Welcome to the Menlo Monthly's February edition! Today, we have amazing articles about a variety of topics. Read more to learn about topics like COVID-19, sports, the Menlo play, groundhogs day, the good place, and so much more. We hope you enjoy it and we can't wait to write more! See you soon!
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Do The Groundhogs Really Know?
Do The Groundhogs Really Know?
By: MG Curtin
Are you just as curious about Groundhog Day as I am? If so, this article is for you. In this article I will explain what it really means when the groundhog sees his shadow.
Let’s start off with the history of Groundhog Day. Groundhog Day was a tradition from the late 1880s that was brought to us from Germany. Did you know that in Germany they did not use a groundhog but a badger? Badgers do not live in Pennsylvania, so they decided to use a groundhog. The most famous groundhog is named Punxsutawney Phil who lives in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. On Groundhog Day, which is February 2, Punxsutawney Phil comes out of hibernation and looks for his shadow. If he sees the shadow that means another six weeks of winter. If he comes out of hibernation and does not see his shadow, we go straight to Spring!
Is Punxsutawney Phil really able to predict the future? Actually, Punxsutawney Phil has only been correct 40% of the time. Phil is not the only groundhog predicting future weather. Staten Island Chuck is accurate almost 80% of the time. The behavior has more to do with when they will come out of hibernation than them spotting their shadow. We know that when there is an added 6 weeks of winter, plants will not grow because of the weather. This means the groundhogs must stay in hibernation until there is food. This food is very important for their survival. Food availability can tell us more than their shadow.
This year Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow at 7:27 a.m. This is supposed to mean we will have 6 more weeks of winter. But are these groundhogs still in hibernation is the real question. Currently, most groundhogs are still in hibernation. Time will tell if there really are 6 more weeks of winter.
Sources:
https://www.history.com/news/groundhog-day-history-and-facts
The Earth
The Earth
By: Nuria Sandri
“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity: and I’m not sure about the universe.”
― Albert Einstein
Covid-19 has caused 2.49 million deaths worldwide, 112 million cases and 63.4 million recoveries, but what most news fail to enlighten is the recovery of the earth. Since the start of the pandemic the use of cars, planes, and trains have been unnecessary, meaning the production and consumption of fossil fuels has dropped exponentially. This caused the greenhouse effect to go down, and helped us take one step closer to stopping climate change.
Overall climate change is improving because of Covid-19 but this effect is fleeting, the EIA (Energy Information Administration) predicts that once Coronavirus improves the use of transportation will go back up, meaning we can’t get our hopes up until we use less fossil fuels and make sure it stays that way.
Menlo Middle School website
Charlie Brown Insight and Quotes!
Charlie Brown Insight and Quotes!
By Dinah Williams
You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown insight and quotes
Coronavirus has caused us to be apart from each other, and especially during this time of distance learning, it’s important to find joy. Well, the middle school musical You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown did that for the Menlo community. The play was fun, exciting, and engaging. Here’s what some of the performers thought about doing a play during COVID-19 and other aspects of the musical...
What’s your costume like, what was the process of getting them?
“This year we saw what everyone had in their houses first and then got stuff from the costume vaults from previous shows. Also, some costumes are bought.” - Miss Othmar and Frieda, Zoya Prabhakar.
As we saw last weekend, Woodstock played by Fernanda Aguilar was in, “All yellow. Big yellow tutu, yellow tights, yellow shoes, yellow feathers…” she told me. A very fun and accurate embodiment of her character.
What props do you use and how do they impact your part/ Tell me a bit about props?
“They’re essential to the show to help enhance the way people act,” replied Zoya.
An example of this is the playground set in the play. Here’s how Mr. Lewis described it, “The swing set and other playground elements make it feel like you’re outdoors playing and it’s a play so it works together.”
Some other props used were clipboards, pencils, a composition notebook, baseball mitts, a hat, gloves, blanket, valentines, a giant sharpie, a mini piano, and a sign.
Can you relate to your character, why, or how?
“There are parts of my character I relate to… she’s crabby and mean so I don’t relate to her on a day-to-day basis in that way but everyone has their bad days and there’s a part of every character that relates to someone,” answered Lucy, aka Alexa Muchnick.
“She’s not the most popular girl in school but she’s still good friends with certain people and she has good relationships. This relates to struggles of any person in social life,” stated Violet, played by Mila Pineda.
