Thomas Edison was born on February 11, 1847, in Milan Ohio. He was an inventor of many things and lived a long life. When he was very young, he had scarlet fever and ear infections that muffled his hearing. Edison was the youngest of his seven siblings. His mother, a school teacher, influenced him, during his youth years. In 1854 his family moved to Port Huron, Michigan, where Edison attended at a school. His teacher found him hyperactive and difficult. His mother pulled him out of school and taught him at home.

By age 11, Edison had a huge interest in knowledge. He began to learn independently too, and would continue to do so for most of his life. At 12, he started selling newspapers, and eventually wrote an article himself. It was called Grand Trunk Herald. He made a small laboratory in the baggage car of a train. In one of his experiments, he caused a fire, and was kicked out of the train. While Edison was working at a railroad, he saved a 3-year-old child from nearly getting run over by a train. The child’s father, in return, taught him how to operate a telegraph. By the time he was 15, he completely learned to be a telegraph operator.

Edison did a lot of experimenting with technology. In 1860, he moved to Louisville, Kentucky. There, he for a company called The Associated Press. In 1868, he returned home and found his parents falling apart. His mother was becoming mentally ill, and his father had no job. Edison decided to pay more attention to his future. He moved to Boston and got a job at the Western Union company. Then he left to New York City and invented an improved version of the stock ticker. When he found himself successful with his invention, he quit his job on being a telegraph operator, and decided to go on full time inventing.

Edison set up a lab in Newark, New Jersey. He patented a quadruplex telegraph. In 1871, he married Mary Stilwell, one of his employees. During their marriage, they had three children named Marion, Thomas, and William, who also became an inventor. But thirteen years later, Mary died of brain tumor in 1884. Edison continued inventing in his mid-adulthood. He created the phonograph, and patented the light bulb. He created his own company, called the Edison Illumination Company. He married Mina Miller in 1886. He had long-lasting competitors, like Nikola Tesla.

He was in his 80’s by the time he finished the last of his 1,093 patents. He died of diabetes on October 18, 1931 in West Orange, New Jersey. He was 84 years old and supposedly deaf. Thomas Edison was a businessman and a very famous technology inventor, even if some of his inventions weren’t successful.

Born on October 27, 1858, in New York, Theodore (or Teddy) Roosevelt, would become the 26th president of the United states. Roosevelt was home schooled and kept mostly indoors, due to illnesses and asthma. The doctors found out that he had a weak heart. During his teen years, Roosevelt’s father encouraged him into a physical routine, including boxing and lifting weights. After two years of real school, his father died. He graduated in 1880 and married Alice Hathaway Lee.

Teddy Roosevelt sped through public services. But shocking news slowed him down. He discovered that his wife and mother died in 1884, on the same day. He lived on a cattle ranch as a cowboy for two years. Roosevelt returned to his political life in 1886. He fought, but failed to become mayor of New York. Around that time, he married Edith Kermit Carow. Roosevelt became a service commissioner and then a U.S.A. Police commissioner. Soon he was a Navy Secretary under the president. He led his cavalry into the Battle of San Juan and earned governor, then vice president in 1901. Not long after, President McKinley was assassinated. That left Theodore as president of the United States of America. He signed the National Monuments Act in 1906. He also strongly supported the Women’s Right to Vote in 1912. Roosevelt was the one who named the president’s mansion, the White House.

In 1909, Teddy left office. The nation was left in capable hands, by his successor, and friend, William Howard Taft. He decided to go on an African safari. But Taft had a weak enforcement. Roosevelt decided to try to take role as president again. During one of his speeches, John Nepomuk Schrank shot him in the chest in an assassination attempt. Surprisingly though, he continued his speech for an hour and a half longer, before going to see a doctor. Teddy lost the election to a man named Woodrow Wilson. He criticized Wilson’s policy during World War I. When the U.S. finally joined the war, Roosevelt offered to serve in it, but the president had the Secretary turn him down.

Because of his weak heart, the doctors had told him to not strain himself and advised him to get a desk job when he was young. Roosevelt still lived an active life. He wrote 25 books in his life, including biographies, and autobiographies. Theodore died in his sleep, from a suffer of coronary embolism on January 6, 1919. He lived his life as an environmental activist, a warrior, a governor, military leader, and was one of the youngest U.S. presidents that ever lived.

My grandma on my mom’s side, lived in Sasebo, Japan. She met my grandpa while he was being stationed. He worked in the navy for America. They got married July 13, 1967, then moved to Minnesota in 1968. My mom was soon born in 1971. Three years later, they moved to Washington. They only lived there for one year before moving to San Diego, in 1975.

