Mega Mecca Construction

               Over the past few years, Mecca has benefited benevolently in terms of infrastructure. Italian photographer Luca Locatelli, visited Mecca this year during the time of umrah. He manage to capture how radiant and radically the city had changed. The capacity of the site has been expanding since  late 1970. The cost of the projected was estimated to be around $26.6 billion. The man purpose was to expand the capacity of the Grand Mosque. Features that were planned to be added include: new wings, prayers areas, escalators and hundreds of bathrooms.

Reference: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/12/magazine/mecca-goes-mega.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=mini-moth&region=top-stories-below&WT.nav=top-stories-below

Example of the day of a pilgrimage
Image provided by Sacredsites.com

Drug Enhancers in Today's Sports

Drugs have been a major part of society since the early ages. We have always used it to "better" ourselves in certain things. Sports have always been the main reason. Popular tennis player, Maria Sharapova, has been caught using performance enhancing drugs. This is a controversial subject as Sharapova is a five-time Grand Slam champion but has recently been going down in popularity due to her injuries restricting her performance. She was found out to be using dope as a substitute to help her. Sharapova as well is the highest paid woman in tennis today. This is unfair for many other players who choose not to take drugs. Although this is such a widely circulated problem throughout sports, drugs are still being used and not really looked after. Now Sharapova has been banned from playing tennis for 2 years and might be doing more damage to her already falling career.


Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/09/sports/tennis/maria-sharapova-doping-suspension.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news

Welcome to Ireland!!

We visited Japan, Syria, England and now it's Ireland . Since the blog is ending, I'll shorten it.

By: Jade Stephen 

Ireland: 



Location: Island in the North Atlantic 

Neighboring Countries: It isn't really surrounded by countries. It's surrounded by water since it's an island. It's neighboring waters are the North Channel, the Irish Sea, and Saint George's Channel.

Spoken Language: Irish and English

Capital: Dublin 

Dominant Religion: Catholicism 

Food: Boxty, Slow Cooker Beef Stew, Irish Brown Bread and many more

 





Traditional Clothing: 


Sources: 

http://www.food.com/ideas/traditional-irish-foods-6326

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2a/Boxty_with_beef_and_squash.jpg

http://www.campbellskitchen.com/recipeimages/slow-cooker-hearty-beef-stew-large-25655.jpg

https://greattobeirish.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/bread-1.jpg

http://www.mackilts.com/images/slideshows/Men/IanSharpe.jpg

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/f9/44/88/f94488c479c6f282385870b8c40ff133.jpg

U.S Militant Arrested For Abandonment of Japanese Woman

Okinawa anti-U.S military citizens protest against bases stationed
Kyodo News Via Associated Press

     In Okinawa, anti-U.S. military citizens became outraged after a U.S. militant abandoned a the corpse of a Japanese woman who went missing. It has been under suspicion that the suspect would appear to be a militant stationed at the U.S. base in Okinawa. Although he has been arrested, he has not been charged with murder nor is there any evidence to prove his guiltiness. The governor of Okinawa was extremely disappointed to hear of this and hurt him emotionally. U.S. officials themselves are in sorrow as they are saddened by this sudden event. The U.S. ambassador vowed that they will double their efforts in order to prevent anything like this from happening again. 

Source:http://www.latimes.com/world/la-fg-japan-okinawa-arrest-20160520-snap-story.html

Asian-Americans Demand to be Represented in Films

Hollywood is a tough place to get accustomed to. Not everyone can become a movie star overnight, like so many would like to hope it would. You got to have the right looks, the right figure, the right everything basically. Asian-Americans on the other hand haven't really broken into Hollywood fame. Unlike actors like Lee Byung Hun (G.I. Joe), Lucy Liu (Charlie's Angels), Bruce Lee (Fist of Fury) and Jackie Chan (The Karate Kid), many other Asian actors find it hard to find a role in such a uniform film industry. Slowly but steadily, Asian-American actors have been breaking into mainstream media, with shows such as Fresh Off The Boat, which features an entirely Asian cast. Yet, we still see some discrimination as Hollywood is taking Asian characters and instead of using Asian actors, they change the role to fit a white actor. This can be seen in the movie Aloha, where actress Emma Stone is portraying a quarter Chinese, quarter Native-American pilot Allison Ng. The popular Japanese manga, Death Note, is set to have an adaptation done, but many are outraged as the hero of the book, Light Yagami, is gonna be played by actor Nat Wolff; someone not of Asian descent whatsoever. We see this a lot in films and TV shows but many of us don't even think twice about it. It's normal, it's just how it is in the industry, we say. Yet, if we don't get diversity now, when will we ever? I feel that in order for us to feel less alone in society and more accepted that we should break the cultural barriers that we've grown so accustomed to. It's time for everyone, no matter race, gender, or sexuality, should be able to be represented the way they see themselves.

