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The Week of november 25, 2019
The Week of november 25, 2019
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Top Stories
Top Stories
Amazon Forest Fires
Amazon Forest Fires
By: Blake
The Amazon rainforest is home to the longest river in the world, along with ten million different species! It is often referred to as “The Lungs of the Planet”. The Amazon also produces one-fifth of all of the oxygen in the world.
So why is it burning down?
Something very bad is happening very fast. As CNN describes it, ”This is what the end of the world looks like.”
The fires started when farmers burn small chunks of land to grow crops on. Sometimes, however, these fires get out of control. In the past, the Brazilian government has put out most of the fires.
But, while fires continue to rage, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has responded by not doing anything or accepting aid of any kind. Under his watch, the most beautiful place on earth is burning down. He and the government have done nothing to stop illegal logging, mining, and burning.
The Amazon has lost an area 12 times the size of New York City from August 2018 through July. Fires are still burning there, too. Deforestation has skyrocketed since the election of Bolsonoro, with 3,769 square miles lost during this period. That’s a 30 percent increase since last year!
The question now is: who will step up and save our planet?
The 2020 Election Heats Up
The 2020 Election Heats Up
By: Sydney
The 2020 Presidential Election is heating up!
As you may know, Presidential elections happen only every four years, making this an exciting (and important) time. This election, there are nearly a dozen democrats running against each other, trying to beat our current president, Donald J. Trump.
The Democrats that are currently running are Joe Biden, Cory Booker, Pete Buttigieg, Tulsi Gabbard, Kamala Harris, Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders, Tom Steyer, Elizabeth Warren, Marianne Williamson, Andrew Yang, and more. Vice President Biden currently holds the lead, but Warren and Sanders are right behind him, especially after last week's debate.
This might be a very long list, but these many qualified people are going to run against the others, until there is just one left. The Democrats will choose their nominee in March 2020.
Election Day is now less than one year away, so it is important that we are all paying attention to this process. Many news organizations are saying this might be the most important election in history, so we will all want to follow it closely!
school news
school news
Remembering mrs. holm
Remembering mrs. holm
By: Logan
On October 20th, the Hoffman community lost someone very special: Mrs. Holm. She had been battling lung cancer over the past year, when she had to retire from our school.
"It was really just horrible, so sad," said Mrs. Bohn, her friend of over 30 years. "She was my best friend."
Mrs. Holm had worked at Hoffman School for nearly 20 years. When she wasn't working, she mostly enjoyed spending time with her family, being by the lake, and skiing. She also volunteered at her church, where she was always helping out.
If you are a fifth grader, then you will remember Mrs. Holm as the incredibly nice woman who helped out in the LRC and in the office. "She was a lovely lady, and so helpful and kind to me," said Mrs. Hoker. "She actually had my job before I did, so I can kind of continue her legacy."
Mrs. Smeltekop, who worked closely with Mrs. Holm when they both in the LRC, had a lot to say about her friend.
"When I first started at Hoffman, I was so nervous," said Mrs. Smeltekop. "She always knew the exact right thing to say to help me. She would always bring me gifts, or just little notes or cards. She was a beautiful person, and she kind of helped me become a better and completely new person as well."
For those of you in third grade, you unfortunately didn't get a chance to know her. But, her memory will live on with the Little Free Library that will soon be on display outside of Hoffman School.
We will all miss you, Mrs. Holm!
Choir Concert
Choir Concert
By: Nicole
Hello Hoffman! Let's take a moment to highlight the excellent school choir!
Among the many songs that will be sung by the entire choir, each grade gets to showcase a soloist during the show.
The choir sang:
- My Shot, from Hamilton
- You Can't Stop the Beat, from Hairspray
- That Thing You Do, from That Thing You Do
- Castle on a Cloud, from Les Misérables
Also, 3rd grade was singing:
- Footloose
- Beyond The Sea
- Over The Rainbow
- SpongeBob SquarePants (with kazoos!)
I interviewed Brielle about the concert.
How did you feel like doing the solo?
