USCIS 100 Remix Quizzes and MP3s

USCIS 100 Remix Quizzes

• "Ones" USCIS 01, 11, 21, 31, 41, 51, 61, 71, 81, 91
• "Twos" USCIS 02, 12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82, 92
• "Threes" USCIS 03, 13, 23, 33, 43, 53, 63, 73, 83, 93
• "Fours" 04, 14, 24, 34, 44, 54, 64, 74, 84, 94
• "Fives" 05, 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85, 95
• "Sixes" 06, 16, 26, 36, 46, 56, 66, 76, 86, 96
• "Sevens" 07, 17, 27, 37, 47, 57, 67, 77, 87, 97
• "Eights" 08.18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 68, 78, 88, 98
• "Nines" 09, 19, 29, 39, 49, 59, 69, 79, 89, 99
• "Tens" 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100

USCIS 100 Remix MP3s

• "Ones"
• "Twos"
• "Threes"
• "Fours"
• "Fives"
• "Sixes"
• "Sevens"
• "Eights"
• "Nines"
• "Tens"

Ten Topical Citizenship Quizzes

Documents:

• Quiz: USCIS 100:01-12: Principles of American Democracy
• Quiz: USCIS 100:13-25 System of Government (Part I)
• Quiz: USCIS 100:26-36 System of Government (Part 2)
• Quiz: USCIS 100:37-47 System of Government (Part 3)
• Quiz: USCIS 100:48-57 Rights and Responsibilities
• Quiz: USCIS 100:58-70 Colonial Period and Independence
• Quiz: USCIS 100:71-77 The 1800s
• Quiz: USCIS 100:78-87 Recent American History and Other Important Information
• Quiz: USCIS 100:88-95 Geography
• Quiz: USCIS 100:96-100 Symbols and Holidays
  

LISTEN: USCIS 100 plus Dictation (mp3s)

• USCIS 100:01-12
• USCIS 100:13-25
• USCIS 100:26-36
• USCIS 100:37-47
• USCIS 100:48-57
• USCIS 100:58-70
• USCIS 100:71-77
• USCIS 100:78-87
• USCIS 100:88-95
• USCIS 100:96-100

Ten 100 Questions Citizenship History and Government Quizzes--10 Questions per Quiz

Ten 100 Questions Citizenship History and Government Quizzes--10 Questions per quiz!

• 10q-01-10
• 10q-11-20
• 10q-21-30
• 10q-31-40
• 10q-41-50
• 10q-51-60
• 10q-61-70
• 10q-71-80
• 10q-81-90
• 10q-91-100

West Wing Week: 2/25/11 or "Don't Bump My Atoms"

wh.gov: West Wing Week: 2/25/11 or "Don't Bump My Atoms"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, President Obama held events in Oregon and Ohio focused on promoting growth and winning the future through investments, concentrating on innovation and small business growth. Also, the President convened his Council on Jobs and Competitiveness at the White House.

Citizenship Interview 15--Angelica Mendoza

Basic Interview (fast) with Angelica Mendoza (Mexico) recorded in honor of Presidents' Day.

LISTEN: Interview 15: Fast Basic Interview: Angelica Mendoza (Mexico)

Today we will listen to a Basic Interview (fast) with Angelica Mendoza (Mexico) recorded in honor of Presidents' Day.

You can follow along with the Basic Interview pdf.

You can also practice the Presidents' Day questions used in this interview: Presidents’ Day Quiz 2011 Part A: Washington and Lincoln

Also NEW for Presidents' Day 2011:

• Presidents’ Day Quiz 2011 Part B: Executive Branch & Federalist Period
  
• Presidents’ Day Quiz 2011 Part C: The 1800s
• Presidents’ Day Quiz 2011 Part D: Recent History

Other recent appropriate quizzes:

• Presidents' Day Quiz 2010


• The Founders Quiz


• Coin Quiz

More Muslim Americans on Ballot in Chicago

VOANews: More Muslim Americans on Ballot in Chicago

Much of the attention on Chicago's local elections February 22 is focused on the race for mayor. Former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emmanuel and former Senator Carol Moseley Braun lead a list of candidates seeking the office currently held by Mayor Richard Daley. But in those same elections, an increased number of Muslim American candidates also are seeking positions on Chicago's city council. VOA's Kane Farabaugh has more.

West Wing Week: 2/18/11 or "Goodbye, Gibbs"

wh.gov: West Wing Week: 2/18/11 or "Goodbye, Gibbs"
Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, President Obama released his federal budget, discussing the need to take responsibility for our deficits while investing in education, to prepare our children to be competitive in the global economy and win the future. He also responded to the situation in Egypt, chatted with some Boy Scouts, and honored some of our greatest Americans

Interview 15: Fast Basic Interview: Angelica Mendoza (Mexico)

LISTEN: Interview 15: Fast Basic Interview: Angelica Mendoza (Mexico)

Today we will listen to a Basic Interview (fast) with Angelica Mendoza (Mexico) recorded in honor of Presidents' Day.

