The Benefits of Buying Local

     Buying local from farms around Ashland (or wherever you live) is an excellent way to live healthfully. The benefit of buying local is not only seen in our pocketbook, it's seen in our overall well-being.  As processed food becomes more and more the choice of our busy lifestyles, we see more sicknesses, disease, and most prevalent in America, obesity. Junk food is a staple in the average Americans’ life, especially as it is cheaper than natural and organic food. We don’t have to wonder why diabetes, Celiac disease, cancer and many other nutritional disorders are running rampant; our bodies naturally function best with whole, natural, unprocessed food. The refined sugars, flours, and everything else in between are just too much for our bodies. Local farms, however, give us an opportunity to eat fresh and make healthy choices. Scenic and cultural landscapes, recreational opportunities, farmers’ markets, local jobs and communities businesses all play an important role in the qualities of American life. So support your local farmer by buying local today! 

21 years of age is a good minimum

      I think the legal alcohol age limit at 21 is fine. Despite others opinions about wanting the age limit lowered, I think it is good that people wait until they are mature enough to handle alcohol. Kids my age have complained about the legal age and have said that there was no doubt that they were mature enough to handle alcohol. That in itself shows they are not mature. Handling alcohol responsively is big and I really doubt kids my age are ready for responsible handling. The only reason kids my age want to drink in the first place is to party and get drunk! That is not a good reason to drink; I think it is alright if you enjoy yourself and drink alcohol for pleasure...but getting wasted should definitely be frowned upon.

Another point to back up why underage drinking is not good: The HealthDay News reports:

"Having that first drink before age 15 puts the imbiber at a higher risk for developing an alcohol problem later in life, a new report suggests."

That is not good! People in my family have had drinking problems in the past (none that I had to deal first hand with) and it has really been impressed upon me not to abuse alcohol. Therefore, I think it's wisest to leave the alcohol age limit at 21, for the betterment of everyone everywhere. 

Montessori Method

As of late, I have really been interested in Montessori schools. I had no idea what the heck that even was until my sister (who happens to be majoring in Elementary Education) told me about it. The Montessori Method is an approach to educating children based on the research and experience of Italian physician and educator Marie Montessori. She was an advocate of the multiple intelligences theory which posits that children learn by a process of discovery rather than being taught rote. It's basically an approach to education wherein an environment is designed to stimulate the child's interest and to promote self-directed learning.

The Montessori environment is designed to inspire children to learn by themselves. Instead of lecturing, a teacher directs each child into a certain activity, ensures that the child is introduced to and progresses in all learning areas, demonstrates the use of materials, clinically observes and records the child's progress and upholds the Montessori environment. Montessori classrooms are bright, warm, and inviting. They are filled with plants, animals, art, music, books, and interest centers replete with intriguing learning materials. There are no huge blackboards or stiffly arranged desk where children sit all day.  Children have the freedom to move around and be free to be themselves... it's a whole different perspective on learning and I think it's great! 

By allowing children to develop a meaningful degree of self-discipline and independence, Montessori sets a pattern for a lifetime of good work habits and a sense of responsibility. Students are taught to take pride in doing things for themselves carefully and well. Isn’t that just what the world needs?! Americans need to take pride in themselves once again! I think introducing Montessori into America’s public schools is one of the most magnanimous possibilities for securing our future generations.   

Mosque Controversy

 

There’s no question that the controversy going around about building a mosque at ground zero is big. There are so many feelings about it…but most of the people I know are NOT for it, including me. I think it is absolutely idiotic of President Obama to be for it. During a visit to the Gulf Coast, Obama said that while he believes Muslims have the right to build the mosque and community center so close to ground zero where terrorists killed 3,000 people, he is not sure it's a good idea. He is not sure this is a good idea?! Come on! That in itself is ridiculous! In the first place, I don't think that ANYONE should have even entertained the idea of it, because that in itself is just flat out disrespectful to those who died on 9/11. 

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg asked: “Should government attempt to deny private citizens the right to build a house of worship on private property based on their particular religion? That may happen in other countries, but we should never allow it to happen here.”  

I wholeheartedly disagree! Our founding fathers came to America for their religious freedom, TO PRACTICE FREELY CHRSITIANITY. NOT Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and all the other different religions! If America went over to Iran and asked them if we could build a Christian church, they would without a doubt kill us! Also, in the Koran, the book Muslims follow meticulously, it says that Muslims will ETERNALLY be at war with Judaism…which is pretty much Christianity. So despite what Muslims say about wanting to be friends and make peace, according to what they follow this is NEVER going to happen. They just want to take over everywhere and convert everything into Islam. If this is really all about tolerance and sensitivity, shouldn't mosque organizers allow the sensitivity they demand of others and accept an alternate location? 

Volunteering

Yes, I do think volunteering is important. It's not only important to the community or organization you volunteer for, it's an important factor in building character...and it also helps that it looks good on your resume when looking for a job or going to college. It's a great way to get things accomplished and I think a lot more volunteer work should be done. So many things would go undone without volunteers. Think about it: the world with no volunteers would definitely be a different place than it is right now. So many kind and selfless people put huge amounts of their lives into work that goes unpaid. I am thankful that so many people like this exist!

I have indeed volunteered before with church related activities and 4-H.Volunteering may sometimes sound boring, but I've found that it can be quite fun along with making you feel accomplished and good about yourself. It's also a great way to get involved with your community! So, go out and volunteer!