The Pulse - May 2024

THE PULSE | MAY 2024 ISSUE

FIND YOUR DRIP

WITH ‘DRIPPED’

By Tinsley Valenti

Harvey student Raizy Akrongold’s brand-new phone case business, Dripped, recently dropped at this year’s Senior Bridge Expo, catching the eyes of countless excited buyers. Made out of unique beads, charms, and resin, each phone case is carefully handmade by Raizy. With the variety of colors, textures, and designs, who wouldn’t want one of these custom phone cases?

Every Dripped customer is promised a personalized, oneof-a-kind case curated to the holder’s interests and aesthetic. Each case costs around $45 to $50 I was privileged enough to receive one of the early Dripped cases, and Ms Akrongold did an exceptional job creating a case designed specifically for me. The case is decorated with pink charms, sparkles, and flower beads

Raizy kicked off Dripped with three assortments: the “Candy Collection,” the “Pearl Collection,” and the “Gold Collection ” The “Candy Collection” consists of brightly colored cases, covered in, you guessed it, candy charms like gummy bears and lollipops. Anyone with a taste for color and fun would love a case from the “Candy Collection ”

The “Pearl Collection” conveys an elegant and classy style. Pearls, pastel beads, and hearts can be found on these “Pearl'' cases While the collection follows Raizy’s signature full, eye-catching patterns, the “Pearl Collection” maintains a dainty, minimalist look perfect for everyday wear.

Step into a world of luxury and glamor with the “Gold Collection ” As if plucked from the shelf of a “Versace” or “Cartier” store, these cases are packed with stunning gold pearls combined with sleek black accents. A few bejeweled jaguars can even be seen poking out between the charms! Anyone who wants a little bling would love a phone case from the “Gold Collection.”

Continued on p.3.

RUGBY SEASON: INJURIES, IMPROVEMENT, AND GRIT

By Connor Harrington

After the loss of multiple key players from last rugby season, including Eli Cornell before the season began, the Harvey boys rugby team is reorganizing. The team this year is predominantly underclassmen, a majority being new to the sport. Due to the lack of experience, the team has been introducing the new players to rugby and its rules.

The rugby trip to New Orleans during spring break was the perfect opportunity for the players to grow comfortable and develop their understanding of rugby. Off the field, the boys socialized with their teammates and developed bonds on and off the field. After eight days of rigorous training, the boys came back home and found their chemistry and comradery among their teammates

Continued on p 3

Your Drip with “Dripped” Page 1 & 3, Tinsley Valenti

Rugby Season

1 & 3, Connor Harrington

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Page 4, Brandon Levine

Grand Slam Page 5, By Daniela Rynott

The Rise of Juan Soto Page 6, Cade Gilligan

on 2024 Elections

2, Annissa Khanna

Caitlin Clark Basketball Page 7, Rohan Singh

on Campuses

8, Logan Kreisberg

First Alzheimer’s Transmission Found

Page 9 & 14, Annissa Khanna

Rom-Coms are Back Page 10, Ellie Florin

Time Management Page 11 & 18, Parker Rusman

Evolution of Supreme Page 12, Parker Rusman

Taco Project Review Page 13 & 14, Olivia Barsky & Logan Kreisberg

‘Dripped’ Editorial Photoshoot Photo taken by Baylee Bogarde

Photo of the Harvey Boys Rugby team

Photo taken by Mr Phil Lazzaro

“For this nation to remain true to its principles, we cannot allow any American’s vote to be denied, diluted, or defiled The right to vote is the crown jewel of American liberties, and we will not see its luster diminished.”

Ronald Regan, 40th president of the United States

A democracy is only as strong as its representation and the rights that govern it, one of which is the right to vote. The 2024 elections are expected to have low voter turnout, which means federal issues may largely be determined by a limited voter base

According to Pew Research, the 2024 president-elect will be decided by approximately 40% of eligible voters (the percentage expected to cast a ballot) The other unrepresented 60%, which is the majority, likely will not vote due to “unrelentingly negative” views toward the federal government, causing them to be “dissatisfied with the candidates who have emerged ”

If less than half the population of eligible voters decides who the 47th president of the United States will be, the majority of Americans will go unrepresented, and the next president may not be the true vote of the majority.

The truth is, in 2024, if you do not vote, you are still affecting the outcome of the election

A March study from Pew Research states that one in four Americans have an unfavorable view of both Joe Biden and Donald Trump, and roughly 244 million Americans will vote in the 2024 election, of which 16 million are new voters eligible to vote for the first time.

The nonpartisan Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) finds that only 50% of the youth population is planning to vote, and they are split between the Democratic and Republican parties

You may belong to the other 50% of the population, perhaps not favoring the candidate of your party, or you are torn between a decision you do not want to make

Many Democrats who do not care for Biden and Republicans who do not care for Trump are deciding not to vote in November.

Your vote, when combined with the majority, determines your job, or absence thereof, tax relief, and your safety within your own home, especially regarding your rights as a property owner. These are all prevalent issues in the news today.

Your vote also determines America’s leadership abroad, including the strength or weakness of our military, as issues may seep into your daily lives if your vote does not prevent them from doing so.

Many have considered voting the great equalizer of society Regardless of your place in life or social status, every adult in America bears the same great power of one vote.

Above all, our founding fathers risked their lives defending the right to vote Our military fights for us in times we don’t even know fighting is going on Before the 19th Amendment, women spent decades trying to cast their votes. Our law enforcement officers and lawyers have dedicated their lives to truth, running toward danger when all others turn away from it

I firmly believe we have a duty and responsibility, as citizens of this country, to take part in democracy by voting and honor those who gave their lives for ours.

Thank you,

Editor-in-Chief

Roughly a Quarter of Americans have an unfavorable view of both Biden, Trump

Photo Courtesy of Pew Research

ANNISSA KHANNA

The Pulse

Americans’ Top Descriptions of the Current State of Politics

Photo Courtesy of Pew Research

Young Adults Have Less Favorable Views than Older Adults of both Biden and Trump

Photo Courtesy of Pew Research

Continued from Cover Drippedbuyer LyndseyKochisahuge fanofRaizy’snew business Lyndseysaid thatherfavoritething abouther“Dripped''case isthat“itissounique, andyoudon’tseeanyone elsehavinganything similar,whichreally makesitspecial.”What makesDrippedso captivatingasabrandis howitiscenteredaround creatingoriginaldesigns cateredtoeach customer’scontent

Theinspirationbehind Drippedstemsfrom Raizy’sloveforthe maximaliststyle.She stated,“I’vesinceforever lovedglamorandsparkle andanythingoverthe top.”Thisinterest transferredovertothe creationofherbrand becauseRaizymentioned thatshealwaysnotices whensomeonehasacool phonecase.Shestated, “Everyoneusestheir phone24/7,sowhy wouldn’tyouwantto havethecoolestphone case?”WithDripped,you canmakeastatement withyourphonecaseas opposedtooptingfor plainness

THE PULSE

In order to achieve the intricate style of each phone case, Raizy takes care when planning her designs She said, “They’re from my brain. It’s my vision coming to life ” Raizy plans them through the motivation of a “color story,” as she calls it, such as candy or bubble gum. It takes her two to three hours to create her beautiful “visions ”

The name “Dripped” is, according to Raizy, “a play on words ” In modern slang, “drip” translates to a cool style. However, one of the materials Raizy uses when creating her cases is resin, which when it dries, drips off the phone case Raizy continued, “It looks like the plastic is melting off, so it’s a fun play on words because you have the coolest case in the room, and you’re dripping, but also the phone case is literally dripping ”

This fall Raizy will attend Drexel University for fashion design, where she will continue to pursue Dripped as a strong starting point in her career. Follow “drippedbyraizy” on Instagram and TikTok to accompany Raizy on her journey To buy a case or request a custom one, you can direct-message Raizy on Instagram. Don’t wait! Find your drip with Dripped!

Continued from Cover

After the trip, they continued to push hard at practices to incorporate the players who were unavailable for the trip. Although practices were strenuous, the players began to function as one unit

The first game of the season against Dwight School was the chance to show how they’ve developed and what skills they need to improve in a game setting However, early in the game, Dylan Gueli, field captain and veteran player, dislocated his shoulder. Losing a key player, one would expect the team to crumble and to become unorganized on the field, yet they continued to fight and showed perseverance throughout the game. Although Harvey lost the game by a final score of 25-17, the boys rugby team managed to fight back against a bigger and more experienced team

Team captain and forward Vishal Thadani commented on the developing rugby team, stating, “We don’t have size, and we are not the fastest team, but we have more grit than any other team. If we all put in 100%, we can win. It’s a personal battle. Even if we don’t win the game, by overcoming your plateau, you’re improving the team ”

Now, the rugby team is back to pushing themselves at practice Thadani was moved to a fly half position to compensate after Gueli’s injury. Despite being new to the position, Thadani has managed to use this as an opportunity to grow as a player and leader on the team He commented, “It’s a different mentality Playing forward is very ‘don’t think just hit.’ I have to push myself now. I can't take the hit every play. I have to support my teammates.”

