Back in the U.S.S.R

Today in 1922 the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was formed. This is despite the fact that the Socialist revolution had taken place in October 1917. It stayed the USSR until December 26, 1991.

A new hope!

I hope that you all are having fun over the holiday period and those of you that celebrate it had a lovely Christmas and got lots of nice presents.

Today in 1978 Spain adopted a new constitution(pictured left) and became a democracy after 40 years of dictatorship.

Merry Christmas everyone....

....wherever you are in the galaxy!!!!!

Santa claus is coming to town!

Today in 1823 the poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" by Clement C. Moore was published. Here is a snippet:-

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro' the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar plums danc'd in their heads'

Good stuff, so you had better be good for goodness sake.

Its also Harry Shearer aka Derek Smalls birthday, however you might know him better for his voice work on the Simpsons where he plays Mr. Burns, Waylon Smithers, Ned Flanders, Reverend Timothy Lovejoy, Kent Brockman, Dr. Hibbert, Lenny Leonard, Principal Skinner, Otto Mann and Rainier Wolfcastle.

The Old Pretender

On this day in 1715 James Stuart, the "Old Pretender", landed at Petershead after his exile in France. He had tried to get back to Scotland in an attempt to reclaim the Scottish crown but it was too late. The key Battle of Sherrifmuir (near Dunblame) had taken place earlier that year on 13th November. It is said that if you go out walking at night in the fields around Sherrifmuir you can still see the ghostly Jacobite soldiers walking around.

The Battle was the subject of one of the most famous songs written by Robert Burns called 'The Battle of Sherramuir'.

Happy holidays to everyone that finished school today too.

Flight 103

Today was a dark day in Scotland's recent past, In1988 a Pan Am jumbo jet with 259 passengers on board crashed on to the town of Lockerbie near the Scottish borders.

In total 259 people aboard the flight and 11 on the ground died in the crash which took place 38 minutes after take-off.

If you would like to find out more about this then the link below is a good starting place. The disaster still shapes foreign relations to this day and the release of one of the people found guilty of the bombing was a huge issue for Scotland's politicians this year.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/in_depth/scotland/2002/lockerbie_appeal/

Every time a bell rings....

Today in 1946 the Frank Capra film "It's A Wonderful Life" had a preview showing for charity at New York City's Globe Theatre, a day before its "official" world premiere. James Stewart and Donna Reed star in the film and guess what I am going to see it tonight in Glasgow.

My recent posts have a real Christmas theme, I can't help but get caught up in the festive spirit.

God bless us everyone!

Today in 1843 Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol' was first published in England. Dickens was the most popular writer of the Victorian era and his work has never gone out of print (which means that you can still buy new editions of his classic tales to this day).

The movie 'Scrooged' (see picture) was based on 'A Christmas Carol' and is one of my all time favourite Christmas films.

Hope you have got all your shopping done.

Happy Birthday Keef!

Lots of things happened today in history but one major thing happened, that actually changed my life, The Rolling Stones guitarist and half of one of the greatest song writing teams in the world was born. Keith (Keef) Richards may not be an ideal role model but he sure has made my life better.

It is also the birthday of one of the greatest film makers of all time Steven Spielberg.

Both of these exciting birthdays and this time next week it will be Christmas day (aka Jesus' birthday).

Down but not out

On this day in 1944 during the Second World War Germany counter-attacked in Ardennes. The Germans had mounted a series of counter-attacks on the Western front allowing them to re-cross the borders of Luxembourg and Belgium.

If you have a look at the picture you can see why the American troops had difficulty blending in to their surroundings with their khaki uniforms.


On a related note it almost snowed here today. Who doesn't like it when it snows?

Olivers army

Today in 1653 Oliver Cromwell became lord protector of England, Scotland and Ireland. This was no mean feat and happened in one of the most significant centuries in Scotland's history. If you don't know much about Cromwell then why not hit the web, you will find tons of stuff out there and you can make up your own mind whether you think he was a hero or a villain? What ever you think of him there is one thing for sure, he was not so easy on the eye.

Its also Ludwig Van Beethoven's birthday, he was born today in 1770. Now there is one man that was a genius!

I have to help decorate for Christmas tonight, why can't magic elves come and do this for me while I sleep?