You can follow along with the Basic Interview pdf.

You can also practice the Presidents' Day questions used in this interview: Presidents’ Day Quiz 2011 Part A: Washington and Lincoln

Also NEW for Presidents' Day 2011:

• Presidents’ Day Quiz 2011 Part B: Executive Branch & Federalist Period
  
• Presidents’ Day Quiz 2011 Part C: The 1800s
• Presidents’ Day Quiz 2011 Part D: Recent History

Other recent appropriate quizzes:

• Presidents' Day Quiz 2010


• The Founders Quiz


• Coin Quiz

NEW: Four Quizzes for Presidents’ Day Quiz 2011

New for Presidents' Day 2011:

• Presidents’ Day Quiz 2011 Part A: Washington and Lincoln


• Presidents’ Day Quiz 2011 Part B: Executive Branch & Federalist Period


• Presidents’ Day Quiz 2011 Part C: The 1800s


• Presidents’ Day Quiz 2011 Part D: Recent History

Other recent appropriate quizzes:

• Presidents' Day Quiz 2010


• The Founders Quiz


• Coin Quiz

President Obama Unveils Budget Proposal

VOAVideo: President Obama Unveils Budget Proposal

U.S. President Barack Obama has unveiled a $3.7 trillion federal budget for next year that seeks to cut America's mammoth deficit while retaining certain spending priorities to spur future economic expansion. Republicans, who control one house of Congress, are dismissing the president's proposed budget as a costly burden to the economy that fails to address a fiscal crisis. As VOA's Michael Bowman reports, the positions staked out constitute opening bids in what is expected to be a protracted battle over the government's finances.

February 15 is Susan B. Anthony Day!

The Susan B. Anthony dollar is a United States coin minted from 1979 to 1981, and again in 1999. It depicts women's suffrage campaigner Susan B. Anthony. The reverse depicts an eagle flying above the moon (with the Earth in the background), a design adapted from the Apollo 11 mission insignia that was also present on the previously issued Eisenhower dollar (Source: Wikipedia: SBA).

77. What did Susan B. Anthony do?

• fought for women’s rights
• fought for civil rights

Susan B. Anthony was born in Massachusetts on February 15, 1820. She is known for campaigning for the right of women to vote. She spoke out publicly against slavery and for equal treatment of women in the workplace.

In 1920, the 19th Amendment to the Constitution gave women the right to vote. Susan B. Anthony died 14 years before the adoption of the 19th Amendment, but it was still widely known as the Susan B. Anthony Amendment.

In 1979, she became the first woman whose image appeared on a circulating U.S. coin. The coin is called the Susan B. Anthony dollar and is worth one dollar. (source: USCIS M-638)

See also:

• America's Story: Susan B. Anthony
• EL Civics: Susan B. Anthony
• Rutgers: Papers of Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony
• The Susan B. Anthony House
• Susan B. Anthony Amendment (Video)
• Wikipedia: Susan B. Anthony
• Wikipedia: The Susan B. Anthony Dollar
• Wikipedia: (International) Timeline of Women's Sufferage
• VOANews: Susan B. Anthony, 1820-1906: She Led the Fight to Gain Equal Rights for Women, Including the Right to Vote

American Heart Association

FEBRUARY IS AMERICAN HEART MONTH!
On Valentine's Day, US Citizenship Podcast salutes the outstanding work of the American Heart Association.
Their mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. A great mission and a great volunteer organization!

americanheartassoc: American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown Discusses Ideal Health and 2020 Goal
American Heart Association CEO Nancy Brown presents new tools the organization has developed to help Americans improve their heart health -- and help prevent heart diseases, strokes and other diseases.

Brown describes how the American Heart Association has taken the unprecedented step of defining "ideal heart health". Brown explains how ideal cardiovascular health is based on seven simple behaviors and health factors, named "Life's Simple 7", that anyone can adjust to lower their chances of heart diseases or stroke.

Based on this definition, the Association has created a website where anyone can check their heart health.

This strategy of prevention is a major part of the American Heart Association's bold new goal: To improve the cardiovascular health of all Americans by 20% by the year 2020, while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke by 20%.