The team lost three more players before the second game against Bergen Catholic. Junior Will Herman, a starting forward, is, unfortunately, out for the season, as a shoulder injury prevents him from playing Herman said, “I’m unhappy with the situation, but I have a good feeling about the team and how they’ve grown this season ”

Despite these setbacks to the team, including injuries for Connor Harrington (the writer of this article) and Ben Lawrence-Comerford, morale has not weakened The team continues to train hard to make up for these challenges and to improve upon their experience and comfort in the game.

Due to the number of injuries sustained, the team had to postpone various games and is currently making the switch from 15-man rugby to 7. The season has been strenuous for the new players, and the rugby team has taken their shares of losses for this season However, with the newly found experience and chemistry with their teammates, the underclassmen of the team have set themselves up to succeed in the future.

THE PULSE ACKNOWLEDGES

the conflict in the Middle East. Our thoughts are with all those who are affected. We hope for peace.

Everyone in the basketball world is wondering who will be the next MVP All eyes should be pointing at a young superstar on the Oklahoma City Thunder named Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Gilgeous-Alexander is currently putting the NBA on notice for his excellent skills and leadership.

Gilgeous-Alexander was born in Ontario, Canada, where he grew up watching the Toronto Raptors, and quickly fell in love with the game. According to NBA com, Gilgeous-Alexander began in Hamilton, Ontario at St Thomas More Catholic Secondary School before switching to Sir Allan MacNab Secondary School. He then transferred to Hamilton Heights Christian Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee for his junior and senior years.

After moving around and attending many different high schools, Gilgeous-Alexander narrowed down his top three colleges. These schools were the University of Kentucky Wildcats, the University of Florida Gators, and The University of Texas Longhorns. Gilgeous-Alexander decided to commit to the University of Kentucky

Gilgeous-Alexander would only attend Kentucky for one year due to his dreams of playing in the NBA According to NBA com, Gilgeous-Alexander played one season with the University of Kentucky for the 2017-18 season He appeared in 37 games with 24 starts, averaging 14 4 points, 4 1 boards, 5 1 assists, and 1 7 steals

SPORTS NEWS

THE PULSE | MAY 2024 ISSUE

WHY SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER WILL WIN MVP

By Brandon Levine

According to NBA com, GilgeousAlexander shot well, converting 48 5% from the field, 40.4% from behind the arc, and 81 7% from the charity stripe He also led the Wildcats in assists, steals, and three-point shooting He was one of only three freshmen in Kentucky history to record 61 or more steals Gilgeous-Alexander was also named to both the All-SEC Freshman Team and All-SEC Second Team and earned the 2018 SEC Tournament MVP award

After an impressive season from this young sensation, Gilgeous-Alexander would enter the 2018 NBA Draft. With the 11th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets selected GilgeousAlexander, the 6-foot-6 point guard out of Kentucky. On that same night, he ended up being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers, where he would play his rookie season.

As a 19-year-old rookie with the Clippers, Gilgeous-Alexander was putting the basketball world on notice. According to StatMuse com, GilgeousAlexander averaged 10.8 points, 3.3 assists, and 2 8 rebounds in 82 games during his rookie year One of GilgeousAlexander’s teammates gave him some words of encouragement As reported to BasketballNetwork.net, Patrick Beverley said, “Don't stop until you take my spot.”

Gilgeous-Alexander used these words as motivation and ended up starting in the NBA playoffs during his rookie year Ultimately, though, the Clippers lost to the Golden State Warriors in the first round

After Gilgeous-Alexander’s rookie year, the Clippers were hunting for already-proven star talent. As reported by NBA.com, there was a massive trade It was Paul George going to Los Angeles, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and five firstround picks plus two swaps to Oklahoma City Thunder This trade shocked the entire National Basketball Association The Clippers landed a proven superstar in Paul George for a war chest of draft picks and an exciting rookie in Shai-GilgeousAlexander.

According to BasketballReference com, in GilgeousAlexander’s sophomore season, he averaged 19.0 points per game, 3.3 assists, and 5 9 rebounds, helping his team make a playoff push.

This NBA season, GilgeousAlexander is averaging 31 3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game This improvement was a surprise to many NBA fans, except to his coach during his tenure with the Los Angeles Clippers As reported to the Score.com, Doc Rivers said, “I even brought it up to Kawhi: 'are you sure? I think Shai’s going to be an amazing player. It may take a year or two. But I think you’re underestimating how good Shai’s going to be ” Doc Rivers claims he has always known Shai would evolve into an NBA superstar.

THE PULSE ACKNOWLEDGES the conflict in the Middle East. Our thoughts are with all those who are affected. We hope for peace.

This season, the Oklahoma City Thunder finished the regular season at 57-25 The Oklahoma City Thunder are the second youngest team in the NBA

Many analysts believe that Gilgeous-Alexander will win MVP due to the fact he is leading the second youngest team to the No.1 seed in the Western Conference. As reported by the podcast “No Chill with Gilbert Arenas,” Arenas said that Gilgeous-Alexander is the Most Valuable Player because there are absolutely no veterans on his roster, and he is leading rookie and second year players to a top seed in the NBA.

Pulse readers should have their eyes wide open to see this superstar receive the Most Valuable Player award

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hits a Three Pointer Photo Courtesy of Forbes

SPORTS NEWS

THE PULSE | MAY 2024 ISSUE

THE GRAND SLAM OF THE YOUNGER GENERATION

By Daniela Rynott

With one Grand Slam down and three to go, the question entering everyone’s minds is, “Will the new generation be taking over in men’s singles tennis?”

With Roger Federer retired, Rafael Nadal suffering from a hip injury, and Novak Djokovic losing to 22-year-old Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open, the “Big Three” may be past their time.

Aside from Djokovic, the majority of top male tennis players are in their twenties: Carlos Alcaraz (20), Stefanos Tsitsipas (25), Jannik Sinner (22), Ben Shelton (21), Frances Tiafoe (26), Alexander Zverev (26), Andrey Rublev (26), and Casper Ruud (25).

The upcoming Grand Slams include the French Open, taking place May 20 to June 9, Wimbledon from July 1 to July 14, and the US Open, which is Aug. 19 to Sept. 8. The latter will be taking place at the Met Stadium, only an hour away.

The French Open is the only Grand Slam to take place on clay courts, so different players will have the chance to shine. After Djokovic’s loss in Australia, he will try to come back harder, but my prediction is that if two-time finalist Casper Ruud ups his year-round practice at the Rafa Nadal Academy, he has the best chance at achieving the victory against Djokovic that has been in-therunning for two years.

World No 3 player Alcaraz will undoubtedly make it to the 2024 semifinals after his 2023 semifinals loss to Djokovic; if his matching against Novak doesn’t take place until the end of the tournament, he will sweep the majority of other players If he does not pull through on the clay court, then Alcaraz will have a great chance at another Wimbledon title after a stunning 3-2 set win against Djokovic last year.

Although Sinner lost to Djokovic last year in the Wimbledon semifinals, he has beaten the Serbian three times since then in the 2024 Australian Open, the 2023 Nitto ATP finals, and the Italy Davis Cup versus Serbia.

The only Grand Slam in which Djokovic seems to be ahead is the US Open, in which he has four titles and will undoubtedly be going for a fifth. However, seven tough players Alcaraz, Medvedev, Shelton, Rublev, Zverev, Tiafoe, and Fritz have the chance to knock down the 36-year-old The three who are from America will have home advantage in New York summer heat.

In 2023, U.S. representatives Tiafoe and Shelton had a close match that included one tie breaker, two sets for Shelton 6-2 6-2, and one match won by Tiafoe 6-3. Medvedev, Alcaraz, and Djokovic had sweeping matches, but the Americans should be able to put up an incredible fight this year

Another young star expected to rise up throughout this tennis season is Félix Auger-Aliassime, age 23, who is coached by Toni Nadal Rafael Nadal’s uncle and previous coach His loss against Rafael Nadal in the ATP 2022 match was featured in season one of Netflix’s “Breaking Point,” which documents the lives of tennis players. The following year, he beat Rafa 6-3, 6-4 in the ATP World Tour Finals

In the Barcelona Open, an ominous foreshadowing of the upcoming season is taking place World No. 9 Rafa lost against Alex de Minaur, World No. 11, in just the second round, flunking two straight sets 7-5 and 6-1

After his stunning loss in the Australian Open, Djokovic is taking a five week break from tournaments. As for Federer, he has retired.

