The Pulse - May 2023

May 2023

The Harvey School boys basketball team won the HVAL and NEPSAC championships this past year for the first time since 1995.

Guiding the team this year were head coach Denis Arnautovic and his assistant Connor Welles. There were 15 members on the team who all played a role in bringing two championships to Harvey. At the center position were starter Olaf Gorski, and subs Jackson Saccomanno, and Charles Treseler, who all brought defensive presence and height to the team.

Olaf provided the height and defense the team needed for the championships. The forwards on the team consisted of Sukie Vongveeranonchai and Dylan Gueli. The guards contributed many points this year, with Kirk Ortega, MJ Diaz, Jonah Kass, Brandon Mallon, Myles Feldman, Cam Powell-Spruils, Aaron Providence, and Dante Meloni rounding out the team with scoring and passing.

The Pulse had the chance to interview captains Kirk Ortega and MJ Diaz to get their insight on how the season went. In the interview, Kirk stated, “This was the best season of my life, and I wish it happened sooner, but I’m glad I went out on the top.”

A notable moment in the championship run was when Jonah Kass was heating up, draining multiple 3’s in a row to get the Cavs out to an early lead. In the NEPSAC tournament, Harvey went undefeated and won the chip championship for the second time in school history.

During the first morning meeting back from spring break, Mr. Lacen, Harvey’s athletic director, dedicated some time to talk about the accomplishments of both the girls and boys basketball teams. He called up each player from both teams and congratulated

Heroic Harvey Run

By Bradley Lederer

them in front of the school. During the end of the morning meeting, a video was shown, where former National Basketball Association player Collin Sexton found out and congratulated the Harvey Basketball team.

Coming into the season, Harvey brought in two international students. Sukie is from Thailand, and Olaf is from Poland. They both contributed by rebounding, scoring, and playing defense. Olaf was the top rebounder on the season, using his height to his advantage.

The top scorer, Kirk Ortega, had an fantastic senior season, leading the team in scoring. Jonah was second in scoring, and even as a sophomore, he was one the biggest leaders on the team, establishing his role early.

Next up, MJ Diaz contributed to the team with scoring but was also a great defender, always managing to find a way to get a steal. MJ was very loud on and off the court, making sure his team knew he was there. Even when he was on the bench, he would start “Defense” chants to get the players focused on the game. Even though the players on the bench this season didn’t get many minutes, when their chance came, they put out their best energy, helping the team out for as long as they could.

A game that stood out for players who started on the bench was the second game against Williams. Dylan Gueli and Wes Elkind combined for about 35 points, helping them to roll by The Williams School. This game helped boost Harvey’s confidence so much by creating a new threat off the bench.

As The Pulse interviewed MJ Diaz, asking how it felt to win two champion-

Prom Prep 101

By Emma Galgano

Prom season is officially here! The day that has been discussed and dreamed about since you entered high school.Prom, however, can be stressful. So, this article will serve you as your Fairy Godmother to ensure you go to the prom feeling like Cinderella.

My biggest advice for junior and seniors, or anyone attending prom, is: Do not procrastinate! You want to give yourself enough time to find a dress or suit and secure hair and makeup appointments because, trust me, these appointments fill up!

If you plan on wearing a dress, you should go shopping a few months before and have fun with it. Make an appointment beforehand to secure yourself a fitting room because Prom stores are hectic. Also, before going, I recommend surfing the internet to browse what shapes and colors you like.

The best prom dress store in the area is A Step Ahead in Stamford, Connecticut. I suggest making an appointment, because when you do, a worker will pull

your dresses and work one-on- one to ensure you find the perfect one. They are also very talented at pulling dresses that look fantastic on different body types. Another plus is that while booking an appointment, they ask what high school you attend, meaning, they won’t sell the same dress to two people at the same high school.

Over the summer, I was a sales associate for the dress store Windsor, which has a wide selection of affordable prom dresses. Although you’re not getting one-on-one time with someone, and the store can get busy, you will save a lot of money. While working there, however, I noticed that many dresses run extremely small, and they don’t have a wide selection of sizes.

After finding your dress, the next step is finding your shoes. If you need alterations on the dress, you need to have your shoes beforehand to make sure they can tailor the dress to the exact height you will be on the day of the prom.

ships last season, he responded with, “It felt amazing, and it felt like I made history during my senior season.”

Throughout the season, the boys won almost all their games in the HVAL, only losing one game to Watkinson School, which was heartbreaking. But the boys came back in the second game, winning over Watkinson to make sure they had the one seed in the HVAL playoffs.

Something that sticks out so much was when Wesley Elkind came in ice cold due to an injury to Kirk, and Wes knocked down two free throws to make sure Harvey got the win.

This past season for the Harvey boys basketball team was one to remember, as they won two championships for the first time, etching themselves in the history books at this school.

Also, order heel cushions for your prom shoes, especially if you decide to wear heels. Your feet will hurt, so adding heel cushions can help soften that pain. You can order a three-pack on Amazon for about $6.

Prom Prep 101 cont, on pg 4

Photo of the Harvey boys basketball team after the NEPSAC championship win.

Photo Courtesy of Harvey Parents

Emma Galgano and Dan Gasch at the 2022 Junior Prom. Photo Courtesy of Jessica Gasch.

Dear Editor,

The Pulse Staff

Editor-in-Chief/Layout

Emma Galgano

Sports Editor

Dan Gasch

Spencer Elkind

Dylan Gueli

Annissa Khanna

Bradley Lederer

Razi Tanksley

Hudson Zamacona

Faculty Advisor

Virginia Holmes

Spring 2023

Pulse Staff

Nomad Life

Most people live their lives as youngsters in the same state and same town. I have lived in three different states and moved over seven times. For me, home is wherever I have a roof over my head. And to be honest, being settled for over two years in the same town isn’t natural for me and doesn’t feel right. I am a nomad.

My dad is in the entertainment industry, which requires moving around. A lot. For example, when my pop got a show in Los Angeles, we moved to Los Angeles, or he would for a couple of months, and I would go out as much as possible.

