Tag: America

To Help or Not to Help

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With the recent GOP debates, there has been talk of the question of foreign aid and whether it should be given, and if it is, to whom?

I find it disturbing that so many people find that we as a country should completely cease giving foreign aid because of our financial woes. And here is why.

Sure, our economy is not doing as well as it used to. In fact, we have been experience serious financial problems that could spell the end of our reign as kings of the world.

But, the people of America are still far better off than those of most countries. Even the lower class of the US is making more than most. So although we are experiencing hard times, this is nothing compared to the daily lives of others throughout the world.

So why then are so many talking about cutting off foreign aid? They claim that we need to “take care of ourselves first”. But guess what, we are humans before anything else. And we do need to take care of ourselves, but that means our entire species.

Although we associate ourselves as Americans, we have to realize that we live in a world made up of billions of people just like us. And why should we have excess when they have nothing?

I know that the many will say life is not meant to be fair and I would agree with that. But is it not our moral obligation to help those with less if we can?

I feel that we are slacking as a country in our contributions to the world. We may contribute much as far as the world economy and infrastructure, but what are we contributing when we look at it person by person?

I think we need to go on a mission to make people smile. Take the money from the pointless wars we have been fighting as spend it on giving to those who need it. We can survive with less than we have and I have a sneaking suspicion that we will work harder as a nation to improve if we have less.

We are a hardworking nation but it is not that others are lazy, simply unfortunate. Whether you are a Christian or Muslim, Jew or atheist, these is no good reason to hoard our good fortunes and ignore the rest of the world.

We will not always be the super power that we are, and when we are in a position of needing help, do you want to look at another country that is rolling in luxury and realize they will give nothing of it away? I hope not.

Let us continue, and build, the foreign aid programs we currently have in place. Let us go and help those who need it and create a stronger and more unified world. Let us go out and get allies in new places and teach people that Americans are willing to give. Let us be just.

What We Are

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Although many Americans struggle to realize it, there are other countries in the world. And within these other countries, there are people with opinions.

Now place yourself in the shoes of one of those people and look at the news that comes out of America; the politics, the domestic issues, the celebrities.

Now maybe it’s just me (though I very much hope it isn’t) but I worry about this. Maybe it is because I am a self-conscious teenager, but I worry that the image that others see is disgusting.

I read our news often and am disgusted. Mainly its when a GOP candidate opens his/hers mouth but it even goes all the way to court cases and even sports.

We recently had a speaker at our school who talked about the image of a brand. As the head of a marketing company, his job is to portray a certain business in a positive light.

Hell, maybe we need some America commercials, like the ones you see for Arizona and Puerto Rico. We can show pictures of the nicer cities, not of Detroit and Cleveland. Then we can end with a catchy phrase like “America; it ain’t what it used to be but its still a lot better than your country” (We should probably not run this in most Western European countries if we go with that phrase).

Our image used to be one of power and justice. Now it is of fat people who pick on Muslims or ignorant people who can’t tell Austria from Australia. What happened to the days of golden roads and silver lakes?

I could go on and on about everything we did wrong but that is not the point. The past, unfortunately, is out of our control. What we can do is look towards the future in a way that is less egocentric.

We must rebrand ourselves, give ourselves a new image. Because not only does what others think matter, our confidence as a country matters too. The moral is low and we need a change. Let’s boost our image and in doing so create a better country.

Of Monsters And Men.

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Of Monsters And Men

Sometimes on a cold winters day all you need is some comforting folk, fun, music that raises your spirits in the dismal weather. Mumford and Sons are a great band but if they do not tickle your fancy you must give Of Monsters And Men a listen.

Of Monsters And Men are six-piece folk/pop bands from Iceland who write catchy, folky, soulful music. With a mixture of female and male vocals and an assortment of instruments and acoustics the 6 piece band comes together like the perfect pie.

The band produces the perfect soundtracks for watching the rain fall, driving through the snow or sitting in front of a fire with a cup of Cocoa.

Releasing their first album My Head is an Animal in Iceland in September 2011, the band currently only has an EP available in America on iTunes. Named Into the Woods, the EP is a perfect collection of songs.  The band has received a lot of attention from people across the U.S, releasing their single Little Talks as a free song on iTunes. The band are now signed to the Universal Music Group and fans look forward to hearing more from the group in the coming year.

So if you feel like listening to some great, festive sounding music give Of Monster And Men a listen.

RIP Reason

therightliberalLeave a comment

I knew Jon Huntsman was not going to win the Republican nomination. But I still could not help but be a little sad when he dropped out of the race.

My friends and family know me as the Republican basher, that guy who always says the obnoxious and inflammatory comments about the Good Ol’ Party.

