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April 11, 2025
The Department of Education: Is It Actually Closing?
Jacob Brightman
Since President Trump's inauguration in January, he has quickly made sweeping changes to the federal government. Regarding the Secretary of the Department of Education Linda McMahon, he said, “I want her to put herself out of a job.” Since then, the workforce of the Department has been nearly cut in half, with everyone else being offered $25,000 to quit their job. This is purportedly in an effort to cut government waste, make the department more efficient, and improve education in the U.S. Then, on March 20th, he signed an executive order to dismantle and “facilitate the closure of the Department of Education”, as per his order. Will this major change carry out his goals, or will it cause the nation’s subpar test scores, declining education system, and financial situation to worsen? These questions cannot be correctly answered in the short term, though we can look at what the Department of Education does.
The Department of Education was set up by the late President Jimmy Carter in 1979 for various purposes, though the ones students at CHS should care the most about are funding, financial aid, civil rights, and research. About 10% to 15% of public school funding comes from the Department - which may seem insignificant. However, imagine one in every ten teachers being fired, one in every ten sports or clubs being ended, one in every ten classes being cut, or the amount of money in fees or dues students have to give increasing by 10%. Next, college is already insanely expensive; now imagine less access to financial aid, since the Department manages FAFSA and Pell Grants. They also conduct research and collect data that helps schools create fairness for students of every background. For example, they enforce Title IX, which prohibits discrimination based on sex. Title IX has increased girls’ participation in school sports, allowing many of our teams to be incredibly successful. If the goal is better education, these changes arguably do not push the nation in that direction. On the other hand, some may claim that these tasks could be moved to another agency or the states and become more cost-efficient. The federal bureaucracy undoubtedly has a lot of red tape that could be better served not to be there, so states, districts, and even parents having more discretion over education may be for the better, as they are closer to students. The Secretary, who was the CEO of the WWE, unsuccessfully ran to be a Connecticut Senator, and led the Small Business Administration under Trump’s first term, indicated that she wants to reduce the scope of the Department while having it still do its aforementioned functions. The success and details of this are to be seen, as the Department is currently in the process of reviewing its various aid programs.
Ultimately, the President does not have the Constitutional authority to close a department that has been established by Congress. However, his executive order has the ability to massively reshape the Department of Education. Although many students will not feel immediate effects, there may be wide-ranging consequences, whether they be positive or negative, in the coming years. If you feel strongly about this, it is best to focus your attention on your local state representatives, who have much more sway over schools in the state. Otherwise, continue educating yourself, as knowledge remains your greatest defense.
April 11, 2025
College Football Preseason
Nolan Del Valle
With Spring training now kicking into gear, schedules finalized, and the transfer portal wrapped up, fans and players get an idea of what their upcoming season will look like at the end of August. Huge developments include Texas (2) now starting Arch Manning at quarterback as a true sophomore, Beau Pribula transferring from backup at Penn State (3) to starter at Missouri, and Carson Beck transferring from his starting position at Georgia (5) to play at Miami (23).
The first week of play in August will see some stacked matchups, such as Texas (2) at Ohio State (1) for the rematch, LSU (8) at Clemson(7), and Notre Dame (4) at Miami (23). Many teams also see a bolstering returning roster, including starting QB playmakers like Garret Nussmeier at LSU (8), Cade Klubnik at Clemson(7), and Lanoriss Sellers at South Carolina (10). All three of which are favorites to win the Heisman.
The biggest question though, and one of the hardest ones to answer so early before the season begins, is what the playoff picture will look like. Especially with the automatic bids for conference champions. Early favorites for those bids are LSU (8) and Texas (2) for the SEC, Michigan (21) or Ohio State (1) for the Big 10, Clemson (7) for the ACC, and Boise State (24) for the Mountain West.
Meanwhile, the star Junior and Senior players are ready to go pro this Spring, entering into the NFL Draft on April 24th of this year. The biggest names in this year's draft are Penn State (3) edge rusher Abdul Carter, Colorado dual-threat and Heisman winner Travis Hunter, Miami (23) quarterback Cam Ward, Boise State (24) running back Ashton Jeanty, and LSU (8) left tackle Will Campbell. With many QB-needy teams and very slim pickings in terms of quality QBs, it’ll be interesting to see the widely debated top picks in the draft. The Tennessee Titans currently hold the #1 overall pick in this year's draft.
February 20, 2025
UConn and the Big East
Nolan Del Valle
UConn Men’s Basketball in Storrs CT dubbed the “Basketball Capital of The World”, is now facing serious competition this year. Originally ranked #3 in the preseason by the Coaches and AP Poll, UConn has faced tough adversity, especially with injuries. Liam McKneeley was out for quite a few tough losses out of conference. And now with Big East conference play at the forefront of their season, UConn is no longer ranked in the top 25.
At first it seemed UConn was ready to take the lead in the Big East conference after defeating Marquette and preparing to face St. John’s during a home game at Gampel Pavilion. Marking the return of Liam McKneeley, UConn got off to a hot start, before ultimately falling to the Johnnies. St. John’s now owns the top spot in the Big East, especially after beating Creighton. Although many highlight the performances of Solo Ball and Liam McKneeley, UConn is now on the edge of not making the March tournament if things don’t go in their favor for the next few games.
Dan Hurley is once again being ridiculed for his intense coaching style and petulant reactions on the sidelines. It’s hard to doubt the effectiveness of his style, as UConn is now back-to-back defending national champions. But it looks as though UConn will face another year of unexpected hardship.
UConn will get another shot at redemption however. They will play St. John’s at the Johnnies legendary New York home venue, Madison Square Garden, in a sold out game where they may be able to get some momentum back for the rest of the season. But Rick Pitinos #10 St John's Red Storm will give the Huskies a run for their money as they seek to exploit the Huskies' issues on turnovers and tough defense.
February 20, 2025
America in Shambles After E. Coli Breakout Linked to America's Favorite Fast Food Chain
Devin Billings & Sadie Rau
E. coli, often thought of as a deadly infectious microbe, is in most cases harmless or even beneficial to humans. Ever since its discovery in Germany in 1885, Eschericia Coli or E.coli for short, has been known as a deadly infection, commonly found in poor areas of the world when these places have dirty water. In reality, this assumption is only partly true. The truth is that some strains can be dangerous, but most strains of the bacteria are beneficial, absorbing nutrients and producing vitamins in our intestines. On the other hand, a select few strands of E. coli can be dangerous to humans and animals. The O157 strain produces a powerful toxin that causes food poisoning. Symptoms of the strain can include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and abdominal cramps. People usually contract E. coli by consuming contaminated foods or by contracting it from other people. Recently, an E. coli outbreak stemming from America's favorite fast food chain has caused many to question the safety of the foods we consume and prevention of infections.
With over 13,000 McDonald's restaurants spread nationwide, it is safe to say that McDonald's is America's best fast food chain. McDonald's is loved for its many famous dishes such as the Big Mac, the McNuggets and the Quarter-Pounder. The Quarter-Pounder in particular, is a premium style hamburger made from a single 100%, ¼ pound beef patty, onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard, cheese and a sesame seed bun. It's very popular because it's the go-to for those looking for a more filling option compared to other hamburgers offered by McDonald's. In addition, it is also popular because there are a lot of modification options offered such as adding vegetables like tomato and lettuce, an additional quarter pound patty, or bacon. With millions being sold daily, it is very clear as to why the Quarter-Pounder is a fan favorite dish from Mcdonald’s.
Everyday millions of people order from McDonald's thinking nothing of it. To them it's just a sweet treat or a quick meal. Shockingly, in fall of 2023 there was a major E. coli outbreak linked to quarter pounders sold in 13 states from Michigan to Washington. 104 McDonald's customers were infected from September 12th, 2024 to October 21st, 2024. Unfortunately 34 people were hospitalized and one person passed away. This scared many because nobody saw it coming. Outbreaks like this are rarely covered by the media in first and second world countries, taking many by surprise. Many people stayed home instead of going out to McDonald's, causing a drop in sales. In addition, McDonald's issued a statement saying “The health and safety of our people and customers is our top priority at McDonald's”, to try to alleviate people’s fears and concerns. Fast forward to today and business is back to normal for McDonald's. Americans have moved on from the tragic past and trust that McDonald's will take more safety precautions to protect the health of its customers.
February 20, 2025
2025 California Wildfires: What You Need To Know
Kyle Milares
In the early evening of January 7th, sightings of a fire near an electrical tower atop the Eaton Canyon backed up against the San Gabriel Mountains in Southern California. People in the area blamed tangled electrical wires that stretch up the canyon.
A few hours later, California Governor Gavin Newsom decided to issue a state of emergency after a fire in the Palisades, a neighborhood east of Malibu, killed at least 29 people and destroyed thousands of homes and other structures. The original brush fire then reached 23,448 acres before it was 100% contained later in the month. The fire burned more than 6,800 structures, and the Eaton fire burned 14,021 acres, along with 10,491 structures.
Throughout January, fires have been burning in the towns of Lidia, Archer, Woodley, Sunset, Kenneth, Hurst, and Auto. Almost 200,000 people were under evacuation, and the City of Los Angeles Joint Information Center announced that everyone outside of the burn areas were allowed to return, but with an overnight curfew to have limited repopulation. According to estimates published by JP Morgan, the total economic losses could reach $50 billion. Climate scientist Daniel Swain blames the rapid switch between drought and heavy rainfall, taking a toll on the fire epidemic of the region.
As a long overdue rain swept through Los Angeles on January 26, the rough downpour could cause future mudslides or flooding. It could also pick up ash and debris from the fires and bring them into the water system and the rest of the ecosystem, along with all of its pollutants. L.A. Mayor Karen Bass has also issued an emergency order to clear out vegetation, reinforce roads ahead of the rainfall, install concrete barriers, lay sandbags, and clear debris across the affected regions to stem the large flows of water. These mudslides occur when burned and dry soil becomes compacted, making a smooth path for water to flow down slopes, picking up the rocks and debris that are in the way. Fire stations in California are already handing out free sandbags to residents, who can also use burn maps to determine if their homes are at risk.
Despite the devastation, crises like these may force people together, providing consolation for the things that they’ve lost. For example, Luis Zuniga woke up to a fire alert in his Altadena home. Then, his dog Bubba came scratching at his door, crying. Luis decided to alert the landlord and the other tenants about the fires, finding smoke everywhere. According to Luis, “I didn’t think we were going to make it if we didn’t start running.” Soon they were rescued and taken to the Red Cross at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, where Bubba was given food, water, toys, and a little bed. “He has everything,” Luis said. “Everybody loves Bubba.”