American Heart Association YouTube ChannelAHA OfficialGoRed4Women's YouTube Channel

Ronald Reagan, 1911-2004: On 100th Anniversary of His Birth, Remembering a Popular President

VOA Learning English: Ronald Reagan, 1911-2004: On 100th Anniversary of His Birth, Remembering a Popular President

Before he became the 40th president, Reagan was an actor and governor of California PEOPLE IN AMERICA

'Lincoln Portrait': Music of Copland, Words of a Leader

2009 Lincoln Bicentennial 4 of 4- Lincoln the President
By the time Lincoln was inaugurated on March 4, 1861, seven southern states had already seceded and formed the Confederacy (the rest joined in April). Seeking initially to preserve the Union, then eventually working to end slavery, Lincoln struggled against the Confederacy as well as his own military. He learned the ways of a war leader quickly and was able, after four bloody years, to bring the conflict to a close in 1865. He was not able to enjoy the fruits of victory or lead the effort to reconcile the nation, the victim of assassination on April 14, 1865.

VOA Learning English: 'Lincoln Portrait': Music of Copland, Words of a Leader

Abraham Lincoln, born February 12, 1809, was the 16th US president. He led a civil war to keep the states united THIS IS AMERICA (download mp3)

President Obama on a Historic Day in Egypt

wh.gov: President Obama on a Historic Day in Egypt
President Obama speaks on the situation in Egypt following the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak, saying the U.S. supports the Egyptian people and stands ready to assist as the country moves towards a genuine democracy. February 11, 2011.

West Wing Week: 2/11/11 or "The New Electrification"

West Wing Week: 2/11/11 or "The New Electrification"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, President Obama focused on the second part of his State of the Union goals of out-innovating, out-building, and out-competing the rest of the world, putting forward plans to build up the nation's infrastructure, investing in things like high speed rail, and expanding broadband access so all of America's families will be equipped to win the future. The Prime Minister of Canada also dropped by.

USCIS Open House in San Jose

On Friday, Febuary 11 join the Milpitas Adult School Citizenship Students for USCIS SJ Open House activities:

• 10:30am Meet in Room 703, eat snacks, form carpools, watch Citizenship dvds
• 12 noon Leave Milpitas Adult School in carpools
• 12:30pm Lunch (dutch treat) at Pho Ha, 951 Mc Laughlin Ave, San Jose, CA 95122
• 2-4:00pm USCIS Open House, USCIS Field Office, 1887 Monterey Road, San Jose, California 95112.
• We will probably return to Milpitas Adult School before 3:30pm

USCIS San Jose Field Office invites Silicon Valley community stakeholders and the general public to open house to meet USCIS personnel and learn more about the agency’s programs. The effort is designed to enhance USCIS’s presence in the community and strengthen its partnership with stakeholders.

“We are opening our offices throughout the country to the communities we serve,” said USCIS Director Alejandro Mayorkas. “This is a continuation of our ongoing efforts to be transparent and open in our delivery of services to the public.”

San Jose attendees will tour USCIS offices, witness mock naturalization interviews, watch InfoPass demos, and talk to USCIS staff. This will be a great opportunity to preview the USCIS Naturalization interview.

For more info about more USCIS Open Houses, see: Upcoming Local Engagements in Your Area

Check out USCitizenPod's pictures from the SF USCIS Open House

Also coming up:
Citizenship Day! / Dia De Ciudadania!
Sat, April 9, 8:30am – 5:30pm
CET, 701 Vine St. San Jose Ca 95110

Obama Urges Businesses to Invest in America

USCIS 100:11. What is the economic system in the United States?*



VOAVideo: Obama Urges Businesses to Invest in America

President Barack Obama urged business leaders at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Monday to work more closely with his administration to improve the job picture and bolster economic growth in the United States. The president, who has often been at odds with the business community, reminded corporate leaders of their shared responsibility and promised to do more to help American businesses maintain their competitive edge. Mil Arcega reports.

USCIS 100:11. What is the economic system in the United States?*
* capitalist economy
* market economy

USCIS on Twitter

USCIS on Twitter

@USCIS Washington, DC Official Twitter channel of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. See our Twitter policy at www.uscis.gov/socialmedia
http://www.uscis.gov/

US Prayer Breakfast Brings Together Lawmakers, International Leaders

VOAVideo: US Prayer Breakfast Brings Together Lawmakers, International Leaders

The annual National Prayer Breakfast meeting Thursday in Washington brought together members of the U.S. Congress, a few world leaders, a Chilean miner and the husband of Gabrielle Giffords who was shot and injured last month at a political event in Arizona, VOA's Ravi Khanna has more on the story.

New Readers Press Citizenship program

New Readers Press Order $100 or more of New Readers Press Citizenship materials(s) by March 31st, 2011 and receive a FREE gift. Call 800-448-8878 and mention promotion code: CITS11 or download the order form at http://www.newreaderspress.com/

Adult Education, ESL and Citizenship, Citizenship Passing the Test
http://www.newreaderspress.com/
The Citizenship: Passing the Test program provides all of the skills and concepts needed to pass the Civics and Literacy tests and to prepare for the interview.

