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US History (Wednesday, March 29, 7th period)

"Today we talk about westward expansion," Josh said, pointing at a map of the United States he had pulled down over the chalkboard.

"We had been expanding since the Northwest Territories, out into the Louisiana Purchase, and all the way across the continent. As you remember from your reading on what led up to the Civil War, new states deciding whether to come into the United States as slave or free was a huge, huge deal." He shrugged. "But traditionally, we talk about exploring the West after Reconstruction. Mostly because there isn't anything interesting happening in this particular period of history unless you have a strange fascination with the Garfield Administration."

He wrinkled his nose. "Which I don't. So. Moving on."

He looked down at his notes. "This is a good point -- although it was pretty much a continual thing, sadly -- to stop and acknowledge that, yeah, the US government kind of completely screwed the Native Americans." He pointed to the map again, gesturing with his hands. "This map? Shows Native lands in 1824, the year that the Bureau of Indian Affairs was established." He flipped to another map, showing significantly less land. "This? Native lands in 1890."

He continued talking about the Homestead Act, the Gold Rush, Chief Joseph, Sitting Bull, and the battles of Wounded Knee and Little Bighorn for half of the class time.

He then pointed to several computers set up in the classroom. "Now you can have some experience pretending to travel West."

Why yes, he's letting you play Oregon Trail. Try not to die of a snake bite.

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...

Jake signed in.

Lana signs in.

Blair signed in

Cally signed in!

Piper signs in.

Veronica signed in

Quinn signs in.

Or fall asleep, pass notes, talk back, whatever.

Lana listens to the lecture and takes notes, then heads off to play Oregon Trail.

Blair piped up. "Professor Lyman, do you believe that there's a way for the government to make up for it's past mistakes with the Native Americans? Such as giving land back or offering some sort of reperations?"

"The problem with giving back land is that it would be things like 'entire state of Oklahoma'. And Nebraska, both Dakotas." He ran a hand through his hair. "Hell, the entire continent was theirs. And reparations get messy. But I think a start would be to increase government assistance for starting businesses on the reservations, improving health care, education, and housing. The government can't exile them to the worst land left in the country, then punish them for not making something of themselves. It's ridiculous."

"I understand your point. It would be hard to give them land only to be taking it away from a whole new people group. It'd be like this vicious little circle of bad karma." Blair nodded.

"Exactly," Josh said. He might not believe in karma, but he's been to enough Democratic fundraisers to speak fluent Crunchy Liberal.

Piper listens to the lecture and takes some notes.

Veronica leans over. "You're coming to the tea party, right?"

"Of course," Piper said with a grin.

Cally pays attention to the lecture. Verily.

"Hey Cally," Veronica leans over to whisper. "What are you doing after class?"

"Nothing in particular," Cally says. "What's up?"

"Nadia and I are having a tea party in the 5th floor common room after classes," she says. "We baked and everything." In fact, it's possible that despite a thorough shower, there are still bits of flour or cookie dough clinging to Veronica.

"Tea Party?" Cally grins. "So in."

Veronica grins as well. "Yay!"

"Anything special I should know about it?" Cally asks.

"Not really," Veronica says. "Oh, well, you can bring a stuffed animal if you have one."

Cally shakes her head. "Closest I've got is my old toolbox," she says. "Which I'm guessing isn't a right fit for the situation."

Veronica smiles. "No, not exactly," she agrees, making a mental note to tell Anders to buy his girlfriend a teddy bear.

Why can't the rest of the people in the damn wagon help drag the 900 pounds of buffalo back so they don't starve? Stupid game.

Lana plays. She manages to survive, but loses most of her party.

Blair sets off with his wagon o'love across the great plains. He successfully fords across the first river and barters with the natives, but his friend Hank dies from dysentery along the way. Then he loses when he stages a sit-in at the buffalo shooting range and everyone starves to death.

Here lies Blair Sandburg. Clear conscience. Empty Stomach.

Piper plays and is stricken with cholera. Woe!

It starts off all nice and happy, Cally decides to play as a carpenter, and puts Anders, Bridge, Kara, and Rory in the cart. Kara because... yeah, and Rory to keep Bridgey company.

But then the first day? this happens (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/shaniezak/timhijackedmore/oregon01.jpg). Not a good sign at all.

Especially when this (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/shaniezak/timhijackedmore/oregon02.jpg) follows shortly there after.

This (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/shaniezak/timhijackedmore/oregon03.jpg)? Causes Cally to tear up and wibble at the computer screen. By the time this (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/shaniezak/timhijackedmore/oregon04.jpg) happens, Cally just pouts and whimpers a little.

When the next day Rory gets sick (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/shaniezak/timhijackedmore/oregon05.jpg)? Cally just doesn't care. Stupid game.

Cally swears in class at this point (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/shaniezak/timhijackedmore/oregon06.jpg). She's totally doomed. And then stupid Rory gets more sick (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/shaniezak/timhijackedmore/oregon07.jpg)!

Cally has to giggle a little when this happens (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/shaniezak/timhijackedmore/oregon08.jpg), though. And she feels bad about it, but still. Kinda funny.

But then, holy frak, Cally makes it (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/shaniezak/timhijackedmore/oregon09.jpg)! And even gets a highscore (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v383/shaniezak/timhijackedmore/oregon10.jpg)! Woot!

Quinn totally drowns, woe! And her hair would have to be ruined.

...

And once again, Blair wins the Internet.

In a walk, omg.

*can't breathe, laughing too hard*

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US History (Wednesday, March 29, 7th period)

Sign in (US History, March 29)

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Listen to the lecture

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Play Oregon Trail!

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After class

OOC

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