February 20, 2025
Why Was TikTok Banned?
Jacob Brightman
With over 170 million American users at its peak, TikTok has become one of the most popular social media apps. The app defines the younger generations’ culture – for better or for worse. This was seemingly brought to a standstill on a cold Saturday in the middle of January, only to return the following day. So, what led to an entire platform being banned, and what does the future hold?
In January 2020, before the pandemic had even reached the United States, TikTok was banned on government devices. This was due to national security concerns, which remained the primary motivator as various attempts to ban it continued over the next several years. In August 2020, then-President Trump signed an executive order to ban TikTok nationwide if their parent company, ByteDance, did not sell it to an American company in 45 days. This was later extended to 90 days, however, TikTok successfully paused the ban via an injunction granted by a district court. When President Biden took office a few months later, he revoked his predecessor’s executive order. Throughout his term, he ordered investigations to look into the app.
Over in Congress, the House of Representatives and Senate passed a bill in March 2024 that would ban TikTok if they did not divest from ByteDance. The next month, the President signed it into law, seemingly changing his stance from the beginning of his presidency. This gave TikTok until January 19th, 2025 to be sold to an American company, otherwise, app stores would face penalties if they distributed or updated the app past that point.
The ban reached the third branch of the government on January 10th after TikTok sued the Attorney General, claiming that the law was unconstitutional because it violates the First Amendment’s freedom of speech protections. As the case TikTok v. Garland (the Attorney General who represents the government in court) was argued in the Supreme Court, it became clear that the freedom of speech did not apply to foreign adversaries, especially given the national security concerns. A week later, the decision was announced and the law was upheld.
On the night of Saturday, January 18th, TikTok was officially banned. The message displayed that the app was no longer available, shouting out then-President-elect Trump due to a solution being in the works. What can be described as chaos then ensued – for a mere 14 hours.
The next day the app was reinstated, although it could not be downloaded from any app stores. The day after, the 47th President took office, the exact one who tried to ban it in the first place, and promised to save the app, although with concessions. The U.S. government currently wants around a 50% share in the company, and a few American companies are vying to purchase it. If no deal is reached, the beloved yet controversial app could be banned, but this time for good. In the meantime, TikTok remains a cultural cornerstone of the 2020s.
February 20, 2025
A Journey Through the History of Valentine's Day
Thomas Gradzki
Valentine's Day, celebrated annually on February 14th, is dedicated to love, romance, and affection. While it is often associated with exchanging gifts, chocolates, and flowers, its origins are deeply rooted in history, encompassing a rich tapestry of legends, traditions, and cultural influences. The origins of Valentine's Day can be traced back to ancient Rome, where mid-February marked the beginning of the Lupercalia festival.
This pagan celebration honored Lupercus, the Roman god of fertility, and was characterized by feasting, fertility rites, and matchmaking. During this time, young men would draw the names of young women from a jar, pairing them together for the duration of the festival, and sometimes beyond.
The Christianization of the Roman Empire gradually transformed pagan festivals into Christian holidays, and Lupercalia was no exception. In the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14th St. Valentine's Day in honor of two Christian martyrs named Valentine, who were executed on that day, albeit in different years. While the historical details surrounding these martyrs are vague, they are often associated with acts of love and compassion.
One popular legend revolves around a priest named Valentine who defied Emperor Claudius II's decree prohibiting young men from marrying, believing that single men made better soldiers. Valentine continued to perform marriages in secret, leading to his arrest and eventual execution.
Another legend suggests that Valentine, while imprisoned, sent a letter to his jailer's daughter signed "from your Valentine," thus initiating the tradition of sending love letters on Valentine's Day.
In conclusion, Valentine's Day has evolved from its ancient origins rooted in Roman traditions and Christian martyrdom to the global celebration of love we know today. Whether celebrated with romantic gestures, heartfelt gifts, or simple acts of kindness, the holiday reminds us to cherish the relationships that bring meaning to our lives. As we continue to honor the spirit of love and connection, Valentine's Day offers a timeless opportunity to express affection and appreciation for those we hold dear. Have a great Valentine's Day.
November 8, 2024
Why is Thanksgiving a National Holiday?
Kyle Millares
Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated on the 4th Thursday of November in the United States. Other than being an excuse to eat turkey, pie, mashed potatoes, and pumpkins, Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated as a testament to the power of gratitude.
As a heavily colonized country, the United States’ establishment highlights a key grace period between the Native Americans and British immigrants. In the case of Thanksgiving, the Wampanoag tribe had shared their hunting traditions for thousands of years, specifically in Southeastern Massachusetts and Eastern Rhode Island. This was long before the arrival of the Mayflower in 1620.
As for the settlers, they had been on a treacherous adventure to reach their long-awaited freedom. English Protestants were trying to escape the oppressive religious rules of the Church of England, and when they moved to Holland, they soon realized that it was not much different from England. So, with 101 people stuffed into The Mayflower, they sailed 66 days to New York. However, due to sudden wind gusts, they detoured to the Coast of Cape Cod.
When searching for supplies to prepare for the winter, the settlers started collecting an abundance of Wampanoag supplies. One day while they were searching, Samoset, the leader of the Abenaki tribe, and Tisquantum, a Wompanaog, encountered some settlers. They suggested that the settlers grow corn and utilize fish to fertilize their ever-growing farms. Then, when Massasoit, the leader of the Wampanoag, heard rumors of the settlers preparing for war, they then met up with the settlers. They realized that the settlers were preparing for the harvest celebration. After many meetings in March of 1621, they decided to have hunting sessions together in order to obtain more food for the harvest. So, for 3 days, the settlers and Wampanoag ate meals together.
Their dinner consisted of corn, roasted meat, shellfish, and deer. While this feast is different from future Thanksgiving feasts, this started the beginning of the celebration of the gifts given by God and our peers. In 1623, Massachusetts governor William Bradford recognized the holiday after a small rain ended a severe drought for the year.
Thanksgiving gained traction to rekindle the morale of a suffering nation. After 50,000 soldiers had been killed at the Battle of Gettysburg at the onset of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation for the United States to recognize Thanksgiving Day on the 4th Thursday of November.
And with that, Thanksgiving celebrations began to spark throughout the States and worldwide. In Grenada, citizens celebrate U.S. and Caribbean troops for restoring order by executing Maurice Bishop, a socialist leader, in 1983. Their Thanksgiving is on October 25. In the Netherlands, citizens celebrate the pilgrims’ first immigration to the city of Leiden, as well as the escape of the pilgrims from Spanish colonization in 1574. In Liberia, Thanksgiving is recognized on the first Thursday of November and celebrates the founding of the country by slaves trapped by the United States and freed by the American Colonization society.
Today, many Native Americans would rather spend Thanksgiving shedding light on the bloodshed that the Native generations before faced, synonymous with European colonization. Since 1970, Native Americans have been worshiping the Massasoit statue in Plymouth, Massachusetts to commemorate the strength of the Wampanoag.
Although these Thanksgiving celebrations have different origins, they share a common goal. It is a collective appreciation for the gifts that life gives, and the people who keep on giving. No matter how far your gratitude goes, from big festivals to telling your mom that you love her, it highlights one of the most important parts of our lives: humanity.
October 18, 2024
Chicken Big Mac: A Contemporary Twist on a Fast Food Staple
Devin Billings
With over 45,000 locations spread over 114 countries, McDonald’s is the most popular restaurant chain in the world. They serve many famous meals you most likely recognize, such as the McChicken and the Big Mac. On October 10th, McDonald’s unveiled a new dish combining some of these iconic dishes into something new; the Chicken Big Mac.
Ever since its release in 1968, the Big Mac has been a fast food staple. It consists of two beef patties, American cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions, and the signature Mac sauce that everyone knows and loves. With all of that sandwiched between three sesame seed buns, the Big Mac attracts a lot of foodies, selling around 900 million a year. All in all, with its unique and flavorful spin on the classic cheeseburger, the Big Mac has earned its spot as one of the most popular fast food dishes of all time.
On the other hand, the McChicken is quite the opposite of the Big Mac. The McChicken is known as a more affordable menu item, found on the “$1 $2 $3 Dollar Menu”, as opposed to the Big Mac, usually priced around $5 à la carte. When customers are looking for a quick and simple meal, the McChicken is a go to, consisting of a crispy chicken patty with lettuce and mayonnaise, all between a grilled wheat bun. Since its release in 1980, the McChicken has stolen the hearts of many McDonald's fans for its simplicity, affordability and convenience.
Combining some classic elements from the previously stated two sandwiches, the Chicken Big Mac has its own category on the McDonald's menu. For $5.99 à la carte, the dish features two crispy chicken patties, shredded lettuce, pasteurized yellow American cheese, and the signature Big Mac sauce. With all of that between three Big Mac buns, the Chicken Big Mac was an instant hit for fast food lovers everywhere.
Upon its release, millions of people across the world rushed to try this new fast food dish. With mostly positive reviews regarding flavor, many are concerned with the negative health impacts of the Chicken Big Mac, as Mcdonald's has never been known for selling particularly health-conscious foods. Officials claim that the Chicken Big Mac is 700 calories with high amounts of fats, sodium, and cholesterol due to its high oil and salt content. It also has significantly more calories than the Big Mac (590 calories) and the McChicken (390). However, its high caloric amount is partly due to the fact that the Chicken Big Mac is a large sandwich. The Chicken Big Mac is around 7.6 ounces compared to the average 4-ounce fast food cheeseburger. Despite these mixed health claims, most dietitians agree that fast food will not have any negative effects on one's health when consumed in moderation.
February 24, 2024
Women's History Month: Marie Curie
Julia Baymuradova
The month of March is recognized as Women’s History Month. One prominent figure in history that deserves recognition is Marie Curie. Her life was dedicated to her work as a scientist and she had an immense impact on the world we live in today.
Marie Curie was born on November 7, 1867 as Maria Sklodowska in Warsaw, Poland. She grew up in a family of five children as the youngest. Despite her rough upbringing, Curie was able to move to Paris, France, with her sister in 1891 and attend Sorbonne University where she studied physics and mathematics. By 1895, Marie Curie had adopted the French spelling of her name (Maria) and married Pierre Curie.