I did one last year last year, so I felt it was a lot easier for me because I also did a lot of plays. So it was easier to get up on stage and lots of fun.
How often have you sang in front of others?
I have done a solo last year for choir. I have also done plays, and am actually going to be doing "Frozen." I do duets and solos.
Do you have siblings who sing?
Yes, my little sister is singing in "Frozen," and my older sister also sings with me in plays.
I also interviewed Kyla about her experience.
How did you feel about doing the solo?
I was nervous, and then when I realized I had friends with me, I felt confident.
How long have you been singing?
I've been singing as long I remember.
Did you do a solo before?
No. I've tried out but I haven't had any solos. I did get a call backs for "Story of Tonight."
Were you in choir last year?
Yeah, it was fun!
Do you have siblings who sing?
I have a brother and sister who were both in the variety shows.
Finally, I interviewed Andreea.
Do you have siblings who sing?
Yes I have 4 sisters and 1 brother, and we practically all sing.
How did you feel when the microphone was not on?
Sometimes there are problems, but I definitely felt embarrassed and awkward. But, I felt supported and it went ok.
How long have you been singing?
Just like Kyla, as long I can remember.
How did you feel about doing the solo?
I was really really nervous because I have the first solo, so I’m basically leading the other solos!
Did you do a solo before?
Yes, a bunch at my church.
Research corner
Research corner
The inquisition
The inquisition
By: James and Nico
James and Nico are back, and this week’s Research Corner is more serious than ever. We investigate what’s on the right side of the equals sign in this equation:
(The Catholic Church + secular power) + the advent of science = our current topic
The Catholic Inquisition was made up of the Spanish and Roman inquisitions.
The Roman Inquisition
This holds the infamous title of “Most Anti-Science Organization in History.” It was formed to prosecute and punish those engaging in activities including, but not limited to, Protestantism, sorcery, witchcraft, and using the scientific method. (Mind blown.)
One of their earliest well-known victims was Nicolaus Copernicus. He stated the Sun, not the Earth, was at the center of the universe. He wrote a book explaining his theory. The inquisition placed it in the Index Librorum Prohibitorum (List of Banned Books).
Next was Galileo Galilei. He had discovered physical proof, with his new telescope, that the Sun was at the center of the Solar System, confirming Copernicus’s theory. The inquisition made a unanimous decision that it was “foolish and absurd in philosophy” while refusing to look through Galilei’s telescope.
Then came Tommaso Campanella. What did he do? He believed that knowledge is sensation and all things have sensation. So he got arrested.
Another man, Menocchio (or Domenico Scandella), was imprisoned for 20 months, then declared he had reformed. He was under house arrest until 1598, when he got burned at the stake.
Last was Giordano Bruno. He believed that the stars were other suns that were surrounded by planets of their own. These planets might support life. He was arrested for:
- believing things against the Catholic Church and its ministers
- holding opinions against the Catholic Church about God
- holding opinions against the Catholic Church about Jesus
- holding opinions against the Catholic Church about Original Sin.
- holding opinions against the Catholic Church about the church service.
- claiming the plurality of worlds
- believing in reincarnation
- dealing in magic and divination.
After the trial, the inquisition burned him at the stake … upside down. All of his works were placed on the Index Librorum Prohibitorum and threw his ashes into the Tiber River. With that the imprisonment of his tongue, because of his wicked words, was complete. When they were done, they made a threatening comment to the judge. At the place where he was burned, statue of him has been put up glaring angrily at the Vatican.
The Spanish Inquisition
The Spanish inquisition was not known for its anti-science stuff, but was known for its excessive use of torture, execution, etc. It wasn’t technically designed to crush diversity and oppress people, but … well, that’s what it did.
A number of religious writers, that are today saints, had the books put on the Index Librorum Prohibitorum (oh no, that again).
The inquisition tortured a lot of people. They would hang people by the wrists, from the ceiling, attach weights to their ankles, let go of the chain and grab it again (this resulted in lots of pulled muscles), and poured water over a cloth that covered the face. The used the rack (which pulled a prisoner’s joints apart).
