President Adams 184 Year Old Letter Discovered

April 21, 2010 by  
Filed under Features

president adams letterBy David Abel
Apr. 21, 2010

QUINCY — Paul Hines, an assistant city solicitor, was combing through dozens of old boxes in the musty basement of City Hall, searching for records to defend the city from a lawsuit, when he made an unexpected find.

A dust-covered box in one of the 126-year-old building’s former jail cells was filled with old scrapbooks.

As Hines leafed through the brittle pages earlier this month, he came upon a letter from 1826 that addressed the burial of John Adams and his wife, Abigail, in First Parish Church across the street from City Hall.

And when he flipped over the sheet of yellowing paper with neat, cursive handwriting, Hines saw it was signed by the second president’s son, John Quincy Adams, who at the time he wrote the letter was serving as the nation’s sixth president.

“It was very exciting,’’ Hines said. “I was wondering whether anyone knew this existed, and when the last time it was seen. I thought we should take it out of those conditions, so it could be shared and preserved.’’

He immediately brought the scrapbook to Mayor Thomas Koch, and yesterday, Koch and Hines announced that the city would be sending that book and others to a company in Vermont that specializes in preserving rare books and papers.

Adams penned the letter, dated Sept. 8, 1826, two months after his father died on the young nation’s Independence Day. He was seeking permission from the supervisors of the church, which he called a “temple,’’ to bury his father and mother there.

“I have considered it a duty devolving upon me to erect a plain and modest monument to his memory: and my wish is that divested of all ostentation it may yet be as durable as the walls of the Temple to the erection of which he has contributed, and as the Rocks of his native Town which are to supply the materials for it,’’ Adams wrote.

He added: “I have many reasons for desiring that this may be undertaken without delay and . . .that both my parents may not remain for an indefinite time without a stone to tell where they lie.’’

John and Abigail Adams, as well as John Quincy and Louisa Catherine Adams, remain buried in the church today.

Ed Fitzgerald, executive director of the Quincy Historical Society, said the letter might be useful for biographers of the Adams family, because it provides rare insight into the feelings between the two presidents.

Fitzgerald also noted that Adams’s language seeking a “plain and modest monument’’ reflects the family’s New England heritage.

“We do think this is an important piece of work,’’ he said. “I think it’s reflective of New England culture, in that he wanted the monument devoid of ostentation.’’

At a City Hall press conference, Koch said about $8,000 in state historical preservation money would protect the scrapbook for years to come. He said the city has already spent tens of thousands of dollars in state funds to preserve other scrapbooks found in the basement.

Koch said the city is seeking a better place to store the remaining boxes and is considering how best to display Adams’s recently discovered letter and other historical documents.

“It’s kind of a neat day for us,’’ he said.

 

© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company.

 

Source: Boston.com

 

  

 

Editor’s Note: David Abel can be reached at dabel@globe.com.  A letter written by President John Quincy Adams about burial plans for his father and mother was rediscovered in the basement of Quincy City Hall. (Pat Greenhouse/Globe Staff).

We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

 

 

  

 

Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Killing Teens

April 19, 2010 by  
Filed under Features

Missing TeenBy Emanuella Grinberg 
Apr. 19, 2010    

(CNN) — Calling capital punishment in California an “empty promise,” the father of murdered teen Chelsea King said he supported a deal to take death off the table for his daughter’s killer in order to bring closure to the community.

“We stand here because of a despicable evil act committed against our beautiful daughter, Chelsea, committed against our family and committed against our community,” Brent King said in a news conference Friday.

 “While our unequivocal first choice is the death penalty, we acknowledge that in California that penalty has become an empty promise.”

San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis said the family’s blessing contributed to a plea deal with registered sex offender John Gardner III in Chelsea’s death and two other cases.

Gardner, 31, pleaded guilty Friday to the murder of King, the murder of Amber Dubois, and assault with intent to commit rape of a third person.

King, 17, was last seen alive leaving Poway High School in suburban San Diego on February 25.

