This Week in Review, January 26, 2020

By Nate Feldman

It was a mostly uneventful week weather-wise in the Philadelphia area with mostly sunny skies and mild temperatures.  On Saturday, there was a period of torrential rainfall in the morning hours causing mild flooding and heightened water levels in local streams and rivers.  By the afternoon, however, the storm had passed and there were even brief periods of sunshine.

In addition to the weather, this week I have a tip for everyone.  Try and cook at home as often as possible.  Statistics have shown a large percentage of people claim they can't cook, and they rely on eating out or pre-packaged meals for their food.  But, if you can cook for yourself, it's ideal.  It's healthier, cheaper, and once you get used to it, it's actually quite fun.  So, find the ingredients you have around the house, put them together, and sit down and enjoy a nice, home-cooked meal. 

This Week in Review, January 19, 2020

By Nate Feldman

It was a tale of two weeks weather-wise.  On Sunday, there were springlike temperatures with highs in the 60s.  Wednesday was also clear with temperatures in the mid-50s. 

On both days, people spent time outside at different parks.  At Red Bank Battlefield Park in New Jersey, people enjoyed time with their families and took in sparkling views of the sun over the Delaware River.  At Valley Forge Park in Pennsylvania, people ran and rode bikes on the Schuylkill River Trail.

Beginning Thursday, however, the temperatures dropped accompanied by blustery winds.  On Saturday, winter formally returned with snowfall in the area, the largest snowstorm to date the region has seen this year. 

This Week in Review, January 12, 2020

By Nate Feldman

People gathered at Lincoln Financial Field in South Philadelphia to see the Philadelphia Eagles host the Seattle Seahawks in an NFC Wildcard match up.  Despite the excitement, however, the Eagles lost 17-9, ending their 2019 season.  

In weather, the work week began with clear skies but chilly temperatures.  On Tuesday, it became overcast, and in the evening a light snow fall began, blanketing the area with a light coating of snow.  Wednesday was cold and blustery.  By the end of the week, the skies cleared up again and the temperatures became unseasonably warm, reaching the 60s by the weekend.

This Week in Review, January 4, 2020

By Nate Feldman

          People around the world welcomed in the year 2020 on Wednesday.  Large crowds gathered throughout major cities around the world with displays of fireworks and large parties.  In downtown Manhattan, people watched the annual ball drop in Times Square as the year 2020 glowed in bright neon lights at exactly 12:00 AM. 

The New Year brought with it clear skies, but chilly temperatures to the northeast region of the United States.  The day began chilly and overcast, but in the afternoon it began to gradually clear up.  People enjoying the New Year’s festivities or just taking a walk with friends and family were able to enjoy the pleasant weather.       

            There were different festivities throughout the United States.  In Philadelphia, people gathered to see the annual Mummer’s parade.  In this 120 year old tradition, people dressed in fancy costumes play music and dance for crowds.  In Pasadena, CA, there was the annual Rose Bowl parade, which always proceeds one of the oldest and most famous football games played.

            Many people use the beginning of the New Year as an opportunity to set resolutions, usually consisting of goals people hope to accomplish during the next calendar cycle.  Such goals typically include a new habit people wish to pick up or drop.  

            The year 2020 is going to include many exciting, newsworthy events.  This summer, the world will turn its eyes to Tokyo, Japan as it hosts the Summer Olympics.  The United States will hold a much anticipated Presidential Election in November as Donald Trump will face the winner of the Democratic primary.  Before that, however, he will have to get through a trial in the U.S. Senate to determine if he should be removed from office or not. 

            Although many hope it will be a year that brings peace and prosperity to both their lives and the world, there was concern a day later about the possibility of a widespread war after the killing of the Iranian general Qassem Soleimani by a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad, Iraq.  This came after Iraqi protestors allied with Iranian backed militias in Iraq stormed the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad.  Iran has promised retaliation for Mr. Soleimani’s killing, something which has stoked fear in many throughout the world that we could be headed to a much larger conflict.