#Egypt #Mubarakout
As the Twitter trending and my recent use of hashtags would suggest, the crisis in Egypt (and now the “new Egypt”) is something I am interested in following. I am also finding that many of my peers don’t understand exactly what is going on in Egypt, or understand the people who are protesting.
To begin there are a few things to know. First, the class distinctions in Egypt are stark. In many places the lines between lower, middle and upper class are often blurred, in Egypt they are clearly delineated. Egypt’s lower class citizens are mainly homeless and are very visible to the general public who visit or live in the city of Cairo. To compare the homeless population of New York City to the lower class in Cairo would not be a fair analogy. American travelers to Cairo (myself being one of them) have found that hords of homeless children follow tourists and beg for money. Second, the middle class is a little better off, in terms of being able to live in a house, but many still struggle with employment issues, especially in the past ten years. The middle class citizen attend public schools and most family members work to provide for the entire household. Finally, the biggest jump in class separation comes between the middle and upper class as the upper class people hire the middle class citizens as maids and cooks, attend private schools (from elementary school through university), and they go on vacations away from the city during the hot summer months, usually to Sharm El-Sheikh, a resort town you may recognize as being Hosni Mubarak’s place of exhile.
Fear
I was surprised, yet half expected it when I first heard of the protest in Egypt. I was not surprised that the people of Egypt were calling for revolution and new leadership, I mean it’s about time. Hosni Mubarak held power for 30 years and used the Egyptian’s money in selfish ways leaving the people with very little and a substandard lifestyle. For example, donkey’s pull large carts to pick up garbage. Then that garbage is left in heaps in various parts of the city to decompose.
And on the other hand I was shocked that protests were going through the streets. Mainly because regimes like Mubarak’s rely on fear and repression. The people of Egypt have lived in fear of the government for years. I also believe that other governments have lived in fear of Hosni Mubarak as well. The United States of America has been a notorious enabler of the Egyptian authority.
The fear can come in many forms, but what I remember from my trip to Egypt in 2005 is that people fear the military personnel holding machine guns. They stand on every corner. I think the threat to America is not in that fear of military presence but what can be done with weapons of war in the hands of an angry dictator.
The People
There have been two forms of protest in the past 20 day. The visible protest of people in the streets and in Tahrir Square. These people are the middle and lower class citizens who seek fairness in governance and employment. The other protest, a cyber lead by the upper class, educated, youth of Cairo. Many found their voice on Twitter and Facebook, and helped spread this revolution to a global level.
So today we look towards the future. The people are calling for a new way of life, for fairness. It will be interesting how the new Egypt will bring the different social groups or social classes together. It has been said that the people of Egypt are reluctant to seek help from President Obama because they want to move away from ideas of the past, ideas President Obama worked with Mubarak to create. Another question that resonates is in the peoples’ curiosity. How will their ideas, fears, and wants play into the reshaping their nation? Will Cairo achieve democracy or will it follow in the footsteps of East Berlin?
A city girl
After five months of traveling around Europe and now settling into my new apartment in Manhattan I can be absolutely certain that I am a city girl. Sure I can appreciate the beauty in the country side and the breathtaking sunsets over the Mediterranean. But there is something special about a city.
London
The magic of London is not hidden, you can see it just by walking down Oxford Street. The little side streets towards Bentwick Market and St. Christopher’s Place are proof that this city holds some of the best kept secrets in the world. The streets all tell a story, whether it is of the local coffee shop or the escapes of Jack the Ripper. And even the most local of Londoners still don’t know every crevice of the city.
Paris
The beauty is in the air, it’s in the people, it’s in the ever present aroma of fresh baked croisants and baguettes. Not to mention the Eiffel Tower that stands at 324 meters (1,603 feet) high. Paris is incredible you can take a leisurely walk along the Seine during a sunny spring day, relax in one of the many parks, Luxembourg Park is my favorite, or just sip wine while taking in a view from Champ de Mars.
Rome
Pizza Pizza Pizza! Need I say more? Rome has all the character of a large city but it is easy to get around and is deceivingly small. And of course the food is amazing, the people are friendly and the history that accompanies this city is only comparable to the next city on the list…
Athens
While this city has the history to keep it on the top of some list, it is not one of my favorite cities. But I do appreciate the effort Greece! The people in Athens are not the friendliest and there are times when you don’t feel safe even in the most touristy of areas. Athens has recently been under renovations as reconstruction to the Parthenon and other monumental buildings takes place. Despite my dislike for the renovations, the city is nice for walking around and climbing the surrounding mountains, the peaks offer some of the best views I’ve ever seen!
