Like Donald Trump? Move to Citadel

by Evan Deane

            What with the recent political debates preceding the 2016 presidential elections, Donald Trump in particular has been getting bashed constantly. However, it recently came to my attention that those supporting Trump may soon have the perfect place to do so.

            Introducing Citadel – a concept for a new city to be built in Idaho that feels strikingly like some sort of “Trumptopia”. Citadel is described on its official website as “a developing community of Patriots in the mountains of Idaho who believe in Jefferson's Rightful Liberty and have chosen to live amongst one another, who have sworn their Lives, their Fortunes and their Sacred Honor to defend one another and Liberty”.

            But Citadel stands for much more than what you get at first glance. A quick tour throughout their website reveals much more about this city. The creators behind Citadel want to purchase between 2,000 - 3,000 acres of land to house its range of 3,500 - 7,000 families. Surrounding this giant land mass are two separate walls protecting the town’s inhabitants. Within the stone walls is a dirt path reserved for those dedicated to tourism.

            There are several similarities between the Citadel and any other normal town, but there are also some distinct differences. For example, within the Citadel there are several neighborhoods. There’s also a farmers market, museum, several schools, and a town center. However, enclosing these neighborhoods are additional walls within the town. The outer wall of the town has towers scattered throughout. And finally, one of the stranger inclusions is a firearms factory to produce, well, firearms.

Now taken out of context, a firearms factory may not seem totally obscure, but it seems a bit more strange when you look into the Citadel Patriot Agreement. The second article states “Every able-bodied Patriot aged 13 and older governed by this Agreement shall annually demonstrate proficiency with the rifle of his/her choice by hitting a man-sized steel target at 100 yards with open sights at the Citadel range. Each Resident shall have 10 shots and must hit the target at least 7 times”. And if that is not extreme enough, the eighth article states “All Patriots, who are of age and are not legally restricted from bearing firearms, shall agree to remain armed with a loaded sidearm whenever visiting the Citadel Town Center. Firearm shall be on-the-person and under the control of the Resident, not merely stored in a vehicle”.

So it is clear that the town has a very extreme and downright hyperbolic view on gun laws. Whether or not this fantasy will come to fruition is unknown at this point. Those proposing the new concept for a living-space have already purchased some land, but they will need more money to acquire the space for all they had planned. Whether or not they get the funds will depend on those who are interested. It costs $208 dollars to apply for residence in the Citadel. If it sounds right for you, why not give it a shot?

A Review of Madam Secretary

by Ryan Johnston
If you are at all interested in government, or any government shows such as House of Cards or Scandal, Madam Secretary is for you.

Madam Secretary is a fictional show that follows a former CIA Analyst named Elizabeth McCord. After quitting her job at the CIA and becoming a college professor, she gets a call from the President requesting that she become the new Secretary of State, after the former one was killed in a plane crash. Elizabeth McCord was recognized because the former CIA Director became the President, and decided to nominate her after observing her CIA experience.

While the show focuses on mostly the Secretary’s job, it also focuses on her personal life as well. She is a mother with three kids and a loving husband who is a religious scholar. During the course of the show, there is a lot of conspiracy and intense situations that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. One example of a conspiracy that occurs through the plotline of the story is the killing of former Secretary of State.

Currently, season 1 of Madam Secretary can be watched on Netflix, however the second season is not yet available on Netflix. Currently, season 2 of Madam Secretary is streaming on CBS every Sunday night at 9pm. The season finale will be taking place this Sunday, and it is bound to be a great one. If you plan on binge watching, season 2 can be purchased on the iTunes Store or the Google Play Store for streaming.

For those who are fans of the show West Wing or House of Cards, I assure that you will be a fan of this show. The plot is very similar to House of Cards in that Madam Secretary becomes the Secretary of State, and then perhaps may even get the bid to become President of the United States. Secretary McCord becoming President was foreshadowed in the first episode of season 2, where Airforce One was compromised and the President was declared missing. According to the presidential line of succession, Secretary McCord had to take over for the POTUS.

