CATS Academy Courier

By: Miguel Gurrerro

Photo Source: CNN

In order to fully understand the complex nature of the Syrian conflict, it is far easier to understand with an analogy. I have chosen to compare the country with a large High School. In that case, the headmaster would be the President, named Bashar al-Assad, who has been in charge since 2000. His family, however, has been governing the country for about 40 years.

Every school has different groups, and Syria is not different. Syria has numerous groups, such as the Kurds, Sunni Muslims, Turkomans, Circassians, and Palestinians. Each group’s differences looked in order, until 2011. Throughout that year there were anti-government opposition demonstrations against the Ba’athist government of Bashar al-Assad. Bashar sent troops which resulted in extreme violence, killing thousands of people. The groups protesting got furious with the President’s actions and started to attack the government. It wouldn’t be the first time a population went against its government.

In the beginning of 2014, things got extremely worse with the entrance of a radical group called the “Islamic State in Iraq and Syria” (ISIS). At  first, their focus was just taking out the “Principal”. They, however, changed their strategy and chaos ensued throughout the country. They had an advanced army and equipment better than some of the other groups. ISIS’ aggressive strategies resulted in command of about 50% of Syria’s territory.

The conflict can be described as three wars: one war for political power, one an ethnical war, and one a religious war. Syria is half the size of California.

International countries, such as the USA, France or the UK, have no interest in Syria’s territory, but have struggled against balancing their dislike of Bashar’s repressive government and fighting against the ISIS. To make matters more complicated Saudi Arabia is allied with the US, but is also allied with the ISIS for a multitude of reasons. Russia has commercial business with Syria, so they have supported Bashar’s regime.

Meanwhile, the war is still ongoing. More than 400,000 have already died. The worst part is civilians throughout the Middle East Region have continued to suffer. These are common people who are afraid of retribution for no direct involvement. In the midst of this chaos, it’s important to understand that these people need countries to extend their hands to them. Countries taking in refugees may be their last hope of survival.

By: Gabriela Santana

Supported by the Obama administration, but not made into Federal Law, the Transgender Access Laws are a set of state frameworks which are aimed to give transgender students the right to access their schools’ bathrooms and locker rooms which match their gender identity.

While there has been a lot to argue, for and against, the recent administration is against the Access Laws. President Trump revoked the previous guidelines on February 22th. All the eyes are now on Gavin Grimm, a junior in Gloucester High School in southeastern Virginia, whose lawsuit against his school district is going to be heard in Washington at the end of March. This lawsuit is fundamental, as it could become a wide-ranging guideline on transgender rights for the United States.

Until then, president Trump’s repeal of the previous guidelines leaves each state to decide.  So far, many states are drafting bills to prohibit transgender people to use the bathroom, while others have embraced the previous administration’s guidelines.

Schools, on the other hand, have been in the center the controversy. In Chicago, for example, transgender students have been asked to use different changing and bathroom facilities raising an issue over discrimination similar to the “Colored Restrooms” in the 1950’s.

While uncertainty surrounds what will happen in Washington on March, most transgender students nation-wide must feel comfortable to be protected in an educational system that is structured to bring the best of their students, regardless of their gender identity.

By: John Liao

I have a fancy for eating Chinese food. Thus, I go frequently to Chinese restaurants to satisfy my appetite. One of the frequented places is Bamboo Moon Restaurant, which is based in Randolph, MA. Look for their red siamese-character symbol, which is typical and outstanding. It’s undeniable that they have been serving the local community for several years. They also have lots of die-hard fans and I’m of one of them. Indeed, I’m enchanted by the restaurant because of its staff, fantastic foods, and light atmosphere.

First of all, the restaurant has the nicest staffs, compared to other Chinese restaurants. You’ll get a warm welcome from the staff as soon as you go through the door of the restaurant. The staff warmly welcomes you with a smiley face. It makes you feel like eating a sweet chocolate. If you ask them questions about the dishes, they will try their best to answer those carefully. Moreover, when you order any dish ,they will serve you sincerely.

The restaurant not only has the nicest staffs, but also has the most delicious Chinese food. In its menu, you will see all kinds of Chinese food, such as, Lo Mein(a kind of noddles),Chow fan(fried rice),house special meats and many other dishes. I’m keen on General Tso’s Chicken. It’s a kind of sweet, mildly spicy, and deep fried chicken. It’s served in North America Chinese restaurants exclusively .It will melt in your mouth as soon as you chew a piece of it. The unique taste of sweet and slightly spicy flavors makes me come back for more.

In addition, the atmosphere of the restaurant is extraordinarily. The floor is immaculate and the wall is white-and-black hanging with pictures of signature dishes. It makes me feel extremely relaxed. It’s a good place for thinking about things and hanging out with friends too.

To sum up, Bamboo Moon Restaurant is a fabulous and excellent with its service, food, and atmosphere. You will definitely return for more. It is strongly recommend if you want to enjoy a good super. Please go to the Bamboo Moon Restaurant.

