Egypt: Well Roses Really Smell Like Egypt...

If you did not get the reference in the title check out this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAPACD8_Zzw

But I digress, the situation in Egypt is a disaster and triumph all at the same time. It is one of the strangest news envents I have ever witnessed because how different the views are on the many issues brought about by the revolution, especially here in the United States. Lets begin:

So far this year, nothing has bothered me more in the political world than the U.S. commentary shows. Glen Beck made one of the most insane theories ever spoken on television when he said

The protests in Egypt are being orchestrated by an alliance of Communists and Islamic fundamentalists who seek to overthrow capitalism and make a "new world order."

.....What? This is probably one of the most infuriating parts about the revolution and its resulting analysis. These people were opressed for 30 years, dictated by Mubarak's every whim. There is tangible evidence that Egypt is moving towards democracy, but this is besides the point. These people have no reason to be concerned with a new world order, they need to look after their country before they go anywhere else. To try and smear the revolutionaries


The articles I read:

New York Times page with links to many articles on Egypt
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/egypt/index.html

Political shows and their various opinions on Egypt
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/12/bill-oreilly-beck-egypt-no-evidence_n_822343.html

Hilary Clinton and our governments respone on Egypt
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/VIDEO-from-US-Department-of-prnews-3191617065.html?x=0
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/06/AR2011020602919.html

Who are they kidding? article
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/01/31-10

Revolution
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/17/there-wont-be-blood/?ref=egypt

Lara Logan update and interview
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2011/02/18/benzinga869347.DTL
http://bltwy.msnbc.msn.com/politics/lara-logans-egypt-nightmare-1681513.story

Quotes

"And nothing inspires as much shame as being a parent. Children confront us with our paradoxes and hypocrisies, and we are exposed. You need to find an answer for every why — Why do we do this? Why don’t we do that? — and often there isn’t a good one. So you say, simply, because. Or you tell a story that you know isn’t true. And whether or not your face reddens, you blush. The shame of parenthood — which is a good shame — is that we want our children to be more whole than we are, to have satisfactory answers."

"Whether we're talking about fish species, pigs, or some other eaten animal, is such suffering the most important thing in the world? Obviously not. But that's not the question. Is it more important that sushi, bacon, or chicken nuggets? That's the question."

"Almost always when I told someone I was writing a book about "eating animals", they assumed, even without knowing anything about my views, that it was a case for vegetarianism. It's a telling assumption, one that implies not only that a thorough inquiry into animal agriculture would lead one away from eating meat, but that most people already know that to be the case. [13]"

A Wake-Up Call:Eating Animals

"And nothing inspires as much shame as being a parent. Children confront us with our paradoxes and hypocrisies, and we are exposed. You need to find an answer for every why — Why do we do this? Why don’t we do that? — and often there isn’t a good one. So you say, simply, because. Or you tell a story that you know isn’t true. And whether or not your face reddens, you blush. The shame of parenthood — which is a good shame — is that we want our children to be more whole than we are, to have satisfactory answers."

"Whether we're talking about fish species, pigs, or some other eaten animal, is such suffering the most important thing in the world? Obviously not. But that's not the question. Is it more important that sushi, bacon, or chicken nuggets? That's the question."

"Almost always when I told someone I was writing a book about "eating animals", they assumed, even without knowing anything about my views, that it was a case for vegetarianism. It's a telling assumption, one that implies not only that a thorough inquiry into animal agriculture would lead one away from eating meat, but that most people already know that to be the case. [13]"


"Eating Animals" is the tale of Jonthan Safran Foer as he travels across the United States in search of answers in the world of food. Some would automatically label the book a plea for vegetarianism without reading it but the novel transcends this notion. The book amounts to the story of Foer's travels wrapped around the encounters he has with food, ranging from PETA, a factory farm, an indpendent animal activist, and humane ranch. One of the most captivating components of the novel was the title pages of the chapters. Here are a few examples:
"Eating Animals" is the tale of Jonthan Safran Foer as he travels across the United States in search of answers in the world of food. Some would automatically label the book a plea for vegetarianism without reading it but the novel transcends this notion. The book amounts to the story of Foer's travels wrapped around the encounters he has with food, ranging from PETA, a factory farm, an indpendent animal activist, and humane ranch. One of the most captivating components of the novel was the title pages of the chapters. Here are a few examples:

Deerfield High School is just like any other high school in America, full of insults, rumors, bullies, and teenage angst. These problems are not just present at Deerfield but at high schools across America. A new era of social technology has arrived along with a new era of bullying. Combined with the physical and verbal abuse of old kids have never been more susceptible to bullies.

On the MTV series "If You Really Knew Me" students participate in Challenge Day. Challenge Day is designed to break down cliques and demonstrate how people really feel. I thougthD

"Take my pee, go ahead, TAKE IT!!!"- An Advocation for Drug Testing

An Analysis and Decision on Drug Testing in Schools

Drug testing is absolutely necessary in schools, not just for extracurricular activity, but all students. American youth are becoming drug abusers. Drugs accessibility, coupled with the stress of high school, are breaking down teenagers. While the stress caused by high school is unavoidable, drug abuse is. Preventative action like drug testing will help discourage students from making poor decisions. Even with the drug education supplied by D.A.R.E. and health classes throughout school careers, students still abuse drugs. By implementing drug testing, a step forward is made in the war on drugs.

Not enough school programs actually have an effect on the students thoughts on drug use. Usually laughable and lacking impact, school assemblies are ineffective at preventing drug use. Drug testing will alert schools and parents what students need help with there drug problems. This allows the necessary steps to stop the drug abuse to begin. While ultimately the abuser must decide to stop their abuse, drug testing allows the correct support groups to be put in place to prevent further drug abuse.

7 Days in September

7 Days in September is a powerful documentary about 09/11. The film has immense impact on me for a couple of reasons. My Aunt Lydia and her family lived in Soho at the time of the attacks. That was frightening. I was in third grade and did not really know much about New York geography, in fact I did not know about the World Trade Center. Hearing about the destruction being wrought in the Big Apple drove my mind away from my upcoming birthday towards anger. I was full of anger, and I did not know why, just that I was furious. Also, recently my family took a trip to NYC. It is an amazing city, full of interesting people, great food, and there is always something going on. You never would have guessed this city had been gone through the most succsessful terroist attack the world has seen. The city projects strength, its buildings are enormous, the people are everywhere, and the baseball team dominates. We spent a day just walking through the city, observing. We stopped to read a wall, a memorial to those lost in the attacks. Pictures, notes, flowers, there were literally thousands of objects placed there to honor the fallen. AFter viewing the film, I understand how strong this city truly is. The community suppourted everyone and was full of love. Never has a city come together quite like New York post-90/11.

The Pupil

In the short story, "The Pupil", the student and teacher bond is focused on. Mr. Pemberton and Morgan have a deep respect and love for each other. Students have always been imprinted on by the beliefs of their educators. I took biology with Mr. Lavin last year. he regularly talked about his beliefs and feelings about things. We did not always see eye to eye but we always listened and thought about each others values. Mr. Lavin was an important person in shaping who I am. Making connections with educators is a key aspect of social/educational relations. Interaction with teachers and other students makes up 80% of our day. Education truly is a key aspect in social communications.