Moving Forward With Help From The Past

Well congradulations for making it to 8th grade!
I’m going to list the top 10 things to do so you can be the coolest 8th grade nerd ever:
1) Do not procrastinate
2) Always tell Mrs. Moen happy Wendsday on Wendsday
3) Argue your heart out in Coach Gorman’s class
4) Pick your groups wisely
5) Don’t expect formal to be the best night of your life ( it isn’t prom)
6) Mrs. Moen doesn’t like when you stalk her on facebook
7) Mrs. Moen throws apples at people who don’t stop talking
FPS is not as annoying this year but it still isn’t fun
9) Wendsday is sweatpants day
10) The only way to win the Andrew Jackson trial is to bribe the jury
Discoveries is really fun and by the time it reaches the end of 8th grade, the kids in your GT family feel like your second family. You’ll grow to love all of your GT teachers this year even if you don’t at first.
Now for some advice on writing blogs:
Don’t procrastinate because the website crashes sometimes. Being a fast typer will help you get the assignments done faster.
Overall 8th grade is really fun and Burger’s lake is the best day of the whole year. I hope your 8th grade year is absolutely fantastic.

Off-shore drilling is beneficial to America. This new source of oil has made gas prices decrease and provided mineral filled oil to America. It allows use to supply our own country with oil instead of depending on the Middle East. This will also increase government revenue by selling the oil. Offshore drilling has hazardous effects also. The drilling releases carbon admission which can be bad for the envoirnment. Drilling also brings the risks of oil spills.
I think that the offshore drilling accident is just like everyother thing we take risks on. We’ve had powerplants with hazardous chemicals spill and kill inicent people but we haven’t quit allowing them to run. It’s really unlucky that this spill happened but we will recover from it and as time goes on no one will think about this accident anymore and we will continue offshore drilling. I don’t like offshore drilling because it kills our wildlife and puts people out of jobs. Though it will continue to happen because we need oil. I think that America should save the oil in the ocean floor for a “rainy day.” America still has oil in the ground so we shouldn’t need alternative ways to get oil just yet. The risks of offshore drilling outweigh the benefits at this point in time and I think that offshore drilling should be banned until the oil in the ground is no longer availible.

Sports and Entertainment during the Antebellum Period
Competing and Playing in the midst of the Civil War

The Civil War was a rather depressing time for America. Family members and best friends were fighting each other in order to settle the dispute over session and slavery. Although this was happening, Americans were still passing time with games and entertaining things during the war. The Civil War(1861-1865) was during the Antebellum Period in American(1784-1865) which is when Americans shared the same desire to compete and win. They introduced some fun games like baseball, horse racing, billiards, bowling, and cricket.
Baseball was mainly popular in larger cities on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line but grew into a popular game during the Civil War that Americans from all different backgrounds could enjoy together. A lot of people found that baseball brought many Americans joy and togetherness during the Civil War. People also liked baseball because even a person of average height and weight could be successful at the game. Even the military played baseball to pass time while away at war. The Union Soldiers would play baseball while in Southern prison camps and the Confederate watched them play and begin playing too. They enjoyed it because it was a fun game that also provided conditioning for them. By the time the war was over, people from all over America found themselves playing baseball. It is now known as America’s National Pastime.
Cricket was big in America in 1860. Though once the Civil War broke out in 1861, many American soldiers found that it was hard to bring equipment with them while they were fighting. While cricket prospered largely in countries like England and Canada, it was one of America’s early war “casualties”.
Bowling was also introduced around the time of the Civil War. Dutch, English and German settlers brought bowling to America in the early 1800s. There was a lot of gambling centered around bowling so some states such as Connecticut made it illegal to maintain any “nine pin lanes”. It was extremely popular during the war but more with the rich rather than soldiers. Some of the wealthy even had a bowling lane installed in their mansion. After the Civil War, bowling was still spreading across America and in 1895, the American Bowling Congress was founded.
Horse Racing was very popular during the Civil War. Many Americans betted on their favorite horses to win much like we do today. Although most big cities in the North banned horse racing to protect people’s safety, jockey clubs were formed to keep the sport alive. A race was held before the Civil War between the North and the South and the North won in 1823. Three more of these races were held in 1836, 1842, and 1854.
Yatching was popular among the upper-class during the Civil War Era. The very first yachting club, The New York Yacht Club was founded in 1844 and after that yacht clubs began popping up everywhere.
Billiards, now known as pool, was popular during the Civil War. People during this time liked to gamble and billiards was a fun way for them to do so. Only males took part in billiard competition. Lower classes of society enjoyed public pool for gambling rather than the wealthy parts of society. In 1865 The American Billiard Association was founded by Micheal Phelan.
Cockfighting was also enjoyed by some Americans in the South during the 1860s even though it was becoming widely outlawed in 1856. Cockfights were attended by all classes of society but usually were only attended by men.
Overall, a lot of sports and games were either invented or reintroduced to America during the Civil War. The ones outlined in this post were the most popular sports and games played during the Civil War.