After her time at Sorbonne University in Paris, Marie and her husband began at the School of Chemistry and Physics in Paris as research workers. Following her research into pitchblende (a mineral containing uranium and other apparent radioactive substances), Marie set out to discover the mystery element which appeared to be significantly more radioactive than uranium. As a result of her persistence and determination, Curie was able to reveal a new chemical element: polonium. Around 1898, after further examination, the couple found that the element from which this polonium had been extracted was still extremely radioactive. By 1902, Marie had successfully isolated another new element: radium (or radium chloride).
In 1903, Marie, Pierre, and Henri Becquerel won the Nobel Prize for Physics in recognition of their work with radioactivity. Within that same year, Marie Curie passed her doctorate thesis in Physics.
Unfortunately, in 1906, Pierre was struck by horse and cart in a street accident that took his life. This tragic event led to Marie succeeding him as a Professor at the Sorbonne and taking on his responsibilities.
Another result of her work was the development of mobile X-ray units (“Petites Curies”) which could be used to detect injuries such as shrapnel, bullets, and fractures in wounded soldiers near the battle front during the First World War.
In 1911, Marie Curie received another Nobel Prize, this time in Chemistry for her work to establish means to measure radioactivity. Some of her other awards included the Ellen Richards Research Prize (1921), the Grand Prix du Marquis d’Argenteuil (1923), and the Cameron Prize from Edinburgh University (1931) along with a number of honorary degrees from universities worldwide.
Throughout her life, Marie Curie was exposed to an immense amount of radiation. Even during her work to isolate radium Pierre and Marie had already begun to show early signs of radiation poisoning. At the time, the threat of extended exposure to radiation was not understood. On July 4, 1934, Marie Curie died at the age of 66 due to a condition called aplastic pernicious anaemia which was caused by her exposure to radiation.
In 1955 Marie and Pierre were reburied in the Pantheon, which holds France’s most honored and revered souls. This made Marie Curie the first woman to earn a place in the Pantheon based on her own achievements.
Among her many discoveries and contributions to our scientific knowledge, Marie Curie has had a major influence on the medical technology that we have today. The technology used in the invention known as the “Petites Curies”, which were mobile X-ray devices developed by Curie, resemble the technology incorporated in the fluoroscopy machine, a powerful X-ray machine used presently by doctors.
From 1989 to today, Marie Curie has made an everlasting mark on the scientific realm with her contributions and knowledge. She deserves recognition as an outstanding woman and should be remembered as someone dedicated to their passions. Through her accomplishments and legacy, Marie Curie has not only left us with her discoveries, but the knowledge that no matter who you are, you can pursue your desires.
“Nothing in life is to be feared; it is only to be understood” - Marie Curie
Image courtesy of https://www.biography.com/scientists/marie-curie
February 14, 2024
A Journey Through the History of Valentine's Day
Thomas Gradski
Valentine's Day, celebrated annually on February 14th, is a day dedicated to love, romance, and affection. While it is often associated with exchanging gifts, chocolates, and flowers, its origins are deeply rooted in history, encompassing a rich tapestry of legends, traditions, and cultural influences. The origins of Valentine's Day can be traced back to ancient Rome, where mid-February marked the beginning of the Lupercalia festival.
This pagan celebration honored Lupercus, the Roman god of fertility, and was characterized by feasting, fertility rites, and matchmaking. During this time, young men would draw the names of young women from a jar, pairing them together for the duration of the festival, and sometimes beyond.
The Christianization of the Roman Empire saw the gradual transformation of pagan festivals into Christian holidays, and Lupercalia was no exception. In the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I declared February 14th as St. Valentine's Day, in honor of two Christian martyrs named Valentine who were both executed on that day, albeit in different years. While the historical details surrounding these martyrs are vague, they are often associated with acts of love and compassion.
One popular legend revolves around a priest named Valentine who defied Emperor Claudius II's decree prohibiting young men from marrying, believing that single men made better soldiers. Valentine continued to perform marriages in secret, leading to his arrest and eventual execution.
Another legend suggests that Valentine, while imprisoned, sent a letter to his jailer's daughter signed "from your Valentine," thus initiating the tradition of sending love letters on Valentine's Day.
The association between St. Valentine's Day and romantic love gained prominence in the Middle Ages. Geoffrey Chaucer's poem, "Parliament of Fowls," written in the 14th century, is often cited as one of the earliest references to Valentine's Day as a celebration of romantic love. Over time, the holiday became increasingly associated with expressions of affection, including the exchange of handwritten notes, known as "valentines," adorned with romantic verses and symbols.
By the 18th century, Valentine's Day had evolved into a popular tradition across Europe, with individuals exchanging handmade cards, flowers, and confectionery as tokens of love and devotion. The Industrial Revolution transformed the holiday further, with the mass production of Valentine's Day cards making them more accessible to the general public. The introduction of the penny post in the mid-19th century further facilitated the exchange of valentines, fueling the commercialization of the holiday.
In the United States, Valentine's Day gained widespread popularity during the 19th century, thanks in part to the efforts of Esther Howland, known as the "Mother of the American Valentine." Howland, inspired by a Valentine's Day card she received from England, began producing elaborate handmade cards adorned with lace, ribbons, and colorful illustrations. Her success paved the way for the commercialization of Valentine's Day in America, with the holiday eventually becoming synonymous with Hallmark cards, heart-shaped chocolates, and romantic dinners.
Today, Valentine's Day is celebrated in countries around the world, albeit with varying customs and traditions. While some cultures emphasize romantic love, others embrace broader expressions of affection, including friendships and familial bonds. In Japan, for example, Valentine's Day is observed by women presenting gifts, typically chocolates, to men, while men reciprocate on White Day, celebrated on March 14th.
In recent years, Valentine's Day has also become a platform for social and political activism, with movements advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and the celebration of self-love. The holiday has evolved beyond its romantic connotations to encompass a broader spectrum of love and solidarity, reflecting the changing values and attitudes of society. In conclusion, Valentine's Day has a rich and multifaceted history that spans centuries and continents. What began as a pagan fertility festival evolved into a Christian feast day, eventually transforming into a celebration of romantic love and affection.
Today, Valentine's Day continues to evolve, embracing diverse expressions of love while retaining its timeless charm and significance. Whether it's through handwritten notes, thoughtful gifts, or simple acts of kindness, Valentine's Day serves as a reminder to cherish and celebrate the bonds that unite us all.
Image courtesy of https://www.history.com/topics/valentines-day/history-of-valentines-day-2
February 1, 2024
Black History Month: Mae Jemison
Arianna Bishop
Mae Carol Jemison was the first black woman to travel into space. She was born on October 17, 1956 in Decatur, Alabama and is currently 65 years old. Jemison was an engineer, physician, and NASA astronaut before retiring in March of 1993. Her most known mission is the STS-47 when she traveled aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor as a mission specialist.
For all of her work and accomplishments, she won the Elizabeth Blackwell Medal, the Sylvanus Thayer Award, the Kilby Science Award, and the National Organization of Women’s Intrepid Award. She has been accepted into three different Hall of Fames. An Elementary School in Hazel Crest, Illinois was named the Mae Jemison School in her honor . Throughout her life, Mae Jemison has worked to change society and prove that no matter a person’s gender or race, they are still just as capable of the same feats.
Even when Jemison was very young, she had a passion for science. She knew she wanted to inspire other young girls because she saw that there were no female astronauts on the Apollo mission. Nichelle Nicols, an African American actress, was also an inspiration to her. Jemison later appeared on Star Trek, a show that Nichelle Nicols played a role in.
Mae Jemison graduated high school when she was only 16 years old. During her school years, Jemison suffered racial discrimination due to a major lack of diversity in her school system. This encouraged her to become president of the Black Student Union and help create a theater production focused on racial inequalities.
After high school, Mae Jemison attended multiple colleges. She first graduated from Stanford with degrees in Chemical Engineering and African-American studies. She then completed medical school at Cornell, during which she conducted research and served in a refugee camp. She then received her doctorate in Medicine from Cornell. During her residency, she interned at Los Angeles County Medical Center. In 1983, Mae Jemison worked in Africa for the Peace Corps. She spoke four languages; English, Russian, Swahili, and Japanese.
After this, Jemison applied to NASA twice. She was one of the 15 chosen applicants out of 2,000. This led Jemison to make a space voyage. Mae Jemison started the Jemison Group 6 years after working for NASA. She worked with Dartmouth University and began another institute, the Jemison Institute for Advancing Technology in Developing Countries.
Additionally, Jemison began an international space camp for young teenagers, as well as started a nonprofit organization called the “Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence”, and wrote a children's book about her life experiences.
Currently, Jemison lives in Houston, Texas. She is part of the Board of Directors for a variety of colleges and organizations. She works with a United States Defense program and is a part of the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute.
As you can see, Jemison is a well rounded and accomplished individual who serves her community above herself. She inspires change and is determined to make the world a better place. She dedicated much of her efforts to ensure that she left the world a more equal place than the place she was born in. She is someone who deserves to be recognized and her hard work should be remembered during this month, as well as every part of the year
Image courtesy of https://www.newscientist.com/people/mae-jemison/
November 25, 2023
Ruby Bridges Day
Julia Baymuradova
Ruby Bridges was the first African American student to join an all white school in the south. It took an immense amount of time and willpower to accomplish this great of an achievement for civil rights.
Ruby Bridges was born on September 8, 1954 in Tylertown, Mississippi, but her family moved to New Orleans, Louisiana when she was four years old. Ruby’s birth year, ironically, was also the year when Brown V. Board of Education ended racial segregation in schools. Despite this land-mark ruling, the southern states refused to comply, using entrance exams to determine whether African American students can keep up with the rigor of an all white school. Ruby was one of the students that passed the entrance exam, so she was permitted to attend William Frantz Elementary School. Due to her attendance, parents withdrew their children from the school, most teachers did not accept her, and her walk to school consisted of slurs, attacks, yelling, and things thrown at her. Ruby had to be escorted by four federal marshals everyday because her safety was in danger. However, her perseverance was well rewarded because the following year, white students began returning to the school, and William Frantz Elementary school enrolled more African American students. Ruby Bridges still fights for equality today.