By: Emilija Nestor

Intercontinental Hotel is located in the heart of Boston, overlooking the historic waterfront. It has exquisite architecture and is adjacent to other  attractions around Boston including Quincy Market, Chinatown, Boston Tea Party Museum. The hotel’s location should be considered convenient because it’s near the Financial District and is only 10 minutes from Boston Logan Airport. The hotel offers numerous restaurants and stylish bars where you can try the appetizing food, and the refined, elegant cuisine.

As you enter the hotel, you will be astonished by the hotel’s architecture and design. The outer structure of the hotel is very modern, shiny, and the inside design is mind-blowing. The whole hotel lobby is filled with classy embroidered silk couches and armchairs, surrounded by giant fireplaces flickering with flames. The light brown floors are in perfect harmony with the white walls. The lobby has lots of flowers and the large windows allow light through, which makes the lobby very glossy. The chandeliers look as if they are rainbows dancing across the luxurious lobby. Thisit makes the lobby look paradisiacal.

Besides the luxurious hotel lobby, the charming, refined rooms are designed to make you feel as cozy as possible and they offer comfort and luxury. The rooms are equipped with a TV, mini fridge, sleek marble bathroom, classic Italian furnishings and a superb view of the city that will amaze you. The rooms are designed with discreet patterns and rich fabrics. There is also a smartly designed work area for people, who stay in the hotel for business purposes. You will sleep peacefully while visiting Boston, thanks to the plush bed and gracious design of the room to make you feel relaxed and escape your usual daily routine while you are looking at the spell-binding views of Boston.

Furthermore, the friendly and helpful staff is always there to help you with any problems you may face or any questions you may have. Ultimately you will be amazed by the exceptional service provided. All hotel guests get decent service and all the hotel employees are willing to go above and beyond. The hotel staff seems invested to create special moments for guests. The customers are offered drinks, they are brought mints after dinner and most importantly they are treated with full respect by the whole staff.

Finally, the hotel offers outstanding facilities, which are elegantly decorated to make you feel as if you are in heaven. Guest rooms and suites offer an inspiring environment with spacious windows to let the sunlight in with breathtaking views of Boston. This hotel is the perfect choice for any person who wants to relax and have a good time, as well as feel pampered. Every room in the hotel is designed to offer a unique welcoming atmosphere, including the outstanding service that all the customers are offered to feel pleased and enjoy their stay to the maximum. Overall it is worthwhile to spend your money in this well-rounded hotel.

By:Vi Ha Nguyen

People who love Vietnamese food definitely have heard about Pho Le restaurant before. Located in – Dorchester, Pho Le restaurant has become popular with both Vietnamese-Americans and all ethnicities alike. As a Vietnamese who studies far from my native land, Pho Le has become one of my favorite places in Boston.

First of all, this place is not fancy, but it brings me the feeling that Vietnamese traditions exist here. The entrance of the restaurant is very friendly and hospitable to make customers feel like their home. The board named “Phở Lê” in Vietnamese in front of the restaurant makes me feel that they have brought the Vietnamese tradition to America. On the inside, the restaurant is bright and decorated in a sweet and traditional style. There are many pictures of landscapes in Vietnam decorated on the walls. They even placed a blossom, which is the symbol of the Vietnamese Lunar Year Holiday at the entrance. Pho Le restaurant makes me feel like there’s a part of my country’s culture within this huge and culturally diverse make-up of the United States. Moreover, they even play a lot of Vietnamese songs to represent Vietnamese tradition.

Pho Le restaurant not only brings me an authentic feeling of Vietnamese tradition but , it also makes me fall in love with the taste of food here. The food at Pho Le doesn’t taste fake like others Vietnamese restaurants. The food here is exactly similar to the food in Vietnam. The special dish of the restaurant is “Pho” which is so attractive to many foreigners. They know about “Pho” as a traditional food of Vietnam. Its taste makes me miss my home whenever I eat it. “Pho” also reminds me of my mom who always cooks “Pho” for me every single day. Furthermore, there are also many tasty Vietnamese foods from different cultures of different areas in Vietnam such as, Ha Noi style fried tofu, noodle specialties, and special Beef Noodle Soup.

Along with the amazing taste of comes great servise. They are very nice, friendly and enthusiastic to introduce customers to the menu. They even suggest customers the most popular dish at the restaurant. They are thoughtful when they change the special dish every single week. The waiters and waitresses are also very helpful. They help customers order meals very quickly and bring dishes to customers very carefully..Besides that, all the waiters and waitresses wear the “ao dai,” which is traditional clothing of Vietnam to create an authentic atmosphere for customers. That’s another  reason why I feel like I’m at home whenever I come to this restaurant.

In conclusion, although there are many Vietnamese foods from different areas in Boston, Pho Le restaurant is still the only one that satisfies my taste and also makes me feel like home. For those who come to Boston and want to try Vietnamese cuisine, I highly recommend Pho Le restaurant.