O! Say Can You See 2011-07-31

USCIS 100:02. What does the Constitution do?

"Uncle Sam Juggling" at the 2009 Pacific International Quilt Festival, Santa Clara, CA

USCIS 100:02. What does the Constitution do?

▪ sets up the government
▪ defines the government
▪ protects basic rights of Americans

MORE PRACTICE:

• LISTEN: USCIS 100:01-02 mp3


• READ: USCIS 100:01 document


• READ: USCIS 100:02 document

US Debt Crisis

VOAVideo: US Debt Talks

VOANews: Obama Encourages Bipartisan Solution to Avoid Debt Default

wh.gov: US Debt Graphic

wh.gov: Presidential Weekly Address: Compromise on Behalf of the American People 07/30/2011

President Obama
: "There are plenty of ways out of this mess. But we are almost out of time. We need to reach a compromise by Tuesday so that our country will have the ability to pay its bills on time, as we always have -- bills that include monthly Social Security checks, veterans’ benefits and the government contracts we’ve signed with thousands of businesses. Keep in mind, if we don’t do that, if we don’t come to an agreement, we could lose our country’s AAA credit rating, not because we didn’t have the capacity to pay our bills -- we do -- but because we didn’t have a AAA political system to match our AAA credit rating.

And make no mistake -– for those who say they oppose tax increases on anyone, a lower credit rating would result potentially in a tax increase on everyone in the form of higher interest rates on their mortgages, their car loans, their credit cards. And that’s inexcusable.

There are a lot of crises in the world that we can’t always predict or avoid -– hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, terrorist attacks. This isn’t one of those crises. The power to solve this is in our hands. And on a day when we’ve been reminded how fragile the economy already is, this is one burden we can lift ourselves. We can end it with a simple vote –- a vote that Democrats and Republicans have been taking for decades, a vote that the leaders in Congress have taken for decades."

West Wing Week 07/29/11 or "Mutual Disposition"

West Wing Week 07/29/11 or "Mutual Disposition"

This week, The President held a town hall, met with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, honored the world series champions, spoke to Hispanic community advocates and addressed the Nation on the importance of compromising on a balanced approach to reduce the deficit. That's July 22nd to July 28th or "Mutual Disposition"

Obama Takes Heat from Pro-Immigration Groups

VOAVideo: Obama Takes Heat from Pro-Immigration Groups

U.S. President Barack Obama came into office with strong voter support among Hispanic Americans, while promising to make immigration reform a top priority. But many lawmakers in Washington oppose easing restrictions on immigration and instead demand a crackdown against illegal immigration. VOA's Laurel Bowman has more.

O! Say Can You See 2011-07-27

USCIS 100:01. What is the supreme law of the land?

"Counted Cross-stitch Preamble to the US Constitution" Geneva, Il.

USCIS 100:01. What is the supreme law of the land?

▪ the Constitution

MORE PRACTICE:

• LISTEN: USCIS 100:01-02 mp3


• READ: USCIS 100:01 document


• READ: USCIS 100:02 document

O! Say Can You See 2011-07-25

USCIS 100:100. Name two national U.S. holidays.

A Red, White, and YUMMY cupcake cake at Safeways, Santa Clara, CA

USCIS 100:100. Name two national U.S. holidays.

▪ New Year’s Day
▪ Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
▪ Presidents’ Day
▪ Memorial Day
▪ Independence Day
▪ Labor Day
▪ Columbus Day
▪ Veterans Day
▪ Thanksgiving
▪ Christmas

Oveta Culp Hobby

USPS 100:36. What are two Cabinet-level positions?

This new USPS stamp in the Distinguished Americans series honors Oveta Culp Hobby (1905-1995), journalist, business leader and public servant.

During World War II, she answered the call to public service by forming and leading the Women's Army Corps (WAC).

In 1953, she became the first secretary of the Deparment of Health, Education and Welfare, the second woman to hold a Cabinet post.

USPS 100:36. What are two Cabinet-level positions?

▪ Secretary of Agriculture
▪ Secretary of Commerce
▪ Secretary of Defense
▪ Secretary of Education
▪ Secretary of Energy
▪ Secretary of Health and Human Services
▪ Secretary of Homeland Security
▪ Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
▪ Secretary of the Interior
▪ Secretary of Labor
▪ Secretary of State
▪ Secretary of Transportation
▪ Secretary of the Treasury
▪ Secretary of Veterans Affairs
▪ Attorney General
▪ Vice President

O! Say Can You See 2011-07-23

A chair under a shady tree at the San Jose Rose, White, and Blue Parade, July 4th, 2011 .