In the eyes of millions, it looks like the reign of the Big Three has come to an end.

The “Big Three” (left to right: Djokovic, Nadal, Federer) by Matthew Stock “Getty Images”

SPORTS NEWS

Juan Soto is a huge phenom in Major League Baseball (MLB) Soto is currently on the New York Yankees, where he is looking to make a big impact and help the team

He has played on two other teams in the MLB, including the Washington Nationals, who drafted him in 2018, and the San Diego Padres, the team that he played for last year

According to Fox News, Soto is originally from the Dominican Republic and played baseball there for many years. He was born Oct 25, 1998 in Santa Domingo in the Dominican Republic According to Adrian Dorney, a writer for the sports website Sportskeeda, Soto grew up in Santo Domingo all his life, and he played baseball at his high school there

As Soto became better and more popular, he knew it was time to take his talents to the United States. When he got to the States, Soto started in the minor leagues in 2015 He was 16 at the time

During his first season, he started off slowly, and then, during his remaining time in the minors, his success increased dramatically

THE RISE OF JUAN SOTO

By Cade Gilligan

Soto was really hoping his dream of making it to MLB would come true. Once he made it to the minors, this goal was getting closer and closer Soto was a huge sensation to all of the children back in the DR, and sure enough, he got the call: the Washington Nationals were adding him to their roster. In 2018, Soto was called up to the Nationals and played exceptionally

According to Statmuse, Soto had a good first season as a National, as his batting average was .292. He had 22 HR, 70 RBI’s, and 77 runs scored on 121 hits in 116 games.

Soto did everything he could to make Washington baseball great again He ended up bringing the Nationals to the World Series in 2019. He helped them win a World Series, was a threetime All-Star, and won a home run derby, all while he was with the Nationals

According to Diamond Hoggers, after the Nats won a World Series, Soto went into a slump, and his batting average went down dramatically, which was not good for him or the team Eric Walsh from Bleacher Report stated, “While the Nationals have no intention to trade Juan Soto, one rival coach believes the superstar outfielder isn't enjoying his time in Washington and should be playing elsewhere Get Soto out of there He has to be miserable ”

After all the talk about Soto getting traded, it finally happened in a huge way. An eight-player trade happened involving the Padres and the Nationals. According to CBS Sports, the Padres received Juan Soto and Josh Bell, who is a first baseman The Nationals received six players in first baseman Luke Voit, shortstop C.J Abrams, left-handed pitcher Mackenzie Gore, center fielder Robert Hassell III, outfielder James Wood, and right-handed pitcher Jarlin Susana

After last season, Soto got traded to the Yankees. According to Sports Illustrated, Padres owner Peter Seidler “died” not wanting to trade away the team’s best player in years

Thanks to the Yankees owner, their season went very well, with many additions including the man himself, Juan Soto. The Yankees are looking very sharp going through the beginning of the season. They hope to make a deep run in the playoffs with all of their talent World Series number 28, incoming!

Photo of Juan Soto

Photo Taken by Kim Klement Neitzel USA Today Sports

SPORTS NEWS

THE PULSE | MAY 2024 ISSUE

MAKING HISTORY: CAITLIN

There is a new celebrity athlete in town, and if you don't follow sports, you might be surprised to learn that the rising star is from a women's college basketball team. Caitlin Clark's performance in the world of college basketball has been nothing short of greatness since she joined the University of Iowa Hawkeyes as a freshman in 2000-21. Clark captured the attention of the nation with her impressive skill and athleticism

Her name has been on the lips of coaches, analysts, and basketball fans since she was a freshman. The growing spotlight surrounding her has reached a high point where many people believe she deserves the title of the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in college basketball

What makes Caitlin Clark so special? Besides shooting deep three-point shots like Steph Curry and displaying ball handling skills the likes of which we have not seen since Kyrie Irving, she has made a name for herself by shattering records again and again. Clark holds the record for the all-time leading scorer in Division I college basketball history To be clear, this means she has scored more points than any other player in men’s or women’s college basketball ever! If that statistic doesn't immediately wow you, then keep reading to learn about her other records

CLARK'S IMPACT ON WOMEN'S BASKETBALL

By Rohan Singh

According to Bleacher Report, Clark is the first ever in any division to record 3,000 points, 1,000 assists, and 800 rebounds in her career. No one has ever come close to doing this before. We were witnessing history right before our eyes.

What sets Clark apart from the rest of college athletes and athletes around the world is her ability to perform under pressure and shoot clutch threes. This is also known as "The Clark Effect." She has shown up in high-pressure moments, leading her team to victory numerous times. Whether it's hitting a game-winning shot or setting up her teammates for hitting the gamewinner, Clarks shows off her leadership skills to step up to the challenge and delivers when it matters most.

Clark has not only broken athletic records, but she has also changed the landscape of sports television Women's basketball is a sport that has historically not attracted the same level of viewership nor received the same attention as men's basketball. Caitlin Clark came on the scene in 2020 and has dramatically changed that.

On April 7, an estimated 18 9 million viewers watched the NCAA Women's Basketball National Championship matchup between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Iowa Hawkeyes on ABC and ESPN, according to Nielson live-plussame-day data. The championship game viewership broke records as the largest in women's college basketball history and is the most-watched basketball game at any level since 2019. This means it surpassed viewership for not only college basketball but also for any NBA game. This marks the first time in NCAA tournament history that viewership of the women's championship game was higher than the men's game The Caitlin Clark Effect strikes again

The question on everyone's mind about basketball right now is, what's next for the generational superstar guard? During the WNBA draft on April 15, 2024, Clark was the undisputed first overall pick in the draft. She was selected No 1 by the Indiana Fever

According to ESPN.com, Clark will make an estimated $44 million in her first season in the WNBA, mostly through sponsorships and advertisements. Analysts from The New York Times are confident that WNBA will see a larger viewership and women’s basketball will finally get the attention it deserves Caitlin Clark is bringing a new spark into the world of women's basketball

In recognition of Clark’s incredible achievements and the mark she has made on college basketball, The University of Iowa announced that it will retire Clark's jersey number, making her just the third player in program history to receive such an honor.

As the basketball world eagerly awaits Clark's next move, one thing is clear: her legacy is secure Whether she's remembered as the greatest college basketball player of all time or as a trailblazer who changed the game forever, Caitlin Clark has made an impact on the sport that will be felt for generations to come

Catlin Clark dribbles her way to the No 1 pick in the WNBA Draft

Photo Courtesy of The Washington Post

Following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas War on Oct. 7, 2023, the number of antisemitic incidents on college campuses has significantly increased According to Hillel International, there has been a 700% rise in the number of cases across the United States. Although similar acts of hatred have been documented long before Hamas launched a land, sea, and air assault on Israel, the recent fighting in the Middle East can be directly linked to these occurrences.

At many liberal arts colleges, there have been a great deal of anti-Israel protests led by student-run groups And while these protests may not be charged with antisemitism, they still contribute to hostile environments for Jewish students Harvey Class of 2023 graduate, Kara Freedman, a firstyear student at Wagner College said, “College students who are uneducated on the conflict are quick to attack peers when their ideas don’t align with their own views ”

According to the American Jewish Committee, Zionism refers to the support of the existence of Israel. The committee says, “When Jews are verbally or physically harassed or Jewish institutions or houses of worship are vandalized in response to actions of the State of Israel, it is antisemitism.” So, while the condemnation of Israel is not inherently antisemitic, the actions of expressing antiZionism often come out that way because it is a core aspect of the Jewish identity

THE PULSE | MAY 2024 ISSUE

ANTISEMITISM ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES

By Logan Kreisberg

While addressing antisemitism on their campuses, college administrations take varied stances. In December 2023, Congress pressed the presidents of Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on the topic of antisemitism

In a series of interviews with Elise Stefanik, the Republican Representative of New York’s 21st congressional district, the presidents of these institutions hesitated to answer questions on whether calling for the genocide of the Jewish people is against their respective school policies.

In her discussion, Claudine Gay of Harvard asserted the issue “depended on the context” of the situation Similarly, Liz Magill of UPenn refused to give a definitive answer to the question Days after the hearing, both presidents put out statements on social media, condemning all forms of antisemitism at their universities. Nevertheless, UPenn alumni and donors increased pressure on the university and threatened to pull donations from the school, eventually leading to Magill’s resignation.