My grandma on my dad’s side, first lived in Guilmares, Philippines. She met my grandpa almost exactly how my other grandparents met. My grandpa was stationed in the Philippines and met my grandma. They moved to California in 1969. In San Lois Obispo, 1971, my dad was born. Then he moved to San Diego

Have you ever been involved in a social media website before? Or an online game that connects with other people from miles away? Lots of things can happen to you involving others. For instance, cyber bullying. Cyber bullying can lead to suicide just as well as physical bullying.

Cyber bullying is bullying on the internet, but the words hurt just as bad. 25% of all teenagers and 52% of all kids have reported being cyber bullied. Lots of teenagers are involved. Some people think that cyber bullying is funny and don’t even realize that they’re bullying.

Cyber bullying. It happens everyday. Cyber bullying. It can make someone consider suicide. Cyber bullying. It’s what keeps you from going far in life. Lots of people are trying to put an end to it, but we need your help too. Too many people have suffered pain and hatred. Too many people have taken their lives to end the misery at young ages that can range from 13 to 17. Dosomething.org says that it is 2 to 9 times more likely for a victim to consider suicide. The hurtful words of bullies causes victims to be scarred for life. They will never forget those words. If no one does anything to stop cyber bullying, more people will go suicidal and effect lots of people. Lots of quotes on websites were from famous celebrities like Demi Lovato, Taylor Swift, Jackie Chan, and even old quotes from Abraham Lincoln and Theodore Roosevelt.

Do you want cyber bullying to continue leaving everyone suicidal? Then step up whenever you see an act of bullying or whenever you are being bullied. Bullies only think they are strong because everyone else may fear them, but they won’t be if you speak up for what you think is right.

Lots of Europeans immigrated to America during the 1900’s. Most of them came to New York. It was the closest state to Europe. The statue of liberty was built to welcome immigrants. 15,000 people passed the immigration island, which had the statue, per day. New York was the state of immigration.

New York was seen as a gateway to America. Located on the top right corner of the U.S., it was one of the closest states to Europe. The state was founded by Giovanni da Verrazzano, a traveler, leading a French ship. Verrazzano and his companions found New York on April 17, and by September 2, the first European settlement was made.

New York imported their food. They lived in a city so they got from other places. There was only one type of food that was from inside the state: oysters. New York was famous for their oysters.

New York’s fashion was not much different from other countries around the world. Women’s skirts were bigger, complete with ring hoops underneath the dress in order to make the skirt seem fuller. It was usual to wear a jacket or Indian shawl over the dress. Men wore collared shirts and bow ties. The jackets became longer. Trousers were most commonly worn but sometimes men wore breeches. A top hat was worn too and the bowler hat was invented and worn by the working class.

New York’s buildings used to be made out of brick and were limited to 15 stories tall. Then during the 1880’s, the skyscraper was invented. These buildings required lots of steel and an elevator. Apartments were new too. They were for people who couldn’t afford houses. Apartments were like smaller versions of houses, sometimes connected to others. Heaters were used often. It could become very cold during the winter.

New York was a Democracy. Tammany Hall was an institution created by Fernando Wood. It dominated the city throughout it’s time. Laws and orders were given by the leader of Tammany Hall.

The military was involved in the wars that occurred during the 1900’s. Wars included the Civil War, World War I, and World War II. The United States Military Academy opened near the 1900’s.

Citizens of New York had the freedom of religion. The state didn’t have very many strict rules. All citizens had freedom.

New York’s economy was increased because of immigration. The value of the land and buildings rose from $1.7 billion to $6.7 billion. If you didn’t have a job during this era, then your family couldn’t survive. There were hundreds of successful bankers and financiers. Jobs were very important.

New York’s culture was most known for its music, film, theater, dance and art. Its art style was currently Harlem Renaissance and its music, jazz. New York even opened a global art market. Lots of movies also took place in New York.

A movement called the New Thought spread through the 1900’s. People believed that an illness was a consequence for not having the right beliefs. They believed that illnesses could be overcome with a mind open to God’s wisdom.

Inventions were more advanced. Electricity wasn’t fully used yet. Machines and factories ran on coal. Processes to make things like cloth didn’t take as long, but not as fast as it is today.

Education was free during this era. Schools ranged until high school. Lots of children enrolled at schools. There were also religious schools. A few religious schools were still hesitant about enrolling girls in their schools.

