“Making the world more open and connected,” a slogan that Facebook has used for years but is it more open and connected for everyone or just who will benefit the business? Facebook is supposed to be a sort of safe space for all but in recent months there has been an increase of people being placed into “Facebook jail” for speaking out against police brutality and systemic racism while others who are displaying the racism aren’t being affected at all.
In Las Vegas KaNesha McGee had a post blocked and removed from her page for sharing a video of police brutally attacking a woman.
In most cases It takes just 15 minutes for Facebook to delete posts for violating its community standards for hate speech. And then are warned if they posted it again, they would be banned for 72 hours.
A trove of internal documents reviewed by ProPublica sheds new light on the secret guidelines that Facebook’s censors use to distinguish between hate speech and legitimate political expression. The documents reveal the rationale behind seemingly inconsistent decisions. For instance, Higgins’ incitement to violence passed muster because it targeted a specific sub-group of Muslims — those that are “radicalized” — while Delgado’s post was deleted for attacking whites in general.
Many of these users now think twice before posting updates on Facebook or they limit how widely their posts are shared. Yet few can afford to leave the single-largest and most powerful social media platform for sharing information and creating community.
The world can never get better if we don’t work together to make it better. Now it needs to be an equal playing field.
Juneteenth is a holiday that a lot of people around the world are finding out about. This year has brought on a lot of Juneteenth celebrations especially in America. From BBQ’s to parades no matter where you looked there was some type pf celebration going on. So, what is Juneteenth and why are people celebrating it?
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, Liberation Day, and Emancipation Day, is a holiday celebrating the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States.
Juneteenth observances on Friday marked the 155th anniversary of the date Black slaves in Texas, at the farthest reaches of the Confederacy, learned they were free. This day started to be celebrated in Texas by African Americans and slowly spread to other parts of the country as the years of celebrations grew.
In Las Vegas there were a slew of different Juneteenth celebrations for everyone to attend across the city that ended with a grand firework show that could be seen throughout the city. The big push to celebrate Juneteenth stems from making sure that Black History is not erased from American History. Being that slaves were not free for the 4th of July there has been a major push to have both holidays seen as federal holidays in order to be more inclusive to all. These celebrations were not only to celebrate 155 years of being free but also to just celebrate being African American. Music and dancing created a joyful atmosphere at Lorenzi Park as community members gathered Friday afternoon to celebrate Juneteenth.
More than 400 people attended the Las Vegas celebration with masks on enjoying the food, music and each other. With cases of Covid-19 still steadily rising people safely celebrated while still being able to be in the midst of each other. Later on that day protests did continue on the Las Vegas strip showing that we can celebrate but there is still so much work that still needs to be done to make America a better place for all.
As America enters into its sixth month dealing with the Coronavirus pandemic more states and cities are starting to open up. Although the states are opening back up in phases there has already started to be another rise in Coronavirus cases. According to the C.D.C and the Washington Post it is possible that there could be up to 140,000 deaths by next month. Alabama, Oregon and South Carolina are among the states with the biggest increases. Alabama saw a 92 percent change in its weekly average, while Oregon’s weekly average was up 83.8 percent and South Carolina’s was up 60.3 percent. Hospitalizations have risenas well. For example, Arkansas has seen a 120.7 percent increase in hospitalizations, from 92 cases to 203, since Memorial Day.
Las Vegas is one of the many cities in the U.S. that has opened up in the past few weeks. With being in partial quarantine since March 15th the city has fully opened back up as of June 4th prompting people to come back and visit the city again. While opened with restrictions to further help social distancing there are a lot of people who are not following the reccomendation of wearing masks to help stop the spread of this deadly disease. Nevada’s case count now stands at more than 9,600, and as of Sunday June 7th , 438 people had died. While this count may seem low this tally does not count the numerous visitors that come to visit the city and leave with the virus.
A flood of visitors swarmed to the city of Las Vegas once the mayor decided to open its doors after a 78-day hiatus.
Gov. Steve Sisolak said in an interview with the NY Times that he is confident that “every precaution possible” has been taken to ensure that the famed resorts can both serve guests and protect public health. Dealers and players are separated by Plexiglas, dice are doused in sanitizer after every throw, and guests, encouraged though not required to wear masks, are subject to mandatory temperature checks.
“I don’t think you’ll find a safer place than Las Vegas,” the governor said during a recent call with reporters. But he added that he was closely tracking the state’s case numbers and would “pull back if it causes any type of problem.”
For now only time will tell if the city has opened too soon or if a longer quarantine with harsher restrictions should have been in place.
