Movie Clips
http://movieclips.com/5qmMy-independence-day-movie-the-presidents-speech/

Great speeches use deliberate language and strong vocabulary to sway the audience to a point of view, address injustice, or simply to inspire. We’ve looked a at few figures in US history who have done all those things and more. Not all great speeches happen in Congress or on Inauguration Day, however, or are even given by real-life people. Some speeches take place on Independence Day, or more specifically in “Independence Day” the movie.

When President Whitmore, played by Bill Pullman, addresses the assembled group of rag-tag fighter pilots who are charged with one last mission to defeat an invading alien force, his speech is succinct and elegant. His words are designed to resonate with his audience, since it is likely many of them won’t return. Since it’s a short speech, here is the text:

Good morning. Good morning. In less than an hour, aircraft from here will join others from around the world, and you will be launching the largest aerial battle in the history of mankind. Mankind, that word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can’t be consumed by our petty differences any more. We will be united in our common interest. Perhaps it’s fate that today is the 4th of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom. Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution, but from annihilation. We’re fighting for our right to live, to exist and should we win the day, the 4th of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day when the world declared in one voice, ‘We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight! We’re going to live on, we’re going to survive.’ Today we celebrate our independence day!

The movie is available on Netflix, and the part with the dog gets me every time. The two words drawn from this speech are:

Tyranny
1. Cruel and oppressive government or rule.
2. A nation under such cruel and oppressive government.
Annihilation
1. the act or an instance of annihilating.
2. the state of being annihilated; extinction; destruction.

Tyranny and annihilation are great words – you may see them on a standardized test like the GRE, SAT, SSAT, or ISEE in a couple of different forms such as tyrant and annihilate. Or in a question like this:

Annihilate is to destroy as

(A) abbreviate is to speak
(B) repudiate is to box
(C) vitiate is to legislate
(D) raze is to flatten
(E) satiate is to enjoy
(check back for the answer)

Can you think of any other Hollywood-scribed speeches which inspired you?

From the founding of the US to the early 20th century, the majority of women in the United States were by law not allowed to vote. It took a motivated group of people over 70 years, from the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848 to ratification of the 19th amendment to the US Constitution in 1920, to change this law. We remember these women today for their hard work and persistence (and sometimes for that odd-shaped Susan B Anthony dollar coin you sometimes get as change in a subway kiosk or vending machine) .

Today we are going to take a look at Carrie Chapman Catt’s 1917 address to Congress.
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/carriechapmancattsuffragespeech.htm

An excerpt:

If parties prefer to postpone action longer and thus do battle with this idea, they challenge the inevitable. The idea will not perish; the party which opposes it may. Every delay, every trick, every political dishonesty from now on will antagonize the women of the land more and more, and when the party or parties which have so delayed woman suffrage finally let it come, their sincerity will be doubted and their appeal to the new voters will be met with suspicion.

I’ve chosen inevitable and antagonize as this week’s words because this particular speech uses them in a very direct way to sum up the situation.

inevitable:
1. incapable of being avoided or evaded

Carrie Chapman Catt knew her end goal was going to happen eventually, and played the “you’re either with us, or against us” card to leverage Congressmen to join the cause.

antagonized:
1. to act in opposition to : counteract
2. to incur or provoke the hostility of

She rightfully points out that when you annoy or anger a group of voters by dragging your feet on issues important to them, they are going to remember that come election day.

So how might you see these words on a standardized test like the SAT, ISEE, SSAT, or GRE?

Chad’s antics on the football field ______ officials so much that they threw him out of the game.

(A) enthralled
(B) bored
(C) impressed
(D) antagonized
(E) disheartened

You might see these words on the SAT Writing section in Identifying Question Error questions, and need to know that there are different forms of the word. Here you have to choose which, if any, of the underlined parts of the sentence is incorrect.

Sufferin To Suffrage

One of the most beloved presidents in American history (as you can tell by the number of buildings, bridges, and NY fried chicken places named after him), John F. Kennedy was a powerful speaker, and often employed strong language to showcase his authority. In his inaugural address given in 1961, JFK uses an impressive array of common and uncommonly used words to not only describe America but to also underscore some of the bigger challenges the country had to face.