While it is understandable for college administrators wishing to stay neutral on the Israel-Palestine conflict, it is still vital to support Jewish students to prevent any incidents from occurring. At countless schools, Boycott, Divest, Sanction Campaigns (BDS) are apparent on campuses This AntiIsrael group set up a referendum at Cornell University on April 19, and the vote concluded that the student body would support divestment.

Even though the BDS claims they “strictly target the Israeli state,” the line between what is Anti-Zionist and antisemitic is often crossed when groups like BDS come to campuses. A recent statement issued by Cornell Hillel explains the referendum will “eliminate students’ Jewish and Israeli identities, and divide friends, peers, and campus communities.”

At Columbia, another prestigious university in New York, more than 100 college students were arrested at a pro-Palestine protest Students were charged with trespassing and obstruction of government administration, as the event was not sanctioned by Columbia These demonstrations soon escalated when a mob of violent students stormed Hamilton Hall April 30

THE PULSE ACKNOWLEDGES

According to the New York Post, “rioters busted through glass and barricaded the entrance to occupy the historic university building, four janitors found themselves trapped inside and afraid ” While students have a right to demonstrate their beliefs, these unauthorized protests completely violate community guidelines, threatening the physical and emotional safety of students of all backgrounds

On April 22, Orthodox Rabbi Elie Buechler of Columbia and Barnard urged Jewish students to evacuate their campuses. Rabbi Buechler stated, “The events of the last few days have made it clear that Columbia University’s Public Safety and the NYPD cannot guarantee Jewish students’ safety in the face of extreme antisemitism and anarchy.” With Jewish students hearing statements such as “burn Tel-Aviv to the ground” and “Hamas, we love you We support your rockets, too!” the health and well-being of Columbia’s student body is at risk

At liberal arts colleges with such a diverse population, students should be creating a welcoming environment for all students, including Jewish identities. Even though the viewpoints of peers can differ, it is important for these colleges to ensure that boundaries aren’t crossed and that students are able to continue thriving academically and socially without experiencing animosity for one’s fundamental beliefs

the conflict in the Middle East. Our thoughts are with all those who are affected. We hope for peace.

Image of Pro-Israel Protests at Columbia University

Taken by Grace Li of the Columbia Spectator

REPORTS

THE PULSE | MAY 2024 ISSUE

FIRST ALZHEIMER’S TRANSMISSION FOUND

University College London scientists documented the first evidence of Alzheimer's disease transmission, uncovering a convincing correlation between the disease and a banned medical procedure A highly toxic protein, beta-amyloid, found in a cadaveric growth hormone treatment (known as c-hGH), was used to treat approximately 2,000 patients in the United Kingdom between 1959 and 1985 Beta-amyloid, according to StatNews, is a “hallmark of Alzheimer's in recipients’ brains.”

Before this finding, Alzheimer’s was widely believed to be solely caused by the buildup of amyloid in the brain, which is no longer the underlying assumption The pituitary glands extracted from the human cadavers damaged the brains of the patients, suggesting that the presence of beta-amyloid may also cause Alzheimer’s disease Ben Wolozin, a neurodegenerative disease expert at Boston University, confirms that the development of Alzheimer's is linked to this hormone treatment The preparation of the hormone did not eliminate betaamyloid, resulting in dementia.

The patients who tested positive for Alzheimer's biomarkers are the first convincing evidence that, according to The Alzheimer's Forum, “Alzheimer's disease can be transmitted in humans” and “iatrogenic transmission of Alzheimer’s pathology is possible.”

VIA BETA-AMYLOID PROTEIN

By Annissa Khanna

On Feb.1, 2024, UCSF Memory Center neurologist Dr. Michael Geschwind appeared on FOX News in a segment called “8K Americans Got Injection That Can Transmit Alzheimer's ” He stated that neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s, may come from a family of diseases called prion disorders (identified by Dr. Stanley Prusiner at UCSF), but “could also be genetic, and transmissible,” such as in the case of these patients.

Dr Gargi Banerjee, who specifically researches prion disorders at the UCL Institute of Prion Diseases, confirms Geschwind’s statement in a press release to the New York Post, saying, “it is possible for amyloid-beta pathology to be transmitted and contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease … This transmission occurred following treatment with a now-obsolete form of growth hormone, and involved repeated treatments with contaminated material, often over several years ”

Though the evidence of this transmission cannot be used to alter the cadaveric treatments on the patients, Professor John Collinge, prion disease specialist, released a statement to FOX News saying the data will prevent “accidental transmission via other medical or surgical procedures ”

Alzheimer’s Association director, Christopher Weber, also told FOX News that “the scientific and clinical communities must understand the possible risks and ensure that all methods of pathogen transmission are eliminated.”

Though credible and documented research suggests a correlation between beta-amyloid and Alzheimer's disease, controversy remains around the fact of whether or not the amyloid transfer is the causal variable in the development of Alzheimer’s. Almost all conclusions of iatrogenic Alzheimer's disease are disputed, considering that accredited scientific and medical professionals still do not agree Medical University of Vienna specialist, Herbert Budka, told The Alzheimer’s Forum that pathological evidence “was too sparse to allow a state-of-the-art AD diagnosis.” He feels it is “difficult to be sure that AD-related changes were of iatrogenic origin ”

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Elderly Woman with Alzheimer’s Disease

Photo Courtesy of iStock Images

A

When “Anyone But You” first released in theaters in late December last year, its massive box office success was immediately labeled “the return of the rom-com ” The Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell enemiesto-lovers comedy has brought in over three times its budget, totaling $81.2 million worldwide, and gaining the title of the best-ever third weekend increase for a movie widely released over Christmas week. Its incredible and unexpected performance proves that rom-coms are making a longoverdue comeback

Rom-coms first gained their massive popularity in the late 80s and 90s, with Nora Ephron’s classics “When Harry Met Sally,” “You’ve Got Mail,” and “Sleepless in Seattle,” the latter two each earning around $250 million Audiences were immediately drawn to the chemistry between the characters and the rather predictable formula that leaves every viewer with a smile on their face.

Rom-coms gained success from their mix of humor and a love story that has you hooked Their success carried into the 2000s, with “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” “She’s the Man,” and “13 Going on 30.” These, plus dozens of others, were massive box office hits, and while the love for this genre seemingly spans worldwide, the past decade has severely lacked the classic rom-com and the same feel-good energy of the 90s and 2000s hits.

THE PULSE | MAY 2024 ISSUE

IS “ANYONE BUT YOU”

SIGN THAT ROM-COMS ARE BACK?

By Ellie Florin

Instead, filmmakers have focused on either producing remakes or attempting to make more complicated films The reason people loved the classics was because of their sense of magic placed in a realistic setting; they give people hope that love does, in fact, still exist.

To viewers, however, it felt like forever since they got a new, “next-big-thing” rom-com, especially with streaming too many half-hearted ones Rom-coms that were exclusively released on streaming services didn’t have the same feeling of warmth and comfort as the originals and almost felt like they were cutting corners to release as many as possible.

But as blockbuster movies are returning after COVID-19, it feels like the original rom-coms are back, especially with “Anyone But You ” Starring Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney, two of the most up and coming actors right now, the film took $25 million to make, something movies released on streaming services often don’t have in their budgets

The film is based on Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” and follows Ben and Bea, Powell and Sweeney, respectively, who meet in a coffee shop as the movie’s opening

They immediately hit it off, but due to a misunderstanding, they part ways and declare their hatred for each other

But, of course, as rom-coms go, that is not the end for the two. Ben ends up being the best friend of Bea’s sister’s fiancée, and the two of them must meet again at the destination wedding in Sydney, Australia, where they must stay in a house with the rest of the wedding party and each other.

The chemistry between Sweeney and Powell makes the rather cliche and trope-y movie the hit that it has become While perhaps not a cinematic masterpiece, the film is fueled by A-list actors who make viewers both laugh and cry.

Since its initial release, “Anyone But You” has made well over $200 million, begging the question, should films bring back studio rom-coms? The answer is yes. As the film provides an interesting storyline and witty humor, as well as its instant box office success, there is no question that “Anyone But You” is bringing back a much needed revival of the classic rom-com.

