Earlier in the semester I blogged about the very heated European conflict between London and Scotland over their independence and separation from the United Kingdom.  Spit, sweat, and tweets were all fired from both sides when the final Scottish vote determined that Scotland would remain under the rule of the monarchy and apart of the United Kingdom.  Since September, such controversy has almost diminished.  It has completely diminished from the sites of social media, at least.  The Scottish are moving past the disappointment and are on the verge of satisfaction as London officials are in the process of complying with promises they made to Scotland after the vote.  In the end Scotland will be happily contempt with a few wishes granted, and London officials will be pleased to still have their support.  These two countries may appear in media when the proposals are made official, but for now #Indyref is no longer trending.

Read more about the Proposals by clicking the link.

Anything that affects my life or changes the world I live in and know, is news worthy.  A new invention, the first man to time travel, the future King of England getting married, my country going to war, or even my favorite actress dying, should all-always be covered in the news and the media outlet.

…Otherwise I am ultimately left not knowing a thing…aren’t I, really?

From learning specific news stories and from alternate media outlets like twitter, facebook, online newspapers, and news broadcasts, I found that my perception of what is really going on can change or even get confused depending on the source I am using.  Every type of reporter has something different to offer, combined with an alternate and new perspective.  For instance on twitter, if I  search for a trending hashtag about a major occurrence in the world, I am going to get opinions and perspectives of people from both sides of the issue.

After this semester is over (along with my blog assignments) I will continue to get the news and information I need about what is happening in the word from watching the news on television, as well as from the several social media outlooks I use frequently throughout the day.  And if I don’t get my news there…my mom calling me and telling me about every interesting thing she hears, is also a useful tool to get some news.

You gotta love moms!

The Ebola craze has been sweeping the nation-literally.  We have all heard about the virus…it is impossible to be oblivious to this virus that has been making appearances in several states across the U.S., and making headlines around the globe.  People are scared.  They don’t understand how to contract Ebola, what it does to their bodies, or how to treat it.  The media only feeds their fear.  The reality is though, that people need to do their research before they freak out.  If treated early on in advanced hospitals, the virus is entirely curable.  As evident from New York City doctor, Craig Spencer, who tested positive for Ebola and is now set to be released on Tuesday, November 11, 2014.

Craig Spencer was the first person in the busy and crammed-populated city to test positive for the Ebola virus.  He had been in Guinea treating Ebola patients as a part of the Doctors Without Borders program.  After monitoring himself for symptoms, he reported a fever of 100.3 to authorities the morning of October 23, 2014 and was immediately rushed to be treated at Bellevue Hospital.  His reported infection put the citizens of New York City on the edge of panic mode, as authorities went on a scavenger hunt for all who he had been in contact with since he returned.  Those contacts, his fiancée, as well as himself were all put under quarantine.  Spencer was given a range of treatments, “including an experimental drug and blood plasma donated by a recovered Ebola patient, Nancy Writebol” who had contracted Ebola as a missionary in Liberia.  At first Spencer’s condition was serious, but by last week he was looking for activities to pass his time in isolation.

Dr. Craig Spencer’s recovery proved that when treated early and in advanced American hospitals, Ebola has much lower chance at achieving a fatality.  Whereas in West African field hospitals, Ebola is killing 70% of its victims because it is “starved of doctors, nurses and equipment”.  In the United States, 8/9 Ebola patients treated have survived.  That 1/9, Thomas Eric Duncan, resulted in a fatality only because his treatment was delayed after a misdiagnosis.

To read more about this article check out this link from the, New York Times!

Recently there have been reports that the Ferguson, Missouri Police Chief, Thomas Jackson, is expected to step down from his position.  This would be just one reform of the efforts expected to be made by city officials and government officials, discussing the issues at hand in this city of turmoil.  The proposed plan is for the current police chief to step down and the police chief from St. Louis County to take over.  However, both the mayor and the chief deny these allegations.

This is a step in the plan attempting to ease the tension between the city’s police force and the community. With a majority of the Ferguson community being black, the demographic of the police force should, if not match, be somewhat higher than the amount of white police officers.  After all, it is all psychological, sociological, and natural.  As people, we flock towards those who are our kind; who look like us, dress like us, talk like us, etc..  In many instances, we also show more respect towards those like us.  So an issue in Ferguson, Missouri right now, would apparently be the lack of respect to those in authoritative positions because they are white, and because they are part of the issue.  Race is playing a major role in the hold up of the entire Michael Brown case.