1) I personally believe that you should be allowed to do whatever you want, as long as you follow law, with your land that you own. The government does not have the power to tell you what to preserve on your land. Click here to read the US rights given on this topic. The government cannot tell you to do something on your land unless what your doing is endangering the public and well being of others. Whether or not an old trail is preserved is not effecting the safety of the public.

“For decades, the U.S. healthcare system was the envy of the entire world. Not coincidentally, there was far less government involvement in medicine during this time. America had the finest doctors and hospitals, patients enjoyed high-quality, affordable medical care, and thousands of private charities provided health services for the poor. Doctors focused on treating patients, without the red tape and threat of lawsuits that plague the profession today. Most Americans paid cash for basic services, and had insurance only for major illnesses and accidents. This meant both doctors and patients had an incentive to keep costs down, as the patient was directly responsible for payment, rather than an HMO or government program.” - Dr. Ron Paul. I believe the new health care plan is completely unessecary and a waste of time. Why fix something that isn’t broken? Americans are so lucky to have the kind of health care we have in America. Medical innsurance isn’t the government’s job. According to admendment 10 in the United States Constition, “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people,” no where in the constition does it say that the National Government has the power to control health care. Medical innsurance is a private industry, so why is the federal government even getting involved? If we allow the government to take control of health care then what else will they take control of because it causes “economic” problems to American citizens? Considering that 1/6th of the U.S. economy is at risk here, let’s look at the past social programs implemented by the federal government and see how well they have done. Social Security – A government program designed to replace privite company retirement programs and disability insurance. Look at the following statement from the 2009 Social Security Trustees Report, “Under the long-range intermediate assumptions, annual cost will begin to exceed tax income in 2016 for the combined OASDI Trust Funds. The com­bined funds are then projected to become exhausted and thus unable to pay scheduled benefits in full on a timely basis in 2037. The separate DI Trust Fund, however, is projected to become exhausted in 2020.”. Funds exhausted? Unable to pay Benefits? Cost will exceed income? – Does that sound like statements that come from a successful program? Do you think that Microsoft, Exxon or Wal-Mart have any of those phrases in their annual shareholders report? On the other hand, look at the private sector, for as bad as things have been for G.M. – retirees are still receiving their pension checks. Medicare / Medicade – Did I mention, we already have a government run healthcare program! Medicare and Medicate are designed to provide medical care / insurance to retirees, the poor and those who can not be covered by private health insurance. If we already have a program to cover those who can’t get private insurance, why do we need another program to cover those who can’t get private insurance? According to the 2007 Medicare Trustees report , “As the result of health care costs increasing at a much greater rate than wages, the hospital insurance trust fund is projected to be exhausted by 2019.”. Yet another massive, unconsitutional federal government program being run into the ground. One of the most common arguments you’ll see in the current health care reform debate is that we must have a new plan so we can save Medicare. The government took control of a portion of the health care industry and has now messed it up so bad that the only fix is to take over more of the health care industry? That would be like George W. Bush saying, “Hey guys, we didn’t do so great on the wars in Iraq and Afganistan but I’ve got a plan to fix it. We are going to invade Iran and South Korea as well so we’ll have more control and can get more done.”. Welfare – Once they were done with taking over retirement / disability and healthcare, the federal goverment turned their attention the takeover of charity. Once again reaching outside the bounds of the Constitution, they decided that it would be okay to forcably take money from citizens that had money and give it to those that don’t. Nevermind the fact that most of the people who have money worked for it or that some of those who don’t intentionally chose not to work. Forget the fact that we already had a charity system in place in this country – churches, Salvation Army, United Way and kind neighbors taking care of neighbors. The fed has failed on this one too. In 2008, the federal government spend over $380 billion dollars on welfare and is still projecting a shortfall for 2009. Goverment programs are enforced by law. They have no incentive to be efficient or effective – unless they get to the point where things get so bad that people start getting voted out of office – then those in office call it a “crisis” and try to fix it. Private programs (a.k.a. businesses) however have the greatest incentive to become efficient and effective for its customers. That incentive is called profit and it is the very basis of capitalism, which this country was founded. The founding fathers knew this and that is why they specifically kept the federal government from being involved in retirement, charity or health care. If we need a new health care system, fine. But let’s get guys who know what they’re doing to run it so it might actually have a chance to succeed and not be bankrupt it 10 years.

