whatishouldhavelearned

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Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge: it is those who know little, and not those who know much, who so positively assert that this or that problem will never be solved by science.

Charles Darwin

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Are you celebrating Darwin Day?

Keep Questioning.

Keep Learning.

Keep Evolving. 

#DarwinDay http://darwinday.org

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Get your vote on, ladies

On Feb. 14, 1847, famed American suffragette Anna Howard Shaw was born. Shaw was instrumental in unifying the women's suffrage movement into the National American Woman Suffrage Association. She went on to serve as president of the NAWSA for 11 years.

Another big win for women's suffrage was the formation of the League of Women Voters, which took place in Chicago on Feb. 14, 1920. The group was dedicated to advancing women's roles in public affairs, which came in handy when the Nineteenth Amendment was passed just six months later.

How to celebrate: Make sure you're registered to vote for the upcoming election, and for every round of elections afterward. After that, go spend some quality time with your best female friends and revel in your female empowerment.

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If ‪The Interview‬ offers a cautionary tale in what happens when you satirize existing world tyrants, Charlie Chaplin's The Great Dictator Movie is perhaps the poster child of satirizing existing world tyrants.

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Watch President Obama’s statement on the Ferguson grand jury decision.

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(FYI: We’ve been posting news here on Tumblr, because NPR.org has been experiencing some hiccups. Our tech team says they’ve worked that out; see our NPR.org post for more updates on Ferguson tonight.)

A grand jury did not indict Ferguson, Mo., police officer Darren Wilson for any crimes...

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"If we desire a society of peace, then we cannot achieve such a society through violence. If we desire a society without discrimination, then we must not discriminate against anyone in the process of building this society. If we desire a society that is democratic, then democracy must become a means as well as an end."

Bayard Rustin, Human Rights Activist, Humanitarian, Civil Right Architect & LGBT Leader

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Our answer is the world’s hope; it is to rely on youth. The cruelties and the obstacles of this swiftly changing planet will not yield to obsolete dogmas and outworn slogans. It cannot be moved by those who cling to a present which is already dying, who prefer the illusion of security to the excitement and danger which comes with even the most peaceful progress. This world demands the qualities of youth: not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of the imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the love of ease. Our grandparents where the Moses’s of the civil rights movement, our parents the Joshes who shepherded into the U.S. & now we must be the King Solomen’s and create an environment where human rights flourish. We still must fight for peace, justice and liberty for all, without violence but with words, economic prosperity and actions. We still have a battle but we can choose to fight without weapons and learn, educate and share with love. No human life is worth more or less. We must be the future that we hope to see and not what generation have seen for us. We must carve the path for a better humanity.

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This Veterans Day, join Got Your 6 as we empower our returning veterans and they reinvigorate our communities. Today is not about just thanking a veteran. It is also about having a conversation with a veteran and empowering them to do great things here at home. http://bit.ly/1uj9dne

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Veterans Day with Medal of Honor recipient @chiksdigscars

To see more of Kyle’s life after war, follow @chiksdigscars, and to see more veterans’ stories, browse the hashtag #EverydayUSAVets

“I understand that what we have in this country is precious, and people sacrificed, bled, and died for that,” says Kyle Carpenter (@chiksdigscars), the youngest living recipient of the Medal of Honor. As a 20-year-old US Marine deployed to Afghanistan, Kyle used his own body to shield a fellow Marine from a grenade blast. He barely survived, and spent the next three years recovering from catastrophic injuries.

On Instagram, he shares his life of resilience, with glimpses of marathon running, skydiving, and cliff jumping, and he offers a message to his followers:

“You can get hurt or have a life-changing event and still work hard, be positive, enjoy life and most of all, come out better than you ever expected or thought you could.”

Now retired from the military, Kyle is pursuing a degree in International Studies at the University of South Carolina.

“I truly feel like I am living the American dream,” he says.

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What to Do in Washington DC on Veterans Day 2014

More than 800,000 people are expected to salute America’s veterans at the National Mall tomorrow.

Many will attend “The Concert for Valor,” a free, three-hour Veterans Day concert sponsored by HBO, Starbucks and Chase. It starts at 7 p.m. Eastern and runs until about 10 p.m., but spots on the Mall are first-come, first-serve. The Mall opens at 10 a.m., so strategize as you see fit (but you can’t camp overnight).

A special viewing stage will accommodate veterans, active-duty service members, and their families, and members of the military are encouraged to wear their colors.

Can’t make it to the concert? HBO will air it live tomorrow night at 7 p.m. Eastern. You don’t have to be an HBO subscriber to watch, because the channel will be unlocked for the show.  Follow along on Twitter with the hashtag #ConcertForValor, and add your #CivilianSalute to these famous names honoring America’s heroes.

If you’re visiting Washington D.C. for Veterans Day, here are some important tips, as well as suggestions on where to go before and after the concert. Descriptions of the following activities comes from their respective websites.

