Once Upon a Time...

Growing up in America where there is no history of kings, queens, princes, or princesses, there were consequently no castles to visit, no palaces to be seen. I never dreamed of a prince charming coming to whisk me off my feet on a white horse like you see in Disney movies, but I do admit, I had a grain of interest in the castles and the idea of a royal family existing. Thus, when I went to Europe I ogled at the residents of past (and sometimes present) monarchs. Yes, it was the poor peasant's tax money that built those structures, but still, it's a part of history and we can't change the past so let's just enjoy the architecture! What I actually find kind of interesting is how royal families still exist in some countries (i.e. Sweden, UK, Japan, etc.). I was talking to Paul today about the British royal family and how Harry might not actually be Charles' son since as they're getting older, William is starting to look more like Charles while Harry is starting to look more like... someone else who might be his real father?

Actually, I was never a fan of the British monarchy to be honest. Especially all the American girls obsessing over Prince William. I mean, I always thought Harry was cuter (and closer to my age!). Besides, I like redheads. I'm sure now more girls would swoon over Harry than William, don't you think so? Harry is way hotter.
Oh yeah, and no matter what anyone says, I think the British will convert over the euro soon. Honestly, right now they have a picture of Queen Elizabeth on the pound sterling... but can you imagine what will happen when she dies??? Pictures of Prince Charles on the pound? Ew.

Today's Random Picture:
A simplified map of London

Ukraine's "Orange Revolution"

We always talk about America being a politically divided country. The "North" versus the "South," the Republicans and the Democrats, the "blue states" and the "red states" all show the most intense divide in the U.S. as being largely a geographical one. It can't be too surprising for anyone who knows a little about American history since the North-South divide happened with the industrialization in the North and agricultural economy backed by slavery in the South, eventually leading to the civil war, and continued animosities even until present day between the Northern "Yanks" and Southern "Dixies."

While reading an article in The Economist about Ukraine and their gas disputes with Russia (their political relations are rather tense as well, what with the long history between Russia and Ukraine, especially during imperial Russian history when even the Ukrainian language was suppressed and it was called, "Little Russia" but that's a completely different story), I suddenly thought of the "orange revolution" in Ukraine being a huge factor in the recent animosities arising between these two countries. My mind works in mysterious ways, but I really think that Ukraine's political divide can be related (to an extent) to the American one. I mean, take a look at the election map of the Ukrainian elections in November of 2004 , during which the two Viktors duked it out:
While our country is divided between the "North" and the "South," it seems that Ukraine is divided between the "West" and the "East." It seems like a pretty solid divide between the East, supporting Viktor Yanukovych and the West supporting Viktor Yushchenko. Ultimately, of course, Yushchenko won and thus, the "Orange Revolution." I know I keep linking a lot of things together, but that's how my mind works, what can I say? Speaking of Orange Revolution... that reminds me of the crowning of William of Orange in Britain's Glorious Revolution... but I'll stop boring you with history. I'm a history nut, what can I say?

Today's Random Quiz:

You Are Silver

You are a flexible person. Being open to opportunities in life has served you well. You are very polished and sophisticated. You're probably in a higher class than you were born into. You are naturally popular and quite influential. You are a bit of a trend starter among people you know. And while you are well liked, you don't let it go to your head. You remain contemplative and wise.

What Metal Are You?