USCIS 100:99. When do we celebrate Independence Day?*

▪ July 4


O! Say Can You See: a photo series featuring the US Flag from US CitizenPod

West Wing Week: 7/21/11 or "Two Minute Warning"

West Wing Week: 7/21/11 or "Two Minute Warning"

This week, walk side by side with the President as he continues his focus on finding a balanced deal in deficit negotiations, meets with Warren Buffett, calls the international space station, makes an important personnel announcement and hosts an education roundtable discussion with business leaders.

O! Say Can You See 2011-07-21

USCIS 100:98. What is the name of the national anthem?

O! Say Can You See: a photo series featuring the US Flag from US CitizenPod

I was recently in Geneva, IL where I a huge picture of the US Flag
on the side of the Geneva Rotary Club's car trailer.

USCIS 100:98. What is the name of the national anthem?
▪ The Star-Spangled Banner

Anniversary of the First US Moon Landing and Shuttle Program

VOANews: In Photos: Highlights of the U.S. Space Program

The United States's Apollo 11 was the first manned mission to land on the Moon on 20 July 1969. VOA celerates the US Space Program with a new photo gallery of the US Space Program.


VOANews: In Photos: Highlights of the U.S. Space Shuttle Program

VOA celebrates the US Shuttle Program with a new photo galery of the US Shuttle Program.

Angela Tirado sings a Star-Spangled Welcome to Citizenship

Star-spangled Welcome to Citizenship: Volunteer Leads Anthem At Campbell Ceremonies
By L.A. Chung, Mercury News 11/10/2007 [Video]
Angela Tirado has been singing the National Anthem for naturalization ceremonies since March 2006 at the Heritage Theatre in Campbell, Calif.

A beautiful, inspiring story! This is the woman who leads my students in the Star Spangled Banner at their Oath Ceremony.

US Flag Over Farm Stamp

USCIS 100:96. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?



Several of the Founding Fathers--George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson--were farmers. According to the most recent US Agriculture Census, there are 2.2 million farms in the United States.

The Postal Service issued the First-class Flag Over Farm definitive stamp in Washington, DC, on December 15, 2000. The stamp, designed by Richard Sheaff of Scottsdale, Arizona, and illustrated by Hiro Kimura of Brooklyn

USCIS 100:96. Why does the flag have 13 stripes?

▪ because there were 13 original colonies
▪ because the stripes represent the original colonies

Ruby Bridges visits with the President and her portrait

USCIS 100:84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?



wh.gov: Ruby Bridges visits with the President and her portrait

Ruby Bridges visited the White House to see how a painting commemorating her personal and historic milestone looks hanging on the wall outside of the Oval Office. American Artist Norman Rockwell was criticized by some when this painting first appeared on the cover of Look magazine on January 14,1964; now the iconic portrait will be on display throughout the summer of 2011 in one of the most exalted locations in the country.

USCIS 100:84. What movement tried to end racial discrimination?

▪ civil rights (movement)

Debt Limit Talks Show Deeper Debate on Government's Duties

VOANews: Debt Limit Talks Show Deeper Debate on Government's Duties

"We may be looking at one of those almost generational changes in…government," says an economist ECONOMICS REPORT (download mp3)

West Wing Week: 7/14/11 or "Our Heroes Are All Around Us"

West Wing Week: 7/14/11 or "Our Heroes Are All Around Us"

This week, The President conducted meetings with bipartisan congressional leaders, awarded the medal of honor, and repeatedly spoke to the country about the ongoing debt discussions at the White House.

Failure to Raise Debt Ceiling 'Could Lead to Another Recession'

Failure to Raise Debt Ceiling 'Could Lead to Another Recession'

Negotiations still appear deadlocked in the United States over raising the U.S. debt ceiling. Although both sides see the debate as an opportunity to bring down the nation's rapidly expanding deficit, leaders of the Republican-controlled House of Representatives say it will oppose any efforts by President Barack Obama to raise taxes. With the deadline fast approaching, economists say both sides are making a high stakes gamble. Mil Arcega reports.

