There are three times I can remember hearing about riots. Once here at home, a second time out in Vancouver, and now over in London. The first two had the stupidest reasoning behind them: a hockey team lost the Stanley Cup and so angry, drunken fans took to the streets and rioted. That is just shameful.
Over in London the riots have been much worse and lasted much longer. But instead of being fuelled by the loss of a big silver cup and bragging rights they were fuelled by a generation with little hope for the future.
I have always been an optimist, I see the potential for a great and beautiful future, and it saddens me that not all can share in this vision. I know that there are people who struggle to get by each day and to them the future seems like more of the present but rioting is not the answer.
Anger and violence has never effectively solved a problem. Problems are solved by dedication and logic and a willingness to believe that no matter what happens things can get better. We do not want to be the generation that is seen as the disintegration of civility, we do not want to mark the pages of history with violence and fire and anger. We are a generation capable of so much more so let our current events become milestones of success of which we can be proud.
My thoughts go out to you Sim along with the people of London. I hope things calm down and that the damage done can be repaired.
Don't Forget To Be Awesome,
-Kim
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
The London Riots
Monday 8th August 2011 marked the third consecutive day of violence a
nd rioting in London. Violence and arson that has spread from Tottenham, North London, out around the rest of London like wildfire and has now caused a surge of violence in cities miles away like in Birmingham and Liverpool.
On August 7th, the troubles began in Enfield. 100 'hooded youths' gathered outside the police station before shop windows where smashed and Riot police had to start patrolling the streets. In Brixton, three officers where injured after missiles where thrown from crowds. In Oxford Circus there was a gatherin
apparently an additional 7000 coming into London today.
I cannot put into words how horrified I am. Three times in my life have I watched the news in complete disbelief and this event is one of them. I just do not understand the mentality of people who have done this. I mean, the repercussions of these events are going to horrific and in the end it's going to be us, us teenagers, who are going to feel the consequences of this after. On the news, they were discussing why so many youths were on the streets. But it's not all of us. The media already has a negative view of this generation, these events are only going to intensify this. And it saddens me immensely.
There is not much to do now but to wait and watch. So I'll leave you with this thought; We are living through history. We are the events that will be fixed markers in text books for decades to come. So what part will you play in it, and what part will those you know play?
To everyone, everywhere, stay safe.
nd rioting in London. Violence and arson that has spread from Tottenham, North London, out around the rest of London like wildfire and has now caused a surge of violence in cities miles away like in Birmingham and Liverpool.For those of you who do not know why this has happened;
On August 4th, 29 year old Mark Duggan from Tottenham, was shot dead by police officers after an attempted arrest. There was an exchange of fire and it is said that the police only shot out of self-defence.
On August 6th, a peaceful protest started in Tottenham of around 300 people claiming justice for Duggan and his family. And this is where things turned from bad to worse. After 8pm the violence began; bottles thrown at patrol cars, vehicles set alight. Some say that this was started after a confrontation be
On August 4th, 29 year old Mark Duggan from Tottenham, was shot dead by police officers after an attempted arrest. There was an exchange of fire and it is said that the police only shot out of self-defence.
On August 6th, a peaceful protest started in Tottenham of around 300 people claiming justice for Duggan and his family. And this is where things turned from bad to worse. After 8pm the violence began; bottles thrown at patrol cars, vehicles set alight. Some say that this was started after a confrontation between a teenage protester and a police officer. Under an hour later there were more than 250 emergency calls in Tottenham. There were buses and shops on fire everywhere. Looting was reported throughout the night. In this one night 26 officers where injured and there was a total of 55 arrests. (Famous shop in Tottenham >)
On August 7th, the troubles began in Enfield. 100 'hooded youths' gathered outside the police station before shop windows where smashed and Riot police had to start patrolling the streets. In Brixton, three officers where injured after missiles where thrown from crowds. In Oxford Circus there was a gatherin
g of around 50 people who also damaged property in that area.
On August 8th, Scotland Yard made a statement referring to the activity as 'copycat criminals', 'small and mobile groups of looters'.And it is on the 8th, where I came into play.
On August 8th, Scotland Yard made a statement referring to the activity as 'copycat criminals', 'small and mobile groups of looters'.And it is on the 8th, where I came into play.
