We began to look at the impact of imperialism in late 19th century Africa today using the example of British industrialist Cecile Rhodes. He became incredibly wealthy controlling the diamond mining industry in southern Africa. His company, De Beers Diamonds, still exists today. In 1890, he became prime minister of a country in southern Africa he named "Rhodesia." Today that nation is the independent Zimbabwe. To gain a sense of Rhodes' power, we analyzed the famed "Rhodes Colossus" political cartoon from 1892. It shows Rhodes as the main agent of expansion in Africa and highlights his dream of a connected British Empire. In his hands, he holds a telegraph wire. His feet are located at two of the most important places in Africa: Egypt and South Africa. These two British possessions were some of the most important, not only for their resources, but also for their location on the global trade network.

In today's class, Cameron worked on a post-lab activity that covers everything Cameron learned from his lab and fermentation. The activity included questions about cellular respiration and fermentation, along with some questions relating directly to the lab.

He was absent today.

Cameron listened and followed along via comprehension questions to an episode of the Invisibilia Podcast titled, "The Secret History of Thoughts". Before watching a podcast, we reviewed the comprehension questions. We did not finish listening to the whole podcast & answering comprehension questions - hopefully he can finish the podcast during his next session.

6-2 Exponential Functions – We learned to sketch graphs showing key features of exponential functions. Then we wrote exponential functions using tables and graphs. Next we compared linear and exponential functions.
Assignment: For homework complete assigned problems.

Today we reviewed some of the current events that happened around the Thanksgiving holiday. We looked at some mid-term election results and impending run-off elections, Elon Musk's controversial take over of Twitter and the Chinese government facing mounting anger from its citizens over its "zero-COVID" policy.

In today's class, we did an experiment that covers what Cameron learned about fermentation. The lab included measuring the rate of carbon dioxide buildup from two different yeast samples - one sample was at room temperature and the other in a warm water bath. Cameron took measurements and plotted a graph that correlated to the data he collected.

New topics included website functionality including how cookies track online behavior and then share that data with other sites. We looked at Nike's online shopping set up and analyzed how they use filters, call to actions, and physcological pricing. We also discussed the impact of product pictures, celebrity endorcements,
and customer service. Cameron explored Nike's website membership offers and the pros and cons of signing up. We introduced the recent trend regarding support and how companies are getting rid of personell and going with customer serivice options like call centers and outsourced labor or using automated responses as well as the challenges consumers face with that transition.

Remote Learning: Cameron forgot to do homework (Dale Earnhardt Jr) & report on insights as son of NASCAR star Dad. (Will watch & talk Tuesday 22nd) Cameron was immediately engaged as we connected on him being "live" @ PGA Event. 1st question was: has he ever written a story? Favorite one? (Yes 6th grade) Why fav? Cameron said "About Golf and made it up, fun."
Headline theme for today? "Be Present" (Not the trending kind now, forever news version of Present Tense! (Lou asked tell me what happening today? "Golfer had an event..." No. This tournament IS Underway. See difference--its happening now....as in NEWs!!!) Cameron seemed enthusiastic and entertained by my enthusiasm for pointing out basics.

'Stay Present' + "Be Curious" & utmost importance: the "Who, What, When, Where, Why" & How?
example Lou uses NEWs this week- History made locally by Miami Marlins w/pro sports 1st female President & GM

Introduced concept of 3 basics of every story: Beginning, Middle & an End.

Assigned in real time 5 minutes to fill in the 5 W's and the How. He did it!!! (Role Played Live Correspondent & Cameron was grinning ear to ear after doing it. (Cold, Windy, warmers etc.) Lou guides to find his own answers to tell the story and deliver a tidbit someone watching in Chicago, KC or LA would not know. Very nicely done & fun!

1st rule of journalism is also a great rule for Life: Assume Nothing. If you assume, you make an "Ass out of U and Me" is the old newsroom adage. Cameron was quiet but attentive then opened up as I asked his "why" he thinks he would like to a sportscaster? "Seems cool and you can be around the game even if not playing" This is a perfect answer for a young man of his age. We discussed other fundamentals to journalism: curiosity and awareness....both also great attributes to utilize in life. Briefly explained my background in NCAA, prior to hired by CBS @ age 20 as writer working way to sportscasting career. Showed example of telling a story in a fresh, new & unique way via observation. Directed to my website & NFL on FOX sideline reporting segment re:US Military. Telling the story within the story, seeing things with a unique perspective. In Cameron's case, he has insights into golf others do not. Homework assignment: view Dale Earnhardt Jr. interview on my website and pay particular attention to Dale Jr. being son of star NASCAR driver brings with it unique pressures and ultimately life decisions.