The Michigan Militia is a patriot group. They are not harmful, they do not threat the government or the well being of American citizens. Their actions are not extreme. How could you say that going to the shooting range and practicing hitting targets is extreme? The Michigan Milita members haven’t killed any people or held violent protests in the streets. They have some spectulations about Obama but is that really so bad? I don’t really believe they started this Militia because Obama may look different then our past presidents. It could be the fact they can’t trust him. There is something about him that is too mysterious to have that much power. Some Americans aren’t even sure he has a real birth certificate so I think its perfectly fine to have an emergency alarm sound in your brain at this information. That is exactly the alarm the members of the Michigan Militia heard in their brains. These men are wise. They will not sit back and wait to be betrayed by the government, instead they are preparing to risk their lives to keep the American spirit alive. Sure fears fuels the fire to this militia but isn’t that what the real military does. The real military trains for dangerous situations because they are afraid that America will be attacked. If all americans were this cautious then I think that we would be more prepared in emergencies. Every American has the right to form a militia and I think any one who says that some one is over reacting just by excersicing their rights is crazy. It could be argued the Michigan Milita are abusing the right to bare arms but they are just men shooting targets. They aren’t using them any different then the Bill of Rights permits. I would say they are using them the way the guns are meant to be; using them for protection. George Washington said, “Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the American people’s liberty teeth and keystone under independence.” James Madison said, “(The Constitution preserves] the advantage of being armed which Americans possess over the people of almost every other nation…(where) the governments are afraid to trust the people with arms.” Thomas Jefferson said, “No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms. The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.” In a way, the Michigan Milita are no more extreme than George Washington, Ben Franklin, Paul Reverre, and John Hancock. They were even more extreme but yet in the American eyes these men are seen as the purest of patriots in history. The Michigan Milita does not attempt any extreme acts nor act them out. Everything they do is supported be the constitution.

Is Freedom Free?

Is anything really ever free? Freedom is not free because people have been dying for freedom in our world since the begining of time. Everyone has suffered in some way for freedom even if they don’t die on the front line. Many have lost their fathers, uncles, cousins, brothers, sons, and women who are fighting in wars. War fatigues your heart, mind, and soul because it brings anyone fighting face to face with death. Knowing this simple fact hurts the hearts of our nation. The price for freedom hurts in almost every aspect of life but loss of life and debt are probably the biggest payments. The price of freedom has a dollar amount too. War is very expensive and adds a lot of debt to the countries involved. http://americanhistory.si.edu/Militaryhistory/exhibition/flash.html (This link will take you to a page where you can see the economical effects of the war in Iraq.) A lot of our debt in the US is from wars and war debt goes back as far as the American Revolution. I think that even though freedom is very expensive and takes dedication to achive the overall outcome is totally worth it. Brave people die for our freedom and are proud to do so, and money challenges can always be overcome in the long run. Nothing in life that can be bought will bring you true happiness but I think freedom is an exception to that rule. So, no freedom is not free.

