News

The life of John Glenn

January 3, 2017 rhenderson002 Leave a comment

With John Glenn’s passing in 2016, everyone should look back at what he did for us while he was alive. He lived a life of many achievements, and is an inspiration for many.

John Glenn was a man of many talents. He was born on July 18, 1921, in Columbus, Ohio. He was first in public eye in World War II, where he was a successful fighter pilot. He continued his success into the Korean war as well. However, that is not all he’s famous for. He was selected as one of the “Mercury Seven” which was a group of pilots selected by NASA in 1959 to train to orbit the Earth. In 1962 he became the 5th person to ever be in space, and the first American to orbit the Earth. Not only that, but he was also a U.S. Senator. He won a seat in the 1974 election, and continued to serve for 24 years. In 1998, he became the oldest person to fly in space at 77 years of age.

John Glenn lived a life full of achievements. He’s won over 20 various awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom award in 2012. Other recipients of this award include Ronald Reagan and Stephen Hawking. He was an inspiration to future engineers, astronauts, and politicians alike.

He recently passed on December 8, 2016, in his home town of Columbus, Ohio. But even though he died, that doesn’t mean he will be forgotten. He will be remembered as an engineer, astronaut, and senator and on top of that an all round good person.

News

Taiwan’s call to Trump

January 3, 2017 Abby Thompson Leave a comment

Recently, President elect, Donald J. Trump received a congratulatory phone call from

President Tsai of Taiwan, alarming all political and international relation experts. But why? For decades, countries like the United States have had a complex and shaky relationship with China, a.k.a. the People’s Republic of China, and Taiwan, now recognized as the Republic of China.

Back in 1927, a civil war broke out in the republic of China, making it a communist country. Nationalist leaders fled to Taiwan. Now, Both Taiwan and China believe to have control over the mainland. Taiwan perceives the Chinese mainland as a country ruled by communist rebels, and China sees Taiwan as a breakaway province, not their own country. Since 1979, the United States have exclusively recognized Beijing, the capital of China, ultimately cutting all ties with Taiwan.

China had issued a “one China” policy, forcing all foreign countries to choose between recognizing Beijing, or Taiwan as the representative for the entire republic. Most every foreign country has chosen to recognize Beijing, the ruler of the world’s second largest economy.

However, relations between the territories and the United States have been shaky. In 1995, Washington was put under intense scrutiny for granting the President of Taiwan a visa to the United States. Beijing saw this as a threatening move, a possible step forward in recognition of Taiwan, weakening their power and control in the world. In response, China fired missiles to Taiwan. In response to the missiles, the United States placed two aircraft carrier groups nearby. This settled the dispute, but reminded the United States how sensitive the relationship between China and Taiwan really is.

This recently accepted phone call by Donald Trump is no different. By accepting the phone call from Taiwanese President, President Tsai, the president elect has communicated recognition of Taiwan as an independent nation.

This provokes two possible outcomes, ignoring American policy, possibly ending the decades long peaceful relationship, or observing Taiwanese independence, inevitably provoking war.

However, like many of the unconventional, and possibly “wrong” things President elect Donald Trump has done in the past year, he is given an excuse, granting him the benefit of the doubt. Both China and Taiwan have chosen to observe the future president’s action as a mistake, rather than a policy shift.

Entertainment, Movies/TV/Theaters

Top 10 holiday music albums

January 3, 2017 Avedog&Co. Leave a comment

The holiday season is for spending time with family and friends. What better thing to do then listen to some great holiday music while you do just that. Holiday music has been around for many years dating back to the 13th century. Today many talented artist create new holiday music or give their voice to old classics. Through the years there have been lots of holiday albums, but we are going to count down our picks for our “Top 10 Best Holiday Music Albums Ever.”

Noel: Josh Groban

His one and only holiday album, Josh Groban brings the spirit to you this season. Released in October of 2007 Noel is one of the best selling holiday albums and best selling albums ever. Selling over 3 million copies in 2007 it is easy to see why people love it so much. The melodious vocals of Groban complement the piano that is usually present and the choir in the background perfectly. Highlighted by the “The First Noel (with Faith Hill)” this album makes you feel in the mood to relax with family and friends on a cold day.

Christmas Portrait: The Carpenters

This album was The Carpenters only Christmas album, and was released on October 13, 1978. Since the album’s release, there has been about 1,950,000 copies sold, and the album has reached a peak position of number 93 on the Billboard 200 in 2015.

The Beach Boys’: Christmas Album

Released in 1964 at the peak popularity of The Beach Boys, this album will make you say “Merry Christmas, Baby!” With almost all original songs, this album brought a lot to the table. Highlighted by the hit single “Little Saint Nick” the Beach Boys tight knitted harmony and swinging beats translate perfectly into great Christmas music.

Michael Buble: Christmas

The album Christmas is Michael Buble’s second Christmas album. It was released October 21, 2011. This album has reached number 1 on the Billboard 200, and was his third album to reach this position.

Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas

Mariah Carey is very well known for her Christmas music, and this album has been one of her biggest claims to fame. The album features the song “All I Want for Christmas is You,” which is one of the most popular Christmas songs to this day. The album was Mariah Carey’s fourth Christmas album recorded, and was released November 1, 1994.

Charlie Brown Christmas

Accompanying the classic Christmas movie a Charlie Brown Christmas, Vince Guaraldi’s melodies make wonderful holiday music. These songs have gained a good reputation, and many people love listening to this music during the holiday season.

A Christmas Gift For You: Phil Spector

A Christmas Gift For You is an album where Phil Spector collaborated with some of the best musicians of the time to create one good holiday album. Phil Spector, most famously known for his role in creating the Wall of Sound, recorded a rockin’ Christmas album in 1963. Highlighted by The Ronettes rendition of “Sleigh Ride” this album will get you rockin’ and rollin’ this holiday season.

White Christmas: Bing Crosby

Bing Crosby’s White Christmas album is a wonderful trip back in time when vocals were all you needed. This smash hit of an album headlined by the songs “White Christmas” and “Mele Kalikimaka” is a measuring tool for all other Holiday music albums.

The Christmas Song: Nat King Cole

The Christmas Song is one of the all time classic albums for Christmas. Headlined by the Christmas anthem “The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas To You)” this album has reached critical acclaim in the music world.

Christmas Album: Elvis

Elvis is most well known for his rock and roll music, but he did release a very popular Christmas album in 1957. This was his first of two Christmas albums, his second was released in 1971. Since its release, the album has sold around 15 million albums worldwide. It shows some of the best music from Elvis even as a Christmas album. Some say it was his last “real” album.