There were lots of big changes and little changes. It was mainly immigration that had a big effect on New York. Almost all immigrants traveled to the state to get in America. New York was used as a ‘gateway’. But not everything had to do with immigration.

♣

Blaze watched with narrowed eyes at the ripples on the large waters of the lake. Everyday the shore had risen higher and higher. A flood was here. Blaze had seen it happen. It had gotten dangerously close to her petkeeper’s den. Too close. She rose up from her position, and jumped on the fence.

“Do you think the flood will reach the dens?” A voice asked anxiously. Blaze nodded without looking at the tiny dappled kitten. Splash was one of the smallest out of the surviving cats. The others, Ace and Jinx, barley even got out their flooded homes alive. She’ll be lucky if she survives. Then though of her mother who was one of the cats, lost to the flood. Blaze shivered. Let’s not think about that. Focus on right now.

“But hopefully our petkeepers will be smart enough to leave sooner,” Blaze remarked. With a roar, the lake crashed furiously on the shoreline. Splash jumped.

“I’m going inside,” Splash squeaked before pelting into an open door.

Morning came the next day, along with gray clouds that stretched endlessly. Ace and Jinx were sitting quietly on the fence.

“A storm’s coming,” Jinx observed. “it won’t be long.” In answer, the first raindrops pattered down from the sky.

“You don’t think the petkeeper will leave us will they?” Splash asked, coming up behind us.

“No!” Ace exclaimed. “Of course not!” But he didn’t look certain. Of course he’s just trying to keep her calm. 

“Let’s go inside.” Jinx suggested, staring down at the water that had risen up to the fence. The drizzle was now coming faster and harder. Soon the rain had become so dense, that it was hard to see even five lengths in front of her.

They leaped down the fence, but Splash looked down at the shallow pool below her, uncertain.

“Splash! What-” Blaze didn’t get to finish her sentence because just then, the water exploded and crashed against the fence. They all watched in horror as the water thrashed back and forth and with a yelp, Splash was swallowed up in the rising waters.

“SPLASH!” Blaze yowled. But it was Jinx who darted to save her. Blaze jumped after him.

The water splashed around wildly and it was hard to swim around. Blaze exploded out of the water, and saw a dark brown head bobbing around. Everywhere she looked, was engulfed with crashing waves. And just a few lengths away from Jinx, was Splash.

She was reaching for a small sapling that was barley tall enough to stand out of the water. Jinx grabbed her just when Blaze caught up. The current drove them away from Blaze’s den and the nearest shore was next to a stream which led to a waterfall. Somewhere on the shore, Ace was shouting something. To get on the shore, they had to avoid the river. Blaze and Jinx carried Splash to the shallows. He dragged her onto the safety of the grass. Blaze was about the follow them, but the slipped. Ace turned to help her, but then he froze.

“BLAZE! Watch out!”

And that was when a giant wave crashed on top of Blaze.

Blaze was swept backward. She shot up but then the current of the river dragged her down. She felt herself being dragged along the river, until-

She heard the roaring waterfall. She waited. One moment passed and-

And with a lurch, Blaze dropped down the waterfall.

Wind roaring. Water rushing. Somewhere far off, Jinx yelled her name. She felt a rock hit her side as she plunged in the water. The last thing she saw was a blurry shape of black and white. Then everything was dark.

A little while later, she felt a sharp pain in her shoulder.

Am I dead?

Of course not! I can still feel myself breathing!

“Ugggh! It hurts! Jinx, make it stop!” Blaze though that was Splash’s voice. And then Jinx:

“Splash! You have one tiny scratch!”

Blaze felt a paw softly prod her shoulder.

“This might scar,” Jinx’s voice meowed. “She will wake up right?”

“Yes, intact, I’m awake right now,” Blaze opened her eyes and stared at the black and white cat in front of her.

“Blaze!” Both cats yowled simultaneously. Blaze smiled weakly at them.

“Oh Blaze! Ow, that looks like it hurts!” Splash pointed at her shoulder. Blaze twisted to look at a long red scratch caused by her fall.

“Where are we? And where’s Ace?” Blaze asked. She looked around and saw snowy trees and faraway mountains.

“We’ve traveled for about a day,” Jinx said. “and I don’t know”

“I’m back. There’s something I- Blaze! You’re awake!” Ace exclaimed.

“Yes I am.” Blaze meowed. There was a long pause. Ace seemed to have forgotten what he was about to say. Gradually he found his words.

