All posts by N. Hervias

CHS Student and Club member

Feature Article #2 SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Although San Francisco is not geographically big the amount of activities and attractions available are immense and make the City seem like that as well. With it’s rich and interesting history and modern sights, San Francisco is another must when traveling the United States.

 

 

After arriving in San Francisco during the morning I would make my way to the San Francisco Marriott in Union Square and check in. the price is about $189 per night but is worth the money. The hotel is already located in union Square, a heavy center filled with shops and attractions. Staff have been known to being very friendly and the food is highly rated.

 

From there I would first make my way to the Golden gate bridge and walk across. The view of the city the bridge gives is amazing and I would take tons of photos. Plus crossing the bridge is great exercise.

 

After making my way down from the bridge I would head over to Union Square and do some shopping. I would look for nice pair of pants and if I do decide to buy anything, I would replace them with pair i would already have on. There are a lot of cafes in the plaza Where I could get an excellent cup with some pastries for around $8. I would end the night there and then go back to my room.

 

When I wake up the next morning, I would eat breakfast at the hotel. I almost eat all the time in the Hotel since the food comes with the room. I would then make my way to the infamous Alcatraz Island. The price of admission is about $37 dollars. To reach the island i would have to take a ferry which really gives in to the no-escape atmosphere Alcatraz emits. The prison itself is large and taking tours inside and outside of it would be interesting. I myself would thrilled since there have been movies based on the island and also video games, so learning about where the stories originated sounds interesting.

 

On my third day, I would explore the North Beach, which is like the little Italy of San Francisco. The place is known for it’s authentic Italian Cuisine and museums. I would go eat at Calzone’s and enjoy a mushroom and pepperoni thin crust pizza for about $4 a slice. The place is comfy and has a street view. After that I would visit local museums and check out paintings and sculptures. After having my fun in Italy, I would go to china in San Francisco’s own Chinatown. I would explore the exotic shops, marketplaces, and temples. I would also like to try out the street food and satisfy my craving for pork dumplings.

 

My last day in San Francisco would spent relaxing and taking a break from all the walking I would have done. So what better way than sitting down for hours. My last place to hit would be the Orpheum Theatre and watch whatever production they have that day. The theatre is well-known and huge, with comfortable seating and prices ranging about $64 dollars. Later that same day I would make my way to the airport and head on to the next city.       

Feature Article #1 ORLANDO, FLORIDA

Between all the states in the country Florida has to be one of the most exciting and fun among them with it’s young atmosphere, various theme parks, and vivid nightlife, it is a must stop for those planning to travel and get to know more of the United States.

 

 

My trip across the US begins in New Jersey where I will take a flight to Orlando early in the morning for $234. I will arrive before the afternoon when I get there and hurriedly take a cab to the Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando Downtown. They charge $190 but the price is well worth it. They have and outdoor pool, incredible rooms, and are close by to attractions.

 

After getting settled in my room i would make my way to Wonderworks. The indoor amusement park is filled with cool oddities and a lot of interactive attractions. I would go ride the roller coasters and go experience their 4D theater. The price of admission is about $26.99 plus tax but it is well worth to explore the facility and all it has to offer.

 

From there I would spend a couple of hours before going to eat at Agave Azul, a Mexican cuisine restaurant. The place is well known for their Latin infused dishes and trying them would be amazing to see how modern and old plates can be infused together. I would go when it is dark since the place really comes alive at night with vibrant lights and people. The overall atmosphere is very comfortable and I would spend around $50. I would then return to my hotel room.

 

On my second day I would wake up early, enjoy the breakfast the hotel has to offer and go to Universal Studios.  The price for the ticket is about $155, but it is well worth it. Exploring the vast theme park takes various hours, so this will take up the whole day. I would ride on various roller coasters and interactive rides like the Hulk roller coaster or the Escape from gringotts ride. After getting my adrenaline pumping I would make my way to Wizarding World of Harry Potter and submerse myself in the magic. I would go buy my own wand ($50) and wander around hogwarts and try out all the realm’s cuisine. After nerding out for hours i would finish my day by going the City Walk and get ice cream and coffee in the shops. I would also buy clothes or anything else I see worth spending money on. I would then return back to my room.

 

For my third day, i would like to take it easy for a but since I would be exhausted from Universal Studios and go to Disney springs. There is no admissions fee, and the complex is vast. There are shops, restaurants, outdoor entertainment, and tons of visual attractions to see. Walking around and sitting for one of the daily outdoor theater shows would be relaxing and a great place to take pictures. There is also a Ghirardelli’s shop where the ice cream is to die for, although quite pricey for about $8 a cone.