“All lives will matter once Black lives matter” is the chant that has been heard around the world for the past week and one heard by protestors in Peoria, Il. Since George Floyd was killed by Minneapolis Police the largest civil rights movement in world history has begun. America is known to be the land of the free, even though the history of this country speaks otherwise. Built from genocide and slave labor America has been land of the free for some rather than all. African Americans have a deep-rooted history in this country of slavery and oppression dating back to 1619 when the first slave ships landed in Jamestown. From there came 400 years of slavery, Jim Crowe, and now what is said to be the new form of slavery mass incarceration and police brutality.
In Peoria, Il a group of African American young adults who call themselves “Young Revolution” have been organizing protests around Central Illinois to bring more awareness to the Black Lives Matter movement as well as the problems that are faced in the black community on a daily basis. Protests have been scheduled for every Saturday starting at the Peoria Courthouse and River Front. The Young Revolution has been doing what they can to promote black business by making sure that people know where they are. Young Revolution strides to promote unity across the city of Peoria, to cultivate, to advocate for all oppressed groups, and to be a change agent for our community.
While police brutality is not a new concept to people there has been a rise in the recordings of these incidents. Most with unarmed black men and women who have done nothing to be a threat other than being Black that ultimately end in them never being able to see their families again. “Imagine leaving your home to do a routine task such as going to the grocery store and instead of coming back with groceries your family has to start planning your funeral instead. That is the reality that African Americans have to think about daily when it comes to encounters with police. To make matters worse more times than not the person who killed you gets to walk free,” said Autumn Angelize one of the founders of Young Revolution.
Racism in this country has never gone away; it just adapted to the changing times. African Americans are constantly seen as a threat in this country and daily have to conform to social norms to do simple things like getting a job. Years of peaceful protesting have fallen on deaf ears which allowed for the rage that African Americans feel to build. Another leader of Young Revolution, Rochelle Johnson, stated “It was as if America was poking a sleeping bear and now Black voices will be heard until a change is made. Across the world, people have given voice to the pain and damage that police brutality and racism have caused. It is now time for America to listen.”
Coca- Cola is a drink that has been around since 1886 and hasn’t lost its spot at the top since its debut. Through the years people have found lots of uses for that include more than just drinking. The acidic properties of the drink make it so powerful that you can use it for just about anything from cleaning your house to gardening Coke can be used for just about anything. For my fellow four-eyed travelers out there, Coke can make sure that wherever you are that you can see crystal clear. Simply just pour the drink over your glasses, rinse with clean water, and dry like normal and your glasses will be as clear as using some of the name brand glass cleaner. You can also drink what’s left so you get a cleaner and a drink all in one. Below are some other ways that you can use Coke to save you some time and money in your life.
I have been natural for about ten years now and finding the right hair care products for my hair has been the biggest hassle and honestly made me think of going back to a relaxer. That is until I found the NaturALL Club and their amazing line of products. I have never had a line of products that just make my hair feel so refreshed and clean. Just after washing my hair for the first time my hair had a minty clean feeling to it that I had never felt before. The products are so light on your hair and makes all of your natural styles look great all day with no frizz. Even if you don’t know what line of products is best for you there is a quiz that you can take to help you find the best line that fits you. The site has great sales all of the time and even new subscriber discounts. I am a big advocate for the NaturALL Club and tell everyone that I know that is Natural to try the products because not only is it for black natural hair but it also has all natural ingredients as well. My hair has never been stronger and looked better. You can look through their line of products yourself at their website http://www.naturallclub.com/
In the above video, YouTuber Gloria Ann uses NaturAll Club’s Full Avocado Line to achieve a beautiful wash and go.
Las Vegas is definitely a city where there is food everywhere you turn. There are super extravagant and off the wall restaurants that you can find in the world but what about the regular restaurants? Surely the locals can’t eat at these types’ of restaurants every day or else that would lead to a super expensive lifestyle.
Andiron Steak & Sea: Has been seen as one of the best places to get brunch in town. Andiron is recognized as one of Downtown Summerlin’s premier restaurants, and in this upscale new complex, that designation is impressive considering the number of good eateries to choose from. The team behind Andiron includes Kim Canteenwalla and Elizabeth Blau, long-time Las Vegas residents who’ve built restaurants all over the world. The elegantly designed restaurant is both beautiful and comfortable, providing the perfect backdrop to the wonderful food. The menu features a wide selection of quality steaks and seafood, an ice bar, and side dishes that perfectly complement the main entrees. A bar menu is also available and offers small plates like black truffle fries, crispy calamari, and sliders.