The significance of Ruby Bridges and her fight for change has led to a national holiday of Ruby Bridges Day on November 14th. On the 14th, Cromwell High School celebrated by taking a symbolic walk during the advisory period to be reminded of Ruby Bridges’ walk to school through hate and unwarranted criticism each and every day. Rashida Edens and Christina Williams planned this event, and they communicated with ECS to have their kindergarteners walk around the track with CHS. This showcased to the high schoolers how small and young Ruby Bridges really was, as Ruby Bridges was the same age as these kindergarteners when she first integrated her school. Some CHS students were also able to walk over to ECS and WIS, the elementary and intermediate schools of Cromwell, to teach the younger students a lesson about Ruby Bridges. They read The Story of Ruby Bridges and asked follow up questions to explain Ruby Bridges’ life story and importance.
Christina Williams, when reflecting on the events of the day, thinks, “It is so important to provide the students at Cromwell High School ‘active’ activities such as a commemorative walk because it will make an impact for our students. The Cromwell kindergarteners and high school students will remember this activity and hopefully be curious to continue to learn about the civil rights movement and activism activities. The Ruby Bridges day idea was brought for by Mr. Graham last year. It was Mr. Kuckel’s vision to have an activity that was active and moving for our students. It is so important to continue to do these simple yet powerful activities to promote meaningful learning opportunities for ALL our students.”
As a school, we hope to continue the Ruby Bridges Day celebration annually, in order to create a tradition that encourages love and acceptance.
Image courtesy of https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/may/06/ruby-bridges-the-six-year-old-who-defied-a-mob-and-desegregated-her-school
December 10, 2023
Interview with Mayor Demetriades
Lucas Witkowski
On Wednesday, December 13th, we had the amazing opportunity to get an interview with the current mayor of Cromwell, Mr. Demetriades. We were able to speak about his experience in Cromwell High School, the importance of getting involved in community events, and the value in finding your passions.
Mr. Demetriades spoke about many of his experiences in Cromwell High and their influence on him. He spoke about being part of the theater club, the president of chorus, part of CAYAC club, and part of History club. He had a lot of fun when being part of these clubs, making good friends, and finding his voice and confidence. Being part of these clubs are what defines us as an individual, making us who we are. Continuing on his experience in Cromwell, he also had an experience both leaving, and returning to, Cromwell. College was a large difference, but he still saw the greatness in the new environment. Moving from a small group of students to a much larger community is a big culture shock, meeting all new people. However, he reflected on what Cromwell High had taught him and continued to be an ethical student, making sure he is friendly to everyone. When he returned to Cromwell he felt that he was already part of the community and enjoyed being back.
One of the slogans by the mayor is “Positively Cromwell.” The mayor sees too much negativity between people. He wants everyone to value optimism, being able to positively cooperate and collaborate with each other to bring forth our best ideas. He wants to find what we can work on together. Even as an individual, we can all be “Positively Cromwell.” To be positively Cromwell, you must value kindness and support your friends around you. Getting involved and giving back to the community is also a large part of being positively Cromwell. You need to find your passions in order to be positively inspired. There are many ways to be part of a community and search for your passions. Cromwell High provides many ways to figure things out, whether it be through clubs, or sports. The mayor also has the goal to diversify the community. He is active on Facebook, giving updates within the town. On top of this, the mayor is working on physical newsletters to provide to citizens of Cromwell, letting everyone know what is happening within Cromwell, despite potentially not using social media.
He continues to speak about the importance of community events. Events such as these allow for us to connect in different ways, as when we constantly use social media there isn’t a true connection. The mayor worked on a Summer festival, similar to the Riverport festival that used to be part of Cromwell. These events are big deals, being a strong and important part of the community that makes up Cromwell.
Another group that works on these important aspects of Cromwell is the Cromwell Creative District. The mayor resigned from this group before becoming the mayor, but he still worked on projects with the group. Their main goal is to unify downtown Cromwell, working on murals in Pierson Park and continuing the Summer festivals. However, this is just the beginning of the plans the group has. They have already made the wings murals in Pierson Park, as well as created a Dinosaur Mural around the area. Mr. Mayor reflected on how the group was made, seeing how it was a great learning experience but also provided growing pains. The group needed to be adaptable and have the ability to change their plans.
The mayor has only been in for 3 weeks (at time of writing), but his main goal has been to get people to talk to each other. He realizes that everyone is a team, attempting to improve the communication between every organization, individual, and community. He spoke to the fire department and the Board of Education, working to improve mutual cooperation.
It was a great experience being able to speak to the mayor. I was able to learn a lot, realizing the importance of being part of a community. You have to get involved and be optimistic, constantly focusing on collaboration.
Thank you to the mayor for allowing us to interview him! It was a great experience!
December 10, 2023
The Palestine/Israel Conflict
Karissa Bishop
As we journey to the end of the year 2023, reflecting on our time and experiences, preparing for the holidays and spreading joy and cheer, there is a grave war going on in the Middle East. As a country and a generation, we have heard a lot about war, especially in the Middle East, to the point where some of us may be desensitized to it. But the truth is, there is a genocide going on in the world right now.
The conflict is complex and has been going on for some time. It began around 1948. Israel wanted Palestinian land and wanted to relocate the Palestinians who lived there. Over the years, Israel has been succeeding. They have been reducing Palestinian control and erasing the rich culture and history of the Palestinian territory. The territory that used to be Palestine is almost entirely now Israel. Palestinians began to rebel and formed Hamas, a resistance movement against Israel. This group was created as the takeover was going on for so many years with no change. The Palestine population was becoming more oppressed.
On October 7th, 2023, the Hamas attacked, leaving 800 dead and 2,243 wounded. Despite being cruel, this was an act of rebellion against years of oppression and territory takeover. However, the attack was still declared terrorism and as a result, Israel began to strike back every day. Constant attacks were launched on Palestine, in a brutal and endless punishment for the original attack. However, this backlash caught innocent men, women and children in the crossfire, people who were innocent in launching the attack against Israel. With these attacks, Israel has committed war crimes. By definition, they have ignored and defied the laws of war. Israel has bombed schools, churches, homes, ambulances and escape routes. They have cut off electricity, water and food supply and the internet. These acts are considered war crimes and are inexcusable attempts to eradicate an entire population of human beings. This has left so many innocent civilians stranded, with no escape and no hope. Al Jazeera, a news channel in Western Asia claims that at least 17,700 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 7 with more than 48,800 wounded. The official death count in Israel is about 1,147.
This conflict has been going on for months. It is time to awknowledge the mass genocide that is going on in our world. Even though there were attacks from both sides, the relentless and inhumane attacks from Israel should be an extreme concern of both US citizens and the government, as well as other work powers. . Israel is one of the most powerful military forces in the world and is backed by the US, the most powerful military force in the world. We need to face the reality that these attacks will not stop without outside intervention. People can help Palestine by spreading information and knowledge about this conflict, contacting their state officials to ask for a ceasefire, donating money to fundraisers for Palestine and holding corporations accountable that are supporting Israel. In the past, America has ignored genocides and cruelty going on in other parts of the world but this time, we cannot stay silent as there are lives at stake, and perhaps our own humanity as well.
Image courtesy of https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/11/27/palestine-and-israel-brief-history-maps-and-charts
October 20, 2023
Halloween Fun
Karissa Bishop
Halloween, a holiday filled with candy, costumes, fear, and wonder, is essential to maintaining a joyful society. People come together to dress up as their favorite people and roam the streets, indulging in sweet treats and silly tricks. As a community, people spend time decorating and handing out candy, simply to spread happiness.
Throughout history, Halloween has been widely celebrated and publicized. This festive celebration extends far into the past to about 2,000 years ago. It is traced back to Celtic people in Europe, who had a holiday for the close of their harvest season, called Samhain.This usually happened in early November and people dressed in costumes and lit bonfires to ward off spirits as, during this time, it was believed that the souls of the dead returned to their homes. This was much like our modern celebration of Halloween and started many of the traditions that have continued into the 21st century.
Halloween is enjoyable to people of all ages and walks of life, and Halloween traditions are important and fun for many.
Certain Halloween activities are more common in different age groups. Children primarily dress up in costumes - one can expect to see a lot of children dressed up as Barbie, Spiderman, and fairytale characters this year - to walk around their neighborhood, knock on doors, and ask for candy. Teenagers and young adults often have Halloween parties where people dress up in costumes. People of all ages will sometimes watch scary movies to celebrate as well, as horror movies are a large part of Halloween culture. Some of the most popular Halloween movies include Halloween, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, Hubie Halloween, Monster House, Haunt, and Corpse Bride.
Students in the school were interviewed about their Halloween experiences. One student, a CHS senior, Victoria Wiatrak, discussed her experience with Halloween in an interview.
What is your favorite part of Halloween?
My favorite part of Halloween is all of the scary movies and seeing the most popular costume all the kids wear.
Does your family have any Halloween traditions? If so, what are they?
My family doesn’t have too many Halloween traditions. Sometimes we will carve a pumpkin.
Do you have any plans for Halloween?
I don’t have any plans for Halloween because it is on a Tuesday. I’ll probably go to the gym and then watch a scary movie with my parents.
What is your favorite Halloween costume from when you were a kid?
My favorite costume when I was a kid was when I was the grim reaper for 3 years in a row.
Another CHS senior, Kathryn Sakoulas, was interviewed on her Halloween experiences as well.
What is your favorite part of Halloween?
My favorite part of Halloween is getting dressed up each year and getting candy. I love to dress in different costumes each year.
Does your family have any Halloween traditions? If so, what are they?
A Halloween tradition that we have in my family is decorating the house with lights. We always give out candy whenever someone comes to the door on Halloween night. I also like to carve pumpkins and go pumpkin picking. I like to paint my pumpkins and put them outside of the house. We also go apple picking during the fall season. When I was younger, my family and I used to do Trick or Trunk. We did many different themes like Frozen, Ferdinand, and the Wizard of Oz. Now, I participate in the TRI-M Trick or Trunk. My family and I always eat pumpkin pie. This year my family and I are going to Sleepy Hollow, New York.
Do you have any plans for Halloween?
This year, I will be giving out candy with my family to the kids who come to our house.
What is your favorite Halloween costume from when you were a kid?
My favorite Halloween costume when I was younger was when I dressed up as Anna. I wore this costume when the first Frozen movie came out. I really liked the dress with the cape. When I was younger, I felt like a princess with my costume on.
Ultimately, Halloween is a fun and exciting holiday that allows people to be whoever they want to be and experience unapologetic joy.