How would a video game look to King George?

A video game would look like a technological revolution to King George. If King George were to see a video game, he would probably think it was a gift from God and only meant to be played by the rich and royal. Though King George would realize that he could tax the holy game for a lot of money and sell them to the general public.

How would a tank look to a Colonail Soldier?

A tank look to a Colonial Soldier would look like a nuclear explosion to modern day soldier. He’d would have probably expected that a tank could be invented but he would not be able to predict the full impact of the weapon. The Colonial Soldier would love to try out the tank and see how it worked. He may also be afraid of the power of the weapon because a tank is so large.

How would the internet look to Thomas Paine?

The internet would look the ultimate form of communication to Thomas Paine. If Thomas Paine were to see the internet today he would probably start a blog on a popular blog site and try to persuade people to use the internet to express their feelings toward a free American government. He then would use this new found internet to advertise his blog posts on social networking sites.

What would an automobile mean from the viewpoint of Paul Revere?

An automobile would probably mean a lot to Paul Revere because he could have gotten around to more people faster when he announced that the British were coming. Although the dirt roads of the colony probably would have suited Paul’s horse better rather than his automobile. I know that Paul would not be able to believe all the advancements of technology and he would have trouble following the speed limit with all of his excitement.

What would a camouflage outfit mean from the viewpoint of Gen. Howe?

A camouflage outfit would look like a new form of warfare to Gen. Howe. Uniforms give order and strength to the look of military people today so Gen. Howe would like the look of the uniforms and use the confidence that the uniforms give the men to disipline them and make them stronger. The camouflage material of the uniforms would also benefit Gen. Howe when his men are hiding from the enemy during battle.

What would a laser sight mean from the viewpoint of a cannon?

A laser sight would mean a new range of target for a cannon because if a cannon has laser sight than the cannon can have a more precise shot than without laser sight. The effeciency of a cannon with laser sight would increase tremedously since laser sight allows the cannon to hit a target right on.

How would you feel if you were at the Boston Tea Party?

If I was at the tea at the Boston Tea Party, I would feel accomplished because I knew I was speaking up for the people that were to scared of the government to stand up to them about the tea taxes. I would also be scared because standing up to the government is dangerous when the government controls your rights. Esspecially as a women I would be afraid that the government might try to take advantage of me when I was punished.

How would you feel if you were the first bullet fired at Lexington?

I would feel anxious because of the uncertianty that I felt from being the first bullet fired at Lexington. I would not know how people would take my presence. Though I would also feel presure to preform my actions perfectly so that I could set an example for the bullets to follow me.

How would you feel if you the printing press printing Common Sense?

I would feel proud of myself because I had the bravery to print a paper that told the cold truth of government officals. I feel everyone deserves to know the mistakes people in charge make but I might not have the nerve to stand up for my beliefs even though it is legal to tell the truth.

Ever since I was young I have changed my mind several times about what I want to grow up to be, but one thing has never changed… Basketball. This sport is my passion and every time I step on the court I am prepared to do anything it takes to reach my dream. When I was six I decided to experiment with some different things like cheerleading, volleyball, and soccer. I was having fun but my heart wasn’t into it. No matter how hard I tried I could not learn to love the other sports. Fall finally came around and I was going to start recreational baketball. Eight years later I have never stop playing and joined a select team also. I know to reach a division 1 college team it is going to take time, dedication, sweat, and heart. I’d do anything to play for a college team so when I step on to the court I know it’s work time. Even though I make mistakes and get discourage sometimes its nothing compared to swishing a three-pointer in a game or taking a charged so my team can get another chance to score.
Nothing can keep me from playing and I can’t stay off the court for more than two days before going crazy. I know in the end all of my hard work will pay off. Though after college if I don’t go any further I would like to become a physical therapist because I’d like to be in the field of sports medicine. I had an ankle injury lasting longer than five months from basketball so during that time I went to a physical therapist and I liked that they got to help injured athletes. After I get my degree I would like to be a physical therapist for Oklahoma University because that is my favorite college. As you can tell I plan on following my hopes and dreams in the future. Thanks for reading my blog!