A complete teacher resource for the Citizenship: Passing the Test program including guidelines and teaching suggestions (48 pages)Student Pack

• (1) Civics and Literacy Student Book
• (1) Civics and Literacy Audio
• (1) Literacy Skills Workbook
• (1) Literacy Skills Audio
• (1) Ready for the Interview Student Book
• (1) Ready for the Interview Audio
• A FREE Teacher's Guide is included with each Student Pack order

USCIS on YouTube: The Citizenship Interview and Test

USCIS VIDEOS ARE NOW ON YOUTUBE!!!

This week, we will feature the videos from from the new USCIS Channel on YouTube



USCIS: The Citizenship Interview and Test

Informative description of the naturalization process including a sample interview and test.

USCIS Channel on YouTube

USCIS secures America's promise as a nation of immigrants by providing accurate and useful information to our customers, granting immigration and citizenship benefits, promoting an awareness and understanding of citizenship, and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system.

West Wing Week: "Dispatches from Sudan"

wh.gov: West Wing Week: "Dispatches from Sudan"

Today the official preliminary results from the historic referendum in Sudan were released. The people of Southern Sudan appear to have voted overwhelmingly in support of independence: total turnout was about 97 percent with almost 99 percent of voters casting their ballots to create the world's newest nation. West Wing Week was on the ground in Sudan during the week-long referendum, traveling to all parts of the country with the President's Special Envoy, General Scott Gration. We went behind the scenes at polling stations from Juba to Khartoum, met some of the international community who helped to ensure the vote was fair and peaceful, and traveled to Darfur to inspect conditions and learn about the commitment of the United States to peace in this region after decades of civil war.

VOANews: 99% of Southern Sudanese Vote for Independence

Nearly final referendum results show just 45,000 out of 3.8 million voters supported continued unity with north

VOANews: Choosing a New Name for a New Southern Sudan

Consensus seems to be forming that the newly independent country will call itself 'South Sudan'

New Year, New Podcast: USCS 100:10 Freedom of Religion

MP3 USCIS 100:10. What is freedom of religion?

· You can practice any religion, or not practice a religion.

PDF USCIS 100:10. M638 Quick Civic Lesson, more historical background, USPS stamps, and dictation!

1. New Year Day is January 1st.

2. New York City was the first capital of the United States

3. You are free to practice any reigion or not practice a religion.

USPS Lunar New Year Stamp

Happpy Lunar New Year from USCitizenPod
and Milpitas Adult School Citizenship class!

USPS.com: On Jan. 22, the U.S. Postal Service will issue the fourth of twelve stamps in its Celebrating Lunar New Year series, which began in 2008 with the Year of the Rat. The Year of the Rabbit begins on Feb. 3, 2011, and ends on Jan. 22, 2012.

The Lunar New Year is celebrated primarily by people of Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tibetan, and Mongolian heritage in many parts of the world. In the United States as elsewhere, the occasion is marked in various ways across a diverse array of cultures. Parades, parties, and other special events are common.

Kumquats, such as those depicted in the stamp art, are given as gifts and eaten for luck at this time of renewed hope for the future.

Famous people born in the Year of the Rabbit include film director Francis Ford Coppola, athlete Michael Jordan, and actress Drew Barrymore.

Art director Ethel Kessler worked on the series with illustrator Kam Mak, an artist who grew up in New York City’s Chinatown and now lives in Brooklyn. The illustration was originally created using oil paints on panel.

Kessler’s design also incorporates elements from the previous series of Lunar New Year stamps, using Clarence Lee’s intricate paper-cut design of a rabbit and the Chinese character—drawn in grass-style calligraphy by Lau Bun—for "Rabbit."

USCIS on YouTube: Redesign Highlights / Rediseño de USCIS.gov

USCIS VIDEOS ARE NOW ON YOUTUBE!!!

This week, we will feature the videos

from the new USCIS Channel on YouTube



USCIS.gov: Redesign Highlights

USCIS.gov: Rediseño de USCIS.gov

USCIS on YouTube: USCIS.gov: Where to Start

USCIS VIDEOS ARE NOW ON YOUTUBE!!!

This week, we will feature the videos

from the new USCIS Channel on YouTube

USCIS.gov: Where to Start

In September 2009, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services redesigned its Web site, USCIS.gov. This video provides a brief overview of the new site. It is also available on the USCIS.gov site

USCIS on YouTube: Ali Mayorkas introduces the new USCIS.gov

USCIS VIDEOS ARE NOW ON YOUTUBE!!!

This week, we will feature the videos from from the new USCIS Channel on YouTube



USCIS.gov: Ali Mayorkas introduces the new USCIS.gov
Ali Mayorkas introduces the new USCIS.gov

USCIS Channel on YouTube

USCIS secures America's promise as a nation of immigrants by providing accurate and useful information to our customers, granting immigration and citizenship benefits, promoting an awareness and understanding of citizenship, and ensuring the integrity of our immigration system.

