3-0 #ATL

by: Aryan Javan

It did not look good at the beginning, but the Atlanta Falcons came from behind for the second straight week to top the Dallas Cowboys! The Falcons trailed going into the fourth quarter for the second straight Sunday but managed another victory on the road.

Atlanta got steamrolled early, by the top-rated Cowboys offensive line. Joseph Randle was running wild in the first half and gave the Cowboys a quick 14-0 lead. Atlanta, who trailed the entire first half, was able to linger around with two Devonta Freeman touchdowns and a late-first-half field goal by Matt Bryant. Darren McFadden and Randle were able to find the end zone as well to extend the lead to 28-17. The defense did not look the part as they did in previous games, but they settled down and looked fantastic in the second half! They did what they have done so far all year, swarm to the ball.

Matt Ryan and Julio Jones went unconscious in the last 30 minutes of action. The two were in sync like no other as Jones hauled in 12 receptions, 164-yards, two-touchdowns. The crazy thing was he was not the best Falcon out there today. NFL sophomore, Devonta Freeman, had an absolute field day! He finished with a final stateline of 30 carries for 141 yards, 3 rushing touchdowns, and five receptions for 52 yards. The dynamic young running back out of Florida State stepped up to the challenge Sunday with his backfield mate, Tevin Coleman (ribs), being out. He looked incredible! Running in between tackles, bouncing to the outside and even catching the ball. Freeman single handedly changed the momentum of this game.

The defense was able to cement the Cowboys offense in the second half. Stop after stop, Cowboys backup quarterback, Brandon Weeden, could not get anything going. An ill-advised pass from Weeden at the beginning of the third quarter gave Atlanta the ball with a short field. Matt Ryan and the Falcons were able to capitalize and cut into the lead 25-28.

This is a Dallas team that is riddled with injuries and they came out strong at the beginning of this game. But Atlanta just wore them down and stuck to the X's and O's of their game. Another great win for the Falcons as they move to 3-0 against the NFC East and 3-0 overall. Atlanta may have a chance to go 5-0 with their next two games at home against opponents with an under .500 record.

The Falcons will host the Houston Texans (1-2) next Sunday, October 4th at 1:00 p.m.

FALCONS 2-0?!?1

by: Aryan Javan

Yes Falcons fans, we are 2-0!

After knocking off the Philadelphia Eagles at home and the New York Giants on the road, the Falcons have improved to their first 2-0 start since 2012. The 2012 season was also the last time the birds made the playoffs (I still hate the 49ers for that by the way).

The most surprising part about this 2-0 start is the Falcons actually look good. Not perfect, but good. The offense finally looks like it has an identity again, led by franchise quarterback Matt Ryan and superstar in the making, Julio Jones. In addition to the skill positions, it looks like we may finally have a stable offensive line (if we can stay healthy). The emergence of rookie running back, Tevin Coleman (who will be out for a couple games with a rib injury), and second-year man, Devonta Freeman, have also finally given Atlanta a running game. The Falcons have been at the bottom of the league in terms of rushing stats for the past two seasons.

The defensive side of the ball has resembled the old Falcons at times during the first two games. But there is something new about them. Something fresh. They swarm to the ball much like that 2012 team that almost went to the Super Bowl (I still hate the 49ers, did I say that already?). We even have been able to force some turnovers. In the Giants game, the defense stood tough in some pivotal moments to get vital stops that our offense needed. The Eagles game we made Sam Bradford uncomfortable in the pocket. Yes, we still got shredded in the secondary, but the point is we got the stops when needed. Which is way different then the Falcons defense from the past two seasons. Bottomline is there is hope.

Head Coach Dan Quinn has already implemented his touch physical brand of football on our Atlanta squad. The emergence of the running game and the new found physicality in the trenches (on both sides of the ball) can directly correlate to the former Seahawks defensive coordinator. He has brought a championship culture and a different vibe to our Atlanta franchise.

The Falcons next opponent is the 2-0 Dallas Cowboys, Sunday at 1:00 p.m.

The Cowboys look to keep their season afloat as they prepare to go without their star quarterback, Tony Romo, who was injured last Sunday in Philly. He will be out with a collarbone injury for multiple weeks, along side star wide receiver, Dez Bryant (foot), and maybe even tight end, Jason Witten (knee/ankle). If the Falcons can get a victory in Dallas that means they will advance to 3-0 against the NFC East opponents (one of the NFL's tougher divisions).

