The 2008 holiday sales season is one of the worst for retailers in decades, CNNMoney reports, as consumers' concerns about the economy and job losses crushed the typical year-end shopping exuberance. "I don't see any reason for retailers to be rejoicing at all," said Britt Beemer, chairman and founder of America's Research Group.
SOURCE: (CNN)
fredag 26. desember 2008
fredag 12. desember 2008
I'm a bad singer
I have to apologize for the fact that I have not been keeping my blolg updated lately, but now I'm back...=)
I know this blog is supposed to be about Social Studies (what happens in our world), but I have to post a paragraph my "singing skills"...
I am a bad singer! Despite my eager enthusiasm, whenever I try to sing it sounds a bit like I’m trying to strangle a cat and the windows shatter in to a thousand pieces. Secondly, every time I open my mouth to chant someone yells desperately at me and tells me to shut the fuck up. There’s simply no future in show-biz for me.
I know this blog is supposed to be about Social Studies (what happens in our world), but I have to post a paragraph my "singing skills"...
I am a bad singer! Despite my eager enthusiasm, whenever I try to sing it sounds a bit like I’m trying to strangle a cat and the windows shatter in to a thousand pieces. Secondly, every time I open my mouth to chant someone yells desperately at me and tells me to shut the fuck up. There’s simply no future in show-biz for me.
torsdag 27. november 2008
søndag 23. november 2008
BodyPump - my favourite workout for fighting globesity
I'm still working on this article, so just stay tuned to find out why this BodyPump-lecture has anything to do with English Social Studies.
tirsdag 18. november 2008
Inaugural addresses
Yesterday we were lucky to attend a lecture held by Dr. Kathleen Godfrey (Associate Professor, California State University--Fresno, Ph.D.) about inaugural addresses.
The most common usage of the term is in the context of a formal investiture whereby an individual assumes an office or position of authority or power. The term is usually used in reference to a politician's assumption of the duties of head of state or head of government (e.g. the President's inauguration). An "inaugural address" is the presidential speech given at this ceremony which informs the people of his intentions as a leader.
We discussed some famous speeches and had a really interesting and inspiring time with our American visitor=) Take a look at some famous passages from Inaugural speeches:
George Washington (1789)
"The preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered, perhaps, as deeply, as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the Amercan People."
Abraham Lincoln (1861)
"We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break or bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and partriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone, all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when touched again, as surely they will be, by the better angels of nature."
Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933)
"First of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself--nameless, unreasoning,unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance."
John F. Kennedy (1961)
"And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country."
søndag 16. november 2008
The beautiful "Time after time"
Lying in my bed, I hear the clock tick, and think of you
Caught up in circles confusion is nothing new
You say go slow; I fall behind
The second hand unwinds
If you're lost, you can look and you'll find me
Time after time
If you fall, I'll catch you; I'll be waiting
Time after time
Time after time
Time after time
by Nick Gilder/James Mcculloch
Caught up in circles confusion is nothing new
You say go slow; I fall behind
The second hand unwinds
If you're lost, you can look and you'll find me
Time after time
If you fall, I'll catch you; I'll be waiting
Time after time
Time after time
Time after time
by Nick Gilder/James Mcculloch
fredag 14. november 2008
The Kite Runner Movie
The bestselling novel “The Kite Runner” has become a movie and reached the cinemas – with great success and victory! The expectations were sky-high, and the chance of failing was utterly present. But the job is done – and it’s done well. It certainly was a nice and moving alteration from book to film.
Despite the film’s low budget, the cinematography is surprisingly superb and excellent .The scenery and filming are spectacular, and all the direction and editing are amazingly well done. I will emphasize how great this movie is made by referring to an opening scene; just imagine a colorful kite in the wonderful blue sky, flying over an immense area side by side with a vast flock of birds. This is a splendid scene and this film technique pervades the whole film, making it a great and unforgettable film experience.