For the article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/29/movies/asian-american-actors-are-fighting-for-visibility-they-will-not-be-ignored.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

Mohammad Khalid

Mohammad Khalid
The refugee crisis has been a hot topic for quite a while now. On Wednesday, Greece got additional relief only if they continue to carry out their work in the country. This is great for both Greece and the refugees because they both get relief and will benefit from the money coming in. In addition, Greece is going economic crisis and as well as refugee crisis. In the past year, Greece's debt has been piling up and is caused huge economic problems in the country. According to New York Times Article, "Euro-zone Agrees to Debt Relief and Bailout Aid for Greece," US Secretary Jacob Lew has volunteered to help Greece with their financial crisis.

Welcome to England!!!!!!

So we've visited Japan and Syria. Now we're off to the United Kingdom where we will be staying for a while before we jump around to somewhere else. I chose England specifically out of all the other nations because I want to know more about it. I love how weird and different it is from America especially when they influenced us the most in history. Well now lets travel to the UK and see what England has for us. Including how far we've traveled is so much work and people barely read long numbers so vaminos.  

By: Jade Stephen


England: 




Location: United Kingdom 

Neighboring Countries: Scotland and Wales

Spoken Language: English

Capital: London

Dominant Religion: Christianity ( they allow other religions but it's mainly Christianity) 

Food: Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, Yorksire Pudding and many more







Traditional Clothing: ( pretty sure they don't wear that anymore)  

      


Sources:

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi63oyYieTMAhVJOz4KHQqcBOcQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fedu-geography.com%2Fcountries%2Fengland.html&psig=AFQjCNGtZRyMVtV6ZVvYMD5FR768LXgAuQ&ust=1463676271277186

http://resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/food/dishes.htm

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwju5P65iuTMAhXDOT4KHUoyCvEQjRwIBw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsilk.com%2Frecipes%2Fmommy%25E2%2580%2599s-yummy-lactose-free-yorkshire-pudding&bvm=bv.122129774,d.cWw&psig=AFQjCNFe7Qxgie8fR-E4HgaabqPb8MNTtw&ust=1463676498286024


https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=imgres&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgateway-tcr.com%2Fgatewaydev%2Fthe-bank%2F&psig=AFQjCNHZhnLP5G0XNziqIaGm7006mssveQ&ust=1463676549991793


https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi7oq6ViuTMAhXCVT4KHUc4A9cQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.foodnetwork.com%2Frecipes%2Fina-garten%2Fbangers-and-mash-recipe.html&psig=AFQjCNG0eX3w8FGGk6XlotvCg0iBvDjJpw&ust=1463676532794568

http://resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/questions/costume.html

Transgender Bathroom Debate

Alright. I wanted to write this article because I was skimming through Facebook and I happened to pass through an article about a woman who was mistaken for being transgender and was thrown out for using the wrong room. Transgender rights have always been quite a taboo topic in today's society. Not many can wrap their heads around someone who has female parts, identifying as a male, and vice versa. It's always been a heated topic as people don't want the other "sex" in their bathroom due to the fact that simply, they just don't look like "the part". The woman who was thrown out of the bathroom for being mistaken as a transgender said that society needs to be more open about their gender norms. Women can have short hair, men can have long hair and IT'S ALRIGHT. Now, back to the problems transgenders face on a daily. AJ Jackson, a transgender male, has gathered complaints for simply using the male bathroom in his school. The school, Green Mountain Union High School, recently allowed students to use the sex-specific bathroom of their choice. Yet, some student's disapprove of this and, in retaliation to the new rule, have started to wear "Straight Pride" t-shirts to show it. Their argument is, "gay people are being celebrated at the expense of straight people." Now, there's nothing wrong with telling people your opinion... but that doesn't mean they want to or need to hear it either. Just because someone is different on the outside doesn't mean that they're any different from anyone else. The one thing that gets on my nerves about the opposing arguments people have proposed is that they say that AJ should be more considerate for his classmates as they've always seen him as a girl. So, are you trying to tell him to just not be who he is? 

