Coca Cola

Coca Cola has become a drink that many Americans drink on a daily basis. This delicious beverage, however, is one that some skeptics say causes obesity in the United States and around the world. While drinking Coke may seem like a hazard to your health based off of reviews from health officials, but the truth of the matter is that the health risk isn't Coca Cola, rather it is the consumer. A Coke a day wouldn't cause a person to become overweight or obese, while drinking a 32oz soda and not exercising may be a serious risk to one's health. While some people still scoff at the negative aspects of Coke, there are many people, like myself, that think Coca Cola is a delightful drink. Over the years the Coca Cola Company and the Bottling Companies have realized the negative publicity that has come about due to the sugar contents and the caffeine that is in Coke, for this reason there are drinks like Coke Zero, Diet Coke, and Caffeine free Diet Coke that provide "more healthy" ways to drink Coke products. In the images above you can see how the Coca Cola industry has been a long lasting part of American History. Not only does the Coca Cola Company provide a great drink for many people, they also support the community in a variety of different ways. Two such examples are the support that is given to the Olympics and the Special Olympics and the Coca Cola Scholars Foundation that provides scholarships to high school seniors who are leaders throughout the country. So whether it be supporting the economy, giving back to the community, or providing a tasty drink, the Coca Cola Company plays a large role in America today.

Fencing

During the final semester of school there are always times of stress and feeling of being overloaded with meaningless assignments. While this time of year can be depressing, there is a time within the final quarter where students within the School Within A School (SWS) program, at East High School, get the chance to add a little fun into the monotonous schedule that they have been attentive to all year long. This is the week of exit exams, commonly known as the HSGQE testing. For all the juniors and seniors who have passed this set of testing there are three consecutive half-days where students can sleep in until 9 or 10 in the morning, while for underclassmen and those upperclassmen who have failed to pass the test, they get to enjoy three morning of testing. Whether taking the exit exams or sleeping in, the individuals of SWS get to participate in week-long intensive classes that include: fencing, juggling, cake decorating, ghost hunting, and a variety of other activities. During this years intensives week I was able to take a fencing class. Throughout the class I learned the fundamentals of fencing and by the end of the week our class was able to have a competition amongst ourselves. The two pictures in this blog show a traditional setup for a match, which includes the equipment for the individuals and the scoring device. While weapons are not normally allowed in school, fencing was a permissible activity for those who were lucky enough to sign up for the class. Speed, agility, and accuracy are all part of the game, but above all the ability to use the fundamentals and be patient is something that is vital to taking down your opponent with ease. This class proved to be not only a fun time away from the typical schedule I have throughout the school year, but it also provided an opportunity for me to learn a new skill and venture into the unknown!

Breakup

Snow, Rain, Sun, and Darkness....it's all a part of the breakup season. While many states call it spring, here in Alaska we don't have the typical warmer weather with blossoming trees and flower. In Alaska we have melting snow, falling snow, rain, and the occasional sunny and warm days. Although there is never a time when the weather can be predicted to the "T", there is always a possibility that the weatherman is correct, so be prepared for anything ranging from warmth and sunshine to freezing temperatures and snow. Above are three pictures that represent one of those delightful days in mid-may. Waking up in the morning I was surprised to see giant snowflakes fall outside my window, by mid-afternoon there was sun beaming through my classroom window, and by the time I was ready to go to bed the sun was finally extinguished for the night. This time of year is one that brings joy to many because of the hopes for sun and warm weather, but for others it is a time of displeasure from the constant change in weather from sun to snow to rain to snow exc. Even though breakup is a time of uncertainty, there is life that starts to flutter in from the south, like geese and ducks. There is also the smell of soggy feces is rampant throughout the city from the smelly treats that were left behind by irresponsible dog owners and geese throughout the past months. All the unpredictable weather and happenings of breakup bring a sense of spontaneity into the lives of many. This time is one that will soon be over and what will the next season be...? CONSTRUCTION SEASON!