Excerpt from the JFK inaugural address:
And, if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor — not a new balance of power, but a new world of law — where the strong are just, and the weak secure, and the peace preserved.
Though it was extraordinarily difficult to select a mere 2 words from this speech, I’ve settled on beachhead and endeavor as this weeks words of note mostly because of the impressive turn of phrase in which they are found. I also selected this sentence because the word beachhead, like quite a few other seemingly simple compound words (dovetail, foolhardy, and bushwhack), means something more than the simple sum of its parts. Beachhead is a deceptively simple word that seems familiar but can very easily be obscure (unless you like war movies or video games).

Beachhead:
1. A position on an enemy shoreline captured by troops in advance of an invading force.
2. A first achievement that opens the way for further developments

As is often the case with the great orators and writers, they use a word not in its common sense but instead use the more rare or obscure and often more figurative meaning. In this case beachhead is used to mean a beginning, a starting point, foothold on greater things to come.

Endeavor:
An attempt to achieve a goal.

Endeavor makes my list simply because of its utility (usefulness) and accuracy in describing an effort to achieve something.

As with last week’s words, this week’s words might easily be found on standardized exams such as the ISEE, SSAT, SAT, or GRE:

The agreement by the NBA and the players to set a minimum age to play in the league was not the end of the negotiations but represented —— upon which the negotiators could build.

(A) an earmark
(B) a bandicoot
(C) a beachhead
(D) a gangway
(E) an eyesore

Endeavor is to goal as

(A) mountain is to apex
(B) grasp is to object
(C) lottery is to riches
(D) race is to ribbon
(E) invective is to house

Read JFK’s entire inaugural address to find other words of note including: symbolize, signify, solemn, prescribed, tempered, asunder, subversion, sovereign, invective, writ, adversary, engulf, tribulation, embattled, tyranny, belabor, eradicate, and civility.

The two words (among the many) that we’ve chosen to highlight from Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” (full text and audio is found here: http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm) are withering and jangling. These two words struck me as particularly interesting because if you know them they are probably not used in his speech in the way in which they are most commonly known. They are also used so eloquently that we had to point out those particular sentences.

Withering (adjective):
1. acting or serving to cut down or destroy
2. intended to make someone feel mortified or humiliated.

Used in its more rare adjective form (rather than the noun which usually is used to refer to plants drying out or getting old), withering highlights the intent of the injustice suffered and how it had been used to humiliate and destroy. Through the use of this one word he creates an understanding of the depth of the horror suffered by the lack of equality.

When you write your next papers consider whether it is appropriate to not only criticize someone, but instead to deliver “withering criticism!”

Jangling (adjective):
1. having a harsh discordant metallic sound.
2. having an irritating effect on.

Again here King selected an adjective that more commonly is used as a noun or verb and applied the less direct or common definition (the common definition being: making a metallic noise like to jangle coins in your pocket). He creates through the use of this word a mental image of the harsh, irritating, and inharmoniousness rampant in the country at that time (and then beautifully puts it up against his dream of equality).

After reading this speech, spend the next week working jangling into your vocabulary. Maybe when your sister, father, or uncle next sings in the shower rather than simply saying that their singing is bad you should tell them of the jangling dissonance caused by their voice.

Below we’ve excerpted two paragraphs from “I Have a Dream” and bolded two words in those paragraphs. These two particular words have been highlight because they are 1. used as part of a beautiful sentence 2. very likely to appear on standardized tests and 3. should be part of the vocabulary of every college-bound student.

Making these words part of your vocabulary will not only help you better appreciate this speech, but will also help you succeed on standardized tests. The SSAT and ISEE are both very likely to test these words in an analogy or synonym question like this:

Which of the choices is closest in meaning to the given word?

Jangling

(A) wearisome
(B) pleasurable
(C) harmonious
(D) clashing
(E) infuriating

These words could also likely appear in an SAT Sentence Completion like this:

Choose the word that best fits in the missing blank.

After her mother came to school and delivered a —– speech in front of the whole school, Margaret decided not only to skip prom, but also to avoid any extra-curricular activities.

(A) withering
(B) hostile
(C) harmonious
(D) clashing
(E) verbose

I hope we’ve provided you with some new thoughts and exposure to a few of the more exciting words in the beautiful language we speak. Enjoy MLK day!

RIISE thanks our wordsmith Akil Bello for this installment of Word Challenge! Akil is co-founder of Bell Curves. Bell Curves exists to provide access to high quality test preparation and educational services, especially to underserved and disadvantaged communities. It accomplishes this mission by researching, recording and understanding the deficits that exist in its target communities and creating solutions that supplement already existing services.