Trap God Art Exhibition BY CAM KIRK

By: Aryan Javan
Photos by: Aryan Javan

May 30th, 2015, was a hot Saturday afternoon in a local East Atlanta neighborhood. This is where photographer, Cam Kirk, opened the doors of an abandoned church to display the first ever "Trap God Art Exhibit." The event was dedicated to the presently-incarcerated rapper, Gucci Mane. Cam Kirk renovated an abandoned church in Gucci's stomping grounds of Zone 6, East Atlanta. The line stretched out the door as fans of all types waited to see an array of Gucci Mane photos, exclusively taken by Cam Kirk.

The church was an homage to the Trap God and his music. The event boasted fake cocaine, bricks, shooters, purple drank and much of everything that Gucci raps about in his music. Cam Kirk created an environment that essentially felt like going into a trap house. Members of Gucci's team had applied fake tattoos of ice cream cones on their face to commemorate him. (Young Thug actually did tattoo an ice cream cone on his face later that night via hotnewhiphop.com) Track after track of Gucci Mane and his 1017 affiliates bumped the church to add to the ambiance.

The event lasted from 2 PM to 8 PM, and was free to the hundreds of fans whom made the journey to East Atlanta. The event was very well organized and it was interesting to see the legendary photos taken by Cam Kirk. Various pictures of Gucci lined the walls of the church/trap house. Each piece of work was named after a Gucci Mane song. Overall, it was a very creative and unique way to relay art to Gucci's fans.

Trinidad James, Metro Boomin, Young Thug and Sonny Digital, were a couple of notable mentions that stopped by to view the exhibit.

Radric Davis (aka Gucci Mane) is currently set to be released from prison sometime in late 2015 or in 2016. It was a shame the Trap God himself could not be there to witness the exhibit dedicated to him.

 

#FreeGuwop #FreeGucci

Photo of Cam Kirk (artist/photographer) and myself

Eastern Conference Finals Preview

By: Aryan Javan

CLE

LeBron James 26.5 PPG

LeBron James 10.2 RPG

LeBron James 7.9 APG

Offensive Numbers

99.6 PPG

43.2 FG%

Defensive Numbers

92.6 Points Allowed

40.8 Opponent FG %

ATL

DeMarre Carroll 17.1 PPG

Al Horford 9.9 RPG

Jeff Teague 7.4 APG

Offensive Numbers

99.8 PPG

43.4 FG %

Defensive Numbers

95.7 Points Allowed

42.5 Opponent FG %

Ladies and gentlemen, the pinnacle of the NBA season is upon us. The playoff field has been whittled down to just four teams, and an NBA title is on everyone's mind.

In the Eastern Conference, we have the Atlanta Hawks versus the Cleveland Cavaliers. Atlanta has fought and clawed its way to this position through pesky opponents (the Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets). Cleveland took care of business in round one, sweeping the young Boston Celtics side, and came out on top against Chicago in a tough, hard-nosed series. The two are interesting opponents when we take a closer look. The Hawks are a model of what the NBA is turning into, more team-orientated basketball, with the ability to go 11 or 12 players deep and relying on perimeter shots. LeBron and the Cavs are the more traditional business model. A team has to get a superstar player and fill the void with capable role players. 

LeBron James looks poised to lead this young Cavaliers side to its first NBA Finals appearance since 2007. But a worrisome thought for Cleveland is that they are banged up at a bad time. Irving should be a go for Game 1, but who knows how is knee and hamstring hold up. Irving knows he has to play in what is going to be another hard fought series. In Game 6 of the Chicago series, there was a point in the game where LeBron was clearly bothered by his back. Obviously the elephant in the room, Kevin Love is still out for the postseason. For the most part, I think Cleveland will be ok. LeBron is looking to make his fifth finals appearance in a row! That is a truly extraordinary feat. He will need his whole cast of mates with him to defeat a tough Atlanta side.

As for the Hawks, they have been playing like...the Hawks. Frustrating their fans in the first two rounds with inconsistent play, but this year something was different, real different. They were actually able to advance past the second round. Something that the Hawks as a franchise have not been able to do since 1970, before the Conference Finals were formed. Led by a lethal starting five the Hawks have been able to get down and dirty with the Wizards and Nets and emerged victorious in both bouts. To even be in this spot seems like a huge monkey off Atlanta's back. But for the Hawks this means they need to believe themselves, and that they can actually win this whole damn thing. 

