As of 2009, about 2.5 million of the world’s 1.57 billion Muslims lived in the United States, according to the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life. According to National Public Radio, at least 100 mosques dot New York City alone and 1,000 more are spread across the country. Yet, to many of us, the inside of a mosque, and what goes on there, remain a mystery. In this article, I’ll take you on a virtual tour.
Category Archives: Culture
Study fails commercial ancestry tests
America may be a melting pot, but the result is generally more stew than fondue; for many of us, where we came from—whether by boat or ice bridge—constitutes a significant part of our identity. Beyond whatever social implications it may have, our heritage slumbers within us in ways we don’t fully understand, yet are fascinated by.
It’s no wonder commercial genetic ancestry tests are so appealing. Still, a little caveat emptor is in order: According to an article in the journal Science, consumers who plop down their Benjamins for genetic answers may not be getting what they bargained for.