“He really likes to eat food so yes,” Snoopy (Ally Kiang) exclaimed!
How is it managing school and theater?
Here are a few actors’ take-ups on it…
“It’s doable in a time like this, Mr. Lewis is very understanding about balancing academics and arts so in rehearsals he says if you have homework you can leave. I can balance it, for the most part, I’m able to get through all my work. Also, I email teachers and they’re understanding,” replied Alexa.
“A little difficult, especially this week doing rehearsals until 6:30,” Zoya told me during the week before performances.
“Teachers do a good job accommodating you and they understand,”
Said Clifford Palmer, who played Charlie Brown.
“Pretty easy, everyone is understanding,” said Ally.
Overall it seems like teachers, as well as Mr. Lewis, are understanding and accommodating which makes it easier to participate in theater knowing you won’t have to be stressed over the balance of school work and rehearsal.
Anything else you’d like to tell me?
“Really fun show because everyone’s playing 8-year-olds,” Zoya expressed to me.
“It’s nice to get to know your castmates and the crew,” Franklin, played by Sage Brandon, responded!
What is it like doing a play outdoors?
“It’s enjoyable because we can see all the trees and grass,” answered Sage.
“Just work through it and know that it’s the same thing and just a little bit colder. Adapt to the new environment, theater is theater no matter where you are. Just make do.” replied Timothy Harrick who played Shroeder.
What is it like doing a play doing COVID-19 and having to wear a mask?
“I’ve never done a performance before COVID, usually they’re inside, this is a unique experience. My first year’s very different than normal,” said Fernanda.
The chemistry between the actors was visible as they worked together so flawlessly to put together an amazing show.
Menlo has been very proactive about getting students on campus in the safest way possible so for theater they’ve been getting COVID tested even before we started hybrid learning. They wore masks off stage, and socially distanced. Also to keep the broader community safe, the performance was virtual as we all saw last weekend.
One thing that stood out to me as I dropped in on one of the rehearsals was the exercises & games Mr. Lewis initiated to get the cast energized before rehearsing.
According to appstate.edu, theater helps build and enhance many skills - especially in youth - including “oral communication skills, creative problem-solving abilities, motivation, and commitment, willingness to work cooperatively, the ability to work independently, time budgeting skills, and initiative.” The theater program at Menlo is a great chance to get to know your schoolmates, develop a passion for creative arts, and have fun! You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown was an outstanding and remarkable show, that gave Menlo a great impression of the exceptionally skilled theater community.
Image source: Wikipedia
D’Arcy Carden Q&A
D’Arcy Carden Q&A
By Hadley Larson
What was life like on set?
It was super fun. There were no bad days. The whole cast and crew were all super nice
What is your favorite part about being an actress?
“The people. I love being in an ensemble of actors”
Do you have any advice?
“If you don’t love acting don’t do it. If you are not ok with being told “no” a lot then you should probably not be an actor. You have to LOVE acting to be an actor.”
Kinda Fun Facts:
Favorite Snack Food:
Pretzel Chips or a Banana with Peanut butter
Favorite Song:
Treat people with kindness
Favorite Movie:
Moulin Rouge
What are you strangely good at:
Tetris
Comfort place?: I
n her backyard under a tree with her dog and husband
Favorite Dessert:
Creme Brulee
Life Philosophy:
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
Super Bowl Recap and Early NFL Predictions
Super Bowl Recap and Early NFL Predictions
By: William Beesley and Asher Darling
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL managed to overcome the crisis and host an entire season of football, concluding with Super Bowl 55 in Tampa Bay. For the first time in NFL history, a team controlled home-field advantage for the Super Bowl. QB Tom Brady and formerly retired TE Rob Gronkowski connected on two touchdowns to help the Tampa Bay Buccaneers prevail on their home field, despite the Chiefs being 3.5 point favorites.
-NJ.com
-The Verge
-CBSSports.com
Led by Brady, still going at 43 years old, the underdog Buccaneers came through to win their second Super Bowl in franchise history. Mahomes vs Brady was expected to be a battle for the ages, but Super Bowl 55 ended in a lopsided blowout, with the end score being 31-9 in favor of the Bucs. Many players who were not on an NFL roster at the start of the season made huge contributions for the Bucs in the Super Bowl. Antonio Brown and Rob Gronkowski, retired players before the start of the season, combined for 3 touchdowns. Also, Leonard Fournette, who was released by the Jacksonville Jaguars prior to the NFL season, provided the Buccaneers with a total of 135 scrimmage yards along with a touchdown of his own.