This year, according to The Guardian, 36 brand-new rom-coms are coming out in theaters and on streaming – that is three a month! And while that could seem like too many, in times where films can often be ohso-serious, sometimes it’s nice to sit back, relax, and enjoy a rom-com

Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney in "Anyone But You"

Photo Courtesy of Campus Theatre

REPORTS

SPEND SOME TIME

ON TIME MANAGEMENT

By Parker Rusman

Oftentimes, students struggle with managing their classes and finding a balance between schoolwork and participating in activities As a student myself, I know it can be pretty overwhelming with different classes and grades to worry while still finding time for myself. This is why it’s important for all students to incorporate time management skills into their lives.

Implementing different tools into academic life will make it so much easier for students to get work done According to the National Society of High School Scholars, becoming skilled in time management can allow for productivity, promote effective decision-making, decrease stress, improve self-discipline, and more.

These skills can make not just your school life but your life easier all-around and less stressful Good time management keeps you from worrying about the next assignment or next paper coming up. Something as simple as writing down your assignments and exams can be extremely helpful in getting things done and being more productive

I personally use a digital document where I write down all of my due dates for upcoming assignments and tests. I reference this document almost every day, which has really helped me stay organized and on top of my work It doesn’t have to take much to stay more organized, and with time management, a little effort goes a long way

It can be difficult to invest in time management, but once you do, you can really see the differences in your life According to calendar com, “without effective time management, we are easily bogged down by everyday tasks, leaving little room for our goals to be pursued ” This statement really represents the importance of time management, and the implementation of it can be crucial to your success and will make your life a lot more untroubled. Good organizational skills, along with time management, can be extremely beneficial in aiding you with your scholastic career

This can be seen in multiple successful people’s ideologies. People such as Alexander Graham Bell, Abraham Lincoln, Bruce Lee, and Oprah Winfrey all stressed the importance of time management Abraham Lincoln was quoted as saying, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the ax.” Abraham Lincoln stressed how important it is to make sure you're prepared. Managing your time will make the actual process of what you have to do go so much quicker and easier

THE PULSE ACKNOWLEDGES

If you take time to prepare and have a solid foundation before attempting something, it is almost guaranteed the process will be smoother. Oprah Winfrey said, “You can have it all. You just can't have it all at once.” Her words highlight how using time management will help you achieve your goals in the long term, and it’s important to keep that in mind Managing your time will help you to achieve your goals but it takes time and practice

Consistency is key with these new habits, and you can't expect to see instant results.

When you do begin to see results, you can see them through multiple aspects of your life Besides helping you with school and being more organized, improving your skills in time management can improve in other areas as well According to indeed com, skills in time management can help improve your confidence, self-discipline, focus, decisionmaking, and even your relationships. Following a set schedule or plan allows you to hone in on what's holding you back. Improving your time management opens up many doors into improving your life as a whole, not just being more organized for school

I had the opportunity to interview Ms Keri Kiamie, Harvey’s associate learning specialist who has been at our school for two years. Ms. Kiame helps students manage their time. Ms. Kiamie said, “When students improve their time management, there's usually many benefits that follow that Because oftentimes that's the hardest part: when to start something, how much time to give something I feel that once they have a better sense of their time, it helps with the planning. It helps with their preparation and the benefits kind of unfold into various areas of their life.” Coming from a specialist’s point of view, this reinforces the importance of staying organized

Cont on p 18

the conflict in the Middle East. Our thoughts are with all those who are affected. We hope for peace.

THE PULSE | MAY 2024 ISSUE

Ms Kiame Working With a Student

Photo courtesy of the Harvey Website

Supreme is an American skateboarding and clothing company founded in New York City by James Jebbia in 1994. Supreme’s roots lie in the skateboarding world. Supreme originally started as a small skate shop in Manhattan on Lafayette Street

According to GQ, James Jebbia was originally influenced by skateboarders around the shop who didn’t dress like typical skaters. They would wear brands like Polo, Gucci, and Champion, which weren’t typical for skaters to wear Jebbia was inspired by not only the brands but also by the whole aesthetic of New York. He liked how people would mix different brands and styles which strayed away from the norm.

You can clearly see the influence in the sense of mixing different styles in the brand of Supreme. Taking inspiration from these young NYC skaters, Supreme would begin to produce some of its first pieces, including Tshirts, sweats, cargos, and backpacks Supreme quickly gained a cult following and developed a sense of exclusivity. Supreme’s rise isn't necessarily due to the high-quality production or the intricate design but to the sheer hype and aura around the brand According to Undefined Market, at the time of the brand’s inception, there were few who were even able to purchase the pieces. Supreme took the approach of an exclusive nightclub. People who worked at the store determined who could purchase these pieces, a policy which quickly became sought after by other companies

REPORTS

THE PULSE | MAY 2024 ISSUE

EVOLUTION OF SUPREME

By Parker Rusman

Supreme is known for its minimalist designs Some of its most popular products are very simple when you break it down The box logo line by Supreme are among some of their most popular and hyped-up pieces, and there really isn't much to them. The clothing items are regular hoodies, but there's a red boxed logo in the middle with the Supreme brand name over it Despite its simplicity, the box logo piece became deeply embedded into streetwear culture, bringing Supreme to a mainstream audience and taking the brand to a whole new level

As Supreme began to grow, the stores expanded from the small skate shop in Manhattan. Locations began popping up around the world. Locations in London, Paris, and Tokyo would begin to see their very own Supreme stores According to Undefined Market, Supreme’s global expansion was heavily aided through collaborations with high end, already established brands.

Supreme’s growing hype allowed it to collaborate with other brands such as Louis Vuitton, Nike, North Face, and Levi's. Collaborating with these already well-known brands expanded Supreme’s reach and made it more accessible to a mainstream audience These collaborations brought the brand of Supreme to new eyes that would have never seen it and would allow for people aside from the skateboarding community to get into their clothes.

Supreme would become iconic in the years to come Supreme’s mention in different forms of media, such as music and film, began to spread the brand's popularity. Supreme became a brand of choice. Tyler the Creator is a musician who made a big part of his brand in the beginning of his career, and he was always sporting a box logo Other popular rappers such as Playboi Carti and A$AP Rocky also contributed to the rise of Supreme and were often seen wearing different Supreme pieces.

Recently, popular rapper NBA Youngboy put out a collaboration with Supreme, which has actually caused a resurgence of interest in the brand According to Vogue, other notable people who are fond of Supreme pieces include Justin and Haley Bieber, Kendall Jenner, Travis Scott, Kim Kardashian, Rhianna, Drake, Kanye West, and many more

The brand is somewhat pricey for what it is. Pieces can range from under $100 to all the way up to the thousands for some of the more sought-after pieces Supreme has never really been about the quality of the clothes or even the design, but a majority of people buy it as a status symbol

I interviewed fellow Pulse writer Dylan Gueli. When asked, “Have you ever bought anything from Supreme?” Dylan responded with, “Yes, I have bought a hoodie that is very comfortable, and I enjoy wearing it all the time, as the logo on it is a nice design.”

Supreme is iconic and will always have its place in streetwear Supreme, specifically the box logo design, has been so woven into pop culture that it has solidified Supreme as one of the most iconic brands in streetwear. Love or hate the brand, its legacy will be unlike any other streetwear brand.

Photo of James Jebbia Inside a Supreme Store Photo Courtesy of GQ

Established in 2014, The Taco Project, with locations popping up across the tristate area, is one of our favorite spots This small chain currently has New York branches in Tarrytown, Pleasantville, Bronxville, and Yonkers, and one Connecticut branch in Stamford.

With Taco Project having so many locations near Harvey’s campus, The Pulse recommends checking out this restaurant if you are ever craving delicious tacos or scrumptious fries. Even though the restaurant offers takeout options on apps such as DoorDash and UberEats, it is important to enjoy your meal in the brick and mortar locations to gain the full Taco Project experience

While Pulse writers Olivia Barsky and Logan Kreisberg can be divided over many topics, we are united by our love for these uniquely delectable Mexican treats, so as one can imagine, we are thrilled to share our Taco Project passion with The Harvey School community. Over spring break, we decided to visit three of these locations in one day to provide readers with the ultimate guide to what we consider some of Westchester’s finest dining establishments

Our adventure began in Logan’s hometown of Stamford, Connecticut. Located in the High Ridge Shopping Center, this Taco Project was our first stop of the day and overall ranked third out of the three we visited together When we walked into this establishment, we were greeted with an uncomfortably cold atmosphere, yet in a large and airy space. The size of the location was quite surprising since many of its sister restaurants are quite small but the expansive real estate provides an opportunity for the restaurant to be filled with many taco connoisseurs

REVIEWS

THE PULSE | MAY 2024 ISSUE

LET’S TACO ‘BOUT TACOS!

