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Odyssey

12/31/2014

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Since the US severed ties with Cuba in 1961, many presidents have tried but none succeeded in reestablishing the relationship.  The idea of a presidential legacy that exceeds his predecessors may be what enticed Obama to lift the embargo.  Luring sirens are most often linked to monsters, and are meant bring harm to the one that is tempted.  Obama must consider that as tempting as it is, he is still dealing with a Castro.

This was not an overnight decision, but a long drawn out ordeal that could include Cyclops along the way.  It is a mystery that longs to be solved, as it is the greatest loss of life on a Navy ship without combat.  The US navy collier was said to be lost in the Bermuda triangle and disappeared near Cuban waters in 1918.  

In this Obama adventure, it may not be so much about the Lotus he ate, but rather the cigar that he smoked that caused him to lose sight of the way.  Part of what made Cuban cigars so attractive was the idea that they were illegal.  With eased restrictions on imports and trade, the cigar no longer needs to be smuggled into the US.  At a recent White House Hanukkah party, a guest surprised Obama with the gift of a Cuban Cigar.  The president gave it a sniff and replied, “pretty good.” (Dukakis, 1214)    

One sacrifice both countries have made in pursuit of relations is the release of some political prisoners.  Activists are in an uproar, since there is no information being made public about whom the 53 political prisoners are or when they will be released.  According to activists, there are a much higher number of political prisoners behind bars in Cuba.  This sacrifice has led to the rebellion of Cuban dissidents, but Obama is still awake and negotiating.  On the US side, the last of the Cuban five has been released in the prisoner swap.

This plot may not be about a love affair with a witch-goddess, but there does appear to be a love affair with a country that has been off-limits for years.  Not all support Obama’s decision to lift the embargo against Cuba, since it was not to be lifted until there was a democracy and a change in power not involving the Castro family.  The Pope appears to have given his blessing to the two though, as he was the only other foreign leader included in negotiations. (Dorell, 2014)

Works Cited 
Dorell, G. K. (2014, 12 18). Pope Francis played key role in U.S.-Cuba deal. Retrieved 12 31, 2014, from USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/12/17/pope-key-role-in-us-cuba-deal/20533525/
Dukakis, A. (1214, 12 18). Obama Surprised With 'Cuban' Cigar On Historic Day for U.S.-Cuba Relations. Retrieved 12 31, 1214, from ABC News: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/obama-surprised-cuban-cigar-historic-day-us-cuba/story?id=27700359
Homer. (2014). THE ODYSSEY. Retrieved 12 31, 2014, from Sparknotes: http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/odyssey/summary.html
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"The Usual Suspects"

12/10/2014

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The Sony hacking, which appeared to begin with a motive of extortion has changed to a plot of revenge. An email sent to top Sony executives on Nov. 21, may have gone strait to their spam, as it appears to be an email with bad some grammar, asking for money:
                      “We’ve got great damage by Sony Pictures.
                       The compensation for it, monetary compensation we want.
                       Pay the damage, or Sony Pictures will be bombarded as a whole.
                       You know us very well. We never wait long.
                       You’d better behave wisely.
                       From God’sApstls” (Weise, 2014)
The correspondence since the first email appear like something taken from twitter using #GOP (Guardians of Peace).  It is not yet known why they have been signed differently.  If the extortion hit didn’t come from one of the usual suspects, the plot of revenge may have. 

In the case of the Sony hacking, the usual suspects are nation states, or disgruntled employees.  Many are pointing fingers at North Korea, since in June they criticized an upcoming film, “The Interview” as an “act of war.” (Meg James, 2014) Also in June, North Korea threatened a "decisive and merciless countermeasure," (Meg James, 2014) if the US Government didn’t stop the release of the film.  It is obvious how serious the US Government and Sony view threats from North Korea, as the film is set for release on Christmas day. 

The FBI is not convinced the attack came from North Korea.  Disgruntled employees are also suspect, partly arising from numerous layoffs within the company in 2013.  What is more suspect than everything else is the way Sony Productions left themselves so vulnerable that such an attack could take place.  Those affected by the situation are likely asking how Sony wasn’t better prepared for such an event. 

The hit them where it hurts attitude is the only point that is clear behind the Sony cyber attacks.  News of the hacking has turned from being about the whom or the why behind the attacks to a more tabloid view of look what the criminals uncovered.  News articles from “The Guardian” or even “Bloomberg” read like something from the Enquire as they provide information leaked in embarrassing emails about big Hollywood names.  

Sony appears crippled, telling a story through bits and pieces of random information.  This developing story is strewn together to lead authorities to look for an anonymous criminal.  In the end, Sony productions might just disappear at the same time they begin to walk strait.            

Works Cited 
Meg James, D. M. (2014, 12 09). Sony Pictures execs debated risk of 'The Interview' before cyberattack. Retrieved 12 10, 2014, from Los Angeles TImes: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-sony-hack-north-korea-the-interview-20141210-story.html
Weise, E. (2014, 12 09). Sony hack: Disinformation, extortion or other? Retrieved 12 10, 2014, from USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2014/12/09/sony-pictures-entertainment-hack-extortion-north-korea-cyber/20138507/

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    Author

    My banter was on current affairs and ran from 2011 - 2016. I currently enjoy writing satire and horror shorts.

    I chose themes to run against each current event to bring some entertainment to my Banters. I began writing the banter in February 2011, and wrote my last in February 2016.

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