“There’s a frozen river right there. There’s something about it that seems vaguely familiar to me.”

“Okay let’s check it out, Blaze are you fit to go now?” Jinx asked.

“I’m fine.” Blaze replied rising to her paws.

They went over and studied the river. Ace stared uneasily over at the bushes on the other side.

Suddenly, a strange sent wafted over the four cats. Ace sniffed the air.

“Do you smell that?”

With a yowl, three cats exploded out from the bushes. Their leader, a grey female with black speckled ears, skidded to a halt. Startled, Blaze and the others froze in their position.

The cats stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity.

“Who are you?”

To be continued…

Ice skating and roller skating are a lot alike. It’s hard to choose one or the other. If you need help deciding, or if you want to know what those activities are like, keep reading. I’m going to describe those two next.

Ice skating is obviously, skating on ice, so it’s easier to slip. The skate is designed with a narrow metal blade which allows one to glide on ice. The blade is attached to a thick shoe. It is sometimes necessary to wear warm clothes. The ice skating rink in usually cold. You can either skate on a frozen lake or an ice skating rink. If you haven’t tried ice skating, it’s really fun, but I suggest you try roller skating first because it’s easier.

Unlike ice skating, roller skating isn’t as slippery. Most roller skates have four wheels, and a rubber break in front, which makes it less difficult to control your speed. It’s usually not cold when you’re skating. Another difference is the scenery. You can skate down to the beach, at a park, around your neighborhood or even while walking your dog.

Ice skating and roller skating are both really fun. Roller skating allows you to enjoy the outdoors. However, ice skating is another fun way to enjoy winter. Whichever activity you choose, you will have fun no matter what!

Palace of Versailles

The Palace At Versailles was located on the outskirts of Paris, France. It was built on 1624, and started off as a hunting lodge. King LouisIII, hunted where Versailles would be and, happy with the area, he built the hunting lodge. King Louis XIV had it expanded so much, it became one of the biggest palaces in the world. Each French king added to the amazing building to make it better. Intensely large gardens surrounded Versailles.

On the palace grounds, there was the Petit Trianon. It was built under the reign of King LouisXV, but King LouisXVI gave it to Queen Marie Antoinette.There were many other builds in the palace too. The Apartment Du Roi, was a set of private rooms for the use of the king. Le Petit Apartment De La Reine, was another set of private rooms for the Queen. The L’Opera, was use for wedding festivity, King LouisXVI and Queen Marie Antoinette were the first to use it. The most famous of the whole build, though, was the Hall of Mirrors. Many ceremonies were held in this part of the palace, by the French Court. The Palace Of Versailles was at the center of power in France from 1682 to 1789. But on

October 6, 1789, the March on Versailles happened. Women that were angry over the price of bread and how scarce it was, marched to the palace. The king ordered all the furniture removed from the palace. The whole royal family had to move out and into the Tuileries Palace. Then King LouisXVI was arrested and Versailles was sealed.

Bibliography

en.wikipedia.org Palace of Versailles January 16, 2015

en.chateauversailles.fr The Palace January 16, 2015

The Bastille was a fortress in Paris, used in the 17th and 18 centuries. The first day of working on the Bastille was on April 22, 1370, and it lasted ’till July 14, 1789. It played an important role in the French Revolution too. The fortress is formally known as Bastille Saint-Antoine.

This strong fortress was difficult to get into, because of it’s eight towers, thick walls, and four drawbridges that crossed a moat. A captain, a knight, eight squires, and 10 crossbow men were stationed to defend the Bastille in the early years. It was made to defend France, but Charles V built it into a stronghold. It was rumored that large groups of prisoners were kept behind the gates of the Bastille, but in reality, there were only seven on the day when the French Revolution started on July 14, 1789. Because people thought that there was a lot going on in the Bastille, it was a symbol of power, so they wanted to destroy it. There were cannons in it, used to defend the Bastille, but people thought that they were going to be used to attack the people. The governor of it was named Launay, his people said he wasn’t experienced or smart or brave. He was in charge of old soldiers and Swiss guards inside the Bastille.

People were upset and they stole guns and cannons, but they didn’t have gun powder. They heard that the Bastille had gun powder so the went there. On July 14, angry rioters stormed in , and took over the building. Launay wasn’t very smart and let the people take over the Bastille. He was taken prisoner, but his guards couldn’t protect him and he got killed. The people cut off his head, put it on a pike, and paraded around. The storming of the Bastille was believed to be the beginning of the French Revolution.