There were 5 possible outcomes of a Spanish Inquisition trial:
Prisoner Acquitted (they were innocent)
Trial Suspended
Prisoner Penanced (exiled or fined)
Prisoner Reconciled (whipped/sentenced to jail)
Relaxation to the Secular Arm (burned alive)
Nobody famous got killed by the Spanish Inquisition.
By the 1800s, both inquisitions could be summed up by this:
The Inquisition? Its power no longer exists, the horrible authority that this bloodthirsty court had exerted in other times was reduced. The holy office has come to be a species of commission for book censorship and nothing more.
These are just the basics, so do more research, and don’t get yourself tortured.
The authors of this article claim no responsibility or liability or any screaming, nightmares, or horrifying flashbacks that you somehow gained from ghosts.
Climate change
Climate change
By: Brielle
From flooding to acre-wide forest fires, climate change appears to be reaching its peak. For example, more than half of Australia's forests have been up in flames, and in Venice, there is record breaking flooding.
Nearly 1.65 million hectares in New South Wales have burned, more than the state’s total the previous 3 years combined. This is not just affecting the land, but the people. There is a strong association between smoke and respiratory and cardiovascular health. A lot of the population along the east coast, for example, has been exposed to dangerous smoke levels.
In Venice, there have been massive levels of water causing people to flee their homes. The $6.6 million wall that was supposed to keep high levels of water out has done as much work as an ant standing in the wind.
Keep reading this section throughout the year to learn more about how climate change is reaching its most devastating point!
All about art
All about art
By: Emely and Sandra
ALL OVER THE WORLD
Art is a beautiful way to express your feelings, whether you're happy or sad. You can express it any way. You can goof off and show your art to your friends, or be a little more serious and plan something amazing. You can use your imagination in any way.
FEELINGS IN ART
If you're feeling sad or happy, express it in any way in art. You can probably become an artist with your great and amazing work. You can create notes and add a little sketch how you feel about it.
GOOF OFF AND HAVE FUN
If you think you can create your own artwork, make it, and make it goofy or incredible. Have fun and think of some spirits you have like funny sketches, amazing sketches or both. If you make it funny, your friends might laugh. Just be creative and be yourself in creating art.
IMAGINATION
In any way, you can create your own art. It's amazing! You can make it strange like an optical illusion. You can combine two different drawings and make it cool. You can even mix colors to make a new color. If you want it realistic, make sure to add details.
DO YOU THINK EXPRESSING YOUR FEELINGS IN ART IS A GOOD IDEA?
sports
sports
Joe burrow
Joe burrow
By: Henry
Reporters and experts say that Joe Burrow has execution, determination, and knows how to throw the ball.
Joe Burrow, number nine, is the 2019-2020 LSU redshirt Senior quarterback. He was born on December 10, 1996 in Ames, Iowa. He is 6 ft 4 in and 216 pounds. He went to high school at Athens high school in Ohio. He is currently at LSU, but was at Ohio State for his freshman and sophomore years. In May of 2018 (his junior year), he transferred to LSU because he knew that Dwayne Haskins would be named the starting quarterback of Ohio State.
LSU is currently ranked number one in the Week 13 college football rankings. This year, Joe Burrow has thrown 38 passing touchdowns, has gained 3,687 yards, only thrown 6 interceptions, and is considered the 3rd best college football quarterback in the nation.
Joe is considered “locked in” the top five picks for the 2020 NFL draft. Did you know that Joe Burrow became the first LSU quarterback to ever throw for 350 yards in three consecutive games? He is a strong passer and is not afraid to run either. This season, he has three running touchdowns (where he QB sneaked into the end zone).
Joe Burrow is a leading Heisman trophy candidate (the Heisman trophy is given to the best college player every year) for the 2019-2020 season. Since Tua Tagovailoa from Alabama has recently been injured, there is not that much competition except for maybe Trevor Lawrence from Clemson, Sam Ehlinger from Texas, and Jake Fromm from Georgia.