Many people, especially youngsters, are afraid of the idea of moving because they have to say goodbye to their friends at school and the life they are used to. Fortunately for me, I get to experience all the different cultures in America from the South to out West, where the waves are rarely flat. Therefore, I think everyone should be open to nomad life, as it offers a treasure trove of experience.

From house to house, town to town, and state to state, at the age of 12, we traded snow for heat and humidity in Charleston, South Carolina. For me, I was ecstatic, because this was a whole new playground. For me, being from Los Angeles, I prefer a more tropical and warmer climate.

Southern California is a hot spot for motorcycle culture, which I am very into, and being able to make connections out there has been very beneficial and dope. You won’t believe the car and motorcycle culture out West. Go to East LA and check out the sick lowriders and Vicla Harleys with those fishtails, apes, and beautiful paint jobs. Or, go down to San Diego or anywhere else in California to meet up with the Dyna Bros. California is the mecca of skateboarding, as well.

What I’ve learned from my time in New York, however, is that there is no day that is the same. There is always something new to experience, which I love about the city. I also love how you can walk miles and not notice.

Southern life includes fishing, surfing, riding around in golf carts, and beyond. People ask me if that show “Outer Banks” is realistic, and it most definitely is. If you go to Sullivans Island, especially, you’ll see little kids on golf carts with surfboards on the roof going to the beach to catch a wave on a warm day in March. Southern weather is awesome, but the humidity can be bad at times.

The food in Charleston is to die for. Go to Home Team BBQ for some Sunday football and chicken, or Mex 1, right next door, with the best quesadillas. You will find wonderful food wherever you go down there.

Charleston is home to my favorite skatepark: SK8 Charleston. I would go every day after school and skate until I couldn’t walk. The skate culture was insane out there.

Living in the South was a cool experience for me. I got to build new hobbies, such as fishing and exploring, with the benefit of making new friends from all over the country, which comes with being nomadic.

Living in Connecticut and being so close to New York City has been a thrill, because the city is home to all types of interests and hobbies. My whole family is mostly in Connecticut, which is nice, because we all are very close.

LA is more laid back, the south is very polite, and New York is an infinite journey. If you end up moving to a different town, city, or state, be grateful and really dive into the culture.

I have been able to experience all these different lifestyles with each new home and place because I was open to trying something new. Therefore, readers, if you ever have the opportunity to move, be excited, not down.

Sincerely,

Hudson Zamacona

UConn’s Uplift and LSU’s Landslide

By Razi Tanksley

In college basketball, March Madness has been a source of extreme triumph and heartbreak, and from historic runs to unbelievable upsets and stunning buzzer-beaters, the annual tournament brings out emotions from the teams and fans.

As reported by Mike Lopresti, the UConn Huskies triumphed over San Diego State Aztecs for the men’s league. As for the women’s tournament, LSU had a monumental run in the tournament and capped it off by winning their school’s first NCAA championship with an authoritative win over the Iowa Hawkeyes.

For both sides, this season has been stellar and exhilarating with surprises all-around, starting in the first. One of the earliest surprises was the 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson Knights breaking millions of brackets by upsetting the No. 1 seed Purdue Boilermakers 63-58. Joining Purdue in elimination was the No. 2 seed Arizona Tigers. Their defeat came at the hands of 15th seed Princeton Tigers, 59-55.

Once the second round started, another top seed team was taken out when the Arkansas Razorbacks narrowly beat the top ranked Kansas Jayhawks by one point. However, UConn would crush their championship dreams in the Sweet

Sixteen.

An interesting fact to know is that while eliminated by the Miami Hurricanes in the Elite Eight, University of Texas Longhorns coach Robert Terry has plenty of reasons to be hopeful with the organization. After months of determination and commitment to the team after being named the interim head coach midseason, he is now the official head coach after signing a 5-year deal on the same day of his 55th birthday.

After leading the Longhorns to their third-most winning season in school history, he took to the podium and said, “God puts you right where you’re supposed to be. Today marks a journey, a new and exciting chapter in a 20-plus-year relationship I’ve had on the Forty Acres. I came here as an assistant with Rick Barnes and we had an incredible run. We won at a very high level, but I was one of those guys who aspired to be an elite high-major coach, and I’m getting a chance to live that out at the University of Texas.”

For the women’s bracket, there was electric tension between the teams and immense skill shown on the court. To start their runs for a national title, the LSU Tigers first took out the Hawaii Rainbow Wahine and the University of Michigan Wolverines. Iowa had dominant wins

over the Southeastern Louisiana Lions, Georgia Bulldogs, and Colorado Buffaloes.

In the final four, both tournaments had a variety of clutch play and extreme grit. In the men’s bracket, UConn blew out the University of Miami Hurricanes and delivered a bigger charge when they became national champions in Houston by beating the San Diego State Aztecs 76 to 59, according to ESPN.

In the women’s bracket, both No.1 seeds were knocked out right before the championship game in Dallas. Both Iowa and LSU managed to edge out top seeded Virginia Tech Hokies and South Carolina Gamecocks. To claim victory, as stated by Amna Subhan, Angel Resse, the star transfer from Maryland, and the Tigers displayed an win over Hawkeyes 102-85.

This latest championship is a historic win for LSU’s women’s basketball team. Hall of Fame coach Kim Mulkey was emotional during the game’s final seconds as she secured LSU’s first women’s basketball championship in just her second year at the helm for the Tigers. Mulley displayed pride and tearful enthusiasm as the final seconds secured victory, and she stated in a postgame interview, “Coaches coach a life-

Shaking Up the Diamond

By Dan Gasch

MLB games continued to get longer. According to sportingnews.com, 2023 marked the 11th year in a row that the average baseball game was over three hours.

With the goal of shortening games, the MLB decided it was time to implement a pitch clock, which had been discussed for many years. The pitch clock is 15 seconds while the bases are empty, and then it extends to 20 seconds once a runner reaches base.

for a balk. During a subsequent news conference, Scherzer stated, “You’ve got to push the limits on what you can and can’t do with this. I pressed it today.”