In addition to the great cinematography, the performances in this movie were stunning. The acting was generally astounding and beyond belief, but Ahmad Khan Mahmidzada was amazing. He did an incredible job portraying the young Hassan, it was beyond doubt captivating. I found the scene where Hassan is raped intriguing and somewhat important for the film. This is a striking turning point breaking the perfect idyll between the two boys, then ruining the loving friendship they used to share. Ahmad’s acting in this very sequence was astonishing and what more can I say, but brilliant. I was really mesmerized.
As well as great cinematography and stunning performances, the manuscript is exceptional and admirable. By experience I’m painfully aware of how difficult it is to make a spectacular film out of such a magnificent and remarkable novel, but this movie truly gives great justice to the book. Of course, some parts of the book have not been included, but I don’t think this fact constitutes any loss, because we are lucky witnesses of a great transition from a book to a film. Khaled Hosseini’s innate and unbelievable ability to write together with his compassionate storytelling is accurately represented in the movie.
Stunning performances, outstanding cinematography and a great story; it certainly was a nice and moving transition from book to film. As I mentioned, the chance of failing was considerable and the expectations were so high that they were literally sky-scraping, but nevertheless is it satisfying to achieve success. And they did.
“For you a thousand times over and over”.
Despite the film’s low budget, the cinematography is surprisingly superb and excellent .The scenery and filming are spectacular, and all the direction and editing are amazingly well done. I will emphasize how great this movie is made by referring to an opening scene; just imagine a colorful kite in the wonderful blue sky, flying over an immense area side by side with a vast flock of birds. This is a splendid scene and this film technique pervades the whole film, making it a great and unforgettable film experience.
In addition to the great cinematography, the performances in this movie were stunning. The acting was generally astounding and beyond belief, but Ahmad Khan Mahmidzada was amazing. He did an incredible job portraying the young Hassan, it was beyond doubt captivating. I found the scene where Hassan is raped intriguing and somewhat important for the film. This is a striking turning point breaking the perfect idyll between the two boys, then ruining the loving friendship they used to share. Ahmad’s acting in this very sequence was astonishing and what more can I say, but brilliant. I was really mesmerized.
As well as great cinematography and stunning performances, the manuscript is exceptional and admirable. By experience I’m painfully aware of how difficult it is to make a spectacular film out of such a magnificent and remarkable novel, but this movie truly gives great justice to the book. Of course, some parts of the book have not been included, but I don’t think this fact constitutes any loss, because we are lucky witnesses of a great transition from a book to a film. Khaled Hosseini’s innate and unbelievable ability to write together with his compassionate storytelling is accurately represented in the movie.
Stunning performances, outstanding cinematography and a great story; it certainly was a nice and moving transition from book to film. As I mentioned, the chance of failing was considerable and the expectations were so high that they were literally sky-scraping, but nevertheless is it satisfying to achieve success. And they did.
“For you a thousand times over and over”.
mandag 10. november 2008
Literature of current interest
Nowadays, each and every newschannel, newspaper or webpage are dominated by news considering the revolutionary election in USA last week.
This is why I want to recommend a book that I just started to read; it is called "The audacity of hope", and it is written by the winner himself, Barack Obama.
This book truly provides an unique insight when it comes to what is was that formed Obama to become what he is today; an outstanding politician who will mark American and international politics for many years to come.
fredag 7. november 2008
The Jungle Book & The House of Literature
Yesterday, I attended a lecture held by Henrik Langeland about american literature. He talked about famous and important writers like David Foster Wallace, Joan Didion and Dave Eggers. I sure was inspired to read Infinite Jest, which is written by Foster Wallece, who died recently.
Toaday I attended a Workshop with the famous dancer Adil (he won the contest "So you thick you can dance?" in 2006). He told the class about the long and difficult process it has been to become what he his today. His father didn't aknowledge Adil's ambitions and therefore Adil went ttough a difficult time trying to reach his goals. It was a mesmerizing and emotional talk...
Adil plays Mowgli in the "Jungle Book", which we attended as "guests of honor"...
Toaday I attended a Workshop with the famous dancer Adil (he won the contest "So you thick you can dance?" in 2006). He told the class about the long and difficult process it has been to become what he his today. His father didn't aknowledge Adil's ambitions and therefore Adil went ttough a difficult time trying to reach his goals. It was a mesmerizing and emotional talk...