Joe Burrow is an exceptional player and you will probably see him in the NFL soon!
myles garrett controversy
myles garrett controversy
By: Anthony
Over the past two weeks, there has been a big controversy in the sports world.
In week 10 of the NFL, Cleveland Browns linebacker Myles Garret struck Pittsburgh Steelers QB Mason Rudolph with Rudolph’s helmet. When Garret tackled Rudolph, he didn’t like the way he tackled him, which ignited a brawl. They were intensely fighting and then all of the sudden, Garret took Rudolph’s helmet off, and slammed it at his head.
Both teams were charged $250,000, with three suspensions. Myles Garret was suspended indefinitely, which means his season is over. Larry Ogunjobi and Maurkice Pouncey are also suspended for being involved.
Just a few days ago, Garrett claimed that he became so angry after Rudolph called him a racial slur. The NFL denies that this happened.
The entire sports community and world is in shock, and this is not what the NFL wants the world to see. This shouldn’t be one of the highlights in the NFL’s 100 years, which they are celebrating this year.
Holiday Fun
Holiday Fun
What is black friday?
What is black friday?
By: Daanya
Black Friday. I’ve heard that before. Is it a place? Is it even a holiday? Well, I can answer that!
Let’s start with the basics. Black Friday is a national holiday for holiday shopping, and sometimes people just shop for fun. Some stores actually open at 6 am in the morning!! Cool right?
But, is Black Friday actually a holiday? Black Friday is a holiday to more than 20 states, and is the unofficial start to the US Christmas shopping season. It’s not the busiest shopping day of the year though: the Saturday before Christmas is!
Here is another question for all of us: When did Black Friday become a holiday? Well, Black Friday became a holiday on September 4, 1869. It wasn’t very famous at first, but later it became a hit. Although some people don’t consider it a holiday it is still super popular.
So, why is it called Black Friday? It was originally called Black Friday because of all the traffic and blackouts that happened on the day after Thanksgiving. To this day, it is now called Black Friday.
Ok, finally last question! This is actually an opinion. Do you think Black Friday is fun? Your choice! For me I would say it is really fun!
More on Black friday
More on Black friday
By: Deisy
Black Friday is when almost every store opens up early, with prices marked down on many different items. People wake up early (or shop after Thanksgiving dinner) for the best deals of the year.
Black Friday is the name given to the shopping day after Thanksgiving. In the 1950s, people began calling in sick the day after Thanksgiving to give themselves a four-day weekend. Because stores were making so much money with this extra day, (going "into the black”) that day became known as Black Friday.
This year, Black Friday will be on November 29th.
To me, some of the best deals this year are the low prices on the Sony Playstation 4, the Apple Watch 3, and the Nintendo Switch with Minecraft.
Happy Shopping!
Book of the week
Book of the week
By: Jillian
"Counting Thyme" by: Melanie Conklin
11 year old Thyme has just moved to New York. Her life is not good; her brother, Val, has cancer, and at her new school she is surrounded by girl drama. When her best friend finds a new bff, she decides she hates New York.
Also, her dad takes a full time job and her sister, Cory, is never home anymore. She feels as if everyone is splitting up and now when she tries to speak up everyone ignores her. How is she going to get everyone's attention and fix things?
Read this super awesome book to find out!
P.S if you want to suggest a "Book of the Week," please email me or tell me in person.
movie of the week
movie of the week
By: Brielle, Lucy, and Sydney
"Star Wars"
"Star Wars," which came out in 1977, is a great movie series about Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.
During the movie series, Luke and the Rebellion strike against the Imperial Alliance, which is led by Darth Vader.
"Star Wars" was created, written, and directed by George Lucas. The famous theme songs, like The Imperial March, The Saga, and more, were created by John Williams.
Some of the actors in the original film are: Luke Skywalker is Mark Hamill, Han Solo is Harrison Ford, Princess Leia is Carrie Fisher. For Darth Vader, while David Prowse was in the costume, it was James Earl Jones who was his voice.