Her car, with her cell phone inside, was found at Rancho Bernardo Community Park, where she was known to run on the trails.

Her disappearance sparked a massive search that ended a few days later with the discovery of her remains in the park. Dubois, 14, disappeared in February 2009 while walking to school in Escondido.

She was considered a missing person for more than a year, until her remains were found in March.

Prosecutors revealed in court Friday that Gardner led authorities to Dubois’ body in exchange for assurances that it would not be used against him in court.

In exchange for his guilty pleas, Gardner is to be sentenced to two consecutive terms of life without the possibility of parole.

He also waived his right to appeals, ensuring that he will die in prison, Dumanis said at the news conference.

Superior Court Judge David Danielsen accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for June 1. A gag order is in place until then.

The surprise change of plea came during a hearing Friday, after prosecutors charged him with murder with a special circumstance of rape for Dubois’s death.

Gardner was facing the death penalty on one charge of murder with a special circumstance of rape for King’s death.

Dressed in dark blue jailhouse garb, his wrists chained, Gardner nervously responded “yes” several times to the judge’s questioning of whether he understood his rights and was entering his plea willingly.

He cast his gaze downward as the judge read brief descriptions of how he raped and murdered Dubois and King. Gardner made no statement.

According to court documents, on February 13, 2009, Gardner abducted Dubois and brought her to a remote area of Pala, where he raped and stabbed her, and buried her in a shallow grave.

Gardner admitted to attacking King while she was running and dragging her to a remote area, the documents said.

He raped and strangled her, and also buried her body in a shallow grave.

Gardner also admitted to attacking another female on December 27, 2009, while she was running.

In a news conference after Friday’s hearing, Dubois’ father, Moe, expressed gratitude over the case’s resolution.

“As you can imagine, this turn of events in the case came as a surprise to all of us when we were informed about the details yesterday,” he said.

 “As a parent I am thankful [for] the work put forth by the district attorney’s office and the defense team in coming forth with a resolution in the case and allowing us to have justice and closure for Amber’s case.”

Without the plea deal, Dumanis said her office did not have enough evidence to charge Gardner in the death of Dubois.

Her remains were not found until Gardner led authorities to her body, three days after he was charged in King’s death, Dumanis said.

“The only promise made to him in exchange for this information was that we could not use it against him in court. This was a somber decision,” the district attorney said in a press conference after Friday’s hearing, surrounded by tearful family members.

“To end the anguish of the unknown for the Dubois family and to bring Amber home, we agreed we would not use this information against Gardner in court.”

Further efforts to collect evidence linking Gardner to Dubois’ death were unsuccessful, Dumanis said, leaving her office otherwise unable to pursue charges against him — until he offered to plead guilty.

“Accepting this plea has been an extremely difficult decision. We have the evidence to pursue a murder charge against the defendant for Chelsea’s murder, but not for Amber’s murder,” she said.

“By accepting this guilty plea, we are obtaining a conviction for the murder of Amber that we otherwise would not have been able to obtain.”

The prosecutor also echoed the sentiments of King’s father on the death penalty in California, where 13 executions have been carried out since the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment in 1976.

“Most of us realize a death sentence at this time is a hollow promise in California. Even if death was imposed, Brent, Kelly and their family would have to endure a preliminary hearing, a trial, decades of appeals and the pain of reliving the murder over and over again,” she said.

“In addition, as parents they realized what Amber’s parents were facing. Her case would have no legal closure.”

A resolution for the Dubois family also figured into the King family’s decision to support the plea, Brent King said.

“We find ourselves in a position to help give another grieving family a measure of closure. The Dubois family has been through unthinkable hell the past 14 months.

We couldn’t imagine the confession to Amber’s murder never seeing the light of day, leaving an eternal question mark,” he said.

“There’s nothing, nothing satisfying about this moment. It’s only one more unbearably painful day that we’ll have to carry in our memory as long as we live.”

