Irish Dancing- Gra, Dilseacht, Cairdeas

That's Gaelic for Love, Loyalty, and Friendship in case anyone was wondering

I have been doing Irish dancing for 10 years now with the O'Neill-James School and I don't think I will ever be able to stop. Very little in Irish dancing comes naturally to me, but I am addicted to it so I have practiced a ton and I think I have improved :)

I am so fortunate that I have been able to participate in competitions, which have really drawn me closer to my mom and my dance friends. I have been to the Southern Region championships in Florida, Dallas, and Charlotte and been to more local competitions.

The elaborate costumes, fake tans, wigs, and makeup have gotten really pageant-y since I first started, but it definitely makes it more fun. I would never want to give up my hot pink tulle ruffle dress either :) My favorite part about Irish dancing is doing performances because I love to see how the audience reacts to everything (plus, if I mess up, they don't know it.)

I'm not sure if I will be able to continue dancing in college. Whatever happens though, I don't think I will ever forget Irish dancing. I'm constantly going over my steps with my toes and fingers wherever I am so I think it will be hard to stop!

If anyone is interested in Irish dance lessons, here's my school's website :)

http://www.oneilljamesschool.com

CE #2- Texas's New Conservative Curriculum

The Texas School Board adopted a new social studies curriculum last week. Most members of the Board are Republicans and the new curriculum reflects more conservative views of American history.

Civil rights movements, slavery, and the UN are many areas which have been watered down. More liberal Texans as well as people all around the country have been angered by these changes because they feel it discourages kids from thinking critically as well as skewing national history. The board wanted to highlight the Judeo-Christian backgrounds of the founding fathers and they did not want to change B.C. and A.D. to B.C.E and C.E.

Texas's changes may affect other states as well, because textbook companies will have to change their information to fit Texas's curriculum.

I thought this was an interesting article because it kind of shows how the conservative/liberal debates aren't just in politics, they're in education too. It's actually kind of frustrating that that is happening because the 2 shouldn't have to overlap. I don't mind a more conservative curriculum and I would definitely be disappointed if they change Before Christ to Before the Common Era, but I understand that everyone has different beliefs and they should all be represented.

Click here for the article in the Washington Times.

Senior Reflection #1: The Snow!

One memory that I will always remember from my senior year will be the 2 big snow storms in December and February. I still can't believe how much snow that we got and how much everyone's lives were altered because of it. Like, being stuck in the house, missing school for over a week, and not having groceries.

In the past, I have usually looked forward to snow days, but I almost started getting sick of being at home. It was also kind of a bummer missing so many activities, like dance class. I even missed a college interview that couldn't be rescheduled :(

The storms weren't all bad though. The neighborhood looked very pretty blanketed in snow and it gave me some free time to go sledding, bake, and be with friends (if I didn't have to drive to their houses).

While the snow was kind of cool, I'm hoping it will be a few years before we get that much again!

Before and After photos of the snow from my front porch!

CE #1- A New Battle for Wounded Veterans

Many wounded veterans struggle to overcome the anger and depression of being injured in combat. When they are unable to continue fighting, they miss their sense of brotherhood.

In Colorado Springs, wounded soldiers have found a new kind of battle- the Warrior Games for wounded servicemen and women. Many participants want to be back in the wartime scenario and to get back into action. The Warrior Games are different however, because "it is a more friendly battlefield- no one's getting hurt, no one's in a war, but we're competing with each other." (Sgt. Mark Esposito).

The wounded soldiers are coached by military trainers and the U.S. Paralympics division in volleyball, cycling, shooting, archery, track and field, basketball, and swimming. 

The games have given these soldiers, who have lost so much, a new sense of brotherhood and motivation that keeps them healthy. 

Unfortunately, many competitors deal with the emotional strains for the need of constant medication and medical attention. 

But, the soldiers say that the brotherhood in the Warrior Games reminds them of the brotherhood in the service. "As soon as you meet another Marine, its like you have that instant connections." (Bradley Walker)

I really enjoyed this article because I liked to see that there are opportunities for US wounded veterans. These injured men and women lose limbs and get burns, but the hardest part is the mental discomfort that they have to go through. I was glad that this author interviewed the soldiers to see how much they enjoy being back in the competitive atmosphere. 

Please read the article here in the Washington Times. 

Editorial #5- FCC wants Broadband

Broadband has become a major part of Americans' lives. Over the past 10 years, the number of Americans who have broadband at home has increased by 192 million users.

The Federal Communications Commission has released the NAtional BRoadband Plan that faults the market for failing to "bring the power and promise of broadband to us all." What they're saying is that they want the government to fund broadband usage for everyone including the poor and those who do not currently receive it. They stated that it was like the necessity of a telephone. However this Washington Post editorial states that while Internet and Broadband usage has become an important part of daily life, it is not as vital as a telephone, which can be used to call for help in emergencies.

The FCC also wants to expand the broadband infrastructure. Washington Post believes this is an premature action because we can't tell what technology will exist in the future. Also, big businesses usually get involved and that's not what we want right now.

I agree that some of the FCC's assertions are a little hasty. They seem to want to expand their commission without any evidence that states that they need to. However, I think that Internet access is very important for the country. Students who live in poor or rural areas should also have access to telecommunications because that is the primary source of business in modern times.

Click here for the editorial in the Washington Post.

Editorial #4- Politicians' Pocket Money

Where does all of your tax money go? According to this Washington Times editorial, a lot of it goes directly into the pockets of Congressmen. 

It is difficult to win a Congressional election and the job requires a lot of experience and effort, but being a congressman also boasts some benefits. Congressmen's travel expenses are paid for by the government. They can receive up to $250 a day to cover hotel, food, and travel. This amount may not seem like much, but since most Congressmen attend events where their meals and travel expenses are already covered, they are left with extra cash. The Washington Post accuses Washington's politicians of pocketing this extra money to buy personal items or cover their spouse's travel costs. Former Rep. Sue Kelly (R-NY) "There's a tacit understanding that if lawmakers don't spend the money, they get to keep it."

I think it is very fraudulent for American politicians to use taxpayers' money dishonestly. It is clear that the money they receive is for travel purposes and they should be smart enough to realize that they don't get to keep whatever is left. My only complaint about this editorial is that it doesn't provide any specific examples of this occurring. I'm sure it does/has happened before, but they seem to be accusing all politicians of this without any solid proof. 

Click here for the editorial in the Washington Times

Editorial #3- Health Care Plan C?

According to the author of this editorial published in the Washington Post, there are 3 plans to handling the Health Care Bill. Plan A is the current health care system, B is what is being voted on by the Senate, and Plan C is a new idea that would deal with the costliness of health care. 

Plan C would mean the implementation of a "Cadillac tax"on expensive health care plans. The author thinks that these taxes are necessary to raise money for the subsidies of the uninsured and it would be the most effective tool in reducing the cost growth that threatens the nation. President Obama doesn't seem interested in starting this tax, which the author says might be bad for that nation because of the rising national debt. 

I thought that this editorial was interesting because of its proposal for a new health care plan, but overall, I don't agree with the author's ideas. I am not a supporter of the new health care plan so not only do I not want to see it change, I definitely would not want to see a new tax imposed to raise money for it. In terms of easing national debt, I think that there are others ways we could go about solving it other than taxation. 

Click here for the article in the Washington Post.