With Budenholzer at the helm, the Hawks most take to the mentality of a team such as, San Antonio (Budenholzer's former team, assistant coach). The Conference Finals is not enough. To get this far and lose would be even more painful and devastating. The Hawks have a perfect chance to knock off a partially healthy Cleveland side. Yes, LeBron James will get his, but cut his resources off. Five guys will beat 1 or 2 any day (i.e. San Antonio in the 2014 NBA Finals Spurs Starting Five versus James and barely Wade and Bosh from Miami). The Hawks must play the most perfect series. To knock off a once in a generation talent like LeBron James, it will take the effort of maybe 10 or 11 people from this Hawks team. Guys like Muscula, Scott, Mack, Schroeder, or Bazemore. Everyone who steps on the floor must make an impact for Atlanta

Prediction

The Hawks caught Cleveland at the right time. Atlanta is due for a good shooting series. They have been subpar most of the playoffs. The defense is there for both clubs, but in my opinion, the deciding factor will be the offensive side. If both offenses are clicking I think the advantage goes to Atlanta. Their team ways will overcome the one-man-show of LeBron James and ATL will play the best series of basketball that this team is capable of to defeat the Cavaliers in seven games. Home court will be huge factor. 

The Syrian Conflict: A Human Interest Piece

The Syrian conflict has been ongoing for a little over four years now. 11 million people have been displaced from their homes, which has lead to a huge humanitarian crisis.

-Syria's refugees

-Syrian Conflict Story

SYRIAN CONFLICT

by: Aryan Javan

Introduction

Since 2011, Syria has been in a constant state of civil war, between President Bashar al-Assad's government regime and rebel Syrian forces. The rebels have now been replaced by extremist group ISIS. The Free Syrian Army Moderates (FSAM) are stuck in the middle and are the only ones left to fight for a free, democratic Syria. The FSAM is currently fighting both the Assad-led forces and ISIS.

The entire conflict was sparked after teenagers in the Syrian town, Dar'
a, were arrested and tortured for painting revolutionary slogans on a school wall. The city protested the atrocities only to be senselessly slaughtered by Syrian government troops. This spread civil unrest throughout the country.

As per BBC, by 2013 over 90 thousand Syrians were killed and that number was nearly doubled to 191 thousand in 2014 (the current death toll has reached 220 thousand as of March 2015)! Both sides are accused of horrible crimes, such as: murder, rape, torture and civil suffering (blocking access to water, food and health services). Assad and his regime have been caught using chemical weapons against civilians. Optimism during the "Arab Spring" movement showed the world Assad's atrocities and horrible treatment of his citizens.

Four out of five Syrians are now considered to be living below the poverty line. More than 11 million Syrians have been displaced from their homes. Another 4 million Syrians have left as refugees to other countries (Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon). This marks one of the largest exoduses in recent history. There are around 5.6 million children in need of humanitarian assistance.

The Difference

FSAM supporter and American-born Syrian activist, Aladdin Kanawati, works with an organization known as Peacebuilding Solutions. He has been able to travel this region and details some of his work with refugees in Amman, Jordan.

Photo of Aladdin Kanawati and Syrian refugee boy [Picture taken by: Will Moran]

The conflict seems not so much who is loyal to Assad anymore, it is now turned to a Shi'a Muslim versus Sunni Muslim conflict. The Assad regime is gaining support from Hezbollah and Iran (a predominately Shi'a Muslim nation) and the rebel forces have been replaced by the Islamic extremist group ISIS. Kanawati details that the FSAM are now caught in the middle.

"Basically, we go house-to-house, to people with no money, no food or barely anything from the international organizations, and listen to their stories," explained Kanawati, "we hear horrible things that have happened to these people and offer them free therapeutic/psychiatric care for their mental health."

"I know guys that one day are fighting against the forces of Assad," states Kanawati, "and the next day they are running away from ISIS."

Kanawati works with the Syrian refugees in the capital city of Jordan, Amman. Him and his mother were helping traumatized refugees receive proper mental care and rehabilitation (this project was shut down eventually due to lack of funds). Kanawati works with the Syrian American Medical Society while staying in Amman.

Final Words

The Free Syrian Army Moderates want neither ISIS or Assad to stay in power. They fight for an independent and democratic Syria of the future. The entire Middle-East may of  been prone to less conflict if the political boundaries were drawn correctly by the Western powers in the 1920's. Just like Africa (when Europe and the world partitioned Africa like a pizza), the boundaries put ethnic groups that did not like each other in the same place. It was a foundation set up to fail from the get go.

