One Cool Page of the Monticello Website

     I am a huge Thomas Jefferson fan.  He is my favorite historical figure.  I discovered a website called "Jefferson's Monticello."  There is a page on that site that I found really interesting.  It is all about Thomas Jefferson and his view on slavery.  The writer of the page describes how Jefferson was so opposed to slavery and all he did to oppose it.  But....right in the middle of the page is a letter offering a reward to anyone who finds one of Jefferson's run away slaves.  It is interesting to see the letter written in the original form with its Old English spellings.  There is  also a link to a book that can be purchased about the African American families that lived on Jefferson's Monticello estate.  Check out this web site, but especially the "Plantation and Slavery" page.  You won't be sorry!   Here is a link to help you get there faster:  http://www.monticello.org/site/plantation-and-slavery/thomas-jefferson-and-slavery

Thomas Jefferson-I didnt realize

     President of the United States, Author of The Declaration of Independence, organizer of the Louisiana Purchase; these are accomplishments most of us know that Thomas Jefferson made.  But, did you know that he founded the University of Virginia, was ambassador to France, and was an accomplished architect?  All of these are amazing feats for one man, but perhaps the most interesting fact that was unknown to me was that he owned over 130 slaves.  I find this to be an incredible fact considering that this is the man that coined  phrases such as "all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,"  and "the best principles of our republic secure to all its citizens a perfect equality of rights."  How is it then, that this champion of equal rights owned over 130 slaves?  It would seem that someone so set on providing equality for all men, would not enslave fellow human beings.  It seems to be a complete contradiction.  Although, some say he treated his slaves fairly and perhaps even provided a better life than they would have had outside of slavery, he still held slaves against their will.  So, would you consider Thomas Jefferson a hypocrite or a humanitarian?

Lost in Translation

Seeing is believing, but the problem is, you can't always believe what you see.    That seems to be the problem with texting.  "Heard you went to the party with John last night."  Is the writer of this text happy for you, mad at you, or just curious to see if you were there?  It is difficult for one to tell when all you have to go buy is words.  What is missing, is the tone.  I suggest that when texting always use an emoticon.  Simply inserting a smile, frown, or tear can let your reader know what tone is meant.  Misunderstandings or hurt feelings can be a thing of the past when texting with emoticons.  So, texting with emoticons can change your world from "lost in translaton" to "found in motivation."  :)