Towering Achievement

Gustave Eiffel, the man behind the tower in Paris which bears his name was born on this day in 1832. You wouldn't think of Paris without his tower coming to mind; its such a recognisable landmark, but did you know that he was also behind the armature (framework) of the statue of liberty? So that brings his total of world famous landmarks up to two. Not bad at all for someone who at school was extremely smart, but not very studious.

Just over a week to Christmas so you had better be good for goodness sake!

I wish I could fly!

In 1903 Orville Wright made the first attempt at powered flight. The engine stalled during take-off and the plane was damaged in the attempt. Three days later, after repairs were made, the modern aviation age was born when the plane stayed aloft for 12 seconds and flew 102 feet.

This may not seem like a big deal but it was. Orville (along with his brother) was driven by his dream to fly and he made his dream come true. If that doesn't make you feel inspired then I don't know what will.

See you in Class!

New Zealand

On this day in 1642 New Zealand was discovered by Dutch navigator Abel Tasman. I'll bet that this came as a surprise to the native Māori's who are rumoured to have settled on the islands some 350 years before. Interesting bunch the Māori you can find out more about them here:- http://www.maori.com/.

They are the reason why the all blacks do the famous Haka before their matches.

It's also nearly christmas!!!!!!!

See you in Class!

The speed of sound

Did you know that today in 1901 The first radio signal to cross the Atlantic was picked up near St. John's Newfoundland, by inventor Guglielmo Marconi (thats him in the picture)? Its hard to believe that just over 100 years ago the first radio signals were going transatlantic and now we can talk to anyone in the world just by dialling their number.

Went to the transport museum today with my niece and nephew. I love that place. I'll be sad when it closes but the new building looks like it will be amazing.

See you in Class!

Sad Day

So farewell then Paisley Grammar School. I will miss both staff and pupils alike. My time there was most valuable and like all things of value it will be treasured. You never know I might be back one day. Good luck to all of you and thanks for making my placement so incredible.

On another sad note, this day in 1967 Otis Redding, at age 26, was killed when his tour plane crashed into a Wisconsin lake. Redding's tour band, the "Bar-Kays," was also killed. If you don't know any of his work then why not youtube one of my all time favourite soul artists.

See You in Class! (maybe)

Paradise Lost

Today in 1608 the poet John Milton was born. As literacy is key to a good education I thought I might give you a little quote from one of his most famous pieces of work 'Paradise Lost'.

The mind is its own place, and in itself
Can make a heav'n of hell, a hell of heav'n.

Well that was the last day I will ever see my first year class, believe it or not guys I will miss being your teacher.

See you in Class!

Give peace a chance!!!!

Did you know that today marks the 29th anniversary of the death of John Lennon?

The Former Beatle was shot dead outside his New York apartment on this day in 1980. As sad as this is lets not forget all the joy that he brought to so many with his music. If you need any proof why not youtube the beatles or even better buy one of their albums, you wont regret it.

The days at PGS are fairly flying by and I will be sad to leave on Thursday.

See you in Class!

Tartan Army

Did you know that the kilt as we know it today is not as traditional as you might think? The popularity of tartan was greatly increased by the royal visit of George IV to Edinburgh in 1822. George IV was the first reigning monarch to visit Scotland in 171 years. The festivities surrounding the event were originated by Sir Walter Scott who founded the Celtic Society of Edinburgh in 1820. Scott and Celtic Society members urged Scots to attend festivities "all plaided and plumed in their tartan array". One contemporary writer sarcastically described the pomp that surrounded the celebrations as "Sir Walter's Certified Pageantry".

However I think the modern kilt has come to have a true Scottish identity, its history might not be as old as some may hope but its our national dress fir aw that!

See you in Class!

Not before time

Today's blog entry goes out to my first year class. Did you know that on this day in 1865 the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified? The amendment abolished slavery in the U.S.

Britain had passed the Abolition of slavery Act in 1807 but this did not stop British involvement as there were too many loopholes for those involved to expose. For example British captains who were caught continuing the trade were fined £100 for every slave found on board.If slave-ships were in danger of being captured by the British navy, captains often reduced the fines they had to pay by ordering the slaves to be thrown into the sea.

The British Parliament eventually passed the Slavery Abolition Act in 1833. This act gave all slaves in the British Empire their freedom.

Sometimes we take for granted what others had to fight to give us.

See you in Class!

Football traffic

On this day in 1958 Britain's first motorway, the Preston by-pass, was opened by Prime Minister Macmillan. So if you get stuck in traffic today you can bring up this top fact to impress all those people stuck with you in the car. No? Oh well suit yourself.