As for my fourth day I would start packing up spend the day in the hotel in the pool and sleeping. My next flight to the next city, Chicago, Illinois, would be during the evening. Orlando is a lot of fun and definitely worth the stay.            

Packing for the States

When going on broad and extensive trips it is essential to have the right gear and supplies for the journey. They key is to not pack too much but just enough, and also to always  have the essentials available. For my journey across the corners of the United States I must need to have certain items to make my trip the most enjoyable it can be without having to go through unnecessary and tedious obstacles. Firstly, I’ll begin by saying what type of backpack I would use. My ideal one would be something durable, spacey, but not too large. For those reasons, I would get the Router Backpack by North Face. It is nice and sturdy and can carry about 30 pounds of weight. Small items I would pack would be a toothbrush, a small medical kit, chap stick, and baby wipes. These items are essential for my health I would also bring two iPhone chargers and my passport. For clothing, I would bring 2 long sleeves, 2 short sleeves, and a hoodie. For bottoms I would bring 3 joggers, shorts, and a pair of jeans. This is just to accommodate for weather changes. I would bring 4 boxer briefs, 4 pairs of socks, and a light north face jacket. Since most of the places I am going to visit are cities, I will not need an extensive wardrobe. But for places like the Sedona, the pair of shorts and short sleeves will come in handy for the day I decide to go hiking.
The North Face jacket I would not necessarily have to pack inside my backpack as I could just wear it. The clothing is not much but I will be doing laundry the day before I leave to another state. I also plan to buy certain clothing and throw away some of the ones I would already have to accommodate for room. As for my backpack, this Is what I would pack.       

Corner to Corner. Trip across the USA

My trip across the corners of the United States begins in Orlando, Florida. Orlando has many great places to visit and do shopping. The plazas are numerous, and the restaurants are amazing. Going to Universal Studios is a must as I want to go into the world of Harry Potter. My next stop is Chicago, Illinois. The city is bustling and full of coffee shops. Hopping from one to another and exploring the numerous amounts of restaurants would be fun. Going to the Navy Pier and Willis Tower would be ideal for the shopping and for pictures. My next stop would Sedona, Arizona. The Sedona is full of rocky trails and trees. I wouldn’t mind hiking for hours and exploring the landscape. I would go to Red Rock state park and Oak Creek Canyon for exploring. My next stop is San Francisco, California. San Francisco is full of stores and an incredible music scene. Plus visiting the Golden Gate bridge is essential as it one of America´s most recognizable landmarks. Since I have a sweet tooth I would go to Ghirardelli square for some chocolate and also union square for shopping. My last stop is Seattle, Washington. The amount of gardens in Seattle are vast and there are also many beautiful buildings. I would visit the Chihuly garden and the glass space needle for the flowers and the grand view from the needle. Also I would try to throw a frisbee off the needle. And thus concludes my trip, returning to New Jersey.

International Political Cartoon: Trump v. Cruz

Source: ViewsAmerica

Country of Origin: Oslo, Norway

In this cartoon the author uses exaggeration by emphasizing the heads of Ted Cruz and Donald Trump. He exemplifies Donald’s thin hair and mouth. With his hands around Cruz’s neck, this shows that Donald and Ted are in a battle. Symbolism is also made by them stepping on the Republican elephant, showing their disregard towards Republicans.

The Iowa Caucus results have come in and Ted Cruz beat Donald Trump as shown in the polls. This victory shows Cruz to be a formidable opponent for Trump. Also, Marco Rubio was very close to Trump, leaving room for another potential candidate.Though Trump has been the forerunner for the republican party in polls, this loss is very shocking and shows that the race is still very unpredictable.

 

International Politcal Cartoon: The Zika Disease

Source: ViewsLatinAmerica

Country of Origin: Landsmeer, Netherlands

This cartoon uses a lot of exaggeration and analogy to give it’s point of view to the situation at hand. The size and magnitude of the mosquitoes shows how rampant the Zika disease is. The author uses analogy by comparing the stork carrying the baby to pregnant women or women who want to have a child. This cartoon shows the danger that babies are facing due to the Zika disease that is being spread by mosquitoes.

In a related article by the CDC, the Zika disease has been rampant in many South American countries, such as in Mexico, Panama, and Brazil. The disease is infecting many people in these countries, but there are not a lot of reported deaths. However, the disease is causing many pain, and there is no cure for it as of now. Travel to these countries is not advised. Pregnant women and those who are thinking of becoming pregnant are advised to consult with there health provider first.