After the game, the MLB released a league-wide email stating that a quick pitch is illegal. Pitchers may not deliver a pitch “before the batter is reasonably set in the batter’s box,” the rule states.

time and this is the fourth time I’ve been blessed…Never in the history of LSU basketball, men or women, have they ever played for a championship and to win it, I think my tears are tears of joy. I’m so happy for everyone back in Louisiana.”

No matter what team you rooted for, and whether your bracket was broken in the first round or you were able to calculate shocking upsets, March Madness is a spectacle for all to witness.

CBS Sports stated that the increase in size could actually make baseball more exhilarating, as it can increase stolen bases and infield hits. CBS Sports writer Matt Syner stated, “Stolen bases are exciting, and if the bigger bases can get the successful steals back up, that’s a decent amount of extra fun.”

For many years, Major League Baseball (MLB) has been looking to find ways to make their game more entertaining to watch. Before the start of the 2023 season, the MLB officially added four rules to speed up the pace of play and make the game more exciting. These changes include larger bases, a pitch clock, a limit on pickoff attempts, and banning the shifting of infielders.

The MLB has had a long history of amending its rules to make baseball more thrilling. Before the 2018 season, the MLB made a rule limiting teams to six mound visits per game. In 2020, the league added a rule forcing pitchers to face at least three batters or pitch to the end of a half inning.

Despite these rule changes,

The clock starts when the pitcher receives the ball and shuts off when he begins his delivery. Batters are required to step into the batter’s box before the clock reaches eight seconds. According to CBS Sports News, a pitcher is allowed two “disengagements” per bat, which could be stepping off or a pickoff attempt to a runner on base. A third disengagement would result in a balk.

As reported by FOX Sports, a few players have set out to test the boundaries of the new pitch clock, including Mets pitcher Max Scherzer. Scherzer strategically paused for several seconds during a Victor Robles’s at-bat with a runner on first, causing Robles to step out of the box. Immediately after Robles stepped back in, Scherzer pitched, and Robles’s eyes and head were not yet facing the pitcher.

Max Scherzer was called

One significant rule change was the decision to ban the shift, a technique used by many teams, where infielders would adjust their positioning based on where analytics suggested a player was most likely to hit the ball. The new rule states that teams must half two infielders on each side of the second base, and all infielders must have at least one foot on the infield dirt.

According to ESPN, another rule change is that the size of bases will be increased from 15 inches to 18 inches. Due to the increased size, the bases will also have slightly less distance between them.

The MLB stated that the increase in the size of the bases is designed to reduce injuries around them. Originally, the size of the bases was determined around a century ago, and now baseball players’ feet are bigger, so there is less available room on the base. Due to this, it caused an increase in collisions, ankle sprains, etc.

Another new rule is that the pitcher can now ask for a new ball. However, he is only permitted to do so when at least eight seconds remain on the clock.

Despite some initial confusion in the form of pitch clock violations for both the pitcher and batter, the pitch clock has successfully brought down average game times. According to the CBC website and data released by the MLB, the average nine-inning game has been shortened to an average of two hours and 37 minutes. In addition, the league batting average has increased from .230 to .250, likely due to the larger bases and the banning of the shift.

Although there are critiques of the new rules, they have undoubtedly led to more action to this point in the MLB season.

LSU players celebrate a last-second shot during the first half of the NCAA Women’s Final Four championship basketball game against Iowa

Photo Courtesy of Nate Johnson

Photo of Mets pitcher Max Scherzer Courtesy of the New York Post

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been making waves in the technology industry for years, but its impact is set to increase in the coming years. As society moves toward a more interconnected and automated world, the role of AI is becoming increasingly important in shaping our future.

From self-driving cars to virtual assistants and medical diagnosis, AI is transforming industries across the board. But as technology advances, questions around ethics, transparency, and accountability become more pressing. With AI poised to become a ubiquitous part of our lives, it’s more important than ever to consider the implications of this rapidly evolving technology, especially surrounding the future of education.

According to the Artificial Intelligence Market in the U.S. Education Sector, it is expected that AI will grow 47.5% in the next three years. Because of this rise, the U.S. Bureau of Labor sees “strong growth for data science jobs skills in its prediction that the data science field

From Blackboards to Algorithms

By Emma Galgano

will grow about 28% through 2026,” says Bernard Schroeder, senior contributor for Forbes.

AI is growing quickly, with platforms like ChatGPT able to answer almost any question from before September, 2021 in seconds. Due to this fast growth, Global Market Insights Inc. predicts that the AI education market could have a market value of $20 billion by 2027.

Forbes states that “Artificial intelligence will transform technology.” However, not everyone sees the rise of AI as a positive attribute to society. Elon Musk, Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak, over 1,100 people signed an open letter calling for a six-month ban on creating powerful AI. They view the rise of AI as a threat to humanity.

Due to the rise and controversy within AI, The Harvey School’s Upper School head, Mr. Phil Lazzaro, and the chair of the English department, Ms. Virginia Holmes, attended a conference dedicated to discussions about the rise of AI in education. The conference was called “AI Squared” and featured Jane Rosenwieg, Director of the Writing Center at Harvard University as the keynote speaker.

Ms. Holmes described the takeaway from the conference, stating, “The keynote speaker said that as educators, we have three options right now: ban it, embrace it, but she really advised us to go the third route, which was to tread very carefully and slowly take a ‘dip-our-toes-

After you secure your outfit and shoes, about a month before prom, book your hair and makeup appointments. No matter if you’re getting your hair and makeup done professionally or if you’re doing it yourself, practice beforehand! You do not want to be in a situation where you dislike the hairstyle and glam a few minutes before you have to head off.

If you decide to do your makeup yourself or have a friend do it, some of my favorite products that are easy to use are the High Water Volumizing Tubing Mascara and the Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch liquid blush.

Now that it is a few weeks before the prom, it is time to start thinking about your date. Many people attend the prom with their friends, so do not stress about having a date. However, if you plan to ask someone to prom, a fun way to do it is through a “Promposal.”