Image courtesy of https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/halloween-ideas/g3673/halloween-quotes/
May 29, 2023
The Willow Project
Arianna Bishop
Around three years ago, the Willow Project was first proposed. In the time since, much controversy has arisen surrounding this project due to the certain detrimental impacts it will have on climate change and the future of the world.
The Willow Project, a recently started oil drilling project in the northern Alaskan plains, was proposed by a petroleum company, ConocoPhillips, in 2020. This project was approved by the Trump administration soon after this proposal. Upon hearing the news, climate action advocates began protesting and spreading awareness of the harmful effects this project could have.
With its 250 oil wells, the Willow Project would permanently alter its environment and wildlife. Located close to the project grounds, the small Indigenous town Nuiqsut, Alaska and its inhabitants would be greatly affected by the drilling project. This town relies on two major food sources: caribou and fish. As a result of this project, local Alaskans would lose both their food sources, leaving them in dangerous conditions. For example, the caribou in the area would be scared off by not only the wells, but the roads, facilities, increase in population, and giant oil trucks. The habitats of the fish in the area would also be harmed by the boats needed to transport these raw materials, and by the discharge of dangerous chemicals close to the shore. Additionally, oiling projects are not safe for the general public. In a ConocoPhillips gas leak just one year ago, the surrounding communities feel ill, as their environment became unsafe and unhealthy to reside in.
The approval of this project would also open the opportunity for more drilling projects to be proposed in the area. Already, ConocoPhillips has developed many projects in Western Alaska, and they are continuing to expand their reign of control in Alaska through the Willow Project. ConocoPhillips is not being stopped, despite their progressive harm on the land they grasp hold of. As the number of oiling projects increases, so will the number of boats needed to carry this oil, and in this sense, the number of oil spills will also increase. This will cause even more environmental harm than already being done, as many ocean habitats will be left destroyed. Additionally, if an oil spill were to occur slightly northwest of the Willow Project’s site, the spill would kill sea creatures that eat Prorocentrum texanum, a type of algae responsible for producing toxic “red tides”. Without these algae being killed, a larger number of red tides would arise in the nearby ocean, killing local sea creatures such as the fish which the locals use as their food source. These red tides also have the ability to cause shellfish poisoning in humans.
In terms of emissions, the Willow Project’s outflow will equal that of 76 coal fired power plants. Since these emissions are raising the world’s already enormous carbon footprint, the measure of the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere, this will result in a further destroyed ozone layer, and an increase in global temperatures. These rising temperatures would melt Arctic glaciers, causing flooding and drastic changes in weather patterns. Also, since the ocean’s habitats are more impacted by slight increases in temperature than land habitats, the warming of the ocean would completely change the sea creatures in the area. Already, Alaska has seen an increase in the dangerous Alexandrium catenella algae. This algae produces a neurotoxin that paralyzes the nervous system, and can be lethal.
Aware of these environmental and human harms, protesters across the country, using Tik Tok as their platform, led protests and gained signatures on petitions to stop this project. Advocates posted many viral videos using hashtags such as #StopWillow and #StopTheWillowProject. These videos, with hundreds of millions of views, encouraged their audience to spread further awareness and take action to stop the Willow Project. The result of this campaign was 4 million signatures across many petitions, with over 1 million personal letters sent to the Biden administration, asking them to stop the project. Additionally, various protests were organized across the country with the intention of warning the government of the consequences of their actions and with the hope of ensuring the project would not be approved. For example, protesters rallied at both the White House, and also flew out to protest in Nuiqsut, Alaska.
However, despite all of these protests and the efforts of many Americans, President Biden approved the Willow Project on March 13th by granting this project the necessary permits to continue moving forward. Approval by the Biden administration came as a betrayal and a shock to many of these protesters, as his 2020 campaign had been lined with promises to go green and reduce America’s carbon footprint. For example, part of the Biden Plan was to ensure a 100% clean energy economy with net-zero emissions by 2050. This project is a step back in the path to environmental protection, against the goals that Biden stood for, which voters took into heavy consideration when casting their ballots in the last election. In other words, Americans are not only rightfully concerned with the environmental harms of this project, but are also concerned with government betrayal, as they had assumed these four years would move them forward, not back in their fight for climate action.
Overall, the Willow Project is a current fuel project with harmful consequences to nature. It is a project that has been approved through broken promises, despite the protests and hopes of Americans. Protesters continue to fight against the Willow Project, with the knowledge that although it has been approved, it will not start until 2027. It is essential to join in support with these protesters and remain aware of this project, as it will impact the futures of many, and the future of the world itself.
Image courtesy of https://www.hcn.org/articles/south-the-willow-project-is-part-of-a-larger-trend-energy-colonialism
May 29, 2023
Crystals & Their Therapeutic Properties
Elyssa Efici
Crystals have been around for centuries to help people heal, connect with their intuition, and promote spiritual growth. Different crystals with their own colors, shapes, and sizes are believed to have different properties and can be used for a variety of purposes. Some of the most popular crystals are often used in meditation and energy healing practices. They are believed to help balance the body's energy system, promote healing, and enhance intuition. Some people also use crystals to help with physical ailments, such as headaches or digestive issues.
Each crystal has its own unique properties. For example, citrine is believed to promote abundance and prosperity, while black tourmaline is often used for protection and grounding. Amethyst is believed to promote calmness and soothe the mind, while rose quartz is often used to promote love and emotional healing. Blue lace agate is believed to promote communication and self-expression, while clear quartz is believed to amplify energy and intentions. Tiger’s eye is believed to promote courage and confidence, while malachite is believed to help with emotional healing and transformations.
Crystals can be used in a variety of ways, including carrying them in a pocket or wearing them as jewelry, placing them on the body during meditation or energy healing sessions, or simply placing them in a room to promote a certain energy or atmosphere. Many people find crystals to be helpful tools for promoting relaxation, healing, and spiritual growth. People’s experiences with crystals vary widely. Some find that they have a calming effect and can help them relax, while others use them for energy or healing purposes. Some also believe that crystals have specific properties that can help physically or emotionally, while others enjoy the aesthetics of crystals and use them for decorative purposes.
Crystals also need to be cleaned frequently. For example, they should be cleansed after they’ve been used for a while, or after they’ve been exposed to negative energy. It's also a good idea to cleanse them when you first get them, as it helps to remove any residual energy they may have picked up during the manufacturing processes. There are several ways to cleanse crystals. One way is to place them in a bowl of saltwater for a few hours, making sure to rinse them off with clean water afterward. Another way is to hold them under running water for a few minutes or to smudge them with sage or palo santo. You can also place them in sunlight or moonlight for a few hours to recharge them. Incense and candles are also great options for cleansing.
Crystal therapy is a complementary healing modality that involves the use of crystals to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual healing. It is based on the idea that different Crystals have unique properties and can be used to help balance the body's energy system, promote relaxation, and enhance intuition. During a crystal therapy session, a practitioner may Place crystals on or near the body, or use them to create a grid or layout around the body. The practitioner may also use crystals in conjunction with other healing modalities, such as Reiki or massage therapy. There are many places that incorporate crystals into their sessions, making it easy to receive the kind of fulfillment with the crystals one needs.
Image courtesy of https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/a35045011/types-of-crystals/
May 29, 2023
Uncle Joe's Records
Kelly McTeague
Although many think of physical music as a dead medium, most major labels and artists release their work as a record too. Many record collectors or diehard fans of a specific artist can attest that record sales are still fighting. If you’re looking to break into the medium, or expand your collection, stop by Uncle Joe’s Records right in Cromwell.
Uncle Joe’s is located on 6 Kirby Road, sitting adjacent to a barber shop. Walk inside and spot the coffee shop right in front of you. A decorated set-up with many coffee options, make sure to stop by during the appropriate hours to grab a cup while browsing the store. If coffee isn’t your thing, grab a glass bottle of coke or other drinks from their fridge. With a drink in hand, it’s easy to take a seat in the store and spend hours paging through their large selection. If you prefer to relax afterwards, spend time in the lounge area between the record shop and the adjunct barber shop. Multiple lounging couches, wide tables and engaging decorations make it the perfect place to sit and admire your findings. Also open as warm weather increases is a small outdoor seating area.
The space in general has a wonderful atmosphere, decorated with posters and band memorabilia. Directly to the right of the opening are the newer releases and popular albums, as well as on the stand up front. These albums are usually pricier, but worth the money. Albums in the 10-20 dollar range are organized by letter in the first two rows, and by genre towards the back. If you’re looking for a specific album, you can check their online catalog for their listings and prices.
Orders can also be placed in stores. Just let the staff know what album you want and they can order it for you, and it can be picked up in the store. On the lowest shelves are the used albums. Although these albums are used, they are almost always in listenable condition. These shelves have the best finds for only $5, and range from local to mainstream, as they come from customer’s own
donations. Uncle Joe’s prides themselves on having a large range of finds. Rare pressings to mainstream albums are all packed onto the shelves, and the shop has been noted in many record store rankings for their assortment. They highlight local and underground bands, so there are many opportunities for discovering a new favorite sound. Lastly, don’t pass by the small section of 45’s for some of the best finds, and grab a sticker or two on your way out.
No matter the music taste, Uncle Joe’s has something in store. It’s a great place to discover new artists and people who listen to the same music as you.
Image courtesy of https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/vinyl-records-gm542290570-97072807
March 24, 2023
Artificial Intelligence in Today's World
Kelly McTeague
The concept of artificial intelligence (AI) has permeated daily life for years, from horror movies about robots gone rogue to Alexa devices in millions of households. True AI has not yet been developed- which is an AI capable of being fully autonomous and thinking on its own. The AI we use today is “learning AI”. Programs are “trained” to think like a human by giving it an input and refining and directing the program until it understands what the desired or correct output would be. One company producing AI programs has been under the spotlight recently: Open AI.
Open AI began as a non-profit AI research company that was founded in San Francisco in 2015, by Elon Musk and Sam Altman. Although a famous face is at the forefront of this company, other notable contributors are Greg Brockman (president,) Ilya Sutskever (chief scientist,) and Altman as Chief executive officer. Changes have been made to this initial lineup. However, Musk left the company in 2018 to focus on Tesla, and the non-profit aspect has now become “capped profit.” Investors are able to make a certain amount of money from their backing, and after that the rest is donated. In 2016, Open AI began its venture into AI with Open AI Gym, a platform to develop RL (Reinforcement Learning) algorithms. They also developed Universe, a software platform used to test how well a single AI agent can respond to tasks. These softwares combined laid the foundation for how in depth and rigorously tested their upcoming project would be.