I'm off to watch some football today, speaking of which did you see the world cup draw? Our neighbours to the south were a little fortunate with the kind draw they got. As upset as I am that Scotland wont be there I still love the world cup and cant wait for it to start. Maybe we will get there next time in Brazil 2014, fingers crossed.

See you in Class!

To be Franc(o)

Well Hello to all the higher pupils that may be checking out the blog for the first time. With this in mind on this day in 1892 the Spanish Fascist leader Francisco Franco was born. I have to admit he is not my favourite person but I'll be dammed if I don't find him fascinating.

On a lighter note its 'the dude's' birthday today Jeff Bridges. If you don't know why he is the 'the dude' then when you find out watch the movie as it is one of my favourites. Happy Birthday Jeff, nice name that.

Good work from the first and third year and a few of the boys in second year.

Have a good weekend and I'll see you in class!

The King

Now in history there are several kings but when it comes to music, and Rock 'n' Roll in particular, there is only one and on this day in 1968 he appeared in his self titled comeback special "Elvis".

Speaking of Rock 'n' Roll its also Ozzy Osbourne birthday, happy birthday to the prince of darkness.

Good work from the third years today, keep it up.

See you in class!

Alright wee man?

Well today in 1804 - Napoleon was crowned emperor of France at the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. He was a military and political leader of France and his actions shaped European politics in the early 19th century.

He is often teased for his height but he was 5ft 7 which although not massive it was only 1 inch below the average for a man in his day. Find out more about him below and make up your own mind what you think of him.

http://www.napoleonguide.com/

First year we have some new rules, minutes can be taken off as well as added but we will go over how this happens on Friday.

Marked all the homework 3rd (Mr D's class) year and I was very happy with most of it. My other third year I photocopied your work today and you will have a fresh hand out tomorrow.

See you in Class!

Stand up for your rights!

Bravery can take all shapes, it can be as simple as taking a seat on a bus. Read all about one women's stance below.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/december/1/newsid_4398000/4398912.stm

It just goes to show you that one person can change the world.

Also 3rd year, what a day eh? The class was good but sorry about the incident in the hall somethings even a teacher can't control.

See you in class!

Happy St Andrews Day

Hi

Did you know that St. Andrew's Day is the feast day of Saint Andrew. It is celebrated today.

Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, and St. Andrew's Day is Scotland's official national day (hence why we are off school today). In 2006, the Scottish Parliament designated St. Andrew's Day as an official bank holiday.

Although most commonly associated with Scotland, Saint Andrew is also the patron saint of Greece, Romania, Russia and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

In Germany, the feast day is celebrated as Andreasnacht ("St. Andrew's Night"), in Austria with the custom of Andreasgebet ("St. Andrew's Prayer"), and in Poland as Andrzejki ("Andrews").

No matter what you believe its always nice to have a day off.

See you in class

Home again

Hello all

Well I am back safe and sound, I was pretty tried after a day travelling yesterday so I never had time to post anything.

I had a great time in the Spanish capital although I never got to see much of it. Still at least it gives me an excuse to go visit my friends again so I can see more of it next time.

One thing I did see was the Bernabéu when I passed it in the bus on Thursday night. According to FIFA, Real Madrid FC was the world's most successful football club in the 20th century. Their stadium is called Bernabéu, and it is located in Chamartín, in the North of Madrid. It has a capacity of 85,000 spectators. Tonight is el classico when they take on their Catalan rivals Barcelona. This rivalry is one of the fiercest in the world and some fans still use the Spanish Civil War to justify their hatred of one another. It's a shame that politics and football get mixed up so often but it goes to show that other countries have issues separating the two just as we do here in Scotland. No matter who you support tonight (I prefer Braca for the record) lets hope it is a good game and there is no trouble.

Have a good day off tomorrow.

See you in Class!

Ola

Well as some of you may have noticed I was not in class. This is because as I type this I am sitting in Madrid, Spain. I went to my friends wedding which was lovely and we are having a little break before going to celebrate some more this evening.

Madrileños (people from Madrid) are often called "Gatos" (cats) not because of their late sleeping habits similar to cats, but because of the historical legend where during the Arabic invasion, an adept soldier climbed the outer walls with the agility of a cat; after which, his family assumed the name of Gato.


Remember we have Monday off too, so have a great long weekend.

See you in Class!