 

Source: CNN

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

America Wishes You Happy Birthday Thomas Jefferson

April 13, 2010 by  
Filed under Features

thomas-jeffersonBy Inspiration Report
Apr. 13, 2010

Happy Birthday, Mr. President!  

Thomas Jefferson, born April 13, 1743, was the third President of the United States. He is one of the key creators of the Declaration of Independence, and, you may also recognize him from that two dollar bill you keep in your wallet for good luck.

Jefferson was considered one of America’s first ‘renaissance men,’ brimming with wisdom and talents, according to some. We celebrate his birthday with these 18 Thomas Jefferson quotes.

 

“Determine never to be idle…It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing.”
Thomas Jefferson

 

“Do not bite at the bait of pleasure till you know there is no hook beneath it?” –Thomas Jefferson

 

“Enlighten the people, generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like spirits at the dawn of day.” –Thomas Jefferson

 

“Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom.” -Thomas Jefferson

 

“I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies.”
Thomas Jefferson

 

“I cannot live without books.”Thomas Jefferson

 

“I do not take a single newspaper, nor read one a month, and I feel myself infinitely the happier for it.” – Thomas Jefferson 

 

“I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it.” – Thomas Jefferson

 

“In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.”
– Thomas Jefferson

 

“It is neither wealth nor splendor, but tranquility and occupation which give happiness.”
-Thomas Jefferson

 

“Never spend your money before you have it.” – Thomas Jefferson

 

“Never trouble another for what you can do for yourself.” – Thomas Jefferson

 

“Nothing gives one person so much advantage over another as to remain always cool and unruffled under all circumstances.” – Thomas Jefferson

 

“Say nothing of my religion. It is known to God and myself alone.” – Thomas Jefferson

 

“The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers.” – Thomas Jefferson

 

“The will of the people is the only legitimate foundation of any government, and to protect its free expression should be our first object.” – Thomas Jefferson

 

“Walking is the best possible exercise. Habituate yourself to walk very far.”
Thomas Jefferson

 

“No government ought to be without censors and where the press is free, no one ever will.”
Thomas Jefferson


 
“Health is worth more than learning.” – Thomas Jefferson

 

Thomas Jefferson from Quotations Page

 

Source: Inspiration Report

 

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

God is the Reason One of Many Miracles: Missing Child Nadia Bloom Found Alive

April 13, 2010 by  
Filed under Features

nadia bloomBy AP
Apr. 13, 2010

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. – A missing 11-year-old central Florida girl with Asperger syndrome was found alive on Tuesday, four days after she disappeared into an alligator-infested swamp a half-mile from her suburban home.

Nadia Bloom was taken to a hospital in nearby Longwood, Fla., where she will be evaluated and treated for dehydration and insect bites, said Winter Springs Police Chief Kevin Brunelle.

“If I never believed in miracles, I sure do now,” Brunelle said during an afternoon news conference.

Brunelle said Nadia told rescuers two things: “I’m glad you guys found me” and “I can’t believe you guys rescued me.”

Her sister has said Bloom, who has an autism-related disorder called Asperger syndrome, may have gone into the dense woods hoping to make a nature video.

It took nearly two hours for rescuers to carry Nadia out of the thick brush and swamp. It wasn’t police who located her. James King, who goes to church with Nadia’s family, found her Tuesday morning in a dry patch in the middle of the swamp and called authorities.

King climbed a tree and unfurled toilet paper in an attempt to draw attention to where they were.

Brunelle said he dispatched a helicopter to look for King and Nadia, but it didn’t work.

Using cell phone signals, authorities found King and Nadia.

“Mr. King is a hero right now,” said Brunelle. “He led us to her.”

Brunelle added that detectives are questioning both King and Nadia for more details on the rescue and how the little girl spent her time while she was missing.

Brunelle did say that Nadia told them that she had not talked to anyone since going into the woods on Friday.

Authorities began searching for Nadia in wooded areas near Lake Jessup, one of the most alligator-filled lakes in Central Florida.