Travel

It’s important to look to WMATA for information regarding travel. Make sure you know what not to bring while traveling. Plan your travels accordingly. Note: All stations will be open except Smithsonian.

View the map here: http://inthecapital.streetwise.co/2014/11/10/veterans-day-2014-concert-washington-dc/

Veterans Day Observations (all times Eastern):

Arlington National Cemetery November 11, 2014, 11 a.m. Across the Potomac from Washington at the west end of the Memorial Bridge, Arlington, Virginia. (703) 607-8000. This is the national Veterans Day service with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Seating in the amphitheater is limited, so visitors should plan to arrive at least a half-hour before the ceremony.

American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial November 11, 2014, 10-11 a.m. and 3-4 p.m. 150 Washington Ave SW, Washington, DC. The new memorial will host a free ranger talk about the sacrifices, struggles and triumphs experienced by veterans disabled while serving America.

Women In Military Service For America Memorial November 11, 2014,  3:00 p.m. Located at the Gateway to Arlington National Cemetery.  The ceremony is free and open to the public and will include formal military honors, a keynote address, veterans’ remarks and a wreath- laying.  “In a Heart Beat,” a photography exhibition by Therese Hughes, showcases the strength, courage and humanity of 90 women who have served our country between World War II to the War on Terror. The exhibit will be on display until September 2015.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial November 11, 2014, 1 p.m. Constitution Avenue and Henry Bacon Dr. NW, Washington, DC. Color guard, speakers and a wreath-laying ceremony pay tribute to all who served and sacrificed during the Vietnam War and America’s other conflicts.

Vietnam Women’s Memorial November 11, 2014, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2-4 p.m. Constitution Avenue and Henry Bacon Drive, NW Washington, DC. (301) 314-8505. Vietnam-era veterans and the children of veterans tell stories “in their own voices” about their experiences. There will also be stories featuring soldiers of the current struggles in Iraq and Afghanistan and other locations around the world.

World War II Memorial November 11, 2014, 9 a.m. 17th Street, between Constitution and Independence Avenues, NW Washington, DC. (202) 619-7222. Wreath-laying ceremony.

Navy Memorial November 11, 2014. 701 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC. (202)737-2300. The Naval District of Washington will lay a wreath at the Lone Sailor Statue in commemoration of Veterans Day. As part of the Memorial’s “Authors on Deck” book lecture series, author Patrick K. O’Donnell will present his latest work, First SEALs. The presentation begins at noon.

Air Force Memorial November 11, 2014, 11 a.m. One Air Force Memorial Drive, Arlington, VA. Wreath-laying ceremony and a two-minute moment of silence will be observed to commemorate those members of the U.S. armed forces who were killed during war.

Museums:

The nation’s capital is full of rich history, museum, estates and parks. Remember that the Smithsonian Metro station will be closed tomorrow. Plan accordingly.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, Museum and Gardens Mount Vernon welcomes active, former and retired military with free admission on Veterans Day to experience special programming for the day. The estate salutes veterans on November 11 with a wreath-laying at Washington’s tomb and a patriotic community concert by barbershop chorus the Harmony Heritage Singers at 11 a.m. and a performance by the United States Air Force String Orchestra at 3 p.m. National Museum of American History The Smithsonian Institution’s cache of Americana displays, The Price of Freedom: Americans at War, features a history of America’s military from the French and Indian Wars to the present conflict in the Middle East, exploring the impact of conflict on citizen soldiers, their families and communities. See George Washington’s sword and scabbard in person, and see the chairs used by Generals Lee and Grant during the surrender at Appomattox in 1865.

The Newseum The museum devoted to the First Amendment has numerous exhibits that intersect with Veterans Day themes. Among them Blood and Ink, an investigation of coverage of the Civil War, and the Journalists Memorial, a tribute to international reporters who have lost their lives covering conflict or murdered as a result of coverage. Military service members will have free admission to the Newseum on Veterans Day.

National Museum of American Jewish Military History November 11, 2014, 3 p.m. 1811 R St NW, Washington, DC. Dedication ceremony celebrating the opening of the new exhibit, “Jews in the American Military,” which chronicles Jewish participation in all armed conflicts of the United States. Explore where, when, and how Jews served in our nation’s military from stories, letters and memorabilia donated by Jewish veterans and their families. The exhibit includes artifacts such as a brain surgery kit from the Civil War, a diary from a Jewish POW, and a Torah carried by a Jewish army chaplain on the Burma Trail.

Sports:

Hockey: Face Off for Valor, USA Warriors vs. NCR Hockey – November 11 at Verizon Center, Washington, D.C. Enter through the press entrance on 6th & G. Puck drops at 1:55pm, and admittance is free.

The USA Warrior Ice Hockey Program provides those wounded in defense of the United States and those who have physical disabilities incurred during service to the United States with a recreational, therapeutic experience through the sport of ice hockey. The NCR Joint Military Hockey Team is a group of active, reserve and retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces who play hockey to raise money for charity.

