Inside My Head

Most of this is interesting to me, even if it isn't to anyone else.

Geography Fun Fact

What is the point on Earth that is furthest from the Earth's center? If you think Mt. Everest, you are wrong. The answer is Chimborazo, an inactive stratovolcano high in the Andes Mountains in Ecuador. Mt. Everest is the highest elevation above sea level. But, the Earth's rotation makes it bulge at the center (both the earth and the water). So, Chimborazo-located very close to the equator-is further from the center of the Earth than Mt. Everest, but is not as high above sea level since the sea level at the equator is higher.

Last book I read?

The most recent book I finished is Stephen King's The Shining. I have never seen the movie, so that is now on my agenda. I've also never read a horror book, unless you count Goosebumps. The story about the living haunted hotel in the Colorado mountains is pretty eerie, but the style of writing for this particular book was a little annoying at times (thoughts and premonitions interrupted the passages throughout the book). Since It is so popular right now, I thought I'd give Stephen King a shot. I give the book 4/5 stars, and would definitely read another Stephen King book.

People Spotlight

The Rohingya are a people group of mostly Muslims in the western part of Myanmar, and are considered one the world's most persecuted groups. They are denied citizenship, are restricted from access to state education and most jobs, and have faced violent persecution from nationalist Buddhist citizens and military in the form of executions, arrests, torture, rape, and other forms of assault. There is a modern case of genocide unfolding, which is ignored (tacitly endorsed?) by the government of Myanmar. A massive refugee crisis has emerged as crimes against humanity have forced the Rohingya to seek safely by fleeing, mostly into neighboring Bangladesh. Very few people need help and prayers as much as the Rohingya.

Sports Prediction

I'm pretty obsessed with sports predictions, especially when it comes to the NFL and NBA. So, I'll take a minute to offer some picks for the week. Since this is my first time, I'll actually make three picks. Steelers over Jaguars, Eagles over Cardinals, and Seahawks over Rams. Let's see how I do! I'm not overly confident, but I'm really hoping the Cowboys can take out the Packers too!

  

In Politics...

Tim Murphy, a Republican representative from Pennsylvania, recently made headlines in a horrendously hypocritical fashion. He has been a staunch pro-life representative, and even co-sponsored a recent bill to ban abortions after 20 weeks. It turns out that his pro-life views only apply when they don’t conflict with personal convenience for him. It came out that he had an extra-marital affair and encouraged his mistress to pursue an abortion (this recently came out during her divorce proceedings). Fortunately, there turned out to be no pregnancy, and so no abortion. But, his hypocrisy is unsettling. The pro-life view already gets largely laughed at and ridiculed by the media, and this news will increase that trend. This is sad and frustrating news to all, but especially those with legitimate pro-life views.

This Day In History

On October 5, 1947 President Harry Truman gave the first ever televised presidential address from the White House. To protect the Marshall Plan, which was designed to economically rebuild post-WWII Europe, he urged Americans to reduce grain, poultry, and dairy use. Very few homes had televisions at the time, but the communication medium would become powerfully used soon after. Also, for what it's worth, the Marshall Plan would end up being highly successful.