West Wing Week 12/30/11 or "Best of the West (Wing Week)"

West Wing Week 12/30/11 or "Best of the West (Wing Week)"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, we're taking a look back at the President's third year in office, highlighting behind-the-scenes footage and some of our favorite presidential moments. That's January 1st to December 31st or "Best of the West (Wing Week)."

Arizona Shooting Reopens Gun Control Debate

VOAVideo: Arizona Shooting Reopens Gun Control Debate

The shooting deaths of six people and the attempted assassination of U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords in Tucson, Arizona last on January 8 has reopened debate across the United States over Americans' historic right to bear arms. But, many people in Arizona feel comfortable with laws that are among the least restrictive in the nation.

Calls for Bipartisanship in Washington Will Be Tested

VOAVideo: Calls for Bipartisanship in Washington Will Be Tested

After one of the most productive post-election legislative sessions in U.S. history, Americans are waiting to see whether the new Congress finds bipartisan common ground or reverts to the bickering and obstructionism that has hampered Washington's ability to address pressing issues.

West Wing Week: 1/28/11 or "To Build Stuff and Invent Stuff"

WH.gov: West Wing Week: 1/28/11 or "To Build Stuff and Invent Stuff"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. This week, the President delivered his State of the Union address, focused on jobs and the economy, and he took those ideas on the road traveling to Upstate New York and Wisconsin.

The 2011 State of the Union Address: Enhanced Version

WH.gov: The 2011 State of the Union Address: Enhanced Version
President Obama speaks about moving forward to create jobs, out-compete in the global economy by investing in innovation and education, and win the future for our children and our country. This enhanced version features charts, graphs and other visual aids that accompany the President's speech. January 25, 2010.

US President Addresses the Nation with Call for More Jobs, Cooperation

VOAVideo: US President Addresses the Nation with Call for More Jobs, Cooperation

U.S. President Barack Obama appealed to what he called Americans' creativity and imagination in urging the nation toward innovation and competitiveness. In his annual State of the Union address, Mr. Obama proposed new government investment even as the new Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives pushes to cut government spending. VOA's Carolyn Presutti summarizes the speech and the Republican response.

The 2011 State of the Union Address

WH.gov: The 2011 State of the Union Address

President Obama speaks about moving forward to create jobs,
out-compete in the global economy by investing in innovation and education,
and win the future for our children and our country. January 25, 2010.

Inside the White House: The State of the Union Address

WH.gov: Inside the White House: The State of the Union Address

Watch behind-the-scenes footage and interviews from the making of President Barack Obama's 2011 State of the Union Address. Senior Advisor to the President David Axelrod and Director of Speechwriting Jon Favreau give a rare inside look at the process behind the President's address.

Broadcast times:

• 9 pm EST
• 8 pm CST
• 7 pm MST
• 6 pm PST

Obama to Deliver Second State of the Union Address

VOANews: Obama to Deliver Second State of the Union Address

President Barack Obama delivers his second State of the Union Address to the nation on Tuesday, before a joint session of the U.S. Congress. VOA Senior White House Correspondent Dan Robinson tells us what to expect. (read more)

White House White Board: The Costs of Repealing Health Reform

WH.gov: White House White Board: The Costs of Repealing Health Reform

Stephanie Cutter, an Assistant to the President who has been working on implementing the health reform law, takes to the White House White Board to explain what repealing it would mean for family premium costs and American jobs.

US House Votes on Healthcare with Different Tone

WH.gov: US House Votes on Healthcare with Different Tone

A contentious bill came before the U.S. House of Representatives Wednesday. House members voted to repeal the nation's new health care reform law -- an issue championed by President Barack Obama. Some say the debate this week has been more civil because of the recent Arizona shootings that killed six and seriously wounded a congresswoman who supported the healthcare bill. But as VOA's Carolyn Presutti reports, the issue has stirred emotions from the beginning and will continue to do so.

Hu Calls for Closer Ties with US

VOAVideo: Hu Calls for Closer Ties with US

After receiving the red carpet treatment at the White House, a state dinner and private meetings with Capitol Hill lawmakers, Chinese President Hu Jintao capped his two day visit to Washington with a speech before a receptive crowd of political and business leaders. Mil Arcega reports.

West Wing Week: 1/21/11 or "A Rather Large Painting"

President Obama on the 50th Anniversary of JFK's Inauguration

WH.gov: President Obama on the 50th Anniversary of JFK's Inauguration

The President speaks about the legacy of President John F. Kennedy on the 50th anniversary of his inauguration. January 20, 2011.

New Podcast from USCITIZENPOD!

Today we will discuss USCIS 100:55, the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy Inaugural Address, and the passing of Sargent Shriver. (yes, we were inspired by the Google Doodle)

DOWNLOAD MP3

DOWNLOAD PDF

Google Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of John F. Kennedy Inaugural Address with Doodle

Google Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of John F. Kennedy Inaugural Address with Doodle

Video of JFK's Inaugural Address
Text of JFK's Inaugural Address

Quotes from JFK's Inaugural Address:

– “...the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.”