Then entered Chat GPT, the program that is now mentioned hand in hand with Open AI. Although pop culture made many visualize AI as a disembodied voice or anthropomorphic robot, this innovation is text based. User input makes the bot mimic human interactions. This input comes from multiple databases, from the feedback ChatGPT users give, to even Twitter and other social sites where ChatGPT can observe human writing. After revising the project from 2017 to the present, Chat GPT can do a plethora of tasks and mimic human dialogue to a startling degree.
ChatGPT can do just about anything; write plays or movies, mimic a certain style, write emails, summarize videos, code programs, solve math, write essays, create sewing patterns and much more. Anything that can have a text output, Chat GPT can make an attempt to write. This has had startling implications in many fields. In law, ChatGPT has even passed the bar exam, which is an exam used to assess if lawyers can become licensed to practice law. Although GPT received a low passing grade, it was still able to pass four separate courses. In the medical field, it has passed the licensing exam needed to become a doctor (or the USMLE). It answered 350 questions from last year’s USMLE, going beyond the passing rate of 60% to anywhere up to 75% in some iterations. Although a language model can’t truly replace a doctor, it might be used to catch diagnoses that might normally slip past human error or bias.
In school, many are concerned about its uses for plagiarism. As more teachers realize its potential for cheating, applications have already come out to combat this. Turnitin, a commonly used plagiarism scanner, now has a feature to determine if the text was AI generated. A senior at Princeton, Edward Tian, created GPTZero, a program that wages ChatGPT against itself to check if AI was used. He hopes that it not only promotes students to write their own work in school, but in general he fears that the creativity that makes human writing unique will be lost to AI dependence.
AI has the potential to change the world and further humanity, as highlighted in Open AI’s mission statement. With ChatGPT in particular, it can be used to summarize information at lightning speed, push the boundaries of technology and understand exactly how different learning algorithms are applied to such a large scale as ChatGPT’s 13 million daily visitors. However, Tian’s fear is shared by many. As ChatGPT grows, the biggest threat it poses is not an AI takeover of various jobs, but a slow control over creativity and human error. Although creative horizons shouldn’t be taken over by ChatGPT, scientific horizons also shouldn’t be feared. At the very least, it’ll inspire the next Terminator or Brave New World.
Image courtesy of https://misti.mit.edu/misti-impact/impact-artificial-intelligence
March 24, 2023
Women’s History Month: Amelia Earhart
Arianna Bishop
During the month of March, women from many different time periods across the world are recognized for their hard work and accomplishments. This time is used as a period of education on important figures in society who changed the way we live our lives today. One exceptional woman who lived between July 24, 1897 and July 2, 1937 was Amelia Earhart.
Amelia Earhart was an American pilot and author. She made a major impact on the world during her short lifespan. On December 28 of 1920, at the age of 23, Earhart went on her first flight with Frank Hawks. She began to dream of flying on her own after this experience, and pursued her dream by taking lessons beginning in January. After working extremely hard, Earhart purchased a plane in July of 1921 and continued to take lessons. These lessons were provided by Neta Snook, who was the first woman graduate from the Curtiss School of Aviation.
Earhart took her flying lessons and skills very seriously. On October 22, 1922, Earhart flew to an altitude of 14,400 feet, which was a record-breaking height for women in the time period. On May 20 of 1932, Earhart flew across the entire Atlantic Ocean, a feat that a woman had not yet accomplished. Between Aug 24 and Aug 25 1932, Amelia Earhart set a record pace across the two American coasts.
On top of her many accomplishments, Earhart is most known for her flight around the world. During this flight, Earhart disappeared and has not been found to this day. She was declared dead on July 2, 1937.
Amelia Earhart has given many motivational words that inspired her accomplishments, including “the most effective way to do it, is to do it” and “courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace.” Earhart was the type of person to take chances instead of waiting, and she valued bravery. She believed that she could not be at peace with herself without bravery.
Amelia Earhart changed the world with her courage, determination, and yearn for success. As the first woman to fly around the world, she was a record-breaker who let nothing except her own death get in the way of achieving her dreams. Earhart is an important figure from the past who paved the way for a bright future of young aspiring women. She deserves to be recognized during this Women’s History Month.
Image courtesy of https://www.biography.com/history-culture/amelia-earhart
March 24, 2023
Black History Month: Matthew Henson
Julia Baymuradova
Matthew Henson was an African-American explorer who is most known for co-discovering the North Pole in 1909 with Robert Edwin Peary.
Matthew Alexander Henson was born in Charles County, Maryland, on August 8, 1866. Henson was the son of two freeborn Black sharecroppers and lost his mother when he was young. He soon lost his father.
Henson left home at the age of 11 to make his own way. On the ship Katie Hines, he got work as a cabin boy. Captain Childs took Henson under his wing and oversaw his education, which included lessons in seamanship. During his time on the ship, he traveled through Asia, Africa, and Europe, and saw a lot of the world.
Henson went to work as a clerk in a hat shop in Washington, D.C. after the Captain's death, where he met Robert Edwin Peary. Robert Edwin Peary was in the U.S. Navy Corps of Civil Engineers and an explorer. Henson's nautical qualifications impressed Peary so much that he recruited him as his valet for an impending voyage to Nicaragua.
Henson rejoined Peary for another voyage to Greenland not long after Nicaragua. Over the next year, Henson immersed himself in the local Eskimo culture, acquiring the language and the inhabitants' Arctic survival abilities.
Afterwards, Peary and Henson made many attempts to reach the North Pole during the next few years. Their endeavor in 1902 ended in tragedy, with six Eskimo team members dying from a shortage of food and resources. They embarked on another journey, this time backed by President Theodore Roosevelt. In this journey, they made more progress: the team, equipped with a then state-of-the-art vessel capable of cutting through ice, came within 175 miles of the North Pole. The mission was halted by melted ice obstructing the sea passage, forcing them to turn back.
Peary, Henson, four Eskimos, and 40 dogs arrived at the North Pole on April 6, 1909.
Peary received recognition for reaching the North Pole, however being an African American, Henson did not get that same honor. Regardless, he knew the accomplishment was a great one, one which we can honor through its remembrance.
Image courtesy of https://newsroom.ucla.edu/stories/jordan-bretzfelder-matthew-henson-moon-crater
January 27, 2023
The Hidden Struggle Behind MLK Day
Kelly McTeague
MLK day is on the minds of many as it passes this January. The first observation of MLK day occurred in King’s hometown in January 1969. Yet this was not a federal observance. In fact, it would not be until 2000 when MLK day would be recognized by name in all fifty states. The journey to recognize Martin Luther King with a federal holiday is a tumultuous one that not many know of.
The first motion was proposed by John Conyers, a house representative from Michigan, just four days after King’s assasination. Although the bill was not approved, Conyers introduced it every year for 15 years straight in hopes of swaying the representative's mind. 11 years later, on the 50th anniversary of King’s birth, the bill was finally up for vote on the house floor. This was a keystone battle for the holiday, and support for MLK day had very influential people on its roster. Most notably, former president Jimmy Carter. Carter had been supported by King during his presidency, earning his endorsement. Carter remarked that King was “the greatest leader that my native state - and perhaps my native country - has ever produced.” Yet even with a presidential endorsement the bill fell short by a slim five votes.
This denial sparked a new fire in the movement. The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), in part founded by Conyers, organized a march on Washington in 1981. This march on Washington was sponsored by none other than Stevie Wonder. Wonder even wrote a song about the struggle for MLK day, called “Happy Birthday.” Demonstrations like these spread awareness of the cause, and a petition was created that gathered 6 million signatures. In 1983, Katie B. Hall, a CBC member from Indiana, would re-introduce the bill in the House. It would not only pass, but pass with a margin of 283 votes. Although the battle of the House had been won, the war was not over. The bill would need to clear the Senate. Some in the senate even openly opposed the holiday. Senator Jesse Helms showed a 400 page document inculpating that King was a communist sympathizer. Fortunately, this document was soon thrown on the senate floor, torn up, and denounced as a “packet of filth”. Others believed that the bill violated tradition by having a federal holiday for a civilian, or that it was too expensive to give Americans paid time off. Regardless, the senate cleared the bill by 12 votes, and Ronald Reagan signed the day into law.
From here, the wide net of responsibility was cast over the states. It was up to them to decide if the holiday was approved on a state level. Because it is not mandatory that states observe federal holidays, some states did not participate. Notably, Arizona did not approve the holiday until 1992, when the NFL decided to move the superbowl from Arizona to California unless the state recognized the holiday. Others, however, had dedicated a day to King far earlier. Connecticut had done so a decade prior in 1973, one of the earliest to do so. Little by little, states established days dedicated to civil rights. Today, 55 years after the first introduction, a little remembrance of the efforts needed to establish this holiday goes a long way in keeping King’s incredible legacy alive.
(Links Used)
https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/mlk-day-timeline-how-the-martin-luther-king-jr-birthday-became-a-holiday
https://avoice.cbcfinc.org/exhibits/martin-luther-king-jr-holiday-bill/timeline/
https://www.historicamerica.org/journal/historyofmlkday
https://www.wtsp.com/article/life/holidays/mlk-day-why-on-monday-and-how-was-stevie-wonder-involved/67-386393038
https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/stories/15-year-battle-martin-luther-king-jr-day
Image courtesy of https://www.britannica.com/story/martin-luther-king-jr-day
January 27th, 2023
Flaws in the United States Government
Julia Baymuradova & Arianna Bishop
The United States government is a unique democracy in all of its aspects. The U.S. government consists of three branches and three levels of government, working together to carry out the responsibilities of running a nation. However, after the recent overturning of Supreme Court landmark case Roe v. Wade, it became apparent that the United States government is also embedded with a multitude of deeply sewn flaws
These flaws have personally affected the rights of Julia Baymuradova and Arianna Bishop, two students at Cromwell High School, who, drawing their inspirations from necessity, dedicated their semester Capstone project to the exposition of these problems.