Brussels
For the capital of Europe some would expect this to be the greatest of all cities. Well sadly it’s not. The fact is Brussel’s does not try to be the best, the locals know they are special because frankly it is a special place. I mean leaders from the entire European Union meet in this very place to discuss the most important matters of the world. I guess that gives the city bonus points. And the people are so un-phased by tourist or even pop-culture. They simply live to the beat of their own drum.
New York
What can I say about New York? It is a baby compared to the other cities. But there might be something to that, New York doesn’t have the hidden streets like London, the historic landmarks of Rome and Athens or even a fresh aroma. Truth be told, New York can smell, it’s loud, if you wear sandals outside you should probably clean your feet when get home. But there is something special, a spark. The lights of Broadway glimmer at all hours, the people are actually super friendly-just make sure you catch them after their morning coffee. Since New York is the baby of this group of cities it has learned from the mistakes of others. The streets are actually big enough so a double decker bus can fit through without the threat of hitting the person on the pavement and the diversity of people you meet in New York is incomparable.
If you like cities as much as I do the next time you venture into an unknown metropolis take a minute and notice the feelings of the city. Every city has an aura. You can feel the vibe as you walk down the street. Sometimes the best thing to do is to just get lost and see where the city leads you. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Life as a Coffee Bean
For my final project abroad I put together a piece that combines my passion for video with my addiction to coffee. For six months I frequented coffee shops through Central London. One in particular became my regular spot, Flat White. The barista’s welcomed me into the cafe with enthusiasm for the art of making coffee. Cameron McClure, owner of Flat White not only shares my passion for coffee, but he helped to enhance my appreciation for drinking artisan coffee.
The coffee culture of London is growing and it is people like McClure, who brough New Zealand style coffee to the United Kingdom. This tea obsessed nation is transforming to a place that appreciates steamed milk and fine espresso.
There is also a certain humor in the addiction that inspired this video!
Being a regular
For one of my classes we had to read about London culture in Kate Fox’s Watching the English, and of course the pub is a well known staple of life in England. In a pub life is different, as soon as you enter you are immediately close friends with everyone in the place and no boundaries are too far to cross. My local pub is called The Volunteer. There are approximately two dozen pubs within a 10 minute walk from my flat, but The Volunteer is the one that I claim to be mine.
I say it is mine because a regular is defined as someone who frequents a pub once or more times a week. And seeing as how it is Monday and I just returned after enjoying a half pint of cider black at the Volunteer with Madi, and have every intention of returning Wednesday for wine night, I am a regular.
Anyway, The Volunteer is a 5 minute walk from my flat and serves an array of foods and drinks. It is simply your classic London pub, with a little extra. Witty bar tenders, board games, live DJ on Sundays and of course the perfect atmosphere for an after work/school drink.
For anyone planning a long stay in London, I highly recommend finding your pub, because once you do you truly being to feel like a Londoner.
Sleigh ride with some friends of mine
It truly is the most wonderful time of the year. Now naysayers I do not want to hear you complain because quite frankly nothing you say about the holiday season can bring this tree decorating half Jew down. With holiday carols, family gatherings and my birthday (being a Christmas baby, I had to add that in) reflection is usually a big part of the holiday tradition.
The way I see it, Christmas time is not so much about the holiday itself, but more about remembering your purpose on earth. We could look at this as a biblical reference that Christ was born on this day and he later went on to sacrifice himself for the people of God. But for those of you that don’t really care about the meaning of Christmas or don’t have faith; Christmas leads us right into the new year where we feel as though change in life is necessary. But why do we need to make a change? I mean if we have negative feelings about our lives why can’t we just make a change whenever?
Why is it the new years means crash diets and resolutions?
Can our society realize that new years are just a continuation of time. The world is so consumed in following trends it is out of hand. Just because it is a new year does not mean you have to change something. So I challenge you, this year don’t make a new years resolution. Instead, follow a passion or routine you enjoy. For example, I practice yoga a few times a week. I plan on continuing that through the new year just cause I always go to yoga class. I did not start yoga at the beginning of the last year, I simply began on a whim and now I love the practice.
If you don’t have something that you enjoy, find a passion, because passion really is a wonderful thing.
So how did I start on a rant on new years resolutions from Christmas mania?