Over Facebook (of all the places) I begun to hear rumours that the riots where heading this way. And it began around 7pm. The looting my town was nothing near to the damage seen in places like Tottenham and Lewisham, however is was a worrying time. Sitting at home there was nothing I could do, there was no information coming in about how bad the situation was.
There has been over 400 arrests. Over 6000 police officers on duty, with
apparently an additional 7000 coming into London today. I cannot put into words how horrified I am. Three times in my life have I watched the news in complete disbelief and this event is one of them. I just do not understand the mentality of people who have done this. I mean, the repercussions of these events are going to horrific and in the end it's going to be us, us teenagers, who are going to feel the consequences of this after. On the news, they were discussing why so many youths were on the streets. But it's not all of us. The media already has a negative view of this generation, these events are only going to intensify this. And it saddens me immensely.
This violence is senseless, many using it as an excuse for personal gain. But what they do not understand is that the trust between the police and the community and also the trust in the community, between the people, has been broken. I fear that this trust is unfixable. That this will end in a situation where we are constantly unsure of a looting spree or riot. Constantly worried of the people that pass us in the street. I feel most sorry for the small shop owners who have had their livelihoods destroyed and the residents of apartments and houses set on fire.
I just don't know what to say now. Firefighters where unable to put out fires as they were being blocked and attacked by rioters. There wasn't enough police to help them. Just now I have heard that they are calling off all police holiday leave so that there is going to be apparently 16,000 police officers on the ground tonight. There has been talk of setting a curfew and the use of water cannons; but again I fear the long-term consequences of this.
On the news it is now being referred to as the England Riots, not the London Riots now.
There is some positive news to restore faith, a group of teens have started a Facebook event/group to clean up after the riot. In some places so many people are turning up to help that they have to turn people away because there is nothing left for them to do.
I just don't know what to say now. Firefighters where unable to put out fires as they were being blocked and attacked by rioters. There wasn't enough police to help them. Just now I have heard that they are calling off all police holiday leave so that there is going to be apparently 16,000 police officers on the ground tonight. There has been talk of setting a curfew and the use of water cannons; but again I fear the long-term consequences of this.
On the news it is now being referred to as the England Riots, not the London Riots now.
There is some positive news to restore faith, a group of teens have started a Facebook event/group to clean up after the riot. In some places so many people are turning up to help that they have to turn people away because there is nothing left for them to do.
There is not much to do now but to wait and watch. So I'll leave you with this thought; We are living through history. We are the events that will be fixed markers in text books for decades to come. So what part will you play in it, and what part will those you know play?
To everyone, everywhere, stay safe.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
A trip down memory lane
When I was young, we moved around a lot. The chronological file of my childhood is marked by the different houses we lived in; the first I can remember is one of the houses in Wyoming. I call it the "brown house" because of the wood paneling on all the walls. I don't really remember which of my memories there was the earliest, so I'll list a few.
I remember my dad trying to teach me to play violin; I was 3 at the time. Needless to say, he failed. I remember standing in his office in our house in Wyoming with the violin under my chin, really, really irritated at him.
I remember my first thunderstorm. All the noise and the trees whipping around and the rain crashing down and everything. I was terrified, but my mom told me to get in bed, and that when I woke up, it would all be gone. Happily, she was right.
I remember-- and this is kind of random-- being afraid of a spot on the wall. Seriously, a spot on the wall. It was right next to my bed and I thought it looked like an evil face staring at me. My mom eventually had to put a sticker over it so I would stop freaking out.
And that's pretty much it. This is a pretty short post, but I do have a couple of news-ish things I want to write about now.
First, college: I just found out room assignments for the dorms! I have two roommates! They are cool people! I Skyped with one of them yesterday and she's a big Harry Potter and Dr. Who fan, so we'll get along. :) I leave for California on the 22nd, so I'm getting more and more excited as the days go by.
Second, I'm going to see Wheezywaiter's band, Driftless Pony Club, tonight. I don't really know any of their music, but... it's Wheezywaiter! Yay!
Okay, that's it. Hope everyone has a good Saturday!
DFTBA,
Emily
I remember my dad trying to teach me to play violin; I was 3 at the time. Needless to say, he failed. I remember standing in his office in our house in Wyoming with the violin under my chin, really, really irritated at him.