The fifth-grader was last seen riding her bike on Friday, and authorities became alarmed when they found her bike and helmet. She did have a backpack with her.

Shortly after word came that Nadia was alive; her father briefly spoke to the media.

“It all came so fast and it just shows the compassion of the human spirit. It should give everybody encouragement,” her father, Jeff Bloom, told reporters after rescue crews lifted her into an ambulance.

When asked how he felt, Bloom said: “I can’t even describe it. Let’s give the glory to God.”

  

Source: Yahoo News

  

  

Editor’s Note: AP – Nadia Bloom, 11, missing since Friday afternoon, is carried by rescuers after being found on Tuesday. Slide show

We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

Help Find Missing Child Nadia Bloom

April 12, 2010 by  
Filed under Features

nadia bloomBy Wesh.com
Apr. 12, 2010

Winter Springs, Fla. A missing child alert was issued on Monday for an 11-year-old Winter Springs girl who disappeared three days ago.

Rescuers combed through wooded areas near Nadia Bloom’s home in Winter Springs after her sister said she was recently reading a book about wilderness exploration.

At a news conference on Monday, Winter Springs Police Department Chief Kevin Brunelle said the search so far has turned up nothing.

No clothing, backpack, shoes or any other items have been recovered.

“It keeps me hopeful, and a lot of the searchers I’ve talked with are hopeful. Even though we understand the length and we understand the conditions, we need to maintain a positive outlook on it,” Brunelle said.

Brunelle said during the news conference that until his experts tell him otherwise, he and his team are continuing the search for Nadia.

Seminole County alert helicopters patrolled through the night for any sign of the missing girl.

The helicopters are equipped with heat sensors, but Brunelle said they detected no movement except wildlife.

Crews will expand their search Monday near Black Hammock Trail and Lake Jessup in light of the new lead.

Thirty police dogs, amphibious vehicles, divers and officers on the ground are looking for the autistic girl who disappeared Friday.

Nadia is 5 feet tall and weighs 85 pounds. She has brown hair and brown eyes.

Police said she was last seen wearing an orange T-shirt and blue shorts, and she was carrying a black backpack with a horse on it.

“A bicycle at the end of a cul-de-sac (was found) with one home off to the right-hand side and nothing but dense woods in front of you, on its kickstand, helmet taken off and placed on the handle bars, just like somebody got off the bike to take a walk or to go into a house or anything like that. That’s the scene that we have right now,” Brunelle said.

“I’m really sad because she’s my friend and I’ve known her for a really long time, and I really hope that we find her,” friend Sophia Sarabasa said.

The Metro Church congregation prayed for Nadia and her family on Sunday. Her former Sunday school teachers shared a little more about the girl, who has become a familiar face on the news and on fliers around town.

“She’s pretty independent,” Robert Meeks said. “She gets focused on a certain thought process and she gets pretty determined.”

Crisis counselors will be at Nadia’s school, Lawton Elementary School, Monday helping students cope.

“I just pray every minute that they come out of the woods with Nadia,” parent Linda Sarabasa said.

Brunelle said during the news conference that the next phase of the search of a heavily wooded area near the police command post will continue with dog teams, authorities will compile and review all the information so far that they have obtained and authorities will continue to check sex offender and sexual predator Web sites county-wide.

It was earlier reported that Nadia may have a survival manual with her, but Brunelle said Monday morning that authorities now know the book she has is called “Meet Lanie Holland,” which is part of the American Girl series. The book explores a love of nature and science.

Anyone with information should contact the Florida Department of Law Enforcement Tip Line at 866-282-0672, the Winter Springs Police Department at 407-327-1000 or 911.

Copyright 2010 by WESH.COM.

All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

 

Source: Wesh

 

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

Food For Throught: “No King But King Jesus!”

April 4, 2010 by  
Filed under Features

JesusChriststatueBy Jeffery S. Colter
YC/Staff
Apr.4, 2010

The evil of man knows no bounds. It is genetically programmed since the fall of man. Since that time civilizations have risen and fallen; kings have been crowned and dethroned; countless millions have known the agonizing consequences of how evil man can be.