Despite the offense thriving under the bright lights, the Buc’s defense was key to containing Mahomes and the flashy Chiefs offense to a season-low nine points. Antoine Winfield Jr. and Devin White had interceptions while Ndamukong Suh and Shaq Barrett kept Mahomes on his heels all game long to seal the deal.
Our Projected NFL Standings for the 2021-2022 NFL Season
# = Makes Playoffs
NFC
NFC West NFC East NFC South NFC North
49ers 11-5 # Cowboys 10-6 # Buccaneers 13 # Packers 12-4#
Seahawks 10-6# Giants 8-8 Saints 10-6 # Bears 9-7#
Cardinals 9-7 Eagles 5-11 Falcons 5-11 Vikings 6-10
Rams 8-8 Washington 4-12 Panthers 4-12 Lions 4-12
AFC
AFC West AFC East AFC South AFC North
Chiefs 13-3 # Bills 12-4 # Titans 10-6 # Browns 11-4 #
Raiders 9-7 Dolphins 10-6# Colts 9-7 # Ravens 10-6 #
Broncos 5-11 Patriots 8-8 Jaguars 4-12 Steelers 8-8
Chargers 5-11 Jets 5-11 Texans 3-13 Bengals 5-11
NFC West Recap
Next year, we will see quite a few major changes in the league, including the Niners’ rise back to domination. With many of their stars returning from injuries, such as Nick Bosa, Jimmy Garopollo, Raheem Mostert, and Dee Ford, the San Francisco 49ers are sure to be Superbowl contenders once again. Amidst the tough division that is the NFC West, the Seahawks will most likely join them in the playoffs, and the Cardinals may be able to hang on if they can achieve a 10 win mark next season to surpass the Bears for a wild card spot.
NFC East Recap
In the NFC East, a division that was up for grabs late in the season we predict the Dallas Cowboys to prevail over the 8-8 Giants with a record of 10-6. With the growth of young players and Dak Prescott back from injury the Cowboys could make a surprising run in the NFL playoffs. Behind them in the division are the Giants who get back star running back Saquon Barkley and narrowly miss the playoffs. The Washington Football team and Eagles struggle with new quarterbacks and young rosters who place them at the bottom of the division.
NFC South Recap
We predict the reigning Super Bowl champions to dominate the NFC South division. Led by Tom Brady the Buccaneers easily seal the division with a record of 13-3. If the Bucs can retain weapons on the outside for Brady and keep their defensive threats there is a good chance we could see them back in the Super Bowl. After the Buc’s we have the Saints regressing a little but still making the playoffs. Assuming Drew Brees retires, they will still be a threat in the NFC but will lose lots of experience and leadership. Towards the bottom of the division, the Panthers and Falcons are both rebuilding teams. We don’t expect them to be competing for a ring, but maybe the #1 pick.
NFC North Recap
Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, and the Green Bay Packers will again claim their top spot atop the NFC North standings. If the Packers can keep their offensive trio of Rodgers, Adams, and Aaron Jones together, I am certain they will again have a chance to reach the Superbowl. The Bears might also be a wild card team this year, and with their very reliable defense, they should be able to have a winning record this year as long as they get a decent performance from their offense. Some next steps for them are to improve their overall offensive squad and maybe get an upgrade at quarterback. Moving down the list, the Vikings could be a surprise team with flashy offensive players such as Dalvin Cook, Justin Jefferson, and Adam Theilen. The Lions continue their rebuilding process and hope to get new young talent to add to their roster.
AFC West Recap
The Chiefs will continue their dominance in the AFC West with an astounding 13-3 record tied for the best in the league. With a solid defense and the amazing offensive trio of Mahomes, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce the Chiefs will surely still stand atop this division next year. The Raiders, like the Bears, could possibly be a sneaky wild card team. Josh Jacobs was very good and consistent last year. If he continues to grow alongside Darren Waller, this team could be dangerous. At the bottom of the division the Broncos and Chargers both in rebuild mode with young quarterbacks. It will be at least a couple of years before these teams can compete with the Chiefs.