Adil plays Mowgli in the "Jungle Book", which we attended as "guests of honor"...
mandag 3. november 2008
The Separation of Powers Principle
The French philosopher Charles de Secondat Montesquieu and his declaration "De l’esprit des loix" from 1748, is widely acknowledged as the philosophical and idealistic foundation of the principle of the separation of powers.
Montesquieu disliked the fact that the legislative power often acted as the executive one as well, and he worked hard to prevent this; for one thing he wrote an assertion stating: “When the legislative power is united with the executive authority in one and the same person (or in the same higher organ of a state), no freedom can be found because there will be tyrannical leaders who create laws only to execute them in a tyrannical way”.
His views and visions were a reaction to France’s more noble community’s massive waste of money and state resources. Montesquieu himself was exceedingly critical to the way that the king and his associates – richer persons like businessmen and the aristocracy– had governed the French state. His declaration and public disparagement of the state were both the forerunner and the actual triggering factor to the French revolution.
He introduced the world to a new way of dividing powers in a state, and I intend to discuss both the advantages and disadvantages (if there are any), of the principle of separation of powers.
WHAT THE PRINCIPLE INVOLVES
Here’s the deal: there are three branches: the executive, the legislative and the judicial. The executive branch is the governor. The executive’s job is to carry out the laws and make sure they are obeyed. Branch two: the legislative. Think legislature! Their job is simply explained: they are making laws. Thirdly, the judicial branch, made up of courts and judges. Their job is to make sure that the laws are fair.
So, what it is that makes this system special and has done it ever since 1789, is the fact that the US government actually works because these branches balance each other out. If one division goes too far, the others can simply pull it back. Let me exemplify it this way: each branch is responsible and conscientious for the things the other branches are not. Not only responsible, but so in charge that none of the other branches can do the other thing. For example; the executive branch can not make a law, the legislative branch can not decide whether a law is reasonable for everybody or not, and the judicial branch can not carry out a law.
There are some real benefits for you and me with this sort of deal. Think about it: if every branch could do the job of every other branch, then one could possibly take over. In other words, in a scenario like that, you would only need one branch, which means no more democracy. And no democracy is no good.
So, the next time somebody says that one branch or another should step in and set another branch aright, like telling the court how to do justice, think about what’s at stake; the answer to that is basically everything.
ARE THERE ANY DISADVANTAGES AT ALL?
I have discussed the principle of separation of powers with lots of different people lately, and when it comes to whether there are any disadvantages connected to this system or not, the opinions seem to differ. There are none known disadvantages of this system, but after several discussions I have decided to mention two aspects that may appear and be looked upon as if they were disadvantages.
1. Costly
Running and administrating the three branches of the state is often considered to be far more expensive and resource-demanding than maintaining one single government like in a unitary state.
2. Time-consuming
The branches are independent of one another, but sometimes new laws, requests and initiatives have to be negotiated through lengthy consultations between the three branches. Bureaucracy equals to slow processes.
CONCLUSION
The principle of separation of powers, which is the foundation of both the Norwegian and American state and constitution, is doubtlessly a system with more advantages than disadvantages. The system confines corruption and prevents any abuse of authority. The principle ensures that the execution of power is dispersed on three independent authorities.
One of the most popular benefits with this system is the fact that some of the power belongs to the people itself. They elect senators for the senate, and representatives for The House Of Representatives.
Montesquieu disliked the fact that the legislative power often acted as the executive one as well, and he worked hard to prevent this; for one thing he wrote an assertion stating: “When the legislative power is united with the executive authority in one and the same person (or in the same higher organ of a state), no freedom can be found because there will be tyrannical leaders who create laws only to execute them in a tyrannical way”.
His views and visions were a reaction to France’s more noble community’s massive waste of money and state resources. Montesquieu himself was exceedingly critical to the way that the king and his associates – richer persons like businessmen and the aristocracy– had governed the French state. His declaration and public disparagement of the state were both the forerunner and the actual triggering factor to the French revolution.
He introduced the world to a new way of dividing powers in a state, and I intend to discuss both the advantages and disadvantages (if there are any), of the principle of separation of powers.
