Senior Reflection #3

I'm pretty excited to head off to Williams next year. From my visits, I've seen how beautiful it is up in the Berkshires and also how good the academics are. The people I've met there have been quite diverse. A few rich snobs, a few nice rich people, a few regular snobs, and a few nice, quirky regular people. I'm not looking forward to interacting with the rich snobs much, but I know that the more different types of people I meet, the more prepared I will be for the world after college.

As for studies, I'm still mostly undecided. I'll probably end up concentrating in some field in science or math, but I'm not quite sure. I might minor in German, but even if not, I will definitely pursue significant German studies. I would also love to learn another language, probably French or Spanish. Chinese and Arabic are interesting, but they require knowledge of completely different alphabets and also bear no resemblance to either English or German.

Senior Reflection #2

I kind of wish I could stay in Herndon for the summer, but instead I'm headed out to Minnesota to be a counselor at a German camp in Bemidji. I'm very excited for that, though, because it means seeing friends I met last summer again. I'm about the only person from Virginia there. It's also going to do wonders for my German skills, which is great going into college. The money isn't really the best, but what can you do?

Senior Reflection #1

This year has been pretty good overall. I've enjoyed my classes and my peers. However, I've been particularly lazy of late, procrastinating like there's no tomorrow. Except there is, which is why I'm procrastinating. I'm glad it's all wrapping up now, but also a bit sad to leave the place I've called home for the past seventeen years. College will most certainly bring new friends and experiences, though. I'm not worried.

Boston Celtics take third in row to put Miami Heat on brink

Earlier this evening, the Boston Celtics beat the Miami Heat in Miami in game 5 of the NBA eastern conference finals, 94-90. The Celtics rode the double-double of Kevin Garnett as well as good play from Rajon Rondo, Mikael Pietrus, and Paul Pierce, who had 19 points, including a late three-pointer to put the game out of reach. LeBron James and Dwyane Wade of the Heat combined for 57 points in the loss, while injured forward Chris Bosh (abdominal strain) came off the bench to play for the first time since his injury during game 2 of the conference semifinals against the Indiana Pacers. The next game will be played Thursday night in Boston, where Miami must win or go home. A Celtics victory there would mark a significant upset and send Boston to the the championship against either the San Antonio Spurs or the Oklahoma City Thunder. That series is 3-2 in favor of OKC.

I am a big fan of the NBA, and have been paying close attention to the playoffs. I'm hoping for a Celtics-Spurs championship match up, but as of right now, I predict a Celtics-Thunder series instead, which should never the less be interesting and exciting.

Al Qaeda's No. 2 killed in Pakistan by CIA drone strike

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-pakistan-qaeda-20120606,0,6858392.story

Al-Qaeda number two Abu Yahya al Libi has been confirmed dead following a US drone strike in northwestern Pakistan. This is the latest in a series of blows against the Al-Qaeda leadership, coming on the heels of the death Osama bin Laden in a SEAL strike in Abbottabad. Libi was a charismatic and experienced member of the Al-Qaeda leadership, and his death deals a major blow to the organization. Pakistan has filed another complaint against the US drone program, which has resulted in the deaths of many innocent civilians.

It is yet to be seen who, if anyone, will be able to takes Libi's place in the Al-Qaeda leadership hierarchy.

After Nigeria plane crash, families mourn; government suspends airline

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/47695748/ns/world_news-africa/#.T87O7tXOy_g

Following the catastrophic crash of an MD-83 aircraft operated by Dana Air in Lagos, Nigeria, which left over 150 people dead, the Nigerian government has suspended Dana Air's license to fly, pending ongoing investigations. Dana Air has stated that the pilot of the aircraft was experienced, with over 7,000 flight hours logged in MD-83 aircraft, and that the aircraft itself had passed safety tests as recently as May 30. In Nigeria, which has huge problems with corruption and mismanagement, air safety remains a very serious concern.

Nigerian news interests me, as Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and struggles to develop amongst corruption, an oil curse, and ethnic tensions.

Wisconsin governor beats recall: Republican Scott Walker retains office

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/la-wisconsin-governor-beats-recall,0,4769607.story

Republican Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin has survived an attempt led by labor groups and unions to oust him following his decision to sharply limit collective bargaining rights. Following the collection of 900,000 signatures on petitions to set up a recall election (third time in US history such an election has occurred), Walker fought back, saying he had made the decisions necessary to balance the budget and lower school costs. In addition, Walker spent nearly three times as much money as democratic challenger Tom Barrett, mayor of Milwaukee, and spurred a get out the vote campaign that will also most likely benefit Mitt Romney this November.

I chose this article because the controversy in Wisconsin interests me. I do not agree with Walker's decisions, as they do not allow teachers and other civil servants to advocate for greatly needed pay raises and leave such groups helpless against cuts in pay and in benefits. I am thus disappointed in the outcome of the recall election.