AFC East Recap
In the AFC East, the Bills continue to thrive with the combo of Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs to finish atop the division for the 2nd year in a row. The Bills made a big jump last year and with some new additions to their roster, I could see them as the AFC champions. The Dolphins will also clinch the playoff birth with a 10-6 record. If the Dolphins can get weapons on the outside during the offseason, this young roster will be able to do big things in the future. The Patriots are in a tough position right now. There is a lot of uncertainty behind their Quarterback for the future. I do think they improve from last year because some of their key players opted out of the year due to covid concerns. The Jets still have work to do but Robert Saleh has them headed in the right direction. This process will take time but soon the Jets will be able to compete with some of the best.
AFC South Recap
In the AFC South, the Titans are a clear choice to be a Super Bowl contender. With star running back Derrick Henry, alongside the dynamic duo of Ryan Tannehill and AJ Brown, the Titans could very well make a trip back to the AFC championship next year. The Colts are also a Wild Card team, with pro-bowler Darius Leonard leading a star-studded defense to the playoffs. The Jaguars and Texans are both going to be looking for new talent to bulk up their lineup with. We do expect Deshaun Watson to depart from the Texans, so we’ll see who they can bring in for him. It will also be interesting to see what Trevor Lawrence can do for the Jaguars as a team, as we predict he will be drafted to Jacksonville.
AFC North Recap
The AFC North is one of the most competitive and interesting divisions in the NFL. This year the Browns, Steelers, and Ravens are all going to be competing for playoff spots. I gave the nod to the Browns and Ravens but this is going to be an exciting division race to watch as the season winds down. The Bengals will get Joe Burrow back from an ACL tear, but still are a few years away from competing with the rest of the division.
William’s Top 5 Superbowl Ads:
William’s Top 5 Superbowl Ads:
5. Flat Mathew Ad, Featuring Matthew McConaughey
-Yahoo
4. Pringles Ad
-Youtube
3. Cheetos “It Wasn’t Me” Ad, Featuring Shaggy and Cheeto Dust
-Adweek
2. Paramount Ad, Featuring Paramount+ Characters
-USA Today
Honorable Mention 1. GM Ad to Crush Norway, Featuring Will Ferrell, Kenan Thompson, and Awkwafina
-Bloomberg
1. Alexa Ad Featuring Michael B. Jordan
-Good Housekeeping
-Coach up
-CBS Sports
Covid, Sports, and Interviews With Coach Blake and Coach McDonald
Covid, Sports, and Interviews With Coach Blake and Coach McDonald
By Maren Mulloy
This year has been tough for everyone given the circumstances. Seasons have been postponed or canceled. Practices are on Zoom or social distanced. All of this can be challenging. Nevertheless, we are lucky for the sports we can do together!
When speaking to Menlo Lacrosse Coach Blake, he explained the challenges of sports in Covid, “The primary challenge (negative) for me as a lacrosse coach when it comes to COVID are the restrictions that arise from social distancing requirements: while I will always emphasize the importance of fundamental skills and encourage our student-athletes to continuously improve in those areas, not being able to have our student-athletes participate in ‘live’ lacrosse-playing conditions can be frustrating for everyone involved.” There are other issues like not being able to pursue more competitive activities during practice like 1v1, 2v2, 6v6, normal games, or other fun activities that help players improve skills like wrist strength or stick-work.
On the other hand, Coach Blake also described the lessons learned during COVID-19, “One of the positives is that the frustration of the pandemic will/should make our student-athletes really appreciate the opportunities that we DO have to get together and compete. In other words, it teaches them the valuable lesson that ‘you never truly realize how good you have it until it's taken away from you’.”
When speaking to Coach McDonald, he elaborated on how COVID-19 has affected the coaches, players, and teams. He says that it is challenging learning how to work Zoom and make it more interactive. Their main goal for the future is to get to play a couple of competitive activities against Sacred Heart. Despite all this, the coaches have still bonded over fun ways to get their competitive juices flowing like pickleball tournaments and on a more personal note, Coach McDonald has started to learn Spanish!
Coach McDonald also shared one of his favorite memories at Menlo, this story reminded me that good things can come from bad things just like the scenario we are in today. In this story, Menlo was running in the championship race, when our best athlete tripped and fell. She was defeated, crying, and hurt but the whole team hoisted her up and carried her to the finish line. Menlo came in last place, yet it was all worth it and is a true tribute to the kindness of our community here at Menlo.