Check out the full article from CNN.

On Saturday October 18, 2014 myself along with twenty-four other Discover House members took on D.C.. Our second stop of a 4 hour bus ride, but main attraction was the Newseum! A fantastic place, filled with history and culture of every aspect, from (almost) every country, filled literally every room and every corner! And what better place to read about history, changing culture, and current events, then in the news?  This museum had it all.

While I definitely didn’t see every exhibit of the seven floor museum, every single one is worth your time.  Some of the exhibits I loved, included: 1964: Civil Rights at 50, 9/11 Gallery, Berlin Wall Gallery, The Boomer List (NEW), COX First Amendment Gallery, the FBI Exhibit, Make Some Noise, Pulitzer Prize Photographs Gallery, and Today’s Front Pages Gallery; where I actually got to see the Asbury Park Press (a paper from New Jersey), and a cover story about my high school football team!

Newly on display, the Boomer List features large portraits of iconic celebrities, comedians, and hosts, who were born each year of the baby boom from 1946-1964.  Photographer, Timothy Greenfield-Sanders, chose his boomers based on those who illuminated the “diversity and talent of their generation”.  Some of those featured include: Billy Joel,  Tommy Hilfiger, Kim Cattrall, and Rosie O’Donnell.

Personally, I thought the FBI Exhibit was THE coolest!  It included 200 artifacts, and photographs of the most media covered events over the past centuries.    One of the coolest artifacts there, was the Unabomber’s actual cabin where he hid out.  This exhibit, provides an inside look to the love-hate relationship between the FBI and media.

Last but certainly not least, the Pulitzer Prize Photographs Gallery was absolutely breathtaking.  The amazing moments captured with the click of a button, shutter of a lens, and flash of a bulb were incredible.  There really are no words to explain, how they make you feel.  And the stories behind the photographs are even more incredulous.  What many of photographers have gone through and experienced just to get the shot, is unimaginable to much of our society.  This photo gallery, and each picture in it, literally says a thousand words.  Of all the exhibits the Newseum contains, this gallery was one you NEEDED to visit.

Our trip to the Newseum gave us a glimpse into the reality of what is behind the news we hear, see, and read on television, social media sites, and the old school newspaper every day.

For more info on exhibits, to see what will be coming soon, or the overall Newseum itself, click here.  Also click the link if your interested in arranging a visit of you own!

On Monday, October 13, 2014 at 7:30pm in the Schwab Auditorium me along with most of my English 15S 008 class attended a lecture lead by the author of best selling Americanah, Chimanda Ngozi Adiche.  This was one of he best book lectures by an author that I have ever attended- then again it was my first.  She was humorous, relatable, honest, and reliable.  I felt as if she didn’t sugar coat anything she was speaking to us about.

She discussed her home in Nigeria, what her life was like-is like, and what her family is like.  We got more insight into the author’s personal life, as she described to us her writing method, and told us stories of her child hood.  In a way, it was as if she established herself as a ‘real’ person, just like her audience.  She even described to us her experience as a foreigner in a new place; similar to freshmen in a new place, a new environment, new friends, and no parents.  Clearly, Adiche wasn’t ignorant to who the majority of her audience was.

Plus I loved learning her opinion about racism in the world, and how she thinks it just a concept of man.  After all we are all the same, we just have different skin pigmentations., as well as her perception of women in society.

This was definitely a lecture well worth it! If you missed it…regret it!

Here’s an article about the event from Onward State!

This evening I went to the Americanah  discussion at 8pm held in Willard, along with four of my fellow classmates.  The room was too small for the decent sized turn out of the event, and slightly scorching too.  While I was unsure of what to expect, it certainly wasn’t close to the idea I had in mind.  First, the guy leading the discussion was thoroughly unamused….so it’s safe to say he did not catch my attention or interest.  Nor did he entertain the majority of the rest of the room who were dropping like flies; some literally falling asleep and others racing for the exit and cool air.  There were a total of five people actively participating, and the conversations seemed to flow in an argumentative circle with people’s perspectives of the novel clashing.  The questions were all extremely similar, regarding race and the relationships of Ifemelu and Aunty Uju.  Therefore, the answers were all extremely redundant.  I really wish this discussion had been more enticing, exciting and open to participation.  Instead the atmosphere was just very tired and dull.

Advice: If you did not go, don’t feel sorry.  It was an experience I could have lived without.