According to Seventeen magazine, a “Promposal” usually involves a unique or elaborate act or presentation that took some thought

in’ approach. Because although ChatGPT is not always accurate right now, it is going to be in the future.”

Mr. Lazzaro agreed with Ms. Holmes that banning AI is not the correct route. He told The Pulse, “I think the impact is really up to each school, whether independent or public, and hopefully, they will embrace it. Because if schools decide that it is not a useful tool, they first have to recognize that they are not going to stop it, and the second thing is that they are preparing students for the future, and AI is the future in one way, shape, or form.”

Ms. Holmes described another takeaway from the conference, saying, “Just because ChatGPT can do it does not mean your assignment has no value.” She continued and stated, “Don’t feel like you have to change your assignments, but just think about how you assess them.”

After that conference, Ms. Holmes stated that she has started to embrace AI in the classroom. She told the Pulse, “When I first heard of it, I didn’t want to even talk to students about it. I was afraid I was letting students in on something that was taboo. But I have started some conversations with students. “She continued, stating,” In my Murder Mysteries elective, I had ChatGPT come up with some mysteries for us to solve and read. I do think it is kind of cool.”

Mr. Lazzaro made an excellent point when he told The

and time to prepare. There have been elaborate “Promposals” at Harvey, including those that feature posters, balloons, roses, etc.

One reminder is that “Promposals” do not need to be made in front of the entire school. You can “Prompose” to your special someone one-on-one, but make it personal and sweet.

My one piece of advice for someone planning to “Prompose” especially if you plan to do it publicly, is to ask a friend or someone beforehand to make sure they say yes. The last thing you want before prom is an embarrassment because your special someone said no to your “Promposal.”

If you choose to wear a tuxedo or suit, I suggest renting or buying one at least three weeks in advance, perhaps even earlier. Although picking out a suit is less tedious than dress shopping, you must remember that prom season makes everything hectic no matter where you go. Also, a cute thing to do is match your tie or bowtie to your date’s attire.

Pulse, “SparkNotes and those types of platforms have been around forever. So, the ability to cut corners has always existed, and AI could be used like that. But I do think, if taught correctly, AI can be a tool that will help students explore and find new interests.”

One topic that has been constantly debated is whether AI can replace the role of a teacher. According to Futurism, AI can replace teachers with its adaptive learning software. However, Mr. Lazzaro disagreed with that idea. He stated, “True teaching from the Greco-Roman time is built on human relationships, which I think will always be the cornerstone for true education.”

Georgia Tech created an experiment to test if AI has the capability to replace teachers. As reported by Forbes, students at Georgia Tech were guinea pigs in an experiment to see whether they would notice that one of their nine teaching assistants was a robot. The students noticed right away, as they said the robot was too “efficient to be a human.” They were not annoyed, however, and recommended the robot for a teaching award.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing, and its impact on society is undeniable. The future of education is being debated and questioned every day. But no matter what anyone believes the future is, AI is revolutionizing society.

A day or two before prom, you should buy a corsage or boutonniere. It’s customary to wear the corsage on the left wrist, as it is also customary to place the boutonniere on the left jacket lapel. Especially around prom season, you can buy one at any flower shop.

Last year, I bought mine at the Cherry Blossom Farm in Armonk, New York. I called about two days before the day of the prom and picked mine up the morning of the prom.

And that’s a wrap on our guide to prom! Whether you choose to dance the night away or simply enjoy the atmosphere, prom is all about celebrating your achievements and having a great time. Remember to have fun and make unforgettable memories with your friends. Best of luck to you, and may your prom night be everything you dreamed it would be!

Home page of the AI program ChatGPT.

Screenshot by Emma Galgano.

On March 12, 2023, the 95th Academy Awards were broadcast live on ABC. Considered one of the biggest nights in the film industry, the Academy Awards, or Oscars, are meant to celebrate the year’s greatest achievements in film. After two years of unpopular nominees, controversial decisions, and infamous moments, this year was a return to form for the Oscars, as a new crop of indie sensations, box office hits, and traditiondefying sequels aimed for the highest awards.

Hosted by comedian Jimmy Kimmel, this year’s ceremony featured a lot of brand-new achievements and broken records. But first, it would be disrespectful to ignore the obvious Oscar “snubs.” Perhaps the biggest was “Nope,” as the latest film from Jordan Peele failed to garner even one nomination. The foreign film “RRR” also fell short of more than one nomination, and “Black Panther Wakanda Forever” was

Reports

Recap of the 95th Academy Awards

By Spencer Elkind

missing from the Best Picture category. In the acting category, perhaps the biggest snub was Viola Davis for “The Woman King,” who narrowly missed out on the Best Actress nomination thanks to a grassroots campaign from Andrea Riseborough. And now, it’s time to review what films or actors took home the major awards.

The first film to take home gold was “Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio,” with Best Animated Feature, a longexpected victory that was still surprising in a category normally dominated by Disney and Pixar. Following that, actor Ke Huy Quan finished off his monumental comeback story with an almost universally-expected Best Supporting Actor win, accompanied by a tear-inducing acceptance speech.

However, following this, the first major upset occurred as Jaime Lee Curtis took home Best Supporting Actress. Though coming off the high of a Screen Actors Guild win, Curtis was still expected to come up short to powerhouses like Angela Bassett, whose performance in “Black Panther Wakanda Forever” seemed guaranteed to get Marvel its first acting Oscar. While Marvel did walk away with Best Costume Design later in the night, an acting award

continues to evade the entertainment giant.

As the ceremony continued, a surprise emerged in the German film “All Quiet on the Western Front.” In addition to an unsurprising Best International Feature trophy, the film also took home awards for cinematography, original score, and production design, delivering major upsets to films such as “The Fablemans,” “Tár,” and “Elvis,” none of which would end the night with a single trophy. Following their sweep of both supporting actor categories, “Everything Everywhere All At Once” seemed set to dominate the night, yet the middle portion of the Oscars left fans wondering if they might face some unexpected competition from the international war film.