The overturning of Roe v. Wade was the Supreme Court’s reversal of the 1973 decision to legalize abortion. This overturning has caused women across the country to lose their right to their autonomy. Despite this overturning, the majority of women- across ethnicities and ages, “did not want Roe v. Wade overturned,” and believed that abortion should be “a personal choice” (Artiga). Because the population favors legal abortion. The evidence that supported this came from an article titled What Are the Implications of the Overturning of Roe v. Wade for Racial Disparities by Samantha Artiga, which stated, “A May 2022 KFF survey found that across racial and ethnic groups, most women ages 18-49 said they did not want Roe v. Wade overturned and they think getting an abortion should be a personal choice” (Artiga). The women in the U.S. for the most part dodid not support this overturning, proving that the Supreme Court ruling did not reflect the beliefs of the U.S. citizens who would be directly affected by this change. In addition to this lack of representation in terms of the public’s beliefs, none of the positions of the Supreme Court Justices were decided through voting or by a standing president, which brings into question the legitimacy that this decision should even hold.
Before uncovering the flaws in this government, it is important to understand the mechanics behind it.
The three branches of government include the legislative, executive, judicial branches. Firstly, the legislative branch on a federal level consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate. This branch makes laws. The President runs the Senate, and their main job is to make treaties. The Speaker of the House runs the House of Representatives, which has the main job of law creation. There are two Senators for every state, whilewhite the number of representatives for each state is based on the state population. The purpose of the legislative branch is to checks and balance the other branches of government, making sure one branch doesn’t have too much power. This is especially important in the legislative branch because of impeachment. Impeachment is when a person in power has a charge of misconduct against them. Tbecause the House of Representatives is granted the right to impeach, (and the Senate carries out these impeachment trials).
Secondly, the executive branch enforces laws. These jobs include the President and the Cabinet, which is made up of executive department heads. The President deals with the budget and the military as well. The President is elected and can only serve two 4-year terms. The President also nominates Cabinet members and members of the Supreme Court.
Thirdly, the judicial branch determines the meaning behind the laws and court cases. They decide whether these laws and cases are constitutional. The Supreme Court Justices are nominated by the President and approved by the Senate. In order for a court case to reach the Supreme Court, it must go through the State Court of Appeals or the U.S. Court of Appeals. There are nine justices serving life terms. They can overturn old Supreme Court rulings and laws if they are deemed unconstitutional. The only checks of the judicial court are done in the judge nomination process. Their decisions are not checked by any other branch.
Additionally, before understandingreaching the U.S. government’s flaws, one must understand the country’s history. The Constitution, the guide to our government and freedoms, was written in 1787. The Constitution has three parts; the Preamble(the purpose of the Constitution), the seven articles, and the Bill of Rights. The point of the articles was to explain how the branches of government and the levels of government would interact, as well as. The purpose was also to explain how to update the Constitution. These articles were number five and seven. There were originally ten amendments in the Bill of Rights, but after updating, there are currently twenty-seven. The Constitution is a set of rules about how the citizens should be led, and this is different from laws because laws are more closely related to a set of rules. The U.S. Constitution has not been updated since 1992.
Lastly, in order to understand the flaws in the government, the process of presidential a election must be touched upon. The first step in the process would be the primaries and caucuses. The caucuses are when candidates are chosen for their party first through meetings and discussions, and then through voting. The primaries are when the candidates are narrowed down, and one candidate is chosen to represent the Democrat and Republican Parties. The election process is based strongly on the two-party system because these candidates then become the main two candidates, and often the only candidates, in the election. Only members of the two parties can even participate in these primary elections, forcing Americans to choose a political party.
The second step in the election process is the National Conventions in the general election. The National Convention is when each party chooses their candidate, and their candidate chooses a Vice President. Then, these candidates campaign in the country for support. This campaign process requires a large amount of money. In America, there is no cap to the amount of money a candidate can receive or spend in their political campaign.
The third step of the process is the Electoral College. U.S. citizens vote for electors. Once each state reaches a majority vote for one candidate, all of the electors in that state go towards that candidate. The number of electors in each state is equal to the combined number of Senators and Representatives.
After analyzing this system of government, Baymuraova and Bishop found four main problems, including a lack of checking in the judicial branch, the extreme two-party political system, placing extremists in power, an election system which favors the wealthy, and a lack of constitutional amendment.
The most prominent issues Baymuradova and Bishop noticed were related to the Judicial Branch of government. Specifically relating to the judicial branch, an article titled Branches of the U.S. Government, explaining the checks in the judicial branch, states, “The President nominates a candidate, usually a federal judge. The Senate votes to confirm the nominee” (Branches U.S. Government). This information can be presented as a flaw of lack of checking in the Judicial Branch. The only “checks” for the Supreme Court are nominations and impeachment. Impeachment is a long and difficult process unlikely to succeed, and the reasons for which a Justice is nominated lose importance after the country has changed over the twenty to thirty year average of a Justice’s service. Additionally, there is no process which accounts for change in morality or ability to maintain the position of Supreme Court Justice. In thirty years, a Justice may simply no longer be good at their job, or may develop corrupt ideologies. However, there is no system of firing these Justices. They remain in their position for life, or for as long as they choose.
Additionally, in this time, the Justices may be out of touch after years of being worshiped. This information was gained from the American Progress, which states, “Longer terms have led to an increasingly political confirmation process and a court more likely to be out of touch with the general public” (American Progress). These problems in the Supreme Court segway into additional problems within the whole system of government.
The next uncovered flaw related to the election process in America, isand itsit's heavy reliance upon its political parties, which further results in misrepresentation in the U.S. government and Supreme Court. Since people must join a political party to vote in primaries, this forces them to generalize all of their beliefs to fit in with one part of society. This causes a greater divide in America and makes it impossible for independents to win elections, meaning every president in office is much more likely to be an extremist. Since Supreme Court Justices are nominated by an extremist president, then they are also more likely to be an extremist.
This is especially a problem when new presidents are elected. This means that when the majority of the population’s views shift to the opposite political party, the Supreme Court Justices, elected by the last president, hold polar opposite views and are therefore not representative of the new population.
This is prominent in Roe v. Wade because Donald Trump, a Republican extremist, nominated the Justices(serving for life) who worked to overturn Roe v. Wade. At this point, the population had elected Joe Biden, a Democrat extremist. The source AP News states, “It was three justices named by one president — Donald Trump — who were the core of today’s decision to upend the scales of justice and eliminate a fundamental right for women in this country” (AP News). This evidence proves that the beliefs of the public were not represented in the overturning of Roe v. Wade, because the Supreme Court Justices, appointed by an old president and upholding an outdated belief system, were not representative of the current population.
Additionally, the Supreme Court is not representative of the population in terms of wealth since presidential elections favor the rich. TAn article American Heritage describes the problems of rich men in office. For example, American Heritage states that the Supreme Court, from the beginning, was, “Aristocratic and out of touch with the majority” (American Heritage). Former Newington mayor Maryellen Anderson, upon being interviewed about this matter responded, “I feel that the cost of presidential campaigns is a problem in the U.S. because of a citizen’s congressional bill that allows for no cap on national elections and allows businesses and affluent individuals to donate to candidates and elections with no caps. The money raised is not controlled. There should be better rules and regulations and caps on contributions” (Anderson). The restrictions in the candidacy pool due to wealth then expands into the Supreme Court. The president, who is elected using this large sum ofbig money can then nominate rich friends as Justices. This entire system promotes greed, self-interest, and manipulation of the population.
The last flaw uncovered related to the lack of updating in the Constitution. The article U.S. Constitution states, “Thus so far there have only been twenty seven changes to the Constitution'' (Feker). Additionally, Maryellen Anderson, responding to Bishop’s question of Constitutional amendment, stated, “Regarding our Constitutional amendment process, I believe that our amendment process is very difficult to implement. It is almost impossible to amend our Constitution because of the present rules which were written by our governmental persons from years ago. It should be easier to amend the Constitution.There should be an effort put forward to review the Constitution by Congress and update some of the areas” (Anderson). This evidence proves that the lack of Constitutional amendment is a serious problem which inhibits progress and change in the U.S. government. In this rapidly developing world, it is more necessary than ever to change the Constitution so that it represents the current people, not the people of the late 1700s, when the document was initially written.
Overall, there are a series of flaws in the United States Supreme Court that work to degress any progress made. This is evident in the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and will remain a serious issue in our government until change can be made, change which will need to pass the rigid Constitution amendment process to take place at all. Anderson summarizes these overall problems by explaining, “I am concerned about the escalating state-by-state attacks on voting rights, access to abortion and equality… It is important to stop state level attacks on people’s rights to not only to protect people in that state but to prevent these attacks from spreading across the nation. I am concerned about a bill in Georgia that could dilute the power of black and brown voters…Attacks on our liberties often end up in Congress and the courts but they frequently begin in municipalities and in state legislatures. We need to react decisively to emerging threats in our states. Create a firewall for abortion access by leveraging our courts, state legislatures through ballot measures and candidate races” (Anderson). Anderson summarizes her deep trepidation for our future, rooted in the flaws in our government.
It is most imperative to spread awareness of these flaws and to work to break down the uncensored power that a select number of individuals holds in this government. Americans must take action immediately to rid their government of this corruption before any more human rights are unjustlyunjustfully stolen away.
Image courtesy of https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fights-between-u-s-states-and-the-national-government-are-endangering-public-health/
September 30th, 2022
The Jackson Water Crisis
Kelly McTeague
The 444 mile long Pearl River dashes a line from central to south Mississippi, running straight into Jackson along the way. Along with providing waterfront views to the residents of the state capital, it also provides drinking water to hundreds of thousands of people living in the metropolitan area.
At the end of August, the Pearl River would become extremely flooded, reaching 35.37 feet crests, just shy of the 36 foot threshold of the “major flooding” title. It was then that Jackson’s governor, Tate Reeves, declared a state of emergency. Although a large flood, it was by no means unprecedented. Yet somehow the event would devastate the largest water plant in the system. This plant is called the O.B Curtis Plant. The flood took out two of its two raw water pumps, which are needed as one of the first steps to filter and treat the water coming in from the river. Upon investigation, the government declared that the plant was subject to decades of neglect.
For 30-40 years the plant has needed repairs and updates that were continuously postponed or altogether ignored. Jackson’s shrinking population also left the O.B Curtis plant short staffed. The infrastructure of the plant building was a cause for concern as well. With this facility down, residents were left with no water or low water pressure for days. Luckily for many, the pressure was back to normal after September 5th. The water that flowed however, was very unsafe. A boil notice had been ongoing at this point, advising residents to boil any water that they intended to use for drinking or bathing. Although this notice had been emphasized after the flood, it had been issued a month prior, on July 29th. The turbulence from the river and the poor water treatment quality had left the city's water cloudy and unsafe for weeks. Jackson was no stranger to these notices, as there had been 300 notices just within the past two years, Finally, the national attention that the flood had brought casted a spotlight on the failings of the water system.