Ferraro’s: This is a restaurant is where locals go to have the most authentic Italian food next to going to Italy that is. This restaurant has the true motto of when you’re here your family because the owner goes out of his way to make sure that every single customer feels like they are at home. A Las Vegas favorite for almost 30 years, this family-owned restaurant is famous for its fine Italian cuisine created from time-honored family recipes. House-made sausages, family-recipe meatballs, and legendary Osso Buco are prepared from all-natural meats. Safe Harbor Certified seafood and freshly made pastas and sauces provide the foundation of Ferraro’s lunch, dinner and late-night menus. Many of its mouthwatering dishes can be made gluten-free, and gluten-free pasta and pizzaares available for an additional charge. Whole wheat pasta is available, too, and all of the pastas are house-made every day. For dessert, be sure to try the classic Tiramisu; crepes with Nutella, Mascarpone, a hint of orange zest and gelato or the Cioccolatissimo, hazelnut chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, ice cream and yogurt.
é by José Andrés: This restaurant is a secret gem and is a restaurant within a restaurant which can in a sense make it a little harder to find. Seating just nine people and with no set menu, é by celebrity chef José Andrés crafts a modern, intricately detailed avant-garde multi-course meal that tells a story like only a Las Vegas restaurant can. Sponsored by Visit Las Vegas.
The city of Chicago has been mainly been known for the violence that erupts throughout the city which causes people that to be scared to even visit. With the city being under constant scrutiny it’s hard to see or hear the good that there actually is in the great Windy City. Ranked as one of the top ten food places in America by the Washington post the cities great culinary qualities are often overshadowed by the culinary genius that is Chicago. The city has a lot to offer in many different aspects that need to shine just a little brighter for the rest of the world to see. There a lot of hidden gems in Chicago you just have to be willing to find them.
One of the best-kept secrets of the city of Chicago is definitely the locally infamous Chicago mild sauce. Now when it comes to the aloof condiment most Chicago natives don’t know how the sauce came to be they just know that life wouldn’t be the same without it. This sauce has been a hidden Windy City gem for about 54 years now. The creator, however, can be debated with some people arguing that the restaurant Uncle Remus created the sauce while others say that it was started at Harold’s Fish and Chicken shack. No matter where it started the sauce has been a staple ever since. With currently living in Georgia mild sauce isn’t the same as Chicago mild sauce making me miss it a lot and I had to put it on my food list for when I came back to visit. Honestly, I missed the sauce so much I bought a gallon of it just so that I could always have a piece of it while at home.
This sauce can be found at just about any restaurant in the city especially when it comes to the restaurants that sell fried fish and chicken. What is in this sauce? No one really knows due to it not being sold in stores but also no one cares too much. I believe that it is due to the mystery of just not knowing what is in this sauce and being able to guess the ingredients has definitely contributed to its longevity of the sauce other than its great taste. One of the key ingredients of the sauce that everyone knows that one of the main ingredients is barbecue sauce. KaNesha McGee, a Chicago native, says “Mild sauce is a taste that you can’t explain because there isn’t another taste quite like it which is why we love it so much. You should definitely put trying mild sauce on your Windy City bucket list, trust me your taste buds will thank you and be forever grateful that you did.
Now the city isn’t just about the mild sauce there are restaurants that everyone can enjoy, and you are guaranteed not to find anywhere else. With over half of the city being different ethnicities there are a lot of fusions of cultures in every part of the city. The city has a restaurant for every taste bud and palate so there is absolutely no reason for anyone to go hungry. These restaurants range from weird to ethnic and will definitely leave you wanting for more when you leave.
Vermiliona Latin- Indian restaurant that fuses the two countries known for their spicy cuisines and comes up with a delectable combination that doesn’t disappoint. Two entrees that are a must try are the Chicken Tikka Masala and Tandoori Skirt Steak. For those who have different dietary needs, there are vegan options available and the desserts are absolutely to die for. This restaurant located at 10 W Hubbard has been named one of the best restaurants in the city by different journalists and critics.
Parachute Chicagolocated at 3500 N Elston Ave is a Korean- New American fusion location located near the Avondale neighborhood. This restaurant is like down south cooking meets traditional Korean cuisine that has been driving its customers wild. The most popular dish is the Baked Potato Bing Bread. The potato bread is baked with bacon, scallions, and cheddar cheese and brushed with sesame oil before its skillet fried and oven baked.
