As we all know, this winter has been very cold and harsh. Many people say that it hasn't been this bad since 1978 where it was just awful. However, I hate this winter and I really want it to end. The cold, the massive amounts of snow, everything has just been terrible.
Now, I realize that some of you may like winter and may have some objections to make against me, so it is my job to silence them. Some of you may say that the huge amounts of snow are fun to play in. Yes, giant mounds of snow are fun, but its not fun to go outside when it is 3 degrees with a wind-chill of -12. It has been freezing cold the past couple of days and it is not fun. You can't enjoy the snow because its so cold.
People may also say that this winter has been great because of the snow days. While the first two we got at the beginning of the year were okay, these past four haven't been the best. The main reason is that I couldn't sleep in on those days. On Thursday and Friday, I had to clear the driveway so that my mom could go to work and on Monday, she got stuck getting out of the driveway, so I had to get up early again and help her out and then clear the driveway. Not fun.
This finally leads me to the downside of this huge amount of snow; driving. To start, its very hard to drive with snow and ice on the ground if you don't have a four wheel drive. There's also the stupid plows who, once they go by, leave a huge mound of snow at the foot of the driveway. Because of this, I had to help my mom get out of it early in the morning and then again when my dad's car got stuck.
In conclusion, I hate this winter and after reading this post, all of you should as well. I wish spring would come sooner or all the snow would melt or something. The only upside to this is that we're experiencing the true seasons of Michigan; winter, still winter, almost winter, and construction.
Tuesday, January 28, 2014
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Trouble in Sudan (IR)
Recently in class, we participated in a Model UN activity where we represented parties similar to those of Sudan and Southern Sudan to help integrate us into What Is The What. I then decided to look more into the issues facing Sudan and I found this article in the New York Times.
High Stakes for Sudan in the South's Conflict
It basically describes the current situation in Sudan that we recently learned; how South Sudan is beginning to fight against Sudan for the oil reserves. It also goes onto talk about how their first priority is to go the negotiations table and try to figure out a peaceful solution. Reading this made me feel good about my negotiations group and how we were the only ones in our whole class who didn't want war (Minus Keegan and Jonathon).
It's a little sad that I didn't learn about what was happening in Sudan until a couple of days ago. It's bizarre how little stories about the current situation in Sudan have made the news. I guess that since the US isn't involved in the situation yet, no one is super interested which is just wrong. Just because there is no US involvement doesn't mean that it should be ignored.
Anyway, the current situation almost exactly mirrors What Is The What with the South in disarray and people, like young boys, fleeing from their homes to find safety. Many have fled to Uganda to escape the horrors which is why Uganda is involved in this situation. As shown below, refugees are struggling and have no choice but to head for Uganda.
I'm not sure what the outcome of these uprisings will be. But its scary to think that while reading about a previous civil war in Sudan, another may happen in the future.
High Stakes for Sudan in the South's Conflict
It basically describes the current situation in Sudan that we recently learned; how South Sudan is beginning to fight against Sudan for the oil reserves. It also goes onto talk about how their first priority is to go the negotiations table and try to figure out a peaceful solution. Reading this made me feel good about my negotiations group and how we were the only ones in our whole class who didn't want war (Minus Keegan and Jonathon).
It's a little sad that I didn't learn about what was happening in Sudan until a couple of days ago. It's bizarre how little stories about the current situation in Sudan have made the news. I guess that since the US isn't involved in the situation yet, no one is super interested which is just wrong. Just because there is no US involvement doesn't mean that it should be ignored.
Anyway, the current situation almost exactly mirrors What Is The What with the South in disarray and people, like young boys, fleeing from their homes to find safety. Many have fled to Uganda to escape the horrors which is why Uganda is involved in this situation. As shown below, refugees are struggling and have no choice but to head for Uganda.
I'm not sure what the outcome of these uprisings will be. But its scary to think that while reading about a previous civil war in Sudan, another may happen in the future.
Monday, January 13, 2014
Who Will Win the Game of Thrones? (FW)
In the lands of Westeros is where the battle lies and powerful houses are all fighting for one thing; the Iron Throne and control of the Seven Kingdoms. I'm talking about the epic book series A Song of Ice and Fire and the HBO original series Game of Thrones.
I've only recently gotten into this show, but it has slowly become an obsession of mine. The amazing story by George R.R. Martin coupled with the great actors makes for an outstanding show. Also the fact that its on HBO doesn't hurt at all.
For those who don't know, Game of Thrones takes place in a land called Westeros where the Winters last for what seems like forever. The land is ruled at Kingslanding in a position known as the Iron Throne. However, after the Iron Throne, there are many other families who rule certain parts of the Kingdom. Westeros is cut off near the North by this gigantic Ice Mound known as The Wall where Westeros and the uncharted lands are split off.
The show (and books) don't really focus on one perspective. Instead, it moves around to other characters, showing their point of view and giving the audience a chance to see how everyone lives. The main focus of the story is on the Starks; a family who lives North and controls the kingdom of Winterfell. However, it also shows other people, such as Jon Snow, a bastard child of Ned Stark and Daenerys Targaryen, an exiled princess who lives on another continent and years to return home.
Honestly, there's some much to talk about Game of Thrones that I won't get too involved in it. I'll just give my own opinion; this show is a masterpiece. The music, acting, visuals, everything comes to perfection. I also personally am for the Starks taking control of the Kingdoms, but I also do enjoy watching Daenerys, Jon, and Tyrion Lannister (who is by far my favorite character). I've only watched the first season, so if people have seen seasons 2 or 3 or have read all of the books. I would appreciate it if you didn't spoil it for me. Finally, to the people who haven't watched it for some reason, watch it. Honestly, it only took one thing to get me hooked on the show, the title sequence.
I've only recently gotten into this show, but it has slowly become an obsession of mine. The amazing story by George R.R. Martin coupled with the great actors makes for an outstanding show. Also the fact that its on HBO doesn't hurt at all.
For those who don't know, Game of Thrones takes place in a land called Westeros where the Winters last for what seems like forever. The land is ruled at Kingslanding in a position known as the Iron Throne. However, after the Iron Throne, there are many other families who rule certain parts of the Kingdom. Westeros is cut off near the North by this gigantic Ice Mound known as The Wall where Westeros and the uncharted lands are split off.
The show (and books) don't really focus on one perspective. Instead, it moves around to other characters, showing their point of view and giving the audience a chance to see how everyone lives. The main focus of the story is on the Starks; a family who lives North and controls the kingdom of Winterfell. However, it also shows other people, such as Jon Snow, a bastard child of Ned Stark and Daenerys Targaryen, an exiled princess who lives on another continent and years to return home.
Honestly, there's some much to talk about Game of Thrones that I won't get too involved in it. I'll just give my own opinion; this show is a masterpiece. The music, acting, visuals, everything comes to perfection. I also personally am for the Starks taking control of the Kingdoms, but I also do enjoy watching Daenerys, Jon, and Tyrion Lannister (who is by far my favorite character). I've only watched the first season, so if people have seen seasons 2 or 3 or have read all of the books. I would appreciate it if you didn't spoil it for me. Finally, to the people who haven't watched it for some reason, watch it. Honestly, it only took one thing to get me hooked on the show, the title sequence.
The amazing visuals, coupled with some awesome music make for a really great intro. To rap things up, this show is one of my favorite shows and I can't wait for Season 4 to come and continue to give the world its greatness.
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