WHAT THE PRINCIPLE INVOLVES
Here’s the deal: there are three branches: the executive, the legislative and the judicial. The executive branch is the governor. The executive’s job is to carry out the laws and make sure they are obeyed. Branch two: the legislative. Think legislature! Their job is simply explained: they are making laws. Thirdly, the judicial branch, made up of courts and judges. Their job is to make sure that the laws are fair.
So, what it is that makes this system special and has done it ever since 1789, is the fact that the US government actually works because these branches balance each other out. If one division goes too far, the others can simply pull it back. Let me exemplify it this way: each branch is responsible and conscientious for the things the other branches are not. Not only responsible, but so in charge that none of the other branches can do the other thing. For example; the executive branch can not make a law, the legislative branch can not decide whether a law is reasonable for everybody or not, and the judicial branch can not carry out a law.
There are some real benefits for you and me with this sort of deal. Think about it: if every branch could do the job of every other branch, then one could possibly take over. In other words, in a scenario like that, you would only need one branch, which means no more democracy. And no democracy is no good.
So, the next time somebody says that one branch or another should step in and set another branch aright, like telling the court how to do justice, think about what’s at stake; the answer to that is basically everything.
ARE THERE ANY DISADVANTAGES AT ALL?
I have discussed the principle of separation of powers with lots of different people lately, and when it comes to whether there are any disadvantages connected to this system or not, the opinions seem to differ. There are none known disadvantages of this system, but after several discussions I have decided to mention two aspects that may appear and be looked upon as if they were disadvantages.
1. Costly
Running and administrating the three branches of the state is often considered to be far more expensive and resource-demanding than maintaining one single government like in a unitary state.
2. Time-consuming
The branches are independent of one another, but sometimes new laws, requests and initiatives have to be negotiated through lengthy consultations between the three branches. Bureaucracy equals to slow processes.
CONCLUSION
The principle of separation of powers, which is the foundation of both the Norwegian and American state and constitution, is doubtlessly a system with more advantages than disadvantages. The system confines corruption and prevents any abuse of authority. The principle ensures that the execution of power is dispersed on three independent authorities.
One of the most popular benefits with this system is the fact that some of the power belongs to the people itself. They elect senators for the senate, and representatives for The House Of Representatives.
søndag 2. november 2008
Democrats hold big lead as election day slowly approaches
Polls show Obama ahead in numerous states whose electoral votes total nearly 300...
torsdag 30. oktober 2008
Obama's campaign stunt
Yesterday, at 8 p.m. (EDT), Obama launched his revolutionary and first-time-ever 30 minute commerical-video. It aired in six national broadcasters.
This is a sign of Obama's more offensive and public way of running for the oval office, McCain on his side attended a smaller rail in Texas...
This is a sign of Obama's more offensive and public way of running for the oval office, McCain on his side attended a smaller rail in Texas...
tirsdag 28. oktober 2008
American History Timeline
I've just started the production of an American History Timeline--> dipity / American History
Posted using ShareThis
Posted using ShareThis
tirsdag 21. oktober 2008
Sometimes finding the truth is easier than facing it.
“In the valley of Elah” is a mesmerizing movie about a retired sergeant chasing the truth of his son’s tragic and unpredicted death. The son had recently returned from his service in Iraq, and was living at a military base in New Mexico. After an extensive investigation he finds out that his son was killed by a comrade from his own troop.
The service in Iraq affected the whole troop mentally. War on Terrorism is no game. It’s a deadly fight to survive and protect one’s country’s liberty and pride. The contrasts between Iraq in war and the peaceful US are vast and indescribable, and the many home-coming soldiers from Iraq seems to be having a hard time trying to accept that as a true.
As a result of what they experienced in Iraq, their lives back home were hard to handle. Home-coming soldiers tend to have problems accommodating the differences between a damaged country and a welfare society.
This causes angriness. And one day it all blackened…
Article under construction...
The service in Iraq affected the whole troop mentally. War on Terrorism is no game. It’s a deadly fight to survive and protect one’s country’s liberty and pride. The contrasts between Iraq in war and the peaceful US are vast and indescribable, and the many home-coming soldiers from Iraq seems to be having a hard time trying to accept that as a true.