"I know this is not practical, but we need to gather all the leaders of these countries and literally redraw the boundaries of each nation, pleasing the Shi'a's, Sunni's, and Kurd's," said Kanawati, " maybe eventually leading to a Middle-Eastern Union one day, much like they have in Europe."

This information was provided by BBC News

Rodgers, L., Gritten, D., Offer, J., & Asare, P. (2015, March 12). Syria: The story of the conflict. Retrieved April 23, 2015, from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-26116868

How to Help the Syrians

by: Aryan Javan

A dear friend of mine, Aladdin Kanawati, an American-born-Syrian, voluntarily works with Syrian and Middle Eastern refugees in Jordan. Kanawati is a supporter of the Free Syria Army Moderates, which is not in favor of the ISIS group or Assad backed regime. They fight for a free, independent, and democratic Syrian nation. He details how the nations of the Middle-East must get past their religious and ethnic differences to unite as one.

Aladdin works with the organization, Peacebuilding Solutions. Peacebuilding Solutions helps refugees, disaster stricken populations and other people in need of asistance. There efforts have mainly begun in refugee camps in many different nations. Kanawati works with Syrian refugees that have been displaced in Jordan.

"For all the negativity to cease, the people must look at each either and realize they are all just humans," states Kanawati.

The tension of the Syrian conflict has really very intense and very real for the people who live that nation. To help the cause and learn about the Peacebuilding Solutions campaign visit their website!

To read the full story on Syria and their regime click here.

The Barter 6: Young Thug

By: Aryan Javan

Young Thug released his highly anticipated debut-album The Barter 6 on Thursday. The album boasts features from T.I., Boosie, Young Dolph and of course Birdman.

The Barter 6 has been highly controversial due to its name (formerly known as The Carter 6). Thugger was thinking the album would be looked at as a commemorative piece of work to his favorite rapper and idle, Lil Wayne, but instead Wayne took offense to the copycat title. So instead of paying homage to his favorite rapper, it in turn started beef with his favorite rapper.

Anyone who follows rap knows the ongoing feud between Wayne and Birdman. It now seems Thug has been caught in the nets. Thug originally planned to carry on Wayne's Carter series by doing Carter's 6-10, but criticism and harsh words by Wayne made him change the title. Wayne's The Carter V has still yet to be released due to ongoing legal issues.

The reason why Thug changed it the Barter is because in the Blood Gang culture it is common for words that begin with the letter "C" to be changed to the letter "B," thus The Barter 6. Anything that starts with "C" is seen as being involved with the rival Crip Gang.

Thug is seen as Birdman's new prodigy, and Wayne is the old dog with no new tricks. The sound of Thugger has taken the rap game by storm. Even though I love Wayne, he even tried to emulate Thug's style a bit in Sorry for the Wait 2. Never the less, it will be interesting to see what the reaction to the album is in a couple weeks time.

Do you think Young Thug should have changed the name? Do you think Lil Wayne should be angry? What's your take on The Barter 6?

UPDATE: As of yesterday, The Barter 6, is officially being released as a mixtape and not Young Thug's debut-album. According to 300 president Lyor Cohen, August 28th is now the scheduled release date of Thug's debut-album, Hy!£UN35. 

FREE GUCCI MANE PETITION

Click here to be sent to the page of a petition to release rapper Gucci Mane aka Radric Davis early from prison.

Lets bring Guwop home!!

2015 NBA Playoff Preview

By: Aryan Javan

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. It is that time in school when the work is piling up and you forget that you created a blog. But I am back, and just in time for the NBA Playoffs!

As of last night the playoff field has been set and it should be a dandy! The Western Conference is going to be a bloodbath and who knows who will represent them in the NBA Finals. The East is honestly a crap-shoot, but headlined by favorites Atlanta and Cleveland. Lets look at some of the first round match-ups.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Atlanta Hawks vs. #8 Brooklyn Nets (ATL won season series 4-0)

ATL

Paul Millsap (16.7 PPG)

Paul Millsap (7.8 RPG)

Jeff Teague (7.0 APG)                    

BKN

Brook Lopez (17.2 PPG)

Brook Lopez (7.4 RPG)

Deron Williams (6.6 APG)

This should be a quick series for the Hawks in my opinion. The Hawks are trying to prove themselves worthy of a number one seed and the playoffs is the place to do it. Brooklyn is a mess of a team that slid in the playoffs despite a 38-44 record. Atlanta should proceed with caution cause they have given number one seed's a run for their money, twice, as an eighth seed (Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers both 7-game-series). But I think ATL is focused this year and will end this in 4 maybe 5 games.