– “Let the word go forth...that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.”

– “Let every nation know...that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and the success of liberty.”

– “The world is very very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life.”

– “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.”

– “For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.”

– “All this will not be finished in the first 100 days. Nor will it be finished in the first 1,000 days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.”

– “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."

– “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.'

– “...let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.”

Obama Hosts Hu in State Visit

VOAVideo: Obama Hosts Hu in State Visit

Military bands and a 21-gun salute were part of the welcome for China's President Hu Jintao as he began the first White House state visit by a Chinese leader in 13 years.

WH.gov: China State Visit Arrival Ceremony (full video approx. 30 min)

President Obama welcomes President Hu Jintao to the White House for a state visit in an arrival ceremony on the South Lawn. January 19, 2011.

wh.gov: Presidents Obama, Hu Meet with Business Leaders (video 10 min)

President Obama and President Hu of China meet with American and Chinese business leaders at a roundtable meeting in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. January 19, 2011.

WH.gov: President Obama and President Hu Press Conference (video 70 min)

President Obama and President Hu Jintao of China hold a joint press conference in the East Room of the White House. January 19, 2011.

WH.gov: State Visit Working Lunch at the State Department (video 21 min)

Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton welcome President Hu Jintao of China to the State Department for a lunch during President Hu's state visit. January 19, 2011.

WH.gov: State Dinner with President Hu of China (video 16 min)

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama host President Chu of China at a State Dinner at the White House. January 19, 2011.

VOANews: Obama, Hu Vow Increased Cooperation

U.S. President Barack Obama and his Chinese counterpart, Hu Jintao, on Wednesday stressed the need to cooperate - even while acknowledging differences on trade, China's currency, and human rights.

President Obama's speech:

At a time when some doubt the benefits of cooperation between the United States and China, this visit is also a chance to demonstrate a simple truth. We have an enormous stake in each other’s success. In an interconnected world, in a global economy, nations -- including our own -- will be more prosperous and more secure when we work together.

The United States welcomes China’s rise as a strong, prosperous and successful member of the community of nations. Indeed, China’s success has brought with it economic benefits for our people as well as yours, and our cooperation on a range of issues has helped advance stability in the Asia Pacific and in the
world.

We also know this: History shows that societies are more harmonious, nations are more successful, and the world is more just, when the rights and responsibilities of all nations and all people are upheld, including the universal rights of every human being.

Mr. President, we can learn from our people. Chinese and American students and educators, business people, tourists, researchers and scientists, including Chinese Americans who are here today —- they work together and make progress together every single day. They know that even as our nations compete in some areas, we can cooperate in so many others, in a spirit of mutual respect, for our mutual benefit.

What Deng Xiaoping said long ago remains true today. There are still great possibilities for cooperation between our countries. President Hu, members of the Chinese delegation, let us seize these possibilities together. Welcome to the United States of America. Hwan-ying. (Applause.)

MLK 25 Challenge: What are you Doing for Others?

servedotorg: MLK 25 Challenge: What are you Doing for Others?

To mark the 25th anniversary of the King Holiday, and to encourage ongoing service throughout the year, we are launching the MLK 25 Challenge -- a call to all Americans to honor Dr. King by pledging to take at least 25 actions during 2011 to make a difference for others and strengthen our communities. Ask yourself this question: What are you doing for others?

Marking Martin Luther King's Birthday

WH: Marking Martin Luther King's Birthday

President Obama speaks about the importance of service and volunteering after marking Martin Luther King's birthday with a service project at Stuart Hobson Middle School in Washington, DC.

Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday a Time for Tributes

100. Name two national U.S. holidays.

VOAVideo: Martin Luther King, Jr Holiday a Time for Tributes (2010)

On January 17th, Americans will pay tribute to the legacy of slain civil rights leader The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the annual national holiday that celebrates his birthday (January 15th). Reverend King would have been 80 years old if he were alive today. More than 50 years ago, Dr. King campaigned across the United States, leading non-violent marches and demonstrations for equal rights for African Americans. VOA's Chris Simkins looks back at his life and the impact his work had on the country.

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

DREAM • ACT• LIVE

Shepard Fairey Inspired MLK Dream T-shirt

Shepard Fairey's art

Wikipedia: DREAM ACT

"This bill would provide certain illegal and deportable alien students who graduate from US high schools, who are of good moral character, arrived in the U.S. illegally as minors, and have been in the country continuously and illegally for at least five years prior to the bill's enactment, the opportunity to earn conditional permanent residency if they complete two years in the military or two years at a four year institution of higher learning."

