Gas in the Thames

The other day as I walked down my usual route along the River Thames, I was greeted by a greasy sight.
As I was looking in the river there were glossy swirls on the top of the water. At first I thought it was odd, but then I looked a little closer and realized what it was; it was gas!
I continued walking and looking into the river with general disgust on my face and concern.
Especially when I could start to smell the stench of gas and saw the swirls increase in size.
Near the boats that ferry people to Hampton Court I came across a giant patch of gas afloat in the water and a rainbow gleaming on the surface as if viewing an oil spot on asphalt.
What was really horrific was when a duck and swan were swimming within the pool of gas and attempting to eat out of the greasy patch.
When seeing this I quickly took out my camera and started snapping the moment of horror.
I then had to peel myself away and dash off to University where I was greeted by classmates who responded saying that what I saw was normal.
My mouth hung open in shock.
Luckily when walking down the Thames today it looks better, but I fear this is not the last time I will experience the sad view of ducks and swans and other birds swimming and eating in a gassy watery mess.

Vermin

The other day I came across a sign on a bridge I frequent: "Don't feed the pigeons, they're vermin". This startled me, and made me sad as there was just another sign across the way saying: "Don't feed the birds" with less aggression.

Vermin is classified as an animal that spreads disease and in essence is a pest and over populated.

Hypocrites.

 People don't ever think, why are pigeons, or any animal for that matter, over populated? Could it be because humans have spread like "vermin" themselves and took over the natural order of things (i.e. taking over land, pushing out bigger animals who hunt pigeons and other animals)?

 Also, people frequently complain about pigeons ruining statues and architecture, but in fact, is it their fault - no.

 Birds need a place to sit, sleep and poop just like any other living thing. So why get angry at an animal that is just doing what comes naturally and trying to survive just like everything else.

 So why single out and channel hate towards an innocent animal? Why is a pigeon vermin and all other birds not?

 If people wish to get technical, look in the mirror.

 Then maybe you will look at the world differently the next time you call something vermin.

Missing Kids

I have since found out from my law teacher the inside scope about April Jones and it's all about the jury. I have heard of this before, but was lost behind what I wanted to know. In order for April to get justice she needed a fair jury and in order for that to happen they had to not be pre-exposed to the facts of the case.
Now that I know the facts, its sad, not that it wasn't before, but now I know she is in fact gone. RIP April Jones.
As well as Jessica Ridgeway.
Jessica, 10, went missing in Westminster, near my home town in Colorado. She has recently been found; and the way she was found is horrific. RIP.
A killer is still on the loose and another abduction almost took place in CO.
Take a minute and pray for these families and thank god for the loved ones you still have.
Be safe and keep your kids safe.

Confusion over stories of April Jones: Missing girl : /

I can't be the only one confused about the story of April Jones, the little girl who went missing Monday and has yet to be found.
Jones went missing Monday evening near her home in the Welsh market town of Machynlleth and was allegedly seen getting into an unknown vehicle.
Since then Mark Bridger, who has two children who attend the same school as April, has been arrested and charged with kidnapping and murder of April.
Now, here's my problem:
I have been looking at several articles to try and verify what is going on and am getting no where.
Nowhere in the articles does it say they have found the girl dead or what evidence they have that Bridger did what they accuse him of doing.
How can the police say that Bridger kidnapped and murdered the little girl without hard evidence? How can they say 'murdered' when there is no body or confession? How can the family throw a service in memory of their daughter when she has yet to be found and has only been missing for a week?
Or is the information out there and no journalist is reporting accurately? Do I need to go to a hearing myself in order to the get facts that I have yet to receive from the media that I am to rely on?
If anybody finds out before I do, please let me know; because obviously I either am not understanding the story or the UK reports way differently than the US.

First Week Done!

Last week I completed my first week of postgraduate school; and I loved every bit! I have a very enthusiastic class who is not afraid to debate and teachers who are anything but scared to tell you the truth.
Which is what journalism is all about (at least most of the time).
Aside from classes I have been looking at my future deadlines for the courses and have never seen such an extensive list of exam dates, but I am ready for anything and am "shooting for the stars".
I don't care if I have much of a social life this year, that's what the rest of life is for; I plan on succeeding. Learning journalism, law, government and shorthand -aka- a whole new way of writing the English language.
Sure my wrist will be killing me by next September, but it will be worth every penny, or should I say pence.
Anywho, enough going on about school.... next post: Jounalism!
Cheerio!
P.S. check out Fleet Street Fox (and make sure to click on an add to support her website) She is a journalist who is not afraid to speak her mind and is quite inspirational (at least to me) ;)