Changing the Conversation on Immigration Reform

Changing the Conversation on Immigration Reform

Comprehensive immigration reform is in our national interest and making it possible starts with changing the conversation by sharing stories. Secretary Hilda L. Solis shares her experience from a roundtable in LA. See more at President Obama and the Hispanic Community. Also checkout the videos from the White House Hispanic Policy Conference at youtube.com/user/whitehouse

HBO: Citizen U.S.A.: A 50 State Road Trip: Home

HBO: Citizen U.S.A.: A 50 State Road Trip

The official website for the HBO Documentary Film Citizen U.S.A.: A 50 State Road Trip, featuring videos, images, interviews, resources and schedule information.

CHECK YOUR LOCAL LISTINGS FOR SHOWTIMES. Also availale on HBO On Demand

Impressions on the White House Twitter Townhall

VOAVideo: Impressions on the White House Twitter Townhall

Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Twitter, talks about the White House Twitter Town hall just after the event had concluded

Twitter Town Meeting: Immigrant Entrepreneurs

President Obama responds to a tweet about Immigrant Entrepreneurs at the Twitter Town Meeting, July 7, 2011

MR. DORSEY: So back to jobs. We have a question from New York City about immigrant entrepreneurs: "Immigrant entrepreneurs can build companies and create jobs for U.S. workers. Will you support a startup visa program?"

THE PRESIDENT: What I want to do is make sure that talented people who come to this country to study, to get degrees, and are willing and interested in starting up businesses can do so, as opposed to going back home and starting those businesses over there to compete against the United States and take away U.S. jobs.

So we’re working with the business community as well as the entrepreneurial community to figure out are there ways that we can streamline the visa system so if you are studying here, you’ve got a PhD in computer science or you’ve got a PhD in engineering, and you say I’m ready to invest in the United States, create jobs in the United States, then we are able to say to you, we want you to stay here.

And I think that it is possible for us to deal with this problem. But it’s important for us to look at it more broadly. We’ve got an immigration system that’s broken right now, where too many folks are breaking the law but also our laws make it too hard for talented people to contribute and be part of our society. And we’ve always been a nation of laws and a nation of immigrants. And so we need comprehensive immigration reform, part of which would allow entrepreneurs and high-skilled individuals to stay here -- because we want to be attracting that talent here. We don’t want that -- we don’t want to pay for training them here and then having them benefit other countries. (transcript from LATimes.com)

West Wing Week 7/7/11 or "Ready to Tweet"

VOAVideo: West Wing Week 7/7/11 or "Ready to Tweet"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, President Obama celebrated Independence day with military families on the South Lawn, hosted a Twitter Town Hall on the economy and jobs and continued to work with leaders from both houses of Congress to find a balanced approach to reducing our long-term deficit. That's July 1st to July 7th or "Ready to Tweet!"

Obama Holds First Ever Twitter Town Hall

VOAVideo: Obama Holds First Ever Twitter Town Hall

Social media outlets are fueling revolutions around the world, and changing the way politics is conducted in the United States. But analysts say news consumers should look to many sources for their media intake. U.S. President Barack Obama used social media outlet Twitter Wednesday to conduct a town hall meeting from the White House. VOA's Laurel Bowman has that story.

Obama Twitter Town Hall-- In Progress!

TownHall@townhall
Official account for Twitter hosted town halls. Our first on July 6th, 2PM ET. http://askobama.twitter.com

ensina Sina by townhall
Immigrant entrepreneurs can build companies and create jobs for US workers. Will you support a startup visa program? #askobama

whitehouse The White House
Obama: Working w/ biz, others, on ways to streamline visas so we don't educate people then make them leave to compete against us...
ImmPolitic NalImmigration Forum
President Obama responding #immigration question and need for reform

ImmPolitic NalImmigration Forum
Obama: We need to streamline the visa system to attract best of minds #immigration

whitehouse The White House
Obama: ...For that reason and others, we need immigration reform that is comprehensive

cliniclegal CLINIC
RT @pwolgin: Obama: "we've got an #immigration system that's broken right now we've always been a nation of laws & immigrants."

TweetWatch Tweet Watch by americasvoice
Obama: "We need comprehensive #immigration reform that includes keeping talented people in the country. #AskObama

ImmPolitic NalImmigration Forum
RT @UnivisionNews: Obama: We need people who are studying here to stay here and invest in the US and create jobs in the US #immigration

LuisGutierrez Luis V. Gutierrez
From cabdriver to Member of Congress, I've had the opportunity to live the American dream. It's time to revive that dream for all of #US.