A Chilling End in Chongqing

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/1c9395ce-7a52-11e1-839f-00144feab49a.html?ftcamp=published_links/rss/home_uk/feed//product#axzz1qdlbCGWq

The death of a prominent English business man with possible ties to British intelligence agencies in Chongqing has brought new scrutiny to bear on Bo Xilai, Chongqing's recently deposed Communist Party Secretary. The mysterious circumstances surrounding Mr. Neil Percival Heywood, as well as the lack of an autopsy report, have called in to question whether his death was actually, as reads the official Chinese report, due to alcohol, and not a murder.

Mr. Bo and Mr. Heywood were well acquainted, but Mr. Heywood was, according to some sources, embroiled in a business dispute with Mr. Bo's wife, Gu Kailai.

The scandals just keep piling up for Bo Xilai. I'm almost certain they will ruin his political ambitions, which, until he was wracked by scandals, looked to be bright.

Obama Clears Way to Tighten Iranian Oil Sanctions

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/31/business/global/obama-to-clear-way-to-expand-iranian-oil-sanctions.html

Today President Obama authorized further sanctions on Iranian oil, claiming that world supply and prices were sufficient to allow for even more restrictions on Iranian oil imports. This decision comes even as gas prices in the US continue to climb. Mr. Obama's measure has been mandated by a rare unanimous senate vote, and will place increased penalties on corporations and other entities that purchase Iranian oil. The aim of the sanctions is to isolate the Iranian Central Bank from the world economy, harming the Iranian economy in an effort to pressure Iran to drop its nuclear program.

I believe this move is necessary, as the prospect of a nuclear Iran is very frightening indeed. The measure adopted contains loop-holes that will allow it to be quickly waived in the case of a spike in gas prices, so if the measures threaten to do significant damage to the American economy, Obama can swiftly lift them. Already, sanctions on Iranian oil have succeeded in decreasing the amount of money Iran has available to pursue its nuclear ambitions. While these sanctions will harm many citizens of both the US and Iran, I believe the costs are necessary.

Wen Calls for Political Reform but Sidesteps Details

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/15/world/asia/china-wen-jiabao-calls-for-political-reform.html?_r=1&ref=world

Wen Jiabao, Premier of China, made statements concerning political and economic reform at a recent news conference, which could be his last, as he will be stepping down soon. He declaimed the current party leadership as being to averse to change, a situation which, in Wen's eyes, could lead to another Cultural Revolution.

Wen's calls are not to be taken as calls for greater political freedom or involvement for average Chinese citizens, rather as calls for a restructuring of the Communist Party and a revision of its policies and agenda.

Specific problems Wen addressed included the income gap, unaffordable housing, and Tibetan opposition. His responses to these questions were cautious, sticking very close to official Party doctrine. It remains to be seen in what directions the next generation of Communist leadership, including Jiabao's replacement, will lead the country.

Russia May Let NATO Use Airfield as Afghan Hub

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/15/world/europe/kremlin-willing-to-let-nato-use-airfield-for-afghan-transit.html?ref=world

The Kremlin has said that it is willing to allow NATO to use an airbase in Ulyanovsk, on the Volga river, to transport troops, vehicles, and supplies in and out of Afghanistan, where the NATO mission is being wound down. The use of this airbase provides a useful alternative to dangerous and expensive land routes through Pakistan.

Russia's cooperation comes at a time when the Kremlin seems unwilling to compromise on solutions for Syria and Iran, two of Russia's closest trading partners in the Middle East, leading to tensions between Russia and western leadership.

I believe that Russia's decision is designed to increase its influence on the world stage. By providing key logistical points for NATO and the US, Russia will increase the dependence of western countries on its cooperation, giving it a key diplomatic tool, especially as events in the Middle East continue to shape the geopolitical scene.

Chongqing Party Leader Ousted

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/16/world/asia/bo-xilai-ousted-from-communist-party-post-in-china.html?pagewanted=2&ref=world

Bo Xilai, the popular party chief of Chongqing province, was ousted today following scandals involving shoddy legal procedures in which Bo accelerated the convictions and executions of organized crime leaders and affiliates, including one Communist official, whom Bo accused of shielding gang leaders.

Beyond the scandals, It is many analysts' beliefs, as well as mine, that Mr. Bo was removed for more political reasons. Mr. Bo is a well-connected son of a revolutionary, with strong ties to former president Jiang Zemin. Throughout his leadership in Chongqing, he has advocated a populist strategy of wealth redistribution that has many in the Communist leadership wary of a return to the destructive elements of the Maoist past.

Bo's demotion is a setback for his political ambitions, and it remains to be seen whether he will be able to regain his favor with the party and gain the coveted spot in the standing committee of the politburo he seemed he was on the way to getting. In the meantime, his former position has been filled by Zhang Dejiang, Vice Prime Minister.