Leave comments down below on what you would say about the argument.

Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/18/us/national-debate-over-transgender-bathrooms-turns-personal-at-rural-vermont-high-school.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

Canada's Strive To End Discrimination Against Transgenders

Supporters of transgender rights listening to a news conference on Tuesday in Ottawa

Chris Wattie/Reuters

Mitchell Mui

       In Ottawa, Canada, its been made clear that as a whole, discrimination against transgenders will end country wide. Upon reading this, I felt a sense of relief as some initiative has been made to make everyone equal. I find this extremely wonderful. In the future Canada will ban this sort of discrimination to take its serious level to par with other hate crimes. The new legislation imposed by Canada is expected to have a smoother time. The current law also states that it is a crime to hate propaganda of any sort of group. Its quite fascinating that law makers added transgender people to the list. This allows more protection rights for trans people. Finally they can live at ease without the feeling of being defenseless. In pursuit of helping their rights, mental health care and support is intended to be improved in the future for them.

Mexico President Tries to Legalize Gay Marriage

Mohammad Khalid

The Mexican President Enrique Pena Neito proposes to legalize gay marriage in Mexico, last Tuesday he announced his proposal to Congress. 
In South America, countries like Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil allow same sex gender. 
According to New York Times article, Mexican President Moves to Legalize Gay Marriage Nationwide, Elizabeth Malkin and Azam Ahmed said "Revising the Constitution, he said, would incorporate marriage equality as a human right with full clarity." This action by the Mexican President will improve human rights in the country. 
In addition to the article, the author included "President Enrique Peña Nieto of Mexico said his two bills would change the Constitution to incorporate the right for same-sex couples to wed and reform the federal civil code to assure marriage equality."

Should we feel safer carrying guns?

The topic of guns has always been a long and heated debatable topic. With the recent spike in increase of gun-violence related tragedies, people are beginning to lean more towards the idea of guns. 'Cause come on, if someone came to shoot you, it'd be nice to have your own to shoot them back right? No. No, it's not that easy. Things can go horribly wrong with carrying guns, ESPECIALLY if you don't know how to use it PROPERLY. The average age for a Texan citizen to obtain a gun license is 18. Over 1 million people own guns in Texas AND it only costs you $140 for the application AND only six hours of instruction is required. Not only are these numbers incredibly large and scary but one needs more than just six hours worth of instruction. People need to understand that guns v. guns aren't the best idea to give people. I feel that guns should be understood and must require someone much more than just basic knowledge. In order to stop gun-violence in the country, I feel it's important to take into consideration one's mental health. 

Article:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/12/us/licensed-to-carry-handguns-in-texas.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=mini-moth&region=top-stories-below&WT.nav=top-stories-below

http://f.tqn.com/y/politicalhumor/1/S/3/v/3/Answer-to-Gun-Violence.jpg

Syrian Refugees In America

             As of today, America has been progressively bringing in refugees from Syria, but at a very slow rate. The president made a promise to bring in 10,000 refugees who will than be provided aid. However, as the rate may seem right now, he has only made 1/5th of the promise although almost half the year is over. Some may say that this is weakening the administration's push to advance the cause of refugees while other countries are putting barriers to their entry. Its also a given among the U.S officials. They had a meeting in March that discussed the needs of Syrian Refugees. Close to about half a million needed permanent new homes away from the region, but it seems to be a long reach as the U.S is becoming haphazard.

Running Man Challenge is Taking the Internet by Storm

In the past few weeks another dance took the internet by storm  just like the whip and the nae nae along with the dab and many more . It's called the Running Man challenge. There's no way to describe how to do it but it's basically one foot in from of the other moving slowly and moving in place almost like the running man where you stay in place. Many people are doing it along with famous people especially basketball players. Kyrie Irving updated his video last Thursday. The song that they dance to is called " My Boo" by Ghost Town DJ's


 To learn  more about this new dance click the link below: http://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2016/04/26/video-running-man-challenge-college-basketball-vines-compilation-song

Facebook Relations Problems Regarding Leaders

Mitchell Mui

               A leader in Germany was found guilty of incitement after assaulting refugees on a Facebook post two years ago.  Mr. Lutz Bachmann was a founder of the Pegida when he  was forced to pay 9,600 euros in other words 11,000 dollars equivalent US dollars for his remarks.

