December 15:
In 1941, jazz and blues singer Lena Horne released her first hit song, “Stormy Weather.” She had a long and very successful career, and worked hard to create new opportunities for black and women singers. Many of her songs were very sexy, but she once said, “I just sing those songs, I don't live them.” What do you think she meant by that?

In 1791, the Bill of Rights became part of the U.S. Constitution. Which of the rights protected by the Bill of Rights do you think is the most important? Why do you think so?

Today is the annual Nut Day fair in Bastogne, Belgium. What is your favorite kind of nut? Make up a poem or paragraph about your favorite.

December 16:
The light on the Cape Hatteras lighthouse was first lit in 1870. How would you like to live in a lighthouse? Give reasons for your answer.

The source of the Amazon River was finally discovered to be a small mountain creek in southern Peru. Why do you think it took so long to find the source of such an enormous river? Give three reasons it might have taken so long.

December 17:
In 1790, the huge Aztec Sun Stone, a circular calendar used to predict the seasons was discovered in Mexico City. We depend on calendars to help us plan our daily activities. What would happen if suddenly the year consisted of only 355 days? How would you suggest we change our calendars to fit the new year length? Where would you take the 10 days from?

Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol was first published in 1843. What is your favorite story for this time of year? Why do you like it so much?

December 18:
Hector Hugh Munro, who wrote amusing stories under the pen name Saki and was born in 1870, once wrote, “In baiting a mousetrap with cheese, always leave room for the mouse.” What do you think he meant by that?

In 1779, the famous English clown Joseph Grimaldi was born. He invented many clown routines, including the sad clown. He was so popular that clowns are often called “joeys” in his honor, and a yearly celebration of his life is held in London, attended by clowns from all over the world. Would you like to be a clown? What are 5 things a good clown must be able to do?

December 19:
In 1777, George Washington and the Continental Army begin their winter at Valley Forge. Washington knew it was not a good place to camp, but wanted to keep his army close to the British to protect the farmers of western Pennsylvania. Imagine you were a member of Washington’s army. Describe some of the problems you think he had.

Ben Franklin began publishing Poor Richard’s Almanac in 1732. It contained information about the stars, moon, and sun, as do all almanacs, but also contained many proverbs and wise sayings. What is your favorite proverb or wise saying? Why do you like that one? Share it with your friends.

In 1905, the first motorized ambulances came into use. Many young people pursue health careers, training to be doctors, nurses, EMTs, therapists, or many other specialties. How do you feel about careers in health or medicine? Tell three reasons such a career might be interesting, OR three reasons you might not want to pursue such a career.

December 20:
In 1892, inflatable tires (pneumatic tires) were patented. They made riding in vehicles much more comfortable. Name 5 other inventions that have made your life more comfortable than those of people long ago.

Journalist Max Lerner was born in 1902. He wrote, “If you choose the lesser of two evils, always remember that it is still an evil.” Why do you think he thought it was important to remember that?

In 1616, settlers set out from London to establish what later became the colony at Jamestown, VA. Most of the settlers never expected to return to England again. If you were going to move to a far-away place and never return, what would you say to your friends that you were leaving behind?

The first electricity generated by atomic power was produced in 1951 at the Argonne National Laboratory, near Chicago, IL. Although atomic power plants do not produce smoke, many people do not want to have one near their homes. How would you feel if you learned that an atomic power plant was going to be built near your house? Write a paragraph explaining your feelings and the reasons for them.

December 21:
The first modern crossword puzzle was published in New York's World in 1913. Many people like to do crosswords, or even to design them. What pencil-and-paper games, like crossword puzzles do you like to play? List 5 and rank them according to how much you enjoy them, then tell why you like your favorite best.

Benjamin Disraeli, British prime minister, was born in 1804. He became a popular novelist, then entered politics and rose to become one of the most powerful prime ministers of Great Britain. He once said, “Justice is truth in action.” What do you think he meant by that?

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was the first full-length cartoon movie, and opened in 1937. Each of the dwarfs was named for a trait of character he displayed (except Doc). If you were named for a character trait, what trait would you prefer to be named for? Why that one?

Today is the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year in northern hemisphere. Many people like to play board games when it is too dark to play outside. What is your favorite board game? Tell why you like that one.

December 22:
The first string of electric Christmas lights was invented by Edward H. Johnson in 1882. Before then, Christmas trees were lit by wax candles, which caused many fires. What kind of Christmas or holiday decoration is your favorite? Why do you like that?

In 1885, La Marcus Thompson patented the first roller coaster, which he built in Coney Island, NY. Some people love roller coasters, others prefer other rides. Which amusement park ride is your favorite? Why do you like that one?

December 23:
Walter Brattain and John Bardeen invented the transistor in 1947. Transistors made it possible to build compact electronic devices like laptop computers, iPods, and cell phones. What do you think the next hit electronic invention will be? Describe it and what it does.

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