As a result of what they experienced in Iraq, their lives back home were hard to handle. Home-coming soldiers tend to have problems accommodating the differences between a damaged country and a welfare society.
This causes angriness. And one day it all blackened…
Article under construction...
søndag 19. oktober 2008
Republican Powell endorses Obama
Republican Colin Powell confirmed today that he will vote for the democratic presidential candidate, Barack Obama, citing his "ability to inspire".
According to CNN, Powell stated:
"I think he is a transformational figure, he is a new generation coming onto the world stage, onto the American stage, and for that reason I'll be voting for Sen. Barack Obama".
I think it's great!
fredag 17. oktober 2008
These are the differences between Obama and MacCain
Both Obama and McCain are using the final campaign weeks to collect votes. I've listed their opinions in the hot-button issues to see what the main differences are.
Abortion
The Abortion debate representens one of the biggest differences between The Democrats and The Republicans. While Obama fights for women's right to decide for themselves, McCain (and especially Palin) has used several opportunites to demonstrate their strongly concervative point of view in this cause.
Afghanistan
Obama wants to withdraw US forces for Iraq as quickly as possible. He emphasise the fact that Osama Bin Laden and afghanian forces represent a bigger threat than Iraq. McCain wants to stay in Iraq for undetermined time.
Death penalty
McCain supports an expansion of the statutory framework considering death penalty.
Obama supports death penalty for certain crimes. He wants to revise the legal framework to prevent miscarriage of justice.
søndag 12. oktober 2008
tirsdag 7. oktober 2008
McCain better do something quick...
At this very moment, (October 7th at 23:50 pm - Norway/Oslo), it is only 3 hours and 10 minutes left before the second live debate between Barack Obama and John McCain commences.
The polls are clear; Barack Obama is the most popular candidate at the present time. Today it is only four weeks left to the election day, and if McCain doesn't use the night's opportunity well, he will lose. Be sure.
Last week the McCain-administration tried to change the whole "election-debate-theme" and almost ignored the debate concering the financial crisis that we are suffering from, instead they planted rumors and personal attacks claiming that Obama enjoys to associate terrorists.
I don't know how to interpret all of this. But my impression is that McCain is somewhat desperate, and that he better do well, really well, in tonight's debate to change the negative trend that the Republicans are experiencing.
The polls are clear; Barack Obama is the most popular candidate at the present time. Today it is only four weeks left to the election day, and if McCain doesn't use the night's opportunity well, he will lose. Be sure.
Last week the McCain-administration tried to change the whole "election-debate-theme" and almost ignored the debate concering the financial crisis that we are suffering from, instead they planted rumors and personal attacks claiming that Obama enjoys to associate terrorists.
I don't know how to interpret all of this. But my impression is that McCain is somewhat desperate, and that he better do well, really well, in tonight's debate to change the negative trend that the Republicans are experiencing.
I'm a bit worried...
According to CNN, Ben Bernanke (Fed Chairman) predicts that the financial crisis we're experiencing today is likely to hold the U.S. economy back for quite a while...
We're talking into 2009, maybe longer... I must say I am a bit worried...
To me, it seems like the U.S. economy finally has escaped from its wretched "womb", and now it is finally time for it to be changed.
This is a developing story, stay tuned for updates.
Kristian
We're talking into 2009, maybe longer... I must say I am a bit worried...
To me, it seems like the U.S. economy finally has escaped from its wretched "womb", and now it is finally time for it to be changed.
This is a developing story, stay tuned for updates.
Kristian
The mass media
Nowadays, it is extremely important that we recognize that there is always some entity behind the stories that are published in the mass media. Always question what you hear and read and be critical to every source you use! Even when you use medias that you "rely on" and see as trustworthy...
(Not finished... I'm still working on this article)
(Not finished... I'm still working on this article)
Let the game begin...
I've been asked to write a blog in English, and it's supposed to contain my thoughts considering economical, political and social causes that I find interesting.
Stay tuned for daily updates!
Stay tuned for daily updates!
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