Final Destination: Kingston upon Thames, UK

Since I've arrived so much has happened; here's a quick sum-up:
My mother and I upon arrival stayed at a rather sketchy hotel and were soon relinquished of it the next morning (it only took us 10 minutes to figure out how to turn on the lights).
That morning we were finally taken to my apartment, and by a van this time instead of a small car (try fitting five 50 lb. suit cases and four 35 lb. bags into a small car; it's insane). On the downside, it took us forever to find my building.
However, once settled in we became aquatinted with the area, though getting lost once or twice.
During one of our off days we decided to walk to the Hampton Court, and it was amazing; but after the walk back we calculated that we had roughly walked 10 plus miles that day. We were exhausted.
After that endeavor we decided to plan out other adventures, but alas, my mother's subconscious decided to take another tumble and she tripped over a cobble stone, thus twisting her ankle; after that we slowed down a bit.
But that did not detour us too much, because just days later we inadvertently walked to Hampton Court again, but this time on the other side of the river; we're just lucky we found our way through the towns, because the side of the river we previously walked was a straight shot, and this was not.
My mother and I had a great time together going on adventures, trying new food and discovering wonderful pastries.
Our time in the UK ended on Sept. 20, but will pick back up again next year around the same time and will not just include her but the whole family.
Can't wait.
Cheers!

Iceland

We first arrived in Iceland on the morning of the eighth of September, and it was amazing; amazingly scarce.
There was nothing, no trees, hardly any people, there was just a lot of volcanic rocks and random stacks of rocks; it was quite bizarre. But I soon found out that Iceland was a vacation not for hecticness but for total relaxation.
The island is so peaceful. There was hardly noise, except for at night because people there really do know how to party; but you could just walk around where ever and just enjoy the atmosphere.
While there we went horseback riding on the Icelandic horses, which have not been interbred for years-upon-years.
They weren't too tall, but even with that my mother still needed help getting on Raven her horse. While mine, Mani (Moon), was very stubborn; they even had to give me a whip to just get him to keep up. But don't worry I did not use it.
We eventually stopped and took a break and the guides said several times loudly to take both feet out of the stirrups before dismounting; my mother was not paying attention.
She left foot in, and next thing you know she fell off the horse... but had a soft landing in luckily not a really fresh pile of horse dung, but fresh enough.
But after our ride things were "looking-up" so to speak.
We went to the Blue Lagoon, a natural volcanic hot spring that was "to die for".
It was warm, there wan silica mud to exfoliate in and we had the most amazing massage.
First we laid on a wooden raised lounge in the water where the masouse exfoliated our bodies with the silica mud and then took us out into the water on floating mats where they then massaged us in the water, all the while covering us in blankets that were frequently dunked in the warm waters of the lagoon; we highly recommend you to experience the blue lagoon.
As for the next day it was very blustery, but we dared to go out, desp

Sum-up

Hello!
So much has happened since my first post just a few weeks ago; here's a quick rundown of all that has happened.
The day of departure was hectic; we did last minute errands and spent time with Analeigh (my niece). We all said our goodbyes, and the house was left a mess (my bad).
When we arrived at the airport, all I can say is that it was comical seeing us handle five 50lb. bags and four 35lb. bags; it was insane!
Not to mention when we got to our hostel we still had to wait two hours and lug our luggage up the stairs to the main building, then two hours later lug them back down and to the next building, up the stairs and then back down at the end of our stay (sorry mother).
We really enjoyed Iceland a lot, very relaxing. We strolled the streets, rode horses and explored the blue lagoon; which in itself was amazing! (details will be in another post)
As for the UK, all I can say is that I am fitting in very well in every aspect. We've walked about a million miles in a couple days and have experienced quite a few laughs.
My place is very small and it's loud outside, but I don't care.
As for my flatmates, so far so good, and everyone is really nice (except when you go to the city (London) hahaha). I promise I will keep my cool and be nice.
Again, more will be in another blog.
Well, I'm off to search for my books, go to dinner with some new friends and then attend a faculty reception.
Cheers!

Departure

I depart in 17 hours and counting! These last few days have been insane! I am excited, nervous and stressed -- and yes that warrants a couple more exclamation points!!!

Packing is nearly done, but alas, things must be left behind (and brought over later). Even while doing that I have four large suit cases that are 50 lb. each, a large backpack that is 50 lb., two carry-on backpacks that are 23 lb. and finally two large purses (sneaky weight we like to call it); not to mention we have crazy awesome coats that fit a ton!

Oh and the woes that have happened in the knick of time for the trip:

my computer broke, thus I had to get a new computer [it was for the best though].

All is great in the long run. My mother is joining me till the 20. We depart first to Iceland and plan on staying for three days. While there we will be going on a two-hour horse back ride to natural hot springs, then we have a two-hour trip back through the volcanic rock and return to a wonderful massage. It's going to be amazing!

Then we leave for Kingston upon Thames on the 11!

Whilst there, I'll give another update, because, as one can see... this is just the beginning!

Cherrio!!!