However, the A24 wasn’t out of the race yet, as they took the trophy for makeup and hairstyling for “The Whale,” while “EEAAO” had an expected win in the Original Screenplay category. The Adapted Screenplay award went to “Woman Talking,” another Best Picture nominee which had never been considered serious competition for any other award, and “RRR” took home Best Original Song as their only Oscar of the night.

In addition, while the crowdpleasers “Top Gun Maverick” and “Avatar: the Way of Water” wouldn’t get much further than a nomination for Best

Free As a Bird Now

By: Hudson Zamacona

With a life lived on the road and passion through his fingertips, Gary Rossington tosses the stone to Rock ‘n’ roll. Gary Rossington, a Rock ‘n’ roll legend, died March 5, 2023. In the summer of ‘64, Rossington, Ronnie Van Zant, and Bob Burns founded the legendary band Lynyrd Skynyrd during a jam session.

The band was named after a gym coach, Leonard Skinner, who hassled the members about their long hair. It is a band name built from insults, but it worked out, because any living creature on earth knows Lynyrd Skynyrd when they hear the name. It is a household name across the world, especially in the U.S.

Some songs you definitely have heard include “Free Bird” (my favorite), “Simple Man,” and “Sweet Home Alabama.” Rossington was the band’s lead guitarist and pushed them through the flames as they toured the world.

According to the Guardian, as a young child in Jacksonville, Florida, Rossington wanted to be a baseball player until he heard The Rolling Stones, which turned his

life to music, which was clearly his calling.

Rossington and drummer Artimus Pyle would listen to Jeff Beck as kids on a gigantic stereo out on the boat. They would ride horses, according to Artimus on sonomusic.

Pyle said that “everyone will remember Gary as a road dog, trouper, songwriter, and one of the greatest guitar players that ever lived.”

Obits.com made a compilation of obituaries about Rossington. Jim Hancock stated, “Prayers for the family. Fly on FREEBIRD.”

Rossington’s favorite guitar was 1959 Gibson Les Paul, which he named Bernice after his mother.

According to thefamouspeople.com, in 1976, the band rose to fame while on tour on Labor Day weekend. Rossington was out for a while after he crashed his newly purchased Ford Torino into an oak tree. Gary was fined $5,000 for the accident, which was nothing compared to when “That Smell” was written after the accident as inspiration by Van

Zant Collins. “Whiskey bottles and brand-new cars, oak tree you’re in my way…”

Also, according to thefamouspeople.com, in 1977 Gary was in another accident, but instead of on the ground, he was in the air. He fractured his legs, arms, and pelvis in a plane accident.

In 1976, Rossington wrote the song “Gimme Back My Bullets,” which was about being in the top 12 of the Billboard’s list of best music, according to songfacts.com. Some of the lyrics from that song include, “Gimme back my bullets put em back where they belong. Put the damn band in top 12 where they belong. Really should’ve been numero uno.”

According to AP News, Rossington’s death could be the signal for the end of Southern rock. When people think of Southern rock, they are most likely thinking of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Lynyrd Skynyrd is the only known Southern rock band other than ZZ-top, which is more Texas rock.

Picture, they each took home a single trophy, with “Top Gun Maverick” winning Best Sound, and “Avatar: The Way of Water” easily clinching Best Visual Effects.

As the ceremony neared its end with the four final awards, Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert won Best Directing for “EEAAO.” Brendan Fraser, a star of the 90s who had fallen from the spotlight after several hardships, cemented his comeback story with a Best Actor win in “The Whale.”

History was made shortly afterward as Michelle Yeoh took home Best Actress, becoming only the second woman of color to win the award (with the presentation by Halle Berry, the only other woman of color to win Best Actress), and finally, “Everything Everywhere All At Once” ended its historical awards season with the coveted Best Picture award, winning seven out of 11 Oscars and ending the season as the most awarded film ever made.

This year’s Academy Awards was a feel-good affair free from the controversies and scandals of previous years. With crowd-pleasing wins, tear-inducing moments, and entertaining spectacles, this year’s Oscars are on their way to becoming one of the more memorable ceremonies of the 21st century.

Rock ‘n’ roll was birthed in the 50s with its key eras being the 70s through 90s. We have lost many original rock stars over the years, which is a sign that the great stars from the earliest days are reaching the end of their careers.

We lost the legendary Jeff Beck, Dusty Hill of ZZ-Top, Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters, and many others. Classic rock stars are getting too old to perform as well. Ozzy Osbourne has retired from performing, Alice Cooper’s age has caused him to be out of key and rely on his backup singers, Axl Rose can’t even keep up with his band while on stage, and Keith Richard has been struggling to play the guitar well on stage. They are the fading of rock ‘n’ roll.

The official logo for the 95th Academy Awards. Photo courtesy of Golderby.com

Lynyrd Skynyrd album

Photo from Lynyrdskynyrd.com

007 at 70: Celebrating the Anniversary of “Casino Royale”

By Annissa Khanna

The 70th anniversary of the first James Bond book “Casino Royale” was on April 13, 2023. Ian Fleming’s Bond novels are some of the most renowned of all time, with “Casino Royle” being the best James Bond story. As a secret agent working for a British intelligence agency, Bond was taking down a Russian spy, who was financing his operations by gambling at the Casino Royale in Monte Carlo. The classic depiction of Bond as a daring spy and masculine womanizer began after “Casino Royale” was first published in 1953.

Fleming wrote his first Bond novel following the second World War. Per the New York Times, Fleming’s writing has been influenced by his life as a former intelligence officer during the war. In light of the popularity of detective fiction in the 1950s, “Casino Royale” was influenced by Carol Reed and Graham Greene’s “The Third Man” and John Huston’s “The Maltese Falcon,” both depicting betrayal through self-destructive gluttony.

In the time since publication, James Bond has been portrayed on screen by Sean Connery (1962–

1967, 1971, 1983), David Niven (1967), George Lazenby (1969), Roger Moore (1973–1985), Timothy Dalton (1987–1989), Pierce Brosnan (1995–2002), and Daniel Craig (2006–2021). The James Bond many appreciate today has proceeded to go further than Fleming’s writing. In honor of the 70th anniversary, “Casino Royale” is going to be republishedthis spring to adapt to the 21st century.