I remember my first thunderstorm. All the noise and the trees whipping around and the rain crashing down and everything. I was terrified, but my mom told me to get in bed, and that when I woke up, it would all be gone. Happily, she was right.
I remember-- and this is kind of random-- being afraid of a spot on the wall. Seriously, a spot on the wall. It was right next to my bed and I thought it looked like an evil face staring at me. My mom eventually had to put a sticker over it so I would stop freaking out.
And that's pretty much it. This is a pretty short post, but I do have a couple of news-ish things I want to write about now.
First, college: I just found out room assignments for the dorms! I have two roommates! They are cool people! I Skyped with one of them yesterday and she's a big Harry Potter and Dr. Who fan, so we'll get along. :) I leave for California on the 22nd, so I'm getting more and more excited as the days go by.
Second, I'm going to see Wheezywaiter's band, Driftless Pony Club, tonight. I don't really know any of their music, but... it's Wheezywaiter! Yay!
Okay, that's it. Hope everyone has a good Saturday!
DFTBA,
Emily
Friday, August 5, 2011
Memories (or the Lack of)
Honest truth, I have the memory of a goldfish.
So many of my memories are scattered images from all over my child. One very vivid one I have is of my dad driving this dirty grey coloured car we used to have, it was my favourite car. All of the car windows are open and in the cd player we are listening to my dad's favourite bands; Dire Straits. Coincidently, my favourite Dire Straits song is playing...
(Blogger wouldn't upload the video ¬.¬)
I love this memory as it kind of sums up my relationship up with my dad; we bond over music and scenery. We get on best when we are on the move.
Many of my early memories involve my dad and I listening to music and would explain my closeness to my dad rather than my mum. Also my memories contain lots of re-watching's of Indiana Jones on VHS along with The Little Mermaid, 101 Dalmatians and George of The Jungle (I'm a big movie nut!)
Sorry about the short post, I don't have that many memories :P
Hope everyone's week has been good
Dftba
Sim x
Sorry about the short post, I don't have that many memories :P
Hope everyone's week has been good
Dftba
Sim x
Memory
My family was at Lake Louis, going for a walk after lunch. At one point there was an outcropping of rocks beside the path and being the adventurous six year old my sister went climbing over them. I, being a silly three year old, decided it would be a good idea to follow her. It was a little bit rainy that day so the rocks were a bit slippery...needless to say one moment I was climbing on a rock, the next my mom was pulling me out of the lake.
That's my earliest memory. I don't know why it's stuck with me all these years or what it says about me, though I guess it explains why I'm not a big fan of swimming. And I had something thoughtful to say about this but now I can't remember.
Sorry this is really short, and a few minutes late. I had a job interview with the Disney store today which took one and a half hours, and then I was running errands all afternoon, and then I went and saw Wicked. Which was really good! But now I'm kinda falling asleep as I type so yeah, it's bed time. Sweet dreams :)
DFTBA,
-Kim
That's my earliest memory. I don't know why it's stuck with me all these years or what it says about me, though I guess it explains why I'm not a big fan of swimming. And I had something thoughtful to say about this but now I can't remember.
Sorry this is really short, and a few minutes late. I had a job interview with the Disney store today which took one and a half hours, and then I was running errands all afternoon, and then I went and saw Wicked. Which was really good! But now I'm kinda falling asleep as I type so yeah, it's bed time. Sweet dreams :)
DFTBA,
-Kim
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Earliest Childhood memory..
Hmm.. I can't really remember that much of my childhood. But there are some things that I do remember from when I was maybe around the 4/5 mark? And I will list them now. They aren't in any particular order by the way.
1) I have a vivid memory of a gecko running across my chest as my parents were putting me to bed. I squealed. It was horrible.
2) Seeing as I lived in Singapore as a young child, my family ALWAYS went to the Singaporean zoo. If you ever go to Singapore, go to the zoo. IT. IS. WORTH. IT. I have a few memories here.. Like this one time near the awesome pool/playground area, my mum was sitting on a bench and a green snake just kind of appears out of nowhere. I can't remember if it was either on the bench next to her or on her leg... I always have this memory of this white monkey always staring at me as we walked past. No joke. That monkey was creepy..
