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

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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.