The White House is Moving

It's a scene all of us can relate to: watching the news in dismay as presidents declare invasions, as they amplify bigotry, and as they dodge their duties in a well-kept vacation beach house. So, naturally, as the next election cycle approaches, blood pressures around the country seem to rise. But fellow citizens, this year you mustn't worry. As I have done my fair share of research, I can assure you that what I'm about to present to you is unprecedented in its efficiency. I suggest placing all US presidents - past, present, and future- in Siberia. We have had 43 total presidents, 38 of whom are dead. So that leaves us with just 5 remaining and one extra every four years. In case you're worried about having no leader in charge ( it doesn't really make a difference, it's not like they were getting anything done anyways), my Libyan contact assured me that we mustn't worry. They would be placed in a camp in the Siberia where all contact with the outer world is absent as to maintain the sanity and well-being- or what's left of it- of Americans and other nationalities alike. This camp would give the opportunity to reflect on the choices they have made during and after their presidency that have caused the world to deteriorate.Many amenities will be offered to them to facilitate this new chapter of their lives. Coats made from soft, silky materials will protect our presidents if they ever want to venture into the Siberian wild for some afternoon fun ( perhaps they have a tea date with Putin); if we're feeling extra merry, we could always use Donald Trump's hair ! This camp would ease the public life as they no longer have to deal with foolish decisions that presidents make. Also, we no longer need to waster $400,000 on a president's salary. Instead, we can help pay Kanye West's debt, which will take about 133 years. As the US seems to have money to wage wars and not fix water pipes, this can be an opportunity for the US to make some cash: a reality show. "Keeping up with the Presidents" could finally make the world understand America better. Am I the only one who would be a tad excited to see a Bush-Obama fight go down ?  The only objection that I can think of is that the White House would be vacant. Alas, no worries, Valentino's 5th hour class can take over.

Considering War Photography

"Afghan Girl"

You are on your way to work and her colored eyes strike you. They tell a story of their own. So, naturally, you go and look at the magazine. As her eyes mesmerize you, you glance over the headings. The flashing white headings, though, don't capture your attention (the new death toll in Afghanistan isn't how you want to start your day). The picture amazes you because it captures human nature at its rawest. You sigh to yourself after appreciating the artistic diversity of this planet.

You are taking a break from your busy, hard day.You are watching TV and then suddenly grotesque images show up. Maybe it was blood covered children in ripped clothing under rubble with wailing sounds being overwhelmed by much more louder and shaky voices. Or maybe it was white sheets forming a mass grave after some chemical attack. You see pictures of those making a pilgrimage across the Mediterranean. Crying babies, overfilled rubber boats, and maybe some washed up bodies on a Greek island.The news anchor then starts talking about the importance of taking action against human rights violation in Afghanistan, Nigeria, Iraq, Vietnam... But the thing is, you don't take action. Instead, you are so amazed by those people that are literally risking their lives to share the atrocities in other countries.

Looking through my Facebook feed, a video popped up of my cousin's best friend. It was a video of my cousin's best friend dying. It was some journalist that had captured the events following a missile attack in Syria. Now the video was published without asking any family consent. Imagine having to see real footage of your best friend dying.

What news reporters seem to not mention is that these pictures are not "art". They are human beings. While war photographers are able to transcend events across the globe in hopes of bringing attention to an issue, in most cases they are not responsibly covering a war. In the first picture, for example, the "Afghan Girl" was unidentified for almost THIRTY years. The girl was never giving monetary compensation for that picture and I'm guessing that the photographer did. Is it okay to praise a picture but not fight for peace ? Is it okay to exploit the suffering of people and broadcast it ? Now I'm not here to tell you to stop watching the news, but I'm here to make you question the origins of these photographs. 

I Want a Child

Not too long ago, my cousin announced that she was pregnant. She and her husband, of course, were already planning the life of their unborn child. As I thought about it while I was babysitting, it instantly occurred to me that I, too, would like to have a child. Why do I want a child?

I would like a child so that they can accomplish the dreams I was never able to continue. A child who pursues the same interests as I do, even if he doesn't enjoy them. I want a child who hums along to Vivaldi but also know all the oldies. I want a child who isn't too quiet but not too talkative. I want a child who is unique that hangs out with the popular crowd so I know he's not a freak. I want a child who is smart. So when my boss is talking about his family, my child will outshine his. I want a child who ends up in a good job; I plan on travelling a lot- first class. I want a child who will repay me for all the resources I put in his first eighteen years. In case any of our overseas employees are in town, I want a child who speaks at least four different languages. When I am tired, I want a child who obeys me. I want a child who hugs me and supports me whenever I am conflicted, but understands that his basketball are not on my priority list. I want a child who is willing to give up summer classes, even though he doesn't have a say, in case money gets tight. But my daily cigar and caviar are not going anywhere. I want a child who thanks me in their graduation speech although I never made it to any of his competitions. I want a child so we can take adorable pictures and then post them on Facebook while he cries for milk and I ignore him. I want a child who learns how to stop crying because I need to get ready for my night out with my friends. I want a child who sends me cards on Mother's Day days after I missed his birthday. I mean who wouldn't want a child ?

Family Recipes: A Guide For Getting Through Life

Choosing this week's topic was unusually trouble-free. Since we talked about food and family relations during class, I knew I couldn't miss this chance. I am not going to reveal how much I was craving every single dish while writing this, but let's just say that the next video YouTube recommends might have the word food in it. 

Not all families are created equal. Some are humongous. Some are tiny. Some are chaotic, and others are peaceful. But if there's one thing that all families share, it's love. And in my family, love = food.

You should probably know that when I refer to family, I don't mean just my siblings and parents. It's more of 40 -yes forty-people having dinner in one room. 

Food is a language itself. It is unspoken art. Only those who value it, understand it. Sometimes, it speaks more than what words could ever say. Just as "arm wrestling" was Manning and his father's method of communicating with each other, food can be just that. A popular Syrian proverb roughly translates to " you eat based on how much you love someone".With food, you can show someone how much you love them, appreciate them, or even dislike them. For example, whenever I see any of my grandmas, I have to eat. It's not a matter of whether I'm hungry or not. I have to eat. If I don't, then, logically, that means that I hate the food and I hate them. If you want to show someone how much you love them, you cook for them ( preferably 5 times more than you would ever consume).  

Grape Leaves 

Exhibit A

Nothing says "I love you" more than Grape leaves; so much intricate work is put into producing these pieces of heaven. Out of the dull, dry leaves, comes a taste so complex yet so simple. As you bite each piece, your mouth explodes with flavor. It is laced with spices; spices of life. The rice and meat combination of the filling battle to get your attention, but end up equally enchanting your taste buds.

Exhibit B

Makloba 

Makloba, literally meaning 'upside down' was my great aunt's most valuable treasure. Generations of my family's heritage sat in that one dish. It is as if we were consuming our own nostalgia.  I can still hear her unaccented Palestinian accent in the background. She's cutting the mauve eggplants, frying them, cooking rice, adding meat... as if she's done this a billion times before. It's all second nature to her. No need to double check any recipes. It's as if this dish was her armor when she left Palestine some 70 years ago. 

Exhibit C

Just like Vowell and her dad have conflicting views about guns, pretty much every family argues here and there. Whether it's about political, religious, or even sports views, food seem to always save the day. It's that common thread that all families share; it reminds them of their shared memories and their heritage; it reminds them that they are one. 

If you still aren't convinced in the power of food, check this.