But Jon Huntsman was different, he actually was intelligent and reasonable. Now the GOP has members who are very intelligent, take Dick Cheney for example. But Dick makes Stalin look like a teddy bear. I’m sure the GOP has had reasonable members who were unintelligent too, I just can’t think of any.

But Huntsman checked both boxes. In an interview with Stephen Colbert, Huntsman explained that his reason for being part of the Republican party was just because he though the people of Utah (his state) would be the most open to it.

I’m not trying to claim him as a Democrat because he is not. There is probably some obscure party in Australia that his ideals fit perfectly in to, but because of our system, he has an R next to his name.

But he did not let that get in the way of trying to make sense. He was not like Romney, trying to make himself look like a crazy teabagger who just wants to get rid of every single government program and become an isolationist nation that is at war with every single Islamic state.

No, he supported socialized programs and tax hikes. He thought we should stop fighting people for no apparent reason and we should protect the environment. He also thought we should work to cut some redundant government programs and reduce big government and that Boehner is at least some what competent.

It says a lot that a man who just stuck by his beliefs seemed to be such an oddity. Our system has come to the point that someone in the middle, who works to bridge the two parties, is looked at as being ineffective and plain wrong.

It is sad that Huntsman could not gain more ground in the primaries but I hope that he changed a few peoples mind in the process. I hope that he made some people see that there is room for the middle, that reason can conquer our stupid polarization. Jon Huntsman gave me hope, and that is more than can be said for most candidates.

So I’m now switching to endorsing this man for the Republican nomination, and yes, that is a boot on his head. Free Ponies for All!

Fast Food, eww

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Fast food — the word that has become synonymous with American culture. Our ever-increasing demand for quick services in our busy lives led to the rise of these establishment. Once hailed as a valuable resource for families who neither have the time nor money to cook a meal, these “restaurants” have come under attack in recent years.

Studies have shown a direct correlation between childhood obesity and fast food restaurants. In areas with fast food restaurants, childhood obesity increased by 5.2 percent. At the urging of the government and concerned parent groups, fast food restaurants have taken initiatives to introduce “healthy” items on their menus.

From Mcdonalds apple bags to BurgerKings apple fries, you see the same trend happening everywhere. Fast food companies are attempting to shed the negative light they have been portrayed in. Despite all these measures this food is still considered to be bad for you. There has been several experiments to show how terrible this food is for you.

One of the most disturbing of these experiments began last year. A woma\en around this time last year purchased a cheeseburger from Mcdonalds with the sole intention of seeing how long it would take to decompose. One year later, nothing has happened to the hamburger, and it looked exactly the same.

If bacteria won’t eat this food then why should we?

Happy Birthday Nan.

Yourcupatea1 Comment

My Nan is one of the most loving, generous, compassionate women ever known to mankind. She is a woman who will always put others interests before her own, and will always make the time listen to anyone’s woes and counsel them in her own way.

Although she has all these talents and more it is the way that she treats her family that makes her a shining jewel amongst the rubble of society. The time she invests in each and every one of our work and our personal growth. The time she spends reading her sons poetry proudly or reminiscing over the great dance or musical performances starring her grandchildren. The light that glimmers in my Nans eyes as she proudly speaks about her family’s achievements and the wide smile that spreads over her face as she laughs over their stupidity is a sight that will brighten anyone’s day.

Nan you mean the world to me and that is why I dedicate this blog to you.

You are the one who has taught me to pursue my passions and to follow what I believe in. From the days I first watched Holby City with you and decided to become a paramedic to now as I set out to become a journalist you have always been my driving force. In times of trouble you have helped me out and guided me through big decisions like moving to America. If it wasn’t for that chat you gave me one summer evening in 2010 on how I should give California a go and do it for my family, I can honestly say I would have struggled to leave.

It was so lovely when you visited in April 2011. You were the first to come, out of our family, and this took a lot of bravery. Your presence at Meher Mount meant so much to us and we all look forward to you visiting again in the next few years. I’m glad you had the chance to admire our new life and realize you still have a significant place in both our lives and our hearts.

You find so much joy and happiness in life and nature. You aluminate the light in our world throughout the darkness and make everything special in your own description. I love the way you seek so much pleasure in the changing colors of the leaves and the seasonal changes in your surroundings.

As I start to consider my career path and colleges I bear in mind if it would have your approval. Just as Dad said over Christmas that every house your children move to must be approved by you, I feel that often I find myself seeking your approval on big changes in my life. This is because you’re a great guide who speaks truthfully and reasonably and that is why I am going to do my best to make you proud throughout my life.

