Hmmm, its got to be somewhere around here...

Ambrose Pierce once said that: ‘War is a way of teaching Americans geography.’ The Americans, being their malapert selves, have recently set out to disprove this statement, in the way of a severe geographical error. It turns out that the one of the most dominant news companies, in the world’s most powerful country is not completely sure of where they invaded.

In a report on the recent goings on in the Middle East, Fox News showed a map of the troubled areas. The places they were highlighting were Iran, Syria and Israel; but sitting in between them, in a place that many of us will know as Iraq, was a territory labelled as Egypt. I’m not claiming to be a devout studier of the world atlas, but you’d think that if you had invaded somewhere like Iraq, or had dealings with a place like Egypt, you might just know where in the world they are.

So it would appear that war is not a way of teaching Americans’ geography. But why would they care? America is currently (maybe not for much longer) the world’s only superpower and in the minds of their super-sized citizens, they are the only country that matters. I mean, how many countries stage a world series consisting of just themselves?

Have a look at the picture of this monumental cock-up at the top of the page. I know I shouldn’t be at all surprised and maybe I’m not, I’m not sure what I feel, scared I think.

Getting it off my chest...

Exam periods are always a stressful time, whether it’s GCSE, A level or University exams. As many of us know, when you’re stressed, it’s very easy to become irritated by the smallest things. So, for my first blog of 2011 (blame the exams) I am going to list the things that have really pissed me off recently.

Firstly, as cynical and often outspoken as I may seem, I do in fact have a sympathetic side. But it has its limits. I don’t wish divorce on anyone and understand it can be a traumatic time. But I am so sick to death, fed up, annoyed and bored of hearing about Katie F***ing Price! Every time I browse the newspaper shelf of any shop I die more than a little inside. ‘Katie fights back.’ ‘Katie wants Peter back.’ ‘Jordan on verge of breakdown.’ I must admit the latter is my favourite. I propose a ban on Katie Price, aka Jordan news for the foreseeable future. Until the fateful day she leaves this world and moves on to irritate everyone in the next.

Success and fame is hard to come by, maybe not as hard as it used to be, but still requires a little bit of work. So anyone that manages to get a record deal in the music industry or release a chart topping song I have an element of respect for. But there is a distinct difference between having respect for someone and being so obsessed that I’d pay to watch a film about them. So I was less than thrilled to see adverts and billboards promoting Justin Biebers’ new film. Of course it is a very touching story, the whole ‘American dream’ element makes it very touching (even if he is Canadian.’) As for his book, I’ve touched on this topic before, but what can he possibly have to write about? He’s 17 years old. Admittedly, not your normal 17 year old but still...

Finally, I enjoy keeping fit. I play regular sport, I eat relatively healthily (as far as a student diet goes) and I go to the gym. I think an I-Pod is a must have when it comes to going to the gym. It takes your mind off the ache in your legs, or how tired you are and allows you to work hard in a relaxing manner. But its main use is to block out the incredibly irritating grunting that goes on in the weights room. The fact that you have 50kg on each side of the bar demonstrates to me that you’re quite strong and obviously work very hard. But please, less of the god awful noises that make the gym sound more like the Wimbledon women’s final (between the Williams bro...I mean sisters). Also, when choosing the appropriate attire for the gym, wear either a vest or a t-shirt; don’t roll you sleeves up, especially when doing bicep curls...get over yourself.

Ahhh, that feels better.

The Power of People

What is the most powerful thing in the world?

Money? Influence? Or is it people? Recent happenings in the world, most namely Egypt would demonstrate that it is in fact, the latter. The power of protest is immeasurable; even the strongest of regimes is vulnerable.

It just makes you wonder how different things could have been, had the student population of the UK had kept things as calm as the Egyptians did. I’m not saying that merely standing their ground in the capital would have convinced the powers that be to keep tuition fees as they were, but smashing up London and attacking royalty probably wasn’t the best idea.

As encouraging as it is for world democracy, it’s also very worrying; especially for governments. A protest, (conducted in the correct manner of course) can make very dramatic changes.

The people of Egypt were protesting for democracy, something that many of us take for granted. Anyone who has the right to vote should exercise it.