Another clue foreshadowing that she would become President, is that the incumbent President mentions that her ratings as temporary President were far higher than his, and that she may be the real candidate for the presidency, and not him.

Overall, this show is full of twists and turns that anyone would expect when watching a show about high-level government officials. Tune in on Netflix or on Sundays at 8:00 on CBS!

Positive Vibes Only

13 Things That Will Make Your Day Brighter

1. Puppies

Cute little fluff balls that are always there to cheer you up after a rough day. Even just looking at pictures of puppies can brighten your day. Who wouldn't love to cuddle with a puppy?

2. Funny Vines

To remind you that although your day may be bad, at least no one (hopefully) didn't check it on camera. But these funny and silly vines always find a way to make us laugh.

Watch this:

https://twitter.com/CommonWhiteGrls/status/669659836972408832

3. Mozzarella Sticks

Go to Friendly's, go to Uno's, go to Applebees' and get some mozzarella sticks. The ooey goodness of the cheese meets the deep fried wrapping. Enough said. Look at this beauty.

Photo by Meaghan Angers via mini mozz at Friendly's 

4. Jamming to Happy Music

Even though you might be having a bad day, spice up your day by listening to happy tunes that keep will get the good vibes going. Sing it out loud in your car as your drive down the street to spread the good vibes.

SUGGESTED SONGS:

You Need Me I Don’t Need You - Ed Sheeran

We Can’t Stop - Miley Cyrus

New Romantics - Taylor Swift

Better Than Words - One Direction

Cake By the Ocean - DNCE

Sorry - Justin Bieber

5. Jamming to Sad Music

Let's face it, sometimes you just need a good cry. You need to go listen to sad music that relates to your life and realize that you are not alone and can make it through it.

SUGGESTED SONGS:

Gravity - Sara Bareilles

All Too Well - Taylor Swift

All I Want - Kodaline

If I Could Fly - One Direction

Even My Dad Does Sometimes - Ed Sheeran

6. This scene from the Office

Even if you don't watch the Office, this scene is definitely going to make you laugh. This ridiculous scene is a definitely hilarious and will make you cry laughing, guaranteed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vmb1tqYqyII

7. Chicken Fingers and French Fries

Chicken fingers and fries are always a treat. Just go after what makes you happy and eat all of it. In this particular case, go eat some good old simple and delicious chicken fingers and fries. Maybe even go for the dinosaur shape and have some fun with them.

One of my favorite chicken fingers - Disney World
Photo by Meaghan Angers

8. Treat Yo Self

Treat yo self. Go to the mall and get your shop on. Go to the expensive section of Forever 21 and treat your self to a new interesting outfit. Or go to the Disney store and buy yourself that plush toy of Arlo from The Good Dinosaur that you’ve been wanting. Or, hey, go to the food court and eat a couple slices of pizza and grab a milkshake from Johnny Rockets. Just treat yo self.

9. Dance Party

Everybody dance now. What better way to release some stress than to shake it off! Dancing is (not scientifically) proven to make you happier. It’s good for the soul and a good way to get the body moving.

10. Stefan from SNL

One of the most memorable characters from Saturday Night Live. His interesting commentaries about life and ridiculous, but hilarious sayings are always able to make you burst out laughing. Stefan's crazy suggestions are enough to create laughter for anybody's day.

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/weekend-update-stefon-on-christmas/n12981

11. Smell of Chocolate Chip Cookies

I mean is there anything better than the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies?

12. Positive Vibes Only 

You can’t dwell on the negatives of life. You need to find the positives and if something isn’t a positive force you need to make it positive or just get rid of it. You need to let the things that make you unhappy (unfortunately you can’t let go of school) , but you have to accept the fact that your happiness comes first.

13. Christmas Time

THE BEST WAY TO SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER IS SINGING LOUD FOR ALL TO HEAR. Sing a Christmas carol or two or eight. Blast "All I Want For Christmas Is You" and sing it from the rooftops. Decorate your Christmas tree. Drink some hot chocolate. Donate to charity because there is no better feeling than spreading the love.