Happy 80th Birthday Nan, I am sorry I will not be there to celebrate. All my love.

Bex, Georgie and Nan at the beach

Comfort Zones.

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Comfort zone

People create their own rules and boundaries, to which they comply. They create their own padded comfy cells, which they are reluctant to break out of. Often they are happy to remain in this space, in this comfort zone.

There comes a time when it’s time to break out get a taste of those flavors you have never experienced before. It’s a time to sample the things that you may either hate or love and see the wonders that lie beyond the self-created safe place.  It’s a time to fly.

Since moving to America I have realized that everyone has their own comfort zones whether it be their home, their country or even just their daily routine. Taking my friend to my first American  concert this Thursday  I saw how these boundaries exist.

As I pushed to the front surging with the crowd he stood unsure, moving with the people against his will. If he had another option he would surely have been at home playing video games, but he didn’t have that choice. The only choice he had was to become part of the crowd and embrace the music. So that’s what he did.

Speaking afterwards he was full of joy and “buzzing” with excitement. He had stepped out of his comfort zone and experienced something magnificent.

This week my 43-year-old mother is trying out an adult ballet class. Something she has loved from a young age but never had the opportunity or guts to do. Since moving to the U.S she has realized stepping out of ones comfort zone often brings you liberation and that is why she has decided to try something different.

So I encourage you all, take that extra step to do something different and you may find everything you have ever wanted.

The Inbetweeners Movie

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The Inbetweeners

Yes the nerdy quartet are back. After the end of their third and final season in October 2010 The Inbetweeners are back with a movie.

Released this summer, the film is truly hilarious. I can honestly say that I have never been in a full cinema where everyone laughed so much including my American boyfriend who doesn’t understand much proper English.

The film tracks the four boys adventure to Malia, one of the biggest party destinations in Europe. And follows their unlucky, laughable mistakes as well as their desperate attempts to find women.

Out soon on DVD the film is definitely the perfect Christmas for anyone who wants a good laugh. It is truly one of the funniest movies you will ever watch.

Occupy America

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If this video makes you sick, good.

The video was taken at the University of California, Berkeley. And where on campus was this brutal beating in? Free Speech Square.

Now as the title says, this was one of many of the “Occupy Wall Street” protests going on around the country. It was made up of students from the university who were not being violent or trespassing. The college did not ask for the protest to be broken up.

So here is a video taken from the same spot, but from 1964. This was from a protest regarding the lack of free speech for the students.

The irony is clear that students were being attacked by police for speaking their mind in the FREE SPEECH SQUARE.

What is wrong with our country, people?

We have people who have been peacefully protesting, upset with the current state of our economy and our society. And yet, police feel the need to go through and violently break up many peaceful protests.

Now with that last video, look at the people running. Look at the woman running and the people taking pictures. Now do those people look like violent and dangerous people to you?

Before, I was very questioning of the 99% protests and the “Occupy Wall Street” movement. I thought it didn’t have a real object and that it seemed unorganized.

But that has changed. If I didn’t live in a small town, I would be right out there with them. These people are fighting for what the majority of our people want. They are fighting for a change that this country needs. To be honest, and I hesitate to say this, this could be one of the first steps to a full revolution.

But I don’t want to make it seem that they are working towards anarchy. They are working to find more equality in this country. It may seem that everyone here is equal but look at the separation between the uber-wealthy and the rest of America.

And now there is a movement towards change. So if you can do anything to help this movement, go do it. Bring a positive change to our country and support these brave people who are out in the cold fighting for a better country.

Trucks Take Over

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As I was driving today in the predictable evening LA traffic, I realized just how many different types of cars there are on the road. In my family alone, we have a truck, two sedans, and two vans, all by different companies. All of this thinking brought a question to my mind:

What is the most popular car in America?

I tried to answer it myself as I was driving by counting a few different types and thinking about what types of cars that people I know own. I finally concluded that it was the Toyota Prius. They are hybrids, so they tend to be very fuel efficient and are a great smallish size, and I see so many of them on the road I didn’t even second guess myself.

But, after looking up the most popular car in America, it was quite a surprise to me to discover that the Ford F150 takes the title.

I mean, in my opinion, they are beautiful. I LOVE trucks. But, when purchasing my own car, I realized that they are not very sensible (especially for a teenager) and that they are not really necessary unless a person is hauling around things or towing trailers, like some businesses do.

It’s crazy to think that a huge gas-guzzling truck would be the most popular, especially with gas prices being so high. I have seen a lot of them on the road, but it still came as a big surprise to me.

Maybe it was just my wishful thinking that people would choose more fuel-efficient cars in order to start caring for the environment!