Oct 4-8

Oct 6
    George Westinghouse was born on this day in 1846 in Central Bridge, New York. Westinghouse invented the air brake, which uses compressed air to power brakes on trains. He also invented automatic signal devices. During his lifetime, he obtained more than 400 patents for his inventions. In June of 1871, Westinghouse started the “Saturday half-holiday” custom in his Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania factory. Before then, Saturday was a full work day for most people.
    What do you do on Saturdays? Do you spend the morning as a “couch potato,” watching TV? Do you help with chores or yardwork? Do you participate in sports? Write about your typical Saturday.

Oct 7
    Today marks the birthday of Thomas James Wise. He was born in Gravesend, England, in 1859. Wise was a bibliophile—a person who loves and collects books. After he died on May 13, 1937, the British Museum acquired his library, which was full of rare editions and very valuable. Three years before his death, Wise found himself involved in a great scandal. For years he had been selling books and pamphlets for high prices, claming that they were worth in because they were old or rare or precious for some other reason. In fact, many of the pieces he sold were fakes! He forged them himself to raise money to buy more books for his own library. His greed led him to commit crimes and cheat people.
    Greed is an overwhelming desire for wealth, power, or possessions. Do you know someone you would consider greedy? Have you ever been greedy about something yourself? Explain your answer.