By Olivia Barsky and Logan Kreisberg

When we approached the server at the counter, she seemed distant and aloof. While we are not ones to judge, it was not an ideal customer experience We tried to order steak tacos, yet the restaurant was out of steak a recurring theme throughout the day. After ordering our guacamole and chips, and chorizo tacos, we took our seats where we were brought the wrong order twice

Photographed

by Carrie Kreisberg

Once the orders were straightened out, we were presented with a creamy, acidic guacamole. This dip was a great snack, but there seemed to be an inadequate amount of chips in comparison to the abundance of guac This guacamole earned a 6/10 from us The chorizo tacos came two to an order (perfect for this pair of Pulse writers), and they were composed of tangy, crumbled chorizo topped with bits of the chain’s famous Sidewinder fries, all enveloped together in a warm corn tortilla The ingredients in our tacos were individually delicious, but did not complement each other as flavors, especially since there was a lack of both sauce and crunch. Overall, we gave these tacos a 7/10.

The Bronxville branch of The Taco Project was the final one that we dined at, and it placed second for the day Similar to the Stamford branch, there was also a solid amount of square footage and many windows, which provided the restaurant with ample sunlight. The staff was efficient, getting us our food in the shortest time of any of the locations we visited at a quick five minutes Additionally, the staff was most helpful while we were ordering our food, and they thoughtfully guided us through the menu This Taco Project also did not have steak so we moved on to beef tacos with a side of Mexican rice

The beef tacos came in a crunchy, hard shell corn tortilla, topped with juicy tomatoes, crispy lettuce, crema, and a shredded cheese blend The flavor of these tacos was truly immaculate, yet they were extremely messy The second we bit into these crisp tacos, they immediately fell apart onto our plates – and laps. We awarded these tacos a 7/10. The Mexican rice that we ordered as our side dish was warm, flavorful, and aromatic, earning a true 10/10

Cont. on p. 14

Caption

Olivia Barsky and Logan Kreisberg holding a bowl of Sidewinder fries at Pleasantville’s Taco Project

Beef tacos at the Bronxville Taco Project Photographed by Olivia Barsky

Continued from Page 13

Last,butmostcertainlynot least,rankingfirstplaceis Pleasantville’sTacoProject. Betweentheambiance, service,andgastronomy,we putthislocationaboveall others Despitebeingthe busiestlocationwevisited, westillhadamemorable experience.Together,we orderedBirriaTacos, Sidewinderfries,andfried plantains.TheBirriaTacos weredeliciouslycrispyand juicy aburstofflavorin eachbite Yetthisrestaurant, too,wasfreshoutofsteak However,thehighlightofour mealwastheSidewinder fries Whileitmayseemsilly tofocusonthefrenchfriesat aMexicanrestaurant,the starqualityofthisappetizer cannotbeignored.

Thesefriesarethicklycut, friedtoacrisp,andserved hot Ontheside,onemaydip thesenuggetsofgoldinspicy ketchup,chipotleaioli,orthe bluecheesedressingwhich hasasmokyflavorthat complimentsthefriesquite well.Ifyouknowus,you knowthatweareabsolutely obsessedwiththesefriesand talkaboutthemsooftenthat wesoundabitlikebroken records Butwe cannot recommendthesefries enough!

CONT.

Along with these outstanding plates, Logan indulged in Taco Project’s signature fried plantains. Deliciously sweet accompanied with a mild crema, this dish perfectly tied the meal together Even though the flavor of the plantains was on point, we wish they were fried a touch longer For these reasons, we gave this dish a 7 5/10

While we did not travel to the two remaining Taco Projects together, we would like to give a special shout-out to the Tarrytown branch Situated across the street from the iconic Tarrytown Music Hall, this location, every time we have visited, has served excellent food and drink Even though we did not conduct an official review of the Tarrytown branch, this Taco Project was the original establishment that Logan fell in love with, and it holds a special place in his heart.

According to Mariana, employee of Pleasantville’s Taco Project, the restaurant’s “project” goes beyond tacos. When asked what her favorite part of working at this establishment is, Mariana answered, “promoting Mexican culture because it is very honorable…it is an honor to spread cultural awareness.” So, if you are ever craving Mexican food or have an itch to explore a new cuisine, head over to your local Taco Project. We promise you’ll want to taco ‘bout these tacos for years to come

Continued from Page 9

MarcDhenain,a specialistinAlzheimer's research,releaseda statementtoStatNews, suggestingthefindings “raisequestionsabout whetheramyloidaloneis abletocauseproblems,” implyingtherewasanother actingvariableresponsible forthetransmissionof Alzheimer’sotherthanthe beta-amyloidprotein The reasoningbehindthisisthe lackofinflammationinthe patients’brains,which amyloidissuretocause. Thebrainsofthepatients alsodidnothaveaprotein calledtau,whichis responsibleforcognitive decline.Whenthese patientshavepoor cognitivefunctionvia Alzheimer'sdisease,tauis expectedtobepresent

Regardlessofthelackof consensusinthescientific community,thereisno denyingthattheprotein andthediseaseare inextricablylinked.The questioniswhetherthereis enoughevidencetoprovea causation,whetherthe amyloidcanactalone,and ifso,howknowledgeofthis proteincandecreasethe riskofdeveloping Alzheimer’sinoldage.

THE PULSE ACKNOWLEDGES

Thereisnocurefor Alzheimer’sdisease,butwe knowthatthebuildupof amyloid,tau,andnowbetaamyloid,isresponsibleforit Theseproteinsblockcell receptorsinthebrain, permanentlyinhibitingthe communicationbetweencells, hinderingthebrain’sabilityto function,andslowlydamaging theentorhinalcortexand hippocampus,whichshuts downthememory

Today,accordingtothe NationalInstitutesofHealth (NIH),sevenmillionAmericans overtheageof65arelivingwith Alzheimer'sdisease,anumber thatisexpectedtogrowto14 millionwithinthenext30years. Themostimmediatesolutionto addressingtheAlzheimer’s crisisistheNational Alzheimer'sProjectAct(NAPA) viatwobipartisanlegislative efforts theAlzheimer's AccountabilityandInvestment ActandtheNAPA ReauthorizationAct.

Withhopestotreat Alzheimer’sdiseaseby2025, NAPAreliesongenerous donationstopreventthe expirationoftheAlzheimer’s AccountabilityAct Tointroduce congressionalattentiontoward NAPA'smission,visit alz.org/advocacy.

the conflict in the Middle East. Our thoughts are with all those who are affected. We hope for peace.

On Feb. 23, 2024, I had the chance to go to a Lil Tecca concert with fellow Harvey student and former Pulse writer Luke McCarthy Lil Tecca is a young artist who makes rap songs that are very popular right now, and, overall, it was a great concert.

According to Vogue, Lil Tecca’s real name is Tyler-Justin Anthony Sharpe, and he was born Aug. 26, 2002 He first blew up when he created a song called “Ransom,” which took his career to the moon

Lil Tecca has produced lots of songs over the years that have made me listen more and more. But his most recent album “TEC” made his audience jump in size. The most recent concert tour was based on his best hits from this new album.

The concert took place at Terminal 5 in New York City, which is a small venue, but it was a very loud environment There were other artists that performed before Lil Tecca, such as Rich Amiri and Sofaygo.

Sofaygo and Rich Amiri are two rappers who aren't as famous as Lil Tecca, but they both have popular songs that made the concert go boom during their performance Also, there was a DJ playing famous songs from other artists during breaks.

REVIEWS

THE PULSE | MAY 2024 ISSUE

LOVEABLE LIL TECCA CONCERT

By Dylan Gueli

Luke and I drove in with my parents the day of the concert, and then my parents went to experience a different type of music (jazz) for themselves. After we split off, we had to wait outside in a long line to get inside. We ended up paying for ground floor tickets so we could get the best experience possible

We got there fairly early so we could be in a good position to be able to see everything. This made us have to wait about an hour before Lil Tecca came out. But the music played before was so good that it kept Luke and me intrigued the whole time

I really enjoyed that Lil Tecca performed all of my favorite songs from the album so that I could sing along The crowd was very into this concert, and Lil Tecca interacted a lot with his audience

My fellow concert-goer Luke said, “The concert was a lot of fun Unfortunately, though, I had just sprained my ankle, so we had to be in the back. I think we would have had even more fun if we could have been in the front or the middle. Still, it was a great night, and I would definitely see Lil Tecca perform again.”

I’ve been listening to Lil Tecca since the beginning of his career. Even though a lot of people hate his music, he never disappoints and always comes out with new bangers If Lil Tecca ever comes to your city, look up tickets and buy them right away Another plus is that his ticket prices are affordable.