To treat this, the national guard stepped in to provide bottled water. They handed out 11 million water bottles across Jackson. Beyond this short term treatment, The town’s government has made it clear that the solution won’t be easy. Even with $13 million dollars in State revolving funding to be used for the crisis, the root structural issues that caused the bulk of the water crisis take much more upheaval. It will take the continual work of multiple administrations to change the infrastructure of the plant.
Tate Reeves announced that the state of emergency will extend into the coming months. Within this time period, the plant would be handed over to the private sector. He hopes to have a contract set up by November 17th, with a five day buffer period for adjustment. Along with this, the federal government has agreed to have a third party administrator work with the privately owned plant to make sure this doesn't happen again.
On November 22nd, the state of emergency was finally lifted, bringing peace of mind back to Jackson. However, the battle to procure safe drinking water has only just begun. Concerns are still being raised about corrosion within the plant’s lead pipes. Pregnant women and young children are still being advised not to drink the tap water. It will rest in the hands of the overtaking company to resolve these complications. For now however, many residents are simply happy that the bulk of the crisis is over, and that a solution can be seen on the horizon.
Research:
https://abcnews.go.com/US/jacksons-water-problems-deeper-pipes-experts/story?id=89973457
https://disasterphilanthropy.org/disasters/jackson-mississippi-water-crisis/
https://www.wjtv.com/mississippi-flooding/photos-pearl-river-flooding-on-aug-29/
https://www.supertalk.fm/governor-reeves-ends-state-of-emergency-for-jackson-water-crisis/
https://www.wlbt.com/2022/08/29/production-cut-jacksons-main-water-treatment-plant-due-pearl-river-flooding/
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/16/us/mississippi-boil-water-advisory.html#:~:text=More%20than%20150%2C000%20people%20in,suggests%20an%20increased%20chance%20of
https://www.npr.org/2022/10/01/1126121420/jackson-miss-residents-struggle-with-basic-needs-as-the-water-crisis-disrupts-li
Image courtesy of https://wng.org/podcasts/a-water-crisis-in-jackson-1663218165
March 11, 2022
Russian Invasion of Ukraine
Arianna Bishop
On February 24, 2022, the Russian army invaded Ukraine, the country on its Southwest border, after denying their intention to attack just days before.
Conflict between Russia and Ukraine has existed for many years. During 1932 and 1933, the Soviet Union (the Russian party) committed a genocide against Ukraine known as the Holodomor. During this time, the Ukrainians were blocked from leaving their country, starved, and selectively killed. After this genocide, Russia denied their actions. Then, in 1991, Ukraine became an independent country.
This independence was followed by constant tension between the two countries and their territories. In 2014, Russia took over Crimea, a region of Ukraine that they claimed was theirs. When Volodymyr Zelensky became the Ukrainian president in 2019, he dedicated focus towards establishing peace between Russia and Ukraine. However, Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, did not oblige. Since the beginning of 2021, Putin has been gathering military supplies, organizing troops, and surrounding the border between their country and Ukraine. Putin has also been preparing for the self-reliance of Russia in order to combat the heavy sanctions that he knew would be placed on the Russian financial systems.
Throughout their planning process, Putin denied Russia’s plans, claiming the movement of his troops to the borders was a result of military training in the Black Sea. Putin then requested that Ukraine be banned from joining NATO, a security alliance between countries across North America and Europe. This request was denied, but Ukraine is still not a part of NATO. Russia finally invaded on the 24th of February, with the excuse that more of the Ukrainian territory belonged to them.
In the few weeks following the invasion, the Russian army has killed between 2,000-4,000 troops in Ukraine. At least 18 hospitals have been attacked or bombed, including an airstrike that hit a maternity hospital on March 9th. There have been more than 1,000 citizen casualties in these short days, including the lives of many children and elderly.
Despite the attacks on the Ukrainian troops, the nation is still hoping for peace. The Ukranians have been offering asylum to surrendering soldiers. They are also trying to inform the Russian citizens about the true reality of the war, since many Russians are currently succumbing to propaganda. This propaganda includes messages of children falsely stating reasons for Putin’s invasion.
This global issue is something that needs to be stopped. Many citizens are being killed, and many of their homes and lives are being destroyed as well. You can help the efforts to protect Ukrainians by spreading awareness of this ongoing conflict and by donating to organizations such as the United Nations, the Peace Corps, the Ingka Foundation, the British Red Cross, UNICEF and more.
Image courtesy of https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/russia-ukraine-crisis-live-updates-march-28-latest-war-news-101648432271449.html
November 4, 2021
Shipping Crisis Disrupts Holiday Season
Arianna Bishop
Last year, many companies cut down their amount of orders for supplies or products due to the lack of consumer spending while the COVID pandemic was at its peak. However, in the past few months as the fall season has begun and the rate of Covid cases has decreased,, the spending of consumers has increased as well. This has resulted in a global shipping crisis. There are also not enough workers to match the rise in demand.
Across the world, there is currently a setback in products and shipment. For example, more than 100 shipping containers wait outside Los Angeles alone for the chance to come ashore. But even once these ships are docked, they may not be brought to their destination. This is due to the shortage of truck drivers. Across the United States, an estimate of 80,000 truck drivers are currently needed.
All of these companies that are backed up on their products are losing money due to this.
This will affect the upcoming holiday season because the high gift demand will not be able to be met. This could result in the delayed shipment of gifts when ordered online, or a lack of gifts found in stores. It is suggested that anyone looking to buy gifts should do so immediately, and should not wait until December to prepare. Already, the shelves in stores are looking bare. The QUARTZ statistics estimate that “delays for finished goods are averaging 72 days.” This could mean that goods that are not yet shipped will not arrive at their final destination in time for Christmas.
After Christmas is over, there is also an expected rise in the return rate of products. When this happens, another problem will arise. It will be difficult to bring products back to their origin at the same time that there is a backup in delivery.
Overall, the current shipping crisis will drastically affect shopping in this upcoming holiday season. Be prepared for late deliveries and product shortages.
Image courtesy of https://www.wsj.com/articles/where-did-all-the-shipping-containers-go-11628104583
October 21, 2021
Control in Afghanistan
Arianna Bishop
A current issue that is affecting the world at a global scale today is the major change of leadership in Afghanistan between the Western-backed government and the Taliban.
For the past twenty years following the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, The United States has been involved with Afghanistan by fighting against Islamic extremist groups. These groups aim to gain control of Afghanistan and enforce strong rules relating to the religion of Islam, rules which take away some of the citizen’s freedoms. . Some of these rules include the restriction of women’s rights and the forced practice of Islam. In 2009, the U.S. military assassinated Osama bin Laden, the leader of al-Qaeda, which was the group that led the terrorist attack on 9/11.
The U.S. continued to fight back against these forces until current U.S. President Joe Biden’s decision to withdraw forces by September 11th of 2021, the 20 year anniversary of 9/11. Before this, former President Trump formed an agreement with the Taliban to reduce their number of troops stationed in Afghanistan from 13,000 to 8,600. This was meant to be accomplished by the month of July 2020, with a full removal by May of 2021 as long as the Taliban agreed to meet guidelines relating to the rights of Afghan citizens. This deadline was extended to September 11th.
However, as the U.S. began removing their troops, the Taliban began to take over Afghanistan, until the President of the Western government left the country and the government collapsed. While the U.S. pulled back their forces, the Taliban also took control over the weapons and resources that the U.S. left behind. Although it is unclear the exact number of weapons and transportation vehicles the Taliban currently possess, the U.S. military claims to have left 167 helicopters, 358,530 rifles, over 64,000 machine guns, 25,327 grenade launchers and 22,174 Humvees.
The sudden shift in power caused chaos in Afghanistan. Many citizens fled to the airport in Kabul with hopes of leaving the country. They feared the rules that the Taliban would enforce, and the freedoms that they would lose. Some people attempted to hold onto the bottom of planes that were taking off. U.S. citizens who were currently staying in Afghanistan also grew frantic to meet the deadline to leave the country.
This crisis is affecting people all over the world. It is important to stay aware of these conflicts and do whatever you can to help fix these conflicts which can change millions of lives. The actions you can take can be as simple as educating yourself or giving a small donation. The crisis in Afghanistan cannot be ignored.
Image courtesy of https://www.bu.edu/articles/2021/afghanistan-experts-say-us-is-responsible-for-holding-taliban-accountable/
April 1, 2021
Crisis in Yemen
Arianna Bishop
An important issue to address in today’s world is the crisis in Yemen. This crisis began in 2011 when a revolution broke out in the country after the current president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, finally stepped down after over 33 years, giving his power to Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. This time of change encouraged groups like the Al-Qaeda and the Houthi militant rebels to rise and challenge the power.
In September of 2014, the crisis escalated into a civil war when the Houthi militants, from the north of Yemen, stormed the capital (Sana). During this attack, the rebels made the government leaders declare unified power of the country with their own group. The next year, after extreme pressure from the rebels, the government officials resigned and relocated to Aden, a city in the south of Yemen. During this time, the Houthi militants proclaimed themselves to be in full control of the country, but Hadi, who had escaped to the south, still declared his presidency.
Saudi Arabia, another country in the middle east, neighboring the north border of Yemen, sent an airstrike against the Houthi rebels in order to help the true government. While this alliance took place, two more groups rose into more power; Al-Qaeda and the Islamic state.
After five more years of this fighting, the fight for power still continues. Now, the effects of this long war are worsening by the day. 24 million people in Yemen, half of them being children, desperately need humanitarian aid. Along with this, 20 million people are in a state of hunger and malnutrition. This crisis is slowly becoming the biggest humanitarian crisis in our world today. Although some help is being provided by the International Rescue Committee, it is not enough for all of the people who are struggling.
Overall, we need to work together as the people of society to spread awareness of ongoing conflicts in our world. Although they are not directly around us and may not seem to impact our lives, these conflicts have complete control over the lives of others. The Yemen crisis cannot be ignored.
Image courtesy of https://www.humanium.org/en/the-forgotten-conflict-in-yemen/
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