has apparently occurred. Warner, a Democrat, won his Virginia race as expected.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-9145927162223613038?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-26743118680787136472008-11-03T05:48:00.000-08:002008-11-03T05:51:34.566-08:00Here's a link to CNN's polling map. This will help you play "November Madness" and predict the outcome of Tuesday's presidential election.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/map/polling/index.html">http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/map/polling/index.html</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-2674311868078713647?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-76204430447112444152008-11-02T20:57:00.000-08:002008-11-02T22:06:07.962-08:00Check in here on Election Night! I'll be monitoring several television and online sources and share my views on how things are unfolding.<br /><br />Here are some of the things we'll be watching:<br /><br />If the polls are to be believed, how big will Barack Obama win? If Obama wins all or most of the battleground states (Nevada, Colorado, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia, North Carolina, Florida), is this a realignment of the electoral map? President Bush won all of those states, except Pennsylvania, four years ago.<br /><br />If Virginia and/or North Carolina -- among the first polls to close -- go for Obama, it will be a long night for McCain. If they -- and other eastern battleground states -- stay Republican, it could be a long night for all of us. :-)<br /><br />What is the result of John McCain's "last stand" in Pennsylvania? Does he admirably get within a couple of points? Does he win it but still lose most of the other battleground states? Or does his Pennsylvania message get through to voters in other states, lifting him to the presidency?<br /><br />Will it be a record-breaking election for turnout? Or will the wide gaps in the polls keep people at home because they believe the results are inevitable? Which party will be hurt more by voters turned off by having to wait in line for hours to vote?<br /><br />How big will the Democratic gains in Congress be? The big question is can the Dems gain nine seats in the Senate, making them effectively filibuster-proof? Many of these Senate races are in "red" states (more conservative/Republican states), so the results will be fascinating. On the flip side, comedian Al Franken ("Stuart Smalley" on SNL, author of "Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot [and Other Observations]") should be in better shape in "blue" Minnesota -- can he beat incumbent Republican Senator Norm Coleman?<br /><br />And locally, can John Gard perform a miracle in this electoral environment -- knock off an incumbent House Democrat (Steve Kagen)? Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District is traditionally conservative -- can Gard's negative ads allow him to follow in the footsteps of Republicans Toby Roth and Mark Green?<br /><br />These questions and more will be answered Tuesday night! This political junkie can't wait.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-7620443044711244415?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-57983463623150956322008-10-21T17:11:00.000-07:002008-10-21T17:16:26.363-07:00As promised, here is the link to a fun website to practice locating countries and other features. I recommend going through this at least a couple of times per day as you near a test.<br /><br />Lizardpoint<br /><a href="http://www.lizardpoint.com/fun/geoquiz/index.html">http://www.lizardpoint.com/fun/geoquiz/index.html</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-5798346362315095632?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-66909042835659292112008-09-26T13:29:00.000-07:002008-09-26T13:35:02.512-07:00On Friday, September 26, during our discussion of languages, language families, and dialects, I mentioned a neat project that UW-Milwaukee did on mapping dialects across the United States. For example, you can see which parts of the country say "pop" or "soda" or "coke" to describe a carbonated soft drink.<br /><br />Here is the link for UW-Milwaukee's dialect project, including the maps for tons of different words:<br /><br /><a href="http://www4.uwm.edu/FLL/linguistics/dialect/maps.html">http://www4.uwm.edu/FLL/linguistics/dialect/maps.html</a><br /><br />Is it a yard sale, rummage sale, or garage sale?<br />Sneakers or tennis shoes?<br />A bubbler or a water fountain or a drinking fountain?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-6690904283565929211?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343466516470180331.post-26006222552849955672008-09-09T11:57:00.001-07:002008-09-09T12:00:47.203-07:00We learned about the need for and ways to create map projections. This extra credit opportunity helps you explore map projections further thanks to the National Geographic Society's website.<br /><br />Get the activity sheet from me in class and then go to the following link to begin your exploration of map projections.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nationalgeographic.com/features/2000/exploration/projections/index.html" target="_top">Round Earth, Flat Maps</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1343466516470180331-2600622255284995567?l=crane-train.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Mr. Cranehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07540269506039725673noreply@blogger.com0