               The refugees who received this news were outraged and want him sentenced to up to minimum of seven months in prison. They claim that Bachmann called the immigrants "cattle, brutes, and trash," that he deserved worse.

               The leader was forced last year to step down as leader of the Pegida due to his attire that match that of Adolf Hitler. Although he is hated by the immigrants, Bachmann's supporters continue to throw racial slurs and sometimes violent protests,

Link to source: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/04/world/europe/lutz-bachmann-pegida-fined-germany.html?ref=world

Mohammad Khalid

Visa Free Travel for Turks

Refugees are leaving the social and economic problems in the Middle East. People are moving up North to Europe in order to find better lives or  start over. The world is watching and trying to help the current situation. 

European Nation is an establishment of common economic, foreign, security, and justice policies often called the EU. 

The E.U, proposed visa free travel for Turks because of the refugees are trying to come to Europe. Turkey is a hot spot for refugees because in order to get into Europe they need to cross Turkey. 

I think this is a good idea because I think that the refugees will find a better place to live in Europe.

Do you think the EU should make this happen?

Hamilton Steals the Show

Hamilton is probably one of the most "must-see" plays this years. The mixture of hip-hop along with a great story line surely makes it enough for them to receive 16 Tony Award nominations. No play has ever achieved this many nominations so, surely, the play must be that good. The play is a modern portrayal of Alexander Hamilton's life. Out of 40 acting nominations, 14 of them were given to black, Hispanic and Asian American actors; diversity for the win!

For more:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/04/theater/hamilton-tony-nominations-record.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage&region=CColumn&module=MostViewed&version=Full&src=mv&WT.nav=MostViewed&_r=0

Welcome To Japan!

Well we went from Syria to Japan. It's uncoordinated but everything doesn't need to be perfect. We're visiting different cultures in random orders. At least we're learning something new!! Well for some it might not be new but hey at least you can say you knew that fact already. I was going to choose China to go along with the groups China theme but apparently Syria and China are in a bit of a problem ( war controversies ) . We might be covering that who knows?! Plus Japan and Syria are at each other in soccer so we're learning about the two amazing rivals. China is amazing too. Every country is amazing. I like anime so I was more willing to pick Japan but then again I like Chinese music so it was kind of hard. Enough of me, now we travel 8,520 km to reach  Japan! 

By: Jade Stephen 

Japan:

Location: Eastern Asia but bordered by the Pacific Ocean 

Neighboring Countries: North Korea, South Korea, Russia and China 

Spoken Language: Japanese

Capital: Tokyo

Dominant Religions: Shinto and Buddhism 

Food: Miso soup, Rice ( which is often made into Onigiri (rice balls), Mochi ( rice cakes) and much more), Noodles ( Ramen, Udon, and Soba), and Sushi and many more.. 


  


Traditional Clothing: 







Sources:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=imgres&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiO7uDK8q3MAhXGyT4KHfbbBc8QjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FJapan&psig=AFQjCNH6li0fyTjxrSMrPGRcQMeYXR9cqg&ust=1461814779017637

http://image.shutterstock.com/z/stock-photo-japanese-food-collage-94565131.jpg

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiX1YbH-K3MAhVTID4KHWUQCocQjRwIBw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.japancentre.com%2Fen%2Frecipes%2F14-onigiri-rice-balls&bvm=bv.120551593,d.cWw&psig=AFQjCNHbwZ2sGb7gNRBfRvNkNYUhze9vIw&ust=1461816386424197

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwil1rLa-K3MAhUHrD4KHTlYAIgQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.recipeshubs.com%2Fmiso-soup%2F31323&bvm=bv.120551593,d.cWw&psig=AFQjCNHMHR1mtVVadGp0MdToULMujfRrhQ&ust=1461816421198910

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi47cqS-a3MAhUIdj4KHWnvBGEQjRwIBw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fpin%2F487162884662354939%2F&psig=AFQjCNGOkkOrSFQWgZUIJ5hOZn9LTG07yw&ust=1461816518527182

http://www.mapsofworld.com/japan/japan-location-map.html

https://www.google.com/search?q=Spoken+lanuage+in+japan&rlz=1C1RNPZ_enUS445&oq=Spoken+lanuage+in+japan&aqs=chrome..69i57j0l5.4696j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#q=Spoken+language+in+japan

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&rlz=1C1RNPZ_enUS445&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=japan+distance+from+syria