#2 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. #7 Boston Celtics (Regular season series tied 2-2)

CLE

LeBron James (25.3 PPG)

Kevin Love (9.7 RPG)

LeBron James (7.4 APG)

BOS

Isaiah Thomas (19.0 PPG)

Jared Sullinger (7.6 RPG)

Evan Turner (5.5 APG)

Obviously, LeBron James and the Cavaliers are the overwhelming favorite to win this series. It's LeBron vs. the C's yet again, but a little different this time around. No Paul Pierce, KG, Ray Allen or Rondo. Let's give credit to the Brad Stevens and the Celtics though. This was supposed to be a rebuilding year for them but this team fought hard all year and claimed a playoff berth. Well congratulations Boston, you got LBJ and the favorites to come out of the East. I expect this one to be done in 4.

#3 Chicago Bulls vs. #6 Milwaukee Bucks (CHI won season series 3-1)

CHI

Jimmy Butler (20.0 PPG)

Pau Gasol (11.8 RPG)

Derrick Rose (4.9 APG)

MIL

Michael Carter-Williams (14.1 PPG)

Zaza Pachulia (6.8 RPG)

Michael Carter-Williams (5.6 APG)

This is an interesting series. Jason Kidd leads the surprising-young Bucks (no pun intended) to their first playoff appearance since the 2012-2013 season. They will meet their Central Division rival, the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls have a lot of questions coming into the playoffs, headlined by the health status of Derrick Rose. If Rose is a 100 percent or anywhere close to that this series could be over quickly. The Bulls are seen as the toughest test for Cleveland in the playoffs if they advance that far. In my opinion, I think this series may be closer than people think, I think the Bucks will be able to win 2 games but eventually fall in 6 to the more experienced Bulls side.

#4 Toronto Raptors vs. #5 Washington Wizards (TOR won season series 3-0)

TOR

DeMar DeRozan (20.1 PPG)

Jonas Valanciunas (8.7 RPG)

Kyle Lowry (6.8 APG)

WAS

John Wall (17.6 PPG)

Marcin Gortat (8.7 RPG)

John Wall (10.0 APG)

From the Eastern side, this is about the only series you could say there is no definitive favorite. Both teams had great years for their respective franchises, and both teams will want to keep their seasons going. The Raptors sort of limped into the playoffs due to some unfortunate injuries to key players, but all the Raptors should be 100 percent ready for the playoffs. The Wizards will be led by their dynamic point guard, John Wall, and his backcourt mate Bradley Beal. I give the edge by a little to the Wizards because I like how Nene and Gortat handle the paint and post. I think that gives them a bit of an edge over Toronto. I expect this one to go 7 and it can go either way but for the sake of making a selection I'll take the Wiz in 7.

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Golden State Warriors vs. #8 New Orleans Pelicans (GSW won season series 3-1)

GSW

Stephen Curry (23.8 PPG)

Draymond Green (8.2 RPG)

Stephen Curry (7.7 APG)

NOLA

Anthony Davis (24.4 PPG)

Anthony Davis (10.2 RPG)

Jrue Holiday (6.9 APG)

The Pelicans beat out the Thunder to claim the ultra-competitive Western Conference's final playoff berth. Their prize a date with the number one team in the NBA the Golden State Warriors. According to ESPN, the Warriors are the first team since the legendary '95-'96 Bulls to not lose more than 4 games in any month during the regular season...that's really good. Led by first year head coach, Steve Kerr, and presumed-to-be-MVP, Steph Curry, the Warriors in my opinion will handle the Pelicans with ease. Again, who knows the West is full of good teams, but I feel this is the only series where a definitive favorite exists. Expect this series to be a sweep or maybe 5, if NOLA is able to eek one out at home.