The enduring life of James Bond’s popularity can be attributed to his strength of character and the time of post-war masculinity, with the films based on his novels, adapting to contemporary political issues. The upcoming republishing of “Casino Royale” for the 21s century is a testament to the legacy of Ian Fleming’s writing and a reminder that Bond is a true emblem of sophistication, captivating audiences for the last 70 years.

In the 2006 film, directed by Martin Campbell, English actor Daniel Craig stars as the M16 agent. It is a portrayal of a younger James Bond in his early days, and the plot revolves around Bond’s mission to bankrupt a terrorist financier by

winning a gambling game in Casino Royale. While doing so, he meets Vesper Lynd (Eva Green), a treasury agent who becomes his love interest and assists Bond in his mission, all while serving as a constant reminder that Bond will lose those closest to him.

The location of the shoot was stunning, with breathtaking views captured in Venice, Italy. The scenes are thrilling, with pacing and tension that gradually builds as the shots progress.

The standout performance of “Casino Royale” is Craig’s portrayal of James Bond. He brings depth into the character, and he does it with passion. He does not show Bond to be the perfect man, but rather an individual who carries his own weight and attempts to understand who is in his line of trust. His acting was received favorably by film critics, earning him a nomination for the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) for Best Actor in a Leading Role.

As the 70th anniversary of “Casino Royale” comes to a close, the adaptation for the 21st

century promises a new take on the classic story while still holding on to the timelessness of the original novel. With the success of Craig’s performance was a refreshing take on the character, bringing intensity and strength to the character that had not been seen in Bond films before. “Casino Royale” remains a classic novel and film, and Fleming’s legacy changes as the times do. One thing remains constant: the sophistication and intrigue captivated in Fleming’s writing, which all began 70 years ago, when the world met James Bond.

Morgan Wallen’s “One Thing at a Time” Takes Country to New Heights

By Dan Gasch

“Thought You Should Know,” and the title song “One Thing at a Time” all climbed to the tops of charts.

As of March 27, “One Thing at a Time” has remained at the top of the Billboard album chart for three weeks. In addition to the success on the album chart, all 36 songs individually have earned a spot in the Billboard Hot 100. Some of the highest ranked songs are “Last Night,” You Proof,” and “Thinkin Bout Me,” which have all reached a spot inside the top 20.

more than storytelling wise.” He continued, “We have about 20 songs that are more traditional country, we have nine beat songs that are more influenced by hip-hop.” He referred to the remaining songs as “dirt rock,” which he described as his alternative style.

The different influences

Should Know” has resonated with many fans and quickly become a fan favorite.

On March 3, 2023, country music superstar Morgan Wallen released his highly anticipated third album, “One Thing at a Time.” This album comes slightly over two years after the release of Wallen’s second album “Dangerous: The Double Album.” “Dangerous” broke many records for a country music album and transformed Wallen into the star he has become.

The 30-song album stayed on the Billboard 200 chart top 10 for 100 weeks, breaking the record for the longest time spent on the Bill- board 200 for an album by a single artist. “Dangerous” also produced many hit singles such as “More Than My Hometown,” “Wasted on You,” and “Sand in My Boots.”

Coming off the success of “Dangerous,” anticipation for Wal- len’s next album was high. This was demonstrated by the success of sin- gles he released leading up to “One Thing at a Time.” “Last Night,”

“One Thing at a Time” includes features from three country music stars including Ernest, Hardy, and Eric Church. Morgan Wallen has often stated that Eric Church has been a huge inspiration to him. In an interview with The Nash News, Wallen stated, “Eric Church has become a big part of my life…we talk week- ly. I respect him so much…I have him as someone who is looking out for me.” Hardy and Ernest are two of Morgan Wallen’s closest friends, and both contributed to writing many of the songs on One Thing at a Time.

One key element to Morgan Wallen’s success has been his ability to appeal to a broader audience than just country music fans. He has achieved this by diversifying his song catalog and creating music that appeals to a larger audience.

During his interview with The Nash News, Wallen explained how he selected the 36 songs he put on “One Thing at a Time.” He stated, “We put the album together sonically

Wallen describes are very clear to the listener, with songs like “Ain’t That Some” and “Cowgirls,”clearly taking influence from hip-hop. “Everything I Love” and “F 150-50” have the more traditional country sound, and “Whiskey Friends” clearly takes influence from rock.

When talking about the fi- nal song on the album “Dying Man,” Wallen spoke about the impact his son Indigo has made on his life. Although the song is written about a woman, Wallen stated that it is really dedicated to his son and shows the significance the 2-year-old has had on his life.

Another Heartfelt song on “One Thing at a Time” is “Thought You Should Know,” which Morgan Wallen released as a tribute to his mother on May 6 in honor of Mother’s Day. Wallen co-wrote the song with country music star Miranda Lambert and songwriter Nicolle Galyon. When asked what it meant to write with Miranda Lambert, Wallen stated, “I wanted a woman’s perspective for this song and in particular a mother’s perspective… I’m a huge fan of Miranda, so it’s cool for me to get to do things like that.” “Thought You

Many songs on the album benefit from appealing rhythm and intriguing lyrics. In particular, “98 Braves,” written by John Byron, Josh Miller, and Travis Wood, compellingly compares a relation- ship to the Atlanta Braves in 1998. Other songs that stand out lyrically in particular include “Man Made a Bar,” “Money on Me,” and “Devil Don’t Know”

My personal favorite song on the album is “In The Bible,” which features Hardy. Hardy is one of my favorite artists, and I enjoy the way the two effortlessly share the song smoothly alternating lines and verses to create a fantastic collaboration. Hardy has joined Morgan Wal- len as an opening act on the “One Night at a Time” world tour, which kicked off in Auckland, New Zealand on March 15. Other artists that will be a part of the “One Night at a Time” tour include Ernest, Bailey Zimmerman, and Parker McCollum.

“One Thing at a Time” will undoubtedly go down as one of the biggest albums of 2023 and will be replayed for years to come. Mor- gan Wallen has shown why he is the biggest artist in country music and will presumably sustain his suc- cess for years to come.