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e629.html

http://www.japan-zone.com/culture/food.shtml

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiZ26ar-a3MAhUIcj4KHXMxA2AQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.elanexoarte.com%2F0364d3-japan-traditional-dress-dress-discount&psig=AFQjCNGOkkOrSFQWgZUIJ5hOZn9LTG07yw&ust=1461816518527182

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwicr4Tt-a3MAhVOET4KHVCKD4MQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdalase.com%2Fjapan-dress-kimono%2F&psig=AFQjCNGOkkOrSFQWgZUIJ5hOZn9LTG07yw&ust=1461816518527182

Mitchell Mui
Midwood Diversity

Source from : http://campusreform.org/?ID=5786

            Based on the New York Times article, "Laws Decried as LBGT Discrimination Proposed Across Country" many states across America are deciding to protect those who decline the approval of certain people. Such groups of these people included the LGBT community. In addition to the growing tension in the legislative, the states that oppose this law are receiving a huge backlash in protest. An example I viewed from the article include Alabama's Lawmakers. The makers are pushing to prevent the state from refusing license childcare service that conflict with their religious belief. Another state that supports the LGBY community is Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards signed an executive order which gave protection to workers who are being discriminated based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. I find this disappointing that some laws would oppose people based on their gender identity. Why does this even become a question,  shouldn't even be mentioned.
Resource:
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/04/20/us/ap-us-lgbt-rights-legislation-glance.html?_r=0

Woman on the Back of a $10 bill

Mohammad Khalid

       How would you feel if a woman was on the back of your ten dollar bill?
The Treasury Secretary will announce on Wednesday the redesigned 10 dollar bill. It may or may not have a woman on the back of it. If it does, it will have a great reputation of the Obama Administration.
In my opinion, there should be a woman on the back of the 20 dollar bill because there were famous women that left their mark on this nation. For example, Rosa Parks, Abigail Adams, Harriet Tubman and Susan B. Anthony.
Women left their mark on the United States. Women were patriotic,brave and called for change. Harriet Tubman created the Underground Railroad and risked her life so enslaved African Americans can move up  North and escape slavery.
Susan B Anthony called for women rights. She wanted women to get the right to vote.
What is your opinion? Who should be on the 10 dollar bill?

Source:

‘Hamilton’ Mania Expected to Relegate Women to the Back of $10 Bill

By Jackie Calmer April 20,2016
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/21/us/women-currency-treasury.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

Abducted Nigerian Girls Remembered

By Franchesca Gumabon
Two years ago, terrorist group Boko Haram, kidnapped female students in Nigeria. American and African troops were sent to Cameroon to fight the soldiers but were put on hold in fear of risking more lives. Now, the 276 missing girls have been located. They're located in the Sambisa Forest. The girl's were abducted while at the Government Girls Secondary School of Nigeria.Many of the girls that are captured by Boko Haram are either forced into unwanted marriages, sexual assault, or sometimes death. Now, U.S. officials are claiming that the girls have not been forgotten and are working on getting them safely home. Hopefully the girls are all retrieved safely. This has been an ongoing struggle but hopefully it doesn't have to last any longer.


Read the Article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/21/world/africa/boko-haram-kidnapped-girls.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=first-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news

Golden State Warriors' Record Breaking Game

  By: Jade Stephen

   Wednesday night, the Golden State Warriors broke the Chicago Bulls' record of 72 games in the NBA by defeating the Memphis Grizzlies in their last game before the playoffs. The new record now is 73 wins and 9 losses. The Chicago Bulls had a record of 72 wins and 10 losses in the 1995-96 season of the NBA with Michael Jordan but that all came to an end on Wednesday due to the team's motivation and amazing basketball skills. Though they had nine losses it's still good for a team that was believed to fail. Now they're on their way to playoffs by being the first in the western conference.





Source: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiK4vXc_ZbMAhVRET4KHRwBAYQQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pixelstalk.net%2Fgolden-state-warriors-wallpapers%2F&psig=AFQjCNH4nm4m4qDdC6aBySIUky6kcIe1UA&ust=1461027496986418

Mohammad Khalid
Midwood's Diversity

Recently, Bill Clinton was interrupted at a campaign where he was interupted about the Crime Bill of 1994.

1994 Crime Bill
The Crime Bill of 1984 dealt with crime and law enforcement in 1994. It was signed by former President Bill Clinton while he was in office. This law put millions of African Americans in jail.