Because it all comes full circle, every year. The decorations come out and people begin planning for the new year. Stop focusing on the cycle and focus on yourself. Enjoy this time while it’s here don’t focus on what’s to come, live in the holiday season, you might actually enjoy it this year.
What a Feeling
For the first time since Freshman year, I am loving Syracuse. Last year left something to be desired. I would not say that being a Resident Advisor was torture, but I was forced into focusing on campus activities that I was blinded from the beauty of the outside world. Not to mention Lawrinson is located in the worst part of Syracuse.
Now that I reside on the outskirts of the university I am able to be reminded of why I was so eager to return after freshman year.
I’ve rediscovered:
-Long bike rides up the hills leading towards Nottingham High School where I found the serene peace of suburbia.
-A stairway next to my apartment that leads to a small park overlooking the city and with a picturesque sunset.
-Downtown, not as boring as I though.
-Random stores in the neighborhood. An organic food store is located down the street sandwiched between residential homes.
-The state fair, trashy yet understated. The effort to educate on solar energy and supporting locally grown produce helps to shed light on why the state fair exist. For those of you who don’t know; the NY State Fair originated in celebration and support of local agriculture. Today most people attend the fair for the performances, fried food and binge acceptability.
In this end-of-summer weather it is easy to get lost in the beauty of upstate New York. Go for a run and get lost in the winding roads off Meadowbrook, bike up Euclid, take a nap by the pond.
Save the Whales-lose the blubber…
Dr. Jason Newsom is at odds with burgers, french fries, fried chicken and sweet tea he wants to promote a better lifestyle for Americans. This Florida doctor recently released a campaign to advocate health in the state. We all know America has a problem with obesity and people need to exercise more, but this guy is just funny!
According to a story from AP here is what his campaign consist of…
“Sweet Tea = Liquid Sugar.”
“Hamburger = Spare Tire.”
“French Fries = Thunder Thighs.”
He also called out KFC by name to make people think twice about fried chicken.
Then he parodied “America Runs on Dunkin’,” the doughnut chain’s slogan, with: “America Dies on Dunkin’.”
I hope America listens considering 51% of Americans are obese.
For more check out the WSJ health blog.
Life is much too important to be taken seriously.
Oscar Wilde was a very intelligent human being. He had a way of making people look more into his words than what actually appeared on the surface. Because of this I have dedicated my blog (for the time being) to interpretation.
First, people have seen the headline of this page, “consistency is the last refuge of the unimaginative.” To me the meaning Wilde portrayed is that unimaginative people must resort to consistency because they lack innovative thought. Others believe the last refuge of the unimaginative means that unimaginative people are consistent. Or that unimaginative people are often inconsistent and only form to consistent ways or thoughts when all other options have been weighed, i.e. consistency is the last option.
Well, think what you may, and post what you think.
Oscar Wilde was a wise man, and he sure knew how to stir up controversy. Or did he just write and say in such a manner for a good laugh and a bout of sarcasm?
The song “Oscar Wilde” by Company of Thieves pretty much sums up the crazy mind of Oscar Wilde, or at least the way I imagine it.
Download Oscar Wilde-Company of Thieves
Something to talk about.
I would like to thank those of you who keep checking my blog, despite the fact that I have not been updating.
So, in an effort to hold attention, for the next few months; because I will blog consistently in January, when I hopefully go to London for a semester!
This summer I am interning at NBC. It is a great experience, I am learning so much and I actually get to have a lot of hands on experience like editing and filming.
Yesterday, my team found out that we had to put together a segment for the Today Show about energy shots and its raise in popularity.
So check out the video…we put this together in one day, and for those of you in TV you know how hard it is to shoot b-roll, conduct an interview, write a script and edit in just a few hours.
Beginnings-4th of July
So in an attempt to become a steller blogger, I am writing a post. I really have nothing to blog about at the moment, so, I guess I will just talk about July4th. A great holiday! Not so much as in a great day for America, but a great day for family and friends. To me the fourth is more about remembering why you are here and celebrating the life you live. I love the fourth for many reasons, but most of all, I love being with the ones I love.
In my family it is tradition to gather at my uncle or grandmother’s house and just be content with the company that surrounds and the (usually) beautiful weather. Of course, it would not be 4th of July without a game of kickball, wiffleball or croquet and some swimming in the pool!
Not to mention it’s less than six months until my other favorite holidays-12/25 and 12/26