3) I have memories of crayons. In K2.. Kindergarten that is, we always had crayons. Crayons are cool.
4) I have memories of having late night swims with my dad in the pool... We lived in a condo in Singapore and there was a pool in the middle of it all. There was also a couple of tennis courts, a gym, a playground and loads more.. Now I just live in a house. Pfft.
That's all for now I think...
Also, I'm seriously hoping that Chuck doesn't post on Wednesday. I have no idea what's going on with the days at the moment. We're all swapping and then re-swapping.. And ugh, it's kind of confusing :P
Bye for now.
DFTBA, Caitlin x
1) I have a vivid memory of a gecko running across my chest as my parents were putting me to bed. I squealed. It was horrible.
2) Seeing as I lived in Singapore as a young child, my family ALWAYS went to the Singaporean zoo. If you ever go to Singapore, go to the zoo. IT. IS. WORTH. IT. I have a few memories here.. Like this one time near the awesome pool/playground area, my mum was sitting on a bench and a green snake just kind of appears out of nowhere. I can't remember if it was either on the bench next to her or on her leg... I always have this memory of this white monkey always staring at me as we walked past. No joke. That monkey was creepy..
3) I have memories of crayons. In K2.. Kindergarten that is, we always had crayons. Crayons are cool.
4) I have memories of having late night swims with my dad in the pool... We lived in a condo in Singapore and there was a pool in the middle of it all. There was also a couple of tennis courts, a gym, a playground and loads more.. Now I just live in a house. Pfft.
That's all for now I think...
Also, I'm seriously hoping that Chuck doesn't post on Wednesday. I have no idea what's going on with the days at the moment. We're all swapping and then re-swapping.. And ugh, it's kind of confusing :P
Bye for now.
DFTBA, Caitlin x
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Earliest Memory.
Hey hey,
So we decided that this weeks theme is going to be our earliest memories.
I think that it's quite an awesome topic actually, seeing as it would tell a lot about a person. Anyway, I will get on to my earliest memory.
Funnily enough it is me sitting in front of an old computer with my dad, playing, I think it was this wacky old strategy game with oversized people walking on a tiny planet earth... And after a quick google, it turns out it was called Populous.
Heck, I'm not actually sure how I remember that, seeing as I was like 2 or 3 years old...
But generally I think it is kinda funny how it really does reflect upon me these days, as I general like to think that I am computer-savvy enough to understand at least some basic geekeries.
I must apologise for this being kinda short as I don't have much to talk about, so instead I will put in some filler about what has been happening recently.
Well for one, I switched to doing Tuesday now. Obviously.
Then in the past weeks I have gotten in film photography, and gotten some films developed and all that jazz, and I really like it to say the least.
Then also I'm starting to go steady on Micro-Bloging, starting with a project "People on Analog", in which I will present an interview with someone on certain aspects of photographing in film, and of course a picture of them, taken with my favourite ever Zenit-E camera.
Anyways, see ya next Tuesday,
-Toms the Latvian.
So we decided that this weeks theme is going to be our earliest memories.
I think that it's quite an awesome topic actually, seeing as it would tell a lot about a person. Anyway, I will get on to my earliest memory.
Funnily enough it is me sitting in front of an old computer with my dad, playing, I think it was this wacky old strategy game with oversized people walking on a tiny planet earth... And after a quick google, it turns out it was called Populous.
Heck, I'm not actually sure how I remember that, seeing as I was like 2 or 3 years old...
But generally I think it is kinda funny how it really does reflect upon me these days, as I general like to think that I am computer-savvy enough to understand at least some basic geekeries.
I must apologise for this being kinda short as I don't have much to talk about, so instead I will put in some filler about what has been happening recently.
Well for one, I switched to doing Tuesday now. Obviously.
Then in the past weeks I have gotten in film photography, and gotten some films developed and all that jazz, and I really like it to say the least.
Then also I'm starting to go steady on Micro-Bloging, starting with a project "People on Analog", in which I will present an interview with someone on certain aspects of photographing in film, and of course a picture of them, taken with my favourite ever Zenit-E camera.
Anyways, see ya next Tuesday,
-Toms the Latvian.
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