We highly recommend that you see all of them. This December, the final installment of the "Skywalker Saga," "Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker," will be coming out. Also, on Disney Plus, "The Mandolorian" show is now out, receiving great reviews.
More than 40 years later, "Star Wars" is as popular as ever. Which is your favorite?
winter plays
winter plays
By: Lucy and Sydney
Tis the season to watch Hamilton before it leaves Chicago!
FALALALALA-LALALA...WAIT! HAMILTON IS LEAVING?!
Yes, the rumors are true! On January 5th, "Hamilton" will be leaving Chicago after nearly three years!
But, more plays are coming! Plays such as “A Christmas Carol,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “The Nutcracker,” and more are in Chicago!
And even if you still want to see Hamilton, you can! Sure, you'll have to go to New York City, but it will be worth it!
If you want to have fun this winter, you should go to a play! It doesn’t have to be in Chicago, or even Illinois, or even the U.S.A., or even North America, or even the Earth! (J.K., it has to be on Earth, unless you want to lose your entire budget to find a way to get to a planet with aliens).
Have fun this winter with your family or friends! [Ed. Note: Or, your alien friends?]
Watch the winter wonderlands come to life!
Weather
Weather
For Fun
For Fun
Would You Rather?!
Would You Rather?!
By: Henry
Hello everybody! Here are your eight disturbing questions for the week of November 25th!
Would you rather accomplish all of your life goals, but hiccup every ten seconds, or live all eternity with a rain cloud over your head?
Would you rather have a rainbow outside everyday, but no sunsets, or awesome sunsets, but no rainbows?
Would you rather have to eat a Big Mac from McDonalds every day as your only meal, or a Burger King Impossible Whopper every day as your only meal?
You have to choose which one to save: a cute little puppy, or a small cute fluffy little cat?
Would you rather only be able to breathe every five seconds, but accomplish all of your life goals, or only be able to turn your head every five seconds, but you are rich?
Would you rather have to watch Elmo for the rest of eternity, or have to watch or watch Sofia the first for the rest of eternity?
Would you rather have to eat squid, or octopus?
Would you rather have a ten-hour tutor lesson, or eat a dead cockroach?
This has been…Would You Rather!
Celebrity Spotlight: Robert Mirabal
Celebrity Spotlight: Robert Mirabal
By: Ana and Kyla
Robert Mirabal is a Pueblo musician and a Native American flute player from Taos Pueblo, New Mexico. He was born on October 6. Some of his flutes have been displayed at the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum!
Robert Mirabal has won multiple awards such as the Native American Music Award (twice), two Grammy's, and even a Lifetime Platinum Music Award!
Mr. Mirabal has also written three books! The first is called Skeletons of A Bridge. He is also working on another book that is called Running Alone in Photograph. Mr. Mirabal has 3 amazingly talented daughters named Kona, Masa, and Aspen.
We interviewed Ms. Cone to learn more about her friend.
K= Kyla
A= Ana
C= Ms. Cone
K: When did you first meet Robert Mirabal?
C: Around 2011, so 8 years ago.
K: Do you know when he started to play music and/or make musical instruments?
C: He was at Summer Stock when he was a lot younger, probably 18 years old.
A: Do you feel like family or friends?
C: Like family! He is like my older brother and his daughters are like my sisters. He feels like family. In life, there are blood relatives, and chosen relatives. He is a chosen relative and we are super close.
K: What was his homeland like?
C: It is breathtaking. There are lots of mountains that are crazy, insane, awesome!
A: What was your first impression of him?
C: I had never seen talent at that level before with a musician, but his storytelling was outstanding.
A: What was HIS first impression of you?
C: Of me? He probably thought that I was crazy!
comic corner
comic corner
Quote to Comic: "Tough Cookie"
Quote to Comic: "Tough Cookie"
By: Nicole
Has anyone ever called you a "tough cookie?" Well, I guess Mr. Cookie got inspired!
"How to Draw: Hands"
"How to Draw: Hands"
By: Lexi
Meme(s) of the Week
Meme(s) of the Week
By: Logan; Blake, Anthony, Henry
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