According to ELIZABETH HINTON, JULILLY KOHLER-HAUSMANN and VESLA M. WEAVER, wrote an editorial called "Did Blacks Really endorse the 1994 Crime Bill?"  They wrote  "Calls for tough sentencing and police protection were paired with calls for full employment, quality education and drug treatment, and criticism of police brutality." They African Americans during this time were not only asking for tough police law enforcement but they also wanted other things such as quality education and police protection. This article explains that the Crime Bill include 75% cost went to new prisons, 100,000 new police officers and narrowed inmates to higher education.

 "Less than a quarter of the funding went to prevention programs. "
 

China's Law Ruling on Same Sex Marriage

By Mitchell Mui

Lawmakers of China Rejects Same Sex Marriage

         Recently, China's lawmakers in court ruled that same sex marriage was still illegal despite the tension that has been built up recently. China intends to stick to strict traditions when it comes to culture. However, even though the court ruled it to be illegal, that didn't not stop activists from growing in support of same sex marriage. Unfortunately, this landed many activists behind bars for opposing the governments ruling. 

           In my perspective, I oppose the court ruling itself. I find it extremely unfair that the ruling out vetoed the activists despite the overwhelming support in favor of same sex marriage. This issue became quite popular as Central China Television sent several reporters with the intent to interview the activists to get a perspective of their motives.

Sun Wenlin and his partner Hu Mingliang walking. The couple was denied privilege to marry causing a court case.
Picture taken by Gilles Sabrie for The New York Times

Source:http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/14/world/asia/china-same-sex-marriage-ruling.html?&moduleDetail=section-news-1&action=click&contentCollection=Asia%20Pacific&region=Footer&module=MoreInSection&version=WhatsNext&contentID=WhatsNext&pgtype=article

Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai Gay?

Franchesca Gumabon

For many of us who don't know who Zhou Enlai was, here's a brief background. Zhou Enlai was a strong political figure during China's Communist Party era. He, along with communist leader, Mao Zedong, played an important role in China's becoming. They were both remembered as highly intellectual people who ruled the 20th century with strong power.

Zhou was the first premier for the People's Republic of China. He, along with Henry A. Kissinger, helped pave the way for President Richard M. Nixon's 1971 visit to Beijing. This helped develop a new business era for both the United States and China.

In a recent book about Zhou's life, many are claiming that he may have been gay. The book, which is banned in China, speaks of Zhou's relationship between his wife and comrade, Mao Zedong. 

Although, a previous encounter while studying abroad may give hint as to why many would believe he was. Zhou studied abroad and while abroad he met Li Fujing. Li Fujing and Zhou grew close and their friendship blossomed. Once they were separated, Zhou wrote a heart wrenching story of despair in his diary about losing his close friend. 

Another clue that would point to this suspicion is that he and his wife, Deng Yingchao, never had an encounter with each other. He proposed to her via postcard despite the fact that they've never seen each other in five years. 

There's many reasons as to why he could've kept this part of his life private. He may have been terrified. China, even in today's society, is still very close-minded about sexual orientations. Recently, a gay couple who filed for marriage was denied. China still isn't ready and they sure weren't ready before. 

This is still a mystery but if he was, it would be a huge shock to the Chinese society who revered him as a man of power during one of China's golden ages.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/30/world/asia/book-says-zhou-enlai-chinese-premier-may-have-been-gay.html?action=click&contentCollection=Asia%20Pacific&module=RelatedCoverage&region=Marginalia&pgtype=article

More about the recent court case about gay marriage:

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/14/world/asia/china-same-sex-marriage-ruling.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&clickSource=story-heading&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

Welcome to Syria!

          This blog is meant to talk about anything we want to write about or feel strongly about. I chose to  write about different countries and their culture because some people tend to hate on a certain type of country and not look into their culture or their way of life. The country I chose today is Syria. 

By: Jade Stephen

Syria: 

Location: Western Asia

Neighboring Countries: Turkey, Iraq, Israel, Lebanon, and Jordan

Spoken Language: Arabic 

Capital: Damascus 

Dominant Religion: Islam 

Food: Kibbeh Bil Sanieh, Baklawa, Freekeh with Chicken and many more ( pictures  attached)

  

Traditional Clothing:

      