Bravo!

Can I first start by saying how pleased I was with most of the plays I watched today with the first years. Even if I was the best actor.

Also lets see who we catch out next week after our agreement today.

Third year, not a bad performance from most of you and I have marked your surprise quiz and I was surprised to see so many of you do well. Maybe it has something to do with your teacher. Thanks to those of you that gave me homework some nice work there too.

Today's top fact is that one of my favourite groups 'The Jimi Hendrix Experience' made their London stage debut on this day in 1966. Check out the clothes and the hair, now that's what I call freedom of expression. Love it!

If you read the blog then why not come up and tell me, just stop me and say the secret code words 'Massive Afro'. Spread the word.

See you in class!

The Big Yin

Its the Big Yins birthday today, he is one of my favourites and despite the colourful language he is a national treasure. Happy Birthday Billy.
Found a website which will help all of you swat up for just about every topic we teach in school. If you find it hard to study there are some great interactive games which make learning/studying that little bit more fun.

http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/

See you in class!

Scotland and the Slave Trade

Hi

Well thanks to the 3rd years for generally being well behaved during class whilst we had our visitor.

The school might be on BBC Scotland news tonight so check it out.

For those of you that missed it (1st year this is really aimed at you) then there was an episode of the history of Scotland over the weekend which outlined some of Scotlands involvement in the Slave Trade. If you hurry you will catch it on BBC iplayer. The episode was called 'The Price of Progress' and it will help with a forthcoming lesson on the topic.

Did you know that today in 1889 the first jukebox made its debut in SanFransico, at the Palais Royale saloon?

See you in class

R.I.P JFK

Another Kennedy post, this was a sad day for the USA in 1963 and the rumours surrounding his death still make the Presidents 'assassination' a hot topic for historians and conspiracy theorists alike.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_F._Kennedy_assassination

Its almost Monday again so enjoy the last of your weekend.

See you in class

A day at the museum

It's Friday!

I hope you all have a great weekend.

Had he still been alive my favourite Kennedy (Bobby) would have celebrated his 84th birthday today.

Triangular trade

Hi

Well todays link is aimed at the first years who are working through the slave trade at the moment. There is tons of great information out there on the web about this topic but here is a link about triangular trade.

http://www.eduplace.com/kids/socsci/books/applications/imaps/maps/g5s_u3/index.html

With this in mind did you know that the greatest rock and roll band in the world have a song that is about slavery? Here are the lyrics below. See if you can find out the name of one of my all time favourite bands (there picture above is a clue) and I am sure there are places on the internet where you can hear the song. Anyway here are the lyrics:-

Gold coast slave ship bound for cotton fields

Sold in a market down in New Orleans

Scarred old slaver knows he's doing alright

Hear him whip the women just around midnight

See you in class

3rd year German Home Front

A rather up and down day today. First year class was good (if a little chatty) and there was a majority of 3rd year working hard. I did mark the letters that were handed in and a few will have to do it again. Sorry but you know I expect better of you.

With that in mind here is a nice link for the First World War (again):-

http://www.firstworldwar.com/posters/germany.htm

On a lighter note did you know that today in 1928 Mickey Mouse made his debut in the animated short Steamboat Willie? Well he did, who would have thought that little mouse would have become a worldwide icon. Happy Birthday Mickey.

See you in class

Disclaimer

I would like to say that I have no control over the content of the pages that I post for you all to look at. The opinions expressed elsewhere are those held by other people somewhere in this wide and wonderful world. The Internet is a great resource but we must be careful when we use it and I have learnt this already.

I promise that from now on I will carefully check the links I post.

(This picture is taken from Flickr.com if you want to see more from this artist then go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/cayusa/)

3rd Year

Hello

well I had fun today and all your work is on the walls. Here is a great interactive website to help you with all things WW1:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/worldwarone/

If you are reading this then you have become part of a special group of students, maybe we should do something to identify fellow Mr Meechan blog readers, like a secret sign. If you see me in the hall why not stop me and say 'I caught your blog'! Ok not cool but we can work on it.

See you in class

Welcome One & All

Hello,

This is my first ever post on my first ever blog. I'm so glad you dropped by to check it out.



The idea is to share any interesting information I come across on the Internet that might help you learn more about history and also to share other stuff that I find interesting (and hopefully you might too).

With that in mind I think I should start with a song:-



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzJ2NKp23WU



Haste ye back!