With Arms for Yemen Rebels, Iran Seeks Wider Mideast Role

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/15/world/middleeast/aiding-yemen-rebels-iran-seeks-wider-mideast-role.html?_r=1&hp

Iran seems to be sending weapons and munitions to Yemeni rebels, one shipment of which was recently intercepted by the Yemeni government. This involvement in Yemen has been linked to increased Iranian activities throughout the region, including training and support given by the elite Quds force to Syrian forces loyal to Bashar al-Assad and suspected assassination attempts on Israeli officials and a Saudi diplomat.

Most analysts believe that Shi'a Iran is seeking greater recognition and influence in the region in a bid to compete with its Sunni rival Saudi Arabia as well as to retaliate against Israel-sponsored attacks on Iranian nuclear technicians.

QOTW #6

Senior year has so far been enjoyable, though stressful with college apps, homework, swimming, science fair, etc. I'm looking forward to next semester, where things should cool down a bit. I've done reasonably well in all of my classes, despite slacking off a bit here and there. I can't wait to graduate and have all my exams and work behind me. It's been a trip, but there're bigger and better things waiting down the road. Hopefully I can make it in the "real world."

Political Cartoon 1/15

1. This cartoon is by Taylor Jones.
2. The cartoon shows Republican candidates Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, and Ron Paul as "capitalist birds."
3. All three candidates favor a more open market with fewer regulations and lower taxes, which the cartoonist does not agree with, as evidenced by the portrayals of Romney as a vulture, Gingrich as an overweight turkey, and Paul as an awkward duck. All three candidates are gathered around a carcass and bloodstained bills, which could represent the exploitation of the middle and working classes by big-money capitalists that would be allowed under a deregulated system.
4. The cartoon deals with the economic policies of three republican candidates.
5. I enjoy both the caricature and scientific names in this cartoon, especially N. butterballus as Newt Gingrich and Oddus duckus as Ron Paul. I also agree with the cartoonists seemingly negative view of the economic policies of deregulation advocated by the three candidates, as well as their greed.
6. The cartoonist is most likely liberal, holding a very unfavorable opinion of these three candidates.

QOTW #5: GOP Candidate

It's been all about Romney since the beginning, and I think he'll hold through the entire process. Though lately he's been smashed from all sides by attacks and no longer holds a commanding lead in the polls, I believe that his relative sanity in comparison to his competitors and his ability to grab the moderate vote will lead to his eventual nomination. We'll see how stuff goes. Could be that Paul or Santorum (even Huntsman, with a win in New Hampshire) might pull an upset. So far, though, Romney has been successful in fighting off any and all challengers. I don't see Gingrich being a big contender, what with his substantial baggage.

Political Cartoon 1/8

1. This cartoon is by Bob Englehart.
2. Ron Paul rides what appears to be a flying saucer toward the South Carolina primary.
3. Paul seeks to follow up an impressive showing in the Iowa caucuses and possibly in the New Hampshire primary with success in South Carolina. The flying saucer most likely references some of Paul's more outlandish policy positions.
4. The cartoon references the presidential campaign of Texas Representative Ron Paul (R).
5. My opinions of Ron Paul are mixed. Though he supports a foreign policy of non-intervention and a libertarian social policy including support for gay marriage and opposition to the death penalty, all of which I agree with, his strict Constitutionalism, belief in total economic deregulation, and rabid opposition to taxes do not sit well with me. I admire his record of voting on principle, sometimes against his own party, but the principle has often been, in my humble opinion, flawed.
6. The cartoonist holds the view that Ron Paul is on some crazy ganja, man.

QOTW #4: I'm a Grinch

I don't really remember most of my holidays, leaving me with a somewhat shallow pool of experiences to draw upon (or even fabricate and exaggerate). I suppose that playing balloon volleyball with a multitude of hazily recalled relatives when I was around five years old would take the cake as my favorite holiday memory. It was Christmas, and we were playing in the living room. Thinking back, it was probably lucky that no one dove face-first into the tree trying for a spectacular dig. The highlight of the game (as I remember) was my aunt smashing down a towering spike on the head of my dad (her older brother). Sibling rivalries never die.

Political Cartoon 12/17

1. This cartoon is by Taylor Jones.

2. Barack Obama stands behind a lectern, backed by a "Mission Exhausted" banner.

3. The text of the banner shows the American disinterest and fatigue concerning the War in Iraq, contrasting it with the jubilation usually accompanying the withdrawal of troops from a foreign war. Obama's statement reflects the sad state of the American economy, showing that there are still many problems facing the nation despite the war's close.

4. The cartoon concerns itself with the withdrawal of troops from Iraq.

5. The war in Iraq should never have occurred. The withdrawal comes much too late, delayed by the sectarian turmoil and violence caused in the first place by American involvement. Hopefully, this chapter in our history will be recognized as a potent lesson against undue military action in the future.

6. Jones expresses jaded cynicism in his portrayal of the withdrawal and Obama. His viewpoint is shared widely by citizens of every political stripe.