3 May Current Events

1. Pakistan lifts Facebook ban
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The nation of Pakistan removed its countrywide ban of the social networking site Facebook after it was discovered that someone created a page urging members to post pictures of the prophet Mohammed. Muslims believe it is blasphemous to depict Mohammed in photos or drawings, and Pakistan, being a Muslim nation, was so offended that its government blocked the web site throughout the whole country.

This is important worldwide because it displays how many countries still have immense amounts of censorship and are deep down theocracies. I could not imagine how the United States would respond to having Facebook blocked from our access, as it has become intertwined with our daily functioning.

2. Tropical storm Agatha
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In the first major weather scare of the season, Tropical Storm Agatha has caused flooding and landslides in Central America, leading to 142 deaths. Over 110,000 people were evacuated from Guatemala.

This is globally important because it shows that there are other problems in the world besides war. Natural disasters prove time and time again to be some of the most deadly and cataclysmic events in history, yet are often overlooked. I would have never heard of this particular storm if I had not seen the article, since many people will shrug it off because it pales in comparison to other travesties. But somewhere the point is lost that a life is a life, and whether ten million people died or ten perished, the number is irrelevant to those who lose somebody.

3. Australia to sue Japan
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The country of Australia is taking legal action against Japanese researchers who have slain hundreds of whales in what is said to be "scientific research". Many speculate that the Japanese are actually selling the whales for huge amounts of money, although that cannot be confirmed. Australia is extremely upset that these killings have been occurring in a mutual ocean of Japan and Australia, and feel like it is their responsibility to stop it.

This is important globally because this shows conflict between two countries, which is never a good sign. Also, many people in America are aware of these acts because of the popular TV show Whale Wars, where an American animal rights ship tries to take on the Japanese wailers.

Berlin response

I believe that Spain, my group, struggled in the simulation. Every single one of our spots we hoped to acquire were taken before us, so we settled for surrounding one of our prospective areas. We also took an area in Northern Africa. It appeared to be above the Nile, but a group before us drew the river in the wrong place and we ended up getting a piece of the desert. Historically, Spain did not do well either, only receiving the small country of Gabon.

The winner of the countries was definitely France. This was only because of the fact that they could take a huge amount of land, as well as making sure the land was all consolidated in one area. Unlike Britain, their colonies will be easy to control, because they are also close to France. Spain and Germany were definitely losers, because they hardly got any useful land. However, Germany took tiny pieces of scattered land, and it will be impossible for them to control. Italy did well with what they could get, but essentially pissed off every other country by taking Ethiopia.

The Berlin Conference was one of the biggest destructions of culture in history. The Europeans entered Africa, and assumed the natives' culture was dumb and inferior. They never tried to embrace it, or even let it diffuse, and totally forced upon the Africans a new culture that they did not agree with.

SCRAMBLE FOR AFRICA

I imagine the Berlin Conference. I also see many officials arguing and complaining about who gets what land. This is probably what happened. No one knew exactly what was in Africa. They were intrigued by the infinite possibilities.

FOLKLORE OF SAHARA

This folk story was about a lady who helped a pregnant lizard. However, it turned out that the lizard was a mythical being called a djinn, named Tafaka. The lady, Binta, spent forty days learning the way of the djinn, who were the most beautiful creatures in the universe. When a man came to her who had heard of her adventures to marry her, she summoned a djinn to be married to the stranger.

-The story was entertaining because it contained mystical element that provoke the imagination.

-The story taught me that they believe in mystical beings and magic.

-I can apply it because it teaches you to help anything that needs assistance, and it will reward you. So, the next time you see a caterpillar in your kitchen, don't stomp on it, but carry it outside.

April Current Events

Priest Faces Trial based on molestation accusations
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Ruggero Conti, a highly respected priest, has been accused of child abuse and molestation. He reportedly has done numerous disturbing things, totally abusing his power as a religious figure.

This is of global importance because of the fact that this is a reoccurring event. Some people speculate that priests, teachers, and doctors are often pedophiles who want easy access to children without parental guidance. It is disturbing, and tarnishes the reputation of the Catholic Church.

Taiwan Will Never Ask USA To Fight China
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Taiwanese president Ma Ying-jeau is assuring the world that he will never ask America to fight China on the Taiwanese people's behalf. The US will continue to sell arms to Taiwan. Taiwan and China are at conflict because Taiwan seceded from Communist China, while China still considers Taiwan its property. Its mistreatment of the Taiwanese hit center stage when protests surfaced after China was rewarded by hosting the Summer Olympics.

This is very reassuring globally because this was one of the main issues between these two superpowers of US and China. Now, tensions might be eased in other Asian countries that feared a raging war.

Australia to package cigarettes without any logos, just with medical warnings
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Australia has came up with a new plan to lower the smoking-related health problems. They will strip all logos and designs of cigarette boxes, and instead just place warnings on them that state the health risks of smoking.

This of global significance because it is a great step into a world where smoking is not as prevalent as it currently is. Hopefully, other countries will follow suit, because this is a brilliant idea to prevent prospective smokers from lighting up their first cigar.