In conclusion, there are both positives and negatives to COVID-19. It has taught athletes grit, determination, hard work and has been an opportunity to embrace new passions and work harder on already existing ones. Who knows, pickleball could be your new favorite sport!
COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 Vaccine
By Alexander Olariu
One year ago our world fell into chaos when a virus began its murderous journey to kill millions, and one year later, we are standing here, finally with a vaccine in our hands, and we are ready to take it without hesitation… after first knowing facts of its origin, how it works, and who you are trusting to get cured from, and if it’s safe. These are huge things we quickly overlooked in a scramble to quickly go back to our old, normal life, but what if life will never be the same? Let's start looking into the COVID Vaccine!
Before we talk about the COVID vaccine, we first need to understand how vaccines normally work. Vaccines teach our immune systems how to fight and recognize the pathogen. Vaccines usually contain a weaker relative of the virus or a weakened version of the virus that is injected into our bodies for our immune system to identify as a threat, and create memory cells about, so that if the actual virus shows up, it will immediately defend against it, stopping it from infiltrating our body.
But why mention this? Well because the COVID-19 vaccine is different. And new. The COVID-19 vaccine uses a new vaccination type called mRNA. What is mRNA? “mRNA vaccines are a new type of vaccine to protect against infectious diseases. To trigger an immune response, many vaccines put a weakened or inactivated germ into our bodies. Not mRNA vaccines. Instead, they teach our cells how to make a protein—or even just a piece of a protein—that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies.” says CDC
So if you had a question spiraling in your head about if the vaccine will literally GIVE you COVID-19, this is false.
According to CDC, unlike regular vaccines, mRNA vaccines “give instructions for our cells to make a harmless piece of what is called the ‘spike protein.’ The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19”. Essentially this vaccine does not pose a threat towards your health, but be warned that mRNA Vaccines are STILL new and we do not know everything about them
The first COVID-19 vaccine ever approved was the Vaccine produced by Pfizer. “On December 11, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued the first emergency use authorization (EUA) for a vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in individuals 16 years of age and older. The emergency use authorization allows the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S.” said the FDA. It requires two shots that are 21 days apart.
The second available vaccine is provided by Moderna. “On December 18, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the second vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The emergency use authorization allows the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine to be distributed in the U.S for use in individuals 18 years of age and older.” The Moderna Vaccine also requires two shots that unlike the Pfizer Vaccine, they are actually 28 days apart. Studies have shown that the full protection is achieved 2 weeks after the second dose.
The Johnson and Johnson (J&J) Vaccine was approved by the FDA for emergency use on February 27th, which is quite recently, so now the United States has 3 options for vaccination! The difference with the J&J vaccine is that it is only a SINGLE shot, unlike the others which require two DIFFERENT shots, which is a HUGE relief considering how you can take it once and you don't have to take it again.
So we know our options, but vaccines can also have side effects, so what are potential side effects from these COVID-19 Vaccines? Pretty mild ones! Side effects could include pain and swelling in the arm, and throughout the rest of your body fever, chills, tiredness and headaches. This information can be found on the CDC website. Potential side effects from the vaccine are really mild and not serious, and there is a very small chance you will react with severe ones. The only severe adverse effects reported are allergic reactions in people who have a history of severe allergies.
So to conclude any doubts you may have, the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and it is the only way the pandemic can be stopped, but the vaccine does not eliminate the risk of getting and transmitting COVID-19 completely. If you do get COVID-19 after being vaccinated, it will be in a very weakened form, and will feel almost like a mild cold, but the vaccine will not decrease your chances of getting COVID-19 to 0% so we must still be careful. Therefore, even after getting the vaccine wear a mask, social distance and wash your hands. Life may never be the same as it once was one year ago, but at least we will return to a somewhat normal point.
Resources:
-Voice of America
-FDA
A Third Vaccine?
A Third Vaccine?
By Jade Yoo
The US is currently thinking about using Johnson and Johnson’s new Covid-19 vaccine. Right now, the US is using vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. There are two main differences between Johnson and Johnson’s new vaccine and the two other ones that are currently being used.
