Mardi Gras Traditions

Cultural traditions such as Mardi Gras play an important role in many peoples lives. In Louisiana, its an extra boost in the economy where more than 10,000 people visit to celebrate the tradition. Back in the old days when resources and money were low, people would go around and sing and dance or whatever else they could do to get donations from stores and farmers for the festival. Mardi Gras dates back to the first cities where people would have parties that lasted for days just as we do now.

http://www.dailyworld.com/article/20090222/NEIGHBORHOODS01/902220316

Africa's Issues with Climate Change

For my blog about change, I read an article that tells you about the climate change in Africa and how its effecting it's people. There are many shortages of food because of the drastic droughts there have been and it is effecting the people in many ways. Because of the climate change, it is possible there could be conflict and warring issues. There are many causes trying to feed all the people but they can't. People are fleeing to nearby cities to get away from the terrible climate they are living with.

http://www.irinnews.org/Report.aspx?ReportId=83096

Blog #6

For the blog about hope, I read about how Ben Affleck helped the people in Eastern Congo. Affleck visits Congo every year and writes an essay about the violence and devastation there. In his essay he talks about how many people die and all the ongoing wars there. He writes about the problems and how he tries to bring hope while he visits and how overwhelming the issues are there. This article is very moving because we don't deal with the problems that sometimes people half our age do.

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20259408,00.html

Blog #5

For my blog I read about discrimination of religions by employers. Its about how people can't be treated differently because of their religious views and how they should be able to get a job and still have their beliefs. There are still many people that are discriminated against because of the religion they follow but the Chartered Management Institution thinks differently. They believe people should get the same rights as any other person would and people shouldn't be bias because of it. Many schools are also discouraging the use of religion throughout school systems because it interferes with others' beliefs.

http://www.christian.org.uk/news/20090217/companies-told-to-stop-religious-discrimination/

Blog #4

For my blog about genders and gender roles, I chose to write about women in medicine. Many women couldn't get jobs as physicians and doctors because they were women, but now there are many women that are just as good as the males. There was an exhibit made for women in the medical field featuring the first woman who got a medical degree. The exhibit features the Change in Medicine because of women and the work they do.

http://www.rgj.com/article/20090217/NEIGHBORHOODS03/902170316/1247/neighborhoods

Potheads in Missouri

For my blog, I read an article about the legalization of medical marijuana in a small village in Missouri. The mayor of this village was in a crippling accident putting him in a wheelchair and he has decided to legalize medical marijuana because he feels it helps him to function better. A cop who patrols this area was also interviewed and said that he is still going to prosecute the state law that says it is illegal to posses or grow any amount of marijuana. I think the mayor has a point that it should be okay to posses and grow a few ounces of pot with a doctors note. Especially because the village is so small I see no reason that they shouldn't have they're own small clan of stoners with fake doctors notes.