Blog Post #9 Current Events

Current Events Blog Post:

Research a current event online and compose a blog post that briefly describes the event as well as your reaction to or opinion on what has occurred.

• Your blog post should be between 250 and 300 words. You will need to make choices about what to include and what to exclude in order to best communicate your stance.
• Since you are commenting on an online article, you must also cite your source and link to the article in your blog post.
• Even if your reaction to the current event is angry or emotional, remember to keep your language professional and the content appropriate.

The Old Order Stifles the Birth of a New Egypt

The article describes the current political situation in Egypt after the end of President Mubarak’s regime. Currently, there is massive unrest over what many Egyptians feel to be a botched transition from rigid autocracy to a supposed democracy which the military was supposed to facilitate. Instead, the military, in particular Field Marshal Tantawi, has assumed control of the government and is disinclined to turn over that control to civilian leaders. At the same time Egyptian civilians are distraught but relatively leaderless. The various civilian political groups have been unable to establish firm leadership of the people of Egypt. As the situation continues to degrade the military has taken multiple and unsuccessful steps to divert the blame of its perceived betrayal on the part of the citizens of Egypt.

I am unsurprised by this turn of events. Mubarak’s regime was strikingly similar to many other autocracies that have popped up in other parts of the world. All of these regimes tend to persist then fall apart under corruption and mismanagement leaving a framework of continual corruption, oppression, and entitlement. The fact that the military is resistant to relinquish power is also unsurprising. Often the military systems of autocracies are the means of control, and this control is incapable of meshing with the civilian democratic needs. I believe that Egypt will continue to experience unrest until the military leadership is either abolished or dissolved. In the meantime, protest will continue and more casualties will likely occur. Although this may seem a bleak outlook I would venture to say that it is a good chance for Egypt to achieve some real social growth, but it will be painful.

Works Cited:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/23/world/middleeast/vestiges-of-hosni-mubaraks-order-stifle-birth-of-new-egypt.html?pagewanted=1&ref=world

 

Blog Post #8 Inspiration

In small and large ways, we are all inspired. We draw our inspiration from people, pictures, art, music, behaviour, nature, etc. Consider something that inspires you and write a blog post of 300-350 words about it. Here are some things you may touch on:

• Describe the source of your inspiration- be specific and detailed.
• What feelings or emotions do you experience?
• Are you alone or do you share this inspiration with others? Are you aware of others having an alternate reaction to your source of inspiration?
• Forecast how long you think this inspiration will last- does it inspire you in the moment or something that you will derive inspiration from for the years to come?

Caffeine is my ambrosia, my ichor, it’s what lifts me up and brightens my mind from which ideas may pour forth. Without caffeine I become slow and decrepit, like a slug trudging through molasses. My particular source for caffeine is black tea, which I drink on a regular basis. I am not alone, all over the world people collectively consume caffeine. In America we drink coffee, in the UK they drink black tea, in the east they drink green tea, and the Assam tea they drink in the UK originated in India. No matter how you cut it caffeine is the stimulant of choice for our country. Some believe caffeine will result in a zombie apocalypse or some other such cataclysm, but I do not hold to this idea. Caffeine is the oil that keeps the gears of society turning, without which they would grind to a halt leaving us in darkness and despair.However, too much of a good thing can be bad for the body. Many products that contain caffeine can have deleterious effects if consumed in excess. As with everything we must practice moderation so that we may maintain the body and mind.

As long as humans exist I surmise that caffeine will exist. People have a natural predisposition to stimulants and to depressants strangely enough, and I derive inspiration from caffeine in particular for my long term and short term needs. I usually take my caffeine from black tea which I drink on a regular basis and without which I experience withdrawal symptoms. When I need to get work done I usually make myself a cup of tea beforehand so that I might concentrate more fully on my task. Looking forward I don’t ever see myself quitting this habit as it contributes to my productivity and peace of mind.