DreamActivist.org is a multicultural, migrant youth-led, social media hub for the movement to pass the DREAM Act and pursue the enactment of other forms of legislation that aim to mend the broken immigration system.

The DREAM Act Portal is a clearinghouse of local and national DREAM ACT organizations and activities.

MLK Day Legacy of Service - 25th Anniversary

USCIS 100:55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?



servedotgov: MLK Day Legacy of Service - 25th Anniversary

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. changed the course of history and inspired us to build what he called "the beloved community." The King Legacy of Service 25th Anniversary video tells the story of how Dr. King's birthday evolved into a national day of service. Featuring civil rights luminaries such as Congressman John Lewis, Reverend Dr. Joseph Lowery, and Ruby Bridges, the 6-minute video reminds us of the importance of keeping Dr. King's legacy of service alive and challenges us to make service a part of our lives ─ everyday of the year.

USCIS 100:55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?

• vote
• join a political party help
• with a campaign
• join a civic group
• join a community group
• give an elected official your opinion on an issue
• call Senators and Representatives
• publicly support or oppose an issue or policy
• run for office
• write to a newspaper

For Martin Luther King, a Memorial in Washington Designed by a Chinese Artist

USCIS 100:85 What did Martin Luther King Jr do?



VOA Learning English Video: For Martin Luther King, a Memorial in Washington Designed by a Chinese Artist

From http://voaspecialenglish.com/ http://facebook.com/voalearningenglish

MARTIN LUTHER KING: "I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, and live out the true meaning of its creed."

Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Junior helped to change American history. He led protests against racial separation. And he taught non-violence, even when threatened with violence. His efforts helped lead to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

MARTIN LUTHER KING: "Free at last! Free at last! Thank God almighty, we are free at last!"

Four years later, King was murdered in Memphis, Tennessee. Now, a memorial on the National Mall in Washington will honor him. The memorial is set to open in August

USCIS 100: 85. What did Martin Luther King, Jr. do?*

• fought for civil rights
• worked for equality for all Americans

DC Children Study, Remember Martin Luther King Jr.

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



VOAVideo: DC Children Study, Remember Martin Luther King Jr.

This week, America celebrates the life of one of its most revered leaders, the late civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Each January, his birthday is observed as a national holiday. MacKenzie Babb in Washington has a report on how schoolchildren in the U.S. capital are commemorating Dr. King's work by memorizing his "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered 47 years ago on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

. . . I say to you today, my friends, so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

And if America is to be a great nation this must become true. So let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York. Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania!

Let freedom ring from the snowcapped Rockies of Colorado!

Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California!

But not only that; let freedom ring from Stone Mountain of Georgia!

Let freedom ring from Lookout Mountain of Tennessee!

Let freedom ring from every hill and molehill of Mississippi. From every mountainside, let freedom ring.

And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last! free at last! thank God Almighty, we are free at last!"

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

• civil rights (movement)

MLK Special

USCIS 100:48. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote.

Describe one of them.

Colorful people for a Better World, Barack Obama, Martin Luther King

by Ben Heine (Note : If you wish a print of this image, click "Buy This Print" )

USCitizenpod's MLK Day Special!

Today we will review the 96Qs (45) and the new 100Q (48, 84, 85, 100) related to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. You can get the MLK Day handout here. Also check out the following links.

1. MLK Center
2. Simple Wikipedia: MLK
3. Enchanted Learning: Martin Luther King, Jr.

WH.gov: President Obama on Dr. King's Legacy

The President speaks about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the importance of persistence in achieving broader goals in remarks at the Vermont Avenue Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. January 17, 2010.

VOANews: Obama Honors Martin Luther King, Jr.

U.S. President Barack Obama is leading the nation in honoring the life and legacy of the slain civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, Jr.

• Listen: Wolfson Report MP3
• Print This Article

Sean Banville is a busy, busy man. He writes free ESL lessons for his four ESL websites: Breaking News English, ESL Discussions, Famous People Lessons, and his new website: ESL Holiday Lessons.

ESLHolidayLessons.com for Martin Luther King Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a U.S. holiday that celebrates the birth date of one of America’s greatest civil rights leaders.
Word Doc PDF MP3 Listening Online Exercise

Famous People Lessons.com English Lesson Plan on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the most important leader of the American civil rights movement.
Word Doc PDF MP3 Listening Online Exercise

ESL Discussions.com Conversation Questions on Racism
What kind of world would it be if there was no racism?

USCIS 100:48. There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them.

• Citizens eighteen (18) and older (can vote).
• You don’t have to pay (a poll tax) to vote.
• Any citizen can vote. (Women and men can vote.)
• A male citizen of any race (can vote).