All the suffering and pain known to mankind throughout the ages have a common link, and that is man’s fall from God’s Grace.

This was not God’s will for us, we took it upon ourselves. Our own pride blinded us from seeing His Holiness; therefore, God sent us His Light and Word in the form of the Son of Man.

A Man who would change the course of history and the course of people’s lives for all eternity.

A Jewish man born from the seed of David, prophesied about over three hundred times in the Old Testament about how He was to come, what He was to do, and why.
This man, Jesus, had to contend with the same things we have to contend with today. Not the wrestling against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 5:12-13)

 

These are things that cannot be seen but are known to be there.

In the same way one cannot see Faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. By Faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the Word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. (Hebrews 11:1-3)

 

However, what were seen by countless people were His crucifixion; the complete pardoning and removal of mankind’s sins. He became the embodiment of our sin so we may have a fresh start to know Him who created us in His image.

No longer enslaved by the trappings of the world and our own desires, but free from the bondage of slavery that keeps each one of us from the liberty of knowing Him and His desired blessings for us.

True liberty is the ‘declaration of independence’ from sin. No king or law can grant this gift or steal it from us. Jesus sealed this declaration by His resurrection.

The King of Kings and King of the Jews conquered death it’s self. He is the Conquering Hero for all time. Breaking open the gates of hell it’s self so that no one may be held captive, sacrificing Himself so that all may receive the underserved gift of eternal life.

John Milton Hay, an ambassador and Secretary of State under President McKinley, and President Lincoln’s personal secretary, wrote a poem called Sinai and Calvary.

His poem allows us a window into his personal relationship with the Savior. An excerpt from his poem reads as this:

But Calvary stands to ransom
the earth from utter loss,
in shade than light more glorious,
the shadow of the Cross.
To heal a sick world’s trouble,
to soothe its woe and pain,
On Calvary’s sacred summit
The Paschal Lamb was slain.
Almighty God! Direct us
to keep Thy perfect Law!
O blessed Savior, help us
Nearer to Thee to draw!
Let Sinai’s thunders aid us
to guard our feet from sin;
And Calvary’s light inspire us
the love of God to win.

We must understand that though the price of our sins our paid in full there will never be true peace in the world until Christ’s return. Man will continue his defiance towards God, and as a result the suffering of man will continue.

Samuel Adams says it best:

“I conceive we cannot express ourselves than by humbly supplicating the Supreme Ruler of the world…
That the confusions that are and have been among the nations may be overruled by the promoting and speedily bringing in the Holy happy period when the kingdoms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ may be everywhere established, and the people willingly bow to the scepter of Him who is the Prince of Peace.”

So let us remember as patriots to first and foremost be peacemakers and be the light so desperately needed in a dark world during dark times. Let us be like the patriots of old who were not ashamed of the Gospel but who made the idea of eternal liberty the very foundation of our Republic. Make the battle cry of our Forefathers yours today…”NO KING BUT KING JESUS!”

IN GOD WE ENTRUST THE REPUBLIC!

 

 

Source:   NCP

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

This Easter Morning

April 4, 2010 by  
Filed under Features

JesusoncrossBy John Tydlaska Jr
YC/Staff
Apr. 4, 2010

Our Lord Jesus this Easter morning rose gloriously from the dead who I worship as my living Savior.

He has redeemed me and all those called by His name to be Thine own eternally. I give thanks and adore Thee as Conqueror of Satan, sin, and death.

Joy fills my heart as I come into Thy presence. Thy resurrection proclaims to all believers forgiveness of our sins, which brings peace to our hearts and songs of praise to our lips.

I know that through the bitter sufferings and blood of my Savior on the cross that we are reconciled to God, our Heavenly Father.

My Faith fills my heart with joy as I this Easter morning join with all Thy people to praise Thee. I know that the gates of hell shall not prevail against Thy Church.