As of May 9 The One Night at a Time World Tour has been post- poned to 2024

Cover by Fay Dalton

Album cover of “One Thing at a Time,” Courtesy of Spotify

Look for the Light: Review of HBO’s“The Last of Us”

By Spencer Elkind

HBO has a long re- cord of amazing, high-quality prestige television. Shows such as “Succession,” “Game of Thrones,” and “White Lotus” captivated audiences with each new episode in their signature airtime of Sunday night. Now, as 2023 begins, a new show enters the HBO pantheon: “The Last of Us.” Based on the critically acclaimed video game of the same time, this series has proven itself to be nothing less than a masterpiece. It’s not just a flawless season of television, but it’s also one of the greatest adaptations ever made in the history of entertainment.

For a little bit of background information, this series was created and written by Craig Mazin, known for the HBO miniseries “Chernobyl” and Neil Druckman, the cocreator of the original game. It stars “Game of Thrones” alumni Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey as Joel and Ellie, two people on a mission across post-apocalyptic America. Along the way, they face off against bandits, military forces, and the victims of the Cordyceps brain infection that caused the end of the world as we know it.

But, what really makes this show so amazing? The first part of that is the performances, especially from Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. Pascal truly captures exactly how much of a broken man Joel is and how the trauma of losing his daughter has turned him into a killer. Meanwhile, Bella Ramsey brings a new interpretation to Ellie, as their performance captures the more tragic and emo- tional aspects of her backstory.

It’s not just the leads who bring their A-game to this show. Every single actor in- volved gives 110%. Of course, everyone heard about the third episode, “Long Long Time,” which told a mostly original story of the romance between Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Barlett), but all the other actors are amazing, too. Even the stars from the original game, such as Jeffrey Pierce, Troy Baker, and Ashley John- son, were given new, emotion- ally-charged roles in this story of a man and his daughter doing what they can to survive.

The second part all comes down to how Mazin and Druckmann dealt with adapting the game to television. From the very beginning, they realized a crucial aspect of the game: Some parts of it were already perfect and could not be better. So, what was the point of making any changes? As such, some scenes are almost exactly the same as they were in the original game. The lines of dia- logue, the camera angles, and the action in these scenes are all frame-perfect, lifted straight from the games in the most

accurate adaptation I’ve ever seen.

The final part has to do with the changes made in the series to set it apart from the game. The showrunners realized that while some parts of the game can be taken as-is, others can be improved upon and given new depth while also servicing the story of Joel and Ellie. As mentioned above, the story of Bill and Frank is mainly created for the show, but other characters, such as the cannibal group and the Kansas City freedom fighters, receive much more attention and backstory, no longer just another horde of enemies to fight through.

And as part of that, Mazin and Druckmann dramatically scaled back the amount of combat in the show. In the game, it’s hard to go 30 min- utes without a massive combat encounter that involves Joel leaving dozens of dead bodies in his wake, but that doesn’t work in a show where Joel is considerably weaker, and the enemies are much more fleshed out and sympathetic.

Even the Infected, which appear extremely often in the game, are seen much less and have their signature method of spreading com- pletely removed, as mushroom spores would be too different from how the Cordyceps fun- gus operates in real life. While Runner, Clickers, and Bloaters get their time in the sun, the primary focus is always on characters and motivations for everyone, truly showing that, in the world of “The Last of Us,” there are no villains, and everyone is the hero of their own story.

In conclusion, “The Last of Us” delivers a perfect blend of action motivated by dozens of extremely compel- ling characters. When awards season comes around, this show definitely deserves to be nominated and possibly win some awards.

Travelers Rest: An Event Venue to Remember

By Annissa Khanna

One of Westchester County’s hidden treasures, Travelers Rest (25 NY-100, Ossining, New York, 10562), was a landmark for stagecoach travelers making their way to New York City in the historic 1800s. Quiet and sophisticated, Travelers Rest is a private venue for special occasions, such as birthday celebrations, graduation parties, and reunions with loved ones, with indoor and outdoor spaces seating up to 500 guests.

There are fireplaces in all four dining rooms: the Atlantic Room (banquet room), the Lantern Room (main dining room, la carte dining), the Crystal Room, and the Tap Room on the Terrace.

The owners of Travelers Rest hold a passion for traveling and entertaining guests. Receptive and traditional, the servers strive to make every event memorable.

Tina Langner, the event coordinator for Travelers Rest, told The Examiner News, “I don’t think there’s anything else I would want to do besides this.”

The menu at Travelers Rest is extensive and seasonal, with fine dining and exquisite presentation. The feelings sparked when attending an event or dining here are like no other. During the winter, you’ll find elaborate holiday decorations on display indoors and outdoors.

Prior to being an event venue, Travelers Rest was also a restaurant, with delicious meals and fine cooked food. Now, you can reserve private dining, as the Travelers Rest states on their website, “You don’t need a special occasion for a special evening.”

One of the standout features of this venue is the attention to detail in its decor. The fireplaces in each of the four dining rooms provide a cozy and inviting atmosphere, perfect for year-round events.

A direct result of the restaurant’s hospitality, Travelers Rest provides a glamorous dining experience with elevated comfort levels and high-end meals. Private events are hosted in an upscale venue with beautiful interior design, catered to each client’s taste.

The menu is seasonal, ensuring that only the best ingredients are used in the dishes prepared. The presentation is exquisite, and the flavors are perfectly balanced. Whether you opt for a classic dish or something different, you won’t be disappointed. The Endive Apple Salad is a divine favorite. All meals can be adjusted to vegan and to suit personal preference and taste.

The hosts are a god- send. A host once took the care and time to speak to my loved ones and me, and she was just as excited as we were to be dining there. Everyone could talk for hours.

Travelers Rest is a true gem in Westchester County, New York, steeped in history and a sense of refinement that is evident in every detail. From the moment you step into the venue, you are transported back in time to the era of stagecoach travel, with all the charm and elegance that entails. Whether you’re planning a grand event or simply looking for a relaxing night out, Travelers Rest has something to offer.