The first difference is that Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine requires only one dose, whereas the others need two doses. This is very good, because this won’t make the patient return twice to the hospital, if they are getting a vaccine there (usually vaccine sites are at a hospital, but sometimes they are not). The hospital is always a risk to Covid-19, and also has many sick people who are exposed to contagious diseases. Also, this will be better because you have to only produce half the amount of vaccines, which is more sustainable. We can see through many different statistics that currently, the environment is not in a great condition. Pollution rates, both air and marine are increasing steadily, and other environmental issues, such as deforestation and global warming, also are happening right now. So, producing half the amount of vaccines per person will save the environment by taking less resources. Last but definitely not least, having half the amount of vaccines will be much more efficient, since more people can receive the vaccine, at a quicker pace.
Secondly, Johnson and Johnson has a lower efficacy rate. The Johnson and Johnson vaccine has 72% efficacy rate, but the other vaccines are at about 95% efficacy rates. This is one of the downsides of this new vaccine. However, this can be improved over time, as new research and discoveries take place. Something that is important to point out is that all three vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson) all are proven to be less effective against the South Africa Covid-19 Variant. Johnson and Johnson’s efficacy rate against the South Africa variant is currently 57%. All three vaccines are being researched to find better ways to defend against the recently-found variant.
In conclusion, this new vaccine is a great hope to many and I personally hope that this vaccine will be used, since it has many benefits to it. However, I do think that it would be best if the efficacy rate was higher. This Covid-19 pandemic journey is one with many ups and downs. We all have lost so many things because of it, but we’ve also gained many valuable lessons. I hope that the Menlo community can overcome this unique journey together.
-CNN
Why We Remember International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Why We Remember International Holocaust Remembrance Day
By Matthew Franc
What Was The Holocaust?
January 27, 2021 marked the 76th year since the largest Nazi concentration camp, Auschwitz was liberated1 by the Soviet Union in 1945. Nazis believed that Germans were racially superior, and they wanted to generate a society that was racially pure German. The Nazi standpoint was a far-right facist party, also known as Nazism. Their official name was National Socialist German Workers' Party.
The Holocaust was a campaign run by Nazi Forces during World War II to complete the Nazi task of The Final Solution. The Final Solution was a plan for the genocide of all European Jews during World War II. During World War II, many Jewish people in urban and regional areas were compressed into places in a city called a ghetto.
Living in the ghetto provided horrible living conditions. These ghettos were often fenced off and closed to isolate the Jewish population from non-Jews. Many of these people in the ghetto were then deported to Nazi Concentration Camps. Although there was resistance to Nazi Forces in the Ghetto, a day in the Ghetto was difficult because of lack of food, water, medicine, and other staples.
Why Do We Remember This?
On January 27, the world remembers the fatalities that occured in the Holocaust. Menlo can contribute by honoring the 6 million Jews, 7 million Jewish and non-Jewish Soviets, the approximate 1.8 million non-Jewish Poles, possibly thousands of homosexuals, 250,000 Gypsies (Romani people)2, approximately 250,000 disabled civilians in institutions, approximately 1,900 of Jehovah’s Witnesses3, 50,000 criminal offenders/asocials4, an undetermined amount of Resistance fighters and Axis opponents, and about 312,000 Serbian civilians by giving them a moment of silence and prayer. The Menlo Community can honor each and every one of them by taking a moment to simply think about why we remember the Holocaust and what people can do to help.
We remember this segment in history to not only honor the hardships and terror that these people experienced, but to remember why equality is important. We are the last generation that will ever hear the stories of the Holocaust, so we need to cherish the stories we hear about it, for this generation needs to pass these stories on.
Why is this important?
A man named Nat Shaffir was taken with his family from their small farm in Romania in November of 1942 and put into a Nazi Jewish Ghetto. They were put in a ghetto in the Romanian city of Iasi. He had his two parents and two sisters. For every two days that their family worked they received a quarter of a loaf of bread. 32 of Shaffir’s immediate family (uncles, grandparents, etc.) were taken to the largest Nazi Concentration Camp, Auschwitz-Birkeneau. Only his uncle survived. After the Soviets liberated the camps and the ghettos, Shaffir emigrated to the U.S. and started a family along with a small business. All of his children and grandchildren were named after one of his family members killed in the Holocaust.
His story shows his determination and resemblance that he and his soul can’t be taken.
