Sounds Like They Want to Start a War

Russia sent 16,000 troops into Ukraine, supposedly in response to the former Ukrainian President's, Viktor Yanukovych, plea for Russia to send in troops to prevent a civil war from happening. Other sources say that the real reason for Russia invading Ukraine is to annex Crimea. While Russia still recognizes the former president, Ukraine does not. After their parliament voted Viktor Yanukovych out of office, he was replaced.

I'm not sure why Ukraine has not fought back yet. I'm sure there are a lot of diplomatic reasons for them maintaining their composure, but how much can a person take? If a person was to walk into my house with a gun, I will assume it's a life or death situation, and I will fight with all I have. I would not give the intruder time to scope out my physical weaknesses and see where to attack.

Sounds like a no-brainer? This is exactly what is going on in Ukraine right now. Russia's military has surrounded some of the Ukrainian forces and Crimea. Ukraine is hoping that their long-time ally, the United States, will step in. As of now, it does not look like the United States is going to get involved besides diplomatically. 

View the links below for further information:

Does Russia just what Crimea back, or do they have other intentions?

Another Cold War?

Top 3 Mom and Pop Restaurants of Greenville

There is a saying that says people should eat to live and not live to eat. I disagree. You only live once, so you might as well enjoy yourself. My favorite places to dine at are mom and pop restaurants simply because they are one of a kind. You can't go to San Francisco and expect the same mom and pop restaurant that is in Greenville. There are some exceptionally good mom and pop restaurants in Greenville, South Carolina.

1. Milano's Pizzeria & Restaurant

If you want authentic Italian/Greek food, then this is the place to be. Milano's has a large selection of food ranging from pizza, pasta, strombolis, calzones to sandwiches. You can order almost anything off the menu and expect it to be good. The reason I didn't say always is because I'm still trying to conquer everything on their menu. My personal favorite is the House Stromboli. It comes stuffed with pepperoni, Italian sausage, hamburger, mushrooms, green peppers, and onions. In addition to the great food, Milano's has huge portions, often large enough for leftovers. (Click here to see the restaurant's menu).

2. Lieu's Chinese Bistro

Are you one of those picky Chinese food eaters? I know I am, so believe me when I say this Chinese restaurant is da-bomb.com. At first glance, Lieu's appears to be an expensive Chinese restaurant, but don't let the prices fool you. What you pay for will be well worth it in quality, taste, and portion sizes. One dinner entree can feed two to three people depending on your appetites. The dishes come out in pot-luck style with huge portions of the main dish and rice bowls on the side.

My favorite thing about this restaurant is that everything comes with unlimited rice, and me being a rice lover, it sealed the deal. My favorite dish on the menu is the curry chicken and shrimp. If you want to try an array of dishes, have each member of your party to order something different and have everybody share. (Click here to see the restaurant's menu).

3. Mad Cuban Cafe

Who knew that the Upstate of South Carolina would have good Cuban food? I didn't until I tried Mad Cuban Cafe. I was nervous about trying Cuban food, but after hearing all the rave about this place, I had to try it. I was pleasantly surprised. I thought Cuban food might be similar to Mexican food, but it was totally different. If you try this restaurant out, and want to try something "safe," try the Cuban Going Bananas sandwich. It is sooooo good. It has BBQ, plantains, ham, pickles, and a special sauce. This sandwich is pretty large, so you can even split it between two people. (Click here to see reviews and customers' favorite dishes).

Cuban Going Bananas

Greenville is home to many delicious mom and pop restaurants. These three restaurants were just some of my personal favorites. Every once in a while, I encourage you to try something different other than just the chain restaurants.


Still not convinced about these restaurants' delicious food? Maybe hearing other customer's opinions will convince you:

Milano's Pizzeria & Restaurant
Lieu's Bistro
Mad Cuban Cafe

"Food for the body is not enough. There must be food for the soul."

- Dorothy Day

 

Hope for America in 2014?

Photo Credit: usnews.com

Obama's State of the Union speech's opening wasn't that encouraging. As of January 27th, 2014, 61.3% of Americans think America is headed in the wrong direction. Obama opened his State of the Union speech by telling stories about how a single person did their part to improve America such as by increasing the graduation rate in their city, creating more jobs, and decreasing America's dependence on foreign oil. While these people may have seen progress, the rest of America has not.

Over the last five years, their has been an expansion of government entitlement programs. According to Forbes, welfare pays more than minimum wage in 35 states. 1 in every 7 Americans  (47 million Americans) are on food stamps. America's unemployment rate is still high at 6.7%, and it doesn't include the many people who have stopped looking for work. If I must give Obama credit for anything, I would tell him congrats because the unemployment rate is the lowest it has ever been under his administration.

Despite these staggering statistics, Obama did not give any specific solutions to these problems. The main message of his speech was that he was going to use his power of executive orders more frequently in the upcoming months to accomplish his agenda. Obama's exact words were, "Some [proposals] require Congressional action...But America does not stand still – and neither will I. So wherever and whenever I can take steps without legislation to expand opportunity for more American families that's what I'm going to do." The thought of Obama issuing executive orders as his means of getting his agenda accomplished should make people nervous.

Even with Obama's plan to issue executive orders, I still do not think America will see much improvement in this upcoming year.

Click here to listen to the State of the Union speech and to view the transcript.

The Stress Monster

Life can get hectic sometimes. Even more hectic if your are a college student. During college, it is important to learn how to effectively deal with stress because most people will become stressed at least once in their college career. There are many different ways to handle stress.

1. Run off some steam.

While sorting through the mounds of college work, exercise is sometimes the last thought on people's minds. Studies show that being stressed can lead to being forgetful. Exercise decreases that risk by helping to reduce your stress levels. Look at exercise in a new light; think of it as a way to relax and to improve your memorization skills, while also improving your self-image and health. While exercising for an hour is great, an hour of exercise is not practical with everyone's schedule. Try just exercising for 30 minutes to wind down after your classes for the day or before you go to bed.

2. Eat regularly throughout the day.

When you are stressed out, many people forget to eat or either they are so busy that they do not have time to eat a balanced meal. The worst thing to do under stress is not to eat. Although you shouldn't skip meals while stressed, you shouldn't just stick anything into your mouth. Foods high in fat and sugar can cause you to become tired. Research shows that certain foods such as oatmeal, whole-grain food, oranges, salad, fish, nuts, and others help to reduce or prevent stress. If having time to eat is a problem for you, try eating whole-grain granola bars on the go, using quick-oatmeal packets, or planning out your meals ahead of time.

3. Get a good-night's rest.

When you get a good-night's rest you wake up feeling good in the morning and ready-to go. Does this not sound like how your mornings go? If not, it's probably because you aren't getting enough sleep or aren't sleeping well.

To help improve your sleep, get into a bedtime routine. In addition, a regular sleeping pattern helps to improve grades. Obviously having a regular sleeping pattern can be difficult while balancing college, but try to go to bed around the same time every night. It is better to go to sleep at a decent time, than to pull an all-nighter. Remember that you could always go to sleep, and then wake-up early to get things accomplished.

4. Have some fun!
One of the best ways, in my opinion, to reduce stress is to simply relax, laugh and have fun. Set aside an hour or two of your week to do something you enjoy or hang out with friends.

If you follow these tips, you will see a difference in your stress levels.