Occupy Wall Street was nowhere to be found but what we did find @ 41 Broad St. in the heart of the financial district, was the Le’man Manhattan Preparatory School, a cutting-edge international school in an aesthetically amazing, historical neighborhood. Across the street the Exchange Building, further north the Federal Building, a few blocks away the African Burial Ground, and to the west the re-birth of a new monument to The Towers. OK, can’t resist the other sites that caught my attention…Equinox & Hermes! But the real gem is the educational edifice -the Lower School is located in what was once The Bank of America International Building. Le’man has been recognized by the NYS Historic Preservation Office for it’s restoration of this 1929 building’s Neo-classical facade, historical gilded columns, and Griffith Bailey Coal mural depicting the “…Pageantry of the History of Commerce by the Sea…”. The Middle and High Schools are located on the top four floors of the Cunard Building, steps away from the iconic Wall Street Bull. What is absolutely special and unique about this 3’s through 12 prep school (first graduating class 2013) besides its location, it it’s mission, approach and apparent diversity on many levels, it is palpable.

MISSION as an international learning community, is to equip students from early childhood starting with 3’s through grade 12 with the knowledge, character and skills they need to evaluate, compare, and make thoughtful choices so that when they graduate, they are ready to succeed at their top-choice colleges and throughout life.

Approach to education is unique focusing on critical thinking, world-class teachers, personal learning plans, and measured achievements. Le’man is sister school to College du Le’man, one of the most prestigious international schools, and is part of the Meritas Family of Schools. This network provides stimulating, challenging, exciting, thought-provoking and global opportunities to produce future leaders in our global community.

Diversity from RIISE’s perspective is equitable among many of the identifiers at Le’man Manhattan Preparatory. “World views from every classroom” offers international learning opportunities as early as 2nd grade at established sister campuses in Europe, Asia, Latin America and throughout the United States. The children and families are a range of hues, cultural and religious expressions, and they share the value of it proudly within the school community.

We thank Janet Barrett, head of admissions for meeting with us an introducing Le’man Manhattan Preparatory School as a right choice. Although the deadline for applications was 12/1, the admissions office is still considering placement for middle and high school…visit www.lemanmanhattan.com to learn more.

RIISE has had the pleasure of three, no five great encounters within the last thirty days. They have been so rewarding and full of promise. An exchange of best practices was the common denominator of them all.

The first in the series of encounters was with Fieldston’s Middle School Multicultural Parent Committee. RIISE was invited by Primilla Nadarsen, a mother at Fieldston who recently sat on RIISE’s Fall Boutique Recruitment Event panel. As a guest, we shared our mission, what we were up to, and what we look towards in 2012. We also learned about the committee’s achievements thus far as a group of involved parents. The middle school parents at Fieldston are committed,warm, informed, productive,and fun. We had a good time and look forward to brainstorming with them again. We closed the evening with ideas on ways to bring together the greater private independent school parent’s committees to network. One idea is to extend invitation for a fun interschool exchange in the 1st quarter of the new year. Going bowling or hitting a wine bar were the first fun ideas to come to mind. Once bonds are formed we feel a level of trust can be built for earnest exchange of best practices among parent committees as we move forward. Look out for your invitation! Thank you Fieldston Middle School Multicultural Parent Committee

The second cool encounter was with Calhoun’s Andrew Hume. As a RIISE member, Calhoun is entitled to Spotlights that illuminate their goals and successes as an independent school community. Andrew invited us to lunch in Chef Bobo’s cafeteria. This was an epic cafeteria lunch! And for the next hour Andrew shared the strides Calhoun has made this current school year. By the way, if you are stool looking to apply to a private independent school check out Calhoun, December 1 is the deadline. Read more about our visit by clicking here.

Speaking of the application process, good luck to all that have applied! And to those still on the fence you still have a little bit of time…a little bit. The admissions director at Speyer Legacy School on West 86 St., asked that we extend an invite for their final open house TONIGHT, Tuesday, November 29 at 6:15p, click here for more information. Speyer Legacy, an independent school for advanced learners is accepting applications for K-8 until December 15. RIISE looks forward to working with Speyer Legacy community. There are still some great schools looking for great candidates, but hurry.