 

 

 

 

Politcal Cartoon Analysis

1. What is the event or issue that inspired the cartoon?

Trumps surprising success in the polls.

2. Are there any real people or places in the cartoon? If not, what images are portrayed in the cartoon?

There are real people. The republican candidates are there, except Trump, and the American viewers.

3. Identify the specific artistic techniques used in the cartoon (i.e., symbolism, analogy, exaggeration, labeling, and irony). What is the artist trying to show the reader by using these techniques?

There is irony involved in the cartoon. The caption says that Trump hasp pulled ahead of Jeb Bush even though he is not there at the debate. The artist is showing that Trump isn’t even trying hard and he is winning by far.

4. What is the cartoonist’s point of view about the topic portrayed in the cartoon? Give examples to support your interpretation.

Since the caption and picture shows Trump’s empty podium pulling forward in the candidates race, it is clear that the artist is showing that Trump is winning without breaking a sweat.

5. Is this cartoon persuasive? Explain why or why not.

It is persuasive because it is true statistically, and this cartoon further proves the point on just how much Trump is winning by.

6. What other techniques could the artist have used to make this cartoon more persuasive?

Other techniques the author could have used to make the cartoon more persuasive is by adding captions to the viewers at home expressing their certainty that Trump will become the republican candidate.

(Source: The Week)

2015 Darwin Challenges Listicle

2015 was filled with many wondrous accomplishments and achievements. However today we are going to look at those not so great feats and hope these trends stay in 2015.

1. The Boiling Water challenge

To start off this list we have the boiling water challenge or hot water bucket challenge. The concept is the same as the ALS challenge but instead of using ice water, hot scalding water is poured instead. It is shocking but this trend caught up for a while but lost it’s popularity after many were hospitalized and left with searing scars.

2. The Fire Challenge

And if the boiling water challenge was not enough, the fire challenge sure amps up the heat and takes these trends to whole new level of dangerous. In this challenge, people soak themselves with hand sanitizer and then light themselves on fire with a match. They then quickly jump or get sprayed with water. However, many are severely burned and there are many reports of deaths.

3. The Goldfish Challenge

This challenge is for those without a weak stomach. Popular among college students, this challenge requires a person to swallow a live goldfish. Though there haven’t been any reported deaths, the challenge does leave many participants with a sick stomach the next morning.

4. The Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge

Fourth on the list is this hair raising feat. Challengers place their lips in a small cup and start sucking the air out. The expected effect is to gain huge lips but usually causes participants to end up in the ER.

5. The Chubby Bunny Challenge

And finally to end the list, we have the Chubby bunny challenge. Though this has been around for decades, it was brought back and made popular again all over the internet by many famous youtubers. Participants shove marshmallows one by one down their throats until they no longer can speak properly.  Though relatively on the safer side compared to other challenges, this has caused some deaths due to it’s choking threat.

(All images obtained from Google)

15 Years In A Dungeon

President Islam Karimov

Rezidentsia prezidenta

ul. Uzbekistanskaia 43

Tashkent 700163

Uzbekistan

Dear President Karimov:

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the torture and imprisonment of journalist Muhammad Bekzhanov who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for false “anti state” accusations.

I respectfully urge you to release the long over due Muhammad who has been imprisoned for more than 15 years.

I call on you to release Muhammad and to drop all charges. He was tortured until he gave a confession, something that is illegal in the country. He has not seen the light of day for 15 years and will continue to rot away in his cell if the case is not reviewed again.

Thank you for your attention on this urgent matter.

Sincerely

Nino Hervias

Imprisoned for Peace

President Joesph Kabila

Cabinet de President de la Republique

Palais de la Nation

Av. De Lemera

Kinshasa-Gombe

Republique Democratique du Congo

Dear President Kabila:

I am writing to express my deep concern for the imprisonment of two young peace seekers Fred Buama and Yves Makwambala in March 2015. Though there is no criminal evidence against them they remain in prison and both could be facing the death penalty.

I respectfully urge you to take action against this injustice and order the immediate and unconditional release of Fred and Yves and drop all charges against them.

I call on you to release these young men from their imprisonment and have their charges dropped since what they have done is nothing to receive the death penalty for. It seems the situation they are in right now is politically motivated and is why there is no actual evidence to imprison them.

Thank you for your attention to these urgent matters.

Sincerely

Nino Hervias