#2 Houston Rockets vs. #7 Dallas Mavericks (HOU won season series 3-1)

HOU

James Harden (27.4 PPG)

Dwight Howard (10.5 RPG)

James Harden (7.0 APG)

DAL

Monta Ellis (18.9 PPG)

Tyson Chandler (11.5 RPG)

Rajon Rondo (6.5 APG)

A Texas showdown here in round one and ooh it will be a great one! Dallas struggled toward the second half of the season and has struggled with implementing point guard Rajon Rondo into their system. But they are a dangerous playoff team. Houston is led by MVP candidate, James Harden, and for them this looks like the year the Rockets could possibly make a run at the Finals. Houston was dealt a blow when the lost point guard Patrick Beverly for the season, and Dwight Howard's health is always an issue so we will see how that affects them come playoff time. But if all the components are healthy for both sides, I give a slight edge to the Rockets. This will be an awesome series and has the potential to develop into a heated rivalry because these two sides do not like each other. I say Rockets in 6 or 7.

#3 Los Angeles Clippers vs. #6 San Antonio Spurs (Regular season series tied 2-2)

LAC

Blake Griffin (21.9 PPG)

DeAndre Jordan (15.0 RPG)

Chris Paul (10.2 APG)

SAS

Kawhi Leonard (16.5 PPG)

Tim Duncan (9.1 RPG)

Tony Parker (4.9 APG)

This to me is the most intriguing match-up out of all the first round match-up's, in either conference. You got the defending champion San Antonio Spurs, primed and ready for another deep playoff run. Then you have the Clippers who have actually flown a little bit under the radar this year, but nevertheless a team that has played great basketball all year under Doc Rivers. You have to wonder, if this Clippers team can not get to the Conference Finals again, does the Clipper management think the trio of Griffin, Paul and Jordan can get it done? And they are taking on a red-hot Spurs team who could have easily been a two seed. In my honest opinion, I just can not see anyone beating the Spurs, they are my pick to come from the West. I actually think this may be a relatively short series. I pick the Spurs in 5 or 6.

#4 Portland Trailblazers vs. #5 Memphis Grizzlies (MEM won season series 4-0)

POR

LaMarcus Aldridge (23.4 PPG)

LaMarcus Aldridge 10.2 RPG)

Damian Lillard (6.2 APG)

MEM

Marc Gasol (17.4 PPG)

Zach Randolph (10.5 RPG)

Mike Conley (5.4 APG)

The Trailblazers have been marred by the injuries all year and again right before the playoffs. They are going to face a grind-it-out Grizzlies team that has all the tools to make it to the NBA finals (the Grizzlies and Spurs are my picks to make it to the West Finals F
YI). Even Lillard and Aldridge have been playing through injuries all season, so it does not bode well against a team that they were swept by in the regular season. I would pick the Grizzlies in 5, but I think Portland will put up a fight but eventually lose in 6.

GET READY THE PLAYOFFS ARE GONNA BE LIVE!!!!!

PICTURES PROVIDED BY FLICKR.COM 

Iran and Social Media

By: Aryan Javan

A nuclear deal between World Powers and Iran was tentatively agreed upon Thursday. This possibly will ease the economic sanctions on Iran in exchange for limited nuclear weapon development. The sanctions most-likely will be gradually lifted rather than all at once. The two sides have been marred by tension for years, as Iran claims to be in the developmental process of a nuclear weapon which most of the world is against.

(Picture of Tehran, Iran)

In relation to new media, many Iranian citizens took to social media to show their satisfaction. Over the past week many were tuned into social media, TV or whatever medium, to get the breaking news. The state TV broadcast even showed Obama's speech live on Thursday, which is very uncommon for the government funded news broadcast. People posted pictures of them celebrating, them watching the speeches, all sorts of happy images. There are of course still going to be protests, but for the most part people on both sides can take a sigh of relief.

Social media makes the world smaller. Thus, people can show what is happening across the world in a matter of seconds. In a place like Iran, people have a thirst for the western world. I have traveled there about 6 times on different occasions, different regimes, different political climates, and most every time the people are just curious. There is no hate among the citizens there. They asked me questions about the NBA, the movies, the girls, the food, stuff every foreigner would want to know. They let me join them in their soccer games and late-night gatherings. The media has perpetuated the axis of evil label and that is all people think about when they think Iran. Instead of the beautiful and rich culture of the ancient land.

Tying this back into social media, Iranians recently have been able to make connections to the rest of the world via social media. When the protests in 2011-12 happened, images where shown to the world via Facebook and Twitter. People were taking advantage to show the political climate during that time. The Iranian people do have a voice and it does need to be heard. My only hope is that one day all of this is to be solved diplomatically and Iran may once again open its doors to the west.