Photo of Lil Tecca on Stage

Photo Courtesy of Dylan Gueli

“Dune,” written by Frank Herbert, is an outstanding story that was first published in 1965 by Chilton Books It is a six-book series, and most say it was far ahead of its time. “Dune” has been an inspiration to many, including George Lucas, the creator of “Star Wars ”

On Dec 14, 1984, the first “Dune” adaptation was released in theaters, but with a 37 on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie was known as confusing and hard to follow. The producers decided not to make a second movie, so, (ironically) 37 years later, a second adaptation titled, “Dune Part One” was released It earned an 83 on Rotten Tomatoes, staring wellknown and high-ranked actors such as Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides, Zendaya as Chani, Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica, Oscar Isaac as Duke Leto Atreides, and Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Vladimir Ha

Three years later in early March, “Dune: Part Two” was released, and it has controversial reviews At the end of March, the film had 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, and a week later, it moved down to 83%. Upon seeing this movie, reviewers and movie watchers were quick to point out flaws in the film, while others loved every aspect of the movie

As for how the movie was made, I believe – and many agree – that, cinematically, the movie is a masterpiece. The soundtrack is also phenomenal, the sand worms look unbelievably real, the costumes are beautifully made, and the script is perfect However, even though the movie is visually fantastic, the actual storyline has garnered differing reviews.

REVIEWS

THE PULSE | MAY 2024 ISSUE

“DUNE: PART TWO”

A MIRAGE OF GREATNESS OR A DESERT OF DISAPPOINTMENT?

By Ava Lazaroff

The first thing that has people upset is the length of the movie. It is only 14 minutes away from being three hours long With this being said, I feel like for how long the movie is, not much happened The story feels extremely dragged out and unnecessarily lengthy.

Timothée Chalamet and Austin Butler in 'Dune: Part Two.'

Photo Courtesy of NIKO

TAVERNISE/WARNER BROS

The movie is also quite graphic One character in particular, Glossu Rabban played by Dave Bautista, commits some violent actions throughout the film. I feel as though there is an unnecessary amount of shouting from him Almost every line is him yelling, and almost every action he does is killing someone WARNING: Violent content/spoilers ahead. During one of the first scenes that he is in, he smashes a character's head against the desk, over and over While I understand that the movie is trying to show that Glossu is murderous and cruel, the amount of murder and screaming from his character just feels unnecessary.

“Dune: Part Two” feels split into three parts: the beginning, with Paul in the dunes, the middle, with Barron and his nephew, Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, played by Austin Butler, and then the end, which goes back to Paul and the Fremen (people who live in the Dunes) The middle of the movie has a completely different feel, so I almost forgot that I was even watching “Dune.”

It is in black and white, and it is almost the exact story of “Gladiator ” I feel as though in the end it actually has no purpose in the story The whole point of the entire middle section of the movie is for you to understand that Feyd-Rautha is a ruthless fighter, but, by the end of the movie, he's dead

The final thing that people feel was not done well is the small debut of Paul Atredies’s sister. Alia Atreides is Paul's sister, who is played by Anya Taylor-Joy Taylor-Joy is a wellknown actress with a Critics' Choice Television Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. So, when people saw her in the cast, they expected that she would be in a significant amount of the movie Surprisingly, Taylor-Joy appears in a single scene with one line and a total screen time of a little under a minute. Despite this, people have pointed out that Alia Atreides isn’t in the first book, and so the short scene is a clear foreshadowing toward a possible next movie

Continued on p. 18

REVIEWS

In November 2023, Amazon Prime released the first half of Season 2 of its award-winning animated feature, known as “Invincible,” and released the second half of Season 2 in March 2024.

“Invincible” is an animated series that follows protagonist Mark Grayson, aka Invincible, voiced by Steven Yeun, a high-school teenager whose father is the most powerful superhero on earth, Omni-Man, voiced by J K Simmons Growing up, Mark had always idolized his father and wanted to be a hero just like him. When Mark finally does up, he learns his father isn’t as noble as he thought he was, and Mark has to depart from his father’s legacy and become his hero for the protection of the universe

In a recap of Season 1, Mark becomes his own hero and starts to learn the basics of controlling his powers, fighting villains, and learning what it means to be a hero After a deep conversation with his father, Nolan Grayson, aka Omni-Man, reveals how and why he has these powers and why he became a hero in the first place. His father reveals that he and Mark aren’t fully human but are rather half-human, half-alien, whose alien side is from a distant planet out in space called “Viltrumite ” Viltrumites are ruthless creatures that are genetically born with flight, superhuman strength, and known for building their universal empire by invading and conquering other planets that inhabit life. Omni-Man reveals that he was sent to Earth years earlier to learn more about humans and Earth and eventually raise a half-human, halfviltrumite son on Earth to lead in the Viltrumite’s domination of Earth

Mark resents his father and his Viltrumite heritage and refuses to destroy his home. He realizes if he wants to be the hero he’s always dreamed of, he has to depart from his father’s mission and fight against the Viltrumite Mark and Omni-Man get into a brutal battle over beliefs, leaving each other in critical condition.

THE

“INVINCIBLE” SEASON 2

BALANCING HEROISM, FAMILY, AND WAR

By Matt Rankin

Season 2 picks up where Season 1 left off. Omni-Man is missing, and Mark struggles to balance the responsibilities of his personal life, as he is getting ready to go off to college, and his hero responsibilities as Invincible. On top of that, everyone is still facing the effects of the Invincible versus Omni-Man fight.

“Invincible” Show Cover Courtesy of Amazon Prime

His mother, voiced by Sandra Oh, starts questioning whether her marriage with Nolan was ever real and if it was all a waste of time. She feels used and doesn’t even know who she is, and she tries to convince Mark to stop being Invincible She wants the government to kick Mark out of the superhero lineup She eventually eases up and comes around when she learns Mark is the key to stopping Omni-Man and when Mark’s baby brother is born.

Season 2 focuses more on Mark growing as a character and introduces the multiverse concept, where we see multiple universes to show what could’ve been if Mark joined his father and the empire Now that Omni-Man has left, all the other superheroes on Earth look to Mark as a leader and the guide to winning this war against the Viltrumite Empire.

Compared to Season 1, Season 2 is far superior, with its higher stakes, more serious tone, and gruesome and bloody fight scenes It’s complex storytelling, as multiple sides of the same events are all taking place at once, allowing for great worldbuilding opportunities and give our characters chances to grow more and learn more about who they are in this world: hero or villain?

Even the side characters that aren’t hugely important to the story still grow and find their place in the show, which gives more complexity and importance to the overall story. While Season 2 is filled with many greats, I do feel the pacing could be a lot better The pacing across the overall show is slow, but some episodes drag on compared to others, which can take away from the overall enjoyment of the show. It is still a fantastic series, nonetheless

Cont on p 18

PULSE | MAY 2024 ISSUE

Continued from p. 11

Ms.Kiamiemadeapointof mentioningtheplannerasa usefultooltohelpstudentsstay ontopoftheirschedule The plannerincludesmanyimportant datesandmakesitaloteasierto seewhenyouneedtogetthings done Shealsomentionedthatifa studentfullycommitstousinga plannerandisconsistent,they canseesignificantresultswithin aslittleasonetotwoweeks.

Ms.Kiamealsowentontosay thatshedidbelieveshehasseen benefitsinstudents'overall behaviorwhenimplementing time-managementskillsintotheir lives Shestated,“Ithink sometimesbehavioriswhen you'renotprepared,soyou're avoidingthings,andthenbecause you'reavoidingit,it’screating thisviciouscycle,butifyouhave alittlebitofabetterhandleon yourtimemanagement,itwill helpyouwithyourorganization Thenyoufeelmoremotivated ”

Eventhoughitmaybe challengingtobeginonyour journeywithtimemanagement,it iswellworththetimetogeta holdofyourtime-management skills.Onceyougetmore comfortablewithyournewhabits, itwilljustbecomeapartofyour day-to-daylife Thebenefitsyou willundoubtedlyseearegreat motivatorstokeepyougoingand helpyoustayontopofyourwork

CONT.