Sources:

http://www.sbs.com.au/food/sites/sbs.com.au.food/files/styles/full/public/Freekeh-with-chicken.jpg?itok=IoxFhjVd&mtime=1375860028

http://www.sbs.com.au/food/sites/sbs.com.au.food/files/styles/full/public/Baklawa.jpg?itok=pCeknXAC&mtime=1375844391

http://www.sbs.com.au/food/sites/sbs.com.au.food/files/styles/full/public/images/site_21_rand_1277017438_kibbeh.jpg?itok=KddPvtOu&mtime=1376025614

http://i0.wp.com/www.thelovelyplanet.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Syrian-Dancers-Traditional-Dresses-Sanja-Matonickin.jpg?resize=576%2C448

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/59/94/bb/5994bbf473226d3a598b44e2217dfeac.jpg

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/bc/35/fc/bc35fcb6e1f61e3a6383675345451287.jpg

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=imgres&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjAttrVu_rLAhWGqR4KHYpXBiUQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FSyria&psig=AFQjCNHBw2Vt0NCqDEjXk2Bil4BbJVpsPw&ust=1460047699984062

http://www.cometosyria.com/en/pages/Religion+syria/6/1

Fashion Brand Gucci Ends the Separation of Sexes on the Runway; More Than Just a Business Venture

Everyone knows or at least has heard about the high end fashion brand, Gucci. Fashion is a very diverse topic in today's society. Not everyone is trying to conform to society's ideas of what's in trend. The great thing about today's day in age is that we try and promote new things and ideas.
Now back to Gucci, finally. Gucci is a well known fashion brand all over the world. Now, their clothing isn't everyone's cup of tea but there are some who see it as art. Fashion wear doesn't always HAVE to be worn, sometimes it can be showcased as art. Gucci's collections have always been a work of art. Their intricate designs and very fashionable pieces has been the envy of many. Chief Executive of Gucci, Marco Bizzarri has called for an end to the brands two different fashion shows; one showcasing women's wear and the other menswear. He said that the two fashion show's were becoming less practical and more traditional. He wants to simplify the business aspect of the show. I agree with his decision and I feel like the idea of it being mainly a business venture shouldn't be the main focal point. Many women and men are trying new things and wearing things that wouldn't have been considered "normal" for their sex. Take popular singer and actress Zendaya as an example. She wore a suit to an event and was able to pull it off perfectly. I like the idea that people are making fashion their own. That should be the main aspect.  

Link to Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/06/fashion/gucci-calls-for-end-to-separation-of-the-sexes-on-the-runway.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Ffashion&action=click&contentCollection=fashion&region=rank&module=package&version=highlights&contentPlacement=6&pgtype=sectionfront

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjw5oKRvfrLAhUEpB4KHVAbBigQjB0IBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsugar.com%2Ffashion%2FZendaya-Outfit-2016-Grammys-40199175&psig=AFQjCNFTBxt9Dgv68-HzSzJPVWprjiVSeg&ust=1460048084482530

Mitchell Mui
Midwood Diversity

Are Transgenders Becoming an Issue?

    Upon finding PayPal Pulls North Carolina Plan After Transgender Bathroom Law by Reuters, I find it extremely disappointed in terms of state decisions on gender identity. Recently North Carolina had passes a strict ruling forcing transgenders to use the restroom according to the gender identified on their birth certificates. Paypal on the other hand was planning to help North Carolina open a global operations center.
     Paypal incorporated became the first major company to protest against North Carolina's strict law which seems to only target transgender, lesbian, and gay citizen. The state lawmakers of North Carolina also voted to prohibit the local government from allowing anti-discrimination protection for the citizens. According to Chief Executive Officer Dan Schulman "The new law perpetuates discrimination and violates the values and principals that are at the core of PayPal's mission and culture."
     My viewpoint on this matter however remains the same. The fact that North Carolina is refusing to acknowledge transgenders, lesbians, and gays show that discrimination is still at large in America. I am very relieved that PayPal is rejecting their law and now seeking another site in which did not apply these abdominal laws.

Article Link:
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2016/04/05/technology/05reuters-north-carolina-transgender-paypal-hldg.html

Image taken from Samuel Kubani/AFP via Getty Images.

Mohammad Khalid           
 In terms of diversity, people have been migrating from place to place spreading their cultural ideas and influences other. People migrate from place to place to see something new or to have a better future. Today and in our generation the Syrian Crisis has affected the people of Syria. There are refugees moving to Europe hoping for a better future for themselves and for their families. 
Today, I read a article called "The New European" by James Angelos in the New York Times Magazine.
This article is about refugees entering the Bavarian Alps in Germany. This article is based on the point of view of a German resident. The German resident describes when the refugees came of the bus and saw on their faces "Pure fear and Pure exhaustion."
This is hard for the refugees because they do not know anything about the region, and they have to find jobs and be able to provide for their children. 
Some people opposed the refugees from coming in because they said that they were concerned about the safety of women and children.
 Evelyn, a resident in the area said "They are respectful; they’re nice.” 
The rest of the article explains a lot of their journey and how the refugees lived in region.