Finesse? The Shift in Sports by AJ Loco

By: Aryan Javan

If you think about it we are at the doorstep of evolution in sports. Guys we all used to look up to are slowly leaving into the sunset. The Kobe Bryant's, the Peyton Manning's, the Derek Jeter's (already gone), and the new wave arrived,  the Steph Curry's, the Andrew Luck's, the Yaisel Pugh's. Their generation is upon us and the changing of the guard is happening. Even guys like LeBron James and Aaron Rodgers are now in their thirties too. The 1990's generation is here and ready to make an impact.

The games have evolved more than ever now; from strength and physicality to finesse and agility. Sports have become way faster then their old school predecessors. People like Michael Jordan and that whole era, I mean, it almost looked like a pick-up game at your local gym. No rules, physical, straight moves, and clutch jumpers. Now-a-days the game has evolved into a fast-tempo-dunk fest and dribbling showcase. The handles have gotten incredible and the dunks more creative and powerful.

The game has changed to a free agent blood bath. No loyalty really remains with one team. I believe the reason for that is the new generation likes to move around. They are more cultural and more open to seeing new places. The new wave likes the concept of teaming up and playing with friends. As to the old days, you were drafted somewhere and you stuck it out for the most part.Thus there were more rivalries because you were seeing the same guys on the same team, over and over and over. The dynasties were formed from chemistry and continuity. For some reason, the young guys now can just team-up play for a couple years, win a couple titles and then leave to start somewhere new.

In football, the games are less physical than before. This is a direct effect of rule changes and regards to player safety, which is good. Yet, football is naturally a violent sport so this of course changes the dynamic of the game. The speed and agileness has taken over as well. Most quarterbacks have the ability to run and throw (Michael Vick in my opinion changed the QB position forever with his running ability). Receivers are all down field threats for the most part. And running backs are used till spent and the next man up. It is all about putting on the moves and going off to the races. Granted there are outliers, like Marshawn Lynch, who still stick with a punishing brand of football. But those type of guys are far and few between. The physicality takes a toll on their bodies.

The NFL and college football for the most part has become pass happy. In the NFL, teams do not waste high draft picks on running backs anymore. They are prone to injuries and teams can find value at that position later in the draft. It is all about finding a "franchise" QB. In some regards this is the same as NBA. In the NBA it is all based on potential and finding the next superstar.  If a player does not produce early and efficiently they are considered a bust. There are guys in the NBA now ages 23-26 who are considered busts. They just maybe have not had the best draw or found the best system yet. Same in the NFL. It is all about the stars now and what team can snag them.

I believe as a result to becoming more of a finesse game compared to a physical game, this is why we are seeing more injuries. People contort and move their bodies in ways thought not humanly possible. A prime example, Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls. It was almost like his injuries were a result of him being too athletic for his own body. I am not saying that the older generation did not have injuries, but for the most part they were able to gut it out or were not as severe. The athletes these days are so tightly wound up, athletic and lean that there is no bulk or meat to stop major injuries from happening. ACL tears are spreading rampant across the sport's world. This injury is usually career altering and very hard to come back from again. It most be from being so finely tuned physically. The body needs substance besides just straight muscle to properly function.

I truly have noticed this trend the past couple years. I grew up watching football and basketball from 1998 to the present, and you can see how the games have evolved. You can see the difference in how games were played back in the day as to the present. The Seahawks remind me of the old NFL, and that is why they are successful in my opinion. They are not flashy (they make awesome plays though), but just stick to X's and O's and play a physical brand of football. The San Antonio Spurs showed how team basketball and continuity prevails over superstar lineups and the dunk-fest-dribbling showcase. The game maybe changing, but to be a champion teams always go back to the old school roots.

KEEP THIS IN MIND

By: Aryan Javan

1. Do not worry how others act, unless it truly actually affects the well-being of yourself or others.

2. If people talk behind your back, just leave them. Addressing it is useless, they will just deny it and do it again. They do it because of their own insecurities.

3. You truly can be anything you want to be. The challenge may be great, but why want anything easy? The success you attain after accomplishing such a feat is satisfying and gratifying to the soul.

4. Your dreams are here for you to leave your reality. You do not need substances to escape reality. The human mind is fantastic, thus already having a built-in mechanism to escape the "pains" of reality.

