riotnbeck's blog

Today I decided that I would finish [at least some] of my college essays.
So far, that hasn't happened.  Read More »

November the Fourth is a day for the history books. It will become the subject of History Channel documentaries, countless new books, and classroom discussion. At approximately 11:00pm EST, the United States did something it had never done before: elect an African-American to the office of the Presidency.  Read More »

When the media caught wind of a Retired Gen. Colin L. Powell appearance on "Meet the Press," they became frenzied with excitement. This could be a significant story in the making. Mr. Powell may finally break his silence on the his pick for president. Would the retired general and respected Republican drive another nail into Sen. McCain's coffin?  Read More »

As I sit here, lipsynching to Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb," I am struck by the completely unintelligent, unoriginal, unimportant, forgettable music of this generation.  Read More »

France boasts the sixth largest economy by nominal GDP. It is the fourth largest importer and fifth largest exporter of manufactured products and the leading agricultural importer and exporter. It is the second most important outward direct investor in the OECD [Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development]. And it is the most energy independent Western nation.  Read More »

It pains me to begin this on such a tragic note, but I feel a proper tribute must be paid.
Death is an inevitable part of life. We are born, we reach our peak, and then we fade away. It is accepted that children will bury their parents, that death is merely a product of old age. As young people, we are invincible, right? We are immune.
If only that were true.  Read More »