West Wing Week: Dispatches from Sudan - Preview

WH.gov: West Wing Week: Dispatches from Sudan - Preview

This week, an historic referendum took place in Sudan and West Wing Week takes you there. Watch a preview of "Dispatches from Sudan" and join General Scott Gration, President Obama's Special Envoy to Sudan for a unique look at the vote that could result in the world's newest nation. Go behind the scenes at polling stations from Juba to Khartoum, meet some of the international community helping ensure the vote is fair and peaceful, travel to Darfur to inspect conditions on the ground, and learn about the commitment of the United States to peace in this region after decades of civil war. That's coming soon to WhiteHouse.gov, watch the preview now.

President Obama Speaks at Arizona Shooting Victims Memorial

VOAVideo: President Obama Speaks at Arizona Shooting Victims Memorial

President Barack Obama called for unity as he tried to console Americans Wednesday night, just days after six people died in an assassination attempt on a U.S. lawmaker. The shooter's target, Representative Gabrielle Giffords of Arizona, suffered wounds to her head in the encounter. VOA's Carolyn Presutti brings us the president's words of comfort on the situation.

President Obama: Memorial in Arizona

WH.gov: President Obama: Memorial in Arizona

The President speaks at a memorial event for the victims of the tragic shooting in Arizona, "Together We Thrive: Tucson and America." (read the text)

Congratulations SF Mayor Edwin Lee!

Photo Brant Ward / SF Chronicle

San Francisco welcomed its first Asian-American mayor Tuesday afternoon, as City Administrator Edwin Lee was sworn in as interim mayor.

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to appoint Lee to fill the remainder of Mayor Gavin Newsom’s term. Newsom was sworn in Monday as California’s lieutenant governor.

For more info, see SFGate: SF Mayor Ed Lee pledges new political era

A Moment of Silence for Arizona Shooting Victims

WH.gov: A Moment of Silence for Arizona Shooting Victims

President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are joined by White House staff on the South Lawn as they observe a moment of silence to honor the victims of the tragic shootings in Tucson, Arizona. January 10, 2011.

My Senior ESL class 0bserved a moment of silence at 11 am. Then the students added their prayers in English and their native language: Vietnamese, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Spanish, Bulgarian, Farsi, and Serbian. Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, and non-religious students prayed for peace and health for Congresswoman Giffords, the victims of the Tuscon shooting, the people of Arizona, the United States, our home countries, and the whole world--

"We are all brothers and sisters!"

Arizona Shooting Rampage Sparks Sorrow, Outrage

VOAVideo: Arizona Shooting Rampage Sparks Sorrow, Outrage

A U.S. Congresswoman is in critical condition and six people are dead after a gunman opened fire in an Arizona parking lot where Representative Gabrielle Giffords was meeting with constituents. The dead include a federal judge. More than a dozen people were wounded, including Giffords. VOA's Michael Bowman reports, a federal probe has been launched amid a national outpouring of sorrow and outrage.

112th Congress Begins with Republican Party Majority in House of Representatives

VOAVideo: 112th Congress Begins with Republican Party Majority in House of Representatives

The U.S. Congress began a new session Wednesday. Republicans won enough seats in the November elections to take over the House of Representatives. As VOA's Carolyn Presutti tells us, their goal is to repeal some of the legislation enacted at President Obama's request.

West Wing Week: 1/07/11 or "Resolutions"

WH.gov: West Wing Week: 1/07/11 or "Resolutions"

Welcome to the West Wing Week, your guide to everything that's happening at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. This week, the first family returns to Washington, the President signs over 30 bills into law, and West Wing staff share their New Year's resolutions.

New US Congress Convenes

USCIS 100:47. What is the name of the
Speaker of the House of Representatives now?

On Wednesday, the job of Speaker of the House passed from Nancy Pelosi to John Boehner. (photo by Charles Dharapak, Associated Press)

VOANews: New US Congress Convenes

New session began Wednesday, with a Republican majority taking control of the House of Representatives (download mp3)

USCIS 100:47. What is the name of the Speaker of the House of Representatives now?

• John Boehner

Divided US Congress Convenes

VOAVideo: Divided US Congress Convenes

The U.S. Congress convenes this week with scores of new members committed to repealing or halting most of President Barack Obama's initiatives. The new Congress features a Republican-controlled House of Representatives and a reduced Democratic majority in the Senate. Shepherding bills through a divided legislature will require compromise -- a rare commodity in Washington -- at a time of stark partisan and ideological divides.

Grieving Widow Sends Political Message Through Art

VOAVideo: Grieving Widow Sends Political Message Through Art

When Washington artist Regina Holliday lost her husband to cancer last year, she immersed herself in painting. She used her art to express her grief while also raising awareness about problems in the American health care system, which she believes contributed to her husband's death.

West Wing Week: "Mailbag Day, New Year's Edition"

West Wing Week: "Mailbag Day, New Year's Edition"

In this special edition of West Wing Week, look back over the last year, watch the President sign a law getting those loud TV ads under control, and find out the answers to a couple burning questions from the mailbag.