However the book is one I would highly recommend you all to actually READ! Not just skim through, read the summary on the back cover, or even just the title. If you find the time, read Americanah by Ngozi Adichie, and take the time to understand and empathize with the real struggles of immigrants that are experienced every day in America.  A new perspective, can change the way you look at life and live yours.

We have all heard about the shooting that happened, and on going turmoil in Ferguson, Missouri.  If you haven’t- then you need to come out from under that rock where you’ve been living. For more articles and reports to catch yourself up on the story, visit this CBSNews link.

About a month ago a white police officer shot and killed unarmed 18 year old black man, Michael Brown.  Ever since then angry protests have filled the streets of Ferguson.  The police response has since, been criticized by almost every news station, newspaper, and on every social media network.  This case is stirring up racist conflicts and injustices in practically every direction. Each attempt of the police to control the protests have failed, making the relationship between officers and the community appear irreconcilable.

On Saturday,  September 27, 2014, while two Michael Brown protests were occurring there was a white police officer shot (injured in the arm).  As if tensions aren’t tight enough, this only sparked more questions and stress for the county police department.

63% of Ferguson’s residents are black, and only 3/53 of it’s officers are black.  Clearly there is a gap in the police demographic reflecting that of the community.  This leads many to suspect racial injustices are at fault.  Officer Darren Wilson has yet to be taken into custody, causing disbelief, stress, and unresolved feelings for ,Lesley McSpadden and Michael Brown Sr., (parents of the victim), who just want to see justice.

The case and the indictment of Officer Wilson is still being questioned by the county grand jury, as well as the rest of the nation.  As for the residents of Ferguson, they clearly have their minds made up.

Tweets were streaming in from professional news anchors and trusted news stations (BBC) throughout Scotland and the United Kingdom as votes were counted on September 19 for the Scottish Independence Referendum.

Breaking news of the result and reactions were first told via social media.  Here, BBC Scotland tweets the monarchs response to the no vote.  Mutual respect would be crucial in the aftermath, as tensions were high, and some of those who voted ‘yes’ were becoming wildly upset.

…Hey! At least you got a vote.

The Queen urges a "spirit of mutual respect" after the Scottish #indyref No vote http://t.co/aDpfCuVjhe pic.twitter.com/EoqvVbT4HK

— BBC Scotland News (@BBCScotlandNews) September 19, 2014

There are those who scream and shout about the outcome, but there is no denying the obvious overwhelming no to yes vote ratio.  Clearly portrayed later, in a result map by BBC News.

Figures at a glance: The #indyref vote result in maps: http://t.co/ZxBXJO1j1K pic.twitter.com/dUYibPBKIP

— BBC Scotland News (@BBCScotlandNews) September 19, 2014

Check out my previous RCL Blog for more outlook on the Scottish Independence vote. Click here to read the original article.

Check out this article:  Scotland Votes ‘No”

Scotland was taking over social media by storm yesterday, it appeared.  As it was reported that the country was voting whether or not to continue being a part of the United Kingdom, and under the rule of the monarchy.  An independent country…free of rule, and with their own (new) government.

However the result was a sigh of leaf for the Prime Minister, 2,001,926 Scottish voters, and for all those who love the United Kingdom as a whole (my self included).  The pro-union campaign won with a margin of 55.25% of the vote.  A gap much larger than was anticipated.  The threat of a United Kingdom break up caused much anxiety to many across Europe, and even to those in the United States…*cough* *cough*…President Obama.  It was a literal sigh of relief for NATO, investors, and the like who depend on the unity of those provinces.

Although now, many members of parliament are facing backlash due to the option to vote.  The leadership of the Scottish Parliament are also being questioned, and accused of complacency while this whole campaign was occurring.

(On the other hand, at least they got the opportunity to vote for their independence…I mean with no wars or anything).

Rachel Sterner, “Whats past is prologue”, 15A, 001, Spring 2014

I absolutely LOVED this blog by Rachel Sterner!  It was a great original idea and was filled with interesting content.  The title, “Whats Past is Prologue”, immediately drew me in.  It was such a clever and unique way to capture readers attention.  To use a quote from one of the most talked about historically relevant people, was brilliant!  Her blog was extremely visually appealing.  Once connected to the website, the eye popping colors and images captured my attention.  As a student who enjoys history class, I was thoroughly  amused by this blog.  Overall I found it to be witty, funny, and relatable, as Sterner discussed popular people, topics, and events of the past mixed with the present.

Of course I would visit the blog again to read new posts, and leave many approving comments.  I would recommend this site to any fellow history lovers!