5. To bounce off that one, dreams are there to teach you about yourself. Listen to them. It is a look into how we really feel and act.

6. Only YOU can get to where you want to be. Sure you may find help on the way, but it is you who found the help. YOU are the key to success for your success.

7. You innately know what is good and what is bad. Your conscious will eat at you if you have done something wrong. No matter how "remorseless" or "ruthless" you may be. True evil is a scary thing and only found in some.

8. Everyone has their own agenda. That is not a bad thing, people need to take care of themselves before taking care of others. People pleasing your whole life takes a toll on your own mind.

9. Fearing death is not going to help your cause. Your time will come when it comes, that is why you should truly live life to the fullest. Do not let money, materials, etc. consume your life, appreciate the small things.

10. We are the god and the devil. In whatever religious denomination you believe in there is always a struggle between good and evil. They both exist inside us. It is whatever path you chose to follow. This also ties in with the concept of your conscious innately knowing what is right and wrong. 

Hawks Get Blown Out in Best vs. Best Showdown

By: Aryan Javan


The Hawks were humbled Wednesday night in Oracle Arena as they fell to the Warriors 114-95. Golden State looked unstoppable. They controlled the game from start to finish. The Hawks were able to stay in the ball game due to Golden State turnovers in the first half and second chance opportunities (Hawks rank dead last in this category via ESPN). But the Warriors pulled away big in the second half.

Golden State controlled the pace with their fast break game and excellent passing (39 assists). They shot a red-hot 46.7 percent from the three point line! Golden State's bench also chipped in with 50 points, led by Andre Iguodala with 21 points. It was a dunk fest for the Warriors as they just bullied the Hawks in the paint. The Warriors were without their second-leading scorer, Klay Thompson (sprained ankle). It did not seem to affect them. Harrison Barnes and Draymond Green both stepped up scoring 25 and 18, respectively.

"What I take away from it is the number players who made an impact," said Golden State Head Coach, Steve Kerr.

Atlanta had won the previous meaning between the two in Atlanta, but just were simply outplayed in this one. They had one of the worst shooting nights of the season, shooting 35.6 percent. It was just one of those nights. They had good looks but could not buy a bucket. The Hawks looked out of their game the whole night and were not able to settle in. Kyle Korver's absence (broken nose) was definitely noticeable. The spacing and normal passing was just not there. This is their fifth game out of the six-game-road trip. They wrap up the Western road trip at Oklahoma City.

"Any time you're playing teams with better records in the league, you're going to be tested, you're going to be challenged," commented Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer, "and you kind of want to rise to that. You want to meet that test. Tonight wasn't our best showing."

Social Media Threats

By: Aryan Javan

Social media gives people the freedom to post and say whatever they please. People can make profiles to act their alter-egos, troll others on the web, say what they truly feel, etc. In a sense they can be someone they are not. They could even say things they would not say in person to others. So when someone makes a threat on social media it has to be taken seriously, right? For example, if someone says, "I have a bomb" in person that is taken seriously. So why should it be different on social media?

Just recently, Princeton High School in North Texas, beefed up security in response to a social media threat made by a juvenile. The student used the application, Burnbook, to relay that they we're going to 'shoot up the school.' Police were tipped off about the threat from an organization that monitors the application. As a precaution kids had to walk through metal detectors and have their bags checked. Extra officers were also on staff.

(Photo: WFAA)

This brings to light the issue of what and what not to take seriously on social media. Personally, I think it is hard to monitor all threats made on the web and social media. There are so many ways to make different accounts and post whatever you wish. For example, John Smith makes a different account on Twitter called "The Man 14," and on that account he posts vile and horrible things. But it will never be traced to him because he has the ability to make more multiple accounts. People post horrible things on social media, but it is not practical to monitor them all. And the fact is some people just post horrible stuff to do it or to get a reaction. Like we talked about in class "feeding the troll."

My point with this article is to show that social media can be helpful in monitoring security. For example, Princeton High School was able to safely avert their threat. Yet, it can also hinder the process because there is just so much content from all corners of the Earth. It is hard to see what should be taken seriously and what should not. I do not believe this is an isolated incident, but this school did do a good job of nipping it in the butt. I still wonder though, all the extra time and resources wasted because a kid said something stupid. Of course better to be safe than sorry, but think if every kind of threat was looked into? We would need more policemen and women!

P.S.: The culprit was caught by police and is being charged with making terroristic threats.