Galas:

Comfort for America’s Uniformed Services (CAUSE) A night of renewing hope and lifting spirits of wounded service members and their families. This event includes a reception, silent auction, dinner and several guest speakers raising awareness of the importance of recreation, relaxation and resiliency during the healing process of wounded service members and their families.

Free or Discounted Entertainment (year-round):

Washington Nationals – $3 discount

Capital Wheel – $1.50 discount

The Crime Museum: $2 off admission

International Spy Museum: $6 off regular admission

Hard Rock Café: 15% off food, non-alcoholic beverages and retail purchases to active military

National Geographic Museum: $2 off $11 adult admission

President Lincoln’s Cottage: $3 off its general admission ($15)

Ford’s Theatre: 50% off on tickets to select performances. Purchase through Ticketmaster and use promo code MILITARY or call (800) 982-2787. To redeem in person, you must mention the Blue Star Theatres program at the Box Office once arriving at the theatre. Limit of two per person.

Washington Redskins – discount varies

DC United – up to 30% discount

Arena Stage – 20% discount

Folger Shakespeare Theatre – 50% discount

Wooly Mammoth Theatre – 10% discount

Theatre J - $15 off

Young Playwrights Theatre – FREE tickets

Studio Theatre – 20% discount

Bobby McKey’s – FREE cover (standing room) on Friday Nights “Armed Forces Fridays”

Round House Theatre – tickets are reduced to $35 and $20

Signature Theatre – 20% discount

Veterans Day freebies via USA 9

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“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” - Elmer Davis

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Will you add your ‪#‎CivilianSalute‬ to these famous names honoring America’s Heroes? Here’s How.

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HBO, Starbucks and Chase present The Concert for Valor live from Washington D.C., November 11th.

‏Empower, Engage, Learn, Serve, Share, Contribute: Six ways you can support veterans. #ConcertForValor #GotYour6

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Invest in Veterans, Daily- Not Just on Veterans Day

Happy Veterans Day to all those who have served and to the families of all that have a loved one who served. What does a holiday — a single day — really mean to the 19.6 million veterans it’s meant to honor? Exceed the Veterans Day.

Everyday we should be thankful for our veterans. We should be investing, helping with transition and supporting our veterans and their families daily. Here are just some ways to go above and beyond the holiday.

Invest in Veterans. That’s right either invest in their future by helping them transition to the workforce or invest in their small business. Remember this when Small Business Saturday is approaching. Over 77% of veterans have struggled through unemployment and more than a quarter have searched for more than a year for a job, according to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. Hire vets- their wealth of knowledge from the field can be so useful to your company. Here is a great site for resources and additional information http://www.gotyour6.org/. You can also help by setting up their LinkedIn profile, help them translate their military experience into work jargon. LinkedIn has a special feature just for veterans, where they can discuss their transition and career plans in a community of veterans and allies through the Veteran Mentor Network. Veterans get a free 1-year Premium Job Seeker account to access advanced job search tools, stand out, and contact hiring managers. If Veterans want a more secure network you can also help them set up a RallyPoint. RallyPoint is the #1 professional military network that connects organizations with the right military talent.

Encourage their Educational Journey. Let them know of multiple resources available to them. Education can be key to helping them succeed at their new careers. Get the most out of their military experience and make sure colleges give them credit where credit is due. Many college can evaluate military experience and transfer it over to college credit.

Veteran GI Bill Users Guide

GI Bill Eligibility Details

Additional Features and Details

VA Form 22-1990

2012-13 Montgomery GI Bill Rates

Tutorial Assistance

Work Study Program

Apprentice and On-the-Job Training Program

GI Bill Licensing and Certification Benefits

Veterans Education Assistance Program - VEAP

Reserve Education Assistance Program - REAP

Vocational Rehabilitation

GI Bill FAQs

Federal Student Aid

State Veteran Education Benefits

Scholarships

Don’t stereotype veterans. so check your presumptions at the door. Do not go assuming that every veteran is broken, or that every veteran you meet is broken. Treat them like regular people. It’s critical for everyone to remember that having PTSD doesn’t mean a person will be violent, and not every veteran has PTSD. Each veteran has a unique story. Help Veterans’ Families, don’t let them go uncounted. Don’t push military family members away because you’re afraid you’ll say the wrong thing. Just asking them means you care, and that means everything. War’s trauma can wrack entire families. Family members have endured unprecedented multiple deployments during two wars, in Afghanistan and Iraq, lasting more than a decade. That means financial and emotional stress for relatives. If a family member returns from war, it’s often the relatives who must care for them. Get Involved with Veteran Volunteer Programs. There are so many great programs for you to get involved with, just make sure to research them first. From veterans with disabilities to homeless vets. Their is so much you can do to help. Organize an event. Listen. Share. You can find programs here: http://www.volunteer.va.gov/index.asp

Elect Leaders who help veterans. Pressure the Department of Veteran Affairs. This shouldn’t just fall on veterans back, Be a watch dog. Make sure your elected officials are keeping a tab on the VA.

How will you exceed Veteran’s Day?