This picture shows were most refugees are going.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/10/magazine/the-new-europeans.html
Picture is from the article

Is History Repeating Itself?

Jade Stephen
Midwood Diversity

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi4naTL3tTLAhWI6x4KHc1ZDPYQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.azquotes.com%2Fquote%2F952206&psig=AFQjCNEA3Fut1_vU-dvl2xyS5EKSZbOFEw&ust=1458751360318962

In school we're taught history because we don't want history to repeat itself and we must know about the past. But isn't that what's happening now?
            It all started when we felt that wonderful feeling of nationalism back in the 19th century. Even before that, but that would go too far back in history.  We felt that our nation is the best out of all the other nations and our beliefs are the only ones to be followed. That feeling led to us kicking out many Native Americans and forcing them into doing things they never wanted to do like converting into Christianity and following the way that we live. When they didn't do what they were told, they were shun and seen as animals. We looked down on them and start to dislike them because they were  different from us. But what's wrong with different? The Natives weren't the only ones that received hate. There were Blacks who were tortured by many Whites and terrorist groups such as the Ku Klux Klan just because they're different and looked weak just like the Natives. After the Blacks there were foreigners in the United States who received a lot of hatred after World War I. Americans had this sudden fear of foreigners also known as xenophobia. It got to the point where two Italian men were falsely convicted of a crime that they didn't commit. But don't forget about the amount of Jews who were horribly murdered during World War II. Just because they were different and followed different beliefs.
       So why am I telling you about all these historical events? Well, today there's this thing called Donald Trump who is in the lead in the presidential race. He wants to build a wall to keep Mexicans out of the United States, and he wants Muslims to stop coming into the United Sates as well. Even with his racial slurs, Americans wants him to become president. Want to know why? Because in the time of fear we want someone powerful. Someone who will lead us and make us into the greatest country ever. That reminds me about the time when Germans wanted Hitler because he was saying all the things they wanted to hear after being embarrassed by Britain and France. A weak person would look for a strong person to protect them from all the horribles of the world. I've seen on social media how people mainly hate what Trump says but don't do anything about it. Why are we allowing history to repeat itself? Why are we allowing this thing to create even more racial tension? Why are we allowing another group to be tortured by our fears? Why aren't we trying to change our history? Maybe we are the most laziest generation who allow words to speak for us rather than our actions. Age can't stop you from changing history, look at Ruby Bridges. Neither can time because we still have time before Obama resigns. Different is amazing. Being like everyone else is boring. So go out and change history my children. May the force be with you!!


http://shirtoid.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/May-The-Force-Be-With-You.jpg  

Mitchell Mui

Does Race Really Matter Anymore?

     The term race has been in use for quite a while, and its role in aiding the world proves vital. In fact, on the twenty first of April, the Supreme Court argued whether or not the roles of race may act on the legislative acting. 

Voters in the case of Wittman v. Personhuballah leaving the court after their decision. 
Image taken by  CreditJ.Scott Applewhite/Associated Press

       The court's main problem to the situation was to address the issue of black voters overwhelming the democratic ballots. To some in the political field, this may be seen as an extreme unbalance. I agree that the other parties are at a disadvantage, however, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and voice. If one chooses to vote for a party, then one should not be neglected for their choice.

Mohammad Khalid

Midwood Diversity

                        Midwood's Culture is so diverse!!! We have people of different races all around the world. People come from all parts of Asia, Europe and Latin America.  

                        Some students from Midwood High School comes from Pakistan.  Pakistan is located in  South East Asia the country borders India and Afghanistan.  

Pakistan

Traditional Clothing: 

In Pakistan, males wear shalwar kameez. It is a traditional clothing that is commonly worn in public places. Females, on the other hand wear a hijab, that is worn by all women in Pakistan. 

Religion:

The nation's religion is Islam.

Capital:
The capital of Pakistan is Islamabad. 

Sports:
The nation's national sport is cricket. The team participates in world cups.

Image Credit: http://www.mapsofworld.com/pakistan/maps/pakistan-map.gif