As you may or may not know, RIISE is a grass root, organic organization started by me, Gina Parker Collins, a mom of two wonderful private independent kids of color. As a parent, I was asked to take part in a fun recruitment event. Speed dating was the set up for the recruitment event. Every 10 minutes a prospective parent engaged a current school parent about the their public, private independent or charter school. Let’s Talk Schools hosted the event and they are talking about all of the educational options available to parents in NYC. As a parent at Riverdale Country School, I encouraged families committed to dynamic learning opportunities to apply to private independent schools despite the sticker shock of the tuition. Many schools have a strong commitment to strengthening their communities with socioeconomic diversity through financial aid.

The fifth encounter was with a dear woman named Jenny at the matinee of the play The Mountaintop. By the way, loved the play. Jenny consults schools on creating stronger environments for learning allowing children to center themselves before joining in on the wonderful chaos of a school day or the transition from school at the end of the day. In less than 10 minutes she introduces the act of quieting the mind, of being still. Consider all of the stimuli our children face as soon as they wake up and until they go to bed. Active school days, extracurricular activities, internet, and electronics all converge as some point. As a new practitioner of a model of meditation for school age children, Jenny is going to offer this age appropriate 6 week methodology and practice to RIISE school members and students to experience. We will share the power of centering and focusing on nothing, and the creativity and peace it brings forth. Don’t you feel relaxed already? Will keep you posted on what schools and parents think about the trend and how kids react and benefit.

II. Another parent musing on the eve of a new school/work week would be the test we took this morning. This test was provided to families and students on character development. It was taken by three out of the four of us in the household today after a contentious morning with my soon to be eight year old. He was seriously getting on my last nerve by not exhibiting any “self control” (a described character trait), once he found out that breakfast was not bacon and grits, but salmon cakes and home fries. He was seriously disappointed and acted out big time. After his detention we discussed his behavior and I felt it a good time to take the test together. First, he responded to questions on a scale of very much unlike me, to very much like me. After the three of us took it, there was definitely a common lowest character strength score, yep, self control.
This character strength refers to a person exhorting control over his or her own responses so as to pursue goals and live up to productive standards…responses include thoughts, emotions, impulses, performances, and other behaviors. Simply put – self control is usually used to refer to making oneself do things that one does not want to do and resisting temptation. You then scored yourself by responding to statements like: I come to class prepared, to, I remain calm even when criticized or otherwise provoked, and, I allow others to speak without interruption, my favorite, I keep my temper in check. Our highest ranking character trait? Gratitude and zest-not bad. Now it is Dad’s turn. I suspect he may have similar results. If you are interested in a copy of this revealing developmental score card, let me know and I’ll be happy to share it with you.

III. I thought I could get away this year with last year’s school pics adorning the living room. But, I will purchase this year’s gorgeous school photos of my kids. Cha Ching – Package A nor Package B is ever enough to share with the family, will have to opt for the more expensive package, x2.They have grown so much since last year. We are blessed.

If you were there please fill out the form.
Fill out my form!

If you were not, stories and photos on the way. Please visit the schools that represented.
Thank you!

Part ll: October 24,2011 @8pm

RSVP
We are excited to have PAMELA JOLLY on our Part ll ROI webinar. She has families of color top of mind as they navigate private independent schools.

What Webinar will help us do:
Take inventory of our family assets…all of them.
Be clear about the risk and rewards.
Consider and manage what success means to our family.
Create networks and put them to use.
Establish a financial plan and resources to fund it.
Empower children to manage the investment too.

Read more RIISE with EXPECTATIONS…Here

PAMELA JOLLY has been a requested speaker nationally and internationally, lecturing and advising businesses, communities and leaders with her research and work in places such as Korea, China, Japan, Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, and most recently Jamaica where she spoke with over 3000 women business owners about the Narrow Road™ throughout the Island. Pamela Jolly is a graduate of Hampton University and the Wharton School of Business, currently she is pursuing her Masters in Theology at Boston University. Prior to Wharton she worked at NationsBank in roles ranging from credit analyst to Commercial Lender to VP of Treasury Management for the Mid-Atlantic Region. In 2004, Pamela saw a need to leverage her corporate experiences to assist minority business enterprises grow and develop, she launched Torch Enterprises Inc, a firm committed to developing minority enterprises capable of arriving at legacy wealth both individually and corporately for their communities.
!Torch over the past seven years has been instrumental in raising both capital and awareness of how to elevate the standards of minority businesses to the required levels capable of driving change via equity and ownership.

More tips from Pamela: Jolly-Journey…Here
http://jolly-journey.mynarrowroad.com