The only restaurant in Chicago with “Macanese” food is Fat Rice. Their menu consists of a fusion of cuisine from Macau (the Portuguese province of China) along with Chinese and Portuguese if you are looking to try something new then look no further than the Arroz Gordo or “Fat Rice in English. The dish is similar to paella and is usually reserved for special celebrations in Macau. The bottom layer is made up of jasmine rice is mixed so Frito, chorizo, and salted duck and is topped with curried thighs, char Siu pork, linquica sausage, jumbo prawns, manila clams, tea eggs, croutons, Portuguese olives, pickled chilies. Sauces (mushroom soy and diablo hot sauce) are served on the side. This located at 2957 W Diversy.
Grace is one of the top African restaurants in the city where no matter who you are you are treated like family. Located in Uptown/Edgewater neighborhood this restaurant specializes in bringing traditional Ghanaian home cooking to the city of Chicago. Their fried plantains are to die for and the fufu and soup never disappoints. Although Grace has temporarily closed due to the untimely passing of the owner there has been talks to open this delectable restaurant back up so when it does make sure that you are one of the first people in line.
In most Chicagoans opinion it is a lot better to go to restaurants like these instead of the big chain restaurants. Chessica Doss, a Chicago native, describes the feeling that she gets from these restaurants as having a sense of family. Most natives will say that this is something that you just cannot get from big chain restaurants because there are always more rules and regulations around how to treat the customers that they lose sight of the personal effect that needs to come along with it. Each restaurant has something that makes them stand out from the rest. Some succeed in this effort while others fall by the wayside never to be remembered. With there already being so many different things that make the city of Chicago stand out from the rest like the bean or the music the restaurants have to stand out as well. Between having dinner in a train car to eating without any utensils at all these restaurants take the cake on having some of the most out their themes that you just have to experience at least once in your life. These are just a few of the amazingly different and delicious restaurant that you can only get in the Windy City.
To find out more about these restaurants as well as other different restaurants in the Windy City or other restaurants around the world follow me on all my pages listed below.
Dealing with depression is a daily struggle for me. I wake up almost every morning just wondering if I should just end it all. Growing up I was always just told that I was crazy and I would get over whatever was wrong with me at that time. I always go through each day struggling with myself one side saying that I am better off not here and the other fighting the bad thoughts and just trying to stay happy. With my line of work, it is even harder because I deal with angry customers almost constantly. I get told that I’m a waste of space and that I should just die because of stuff that is out of my control and my supervisors tell me that I just have to deal with it. I want to continue to share my story because I feel that if I continue to share my story I can hopefully help someone. Below are some tips with handling depression.
Each restaurant has something that makes them stand out from the rest. Some succeed in this effort while others fall by the wayside never to be remembered. With there already being so many different things that make the city of Chicago stand out from the rest like the bean or the music the restaurants have to stand out as well. Between having dinner in a train car to eating without any utensils at all these restaurants take the cake on having some of the most out their themes that you just have to experience at least once in your life. According to Thrillist.com these are the most unique restaurants in the city of Chicago.
All aboard this 40’s style dining car to The Silver Palm and enjoy a dining experience that you can’t get anywhere else. One of the best items on the menu is the artery-clogging 3 Piggy, piled with smoked ham, pork tenderloin, bacon, melted Gruyere, an onion ring, and a fried egg. Start or end your meal at the adjacent the Matchbox, the lives-up-to-its-name tiny bar with delicious, affordable, and fiercely strong cocktails.
El Ideas will definitely have you licking your plate when you visit. In the little-known suburb of Douglas Park sits a wildly different restaurant that turns fine dining on its head. This restaurant has absolutely no silverware at all. This restaurant’s sole purpose is to be different in every way and it shows that by being located in an unmarked building. The tasting menu-only, 24-seat restaurant opens into the kitchen, encouraging guests to converse with the chefs as they prepare inventive, modern American dishes like French fries and ice cream — a composed, liquid nitrogen-kissed dish of potato, leek, and vanilla — and wagyu-beet pierogi with dill and sour cream.
This next restaurant takes the term using every part of the animal literally. Frontier is definitely a carnivore dream when it comes to their menu ever bit of the animal is used from head to tail. On the menu, there are preparations of 10 proteins ranging from roasted goat to smoked free-range pig, salt-crusted salmon and even alligator stuffed with whole chickens. This restaurant is located in the suburb of West Town in Chicago.
As you can see these restaurants go beyond the realm of what you would typically think of when you hear the word fine dining. No doubt when you leave these restaurants you will be telling all of your friends and family and making plans to go back.
Life with Iris 