Thy power and strength goes on from victory to victory as we bear witness of Thee and confess Thy name to the ends of the earth.

I pray that God takes full possession of our hearts today. Cleanse us in hearts, minds, and our beloved America from the evil that resides in our nation.

I pray that God continue his love and protection for all those called by His name and for America as one Nation under God.

I pray that His people across America increase in number from day to day. Gather Christians from East to West, from North to South of Thine own elect and help us with courage to re-establish America in Thine honor and glory throughout our land of freedom and liberty under Thy domain once more.

For my family and friends, Happy Easter, Amen

 

 

Source: John Tydlaska Jr

 

Editor’s Note: If you have a message that you would like to share. You can sent it to dan@youngchronicle.com

True Meaning of Easter

April 4, 2010 by  
Filed under Features

jesus on crossBy Denise Willms
Apr. 4, 2010

As a Christian mom, Easter means much more to me than filling baskets with chocolate treats and watching children hunt high and low for their presents each year. Although those activities are a lot of fun!

More importantly for me, though, Easter is the time of year where I can talk with my children about Jesus’ death on the cross, His resurrection, and what it means for them – eternal friendship with Jesus!

For young children, the concept of salvation can be very difficult to understand. There are a lot of tools that can help you explain God’s gift to us and why His Son had to die on the cross.

You can make salvation bracelets out of colored beads or salvation books out of colored paper, and explain the significance of each color.

You can also purchase toys from your Christian bookstore to help explain God’s plan of salvation in a child friendly way.

At Easter time, with so much yummy candy around, why not use jellybeans to teach your children the true meaning of Easter?

 

Here are some suggestions of what the different colors can represent.

 

Black – This color represents sin. Sin is what separates us from God.

Red – This represents the blood Jesus shed when He died for us. Only the blood of Jesus Christ can erase our sin.

White – The white jellybean represents how clean our hearts are after Jesus’ blood removes our sin.

Green – Green is the color of grass and growing things. Now that Jesus has cleaned our hearts, we can grow to become more like Him.

Purple – This is the color of royalty. We need to remember that Jesus is the King of Kings. Now He is the king of our hearts.

Yellow – This represents the streets of gold that are in heaven. When we die we will live with Jesus in Heaven forever.

Pink and Orange– You can be creative with these colors! Perhaps one is to give to a friend, and tell them the Good News of Jesus too.

 

Source: Ezine Articles

 

 
Editor’s Note: Denise Willms is a freelance writer and virtual assistant, and a work at home mom to two teenagers. Do you want to know more about being a successful work at home mom? Denise publishes free work at home information at http://www.wahm-articles.com/ .

While you’re there, be sure to sign up for her weekly newsletter, WAHM Tips. It’s the weekly email that helps moms earn more from home!

We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

Scientists Solve a Murder Mummy Mystery

March 8, 2010 by  
Filed under Features

mummyby Laura Leigh Davidson
Mar. 8, 2010

What killed King Tut? Historians and scientists have long believed that ancient Egypt’s most famous king was probably murdered.

But a recent scientific study claims to have found a different solution to this more than 3,300-year-old mystery.

A team of researchers now say that King Tut, the boy ruler, died of complications from a broken leg and as a result of foul play.

The team released their findings in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in February.

 

A Boy King

Tut’s full name was Tutankhamen (too-tahng-KAH-mun). He was just 9 years old when he became pharaoh, or ruler, of Egypt in 1348 B.C. His treasure-packed tomb was revealed to the world almost a century ago.

It made him one of the best-known Egyptian kings of all time. Tut’s burial chamber was filled with royal riches, including a solid-gold coffin, a gold mask, and piles of jewelry.

But Tut did not have much time to enjoy his vast wealth. His reign was cut short at the age of 19.

Many experts have thought that Tut was killed by one of his advisers, named Ay, who wanted the throne for himself.

But thanks to a major modern science project, it seems Ay is off the hook.

