Freedom’s Nest

August 31, 2006

EXPERIENCE THE CIVIL WAR WITH YOUR EARS

Filed under: Uncategorized — Freedoms Nest @ 9:20 am

How much do you know about the Civil War? Can you name intense battles that occurred during the struggle? What areas of the United States were home to the bloodiest Civil War battles? The Civil War had a profound effect on the United States society, beliefs, and actions. It is important to understand the role the Civil War played in the interactions of cultures and industry today.You might have touched upon the Civil War in your high school History class. However, in college you majored in mathematics or engineering and your history repertoire fell by the way side. Don’t fret. You can make up for your lost history knowledge by learning about the Civil War from audio books. Audio learning is great because you don’t have to spend hours reading thick textbooks on the subject. You can listen while you clean your house or enjoy lemonade and sandwiches on your back porch.

Let’s assume that you scratch your head when asked any questions about the Civil War. If that’s the case then you will want to start by listening to “Don’t Know Much about the Civil War” by Kenneth C. Davis. This audio book covers basic information about the Civil War. In addition it answers detailed questions involving the Gettysburg Address, Robert E. Lee, and the Emancipation Proclamation. You will understand the components of the Civil War by listening to this title which is available in audio CD, audio cassette and digital download formats.

Once you know the general aspects of the Civil War take time to listen to a documentary chronicling the Civil War. You can do this by listening to “The Civil War Collection” from Topics Entertainment. Audience members ranging from history enthusiasts to those new to the history of the Civil War will be in awe at the comprehensive timeline presented. It will take you from the start of the war through the very end.

Another great title to add to your Civil War collection is “The Civil War: A Narrative, Volume I” by Shelby Foote. Learn about battles, issues, and conflicts from Fort Sumter to Perryville. This is an intriguing listen as the story is related through the point of view of its own characters. This makes the reader feel close to and engrossed in the story. Follow up this first comprehensive narrative with “The Civil War: A Narrative, Volume II” and “The Civil War: A Narrative, Volume III“, also by Shelby Foote.

An exciting opportunity to listen to the experiences of those directly associated with the Civil War is available to you. Listen to “The Last Civil War Widows” by Joe Richman. These two women married Civil War soldiers that were much older then they were. They married into history and give accounts of their husband’s experiences in the war. Take advantage of the unique opportunity to learn more then just the explanations of historians. Listen to the Civil War insiders themselves.

Brush up on your Civil War history by listening to these audio books. This will help you to jump in on the all-too-common dinner party discussion about the Civil War where you can discuss the battles with confidence and astound your friends with your historical knowledge.

About The Author: Jillian Gregory writes for LearnOutLoud.com, an online portal for educational and self-development audio and video material which can be found at http://www.learnoutloud.com.

July 10, 2006

THE SUPREME COURT PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

Filed under: Uncategorized — Freedoms Nest @ 10:42 am

The United States Supreme Court has been an active focus of politicians, news media, and concerned citizens in recent months. The scrutiny of the Supreme Court Justices erupted when Chief Justice Sandra Day O’Connor retired from her position on the Supreme Court. Debate about who should replace her on the Supreme Court filled daily talk shows, political arenas, and dinner tables. President George W. Bush nominated John G. Roberts and the process of his confirmation is in the works.Recently another Supreme Court position opened as Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist passed away. President George W. Bush will need to appoint another candidate for confirmation. Therefore, the composition of the Supreme Court Justices will be an intense topic of debate for many months to come. Why not become an informed citizen and improve your knowledge about the United States Supreme Court?

Perhaps you already listen to news talk radio in your car on the way to work. Try popping in an audio book instead. Go head to head with the news talk radio hosts when you learn more about the political system. For instance, let’s say you are interested in learning more about soon-to-be retired justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Try checking out her audio title “The Majesty of the Law: Reflections of a Supreme Court Justice“. This title will help to give you greater insight into this remarkable lady.

To acquire a more thorough background on the United States Supreme Court there are a couple of courses that you’ll likely enjoy listening to. The Teaching Company has a great course called “The History of the Supreme Court” by Peter Irons. A similar title from the Barnes & Noble Portable Professor series is “Shaping Justice“. These courses cover some of the landmark cases in our Supreme Court’s history and allow you to hear more details of controversial rulings like abortion and free speech.

Do you watch “Meet the Press” with host Tim Russert? In April of 2005 he had the opportunity to interview Chief Justices Stephen Breyer, Sandra Day O’Connor, and Antonin Scalia and the audio version is available here. Hear their thoughts and experiences as Supreme Court Justices and how the interpretation of the Constitution is integral to their roles.

And there are even a couple of Supreme Court-related podcasts you can try listening to. Check out “The Oyez Supreme Court Podcast” by Jerry Goldman. This is a bi-weekly discussion of Supreme Court cases from the past and present and insight into future Supreme Court cases is included. Another podcast to try is Evan Schaeffer’s “Legal Underground Podcast“. It’s not entirely devoted to the Supreme Court but there are some very relevant episodes. These are great supplements to the audio books listed earlier and to news talk radio.

Plunge into the debate by understanding the Supreme Court as well as the Chief Justice nomination process. It’s an incredibly important part of our political process and now, thanks to these audio programs, is easier to learn about than ever before.

About The Author: Jillian Gregory writes for LearnOutLoud.com, an online portal for educational and self-development audio and video material which can be found at http://www.learnoutloud.com.

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