AlexNowrasteh Alexander Nowrasteh by americasvoice
Shouldn't increasing legal #immigration take precedence over enforcing #immigration laws that make U.S. poorer? #askobama

jakebrewer Jake Brewer by americasvoice
Too many people are breaking the law, but the laws also make it too hard to become a citizen - Prez Obama #immigration #askObama

Successful Immigrant Gives Back to Home Country

VOAVideo: Successful Immigrant Gives Back to Home Country

America is often called the "land of opportunity", a country where anyone can find wealth if they're willing to work for it. Here is the story of one immigrant who made his fortune, but ultimately found fulfillment by giving back to others. VOA's Ernest Leong reports.

4th of July at the White House 2011

wh.gov: 4th of July at the White House 2011

The White House and the USO celebrate the 4th of July with service members and their families at the White House Independence Day celebration on the South Lawn.

The President Delivers Remarks at Independence Day Celebration

wh.gov: The President Delivers Remarks at Independence Day Celebration

President Obama speaks to military families celebrating Independence Day on the South Lawn of the White House. July 4, 2011.

Jose Rose, White, and Blue Parade 2011

San Jose Rose, White, and Blue Parade 2011

The San Jose Rose, White, and Blue Parade 2011 along The Alameda, in the Rose Garden District. Cameo appearances by Judy Connell, Marshal Connell, Kansen Chu, and SJ Mayor Chuck Reed.

Americans Celebrate Independence With Parties, Fireworks

VOAVideo: Americans Celebrate Independence With Parties, Fireworks

Americans Celebrate Independence With Parties, Fireworks From: VOAvideo | Jul 4, 2011 | 56 views Loading...Americans are celebrating Independence Day Monday - the anniversary of the day the country's founding fathers declared independence from Britain in 1776.

On the day known informally as the Fourth of July, U.S. citizens celebrate with parades, picnics, ball games, and concerts. Fourth of July decorations feature the colors of the American flag - red, white, and blue

Americans Reflect on Meaning of Independence Day

USCIS 100:99. When do we celebrate Independence Day?*

VOAVideo: Americans Reflect on Meaning of Independence Day

America’s independence holiday, July 4th, is a chance for Americans to take the day off, have a picnic, go to the beach, take advantage of sales at the shopping mall. But for many Americans, it is also a time to reflect on the historic meaning of July 4th. (download mp3)

USCIS 100:8. What did the Declaration of Independence do?▪ announced our

• independence (from Great Britain)


• declared our independence (from Great Britain)


• said that the United States is free (from Great Britain)

USCIS 100:9. What are two rights in the Declaration of Independence?

• life


• liberty


• pursuit of happiness

USCIS 100:62. Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?

• (Thomas) Jefferson

USCIS 100:63. When was the Declaration of Independence adopted?

• July 4, 1776

USCIS 100:99. When do we celebrate Independence Day?*

• July 4

USCIS 100:100. Name two national U.S. holidays.

• New Year’s Day


• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day


• Presidents’ Day


• Memorial Day/li>
  
• Independence Day


• Labor Day


• Columbus


• Veterans Day


• Thanksgiving


• Christmas

New Citizens Look Forward to July 4th Celebration

VOAVideo: New Citizens Look Forward to July 4th Celebration

The Fourth of July is America's birthday, celebrated with parades, fireworks and family get-togethers. It commemorates July 4, 1776, when the nation's founders cut their ties to Britain to become a separate nation. For new citizens, the day has a special meaning, as VOA's Mike O'Sullivan learned at a recent ceremony in Los Angeles, where thousands of immigrants were sworn in as citizens.

Nation's Favorite Song Extols US Virtues, Acknowledges Flaws

click the picture to read the song lyrics and music

VOANews: Nation's Favorite Song Extols US Virtues, Acknowledges Flaws

Journey through American West inspires 'America the Beautiful' (download mp3)

Learn more at Wikipedia: America the Beautiful

West Wing Week 07/1/11 or "Magic Mountains and Volcanoes"

wh.gov: West Wing Week 07/1/11 or "Magic Mountains and Volcanoes"

This week, on West Wing Week, The President speaks about innovation in Pittsburgh, PA, visits an advanced manufacturing facility in Iowa, holds a news conference in the East Room and welcomes champion soccer and basketball teams to the White House. That's June 24th to June 30th or "Magic Mountains and Volcanoes"