This story also resembles how important equality is. If you, the reader had been put into his shoes, how would you feel? Would you feel obstructed? Would you feel like you got the shorter end of the stick in life? For many people throughout the Holocaust, they felt this. We need to make sure that equality is a mandatory right, not a privilege. We need to make sure that an event similar to the Holocaust doesn’t reoccur.
Take a moment to find a story on YouTube or an article about a Holocaust survivor to hear from them first-hand.
Footnotes:
Liberation: The act of freeing something/someone.
Romani/Gypsy ethnic group: An ethnic group originally from a region between Iran and India. They migrated to Europe in the 14th and 15th centuries (1300-1400). Most currently reside in Europe and the U.S.
Jehovah’s Witnesses: A branch-off orthodox Christian group that believes in similar beliefs to Christianity.
Asocial: Not motivated to engage in social interaction.
Resources:
On May 6, 2016, file photo, Aung San Suu Kyi walks with Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, right, Myanmar military's commander in chief, in Naypyidaw. - abc news
Military Take Over in Myanmar/Burma
Military Take Over in Myanmar/Burma
By Matthew Franc
What Really Happened?
On Monday, February 1st, 2021, Myanmar/Burma’s Military seized control of the country right after a general election where Ms. Suu Kyi, the country’s incumbent1 president won the election for the National League for Democracy party by a landslide victory. “Aung San Suu Kyi became world-famous in the 1990s for campaigning to restore democracy” says BBC. While under house arrest in 1991 from the junta2 taking control in 1989, she won the Nobel Peace Prize for calling for democracy in Myanmar.
The military then took Ms. Suu Kyi into custody for a fraud election. “The coup3 took place as a new session of parliament was set to open” says BBC News.
Myanmar also has the name Burma because when the military took power in 1989, they also changed the country’s name to Myanmar. In 2016 Ms. Suu Kyi “said it did not matter which name was used” (BBC).
The Military Commander-In-Chief Min Aung Hlaing is in power right now. Ms. Suu Kyi, the president-elect, is under house arrest. Ms. Suu Kyi has been charged with “possessing illegal walkie-talkies and violating the country's Natural Disaster Law” (BBC).
How Are People Reacting?
Citizens in Myanmar have gone to the streets and have shown up in record numbers. The protesters include citizens of all professions, including students. Security forces have repelled by using water cannons, rubber bullets, as well as real ammunition to attempt to stop the protests. “At least three protesters and one policeman have been killed in violence at rallies against the coup” says Microsoft News.
Let Menlo hope that no one else gets injured during the protests, and that democracy may return once again to Myanmar.
Footnotes:
Incumbent: Someone that occupies a particular office.
Junta: A group of people that controls a country via military power.
Coup: A sudden act/action.
Resources:
-CNN
-CNN
In Memoriam of Kobe Bryant's Death, One Year Ago
In Memoriam of Kobe Bryant's Death, One Year Ago
By Brad Engel
A little over one year ago, on January 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant, his daughter, and 7 other people were on a helicopter that fatally crashed into a hillside in Los Angeles. Although Kobe’s life was tragically cut short, he left a legacy in the NBA that will never be forgotten.
Kobe was one of the most hard working athletes to ever play the sport of basketball, and this work ethic led him to 18 all star game appearances, and 5 NBA championships with the Lakers. One crazy example of his work ethic was demonstrated during his practices, when Kobe would count his “made” baskets, and only when he got to 400 he would move onto another shot. For perspective, an average person can make about 200 shots in an hour and a half.
Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality” changed the game for years to come. According to his book, “The Mamba Mentality; How I Play,” Kobe’s mentality was to constantly strive to be a better version of himself every day. He would practice for hours at a time, and when he was in high school, he would practice from 5am to 7pm when he didn’t have classes.
Even though it took a huge toll on his life, Kobe showed he was committed to the game of basketball. He didn’t just commit physically to the game, he also committed mentally to the game. Kobe fought through doubt and fear to achieve his goals. For example, after Kobe had won 3 NBA championships with Shaquille O'neal, there was debate over whether he could ever win another championship without Shaq. His determination and resilience paid off, and he went on to win two more NBA championships, cementing his legacy as a hall of famer.
Kobe Bryant will be remembered by basketball fans and professionals as one of the greatest players to ever touch the court. Kobe is a role model for all generations, and he will inspire many young people to improve their basketball skills with hard work and dedication throughout their lives.