Continued from p. 16

Thestoryof“Dune”isrichin symbolism.Anarticletitled:“Guideto ReligioninFrankHerbert'sDune,”written byTimothyDonohoo,stated:“The overarchingbeliefsin‘Dune’areessentially corruptionsoftheAbrahamicreligions, namelyChristianityandIslam ”

IcouldnothelpbutnoticethatPaul's mother,LadyJessica,isaversionofthe VirginMary.Shebirthedthe“Messiah” PaulAtreides,andin“DunePartTwo,”she becomesaReverendMother.Ialsonoticed inthefilmthatPauldrinkstheWaterof Life Paul“dies”andisunresponsivefor minutesonendbeforewakingbackupand survivingthedrink,whichsecureshisplace asthe“ChosenOne ”Paul'sdeathhas similaritiestothedeathandresurrectionof Jesus

Ifoundthisconnectionfascinating. Especiallyafterdoingmoreresearchabout themovieandlearningmoreaboutwhat eachcharactersymbolizes,Icouldn’thelp butwatchthefirstmovieagaintoseeifI couldspotthehiddenmeanings

“DunePartTwo”isoverallbeautifully made Ithashigh-rankedactorswhogave captivatingperformancesandextremely well-donegraphics.Iwoulddefinitely recommendthismovietofriendsand family,especiallypeoplewholikesci-fiand “StarWars.”It’sdifficulttomakeasecond moviegoodwhenthefirstonedidsowell, andIbelievethatintheend“DunePart Two”isawell-craftedmovie I’mexcited thataliveactionversionofthesecond book,“DuneMessiah,”hasbeengreenlit

Continued from p. 17

Iespeciallydon’tenjoyhowthe showtookathree-monthbreakto releasenewepisodeshalfway throughtheseries Itforcedthe showtofeellikeit’sjustbeginning again,eventhoughit’spickingup rightwhereitleftoff Also,please notethatthisseriesisaimedata morematureaudienceduetoits excessiveuseofcursing,blood, gore,andgruesomefightscenes.The agerangethatmostpeoplewatchis fromhighschoolerstoyoungadults intheir20s.

Overall,“Invincible”isaseries withcleananimation,eye-catching fightscenes,andgreatcharacter developmentandconflict Ifyouare afanofthecomicbook/superhero genrebutarewornoutdueto excessive,notquality-focused contentfromcompaniessuchas Marvel,andDC,andyouwanta serieswithadarkerandmore maturetone,withgreatanimation andstorytelling,then“Invincible” wouldbearefreshingandoverall fantasticchoice Nowisthetimeto startwatchingmorethanever,as thewritersandshowrunnersfor “Invincible”areplanningonwriting atleasteightseasonsandplanninga live-actionfilmforthisfranchise.

For more than 64 years, booksellers and antiquarian enthusiasts have annually gathered at the Park Avenue Armory to indulge in bookish delights and buy or sell rarities. The New York International Antiquarian Book Fair (NYIABF) is perhaps the most important week of the year for many members of the rare book community With items ranging from 4,000-year-old Mesopotamian tablets to 1970s matchbooks, the fair has something for everyone to see. Even if you are not a seasoned book dealer or intend on purchasing anything, walking through the chaotic aisles of the book fair is like venturing through a secret museum of oddities, with pieces you might not see anywhere else, as most end up in private collections

This event is highly organized, and each item is truly authentic The NYIABF website promises that “all books, manuscripts and related materials have been carefully examined for completeness and bibliographic accuracy,” as well as writing that the fair is verified by the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America (ABAA) and the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB). The ILAB’s lengthy history began when representatives from five European countries met in Amsterdam to establish their league after the war Their website states they wished to “counteract the animosity and suspicion engendered by World War II.” In the fifties - still in The ILAB’s early days - they chose a slogan that perfectly defines them: “Amor Librorum Nos Unit,” meaning “The love of books unites us ”

REVIEWS

THE PULSE |

A FAIR TO REMEMBER

By Olivia Barsky

And truly, this love of books still unites many at the Park Avenue Armory. From April 4 to April 7, the bibliophile festival was held I went on April 6, although I overheard some booksellers remarking that the serious buyers only come on the first two days, so they can have first pick. The attendants of the fair represented a wide variety of book lovers During my few hours there, I met manuscript specialists, overheard one woman remark that she “only buy[s] first editions,” and of course there were fair goers such as myself just there to have fun.

A display at the New York International Antiquarian Book Fair

Photo taken by Olivia Barsky

The booksellers themselves came from far and wide. There were exhibitors from North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, all united, as The ILAB would say, by a love of books Many of these booksellers got their taste of fame by being featured in the 2019 documentary “The Booksellers.” The film follows several rare book dealers and collectors and provides insight into the inner workings of the community, their everyday lives, as well as The NYIABF and other large book fairs. I highly recommend watching this documentary to learn about the survival of the antiquarian tradition in this digital age

I would be remiss if I didn’t share the wonders I got to see at the fair When I entered it,, one of the first stalls I stopped at had indulgences from the 15th century. While I have read and learned about the selling of indulgences in school, I had never seen these artifacts in person – not even at a museum This item was selling for $12,500, and its description promised “100 days release from Purgatory.”

Next, I spotted a copy of “Candide,” dating back to its first printing. An 1892 third edition of “The Poetical Works” of Percy Bysshe Shelley could be seen in one of the fair’s cases as well as a gilded collection of poems by John Keats Some vendors dealt exclusively in rare illuminated manuscripts, and others in contemporary science fiction. Wandering through the aisles, one might see modern movie posters hanging across the way from Renaissance Italy tomes

While the plethora of pieces of literary history may seem overwhelming, there is truly something for everyone at The New York International Antiquarian Book Fair

MAY 2024 ISSUE

With summer break quickly approaching, families are beginning to scramble to find the perfect summer destination As a former Irish resident and a study abroad scholar last year, I can confidently say that Ireland and England are the places to visit

A six-hour flight from New York, Ireland is known for its rainy weather, but temperatures often range from 55℉ to 70℉, a perfect in-between While wellies and umbrellas are essentials, the people of Ireland make up for the gloomy weather with exuberant personalities. No taxi driver will let the day go by without a detailed conversation about their life Fun facts include that Ireland won third place for most peaceful country in the world and highest quality of lifestyle. Also, 50% of the population is under 21 years old.

My favorite Irish destinations are the Cliffs of Moher, Powerscourt Gardens, Guinness Storehouse, Trinity College, and Grafton Street

Because it’s an island, food prices in Ireland are slightly expensive, but the extra euros are worth it Known for its fish and chips, bangers and mash, and soda bread, a high-carb diet leaves everyone in the family happy. An insider tip is to try raisin scones with butter and jam; you will never have anything like it!

One of the most important distinctions when considering a visit to Ireland, however, is knowing the difference between the Republic and Northern Ireland. The clash of two cultures leads to an unspoken turbulence that might create an unfriendly atmosphere for families

REVIEWS

THE PULSE | MAY 2024 ISSUE

A TRAVEL REVIEW:

THE EMERALD ISLE AND BLIGHTY MOTHER ENGLAND

By Daniela Rynott

All the same, a drive from the Republic to the North is fascinating because the history of the island can be seen firsthand. “Kerb paintings” of red, white, and blue on the highways show affiliation with the British Union and their flag.

I would highly recommend avoiding Northern Ireland on the “Eleventh Night” – July 11 as bonfires made out of wooden pallets and Irish flags are lit in Protestant neighborhoods. If an Irish-registered car is taken for cab tours, certain parts of Belfast are off-limits due to sectional tensions and marches in the streets

Crossing the peace lines between the Republic and the North is a sight within itself, though, and can be viewed on Black Cab Tours; these painted walls have stood for over 50 years

An unforgettable outing in the North is visiting Titanic Belfast, which has recreations of the infamous ship.

While studying abroad last year, I appreciated England for the first time, as I had never strayed from Ireland. The little town of Oxford in which I stayed houses about 150,000 people and zero cars - walking and biking is the way to go

My go-to place was Blackwell’s Bookstore, which contains 5 kilometres straight of books in the Norrington Room, winning the Guinness Record for the largest individual room of books

Another notable experience included punting: a sport in which a rower stands on a flat-bottomed boat and pushes water with a metal pole An additional aquatic adventure was cruising the River Thames, with an after-trip to Windsor Castle. The museums inside and the gardens surrounding it are must-sees.

After my weeks at Oxford, I took a train to London My first stop was the London Eye, the world’s largest Ferris wheel. If you are afraid of heights, I would not recommend that trip in the glass compartment. However, the views were unmatched

I found that while English victuals were rather bland, many different cultures diversify the streets, the best being Indian food. Also, Nando’s is a staple Its peri-peri sauce and chicken are the perfect combination

Overall, Ireland and England are mixing pots, so you can experience countless cultures within two countries. Now, remember to save room for afternoon tea time!

A photo of County Wicklow's Powerscourt Gardens

Photo taken by Daniela Rynott