 

Science Solves History Mystery

mummy1Researchers set out to solve the mystery of King Tut’s death by using the tools of science. They began their investigation of Tut’s well-preserved mummy by conducting an autopsy, which is an in-depth medical examination to determine how someone died.

The king’s autopsy included DNA tests and electronic scans of his remains.

Scientist Carsten Pusch conducted the tests on Tut for the new study. He thinks a broken leg contributed to the young king’s death.

A scan of Tut’s mummy showed an unhealed fracture in his thigh bone. This confirms that the Egyptian leader broke his leg sometime close to his death.

The DNA also indicates that the pharaoh had an illness that causes bones to become frail and brittle.

More than 100 walking sticks were found in King Tut’s tomb. This supports the autopsy findings. Many of the sticks were well-worn, showing regular use.

“It is very likely that a bone [disease] required King Tut to use canes,” Pusch told Discovery News. “Maybe he just fell and broke his leg.”

But how could a person die from a simple broken leg?

Pusch also found DNA evidence in Tut’s remains that indicates he had malaria (muh-LAIR-ee-uh), a disease carried by mosquitoes. Malaria severely weakens the immune system.

Pusch and his fellow researchers believe the malaria and the bone disease together caused the king’s fracture to become life-threatening. Ultimately, the young pharaoh was just too weak to heal.

So the effects of disease combined with the bad luck of a broken bone—not a jealous adviser—are likely the real culprits in King Tut’s death.

 

Mummies Tell Us More

Dr. Howard Markel, a medical historian at the University of Michigan, says the study does more than solve a history mystery.

The information gained by studying these mummies could give us valuable insight into the diseases they had.

“This is very exciting that we can take modern technology and learn more about Egyptian history,” Markel told CNN. “Mummies are very powerful tools. We can learn a lot from the dead, [like] how illnesses evolve.”

 

 

TELL ME WHY

Read Mummy Murder Mystery Solved? and use what you learn in this cause and effect activity.

Download it here!

 

Source: Scholastic News

 

 

Editor’s Note: The feet of King Tut’s mummy are shown here in a photo taken during an examination of Tut’s remains in his underground tomb in Luxor, Egypt, on November 4, 2007. (Photo: Ben Curtis/AP Images).

The gold covered-coffin of ancient Egyptian King Tutankhamen is seen in this undated photo released by the Museum Of Antiquities, Basel, Switzerland. (Photo: Andreas F. Voegelin/Museum Of Antiquities Basel/AP Images).

We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

Fall of the Berlin Wall 20 Years Later: Remembered by Florida High School

March 5, 2010 by  
Filed under Features

berlin-wallBy A.J. Plourde
YC/Staff

Mar. 5, 2010

Berlin, after World War II was separated into two Germany’s, West Berlin, and East Berlin.  A wall was erected as a border between the two that came to be known as the Berlin Wall.  20 years ago this wall came down and East and West were now once again just Berlin, and all the citizens were just Germans. 

In a small town in Florida, called Osprey, High School students at Pine Mountain school decided to take a real lesson in history.  They erected a wall on their campus that simulated the Berlin Wall and half of the students were taught on side while the rest were taught on the other side. 

The ones on the side simulating East Germany, were taught just like they were in Communist territory, with teachers playing the parts of the educators of East Berlin. 

On the other side of the wall the students were free to move about freely, but had no contact with the other side without permission to cross just as it was in Berlin at the wall.

This one day history lesson gave the students an opportunity to see what life was really like in the divided Germany’s.  Everyone in this experiment found it useful to learn from and to remind them that this should never happen again where families, friends, and relatives are not allowed to see each other because of where they lived in a city. 

This was a one day exercise and it will be remembered by all who participated. 

This type of reality teaching is good because it allows the students to really feel the part of history they are studying. 

 

For more on this see the following:

To learn more about the Berlin Wall go here

 

 Source: Americans Beware

 

Editor’s Note: We would like to know what you think. dan@youngchronicle.com

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