Sources
https://www.businessinsider.com/kobe-bryant-describes-shooting-practice-routine-2013-2
-Quotev
-Quotev
Riddles
Riddles
By Eleanor Hardy
1) I am made of strokes
Of bristles and a brush
Some times worth ten million dollars, sometimes worth none
What am I?
2) I am alive in the dark
Turned by a knob
Sometimes huge and jagged
Sometimes a blob
I wear a skirt around my source
I can be made of plastic or china
Depends on my worth
What am I?
3) Sowed into the earth
Like a pair of button eyes
Taken care of by rain or sunshine
From something so small to something 10 ft high
With some good care, they may grow to the sky
pǝǝs ɐ :ɹǝʍsu∀ (Ɛ
dɯɐl ɐ :ɹǝʍsu∀ (ᄅ
ƃuᴉʇuᴉɐd ∀ :ɹǝʍsu∀ (Ɩ
Weather
Weather
By Alexa Castagna
What's up with the weather! The weather this month has been excellent . This month will be sunny and a little cool. Stay warm and go outside!
Comic
Comic
By Ava Hua
Gamestop Stock
By: Sachin Sandhu
When stocks go into or out of stock market indexes, it can drive wild trading action—even in the market’s largest names. Think Tesla when its shares were added to the S&P 500.
That raises the question what will happen to GameStop shares (ticker: GME) when Russell revamps its indexes in June, a process that starts in May. This year’s reconstitution could be big news for GameStop investors.
The S&P indexation committee announced Tesla (TSLA) stock would be added to its flagship benchmark back on Nov. 17. Tesla went into the S&P officially on Dec. 21.
Tesla was already the world’s most valuable auto maker when the announcement was made. The company’s market capitalization gained roughly $200 billion between Nov. 17 and Dec. 21. That amount is almost equal to the total market value of the second most-valuable auto maker in the world, Toyota Motor (TM).
Tesla stock was $650 when it went into the S&P 500. Since its addition, Tesla stock has traded above $900 a share and traded as low as $614. It has been a wild ride for one of the largest, most valuable U.S. stocks.
GameStop’s market cap is about $9 billion, depending on what time you check. It takes a lot less money to move GameStop shares than Tesla stock.
GameStop stock, for instance, has swung roughly 35% in Friday trading. It has traded about $3 billion worth of stock. Tesla stock has swung about 4% on about $9 billion in shares exchanging hands.
GameStop shares are nowhere near recent levels. The stock recently became embroiled in a social-media meme-fueled short squeeze. Shares traded as high as $483 in January.
Biggest Stock to check out this month: Tech shares led a slump in U.S. stocks while the selloff in global bonds deepened, with the benchmark Treasury yield hitting a one-year high and debt from the U.K. to Australia coming under pressure.
The Nasdaq 100 fell about 2% as investors rotated away from pandemic-era winners toward companies poised to benefit from an end to lockdowns.
Stocks popular with the day-trader crowd surged once again, with GameStop Corp. up as much as 85%.
Ten-year Treasury yields added as much as 11 basis points to 1.49%, the highest since last February.
Across markets, investors are betting on a sunnier outlook for the global economy, with U.S. jobless claims data the latest to support that idea. But they’re also staring down the risk that accelerating inflation is just around the corner and trying to gauge what that might mean for markets.
In remarks this week, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell offered reassurance that policy would continue to be supportive and look beyond a temporary pick-up in inflation, especially from a low base.
Finance ministers and central bankers from the Group of 20 will meet virtually Friday. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will be among the attendees.
The S&P 500 Index fell 1.3% as of 12 p.m. New York time.
DYNT
DYNT
Dynatronics Corp
(NASDAQ)
Dynatronics Corp (DYNT:NASDAQ) announced yesterday that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Bird & Cronin, LLC, renewed its purchasing agreement with Intalere, one of the leading national group purchasing organizations in the healthcare industry. DYNT made a new 52 week high on the announcement of $2.56, up almost 100%
Dynatronics Corporation is a manufacturer and distributor of physical medicine products. The Company’s products include a line of medical equipment for physical medicine applications, including therapy devices, medical supplies and soft goods, treatment tables and rehabilitation equipment. The new agreement extends the partnership through January 2024.
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