What really sets Travelers Rest apart is the hospitality provided by the servers. The event coordinators go above and beyond to ensure that every event is a success. The servers are attentive enough, making you and your guests feel special from the moment you arrive.

If you’re looking for a venue that offers history, elegance, and exceptional service, look no further than Travelers Rest. It truly is an exquisite place to take your loved ones.

Inside of Travelers Rest.

Photo taken by Annissa Khanna.

The official poster for HBO’s “The Last of Us,” starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey.

Photo courtesy of IMDB.

The Life of LEGO

By Dylan Gueli

As a collector, I have different figures I like to obtain, but one thing that stands out to me more than others is LEGO CMF. CMF stands for collectible minifigure. The first series of CMF came in 2010. There are series that are based on movies or shows, such as the Simpsons, Disney, Muppets, and much more.

Every year, three series are created based on different topics. With each series, you can purchase an individual pack from a store, or you can purchase a whole case. A whole case contains 60 packs, which will have a couple of each figure from the series.

Each series has a different number of figures in it, ranging from 12 figs to 22 figs. The Harry Potter blind bags contain 22 figs, which is the most a set of minifigures has ever contained.

Up to this date, there have been 41 series created with a new one in the making. There have been 16 specialty series made, with the others being LEGO generated figures. Some of the rarest series are the German football team and the Olympics figs, which were really hard to get and still are to this day.

My goal is to have one of each series. After collecting for a little while, I will only need a couple more figs from a few series. I have so many figs from all of the different series, but what stands out the most to me is my Simpsons set.

For most series, I have a couple of figs, but for the Simpsons, Marvel, Looney Tunes, and Series 23, I have collected every single figure in those series. Being a gigantic Simpsons fan, just seeing the series being released made me want to have every single figure.

After about a year, a series released will be retired, making the only way that you can get it is through secondary sites like eBay, Mercari, Whatnot. So, when I am trying to get more figs from the older series, I have to go to these sites to purchase. The thing that is frustrating, is they go up in price a lot when they have been out longer, so most of the ones I’ve been purchasing from older series are more expensive than their retail value.

Another feature that is awesome about CMF bag

sis that they come completely sealed, making it so tempting to open it up. The best day is coming home after school and seeing a few blind bags in my mailbox, just knowing I am about to get some new amazing figs that I don’t have. Minifigure pack openings are something you have to go out and try, because if you like LEGO and have never opened a blind bag, you are missing out on a whole different experience of LEGO.

One figure from the series 10 blind bag is one of the rarest minifigures to this day, and it has a value as much as a car. Mr. Gold, an iconic figure for LEGO that is one of a kind, was in the series but very difficult to get, as only 5000 were ever made. It retails for about $4,000 at the low end, if you are lucky.

One day, I hope I can obtain this figure, but it will be very hard knowing that it will cost this much just for one tiny figure. Mr. Gold is a unique figure, being completed gold with an eye glass. He sort of looks like a gold leprechaun with a little twist.

If you become a LEGO CMF collector, you want to look into older figs while you can before they don’t exist on secondary markets anymore. For me, if I see one that I know is older, and it is a dollar or two more at the moment, I will go out of my way and get it.

Collecting LEGO CMF is one of the best things ever, and I encourage readers to get started now. Hopefully, one day you will have a nice collection that has every figure you ever wanted.

Dining Dugout

By Razi Tanksley

Located at 37 Croton Avenue in Ossining, New York, many people in the Ossining community have shown great interest in The Dugout NY since its opening. From the food to the environment and activities available, there are many aspects that draw in attraction.

A reviewer for the Dreaded Chalupacabra appreciates the culture the restaurant has created and stated that The Dugout has “Great community [and a] laid back feel. They have dart tournaments and play a lot of rock music. There’s a live DJ tonight. Drinks are cheap and the food looks great.”

The Dugout, beyond the impression its name presents, offers a broad range entertainment and hospitality. Not only does it have high quality televisions, they also have a Bluetooth jukebox to play any music requested. It also offer darts for friendly competitions.

Another bonus the restaurant offers is quality catering. Not only do they offer dining halls for private events, but they also can provide bulk orders for special events.

The first time I visited the establishment was in late January, when the Knicks were playing the Celtics. I was driving home from the gym, and I found The Dugout on my way home and decided it would be a good idea to try a place, as I’d never been before.

At first glance, the restaurant had a unique appearance and atmosphere. There were games and many people in attendance, and neither the televisions or conversations were blaring. Two aspects I found interesting automatically were the Bluetooth music player by the entrance and the dartboard, where customers were competing for fun while waiting for their meals.

When seated, I ordered the fried calamari and garden salad to start. It was refreshing to taste the fresh salad as well

as the perfectly made calamari that was expertly seasoned. Afterward, I order a classic cheeseburger with extra pickles and barbecue sauce. Not only was it reassuring to know that I wouldn’t have to wait a long time for my order, but it was also well crafted and wellcooked to my liking.

Another customer, Lee S., also had pleasant remarks about their time at The Dugout. On a Yelp review, Lee proudly stated about enjoying “the tacos and the Balboa sandwich. The wings were especially good, with an amazing selection of flavors (30+ choices). The traditional Buffalo-style wings were top notch with just a little more bite than typical. The Pollo Loco wings, with a ghost pepper and Carolina reaper pepper sauce blend, were not for the faint of heart -- hottest wings I’ve ever had (and then some), but nicely cooked and the sauce had a nice flavor (beyond just the intense heat!). Also, I really liked the cheesecake.”

If you are in Ossining, this place is a must for dining and takeout. Parking may be a concern from some who aren’t familiar with the area. Being from Ossining, it is a great advantage knowing close areas where parking is available, such as the Walgreens and plaza parking lots, which are a mere few minutes away from the establishment. The Dugout is truly a tucked-away gem for sports fans and restaurant lovers.

The official logo of The Dugout

Photo Courtesy of thedugoutny.com

Picture of Dylan Gueli with his LEGO Minifigure collection

Photo courtesy Melissa Acciavatti